It was lovingly pointed out to me by The Niece this morning that I never finished the fashion blog. I am so off my game this week. Too many distractions. But without further ado...here we go. I believe we left off at item 6....
6) Gold metallic Sperrys....Ok, back in 'the day', these were called 'Boat shoes'. They have come in and out of style so many times I cannot count. I have never owned a pair. As I have said before, the only flats I ever wear are boots.....however.....I LOVE these. I think it is the metallic that makes them so cute. I would wear them with skirts and shorts. But I am torn between these and the suede McAlister boots. These look like old-fashioned hush puppies, but a bit more cool. I'm going to need The Niece's opinion on this, since price will prevent me from buying both.
7) The Minnie Pant....I love these pants! The ankle length is so flattering (they are called the 'magic pants" in the catalogue because they look good on everyone. They have a real french look...I would wear them with my ankle boots because that is the look I like, but I can see them with flats too. If The Husband didn't read the blog, I'd tell you that I already purchased these....and the following......
8) Ruffled Vest.....Ok, as you get older, you definitely have to balance out 'cool' with 'appropriate'. I am constantly editing my wardrobe to be sure that I don't look like I'm trying to dress like Big Sis or The Senior. But having said that, occasionally I just have to go for it.....the "Minnie pants" with the darling Ruffle Vest seem to satisfy my "chic" craving without going overboard. The vest can be belted or not, and once again, I would wear it with almost anything....
9) Vintage Denim jacket......I was not allowed to have a denim jacket in middle school or high school. My mom thought that only "hoods" wore these. (I do not know what the current equivalent for "hood" is....all I can say is that the kids that wore jean jackets back then all smoked and skipped class....and none of them were forced to wear pigtails by their mom...) Anyway, once I was buying my own clothes, these became a staple for me. I even bought one with a beautiful pastel bird on the back during college....what the heck was I thinking? Now, I like the ones that look kind of worn and cozy. I wear them with everything...skirts, dresses, you name it....It kind of gives a yin and yang look. The newest ones are cropped, and they are cute. But I think you have to be careful with proportion.....I think the normal length is more versatile...
10) Crystal necklace.......I love to look at these in the magazines. When I use to merchandise, these were the pieces that would really make an outfit pop. But to be honest, for me, they do not translate well into reality. I have to wear jewelry that is comfortable. I cannot wear anything that is heavy or too bold. Of course, this is totally a personal thing. Some people carry these off so well...and this necklace is the perfect show piece if you are that person....
Ok, that's it for today. I'm going to stick with the fashion theme tomorrow. The Wall Street Journal has an interesting article this morning on which "stars" sell fashion the best....I'll have to give my 2 cents on this...
Until tomorrow...
Showing posts with label fashion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fashion. Show all posts
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Thursday, October 1, 2009
"A Woman's Dress Should Be Like a Barbed-wire Fence; Serving It's Purpose Without Obstructing the View" Sophia Loren
Today is on fashion...a warning to those who don't care ( Good-Bye Husband and Thomas). It's Thursday, which is my favorite Wall Street Journal day because of the fashion section. I started to title this "Passion for Fashion"...but then I caught myself and remembered that I must have been studying with The Boy too long for his poetry test...Here we go..
1) Giorgio Armani, one of my favorite designers, is 75 years old. Having recently been side-lined due to a bout with hepatitis, there was speculation that he was going to hand over the reigns to someone else. Thankfully , he let everyone know at the Milan Fashion week that there would be no mergers or acquisitions. I find it amazing and admirable that he is so hands-on and such a perfectionist. My guess is he will eventually groom his niece, Roberta, to take over. She is in charge of PR...knowledgeable, elegant.. a great figure-head for the classic-yet-modern line. Anytime Michelle Pfieffer or Cate Blanchett walk the Red Carpet and look fabulous, you can bet they are wearing Armani...
2) Dolce and Gabbana shook things up on the front row during their Milan fashion show. Besides the usual fashion regular, Anna Wintour of Vogue, for one (because hey, if you snub her...you don't get in the magazine)...they tipped their hats to the new technological age by giving some prime seats to some online bloggers....I find this interesting, because it was only a couple of years ago when the designers were kind of looking down their noses at online stores...It seemed unlikely that a woman would spend a lot of money on a dress or shoes without trying them on. But if you check the success of Net-a-Porter.com or bluefly...you see that they actually will. The bloggers not only provide free marketing for the designers...but for those fashionistas who cannot attend the shows...they are given a an up-to-the-minute breakdown of what was shown, how much it cost, and where you can find it.
As for Dolce and Gabbana...LOVE them At first glance, their clothes seem overtly sexy, bordering on risque. But they are so well-made and well-cut that they work. I bought a skirt from their line 10 years ago in NY at Saks, and it has been (and still is) a staple in my wardrobe. It is the best-fitting skirt I own. I also have a terrific LBD that I bought from bluefly.com for a special event a few years back. At first glance, it seemed a little too sexy...The Husband was thrown for a minute by the peek-a-boo bra subtley showing.but again, the cut is so perfect that it works.
3) Christain La Croix, the french designer who has long been the symbol of haute-couture has been saved from bankruptcy by an Arab sheik. This is just so funny to me. I'm anxious to see what effect this will have on his wildly innovative line. You are never going to see his clothes at the mall...but the fashion world would just not be the same without his crazy, costumey designs.
4) Same goes for Versace. Having struggled financially in the past few years, Donatella finally let go of her CEO who had pushed her to be more "commercial". Without his influence, her new collection is full of micro-minis, see-through plastic, and babydoll dresses....Now I don't wear or long for Versace, but again, the edginess of the line is good for the fashion world and it does translate well on the Red Carpet.
5) My favorite show of the week was Missoni. I cannot afford any of their luxe knits or sweaters...but if money was no object, they would be my go-to collection for spring. Their signature stripes and patterns and layers are so "hippie, elegant chic"...and I have to say...the striped coke bottles that they handed out at their show...marketing genius. I'll be scouring e-bay for that bottle...
So that's it for today. I realize the Milan fashion week is not on everyone's radar...but hey, if you have a "passion for fashion"...it's a big deal. So until tomorrow, when it is Friends and Grandparents day at the kid's school...
1) Giorgio Armani, one of my favorite designers, is 75 years old. Having recently been side-lined due to a bout with hepatitis, there was speculation that he was going to hand over the reigns to someone else. Thankfully , he let everyone know at the Milan Fashion week that there would be no mergers or acquisitions. I find it amazing and admirable that he is so hands-on and such a perfectionist. My guess is he will eventually groom his niece, Roberta, to take over. She is in charge of PR...knowledgeable, elegant.. a great figure-head for the classic-yet-modern line. Anytime Michelle Pfieffer or Cate Blanchett walk the Red Carpet and look fabulous, you can bet they are wearing Armani...
2) Dolce and Gabbana shook things up on the front row during their Milan fashion show. Besides the usual fashion regular, Anna Wintour of Vogue, for one (because hey, if you snub her...you don't get in the magazine)...they tipped their hats to the new technological age by giving some prime seats to some online bloggers....I find this interesting, because it was only a couple of years ago when the designers were kind of looking down their noses at online stores...It seemed unlikely that a woman would spend a lot of money on a dress or shoes without trying them on. But if you check the success of Net-a-Porter.com or bluefly...you see that they actually will. The bloggers not only provide free marketing for the designers...but for those fashionistas who cannot attend the shows...they are given a an up-to-the-minute breakdown of what was shown, how much it cost, and where you can find it.
As for Dolce and Gabbana...LOVE them At first glance, their clothes seem overtly sexy, bordering on risque. But they are so well-made and well-cut that they work. I bought a skirt from their line 10 years ago in NY at Saks, and it has been (and still is) a staple in my wardrobe. It is the best-fitting skirt I own. I also have a terrific LBD that I bought from bluefly.com for a special event a few years back. At first glance, it seemed a little too sexy...The Husband was thrown for a minute by the peek-a-boo bra subtley showing.but again, the cut is so perfect that it works.
3) Christain La Croix, the french designer who has long been the symbol of haute-couture has been saved from bankruptcy by an Arab sheik. This is just so funny to me. I'm anxious to see what effect this will have on his wildly innovative line. You are never going to see his clothes at the mall...but the fashion world would just not be the same without his crazy, costumey designs.
4) Same goes for Versace. Having struggled financially in the past few years, Donatella finally let go of her CEO who had pushed her to be more "commercial". Without his influence, her new collection is full of micro-minis, see-through plastic, and babydoll dresses....Now I don't wear or long for Versace, but again, the edginess of the line is good for the fashion world and it does translate well on the Red Carpet.
5) My favorite show of the week was Missoni. I cannot afford any of their luxe knits or sweaters...but if money was no object, they would be my go-to collection for spring. Their signature stripes and patterns and layers are so "hippie, elegant chic"...and I have to say...the striped coke bottles that they handed out at their show...marketing genius. I'll be scouring e-bay for that bottle...
So that's it for today. I realize the Milan fashion week is not on everyone's radar...but hey, if you have a "passion for fashion"...it's a big deal. So until tomorrow, when it is Friends and Grandparents day at the kid's school...
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
"There is a level of cowardice that is lower than that of the conformist: the fashionable non-conformist." Ayn Rand
There was an interesting article in the WSJ last week discussing the decline of "edgy" in fashion. It detailed how in the current economy, people are looking for safe, classic and comfort clothing...not trend or edge. A quick browsing at the magazine stand backs this up. Over the last few months, the familiar faces of Christie Brinkley, Cindy Crawford and Elle MacPherson have graced the covers of magazines for the first time in awhile, replacing the "edgier" looks of ,say, Kate Moss. If you thumb through the pages, you may see Kate, but not in all her waif-like, grungy glory...but in her more updated, demure look.
The last 2 weeks on Project Runway, the two designers that were eliminated were the ones who were considered a bit "over-the-top" in their designs. The one guy, who was suppose to be designing a maternity look, went so far as to create a "nest" for his model...literally draping her stomach so that she looked about 15 pounds heavier...suffice it to say, it did not go over well with the judges. As he was packing his bags to leave, he admitted that he might have to pay more attention to his customer's needs instead of his own esoteric vision. Once again, the judges discussed how "edginess" is good, but only up to a certain point.
Back in "the day" when I was modeling, I remember being sent out by my agency for a "go-see" at a particular department store. This department store was filming a new commercial, and they were looking for models to work as extras. I'm ashamed to say that I hesitated when offered this opportunity because this was not a store that I necessarily wanted to represent. I won't mention their name, because there is absolutely nothing wrong with this store...it's just that I had an idea in my mind of the kind of work I wanted to do...and this wasn't it. However, since Saks and Neiman's weren't calling... I decided that my hourly rate times the many hours that it usually took to film a commercial would more than make up for my deflated ego. So off I went to participate in the humiliating process of walking into a room with many other models...staring at each other...silently deciding who would be the competition...and then being called back to show your card and do your thing for the store marketing department. I remember walking in that day and seeing one of the most gorgeous girls you've ever seen...just stunning. I immediately felt like leaving, as I figured it was all a waste of time...she would definitely get the job. But since my agency had sent me, I had no choice but to wait it out.
The next day, my agency called to let me know that I had gotten the job! I was stunned....and I told the lady that booked me that I was surprised...I described the girl that was there..and she knew who it was. She said "Oh, yeah. They told me they considered her, but they weren't going so much for beauty...more edgy." ....What?? I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Let's recap...I got the job for my lack of beauty?....and also, because I'm..."edgy"? Now look, I'm many things, but if you poll a group of 20 people that know me, I'm betting that the word "edgy" doesn't come up. But the strangest thing was that this particular store was as far from "edgy" as you can possibly get. The dictionary definition of "edgy" is "innovative" or "cutting edge". I will promise you that there was not one item in that store that fell into this category...nor did I. But I went and did the job, channeling my inner Kate Moss.
The next day, I went out and bought a ridiculous pair of chunky bottomed lace-up boots...the kind you see in a magazine and say to yourself 'Who the heck would wear that?" I thought that maybe I would try to mold my image into Miss New York Edge....but one look in the mirror changed my mind...(I was quickly reminded of what my French photographer said when he was shooting me for my card...."I sink we will go for zee bohemian, girl-next-door look"....) And so my days as the "edgy" girl quickly came to an end.
It will be interesting to see how long this period of "safe" lasts. I guess the good designers are the ones who can market their clothes as sensible and long-term right now...I read that Tory Burch and Narcisco Rodriguez, both fairly young designers known for quality, yet innovative designs, are both struggling to keep their fashion niche, yet also reach the customer who will no longer pay a lot for something that won't be around next year...because we have all learned over the last year that the best place to shop for clothes is in your own closet...so you better pick things that "last"..
So until tomorrow, when I just might pull out those chunky boots, and see what The Boy and Little One have to say about their "edgy"mom...
The last 2 weeks on Project Runway, the two designers that were eliminated were the ones who were considered a bit "over-the-top" in their designs. The one guy, who was suppose to be designing a maternity look, went so far as to create a "nest" for his model...literally draping her stomach so that she looked about 15 pounds heavier...suffice it to say, it did not go over well with the judges. As he was packing his bags to leave, he admitted that he might have to pay more attention to his customer's needs instead of his own esoteric vision. Once again, the judges discussed how "edginess" is good, but only up to a certain point.
Back in "the day" when I was modeling, I remember being sent out by my agency for a "go-see" at a particular department store. This department store was filming a new commercial, and they were looking for models to work as extras. I'm ashamed to say that I hesitated when offered this opportunity because this was not a store that I necessarily wanted to represent. I won't mention their name, because there is absolutely nothing wrong with this store...it's just that I had an idea in my mind of the kind of work I wanted to do...and this wasn't it. However, since Saks and Neiman's weren't calling... I decided that my hourly rate times the many hours that it usually took to film a commercial would more than make up for my deflated ego. So off I went to participate in the humiliating process of walking into a room with many other models...staring at each other...silently deciding who would be the competition...and then being called back to show your card and do your thing for the store marketing department. I remember walking in that day and seeing one of the most gorgeous girls you've ever seen...just stunning. I immediately felt like leaving, as I figured it was all a waste of time...she would definitely get the job. But since my agency had sent me, I had no choice but to wait it out.
The next day, my agency called to let me know that I had gotten the job! I was stunned....and I told the lady that booked me that I was surprised...I described the girl that was there..and she knew who it was. She said "Oh, yeah. They told me they considered her, but they weren't going so much for beauty...more edgy." ....What?? I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Let's recap...I got the job for my lack of beauty?....and also, because I'm..."edgy"? Now look, I'm many things, but if you poll a group of 20 people that know me, I'm betting that the word "edgy" doesn't come up. But the strangest thing was that this particular store was as far from "edgy" as you can possibly get. The dictionary definition of "edgy" is "innovative" or "cutting edge". I will promise you that there was not one item in that store that fell into this category...nor did I. But I went and did the job, channeling my inner Kate Moss.
The next day, I went out and bought a ridiculous pair of chunky bottomed lace-up boots...the kind you see in a magazine and say to yourself 'Who the heck would wear that?" I thought that maybe I would try to mold my image into Miss New York Edge....but one look in the mirror changed my mind...(I was quickly reminded of what my French photographer said when he was shooting me for my card...."I sink we will go for zee bohemian, girl-next-door look"....) And so my days as the "edgy" girl quickly came to an end.
It will be interesting to see how long this period of "safe" lasts. I guess the good designers are the ones who can market their clothes as sensible and long-term right now...I read that Tory Burch and Narcisco Rodriguez, both fairly young designers known for quality, yet innovative designs, are both struggling to keep their fashion niche, yet also reach the customer who will no longer pay a lot for something that won't be around next year...because we have all learned over the last year that the best place to shop for clothes is in your own closet...so you better pick things that "last"..
So until tomorrow, when I just might pull out those chunky boots, and see what The Boy and Little One have to say about their "edgy"mom...
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Glenda's Top 10 Picks for Fall (along with my opinions)
I picked up the new issue of Elle magazine the other day. I don't buy Elle very often anymore. Ever since Nina Garcia, the Doyenne of the Project Runway judges panel left as editor-in-chief, the magazine has floundered in my eyes, a mess of advertising pages and no direction. But I was swayed by the lovely picture of Jennifer Anniston on the cover, and the tease that I would learn "Who her real friends are". Why I am secretly fascinated by this information is a whole different issue, but I also realized that there was a "must-haves for fall" section in there too. Since I knew I was going to write about Glenda Bailey's Top Fall Picks today (editor of Bazaar), I decided I would peruse the Elle list and compare.
First of all, the Elle list has 25 items. This is a turn-off for me immediately, because who on earth is going to buy 25 "must haves" for fall...especially right now? So right away, I'm skeptical. The first few picks are fairly benign...camel coat, robe-tie coat, toggle-coat (come on, how many coats are "musts"?). Next I start to lose interest because they are suggesting capes and mini-dresses...with a grecian look thrown in...oh, and not to mention a one-shoulder look. But the final clencher is #15...leather shorts. Now here's the thing...if I can't imagine anyone I know wearing an item...I have to believe that it is a no-no. Even my most fashionable friends are not going to be sporting leather shorts this fall....needless to say, I gave up on the list and went on to read about who Jen's friends were...
On to Glenda's Top 10 Picks.....
1) Pop of Color.......This one is easy. She showed a Marc Jacobs purse in bright aqua as an example, but I have a great magenta clutch that I bought on sale from J Crew last year that works...and I did see some cute lavender patent clutches on the 75% clearance aisle at Target...
2) Plush Texture...she shows a velvet dress as an example...again, I am good to go since I bought an olive velvet jacket (on the sale table) from the J Crew outlet on vacation in Connecticut last year...but again, a velvet scarf or clutch would accomplish this one.
3) Simple Geometry..she shows a very architecturally-cut dress for this one. I love these kinds of things. One of my all-time favorite dresses that I ever owned was a Norma Kamali column dress with shoulder pads...it was cut very close to the body and structurally beautiful. It was in a very bright floral pattern, which wasn't my favorite..but I bought it for $60 in my 20's (which was a steal at the time) and I wore it for 15 years.
4)Flat Boots. These are a staple for me. I live in boots in the winter...heels and flats. My favorites are a pair of flat brown leather ones from...where else? J Crew...but I also have a pair of 10 year old Armani's in lavender suede..they are lovely...I found them on the clearance table at TJ Maxx...the color and fragile suede keep me from wearing them a lot, but they are pretty.
5) Over-the-Knee boots. Ok..I have always wanted a pair of these. I find them fascinating...and she showed some Laboutins that absolutely made me drool. But I think I have missed the boat on those age-wise. And I just cannot picture a place that I would wear them. Church? NO. PTA? No. Dinner at Applebees? No....Ballgame? No......Ok, that answers it for me...but I am urging all of my young fashionistas to bite the bullet and go for it....I can definitely picture the Niece in them....
6) Classic white blouse. I collect these. She showed an Yves Saint Laurent that cost over a $1000...which is RIDICULOUS...however, it was just lovely, and I will look for a knock-off...
7)Dazzle Jewelry. She showed Vera Wang crystal earrings. This is an easy fix...you could find costume jewelry for $10 (www.thelittlejewelrybox.blogspot.com)
8)Military Jacket. I love these too. I remember one year I bought a black one with big gold buttons and my brothers called me Michael Jackson. But seriously, they are classic and you can wear them with anything if you don't go too crazy with the buttons.
9) Pencil skirt w/high slit......Ok, I own more pencil skirts than anything else in my wardrobe...but the high slit never worked for me. I am just too self-conscious. I remember once when I was working I had on a black pencil with a fairly high slit and I couldn't move comfortably or for that matter, move at all....I just think these are silly because you spend all of your time trying not to let anything inappropriate show...
10) Animal Print Scarf. ...I actually think this is a great piece to have. A friend of mine brought me one back from New York a couple of years ago (The back-story is that she was in a boutique and saw Sarah Jessica Parker buy the same scarf...so she got one for me!) and I have worn it to death. I wear a lot of black, brown and beige...and the animal print can sometimes liven it up a bit. I also think that animal print shoes (I bought the patent from J Crew) can also be really cute...you just cannot over do it.
So that's it for the list. A lot of these items can already be found in your closet...so this is the kind of list I like, because many of us will be shopping in our closet this year. But if you do want to buy one, I would say that all of them except for the over-the-heel boots can be picked up for very little money.
As a side-note from yesterday's blog...the Brother-in-Law, who is already very cool in my eyes, commented that LVMH, the fashion group I raved about yesterday, is one of his biggest clients...how cool is that? Of course, for 5 minutes I was picturing myself living in Paris and working at Hermes....and then the Little One yelled for me to read to her, The Boy said he needed homework help, and The Husband said the sock drawer was low...so I was brought back to my reality...
So until tomorrow, when I will go shopping in my closet and be happy that many fall 's Top 10 picks can already be found in there...
First of all, the Elle list has 25 items. This is a turn-off for me immediately, because who on earth is going to buy 25 "must haves" for fall...especially right now? So right away, I'm skeptical. The first few picks are fairly benign...camel coat, robe-tie coat, toggle-coat (come on, how many coats are "musts"?). Next I start to lose interest because they are suggesting capes and mini-dresses...with a grecian look thrown in...oh, and not to mention a one-shoulder look. But the final clencher is #15...leather shorts. Now here's the thing...if I can't imagine anyone I know wearing an item...I have to believe that it is a no-no. Even my most fashionable friends are not going to be sporting leather shorts this fall....needless to say, I gave up on the list and went on to read about who Jen's friends were...
On to Glenda's Top 10 Picks.....
1) Pop of Color.......This one is easy. She showed a Marc Jacobs purse in bright aqua as an example, but I have a great magenta clutch that I bought on sale from J Crew last year that works...and I did see some cute lavender patent clutches on the 75% clearance aisle at Target...
2) Plush Texture...she shows a velvet dress as an example...again, I am good to go since I bought an olive velvet jacket (on the sale table) from the J Crew outlet on vacation in Connecticut last year...but again, a velvet scarf or clutch would accomplish this one.
3) Simple Geometry..she shows a very architecturally-cut dress for this one. I love these kinds of things. One of my all-time favorite dresses that I ever owned was a Norma Kamali column dress with shoulder pads...it was cut very close to the body and structurally beautiful. It was in a very bright floral pattern, which wasn't my favorite..but I bought it for $60 in my 20's (which was a steal at the time) and I wore it for 15 years.
4)Flat Boots. These are a staple for me. I live in boots in the winter...heels and flats. My favorites are a pair of flat brown leather ones from...where else? J Crew...but I also have a pair of 10 year old Armani's in lavender suede..they are lovely...I found them on the clearance table at TJ Maxx...the color and fragile suede keep me from wearing them a lot, but they are pretty.
5) Over-the-Knee boots. Ok..I have always wanted a pair of these. I find them fascinating...and she showed some Laboutins that absolutely made me drool. But I think I have missed the boat on those age-wise. And I just cannot picture a place that I would wear them. Church? NO. PTA? No. Dinner at Applebees? No....Ballgame? No......Ok, that answers it for me...but I am urging all of my young fashionistas to bite the bullet and go for it....I can definitely picture the Niece in them....
6) Classic white blouse. I collect these. She showed an Yves Saint Laurent that cost over a $1000...which is RIDICULOUS...however, it was just lovely, and I will look for a knock-off...
7)Dazzle Jewelry. She showed Vera Wang crystal earrings. This is an easy fix...you could find costume jewelry for $10 (www.thelittlejewelrybox.blogspot.com)
8)Military Jacket. I love these too. I remember one year I bought a black one with big gold buttons and my brothers called me Michael Jackson. But seriously, they are classic and you can wear them with anything if you don't go too crazy with the buttons.
9) Pencil skirt w/high slit......Ok, I own more pencil skirts than anything else in my wardrobe...but the high slit never worked for me. I am just too self-conscious. I remember once when I was working I had on a black pencil with a fairly high slit and I couldn't move comfortably or for that matter, move at all....I just think these are silly because you spend all of your time trying not to let anything inappropriate show...
10) Animal Print Scarf. ...I actually think this is a great piece to have. A friend of mine brought me one back from New York a couple of years ago (The back-story is that she was in a boutique and saw Sarah Jessica Parker buy the same scarf...so she got one for me!) and I have worn it to death. I wear a lot of black, brown and beige...and the animal print can sometimes liven it up a bit. I also think that animal print shoes (I bought the patent from J Crew) can also be really cute...you just cannot over do it.
So that's it for the list. A lot of these items can already be found in your closet...so this is the kind of list I like, because many of us will be shopping in our closet this year. But if you do want to buy one, I would say that all of them except for the over-the-heel boots can be picked up for very little money.
As a side-note from yesterday's blog...the Brother-in-Law, who is already very cool in my eyes, commented that LVMH, the fashion group I raved about yesterday, is one of his biggest clients...how cool is that? Of course, for 5 minutes I was picturing myself living in Paris and working at Hermes....and then the Little One yelled for me to read to her, The Boy said he needed homework help, and The Husband said the sock drawer was low...so I was brought back to my reality...
So until tomorrow, when I will go shopping in my closet and be happy that many fall 's Top 10 picks can already be found in there...
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
"I like fashion to go down to the street, but I can't accept that it should originate there." Coco Chanel
In the movie "The Devil Wears Prada", Meryl Streep plays a part which was known to be based on Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine. Near the end of the movie, she makes a declaration to her assistant that "They all want to be us". Though probably a realistic statement at the time the movie was made, I'd go out on a limb and say that these days, not everyone wants to be "them", "them" being the leaders of the fashion industry. An article in Monday's Wall Street Journal detailed the decline in sales for major fashion magazines like Vogue, whose advertising pages are down by 20-30%. I noticed that the June issues of both Vogue and Bazaar topped out at around 150 to 170 pages, especially noticeable in Bazaar because it was supposedly the "Fall Preview" which is usually several hundred pages.
Just a few weeks ago, french haute-couture designer Christian Lacroix was said to be shutting down...or at least changing hands due to lack of business. For years, Lacroix had shuttled through CEO's, decrying the fact that nobody understood artistry, and not allowing anyone to reign in his designs. Even LVMH, under the brilliant leadership of Bernard Arnault was unable to keep him in check. Unlike designers like Vera Wang and Marc Jacobs, who were willing to create "lesser" lines, i.e. less expensive lines for the consumer, Lacroix refused to focus on profitability. In better times, he was able to wade through, but in current times, when consumers are being cautious about purchases, he was unable to make it.
LVMH, the group which oversees Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Fendi, etc...not to mention other luxury goods, is one of the few groups that have remained profitable during this period. They have been able to sustain some growth by convincing the consumer that some items are so classic and of such quality that investing in them even during these times is somehow smart.
Fashion magazines have been exploring online options, something that they had pretty much avoided over the last few years. Fashionistas love their magazines, but in the past year, fewer people were willing to pay the $6-$10 for their fashion fix. Bazaar, under the wise guidance of Glenda Bailey, seems to have faired better than most. I noticed that the September issue once again tops out at about 500 pages, a suggestion that advertisers are coming back a bit. It has been Bailey's ability to branch out and reach out that has benefited her magazine. Just this week, Saks.com sent out a blast-email to customers touting "Glenda Bailey's Top Picks for Fall". Brilliant marketing strategy when you consider that the Saks customer is also the Bazaar reader. What better than to peruse Glenda's "picks" online, and then go buy the magazine and see if you can find some of them? Saks is wisely banking on the fact that customers will read her top picks and then shop immediately for them online. A win-win for both.
Ms. Wintour, Vogue editor, seems to have been less willing or able to make the transition. For so long, Vogue has been the mother of all fashion magazines, not needing or wanting to "reach down" to the average consumer who may or may not be able to afford anything in the magazine...but still enjoys looking. Though still able to attract readers by the aesthetically beautiful covers ( summer covers of Cameron Diaz and Christy Turington were stunning), it seems that Vogue has been less able than say Bazaar or Elle, to reach out to the average consumer. Pages and pages of clothes that rarely cost under $1,000 may be fun to fantasize about, but in these times, the wiser magazines are learning that if you at least tip your head to the reader...in other words, give them a range of pricing so they feel included...your readership goes up. Bazaar's highly successful sections called "Fashion at any Age" reach out to readers from 20 to 70, and this has not gone un-noticed by readers. An effort to show some "lower end" lines has also given Bazaar and Elle an advantage...not that they are touting Target or WalMart...but they have been more willing to throw in the occasional item from Old Navy, Gap or J Crew.
The idea of having to go online to look at my Vogue or Bazaar is really depressing to me. I love my magazines...I save them for years and flip through them over and over again. When I see them in my mailbox, I get excited...yet I sometimes hold on to them for days before I open them, enjoying the cover and the anticipation. I think this is something like say, sports or music...a love that you are born with. It is a kind of code language that you develop..(Did you see the boots on page 53?)....
So until tomorrow, when we will review Glenda's "picks" for fall, and discuss the fact that even though the least expensive item is over $300 and the economy is still in the tank...a girl can dream...
Just a few weeks ago, french haute-couture designer Christian Lacroix was said to be shutting down...or at least changing hands due to lack of business. For years, Lacroix had shuttled through CEO's, decrying the fact that nobody understood artistry, and not allowing anyone to reign in his designs. Even LVMH, under the brilliant leadership of Bernard Arnault was unable to keep him in check. Unlike designers like Vera Wang and Marc Jacobs, who were willing to create "lesser" lines, i.e. less expensive lines for the consumer, Lacroix refused to focus on profitability. In better times, he was able to wade through, but in current times, when consumers are being cautious about purchases, he was unable to make it.
LVMH, the group which oversees Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Fendi, etc...not to mention other luxury goods, is one of the few groups that have remained profitable during this period. They have been able to sustain some growth by convincing the consumer that some items are so classic and of such quality that investing in them even during these times is somehow smart.
Fashion magazines have been exploring online options, something that they had pretty much avoided over the last few years. Fashionistas love their magazines, but in the past year, fewer people were willing to pay the $6-$10 for their fashion fix. Bazaar, under the wise guidance of Glenda Bailey, seems to have faired better than most. I noticed that the September issue once again tops out at about 500 pages, a suggestion that advertisers are coming back a bit. It has been Bailey's ability to branch out and reach out that has benefited her magazine. Just this week, Saks.com sent out a blast-email to customers touting "Glenda Bailey's Top Picks for Fall". Brilliant marketing strategy when you consider that the Saks customer is also the Bazaar reader. What better than to peruse Glenda's "picks" online, and then go buy the magazine and see if you can find some of them? Saks is wisely banking on the fact that customers will read her top picks and then shop immediately for them online. A win-win for both.
Ms. Wintour, Vogue editor, seems to have been less willing or able to make the transition. For so long, Vogue has been the mother of all fashion magazines, not needing or wanting to "reach down" to the average consumer who may or may not be able to afford anything in the magazine...but still enjoys looking. Though still able to attract readers by the aesthetically beautiful covers ( summer covers of Cameron Diaz and Christy Turington were stunning), it seems that Vogue has been less able than say Bazaar or Elle, to reach out to the average consumer. Pages and pages of clothes that rarely cost under $1,000 may be fun to fantasize about, but in these times, the wiser magazines are learning that if you at least tip your head to the reader...in other words, give them a range of pricing so they feel included...your readership goes up. Bazaar's highly successful sections called "Fashion at any Age" reach out to readers from 20 to 70, and this has not gone un-noticed by readers. An effort to show some "lower end" lines has also given Bazaar and Elle an advantage...not that they are touting Target or WalMart...but they have been more willing to throw in the occasional item from Old Navy, Gap or J Crew.
The idea of having to go online to look at my Vogue or Bazaar is really depressing to me. I love my magazines...I save them for years and flip through them over and over again. When I see them in my mailbox, I get excited...yet I sometimes hold on to them for days before I open them, enjoying the cover and the anticipation. I think this is something like say, sports or music...a love that you are born with. It is a kind of code language that you develop..(Did you see the boots on page 53?)....
So until tomorrow, when we will review Glenda's "picks" for fall, and discuss the fact that even though the least expensive item is over $300 and the economy is still in the tank...a girl can dream...
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Jenna's Picks for Fall
Ok, so in continuation of yesterday, J Crew's Jenna says that this fall is all about the mix. Tomboy references with feminine flourishes. And pile on the jewelry. (This will please Big Sister who is creating new jewelry designs as we speak...she has also discovered the fine art of "copying" high end at low end prices...)
Jenna's first pick is the Schoolboy blazer. I love this little jacket, tailored slightly with bold gold buttons. I can see it with pencil skirts and jeans...and everything in between. It's $189 because it is well-cut and wool flannel...but the upside is you would have it for years. Definitely a classic item, not trend.
Second pick is the silk strapless evening dress. At $158, it's reasonably priced for silk...but for fall and winter, you would definitely have to wear some sort of little jacket over it. And I love strapless, but it means you had better be working out those arms if you are going to brave it in the winter without a tan...
Third...merino cardigan. I love this little sweater...$68...fine material..slightly gathered in the middle which is really flattering...a nice length...dressy or casual...(in fact, it would work paired with pick #2)
Fourth. Skinny tortoise patent-leather belt. These skinny belts are definitely trend items, but at $39.50, it's not a bad buy. You could wrap it around the cardigan, belt it through jeans...or use it over your favorite LBD for a funky look. I would buy this in a minute...
Number 5...Crystal necklace...It ties with a ribbon...and it has a definite victorian feel to it...I can see it looking great with a white t-shirt and skirt....but at $98, I think it is over-priced, because it will be "out" next year. $98 jewelry needs to be more classic in my modest and budget-minded opinion...
Sixth...Golden-orb Ring....$50...and lovely..faux pearls and gold beads....an eye-catcher...trendy, but not so much that you couldn't mix it with other things...
Seven...jeweled garland bracelet....again, interesting and trendy, but $95....and so busy that you would have to wear it with something simple...and then leave it in the drawer for awhile before the next wear.
Eight...Oh the Lexi tote...a gorgeous smooth leather bag with tassled pieces and a long skinny strap in the most gorgeous color of light, light lavender that you can imagine...I will keep watching the sale section for this one...because at $325...it is probably worth it for the quality, but too much for me...
Nine...my favorite on the list....Nottinghill Ankle boots...$250...classic...stylish, yet understated,..moderate heel....I will be staring at them all fall...
And finally, #10...Vintage matchstick cords...I love them....soft cordorouy in pretty pastel colors...paired with the schoolboy blazer they would be perfect....The fit on these are a little tricky, but they are worth the extra time on the treadmill. At $79.50, they aren't a steal...but the material is a step above the norm...
So that's it for today...as I said yesterday, half of the fun of this catalogue is the layout and styling...but I will also say that most of the time, the stuff looks just as good, if not better, in the dressing room.
And until tomorrow, when we stay on the subject of fashion and beauty products...and do a quick update on what has worked...and what hasn't....
Jenna's first pick is the Schoolboy blazer. I love this little jacket, tailored slightly with bold gold buttons. I can see it with pencil skirts and jeans...and everything in between. It's $189 because it is well-cut and wool flannel...but the upside is you would have it for years. Definitely a classic item, not trend.
Second pick is the silk strapless evening dress. At $158, it's reasonably priced for silk...but for fall and winter, you would definitely have to wear some sort of little jacket over it. And I love strapless, but it means you had better be working out those arms if you are going to brave it in the winter without a tan...
Third...merino cardigan. I love this little sweater...$68...fine material..slightly gathered in the middle which is really flattering...a nice length...dressy or casual...(in fact, it would work paired with pick #2)
Fourth. Skinny tortoise patent-leather belt. These skinny belts are definitely trend items, but at $39.50, it's not a bad buy. You could wrap it around the cardigan, belt it through jeans...or use it over your favorite LBD for a funky look. I would buy this in a minute...
Number 5...Crystal necklace...It ties with a ribbon...and it has a definite victorian feel to it...I can see it looking great with a white t-shirt and skirt....but at $98, I think it is over-priced, because it will be "out" next year. $98 jewelry needs to be more classic in my modest and budget-minded opinion...
Sixth...Golden-orb Ring....$50...and lovely..faux pearls and gold beads....an eye-catcher...trendy, but not so much that you couldn't mix it with other things...
Seven...jeweled garland bracelet....again, interesting and trendy, but $95....and so busy that you would have to wear it with something simple...and then leave it in the drawer for awhile before the next wear.
Eight...Oh the Lexi tote...a gorgeous smooth leather bag with tassled pieces and a long skinny strap in the most gorgeous color of light, light lavender that you can imagine...I will keep watching the sale section for this one...because at $325...it is probably worth it for the quality, but too much for me...
Nine...my favorite on the list....Nottinghill Ankle boots...$250...classic...stylish, yet understated,..moderate heel....I will be staring at them all fall...
And finally, #10...Vintage matchstick cords...I love them....soft cordorouy in pretty pastel colors...paired with the schoolboy blazer they would be perfect....The fit on these are a little tricky, but they are worth the extra time on the treadmill. At $79.50, they aren't a steal...but the material is a step above the norm...
So that's it for today...as I said yesterday, half of the fun of this catalogue is the layout and styling...but I will also say that most of the time, the stuff looks just as good, if not better, in the dressing room.
And until tomorrow, when we stay on the subject of fashion and beauty products...and do a quick update on what has worked...and what hasn't....
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
On Dream Jobs and J Crew
Several years back, when I was in working-mom mode, my official title was Director of Retail/Buyer. The core duties of this job included doing the buying for several shops at a resort, and staffing and managing each shop. But my favorite part of the job was the merchandising. This was my love. It was actually the part of the job that I could have hired out...and I did a few times, borrowing the talents of a couple of girls from Crate and Barrel...but all in all, I took this part of the job on out of sheer enjoyment.
When The Boy was a baby, I would tuck him in his little papoose, and head to one of the shops either before of after hours to merchandise. I'd often bring with me my rip sheets from magazines...ideas about a story or scene I wanted to create...and I would work for hours trying to create the picture I had in my mind. Often times on buying trips to New York, I would spend hours window shopping (especially at Saks) to gather ideas. The windows at Saks are true masterpieces...especially at holiday time. One glance at them, and you immediately want to enter the store. This is the mark of terrific merchandising....the ability to tell a story and get your customer to understand it and buy into it.
Yesterday, my beloved J Crew catalogue arrived. I had been expecting it because Beloved Niece had warned me that it was out. She and I share a love for anything and everything J Crew. When the catalogue arrives, I generally stare at the cover for a few hours before I let myself open it. You see, this catalogue is a merchandiser's dream. Whoever styles it is brilliant. After all these years...my dream job would be to merchandise the J Crew catalogue. It's a lofty dream...but one that makes me happy...and also gives me ideas to write about...a winning combination.
The catalogue has come up with a page called "Jenna's Picks". Jenna is suppose to be a style editor who picks 10 or so items that she deems "important for the season" I happen to know that Jenna actually exists, because I read an article about her in Vogue. Jenna has my dream job. Not only does she pick the items, but she puts them together in a creative way...and then picks a location to photograph them in order to create her story. This season's story takes place on the beach in California. It all has a very victorian/cozy yet modern/ vibe.
With apologies to my male readers, and anyone who hates this sort of thing...we will spend tomorrow analyzing Jenna's picks for fall. Because this is my true love...and if i can't actually do it...then I can at least write about it.
I would also like to add that Big Sister has inherited similar genes, because the key to many of her sales on www.thelittlejewelrybox.blogspot.com, is her ability to tell a fashion story...
So until tomorrow, when I we will take a stroll through the catalogue and see what we wish we were buying for fall...
When The Boy was a baby, I would tuck him in his little papoose, and head to one of the shops either before of after hours to merchandise. I'd often bring with me my rip sheets from magazines...ideas about a story or scene I wanted to create...and I would work for hours trying to create the picture I had in my mind. Often times on buying trips to New York, I would spend hours window shopping (especially at Saks) to gather ideas. The windows at Saks are true masterpieces...especially at holiday time. One glance at them, and you immediately want to enter the store. This is the mark of terrific merchandising....the ability to tell a story and get your customer to understand it and buy into it.
Yesterday, my beloved J Crew catalogue arrived. I had been expecting it because Beloved Niece had warned me that it was out. She and I share a love for anything and everything J Crew. When the catalogue arrives, I generally stare at the cover for a few hours before I let myself open it. You see, this catalogue is a merchandiser's dream. Whoever styles it is brilliant. After all these years...my dream job would be to merchandise the J Crew catalogue. It's a lofty dream...but one that makes me happy...and also gives me ideas to write about...a winning combination.
The catalogue has come up with a page called "Jenna's Picks". Jenna is suppose to be a style editor who picks 10 or so items that she deems "important for the season" I happen to know that Jenna actually exists, because I read an article about her in Vogue. Jenna has my dream job. Not only does she pick the items, but she puts them together in a creative way...and then picks a location to photograph them in order to create her story. This season's story takes place on the beach in California. It all has a very victorian/cozy yet modern/ vibe.
With apologies to my male readers, and anyone who hates this sort of thing...we will spend tomorrow analyzing Jenna's picks for fall. Because this is my true love...and if i can't actually do it...then I can at least write about it.
I would also like to add that Big Sister has inherited similar genes, because the key to many of her sales on www.thelittlejewelrybox.blogspot.com, is her ability to tell a fashion story...
So until tomorrow, when I we will take a stroll through the catalogue and see what we wish we were buying for fall...
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Only Great Minds Can Afford A Simple Style
I guess I should have stipulated yesterday that the Top 20 list is in WOMEN's Vogue...therefore, there will be no men's items. I thought this might be self-explanatory, but evidently, by reader response, it was not...
I would also like to briefly respond to the brother-in-law sarcasm by stating that the last 10 daily entries have been sports-related, so a brief sojourn into the fashion world should have been expected...NOW on with the list...
11) Black Pants. This is a very non-creative addition to the list. Black pants have been on every list since the beginning of time. I guess that is because when all else fails, you wear the black pants. I have a pair of Joseph black pants that I bought in New York 8 years ago. They are quite plain except for little ties on the sides about halfway down the outside seam. If I can't figure out what to wear somewhere, or nothing seems to look right, I wear these pants with a white blouse and call it a day.
12)Classic Button-Down. Another no-brainer. These are terrific with just about anything. I especially like to wear them with a more dressy skirt...kind of like when Sharon Stone wore that long black skirt with her husband's white button-down to the Oscars...it was so chic. They also make terrific swimsuit cover-ups.
13)Textured Skirts. I love skirts. They are the true "staple" of my wardrobe. I collect them in any length, pattern or color. I have a beautiful cream-colored lace prairie skirt that is 15 years old. It sounds hideous, but paired with a blue button-down and a tweed blazer and boots, it is gorgeous. My favorite is the pencil skirt. I can never get enough of these. My last 2 came from J Crew. They are cream colored at the top, then ombre at the bottom. One in yellow and one in blue. I LOVE them. I can dress them up or down. I bought one in a smaller size because the tighter fit looks better with high-heels. The looser one looks better with a lower heel.
14)Boyfriend Blazer. Again, I don't have to be sold on the merits of a good blazer, boy-friend or not. They pair up with so many different things, which makes it versatile in a wardrobe.
15)Two-toned Oxford. These are nice, but again, more of an extra than a staple, for me. If I am trying to keep my wardrobe paired-down..I won't be buying this one.
16)White Jeans. I agree with this one, but it is hard to find the right pair...and if you have any extra weight, they are not a good choice. The key is to find a heavy enough denim so that you cannot see through them. That said, if you find the right pair, you can wear them with a hundred different tops and jackets, so they are truly versatile.
17)Bold-Shouldered Tops. Well, not for me. I have narrow shoulders, so bold shoulders are ok, but this in not a wardrobe staple. This is a trend...
18)Pastel Cardigan. Very Jackie Kennedy and very elegant. Cute with jeans, skirts..or over a sleeveless dress...J Crew has them in cotton or cashmere, according to what you want to pay.
19)Print day Dresses. I don't buy dresses by trend. I buy them by fit. If a dress fits me well, I don't care if it is in or out of style. So this one could go either way for me.
20) Tuxedo Vest. I love vests. I collect all different kinds...so I actually have a tuxedo vest, and I love it. But I don't really see it as a staple...especially if you don't like vests.
That's it for the Vogue list, but let me add one item....I don't think you can have a "list" without mentioning the trench coat. It's a boring addition, but nothing looks more chic than a really cool trench. I own 5 that I have collected over the years. A pink linen that is rarely worn because it is so beautiful that I am afraid of messing it up. A purple velvet from Boden that looks great with dressier clothes. A metallic grey that works with anything, especially when it is raining. A patterned Singrid Olsen that I bought for a song at TJ Maxx that I get compliments on whenever I wear it...and my favorite...a cream-colored Boden with navy and chocolate trim and frayed seams....perfect with jeans.
So until tomorrow, when I will scour Men's Vogue and GQ and see if I can come up with a list for men...
I would also like to briefly respond to the brother-in-law sarcasm by stating that the last 10 daily entries have been sports-related, so a brief sojourn into the fashion world should have been expected...NOW on with the list...
11) Black Pants. This is a very non-creative addition to the list. Black pants have been on every list since the beginning of time. I guess that is because when all else fails, you wear the black pants. I have a pair of Joseph black pants that I bought in New York 8 years ago. They are quite plain except for little ties on the sides about halfway down the outside seam. If I can't figure out what to wear somewhere, or nothing seems to look right, I wear these pants with a white blouse and call it a day.
12)Classic Button-Down. Another no-brainer. These are terrific with just about anything. I especially like to wear them with a more dressy skirt...kind of like when Sharon Stone wore that long black skirt with her husband's white button-down to the Oscars...it was so chic. They also make terrific swimsuit cover-ups.
13)Textured Skirts. I love skirts. They are the true "staple" of my wardrobe. I collect them in any length, pattern or color. I have a beautiful cream-colored lace prairie skirt that is 15 years old. It sounds hideous, but paired with a blue button-down and a tweed blazer and boots, it is gorgeous. My favorite is the pencil skirt. I can never get enough of these. My last 2 came from J Crew. They are cream colored at the top, then ombre at the bottom. One in yellow and one in blue. I LOVE them. I can dress them up or down. I bought one in a smaller size because the tighter fit looks better with high-heels. The looser one looks better with a lower heel.
14)Boyfriend Blazer. Again, I don't have to be sold on the merits of a good blazer, boy-friend or not. They pair up with so many different things, which makes it versatile in a wardrobe.
15)Two-toned Oxford. These are nice, but again, more of an extra than a staple, for me. If I am trying to keep my wardrobe paired-down..I won't be buying this one.
16)White Jeans. I agree with this one, but it is hard to find the right pair...and if you have any extra weight, they are not a good choice. The key is to find a heavy enough denim so that you cannot see through them. That said, if you find the right pair, you can wear them with a hundred different tops and jackets, so they are truly versatile.
17)Bold-Shouldered Tops. Well, not for me. I have narrow shoulders, so bold shoulders are ok, but this in not a wardrobe staple. This is a trend...
18)Pastel Cardigan. Very Jackie Kennedy and very elegant. Cute with jeans, skirts..or over a sleeveless dress...J Crew has them in cotton or cashmere, according to what you want to pay.
19)Print day Dresses. I don't buy dresses by trend. I buy them by fit. If a dress fits me well, I don't care if it is in or out of style. So this one could go either way for me.
20) Tuxedo Vest. I love vests. I collect all different kinds...so I actually have a tuxedo vest, and I love it. But I don't really see it as a staple...especially if you don't like vests.
That's it for the Vogue list, but let me add one item....I don't think you can have a "list" without mentioning the trench coat. It's a boring addition, but nothing looks more chic than a really cool trench. I own 5 that I have collected over the years. A pink linen that is rarely worn because it is so beautiful that I am afraid of messing it up. A purple velvet from Boden that looks great with dressier clothes. A metallic grey that works with anything, especially when it is raining. A patterned Singrid Olsen that I bought for a song at TJ Maxx that I get compliments on whenever I wear it...and my favorite...a cream-colored Boden with navy and chocolate trim and frayed seams....perfect with jeans.
So until tomorrow, when I will scour Men's Vogue and GQ and see if I can come up with a list for men...
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
"Fashion Fades, Style is Eternal"
A few times a year, Vogue puts together a top 20 list. This list includes the top 20 pieces you should have in your wardrobe. Though interesting, it can range anywhere from enlightening to ridiculous. I can't imagine that anyone would run out and buy the 20 recommendations, but I guess it never hurts to hear what Anna Wintour (Vogue editor) thinks will be in style this fall.
June's issue, with the ever-lovely Cameron Diaz on the cover, has the "21 Pieces that go from day to night." We'll take a couple of days to examine these pieces.
1) Tailored Blazer. The "anchor" of the season. I totally agree. I am always adding blazers to my closet when I find them on sale. My old-stand-by, J Crew, has some well-cut, beautiful blazers. They are pricey, but if you watch, you can catch them on sale occasionally. The good thing about them is that they never really go out of style. They may tweak them a bit from season to season, but a good one will always work. I like black, but I've had a brown tweed for about 15 years that goes with everything from jeans to dresses.
2)Romantic Blouse. Ok, I know these are in right now, and they can be very beautiful. But they never work on me. I'm too tall for anything fussy. Having said that, nothing is prettier than a pair of jeans, heels and a flowy, bohemian blouse.
3)Dressed-Up Shorts. No. Never. I just do not care for dressy shorts. I think shorts are meant to be casual. Remember the next-to-last scene in the movie Pretty Woman where she wears the coral -colored shorts and matching blazer. It was the only outfit in the whole movie that I didn't like. I mean, Julia Roberts looked gorgeous in it, but I just think: shorts: baseball field.
4)Floaty Tunic. Let's put these up for awhile. I think Tory Burch started the whole tunic thing, and they can be very pretty. But now that they have found their way down to Target, they have just lost their appeal to me. If they are cheaply made, they look shapeless. And really, how often can you wear it? Just doesn't seem like a wardrobe staple to me.
5) Sequined T-Shirt. Cruise or rock concert. Enough said.
6) Sleek Bustier. I love these, but honestly, again, not a staple. Very pretty and sexy under a blazer...but not work-appropriate.
7)Sporty Tank. Absolutely. I have a million of these. they are great by themselves on a really hot day at the ball park, but mostly I layer them with other things. The important thing is to invest in a decent quality tank...not too thin or low...or it just looks...bad. Once again, J Crew has some terrific ones, but Target has some that are fine, and Walmart has the new Norma Kamali line that sports some terrific tanks.
8)Cropped Khakis. Ok, now there are some things that I cannot wear because I am so tall. So I feel comfortable saying that cropped khakis are just better on someone with leg-length. Otherwise, they make your legs look even shorter. Gap makes the perfect cropped khaki for a reasonable price. And the cargo-cropped pants from JCrew are fabulous. I have them in every color and I live in them. They are cute with flip-flops, but really cool with heels and a more dressy top.
9) Metallic Jacket. I don't know on this one. I don't have one...I like a bit of metallic, but a full jacket is too much for me. However, if someone offered me the Balenciaga that they are showing in Vogue...I'd wear it everywhere.
10) Dotted Blouse. Again, not really me, but The Little One has one that is very cute. Maybe that says it all.
Ok, that's enough analysing for today. Again, all opinions here are personal and totally based on my wardrobe and experience. These days I am more likely to be sporting jeans and a tank, but that doesn't mean I can't appreciate a great skirt and heels occasionally...
So until tomorrow, when we will cover the next 10...
June's issue, with the ever-lovely Cameron Diaz on the cover, has the "21 Pieces that go from day to night." We'll take a couple of days to examine these pieces.
1) Tailored Blazer. The "anchor" of the season. I totally agree. I am always adding blazers to my closet when I find them on sale. My old-stand-by, J Crew, has some well-cut, beautiful blazers. They are pricey, but if you watch, you can catch them on sale occasionally. The good thing about them is that they never really go out of style. They may tweak them a bit from season to season, but a good one will always work. I like black, but I've had a brown tweed for about 15 years that goes with everything from jeans to dresses.
2)Romantic Blouse. Ok, I know these are in right now, and they can be very beautiful. But they never work on me. I'm too tall for anything fussy. Having said that, nothing is prettier than a pair of jeans, heels and a flowy, bohemian blouse.
3)Dressed-Up Shorts. No. Never. I just do not care for dressy shorts. I think shorts are meant to be casual. Remember the next-to-last scene in the movie Pretty Woman where she wears the coral -colored shorts and matching blazer. It was the only outfit in the whole movie that I didn't like. I mean, Julia Roberts looked gorgeous in it, but I just think: shorts: baseball field.
4)Floaty Tunic. Let's put these up for awhile. I think Tory Burch started the whole tunic thing, and they can be very pretty. But now that they have found their way down to Target, they have just lost their appeal to me. If they are cheaply made, they look shapeless. And really, how often can you wear it? Just doesn't seem like a wardrobe staple to me.
5) Sequined T-Shirt. Cruise or rock concert. Enough said.
6) Sleek Bustier. I love these, but honestly, again, not a staple. Very pretty and sexy under a blazer...but not work-appropriate.
7)Sporty Tank. Absolutely. I have a million of these. they are great by themselves on a really hot day at the ball park, but mostly I layer them with other things. The important thing is to invest in a decent quality tank...not too thin or low...or it just looks...bad. Once again, J Crew has some terrific ones, but Target has some that are fine, and Walmart has the new Norma Kamali line that sports some terrific tanks.
8)Cropped Khakis. Ok, now there are some things that I cannot wear because I am so tall. So I feel comfortable saying that cropped khakis are just better on someone with leg-length. Otherwise, they make your legs look even shorter. Gap makes the perfect cropped khaki for a reasonable price. And the cargo-cropped pants from JCrew are fabulous. I have them in every color and I live in them. They are cute with flip-flops, but really cool with heels and a more dressy top.
9) Metallic Jacket. I don't know on this one. I don't have one...I like a bit of metallic, but a full jacket is too much for me. However, if someone offered me the Balenciaga that they are showing in Vogue...I'd wear it everywhere.
10) Dotted Blouse. Again, not really me, but The Little One has one that is very cute. Maybe that says it all.
Ok, that's enough analysing for today. Again, all opinions here are personal and totally based on my wardrobe and experience. These days I am more likely to be sporting jeans and a tank, but that doesn't mean I can't appreciate a great skirt and heels occasionally...
So until tomorrow, when we will cover the next 10...
Friday, May 15, 2009
"If Botticelli were alive today, he'd be working for Vogue"
Today is Fashion Friday. I like to mention this upfront as a warning because this allows some readers to now log off (like the husband).
Yesterday was the day during the week I look forward to...Fashion and Style section in the Wall Street Journal. This usually includes some very interesting article on a designer, or at the very least, an interesting question about What To Wear. Not so yesterday. We were left with a very mediocre article on men's underwear (not sure there can be a good article on this subject) and a quick discussion about what to wear when the invitation says "formal attire". This lead to the inevitable conclusion that the LBD (Little Black Dress) is always the safest choice. Here is the problem with that. I showed the husband a picture of a Ralph Lauren dress last night which was in my new Vogue. It may be The most classic, beautiful dress I'd ever seen. I only showed it to him because it needed to be shown to someone ,and no one else was around. Here is the following conversation that ensued:
Me: Isn't this dress beautiful?
The Husband: How much is it?
Me: $2,595....It isn't a request...just pointing out how pretty it is.
The Husband: Don't you have one that looks just like it?
Me: No! Not even close.
Ok. There is the problem with the LBD. Over the last several years, I have collected quite a few of them. I have the black velvet strapless, the black halter, the black sheath, the black sleeveless empire waist, the black one-shoulder....well, you get the idea. The list goes on and on. While I have nothing that even compares to the fabulous Ralph Lauren, I have plenty of others...enough that the fashion-leery husband even notices. On the other hand, they are all well-worn. When an event pops up and I don't have "anything to wear", one of these always works. And that is why the article disappointed me....because this is nothing new. And by the way...$2,595? I just want to wear it, not live in it or drive it.
Later in the day, on my way to pick-up line at school, I flip through the mail and my heart skips a beat. The new Vogue has arrived and this always excites me. Now the question becomes, Do I read it in line?...or do I wait until later? Well, the cover is so gorgeous I have to dive in. Sandra Bullock is on the cover looking absolutely stunning in a red Donna Karan dress. Her hair is messy-perfect...my kind of hair. The dress is perfect (if I can't "have" the black Ralph Lauren" inside, I'll "take" this one) and it is shot on the beach...just lovely. In fact, I will have to write a letter to the editor, which is normally only something I do when I feel they have committed a political faux-pas...but that is the story for another blog.
Among the highlights inside the magazine:
1) A great list layout of items under $300....Now I know $300 is still expensive, but in Vogue...this is really a bargain....and the Kate Spade skirt with the brown zebra print and orange bottom is so cute...so is the Juicy Couture striped vest for $148. I have already mentally worked that into my wardrobe in about a hundred different ways. The JCrew silk tank is still sitting in my online shopping cart...
2)Great article on how to "Spot A Bargain"....and really...these are bargains. Very unusual for Vogue.
3) I love the section called "Fashion At Every Age"...I love the purple Nine West booties from the 20's section and the Moschino skirt from the 40's section....really, that skirt at a mere $865 is like a piece of artwork.
4)The Fashion Layout entitled "The Best of What's New" is the best I've seen in forever. I would buy every single outfit they show...especially the previously mentioned Ralph Lauren black dress. The Bottega Veneta skirt, sweater and booties would be my perfect "Go to Work" outfit...even the husband admitted this was "pretty nice".
5) And finally, the article on Sandra Bullock. It is well-written and the photos are nice. I really like her and I like the way she dresses, though she does not get a lot of attention for it.
All in all a great issue....I'm only sorry that I have already finished it...and maybe even thinking that I should have saved it for the weekend...so..
Until next week, when there is always the new Bazaar to look forward to...not to mention the new Lucky that is sitting on my nightstand....
Yesterday was the day during the week I look forward to...Fashion and Style section in the Wall Street Journal. This usually includes some very interesting article on a designer, or at the very least, an interesting question about What To Wear. Not so yesterday. We were left with a very mediocre article on men's underwear (not sure there can be a good article on this subject) and a quick discussion about what to wear when the invitation says "formal attire". This lead to the inevitable conclusion that the LBD (Little Black Dress) is always the safest choice. Here is the problem with that. I showed the husband a picture of a Ralph Lauren dress last night which was in my new Vogue. It may be The most classic, beautiful dress I'd ever seen. I only showed it to him because it needed to be shown to someone ,and no one else was around. Here is the following conversation that ensued:
Me: Isn't this dress beautiful?
The Husband: How much is it?
Me: $2,595....It isn't a request...just pointing out how pretty it is.
The Husband: Don't you have one that looks just like it?
Me: No! Not even close.
Ok. There is the problem with the LBD. Over the last several years, I have collected quite a few of them. I have the black velvet strapless, the black halter, the black sheath, the black sleeveless empire waist, the black one-shoulder....well, you get the idea. The list goes on and on. While I have nothing that even compares to the fabulous Ralph Lauren, I have plenty of others...enough that the fashion-leery husband even notices. On the other hand, they are all well-worn. When an event pops up and I don't have "anything to wear", one of these always works. And that is why the article disappointed me....because this is nothing new. And by the way...$2,595? I just want to wear it, not live in it or drive it.
Later in the day, on my way to pick-up line at school, I flip through the mail and my heart skips a beat. The new Vogue has arrived and this always excites me. Now the question becomes, Do I read it in line?...or do I wait until later? Well, the cover is so gorgeous I have to dive in. Sandra Bullock is on the cover looking absolutely stunning in a red Donna Karan dress. Her hair is messy-perfect...my kind of hair. The dress is perfect (if I can't "have" the black Ralph Lauren" inside, I'll "take" this one) and it is shot on the beach...just lovely. In fact, I will have to write a letter to the editor, which is normally only something I do when I feel they have committed a political faux-pas...but that is the story for another blog.
Among the highlights inside the magazine:
1) A great list layout of items under $300....Now I know $300 is still expensive, but in Vogue...this is really a bargain....and the Kate Spade skirt with the brown zebra print and orange bottom is so cute...so is the Juicy Couture striped vest for $148. I have already mentally worked that into my wardrobe in about a hundred different ways. The JCrew silk tank is still sitting in my online shopping cart...
2)Great article on how to "Spot A Bargain"....and really...these are bargains. Very unusual for Vogue.
3) I love the section called "Fashion At Every Age"...I love the purple Nine West booties from the 20's section and the Moschino skirt from the 40's section....really, that skirt at a mere $865 is like a piece of artwork.
4)The Fashion Layout entitled "The Best of What's New" is the best I've seen in forever. I would buy every single outfit they show...especially the previously mentioned Ralph Lauren black dress. The Bottega Veneta skirt, sweater and booties would be my perfect "Go to Work" outfit...even the husband admitted this was "pretty nice".
5) And finally, the article on Sandra Bullock. It is well-written and the photos are nice. I really like her and I like the way she dresses, though she does not get a lot of attention for it.
All in all a great issue....I'm only sorry that I have already finished it...and maybe even thinking that I should have saved it for the weekend...so..
Until next week, when there is always the new Bazaar to look forward to...not to mention the new Lucky that is sitting on my nightstand....
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Fashion is What You Adopt When You Don't Know Who You Are
In the old movie Flashdance, Jennifer Beales plays a very cool welder-by-day/dancer-by-night. In one of my favorite scenes, she takes her lunch break from her welding job, pulls out a Paris Vogue, and sits and reads it and eats. I loved this because this was me my first year in college. No, I wasn't a welder (or a dancer), but on the days that I worked at the department store, I would run down to the little news stand in town on my lunch break and buy the 1 copy of Paris Vogue they had, bring it back to the drugstore counter, and read it while I ate my sandwich.
On a side note, it now seems amazing that my very small country hometown in Tennessee would carry this magazine. I remember the first time I went in there and found it, I was dumbfounded...and I think the little guy who ran the place could not believe someone actually bought it. Because it came from Paris, it cost like $10, which was a ridiculous purchase for me at the time...but I savored every page. I could read about my two favorite subjects...France and fashion....at the same time. After that first visit, he had one copy reserved every month and he always made a sweet comment to me when I came into buy it.
So fast forward many years, and I am at the mall the other night with Big Sister and Little One. Little One is on car duty this week at school. This means she "gets" to open the car doors for everyone in the morning. Now usually, her wardrobe revolves around PE and comfort. Don't even try to suggest a dress or skirt. However....when you are possibly opening the car door for the little guy you might have a crush on...you have to look good. So she wanted a new outfit. Now look, after 3 stores and an hour of shopping, she was still debating the "perfectness" of many outfits. I kept bringing her stuff...and she kept giving me the "look". Finally she said "You are just from the olden days". What??? Well, I was really offended. I started to launch into a tirade about how I had been a Director of Retail, a buyer, a model...not to mention an arbiter of great taste and fashion knowledge...when it all of a sudden dawned on me that she could care less...
So...at this point, I left her in the very capable hands of Big Sister, who even though she is many moons older than Little One, seems to maintain a certain air of fashion reliability. I took myself over to the shoe department, cosmetic counter...and finally espresso bar...and drowned my hurt feelings and sorrows in Starbucks and Chanel...
20 minutes later, I returned to find the 3 of them (the sales girl...also not from the "olden days", had joined the team) in awe of the new outfit. I have to admit it was spectacular...flowy tulle skirt, white leggings, black t-shirt...and the fabulous sparkly converse shoes...all topped off with the black leather belt....I mean, she could have been right out of the pages of my afore-mentioned Paris Vogue. So everyone was happy....well almost. Little One is actually a little Jewish housewife in disguise. She never met a penny she didn't pinch. If I leave a light on the house, she reports me to the husband. If I throw a dime in a charity jar at McDonald's, she asks who the money goes to...So I had to assure her that the cost of the outfit was indeed fair, and that each item could be worn separately and usefully. (Big Sister listened with her mouth dropped open having never questioned a purchase in her life....)
All in all a great evening. I may have become irrelevant in my Little One's fashion life, but I can even take a certain amount of pride in that. I like an independent spirit...and I don't like for anyone to tell me what to wear either. So I guess she is just a chip off the "old" block..
Car duty went very well the next day. I was informed that she got to open the door for the "crush"...and I can only imagine how good she felt in her new outfit..
So until tomorrow, when I still look forward to the new Paris Vogue, but the Little One makes me read it in the store because it is too expensive to buy...
On a side note, it now seems amazing that my very small country hometown in Tennessee would carry this magazine. I remember the first time I went in there and found it, I was dumbfounded...and I think the little guy who ran the place could not believe someone actually bought it. Because it came from Paris, it cost like $10, which was a ridiculous purchase for me at the time...but I savored every page. I could read about my two favorite subjects...France and fashion....at the same time. After that first visit, he had one copy reserved every month and he always made a sweet comment to me when I came into buy it.
So fast forward many years, and I am at the mall the other night with Big Sister and Little One. Little One is on car duty this week at school. This means she "gets" to open the car doors for everyone in the morning. Now usually, her wardrobe revolves around PE and comfort. Don't even try to suggest a dress or skirt. However....when you are possibly opening the car door for the little guy you might have a crush on...you have to look good. So she wanted a new outfit. Now look, after 3 stores and an hour of shopping, she was still debating the "perfectness" of many outfits. I kept bringing her stuff...and she kept giving me the "look". Finally she said "You are just from the olden days". What??? Well, I was really offended. I started to launch into a tirade about how I had been a Director of Retail, a buyer, a model...not to mention an arbiter of great taste and fashion knowledge...when it all of a sudden dawned on me that she could care less...
So...at this point, I left her in the very capable hands of Big Sister, who even though she is many moons older than Little One, seems to maintain a certain air of fashion reliability. I took myself over to the shoe department, cosmetic counter...and finally espresso bar...and drowned my hurt feelings and sorrows in Starbucks and Chanel...
20 minutes later, I returned to find the 3 of them (the sales girl...also not from the "olden days", had joined the team) in awe of the new outfit. I have to admit it was spectacular...flowy tulle skirt, white leggings, black t-shirt...and the fabulous sparkly converse shoes...all topped off with the black leather belt....I mean, she could have been right out of the pages of my afore-mentioned Paris Vogue. So everyone was happy....well almost. Little One is actually a little Jewish housewife in disguise. She never met a penny she didn't pinch. If I leave a light on the house, she reports me to the husband. If I throw a dime in a charity jar at McDonald's, she asks who the money goes to...So I had to assure her that the cost of the outfit was indeed fair, and that each item could be worn separately and usefully. (Big Sister listened with her mouth dropped open having never questioned a purchase in her life....)
All in all a great evening. I may have become irrelevant in my Little One's fashion life, but I can even take a certain amount of pride in that. I like an independent spirit...and I don't like for anyone to tell me what to wear either. So I guess she is just a chip off the "old" block..
Car duty went very well the next day. I was informed that she got to open the door for the "crush"...and I can only imagine how good she felt in her new outfit..
So until tomorrow, when I still look forward to the new Paris Vogue, but the Little One makes me read it in the store because it is too expensive to buy...
Monday, April 27, 2009
The List Goes On
So on with "The List" today, which is going to include people, places and things...
1) Just returned from a travel baseball weekend in the lovely town of Aiken, South Carolina. If you live anywhere near there, I can't stress enough what a great place this is to visit for the weekend. We were there on a business weekend several months ago, and were so pleased when we found out that our baseball game would take us back there. The city-center is a pretty street lined with unique shops, art galleries and restaurants. It has the feel of a French town which is probably why I like it. It is a big horse town too, so there are always a lot of Equestrian events going on. We stayed both trips at a bed and breakfast called the Wilcox. Let me use the word one more time...it is lovely. An huge old house with a wrap-around front porch lined with white rocking chairs where you can sit and pass the time. The rooms aren't fancy, but well-appointed and clean. The bathrooms are spotless and well -equipped ...Cozy terry cloth robes, hair dryer, room spray, plenty of towels....and my favorite....products from Molton Brown. I LOVE this line. Many nice European hotels also carry this line for their amenities. I can also tell you as a former buyer that this is a splurge and a real attempt to please your customers.
The other great thing about the hotel was the bedding. Dad and boy are coach and player, so they got the king size bed. Little one and mommy shared the single roll out (this was the only type of room left) and let me tell you...that roll away was as comfortable as my own bed. High thread count sheets, down comforters, turn-down service that included home-baked cookies and lemon water....I could go on and on. The staff is amazing, ready and willing to do anything. and last but not least, the breakfast that comes with the room is wonderful. Homemade everything from french toast to grits to quiche, and the best coffee you've ever had. Ok...so now you know,...if you are ever in Aiken...by the way, the standard room is $185...not as cheap as the Fairfield at $102...but not the Ritz Carlton at $350 either.
2) Another random favorite...New York City...Dylan's Candy Bar...Owned and run by Ralph Lauren's beautiful daughter Dylan, this is one of the funnest places to go in NY with your kids(or without). It is well-designed, colorful...eye candy...pun intended...with every kind of candy known to man available, plus the cutest accessories. I still have my 8 year old mug from there that is my favorite. It is also a great online store if you have to send a gift. They are unique and fun and the prices are surprisingly reasonable...
3) A few weeks ago, I talked about a Longchamps purse and Hobo wallet I bought from Nordstroms. I stressed over the prices (purse $120 and wallet $90), but since I had the $80 in coupons, that brought my purchase price down to $130 for both. Let me just state that those were the best purchases I have made in a long time. The purse is incredibly wearable...meaning I can carry it to ballgames, school functions, church...anywhere, and it is still cute. Every time I think it is going to get filthy and show wear...it never does. It still looks new. I love the lime green, but I would have loved any color. As for the Hobo wallet...LOVE it. I have had so many compliments on it. It looks expensive. It is the prettiest pink...not a cloying too pink...but just enough to look springy and pretty. It has that magnetic closure which I worried might be annoying, but it isn't. I am so glad that Rachel talked me into both of these.
4) Jillian Michael, the trainer on the Biggest Loser TV show has a new book out called Master Your Metabolism. I don't watch the show, but I had seen her on some interviews and I could tell she knew her "stuff". This isn't really a diet book, but more a lesson on metabolism and balance. I think I was drawn to it because she looks so fabulous, but I learned a lot from the book...and there are some terrific menus and recipes, which is always a plus.
5) I love Musk. I have tried so many different versions. I have the Kiehl's musk scent, but it was a little off, and not cheap. The Best Musk is White Musk from the Body Shop...if you like musk, this is perfect...get the perfume body oil...not expensive and just heavenly.
6) Armani Fluid Sheer. Ok, this was an In Style pick for best beauty product and I was skeptical. but I have never tried a beauty product from Armani that I haven't liked, so I gave it a try...and I love it. You mix a little with your foundation and it gives you a slight bronzey glow. It is different than a bronzer, but I don't know how to describe the difference. Let me just say that I take very few cosmetics on a baseball weekend because my entire beauty routine has to take 3 minutes...but I brought this along. The cost is $58...ouch I know...but again, it is really good stuff.
7) Neutrogena Sesame Body Oil. A no-brainer if your legs are dry like mine. After using your Flirty Mango and shaving, put a coat of this on and your legs shine...and smell fresh. And the $8 price tag is also refreshing.
8) After the oil, put on a coat of Nivea Sun-Kissed Beautiful legs...it dries in a few seconds and gives a soft subtle color. Just be sure to wash your hands. You use it everyday until you get the color you want. At $10, it is affordable and it lasts.
9) The next line I want to try is the Jurlique line from Australia. I have read about the founders, and I like their organic take on everything. I keep seeing the "Balancing Mist" on every beauty favorites list, so I will probably try it soon. It is $21, so the prices definitely aren't drugstore line, but they aren't crazy high either. You can order this brand online, but they are also found at some Spas and specialty stores.
10) J. Crew fanatics can get excited that there were some "new arrivals" this week. Even if you aren't in "buy" mode, the ombre skirts and sun dresses are adorable. And if only I could go back and buy one of their wedding gowns for my wedding...they are just so....sorry for the over-used-but ever-applicable word...lovely!
That's it for today...it's Monday and there is work to be done...
So until tomorrow, Terrific Tuesday, when the "List" goes on...
1) Just returned from a travel baseball weekend in the lovely town of Aiken, South Carolina. If you live anywhere near there, I can't stress enough what a great place this is to visit for the weekend. We were there on a business weekend several months ago, and were so pleased when we found out that our baseball game would take us back there. The city-center is a pretty street lined with unique shops, art galleries and restaurants. It has the feel of a French town which is probably why I like it. It is a big horse town too, so there are always a lot of Equestrian events going on. We stayed both trips at a bed and breakfast called the Wilcox. Let me use the word one more time...it is lovely. An huge old house with a wrap-around front porch lined with white rocking chairs where you can sit and pass the time. The rooms aren't fancy, but well-appointed and clean. The bathrooms are spotless and well -equipped ...Cozy terry cloth robes, hair dryer, room spray, plenty of towels....and my favorite....products from Molton Brown. I LOVE this line. Many nice European hotels also carry this line for their amenities. I can also tell you as a former buyer that this is a splurge and a real attempt to please your customers.
The other great thing about the hotel was the bedding. Dad and boy are coach and player, so they got the king size bed. Little one and mommy shared the single roll out (this was the only type of room left) and let me tell you...that roll away was as comfortable as my own bed. High thread count sheets, down comforters, turn-down service that included home-baked cookies and lemon water....I could go on and on. The staff is amazing, ready and willing to do anything. and last but not least, the breakfast that comes with the room is wonderful. Homemade everything from french toast to grits to quiche, and the best coffee you've ever had. Ok...so now you know,...if you are ever in Aiken...by the way, the standard room is $185...not as cheap as the Fairfield at $102...but not the Ritz Carlton at $350 either.
2) Another random favorite...New York City...Dylan's Candy Bar...Owned and run by Ralph Lauren's beautiful daughter Dylan, this is one of the funnest places to go in NY with your kids(or without). It is well-designed, colorful...eye candy...pun intended...with every kind of candy known to man available, plus the cutest accessories. I still have my 8 year old mug from there that is my favorite. It is also a great online store if you have to send a gift. They are unique and fun and the prices are surprisingly reasonable...
3) A few weeks ago, I talked about a Longchamps purse and Hobo wallet I bought from Nordstroms. I stressed over the prices (purse $120 and wallet $90), but since I had the $80 in coupons, that brought my purchase price down to $130 for both. Let me just state that those were the best purchases I have made in a long time. The purse is incredibly wearable...meaning I can carry it to ballgames, school functions, church...anywhere, and it is still cute. Every time I think it is going to get filthy and show wear...it never does. It still looks new. I love the lime green, but I would have loved any color. As for the Hobo wallet...LOVE it. I have had so many compliments on it. It looks expensive. It is the prettiest pink...not a cloying too pink...but just enough to look springy and pretty. It has that magnetic closure which I worried might be annoying, but it isn't. I am so glad that Rachel talked me into both of these.
4) Jillian Michael, the trainer on the Biggest Loser TV show has a new book out called Master Your Metabolism. I don't watch the show, but I had seen her on some interviews and I could tell she knew her "stuff". This isn't really a diet book, but more a lesson on metabolism and balance. I think I was drawn to it because she looks so fabulous, but I learned a lot from the book...and there are some terrific menus and recipes, which is always a plus.
5) I love Musk. I have tried so many different versions. I have the Kiehl's musk scent, but it was a little off, and not cheap. The Best Musk is White Musk from the Body Shop...if you like musk, this is perfect...get the perfume body oil...not expensive and just heavenly.
6) Armani Fluid Sheer. Ok, this was an In Style pick for best beauty product and I was skeptical. but I have never tried a beauty product from Armani that I haven't liked, so I gave it a try...and I love it. You mix a little with your foundation and it gives you a slight bronzey glow. It is different than a bronzer, but I don't know how to describe the difference. Let me just say that I take very few cosmetics on a baseball weekend because my entire beauty routine has to take 3 minutes...but I brought this along. The cost is $58...ouch I know...but again, it is really good stuff.
7) Neutrogena Sesame Body Oil. A no-brainer if your legs are dry like mine. After using your Flirty Mango and shaving, put a coat of this on and your legs shine...and smell fresh. And the $8 price tag is also refreshing.
8) After the oil, put on a coat of Nivea Sun-Kissed Beautiful legs...it dries in a few seconds and gives a soft subtle color. Just be sure to wash your hands. You use it everyday until you get the color you want. At $10, it is affordable and it lasts.
9) The next line I want to try is the Jurlique line from Australia. I have read about the founders, and I like their organic take on everything. I keep seeing the "Balancing Mist" on every beauty favorites list, so I will probably try it soon. It is $21, so the prices definitely aren't drugstore line, but they aren't crazy high either. You can order this brand online, but they are also found at some Spas and specialty stores.
10) J. Crew fanatics can get excited that there were some "new arrivals" this week. Even if you aren't in "buy" mode, the ombre skirts and sun dresses are adorable. And if only I could go back and buy one of their wedding gowns for my wedding...they are just so....sorry for the over-used-but ever-applicable word...lovely!
That's it for today...it's Monday and there is work to be done...
So until tomorrow, Terrific Tuesday, when the "List" goes on...
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Theory of Relativity
Lynn Yaeger is a freelance writer who until recently was employed by the Village Voice in New York as a writer and editor. If you love good writing and fashion, then you would love her work. After reading her article in the current issue of Vogue, I went back and pulled some of her pieces to read. One article was a description of the first day that H&M in New York brought in the lower line of Comme des Garcons. As I talked about in yesterday's blog, H&M brings in high-end designers to do low-priced lines. Comme des Garcons is a very edgy French line that appeals to people with a very "out there" sense of style. Anyway, Yaeger details how she practically raced to the store on opening morning and raced through the aisles pulling out what she wanted. It is funny and well-written. Another piece details her attempt to take a headphones tour at the Metropolitan Museum of Art which is narrated by Sarah Jessica Parker. Suffice it to say that the highlight of her tour is ending up in the gift shop and deciding what to buy. Again, very funny.
Anyway, her article in Vogue describes how she has been laid off from the Voice because of deep budget cuts. Though shocked by her dismissal since she had been working there her entire adult life, her biggest disappointment seems to be that she has to return a vintage diamond ring that she has recently bought. She also has to return a Lanvin purse (over $1,000), and she is bummed that she can't return the Comme des Garcons skirt she just bought from Saks because she wore it once.
The article goes on to detail how being laid off affects her shopaholic habits. Her income must now come from freelancing (but hey, if you are freelancing for Vogue, I'm not crying for you), and that means that she has to "budget". She figures that after everything is paid for...all bills and fixed expenses (cable and blackberry are non-expendable), she has $50 a day left to spend. Now in her world, this is depressing. She is no longer able to afford the $900 she normally pays for a sweater. The $118 blouse from Anthopolgie is a steal, but not as good as the $1,ooo Junya that she really wanted. Lunch is the $7.95 chicken-cutlet special. Despite all of the "sacrifices", she maintains a cheerful demeanor, and at the end of the article, she is met with the good news that a book editor wants to talk to her, she gets the freelance article from Vogue...and she gets to buy her diamond ring back.
It's all relative, isn't it? We all live according to our different inner recording of what is required and what is needed. My idea of expensive and your idea of what is expensive may be miles apart, but so may be the things that we are willing to sacrifice. I happen to love the Anthropolgie store, but to me $118 for a blouse is kind of high...and I would have to pace the floor for awhile before making the purchase. While I might realize that the blouse is a "knock-off" of the designer original, it would never occur to me to pay over $1,000 for the "real" blouse. I always wonder at what salary point one becomes able to justify this kind of spending...and I don't mean that in a judgemental way. Yaeger is a single, successful woman who probably made a substantial income. She infers that she needs to earn $92,000 a year to maintain a decent lifestyle...and this is a cut back. Since her occupation is based on her shopping exploits (how great!), it makes even more sense that she considers it necessary to "buy and try".
The flip side of this is more of a reality check. Yesterday I made a trip to TJ Maxx to buy writing notebooks. I fill up several of these a month with random ideas, quotes and words. If I buy them at the stationary store, they become a major expense, but at TJ maxx, I can even pick the pretty ones. As I walked into the store, I was drawn by that inexplicable force that always pushes me to the handbag section. I try to avoid it, but it's like a gravitational pull. As I perused the bags, nothing really caught my eye and I thought I was safe...until I spotted it. There it was, all alone, just ONE...a Lodis laptop case/tote in the most beautiful mohagany leather. I was really thrown. I stood and stared and then looked around to see if anyone else saw it. The coast was clear. Now the question was, would I look at the price? The thing is, I didn't come in looking for it, but I needed it. Not in the "necessities of life" sense of the word, but in the "I want to look professional" sense of the word. A few months back, at this same store, I had purchased a $7.99 faux-croc laptop holder. I use it, but I quickly realized that the fact that it does not stand alone or hold anything else is very limiting. This Lodis was not only gorgeous, but it was practical and useful. So I took the plunge...I looked at the price. $129, marked down from $275...now I had to pace. Was it too good to pass up? I thought yes, but I had to think. So I carried it with me all over the store. I found my cheap notebooks, picked up some clearance pillow cases, checked out the little girls clothes...all the while toting my tote.
Finally, when the decision could be put off no longer, I walked back to the purse area and set it down. I started to walk away, but then I saw another woman glance at it. That did it. I couldn't bear to actually SEE someone else get it. So I grabbed it and ran to the cashier. And that's when I heard the words that we all love to hear....the cute little cashier said..."Oh you got it!!! We just put this out and we only had one. Isn't it great?"....Well, yes it is, and of course, now I felt vindicated. I mean, if the cashier was complimenting me on my purchase, it had to be good.
Upon returning home, I quickly filled up my new purchase with computer, pens, cheap notebooks, etc...it was perfect. And even more so when I went to the Lodis website and saw that it was actually $295 and not even on sale.
So in the end, it all comes down to priorities. Lynn Yaeger needs her vintage diamond ring and I needed my Lodis tote. Everyone has their tipping point.
There is some good economic news today. The biggest British retail store, Tesco, says that it sees signs of life returning to the market place. So do Target, Macy's and even Amazon. They aren't saying that recovery will be quick, but they seem to think think the recession has bottomed out. I suppose time will tell will tell. And meantime, I can feel good about contributing to the recovery...right?
So until tomorrow, when I need to take a day to respond to reader comments...and also make some additions to "the List" ...
Anyway, her article in Vogue describes how she has been laid off from the Voice because of deep budget cuts. Though shocked by her dismissal since she had been working there her entire adult life, her biggest disappointment seems to be that she has to return a vintage diamond ring that she has recently bought. She also has to return a Lanvin purse (over $1,000), and she is bummed that she can't return the Comme des Garcons skirt she just bought from Saks because she wore it once.
The article goes on to detail how being laid off affects her shopaholic habits. Her income must now come from freelancing (but hey, if you are freelancing for Vogue, I'm not crying for you), and that means that she has to "budget". She figures that after everything is paid for...all bills and fixed expenses (cable and blackberry are non-expendable), she has $50 a day left to spend. Now in her world, this is depressing. She is no longer able to afford the $900 she normally pays for a sweater. The $118 blouse from Anthopolgie is a steal, but not as good as the $1,ooo Junya that she really wanted. Lunch is the $7.95 chicken-cutlet special. Despite all of the "sacrifices", she maintains a cheerful demeanor, and at the end of the article, she is met with the good news that a book editor wants to talk to her, she gets the freelance article from Vogue...and she gets to buy her diamond ring back.
It's all relative, isn't it? We all live according to our different inner recording of what is required and what is needed. My idea of expensive and your idea of what is expensive may be miles apart, but so may be the things that we are willing to sacrifice. I happen to love the Anthropolgie store, but to me $118 for a blouse is kind of high...and I would have to pace the floor for awhile before making the purchase. While I might realize that the blouse is a "knock-off" of the designer original, it would never occur to me to pay over $1,000 for the "real" blouse. I always wonder at what salary point one becomes able to justify this kind of spending...and I don't mean that in a judgemental way. Yaeger is a single, successful woman who probably made a substantial income. She infers that she needs to earn $92,000 a year to maintain a decent lifestyle...and this is a cut back. Since her occupation is based on her shopping exploits (how great!), it makes even more sense that she considers it necessary to "buy and try".
The flip side of this is more of a reality check. Yesterday I made a trip to TJ Maxx to buy writing notebooks. I fill up several of these a month with random ideas, quotes and words. If I buy them at the stationary store, they become a major expense, but at TJ maxx, I can even pick the pretty ones. As I walked into the store, I was drawn by that inexplicable force that always pushes me to the handbag section. I try to avoid it, but it's like a gravitational pull. As I perused the bags, nothing really caught my eye and I thought I was safe...until I spotted it. There it was, all alone, just ONE...a Lodis laptop case/tote in the most beautiful mohagany leather. I was really thrown. I stood and stared and then looked around to see if anyone else saw it. The coast was clear. Now the question was, would I look at the price? The thing is, I didn't come in looking for it, but I needed it. Not in the "necessities of life" sense of the word, but in the "I want to look professional" sense of the word. A few months back, at this same store, I had purchased a $7.99 faux-croc laptop holder. I use it, but I quickly realized that the fact that it does not stand alone or hold anything else is very limiting. This Lodis was not only gorgeous, but it was practical and useful. So I took the plunge...I looked at the price. $129, marked down from $275...now I had to pace. Was it too good to pass up? I thought yes, but I had to think. So I carried it with me all over the store. I found my cheap notebooks, picked up some clearance pillow cases, checked out the little girls clothes...all the while toting my tote.
Finally, when the decision could be put off no longer, I walked back to the purse area and set it down. I started to walk away, but then I saw another woman glance at it. That did it. I couldn't bear to actually SEE someone else get it. So I grabbed it and ran to the cashier. And that's when I heard the words that we all love to hear....the cute little cashier said..."Oh you got it!!! We just put this out and we only had one. Isn't it great?"....Well, yes it is, and of course, now I felt vindicated. I mean, if the cashier was complimenting me on my purchase, it had to be good.
Upon returning home, I quickly filled up my new purchase with computer, pens, cheap notebooks, etc...it was perfect. And even more so when I went to the Lodis website and saw that it was actually $295 and not even on sale.
So in the end, it all comes down to priorities. Lynn Yaeger needs her vintage diamond ring and I needed my Lodis tote. Everyone has their tipping point.
There is some good economic news today. The biggest British retail store, Tesco, says that it sees signs of life returning to the market place. So do Target, Macy's and even Amazon. They aren't saying that recovery will be quick, but they seem to think think the recession has bottomed out. I suppose time will tell will tell. And meantime, I can feel good about contributing to the recovery...right?
So until tomorrow, when I need to take a day to respond to reader comments...and also make some additions to "the List" ...
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Is it Better if it Costs More?
There is an interesting article in the Wall Street Journal today about the price and perceived value of "designer clothes". Over the last few years, stores like Target, H&M and Wal-Mart have brought in designers, some well-known and some new and edgy, to design and sell a lower-priced line exclusively for their store. I mentioned the other day that I was looking forward to the line this spring at Target by Tracey Feith. I see his clothes in Vogue and Bazaar all of the time. I've never bought anything by him, but I like the "look "of his clothes. Target probably started this trend years back when they brought in Isaac Mizrahi to do a lower-priced line. The irony was that his high-end line was suffering at the time, and his line at Target kind of revived him. To his credit, his line for Target was well-designed. I could never wear it because of fit, but I know a lot people who could and were very pleased to be able to buy a skirt, jacket and blouse for under a $100 that was cut well and looked modern.
After Mizrahi, Target began to bring in a new designer each season. In my opinion, some have been good and some have not. Behnaz Sarafpour was able to translate her high-priced, beautifully-designed clothes into a very lovely lower-priced collection. I didn't think Patrick Robinson succeeded as well. I tried on a few of his pieces and was really disappointed.
H&M is another entity all together. Their flagship store in New York (brought over from London) stays packed. They incorporate lower priced lines from people like Kate Moss and Stella McCartney with their own brand. People literally pile baskets full of clothing and run for the dressing rooms. Their own brand is full of trendy, low-priced items that will quench a fashionista's desire for something she has seen on the runway, but cannot afford.
The WSJ article had two "experts", a New York designer and a Dean of Fashion at Parson's School of Design, try and pick from a mixed group of high-priced designer clothing and the knock-off lines from Target and H&M. They were to indicate which were the "real McCoys". To make a long story short, they pretty much just guessed, and were about 50/50. A Thakoon dress regularly priced at $1,145 was deemed too normal to be the high-end pick, although it was described as high quality and very detailed. A $44.99 flowered raincoat was chosen as the high end pick because of the material and the lining. The "moral of the story" was that it is not always easy to tell the difference between the $1,000 dress and the $10 dress.
The premise of the article is fun, but in reality, I'd rather buy at Saks and Nordstrom's than Target or Wal-Mart. For one thing, the fabric is usually the give away. A talented designer can cut something well and make it look expensive. But the flip side of this answers the question of why items from Target only last a short period of time....the material. In most cases, they are mass-produced from cheaper materials, so unless you are going to hand wash every time, chances are, they won't last.
Having said this, I still shop and buy from Target. There is just no way for me to justify the high end purchases 100% of the time. I'll write more about this tomorrow because I just read an article in my new Vogue about how some people are "cutting back" in this economy, and it made me laugh out loud. I guess we all "cut back" in different ways. Tune in tomorrow.
For today though, I learned that Norma Kamali has a low-end line at Wal-Mart. I'll be checking that one out. My first ever "designer" dress was a Norma Kamali dress. I bought it back in college off of the sale rack. I still remember that it was originally $350, which at the time seemed like the price of a house. It was on sale for $65, which was still a stretch for me, but I took the plunge and was glad I did. It was cut beautifully and fit like a glove. I probably wore it 100 times over the next few years...thus lowering the price-per-wear to less than $1.
At the end of the day, I guess my closet break down is kind of like my diet break down. I try and go 40%carbs, 30%protein and 30%fats. The closet break down is similar. 40% Target, 30% J.Crew, and 30% high-end-stuff-hopefully-found-on-sale. It's all a matter of moderation, isn't it?
So until tomorrow, when we will discuss whether or not having to decide against buying a $2,ooo ring is really "cutting back"...
After Mizrahi, Target began to bring in a new designer each season. In my opinion, some have been good and some have not. Behnaz Sarafpour was able to translate her high-priced, beautifully-designed clothes into a very lovely lower-priced collection. I didn't think Patrick Robinson succeeded as well. I tried on a few of his pieces and was really disappointed.
H&M is another entity all together. Their flagship store in New York (brought over from London) stays packed. They incorporate lower priced lines from people like Kate Moss and Stella McCartney with their own brand. People literally pile baskets full of clothing and run for the dressing rooms. Their own brand is full of trendy, low-priced items that will quench a fashionista's desire for something she has seen on the runway, but cannot afford.
The WSJ article had two "experts", a New York designer and a Dean of Fashion at Parson's School of Design, try and pick from a mixed group of high-priced designer clothing and the knock-off lines from Target and H&M. They were to indicate which were the "real McCoys". To make a long story short, they pretty much just guessed, and were about 50/50. A Thakoon dress regularly priced at $1,145 was deemed too normal to be the high-end pick, although it was described as high quality and very detailed. A $44.99 flowered raincoat was chosen as the high end pick because of the material and the lining. The "moral of the story" was that it is not always easy to tell the difference between the $1,000 dress and the $10 dress.
The premise of the article is fun, but in reality, I'd rather buy at Saks and Nordstrom's than Target or Wal-Mart. For one thing, the fabric is usually the give away. A talented designer can cut something well and make it look expensive. But the flip side of this answers the question of why items from Target only last a short period of time....the material. In most cases, they are mass-produced from cheaper materials, so unless you are going to hand wash every time, chances are, they won't last.
Having said this, I still shop and buy from Target. There is just no way for me to justify the high end purchases 100% of the time. I'll write more about this tomorrow because I just read an article in my new Vogue about how some people are "cutting back" in this economy, and it made me laugh out loud. I guess we all "cut back" in different ways. Tune in tomorrow.
For today though, I learned that Norma Kamali has a low-end line at Wal-Mart. I'll be checking that one out. My first ever "designer" dress was a Norma Kamali dress. I bought it back in college off of the sale rack. I still remember that it was originally $350, which at the time seemed like the price of a house. It was on sale for $65, which was still a stretch for me, but I took the plunge and was glad I did. It was cut beautifully and fit like a glove. I probably wore it 100 times over the next few years...thus lowering the price-per-wear to less than $1.
At the end of the day, I guess my closet break down is kind of like my diet break down. I try and go 40%carbs, 30%protein and 30%fats. The closet break down is similar. 40% Target, 30% J.Crew, and 30% high-end-stuff-hopefully-found-on-sale. It's all a matter of moderation, isn't it?
So until tomorrow, when we will discuss whether or not having to decide against buying a $2,ooo ring is really "cutting back"...
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
"I will literally be the old woman who lived in her shoes!"
Yesterday we had storms all morning. As I wrote the blog, my computer was thrown off at least 5 times. Combining this frustration with the fact that I had an appointment an hour away at noon, I was ready to give up for the day. As I left for my appointment, I crossed my fingers and hoped that what I had completed would still be there when I returned. Better late than never and all that. When I got home several hours later, it was still there. And so were the barrage of e-mails asking where was today's blog? I decided to go ahead and post even though I didn't really complete my list or do my quick edit. So unfortunately, I felt as if yesterday's was sub-par. (This shows some arrogance on my part I know, because it assumes that I think that other days are above par). Anyway, instead of going back to cosmetics or products today, I am going to move on to clothes and shoes. I'll go back and complete yesterday's list tomorrow when I do miscellaneous.
I'm not going to group these according to price today. Many of these (most, in fact) are lust-after items that I just love, but will never own. Therefore, I won't try to do the "justify" thing, because your allowed to love something no matter what the price. So here we go, with no particular rhyme or reason:
1) Have you seen the Tod's advertisement with Gwyneth Paltrow? The one where she is wearing jeans, a striped shirt, and brown 4 -sandals? I want the whole outfit. The cool jeans with the leather pieces, the fitted striped shirt, the huge bag...but most of all...those shoes. I LOVE those shoes. I actually went to the website, even though I know Tod's is Way above my afford range...but of course, they give no prices on this site....and this of course, is how I know I can't afford it.
2) I love pencil skirts. I have been wearing them for years, so the last few seasons have been great for me since they are suddenly in style. I already have a pretty good selection in my closet, but the new Marni with the optical pattern (white background with taupe and red round spots) is just the cutest thing. At $630, I'll never own it, but if I did, I would wear it anywhere and everywhere.
3) Target is carrying a line by Tray Feith this spring. This is the guy whose Boho Chic designs have become more popular because Michelle Obama wore one of his dresses to a church service the day after the Inauguration. I loved the dress...but his is an acquired taste. You have to kind of like that Hippie/Bohemian look. Anyway, the line isn't in yet, but the new Bazaar shows a few pieces that cost around $14.99, and I can tell I will be picking a few up.
4) We'll move to J.Crew...my "go to" store for almost everything. Spring catalogue shows a slub-cotton t-shirt with a ruffled scoopneck which I love. At $39.50, my only decision will be which color?...the orange, navy or slate. These J.Crew t-shirts are great quality and look good with skirts dressed up, or with jeans dressed down. Next, there is the Frenchi-slicker in Papaya at $165.00 I will probably stare at this for a month, put it in my online shopping cart...and then wait for it to go on clearance. It is perfect for cool evenings. I also have my eye on the 2 -Button Australian wool 120's suit jacket in black. This is one of those items that I know I would wear out and keep for 10 years. It is traditional, but the sleeves are modern. I could wear it over pencil skirts, or dress up my jeans with boots. It isn't a steal at $230, but it is probably something I will eventually justify.
5) Still J. Crew, but a whole different category. This is one from the "collection" which is the small group of limited edition items that they put out every season. I have purchased a few of these pieces over the last few years and I have never been disappointed. This season, I am dying for the Dulce Sequined Silk Organza pencil skirt. Why?, I have no idea. It has no place in my wardrobe and I have no place to wear it. But I love it and continue to stare at it. At $450, no way. But again, it doesn't cost anything to love it.
6) I have to be careful here because husband does not like me to mention anything personal or any body parts. So I will hint and tiptoe around this one. There are new tank/camis at Target right now from Mossimo. They are longer than usual and they they have a slight v-neck. I bought a white one a few weeks ago, and I don't think I have taken it off yet. I'm going back to buy one in every color. I like it because...and careful here...if you generally wear a small due to shoulders and hips, but you need a medium for other reasons....this still works!! It isn't tight, and it doesn't show off too much cleavage, which means you can wear it alone or under anything. you can also sleep in it, which is always a plus.
7) I have mentioned these before, but they are worth another mention. Cole Haan London Air T-Straps in Black patent and leather. I originally wanted the gray, but as long as I am only wishing, I think the black are sexier. I look at these almost everyday and hope that they are reduced from the $298 price. Still holding out clearance -hope for these. They are very similar to some Prada sandals from this season, but at half the price.
8) I like this catalogue called Peruvian Connection. I have ordered from it over the last few years several times, and I always love what I get. They carry items from peruvian pima cotton or baby alpaca, and they are really one-of-a kind...but reasonably priced. I've ordered sweater, dresses...even a nightgown...and they are so pretty and well-made. Their website is really good and interesting, too. Right now, I am eyeing the Artisan Cote d'Azur Pima Cotton Tank dress. It's a vintage french brocade in a kind of turquoise, cream. It's $198, so I may wait for the sale, which they have pretty often. Their clothes are the kind you will wear for years. Not trendy, but still modern.
9) Total lust...Hermes enamel bangles. at $445 a piece...no way. But gosh, they are so pretty...
10) Another lust item...Max Mara T-Shirt dress in satin grey...$470 and just so perfect. March issue of Town and Country...I would wear it forever....
11) Back down to earth...Gap cardigan in navy and with white tie-dye..$49 and really cute with jeans or white pants.
12) Last item for the day...Kate Spade clutch in orange or hot pink...$175 and looks like an envelope...I love it. I am a real Kate Spade fan, but ever since they handed over the reigns of the company to someone else, I haven't really lusted after anything...until this came along...
Ok , that's it for the day. One can only spend so much time oohing and aahhing...
So until tomorrow, when we will move on to miscellaneous which includes just about anything...
I'm not going to group these according to price today. Many of these (most, in fact) are lust-after items that I just love, but will never own. Therefore, I won't try to do the "justify" thing, because your allowed to love something no matter what the price. So here we go, with no particular rhyme or reason:
1) Have you seen the Tod's advertisement with Gwyneth Paltrow? The one where she is wearing jeans, a striped shirt, and brown 4 -sandals? I want the whole outfit. The cool jeans with the leather pieces, the fitted striped shirt, the huge bag...but most of all...those shoes. I LOVE those shoes. I actually went to the website, even though I know Tod's is Way above my afford range...but of course, they give no prices on this site....and this of course, is how I know I can't afford it.
2) I love pencil skirts. I have been wearing them for years, so the last few seasons have been great for me since they are suddenly in style. I already have a pretty good selection in my closet, but the new Marni with the optical pattern (white background with taupe and red round spots) is just the cutest thing. At $630, I'll never own it, but if I did, I would wear it anywhere and everywhere.
3) Target is carrying a line by Tray Feith this spring. This is the guy whose Boho Chic designs have become more popular because Michelle Obama wore one of his dresses to a church service the day after the Inauguration. I loved the dress...but his is an acquired taste. You have to kind of like that Hippie/Bohemian look. Anyway, the line isn't in yet, but the new Bazaar shows a few pieces that cost around $14.99, and I can tell I will be picking a few up.
4) We'll move to J.Crew...my "go to" store for almost everything. Spring catalogue shows a slub-cotton t-shirt with a ruffled scoopneck which I love. At $39.50, my only decision will be which color?...the orange, navy or slate. These J.Crew t-shirts are great quality and look good with skirts dressed up, or with jeans dressed down. Next, there is the Frenchi-slicker in Papaya at $165.00 I will probably stare at this for a month, put it in my online shopping cart...and then wait for it to go on clearance. It is perfect for cool evenings. I also have my eye on the 2 -Button Australian wool 120's suit jacket in black. This is one of those items that I know I would wear out and keep for 10 years. It is traditional, but the sleeves are modern. I could wear it over pencil skirts, or dress up my jeans with boots. It isn't a steal at $230, but it is probably something I will eventually justify.
5) Still J. Crew, but a whole different category. This is one from the "collection" which is the small group of limited edition items that they put out every season. I have purchased a few of these pieces over the last few years and I have never been disappointed. This season, I am dying for the Dulce Sequined Silk Organza pencil skirt. Why?, I have no idea. It has no place in my wardrobe and I have no place to wear it. But I love it and continue to stare at it. At $450, no way. But again, it doesn't cost anything to love it.
6) I have to be careful here because husband does not like me to mention anything personal or any body parts. So I will hint and tiptoe around this one. There are new tank/camis at Target right now from Mossimo. They are longer than usual and they they have a slight v-neck. I bought a white one a few weeks ago, and I don't think I have taken it off yet. I'm going back to buy one in every color. I like it because...and careful here...if you generally wear a small due to shoulders and hips, but you need a medium for other reasons....this still works!! It isn't tight, and it doesn't show off too much cleavage, which means you can wear it alone or under anything. you can also sleep in it, which is always a plus.
7) I have mentioned these before, but they are worth another mention. Cole Haan London Air T-Straps in Black patent and leather. I originally wanted the gray, but as long as I am only wishing, I think the black are sexier. I look at these almost everyday and hope that they are reduced from the $298 price. Still holding out clearance -hope for these. They are very similar to some Prada sandals from this season, but at half the price.
8) I like this catalogue called Peruvian Connection. I have ordered from it over the last few years several times, and I always love what I get. They carry items from peruvian pima cotton or baby alpaca, and they are really one-of-a kind...but reasonably priced. I've ordered sweater, dresses...even a nightgown...and they are so pretty and well-made. Their website is really good and interesting, too. Right now, I am eyeing the Artisan Cote d'Azur Pima Cotton Tank dress. It's a vintage french brocade in a kind of turquoise, cream. It's $198, so I may wait for the sale, which they have pretty often. Their clothes are the kind you will wear for years. Not trendy, but still modern.
9) Total lust...Hermes enamel bangles. at $445 a piece...no way. But gosh, they are so pretty...
10) Another lust item...Max Mara T-Shirt dress in satin grey...$470 and just so perfect. March issue of Town and Country...I would wear it forever....
11) Back down to earth...Gap cardigan in navy and with white tie-dye..$49 and really cute with jeans or white pants.
12) Last item for the day...Kate Spade clutch in orange or hot pink...$175 and looks like an envelope...I love it. I am a real Kate Spade fan, but ever since they handed over the reigns of the company to someone else, I haven't really lusted after anything...until this came along...
Ok , that's it for the day. One can only spend so much time oohing and aahhing...
So until tomorrow, when we will move on to miscellaneous which includes just about anything...
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