Ruth Parker Give-away

You all know what an accessories addict I am, right? And anything vintage or upcycled has a special place in my heart. I stumbled upon Ruth Parker Jewelry about a month ago and I fell in love with the pieces featured on her blog because they are not only beautiful, but they are often re-purposed vintage pieces.

Lately, Lauren (the talent behind Ruth Parker Jewelry) has been featuring a give-away each week on her blog. Take a minute to visit her site, leave a comment on the give-away post and you'll be automatically entered into the give-away raffle. This week, the give-away prize is a necklace made from beads and a crystal taken off a vintage chandelier.

At the end of the week, she announces the winner and it could be you! But it won't be yours unless you visit & comment, so head on over. While you're there, take a look at some of Lauren's other pieces- I guarantee you'll like what you see.

Rate My Look- dressed for church

So today was an absolutely beautiful day outside- cool with a bit of a nip in the air. I woke up early and got ready for church. I picked up my friend Brance and then proceeded to have the most fabulous day. After church, we walked around downtown Lancaster for a while, then had lunch at the Chestnut Hill Cafe. Brance is in town because he's been hired to work at my theatre as a performer in the Christmas Show. Our mutual friend Jen has also been cast in the show and she was coming in on the train late this afternoon. After lunch, Brance & I parted ways because he had to get ready to pick her up at the train station. I knew they would be coming over for dinner and a viewing of this weeks Amazing Race, so I took the rest of the afternoon to get some errands done, which involved some shopping for both me and the theatre. I was so disappointed- it just wasn't a great day for either bargains or fabulous finds. At least I looked pretty good while hopping around town shopping. I like this outfit because it's demure enough for church, but still stylish and cute.

I love when the sun shines in the front window like that, although in this picture it makes the shoes a little harder to see. They are these lovelies:

I can't tell you how much I love spectator shoes- they are so sharp looking. These ones are soooo comfy. They're so old, too- at least 5 or 6 years old. I can't even remember what they cost. As for the rest of the outfit, the dress is from Banana Republic and I got it on sale for about $20 (also a while ago, so I'm not completely sure). The sweater is New York and Company and also so old that I can't remember what it cost. The belt came free with another shirt. The earrings were inexpensive- I believe about $8.

I'm sorry for posting so late- technically this outfit is for Sunday, but after my shopping excursion, I went home and started cooking dinner. Brance, Jen and another performer- David- came over for dinner, then Amazing Race and then lots of chit chat. They left around midnight, so I'm just now getting around to posting. So sorry! I guess I'll have to post double at some point to make up for missing Sunday altogether. Mea culpa! I'll try not to let it happen again!

Handbags? Oh yeah!

You know what I don't write about enough? Handbags, that's what. And I love them! I'm a total handbag addict! I often encourage other people to be handbag addicts, too! I don't believe in one perfect handbag for any person, I believe in many handbags for all different occasions. I believe in changing handbags often- not necessarily every day for each outfit, but certainly often enough that you keep it fresh.

Lately, I'm carrying a faux- bought in Chinatown, NYC, Canal Street to be specific. It's the exact faux that I made fun of in this post a couple of months ago. Call me a hypocrite, but I totally understand the appeal. Plus, I have to admit, being in New York City right at the start of fashion week made me go a little bonkers. My judgement suffered, but I haven't regretted this purchase for one second.

Isn't it a pretty color? That was really the deciding factor for me. Blue is definitely my signature color (although some of my friends might think it's pink). And I'll be honest- it's the perfect size for me. I'm a big handbag kind of girl. I wasn't always like that, but the older I've gotten, the more I'm into the big bag. I have small purses, but they mostly exist for special occasions when I don't want to lug around a 10-pound suitcase. Also, I use a small wristlet as a wallet and when I go somewhere and don't want to carry the big bag, I leave it in the car and take the wristlet with just the essentials. It's big enough for my debit card, license, some cash, my phone and maybe a tiny lip gloss.

Lately, I'm totally obsessed with the idea of a bright kelly green tote- structured or boho, fabric or leather- these details don't matter as much as the color. I love the idea of a bright pop of color for the fall and winter. I've seen a few over the last few months that I really liked, but something always stopped me from buying.

I found a few online that I'd love your opinions on. First up is this lime green bag from Amazon:

It's only $34.99 which is a decent price. I like the color, but I don't love it. It's a little too lime, not enough kelly. It's good, but not perfect.

What is close to perfect is the Patent Maggie tote from Coach:

The color is definitely more along the lines of what I want, but it's almost heading in the emerald green direction. Unfortunately, even if this bag was perfect in terms of color and style, it's still $348 which is waaaaaaay out of my price range.

And when price matters, I always seem to come back to my old standby- Target. All of these bags are under $30:

I'm definitely getting closer with these last three, but I'm still not quite there. I wish I could marry the color of Target bag #3 to the shape, structure and sophistication of  Target bag #1. Target bag #2 is ok, but just not that me. It's too square- literally. I'm sure it would function well given the outside pockets, but I think it's just not that me.

I'll keep looking and let you all know if I find the perfect green bag. I remember my friend Beth buying a faux Prada (maybe) in Chinatown years ago that was hysterical- it had a huge round metal handle and the "bag" was actually two little pouches mounted in the center of the circular handle. Totally impractical, but also totally unique. Maybe I can persuade her to take a picture that I can post on the blog for all of you to see. I remember when she bought it and I was so jealous of how cool it was. Handbags make me crazy!

Leave a comment if you want to see a picture of Beth's bag and maybe if there are enough of you, she'll be persuaded. It can't hurt to ask, right? Right! Now go comment!

Layering for Less- for Men!

I know that if there were any men reading this blog, they are probably long gone because all I ever write about is Project Runway and shoes. I'm sorry, guys, but don't think that menswear isn't just as interesting and important just because I tend to focus on brooches and handbags or over-the-knee boots and sundresses. In an effort not to neglect all of you, I'd like to offer today's post: Layering for Less- for Men! The other day I wrote a post about layering for women, so now it's the guys turn.

Just like with women, men should view their outerwear as an extra outfit they get to wear. So that's where we'll begin- with outerwear. For starters, most men look great in a classic pea coat. This dark version is about as classic as it gets and it's a steal at $59.99 from Target:

If you're looking for a pea coat that's still a bargain, but a little less classic, Target also offers the classic cut in a charcoal grey, which I think is a nice variation. The weather isn't always so chilly that you need a wool pea coat. Other times, you just need a light top layer to keep the chill off. In that case, I'd like to recommend these two jackets from Gap:

First, the Wool Private Jacket- because military details are very hip for men as well as women right now. I love the pockets on this one and the grey is really nice. At $103 (on sale), it's a little pricey, but it's also classic enough to be considered an investment piece.

Next, I also love this "Barracuda" jacket from Gap. It's casual but interesting. Gap is currently having an "Outerwear Event" and offering $25 off select outwear. The Private Jacket above is part of the sale, but unfortunately the "Barracuda" is not. Originally $68, it's only marked down a few dollars to $59.99. With all three of these jacket selections, you can feel confident that the materials are decent enough quality that you'll get quite a few seasons of wear out of them, so shop with confidence.

But layering isn't all about jackets and coats- it's about, well, layering. And there is no better shop for bargain layering pieces than Old Navy. Start with a couple of great light-weight sweaters. I'm a fan of the v-neck and the half zip like these:

The v-neck is a great color and the half-zip option is one of many color combinations. Both have the slightly more open neckline which makes layering much easier. You could have a t-shirt and a button front underneath either one of these. P.S. the v-neck is also available in several argyle versions like this one:

And the best part? All three of these sweaters and their many different colored versions are available for less than $30 each. Also bargain prices are these polo shirts- argyle, striped and solid (long and short sleeve):

 

The other great thing about shopping at places like Old Navy is that their dozens and dozens of color and pattern choices all work incredibly well together, making it very easy to get dressed in the morning. You could practically dress in the dark. Well, maybe not really, but you get the idea. Shops like Old Navy and Gap are great for creating wardrobe capsules. A wardrobe capsule is a collection of complimentary pieces that all work together to create different outfits. For example, a wardrobe capsule might include a pair of dark wash jeans, a pair of charcoal dress pants, three button-front shirts- one dark solid, one light solid, one vertical stripe, a light-weight sweater, a blazer and an overcoat. With those eight pieces, you actually have the potential for a lot more outfits:

Outfit #1: Jeans and dark solid button front

Outfit #2: Charcoal pants, striped button front, sweater

Outfit #3: Jeans, striped button front, blazer

Outfit #4: Jeans, dark solid button front, sweater, blazer

Outfit #5: Charcoal pants, light solid button front, blazer

Outfit #6: Charcoal pants, striped button front, blazer

Outfit #7: Jeans, light solid button front, overcoat

You get the idea, right? The idea is to purchase pieces that all compliment each other so that putting outfits together with them is a no-brainer. Layering the pieces in the capsule creates more visual interest, but wearing just single layers is always an option, too.

I hope this has been helpful for all you guys out there. And if it's the girls reading this post in the hopes of helping your man, good luck!

Project Runway- Episode 8

This kind of wedding dress challenge could be such a blast, provided you get a decent dress and a decent client to work with. Weren't some of those dresses hideous, though? Oh my goodness! You can tell some of them got married a looooong time ago. Challenges like this always make me want to be the "real woman" client. I'd be the perfect client- totally willing to wear whatever they want to put on me. I'd love to see what different designers would make for me, so maybe I'd rather be the special guest judge than one of several clients. Also, wouldn't you love to have the Macy's accessory wall in your own closet? But I digress... on to the show details:

WIN: Gordana
AUF'd: Epperson


Major kudos to Shirin for coming back from that hole she had dug for herself. The stitching idea was a brilliant solution. The boys really blew it this week, though- all four of them! Nicholas and Logan made horribly unflattering pants and tops for their clients. Epperson and Christopher made equally unflattering dresses. I don't know what Christopher was thinking with that hideous dyed organza. Michael Kors was spot on with his advice to the model- DON'T go to a party in that outfit, particularly one in the entertainment industry. I completely disagree with the judges- Logan or Nicholas should have gone home for their hideous pants. Epperson has shown really beautiful pieces in previous episodes, whereas Nicholas and Logan have been spotty at best.

The girls, on the other hand, really rocked the challenge. My favorite was Irina- I would LOVE to wear that dress. It's such a perfect cocktail party or date dress and the color was really stunning. I thought for a minute she was going to get three wins in a row, but I was also happy for Gordana- her dress was really spectacular, too. It looked like it took a lot of time to make, but she only had the one day to do it, so I was very impressed with her craftsmanship.

I'm very happy to have Michael Kors back, but from the looks of next weeks clips, he's gone again. Fortunately we get Nina back. I really really really hope that Season 7 is back in New York. The judging is just too spotty when it's out in LA. The heartbeat of American fashion is in New York City. Bottom line. Bring PR back to its home, Lifetime!

Tim Gunn said I'm FABULOUS

It's true. In April of 2008, Tim Gunn told me that I am a fabulous costume designer. Then he rejected me from Season five of Project Runway. It was still a really spectacular day. People are always impressed when I tell them that I auditioned for the show, regardless of the fact that I didn't make it on. I realized that a few weeks back I promised to tell you all the story of how I auditioned, so I'm finally making good on that promise. I hope it's not a let down, especially since I just shared the best part! Anyway, here's the play-by-play, which I hope you find entertaining, if you not useful for those of you aspiring fashion designers who may decide to audition sometime yourselves.

Anyway, it was a cold April day- I remember wearing one of my favorite fall outfits- a cute, cowl neck jersey print dress with black tights and my old stand-bys, the black leather knee-high boots. I remember that I specifically decided not to wear a dress I'd made for lots of reasons. The most deciding of which was the three hour drive to New York that I needed to make and let's be honest, I wanted to be comfortable. The audition was at the W Hotel in Times Square. I came prepared- I had the 25-plus page application I'd downloaded, printed out and painstakingly filled out. It is a loooooong application that I doubt anyone ever bothered to read. Along with my application, I had three samples of my work as well as my portfolio.

The line outside the W wasn't too long, which I found a little worrisome because I'll be honest, if I'm going into any kind of competition, I want to be intimidated. I want to feel like I'm up against the best. I'm not sure if it was because it was the 2nd day of auditions and most people came the 1st day, but seeing only 25 people outside bothered me. Of course I found out later there were a lot more queued up inside. The others in line with me were very friendly, we all chatted, mostly to size each other up. A handful of production assistants, very stylish production assistants, I might add, walked up and down our line, asking to see our samples and portfolios and quizzing us on our experience and background. The tended to swoop in unexpectedly rather than go systematically down the line. Anyway, as I neared the front of the line, I was taken out and told to stand with a sign that had a number on it. They snapped a polaroid, stapled it to my application and told me to go back and stand in line.

A little while later, I was interviewed by a woman who writes for Blogging Project Runway. I could tell right away she wasn't impressed, so I didn't get my hopes up about being featured on the blog that day. Shortly after that, one of the stylish PA's asked to see the samples of the woman in line in front of me. She unfortunately did not have any. No pictures of her work, either- only sketches. Well, apparently that wasn't enough. The PA sent her packing. Told her to come back with samples or at least photographs. I remember thinking, "Ouch! Denied!" It made me a tad nervous, but I got over it quickly.

Finally, after what seemed like hours, my group was sent inside. We took the elevator up to the designated floor and were told to hang our sample on the specified garment rack. I was also told to wait until my number was called. Once called, I was to go into the next room where I would be outfitted with a microphone. Then, and this is the second most memorable part, the PA told me that under no circumstances whatsoever was I to repeat anything that went on in the audition. If I was put through I was to tell NO ONE. Complete and utter confidentiality is what they require. She was so serious about it all and I get that. They want to be the ones to announce the new cast without the new cast blabbing all over town before the production company gets a chance, right? Also, under no circumstances was I to move from the "X" taped on the floor. I was to stand there and only there unless explicitly instructed to do otherwise by one of the panel judges.

OH! I almost forgot to mention this! Do you guys remember Stella? The one that always sewed with "leatha?" She was totally in line in front of me- about 3 people ahead. I remember thinking to myself, "She looks made for TV." I was never that impressed with her work on the show, but I'm sure she has her niche of clients who love what she does. 

Anyway, moving on. When my number was called, everything went as the PA described. I was outfitted with a microphone, they tested it to make sure it was working and before I knew it, I was standing in a room with a panel of four judges plus a small audience that I can only assume consisted of production staff. I have no idea who else was on the panel- all I saw was TIM GUNN!!! I just about died. I remember seeing a woman from Elle magazine, but I don't remember her name. The other two? I can't even picture their faces. I remember being careful to stand on the "X" as instructed by the oh-so-serious PA. Before I knew it, Tim Gunn was asking to see my portfolio. As he flipped through it, I told a super lame story about how I'd had a nightmare about the audition. I wanted to break the ice and be memorable, but I'm sure I was just another face in the crowd. As I finished my story, Tim asked me what I did and why I was there. I said, "I'm currently a costume designer." And he said, "And I can see from your portfolio that you're a fabulous one." He asked about my experience in fashion outside of costume design, of which I have none. I was honest. He and the lady from Elle both agreed that I didn't have the fashion background necessary for the show and told me they wouldn't put me through as a result. THEN... and here's another shining moment, Tim Gunn said, "Renee, if you were to put together a cohesive collection that is current, 2009 and fashion forward, I'd be very interested in seeing it." I almost died! How cool is that? I tend to think that Tim Gunn is not someone who says things lightly. I'm sure if he was not interested in seeing my potential, he never would have made that remark. He would have just thanked me for coming and sent me on my way. Right?

That was it. After being rejected, I left the W, met up with some friends and had a fabulous day in the city. Who could ask for anything more?  Well, I guess I could have asked to actually make it onto the show, right? To be honest, after watching Season five, I was tempted to send Tim a "Thank You" note, thanking him for NOT casting me with all those talentless crazies. If I am ever going to be on PR, I want it to be on a great season, not one with the likes of Kenley and Blaine.

What about all of you? Have any of you ever auditioned for Project Runway? Or any reality TV show? I'd love to hear about it!

Hmmm... I wonder if publishing this blog post is a violation of the confidentiality agreement I signed when I auditioned? It's two seasons later, so I'm thinking... no.

Layering for less

This week the air has really started to have that nip in it- that crispness that says that fall is here. Fall to means that I get to start layering my outfits. I grew up in New England with freezing cold winters- fall was hardly a season- it often felt like summer went straight into winter and winter meant layers. I also love winter because I view outerwear as an opportunity to wear an addition outfit, but you already know that.


Today I'd like to show you guys and gals some trendy pieces and where you can find them for bargain prices.

First up, the animal print cardigan. This $348 embellished snakeskin print cardigan from Neiman Marcus is gorgeous, but I doubt many of us have that kind of cash for a cardigan!

Personally, I don't wear twin-sets. I rarely buy them, but when I do, I never wear them together. Instead I view each as a layering piece, and if you have the cash to get this set and love it, then go for it. It's just not me, but I get its appeal. For those of you on a bit of a tighter budget, I offer you this leopard print cardigan from Forever 21, also known as Bargain Central! It's a steal at $22.80, don't you think?

Personally, I'm a HUGE fan of all the embellished tops that are so abundant these days. It love the ones with feminine details like ruffles and floral motifs. This cashmere sweater also from Neiman Marcus is gorgeous- the color is so vibrant and the "ribbon detail" adds some lovely visual interest.

It's also $398, which is significantly out of my price range. Four hundred dollars is more like a car payment to me. An expensive car. So for those of you like me who want their sweaters to cost less than a quarter of your car payment, I offer you this lovely, drapey sweater from Boston Proper.

I think that in terms of color and detail, this sweater is pretty spot on. It's only $69, which may still be pricey for some, but you're getting a lot of bang for your buck- the pleating is really well done.

Layering isn't all about the top layer- it's just as fun to have something interesting on the bottom or middle layer. Like this gorgeous Escada top available at Saks for a mere $590.

I can just see myself layering something like this under a cropped swing coat or bolero jacket- something with short but roomy sleeves- yes I'm a sucker for the long sleeves under short sleeves look- sue me. Anyway, by "something like this," I mean something that isn't nearly a month's rent. Something more like this ruffle top from Forever 21.

Can you guess the price? You never will- it's too fantastic. Only $17.80! Less than twenty bucks! Pretty darn good if you ask me.

I could honestly go on and on about how to layer and how to find cheap layering pieces, but I'm sure after a while you'd all be bored. So why not tell ME about YOUR favorite layering pieces. Email me a picture of your favorite layered outfit and I'll be happy to post it on the blog. Or leave a comment and tell me about your favorite bargain layering pieces. Or just leave a comment to say "hi" and that you stopped by. I love those kinds of comments! Have a great day everyone!