Got The Blues?

Meet the new staples in my shoe closet! I was strolling the aisles of DSW looking for a killer pair of black pumps to add to the “office” collection. I struck out on the black shoes, but found a fabulous pair of inkwell-blue patent leather pumps by Nine West to kick up my heels in. It’s an amazing color that will work with anything that would call for a black shoe.

They basic, but not basic black. They’re bold and beautiful. This fall when I’m feeling the blues, it won’t be a sad thing!

Just An Old Fashioned Handbag

What's special about vintage?  History, of course.

I played “grown-up” as a child with a similar handbag--it felt like the epitome of womanhood!  This smidgen of old fashioned glamour recalls the era of embroidered linen hankies, sparkling white cotton gloves, and Revlon's "Love That Red" lipstick.
     

If this gorgeous bag could tell its story, what would it be?  Maybe something like this...

Cassie stuffed her car keys into the handbag before clasping it shut.  Although Joe was driving the family to the funeral, she was concerned about how much he might drink at the repast.  It was his favorite uncle who died, after all.  Well, actually, he was killed.  Razor.  Angry husband.

Joe's Uncle Chuck was a loose man.  Loose morals, loose lips, loose zipper.  The zipper got him in trouble.  Chuck had an unfortunate affair with a screechy bombshell who was married to a paranoid muscle-bound thug who kept a razor in his shoe and brass knuckles in his pocket.  Angry Thug Husband found out about the affair.  Chuck was quickly filleted.

Chuck's wife went to the morgue to identify the remains and said, "Yup, that's him.  The attempts at plastic surgery are a nice touch, though."

Gimme A Head With Hair

I wanted something different after sixteen years of a TWA (teeny weeny afro)--different but low maintenance. I wanted to let my hair grow out a little, but dreaded the über ugly growing-out period. Every woman has experienced those hair-raising weeks during which you make comparisons of yourself to Buckwheat, Donald Trump, Kim Jong Un, or Phil Spector in any of his jacked-up wigs.

So, I talked to my fabulously cool barber about a growing-out plan that would prevent frump and horror. Here’s the result--my first fro-hawk! This is the coolest haircut ever. It works with my style and speaks to my inner rock chick.

Oh Dem Golden Slippers

Elvis has returned to the building

Cherry red slingbacks. Sunset orange Chuck Taylors. Silver Hush Puppies. Asparagus green sandals. None of these kicks can top my new Midas-gold wingtips. I found this fabulous pair of Sam Edelmans at Marshalls for $28. Yeah, it really does feel like I raided Fort Knox.

I dubbed them my Elvis shoes. Why? There is a 1959 Elvis album titled, “50,000,000 Elvis Fans Can’t Be Wrong,” and on the cover he’s rocking a gold lamé suit and matching shoes.

The shoes made their debut with a pair of indigo J. Crew Toothpick jeans that were plucked brand new from the racks of Buffalo Exchange for $20, a charcoal J. Crew tee listing the days of the week in Italian, and a Boston Proper jacket with gold-tone studs at the cuffs. I padded around the workplace wearing them with black high waist pants and a snug black cap sleeve turtleneck.

My friend Amy says that I have to do the Mummer’s Strut when I wear them. I just might do that as I navigate the cube farm at my job.

Down to the Nightclub

Lotsa folks consider the 1980s a fashion wasteland. They cite acid washed jeans, Miami Vice looks, parachute pants, neon, big hair and heavy makeup as reasons to hate. But there was a lot of fun stuff and super cool influences like Michael Jackson, Madonna and punk music. I loved wearing miniskirts, high top sneakers, overdyed denim, shoulder pads, colored tights, and touches of androgyny. My favorite pieces were slouchy suede boots with men’s overcoats and baggy shaker pullover sweaters.

If you’re a fan of 1980s style, check out these pieces from the “Club to Catwalk” exhibit which was at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London last summer. It’s a fabulous reminder of the imagination that busted out of our closets and the energy that emanated from storefronts and dance floors. I bet you were rocking some of these looks while you grooved to The Human League, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, or Bowie’s ubiquitous “Let’s Dance.” 

Shoes Abloom!

Here’s a shoe that redefines “spring in your step.” This was a delightfully unexpected find at the Gap. There is so much to love about this shoe -- it’s flat, comfortable, versatile, and affordable (under $60). It’ll make its debut when the polar vortex vacates and our souls thaw after this nasty winter.

The flowery pattern will transport me to an English garden, whether I’m on the concrete searching for treasures at a favorite resale shop, or trotting off to the gym for my favorite indoor cycling class. I’m excited about wearing them with everything including midi skirts, cropped pants, and boyfriend jeans.

The Shirt on Your Back

Tired of wearing puffy coats and heavy snow boots? Dreaming of days when your lovely locks don’t turn into a matted pelt under hats and hoods? Yeah, me too.

Believe it or not spring will return and when it does, my dear butterfly, you’ll want to bust out of your multi-layered cocoon. Here’s a classic item for spring -- the shirt dress.

Forget those demure staples of 1950s TV sitcoms--the 2014 version is unlikely to be accessorized with an apron. Instead you’ll find denim minis, silks splashed with mad graphics, or funky renditions with elaborate front ties that will turn you into a gift.

The flattering shape is great for every body. No matter your height, size, or body type you’ll look fabulous in this style. Fabulous prints and retro-inspired styles can be found on ModCloth.com, Mango.com, Newlook.com, Peopletree.co.uk, and Kohls.com.

So, turn off The Weather Channel, throw another log onto the fire, and browse cyberspace for your next favorite thing!

Not Trending

The end of season sales. A time when you trawl racks and racks of ugh-inducing items. Sometimes you’re seduced by thrice-slashed prices even though the color washes you out, the fabric gives you hives, and the print makes you look like Aunt Rhoda’s armchair.

Stop throwing your hard earned coins at those racks--here’s a better plan! Invest in trendproof classics and you’ll look and feel spectacular every time you got dressed. These items aren’t on the clearance racks, but if you buy the best quality you can afford you’ll wear them forever. You’ll also be less inclined to shriek, “I don’t have anything to wear,” when you’re invited to the opera.

Here are some items to look for the next time you shop.

Trench coat - Effortlessly stylish. You’ll feel as mysterious and glamorous as Ingrid Bergman did opposite Bogie. You can also pop it on over your birthday suit to greet your sweetie at the front door.

Black cashmere sweater - The only reason to look forward to cooler weather. You’ll never feel as elegant, cozy, or warm as when you slip a cashmere sweater over your head. Makes you feel rich and sexy.

Knee length pencil or A-line skirt - An indispensable, stylish staple that can be dressed up or down. Great for travel. It’s a wonderful wardrobe extender--unlike the rust-colored mini-skirt that’s been on clearance at Macy’s for the past two years.

Wrap dress - The perfect dress for any occasion. Got a date? Wear it. Going to work? Wear it. Weddings, graduations, cocktail parties? Wear it here, there and everywhere.

Ballet flats - Cute and comfy shoes for tired feet. Makes visiting museums and standing in line at the DMV a bit easier. Polyvore.com has an amazing selection!

Style Goals 2014

Welcome to 2014--another year of sartorial splendor! I’ve set fitness, artistic, and professional goals, and style goals are no less important. I took a hard look at my closet and re-evaluated my favorite looks to reach these goals:
 

No more body hugging pants. So long, skinny jeans, hello boyfriend fit. Slim-fit dress slacks don’t work for me, either--I’ve got muscular thighs and a bit of booty. The slim-fit always ends up bunching and pulling; I always end up feeling self-conscious. So, I’m choosing a more tailored trouser, and racking up the retro with vintage high-waist pants. Body hugging wear is for the gym.

Continue to plan ahead for the work week and have outfits ready to haul my sleepy self into every morning. I spend about an hour each Sunday playing stylist to myself. I put together five fresh outfits (and yes, that does include footwear, accessories, and denims for Casual Friday). This is a major stress reliever for someone who never jumps out of bed ready to greet the day.

Wear gray and cocoa brown together more often. I put this combination together at the suggestion of one of my co-workers and it completely rocked my socks off. I lost count of how many compliments I got that day! 

Thin the sweater collection. Say bye-bye to dated fits and color repetition. How many black sweaters does a women need? Do sweaters that barely reach my waist really keep me warm? These are the two basic questions that will guide the upcoming sweater purge.

Commit to red lipstick for most occasions. It’s amazing how lipcolor lights up your face. The right, bright red can make you look like a million bucks. I rock the red most weekdays and often on Saturdays. I love the insta-glam I get from a couple of swipes of Bobbi Brown Burnt Red or the jolt that comes with an application of No. 7 Love Red. Of course, when I wear red lips I pare back on everything else, only adding mascara and powdering in the brows. I want to keep it simple, minimal, and classically gorgeous.

I’m revisiting my most favorite colors, styles, and looks to develop a silhouette that is more flattering, wearable, and exciting. I can reach these goals! 2014 is gonna rock!