Making A List, Checking It Twice

‘Tis the season for lists--holiday gift lists, personal wish lists, Oprah’s go-buy-this-now list, top 100 songs of the year lists, New Year’s Eve guest lists.  This year Casual Friday has a list to share with you. Here's what we're wishing for this year...

1. My sisters will buy clothes that fit properly.  Banish the blouses that pull across the bust, the low rise pants that almost fasten beneath overflowing bellies.  Junk the jackets that pull tighter than a corset, straining buttons that could pop off, ricochet, and put somebody’s eye out.  Toss out tight skirts that show too many lumps in the rump.  Pass on painted-on looks.  Spandex can fool you into thinking that if you can still breathe it fits.  But the waistband is digging deep into your midriff, cutting off circulation to the lower extremities.  That’s why your feet feel all tingly! 

2. My sisters will buy the right undergarments.  One word.  Spanx.  If Spanx is too rich for your budget Target has an inexpensive line “Assets,” that does a great job of smoothing and firming.  Stop the jiggle!  Get firm!  Create a smooth, lump-free line under everything.  Bonus--you’ll look ten pounds thinner.

Two words.  New bras.  Get refitted!  Bra sizes change with time, weight gain/loss and childbirth.  That mean old man, Gravity, delivers the final 1-2 punch.  Don’t let the girls droop--pull them up from your waistband.  Chances are you’ll find a more comfortable, flattering fit that’ll lend to a sexier silhouette, better fitting garments, and second glances from not-so-secret admirers.

VPLs.  No excuses anymore.  You are not relegated to fanny floss.  Boy shorts come in every color, size, and fabric.  They’re cute, unabashedly sexy and incredibly comfortable.

Slips. Wear ‘em!  They keep that darling little BCBG dress from bunching up between your legs as you walk.  If you’re sentenced to wearing pantyhose, this little slice of silk or nylon can help calm the cling.

3. Mama wants another pair of boots.  Boots can add a fierce element of cold calculating style to your winter wardrobe.  Ankle low, knee high, western, biker, flat or wedge--I can’t get enough.  Boots make me feel powerful like Wonder Woman, sleek like Catwoman, proud like the conquering she-ro.  I can climb Mount St. Helens and not get ashed.  Wrestle with my conscience and win.  Grind my stiletto heel into the faces of those who dare me.  Right now I have my eye on a pair of black suede ankle boots from Naya with a half-inch platform sole, origami flower detail and a walkable 3” heel.  Winter can be sexy. 

4. Kinky peep toe shoes from Sofft.  Speaking of footwear, how about a pair of sexy strappy glossy shooties ($110)?  The straps makes the foot look caged.  Lots of studs.  Zippers and straps, call it a wrap.  I’ll take them.  I feel wicked just looking at them! 

5.  Faux cheetah coat from Garnet Hill.  The coat is as cute as a tiger cub.  Daring and loaded with attitude.  Oversized portrait collar, slim shape, plush velvety fleece.  The only thing Jane had that was this sexy was her man Tarzan.  Above-knee length and modestly priced ($180), this could be a signature look for the chilly fashionista. 

6. Better mascara.  A formula that doesn’t cost $25, fluffs in one coat, and doesn’t make my lashes look like little black spikes. 

7.  The return of Bobbi Brown’s “Cassis” lip color.  Bobbi discontinued one of the sexiest colors ever to coat these luscious lips.  It was a rich ruby red with brown undertones that worked well with dark skin.  It ignited the inner vixen of any woman wearing it, giving her an old school pin-up glamour.  Haven’t found a worthy substitute yet.

8.  More vintage!  Hip, funky, inspirational pieces of fashion’s past. Love the thrill of the hunt and the opportunities to create one-of-a-kind looks.


9.  A bailout for Loehmann's.  The designer discount chain is in deep financial doggie-do, and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization last month.  Love the higher end designers offered at many of their stores.  Once snagged a pebbled leather Michael Kors shoulder bag there for less than $100.

10. Another year at 12th Street Gym.  Year 11!  Spinning. Tae Bo. Step. Weight Training. Yoga.  Looking fierce, feeling fabulous.  

Happy Holidays!