Rate My Look: Elevating on the Cheap!

I'm no stranger to second-hand shops. Consignment shops are my favorite because the items tend to be carefully curated, or at least more so than your typical thrift shop. However, quality pieces can be found at thrift shops if you're willing to do a little digging. Lucky for me, I didn't even have to do the digging this time. My mom was at our local Salvation Army on Wednesday and she found an adorable (designer) outfit for me for just about five bucks!

Yuppers. You read that right. Wednesdays at the Salvation Army are half-price days. They use color-coded price tags and every Wednesday, certain color tags will be half price. So, as if $6 for a skirt wasn't cheap enough, my mom scored it for just $3! And the top was originally $4, so after knocking the price in half, my adorable new outfit was a whopping total of $5! But wait! It gets better!

The top is a brand-new Ann Taylor light-weight fitted sweater and the skirt is Michael by Michael Kors! The average price for a comparable sweater at Ann Taylor is about $60-$70 and similar skirts by Michael Kors retail for around $120. The point I'm trying to make is that you can elevate your wardrobe without dramatically lessening your bank account.

The skirt was about 2 inches too big all around, but fortunately I have skilled seamstresses at my disposal pretty much every day. But even if I didn't, taking in a skirt like this is a simple project that takes just a few minutes and any tailor could do it for a minimal price. Even investing $20 in the tailoring would have been worthwhile for such a great piece.

As for the rest of my outfit, I kept the accessories minimal to highlight the bold pattern of the skirt. You can't really tell in the photo, but the white pattern on the skirt is covered in clear sequins, so that the skirt actually sparkles a great deal without looking super bling-y.

Have you found other inexpensive ways to elevate your wardrobe? I'm always a fan of a bargain shopping trip, but shopping isn't the only way. Leave a comment with your ideas! And as always, thank you so much for reading my blog!

Project Runway: Season 11

So... I'm a little behind the 8-ball on this season of Project Runway. Since I completely avoided the most recent "All Stars" season, I was not aware that the newest season had begun! Fortunately, the seamstresses at work are major fans and they keep me up to date on all of it.

Anyway, I will (obviously) not be blogging every episode, but I figured I'd put in my two cents about the changes this season, since there were quite a few.

First the bad:
- No Michael Kors! I miss his oompa-loompa-esque complexion and his amazing, snarky one-liners delivered in a perfect nasal deadpan. Zac Posen is fine in terms of his taste and judging skills, but no one will replace the incomparable MK when it comes to creative insults.

- Teams! I know that Tim Gunn and Heidi are all, "This is the REAL WORLD!" I just don't buy it. So far, we're three episodes in and the team method has some horrifically bad designs getting through because the rest of the team is stellar, and some other great designs that could be winners that are not being recognized because the rest of the team is so terrible. Also, watching the "Dream Team" crash and burn for three weeks in a row is just painful. Put them out of their misery already, producers!

And now the good:
- Redecorated workrooms! Parsons looks so fresh and new. I love the new workrooms, sewing rooms, and the stew room. All of it is fresh and fun. Last year, the stew room was especially stark, making Tim's entrance at the end to ask the losing contestant to "go upstairs and clean up your space" that much more difficult to watch.
- Fun challenges! I was particularly fond of the Spin uniform challenge- now that's what I consider "real world" stuff. Working with clients to create something stylish and functional is not always easy and the winning team really nailed it.

And just for fun, here are some of favorite designs (so far), by my favorite designers (so far).

Patricia- Episode 1 "NYC Inspiration"

Patricia- Episode 3 "Surprise"

Patricia is definitely a very talented lady. I love how quirky she is. So often there will be someone on the show with a unique background and an even more unique personality and all too often they are eliminated early on. It's as if they were selected more for the TV appeal than their design ability. Patricia seems to be the exception to that and at this point, I truly hope to see her make it to the finals. 

Michelle- Episode 1 "NYC Inspiration"

Michelle Episode 2 "Spin"

Michelle- Episode 3 "Surprise!" 

Michelle is the best example of someone who is currently being overlooked because she is on the losing team. Every singe runway show, she has sent something down that is original, true to her design aesthetic and fashion forward. Had her team won the "Surprise" challenge, I have no doubt Heidi would have chosen her as one of the winners. And for the "Spin" challenge, I felt heartbroken for her. It was a complete waste of a fabulous design. 

Daniel- Episode 1 "NYC Inspiration"

Daniel- Episode 3 "Surprise!" 

Daniel, much like Michelle has shown consistency each week with his design aesthetic and his workmanship. He's earned two wins in three episodes, and in episode 2, it was his design that won as well, but he quite gallantly gave the win to his design partner, Layana. He is obviously one of the most talented individuals we've ever seen on the show and I hope he continues to prove a strong contestant because I would love to see his runway show in the finale.

All in all, this season is off to a great start. I'm looking forward to seeing how the team aspect plays out in the long run. 

Are you watching this season of PR? What do you think of the changes? Of the designers? Of the judges? Leave a comment and as always, thanks for reading! 

Holiday Style: Fancy Pants

Do you have holiday parties coming up soon? Are you trying to find fabulous outfits and dresses for these annual soirees? Well, my advice to you this year is to think outside the box and consider the oh-so-trendy fancy pants. I know that's not the actual term for the trend, but you know what I'm talking about. Sparkly pants, shiny metallic pants, sleek satin pants- I know you've seen them out there. They're all over the runways and red carpets and now it's our turn. Check out these awesome fancy pants I found all over the interwebs:

Spot Jacquard Trouser, ASOS, $79.16

These are also available in green, but that was a little too much for my taste. I love the pink, though! Jacquard is a slightly stiff, woven fabric often in an intricate pattern. It can be a monochromatic pattern, or multi-colored like these pants, but it has a rich texture to it because of the pattern. Instead of a printed pattern, jacquard designs are woven into the fabric. It's so rich looking, don't you think? 

Michael Kors Shantung Pants, Nordstrom, $995

Unfortunately, there is no missing decimal point in the price of these bad boys, but they're still fun to look at despite being way beyond reach. I would love the sport such a bold color pant to a holiday party. Some metallic heels and a cashmere top would be the perfect finish to these beauties. 

French Connection Ozlem Sequin pants, Bloomingdale's, $198

So, how does one actually put together an outfit with such outlandish pants? Here's how: 

1.) Keep the textures contrasting. Sleek satin, silk or taffeta should be paired with textured cashmere, fur or wool. 

2.) Wear heels. They not only lengthen, they shape. Heels make your butt look better. 

3.) Keep all other sparkle and shine understated. Sequin pants do not call for a glittery handbag or satin blouse. They call for neutrals. 

Here's one way to do it: 

Fancy Pants by rtboo featuring rhinestone bracelets

So, have I convinced you to try this new trend? Are you ready to start shopping for a pair of fancy pants? I rarely wear pants at all, so I think I'll need more time warming up to this trend. If I was a little more leggy, I might get on board sooner. Leave a comment and tell me what you think! 

A fabulous new bag....

I mentioned a few days ago that I haven't done much shopping lately, or rather much buying. I've been so content with the contents of my closet that I just haven't found much of anything that I just can't walk away from.

Until about a month ago....

I was down in Boston visiting Beth for the day- we went to a make-up workshop and then we hit the consignment shops on Newbury Street. When I got dressed that morning, I put my outfit together, looked in the mirror and said to myself, "If only I had a nice, brown handbag." I didn't mean just any old handbag, but a high-quality one. A nice leather that looks rich and luxurious. I have a classy black leather Coach bag, an awesome leopard print Betsey Johnson, a gorgeous green Michael Kors,  and this amazing Kate Spade bag that Juhree got me for my birthday last year:

I know it seems like I'm dropping a lot of names, but the truth is that these bags have (and will) last me a long time because they are well-made and classic pieces, not because of the name printed on them. Judge me all you like.

Anyway, back to my story. So, I'm looking in the mirror thinking about how much better my outfit would be if only I had a nice, brown handbag. But unfortunately, I did NOT have one, so I had to make do with a less awesome yellow one. After the make-up class, Beth and I were in Second Time Around on Newbury Street just doing a little browsing. From across the room, I saw it and I just had to get a closer look. It was an absolutely gorgeous brown leather bag- a little slouchy, but with enough structure that it wasn't completely boho-looking. It just stood out from all the other bags on the shelf. I knew this was going to be a great find. Turns out it was another Kate Spade. The condition was flawless and the price was perfect- $189. I debated for a while, then decided to go for it. When we left the store, Beth admitted to me, "If you didn't get it, I probably would have, just to keep it in the family." No joke. It's funny how things work out sometimes- I needed a gorgeous brown handbag and the perfect one just fell in my lap mere hours after I came to that conclusion. Amazing. So, do you want to see it? I thought so...

And here I am in Chicago posing like a lunatic in front of the "Bean" with my gorgeous Kate: 

She's really perfect. I hope to have her for many years to come. Have you found any amazing handbag deals lately? Or just amazing handbags? I love a good bag almost as much as I love a good shoe. Almost.

Comment below, kids. I need the affirmation.

Accessories Anonymous: Buccaneer Bag

My weekly Shop It To Me email had a bag that made my heart stop. And it wasn't just because of the price:

Michael Kors Mila Buccaneer Shoulder Tote, Endless, $498

If you have words for this amazing bag, please comment below. I have none. Only drool. 

Project Runway Season 9- Almost Here!

If you follow the news about Project Runway, you know that Season 9 airs next week. I was checking out the casting videos for some of the season 9 cast and I think there are definitely a lot of personalities there. I'm a bit worried the casting directors focused more on personality and whether they had a good "look" for TV rather than trying to get a diverse group of incredible designers. Based solely on their 1-2 minute "casting sessions" videos on Lifetime's website, I predict Danielle Everine and Amanda Perna as the first two to be eliminated (P.S. Rumor has it the first episode will have a quadruple elimination). I also predict the top three to include Joshua Christensen, Becky Ross and Bert Keeter in the first episode with Joshua as the winner of the first challenge.

I wonder how much the judges know about the contestants before they see their work. In a perfect world, they would know nothing and could base their scores solely on the work they see that day. But I imagine it's more complicated than that, especially for Heidi. I'm looking forward to Michael Kors saying things like, "She looks like a rodeo clown from the 13th century," and for Nina to roll her eyes at contestants who talk too much about their inspiration, but don't actually make anything inspiring. Also, should we start taking bets on the level of Michael Kors' tan? Last season, he was more orange every week. I can only imagine how much worse it's gotten. But enough about that- I can't wait for Tim Gunn to say things like, "There's no joy in this. Where's the exuberance?" I love when he says "exuberance." I also love when he frowns and holds his chin in his hand. He's awesome. (And he once said that I'm fabulous.)

Take a few minutes and watch some of the casting sessions yourself- then leave a comment and tell me who your favorite is so far. It's hard to tell with just a short video, but I like to see what my gut reaction is to each person before I see the slick, edited episodes.

Accessories Anonymous: The Essential Straw Tote

Summer is a time for trips to the beach, shopping excursions in quaint little downtowns and picnics where ever it's picturesque. What do all these activities require? A great straw tote bag for toting all the essentials- an extra towel and some sunscreen, or a pair of sunglasses and a wide-brim hat, or even a blanket and some plastic utensils- a great tote bag is every girls' essential item for spring and summer. And nothing is more summery a statement than a textile such as straw:

Moroccan Straw Summer Tote Bag, Amazon, $39

Large Bamboo Straw Tote, Land's End, $29.99

Michael Kors Large Straw Tote, Nordstrom, $198

Totes are so basic, and yet there are still so many to choose from. Select a tote for yourself that will suit your needs and that will ensure you're getting the most use out of it that you possibly can. Happy tote shopping, ladies! 

Rate My Look- Inspired by Brittan

Today was an absolutely fabulous day, and I'm not talking about the British sitcom. I started off my day by picking an outfit to wear out with Gigi- we had plans to get our nails done at a little salon in Portsmouth. I pulled out a dress that I haven't worn since last summer and felt instantly inspired:

Dress: Target

Shoes: Burlington Coat Factory? I think...

Sweater: Old Navy 

Bag: Michael Kors via Marshalls

Ring and Earrings: Stella and Dot

Remember Brittan and her fabulous polka-dot dress with the citrus-y accouterments? Well, she was truly my inspiration for this outfit. I wish it was exactly the same color scheme as hers, but sometimes you need to make do with what you have. In my case, I had the polka dots and I had the citrus-family colors. Rather than the lemon and tangerine she sported, I had just a splash of lemon with a bit more of lime and grapefruit. Overall, it works and it's a super fun, bright, spring-y outfit. 

My mani/pedi with Gigi was also great and afterwards we had a nice afternoon shopping in downtown Portsmouth. She went home with several new pairs of shoes. I went home without a single new purchase, but it wasn't because I didn't find anything fabulous. On the contrary, I found several super fabulous items, but all of them were selling for a lot more than I was comfortable spending. For example, take a look at me in this AMAZING hat: 

I LOVE IT!!! It's like a super chic version of a mad hatter top hat and I had a lot of trouble leaving it behind. At $158, it would have been a major splurge. Maybe I'll go back in a few weeks and see if it's on sale. I have to say, this hat would be worth every penny and if I were made of money, I'd have snatched it up in heartbeat! I found it at an adorable little shop called Puttin' on the Glitz where there are dozens of equally fabulous hats as well as gorgeous handbags and tons of jewelry. The hat itself comes from Cha-cha's House of Ill Repute, but I would caution you against clicking that last link unless you are prepared to either drop a few hundred dollars on some amazing hats, or to have your heart broken because you can't drop a few hundred dollars on some amazing hats. Seriously. 

After leaving behind that amazing hat, we stopped in to a few shoe stores, another serious weakness of mine. I found these incredibly comfortable and incredibly chic sandals:

Sorry for the poor quality of the photo.  We were in the "outlet room" at JL Coombs when I found these babies. (P.S. How cute does my pedicure look?) Heres a better photo of them from Zappos: 

Pikolinos Gomera, Zappos, $155

Super fabulous, right? And the most amazing part about these wedges is that they feel like they are flats! It's magical and I really don't understand how it's done. They felt so amazing on my feet, I nearly purchased them. At $155, even buying them in tax-free New Hampshire was still out of the question. Although, much like the hat, I believe they would have been worth every penny. I suppose that was the theme of the day- finding absolutely fabulous items for around $150. 

Do you ever have days like that, when you wish you could buy really nice things, but you know your budget just won't allow for it? The shoes were of course far more practical than the hat, but still not entirely necessary. It's hard to walk away from something I know I will wear a lot, even more so than walking away from something a little impractical, but that I absolutely adore (like that hat)!

I may have gone home empty-handed in terms of shopping booty, but I still had a wonderful girls' day with Gigi and that is really what matters. Time spent with loved ones- friends, family, etc. is so much more important than any pair of shoes or mad hatter top hat. Don't you agree? 

Accessories Anonymous: Gorgeous MK Bag

I was scrolling through my weekly Shop it to Me email and saw this:

Erin Large Shoulder Tote, Michael Kors, $383

I don't really know what it is about this bag, but I absolutely love it. Maybe it's the color, or the rich python texture, or the chains on the straps- whatever it is, it sure feels like love. A bit rich for my pocketbook, but it's fun to dream, right? 

Accessories Anonymous: Spring is coming...

Do you guys realize that it's less than a month till the official start of spring? For my birthday this year, my mom was very generous and bought me this Michael Kors leather handbag:

It's the most fabulous shade of kelly green (it looks a little lighter in the photo, sorry) and I think it is going to be the perfect bag for spring. In fact, a week or so after my birthday my mom asked me why I hadn't used it yet. When I told her I was saving it for spring, she said, "I don't know how you can wait that long! When I have something new, I have to use it right away!" Most of the time, this is true for me, too. But if you recall, I've been on a quest for the perfect bright green handbag for quite a while now. It all started back in October of 2009 and you can see the original post here. Nearly a year later in September of 2010, I found an amazing green bag, but it was right before I quit my job, so I didn't want to splurge at that time. Don't remember that post? It's here, if you want to read it again. About a month after I moved to New Hampshire, I found a job, and once again I blogged about the elusive green handbag. Don't remember? Visit here. Now, nearly a year and a half after the original pursuit began, I've finished my quest. And so I guess since I've waited so long, I may as well wait until spring- after all, it's less than a month away. 

Project Runway: Season 8, Episode 12

IN: Michael C, Mondo, Andy, Gretchen (ugh)
AUF'd: April

Let's start with the runway looks:

Andy's look

April's Look

Gretchen's look

Michael's look

Mondo's look

I feel like I have SO much to say and yet, the judges really said most of it for me. I completely agree that Mondo nailed it and that Michael's dress was great. I also agree that April has no range and Gretchen really blew it on this one. As for Andy, I've never been a fan of his aesthetic, so I'm happy for him that the judges loved his look, but it's really not something I would ever wear. Even without his "warrior woman" styling, it's not a dress I'd ever wear. Mondo's dress, on the other hand is absolutely something I would wear (if it was longer, anyway). Mondo and Andy made very similar looks in terms of construction and yet they were SO different. I prefer the playful mix of prints that Mondo does so successfully. I am not a fan of the dominatrix "wet look" that Andy does so.... well,  I suppose successfully is the word since he made it to the semi-finals.  

April is young and hopefully she's also resilient. I hope she'll grow from this experience because she has a lot of time ahead of her to be successful in the fashion industry. While I agree that she's made some nice things, I also agree that they're all basically the same thing with minor variations and NONE of those variations include color. I said the same thing a week or two ago- she's never done anything other than black and she did the same thing again this week. I agree with whichever judge referred to her model as a "pregnant witch." I think that for the most part, April designs high-end Hot Topic and as Michael Kors says, "It has no joy." He's so right about that. I think it was the right decision to send her home, but I wish the judges had also sent Gretchen home. I find her to be so unbelievably arrogant that it's not surprising she's struggled so much in the industry. If you're going to make it in as tough an industry as fashion, you need a touch of humility and loads of support from friends, family, business partners- wherever you can get it. I'm only guessing here, but I wonder if her arrogance has alienated her a bit. Why would anyone want to help someone who doesn't listen, and who is so unfailingly judgmental? Right up until the bitter end, she was being snarky and rude about Michael. "He's either an idiot savant or just an idiot." Really? You really want to be on camera saying that about another person and not in a humorous setting? Really?!?!? Ivy was worse, no doubt, but Gretchen is a close second for the villain character of the season. If I never hear her speak again, it will be too soon. 

Speaking of Michael, I think he nailed it. His inspiration was clear, but he didn't make a replica in any way. I absolutely could see that dress on the red carpet, even if I couldn't see it in my personal wardrobe. I agree with the other contestants that it's hard to understand Michael's aesthetic, but for them to be so against him right up to the end just makes me sad. Even when he asked them, "What do you think?" Not a single one said  something clearly positive and supportive. Instead, they all said, very judgmentally I might add, "It's very sexual. Sexual." Just ONCE I wish someone (besides the judges) said, "You did a beautiful job on that dress." I was thrilled for him when Mondo said such nice things about him. Michael is genuinely touched when the other designers are supportive of him and he has had SO little support from them, I'm amazed he's not more worn out like Gretchen. Then again, maybe Gretchen wouldn't be so tired if she just focused on her work and stopped telling everyone else how to design their garments. She's insufferable and I can't stand her. 

As for the semi-finals, I hope that the guys all make it through to fashion week and Gretchen goes home, however, the judges have loved some of her looks that I found positively revolting and unfortunately personality doesn't really factor in their decision, so I think it will end up being Mondo, Andy and Gretchen in the end. I hope they prove me wrong, I really hope they do. 

On another note, I absolutely ADORED having Christian Siriano as a guest judge. I thought he was very insightful and articulate and he demonstrated a maturity that was often lacking during his season of the show. I hope he continues to have success as a fashion designer because it is clearly what he is meant to do. 

All right, friends- only 2 more weeks until the season is over! It's been a good one and overall I've really enjoyed it. What are your thoughts on this season? The cast? The challenges? The new 90-minute format? Leave a comment!

Project Runway: Season 8, Episode 6

WIN: Michael C
AUF'd: Peach

When a bride says to her bridesmaids, "You can totally wear this dress again," it's always such a deluded remark because they mean that you can wear it again AS IS. Maybe at the most they mean you can chop the length, but either way, why do they bother saying that? Is it out of guilt for asking a friend to spend $200 or $300 on a dress? Or do they really think their taste in dresses is THAT good? Either way, I think there's a business idea in there somewhere. If you could bring your used bridesmaid dress to a designer and have them completely re-work it for a reasonable price, that would be amazing. Let's hope they come back looking like Mondo's design:

I admit, I'm shocked he didn't take home a win for this dress. It's flawless and you would never in a million years guess that it was previously a bridesmaid dress. And while I'm happy for Michael C to take home another win, I just don't know if I agree with that decision. His dress is SO short and I wish he'd done what Mondo did by turning the fabric to the wrong side to get rid of some of the shiny-ness.

And inch or 2 longer is all I'm asking for, although apparently his model wanted it even shorter than this! I suppose we can't all share the same taste level. I admit, the pleating and draping is all beautifully done- what are Gretchen and Ivy talking about when they say he doesn't know how to sew? What I do like about Michael C is that he is open to the ideas around him (like adding the lace to the top of the dress), but he is certain that he likes the idea that someone else has given him. I think that's the mark of a good collaborator- being open to the ideas of others. But the question is: When other people aren't around to offer a suggestion, how will he do?

The other top look for me was actually Ivy's. Despite being such a jerk every episode (although not nearly the jerk that Gretchen has been), I really liked her work this week:

I hate when I like the design but not the designer. I want to feel good about supporting someone and if they are a jerk, I don't want them to be as successful! Isn't that terrible of me? I hated Kenley on her season and I was devastated when Meana Irena took home the final win in Season 6. Why can't the nicest people also be the most talented? I suppose that wouldn't make for very dramatic TV, though, would it? 

Speaking of dramatic TV, what on earth was Peach thinking with this monstrosity? 

I love Michael Kors' quotes, but this week was a doozy: "You've got an avocado goiter!" The ruffles are truly horrifying and the fabric choice is a complete disaster. Unlike Mondo's successful result with turning the fabric around, Peach's skirt just ended up looking like a cheap, polyester business skirt. A poorly made one, too. I won't miss Peach- she was nice and she occassionally had a humorous remark to say, but I never cared for her design esthetic. So long, Peach and best wishes! Just avoid avocado goiters in the future, please!

Project Runway: Season 8, Episode 4

WIN: Michael
AUF'd: Kristin

Honestly, you know I've had a rough week, when an episode of Project Runway airs and I don't manage to blog about it immediately! I'm sorry this is so late, but doesn't the saying go, "better late than never?" I'm banking on that. Anyway, last weeks episode was an exciting one because of the artistic element involved. A PHILIP TREACY HAT! Holy cow.

My favorite episodes often center around a prestigious guest judge- Bob Mackie was probably my favorite of all time, but Philip Treacy is pretty exciting, too. Remember SJP's outfit for the premier of the first SATC movie? She wore a Treacy hat with an Alexander McQueen dress. It doesn't get much better than that. In case you forgot it, here it is:

I think that if I were on Project Runway, a challenge like this would kill me. It is SO hard to take such a statement piece like a Philip Treacy hat and create a garment that can stand with it, yet avoid competing with it. They have to be the perfect complement to each other and just thinking about that challenge is enough to blow my mind. Fortunately, some designers minds were not too blown by the challenge and they managed to not only succeed, but to excel. First up, the winner:

Can you believe he actually threw an entire dress out and started over? I love it when the underdog wins! Time will tell if he actually is an underdog, or if this was merely a lucky week for Michael. Another top design for me was Andy's design. He wasn't in the top or bottom three, but his design still stood out for me:

I suppose it's a touch costume-y, but the color of the dress against the hat just really worked for me. Another top look (for the judges AND me) was Valerie's. Are you all feeling as sorry for her as I am. Every week she's in the top, but she just can't catch a break and get the win!

I think Valerie had one of the most difficult hats to work with, since it was more of a mask than a hat. She nailed it, though. I've got my fingers crossed for her to get a win this week. It's her time! Now, can I get a show of hands for who was surprised that the judges hated Christopher's design? Me, too! I was shocked! In case you forgot, here it is:

When this look turned the corner onto the runway, I died. I loved it! I understand what Michael Kors said about the satin leggings, but other than that, I love this look and I think it works flawlessly with the hat. But I suppose that since Philip Treacy didn't like it, it doesn't actually work as well as I think. I also find it hard to believe that there was any comparison between it and April's look. Can we talk about the diaper shorts for a minute? No, strike that- they're the LAST thing I want to talk about. Especially since she didn't get eliminated. Ugh.

One word: Ew.

Do you really think that hideous monstrosity deserved to stay and Kristin's black and pink dress deserved a trip home?

I'm not saying this look is amazing, but it's not a pair of booty shorts that look less flattering than a diaper. Just sayin'.

What do you think? Was this episode as good as the Mackie episode? Leave a comment- you know I love them!

Prada B.Y.O. Bags

Have you all heard about the new Prada B.Y.O. Bag line? They are cotton tote bags bearing the Prada logo and made using archived Prada prints and they will be retailing for $295.

I don't know about you guys and gals, but my canvas and cotton tote bags are mostly the free or $1 type that you get at the grocery store or at community events. They work just fine when I go to the Farmer's Market and I hardly mind if a strawberry gets squished and stains the bag. I'd be incensed if I stained my $300 Prada bag with fruit juice! Don't get me wrong, I'm all for a beautiful designer handbag, but all the ads are touting this line as "the cheaper" version of a Prada handbag. It's supposedly the more financially accessible bag for those of us who can't afford a real Prada handbag at Neiman's or Barney's. Somehow, I find that a tad insulting. If I can't afford a real Prada handbag (which I can't), what on earth makes you think I'm going to shell out nearly $300 for a glorified shopping bag just because it says "Prada" on it? For that price, I could get a real, leather handbag from a designer like Michael Kors or Coach, or maybe even two designer handbags for that price if I shop at Marshalls or SYMS.

I admit the archived prints used on the bags is a pretty cool idea, but I'd rather see a great diffusion line of skirts or dresses made with vintage Prada prints, or maybe they could price these particular bags a little more afforably but only make a limited number of each print. Or better yet, actually handbags, not tote bags, made with these prints. The archived prints they selected certainly are beautiful. I'm particularly fond of the ones in the 2nd picture. But I don't love them enough to buy a cotton tote bag for $295. $295!!!

Even $50 per bag is way too excessive for a cotton tote that will likely be best used carrying asparagus and tomatoes from the farmer's market or a towel and sunscreen for a trip to the beach. But at $50, I'm slightly less insulted by the "cheaper version of a Prada handbag" advertising spin. And I'll be honest, even if they were $50 instead of $295, I still think I'd pass.

What about you? What do you think of Prada's B.Y.O. Bag line? Frivolous or fabulous?

Dressing for a Wedding

Wedding season is upon us, and chances are good you've got at least one to attend this year. I actually enjoy putting together an outfit for a wedding but I completely understand why the task can be a little daunting. In fact, if you remember, I enlisted your opinion when choosing an outfit for a wedding in October. There is one hard and fast fashion rule when you are a guest at a wedding: Do no wear white unless you are the bride. Some might say that you shouldn't wear black to a wedding, but it's for superstitious reasons- some say it's bad luck. Fashion-wise there is no faux pas associated with wearing black to a wedding.

Not having rules to follow can actually make dressing for a wedding even more difficult. But there are always guidelines to follow. Consider the following when selecting your attire:

- What time of day is the wedding?
- Where is the wedding/reception located?
- Has the couple specified attire in the invitation?

Obviously, an afternoon wedding that takes place in an outdoor setting will be more casual than an evening wedding at a posh hotel or restaurant. Black tie or white tie specified in the invitation is very clear for men, but can still be confusing for women. And what about the beach front wedding followed by a reception at a yacht club- is it casual or formal?

Hopefully if you have been invited to the wedding, you know the couple pretty well and if the question of casual vs. dressy exists, you should probably be able to figure out which direction the couple would go in. If however, it's a distant cousin you don't know too well, then the task is a little more difficult. For the sake of this blog post, let's assume you have a good idea of the type of wedding you are attending. No matter what the style of the wedding, the most important accessory you will choose is your shoes. Weddings are long events, often culminating in much dancing, so you want shoes that won't kill your feet from the start. For beautiful shoes that are also comfortable I must recommend Nina Shoes. I use these all the time for the performers at AMT because they are durable, elegant and comfortable. I often find them at heavily discounted prices at places like SYMS, Burlington Coat Factory, Marshall's and TJ Maxx.

So now that you know about the most important part, let's get on to the outfits!

Casual, outdoor wedding:

Dress: Anthropologie, $158

Flats: Nina, $79.95

Straw Clutch: Michael Kors, $106.99

A casual, outdoor wedding is the perfect opportunity to wear a fun print- just make sure the dress has dressy feel to it. Even though it's a casual wedding, it's still a wedding, so "casual" doesn't have the exact same meaning as it does in "casual cookout" or "casual date." You still need to bring it just a little bit.

In-between wedding:

Dress: Modcloth, $53.99

Clutch: G by Guess, $20

Shoes: Nina, $79.95

For the in-between wedding, it's best to err on the side of being little dressier, but have fun with your outfit. The bright green shoes add a fun punch of color and the grey clutch is a nice change from the traditional black evening bag.

Formal, evening wedding:

Dress: Sung Boutique, $108

Clutch: Emitations, $75

Shoes: Nina, $99.95

For a formal wedding (black or white tie), you really do need to wear full evening attire. It's up to you if you want to go long or short on the dress, but I find that short is always best for two reasons. First, with a long formal gown, you run the risk of looking like you're there to accept an Academy Award. And second, if you absolutely must kick of your shoes to shake your booty, the hem won't get shredded by the end of the night if you go short.

As with any outfit, use the accessories to add some personality to your look. It will help set you apart from the countless other guests at the reception. I once attended a wedding where I was literally the only 20-something who wasn't wearing an LBD and I was quite proud of myself for standing out in the crowd. If you must wear an LBD, be sure to spice it up with great accessories.

And please, refrain from doing the Chicken Dance. No one looks good doing the Chicken Dance.

Project Runway: Season Seven, Episode 12

BRYANT PARK: Emilio, Seth Aaron, Mila and Jay
AUF'd: Anthony

What a fun challenge, right? Designing fashion inspired by the circus must be SO much fun, especially the part where you get to actually watch a circus show. A traditional circus show. I know Cirque du Soleil has been all the rage for the last 10 years or so, but there's a reason Barnum & Bailey's is still going strong. It's the "Greatest Show on Earth!" As for the fashions, I loved how every design looked so avant garde and over the top. Drama! I love it!

My initial reactions to each look:
Jay: He actually managed to make that Michael Jackson jacket look like it wasn't a Michael Jackson jacket. The open neckline made all the difference. I wish he had done it in less circus-y colors because it did strike me as almost too similar to an actual circus ring leader costume.

Mila: I HATE this outfit! It was costume from start to finish, in my opinion. Awful, just awful.

Anthony: Nice gown, but not anywhere close to the drama needed for a final challenge garment.

Emilio: Why did he have to add those polka dots? I think it would have been FLAWLESS if it wasn't for the polka dots. But that's just my opinion. I don't think the polka dots ruined the look, I just would have preferred it without them. To me, the stripes were so striking that I didn't need the polka dots.

Seth Aaron: If the sleeves had been shorter or maybe if the garment had been sleeveless, I would have liked it better. I still love the outfit because of how dramatic it was and because of the gravity-defying collars.

As for the judges reactions, I LOVE how Michael and Heidi FULL ON went up to the runway to feel Anthony's gown fabric. I also LOVE that everyone loved Emilio's gown the best. It was my favorite, too.

This is always the episode where they ask the designers, "Why should you go to fashion week?" and "Who should go with you?" I wish they'd call me up and ask, "Renee, whose collections would YOU like to see?" But it doesn't work that way goshdarnit. But let's suppose they did ask me that, my answer would be, "Emilio, Seth Aaron and Anthony." I am NOT a Mila fan and I think Jay's designs are something I've already seen. I rarely feel like Jay is being incredibly innovative. Meanwhile, I think that Seth Aaron and Emilio are always incredibly creative and Anthony's just SO entertaining. That's why I'd pick those three.

I love the twist with Jay and Mila at the end- it's just like the season with Chris March and Rami. I hope Jay brings it because I really don't like Mila. I don't like her designs and I don't like her personality. I don't have any interest in seeing a Mila collection to be honest. But time will tell how it all plays out.

Who would you pick? Do you agree with the judges decision? Leave a comment!

Easter Weekend

I hope you all had a fabulous Easter weekend. Mine was actually quite eventful and I have several outfits to show you. First up, my church attire for Easter Sunday morning. I've always admired the women who can wear a big ol' hat to church and look fabulous doing it. I have always wanted to wear one. I didn't actually wear the hat to church- but I did enjoy snapping some pictures with it before heading out to service.

Dress: Target, $12.98

Shoes: Kenneth Cole, $14.98

Hat: Nine West, $19.99

Sunglasses: Michael Kors, gift

Flower pin: Ann Taylor Loft, $3

Belt: I have NO idea!

After snapping these and many more unsuccessful photos with my camera perched on top of the neighborhood mailbox, I decided to stop being such a cheapskate and after church I bought myself a tripod. Later that afternoon, I put on my fun green floral dress and decided to head out around the neighborhood to practice taking pictures. It was supposed to be just for fun and to start to better understand my camera and lighting and whatnot. I did learn a lot, but not about what you might think. You see, as soon as I stepped outside my apartment with nothing but the clothes on my back and my tripod-mounted camera, I realized I'd just shut the LOCKED door behind me. Yup. Easter Sunday early evening and I was completely locked out. What a loser I am, right? After about an hour and a half, I was back in my apartment, safe and sound, but it was definitely an adventure. An adventure in stupidity, that is. Anyway, here are a couple of the "practice" shots I took, including one with me sitting on my front stoop, waiting...

Dress: ME!

Shoes: Sofft via Marshalls, $29.99

Ring: Festoon, $40

I forgot to take a good shot of my shoes- these are a perfect example of a nude shoe. They're wedges, so they're more comfortable than heels, but the nude aspect is really what's key. Don't worry, there will be many more opportunities this summer for me to photograph them. Anyway, I had fun playing with my camera, but hopefully the next time I try to practice playing photographer, I'll remember to bring my keys, or my phone, or a credit card or something useful to a person locked out of her home.

The next day (Monday) was the most beautiful day we've had in a while and I ended up going kayaking on the Susquehanna River with my friend Mindy. I will only be showing you one picture of my outfit from that adventure:

Sorry friends, no photos in my bathing suit will be on the internet anytime soon. The water was freezing, but the sun was hot, so it was a great afternoon out on the river. I got quite a bit of sun, but hopefully I'll get to build on it even more in the coming weeks and hopefully be able to get my skin from pasty-white to a nice healthy glowing tan.

Today I'm headed back to work after this fabulous long weekend. It's going to be another unseasonably warm  day here in PA, so I hope I've dressed appropriately. It was raining and thundering earlier this morning, but now the sun is shining and I hope it stays that way for the rest of the day. I decided to look a little "French" today. By the way, these photos were all taken using my new tripod. I think I did pretty well!

Dress: Old Navy, $8.79

Hat: Target, $1.50 (No joke!)

Flower pin: Ann Taylor Loft, $3

Earrings: Aldo, I think

Shoes: Deb Shops, I forget how much

Ring: Gift

I got caught adjusting my hat in this one! Gotta be more careful with that self-timer!

I think the black and white stripes along with the red flower and the cute hat all make this outfit very Parisian. Or at least that's my intent.

Well, I think that's enough photos for today. It's Shoesday Tuesday, so I'll try to post again this evening. I got my April shoe selections from Shoe Dazzle, so I want to share them with you. Check back soon!