The Diva Diaries--What Did She Wear?

As Casual Friday followers know, I love getting dressed for work. I cherish these Barbie moments, and see them as a fabulous means of self-expression.  Here's my narrative for the work week ending November 4th.

Monday, October 31
Thirty-seven degrees at 7:00 AM on Halloween--BRRRRR!  I’m bundling up in a pair of dark chocolate J. Crew boot cut corduroy jeans, and layers which include a lightweight J. Crew cream-colored ruffled Henley shirt, and a cuddly oatmeal cashmere cardi from the late, lamented Center City Loehmann’s.  My top layer is a figure flattering pale caramel herringbone wool blazer from the gratis clothing collection curated from The Career Wardrobe.  (The jacket was destined for the Salvation Army because it was donated off season, and the off season inventory room was packed tighter than a Tokyo subway.)  I’ll tie a cherry red cashmere scarf around my neck and pull on a pair of brown leather gloves to block the frosty air.  I’m bottoming off the outfit with caramel colored suede and leather Van Eli urban cowgirl boots.  Hey now!!

Tuesday, November 1
Another chilly autumn morning--46 degrees--but less shocking than yesterday’s 36 degrees.  My indoor layers will be lighter today, so I’ll need my beloved black leather Kenneth Cole car coat for the commute.  I bought it in 1997 and it’s heavy, warm, always appropriate.  I’m planning to wear a fitted Boden seal gray felted wool jacket with cabernet velvet trim under it.  Under the jacket there’ll be a sunflower yellow long sleeve J. Crew tee that will brighten my skin tone and mood!  I’ll pull on a pair of Max Studio slate gray jersey flare leg pants for effortless Charlie Girl chic, and a pair of Van Eli black kitten heel ankle boots.  I’ll top it all off with a gorgeous silver, burgundy, and black knit scarf from Ten Thousand Villages which reminds me of rose petals strung together.

Wednesday, November 2
Another chilly morning with a promise of warmer afternoon temperatures.  I’m attending a dinner event this evening but don’t want to be exceedingly daring during the day.  So, I’m pulling out a dark red knit INC jacket with a power ruffle down the front.  Got it last year at Macy’s, and wore it for my January appearance on the NBC10 Good News program.  It’s one hellvua conversation starter and the top layer over a close fitted long sleeve gray/red/black rock chick t-shirt, and a black mid-calf pencil skirt that I bought in Montreal a couple of years before Mad Men.  Sofft high heel black booties will make their debut today.  I’ll wear the lovely silver, burgundy, and black scarf at my neck again; it seems to complement my entire autumn palette.  You know, as much as I dread the fall-to-winter transition, I’m weathering it well this year thanks to a delicious collection of chic jackets and soft, cozy sweaters curated from my fave resale shops during the past year.

Thursday, November 3
Forty-six degrees this morning.  Attending a conference today--I’m in businesswoman mode.  Completely grayed out in a sexy Max Studio tweed trench style jacket with a self-belt and ¾ sleeves over a Calvin Klein v-neck sweater dress with a fitted bodice and flare skirt.  Both items were purchased from the Center City Loehmann’s. Today’s accessories include gray sweater tights, a gorgeous bronze ceramic bead necklace from Ten Thousand Villages, and the ever-present red cashmere scarf.  I’m carrying a pair of fierce black booties to slip into when I get to the venue--I’ll be commuting in flats.  Oddly enough I’m not wearing a single item from a resale shop today!  Does this mean that I’m a little less myself??

Friday, November 4
Casual Friday.  I LOVE Fridays!  I LOVE denim!  Denim in the workplace can be totally appropriate if you put some thought into it.  Think twice before putting on sweatshirts, track suits (even if your sneakers match), t-shirts with the words "state property" slapped across the back, and acid wash jeans. 

Today I’m wearing a denim maxiskirt with a front pleat and flared hem that I bought at Daffy’s before their inventory took an unfortunate turn for the cheap and cheesy.  Underneath I’m sporting black and white paisley tights and Sudini walkable black knee high boots. On top I’m wearing a dark gray J. Crew long sleeved tee with a skinny pewter belt from the LL Bean Signature collection.  Keeping warm in a black hand knit cardi that I got at a resale shop in South Philly.  What makes this cardi special are the rows of “poodle loops” at the cuffs, across the shoulders, and at the hem.  Reversible J. Crew two-toned gray cashmere scarf at the neck.  Big Red handbag carried the daily supplies.  Happy Friday!

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!

Big Red & Me

Food, beverages, books, notebook, pens, makeup case, shoes, umbrella, sunglasses, business card holder, wallet, cell phone, and a tin of Altoids. Sometimes a belt, or deodorant for really sticky summer days.

I carry a lot of stuff. I have long commute to a job in a remote location so I carry most of this stuff with me everday. There was a time when I carried as many as three bags a day. Although the bags were stylish, I felt like a pack animal. It's hard to glide elegantly along the city streets when you've got shoulder straps criss-crossing your chest a la Rambo.

I tried to manage by purchasing several larger purses. The orange patent leather tote--very cute but not very secure. The big black faux leather structured bag--great looking but the cheap fabric lining is in shreds which makes it difficult to find smaller items. I carried an enormous, indestructible black nylon Lands End tote for a couple of years--it was functional but boring. The coolest of the big bags was the gold metallic tote that got me through summer school at Wharton in 2005. I could carry a toddler in it.

Then Big Red entered my life. I spotted it at Loehmann's in Drexel Hill about a month ago on a day when little else in the store inspired me. It was lying in a pile of handbags on a "sale" table buried under putrid pink purses, citrus colored clutches, and an occasional basic black shoulder bag. It caught my eye by flashing touches of chrome, and beckoned me to stroke its soft tomato-red pebbled leather. I unzipped it, peeked inside and found a sturdy cotton gabardine lining, two zippered compartments and a slot for my business cards. The space inside was cavernous--a day tripper's dream come true. I knew that I could find a place for it in my closet.

The price was right, and the color works with everything that I own. The flexible style works well with suits, jeans, and dresses. The adjustable shoulder strap presents carrying options, and I only carry one bag now!

I've missed Loehmann's presence in Center City since it closed two years ago. I spent hours in their Chestnut Street store trying on purses, stalking overpriced bags by Michael Kors, Furla, Coach, and others while waiting for a price drop. So, if you're looking for a great bag at an amazing price, jump into the Jeep and head to the Hill--Drexel Hill, that is. You might get lucky, too!