The ladies' paradise

Holiday dressing: What to wear this season

Get your glitter on

The Times has a story today on holiday dressing: short, fun, glittery. I think when times are tough, we tend to dress optimistically -- shorter hemlines, brighter colors, and the like.

But the article ends with the thought that some women are seeking a little more versatility -- like a fun, evening-ish jacket that can top a cocktail dress but then dress down for the office with a pair of trousers.

Here are a few more ideas. First are sequins and dress-up for day and for more casual evenings, and this Free People outfit to the left is just perfect -- it's got a certain pulled-together insouciance. Plus, I have travel and capsule wardrobes on the brain, and I love how you could fold this dress up into a small bundle and tuck it into a weekend bag, wear the T-shirt and tights on the plane or in the car with a cozy shrug or shawl and denim skirt, and then with little fuss transform yourself for a night out (or in!). Efficient yet fantastic.

Even though it's really pretty, less interesting to me is the kind of straight-up sequins I've seen online, like this Haute Hippie sequined tank dress. (I don't like the price nearly as well, either!)

The other tactic is to find an inexpensive source of glittery fripperies -- after all, if you're like me, you're hoping to minimize the financial damage involved in dressing for the holidays.

Recently I was shopping for myself, and, as a bribe for my six-year-old daughter, took her into Claire's, the mall store for tweens. It was festooned with little nothings for next to nothing. I saw cute bags and scarves that could be worn by a young-at-heart adult.

Then for her birthday I bought a skinny sequined scarf/belt from Justice.  Of course, she loves the teal sequins, but since it also comes in black, what better thing to add a little sparkle over the next six weeks, especially when it's just $10! (Sadly, no picture, because that puppy was just gigantic and looked ugly here.)

You could add a festive touch with a headband from Urban Outfitters.  

And for bling I like, well, less bling. How about this Alkemie hamsa necklace from Intermix?

Or this, from my beloved Twist -- an arrowhead necklace from Kathy Azarmi-Rose? Both lack the expected holiday glittery, but that feels so over for me -- instead, I'm looking for something very personal, something I can wear in a variety of situations and for years to come. Can't get more recession-proof than that!

Chanukah and Christmas are still a way off, though -- what's on your wish list this year?

Finally, a side note: I adored writing about fashion and politics in the last month, and you will definitely see more of that here. I'll also be writing about practical ideas for women who want to look great but don't want to break the bank doing it.

Fashion is all around you

Learning from Free People

I just got my Free People catalogue in the mail. Can I just say? I love this catalogue. Have I ever bought anything from it? No. Is it appropriate for my age, body, or lifestyle? Um, no. That doesn't mean I can't enjoy browsing through it and -- getting to my point -- learning something about color, shape and texture.

Case in point: this wool scarf. Is it trendy? Yes. Can absolutely anyone, including my own mother, wear it successfully? Yes!

I like this one even better: 

However un-ready you think you are for stuff that's new or trendy, take a look around you and find one piece, just one, that you can incorporate into your existing wardrobe. It's easier than you think.

You'll be off and running.

Fall 2008 trends

Check out Shopbop, which has a lookbook, trend updates, a slew of great designers (plus good sales) -- and a preview of Fall '08.

The six trends, according to Shopbop, are: full skirts, winter florals, leather (short skirts and vests), feathers and fringe (not nearly as scary as it sounds!), folk inspiration (blanket coats, Russian references), and slouchy trousers.

What's not to like?

These trends are what smart shoppers will keep in mind as they start planning their fall purchases (and contemplate editing their fall/winter wardrobe in August).

Too complicated

Not at all! Keeping these trends in mind is a great way to stay on trend. You stand a better chance of updating what's already in your closet with strategically chosen additions. 

What's on your list for fall? Leave me a comment -- I'd love to hear about it.

[Note: Ignore the "Shop Spring Collection" on top of the pictures -- these are definitely pictures of Fall.]

 

 

Feed bag, II

I just got my Feed bag yesterday, and it's even softer and better than I anticipated. Also, I didn't realize it would be reversible, with the other side an unbleached canvas (and three pockets). I love it already, and it will be perfect for the summer for toting kids' snacks or beach gear.

Going global: Ikat

With the time change yesterday, it suddenly feels like spring! Unfortunately, in Washington, the weather is going to lag behind the sunlight for a few weeks. One way to move things forward, for those of you itching to cast off your woolens and get out your new spring clothes, is with a key on-trend accessory.

I have always loved ikat fabric, and this scarf taps into the spring trend for globally inspired fabrics (and painlessly, at this price). Plus, what's not to love about a scarf with this name?

Spring Arrival -- Sunny Day silk scarf ($39)

I feel Lucky

Run, do not walk, to get the latest issue of Lucky magazine. A subscription is one of the first things I recommend to my clients, because it's a terrific primer on how to put clothes together. This month's issue has a jewelry guide, and I just love so many of the pieces they've chosen to feature, and especially the combinations they've put together. I'll try to find sources for some of the best pieces online (you can't get them on the Lucky website).

I also love a new feature in the magazine. It involves someone writing in with an outfit and asking whether it works. Then, online, you can see what the editors have done to "fix" the outfit.

"Does This Outfit Work?"

Guy Trebay rules

For those who aren't familiar with him, the New York Times's fashion writer Guy Trebay is really wonderful and worth the price of the paper. Here's his article on the Oscars (available for free only until 3/12).

Before hitting the sales

Just stumbled upon some great advice over at I am Fashion for making the most out of those end-of-season sales. (Hint: This is not the time to find a coat for next winter.)

Shopping end-of-season, fun huh? After going through many such expeditions to malls and department stores in three different countries last month, I've managed to come to a few conclusions:

• In anticipation for SS06, chose white, white, white! Anything in luxurious-neautrals should also be seriously considered.
• To avoid disappointment, never have your hopes up even after you pick up the perfect discounted item until after it is confirmed that a) your size is still available, and b) that item is not damaged and still looks relatively new.
• If it doesn't fit you, then put it down! Don't make pathetic excuses like 'but I've been wanting it for ages and it's actually on sale now.' Better to spend the money on something that you will actually love and be able to wear.
• Sale time is THE perfect time to buy closet staples like jeans. My sister managed to buy a pair of fantastic Blue Cults for only HK$1200 (US$150.)
• Another closet staple for last year and this year still, are flats. Marc Jacobs makes some of the cutest flats.
  Yes I know they're pricy, but if you wear them almost everyday, then they'll be totally worth it.
• If you're not familiar with the saleslady, then don't listen to her! She'll be giving you all sorts of praises even if the jacket makes you look like a puffball.
• One of the best things being a student is that we can discount-shop on a weekday morning/ early afternoon. It's so much more comfortable shopping without the crowds in weekends and not have to look at the same rack of clothing with someone else.
• Since next season is all about white jewelry, don't buy the leftover black jewelry (unless you really like it of course.)
• No matter which season, there are always pretty, classical high-heels, which even if they are not particularly in fashion, are always needed for dinners and nights-out. Sales always has those. These Louboutins are great examples:

Make sure you actually buy something before the end-of-season sales are over!