Sock It To Me

I hate having cold feet so socks are a MUST for fall and winter.  Knee socks are best--I need to be as toasty as possible.  Cold feet make me crankier than usual, so gimme my foot mittens!

I love making colorful statements by wearing socks festooned with flying pigs, contented cows, fluffy clouds, giraffes, letters of the alphabet, stripes of every width and color, paw prints, baby chicks wearing glasses, and the see-no-evil, hear-no-evil, speak-no-evil primates. 

The best foot warmers are at Target.  Not only do they hold their own against raggedy toe nails (don‘t act like you‘ve never had them), the elastic remains snug after repeated washings so the socks don’t run down into my shoes.  You can get Target socks with spots, colors, patterns, and seasonal themes (think about a Valentine Day game of strip poker featuring their heart-adorned socks).  You’ll find bargain-priced boot socks to tuck into motorcycle boots, and over-the-knee socks to peek out from the tops of knee high boots. 

So, drop into Target and stock up on some toasted-marshmallow, fresh-out-of-the-oven, steamy-bath warmth.  Down with popsicle toes!

High Style, Low Costs

I read recently that the average American spends about $1,700 a year on clothing.  Isn’t that kinda low?  I know people who spend that in one day!  All it takes is one pair of $500 pointy toe boots and a cashmere coat and you’re done.  But wait...don't women spend more on clothes than men?  And do you spend more if you're searching for a mate?

Contrary to the rumors out there, I do have a clothing budget.  I’m a pretty savvy shopper and I rely on my knowledge of clothing construction, fit, and quality to keep me looking sharp and stylish on a budget. 

Here's a great article with excellent advice on how to think like a stylist, the best fabrics to buy, how to check the construction of a garment, even a brief discussion of the merits of faux suede and pleather.  It’s like having a link to a personal wardrobe advisor.  Read it and you'll shop like a pro!

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!

Pass the Peas

The peacoat is as much of a fall classic as back-to-school, pumpkin carving, and putting up with opinionated drunken in-laws at Thanksgiving. Also known as the “Jackie O” coat, it is timeless. I scored this luscious chocolate brown classic at last year’s end-of-season outerwear sale at The Wardrobe Boutique. It’s a plush wool/cashmere blend, and goes with most of my fall/winter pieces. 

This jacket reminds me of the days when I explored the world as a curious twenty-something woman. My black pea coat accompanied and protected me everywhere I went—to work, on dates, running errands, hanging out with other underemployed friends. I wore it until the lining was in shreds. Needless to say, I’m delighted to have another pea coat and can’t wait to snuggle into it!

Au Revoir, Mon Amie

It was an outrageous find—a black pleated wool crepe Chanel skirt.  Gold plated buttons with the trademark interlocking “Cs.” Originally sold at Nan Duskin, the legendary women’s clothing store on Rittenhouse Square that specialized in the exceptional, exclusive, and expensive.  I was dazed and amazed to find it while browsing through my neighborhood Village Thrift Store a few years ago.  I immediately yanked it off the rack and tucked it under my arm.

Can you imagine?  Chanel—the epitome of aspirational brands—at Village Thrift!  French chic, classic lines, sophistication.  Rich fabrics and construction that justify the lofty price tags, here in my scruffy little ‘hood, with a $5 price tag!  Be still my heart!  I tried on the skirt in the store over my jeans; it fit well enough to buy. 

The skirt was flattering and added an extra swish to my walk.  It looked great with silky blouses, cute little sweaters, and fitted jackets.  Worn effortlessly from day into evening with a simple accessory swap.  I got tons of compliments wearing that skirt, and I always enjoyed sharing where I found it and what I paid for it.  I don’t know how many people I converted to thrifting, but that purchase certainly cemented my deep and abiding relationship with consignment, resale, and thrift stores.

It was recently attacked by a group of hungry moths that left it looking like Bonnie and Clyde’s sedan after the shootout. As a result, it will be going to that big cedar closet in the sky. Au revoir, mon amie, and many thanks for the brush with the inimitable Coco.