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.

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!