Let's Get Per-son-al, Per-son-al...

Image via JessicaFranke

Of course we have all heard this term before, and Murphy reared his ugly head last week in my life.  First my TV stopped working, then my car wouldn't start, and the battery to my NetBook stopped holding a charge.  I mean really, was all of this necessary?!?

On to the good news.  I found a new TV, I am waiting for it to be delivered as I type this post, the car was an easy fix...just had to replace the starter, and the battery will be much less of a hassle to replace than I expected.  Woo Hoo!

Even more good news, is I got a job!  It is so exciting to finally have the final piece to my life in LA in place.  The not so great part of that is there is a pretty strict dress code of all black.  I'm not sure how many opportunities for outfit posts I will have...guess I'll just have to make sure I build a happening social life.  :)  I expect it to be an interesting challenge to find my voice and express myself in all black.  Accessories will for sure be the key!  Funny though, most people usually feel like they own more black than anything else, but no matter how much you own - it's not as easy a task as one might initially think.

Lastly, today is my Birthday, and I have a fun skirt in store for my dinner out...I'll be sure to show you that this week.

Anyone else out there struggling to express themselves within a strict dress code?  How do you handle it?

Happy Monday!

Does Size Matter?

I've worked with women of all shapes and sizes throughout my career and one of the (many) things they have in common is their aversion to what's printed on the tag, and no I'm not talking about the price. 

Image via One Ugly Duckling

 I'm here to tell you... 

  size DOESN'T matter!

Please, do not misunderstand what I am talking about.  Of course wearing the correct size is important, one of the most important actually.  What I am discussing here is the actual size printed on the tag of that garment.  So, when you find something you love that doesn't fit you in the size 8 you swear you are...don't be afraid to go up to the size 10.  Think of the numbers as a guide, remember they are essentially meaningless, and that no one knows what size you are wearing!

Ladies, I have confidence that intellectually you know this is true. We are emotional creatures, but we need to get over it :) Every vendor fits their items differently, and fabrics and dyes also have influence on how clothing fits. Have you ever noticed that the same item in different colors can fit differently?  I promise this is true!

Remember what matters the most is the cut of the garment and how it fits your body shape. Don't be surprised if things don't fit you perfectly off the rack.  When you seem to be between sizes, or something doesn't fit you correctly in all the right places, make sure you fit the largest part of you first...and tailor the rest. The difference will amaze you! I know I know, it's one more step, and additional dollars...but if you're spending $150+ on a blazer, don't you want it to look like it was made for you?


Whether an item is too big or too small, it will make you look larger.  The effect caused by wearing clothing too small may be more obvious than wearing clothing that is too big.  For more details on how oversized clothing is not camouflaging anything check out my Fashion Mythbusters post.  The bottom line is, it is imperative that the item fits you just right.  Clothing that fits you correctly not only makes you look thinner, but it'll will make you feel fabulous and confident, and put an extra spring in your step.  

Still can't take that ugly number staring back at you?  Instead of passing up on a potentially fabulous garment...cut the tag out!


P.S. If you thought this post title was referring to something else, get your mind out of the gutter, and sorry to disappoint! :)

A Little Bit of Inspiration for Your Weekend

Image via zearticles

Image via Fanpop
 

Image via Thelookofarose

Image via Glazemoo

Image via bengske

Fringe Benefits

All Saints vintage top, $110
Matthew Williamson fringe mini skirt, $848
L Space tie bikini, $141
Jeffrey Campbell suede leather shoes, $136
Pink jewelry, $4.80
Lucky Brand "Havana" Gold-Tone Pink Leather Fringe Necklace: Jewelry, $69
Baby Phat One Shoulder Dress, $48
Pink Fringe Dress, $47
Fringe Tank Top, $27

I personally do not own anything fringe,  I may need to add a piece to my wardrobe.  Thinking about going the DIY route and cutting up an old t-shirt to save some dough.  Actually, I don't think I'm the fringe t-shirt kind of girl, but a skirt, or a shoe, necklace or handbag - that I can do.  Obviously I don't know what I want. I regularly think in overdrive, but I rarely type out all of my thoughts, I usually edit them...but this time I figured I'd just lay it out there.

What do you think about the fringe trend? What do you own, if anything, with fringe?  Any plans for a future purchase or DIY?

Get the Look for Less: Christopher Kane Laser Cut Clutch

Christopher Kane clutch handbag, $530

Deena Ozzy metallic handbag, $39
Glint lace handbag, $98
Lace handbag, $19
Glint lace handbag, $98
Steve Madden - DesignerImports.com


Want something closer in color?  Take a tip from Mel of Modanista Junkie, or Jamie from Glam Latte and do a little DIY dyeing!  (The clutch featured in green is also available in white and would be perfect for that project!)

Outfit Post: Maxi Dresses and Slave Rings

Check me out, I actually have a little bit of a smile on my face. That's a first.

I'm pretty obsessed with the maxi look, in both dresses and skirts. I only own two maxi skirts, a see through white one (pretty much useless) and a floral print one...so they don't get too much action. The next best thing? Layering. Throw a top over a maxi dress and you've got your maxi skirt - hey no one needs to know :) I've been doing this a lot the last few weeks.  It's an easy way to wear one of my favorite things without feeling like it's a complete outfit repeat.  For this particular combination I think I would have liked it better if the skirt was straighter, but it'll do.  

Free People Top, Joyce Leslie Maxi Dress, Burberry Sandals

To the jewelry, which is actually my favorite part.  Who remembers the slave bracelet from the 90's?  Remember the bracelet with the chain which was attached to the ring?  When I first saw this ring, probably about a year ago, that's exactly what it reminded me of.  I had picked it up for my store, and of course kept one for myself :)  I just recently found in it a box of jewelry and was super excited to finally wear it.  It's hard to tell from the photo, but the rings themselves have a number of colored gems on them, and then of course the chain - the best detail.  It's amazing how the simple things get me so excited sometimes!

Chain Ring - NYC Wholesaler, Rose Ring - Hot Topic

Do you have a piece of jewelery that you just love?

Day to Night: Metallic Linen Shorts

Forever ago I picked up a fabulous pair of metallic linen bermuda shorts at J. Crew. Admittedly they have hung in my closet for the last couple of years without any action. Since I've recently taken up sewing I decided I was going to shorten them.  I figured the shorter length would freshen them up and hopefully put them back in heavy rotation. 

Since I've seen similar items in the stores recently I thought it would be fun to give you a little fashion inspiration and show you how to take this special piece and wear them for both day and night.  This is a great example of how accessories can completely change a look.

Sam Lavi kimono sleeve top, $110
Sass & Bide | Reunion metallic linen shorts, $310
Flower sandal, $56
Tinley Road metal jewelry, $18
ALDO beaded bangle bracelet, $18
Green hat, $13
Ray Ban metal aviator sunglass, $159
Forever21 antique belt, $6.80

J Crew sheer tank top, $68
Marc New York cropped jacket, $60
Sass & Bide | Reunion metallic linen shorts, $310
Naughty Monkey high heel sandal, $90
ASOS clutch handbag
Kate spade jewelry, $55
Club Manhattan silver jewelry, 30 EUR

True to form I went bohemian for day and edgy for night.  For day, the oversized top and flat sandals give the look a laid back effortless feel.  For a bit of drama I added the hat and stack of bracelets.  To transition to evening it was important to add even more drama, and I did that with the statement necklace and jeweled sandals.  I kept the top simple to let the accessories stand out and command attention.  Remember: wear the tank layered underneath the daytime top if you wanted to be able to change on the go!
 
What do you think of the Metallic Linen Short?  Will they be a part of your wardrobe this summer?