tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35987250255830727952024-03-14T02:30:16.292-04:00Style SpyWhen Fabulous Fashion and the Real World collide, Style Spy is thereStyleSpyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09032983147859861793noreply@blogger.comBlogger604125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598725025583072795.post-29900349952464095992010-09-08T09:53:00.002-04:002010-09-08T10:01:46.968-04:00A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2zs26v2zeec/TIeViqR57oI/AAAAAAAADBQ/GWpM-YXmCXk/s1600/671435-1280115652-main.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 160px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2zs26v2zeec/TIeViqR57oI/AAAAAAAADBQ/GWpM-YXmCXk/s400/671435-1280115652-main.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514540691435941506" border="0" /></a><br />If you've been reading this blog for a while, you know that I have a semi-unhealthy addiction to perfume. It is one of the great pleasures of my life, and for people like me, perfume is an art form to be appreciated in the same way beautiful music is. <br /><br />Please take a moment to read <a href="http://perfumeshrine.blogspot.com/2010/09/oppose-safe-cosmetics-act-in-usa.html">Elena Vosnacki's article</a> on this hideously misguided piece of legislation. In it you will find links to petitions, as well as a link to <a href="http://roberttisserand.com/2010/08/the-safe-cosmetics-act-2010/">Robert Tisserand's excellent and more in-depth explanation</a> of the legislation and why it is ridiculous and threatening. And then pass this information on to as many people as you think will listen.<br /><br />Don't let the name of this act fool you -- this is not about making things safe for you, this is about driving small companies out of business and leaving only the leviathans who will be able to afford the egregious strictures this law would impose.<br /><br />Thanks!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><p id="blogfeeds"><$BlogFeedsVertical$></p></div>StyleSpyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09032983147859861793noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598725025583072795.post-40388029130236242382010-09-03T09:40:00.003-04:002010-09-03T09:42:33.005-04:00Eeenie, Meenie...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2zs26v2zeec/TID6-eyIUMI/AAAAAAAADBI/V4BLk_aAIpk/s1600/62310ITdenim_5585Web.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2zs26v2zeec/TID6-eyIUMI/AAAAAAAADBI/V4BLk_aAIpk/s400/62310ITdenim_5585Web.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512681895223644354" border="0" /></a><br />Just a little eye candy for your weekend, courtesy of Scott Schuman at <a href="http://thesartorialist.blogspot.com/">The Sartorialist</a>. Enjoy!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><p id="blogfeeds"><$BlogFeedsVertical$></p></div>StyleSpyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09032983147859861793noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598725025583072795.post-11299708972743444572010-08-15T20:52:00.005-04:002010-08-16T00:03:37.912-04:00Some Rules Are Made To Be BrokenWell, hello, there! Remember me?<br /><br />Yes. I've been MIA. AWOL. Call it what you will. I'm sorry about that.<br /><br />Here's the thing... There are some changes going on in my life. They are good, happy, productive changes that I'm really excited about, but they're taking a lot of my time. And the blog posts also take a lot of time. So they're taking a back seat.<br /><br />I never wanted this blog to be All About Amy, one of those blogs that's just pictures of the blogger that seem to exist solely to say, ooh, look how cool I am and how rockin' my wardrobe is. I've been guilty of this more often than I like, but the truth is that those posts are easier -- they take less research and time. Right now I don't feel like I have a couple of hours a day to spend looking at fashion shows and websites and blogs hunting down information and photos and links. So I haven't been posting. But... recently I added something to my wardrobe that it seemed worthwhile to share.<br /><br />The rule lately has been No More Shopping, because really, I'm set. There's not anything I need. I'm always on the lookout for tops with interesting patterns (SO bored with the solid colors) and the truth is, I am a stone sucker for a throw & go knit summer dress. An <span style="font-style: italic;">ongoing</span> rule is No More Black Dresses. I have plenty of black dresses (don't we all). And I'm not a big fan of black -- I much prefer to wear color. I have black dresses, because they're unavoidable, but I typically don't even really look at them on the hangers in stores.<br /><br />Except...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2zs26v2zeec/TGiMMxOhLTI/AAAAAAAADA4/t17WNDo4Keg/s1600/blackALC1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 163px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2zs26v2zeec/TGiMMxOhLTI/AAAAAAAADA4/t17WNDo4Keg/s400/blackALC1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505804695460982066" border="0" /></a><br />I found this great black knit dress at the Barney's CoOp here in Austin. They had an extra 25% off all their sale goods, so this wound up being quite the bargain. It's a rayon/viscose jersey knit tank dress -- super-easy, a wide enough skirt that VPLs aren't an issue but still slim, straps plenty wide to accommodate a bra, no fastenings...basically it's perfect. It has the added niftiness of a cunning little slit for the belt to go through so it has just enough detail and architecture to be interesting. I just love it, and I bought it even though it's black. It came with a black belt; I'm wearing it here with a little leopard-print cowhair numbah, because I thought the black belt was booooooor-ing. Also featured are my fantastico tobacco leather Cole Haan sandals from the previous post and a truly darling & perfect vintage gentleman's straw hat. If you click on the photo it'll get bigger and you can see it a little better.<br /><br />The thing I love most about the dress, of course, is that I can change out the belt. For example,<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2zs26v2zeec/TGiMMsPmszI/AAAAAAAADAw/UqPNLvtWEYg/s1600/blackALC2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 167px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2zs26v2zeec/TGiMMsPmszI/AAAAAAAADAw/UqPNLvtWEYg/s400/blackALC2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505804694123361074" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">(Sorry about the Marie Antoinette thing; but I'd had that hat on all day and when I took it off, it was Not Good up there and I just didn't want to deal with it. The downside of the curly is pretty serious hat head.)<br /></span></div><br />this great little red patent double-wrap one, paired up with some darling Gucci sandals I bought a couple of years ago & still wear like crazy because they are still wonderful. (I get more compliments on these shoes, you would not believe.)<br /><br />The dress also... dresses up quite well.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2zs26v2zeec/TGiMMV6rX0I/AAAAAAAADAo/iNAI8QKfUoM/s1600/blackALC3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 156px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2zs26v2zeec/TGiMMV6rX0I/AAAAAAAADAo/iNAI8QKfUoM/s400/blackALC3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505804688130006850" border="0" /></a><br />Gold belt, faboo strappy black sandals with gold stars. Not to get too matchy-matchy, but I do kinda love it.<br /><br />When it gets a little cooler (IF it ever gets a little cooler -- in the middle of August around here it seems like time & the thermometer both stop moving. It's hot. It's always been hot. It's always going to be hot. Is it October yet?) I think some fun boots<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2zs26v2zeec/TGiMMCfQGII/AAAAAAAADAg/XsIPFQPNk64/s1600/blackALC4.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 166px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2zs26v2zeec/TGiMMCfQGII/AAAAAAAADAg/XsIPFQPNk64/s400/blackALC4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505804682914699394" border="0" /></a><br />and throw on a little jacket.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2zs26v2zeec/TGiMLwUGqSI/AAAAAAAADAY/We-O51J-mBk/s1600/blackALC5.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 202px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2zs26v2zeec/TGiMLwUGqSI/AAAAAAAADAY/We-O51J-mBk/s400/blackALC5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505804678036105506" border="0" /></a><br />I'm doing some traveling at the end of the month, and this is definitely going to be my airplane dress. Comfycomfycomfy and still chic. (If I play my cards right, I'm going to have a suitcase filled with nothing but knits. Clothing nirvana.) This little piece of the Fabulous is by A.L.C, which is a clothing line designed by well-known stylist Andrea Leiberman. I highly recommend checking out her <a href="http://www.alcltd.com/">website</a>. The clothes are fantastic -- lots of cool, easy, lean basics that are modeled by teenaged shinbones with heads but many of which could be worn by anyone of any age. The colors leave a little to be desired (for me) -- it's all black, gray, and beige with the very occasional pop of red, but if you're going to make basics, that's the usual palette.<br /><br />(Update: here are some links to the dress at <a href="http://www.matchesfashion.com/fcp/product/Matches-Fashion/dresses/a.l.c-ALC-Y-LS6129-dresses-COFFEE/39148">Matches</a>, <a href="http://www.barneys.com/Boyfriend%20Tank%20Dress/500755746,default,pd.html">Barney's</a>, <a href="http://madisonlosangeles.com/A.L.C.-Boyfriend-Tank-Dress-Coffee.html">Madison</a>, and<a href="http://shopzoeonline.com/shop/cart.php?target=product&product_id=21471&category_id=256&source=shopstyle"> Zoe</a>. I'm also pretty enamored of <a href="http://www.barneys.com/Draped%20Tank%20Dress/500628746,default,pd.html">this one</a>.)<br /><br />So there ya have it. Just a little reminder to stay open to breaking your rules every now and again, especially when you stumble across a great multi-tasking piece that you love to slip over your head.<br /><br />As for me, well, I'll be around. I'm not making any promises about how often I'll post, but I'm not going to disappear completely. If you've stayed with me this long, thank you. I do really enjoy the connection to and interaction with the people who read my natterings, so I appreciate your patience. Hope you're having a great summer, and I hope you've had a few great fashion finds of late. I'd love to hear about them if you have!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><p id="blogfeeds"><$BlogFeedsVertical$></p></div>StyleSpyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09032983147859861793noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598725025583072795.post-855494655235479902010-06-01T09:25:00.004-04:002010-06-01T10:45:49.842-04:00The Happiest Feet in TexasHappy feet. I haz 'em.<br /><br />Because of these babies right here:<br /><a href="http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-2735229-10457058?url=http%3A%2F%2Fpiperlime.gap.com%2Fbrowse%2Fproduct.do%3Fpid%3D796966012%26tid%3Dplaff%25zp%26ap%3D2&cjsku=796966012" target="_blank"><img src="http://piperlime.gap.com/Asset_Archive/PLWeb/Assets/Product/796/796966/big/pl796966-01vliv01.jpg" alt="Cole Haan FLX Air Vernonia" border="0" /></a><img src="http://www.ftjcfx.com/image-2735229-10457058" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">(All photos in this post are links -- click to see details about the shoes.)</span><br /></div><br /><br />This past Saturday, I was doing a little shopping. (Actually, I was doing a little <span style="font-style: italic;">returning</span>, so theoretically I went up to the Domain to <span style="font-style: italic;">make</span> some money. Best laid plans & all that.) As I strode purposefully past the Cole Haan store, I did a double-take/pull-up-short maneuver worthy of Charlie Chaplin when I saw the sign for these sandals in the window of the store. I marched in, I tried them on, I bought them, and I left with them <span style="font-style: italic;">on my hooves</span>, all within the space of about 20 minutes.<br /><br />Because they are jee-nee-uss. Light as air, comfortably padded, and constructed with no seams. The soles are completely flexible and grippy. I've worn them pretty close to non-stop for a few days now and I am completely besotted. If you go <a href="http://www.colehaan.com/colehaan/catalog/feature.jsp?pi=topnavWomenFLX&ftr=flxwomen">here</a>, you can see a little video from Cole Haan about the line and its "technology." As I've mentioned before, Nike bought Cole Haan several years ago and it was one of the happiest things to happen to my feet in the history of the shoe business. It so happens that I had been girding my shoe-shopping loins in anticipation of looking for some good, comfy summer shoes. I'm going to Boston at the end of August and there will be quite a bit of stomping around on the cobblestones & sidewalks, I imagine, so I've been thinking about shoes to take with me. Problem solved. <br /><br />The company calls the color silver, but it really seems more like an antiqued gold to me -- I never wear silver, and I have no problem with these. If it's silver, it's a warm silver, if such a thing exists. This shoe also comes in <a href="http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-2735229-10457058?url=http%3A%2F%2Fpiperlime.gap.com%2Fbrowse%2Fproduct.do%3Fpid%3D796966002%26tid%3Dplaff%25zp%26ap%3D2&cjsku=796966002" target="_blank">black</a>, but I think the metallic is a great summer neutral.<br /><br />I almost walked out of the store with two pairs -- the only reason I didn't was because they didn't have the other pair in my size/color combination, so Cole Haan is very kindly shipping them to me free of charge. What's on its way? These right here:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-2735229-10475705?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.endless.com%2Fdp%2FB0030EGOEY%2Fref%3Dasc_df_B0030EGOEY1133361%3Ftag%3Dendlesscj-20%26creative%3D380333%26linkCode%3Dasn%26creativeASIN%3DB0030EGOEY&cjsku=B0030EGOEY" target="_blank"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41PkodAavJL._SL160_.jpg" alt="Cole Haan FLX Women's Air Veneta T-Strap Sandal" border="0" /></a><img src="http://www.awltovhc.com/image-2735229-10475705" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /></div><br />A slightly-less gladiatorial sandal, but still with a good t-strap so that it comfortably stays on my foot. This one is also available in <a href="http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-2735229-10273706?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.zappos.com%2Fn%2Fredirect.cgi%3Fq%3Dvz362502717z2%26zcj%3D1&cjsku=7644665422" target="_blank">Ivory</a> and<a href="http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-2735229-10273706?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.zappos.com%2Fn%2Fredirect.cgi%3Fq%3Dvz362552648z2%26zcj%3D1&cjsku=76446653" target="_blank"> Black</a>.<br /><br />There was yet another one in the line that I tried but didn't buy -- these:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-2735229-10475705?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.endless.com%2Fdp%2FB0030EGNOK%2Fref%3Dasc_df_B0030EGNOK1133361%3Ftag%3Dendlesscj-20%26creative%3D380333%26linkCode%3Dasn%26creativeASIN%3DB0030EGNOK&cjsku=B0030EGNOK" target="_blank"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41fg7zMRFlL._SL160_.jpg" alt="Cole Haan FLX Women's Air Gearhart Aysmetrical Sandal" border="0" /></a><img src="http://www.tqlkg.com/image-2735229-10475705" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /></div>It's another great-looking sandal, but I didn't like it as much on my foot. When I was browsing the shoes on the shelf, my lovely SA Emily (Hi, Emily!) came over to demonstrate for me that these guys have a reversible insole. You can pop the insole out and flip it over -- one side is brown and the other is black. My slightly-baffled response was, "Um, <span style="font-style: italic;">why</span>?" Apparently the company thinks this makes the shoe more versatile. What I think it actually does is make the shoe more <span style="font-style: italic;">rigid</span>, because the footbed of the shoe has to provide a slot for that insole to pop in & out of, so it's less flexible that the other models. Which is not to say it's uncomfortable, just not as bedroom-slipper bendy as the other ones.<br /><br />The other great thing about these shoes is the price. They are very reasonable, even for Cole Haan, which I have said many times is a brand that I think already gives outstanding quality for the price. I can confidently say at this point I have more Cole Haan shoes in my wardrobe than any other brand, and I have no regrets about any of them.<br /><br />So. Looking for good summer sandals? Here's some. Two big thumbs up from Style Spy. Go getcha some.<br /><br />But first, just a small interjection to head off a few things at the pass. Whenever I tout a pair of shoes as comfortable, I get all kinds of questions about arch support and podiatric needs. Now let's just think about this for a moment, shall we? "How's the arch suppport in these shoes?" you ask. Well, pretty good for a pair of mass-produced, flat sandals. But. If you are a person who absolutely needs an orthotic arch support, do you <span style="font-style: italic;">really</span> think these shoes are going to provide it for you? Take a look at those shoes. Do you <span style="font-style: italic;">really</span> think it's possible that they are going to provide the sort of support you might find in, say, a good running shoe? Of course not. It's not possible. Let us please be realistic, people. Looking at a sandal like any of the above and bitching that they don't cradle your delicate little footsies in exquisite, perfectly-designed orthopedic comfort is like bitching that your cat doesn't bark when strangers come to the door. It's a totally different animal. It's <span style="font-style: italic;">not</span> going to do that, it's not <span style="font-style: italic;">supposed</span> to do that, it's not <span style="font-style: italic;">capable</span> of doing that. So, please. Realistic expectations. That being said, I think these are a fantastic solution for the chic-yet-comfy dilemma, and I proclaim my summer shoe shopping finished and complete. If anyone takes me up on this recommendation, please let me know how they work out for you.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><p id="blogfeeds"><$BlogFeedsVertical$></p></div>StyleSpyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09032983147859861793noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598725025583072795.post-45842730606919603882010-05-14T09:27:00.007-04:002010-05-14T11:11:41.160-04:00Perspective PlusI am informed this morning by <a href="http://www.fashionologie.com/Andre-Leon-Talley-Crystal-Renns-Groundbreaking-Moment-Alyona-Osmanova-Joins-Fords-Plus-Size-Division-8409938">Fashionologie.com</a> that model Alyona Osmanova, who has appeared on some Big Name Runways previously, has been moved to Ford Models' "plus size" division. Here's one of her cards:<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/?action=view&current=04977_hires_726514_ALYONA_LINGERIE_.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/04977_hires_726514_ALYONA_LINGERIE_.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Lovely girl. Do please note her measurements. They actually got me pretty stoked -- they're almost exactly the same as mine! Apparently, I have a future as a plus-size model!!! SO!!! EXCITED!!!!<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://closetaltar.blogspot.com/"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 146px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2zs26v2zeec/S-1WNpO1API/AAAAAAAAC_4/ZveYwQiZNBU/s400/newcoffeetablef.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471123914731356402" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">(You didn't seriously expect a photo of me in my underwear, did you?)</span><br /></div><br />Ford Models!! Call me!!! I'm plus-sized!!<br /><br />In all seriousness, now. Truly, this is not a post about me being not-plus-sized. But the fact is, I am <span style="font-style: italic;">not</span> plus-sized. I typically wear a size 4. Ms. Osmanova's hips & bust are a <span style="font-style: italic;">very</span> little bigger than mine, and she is <span style="font-style: italic;">half a foot taller</span> than I am. Size 10? I don't think so. Also, since when is size 10 a plus size? WTF kind of math are these people using??<br /><br />If you, like me, read a lot of fashion magazines & fashion blogs, you know there has been an awful lot of yappita-yappita lately about how "plus-size" models are gaining ground in the fashion world, how magazines are being oh-so-<span style="font-style: italic;">very</span>-inclusive and actually showing "curvy" girls in editorials (I'm not EVEN going to get into how much I hate that as a euphemism, my Words-With-No-Meaning Rant ™ requires more alcohol than I'm willing to take in at nine in the a.m. on a Friday), and blah blah freetobeyouandmefishcakes blah.<br /><br />Do not get me wrong -- I'm all about women other than Stick-Figure Goddesses being photographed in pretty clothes. Hoo and ray. What's killing me is the sickening, self-congratulatory tone of the industry as they pat themselves on their bony backs. Andre Leon Talley actually referred to Crystal Renn's appearance on the Chanel runway last week as "groundbreaking."<br /><br />Groundbreaking? This?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/?action=view&current=47m.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/47m.jpg" alt="chanel" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">What a cow, huh? I cannot believe they squeeeeeeeezed her into something from Chanel.</span><br /></div><br />If this is groundbreaking, it's some pretty shallow ground.<br /><br />Yay for more inclusive. Yay for more-reality-based depictions of women. Yay for more acceptance for all sorts of shapes & sizes & colors & hairstyles & whatnot. But groundbreaking? Let's not get carried away. Do not, as we say in Texas, piss on my boot and tell me it's raining.<br /><br />You want groundbreaking? Here:<br /><br /><a href="http://s13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/?action=view&current=lena-hornejpg-096ae8906fbe3344.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/lena-hornejpg-096ae8906fbe3344.jpg" alt="lena horne" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />That's you some groundbreaking, right there. Thank you, Ms. Horne. You are greatly missed.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Photos: FordModels.com, Style Spy, style.com, AP</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><p id="blogfeeds"><$BlogFeedsVertical$></p></div>StyleSpyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09032983147859861793noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598725025583072795.post-31105025064668004122010-05-08T10:04:00.004-04:002010-05-08T11:04:55.812-04:00The Idea/Execution GapThe idea makes sense, and I understand the inspiration behind it. A woman puts together a nice outfit to go to work every day, but often in the course of said day she needs two types of shoe -- a flat and a heel -- and wouldn't it be cool if you could find shoes you love that had both components. Well, sure, theoretically, I guess. Although not so much if what you end up with is this:<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-2735229-10475705?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.endless.com%2Fdp%2FB0021AFW00%2Fref%3Dasc_df_B0021AFW001110909%3Ftag%3Dendlesscj-20%26creative%3D380333%26linkCode%3Dasn%26creativeASIN%3DB0021AFW00&cjsku=B0021AFW00" target="_blank"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/415zivfc5aL._SL160_.jpg" alt="Ruthie Davis Women's Edamame/Sashimi Pump And Ballet Flat Combo" border="0" /></a><img src="http://www.ftjcfx.com/image-2735229-10475705" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /></div><br />It's not <span style="font-style: italic;">just</span> the colors, which are awful. (And the set comes in a few other color combos, all of which are <span>equally</span> awful, if not worse.) It's not just that they manage to look cheap even on a computer screen, which they do. It's this: usually, when I buy heels, I buy a size 9, sometimes even a 9 1/2, depending on the brand and the shape and other factors. Usually when I buy a <span style="font-style: italic;">flat</span>, I buy an 8 1/2. I think this is true for many of us. Actually, I'd go so far as to say <span style="font-style: italic;">most</span> of us should be more flexible about our shoe sizes and there would be many feet that were happier in their shoes if we were. So. Even if the above shoes <span style="font-style: italic;">weren't</span> some of the butt-ugliest things I've seen in a while, I'd still think this was a bad idea.<br /><br />Hey. I calls 'em like I sees 'em.<br /><br />I discovered these because I was poking around on <a href="http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-2735229-10473928" target="_blank">www.endless.com</a><img src="http://www.ftjcfx.com/image-2735229-10473928" border="0" height="1" width="1" /> where they have lots of flats & pumps on sale. Personally, I need more high heels like I need a proverbial hole in my curly little head, but a gal can always use good flats. They have a LOT, and a lot of good ones. Click photos for links.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-2735229-10475705?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.endless.com%2Fdp%2FB002MH2NHM%2Fref%3Dasc_df_B002MH2NHM1110909%3Ftag%3Dendlesscj-20%26creative%3D380333%26linkCode%3Dasn%26creativeASIN%3DB002MH2NHM&cjsku=B002MH2NHM" target="_blank"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41Xq3-WBGwL._SL160_.jpg" alt="Stuart Weitzman Women's Lolly Flat" border="0" /></a><img src="http://www.ftjcfx.com/image-2735229-10475705" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /></div><br />These are Cole Haan, one of my favorite brands. They come in narrow AND wide widths and they are on sale. <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-2735229-10475705?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.endless.com%2Fdp%2FB001E5DUKC%2Fref%3Dasc_df_B001E5DUKC1110909%3Ftag%3Dendlesscj-20%26creative%3D380333%26linkCode%3Dasn%26creativeASIN%3DB001E5DUKC&cjsku=B001E5DUKC" target="_blank"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41dZS%2BSNb%2BL._SL160_.jpg" alt="ras Women's RA31-615FA1G Pointy Toe Flat" border="0" /></a><img src="http://www.lduhtrp.net/image-2735229-10475705" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /></div>All about this color, as you might have guessed.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-2735229-10475705?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.endless.com%2Fdp%2FB001P3OMQO%2Fref%3Dasc_df_B001P3OMQO1110909%3Ftag%3Dendlesscj-20%26creative%3D380333%26linkCode%3Dasn%26creativeASIN%3DB001P3OMQO&cjsku=B001P3OMQO" target="_blank"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41syDJyQHnL._SL160_.jpg" alt="Pour La Victoire Women's Camille Flat Lace-Up Sandals" border="0" /></a><img src="http://www.lduhtrp.net/image-2735229-10475705" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /></div><br />I know these are desperately trendy, but I like the looks of them. Plus, they actually have a zipper on the back, so putting them on is not a 45-minute process.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-2735229-10475705?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.endless.com%2Fdp%2FB002DN9XVY%2Fref%3Dasc_df_B002DN9XVY1110909%3Ftag%3Dendlesscj-20%26creative%3D380333%26linkCode%3Dasn%26creativeASIN%3DB002DN9XVY&cjsku=B002DN9XVY" target="_blank"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41R%2BLNEXVLL._SL160_.jpg" alt="farylrobin Women's Fido Wedge" border="0" /></a><img src="http://www.lduhtrp.net/image-2735229-10475705" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /></div><br />Again -- not your basic flat and I kinda like 'em. Woman cannot live on ballerina flats alone, ya know. Just because your shoe doesn't have a heel does not mean it should be devoid of personality.<br /><br />There's lots more on the website, go check 'em out!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><p id="blogfeeds"><$BlogFeedsVertical$></p></div>StyleSpyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09032983147859861793noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598725025583072795.post-72675939507782076672010-04-30T09:08:00.003-04:002010-04-30T09:42:10.996-04:00Pretty for Friday -- Something DifferentI totally ganked this photo from <a href="http://thesartorialist.blogspot.com/">Scott Schuman</a>. This isn't my usual Pretty for Friday kinda thing, but I just love lovety loveloveLOVE the way this man looks. He is not only dapper, he is <span style="font-style: italic;">jaunty</span>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2zs26v2zeec/S9rWcBvGjOI/AAAAAAAAC_o/25-Lp9lRs0c/s1600/42110%26Son_6565Web.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2zs26v2zeec/S9rWcBvGjOI/AAAAAAAAC_o/25-Lp9lRs0c/s400/42110%26Son_6565Web.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465916874758196450" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This is what the best kind of dressing can do -- it not only tells you something about his closet, it tells you something about <span style="font-style: italic;">him</span>. Something good. I'd be shocked to talk to this man and discover that he didn't have a terrific sense of humor. Obviously, he has a highly-developed appreciation for aesthetics, which must certainly apply to all areas of his life -- this is a guy I could talk about art with. And self-confidence: this is a Japanese man wearing pink socks. That's not the M.O. of a shrinking violet. What this man is wearing makes me want to meet him and know him.<br /><br />You know who I <span style="font-style: italic;">didn't</span> want to meet? The schlubby, wrinkled, unshaven, bed-headed (and not in a hipster, on-purpose sort of way), flipflop-and-unpressed-cargo-shorts-wearing young man sciffscuffing across a parking lot wearing, in what could be some sort of genius statement of irony if it had been intentional but I assure you was not, a t-shirt that read, "GROOM." What his clothes said to me were: lazy, slovenly, probably has dirty dishes on the floor next to his couch (or did until he found some desperate girl to wear the "BRIDE" t-shirt), plays a LOT of video games, inarticulate, will indulge in overgrown frat-boy behavior well into his 50s and beyond. Might he be writing the next Great American Novel at home? Maybe. I will never know. Because his appearance repelled me like a force field.<br /><br />I'm done apologizing for caring about the way things look. Appearances are important. If they weren't, we wouldn't have peacocks or hibiscus flowers. I freely admit that I fall further on the edge of this bell curve than most people, but I'm okay with that. I am going to keep beating this drum. I'm determined to be a Fashion Johnny Appleseed -- spreading seeds of style wherever I go.<br /><br />Spread a little style this weekend, and have a great one!<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Photo: Sartorialist.com</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><p id="blogfeeds"><$BlogFeedsVertical$></p></div>StyleSpyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09032983147859861793noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598725025583072795.post-90393889922146550132010-04-28T15:01:00.006-04:002010-04-28T15:46:08.561-04:00Ceara Sturgis Graduates!I'm too angry to write coherently about this. Just <a href="http://www.queerty.com/ceara-sturgis-tuxedo-yearbook-photo-that-her-high-school-wont-publish-20091016/">go here and read this</a> and <a href="http://www.queerty.com/ceara-sturgis-high-school-refused-to-run-her-tuxedo-picture-in-the-yearbook-or-even-mention-her-name-20100427">read this</a> and watch this:<br /><br /><br /><img style="visibility: hidden; width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bT*xJmx*PTEyNzI*ODE3MTQ3MTAmcHQ9MTI3MjQ4MTczMjI2NiZwPTIzNDQ3MSZkPSZnPTImbz*xMjkyNTExNzczOTA*YzI3OTYw/YWFkYmM3NDliNTM2NiZvZj*w.gif" border="0" height="0" width="0" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://v4.tinypic.com/player.swf?file=2ijonmf&s=4" flashvars="gig_lt=1272481714710&gig_pt=1272481732266&gig_g=2" height="420" width="440"></embed><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><a href="http://tinypic.com/player.php?v=2ijonmf&s=4">Original Video</a>- More videos at <a href="http://tinypic.com/">TinyPic</a></span><br /><br /><br /><br />I'm just so sick of this I could scream, and I don't feel like there's much I can do about it. Except one thing. I can publish Ceara's yearbook picture. So in a nice, big, fat FUCK YOU to Principals Ronald Greer and Oscar Hawkins, here's my girl Ceara. If anyone could send me more details about her, like her grades & honors & extra-curricular activities & all the other things yearbooks publish, I'll put them up, too.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2zs26v2zeec/S9iJRLlfk6I/AAAAAAAAC_g/89GJXn2AsVw/s1600/Ceara.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2zs26v2zeec/S9iJRLlfk6I/AAAAAAAAC_g/89GJXn2AsVw/s400/Ceara.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465269076074927010" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />If you have a blog or a website, please do the same. Post it on your Facebook page, tweet it, print it on a t-shirt, whatever. I don't care what your blog is about, if you give a shit about this sort of mindless, cruel discrimination, say something about it. Then send me your link and I'll put up a list here. I would love it if Ceara Sturgis has the most published senior picture in the history of senior pictures.<br /><br />Lastly, as a style advocate, I would like to point out that women in tuxedos have a long and proud history. It's a great look. It's sexy, it's classic. You rock that tux, Ceara.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Photo lifted from Queerty.com</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><p id="blogfeeds"><$BlogFeedsVertical$></p></div>StyleSpyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09032983147859861793noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598725025583072795.post-55579692681407520822010-04-26T09:35:00.005-04:002010-04-26T11:10:56.400-04:00Coco 2010Everyone adores a Chanel jacket. You know, the soft tweed, the boxy cut, the braid or the chains, the patch pockets. Everyone adores them, they're the index garment for so many fashionistas ("Someday I'll have a Chanel jacket,"), they've inspired countless imitations and untold envy. Except in me. I find them boxy & frumpy and for me they cannot shake the dowager-having-a-tea-party image, no matter how they are worn. I know some folks swear it's the most versatile garment ever created, blah blah justifytheexpenditureonastatussymbol fishcakes blah. Pair it with jeans to dress it down, whatever. ::yawn::<br /><br /><a href="http://s13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/?action=view&current=5d90cdd73db6e9ab_penelope-cruz.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/5d90cdd73db6e9ab_penelope-cruz.jpg" alt="chanel" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://style-spy.blogspot.com/2010/01/black-strapless-brigade.html">As I have pointed out before</a>, if you can make Penelope Cruz look dumpy, you've really accomplished something. (Not something you should be <span style="font-style: italic;">proud</span> of, but something nonetheless.)<br /><br />So. While those jackets are a complete turnoff to me (and no, you're not going to convince me, so don't even bother), I do love that quintessential Chanel vibe that harks back more to the work she did in the 20's and 30's than her late-career resurgence. I love the easy, slouchy knits she pioneered, and it's hard to go wrong with her favored black & white color scheme. I just like to mess it up a little.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2zs26v2zeec/S9WW5vLceBI/AAAAAAAAC_Y/uFQuz6qqLXw/s1600/sushiwithmom.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 170px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2zs26v2zeec/S9WW5vLceBI/AAAAAAAAC_Y/uFQuz6qqLXw/s400/sushiwithmom.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464439641545144338" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Here's me from this weekend doing my version of Coco. It's my black bandage skirt worn with tights and some real-thing motorcycle boots that I bought oooooooh, let's see now, I honestly cannot remember how long ago. Maybe 15 years? (Motorcycle boots are cool. They just are. They always have been, they always will be, and believe me, if I drop a bottle of wine on my foot while I'm in these things I'm not even going to feel it. They? Are <span style="font-style: italic;">sturdy</span>.) The t-shirt, which, yes, is a bit of self-conscious irony of which I do not usually approve in clothing, but I'm being ironic about my obsession with Paris, so I'll give myself a pass. 'Cause I love Paris. What really makes this look gel for me, though, is the cardigan. It's a tipped cashmere cardigan in exactly the right shape and length. Chanel loved a cardigan and <a href="http://style-spy.blogspot.com/2009/10/when-to-say-when.html">goodness knows so do I</a>, but it's very easy to slip into mumsy with them. Keeping it long & lean prevents the mumsy.<br /><br />I was so happy in my tipped cardigan that I wanted to share the love, so I hit the Series of Tubes to find you some.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-2735229-10632182?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.modcloth.com%2Fstore%2FModCloth%2FWomens%2FTops%2FStreet%2BStyle%2BSubject%2BCardigan&cjsku=12395" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.modcloth.com/productshots/0037/9430/12395-1.jpg" alt="Street Style Subject Cardigan" border="0" /></a><img src="http://www.ftjcfx.com/image-2735229-10632182" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Black and white! Cleverly detailed! Fabulous!<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-2735229-10731106?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftracking.quisma.com%2Fc.cfs%3Fpid%3D61144063421S1108778T%26qulink%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.mytheresa.com%2Fshop%2Fproduct.php%3Fsl%3DEN%26productid%3D11459%26currency_code%3DUSD&cjsku=US710.5250.003" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.mytheresa.com/shop/files/thumbnails/710_5250_003.jpg" alt="RIBBED CARDIGAN" border="0" /></a><img src="http://www.tqlkg.com/image-2735229-10731106" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Sometimes a little color does a body good.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-2735229-10632182?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.modcloth.com%2Fstore%2FModCloth%2FWomens%2FCreative%2BWriting%2BCardigan%2Bin%2BPoetry&cjsku=11821" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.modcloth.com/productshots/0036/3605/11821-1.jpg" alt="Creative Writing Cardigan in Poetry" border="0" /></a><img src="http://www.awltovhc.com/image-2735229-10632182" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Kinda perfect.<br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-2735229-10731106?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftracking.quisma.com%2Fc.cfs%3Fpid%3D61144063421S1108778T%26qulink%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.mytheresa.com%2Fshop%2Fproduct.php%3Fsl%3DEN%26productid%3D10730%26currency_code%3DUSD&cjsku=US710.5084.024" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.mytheresa.com/shop/files/thumbnails/710_5084_024.jpg" alt="CASHMERE BLEND CARDIGAN" border="0" /></a><img src="http://www.awltovhc.com/image-2735229-10731106" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /><br />Sweet but not twee. A fine line to straddle.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-2735229-10273706?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.zappos.com%2Fn%2Fredirect.cgi%3Fq%3Dvz361169942z2%26zcj%3D1&cjsku=76295483" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.zappos.com/images/z/1/1/1/1113626-t-THUMBNAIL.jpg" alt="MICHAEL Michael Kors - Stripe L/S Boyfriend Cardigan (Black) - Apparel" border="0" /></a><img src="http://www.tqlkg.com/image-2735229-10273706" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /><br />Stripes! Gives it a more collegiate air, but livens things up.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-2735229-10632182?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.modcloth.com%2Fstore%2FModCloth%2FWomens%2FCreative%2BWriting%2BCardigan%2Bin%2BFiction&cjsku=11811" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.modcloth.com/productshots/0036/3670/11811-1.jpg" alt="Creative Writing Cardigan in Fiction" border="0" /></a><img src="http://www.ftjcfx.com/image-2735229-10632182" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /><br />Here's the gray one in a great pink.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-2735229-10731106?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftracking.quisma.com%2Fc.cfs%3Fpid%3D61144063421S1108778T%26qulink%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.mytheresa.com%2Fshop%2Fproduct.php%3Fsl%3DEN%26productid%3D9326%26currency_code%3DUSD&cjsku=US710.5066.005" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.mytheresa.com/shop/files/thumbnails/710_5066_005.jpg" alt="BOYFRIEND CASHMERE CARDIGAN" border="0" /></a><img src="http://www.ftjcfx.com/image-2735229-10731106" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /><br />Marni. Worth the investment, as is all Marni.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-2735229-10632182?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.modcloth.com%2Fstore%2FModCloth%2FWomens%2FNew%2BHaven%2BCardigan&cjsku=11356" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.modcloth.com/productshots/0034/9617/11356-1.jpg" alt="New Haven Cardigan" border="0" /></a><img src="http://www.ftjcfx.com/image-2735229-10632182" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /><br />More stripes.<br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/?action=view&current=01188F120001_1_2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/01188F120001_1_2.jpg" alt="margiela" border="0" /></a><br /></div><a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-2735229-10569670?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ssense.com%2Fmen%2Fproduct%2Fmaison_martin_margiela%2Flong_v-neck_cardigan%2F23720%3Futm_source%3Dcj%26utm_medium%3Daffiliate%26utm_term%3D23720&cjsku=01188F120001" target="_blank"><br /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-2735229-10569670?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ssense.com%2Fmen%2Fproduct%2Fmaison_martin_margiela%2Flong_v-neck_cardigan%2F23720%3Futm_source%3Dcj%26utm_medium%3Daffiliate%26utm_term%3D23720&cjsku=01188F120001" target="_blank">MAISON MARTIN MARGIELA LONG V_NECK CARDIGAN</a><img src="http://www.awltovhc.com/image-2735229-10569670" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /></div><br />This is why we love Margiela (click on the text for the link). They can take the most basic of garments and make it completely desirable with the smallest twist. Yes, the hemline is asymmetrical and yes, it's meant to be. I adore this.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-2735229-10731106?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftracking.quisma.com%2Fc.cfs%3Fpid%3D61144063421S1108778T%26qulink%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.mytheresa.com%2Fshop%2Fproduct.php%3Fsl%3DEN%26productid%3D9647%26currency_code%3DUSD&cjsku=US710.5084.020" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.mytheresa.com/shop/files/thumbnails/710_5084_020.jpg" alt="TWO TONED CASHMERE CARDIGAN" border="0" /></a><img src="http://www.tqlkg.com/image-2735229-10731106" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /><br />You'd wear it for the rest of your life.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-2735229-10632182?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.modcloth.com%2Fstore%2FModCloth%2FWomens%2FTops%2FCapitol%2BHill%2BCardigan&cjsku=11184" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.modcloth.com/productshots/0034/5800/11184-1.jpg" alt="Capitol Hill Cardigan" border="0" /></a><img src="http://www.tqlkg.com/image-2735229-10632182" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /><br />A teensy bit cutesy, but I'll let it slide.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-2735229-10731106?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftracking.quisma.com%2Fc.cfs%3Fpid%3D61144063421S1108778T%26qulink%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.mytheresa.com%2Fshop%2Fproduct.php%3Fsl%3DEN%26productid%3D9296%26currency_code%3DUSD&cjsku=US710.5029.003" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.mytheresa.com/shop/files/thumbnails/710_5029_003.jpg" alt="CASHMERE CARDIGAN" border="0" /></a><img src="http://www.awltovhc.com/image-2735229-10731106" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br />Delicious blue, so perfect for spring.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-2735229-10731106?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftracking.quisma.com%2Fc.cfs%3Fpid%3D61144063421S1108778T%26qulink%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.mytheresa.com%2Fshop%2Fproduct.php%3Fsl%3DEN%26productid%3D9397%26currency_code%3DUSD&cjsku=US710.5053.003" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.mytheresa.com/shop/files/thumbnails/710_5053_003.jpg" alt="HEART CASHMERE CARDIGAN" border="0" /></a><img src="http://www.lduhtrp.net/image-2735229-10731106" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /><br />Speaking of perfect... Wow. I really, really love this -- it's Exactly The Thing.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-2735229-10731106?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftracking.quisma.com%2Fc.cfs%3Fpid%3D61144063421S1108778T%26qulink%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.mytheresa.com%2Fshop%2Fproduct.php%3Fsl%3DEN%26productid%3D9398%26currency_code%3DUSD&cjsku=US710.5053.004" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.mytheresa.com/shop/files/thumbnails/710_5053_004.jpg" alt="HEART CASHMERE CARDIGAN" border="0" /></a><img src="http://www.lduhtrp.net/image-2735229-10731106" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /><br />And here is Exactly The Thing in pink and gray, another classic color combination.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />So that's my fashion "tip" (oh, I'm so sorry but you really didn't think you were going to escape it, did you?) for today. Now go forth and layer!<br /><br /><br /></div></div><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Photos: Style Spy, Fabsugar<br /><br /><br /></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><p id="blogfeeds"><$BlogFeedsVertical$></p></div>StyleSpyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09032983147859861793noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598725025583072795.post-79627944917695892932010-04-19T07:00:00.000-04:002010-04-19T07:00:05.375-04:00Wherein Style Spy Has Recourse to Merriam-WebsterYa know, my English is pretty good. So I don't care what the nice people at <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-2735229-10456099" target="_blank">Shopbop</a><img src="http://www.ftjcfx.com/image-2735229-10456099" border="0" height="1" width="1" /> try to tell me -- these are some really, really cute <span style="font-style: italic;">tops</span>. Every one of them would be adorable over some capris, or nice bermudas, or some skinny jeans. <br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-2735229-10451141?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shopbop.com%2Fdouble-pocket-tank-dress-lna%2Fvp%2Fv%3D1%2F845524441867881.htm%3FfolderID%3D2534374302092591%26extid%3Daffprg-%25zp-LNAAA2012216053&cjsku=LNAAA2012216053" target="_blank"><img src="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/Shopbop/pcs/media/images/products/lnaaa/lnaaa2012216053/lnaaa2012216053_p1_v1_m56577569831919018_254x500.jpg" alt="LNA Double Pocket Tank Dress" border="0" /></a><img src="http://www.ftjcfx.com/image-2735229-10451141" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-2735229-10451141?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shopbop.com%2Fcutout-back-mini-dress-barlow%2Fvp%2Fv%3D1%2F845524441867738.htm%3FfolderID%3D2534374302168785%26extid%3Daffprg-%25zp-BARLW2002012688&cjsku=BARLW2002012688" target="_blank"><img src="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/Shopbop/pcs/media/images/products/barlw/barlw2002012688/barlw2002012688_p1_v1_m56577569831917818_254x500.jpg" alt="BARLOW Cutout Back Mini Dress" border="0" /></a><img src="http://www.tqlkg.com/image-2735229-10451141" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-2735229-10451141?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shopbop.com%2Ffever-dress-acne%2Fvp%2Fv%3D1%2F845524441867054.htm%3FfolderID%3D2534374302168896%26extid%3Daffprg-%25zp-ACNEE2000711350&cjsku=ACNEE2000711350" target="_blank"><img src="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/Shopbop/pcs/media/images/products/acnee/acnee2000711350/acnee2000711350_p1_v1_m56577569831912362_254x500.jpg" alt="Acne Fever Dress" border="0" /></a><img src="http://www.ftjcfx.com/image-2735229-10451141" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-2735229-10451141?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shopbop.com%2Fprint-kimono-dress-issa%2Fvp%2Fv%3D1%2F845524441866929.htm%3FfolderID%3D2534374302076481%26extid%3Daffprg-%25zp-ISSAA2004613819&cjsku=ISSAA2004613819" target="_blank"><img src="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/Shopbop/pcs/media/images/products/issaa/issaa2004613819/issaa2004613819_p1_v1_m56577569831911006_254x500.jpg" alt="ISSA Print Kimono Dress" border="0" /></a><img src="http://www.awltovhc.com/image-2735229-10451141" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-2735229-10451141?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shopbop.com%2Fmallory-pintuck-shirtdress-alice-olivia%2Fvp%2Fv%3D1%2F845524441861807.htm%3FfolderID%3D2534374302023685%26extid%3Daffprg-%25zp-ALICE2088412397&cjsku=AL%20%3Ca%20href=" com="" url="http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shopbop.com%2Fcowl-detail-printed-dress-mcq%2Fvp%2Fv%3D1%2F845524441866327.htm%3FfolderID%3D2534374302042721%26extid%3Daffprg-%25zp-MCQQQ2011317460&cjsku=MCQQQ2011317460"" target="_blank"><img src="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/Shopbop/pcs/media/images/products/mcqqq/mcqqq2011317460/mcqqq2011317460_p1_v1_m56577569831905666_254x500.jpg" alt="McQ - Alexander McQueen Cowl Detail Printed Dress" border="0" /></a><img src="http://www.ftjcfx.com/image-2735229-10451141" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/Shopbop/pcs/media/images/products/alice/alice2088412397/alice2088412397_p1_v1_m56577569831908337_254x500.jpg" alt="Alice + Olivia Mallory Pintuck Shirtdress" border="0" /><img src="http://www.tqlkg.com/image-2735229-10451141" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">But they are most decidedly <span style="font-style: italic;">not</span> "dresses." Good googly-moogly...<br /><br /><br /><br /></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><p id="blogfeeds"><$BlogFeedsVertical$></p></div>StyleSpyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09032983147859861793noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598725025583072795.post-78614055138215946362010-04-16T10:45:00.005-04:002010-04-16T11:47:13.865-04:00A Most Sincere Thank YouFirst of all, a most heartfelt and humble thank you to everyone who has had such kind and supportive things to say to me in the last few days. I'm sure I don't deserve it, but I'm very happy to accept it. Please let me assure everyone that nothing horrible or evil or dramatic is going on with me (although the torn shoulder tendon, I have to admit, has caused a fair bit of unladylike language), I'm just busy and a little flaky.<br /><br />As a thank you, I went looking for something beautiful to show you. So now I'm grateful to you all and I'm also a little bit chagrined, because I <span style="font-style: italic;">found</span> something beautiful and unfortunately I think I'm going to be obsessed with it.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-2735229-10704349?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.luisaviaroma.com%2Fproductid%2Fitemcode%2F51I-019009&cjsku=51I-019009" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.luisaviaroma.com/images/Small51I/019/7024.JPG" alt="ANN DEMEULEMEESTER - BIRD PRINT SILK SATIN DRESS" border="0" /></a><img src="http://www.awltovhc.com/image-2735229-10704349" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Ann Demeulemeester bird print satin dress. Oh. My. Goodness. Click on the photo so you can check out the back and close-up of this dress -- it's too beautiful. <a href="http://www.luisaviaroma.com/index.aspx#getData.aspx%7CCallType=ListOfProd&des=075&cat=&season=actual&gender=women&group=&style=">All the Ann Demeulemeester</a> on Luisa Via Roma right now is crazy-making for me. I'm still really hung up on what I think of as that Parisian silhouette, long & lean & slightly slouchy, though still a bit body conscious. The cut of this dress is pretty much my ideal. I would wear the HELL out of that dress.<br /><br />More useful though, would be the vest version of the print:<br /></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-2735229-10704349?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.luisaviaroma.com%2Fproductid%2Fitemcode%2F51I-019012&cjsku=51I-019012" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.luisaviaroma.com/images/Small51I/019/7034.JPG" alt="ANN DEMEULEMEESTER - BIRD PRINT SILK SATIN VEST" border="0" /></a><img src="http://www.awltovhc.com/image-2735229-10704349" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /></div><br />The last couple of seasons we have seen the Return of the Separates, which is good. I think this is a direct response to the economic climate -- people are more comfortable spending money on a garment they can wear in multiple ways. Vests are a brilliant way to get at least double- if not triple-duty out of a top. If I went with the vest, I would pair it with a nice, simple pair of lean black trousers, <span style="font-style: italic;">comme ça</span>:<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-2735229-10704349?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.luisaviaroma.com%2Fproductid%2Fitemcode%2F51I-G2I058&cjsku=51I-G2I058" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.luisaviaroma.com/images/Small51I/G2I/0033.JPG" alt="SEE BY CHLOE' - CAPRI SKINNY STRETCH GABARDINE TROUSERS" border="0" /></a><img src="http://www.awltovhc.com/image-2735229-10704349" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />But not those shoes. THESE shoes:<br /></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-2735229-10676831?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.luisaviaroma.com%2Fproductid%2Fitemcode%2F51I-M3S001&cjsku=51I-M3S001" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.luisaviaroma.com/images/Small51I/M3S/7002.JPG" alt="BALLY - NAPPA AND PATENT LOW BOOTS" border="0" /></a><img src="http://www.lduhtrp.net/image-2735229-10676831" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /></div><br />Because as everyone who hangs out here knows I cannot resist a shot of color when everything else is black & white. Weirdly, I thought these were red when I saw them at first (this is what happens when I write before I've had my coffee), and that was what I loved, but now I'm attached to them and don't care that they're not. It took me a while to get on board with the peep-toe bootie thing, and I'm not sure I need any myself, but these are just so beautifully proportioned and strike me as, believe it or not, really useful (great with jeans, great with skirts, great with trousers). So big thumbs up.<br /><br /><br />Lastly, my finishing touch:<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-2735229-10704349?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.luisaviaroma.com%2Fproductid%2Fitemcode%2F51I-D3V007&cjsku=51I-D3V007" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.luisaviaroma.com/images/Small51I/D3V/3019.JPG" alt="RICK OWENS - METALLIC RESIN BRACELET" border="0" /></a><img src="http://www.lduhtrp.net/image-2735229-10704349" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /></div><br />This is from Rick Owens and I made a hungry dog noise when I saw it. My love of the cuff is well-documented. My love of Rick Owens grows over time. This is marvelous.<br /><br />So. That's what I'd be wearing this weekend if I had my druthers. What do you think? And how about you? What's your fantasy weekend wardrobe right now?<br /><br /><br /><br />Also and unrelatedly, be sure to check out <a href="http://fashionista.com/2010/04/would-anyone-like-to-rep-the-backtacular-gluteal-cleft-shield/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+fashionistacom+%28Fashionista%29">this</a>. It will make you laugh and laugh and laugh.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><p id="blogfeeds"><$BlogFeedsVertical$></p></div>StyleSpyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09032983147859861793noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598725025583072795.post-89902485738610760602010-04-14T21:27:00.003-04:002010-04-14T21:42:44.748-04:00Yelling at Me Won't HelpI've received a couple of comments over the last two days that were <span style="font-style: italic;">so</span> compelling I decided I needed to share them with the whole class:<br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">From yesterday:</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">"You know, I have followed your blog regularly for about two years. You haven't updated for almost a month, and I'm just about to take you off my favorites list. Perhaps that doesn't matter to you, but it seems like you've invested yourself in this blog, and I thought you would want to know that one of your loyal readers has just about had it."</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">And then today:</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">"Look, I love your blog, and have followed it for years, but if you don't start updating more regularly, I'm going to remove you from my favorites and stop checking regularly. It's been FOUR weeks since you updated, and it's awful to find the same post 28 times."</span><br /><br />Of course, my first instinct was to think, "Yes, <span style="font-style: italic;">by all means</span>, remove me from your favorites list, sourpuss. I'm perfectly fine with that." Instead I've decided to take the attitude that it is flattering to know that someone enjoys this blog so much that it's causing her this much distress that I haven't been posting much lately.<br /><br />For those of you who've noticed my absence and have had the good manners NOT to throw a temper tantrum about it, I apologize. It's not because I don't enjoy the blog or value my readers. But life, as all grown-ups know, happens. Jobs happen, injuries & illness happen, family situations happen, all kinds of things happen. There are only so many hours in the day and we all have to prioritize. Since I make exactly $0.00 per month writing this blog, I'm afraid it's slipped down the priorities list at present. Any post that I feel good about putting up takes me a minimum of three hours work, and just at this moment, those hours need to be claimed by other things. I'm sorry if that disappoints anyone, although I'm hard pressed to understand why it would <span style="font-style: italic;">offend</span> or <span style="font-style: italic;">upset</span> anyone.<br /><br />I haven't abandoned the blog, but I guess I have to say I'm on a bit of a hiatus at present. I hope anyone who enjoys visiting here will rejoin me when it ends. If you don't, I'll certainly understand.<br /><br />Best,<br />Amy<div class="blogger-post-footer"><p id="blogfeeds"><$BlogFeedsVertical$></p></div>StyleSpyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09032983147859861793noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598725025583072795.post-72940022824807173072010-03-23T09:59:00.001-04:002010-03-23T11:52:05.765-04:00Strong. Powerful. Reduced.Phoebe Philo's back in town, and there has been much rejoicing. Back in the late 90's, when Stella McCartney was turning Chloé into the It Label for It Girls, Philo was her design assistant, and took over as artistic director when McCartney left in 2001 to start her namesake line. Chloé's success didn't slow down a tick after McCartney left -- as a matter of fact, things went so swimmingly that there were snarky rumors and snippy comments about whether the actual talent behind Chloé had always been Philo's after all. But both of these very nice English girls have only nice things to say about one another and McCartney's own line has been so hugely successful that any questions about her design talents (except for those based on personal taste, or, like some bloggers you know, a reluctance to buy plastic shoes that cost $800) have been pretty well laid to rest.<br /><br />Philo rocked on at Chloé for five years or so and then she did that very modern yet very retro thing: she quit her job to spend more time with her family. Tears were shed, garments were rent, teeth were ground. Chloé ticked on with various designers, and Philo spent a few years romping about the English countryside with her toddlers.<br /><br />LVMH hired her to reinvigorate <a href="http://www.celine.com/">Céline</a>, a 70-year old French luxury brand, in 2008 and since then breath has been held while she cleaned house. The first collection she showed was <a href="http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/2010RST-CELINE/">Resort 2010</a>, trotted out last June. Cue wild, thunderous applause. And all those little beeps & clicks you heard? That was the sound of thousands of iPhones & Blackberries in the hands of pretty much every fashion editor in the world calling the Céline offices and asking for samples to shoot. A new outbreak of Phoebemania has sprung up, and you are going to be seeing a LOT of these clothes in the coming months.<br /><br />With good reason. They're fantastic.<br /><br />For <a href="http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/F2010RTW-CELINE">Fall 2010</a>, Philo wanted to produce clothing that was "Strong. Powerful. Reduced." <br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/00180m.jpg" /><br /></div><br />Which she has done. The lines of these clothes, and of all the clothes she's been making, are so pared down and simple and neat.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/00280m.jpg" /><br /></div><br />However, with Céline, you know that "simple" doesn't mean what it does in some other contexts. Céline is a luxury house, it always has been. These are quietly elegant investment clothes that could linger usefully in your closet for 20 years or more, without being so predictable you feel like you're blending into the scenery.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/00230m.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><br />The world is having a sportswear moment these days. It makes perfect sense to me. Times are still tough. It feels wrong to spend my fashion allowance on things that only have one purpose, like a cocktail dress or a pair of uber-trendy, collection-specific shoes. Personally right now I'm obsessed with finding good, multi-use tops; and the last three pairs of shoes I bought? One pair of rain boots and two pairs of penny loafers. Seriously. (Although I haven't gone completely utilitarian, mind you -- all three pairs are patent leather.)<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/00120m-1.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/00240m.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/00030m-2.jpg" /><br /></div><br />It really is a thrill to see pieces like this on the runway. <br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/00170m.jpg" /><br /></div><br />Although, lest you forget, this is a <span style="font-style: italic;">French</span> take on sportswear. For great <span style="font-style: italic;">American</span> sportswear, see my old pal <a href="http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/F2010RTW-MKORS/">Michael Kors</a>. <br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/00220m-3.jpg" /><br /></div><br />And good googly-moogly, the coats. The <span style="font-style: italic;">coats</span>!!!<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/00110m-1.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br />I love leather clothing, I freely admit. (No, not <span style="font-style: italic;">that</span> kind of leather clothing!)<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/00260m.jpg" /><br /></div><br />A patent leather skirt? Sign me up. <br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/00100m-2.jpg" /><br /></div><br />Yes, please. <br /><br />These clothes please me deeply, and they're going to please a lot of grown-up ladies who are sick unto death of the tattered goth-glam rocker chick thing or the floaty rich hippie thing. I think over the next few seasons we're going to see a lot of classic clothing spun in interesting ways, and this is good news. I feel like I'll be getting a lot of bang for my fashion buck if I shop for things like this. I know myself well enough, though, to know that sticking strictly to this look is going to bore me pretty quickly, so I'm going to stay on the lookout for those small touches to add for pops of individuality & color -- these are the sorts of times when it becomes really important, style-wise, to know what your accessory sweet spot is, and to indulge it if you can. Never stop working on (and working) that collection of colored tights or statement necklaces or whatever your thing is, because those are the items that will personalize your wardrobe.<br /><br />In the meantime, I'm going to keep a close eye on Phoebe Philo at Céline. It is no small trick to turn out good, reliable yet modern sportswear year after year; I think it's a much greater challenge for a designer than being able to just wipe the slate clean each season with a radical new silhouette or palette, like some of the more fashion-forward designers can. No one bats an eye if Nicolas Ghesquière does armored leggings one season and neoprene dresses the next, but the devotees of labels like Céline & Kors go to them because they know that there is damn well going to be a good pair of trousers there that they can wear for a hundred years. What makes them need a new pair of those trousers every season? Ah, well -- that's where the magic lies.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Images: Style.com</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><p id="blogfeeds"><$BlogFeedsVertical$></p></div>StyleSpyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09032983147859861793noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598725025583072795.post-64659761160138987192010-03-16T14:17:00.005-04:002010-03-16T14:37:29.416-04:00LemonadeBlech. The weather is... <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">blech.</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2zs26v2zeec/S5_Lb6dBW3I/AAAAAAAAC_Q/DxYTMHbKrcc/s1600-h/lemonade.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 148px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2zs26v2zeec/S5_Lb6dBW3I/AAAAAAAAC_Q/DxYTMHbKrcc/s400/lemonade.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449297754549476210" border="0" /></a><br /><br />However. If you DO have to go out into the blech, wearing a pair of bright red patent rainboots (with tassels on the zips!) certainly helps your frame of mind. I heart Cole Haan, as has been well-established here.<br /><br />Not exactly the same, but close enough:<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-2735229-10475705?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.endless.com%2Fdp%2FB00264GYLC%2Fref%3Dasc_df_B00264GYLC1062007%3Ftag%3Dendlesscj-20%26creative%3D380333%26linkCode%3Dasn%26creativeASIN%3DB00264GYLC&cjsku=B00264GYLC" target="_blank"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/412gfs96ypL._SL160_.jpg" alt="Cole Haan Women's Air Lizzie Tall Waterproof Boot" border="0" /></a><img src="http://www.awltovhc.com/image-2735229-10475705" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">(click for link)</span><br /></div><br />Also available in purple! Or, if you're less adventurous in your foul-weather gear, black or gray. Trust me, they'll make it almost bearable.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><p id="blogfeeds"><$BlogFeedsVertical$></p></div>StyleSpyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09032983147859861793noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598725025583072795.post-74387417079536698802010-03-15T09:49:00.003-04:002010-03-15T11:12:12.742-04:00What I'm AfterI'm suggestible. This is what I've been seeing and this is what I'm now wanting:<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/00080m-1-1.jpg" /><br /></div><br />This is <a href="http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/S2010RTW-CELINE">Celine S/S '10</a>. Phoebe Philo is back in the design saddle, now at Celine, and she's working some serious magic over there. So far, she's shown two full and two mid-season collections. Everything has been extremely streamlined and modern and right up my alley, although I'd love a little more color, of course. People are responding to this more favorably than I expected when I first saw it. I wasn't sure at first if the hubbub was just because everyone was happy to see Phoebe Philo working again (she took several seasons off after her massively successful stint at Chloe to do the full-time mom thing), but the clothes are getting a lot of editorial coverage, so it's not just the cult of personality, I don't think. The clothes are really, really good, and deserve the coverage.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/00020m-1.jpg" /><br /></div><br />Of course, this collection just sends me -- it's exactly what I want to be wearing now, all neat & tailored and narrow and slick. I am feeling very UNflouncy these days. The thing that's specifically speaking to me is that damned leather t-shirt. I am now officially DYING for a leather t-shirt.<br /><br />Ridiculously impractical, especially since I live where I do. (It was in the low 80's here yesterday -- we'll have a little chilly here & there over the next couple of weeks, but winter is effectively over for us until... a <span style="font-style: italic;">long</span> time from now.) But I am completely smitten with the way that looks.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/00030m-1.jpg" /><br /></div><br />Here's a long-sleeved version from <a href="http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/F2010RTW-ROW">The Row, F/W '10</a>. (Great collection, by the way. Say what you will about those Olsen girls, they make pretty terrific clothes.) It's slick, but I prefer the short-sleeved version. I also much prefer that beautiful camel-colored leather to the black -- it looks richer and less predictable.<br /><br /><br />Of course, I could probably make an exception for something black from Hermés...<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/00430m-1.jpg" /><br /></div><br />Oh, that makes me want to cry a little. I so adore what Gaultier does for this house -- the man is a dab hand with leather. This is F/W '10 and the whole collection is extremely delicious,<a href="http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/F2010RTW-HERMES"> check it out</a>.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/00220m-2.jpg" /><br /></div><br />I still prefer the warmer colors, though.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/00090m-1.jpg" /><br /></div><br />This is <a href="http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/S2010RTW-PLIM/">Philip Lim S/S '10</a>. I <a href="http://style-spy.blogspot.com/2009/09/tasty-delight.html">posted about this collection</a> when he showed it. I'm such a huge fan of his -- his clothes are just GOOD.<br /><br /><br />Besides the leather t-shirt, I could certainly go for one of these<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/00100m-1.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Celine, again. So good.<br /></div><br /><br />So far, lots & lots of interweb searching is turning up a whole lotta Not Much, but I'm anticipating that by fall we'll be swimming in leather t-shirts. At least I hope so. Right now, the nearest I'm hitting it is this:<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-2735229-10451141?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shopbop.com%2Fpaisano-leather-tank-dallin-chase%2Fvp%2Fv%3D1%2F845524441863577.htm%3FfolderID%3D2534374302041492%26extid%3Daffprg-%25zp-DALIN2015614267&cjsku=DALIN2015614267" target="_blank"><img src="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/Shopbop/pcs/media/images/products/dalin/dalin2015614267/dalin2015614267_p1_v1_m56577569831884980_254x500.jpg" alt="Dallin Chase Paisano Leather Tank" border="0" /></a><img src="http://www.ftjcfx.com/image-2735229-10451141" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Dear Shopbop... Two words: New. Models.</span><br /></div><br />This actually might be more useful, given the climate here, but I'm much less in love with it. Also, I think that color is actually more of that pinky-beige than full-on caramel, which is what I'm really after. Probably I need to spend the summer steeling myself for the disappointment of not being able to find this elusive, perfect, caramel-colored leather t-shirt of my dreams. Maybe if I save up I can afford the actual Celine one. Probably not. I'm rather fond of my kidneys. And keeping a roof over my head.<br /><br /><br />The other thing I'm really feeling lately is this silhouette in pants:<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/00010m-3.jpg" /><br /></div><br />These are Philip Lim, too, also from S/S '10. I posted about these before -- I am just loving that pleated, slouchy pant with the pegged bottom. I don't know why, it's very mysterious. But look how wonderful in real life:<br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/129pfwd7wt10wp1.jpg" /><br /><br />COLOR!!! Wonderful, wonderful COLOR!!<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/3910Al_3105Web.jpg" /><br /></div><br />Love the sleeveless trench. And the brogues.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/elisa-sednaoui-.jpg" /><br /></div><br />This makes me positively FAINT with desire. Oooooooooohh, that's good.<br /><br /><br />So that's going to be my next mission, I think, the perfect slouchy, pegged pants.<br /><br />What are you on a mission for these days?<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Photos: Style.com, <a href="http://www.waynetippetts.com/">Street Style Aesthetic</a>, <a href="http://thesartorialist.blogspot.com/">The Sartorialist</a>, <a href="http://www.garancedore.fr/en">Garance Doré</a></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><p id="blogfeeds"><$BlogFeedsVertical$></p></div>StyleSpyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09032983147859861793noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598725025583072795.post-84518392129849817042010-03-02T12:10:00.004-05:002010-03-02T12:24:17.414-05:00The Big SqueezeQuick! Those banded elastic BCBG "power skirts" (that's actually what they call them, which cracks me up) that I'm <a href="http://closetaltar.blogspot.com/2010/01/miss-as-birthday.html">always</a> <a href="http://style-spy.blogspot.com/2009/09/wherein-style-spy-succumbs-to-cute-and.html">raving</a> <a href="http://closetaltar.blogspot.com/2009/10/curried-mussels.html">about</a> are on sale at Nordstrom.com<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3095032/0%7E2376788%7E6002242%7E6007533%7E6007562?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6007562&P=1"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/pBCBG1-6762226dt.jpg" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">(Click for link.)</span><br /></div><br /><br />These things are crazy versatile, much easier to wear than you think, and <span style="font-style: italic;">make your ass look like a million bucks</span>. Seriously:<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2zs26v2zeec/S41HnJBoB3I/AAAAAAAAC-4/T82djrFQXso/s1600-h/bandagebutt.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 165px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2zs26v2zeec/S41HnJBoB3I/AAAAAAAAC-4/T82djrFQXso/s400/bandagebutt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444086262324004722" border="0" /></a><br />My ass? Not really that good. It's all about the skirt.<br /><br />I just bought a backup black one, because I've had this for about 6 months and I'll bet I wear it every other week. A fantastic garment, and I don't see them on sale very often. Go get one!<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Photos: BCBG.com, Style Spy</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><p id="blogfeeds"><$BlogFeedsVertical$></p></div>StyleSpyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09032983147859861793noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598725025583072795.post-17186863641541012902010-02-28T23:20:00.006-05:002010-03-01T01:07:54.848-05:00Mod SquadI got so excited looking at this <a href="http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/F2010RTW-TRUSSARD">collection</a>.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/00080m.jpg" /><br /></div><br />This is Fall 2010 from Trussardi 1911. Oh, I just LOVE this -- this is <span style="font-style: italic;">exactly</span> the kind of thing I want to be wearing right now.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/00070m.jpg" /><br /></div><br />I'm really thrilling to this sort of late-sixties/early-seventies just a bit mod thing. I want lots of straight sheaths made of heavy ponte knits and graphics and skinny trousers.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/00200m.jpg" /><br /></div><br />Everything slim and neat and smooth, with high-cut armholes and narrow sleeves. Just fantastic.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/00190m.jpg" /><br /></div><br />Yeah, they're leather walking shorts. So??? Nothing wrong with that.<br /><br />Trussardi 1911, you might have guessed, was founded a century ago as, I believe, a glovemaker. Eventually they branched out into luggage and accessories, and started showing menswear in the 80's. Designer Milan Vukmirovic took over a few years ago and this is his second womens' collection for the label. He's hitting it out of the park, as far as I'm concerned.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/00010m-1.jpg" /><br /></div><br />Oh, this jacket makes me want to cry. That is SO good.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/00130m.jpg" /><br /></div><br />Suede coatdress with slithery zipper? Yes, please.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/00090m.jpg" /><br /></div><br />I haven't yet run into any of this stuff in person -- apparently it's pretty luxe. The vibe I get from this is European hipster with both money AND taste. (And we all know how infrequently you find <span style="font-style: italic;">those</span> two things in one person, sadly.)<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/00120m.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/00050m.jpg" /><br /></div><br />Coat for the ages. Or at least several good years.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/00020m.jpg" /><br /></div><br />I adore houndstooth. It's been having a minor moment the last few seasons, and that makes me really happy.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/00030m.jpg" /><br /></div><br />As does this dress. Oh, my goodness, could I rock that dress.<br /><br />Inspired by the slightly mod vibe of this stuff, I went forth to the vintage stores to see what I might find to scratch this itch. And?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2zs26v2zeec/S4tD0dxSe6I/AAAAAAAAC-Q/7_oDDi1Xio4/s1600-h/alittlemod.jpg"><br /></a>Jackpot.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2zs26v2zeec/S4tD08rEkCI/AAAAAAAAC-g/TmfFkF6_reM/s1600-h/manoukian.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 166px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2zs26v2zeec/S4tD08rEkCI/AAAAAAAAC-g/TmfFkF6_reM/s400/manoukian.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443519151526416418" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Truly fantastic little white Alain Manoukian minidress. Neat as a pin, fits me like it was cut for me, absolutely perfect. Worn here with some black leggings and my indefatigable Stuart Weitzman Goliath boots. And the leggings are a must; this thing is most definitely a <span style="font-size:78%;">mini</span>dress. If I want to do anything besides stand -- sit, for example, or go up steps, or get in & out of a car, or, um... sneeze -- I need the leggings.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2zs26v2zeec/S4tD1CC9Y1I/AAAAAAAAC-o/Q5vmlpu5N_o/s1600-h/manoukianback.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 147px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2zs26v2zeec/S4tD1CC9Y1I/AAAAAAAAC-o/Q5vmlpu5N_o/s400/manoukianback.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443519152968786770" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Look at the great seaming on this. (Click the photos to make them bigger.) The scarf, by the way, is another great vintage find I've had for a while.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2zs26v2zeec/S4tXDGmFWBI/AAAAAAAAC-w/Lv0jnJtDZ8w/s1600-h/verascarf.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 393px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2zs26v2zeec/S4tXDGmFWBI/AAAAAAAAC-w/Lv0jnJtDZ8w/s400/verascarf.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443540285428946962" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Isn't that fun? This scarf makes me happy. <br /><br />The mini & leggings were also really cute with a pair of black patent flats, but by then I was sick of taking pictures of myself. <br /><br />I have a feeling I'm going to go back to this Trussardi collection for inspiration quite a bit in the months to come. What do you think? Anything there you like?<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Photos: Style.com, Style Spy</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><p id="blogfeeds"><$BlogFeedsVertical$></p></div>StyleSpyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09032983147859861793noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598725025583072795.post-65076378503070462502010-02-23T10:07:00.002-05:002010-02-23T10:11:37.540-05:00For The Hard-Core Among UsAbsolutely worth forty minutes of your time: designer Narciso Rodriguez, J.Crew CEO Millard Drexler, Elle Editor-In-Chief Roberta Myers, and my absolute favorite fashion journalist Cathy Horyn discuss fashion and the business of it on Charlie Rose. <a href="http://www.charlierose.com/view/content/10875">Watch it here</a>.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><p id="blogfeeds"><$BlogFeedsVertical$></p></div>StyleSpyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09032983147859861793noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598725025583072795.post-43471620852146157622010-02-21T14:00:00.002-05:002010-02-21T15:28:55.759-05:00It's the Little ThingsLast Sunday, some of you may remember, was Valentine's Day. I happened to be enjoying some early dinner at a nice-ish restaurant Sunday, and so got to witness a small parade of folks who were obviously out to celebrate with their significant other or longtime partner. This meant <span style="font-style: italic;">some</span> people made an effort - it was a bit dressier than usual for a Sunday evening in Austin.<br /><br />There was a commonality among most of the women who were dressed up, exemplified by one pretty 20-something. Overall, I'd give her look a "B." She had the right idea: she was wearing an LBD, she managed to find a coat that looked warm and was still pretty, she had on heels (although she was bare-legged and the heels were strappy sandals, which is just foolishness when the temperature is in the low 40's and dropping -- Style Spy will deal with this anon) and earrings and overall looked like she cared enough about her date to look nice for the occasion. (Which is really what we all want isn't it? To know that we inspired a bit of effort on someone else's part?) I'm going to take off points because her ensemble was ALL black (it's a Valentine's Day date, dear, not your great aunt's funeral), the aforementioned bare legs, and for the fact that when she turned, I could see hanging over her shoulder <span style="font-style: italic;">this</span> monstrosity:<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/730071_fpx-1.jpg" /><br /></div><br />Only hers was worse because the leather accents were a garish bright red, and the monogram pattern was two-tone so that it was even <span style="font-style: italic;">more</span> obvious.<br /><br />::sigh::<br /><br />I'm going to spare you my rant on not wearing someone else's logo, name or initials anywhere on your person unless you are a Nascar driver or dressed in your occupational wardrobe. (The UPS guy has to wear a UPS badge when he's delivering, that seems fair. But are you the Ed Hardy guy? The Louis Vuitton woman? I thought not.) That's not what this is about. This is about the fact that, while it may have been her favorite handbag, or her most expensive or newest or whatever, it is most decidedly NOT an evening bag. Dear ladies, if you are old enough to get dressed up and go nice places, you should have at least one evening bag tucked away in your closet. If you carry it to the office, or the grocery store, it is not an evening bag. And I don't care how much it cost, I don't care if it's a $2500 <a href="http://www.bottegaveneta.com/shoponline/womens/iconhandbags/?region=US#/?page=2&productId=98684609-bf12-4dee-a5bc-65c0d59fff49">Bottega Campana</a> -- it's not an evening bag.<br /><br />I'm talking about something dressy, preferably made of satin or another special-occasion material, like a metallic or patent leather. Something small, that you can carry in one hand. It may or may not have a bit (or a lot) of sparkle on it, depending on your taste. Black is a safe choice for most people, although if you're going to have only one I would suggest you go with silver or gold, depending on what you wear more of, because black can be wrong with a light-colored or warm-weather dress.<br /><br />I can hear the grumbling, and let's put a stop to it now, shall we?<br /><br />No, you cannot carry much in this bag. May I remind you: you are going out to dinner, not on a trek through Nepal. You do not NEED much. Your house and maybe car key. (Get another house key cut if you need to, and put it on a separate ring -- <span style="font-style: italic;">just</span> a ring, no big jangling cutesy key fobs! -- with a car key. I personally like the kind that comes apart, so that if I'm valet parking I can hand over my car key without surrendering my house key.) Your lippie of choice, and some blotting papers (if you have to re-apply your eye makeup during the course of a single evening, you're either wearing too much or you need better makeup). A mirror, your ID, a handkerchief, one credit card, your mobile telephonic communication device (which should stay INSIDE your bag for the entirety of the date, barring an emergency) and some cash. (PLEASE do not leave home without some cash, people!! You cannot tip the coat check girl, or the valet, or even the bartender who makes your martini while you wait for a table, with a credit card!! Be <span style="font-style: italic;">civilized</span>, for god's sake!!) If by chance you know your dining companion well enough that it seems likely you will not be returning home that evening (ahem), put a few things into a small tote and leave them in the car. If you do not know your companion well enough to do this without embarrassment and you STILL think it's possible the evening might not end until tomorrow, whyever in the name of all that's holy would you go to HIS place? Are you nuts?? Take him to yours, for crying out loud!!<br /><br />As for the I-can't-juggle-everything-and-still-hang-onto-a-purse argument, rest assured: most evening bags have a removable or tuck-in-able strap. This is not a new problem.<br /><br />And don't give me the oh, that's an expense I can't justify BS, either. You can find a perfectly nice, inexpensive evening bag without throwing down for a <a href="http://judithleiber.com/page.cfm?name=Home">Judith Leiber</a> minaudiere. (See my choice <a href="http://judithleiber.com/product.cfm?id=321">here</a>.) Here, take a look: (Click, as usual, on the photos for links.)<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-2735229-10475705?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.endless.com%2Fdp%2FB002ZRQGA4%2Fref%3Dasc_df_B002ZRQGA41031142%3Ftag%3Dendlesscj-20%26creative%3D380333%26linkCode%3Dasn%26creativeASIN%3DB002ZRQGA4&cjsku=B002ZRQGA4" target="_blank"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41HxWbjsxwL._SL160_.jpg" alt="Jessica McClintock Sparkles Flap Clutch" border="0" /></a><img src="http://www.lduhtrp.net/image-2735229-10475705" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /><br />Satin, with a bit of sparkle.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-2735229-10475705?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.endless.com%2Fdp%2FB001YQG3KU%2Fref%3Dasc_df_B001YQG3KU1031142%3Ftag%3Dendlesscj-20%26creative%3D380333%26linkCode%3Dasn%26creativeASIN%3DB001YQG3KU&cjsku=B001YQG3KU" target="_blank"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31WCUjw6oVL._SL160_.jpg" alt="La Regale 24182 Clutch" border="0" /></a><img src="http://www.awltovhc.com/image-2735229-10475705" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">If you'd like something a bit larger and more neutral.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-2735229-10475705?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.endless.com%2Fdp%2FB001YQG3L4%2Fref%3Dasc_df_B001YQG3L41031142%3Ftag%3Dendlesscj-20%26creative%3D380333%26linkCode%3Dasn%26creativeASIN%3DB001YQG3L4&cjsku=B001YQG3L4" target="_blank"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41SEemSg3OL._SL160_.jpg" alt="La Regale 24426 Clutch" border="0" /></a><img src="http://www.ftjcfx.com/image-2735229-10475705" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /><br />I love a box clutch.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-2735229-10475705?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.endless.com%2Fdp%2FB001H31F26%2Fref%3Dasc_df_B001H31F261031142%3Ftag%3Dendlesscj-20%26creative%3D380333%26linkCode%3Dasn%26creativeASIN%3DB001H31F26&cjsku=B001H31F26" target="_blank"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51NLEDApZ6L._SL160_.jpg" alt="La Regale Confetti Pattern Bead Clutch" border="0" /></a><img src="http://www.ftjcfx.com/image-2735229-10475705" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /><br />Black AND sparkly!<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-2735229-10475705?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.endless.com%2Fdp%2FB001534RO6%2Fref%3Dasc_df_B001534RO61031142%3Ftag%3Dendlesscj-20%26creative%3D380333%26linkCode%3Dasn%26creativeASIN%3DB001534RO6&cjsku=B001534RO6" target="_blank"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51SLXdexNVL._SL160_.jpg" alt="La Regale Satin Pleated Clutch" border="0" /></a><img src="http://www.awltovhc.com/image-2735229-10475705" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /><br />A little bit larger, but still nice.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-2735229-10475705?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.endless.com%2Fdp%2FB000QX6NDE%2Fref%3Dasc_df_B000QX6NDE1031142%3Ftag%3Dendlesscj-20%26creative%3D380333%26linkCode%3Dasn%26creativeASIN%3DB000QX6NDE&cjsku=B000QX6NDE" target="_blank"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Zdqbv9T%2BL._SL160_.jpg" alt="La Regale Mesh Slim Frame Clutch" border="0" /></a><img src="http://www.lduhtrp.net/image-2735229-10475705" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /><br />Mesh is fun, and feels nice to the touch.<br /></div><br /><br />Every one of the above bags A) is under $30, B) has a shoulder strap, and C) comes in black and at least one other neutral, all-purpose color like gold or silver. And some of them come in a rainbow of wild, fun colors, as well.<br /><br />If you want to go with more Advanced Fashion (and more advanced price) how about these?<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-2735229-10475705?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.endless.com%2Fdp%2FB002U82ASK%2Fref%3Dasc_df_B002U82ASK1031142%3Ftag%3Dendlesscj-20%26creative%3D380333%26linkCode%3Dasn%26creativeASIN%3DB002U82ASK&cjsku=B002U82ASK" target="_blank"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/516pGT8xtCL._SL160_.jpg" alt="Magid Crystal Stone Clutch" border="0" /></a><img src="http://www.ftjcfx.com/image-2735229-10475705" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /><br />Bigger, sparklier!<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-2735229-10475705?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.endless.com%2Fdp%2FB002EEP7FS%2Fref%3Dasc_df_B002EEP7FS1031142%3Ftag%3Dendlesscj-20%26creative%3D380333%26linkCode%3Dasn%26creativeASIN%3DB002EEP7FS&cjsku=B002EEP7FS" target="_blank"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51qZVuhj%2BsL._SL160_.jpg" alt="Franchi Kay Clutch" border="0" /></a><img src="http://www.ftjcfx.com/image-2735229-10475705" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /><br />Who needs a flapper dress when you can have a flapper bag? Love this.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-2735229-10475705?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.endless.com%2Fdp%2FB001BCC6SU%2Fref%3Dasc_df_B001BCC6SU1031142%3Ftag%3Dendlesscj-20%26creative%3D380333%26linkCode%3Dasn%26creativeASIN%3DB001BCC6SU&cjsku=B001BCC6SU" target="_blank"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51SUOAP1diL._SL160_.jpg" alt="Whiting & Davis 1-5721 Minaudiere" border="0" /></a><img src="http://www.tqlkg.com/image-2735229-10475705" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br />I have this minaudiere in the matte gold. <span style="font-style: italic;">Je l'adore</span>. There's something so wonderfully 40's glam about carrying a box clutch -- make sure your nails are nice, though.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-2735229-10475705?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.endless.com%2Fdp%2FB001PBF63Y%2Fref%3Dasc_df_B001PBF63Y1031142%3Ftag%3Dendlesscj-20%26creative%3D380333%26linkCode%3Dasn%26creativeASIN%3DB001PBF63Y&cjsku=B001PBF63Y" target="_blank"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61w9htsIRQL._SL160_.jpg" alt="Whiting & Davis Heart Clutch" border="0" /></a><img src="http://www.lduhtrp.net/image-2735229-10475705" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /><br />Cute!<br /></div><br />Of course, if you want, you can go entirely crazy:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-2735229-10451141?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shopbop.com%2Fsequin-folded-clutch-halston-heritage%2Fvp%2Fv%3D1%2F845524441861605.htm%3FfolderID%3D2534374302168683%26extid%3Daffprg-%25zp-HALST2000311739&cjsku=HALST2000311739" target="_blank"><img src="http://g-images.amazon.com/images/G/01/Shopbop/pcs/media/images/products/halst/halst2000311739/halst2000311739_p1_v1_m56577569831869733_254x500.jpg" alt="Halston Heritage Sequin Folded Clutch" border="0" /></a><img src="http://www.lduhtrp.net/image-2735229-10451141" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /><br />Serious sparkly action. Nice.<br /></div><br /><br /><a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-2735229-10451141?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shopbop.com%2Fcrystal-clutch-herve-leger%2Fvp%2Fv%3D1%2F845524441860055.htm%3FfolderID%3D2534374302164176%26extid%3Daffprg-%25zp-HERVE2005112867&cjsku=HERVE2005112867" target="_blank"><img src="http://g-images.amazon.com/images/G/01/Shopbop/pcs/media/images/products/herve/herve2005112867/herve2005112867_p1_v1_m56577569831854366_254x500.jpg" alt="Herve Leger Crystal Clutch" border="0" /></a><img src="http://www.awltovhc.com/image-2735229-10451141" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><a href="http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-2735229-10451141?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shopbop.com%2Fcrystal-clutch-herve-leger%2Fvp%2Fv%3D1%2F845524441860056.htm%3FfolderID%3D2534374302164176%26extid%3Daffprg-%25zp-HERVE2005012140&cjsku=HERVE2005012140" target="_blank"><img src="http://g-images.amazon.com/images/G/01/Shopbop/pcs/media/images/products/herve/herve2005012140/herve2005012140_p1_v1_m56577569831854360_254x500.jpg" alt="Herve Leger Crystal Clutch" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Wonderful, aren't they?<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-2735229-10704349?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.luisaviaroma.com%2Fproductid%2Fitemcode%2F51I-G99010&cjsku=51I-G99010" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.luisaviaroma.com/images/Small51I/G99/0004.JPG" alt="CASADEI - ORCHIDEA CLUTCH" border="0" /></a><img src="http://www.ftjcfx.com/image-2735229-10704349" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">So feminine and flirty.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-2735229-10704349?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.luisaviaroma.com%2Fproductid%2Fitemcode%2F51I-RGN002&cjsku=51I-RGN002" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.luisaviaroma.com/images/Small51I/RGN/0001.JPG" alt="RAVEN KAUFFMAN COUTURE - PEARLIZED SUEDE PEACOCK GRILLE CLUTCH" border="0" /></a><img src="http://www.ftjcfx.com/image-2735229-10704349" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br />Speaking of clutches -- this made me clutch at my heart. Click on the link to get a better look at this, it's really stupendous.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-2735229-10704349?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.luisaviaroma.com%2Fproductid%2Fitemcode%2F51I-M2Z004&cjsku=51I-M2Z004" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.luisaviaroma.com/images/Small51I/M2Z/0008.JPG" alt="SAN BLAS - CRYSTAL STAR CLUTCH" border="0" /></a><img src="http://www.lduhtrp.net/image-2735229-10704349" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /><br />Adorable.<br /></div><br /><img src="http://www.ftjcfx.com/image-2735229-10704349" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-2735229-10704349?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.luisaviaroma.com%2Fproductid%2Fitemcode%2F49I-G7Q020&cjsku=49I-G7Q020" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.luisaviaroma.com/images/Small49I/G7Q/2062.JPG" alt="RODO - RIGID CRYSTAL CLUTCH" border="0" /></a><img src="http://www.tqlkg.com/image-2735229-10704349" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br />::thud::<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div>The devil, as they say, is in the details. You've taken it so far -- your dress, your shoes, your jewelry... Make this one final effort to polish everything off and then sail out of the house knowing you're... well, unassailable.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><p id="blogfeeds"><$BlogFeedsVertical$></p></div>StyleSpyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09032983147859861793noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598725025583072795.post-39194136319170522092010-02-14T19:31:00.001-05:002010-02-14T21:41:25.968-05:00Bright CandleIt is a strange thing, to mourn someone you never actually knew.<br /><br />It feels a bit presumptuous to me, like I'm taking a liberty I don't deserve. I certainly never met Alexander McQueen; he was not a friend or acquaintance or even someone who got his coffee at the same Starbucks I did. I did not "know" him. And yet...<br /><br />Alexander McQueen is one of my favorite artists. He was epically talented and endlessly creative and he possessed the gift that separates an artist from a mere talent -- the ability to express his inner life in his work in a way that moved & excited others, even those who never "knew" him.<br /><br />That is what art does and what artists accomplish: they show us some essential part of themselves in their work and through that we make a connection; and they become meaningful to us, as though we knew them.<br /><br />I am not going to offer opinions on the circumstances surrounding McQueen's death. It is pointless to try to understand why someone takes his own life, and more importantly, <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">it is none of our business</span>. I hope everyone will refrain from speculating on his motives or reasons, including in any comments you may leave here.<br /><br />I am deeply, deeply saddened by the death of Alexander McQueen. If you've read my blog before you know that he is one of my very favorite designers. I did not review his last few collections, mostly because I was so moved and amazed and excited by them that I could not gather my thoughts into a coherent statement in a timely fashion. So I kept my yap shut. Maybe that's what I should do now...<br /><br />I am sorry that we will not get to see more of Lee McQueen's art. I am sorry he is no longer here to affect the future of his art, in the way he pushed his own limits and in the way he influenced others. I am deeply sorry for his family and friends -- losing a loved one to suicide is an indescribably and unimaginably painful experience. Most of all, I am heartbroken to imagine the pain he must have been in to make the choice he did.<br /><br />But like anyone I have ever mourned, I am grateful to have known him, even for only as long as I did.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/5244_22570.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/00010m.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/01150m.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/blog2/00540m-2.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/01m.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/00110m.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/00100m.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Sept%2009/00040m-5.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/00140m.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Sept%2009/00480m.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/00150f.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/00140m-1.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/00180f-1.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/blog2/00380m-6.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/00220m.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/00220m-1.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/00330f.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/blog2/00070m-1-1.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/00330m.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/00400m.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/00420m.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Sept%2009/00120m.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/00430m.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/00410m.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/00470m.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Sept%2009/01570m.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/00490m.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/00510m.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/100050512.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/00830m.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/00900m.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/McQueen6jpg_e_2d79cf6fe86f71a987dc7.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/5244_22569.jpg" /><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><p id="blogfeeds"><$BlogFeedsVertical$></p></div>StyleSpyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09032983147859861793noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598725025583072795.post-77448641556446246752010-01-28T07:00:00.001-05:002010-01-28T11:22:26.111-05:00The Runners-UpOkay. First off, I love y'all, thanks for your input, but... NOT! HELPING!!! My two jacket candidates are running just about neck & neck, especially given how many of you are just telling me to keep them <span style="font-style: italic;">both</span>! Enablers!!<br /><br />Since I lot of people seem to be liking those two, I thought I'd show you some of the runners-up that I found while shopping for them. (The ones I ordered can't be had -- I got the last one of each of them.) So check these out -- clicking on the photo should link you to the product.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-2735229-10451141?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shopbop.com%2Fzaken-jacket-iro%2Fvp%2Fv%3D1%2F845524441853236.htm%3FfolderID%3D2534374302029428%26extid%3Daffprg-%25zp-IROOO2011512867&cjsku=IROOO2011512867" target="_blank"><img src="http://g-images.amazon.com/images/G/01/Shopbop/pcs/media/images/products/irooo/irooo2011512867/irooo2011512867_p1_v1_m56577569831802065_254x500.jpg" alt="IRO Zaken Jacket" border="0" /></a><img src="http://www.ftjcfx.com/image-2735229-10451141" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /></div><br />This is just what Bill Cunningham was talking about in <a href="http://video.nytimes.com/video/2010/01/15/style/1247466574515/on-the-street-puffed.html">the NYT photo essay</a> that got me started on the whole idea, but I think it's a bit too shiny for my taste. (Also, if it's cold enough for a jacket, shouldn't you be wearing pants that don't have holes in them?) At this point, too, I was still resisting black.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-2735229-10704349?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.luisaviaroma.com%2Fproductid%2Fitemcode%2F51I-M1S005&cjsku=51I-M1S005" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.luisaviaroma.com/images/Small51I/M1S/7013.JPG" alt="ADD - SHINY DOWN JACKET" border="0" /></a><img src="http://www.tqlkg.com/image-2735229-10704349" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /></div><br />Well, this is certainly not black. But maybe still a wee bit too shiny. (Also -- <span style="font-style: italic;">shorts??? Really?? </span> Who is styling these photo shoots???)<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a target="new" href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=bnGsvBWmo1M&offerid=119970.41139834&type=2&subid=0"><img src="http://imgs.yoox.biz/41/41139834_2.jpg" border="0" /></a><img src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=bnGsvBWmo1M&bids=119970.41139834&type=2&subid=0" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /></div><br />This is quite nice & classic. Maybe a bit too classic.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a target="new" href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=bnGsvBWmo1M&offerid=119970.41143652&type=2&subid=0"><img src="http://imgs.yoox.biz/41/41143652_2.jpg" border="0" /></a><img src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=bnGsvBWmo1M&bids=119970.41143652&type=2&subid=0" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /></div><br />This I absolutely adored -- it was on the short list. Click on the link and look at the back , it's absolutely wonderful. Problem is, I need an all-purpose jacket. No matter how bad the color reproduction is on Yoox's photos, this is still not an all-purpose color. It's a color I <span style="font-style: italic;">love</span>, goodness knows, but believe it or not, I already have a coat in this color.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2zs26v2zeec/S2GxvVwjBxI/AAAAAAAAC8g/-xZ9Pz6i8Uo/s1600-h/meinpinkcoat.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 171px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2zs26v2zeec/S2GxvVwjBxI/AAAAAAAAC8g/-xZ9Pz6i8Uo/s400/meinpinkcoat.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431818052438263570" border="0" /></a><br />Hot pink velveteen vintage coat. I adore this silly thing, but how many pieces of fuchsia outerwear does a gal -- even a slightly off-kilter one -- need? So I reluctantly crossed the pink jacket above off the list, but I wish one of you would buy it. It was a great price, and so very, very adorable.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a target="new" href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=bnGsvBWmo1M&offerid=119970.41140718&type=2&subid=0"><img src="http://imgs.yoox.biz/41/41140718_2.jpg" border="0" /></a><img src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=bnGsvBWmo1M&bids=119970.41140718&type=2&subid=0" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /></div><br />I like this, but in the end found it a little too sporty. I need something I can dress up a bit.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a target="new" href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=bnGsvBWmo1M&offerid=119970.41139833&type=2&subid=0"><img src="http://imgs.yoox.biz/41/41139833_2.jpg" border="0" /></a><img src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=bnGsvBWmo1M&bids=119970.41139833&type=2&subid=0" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /></div><br />This was also a VERY close runner-up. Wonderfully cuddly-looking but still modern and cool. I still wish I could have this jacket, and it was also a great price.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-2735229-10654384?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.overstock.com%2FClothing-Shoes%2FMICHAEL-Michael-Kors-24-inch-Ruched-Down-Jacket%2F3994782%2Fproduct.html&cjsku=5350212" target="_blank"><img src="http://cdn2.overstock.com/images/products/P12023369.jpg" alt="MICHAEL Michael Kors 24-inch Ruched Down Jacket" border="0" /></a><img src="http://www.ftjcfx.com/image-2735229-10654384" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /></div><br />I really like the waist on this one -- if you're going to wear a puffer, the tailoring (if that's the right word) is important. I do, however, have a prejudice against hoods. I find hoods childish-looking. Also, I wear hats -- I don't need a hood.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a target="new" href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=bnGsvBWmo1M&offerid=119970.41149725&type=2&subid=0"><img src="http://imgs.yoox.biz/41/41149725_2.jpg" border="0" /></a><img src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=bnGsvBWmo1M&bids=119970.41149725&type=2&subid=0" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /></div><br />Oh, this was another one I lovelovetyloveloveloved. REALLY loved. But the ones they have left are too big for me, so I had to cross that one off. That hurt, because I love this a bunch. It's two pieces -- a vest and then a little bolero that goes over it. And it's Aquascutum, so it's super well-made. AND it's a fantastic price. Someone PLEASE buy this jacket!!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-2735229-10704349?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.luisaviaroma.com%2Fproductid%2Fitemcode%2F50I-M1S001&cjsku=50I-M1S001" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.luisaviaroma.com/images/Small50I/M1S/0065.JPG" alt="ADD - PADDED COLLAR DOWN SPORT JACKET" border="0" /></a><img src="http://www.awltovhc.com/image-2735229-10704349" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /></div><br />This is very similar to the black one I wound up with. Love that big ol' collar.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a target="new" href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=bnGsvBWmo1M&offerid=119970.41140584&type=2&subid=0"><img src="http://imgs.yoox.biz/41/41140584_2.jpg" border="0" /></a><img src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=bnGsvBWmo1M&bids=119970.41140584&type=2&subid=0" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /></div><br />Here's another one I didn't go with because I ultimately wanted something less shiny. But. That is a <span style="font-style: italic;">wonderful</span> jacket. This is another one you should click on so you can see the back -- what a great-looking coat. I might should have risked it, given that it's Yoox, and as we've seen their photos cannot be relied upon. <span style="font-style: italic;">J'adore</span> that dramatic collar, don't you?<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a target="new" href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=bnGsvBWmo1M&offerid=119970.41139311&type=2&subid=0"><img src="http://imgs.yoox.biz/41/41139311_2.jpg" border="0" /></a><img src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=bnGsvBWmo1M&bids=119970.41139311&type=2&subid=0" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /></div><br />The neatness and coolness of this appeal to me, but it was just a wee bit too motocross-y. Not that motocross-y is a <span style="font-style: italic;">bad</span> thing, I really <span style="font-style: italic;">like</span> this, but for an all-purpose jacket I thought it might have been a little too specific. It's super-cool, though, ain't it? Borders on downright badass.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-2735229-10654383?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.overstock.com%2FClothing-Shoes%2FSteve-Madden-Metallic-Quilted-Bubble-Jacket%2F3682514%2Fproduct.html&cjsku=4832380" target="_blank"><img src="http://cdn.overstock.com/images/products/P11747290.jpg" alt="Steve Madden Metallic Quilted Bubble Jacket" border="0" /></a><img src="http://www.lduhtrp.net/image-2735229-10654383" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /></div><br />Great shape, wrong color (for me). Had this come in another color, I would have snapped it up. If you can wear gray & silver, I really rec this. Super jacket. Love that collar -- it would keep the neck nice & warm.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-2735229-10704349?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.luisaviaroma.com%2Fproductid%2Fitemcode%2F50I-02K025&cjsku=50I-02K025" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.luisaviaroma.com/images/Small50I/02K/3047.JPG" alt="MONCLER - SATIN NANCY SPORT JACKET" border="0" /></a><img src="http://www.tqlkg.com/image-2735229-10704349" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /></div><br />This, on the other hand, was exactly the right color, but too expensive. Gorgeous coat, though, huh? Oh, it looks so sooooooooft...<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a target="new" href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=bnGsvBWmo1M&offerid=119970.41140846&type=2&subid=0"><img src="http://imgs.yoox.biz/41/41140846_2.jpg" border="0" /></a><img src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=bnGsvBWmo1M&bids=119970.41140846&type=2&subid=0" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /></div><br />Here's another one I really loved the shape of, and I thought it was wonderfully interesting, but eventually I decided against the navy. I know navy is a neutral, but I've never liked the combo of navy & black, and as much as I struggle against it, the reality is that a lot of my wardrobe is black.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-2735229-10654383?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.overstock.com%2FClothing-Shoes%2FCalvin-Klein-Womens-Short-Hooded-Down-Jacket%2F3943556%2Fproduct.html&cjsku=5257828" target="_blank"><img src="http://cdn.overstock.com/images/products/P11980836.jpg" alt="Calvin Klein Women's Short Hooded Down Jacket" border="0" /></a><img src="http://www.lduhtrp.net/image-2735229-10654383" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /></div><br />Another one that lost because of the hood. Great shape though.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.ftjcfx.com/image-2735229-10273706" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-2735229-10654383?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.overstock.com%2FClothing-Shoes%2FKenneth-Cole-Womens-Down-Fill-Scuba-Jacket%2F3994693%2Fproduct.html&cjsku=5350038" target="_blank"><img src="http://cdn2.overstock.com/images/products/P12023288.jpg" alt="Kenneth Cole Women's Down Fill Scuba Jacket" border="0" /></a><img src="http://www.ftjcfx.com/image-2735229-10654383" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /></div>And had this red one been in my size, it would likely have been ordered. I also considered the possibility that the misspelling of "amethyst" was the Shoeniverse telling me to order it, but again -- much as I like purple I think it wouldn't be as useful. I've added a lot of purple to my wardrobe the last couple of years, but it's still not exactly a neutral for me in the way that black or even red would be.<br /><br />So there you go. If you like my taste in outerwear, here are some pre-shopped options for ya. I do believe that all of these are on sale, and most of them are really, really good prices, so if you could use an extra jacket to get you through the rest of the winter, check out some of these.<br /><br />Stay warm!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><p id="blogfeeds"><$BlogFeedsVertical$></p></div>StyleSpyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09032983147859861793noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598725025583072795.post-55072756421476832672010-01-26T09:00:00.002-05:002010-01-26T10:55:07.148-05:00So Much for My Cunning PlanWell, crap.<br /><br />As <a href="http://style-spy.blogspot.com/2010/01/out-in-cold.html">I mentioned a while ago</a>, I'm looking for a good new jacket -- something to keep me nice & toasty when the temperatures drop, but that looks good enough to wear out for dinner, and is hip-length or shorter. I had originally felt that I didn't want any sort of a puffer jacket, I really wanted a cloth coat, but then I saw <a href="http://video.nytimes.com/video/2010/01/15/style/1247466574515/on-the-street-puffed.html">this great feature from Bill Cunningham</a> at the New York Times and I got to thinking that maybe it wasn't such a bad idea. I have noticed that filled jackets (both poly- and down-) have gotten a lot sleeker and chic-er over the last few years. And after all, if one of the things I like least about cold weather is having to be weighed down by a big, heavy coat, then a nice light puffer might be just the ticket.<br /><br />So I opened up my brain again and went looking for a filled jacket I'd like. I hit the jackpot on <a target="new" href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=bnGsvBWmo1M&offerid=119970.10000144&type=4&subid=0"><img alt="YOOX.COM" src="http://imgs.yoox.com/img//banner/affiliation/logos/88x31_w.jpg" border="0" /></a><img src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=bnGsvBWmo1M&bids=119970.10000144&type=4&subid=0" border="0" height="1" width="1" />.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2zs26v2zeec/S16BdDrW_rI/AAAAAAAAC6Q/Fj3gN4pxUuc/s1600-h/ILARY+Women+-+Coats+%26+jackets+-+Jacket+ILARY+on+YOOX+%2820100125%29.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 329px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2zs26v2zeec/S16BdDrW_rI/AAAAAAAAC6Q/Fj3gN4pxUuc/s400/ILARY+Women+-+Coats+%26+jackets+-+Jacket+ILARY+on+YOOX+%2820100125%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430920536858754738" border="0" /></a><br />Sharp. Fitted, sleek, interesting. It looked like something I could wear with jeans but also with a nicer outfit if I wanted. It was in the sale section, so it was a really good deal. I love the way it nips in at the waist and I really dig the big collar. Black wasn't my first choice, of course, but it is often the most practical. Oh, I really like this jacket. It's by a label called <a target="new" href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=bnGsvBWmo1M&offerid=119970.10000029&type=3&subid=0">ILARY</a>, which I believe is Italian. I don't know it, but I'm willing to give it a try.<br /><br />Unfortunately, while I was on <a target="new" href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=bnGsvBWmo1M&offerid=119970.10000102&type=3&subid=0">YOOX.COM</a><img src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=bnGsvBWmo1M&bids=119970.10000102&type=3&subid=0" border="0" height="1" width="1" /> looking at filled jackets I also stumbled across a wool one that I had somehow missed during my previous search:<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2zs26v2zeec/S16CHwjZA7I/AAAAAAAAC6Y/EnVg7TmBVq0/s1600-h/C%27N%27C%27+COSTUME+NATIONAL+Women+-+Coats+%26+jackets+-+Jacket+C%27N%27C%27+COSTUME+NATIONAL+on+YOOX+%2820100125%29.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 325px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2zs26v2zeec/S16CHwjZA7I/AAAAAAAAC6Y/EnVg7TmBVq0/s400/C%27N%27C%27+COSTUME+NATIONAL+Women+-+Coats+%26+jackets+-+Jacket+C%27N%27C%27+COSTUME+NATIONAL+on+YOOX+%2820100125%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430921270459433906" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2zs26v2zeec/S16CHwIKKCI/AAAAAAAAC6g/GVKwzvNItkA/s1600-h/tanjacketback.jpg"><br /></a>Oh, boy. How cute is that? This is C'N'C <a target="new" href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=bnGsvBWmo1M&offerid=119970.10000014&type=3&subid=0">COSTUME NATIONAL</a>. I worry, of course, about that cream color, but hey -- that's what Scotchgard is for, right? It's a classic shape without being boring and it's sharp as hell. Oh, I really like this jacket, too.<br /><br />(And, not for nothin', there were several others that I also really liked. Those were the two I narrowed it down to after a <span style="font-style: italic;">lot</span> of dithering.)<br /><br />I cannot decide between these two jackets, I just cannot. So that's when I came up with my cunning plan: I'll order both of them and return the one that doesn't work. One of them is bound not to fit -- I'm ordering online and it's always too much to hope that everything in a multiple-item order from an e-tailer is going to fit -- that never happens. It's also rare that something is as good in real life as it looks on the screen.<br /><br />Well, so much for my cunning plan. I am hoist, as they say, on my own petard.<br /><br />Here's the black jacket:<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2zs26v2zeec/S16CXRamKHI/AAAAAAAAC7Y/mr0FL5B_5mg/s1600-h/blackjacket1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 216px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2zs26v2zeec/S16CXRamKHI/AAAAAAAAC7Y/mr0FL5B_5mg/s400/blackjacket1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430921536978954354" border="0" /></a>I love this. I love the shape of it. It fits perfectly -- Here I'm wearing a blouse and a cashmere sweater underneath it, and I could definitely get another layer or a heavier sweater on under it and it still look neat and sleek. This is a poly-filled jacket, not down, but it feels like it would be plenty warm for Austin, and best of all -- it weighs <span style="font-style: italic;">nothing</span>. My unlined denim jacket weighs more than this -- I love how easy it is to move in.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2zs26v2zeec/S16CXGxtnpI/AAAAAAAAC7Q/VyJTBBqCQNY/s1600-h/blackjacket2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 256px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2zs26v2zeec/S16CXGxtnpI/AAAAAAAAC7Q/VyJTBBqCQNY/s400/blackjacket2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430921534123122322" border="0" /></a><br />The collar cinches up, although I'd probably still need a scarf to keep my neck warm. My neck is my cold place -- if my neck is cold, I cannot get the rest of me warm. I think everyone has a cold place, it varies from person to person. Of course, I nearly always <span style="font-style: italic;">do</span> wear a scarf, for that reason, so it's not going to be an inconvenience.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2zs26v2zeec/S16CXEE_RiI/AAAAAAAAC7I/QnaQQEZd6Dg/s1600-h/blackjacket3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 260px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2zs26v2zeec/S16CXEE_RiI/AAAAAAAAC7I/QnaQQEZd6Dg/s400/blackjacket3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430921533398664738" border="0" /></a><br />Another bonus is that the snap closures are neat enough that when the jacket is open it doesn't look sloppy or wrong. The jacket will probably spend more of its life hanging open than completely done up (I think we all do this), and I don't like when the undone fastenings of a jacket or coat are sloppy or ugly or distracting. I wish more designers would take that into account.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2zs26v2zeec/S16CWvAglFI/AAAAAAAAC7A/YUQisfOuyoo/s1600-h/blackjacketback.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 222px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2zs26v2zeec/S16CWvAglFI/AAAAAAAAC7A/YUQisfOuyoo/s400/blackjacketback.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430921527742731346" border="0" /></a><br />And I really love the shape of this -- that waist is fab. The hardware is good & heavy, the pockets are in the right place, and there are some other great small details, like the horizontal padding on the sleeves is only on the <span style="font-style: italic;">top</span> of the sleeves, so that there isn't extra bulk between the arm & my body. All in all, this is a great jacket, and if I had bumped into this bad boy on one of my many fruitless & frustrating jacket-hunting shopping trips, I would have snapped it up and called myself both lucky and thrilled.<br /><br />Here's where the cunning plan fell apart:<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2zs26v2zeec/S16CIQwfkyI/AAAAAAAAC6w/VhlBw1b1O5c/s1600-h/tanjacket2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 234px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2zs26v2zeec/S16CIQwfkyI/AAAAAAAAC6w/VhlBw1b1O5c/s400/tanjacket2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430921279104324386" border="0" /></a><br />Look. More fabulousness. Omigoodness, this jacket is great. The wool feels soft enough that I'd think there was some cashmere in it (the label just says 100% virgin wool, although the description on the website did say there was cashmere) and, as you can see, the color is actually not cream -- it's more like a milky latte color, in between camel & cream, which is even better. (<a target="new" href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=bnGsvBWmo1M&offerid=119970.10000102&type=3&subid=0">YOOX.COM</a><img src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=bnGsvBWmo1M&bids=119970.10000102&type=3&subid=0" border="0" height="1" width="1" /> photos are SO inaccurate for color -- I love this site because they have great prices on interesting goods and their CS is great, but unless it's black, order with the knowledge that the color of the garment may bear only a passing resemblance to what you saw on your computer screen.)<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2zs26v2zeec/S16CI9rBLnI/AAAAAAAAC64/FKhp8WZs6UY/s1600-h/tanjacket.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 253px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2zs26v2zeec/S16CI9rBLnI/AAAAAAAAC64/FKhp8WZs6UY/s400/tanjacket.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430921291160956530" border="0" /></a><br />That great collar does up all the way and then rolls down neatly, making a nice toasty neck funnel. The sleeves are a bit too long, I have them cuffed and I don't think it looks all that bad because of the way they are seamed. And speaking of the seaming -- it's just gorgeous. This is a beautifully-constructed coat -- the lining is really nice and the stitching is neat and smooth and the seams are double-stitched.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2zs26v2zeec/S16CIKgOeiI/AAAAAAAAC6o/SBIWyXY3QWQ/s1600-h/tanjacket3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 197px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2zs26v2zeec/S16CIKgOeiI/AAAAAAAAC6o/SBIWyXY3QWQ/s400/tanjacket3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430921277425482274" border="0" /></a><br />This coat also fits really well and still has room for another layer or two underneath. It is of course heavier than the filled jacket, but the armholes are well-cut and don't restrict, and the coat itself is nice & short, so I can scoot in & out of my car without struggling with it. (The other important thing about a short coat is that I have to deal with it when I arrive where I'm going. Here in Austin, we don't usually have coat checks at restaurants and bars, so unless you want to leave it on the whole time, you have to drape it over the back of your chair or fold it up & sit on top of it on your barstool. As anyone who knows how I feel about my clothes can probably imagine, I do not exactly love seeing my coat dragging across a dirty floor or getting stepped on by the busboy as he drops off the bread basket.)<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2zs26v2zeec/S16CHwIKKCI/AAAAAAAAC6g/GVKwzvNItkA/s1600-h/tanjacketback.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2zs26v2zeec/S16CHwIKKCI/AAAAAAAAC6g/GVKwzvNItkA/s400/tanjacketback.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430921270345213986" border="0" /></a><br />This coat is a wee bit dressier than the black one, of course. Not <span style="font-style: italic;">too</span> dressy, it's still okay for jeans, but might work better with a nice skirt or day dress than would the filled jacket. If I had bumped into this bad boy on one of my many fruitless & frustrating jacket-hunting shopping trips, I would have snapped it up and called myself both lucky and thrilled.<br /><br />So. Now you see my dilemma. Which of these jackets am I keeping? They were both great prices, but I really only need one jacket. So help a redhead out, wouldja? Vote in the poll in the upper right corner of the blog and tell me which jacket you like. And why, in the comments, if you're so inclined. State your case. Provide me with some clarity. Because it's supposed to get cold again later in the week and I'm going to need a jacket. HELP!!!<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Photos: Yoox.com, Style Spy</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><p id="blogfeeds"><$BlogFeedsVertical$></p></div>StyleSpyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09032983147859861793noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598725025583072795.post-14562346801718029812010-01-19T09:00:00.000-05:002010-01-19T11:07:33.326-05:00Sternum Is the New Blackor, Triumph of the Double-Sided Tape<br /><br />(I had a lot of other headlines I could have gone with, believe me)<br /><br /><br /><br />So the big neckline at the Golden Globes (other than black and strapless) was this one:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/07m.jpg" /><br /></div><br />Very low, very deep, very wide. This is Anna Pacquin in Alexander McQueen and she is pulling it off, although I'm not just crazy about the dress. I was actually pretty surprised by how much of this I saw Sunday night. The usual m.o. for Hollywood breasts for the last 10+ years is Cantaloupes 'R' Us. Goodness knows I harp on Support Garments and how no one wants folks to break into a spontaneous chorus of "Swing Low Sweet Chariot" when a woman walks into a room. But by the same token, neither is it normal to worry about whether the poor dear is going to suffocate herself if she has the misfortune to sneeze or yawn. Your breasts should not approach your clavicles. Nor should they look as if they were outlined by one of those protractor thingies that you had in your school supply box in sixth grade that mainly served as an instrument for carving your name into your desk.<br /><br />This neckline is for the woman with the smallish bust. I don't like to hand down ironclad fashion fiats (okay, yes, I do), but if your bra size is anything over a smallish B-cup, I really don't think you can get away with this without looking vulgar beyond belief. I don't care how beautiful or elegant you otherwise are, how expensive your dress and jewels, how accomplished or intelligent you might be -- if your big ol' boobs are hanging out of a dress slit down to your navel, you look like trash. There is no soft-selling it or getting around it: just trash.<br /><br />Back to Anna Pacquin's dress. I like this less than I feel I should, for some reason, even though she looks nice. I have a feeling I'd like it much more in person, where I could get a better idea of what's going on -- the fabric looks so detailed and the pictures aren't doing it justice, probably. Also -- Anna, would it KILL you to wear a little lipstick?<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/olivia-wilde.jpg" /><br /></div><br />Here's Olivia Wilde in Gucci. This is gorgeous. She's gorgeous. This dress teeters perilously close to the edge of tacky, but she's pulling it off and that's because it fits right (not skin-tight) and she has the body for it (small-framed and small-busted). Wilde is not particularly curvy, so the sexiness of this dress doesn't take it into extreme territory. Imagine this dress on oh, say... Beyoncé. It would fit like a scuba suit and they probably would have cut a slit up to the waist in the damn thing and our jaws would drop in horror. But this? This is just about perfect. Also -- bully for her for wearing a fabric that doesn't show A) wrinkles, B) sweat stains, or C) raindrops, which was a big issue at this event this year. (Seriously -- <span style="font-style: italic;">no one</span> at the Golden Globes knew where to track down a tent or a tarp in all of Los Angeles??? Someone should have been fired for that.)<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/hbz-golden-globes-felicity-huffman-.jpg" /><br /></div><br />Felicity Huffman in I don't know who. Flicka's a gorgeous woman, and also has the body to carry this off. I almost didn't notice the neckline, distracted as I was by the weird neckpiece that looks like something from the Arms & Armor Wing at the Met. I do love the softness of the fabric, but I <span style="font-style: italic;">hate</span> the color on her. I hate <span style="font-style: italic;">both</span> colors -- neither that pinkish almost-nothing nor the silvery gray of the neckline do her any favors. Also -- too much earring. They're fighting with the dress.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/110359_the-lovely-lisa-edelstein-ar.jpg" /><br /></div><br />First off, let me say for the record that I ADORE Lisa Edelstein. I think she's gorgeous and talented and I am right now volunteering to be her stylist -- gratis -- for her next red carpet event because the one she has? Is a joke. I don't know how you find a dress with a neckline this low-cut that still manages to be matronly. She looks like a twice-divorced cougar mother of the bride who drinks too much and then comes on to one of the groomsmen at the reception by dancing way too suggestively with him. Gah. Also, she's right at the edge of too much boob for the dress. Back away from the edge, Lisa.<br /><br /><br />File under Enough, Already:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/halle-berry.jpg" /><br /></div><br />Okay. Is there ANYONE ON THE PLANET who isn't aware that Halle Berry has a slammin' body? Please oh <span style="font-style: italic;">please</span>, if you know of any, get their addresses to Halle so she can just send them nude photos of herself and we can be done with it. Honestly, this dress (which is by Kaufman Franco)... I know your career is in the toilet, honey (seriously -- look at <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000932/">her IMDB page</a>) but is this really how you want to get work? Good tits ≠ "relevant" in Hollywood -- there are plenty of sweet young things out there with bodies just as good who will only require a fifth of your salary. When you wear stuff like this you might as well just parade around with a sign that says, "My Oscar was a fluke."<br /><br />And now...<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/58m.jpg" /><br /></div><br />Sweet jesus in a jeep... I don't really have to expound upon this, do I? It pretty much speaks for itself. Actually, her <span style="font-style: italic;">boobs</span> speak for themselves, and they speak in loud, booming, foghorn-like tones. Sweetie, the 16-year old husband that you're carrying around like your latest Gucci handbag is plenty of proof that you've still "got it," now put those things away! I'm all for embracing the body you have, but there is a difference between self-esteem and self-delusion. And what's even crueller is that she <span style="font-style: italic;">does</span> have a great body -- she's certainly curvier than your average Hollywood star, but that doesn't have to be a bad thing. Unless you pack those curves into something like this (which is Hervé Leger for Max Azria). Well, <span style="font-style: italic;">mostly</span> pack. Some stuff didn't actually make it all the way into the packaging, as we can see. So instead of looking gorgeous and womanly, she looks... well, she's a joke. She's a joke and everyone is laughing and I feel bad for the poor dear. Although it did result in my very favorite moment of red carpet coverage for the Golden Globes -- Jay Manuel on E! keeping a straight face as he extolled the virtues of the "shoulder detail" and how it "balanced her silhouette." God love ya, Jay, you deserve a Golden Globe for <span style="font-style: italic;">that</span> performance, because anyone with eyes can see you'd need a <span style="font-style: italic;">crane</span> to balance that shit.<br /><br />Goodness. I haven't even gotten around to the <span style="font-style: italic;">really</span> bad stuff yet. Stay tuned!!<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Photos: style.com, celebuzz.com, yahoo.com, justjared.com</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><p id="blogfeeds"><$BlogFeedsVertical$></p></div>StyleSpyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09032983147859861793noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598725025583072795.post-50940500739917550172010-01-18T09:15:00.000-05:002010-01-18T12:28:11.854-05:00The Black Strapless BrigadeMy vote for greatest invention of of the last I dunno how many years has got to be the DVR. No other way would I be able to wade through the television coverage that now surrounds any of the major awards shows. There is a <span style="font-style: italic;">lot</span> of inanity and foolishness to fast forward through (Call me crazy, but I honestly don't care how Jane Krakowski's fiancé proposed to her. All good things to you, sweetie, but really -- don't care.), just so you can hear the four most important words anyone has to say that night: "My dress is by..."<br /><br />There was, as usual, a lot of black on red at the Golden Globes last night, and what's more it seems like nearly all of it was strapless. I do understand the urge toward the black dress -- I have several myself and have to remind myself to skip over them when browsing, because really, how many do you need? (The answer is "More than you'd think," if you're me.) But unless the dress is either spectacular or a spectacular bomb, it's just going to fade into the mists of memory. Of course, that may well be what some of these ladies were aiming for...<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/1342352987_2478498902.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I don't know who she is. This dress sure doesn't make me care.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/1743154693_1036775407.jpg" /><br /></div><br />Julie Bowen. Lovely girl, nice dress, she really does look pretty, it fits well -- she looks like she can actually sit down, and her breasts aren't on display like a Pussycat Doll. Just... unmemorable.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/1940472893_1769499958.jpg" /><br /></div><br />Sophia Loren in Armani Privé. Still glam after all these years, but I have a few quibbles. Namely -- her hairdresser apparently hasn't left the salon or even looked out the window since the mid 80's. And those glasses! Seriously, I think she stole my Grandma Merridy's glasses (around the same time as her hairdresser went underground) and has been wearing them ever since. Someone get the woman to an optician! Still, bringing the va-va-voom like that at her age? Hats off to you, Madame. You are an inspiration.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/1945211820_3214787881.jpg" /><br /></div><br />Speaking of bringing it -- Glenn Close in what I'm going to guess is also Armani (she wears a lot of Armani). Nice work, although not particularly inspired, perfect fit. I guess the one up side of reaching a certain age in Hollywood is that the stylists stop insisting that your clothing fit you like Swarovski-encrusted shrink-wrapping, and you can actually enjoy your chicken Kiev and a glass of champagne without worrying about any major wardrobe crises.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/2004239912_4317703062.jpg" /><br /></div><br />Susan Downey and her husband (mysecretboyfriend) Robert Downey, Jr. This is so conservative for him, and he looks great. If we can just get him into a tie, all will be perfect. She looks beautiful, too, but... ya know. Another strapless black dress, this one sparkly.<br /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/335c4158c4789885_Julianne-Mooreprev.jpg" /><br /><br />Well, here's black strapless with a twist. Julianne Moore in Balenciaga with Tom Ford in one of his own impeccable tuxedos. (Say what you will about the guy, despite his everpresent Miami Vice homage, the man cuts a sharp as hell suit.) I love the fabric of this, which looks like some sort of hammered silk, and I like the idea of it, but it's just not going anywhere. Perhaps it's her terrible, droopy posture that's throwing me off. She's going to get crucified by the Fashion Talking Heads for this, but Julianne Moore does really appear to like fashion -- she wears a lot of Balenciaga and other forward labels.<br /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/85c4a4c393688f13_Jayma-Mays.jpg" /><br /><br />I don't know who she is. Giant black strapless dress, with somewhat interesting detail. Somewhat.<br /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/c3b984d737d544f2_Carey-Mulliganprev.jpg" /><br /><br />Carey Mulligan, adorable yet forgettable in Nina Ricci.<br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/slide_4436_62201_large.jpg" /><br /><br />Penelope Cruz in Armani Privé. It will surely be one of the Great Fashion Mysteries of 2010 -- how the HELL do you make Penelope Cruz look <span style="font-style: italic;">dumpy</span>???? Well, here's how. Also, what's with the cheerleader hair and makeup? Seriously, looking back on my freshman year of college in the early 80's, all of the girls rushing sororities looked just like this.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/16m.jpg" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Courteney Cox in Victoria Beckham. Impeccable but boring. What excited me most about this was seeing her husband David Arquette, a man famous for having a closet that was the sartorial equivalent of a three-ring circus, look <span style="font-style: italic;">normal</span>, in a nice, neat, no frills tuxedo. Not a hint of tartan or embroidery or sparkly embellishment to be found anywhere. Go, David!<br /></div></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/52m.jpg" /><br /></div><br />No idea who this is. But the dress is winning. That thing is swamping her like a mudslide. Seriously, she's going to need a tranquilizer dart for that dress or she's not going to make it home alive.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/aimtx/Jan%2010/78m.jpg" /><br /></div><br />Vera Farmiga in Dolce & Gabbana. Oh, dear. Hint: do not make a mermaid-silhouette gown designed to fit like a second-skin out of fabric heavy enough to be your spinster great aunt's winter bedspread. It will not end well. Also, did no one notice that there is a big ol' rosette <span style="font-style: italic;">right on her boob</span>? Is that some sort of joke?? I'm so not laughing.<br /><br />It wasn't all black. It wasn't all bad. But it sure as hell wasn't all good. Stay tuned & I'll share my thoughts on a few more tomorrow.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Photos: Style.com, Huffingtonpost.com, celebuzz.com, yahoo.com, goldenglobes.org</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><p id="blogfeeds"><$BlogFeedsVertical$></p></div>StyleSpyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09032983147859861793noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598725025583072795.post-55448856704740355572010-01-17T12:55:00.004-05:002010-01-17T13:03:47.554-05:00M.I.A.**Manolos In Action<br /><br /><br />Here are the new <a href="http://style-spy.blogspot.com/2010/01/do-your-homework-people.html">Manolos</a>, out for their maiden run this Saturday:<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2zs26v2zeec/S1NPU2D1yrI/AAAAAAAAC5o/wcMABxE0uQ4/s1600-h/MissA%27sbday2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 162px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2zs26v2zeec/S1NPU2D1yrI/AAAAAAAAC5o/wcMABxE0uQ4/s400/MissA%27sbday2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427769195439180466" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I've had this jacket for ages & ages. It's a double-breasted tux jacket with satin shawl collar from Ann Taylor, of all places. A bit big on me and I've almost gotten rid of it several times over the years, but sometimes it really does the trick. Pretty classic, and wearing extremely well. This is my second bandage skirt -- found it on sale at Nordstrom and snapped it up. I want one in every color and five in black. <br /><br /><br />Thanks to Miss A for having a birthday so I had an excuse to wear my shoes. And thanks to the Weather Gods for FINALLY clearing things up so I didn't have a reason <span style="font-style: italic;">not</span> to.<br /></div><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Photo: Style Spy<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><p id="blogfeeds"><$BlogFeedsVertical$></p></div>StyleSpyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09032983147859861793noreply@blogger.com4