The Jean Genie

The latest J. Crew catalog has another puzzling item for sale -- jeans that appear to be paint splattered for $168 (Vintage Slim Jean in Painter Wash).  I had jeans like that -- an old pair of men’s Levis from the Salvation Army that I wore to paint my kitchen.  I never thought those jeans were sexy.  I didn’t wear them with silver gladiator sandals, ropes of opera-length pearl necklaces and a silk jacket. 

If you have a spare $168 to spend on the latest spring looks, I would suggest Calvin Klein dark wash skinny jeans for $49.50 at Macy‘s.  They are just as sexy with ropes of opera-length pearls and a silk jacket.  The extra $118.50 could score both the black gabardine Tahari boyfriend jacket at TJ Maxx, and ropes of inexpensive colorful necklaces at Ten Thousand Villages.

If you must have jeans with a painter’s wash this spring, come over to the house and help us paint the upstairs hall.  We can get pizza!

Green Street Consignment

I visited Green Street Consignment Shop at 700 South Street with a friend last weekend.  It’s one of my favorite consignment shops in the city -- the merchandise is always in good condition, and the selection is impressive with great labels and a nice range of sizes.  The deal clincher, though, is the wall of career pants lining the back wall of the store.  Navy, black, charcoal gray pinstripe.  Boot cut, straight leg, suede, leather, wool, polyester.  Back pockets, no pockets. Cuffed.  Philly’s working fashionistas can unite behind that!  It’s a rack that I’ll tackle on another visit.

The difference between Green Street and Buffalo Exchange is there isn’t an overabundance of items from H&M.  Lately the Buffalo has become an outpost for sorority-girls’ H&M castoffs.  Green Street's selections are more sophisticated and fashionable.  The designer rack features hot names such as BCBG Max Azria, Prada, Theory, and Blumarine.  There are Coach bags under glass and Louis Vuittons on the wall. 

I bought an absolutely scrumptuous Tommy Hilfiger putty colored leather skirt that feels like buttah, a Japanese-inspired slate blue blouse covered in embroidered flower vines, and a brand new basic black chunky rib cotton turtleneck.  The store also sells every accessory that a woman would want -- costume jewelry, hats, scarves, shoes, bags and assorted small leather goods.  It’s all cool stuff and you can use your imagination to create a unique look for any occasion.  So, take your best friend down to what used to be the hippest street in America and spend an hour at Green Street frolicking among the frocks.  You won’t come out empty-handed.