Tuesday

Attire:
Boob Maternity: That same black dress! Sorry guys, but at this point, I hope to not buy any more clothes if possible, especially expensive work attire. This dress is super comfortable and versatile so expect to see it quite a lot between now and January!
Silhouettes: Brow suede boots
Faux tortoise shell necklace from beach boutique
Ann Taylor: Gold hoops
Ralph Lauren: Six gold bangles

Hair:
Day 3, finger combed and left as-is

Beauty:
Laura Mercier: Flawless face kit in Sand
Cargo: Matte BeachBlush in Tenerife
Pop Beauty: Shadow palette for Brown Eyes - khaki and burnt sienna blended on lid, brown on lash line and in crease
Napoleon Perdis: Long Black Mascara
Too Faced: Liquif Eye (used with brown shadow for liquid line)
Victoria's Secret: Lip Gloss in French Kiss

Happy birthday to my husband today! He's now the big 3-4. I got him some Adidas "Shelltops" sneakers, a new bottle of cologne (Tom Ford), and tickets to see Bad Brains in DC in November (would love to go myself but don't think this pregnant body could handle such a show these days). This morning we went to our favorite diner for breakfast before I had to go to work, and tonight we will most likely be going to dinner with his dad. He had the day off and is mountain biking, enjoying this amazing weather. Glad he's having a good day!!

I Hate Style Books

I hate style books.

I have dozens at home, and almost every time I purchase one I want to kick myself. Yes, there are a few out there that offer some worthy and unique advice, but the majority are utter crap and cruel.

Cruel?

I said this to a friend today and she thought I was being harsh. Well let’s take a portion from a new book, Nina Garcia’s The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own.

Bootie Call (a chapter discussing the merits of ankle booties)

• When wearing with pants, keep the colors the same. Black pants tucked into black booties will elongate the leg and make you feel fabulous.

• When wearing with miniskirts, try them with Black Opaque Tights (#10) to keep your line going and going and going. Unless you have fabulous legs, illusion is our master craft.

• Make sure the bootie does not cut off straight at the ankle like a traditional bootie – these boots are made to be worn under pants and will chop off the leg and make it look stumpy.

• It is a great alternative to the pump – always consider it if the pump seems too safe.

• The bootie is a classic way to mix the masculine with the feminine, so don’t be afraid to flaunt a little femininity when you have this more masculine shoe on. One must mix it to risk it…

Okay, this sounds pretty fun and helpful. I agree, combining a black pant or tights with a black shoe hides flaws and makes the leg look long. But let’s take this apart…

In general, the woman who purchases and reads this book is one who feels as though she does not possess a sense of style, thinks she is not fashionable and is looking for advice.

Black pants tucked into black booties… well what type of black pants? Can one wear her black twill chinos? Black polyester pants that she wears to the nightclub? Black suiting trousers? And can any ankle bootie work? The previous page mentions Louboutin and Prada as bootie designers… not really brands that most women can afford (or even find at her local mall). So are we looking for a pull-on style? One that laces up? Chunky heel? Wedge heel? Stiletto heel? Flat boot? Suede or leather or microfiber? How about contrast stitching or trim?

A miniskirt with black tights and black booties. A miniskirt? Well she does mention in another part of the book that a miniskirt may be too short, but black opaque tights makes a very short skirt fashionably short. So this look of mini skirt, black tights and booties will work for the office? And since this works with miniskirts, that means it can look good with my denim skirt? How about my purple floral rayon skirt that shrunk a bit in the wash but is still cute?

Okay, so now we hear we don’t want a bootie that cuts straight across and the illustration shows one that dips down in front, is black with a stiletto heel and a red collar of sorts around the ankle (see illustration above, taken directly from her book). Is this the style of boot we should be looking for? This is the boot we should wear with black tights and denim miniskirts or with our black chinos?

Hitting up the most widely accessible retailers for American women (Payless, Target, Wal Mart, Zappos and Macy’s), the only boots I could find under $100 that seemed to slightly fit the description Nina Garcia gave (black, ankle bootie, not a straight cut, black) were these pleated suede numbers from Abaete for Payless (left), and the “Darcy” bootie by Alfani (Found at Macy’s) (the boot on the right).

So next, Nina tells us that this boot can replace classic black pumps. So pretty much, one can get the Darcy bootie (which has a two-tone look JUST like the bootie that Nina suggests) and be able to wear it with black pants tucked in them, pair it with black tights and a denim mini skirt, or wear them to a wedding this weekend with a black crepe sheath dress and pearls! Awesome!

Please know I am saying this with pure sarcasm, and that I don't think either boot pictured would work for what Nina is suggesting.

On top of all this bootie confusion, what if the woman is 4’11”? Or maybe she is 6’2”? What if she is a size 16? Has a size 12 foot? What if she is 21? Or what if she is 71?

How is this “wardrobe staple” advice?

I’ll admit it, I have seen some women look utterly fabulous with black pants tucked into boots like these. Thing is, the woman usually works in a creative field, has legs a mile long, wears a single-digit clothing size, and knows that the pants need to be very skinny and the boot a little bit of slouch/definition to actually look cool and appropriate. The same holds for the bootie with a mini – she already knows that this will look best with a solid colored dress or skirt of either a substantial fabric or a special fabric (leather, sequins). She also knows how short is short, and what would be appropriate for her workplace. Finally, she would rock the heck out of those boots with an LBD, but she knows the look is for the wedding of her artist cousin’s Big Day in Chicago, not the one of her college roommate who lives in the next town and is a private-school teacher.

However, women read these books, try their darnedest to emulate the stylish author with what they have available – a far smaller budget, limited shopping locations, a far more traditional social calendar, a more conservative or casual work environment, and a body that is usually not built thanks to home-delivered Zone diets, a nutritionist, yoga instructor and personal trainer. The reader gathers that which she can afford or replicate on the list, feeling that if she at least has a few Hanes tee shirts or an H&M trench she will be that much closer to style success.

However style doesn’t come with what you collect, or what list you follow. Yes, even I have a list but I know it won’t necessarily work for all women and I know it doesn’t create instant style. My list is created for those who do not know exactly where to start – my hope is it is a canvas, a survival kit so all women have a base wardrobe. Style does not come from aviator sunglasses or diamond studs, style does not come from imitating another. Style comes from getting to know and understand yourself, your life, your body, your mind. Having a base wardrobe helps free up the mind to get creative and personal; it takes guesswork out of every day. It forces you to think… what will make this simple sweater and pants combination more ME?

I adore Nina Garcia – I find her style to be unique yet full of class, I love her brutal honesty and view on Project Runway, and always gobble up her articles in Elle. However Nina Garcia’s books (and the books by many celebrities and celebrity stylists) are more so Chick Lit than reference; they are a peek into a fabulous world of a fashion editor or actress who jet-sets, works in a field where daring fashion is expected, and has drinks with celebutantes. To read Garcia’s list of one hundred items that create style is to peek into her closet and her life, not to help one find her own sense of style.

The problem is America is full of women who are confused. Dove tells us to love our bodies yet stores predominately sell clothing for a different shaped person. We are told to manage our money, yet are told that we can’t be chic without an It Bag. We are celebrated for being intelligent, and trashed for not donning the latest fashions. Magazines, television shows, even the news informs us of what is hot, what is a must-have without considering finances or lifestyle. We are bombarded with products to make us look younger, be thinner, pretend to be richer, attempt to imitate the latest hot celebrity. All these so-called “style” books just add to the frustration and confusion, and it’s just plain cruel. It’s taking advantage of these confused women, stealing away their precious pennies in hopes of finding Fashion Nirvana between the pages.

I know that most women I encounter are just trying to figure out how to get through the day looking presentable and appropriate, not what to wear to a black tie gala or a trip to Ibiza. And most women I encounter can’t or wouldn’t wear half of the things suggested on must-have lists or as style savers.

Point is, enjoy the books as you would a great piece of Chick Lit, or even a coffee table art book. See the beauty, get lost inn the fantasy, and even use it for a bit of inspiration. But know that most of these style books are not gospel, and are normally not written for the average woman.

Some style books that I have found to actually be helpful:

The Pocket Stylist: Behind-the-Scenes Expertise from a Fashion Pro on Creating Your Own Look – This book from Kendall Farr breaks things down for different shapes of bodies, and different weights. She offers timeless tips on how to shop, maintain clothing and build style. It is easy to read, easy to reference, and easy to connect to your actual life. This is one of the few books I have purchased that has not caused me to roll my eyes every chapter.

Simple Isn't Easy: How to Find Your Personal Style and Look Fantastic Every Day! – Olivia Goldsmith (RIP) and Amy Fine Collins know the fashion world, the society world, and the real world. These teensy book may lack helpful photographs and illustrations, but jams in TONS of really helpful, realistic and fabulous advice on creating style and a working wardrobe. I bought this book in college and it still works with today’s trends. It also has been a wonderful reference for me as well as my mother – different generations, different lifestyles, different personal styles.

Color Me Beautiful – I know this is terribly Old School (gosh some of you younger readers may not even know about this book), but Carole Jackson's classic really has helped so many women get a grasp on color. I have never been one to stick to my seasonal palette (I am a Winter but gosh do I love me some orange!!!), but it helped narrow down things, and realize it’s not me that looks terrible, it’s the seafoam green sweater that is causing it. One can wear an expensive dress and look like death warmed over, or a cheap dress and look like a million bucks purely based upon the colors on her face, in her hair and on her body. The book I have linked is the original from the ‘80s – do take the makeup and shoulder pad advice with a grain of salt. However do not be afraid to tear out the color sheets and take them to the mall, your hairdresser, and to your best friend’s house.

My Beloved Banana Republic Slingbacks

A couple weeks ago, Banana Republic had 30% off everything in honor of their 30th anniversary. On a whim, I ordered the shoes to the left, in black as well as bronze.

I usually cannot wear slingbacks. As a child (and even a bit as an adult) I walked on my toes. This really built up my legs in weird ways - humongous calves and very thick ankles. My ankles are so thick, there is no dent in the back where the heel meets the leg - a necessary detail for successful slingback wearing. Straps never stayed up, so I stopped even trying.

The only reason I ordered these is because they looked to be crafted in a way that the strap would stay up without the need of a proper ankle/heel combo. Also I was desperate - my feet are swollen from pregnancy, my black sandals broke, my gold gladiator sandals are dangerous on slippery floors or in rain, and being pregnant makes anything with a high heel utter torture.

I ordered an 8; I was a 7.5 pre-pregnancy. They arrived and my feet slid in no problem. Buckling them was a different matter - having a baby in your stomach and trying to bend over to work a buckle on the outside of the shoe was the most intense yoga I have ever experienced. It took ten minutes to close one shoe before I had the brilliant idea to put them on already buckled (d'oh!).

Anyway, these shoes are divine! I am able to wear them all day without any pain. I got some Foot Petals so I wouldn't slip and slide on the leather footbeds and wore them to work, to a wedding, to various social engagements. The heel is low enough that I am not dying, but high enough to feel feminine. They look great with pants as well as skirts; the bronze color was dressy enough to wear with an LBD and pearls for a wedding (didn't want to look like Swollen Foot PRegnant Woman in old lady shoes).

Anyway... the shoes are back on the site and are on sale for $59.99! Not only that, if you spend $125 at Banana Republic you can get 15% off your order with the code FALLSALE. AND... today is 6% cash back with Ebates!

For those who don't know, if you go to different online stores through Ebates, you receive cash back, like a rebate. Ebates is completely free and there are no strings. You can even make money off of referring your friends, and receive a $10 gift card just for signing up (I got one for Target). I have been using it for almost a year and have already gottn back almost $200 in checks mailed to my house. So I can vouch for it that it works, is worth it, is easy and fabulous.

If you would like to join Ebates, click this link. Then if youa re in need of some great slingbacks, head to Banana Republic! :)

Monday

Attire:
Kenar: Ultraviolet woven jersey top
Old Navy: Petite ponte trousers
Limited: Siver and purple necklace
Sudini: Black leather booties (last year's style)
Silver hoops and cuff

Hair:
Day Two
Few pieces around curling iron to smooth and wave

Beauty:
Laura Mercier: Flawless Face kit in Sand
Nars: Blush in Orgasm
Pop Beauty: Shadow palette for brown eyes - the khakis and celadon blended on lid
Cover Girl: LashBlast mascara in Rich Black
L'Oreal: H.I.P. cream liner in black
Maybelline: Shine Seduction lip gloss in Blushed Bass, brow powder in Dark Brown
Body Shop: Brow & Lash Gel in Clear

Sunday

This was the weekend of the black dress by Boob. This dress is awesome- tissue weight so it's breezy, really pretty neckline, super comfy and can dress up or down.

Sunday I had brunch with three of my best girl friends. It was a bit humid and cloudy out... one of those days where you are cold one minute and sweating the next (doesn't help to be pregnant either... talk about temperature changes!).

Attire:
Boob Maternity: Black jersey dress
Silhouettes: Brown suede boots
Nordstrom: Black pendant necklace
Silver hoops and cuff

Hair:
Washed and conditioned with Pureology
Hair dried with paddle brush and round brush to smooth ends
Curling iron on various sections, then quickly finger combed to create waves.

Beauty:
Laura Mercier: Flawless Face Kit in Sand
Nars: Blush in Orgasm
Maybelline: Brow Powder in Dark Brown, Shine Seduction lip gloss in Blushed Bass, shadow quad in Mocha Motion
Body Shop: Eye Color in Soft Black, Brow & Lash Gel in Clear
Cover Girl: LashBlast mascara in Rich Black

After brunch I ran a few errands, one being Target where I picked up L'Oreal's H.I.P. cream eyeliner in black. My Maybelline UltraLiner is past its expiration date and I have searched now three drug stores, two Targets and two grocery stores and none have had it in stock (only Dark Brown). Thought this may be an interesting change.

In the evening, we went to my husband's yoga studio for a kirtan and to celebrate the owner's birthday. Slight adjustment to the outfit so I could sit on the floor and be easily barefoot...

Attire:
Boob Maternity: Black jersey dress
Liz Lange for Target: Black leggings
Mossimo: Black ballet flats
Purple silk scarf
Silver cuff

Hair:
Same as earlier in the day

Beauty:
Exactly the same except I tried the new eye liner. Need to play with it a bit more before I make a judgment...

Friday

Sister came over so we could have a family bond. She, my husband and I had a fabulous salad for dinner:

Herb mix salad
Sliced seedless green grapes
Chopped Fuji apple
chopped yellow pepper
Chopped peeled cucumber
Gorgonzola cheese
Chopped walnuts
Homemade vinaigrette

And then for dessert we had these delicious fabulous treats, that my sister baked. Tres yum!

We then watched the debate. They had champagne with the cupcakes, I had water. :)

Black ponte maternity trousers, gray jersey maternity top from Old Navy, hair air dried, no makeup, black flip flops from J. Crew. Yeah, it was that sort of day!

Pantry Cleaning Recipe… Welcome Autumn! Stuffed Portobello Mushroom Caps

Ingredients:
Two portobello caps
One peach (though could be replaced with dried apricots, raisins or a small apple)
About two cups leftover cooked brown rice
Leftover half of a roll of goat cheese with fig (could easily switch with regular goat cheese, even use cream cheese... any soft cheese)
Half of an onion, chopped (I used a sweet yellow onion)
Nutmeg
Cayenne pepper
Last dregs of a beer (like 3-4 tablespoons)
Spray olive oil
Brown panko bread crumbs (I always have these on hand)
One veggie kielbasa sausage (can be replaced with any other faux or real meat), chopped

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Spray fry pan with olive oil, sauté onion until translucent
Add sausage, two grinds of nutmeg and three shakes of pepper, stir occasionally on low-medium
Add the bit of beer for moisture, and also so you can toss the bottle into the recycling bin and clean up the living room.
Add peach, chopped (used peach because it was over-ripe and on hand)
Add rice
Put portobellos in oven on cookie sheet and let heat up for 5-10 minutes
Add goat cheese to mixture in fry pan and take off heat. Use wooden spoon or spatula to mix.
Overfill the mushroom caps with the mixture. Drizzle bread crumbs on top and ten spray with olive oil
Put back in oven for 10 minutes or until melty and heated through.

Serve with some sort of squash. I found a very cool looking one the size of a small eggplant that was green and yellow stripes that was $1.50 at the market. I cut in half, scraped out the seeds, added a bit of butter, maple syrup and brown sugar to the wells and cooked for 45 minutes on 350 degrees in the oven. Occasionally spread around the sugar butter mixture so it would soak through nicely. Wish I took a picture, the meal looked as good as it tasted!

My fashion for Friday - Old Navy yoga pants and tee shirt, husband's Tool hooded sweatshirt. Me sans makeup, feeling boo boo kitty. Tres chic...

Didn’t get a flight to Florida, but feeling better. My sister is coming over today. Yesterday I forced myself to take a shower, get dressed and fixed up and get out of the house. Though I felt like being a slug on the couch, getting creative with what was on hand in the kitchen was very therapeutic. I love cooking for my husband, it’s like serving him a meal of love. He has been so great through all this and so understanding when I get all hormonal. He loved the meal (is a mushroom fan) and it was nice to cook something so seasonal.

Review: Petite and Tall at Old Navy!

When you are a woman of less than average size, there is nothing more frustrating than companies who swear they carry extended sizes but they just don’t fit.

As a petite woman, I hate when companies sell “short” lengths in trousers in jeans. The inseam usually is the right length, but nothing else about the pant is actually petite. Petite women are not the size of 5’7” women but with shorter legs; usually we have shorter torsos, a shorter space between belly button and crotch, our hips and thighs are thereby proportionally spaced on our body. A “short” pant usually gapes at the waist, goes past our belly buttons, bunches at the crotch and hips and just has a poor fit.

I have many tall friends who complain that “long” lengths are often not long enough, and if they are they are usually too short in the rise and too slim in the hip area. Again, a tall woman is usually not just an average sized woman with longer legs…

For tall and short women, other garments are also an issue. Jackets are the worst – not only are sleeve lengths wrong, so are the widths of shoulders and where the jacket is supposed to nip in at the waist. Petite women often look as though they are playing dress-up in their mother’s closets and tall women always look stuffed and uncomfortable in shrunken pieces. Dresses bunch at the waist on petite women, and often are an indecent length for tall ladies.

Well one of my favorite budget-friendly retailers has seen the light… and the fact that not all women have the same size torsos. Old Navy has come to the rescue with their new Petite and Tall lines for Women sizes 0-20!

The new lines have many pieces from their standard size line, just cut to fit a tall or petite woman. I had to check it out for myself.

Since I am pregnant, I knew I wouldn’t be able to accurately test out the petite cuts of dresses and shirts. However I knew with a belly band I would be able to see how a pair of trousers fit. I decided to test the line with their Stretch Ponte Mid-Rise Wide-Leg Trouser (see left). Ponte knit is one of my very favorite fabrics – easy care, can dress up while feeling as comfy as a pair of yoga pants, keeps its shape. I own a jacket of black ponte fabric and was thinking this could make a nice casual suit. Also a true test of a proper petite fit are how the pockets lie on the frame – these pants have side slash pockets and I wanted to see if they would gap, if they would be at a place that would be comfortable to actually use, and if they were fashioned well to lie flat.

As always, the order arrived from Old Navy promptly, well packaged without extra paper and stuffing. The pants were a medium weight of ponte fabric, unlined, acetate pocket linings, simple invisible seaming. Closure of a zipper, hidden button and two hooks for the waistband (which I love because it gives a very smooth flush finish under trim knit tops).

On, the pants really do fit like a true petite! The rise was shorter than regular trousers, hit just below the belly button, laid smooth over the bum and crotch. The length was perfect for my 5’3” frame with a kitten heel. And the pockets? Even with my belly bump they were smooth. They arrived basted shut (front and back pockets) which helped the pant come shipped smooth and then wear smooth.

The pants are machine washable; I washed them on the gentle cycle and had them hang to dry. This is how I clean my other ponte garments; it helps maintain good texture of the knit and the rich black color. After washing, the pants looked exactly the same. They didn’t pill, didn’t fade, didn’t stretch out. I compared them to a $65 pair of ponte pants from a different company and they looked to be of equal quality fabric, and equal construction.

Oh my goodness, budget-friendly petite clothing that is truly fit for a petite woman? Old Navy has produced Fashion Nirvana!

Old Navy’s Tall line is made specifically for women over 5’10”. There is an extra half-inch in the shoulders, longer sleeves, longer length in tops, lower waist position for tops and dresses, a nice longer rise, a full 36” inseam, and proper shaping to fit a woman’s figure.

Old Navy’s Petite line is specifically for women under 5’4”. The garments have narrowed shoulders and higher arm openings (yay for properly covered bras!). Sleeves are shorter, hips and waist are more narrow than the classic, fit, pieces have a shorter rise and there’s a lovely 29.5” inseam for truly petite ladies.

The Old Navy Petite and Tall lines are available exclusively online.

You can see the ponte pants on me at my other blog, My Wardrobe Today. Do know they don't fit as usual due to being 26 weeks pregnant. :)

Thursday

I found out yesterday that my aunt passed away. She was the last of my dad's siblings, there were five of them. My dad passed away ten years ago. It's hitting me pretty hard, I think the combination of her passing and it reminding me of my dad, and then all of this happening while pregnant and knowing that my daughter will never meet these utterly amazing and loving people... well it's a lot.

I have taken the next two days off. I would like to go down to Florida for the funeral but am not sure if I can get a flight, and one that isn't a kazillion dollars.

So this is what I look like right now, and may look like the next two days if I can't get a flight. Very tired, very sad, still sick, and in desperate need of hibernation. It was already a tough week...

When they say you get emotional and hormonal when pregnant, they aren't kidding! :) The past 24 hours have been a bit of a roller coaster, and my plan is to rest, meditate, heal up and come to terms with everything. I look forward to "seeing" all of you on Monday and hope everyone has a good weekend. Take the time to contact a distant friend and relative and tell him or her how much you love and appreciate him.

My Jewelry Armoire - More Than You Ever Wanted to Know...

I mentioned recently I would go into detail about my accessory collection...

As you guys can tell, I LOVE jewelry. I am not one to covet diamonds and semi-precious gems; I am the kind of girl that likes things modern, big and bold. I inherited this from my mom who has an amazing collection of mainly silver jewelry; she inherited much from my Great Aunt who was a jewelry designer specializing in big bold silver pieces.

I learned from my mom that if you properly care for and protect your accessories, they will last a lifetime. She still wears pieces from her school days, gifts from old beaus, pieces she even made with my Great Aunt before she passed. In her collection are pieces that originally belonged to my grandmother, Great Aunt and other relatives. I love how jewelry can tell a story - a trip overseas, a celebration of a lifetime achievement, a memory of a past relationship, a hot trend in fashion that is now seen as quirky vintage.

When I was younger, I was not good with my accessories. I would forget I had a necklace over my turtleneck, pull off my sweater and break the chain in the process. Jewelry would be thrown all over the house and I would eventually lose or break and earring or ring in the process. I would forget which sorority sister I loaned a piece to and never see it again. Let's not even bring up the hundreds of dollars with of chunky silver rings I have lost when I worked retail - my hands would swell from too much caffeine and the dryness of cardboard shipment boxes and clothing fibers; I would take the ring off for JUST A SECOND and never see it again.

In the past several years I have made a concerted effort to purchase only that which I could see with multiple outfits, over multiple seasons and fit my true personality, not a trend I was trying to achieve.

I had several solutions for my accessories - various jewelry boxes that I would outgrow in a couple of months, fabric-covered storage boxes on closet shelves, a coat rack with hooks for necklaces, even velvet bags in one half of my sock drawer.

Not until last year did I have the perfect solution for my ever-growing collection - an armoire dedicated just to accessories.

My husband got me this piece for my birthday one year; he purchased it at Target though I know they sell similar pieces at Bombay Company, QVC and various furniture retailers. This one had plenty of storage space and fit the look of our bedroom. It is black stained wood, and I believe it was a little over $100.

The top part of the armoire opens to have a mirror (that I never use) and a few velvet-lined compartments for small pieces. Up here I keep all my delicate things - nice necklaces, post earrings, brooches, delicate pendants and bracelets, and even my wedding tiara. :)





The next two drawers also have little compartments. The first one has smaller compartments so it became my earring drawer. Hoops are in the center because they are worn the most; rest are sectioned off usually by color or style. I do have one compartment for single earrings in hopes I find the match or am invited to a Cyndi Lauper lookalike party...

The second drawer holds all my bracelets and my lone watch (that I never wear). Again, that which is worn the most takes front real estate, and I organize by color and style. This may seem anal, but it makes it super easy to put away stuff in the dark and dress in a rush.


The next three drawers are of the same size and without compartments. As you see, I also sort of organize them by category - the first drawer are pearls, second one are colored stones, third one holds bead and more organic of pieces. Necklaces in these drawers are sturdy and not likely to tangle. Again, having them categorized makes it super easy to find an appropriate piece when dressing in a dash (no point in opening the pearl drawer if I am wearing my olive linen shift...).


This drawer is next - it holds all my hair accessories. Elastics, bobby pins, headbands, and yes that is a neon orange polka-dotted scrunchie in the corner (hey I did wear it to see an 80s cover band...). I adore having this drawer because it's so easy to find random clips and elastics and just have a place to toss them. My husband also knows where it is and will toss them in there when he finds them on the floor or on the back of the toilet. Since having this drawer I have not had to go out and purchase a single hair accessory - in fact I seem to have more than ever since there is a home for them when they are randomly found around the house and car.


The last two drawers are far larger and hold those bigger accessories that never seem to have a good home - belts and glasses.

I don't wear belts very often, and having them in my tiny closet was a pain and they were either super hidden deep in the back or in the way up front. I have taken the belts I occasionally wear and gently curled them into this drawer; those belts that are out of style or I don't wear a also gently curled and stored in a canvas box on a very high shelf in my closet. I don't really believe in getting rid of an accessory unless it is broken or in bad shape; you never know what will come back in fashion or even work for a Halloween costume. Accessories take up so little space, it doesn't hurt to hold on to them for a while.

The bottom drawer holds glasses and sunglasses and extra cases. And no, I don't wear my Bootsy Collins shades on a regular basis! :)

The armoire has two side doors that stay closed with magnets.

The door on the right of the armoire (first picture) is easily accessible and holds all of my necklaces that easily tangle. Again, they are hanging in categories - gold, silver, pendants, beads. The bottom rung of hooks holds shorter necklaces that aren't worn as regularly.

The door on the left (second picture) is not easy to get to since that side of the armoire is flush with my bureau. Because of that, it holds my out of season/out of style/least favorite necklaces. I do open it up every couple of months to see if there is anything I may want to put into rotation, and place in there that which I have tired of.

The armoire is between my bureau and my closet so it is easy to reach, and easy to toss items back in it at the end of the night. Having it organized means my husband helps too - if I leave my earrings downstairs from falling asleep on the couch, he can bring them up with him next trip and know where they are to go. I don't lose pieces and I don't break pieces and it has been years since the vaccuum or my dog has consumed an earring back.

It's funny, growing up I was a SLOB; my room is still never perfectly tiday and I am the queen of piles, yet I have become a bit obsessive with my clothes and accessories. When you are on a budget, it doesn't make sense to be cavalier with what you purchase. If you properly care for quality clothing and accessories, they will return the favor with many many years of great wear!

Wednesday

Attire:
J. Crew: Olive ribbed tank
Banana Republic Outlet: Black ponte collarless jacket
Gap Petites: Ponte trousers
Sudini: Black leather booties
Black coral necklace from Mexico
Silver cuff

Hair:
Day Two

Beauty:
Laura Mercier: Flawless Face Kit (sans tinted moisturizer) in Sand
L'Oreal: True Match foundation in C3
Nars: Blush in Orgasm
Maybelline: Brow powder in Dark Brown, shadow quad in Mocha Motion
Body Shop: Brow and Lash gel in Clear, eye color in Soft Black
Benefit: Her Glossiness in Next Question Please
Cover Girl: LashBlast mascara in Rich Black

Still feeling under the weather but can't really use up all my PTO considering I will REALLY need it in a couple of months... funny to be wearing an outfit that is completely NOT maternity!

Great for Tim Gunn, Not For You

I love Project Runway, it’s one of the only things I DVR even though I catch it when it airs. I adore Tim Gunn on the show – he is a straight shooter, but does it with class and poise.

“Make it Work”

This is Gunn’s catchphrase, and an appropriate one for designers on a budget and a time crunch. Make do with what you have on hand, and make it the best possible.

This is NOT a great catchphrase for your own wardrobe.

I utterly despise those fashion shows and magazine articles that tell you how to shop from your own wardrobe. Take a stretched out old cardigan and pair with a skinny belt and it’s suddenly chic with a pencil skirt. Take that crepe jacket from your interview suit and pair with a silk cami and jeans and suddenly it’s perfect for a night on the town. Belt that which is too large, layer over that which is too small, and make those highwater trousers seem chic and trés Audrey Hepburn with a pair of ballet flats.

Come on ladies, let’s stop fooling ourselves. These “closet shopping” creations NEVER look that chic. They don’t even look good on the six-foot tall size 2 model, how are they going to look flattering on your real, feminine form?

If you have to make excuses for something in your closet, it doesn’t deserve to be there. If you are making excuses before you leave the fitting room, DO NOT PURCHASE IT! I don’t care if it’s on super duper clearance for $2.99, if it doesn’t fit well, doesn’t flatter your shape, doesn’t work with your personal sense of style or feel good on the body… it’s not worth it. That money can go towards a coffee drink, and all those “great deals” you have purchased and never loved could add up to one highly coveted nice item that gets worn on a weekly basis.

So let’s discuss those “make it work” pieces in your current closet. These are the pants that do weird things in the crotch, are not quite long enough for anything but your Old Navy flip flops, and have a strange texture that not only catches the light like a disco ball but also collects lint better than Velcro. Another may be that white shirt that is so sheer you can see the stitching on your nude-colored tee shirt bra and even that mole on your shoulder. How about that sweater that your aunt gave you for Christmas last year? Yes, it’s from an expensive store and a coveted brand, but it’s a bit itchy, you don’t adore the color and it’s not really your style. And let’s include that suit you feel you need to keep just in case your dream job calls you up tomorrow to schedule an interview. It’s a size too small, is a bit more conservative than your usual style and you have never been able to find a decent blouse that compliments the color and style of the suit.

Get rid of them all. They don’t work, and try as you may, you can’t make them work. I know I sound like a broken record, but you will be better off with very few items in your closet that fit and flatter, than a full closet of garments that take hours to even slightly “work”.

Instead of staring at a bar full of clothing every morning, use that time to pare down to that which always works. Anything that requires mending, have repaired before next week (if you don’t know how to do it, it makes more sense to pay a dry cleaner or tailor to do it than have it sit in your closet and collect dust). Sleeves and trousers that are too long- they too can be fixed for a few dollars at your local dry cleaner or tailor. If it’s stained, Google for a stain removal solution appropriate to the fabric; if there is no hope for the item, get rid of it. Anything that doesn’t fit, doesn’t flatter, and just doesn’t make you feel good should be removed.

It’s ridiculous to think that you can shop your own closet unassisted. Usually that which is not being worn is ill-fitting or a bad purchase in the first place. Instead, follow these tips towards having a workable, flattering, and enjoyable wardrobe:

1. Stop falling for the incredible bargain. I am not saying ignore the clearance racks – believe you me, I love them and most of my wardrobe comes from them. However, stay on track. If you need a black skirt, why are you going home with red cuffed capris? Do you even need or LIKE red cuffed capris? You’ll end up at home with pieces that don’t work with what you own, and you’ll be out the fundage for that still-needed black skirt.

It’s only a bargain if it’s what you need and want and also at a reduced price.

2. Don’t make excuses in the fitting room. If you lose five pounds, if you purchase a different bra, if you get the pockets stitched closed, if you purchase a yellow sweater to match the print, if you wear some Spanx, if you get invited to a black tie wedding… then this item will be perfection!

We have all done this, and this is why these cheap retailers who sell crappy knockoffs of knockoffs stay in business. If you only buy that which you love and loves you back, you will have less closet regrets and actually more money.

Before taking something to the cash wrap, move in the garment. Walk in it, sit in it, stand up and see how it handled such movement. Find a three-way mirror and check out the back view. Ask a stranger what she thinks and don’t just listen to what she says but look at her eyes to see what she REALLY thinks. Finally, don’t purchase that which you cannot afford. A woman is far more stylish in the same pants every day and great posture from confidence, than a woman with an endless wardrobe and stress in her eyes from creditors on her back.

3. Shop smart so you never shop in a panic. How many times have you been at the mall the night before a holiday party or a wedding, searching for ANYTHING that will fit and be appropriate? How horrible of a feeling is that, dashing from shop to shop, and then dropping hard-earned money on something you don’t really like but desperately need?

Having some basic wardrobe staples will prevent this situation from taking place. Having a simple black dress will work for an awards ceremony, a cocktail party, a wedding, a holiday party, formal night on a cruise, silent auction at the church and much much more. Have some versatile pieces like black trousers, simple skirts, a pair of pumps and a nice blouse or knit available for coffee with an old flame, a luncheon with the mayor, your first week at a new job. Shop when your calendar is light, when you can cruise the mall or Internet shops with ease and time. Have the space and ability to compare prices and fit, and take the item immediately to the tailor for any necessary alterations to make it utterly perfect for that unexpected last-minute event.

4. New doesn’t equal better. It’s so tempting to go shopping for that first date, for your high school reunion, a vacation. But here’s the thing: those you will see won’t know whether that dress is brand-spanking new or a decade old. If it fits, flatters and is in great condition… why do you need new? If you know you already own something good for an event, stick with what works. Consider spending more time on your hair, getting a new lipstick, or possibly a manicure or more expensive brow grooming to change your look and feel fresh. Rarely do we judge a woman by how current or trendy her clothes are; we see the whole package – how she is groomed, how the clothing fits her frame, how she accessorizes, how she pulls it all together. Often when you ask a stylish woman where she got a garment, she will admit she has had it in her closet for years. Quality, carefully chosen garments can be worn to your five, ten and fifteen year reunions without a single attendee realizing it is the same. Newness can come with an updated hair style, a current heel on your pumps, a switch in lipcolor; that sort of newness is far more chic than a once-worn dress gathering dust in your closet.

Tuesday

No pic... out sick.

Not sure if it's the changing of the seasons, allergies, me being a bad vegetarian and having a bit of seafood... but I started feeling icky yesterday and got full-out sick last night and am still really reeling from it.

So right now I am sitting on my couch with bedhead (which looks pretty fun with purple and red streaks), in my turquoise New York & company dress. This dress was great through the summer but even with careful cleaning, it got faded and pilled and icky fast and is now a lounge dress/nightgown for my preggo self. :) The plan is to consume lots of fluids, keep my feet up, rest and recuperate so I can handle work tomorrow (and a baseball game afterwards!).

Monday

Attire:
Motherhood Maternity: Pink print matte jersey dress
Callisto: Tan heeled sandals
Silver cuff

Hair:
Washed and conditioned
Dried with round brush

Beauty:
Laura Mercier: Flawless face kit in Sand
Nars: Blush in Orgasm
Pop Beauty: Shadow palette for Brown Eyes - the khaki and celadon blended on lid
Cover Girl: LashBlast mascara in Rich Black
Clinique: Almost Lipstick in Black Honey

This Weekend

This weekend was pretty hectic. Wonderful, but hectic.

Friday I worked form home the first part of the day. Then my husband and I headed to his aunt's house where she was hosting a lunch for his great aunts who were visiting from Minnesota. My husband had met them years ago at a family reunion but it was my first time meeting them. We had a really lovely time.

I do not have a picture of my outfit because I forgot; should have some later when other people's cameras develop the pics from the day. However I wore a dress from Ann Taylor Loft Maternity that was on clearance a few months ago - it's long sleeved matte jersey, black with a green and white pattern on it and a surplice neckline. With it I wore my black leather slingbacks from Banana Republic and had my hair curly. Very subtle makeup - fresh face, rosy cheeks to counteract the Crayola hair. :)

We then jetted from there to the Chesapeake Bay where my friend Candice was having her wedding rehearsal. I was to be officiant so I had to be on time! All went well, the site was gorgeous and the weather was perfect. We then headed to the rehearsal dinner and got home before 10pm.

The next day I got up early to take my mom to the airport for her trip to Massachusetts to celebrate her childhood friend's birthday. I then ran a few errands - the much needed brow wax, some returns, some groceries... the usual. Got home and had a little time to do laundry and cleaning and then got ready for the wedding.

Again, no great pictures from the outfit as that we were running a bit late and my camera was already in the car. This is a picture my husband captured of me at the altar before the bridal party made their entrance. I wore my hair wavy, again fresh makeup but added a bit of liquid liner. Dress is Old Navy maternity - black matte jersey and actually the same exact cut and style as my go-to non-maternity Old Navy dress! I got it via eBay. With it I wore the Banana Republic slingbacks but in bronze, two pearl necklaces (choker and longer), diamond studs and a black crepe shawl with fringe and embroidery that I got at Express a decade ago. Black beaded vintage clutch.

The wedding was amazing - weather was perfect, the view was gorgeous (the Bay was right behind us during the ceremony), the bride was so beautiful, she did a great job planning the event with special touches and simple elegance. I know Candice from my old job so it was great to see a few of my old coworkers again and catch up.

Sunday, my husband and I went to breakfast and then to the farmer's market and grocery.

I have found with my pregnancy that life is far easier with dresses so I have been throwing them on almost every day. It's great because I look very polished but feel comfy and take no time to get ready.

This dress is by Boob Design, which is a nursing and maternity company. I ADORE this dress, and also wore is Saturday morning when taking my mom to the airport.

It's a lightweight cotton jersey that has drawstrings at the empire waistline so it can really contour around my curves. Blouson sleeves are a fun touch and the dress is as comfortable as a nightgown, but with very feminine and stylish details. Paired it with my brown suede boots from Silhouettes, a gray print shawl from a boutique in Rehoboth Beach (worn as a scarf) and my new purse.

Speaking of new purse... here's my fall splurge! This is the "Megan" by Junior Drake. I got it on eBay for an incredible price and really adore it. The whiskey color is gorgeous and works with black as well as brown. Lots of little pockets so I have a place for my cell, my notepad, my SmartTrip card, my keys, my lipstick... it's slouchy without being a black hole like my old Banana Republic hobo.

Often I get my bags from Banana Republic because I find the quality and style to far exceed the price of their leathergoods. That, on top of finding a piece on eBay means I get a good deal. I had not experienced a Junio Drake bag before, but have seen this bag on a few celebs and in Nordstrom and loved the shape and style. I decided on a whim to check eBay to see if I could find one in my pricerange. This one was new but without tags and without the shoulder strap, which meant they couldn't get a regular high price for it. No worries, the seller was reputable and offered returns so I took the plunge. Very happy with the result!

This picture has nothing to do with fashion, but I saw it at the farmer's market and had to share...

little tomatoes as tasty as Johnny Depp?


Oh my! ;)


Hope you all had a lovely weekend!

Thursday

Purty!

I loved the colors so much, I just HAD to take a picture!!!

So after much consultation with the ever-talented Kathleen (my hair stylist), we decided on some purple, and some cherry red, and some blending of the two. The purple will fade faster than the red, the red will fade to more of a garnet/auburn shade so it won't look so crazy and I can always come back in several weeks and change the color of these streaks.

It is a bit intense, but it's very fun. It's also funny that no one even blinked at my hair today at work. The first person who commented was a friend I met for lunch. I said something to my supervisor who did say something looked slightly different. In the sunlight, it is INTENSE; in the office it is more like cherry highlights. Anyway, it's fun and I am glad I got the guts to do this!

Attire:
Ann Taylor Loft Maternity: White cotton shirt
Old Navy Petites: Black Ponte pants (brand new, non-maternity, stretchy and comfy and fabulous and go get yourself a pair! Detailed review hope to have up very soon on Wardrobe Oxygen!)
Banana Republic: Black leather strappy slingbacks with kitten heel (also new, bought with that 30% discount and a $40 off coupon - sorry no more left on site!)
Silver hoops and cuff

Hair:
Day 2
Straightened with Croc Wet-to-Dry flat iron

Beauty:
Laura Mercier: Flawless Face kit in Sand
Nars: Blush in Orgasm
Pop Beauty: Shadow palette for Brown Eyes - The khaki and russet blended on lid
Body Shop: Brow and Lash Gel in Clear, Sheer Lipcolor In Sheer Strawberry
Chanel: Intense Volume and Curl Mascara in Black
Avon: Luxury Eye Liner in Black

Wednesday

Attire:
Proenza Schouler for Target: Teal jersey dress
Banana Republic: Orange silk crinkle scarf
Duo: Bern Boots
H&M: Silver necklace
Silver hoops and cuff

Hair:
Day 2

Beauty:
Laura Mercier: Flawless Face kit in Sand
Cargo: Matte BeachBlush in Tenerife
Pop Beauty: Palette for Brown Eyes - the khaki and russet blended on lid, russet and chocolate blended in crease and on lash lines
Avon: Luxury Eye Liner in Black
Chanel: Intense Volume and Curl Mascara in Black
Maybelline: Brow powder in Dark Brown
Body Shop: Brow and Lash Gel in Clear
Victoria's Secret: Lip Gloss in French Kiss

A wonderfully cool day here in DC - a nice change from the crazy humidity from these storms down south!

Tuesday

A very un-thrilling outfit today. I'm sorry, I was having breakfast and To Kill a Mockingbird was on and next thing I knew I was running very very late... lately I have been watching TV int he morning and it is a VERY bad habit!

Attire:
Ann Taylor: Jade silk knit empire-waist scoop top
Old Navy Maternity: Same darn pants I wore yesterday (I heart them so much...)
Sudini: Black leather booties

Hair:
Washed and conditioned
Dried with dryer and round brush

Beauty:
L'Oreal: True Match foundation in C3
Nars: Blush in Orgasm
Pop Beauty: Shadow set for Brown Eyes - the khaki and celadon blended on lid
Chanel: Intense Volume and Curl Mascara in Black
Revlon: ColorStay Lipcolor In Real Raisin
Maybelline: Brown powder iN Dark Brown, UltraLiner in Black