Rate My Look: Cashmere and Suede

I had a bit of a shopping spree the other day. My red pants were part of the haul. I also managed to score some major luxury pieces at bargain prices. In total, I spent just under $140 and I came home with a belt, a sweater, a skirt, my red velvet pants and an awesome pair of suede boots. Not too shabby, right?

You see, my theme for 2013- in all areas of my life, not just shopping- is to "elevate." I'm going to apply this theme to everything I do- from work to my social life to my hobbies to my home life- everything! From now on, everything I do will be a notch above what it used to be. I don't have to reach the sky in everything, just elevate a little, but do it across the board. So there it is: elevate.

The idea came from that period last year when I felt no desire to purchase anything for myself. I still loved shopping, but I had no reason to buy. I was perfectly content with the contents of my wardrobe. After living through that period, I was able to reflect back on it and realize that my feelings of contentment came from knowing that I had great pieces in my closet, great accessories to match with them and great shoes to finish it all off. I'd stopped spending my money on cheap junk. It was a bit of an epiphany for me.

It's so easy to get caught up in bargain shopping that we often end up spending money on cheap junk that doesn't last, either because it's a silly fad or because it's so poorly made that it only survives a few washes before you have to toss it. Once I realized this, I resolved to only purchase quality pieces from now on. My logic is simple: spend a little more for a higher quality piece, and in the long run save money because I'm buying fewer pieces. However, "elevating" doesn't always mean spending more. At consignment shops, sample sales or just really great store sales, I can find high end pieces at bargain prices. As long as the items themselves are quality, that's all that matters.

My Kate Spade bag is a perfect example of this. It's a classic color and style and the quality is good enough that I won't have to buy another brown handbag for quite a while. And while I bought it for about $200, it would normally retail for closer to $500. I've already gotten several months use out of it and it still looks and feels brand new. I purged my handbag collection a while ago and only kept the best ones- the real leather, the high-end designers, the classic ones that will last for years.

On my recent shopping spree, I kept my "elevate" theme in mind. I knew I needed a new sweater or two, so I decided to only consider cashmere. And as for the boots, well, that's a whole other story that has little to do with my "elevate" theme and more to do with luck. I'd tried them on at TJ Maxx several months ago, when they were about $100. Typical retail price is closer to $200, so they felt like a decent deal at the time. However, I passed on them because I had just bought a couple pair of boots, and even though these were really nice ones, I just didn't need them. Well, the other day on my shopping spree, I stopped into a Marshalls and saw them for $48. I tried them on and they were a little too big- my foot was wiggling around inside them. Again, I passed. Even at $48, they're not a deal if they'll be too uncomfortable to wear. On my way home, I popped into TJ Maxx and there I found not only a gorgeous Cynthia Rowley cashmere sweater, but the same boots for just $39 and they were my size! It was kismet!

So, now that I've give you the world's longest description and shopping explanation, here's my outfit with the sweater and boots:

I should have taken a shot of just the boots while I had the on. Fail. Instead, I have this terrible photo, but at least you can see the cool details: 

I love how the heel and toe have the darker shading on them and I also love the buckles. The heel is a little high for work. I had to switch to flats about half-way through the day, but maybe once they're broken in I'll be able to last a little longer. We'll see. 

So there you have it: one of many elevated looks to come in 2013. How do you plan to make 2013 better than 2012? Did you make resolutions or are you happy with the status quo? Leave a comment!

Rate My Look: Red Pants!

On Wednesday, I did some damage on the post-holiday sales. Between Ann Taylor Loft and TJ Maxx, I managed to come home with quite a bit. A new pair of suede boots, a cashmere sweater, a wool sequin skirt, a new sparkly feather belt and my favorite new item: a stunning pair of red velveteen skinny pants!

Colorful pants have been everywhere for the last year, but mostly in more casual options like jeans and corduroys. Unfortunately, those are too casual for work. I did get a pair of awesome kelly green jeans and another pair of super cute purple-ish pink jeans and I got a lot of wear out of both of them this summer. When it came to work place attire, they were just too casual. So, after seeing these amazing pants, I knew I needed to get them for work. Originally around $90, I ended up paying just $22 for them!

Everything I bought that day was a major bargain, but the pants (from Ann Taylor Loft) were far and away the best deal. Care to see how I styled them? Wait no longer:

What I really wanted was a black and white graphic sweater in a luxurious textile like cashmere. I shopped all afternoon for something that would work. I did find a great cashmere sweater, but it was more of an oatmeal color and although it's beautiful, it didn't work with the pants. So, in an effort to keep with the black and white idea, I just layered the jacket over a satin top. It works. I'm still going to hunt for the perfect top to wear with these pants, but for now, this look will do. It's far from shabby. 

I kept catching myself in the mirror at work and realizing, "Holy crap! These pants are RED." I love them and I am so happy I got them. They definitely bring a bit of fun to a dreary time of year. 

Have you hit the post-holiday sales? What have you hauled in? Leave a comment! 

Wonderful Wednesday

I love Wednesdays. They are usually my day off from work and I often spend them with friends. Today I spent the day with my friend Melanie. She was down visiting me mainly to pick up the dress I had made for her. She's wearing it to a wedding this weekend and I'm so excited to see photos of her in it! After fitting the dress and making sure it was perfect, we spent the afternoon shopping. She found an amazing pair of heels- actually they are a black version of these. I found a fabulous pair of nude heels that I plan to wear for a big date I've got next weekend. But that's all I'm willing to share about that right now.

Melanie also found an amazing cross-body satchel bag at TJ Maxx. At first, she was jealous of my new bag, but then she snatched up this one and it was my turn to be jealous!

Is that fabulous or what? At only $29.99, I think it was a major steal as well. I love the richness of the color- it's perfect for fall. She actually tossed the contents of her other bag into her new one almost immediately and wore it for the rest of the day. She also scored an amazing pair of boots, but I neglected to get a picture of them. In all, it was a very successful day for both of us. What was your Wednesday like? 

Shoesday Tuesday- Awesome Floral Pumps

Picture this scene: a girl walks into a TJ Maxx on a bright, sunny summer evening. She walks towards the back of the store toward the bed and bath section. She's looking for a new shower curtain. On the way, she encounters these spectacular floral high-heel pumps:

This may not seem like a remarkable story. Until now: rather than place them in her shopping cart, the young girl resists the temptation, and instead of purchasing the shoes, merely photographs them for use on her fabulous fashion blog. Then she continues to the bed and bath section of the store, selects a shower curtain and continues on her merry way. If that isn't a story of amazing self-restraint, I don't know what is. 

I believe those heels may haunt me for many more days and nights to come. Something so pretty just HAS to be worn, right? I would LOVE to own those shoes, but I also know I own plenty of amazing shoes. Every now and then I try to resist my shopping urges. This one was really tough, but I survived to tell the story. 

Although, if I'm back in TJ Maxx in a week and they're still there in my size, I can't promise I'll exercise the same self restraint. I'm only human, after all.

Rate My Look- How to Wear Ankle-Strap Shoes

You know how I'm always preaching the value of a great nude shoe? One of the primary reasons is because a nude shoe continues the leg line and has a lengthening effect. Conversely, a shoe that is a contrasting color can have a way of stopping the eye. Sometimes this is good- like when you want to wear a pop of color at your feet. But other times- like when there is an ankle strap involved- it is not good. A shoe with an ankle strap will always be harder to pull off than one without, but there are ways to make it look good. Kind of like this:

I felt like such a babe in this outfit. 

Seriously, the dudes at the grocery store were giving me the eye. 

There are a few general rules to follow when attempting to wear an ankle-strap shoe. The Nine West ones pictured above have a special place in my heart. I've owned them for years and I plan to keep them around for at least another decade or so. I bought them at TJ Maxx for around $5- no joke. They were missing the ribbon tie that is designed to hold the two side straps together, so they had been drastically marked down. Fortunately, there was a small arts and crafts store next door to the TJ's, so after I bought the shoes, I popped in there and bought a bunch of ribbon. And by "a bunch of ribbon," I mean a yard in just about every color in these shoes (which is a lot of colors). Honestly, had the shoes not been missing an essential piece, I might never have done that and therefore never owned what is actually a really versatile pair of amazing heels. On this particular day, I chose to wear them with a bright purple organza ribbon: 

See all the great colors there? I've got purple, pink, green, yellow, black, and brown to work with, and my ribbons are even more varied- there are sheer organza ones, satin ones, even a grosgrain ribbon or two in the mix. When I wear these shoes, it's often hard to pick which ribbon will work the best. But I've gone completely off topic now, haven't I? I have. The point of this post is the ankle strap. I chose these shoes to demonstrate how to do it well for a couple of reasons:

1.) The ankle strap itself- both the actual shoe ankle strap and the ribbon I've selected- are delicate and light.
2.) The ankle strap hits at the smallest part of my ankle and also has a slight downward direction.
3.) The heels are nice and tall.

These are all key factors in selecting a pair of flattering ankle-strap shoes. Of course, if you are a supermodel with thin, shapely legs, these things might not matter a great deal to you. If, however, you are like the millions of other women around the world with less than super-model-esque legs, these reasons will matter a great deal.

First, the size of the strap- how dainty and delicate it is- makes a difference. It contributes to the overall "weight" of the shoe. A thick, heavy strap will make the shoe (and the wearer) look thick and heavy. A thinner, more delicate strap will have the opposite effect. Keep in mind that thin and delicate are all relative- a 1/4 inch wide strap might be ideal for one person and be entirely too small for someone else. Be objective when you look in the mirror and choose a strap that is in proportion to your body. Also make sure the fit is right, particularly that the straps are not too tight. Even the thinnest person will look sausage-y if the straps are cutting into your skin too tightly.

My next point addresses not only where the ankle strap falls, but the direction it falls as well. A straight-across ankle strap will never be as flattering as one with a bit of a "V" shape or dip in the front. For this reason, T-strap shoes are often much more flattering than just an ankle strap alone. But if you aren't a fan of t-strap, look for an ankle strap that will hit at or below the smallest part of your ankle. If the strap cradles that "sweet spot" of your ankle, it will be more flattering.

Finally, an ankle strap will always- yes always- be more flattering in a high heel than in a flat. This is for the simple reason that high heels cause the muscles in our legs to flex, which makes them appear more toned and shapely. They also help elongate the leg because they are literally adding inches. In short, high heels give us longer, more toned legs, which is why we suffer in them. Beauty hurts.

So now that you understand how to choose the most flattering ankle-strap shoes, let's talk about the best way to wear them as part of an outfit. You can see in the picture above that I've selected a sleek pencil skirt that hits above the knee, and that has a very high waist. This is no accident. The high waistline elongates my leg line even further- this is a wardrobe manipulation I have talked about many times, so if you are a regular S...tNB reader, you should already know about this trick. Second, the slightly shorter hemline allows for more leg to show so that when it is finally cut off at the ankle, there is still quite a bit showing. A longer skirt paired with an ankle strap shoe would make my legs look stumpy, even if they were 5-inch heels. Finally, the shape of the skirt creates a long, thin silhouette- I would not benefit from a full skirt with this type of shoe. When trying to look tall and sleek, volume is not your friend.

So, there you have it- a crash course in pulling off the ankle-strap shoe. It might not be for everyone and that's okay. Honestly, if your legs are not something you like to feature, then the ankle strap shoe might not be a good choice for you. Instead, figure out what part of your body you DO want to showcase and choose clothing and shoes that will bring it out.

As always, comments are welcome!

Rate My Look- Back in Action!

Hello, all! Thanks for being patient while I took a couple of days off from blogging. I also appreciate the supportive comments on my last post. I think that after 2 years and nearly 800 posts, I was due for a little slump. Thanks for indulging me.

Anyway, I've been meaning to share this outfit with you guys because I really think it is DYNAMITE. (I'm so humble, right?) Anyway, now that I've collected an assortment of pencil skirts, I want to wear them every day. And this denim one happens to be a particular favorite of mine:

Top: So old, I don't even know where or when I got it

Skirt: Marshalls? TJ Maxx? Definitely one of those

Shoes: Daffy's

Ring and Necklace: Stella and Dot

Let us count the ways this outfit is fabulous, starting with the individual pieces: 

1.) These shoes are my absolute favorite shoes that I own and I wish I could wear them every day. However, I also wish to make it into my 40's without bunions, so there's that. But seriously- get a closer look at them here. In the words of Rachel Zoe, "I die." 

2.) The citrus-y top is so on trend right now- bright oranges, yellows and pinks are so hot for spring and summer. I love when an old piece from years ago suddenly becomes trendy again somehow. This top is so nicely structured, but it also has a bit of stretch to the fabric. I've been known to pair it with high-waisted sailor pants. Also a stellar combination, if I do say so myself. 

3.) The skirt. Seriously? This skirt is phenomenal. It's so unique and interesting to look at. Strangers complement it every time I wear it. Flattering AND interesting? I'll take it. 

4.) The jewelry- I will try not to sound all sales-pitch-y when I say this, but the Stella and Dot Sofia Pearl Bib Necklace literally elevates ANY outfit to classy and sophisticated in a heartbeat. Literally. This outfit is great on its own, but with that necklace? We've entered a whole new dimension Seriously, I die. (I am SO channeling Rachel Zoe throughout this entire post!)

Need I say more to convince you of the fabulousness that is this outfit? I didn't think so. 

Rate My Look- Purple and Grey

I love separates because they make for a seemingly unlimited amount of combinations. You have seen these boots before, as I bought them at the beginning of the winter to wear to work. The skirt and top are relatively new and I really like how they all work together. You've seen the skirt more than once here on the blog. One of my favorite looks with it is this one, but the debut can be found here. The top is one that I purchased in two different colors and I'm loving having both in my wardrobe. The original outfit with the grey version can be found here.

When I look back at my outfits, it's SO easy to see how I can pair similar pieces to create entirely new outfits using only what's already in my closet. Of course accessories help to transform the look so that it feels fresh and vibrant, but that's the case whether you're accessorizing an entirely new outfit, or one that is "re-mixed" from older pieces in your closet. 

Leave a comment and let me know what you think of my grey and purple look- I'm always interested in hearing what you have to say! 

Rate My Look- Winning Combination

I realized after browsing through my recent photos that I basically wore the exact same outfit three times this past week. In every outfit, I'd paired one of my pencil skirts with a long-sleeve turtleneck or cowl neck top. The accessories varied (more on that later), but the silhouette and pieces combined to create that silhouette were all very similar.

It all started on Sunday:

Skirt: Ann Taylor

Cowl Neck Top: Fair Indigo

Sweater & Boots: Marshalls

Earrings: H & M
Brooch: Vintage

The next day- Monday- was a LOT colder, so I took out the cashmere: 

Sweater: Christmas gift

Skirt: Marshalls

Necklace: Forever 21

Shoes: DSW

Forgive the wrinkles in my skirt- I snapped this photo AFTER driving 45 minutes to work, so my skirt wasn't looking its best like it did in this post. Finally, I put together this look on Tuesday: 

Sweater: TJ Maxx

Skirt: Daffy's

Shoes: DSW

Necklace: DIY

Tuesday's version of this look is definitely my favorite. The skirt is super cute and I love the combination of the olive fabric and the purple jewelry. Something about those two colors just makes me smile. And if you like my necklace in Tuesday's outfit and want to know more about it, check back tomorrow- I'll tell you all about it! 

But back to the clothes- sometimes you have to step back and take a look at the pieces in your closet with a fresh perspective. Think about different combinations of clothing and accessories- you'll feel like you have a whole new wardrobe! 

Leave a comment and tell me what you think about my outfit creations! 

Rate My Look- Sunday Best (Yesterday)

Often when I get dressed on Sunday morning, I'm not only taking into consideration the fact that my outfit needs to seamlessly transition from church to work, but also that it's the day after Saturday when I'm required to wear all black. Sometimes I spend more time in my closet, just trying to avoid wearing black. This Sunday I think I was pretty successful in avoiding the color while still looking chic:

Skirt: Second Time Around

Blouse: TJ Maxx

Shoes: Payless

I wish I'd taken the time to get a good shot of my hair- it really cooperated with me this morning and the half-up/half-down look was very soft and elegant looking, which it NEVER is on me. My hair rarely cooperates and I usually end up letting it do what it wants. I'd much rather be able to style it in a way that always complements my outfit, but it doesn't often work out that way. On the rare occasions that it does, I really ought to put more effort into documenting it- if only to remind myself that sometimes there is hope.

As for the outfit itself, I actually bought this top in two colors- grey and cream. The price couldn't be beat especially considering it's far from a basic "basic." The neckline is interesting and asymmetrical, the fabric is soft, sheer and feminine and it's also a very comfortable blouse to wear. It really can't be beat, if you ask me! You haven't seen the skirt before on the blog- I purchased it on consignment at Second Time Around and although I've worn it a few times, I never snapped a photo of any of the outfits. Which is strange, really, because the skirt is awesome. It has red buttons on the front a la sailor-style pants. And I love me some sailor-style pants (and skirts)! I've worn it with black blouses mostly, so it was a nice change to pair it with the grey instead. Overall, I think this outfit is a nice twist on a classic look.

Rate My Look- a Lost Outfit

I have no idea when I wore this outfit or when I took this picture. All I can tell you is that the shirt is relatively new- I got it at a bargain price at TJ Maxx a few weeks ago. The skirt I bought a few months ago at Macy's when I was shopping for black pieces to incorporate into my outfits for Saturdays at work. The necklace is from Forever 21 and it's an owl pendant. I love it. That's really all I can tell you. But while I might not have much to say, you could always write a rant about this outfit (or whatever strikes your fancy) in the comments section. Go for it!

Rate My Look- More Monochromatic

Dressing in an entirely monochromatic outfit isn't always easy and sometimes it can actually get a little boring. I am the kind of person who enjoys wearing color, so monochromatic can be difficult for me- I always want to throw a bit of brightness into just about every outfit.

Last week, a "snowstorm" hit our area and as a result, I gave myself an extra 45 minutes to get to work that day. Of course, Murphy's Law dictates that since I gave myself the extra time, it would not be needed. I decided to spend a few minutes taking pictures of my outfit, since I really had nothing better to do. It occurred to me that it was actually a pretty good outfit to put on the blog for a couple of reasons:

Sweater: TJ Maxx

Skirt: Ann Taylor Loft (only $4!)

Boots: Payless

1.) It uses one of my favorite combinations of colors- yellow and grey. Usually, I prefer a more lemon yellow than this mustard-y one, but it still works. 

2.) It demonstrates the monochromatic concept from the waist down, which is sometimes just as effective as an all-over monochromatic look. In this case, the cinched waist of the skirt creates a nice focal point on my silhouette, and then the grey tights and boots help to draw the eye in a vertical direction, creating a lengthening effect. In truth, we know my legs don't actually start way up at the waistline of my skirt, but that's why it's called an illusion. 

3.) It looks great against the snow-y white backdrop. 

Ok, that third reason isn't really fashion-related, but it's still a great reason to include the outfit on the blog. I was a little disappointed in the lighting when I shot this picture. Can you tell what a gloomy day it was? It snowed almost the entire day. I don't mind snow, but I don't like an overcast sky, at least not for long stretches of time. It's been days since I saw the sun. At least my outfit has a bit of sunshine to it. 

Rate My Look- Wiggle Week Finale

Since Saturday is our day to wear all black, I was thrilled to find this fabulous Calvin Klein wiggle dress at TJ Maxx the other day. And it was a bargain at $20! I wore it to work the very first Saturday after I purchased it and it was a hit!

What I love about this dress is its versatility. It looks just as great with heels as it does with my low 1-inch wedges. It even works with flats! It's also great for work OR for a nice dinner out on the town. I'd even wear it on a date with some fun red pumps! With a minor variation in accessories, it can work in SO many ways. Since the silhouette is so flattering, I just have to focus on the extra details that make the outfit really special. What do you think of it? Love it? Hate it? Tell me in the comments! 

I'm sad to say this post is the last of the "Wiggle Week" installments, but I hope you enjoyed it while it lasted. I hope you didn't get sick of seeing the same silhouette every day, because I certainly didn't get sick of writing about it! 

If you could choose, what silhouette would you like to know more about? Leave a comment and let me know. I may not dedicate an entire week to it, but I'll certainly focus at least a post or two towards it.

Accessories Anonymous: A Steve Madden Bag was Stalking Me Today...

It was your typical afternoon at TJ Maxx- some bargains to be found, some interesting patrons roaming the aisles. I haven't felt the need to purchase much lately- I genuinely can't think of anything I need. There's plenty that I want, of course, but need? Not so much. Regardless, I still like to pop in to some of my favorite bargain stores just in case there's something super cheap that I simply cannot pass up. On this particular day, I didn't find anything that matched that description, but I did managed to get stalked for a little while. By a HANDBAG, no less. I snapped his photo in case I need to file a police report:

It was only $34.99 and it was definitely one of the nicer "vegan" bags Steve Madden has put out. The "leather" was soft and supple, not too stiff. And it was HUGE. I have a tendency to fall in love with enormous bags because of how they look, but as soon as I purchase one, I tend to fall out of love a bit. Aesthetically, I adore them. Functionally, they let me down every time. (Well, that's not fair. They don't let me down when I need to smuggle a bag of popcorn, 2 packages of Reese's pieces and a couple of bottled drinks into the movie theatre, but other than that...) I really hate that "bottomless pit" syndrome that so many large bags tend to have. And as gorgeous as this Steve Madden bag is, with it's contrast stitching and it's twisted front detail, as soon as I opened it, I knew it would be that bottomless bag that I find so difficult to deal with. I put it back and walked away from it. I thought it was out of my life until I turned the corner and there it was again- this time in a buttery brown: 

I picked it up AGAIN! I was so drawn to it, I couldn't really help myself! But after a moment, I regained my senses and once again convinced myself it would be the bottomless bag that drives me bonkers. I walked away for the second time. This time, I really thought it was out of my life, but as I meandered down another aisle of bags, there it was again! This time, in a nearly irresistible pewter: 

Hello, gorgeous. 

At this point, I was starting to feel a little bit paranoid, so I rushed out of the bag section and over to the cashmere, but the whole experience had me pretty freaked out. Wouldn't you be freaked out if a bag was stalking you like that? Stop judging me. It's not like I bought it. But I kind of want to. In all three colors. I said to stop judging me!  

Rate My Look- More Black!

Top: TJ Maxx

Sweater: The Closet

Skirt: Old Navy

Belt: H&M

Boots: Gap

Earrings: H&M

This is one of my favorite go-to black outfits for work. It's comfortable, cute and the layers make it ideal. It's often chilly up at the front desk, but I warm up quickly if I'm in the back end of the store. My (new) cashmere cardigan is the perfect layering piece because it keeps me warm when I'm up front, but doesn't overwhelm my outfit. Yes, this is the cashmere sweater that I bought while shopping on Newbury Street a few weeks ago. I've worn it SO many times since then and it has already become a well-loved and often-utilized piece in my wardrobe.

Rate My Look- Do I Practice What I Preach?

A few of my recent posts have covered how to pull off different looks- specifically skinny jeans and boots in summer. But to prove I practice what I preach, I've put together a couple of outfits that I've worn since I got home from my vacation. Most of the pieces were purchased on that vacation, but they all work to help demonstrate the advice I wrote in those posts. For starters, the skinny jeans look:

While this may not be the best or most creative outfit I've ever put together, it does follow the rules of wearing skinny jeans- cinched high waistline and monochromatic pairings. I purchased almost this entire outfit on vacation at TJ Maxx. The skinnies were a bargain- Ralph Lauren for $17. The top was $10 and the vest was $7. Bargains all around if you ask me! The top and vest are both very flowy, with lots of billowing fabric. This type of style doesn't often flatter my body, so cinching them together with the skinny belt helps keep it flattering and sleek. The skinnies work a lot better on me with the bottom cuffed, especially since I decided on flats, but with heels I could easily un-cuff them and still look pretty good.

Next up is the boots in summer conundrum:

I'm sure you remember this dress from this post, but this time I removed the sash that came with it and added the thicker blue ribbon sash for a fun color combination. The boots are the ones I found on consignment while on vacation. They were perhaps the best deal of the trip at a measly $12! Seriously, isn't that a bargain? Get a closer look at them- you know you want to!

Could they be any more fabulous? I'm SO diggin' cowboy boots these days. As a born & raised Yankee, I find wearing them ironic. And they are actually the most comfortable pair of boots I have ever worn. Seriously, I don't know what makes them so magical, but I plan on wearing these babies a LOT. But this isn't about just the boots, it's about wearing the boots in summer. I've paired it with a light, feminine sundress and some complimentary accessories. The whole effect works despite the 90-degree weather.

So there you have it- two examples that I do my best to practice what I preach. What do you think? Leave a comment!

Shoesday Tuesday- Vacation is over

So, tomorrow I begin my 7 1/2 hour drive back to Central Pennsylvania. I will likely post all of my shopping booty from this trip as the week continues, but I just have to tell you that one amazing purchase includes a pair of cream high-heel cowboy boots that are wicked awesome. ("Wicked" is a term New Englanders use to mean "very, very, very." Ex. "Those boots are wicked pissah.") I also got some interesting vintage pieces (like the gloves from the other day), a whole slew of Life is Good garb, as well as a cute outfit from TJ Maxx, and a fabulous sun hat from Marshalls. The best find ever was the boots, though and I'll tell you why when I post an outfit with them.

My vacation consisted mostly of eating delicious food, shopping, and spending time with friends and family. I got to spend some quality time with a lot of good friends who I haven't seen in a long time, so even without all the great shopping, I consider this vacation one of the best I've had. Also, I did manage to eat cannoli and gelato from the North End of Boston, a lobster roll from a dive-y seafood stand (where the best seafood is always served), and ice cream from my favorite ice cream stand (Memories in Exeter, NH). I like to revolve my vacations around food and shopping. Doesn't everyone? I particularly enjoyed eating foods that are regional treats. Central PA has some good food, but I would never in a million years order a lobster roll there.

Anyway, I encourage each and every one of you to take a trip to New England when you have a chance. Not only is there delicious seafood (find the most run-down ramshackle-looking roadside stand near the seacoast for the good stuff), but it's beautiful (mountains, seacoast and a lakes region) and full of wonderful cultural events (like Red Sox games and county fairs). But bring the bug spray or those new clip-on bug repellant things (the black flies are wicked brutal). For breakfast, find a mom & pop diner and make sure to get real NH (or VT) maple syrup on your pancakes. Parker's Maple Barn is a favorite place of mine (order the Parker's Special with the deep fried French toast (deep fried!!!) or the daily pancake- either choice is a winner). Take a day hike up Mount Monadnock- (the most frequently hiked mounted in the word- we recently surpassed Mount Fuji for that coveted title, although the website has yet to be updated) on a clear day you can see all the way to Boston. Speaking of Boston, take a morning to walk the Freedom Trail, then grab lunch in the North End (it'll be cheaper than dinner) followed by a quick trip to Mike's Pastry to stock up on chocolate chip cannoli (get at least half a dozen- you can thank me later). After lunch, if the weather is still nice, take a walk along the Charles River. Check the schedule of the Boston Pops- they may have an outdoor concert on the esplanade. Our Fourth of July concert is legendary and traditionally ends with a performance of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture complete with real cannons and the bells from the Old North Church (which you saw and learned about on the Freedom Trail earlier).

And do it all wearing one of these:

"Wicked Pissah" men's t-shirt, $18.95

 

"Wicked Pissah" ladies t-shirt, $17.99

Just kidding- you might look like a tourist trying to fit in if you wear one of those t-shirts. Instead, if you really want to blend in, drop your "r's" (pahk the cah at hahvahd yahd) and definitely wear one of these:

Yankee Hater t-shirt, $26

Yankee Hater hat, $9.95 (sale price)

Don't you love how they've taken the Yankee's logo and changed the "N" out for an "H?" Clever, right?  Malicious, but clever. And Red Sox fans are nothing if not clever, malicious. Anyway, to pull off the the true Yankee Hater look, wear either the t-shirt or the hat, but not both. You don't want to look like you're trying too hard.

Anyway, I can't tell you enough how much I love New England- just the other day a Boston driver honked his horn at me and it made me smile. So I cut him off and slowed down. It's the New England way.

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.

Rate My Look

Do you ever have one of those days where you just feel smokin' hot? You may think it crazy, but I felt totally hot in this outfit today:

While the above picture is not the most flattering  (and my eyes are all squinty), it gives you an idea of the outfit. I'm wearing my favorite high-waist sailor pants (love the buttons!) with a fitted purple plaid button-front shirt by Kenar. I got both pieces at either TJ Maxx or Marshalls at bargain prices. I pulled my hair up and back to emphasize the fabulous ruffle detail on the shirt. I adore the puffed sleeves, the ruffles, the print- basically everything about this shirt is a win for me. It actually has a really adorable peplum that makes it super flattering when I wear it untucked as well. However, whenever I choose to wear these pants, it's so that I can emphasize how high the waist is on them. Because my hands are in my pockets in the photo, it's hard to see how the outfit emphasizes my hour-glass figure, so you'll have to trust me when I tell you that it does!

I love this style of pants because it's really one of the first styles of pants women got to wear as fashion. When women truly started wearing pants instead of dresses and skirts, it was literally their husbands pants or their brothers pants. While the men were fighting in World War I, the women headed to the factories. They were the work force, so they pulled their hair back (or chopped it off), stopped wearing cumbersome skirts and grabbed the closest pair of trousers available- the ones in their husbands' closets. And of course we all recall Rosie the Riveter's iconic look of coveralls. But that's not really what I'm talking about. I'm talking more about the style of pants Katharine Hepburn made so iconic. Did you know she was the first woman to wear pants (as fashion) in a major motion picture? Her high waist, wide-leg trousers are at once incredibly rebellious in their masculinity and yet highly figure-flattering in the most feminine manner.

 

So my outfit today is a salute to women everywhere who can rock a pair of men's trousers, but project an "I'm all-woman" air about them while they do it. I don't want to wear menswear so that I look more like a man. I want to wear menswear because it's comfortable, convenient and when it fits just right, makes me feel like a smokin' hot w-o-m-a-n.

Last day of work before Christmas!

I felt the need to break out the fabulous red dress for the last day of work before Christmas. I don't forsee any occasions in the near future when I'll be able to wear it, so of course I had to wear it! Instead of satin pumps and pearls, I wore it with black tights and boots. Here's the original outfit:

Dress: Me, $22 for the fabric & notions

Boots: Tommy Hilfiger, I can't remember how much

Tights: Target, $6

Earrings: H&M, I can't remember how much, but pretty cheap, I'm sure
Beret: Liz Claiborne boucht at TJ Maxx years ago, $19.99

The boots in the picture are actually not the ones I ended up wearing. Instead I wore the lace-up oxford booties from yesterday's post. They're a little more comfortable. Also, since my dress is so French-inspired, I topped the outfit with a beret. I went back and forth between the black beret or the white beret. In the end I opted for the white and then covered up with my white coat and a red pashmina scarf and red gloves. A little matchy-matchy, but it's Christmas, so I'll let myself get away with it!

And here's the outfit with the lace up oxford shoes and a cardigan to cover up a little for 2 reasons: 1, it's work, not a party and 2, it's cold!

Unfortunately, the cardigan covers nearly all the pleating detail on the neckline and the waist, but I feel it's a necessary piece on a cold day like today. Plus, the neckline is a little scandalous for work, even for me.

I will be taking the next two days off from blogging since it's Christmas! I wish you all a very Merry Christmas- be safe and have fun! I'll be back this weekend!

Birthdays, Glasses and Fur, Oh, my!

So yesterday was David's birthday and a bunch of us went out to see the New "Christmas Carol" movie. It was amazing. It was terrifying, uplifting, funny and we all enjoyed it. I didn't know at first, but it turns out, the movie was also playing in 3-D, so we of course had to see it with those fabulous 3-D glasses. I'm telling you, there isn't much that screams "sex appeal" like big, black plastic frame glasses. Aren't we all the hottest thing around?

Clockwise from center is Brance, Angela, Jen, David and me. We are a mighty fine looking crew if you ask me and the glasses really make a difference! Haha- I am totally kidding of course! We had a blast celebrating David's birthday, and that's really what matters.

This morning when I got dressed it was SO much colder than it has been recently. The weather station said that we would be getting down into the 17-18 degree range! Of course I had to layer on some warm pieces to prepare for such a cold day!

It's the same super-comfy black dress I always wear along with some black tights (Dress: Marshalls or TJ Maxx, Tights: Target), new black shoes ($14.99 at the BCF!), a purple wool cropped sweater/jacket from last winter (Marshalls) and some fun jewelry pieces including some bangles on my wrist and a large beaded necklace draped in front (both H&M). I can't even begin to describe how happy I am with these new shoes. I'll have to take a better picture of them for you to see. They are just a basic round toe wedge pump with a little button detail on the front toe. They are SO incredibly comfortable and cute- they might be my new favorite shoes!

Of course, this outfit wouldn't keep me warm outside, and knowing what temperatures I'd be up against, I pulled out my warmest winter coat. It also happens to be one of my absolute favorite things I own.

I bought it over a year ago for $75 at a vintage shop in downtown Lancaster- Mommalicious. I've blogged about them before. It's a great vintage shop and I go there all the time. I happened to be there with my mom and she spotted this gorgeous coat on a mannequin. We proceeded to fight over who would get to buy it. In the end I won, simply because it fit me better. It was the one time in my life I've ever been happy to be larger than someone. My mom is just too petite for the coat. Honestly, there is NOTHING about this coat that I do not LOVE. The fur collar is incredibly warm and cozy. The brocade fabric is amazing and even the details like the buttons and the lining are unique and full of personality. I have never worn this coat without receiving compliments on it. I hope to have it for years to come. Last winter I had to do some minor repairs on it, but I'm happy to stitch a seam in place if it means extending the life of the coat. And for anyone out there who is opposed to wearing fur, I completely understand if you hate my coat as a result. But to be honest, the coat is over 40 years old, so whatever animal I'm wearing was killed a loooooong time ago. I personally would never purchase a new fur piece, especially when there are so many vintage pieces available. To be honest, I wouldn't be comfortable in a full fur coat. I think the only reason this one works for me is that the fur is outside and it's only on the collar. But it's a beautiful coat and it feels amazing, so I love it. I get teased a bit every now and then for wearing it- I've been called "Duchess," and "Mama Rose" in it, but I never take offense. I adore it. I love how it can stand alone. So many of the coats I own are very plain, which makes them a perfect blank canvas for a brooch or scarf, but by themselves can be a little boring. This coat needs nothing. It's fabulous all on its own. Did I mention that I love it?