Slacker Style

I admit it- I've been slacking with the blogging. I resolved to do it more and then I promptly stopped altogether. What a slacker! Seriously. I have been keeping myself very busy at work and at play and I have tried to be fashionable throughout it all, but I admit I have been terrible about writing about these fashions. I was hoping to write an awards-show blog after the Golden Globes, but I'll be honest- so many people looked so awful and even the good ones weren't groundbreaking that I just couldn't come up with any decent content. The Grammy's were slightly better. Ah, well.

I've been doing more and more with accessories at work and also gearing up for a big accessories sale. It's made me assess my own accessories and for the first time in a long time, I actually find that I have some gaps in my collection. I've been so satisfied with my closet lately and it's only in the last few weeks that I've looked through things to put an outfit together and thought, "Meh. Nothing appeals." It's partly due to the fact that I have been running, so a lot of my clothes are actually a little too big for me right now. It's also partly due to the fact that it's so freaking cold out lately that the only thing I want to consider wearing is cashmere and fur. So I do.

One gap I've noticed in my collection is earrings. I've got this sassy new super short haircut that is also super blonde. If you haven't seen it yet, check it out:

Anyway, with this new 'do, earrings come into play in a totally different way than they previously did with my longer, brown hair. Earrings become a much bigger statement now, so I find I'm actually wearing a whole lot of dainty studs instead of my typical giant chandeliers and whatnot. 

I've purchased about a dozen pair of little studs in the last few months, but I think I want to get back into statement earrings. Something like these would be a great addition to my collection: 

Kate Spade Chandelier Earrings, Nordstrom, $98

The other thing I've gotten into is the midi- or mini-ring. You know what I'm talking about- it's the teeny tiny ring that you wear above the middle knuckle. It took a little getting used to, but now I love them. In contrast to the statement earrings, I love how delicate and subtle they are, yet eye-catching at the same time because of their location. 

Midi "Knuckle" ring, Etsy, $9.99

Some people like piling on lots of rings- some large cocktail rings and then other midi-rings, too. I prefer the midi-ring look when it's all by itself, like in the photo above. I like how delicate they are. If you haven't tried out this trend, get thee to an accessories shop ASAP and buy yourself one. Give it a whirl! Express yourself through your midi-ring! You just might love it! 

Finally, the other accessory that I absolutely cannot live without is a hat. It has been frigid around here and completely necessary to wear a hat in order to stay warm outside. I've got a decent hat collection, but nothing beats wool and fur for staying toasty warm. 

If you can pull it off, may I suggest a large fur hat- there is nothing better for keeping warm and although it's a bold sartorial statement, it's one I love! 

So there you have it- my winter must-haves, accessories-style. It's not bad style for a slacker, huh? 

TV Inspiration: Mad Men

Lately, I've been watching a lot of older episodes of Mad Men on Netflix and while the drama is certainly riveting, it's the clothes that always get me. At first, I thought I'd put together a simple set inspired by the leading ladies:

Mad Men Inspired by rtboo featuring a v neck dress

But that wasn't enough. I had to put together a set for each of them to feel like I'd really done them justice.

Betty makes me cringe- the way she treats Sally, her quiet desperation, her sudden explosions- she's a complex character, no doubt. She seems to have the most variety, too- evening dresses, day dresses, even pants and maternity wear.

Betty Draper Inspired by rtboo featuring a green dress

Peggy is hands-down the most drab of them all, but it suits her personality:

Peggy Olsen Inspired by rtboo featuring high heels

Trudy is just so light-hearted and fun- I always love her dresses with their full skirts and fun prints:

Trudy Campbell Inspired by rtboo featuring short heel pumps

Joan and her wiggle dresses are always so stunning. So fitted, elegant, form flattering, and always in bold colors:

Joan Holloway Inspired by rtboo featuring patent leather pumps

What TV show characters inspire your daily fashion? Check back soon- this week I'm focusing on TV-inspired fashion!

5 Luxury Items to Add to YOUR Wardrobe

The devil's in the details, right? That statement is true for just about any area of your life- work, home, and of course your fashion. The details of your attire are what separate you from the crowd, so a sure-fire way to stand out is to incorporate small details that make your outfit unique. A basic LBD is brought to a new level with an exceptional pair of high heels. An otherwise dull workplace outfit can become your own version of the "power suit" with the right scarf, jewelry or handbag.

We can't all afford to dress in head-to-toe designer duds, in fact, the majority of us can't do that. I'm sure many of you are like me- I try to find solid "basics" at a good price. I try to find classic pieces that fit me well and that I know I'll get to wear over and over. If I find a great basic, I might splurge a little, but for the most part, a lot of my clothing comes from stores like Target, Marshalls, TJ Maxx, Ann Taylor Loft, the Gap, etc. I certainly don't have a closet full of pieces from Nordstrom or Bloomingdale's, because my checking account won't allow for it.

Despite my budget wardrobe, I like to think that I can put together an expensive-looking outfit by the simple addition of luxurious accessories. In fact, I have NO problem wearing a necklace or a pair of earrings that cost as much or even a whole lot more than the clothing I'm wearing. An inexpensive dress can easily be transformed by a silk scarf around my waist or neck. It adds a pop of color and the high quality fabric adds a richness to my outfit.

Think about the outfits you have hanging in your closet and what it would take to bring them to a new level. I can think of at least 5 accessories that would be worth splurging on because of how much depth and dimension they can bring to your wardrobe.

1.) Leather or Suede handbag- Whether you buy it new, or find a used one in great shape, a well-made leather or suede handbag will not only last you for years to come, it will instantly elevate your outfit. Avoid trends when investing in this piece- find something classic and neutral.

My "Ashley" satchel from Coach was a wise investment. This gorgeous, black leather handbag has already logged plenty of miles on my arm and I plan to have her around for many more years to come.

2.) Luxury scarf- whether it's cashmere or silk, find a beautiful, classic scarf that will work with lots of outfits. A print will always look more luxurious and add visual interest. You can tie the scarf around your handbag handle, or drape it over your shoulders, or thread it through your belt loops- the possibilities are literally endless. 

I lucked into a vintage Schiaparelli scarf a couple of years ago- I've used it in a number of different outfits and it never fails to earn compliments. 

3.) High quality shoes- they don't have to be heels to be fabulous; flats can be stunning fashion statements, too! 

Whether you score an expensive pair at a bargain price, or happen upon a really well-executed knock-off, or you have the dough to splurge on a real pair of Louboutins or Jimmy Choos, do yourself a favor and get an amazing pair of shoes. 

4.) Statement jewelry- even though it seems awfully trendy right now, statement jewelry is something that can always work to add visual interest and luxury to an outfit. Whether it's vintage costume jewelry, or something you found a Lord & Taylor last week, a unique necklace, ring, bracelet or earring can really elevate an otherwise hum-drum look. 

I'm no stranger to statement necklaces and this one by Stella & Dot has adorned many an outfit of mine for both work and play! 

5.) An awesome overcoat- A black cashmere wool coat, a camel-colored classic Burberry trench, a vintage fur wrap- whatever suits your style, invest in a truly beautiful overcoat. Your entrance will always turn heads with an incredible coat- everyone will be thinking, "with a coat like that, I can't wait to see what she has on underneath!" 

I am still as in love with this coat as the day I bought it. It was a bargain at $75- the fox fur collar and brocade fabric turn heads like you wouldn't believe. 

So, there you have it- a short list of pieces that will help add luxury and visual interest to your daily wardrobe. Don't try to force certain pieces into your wardrobe- keep an open mind while you're out shopping and you will be amazed at what falls into your lap. Sometimes the most exciting finds are the ones you aren't expecting! 

Retro to Modern: Mod Style

These days, vintage/retro styles are "in." They're beyond "in," actually. They're "it." Pick a decade and you'll be able to quite easily find clothes, shoes, accessories, home decor- anything, really- in that decade's most popular fashion. It seems that there used to be more drastic swings towards one specific style or decade. These days, there are colors, patterns, silhouettes, etc. all from so many different periods. Pick your favorite. I'm sure you'll find it in your closest department store.

I've always been fascinated with the "Mod" look from the early-to-mid 1960's. I love the color and pattern and the unique shapes of clothes. There was something exuberant about that period, something unashamedly outgoing and fun. From the psychedelic patterns to bold Mondrian-esque color blocking, it was all a feast for the eyes.

The key to wearing mod style today is to make it current, otherwise you'll look like you're wearing a costume. Today I want to focus on two ways to wear mod- shape and color. Avoid mixing these two and you'll stand a better chance of avoiding a costume-y look.

First up: shape. The mini is an iconic element of mod style, as was the shift dress. This dress has a very boxy, almost boyish shape to it. It was a bit contradictory in the way it simultaneously hid and showcased the female body. The curve of the legs contrasts so much against the nearly shapeless dress, but that is what balances the look.  Too long a dress and it becomes matronly, but when worn as a mini, the shift has a lot of sex appeal.

To wear it in a modern way that looks current, not costume-y, stick with a neutral color, or at the very least something solid. If you really need color and print, add some with your accessories, but exercise restraint. It's very easy to verge into looking like an extra from an Austin Powers movie.

Mod: Shape by rtboo featuring a zipper bag

The shoe and bag are also indicative of the shapes and styles popular in the early 60's, but they're subtle and complimentary. The shoe has a platform, but the heel is still dainty- in other words, the modern version of the platform shoe. The bag adds a subtle print, but it is far from psychedelic and the colors are muted. See what I mean about restraint? If you can keep yourself reigned in, it will work.

Maybe this isn't enough for you- maybe you want more than just the shape of the pieces you're wearing to evoke the feel of 60's mod. No problem. For you, I suggest the use of color and print. Here are three different Mod-inspired outfits for you:

Mod: Color & Print by rtboo featuring leather boots

From left to right, we have three very current outfits that could be worn today without causing a stir. They are decidedly NOT costume-y in their approach, but they all evoke the exuberance of the period through color and print. The bold pink and purple print would be too much if it were a dress or a coat, but as a top paired with slim pants and bright flats, it's the perfect balance. The middle look is inspired by the YSL Mondrian dress that was so iconic in the 60's, but it's updated into separates and accentuated with the purse. The youthful print on the skirt of the last outfit is a bright nod to the period while the styling of the sweater and boots anchor the outfit in the present.

Would you wear any of these outfits? Why or why not? Do you love or hate the popularity of retro/vintage right now? Maybe you're indifferent. Whatever your thoughts, I want to know, so leave a comment! And thanks for reading! If there is a topic you'd like me to cover here on the blog, let me know!

Re-Enhabit

I had the most fabulous and terrible experience yesterday. I was driving home from visiting a friend when I saw an adorable vintage shop I'd never been to before. I immediately turned around, pulled over, parked, fed the meter and hopped on over to what appeared to be a fabulous little vintage store. Unfortunately, it was 5:02 and on Wednesdays, this store apparently closes at 5:00. Isn't that just my luck? The lights were still on, so I could see into the store and I can promise that I will be back soon to check out all their fabulous items. I saw clothing, furniture and all sorts of other exciting vintage items. I also saw this:

The sign noted that the website is "always open." How adorable! When I got home, I popped open my laptop and enjoyed browsing through the website and Etsy shop full of amazing vintage pieces. One of my favorites also happened to be in the window at the actual shop:

Orange and Black Plaid Day Dress, $89

I love discovering a new place to shop, especially when it's a vintage or consignment store. I can't wait to head back to this little gem of a store soon. Let's just hope I make it there before closing time! 

Mad Men-Inspired Line from Banana Republic

The much-anticipated return of the next season of Mad Men has been delayed, but the capsule line from Banana Republic will still launch this month- August 11th to be exact. Click here to view a slide show of the collection.

Critics are saying the styling of this line is more 60's- inspired than the actual clothes and accessories. I am inclined to agree, however, I think it was smart of BR to create a line that is current as opposed to a bunch of costume-y pieces. In order for the clothes to sell, they need to translate to 2011, so to the critics I say, "Shut your trap and just enjoy the line."

These two dresses are my favorite looks in the entire collection:

I am usually partial to full-skirted silhouettes, but the color of the dress on the left and the print of the dress on the right were every bit as appealing to be as the shapes. I also really adore the neckline and bodice of the solid-color dress on the left. And while I may lean towards full skirts, there is a dynamite sheath dress in an amazing oversize houndstooth print that is making me drool:

It isn't all for the ladies, though- there are suits, sweaters, ties, and even fedoras for the gentlemen in this capsule collection:

The accessories are also really appealing- I especially love the leopard print bag and the multi-strand pearl neacklace:

Skinny ties and bow ties are both part of the collection for men and I'm thrilled to see them. I hope to see some guys around town sporting such a cool, retro look.

What do YOU think of the new line from Banana Republic? Are you a fan of Mad Men? Would you have noticed this line if it hadn't been associated with the TV show? Leave a comment and let me know your thoughts. I'd love to hear what you think!

The Help

I just finished read The Help by Kathryn Stockett and now I am desperate to see the movie. If you read one book this year, let it be The Help.You will not regret it. I laughed and cried in the first 30 pages and as soon as I was done, I wanted to flip right back to the beginning and read it all over again.

I really hope the movie has done the book justice- I hate when I love a book so much and then the movie lets me down. I suppose I just have to go into it knowing they're going to make changes and that I should just accept the changes and enjoy the film. And if it's really bad? I'll just focus on the fashion. I've looked at some of the production photos and it looks like it's going to be a movie full of beautiful, colorful 1960's attire complete with hats and gloves and kitten heels galore! Just these few photos have me drooling:

I love just about everything about the clothing from that era- the silhouettes, the colors, the prints, the accessories- oh my gosh, the accessories! 

Couture Allure is my absolute favorite vintage site for that kind of fashion inspiration. I die for the "eye candy" that is posted there on a weekly basis. One of these days, there's going to be a dress on there that is my size and my style and I'm going to snatch it up so fast, the internet's not going to know what hit it! Something like this dress ought to do just fine: 

Vintage 60's Plaid Cotton Full Skirt Dress, $95

Vintage 60's Black Linen Sheath with Rhinestone Buttons, $135

Vintage 60's Orange Cotton Shift Dress, $95

Vintage 60's 2-Strand Red Bead Necklace, $20 

Vintage 60's Mod Stripe Patent Purse, $40 

Where do you go when you want to see some amazing vintage clothing and accessories? Leave a comment and tell me your favorite places! Is it a tiny hole-in-the-wall shop in your town? Or do you have a favorite online vintage boutique? What about your grandparents' attics? I want to hear about it! 

Rate My Look- Worthy of a Misdemeanor?

Have you guys seen that new movie "Bridesmaids?" First of all, it is SO hilarious- I haven't laughed that hard at a movie in a looooooong time. Kristen Wiig is beyond funny in that movie- actually, just about everyone is beyond funny in that movie. I laughed so hard when I saw it, I decided to see it again. This week, I met up with my friend Stephanie to see it for the second time. As funny as the movie was, I found myself not only laughing hysterically again, but I also found myself crushing even harder than the first time on Chris O'Dowd, a.k.a. "Officer Rhodes." Seriously, after seeing that movie, I'm tempted to break my tail lights and drive around until a cute cop pulls me over. It worked for Kristen Wiig's character Annie and we're not all that different, you know.

We both have sassy short hair cuts.
We both like to wear cute dresses that show off our fabulous legs.
We both are maids in a wedding this summer.

See? We're practically twins. So why shouldn't I also have an adorable cop pull me over and then turn into my boyfriend? Right? I suppose I ought to start by wearing an outfit that will be the perfect "getting pulled over" outfit. Good thing, because I've already got that part figured out:

Dress: Gap

Shoes: Nine West

Belt: J. Crew

Necklaces: Vintage & Forever 21

Ring: Stella and Dot

Seriously, when I got dressed this morning, I thought to myself, "I really shouldn't be wasting this on work." No offense to my coworkers, but this is a fabulous look that says, "I am adorable and totally date-able." And since it is a great date outfit, I really think I ought to wear it out on a date. So to score a super cute cop, I suppose I'll just have to start off with this outfit and then do a few extra miles per hour over the speed limit, maybe run a few red lights, and of course break my tail lights. Honestly, this outfit even looks cute when I'm "walking the line," don't you think? 

Let's be honest- what cute, single cop in his right mind wouldn't be handing me a phone number instead of a ticket? Am I right? Of course I am- I'm not blind. I can see my legs in that photo. 

Please leave a comment with suggestions for minor violations I can commit that will put me in the path of an adorable cop but that won't cause me to face any major consequences such as tickets, fines and/or jail time. Prison uniform orange is not my color. 

Rate My Look- Vintage Scarf

I recently purchased a couple of vintage designer scarves from Couture Allure and when they arrived a few days later, I could hardly wait to wear them. I got them at major bargain prices, which is always super exciting. But truth be told, I would have paid a lot more for them- they are truly beautiful pieces. One of the things I love about Couture Allure is that the pictures are always very detailed and the descriptions of the pieces even more so. When purchasing vintage, it's important to inspect the materials for any damage or decay. Jody, the proprietor of Couture Allure, is always careful to disclose the detailed condition of each and every item, so you can feel confident when purchasing through her site that the items will be in the condition described and pictured.

But enough about that- how about those scarves? The first was a silk scarf by Elsa Schiaparelli in a bold oversized basket-weave pattern. The colors are very rich and more appropriate for fall, in my opinion, but I'll likely try to work it into a summer look anyway. Check out Jody's photos of the scarf here. The second scarf is a positively ethereal Halston silk chiffon scarf that you can see here on Couture Allure's site or you can see it in these photos of me! I wore this outfit to work and felt so chic and sophisticated:

Dress: By Yours Truly

Belt: H&M

Shoes: Payless

Scarf: Couture Allure

Jolie Cocktail Ring (on the hand in my pocket!): Stella and Dot

I was comfortable all day long, but still felt so polished and put together. It's not that difficult to achieve, either!

1.) Start with a well-fit dress in a flattering color

2.) Add some contrasting, but complimentary accessories

See? A simple two-step program to stylish work outfits! But seriously, if you are looking to create interesting outfits, you don't necessarily have to shop for a new wardrobe. Accessories alone can completely transform an outfit from one distinct look to another and often it's the accessories that make our outfits unique. Anyone can walk into Neiman Marcus and buy a great dress. It's how you accessorize that dress that makes you stylish. 

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- Emma Pillsbury Style

Ever since I purchased my new glasses, I've been faced with the challenge of incorporating them into my outfits. While I love how fun and funky they are, that same funky-ness is what makes them a challenging wardrobe element. There is not doubt about the fact that they are a statement and a bold one at that. I've found myself struggling not so much with the major elements of my outfits as I do with the accessories. Honestly, I've hardly worn earrings since I got these glasses. Accessories are the part of creating an outfit that I find most interesting and enjoyable. Earrings are often my "go-to" accessory along with large cocktail rings. Sometimes I mix it up with a bold necklace. This week, I decided to channel Emma Pillsbury and use a chic plaid scarf tied in a prim bow to accessorize my look:

Dress: Banana Republic

Boots: Marshalls

Sweater: Old Navy

Scarf: Vintage

On this particular day, I was pretty disappointed with the temperature- it was about 37 degrees Fahrenheit that day- just a smidge too chilly for my taste at this point in the year. I'm starting to go beyond feeling sick of wearing tights. My feelings toward them currently border on hatred, but I keep reminding myself that it's not their fault I live in New England and winter sticks around until April. I have to remind myself that they've served me well for many months now and if they had feelings, they'd be just as sick of me as I am of them. I decided to finish the outfit with one of the six cardigans I bought at Old Navy not too long ago. I'm a little sick of cardigans, too, but since this one is new, I don't mind it. But tights and cardigans aren't the point today. Nope- it's all about accessorizing those glasses. In a subtle mix of prints, I've combined the florals from my glasses with the plaid on my scarf-they really complement each other nicely, don't you think? It helps that they both have a teal/blue color scheme and the prints are on the same scale. As much as I enjoy wearing my glasses, I'm looking forward to getting back into my contact lenses in a couple of weeks. I think I'll have worked my accessorizing muscle enough by then and I'll be ready to get back into earrings.

Do any of you glasses-wearing readers have similar issues with your glasses? Even if they aren't quite as bold a statement as my floral frames, do you sometimes feel as though your glasses add a challenge to creating your daily look? Leave a comment and let me know!

Accessories Anonymous: Did I Miss the Boat?

Ages ago, before I'd even moved back to NH, I spent a fabulous summer day shopping with Beth and considered the idea of bringing back gloves as a trend. Remember that day? If not, you can get a memory jolt here. Well, since then, the only gloves I've worn were for keeping my fingers warm in the cold New England winter. I have a pair of nice black, leather gloves that look nice with any of my winter coats, but as far as gloves for fashion goes... I think I missed the boat. I never acted on my brilliant idea. I even bought a pair of gloves that day and have I worn them since? Nope. Epic fail. Well, maybe it's not exactly an epic fail, but I still feel as though I failed to take advantage of that idea. It could have been an opportunity for some fun, funky outfits. If only.

Perhaps my move back to NH that resulted about a month later distracted me from my plan. After all, to bring back the trend, I would need to shop for a few pair of gloves. While packing for NH, rather than shop for new things, I instead tended to purge my closets of anything even remotely unnecessary. So maybe gloves as fashion didn't happen for me last fall, but maybe they can this spring. These are a few cute pair of gloves that could certainly entice me to give it a try:

Teal City Gloves, Modcloth, $18.99 

Leisurely Drive Glovettes, Modcloth, $49.99

Vintage 50's Gloves, Sydney's Vintage Clothing, $27.99

Cotton Driving Gloves, Artfire.com, $30

Vintage Pink Gloves, Etsy, $15

Golden Ruched Ladies Vintage Gloves, Etsy, $13

The colors, the textiles, the gorgeous details- I think I could really get into this trend with just a few fabulous pair of gloves. So tell me, if you saw someone walking down the street wearing gloves that were clearly for the purpose of making a fashion statement, what would you think? Crazy? Cool? Daring? Outlandish? Leave a comment and tell me what you would think. 

Rate My Look- Wiggle Week Style

As promised, here is my fabulous wiggle dress, that I purchased from Second Time Around, a great consignment shop on Newbury Street in Boston:

The dress was marked down 30%, but since it was missing the belt, I talked them down to an additional discount and scored it for only $12! (They don't need to know that I already owned the perfect black patent skinny belt- ignorance is bliss, right?) I was shopping with my mom when I bought this dress and when I asked for the discount, I was afraid I was embarrassing her with my brazen miserly behavior. After all, I'd mortified her a month and a half prior when I haggled with the guy at the roadside Christmas tree stand. But as we walked out of the store, she said that this time wasn't as embarrassing. I suppose I'm just that kind of person who always asks for a little extra off the bottom line. In this situation, it worked to my advantage! 

So what do you think of my wiggle dress? Isn't the collar just darling? And the red is super fun, but not too over-the-top. I love it with my black patent peep toe heels, but it looks just as good with my black wedges, which are much more practical for work.

Since purchasing this one, I've totally fallen in love with the silhouette, and I actually found ANOTHER bargain wiggle dress the other day. You'll have to check back again in a couple of days to see it, though. 

It's WIGGLE WEEK!

I have decided to dedicate this entire week to the fabulous article of clothing known as the "Wiggle Dress." I've been becoming more and more enamored of this style of dress ever since I started watching Mad Men last year. I know what you're thinking: a whole week dedicated to ONE style of dress? You can't imagine how I could possibly spend an entire week talking about only one thing, right? Well, I'm going to do my best to stay on topic all week long- even on Shoesday Tuesday.

For starters, I want to talk about exactly what IS a wiggle dress? If you search online- Etsy, Ebay, etc.- you'll find quite a large range of dresses that are termed "wiggle" dresses, but the truth of the matter is that a LOT of them are mis-labeled. A TRUE wiggle dress has certain distinct features. In order to be a wiggle dress, the hemline must not only be down to the knees or slightly below, but it also must be narrower at the knee than at the hip. This forces the woman wearing it to keep her legs close together, thus causing her to "wiggle" when she walks. For this reason, a wiggle dress should not have many pleats or a lot of fullness around the hips, either. The whole idea is for the dress to literally hug the curves of a woman's body.

Many wiggle dresses are actually quite demure in other ways. When the silhouette first debuted in the 1950's, the necklines were frequently high and the hemline never went much higher than the knee. The transition from full silhouettes like poodle skirts to a more fitted sheath like the wiggle dress isn't entirely clear, but the fact remains that both silhouettes were popular for nearly a decade until the straighter shift dresses and mini skirts of the late 1960's took over.

A good way to experience the history of a silhouette is to look at the sewing patterns of the time. Here are a couple of examples from the 1950's and 60's:

You can clearly see how the second pattern is actually a nearly identical bodice for each dress, but the skirts are completely different, evidence of the simultaneous popularity of both silhouettes. 

Check back each day this week for more on the iconic wiggle dress- from vintage examples on various notable women to how to wear one today and still look modern to the unveiling of my recent wiggle dress purchase on Newbury Street. In the meantime, if you know of any great wiggle dress sites, or you simply have something to say about this great dress style, please leave a comment!

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

Faux fur is all the rage these days, especially in vest form. Thanks in part to Rachel Zoe, the trend has really taken off. Of course, real fur will always be a controversial topic, but I'm not one to judge your choice in the matter. Someone once said to me that they felt less guilty wearing mink when they heard they were fairly wretched, evil animals. I don't really know if there's any truth behind her statement, but if it lets her wear mink and sleep through the night, then that's her prerogative. Personally, I try to only purchase real fur if it's vintage, and I stick to the faux stuff if I'm buying new. I figure that I'm not creating a high demand for real fur that way. Although I do worry with my faux fur choices if I'm purchasing something that's highly environmentally damaging. It seems to me that faux fur, much like many other textiles common to the fashion industry, would be pretty damaging in terms of pollutants and whatnot. If you know more about this or know of a good resource for information on this topic, please leave a comment!

As I said, regardless of your feelings on fur, the trend right now is hot. I've found some really fabulous fur and faux-fur pieces for your shopping and viewing pleasure. Enjoy!

Jaclyn Smith Faux Fur Vest, KMart, $29.99

Kennedy Faux Fur Vest, Ella Moss, $258

Kristen Blake Faux Fur Vest, Nordstrom, $108 (Plus size only)

Kristen Blake Cropped Faux Fur Coat, Nordstrom, $138 (Plus size only) 

Vintage Fox Fur Collar, Etsy, $59

Vintage Mink Wrap, Etsy, $150

(WHAT is with this girl's outfit? Seriously? Nude fishnets with a cami and ruffled high waist hot pants? I'm afraid I can't support this decision.The mink, however, is gorgeous. Too bad the photo is ruined by every other garment in it. Tragic.) 

Vintage Fox Fur Fitted Jacket, Etsy, $235

Antarctic Rabbit Fur Cape, LA Vintage, $216

Fur Capelet, XOXO, $49

Copper Tiered Swing Coat, Fabulous Furs, $199

As I mentioned above, I'm not interested in getting into the highly controversial subject of wearing real fur. Instead, I want to offer some guidelines for looking your best in a fur or faux fur piece of clothing. The thing about fur is that it can be rather bulky and heavy-looking. Although the current trend includes boxy vests and coats, I would caution you against them, especially depending on your body type. Since there are so many synthetic options, look for ones with tailoring, like the first and third vests pictured. The fact that they are cinched at the waist helps keep them from looking too boxy and shapeless. If you fall in love with a boxy vest for its soft texture, or its coloring, don't despair- you could always add a belt at the waist to cinch it in. 

When selecting a fur/faux fur piece of clothing for yourself, be honest about how well it flatters your body. Look for pieces that are in proportion with your body. Unless you are very tall and slender, a full capelet (like the white one pictured above) is not going to work. Also, consider how thick the fur itself is and how flattering that is on your body. There are many different types of furs and faux furs and some are actually very sleek and short, so don't feel as though you have to choose a piece that is as fluffy as a Fraggle Rock Muppet. Follow the same rules you would for any other outerwear garment, but err on the side of being even more fitted and sleek because even the shortest fur will be more bulky and thick than your average wool outerwear. 

Thanks for reading and don't forget to leave a comment- I love hearing from the people who read this blog!