Sunday, January 23, 2011

What to Wear Now and How to Wear it Later

As winter slowly creeps along and there are no signs of spring around us, I stand in my closet like most women do and heave a big sigh, "I have nothing to wear".  I grab the same pair of jeans and the same fleece belted cardigan and head out the door.  So in an attempt to not light a match to my closet and take my husband's clothes along with it, I am posting a few ideas for everyone on what to wear now that will also carry you into spring.  If you have some of the key pieces mentioned below in your closet, here are some ways to where it now and then wear it later.


1.  THE STRIPE TEE
Almost everyone has a striped tee in their wardrobe - right?  If not, run like the wind and buy one.  Not only are stripes a hot trend for spring, but it can add a little flavor to that cardigan you are growing tired of wearing.  Pair now with your favorite jeans and take a risk by wearing an animal print shoe.
When spring rolls around, pair with an a-line skirt and a bright, floral scarf.  Layer gold bracelets and a great wedge.  Please don't forget your pedicure before you bust out the open-toed shoes.


Trouser dark wash jean | Banana Republic
$110 - bananarepublic.gap.com
Dark wash jeans »

Humble Abode Skirt
$48 - modcloth.com
Knit skirts »

Sally
$139 - simplysoles.com
Leopard print shoes »

Elegant Rose Scarf
$34 - anntaylorloft.com
Fringed shawls »



2. THE FLORAL SKIRT
If you have a floral skirt in your closet - pair now with a sweater, jacket, and boots.  Wear it later with stripe tee or tank.  Have fun with accessories by adding a bold necklace or by layering bracelets.


3.  The Sleeveless Top 
The best thing about sleeveless tops is layering without all the bulkiness under your sweaters and jackets.  I have found myself tugging and pulling like a contortionist trying to smooth out the shirt underneath and then looking like a stuffed sausage once everything is in its place!  So - go for a great spring print now and layer under a chunky knit sweater with cords or jeans.  Pair it later with a pair of bermudas and some fun jewels.      
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Saturday, January 15, 2011

The "Skinny" on jeans

I have a confession to make.  When it comes to current fashion trends, I am usually a day late to the party.  I have in the past scoffed at trend reports and swore up and down that I would never wear an article of clothing just because it was "trending".  I snickered and gossiped about designers who sashayed into the office in the most ridiculous of outfits and then in the end caved to the evil dictators of the fashion world.  This brings me to the ever so popular "skinny" jean.

J.Crew $98 - "matchstick"

I wish this trend would retreat back into the vault and rear its ugly head when I'm old and grey and don't care what I look like?  Why is the fashion industry so cruel to us fuller figured gals?  A side note to the skinny girls who look fabulous in them - please take an hour or two to dine at an "all you can eat" buffet and check back in when you've gone up a size.  So back to my question, why do the fashion gods insist on torturing our inner beauty for the sake of style?
So as history repeats itself, I am going to surrender once again and begin the search for the perfect "skinny" jean.  I will haul 15 pairs in 3 different sizes and 5 different washes with descriptions such as "slightly skinny", "ultra skinny", "curvy skinny", and my all time favorite the "matchstick skinny".  I can already tell you after the 3 sugar cookies I just ate, the "matchstick" and I are not going to go home together.
If any of you reading this (must be a size 8 or above) have found a fabulous pair that you think make you look like Heidi Klum, please do share.  I'm posting a few possibilities as well.  For those of you that already have 3 pairs and sport the over the knee boot like a Hollywood starlet - do me a favor, would you please eat a cookie before you go to bed.

Gap $79.50 - "always" skinny 

Gap $39.99 - "forever" skinny 
on sale - not a good sign

Gap $59.50 - "real straight"

Daughter of the Liberation Accordingly $98 at Anthropologie

J.Crew $98 - they call this bootcut, but I think they look slim.



Happy Hunting!! 



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Friday, January 14, 2011

Wishing for Spring

I've about had it with Old Man Winter.  You have made your presence known, now please go away.  Having to bundle two small children like Ralphie's little brother from a Christmas Story is getting old, especially when your oldest strips down to her bare essentials once she has entered the car.  So - in hopes to chase the winter blues away, I want to share with you what Neiman Marcus gives as the LIST for the "Top 10 Spring Trends".

1. Coral - a great color for most complexions.  I read it was going to be orange so be on the look out for shades of this color family when shopping.


J. Crew Sale $179.99 b/c let's face it - it is still freaking cold!

Piper lime $276 - ouch on the price, but you get the point.

Banana Republic Patio Dress $130.  Would look awesome with gold and turquoise accessories.

2. Boho Influences - I swear we just went through this trend.  You will continue to see gladiator sandals AGAIN this year.  


Boden $118 - b/c I LOVE leopard and everyone should own a pair.  Solid colors are $108.

Old Navy $26


Modcloth.com $51.99

Modcloth.com $87.00 - floral meets boho

3. Florals - They are everywhere and I really like them mixed with dots and prints.

Juicy Couture $158 - Coral and Floral

Anthropologie $118 - balance with "skinnier" pant/jean or pencil skirt

Modcloth.com - $39.99 - wear now with a cardigan, jeans, and boots

4. Stripes - think outside your box and mix with florals.  So cute and fresh!
J Crew $78 - subtle stripe with floral appliques

Bodenusa.com

Anthropologie $158

Anthropologie $68 - very flattering for most body types since it cinches in at the smallest part of your body.  Worth the splurge for a knit top.

5. Wide leg pants - Hallelujah!!  So nice to see another style besides skinny.


Gap $69.50 - go with a darker wash.  It's always the most slimming.

Lucky Denim  $99


6. The white wardrobe - clearly these people don't have kids.
Old Navy $29.50

Gap $69.50 - I hope I don't have to tell you it is not okay to wear with denim jacket above.

Gap $34.50

Banana Republic $45

7. Flat Sandals - Sweet!
Boden $108 - yes I'm showing you this again, but there is not a lot out there and I do think these are great.

J.Crew $26.50 - why not add a little bling to your flip flops?

Tory Burch $195 - ahhhhhh, how I've watched you for many years now.


8. The spring face - Oh how my tired face needs a spring face lift.
Clinique $36 - Milly Pretty in Pinks
Trish McEvoy $20 - Perfect Blush
Yves Saint Laurent Lip Gloss Pur $30 - Pure Coral



9. Long Necklaces - my shameless stella & dot plug goes here - www.stelladot.com/jackiem

The Copa Necklace - $128.

The Revival Tassel Necklace - $79

The Triple Strand Coin Necklace - $128.

10. Crossbody bags - well, maybe one designer has a kid.
Vince Camuto $198 - Nordstrom.com


J Crew suede Hobo - $248

Anthropologie - $148.  It is floral and can be worn as a satchel or cross body.

This is only a taste of what is to come.  Most websites and retailers launch their spring collections in February.  I needed to see a light at the end of this cold and dreary tunnel and hope you find some refuge in this post.  Enjoy and stay warm!! 


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