Necking!

Last month I bought two cute necklaces.  One is a vintage piece that grabbed my heart and makes me happy whenever I wear it.  It’s a heavy clear acrylic heart filled with crazy little gold flowers and triangles.  It swings from a long gold chain with the fervor of an intrepid heart, keeping its own rhythm.

The other piece is from contemporary jewelry designer Lenora Dame whose eye-catching creations caught my eye a few months ago.  These treasures can be found at Nordstrom, Anthropologie and Amazon.com as well as other fashionable retailers.  This necklace features clear glass beads stuffed with newsprint, alternating with big pearly beads.  I can add this piece to almost any outfit to make it an instant favorite!

The dainty gold chain and locket have been retired.  The contemporary statement is bold, sexy, interesting.  Check out the latest jewelry styles at your local retailer and create some excitement around your clavicle!

Let's Go Get Stoned

Rock and roll style is the stuff of legend and fodder for fantasies.  Guitar heroes and soul singers such as Hendrix, Prince, The Supremes, Sly Stone, and Madonna had profound influences on everyone's personal style.  Kinky, funky, cool.  Controversial, sexy.

A rock style retrospective takes you from neat little identical suits for men and bouffant hair, form-fitting satin dresses and inch-long lashes for women to feathers, leather, sequins, lace and denim for all.  I loved 1970s androgyny and was down with the grunge look which made everyone look like either a lumberjack or an orphan.

The Rolling Stones are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year and Thursday's NY Times featured a mini slide show of the group's styles over the years.  What a time capsule!  Who could forget Brian Jones's bowl haircut, Mick's body con jumpsuits that confirmed that he often went commando, or Keith's more recent turn as a pirate?  So, if you're reading this in your cubicle draped in drab gray and black duds, take a look at this and be inspired!

By the way, did you have a rock style icon?  Who was it?

My Favorite Item of Clothing

What else could a chilly Philly girl want?

Wait…I can only choose one?

Every cashmere sweater that I own is a favorite item of clothing!  Most of them were snagged at resale stores for between $5-20.  I’ve collected them in a rainbow of colors and assortment of styles.  I have long sleeves, ¾ length sleeves, sleeveless shells, v-necks, turtlenecks, crewnecks, boyfriend style pullovers, sexy wraps, and traditional cardis. 

Why do I love them?  They’re as soft as kittens but won’t shred my curtains.  I can cocoon in cashmere, cozied in an otherworldly warmth.  Cashmere is chic!  Cashmere sweaters are low maintenance!  Yes, you can and should hand wash cashmere.  Forget about dry cleaning!  It’s important to keep PERC out of your personal environment and even more important to keep your money in your pocket. 

The best deals can be found at resale shops in July when most fashionistas are focused on airy sundresses and halter tops. This is when gently used cashmere sweaters languish on racks.  My favorite spots in Philly to find these treasures include Second Time Around (STA) on Chestnut Street near 18th, Green Street Consignment at 7th and South Streets, and The Wardrobe Boutique at 19th and Spring Garden Streets.  Tip--when you go to STA check out the $5 rack in the back of the store.  Don’t be afraid to pick up something that has a bit of dirt--check to see if you can rub some it out before buying.  If it’s not an ink, blood, or red wine stain, you’ve pretty much got it made.

One of my co-workers recently said, “How many more cashmere sweaters do I need?”  My immediate thought was, “Why limit yourself?” 

London Calling

I spent eight delightful days in London last August, and the trip was nothing short of amazing.  (The Tate Modern! Windsor Castle! Big Ben! Trafalgar Square! Soho! The Tower of London!)  I’ve wanted to see London ever since 1960s British rock and roll invasion hit me like an 18-wheeler.  (The Beatles! The Rolling Stones! The Who! Cream!) 

My visit was sandwiched between the Olympics and the Paralympics.  What an extraordinarily exciting time!  Here’s some of what I saw of this amazing city.  And yes, I’m planning my return trip.  London rocks!

She's Baa-a-a-c-k!

I was never far from the computer, but far from my flow.  I'm parachuting back to it--moving towards the color and the heat.  "Casual Friday" is back! So, if you want to read opinions about style--I've got them for you!  If you need sagacious sartorial advice--I've got that too!

I'm happy to be back, and I hope that we can hang out together. I can't wait to help you procrastinate at work or get through that long line at your favorite food truck!