Mysterious Color Predicitions- WHY?!?!?

Did you know that there are people whose job is to predict what colors are going to be popular in the coming seasons? Did you know they are essentially fashion scientists? It is this elusive group of people that decides whether we are going to be wearing bright primary colors next fall or washed-out beachy tones. It's up to them as to whether or not I will be able to find a pair of fuchsia or ballet pink heels, whether I'm getting a forest green cardigan or chartreuse, whether it's mustard or lemon or amber that will be my go-to accessory color.

I have NO idea how they go about predicting what colors we'll love so that all the designers are sure to make lots of clothes and shoes and home decor in those exact shades. I do know that we do NOT agree. In 2004, I decided I needed the perfect pair of green heels. Not just any green- a rich, mossy, almost kelly green. Do you know when I found them? Last month. That's right- EIGHT years later, I found the right shade of green. Maybe I'm too picky.

Manolo Blahnik, Neiman Marcus, $595

Or not. In 2007, I was obsessed with all shades of coral. I loved the brightness of it and I just wanted to fill my closet with dresses and shoes and scarves and bags with that fruity, citrus-y color. Not orange. Not red. Not pink. Coral. When do you think I hit my coral stride? Last summer. Yup. I found a fabulous dress, an unbelievable handbag, earrings, a necklace- all in different, but perfect shades of coral. What year was that? Oh, yes- 2012. I had to wait FIVE years for the color I loved to become readily available. That's just obnoxious.

Ah, coral at last. 

It's as if Pantone is the Disney Vault of color and they tease us by keeping all our favorites in the vault, releasing certain shades and colors at their discretion. Will Disney release "The Little Mermaid" on Blue-ray in time for your niece's 7th birthday? Will Pantone release the right shade of red for me to re-decorate my bedroom this spring? Who knows?

What do you think of these color-predictors? Do you think it's a little bit dictatorial? Leave a comment. I want to know what you think!

Shoesday Tuesday

Since I'm saving so much money making new work-appropriate dresses for myself, I figured I could splurge on shoes to go with them. And then I realized that I bought fabrics that easily coordinate with many different shoes I already own. In order to justify buying new work shoes, I'd have to go back to the fabric store and buy fabric specifically because I don't have shoes that would look good with it. And let's be honest- with the number of shoes in my closet, that might be a difficult task. So instead, I'll just fantasize about what shoes I would buy if 1.) I needed shoes to go with my new dresses AND 2.) Money is no object. Neither of these situations is relevant, so for this post, the sky's the limit!

Miz Mooz Symphony Pump, Nordstrom, $109.95

Poetic Licence Backlash Oxford Pump, Nordstrom, $99.95

Fashion is Art Heel, Modcloth, $102.99

Aliya, Jimmy Choo, $645

Manolo Blahnik Something Blue Satin Pump, Bergdorf Goodman, $945

I've been thinking lately that I need to find the perfect royal blue pump- it's one of a few colors that is lacking in my wardrobe and what a fun way to include it- through a fabulous shoe. Anyway, don't these last Blahniks remind you of the shoes Carrie wore when she married Big? In fact, the more I look at them, the more I think they ARE those shoes. Thoughts?

Well, regardless of their prices and starring moments in blockbuster films, I'd be thrilled to wear ANY of he above shoes with ANY of the new dresses I've made for myself over the last few days. Will that actually happen? According to my current bank account, no, it will not. That's okay, I'll dare to dream for the time being.

My brain is not working today

Have you ever sat down to work on something and found that you just couldn't get your brain to be on the same page with your agenda? That's how I feel right now. I want to post a blog (because it really is a daily thing for me that I really enjoy doing) but I just can't seem to get my brain to work right now. I believe there are several reasons for this. First, it's been rather hectic at work the last few days. Second, I'm planning an event for this Sunday that I can't really talk about except to say that I have a lot of work to do. Third, I am going to see SATC2 tonight, so my brain is partially exploding from imagining all the fashions I'm going to see in a couple of hours. Add to that, I have injured my left hand, which is making typing this blog a LOT more difficult. I am a 100 words-per-minute kind of girl- I once worked for a temp agency where they tested your typing for speed and accuracy as if it was the 1950's. One day I tested myself just for fun and for real I scored 100 wpm with 99% accuracy. But enough bragging about that. Today it's more like 30 words per minute with 50% accuracy. You see, the other day I sprained my thumb while pulling a drawer out. It was positioned about 6 feet high and it slipped and came out all the way. My left hand caught it, but at the expense of my thumb. It's been painful ever since, but don't worry I have an appointment to get it checked out. In the meantime, it's wrapped up to the point where it's basically immobile and the other 4 fingers have dramatically diminished range of motion. It looks pathetic. I posted about it on facebook the day it happened and my friend Shawna commented that it's a serious injury that professional basketball players often endure. She even said it is serious enough for them to sit out for weeks with a sprained thumb. At that point in the commenting, I was getting a LOT of sympathy, so I felt I needed to set the record straight. I replied by saying that while my thumb certainly was injured, it couldn't possibly be nearly as bad an injury as a pro basketball player would have. In fact, my biggest hardship thus far was struggling to open a new bag of Chips Ahoy. I really expected that punchline to get at least a few "lol's" but it was like facebook had shut down for the night. Instead of a bunch of laughs, I got a virtual tumbleweed rolling across my computer screen. So do me a favor and leave me a comment telling me you lol'd at my Chips Ahoy quip. I'm fragile and like Tinkerbell (and Rachel Berry), applause keeps me alive. Or in this case, applause AND laughter.

So until my brain starts working again, you're stuck with this lame post. If you are a faithful reader, I'm sorry for letting you down. Until I'm back in the saddle, why don't you check out some archives- a few of my favorite posts in fact:

Inspiration- July 16, 2009
Top Ten for Men- July 21, 2009
Hot Air Balloon Dress- February 15, 2010
From Plain to Pin-up- April 11, 2010
Style Support- August 29, 2009

And finally because I just can't help myself, I'm going to copy Shoe Dazzle's idea and select four shoes- one for each of the SATC ladies- to finish off this completely random, disorganized, out-there post. I hope to be back on my game in a day or two.

Miranda: Fendi Cut-out Slingback, Barney's, $695

Charlotte: Dolce & Gabbana Floral Print Slide, Nordstrom, $495

Samantha- Giuseppe Zanotti Jeweled Back-Zip Sandal, Neiman Marcus, $1,055

Carrie (total cop-out, I know): Manolo Blahnik Mary Janes, Neiman Marcus, $645

Sue me for being unoriginal on that last one. Or applaud me for knowing my SATC inside and out. Either way, those Mary Janes were the obvious choice. Cross your fingers and hope that mu brain turns back on soon! In the meantime, I'm off to see the movie!

SATC2

I recently read a review of the new SATC2 movie that basically said all fans should "pivot on their Manolo Blahniks" AWAY from the movie theatre. It was a review full of criticisms of the writing and plot lines. Guess what- I don't care! I fully expect this movie to be utterly ridiculous in terms of the plot and I'll be honest- some of my favorite lines from the show and movies are the ridiculous ones (which Samantha is usually charged with). So I'll say it again- I don't care! I'm not seeing this film because it's going to change my life emotionally or convince me to take on some humanitarian cause. I'm going to see it for the FASHIONS. Call me shallow if you must, but it's how I see it. Plus, why do we need Carrie and company to teach us more life and relationship lessons? They finished their work in those areas with the final episode of the series (I still stand by my opinion that no matter what your current relationship situation, there is an episode of SATC that covers it). The movies? They're just bonus material if you ask me. They are escapist fantasies for those of us who want to be a little self-indulgent on movie night. If they do any more than that, they have over-achieved (in my opinion). Of course I love films that move me emotionally or challenge me intellectually, but let's be honest- if I was dealing with all of that AND trying to take in all the accessories, my head would explode. I will likely see the movie tomorrow night, so no spoilers in the comments, please.

Anyway, one of the things I've always loved is how Patricia Field puts together looks for the foursome. Whether its the cover art for a DVD set, a movie poster, or even a scene with the four lovely ladies, I just love how she finds pieces that create a snapshot of the moment. When there is a specific color scheme in mind, she always chooses dresses that suit the various personalities of the characters. For example:

(I DIE for SJP's dress in this one!)

And when the outfits are required to function as part of a scene in either a movie or an episode of the show, they all work together without matching. A few examples:

What Patricia Fields manages to accomplish every time is amazing to me. Perhaps this is because I face similar challenges in my work at AMT when dressing the performers on stage, but I think her task is much more daunting. In every one of these photos, she has managed to:

1.) Stay true to each characters personal style

2.) Select garments appropriate to the event/scene/goings-on of the moment

3.) Balance the four looks so that they all stand out equally

4.) Create outfits that if pulled from the group shot would still be able to stand alone as great looks

Color me impressed. Enjoy the movie! 

Shoesday Tuesday

I thought this Tuesday I would share some of my favorite shoes from my own closet. I hope my work never institutes a dress code because it might mean giving up wearing some of these. So if you're wondering about apropriate workplace footwear, you'll have to look somewhere other than in my closet. Due to my line of work, I'm able to blur the line between professional and fun- not everyone is so fortunate. For most people, workplace shoes should be conservative in color, style, and especially heel height. Stilettos are a no-no. Rhinestones, bright colors, and anything really flashy should also be avoided. A good bit of advice is that if you are going to wear a high heel or bright shoe, pair it was a pair of dark trousers and fairly conservative top. Looking professional at work is important, so don't risk your reputation at work for a pair of heels. Ok, I'm stepping off the soap box now. I hope you enjoy this foray into my shoe closet. First up is a pair of shoes that I wore most when I worked in an office with a strict Business-attire-only dress code. Panty hose was a requirement in that office. I loved these shoes so much I still wear them (without the hose).

This next pair is not quite as office-friendly, but I love wearing them with a pair of sailor pants- very 40's, very cute.

This next pair are also darlings from my days as an office slave. I love them still. You'll notice the heel height is a tad lower than most of my other shoes, making them appropriate for nearly any office environment. I just love the pink patent leather paired with the herringbone.

Ok, now for the really fun stuff. I'm sure you remember these from a previous post:

As if a girl needs another pair of red-hot red shoes... I couldn't help myself with these next heels- a pair of red satin peep toe pumps.

Another satin pair, this time in fucshia, these were a bargain find at an Ann Taylor in NYC. Formerly over $125, I paid a mere $19.44. Love them!

These Jessica Simpson ombre patent peep toe mary janes were another bargain, this time at SYMS. Unfortunately, these shoes are not as comfortable as I'd like, or I'd wear them a lot more.

I'm sure at this point you think all my fun shoes are red or pink. Not true! In fact, the previous four shoes are what I consider "tame" by comparison. Check out these mustard yellow patent pumps:

I love yellow (can you tell?) especially in the summer. These wedges are starting to look a little worse for wear but they're still in good enough shape that I can wear them without embarrassment.

How fun are these pink polka-dots (bought on clearance for $5- no joke!)

Not all my shoes are so cute-sy. I occassionally play with animal print- in small doses, of course. What better small dose than a bit of fun on your feet?

This picture really does not do these BCBGirls justice. The color is a vibrant lime green- fun, huh?

Another of my favorite wedges, these were yet ANOTHER $5 find! I'm nothing if not good at bargain hunting!
If you think the pattern is a bit loud, prepare yourself for these next three. First, a pair from Bakers, a gift from a most fabulous and stylish friend, Melanie:

Next a Nine West paisley- another $5 bargain find. I think they were so cheap because the ribbon was missing. Fortunately, there was a craft store next door to the shoe store, so I just brought the newly bought shoes in and found a few different ribbon colors that worked. I change the ribbon color out depending on my mood or outfit.

And finally, a pair of CRAZY yellow, black and royal blue indescribable peep toe pumps. Yes, I think we're best leaving them at "indescribable."

As fun as they are, I can't really wear all these brightly colored shoes all the time. I have to have a handful of fairly neutral options, like these beige and brown peep toe heels: It's hard to see in the picture, but I love the buckle on the front. Neutral doesn't have to mean boring- a little detail goes a long way.

Another great pair of "neutrals," these chocolate brown leather ditties from Nine West rock my world.

Perhaps my favorite "neutral" in my closet, these black patent lace-up oxfords are some of the most fabulous shoes I own. I wear them with dresses, skirts, jeans- pretty much anything. They are SO versatile and I love their vintage feel.

I try to treat most of my shoes equally- I don't like to favor one pair too much. But I kind of saved the best for last. I searched far and wide for these Manolo Blahnik knock-offs, made famous in the "Shoe Shame" episode of Sex & the City. Remember when Carrie's shoes were stolen from the baby shower? Hilarious, right?

I hope you've enjoyed this brief visit into my shoe closet. Maybe in a few months I'll post a similar blog with my winter shoes. I think it is important to mention that only one or two of these shoes cost more than $25, and I paid full price for NONE of them. You really can have interesting shoes without depleting your bank account. I'm living proof!