See Ya Soon!

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Alright everybody, just a quick note before I leave.  It’s 9:00pm and I still have loads of things to do, but I wanted to say adios and have a wonderful time this weekend.  The estrogen will be wafting potently tomorrow for our respective Girls Night Out.  So fellas listen up!  There are going to be truckloads of fine lookin’  ladies out on the town!

Have fun everyone and I’ll chat with you again soon!

Fashion Sensei

Shopping My Way Through Memorial Day…

Well not the whole weekend.  Saturday I spent the whole day doing yard work and cursing at my bushes for becoming so over grown.  I have two particular bushes that I detest and told my husband not to be alarmed if he sees me wrapping a chain around both bushes and attaching the other end to my car and driving down the road to remove them. 

But I digress…

Sunday I had a lovely time shopping.  I found a fantastic purple patio dress from Gap that I just may live in all summer.  The dress comes in several shades and is very flattering.  I also added a lace racerback tank with my dress as my “girls” no longer ride as high as this 20 year old model. Best of all, my shortie friends can join in the fun because it comes in petite too!

I plan on taking this dress with me to Chicago this weekend, but I discovered that it’s going to be cold.  So now I need to go find a blazer to go with it.  Too bad I forgot that H & M’s Friends and Family was this weekend.  I have to say, I owe you all an apology.  I have had that coupon for the past several weeks, but wanted to give it to you just before the sale date, so you wouldn’t forget.  Instead, I forgot.  Sorry about that.  H&M did have quite a few really cute pieces though, so check them out nonetheless.

Here’s a look at my purple dress and some options to go with it for warm or cooler weather. (click on image for shopping details)

 

I also took a swing by the Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale.  I have been on the hunt for a pair of black capris and I was thrilled to discover a line of pants called Claudia Ev by Tribal Contour Waist Capris.  These pants are perfect for someone with an apple shape.  The pants taper in around the lower thighs and knees to show off an Apple’s thin legs, and then have a slight flare at the calf for proportion.  Here’s what I liked the best, I have a butt!  The stitching on the rear has a sort of rounded heart shape at the top to give the appearance of a round bottom.  Something all apple shapes need.

The Tribal pants also boast a “flatten it!” feature that is supposed to minimize your tummy, however, I didn’t notice a dramatic effect.  But every little bit helps in the battle of the bulge.  Oh, and I almost forgot, they are on sale!  (Click on the picture for shopping details.)

Keep an eye out for more sales as stores are unloading all their spring lines.  To get your shopping motors running, I received word today that Blue Fly is offering an extra 10% off today only.  Happy hunting!!

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Caption These…

Fergie

Eva Herzigova

Denise Richards

Source for all the above

Don Cherry

I love Grapes, click here for last nights look.

Source

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Fashion Lesson #15 Crimes Of Fashion

Last week, I wrote about developing your own Signature Style.  Since then, it has come to my attention that I also need to discuss self editing. Therefore, I will profile 4 of the worst offenders and their fashion personalities:

She’s Bringin’ Sexy Back

This describes the woman who always wears clothes that are either too tight or are ill fitting. The inspiration for this post occurred when I went to the gym last weekend. A woman checking in ahead of me was wearing a very low-cut, flesh toned tank top in which her breasts looked like they were fighting to escape.  The woman seemed to be oblivious that she needed to cover up.  The Sexy Back gal doesn’t know what’s appropriate and where.

Fashion Tip:  Get a professional fitting for a bra, Go up one size in your clothes and understand sexy is not looking slutty.  You can wear clothes that bear a little cleavage, just not all of it. One other thing, keep the butt cheeks under wraps too while you’re at it.  Think Salma Hayek when looking for a sexy style role model.

 Pack Rat

A client of mine recently asked me what the basic expiration is for clothes.  While not everything has an expiration date (i.e. vintage Chanel), in general, I would say about 2-3years.  That does not include timeless well tailored basics like a white blouse, black pants or jacket.  Understand that each year designers look for ways to update their collections to generate more sales for their companies.  Prime examples are the changing lengths of skirts, shapes of shoes (think wedge or pointed toes) or cuts on collars. 

So many of us keep things counting on the return of that fashion cycle.  But consider this, chances are you will be too old to wear that trend the next time it comes back around the fashion merry-go-round. 

Back in the 80′s, fluorescent T-Shirts, skinny jeans and half tops were considered really stylish.  That was 28 years ago.  Imagine how stupid I would look wearing a half top 28 years later (designer or otherwise). 

Fashion Tip:  You have to know when to let go.  If it is showing signs of wear or you haven’t worn it in 2 years get rid of it.  If you own quality jewelry or shoes from trends of yore, hold on to them and wear sparingly during the next cycle of that trend.  But also think about it this way, do you really want to hold on to all that stuff for another 20+ years?

The Fashion Experiment

This is a woman who doesn’t like to play by the rules.  She likes to use pieces that were never meant for the purpose she is intending.  A prime example was the woman profiled on Buttercup Punch this week. She decided to wear a scarf for shirt (I doesn’t matter that it was a Chanel scarf).  Consider your shape, wearing a scarf for a shirt will either make you look like you are waiting in line for a smorgasbord with your bib ready or a contestant on Survivor.

There’s also those women who don’t understand formal wear vs. casual wear.  These ladies will put shoes that they wore in last summer’s wedding with a pair of shorts and casual top. 

Fashion Tip:  I embrace experimentation and so should you.  That being said, if you don’t have anything clean to wear, do the laundry; don’t start experimenting with household objects.  Try to step out of your comfort zone and try looks that you wouldn’t ordinarily.  For example, try a little bit of color or a pattern that is in proportion to your size.  It’s ok to try new things, but take it one piece at a time.

40 Going On 20

Did anyone see The Real Housewives of New York City?  Do you remember Ramona?  This woman’s young daughter had to tell her that she dresses too young.  Ramona actually snuck a lingerie looking top out of the house so her daughter (who hid it) wouldn’t find out.  How bad is that?  

Fashion Tip:I understand that 50 is the new 30, but you need to check yourself if you are over a certain age and still visiting the Junior section.  This is something that even I struggle with from time to time.  I really like youthful fashion (I own Little “RED” Riding hood Chuck Taylors), but there is a line.  As with the Fashion Experiment, you need to edit wisely.  Once you enter a new decade for your age, you need to limit the number of trendy pieces you wear at once. 

If you have any other Fashion Crime examples or better yet, pictures, feel free to leave a comment!

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Fashion Sensei Says…

 

Sale Away Until Memorial Day…

Barneys New York Private Sale, Save up to 40%

Victoria Secret Semi Annual Clothing Sale-  Save up to 50% off

Ann Taylor Loft- Save up to 70% off

Click here for a 20% off coupon for J.Crew this weekend.

Blue Fly Deal-A-Day, save an extra 15% off dresses today only.

e LUXURY Handbag & Shoe Sale, save up to 40%

Eco & Socially Conscious clothing coupons at White Apricot.

 

 

Go! International With Jonathan Saunders…

According to Nylon Magazine, British Designer Jonathan Saunders has been tapped to design a line in October for Target’s Go! International collection.

 

Excuse Me, Is This High Heel Heaven?

 

 

Seriously? Multi Tasking and Recycling All In One…

 

No Blind Eye To Fashion…

Barneys Co-OP has a fantastic new collection of diamond jewelry designed by fettY in braille.  You can find messages like “Yes”, “Mine” and “Tomorrow” along with various zodiac signs.

 

 

 

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Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale

Heads up ladies, Nordstrom’s Half-Yearly Sale begins today.   If there is something that you have had your eye one for spring, today’s the day to get on down to your local Nordstrom.  Here’s a quick little preview of what’s on sale. 

(click on images for shopping information)

 

 

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Blow Dryer Blues

So I tend to burn up blow dryers at least once a year.  One actually caught fire on me once.  After the fourth hairdryer in 3 years I decided it was time to make an investment in a quality professional grade dryer.  I spoke with a hairdresser who recommended a BaByliss, which is the brand that she uses for her clients.

Off the the Beauty Supply store I went.  The BaByliss Pro TT 5000 was around $150, a major investment for someone who had never paid more than $30 prior to that.  The dryer seemed nice; it came in a crocodile embossed hard case.  That’s good right?

It worked like a dream for about 4-6 months.  The tourmaline feature made my hair smooth and silky.  But soon after that, it wasn’t working as well.  Around nine months it started getting really hot and vibrating.  Then some 4 weeks later, I heard something break inside and the damn thing broke.  My $150 hair dryer broken? Really?! 

So I thought maybe it was a fluke, I paid the $15 for shipping to send back the old dryer and accept a new replacement.  Well, wouldn’t you know it, it’s making that vibrating noise again and I heard a loud pop this morning.  It still works, but only on a low setting without heat.  What is that going to do for me?

Now ladies and hairdressers alike, I am apealing to you for some advice for a really good blow dryer.  I have really thick long hair so I want something durable, quiet and with a long warranty.

I have been reading various reviews for other hairdryers, but would really like to hear from someone who has used their product for over a year.  Whad’ya say?  Can you help?

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Marshalls Shoe Megashop

Recently I was approached by a marketing firm to visit Marshalls new Shoe Megashop.  As a bonus, I was given $50 to purchase some new shoes.  Needless to say I was in.  Who wouldn’t want $50 to get some new shoes?

So I went yesterday afternoon to see what I could find.  Coming in to this assignment, I was expecting something new and exciting about the new Shoe Megashop.  When I arrived, I was a little disappointed.  I was expecting something a little more welcoming and pleasing.  What I found, was a bit of a mess.  All of the shoes are arranged by style, not size and not all of the shoes in boxes are displayed. Rather than it being a relaxing browse for some fantastic shoes, I did a lot of digging.

I started from the back of the “shop” and worked my way to the front of the store.  In the rear of the department, I found the sale, children’s and men’s selections. In that section, I didn’t find anything that  I was interested in so I proceeded to the front of the store. 

I soon discovered, that they do not carry size 10 1/2 and very few size 11.  There were however, a great selection of sizes 6-8.  I had a friend come with me who is a size 11 and she soon left me to walk around the store because they didn’t carry her size. 

As I moved along toward the front of the department, the styles of shoes improved.  I found brand names such as Cole Haan, Born, Nine West, Anne Klein, KORS by Michael Kors and BCBGGirls.  The black Patent Leather pumps that I found from Cole Haan were really cute, but they were irregular and still $69.99.

As I forged on, I came upon a sale wall displayed by size and found some cute gray Ombre pumps for only $20.  But even in size 11 they were too small.  Then I found some really cute Etienne Aigner gladiator style flats with rectangular stones marked down to $20.  For that price, they were keepers.

As I was browsing, I also found these sandals by Ellen Tracy for $39.99.  They are right on trend and I can see these being a fantastic compliment to a lovely patio dress for the summer.

To complicate matters, I discovered a beautiful silver metallic wedge from Nine West that I really liked too.  That conundrum was soon rectified though, because they weren’t very comfortable (a little too narrow).

While I was shopping, I decided to get the opinion of three other women.  All three were very happy with the selection that Marshalls offered and did not have any trouble finding their size.  As you may guess, they were between a size 6- 9 so there was more to choose from. 

So my verdict for Marshalls Megashop?  For me personally, it was a C.  I think they had a pretty good selection of brand names, I just wish they had a better selection of sizes.

I am very thankful though for the two pair of shoes that I did find, so a LOUD thanks to Marshalls! 

If you are interested in finding a Marshalls Megashop near you, please click on this link for further information.

 

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Hold On One Second Sweetie…

Last week Senator and Presidential hopeful Barack Obama called one of our local reporters Peggy Agar “sweetie”.  Here’s a look at what happened…

 

While some have dismissed this comment as playful (one woman on a local radio show thought it was cool), others have found it a bit offensive.  I for one was a little surprised to hear such a familiar tone taken with a complete stranger.  I found it condescending. 

Let me be clear this is by NO MEANS a political commentary.  (So all you Obama-bots and Hillary-heads step off.)  I am focusing on the sexist comments of a man to a woman.  I’m sure that Mr. Obama was without mal intent. But that doesn’t excuse it.

As a woman whose previous life was in the a very conservative and male dominated corporate world of commercial insurance, I dealt with this sort of language all the time.  I had my boss hit on me and a co-worker tell me that he had a sex dream about me.  In response to such behavior, women face a tricky situation.  You grin and bear it, otherwise, some women feel that they will be labeled a “feminazi” or not a team player, or you firmly let the offender know that his banter or behavior is inappropriate. 

I had a conversation on a similar topic with my girlfriends a couple of weeks ago, and one friend is struggling with a man new to supervisory duties, who treats her like a “woman”.  By that I mean, he opens doors for her (including the car door at one point) and talks to her differently than his male reports.

I’m really interested to know your experiences and how you dealt with them.  What do you think about using familiar language (honey, sweetie, babe) in a formal or business situation?  Have you ever been reprimanded for using these sort of endearments with male inferiors in business?  What is the line?

 

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Fashion Lesson #14 Signature Style

When you think of Anna Wintour’s style what do you think of first?  I think of her bob haircut. (It’s reported that she has had the cut since the age of 14.)  Karl Lagerfeld? Fingerless gloves and white starched high-collared shirts.  Finally, when I think of Coco Chanel, I think of pearls and the Little Black Dress.

So when it comes to your style, what is your signature look?  Is it an old locket that your mother gave you that you never take off?  Smartly tailored shirts? Killer heels?  When someone thinks about you, what comes to their mind first?  My only hope is that it is not overly sprayed hair, tapered acid washed jeans and blue eye shadow.

There’s a difference between a signature look that evolves with you over the years and just sticking with something that looked good on you two decades ago. 

For me it has been long hair.  I’ve cut my hair over the years, but I seem to look best when I wear it long and usually with a lot of layers.  I also have a necklace that I have only taken off a handful of times over the past 5 1/2 years.

My suggestion for “discovering” your signature style is to think about what you love most about yourself or is meaningful to you.  Do you have killer legs?  Wear skirts or some wicked heels.  A swan-like neck?  Think of making necklaces your signature look.  If you were blessed with a tiny little waist, you could make belts your signature style.  If you have lovely delicate hands, keep your fingernails well groomed and polished; ditto for feet.  Another accessory that just about all of us can pull of is a hat.  As we saw at the London premier of Sex And The City, hats come in all shapes and sizes; there’s something for everyone.

  

 

So while you are going about your day today or when getting ready this weekend, think about your signature style or lack there of.  What do you want others to know about you when they see you?

 

Click on images for photo sources.

 

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