Never Can Say Good-Buy

Filene’s Basement is closing.  For good.  This week.  Where’s my black armband and veil?

Today I wore a black leather Kenneth Cole car coat that I bought from Filene’s Basement in 1996.  The coat is a classic double-breasted style with roomy pockets.  It’s heavy with a silk Sunback lining.  The leather is a bit distressed on the seams and around the buttonholes, and all the buttons have been replaced.  The coat was relined was in 2006.  It always gets compliments and is widely coveted by friends and strangers.  I’m thinking about handcuffing it to myself whenever I wear it.  Anyone who tries to steal it gets me as part of the deal. 

Filene’s Basement was my playground.  I always found the hottest labels (BCBG, Earl Jeans, Nicole Miller, Theory, Prada, Donna Karan) at prices that didn’t send me swooning to the ladies lounge.  Filene’s Basement in Center City Philadelphia also featured a fur department--a little something for the wealthy who appreciate a bargain. 

During a long-ago morning commute a big rusty smudge attached itself to my freshly dry-cleaned beige slacks.  I had an important meeting that day, so it was Filene’s to the rescue.  I dashed to the store that was three blocks from my office and bought a pair of dependable black pants.  Filene’s motto should have been, “here I come to save the day,” but my buddy Mighty Mouse had a lock on it.

The end of an era came much too soon.  I loved the stores in Washington DC, where I scored great stuff like silver star-studded Converse, a Vivienne Tam Mod-inspired black knit tunic, and a cute color block dress that screams for 60s-style go-go boots.  I’ll always cherish the retail therapy sessions that Filene’s offered.  A moment of silence, please.

Shooting Stars

These cute Anne Klein shoes remind me of shooting stars--those silver streaks that light up the black night sky and delight skygazers everywhere. They'll add sparkle and excitement to dark chilly evenings and brighten up abbreviated winter days.  I want to wear them with everything, but if I don't respect this heel height I'll become a falling star!

I Am Not My Hair

The tribal love rock musical “Hair” is coming to Philadelphia in January. The lyrics of the title song fit this hair show post better than spandex on J. Lo’s hips. Here’s what composers James Rado and Gerome Ragni wrote in the mid-1960s:

“There ain’t no words for the beauty, the splendor, the wonder of my….HAIR!! I want it long, straight, curly, fuzzy, snaggy, shaggy, ratty, matty, oily, greasy, fleecy, shining, gleaming, streaming, flaxen, waxen, knotted, polka dotted, twisted, beaded, braided, powdered, flowered, confettied, bangled, tangled, spangled, and spaghettied!”

Check out this display of Black creativity, enjoy one of our unique avenues of self-expression. This slide show will either leave you speechless, gasping for breath while laughing hysterically, or muttering “damn, wow, or oy.”

You can access the show at this URL:  http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/the-20th-annual-golden-scissors-awards/2011/12/12/gIQAq2PJqO_gallery.html#  My only caveat for you, dear reader, is don’t try this at home!
 

Paint it Black, or Blue, or Green

Guys! Whether you’re nurturing your inner Jean-Michel Basquiat or slapping a fresh coat of Eggshell White on the back door, hang onto your paint splattered shoes.  Distressed boots and brogues that look as if you tripped over a bucket of Sherwin Williams is the latest baffling fashion trend for men.  Check out this post from stylesight.com for more.

Dressing Ann



Ann (center) with her family

My friend Ann had two events to dress for--a dinner for Living Beyond Breast Cancer where she was being honored, and the Action AIDS 25th anniversary celebration. She didn’t have anything in her closet to WOW ‘em and needed to shop. She trusted me to glam her up for both events.

I found a gorgeous black taffeta cocktail dress and matching evening coat at The Wardrobe Boutique for the dinner. She felt sleek and composed in the ensemble and saw it as a canvas for eye-catching accessories. In the Boutique’s designer room I found a pair of fabulous black Ralph Lauren pumps with a 3” heel that pulled the look together perfectly.

The invitation for the Action AIDS 25th anniversary celebration recommended “festive attire” which could be anything from a simple magenta feather boa to a studded patent leather suit. Back at the Boutique I found two options--a 1970s Superfly-inspired zebra-striped maxi coat, and a beautiful black velvet cami with a matching jacket sporting a maribou feather collar. She chose the black velvet.

Ann was thrilled to show her glamorous side. Check out the photos—see how she shines!
 



Ann and her friend Sue before the Action AIDS event



Bootylicious!

Remember when booties made you think of babies?  Grandma usually crafted those tiny hand knit confections. 

Today’s booties have grown up.  The best booties are fierce and come in an amazing array of styles.  They sport features like fold over cuffs, buckles, studs, and zippers.  You can find them in a broad variety of materials and textures including suede, lace, satin, and leather.  They’re available with crepe soles, peep toes, platforms, wedges, and stacked heels high enough to cause a nosebleed.  Most common are the numbers with stiletto heels that could impale a Frankenwolf monster with ease.

Today’s booties are sexy! They show off shapely, well-toned calves while keeping your tootsies warm.  Just make sure that you’ve got colorful tights to pull the look together, or pair them with your favorite jeans.

I got two pairs of booties this season that you’ve gotta see! My go-to booties are a sleek black pair from Sofft with a sassy button-adorned cuff and an incredibly comfortable inner structure.  They make everything look fresh and gives an edgy time stamp to the classics. The sumptuous brown suede bootie is from Naturalizer and features an adorable lace-up side detail.  It’s also got that cushy N5 comfort system, so I can be fierce without frowning. 

I’m strutting my stuff in these fabulous shoes this season.  Run out and get yourself a pair! You can find them at every price point, at every store and e-tailer, by every shoemaker.  If you don’t want to wade through the crowds at Nine West or DSW, shop online at Zappos.com, Nordstrom,com, or Bluefly.com.