Style Your Wardrobe: March 2011

Thursday, March 31, 2011

A Wedge for All

I have struggled with spring and summer shoe trends for several years now. I'm not sure why the fashion industry and those that dictate the trends we helplessly follow continue to torture us with the hideous gladiator sandal trend. I mean come on folks - why on earth do I want my legs (or yours for that matter) to look like tree trunks? Fashion 101 - having straps around the ankles do NOT make your legs look longer or thinner. In fact it does the exact opposite. The other problem is that they can distract from your entire outfit drawing the eye downward to your feet. For example:

Beautiful Gwyneth - all I see are your shoes

Rhianna - I hope you fired your stylist after appearing on television in these

Fergie - this entire outfit is just a shame and then you wrap toilet paper around your feet and ankles

Well good news has arrived. A fashion fairy must have heard my pleas and sprinkled pixie dust on those artsy, creative, brains that design our shoe selections each year. The wedge and the chunky heel are popping up on websites galore and stomping into nearby retailers. Can you hear the music playing as the clouds part and a blinding ray of light shines upon us all? Okay - so I'm getting a little carried away, but I'm so excited!!

There are a lot of choices out there from high end retailers like Neiman Marcus to discounters such as Payless and JC Penney's. I picked a few of my favorites that are all under $100.

The Gap - $70

Nordstrom - $60.00

It's coral too - the color of the season

Old Navy - $33

Yes - you read correctly!

Payless Shoes - $27

On the tall side, but very cute. Can't promise these babies are going to be comfortable though

Nordstrom - $80

Same shoe as above from Nordstrom but in snakeskin - $80

Nordstrom leopard canvas - $89

Can't go wrong with an animal print

BC footwear at Nordstrom - $65

A lower heel for us mommies

Payless metallic wedge - $25

DSW, Target and Kohl's are also great places to find cute, trend right shoes, at affordable prices.

So my friends, you can now sleep peacefully at night knowing that your feet (and legs) will look good once again in some lovely little wedges. Until the next post - happy shopping!

Monday, March 28, 2011

Forever 36

In my attempts to keep up with these twenty-something fashion bloggers, I came across a vintage inspired clothing boutique called Ruche at www.shopruche.com. My observation of their clothing assortment is sort of like Anthropologie meets Forever 21. The styles are modern with a vintage touch, but at very affordable prices.

So - I got excited and ordered two pieces, thinking I had hit the jackpot with a new found treasure. I ordered a tank dress and an A-line skirt pictured below.

tank dress - $37.00

A-line skirt - $33.00

Oh the endless outfit possibilities that these two items of clothing could create. I was so excited that I had made 2 brilliant choices for my wardrobe. I even greeted our sweet mailman everyday after I got my tracking number in anticipation of their arrival.

Well, they came today and sadly I still have not recovered from the horror that I faced in the mirror after trying these two pieces on. My new found treasure was just an empty chest filled with two pieces of clothing for a skinny "forever 21" girl with no hips and no butt (and possibly flatter abs).

I have been sucker punched into reality that I am in my mid-thirites and need to go with my gut (no pun intended). When shopping these younger stores, stay with tops and maybe even go up a size. There are some VERY cute pieces that I think would and could work for us normal sized gals. I've posted a few of them for you to see.

Navy Belted Trench Coat - $47

A must have for your wardrobe

Stripe s/less tee with ruffle details - $42

Cute layered with almost any color of cardigan

Tie-neck blouse - $33

Great layered under jackets and sweaters or wear alone with skinnier jeans (notice I did not say skinny)

Feminine Tweed "Chanel" inspired jacket - $84

Great worn with jeans or a pencil skirt

Floral scarf $14

You can't go wrong with an accessory no matter how many cookies you ate today.

So today I remain Forever 36 because I'm not counting anymore birthdays and will enjoy all of life's little pleasures except when it comes to little clothes!

Monday, March 14, 2011

It's A Wrap

One of my all time favorite dresses is the wrap dress. It flatters just about any figure at any size and comes in all price ranges. Investing in a nice quality wrap dress can be a part of your wardrobe for years. With the right fabric, it can go from season to season. Wear it with tights and boots during the winter then with bare legs and sandals in the warmer months. Here are two girls from blogs I follow that wore the same dress in two different seasons.

whatiwore.tumbir.com and kendieveryday.blogspot.com

Now it is time to find one for you. Here are some of my favorites.

Tory Burch - $395

Oh Tory - I should do a blog post just about you and my love affair with your clothes. Maybe this dress will go on sale. Until then, sigh.

Diane Von Furstenberg - $325

DVF is the queen of the wrap dress. If you ever are out shopping at thrift stores and happen to find one of her dresses in your size, snatch it up instantly and run for the hills. Her dresses are timeless and a huge splurge if you can afford to do so.

Kate Spade - $325

I mean what is not to love about this dress (except for the price)! It has ruffles, it is a great length, and an awesome color. Now if someone would only buy it and ship it to Ashland Pt.

Boden - $128

This dress from Boden catalog comes in 4 other colors and is perfect for the transition in to Spring. Plus they almost always offer a 15% discount with free shipping and free returns.

Banana Republic - $74.50

On Sale!! It is the perfect Little Black Dress (LBD).

Kohl's - $29.99

A round of applause to Kohl's for this dress. At $30, it is a steal and VERY cute.

Victoria's Secret - $49

This dress also comes in several colors. At $49.00, you can get 2! However, please wear a cami. Not all of us want to see your girls.

Ralph Lauren - $144

This is old school Ralph here. Can't go wrong with the dots.

Lane Bryant - $70

Such a great print and perfect for plus sizes.

When in doubt on what dress flatters your curves, go with the wrap. It is a must have in your wardrobe and will always be in style. Have a great week!

Monday, March 7, 2011

Trend Alert - Lace and Crochet

Honestly, this trend kind of makes me nervous. It is a trend that can look really cute or take a turn to scary town making the most innocent look like they stepped out of Madonna's "Like a Virgin" video.

Unless you are embarking on a new career in music, please take the "less is more" approach when coming to lace. Go with one piece and ONE piece only. And remember, it's all in the details. Find a piece that has some lace trim instead of trying to pull off an all over lace tee.

Here are a few recommendations for a tasteful approach to wearing lace.

J. Crew - $52.00

Cute layered under a jacket or cardigan and can be worn alone in the warmer months with capris or shorts.

J. Crew - $58.00

Not all over lace, but lace stripes. AND - stripes are a hot trend this spring!

Collective Concepts - $49

Found on Piperlime.com. Dress it up or down with jeans or a cute pencil skirt.

Daniel Rainn - $74.00

Also found on Piperlime.com.

What NOT to do with Lace.

Victoria's Secret

Don't get me wrong, I do love new bras and underwear from Vickie. However, the skin tight, lacey, micro - mini is for Kim Kardashian or Paris Hilton.

Rue21

Please just keep the tutu's on your daughters.

Victoria's Secret

NO see through lace with your "girls" in plain view. Last time I checked, Carrie Bradshaw pulled that off in Sex and the City and it wasn't cute then either.