pretty please

Fall Trend Review: Full Skirts

A major fall trend that I am seeing everywhere is the full skirt.  Now - I think this can be a nice look - especially for work and while weaing high heel...and this Banana Republic version is pretty adorable. I'm concerned about looking a little dumpy if worn with flats.  But here's my concern - the full skirts that I've seen tend to have a high waist and seem to be made to show that waist rather than cover it with a blouse.  What do you think?  Do you have to tuck in shirts into high waisted skirts? 

You call this "wide-leg"??

J Crew has recently introduced a whole line of supposedly "wide-leg" pants.  I'm sorry, these don't look wide-leg to me.  They're cute...but not wide-leg...

Grown Up Jeans

Well, I feel like I have bought my first pair of really grown-up jeans.  No, they don't have a tapered leg and an elastic waistband - they are just a darker wash and have a wider leg.  Basically they are the jeans that Stacy and Clinton recommend to women on every episode of "What Not to Wear."  Well, I found my pair of grown up jeans at Ann Taylor Loft and I really love them.  They feel more sophisticated and honestly, more comfortable than my typical tight, bootcut jeans.  Are you investing in grown-up jeans this fall?

A Challenge

Chris gave me some adorable patterned flats for my birthday and it got us talking.  You see, I have a bit of a compulsion when it comes to shopping...I tend to only buy shirts/tops/blouses, etc.  I'll spend my part of the monthly clothing budget (and, let's be honest, Chris' part too) on just shirts.  I don't know why I am so drawn to them but I seriously just zero in and don't even think about buying anything else.  And, well...I can't close my shirts drawer.  Well, any of my drawers for that matter, but the shirts drawer is especially stuffed.  Then Chris issued the challenge: don't buy any shirts for two months and instead stock up on great shoes, bags, and accessories.  Ooooh, great idea but I don't know if I could do it!  No shirts at all?  Now, I do realize that many people go months at a time without buying any clothes, much less a shirt - but not me!  I had been planning on shopping for some cardigans for fall - does that count as a shirt?  But, just think of all the great shoes I could buy! (T he picture is an example!!) What do you think?  Should I accept the challenge and not buy any shirts for two months?

Purple Mania!

Two days ago I told a co-worker that I thougpurple would be the "it" color for fall.  I've seen a deluge of it at Banana Republic and one of my favorite bloggers spotted it last week.  Then last night I saw a whole section on purple in O magazine.  I have realized that I have absolutely no purple in my wardrobe.  Ok, I have one summer t-shirt but that's it!  Do you have purple in your wardrobe?  Do you plan on hitting the stores to follow this trend for fall?

Outfit Ideas

I love mannequins.  (BTW, who knew it was spelled that way?).  I love seeing an outfit all put together for me.  I love magazines and will rip out pages of cute looks.  So, obviously, I love the new section on Ann Taylor Loft's website "Wear Now...and Wear Later."  This is their clever solution to problem of doing fall shopping in the summer and then not getting to wear your purchases until the temperature drops in October.  They show their pieces put together for warm weather, and then styled another way for the fall/winter months.  Genius - and good for outfit ideas.

Sidenote - sorry that it's been awhile since I last posted - Typepad has been making some changes to its Compose editor making it difficult for me to post until they fixed the bugs.  But I'm back! 

Fabulous Fall Fashion

I know, I know - it's July but stores are getting their fall collections and it's making me anxious for the next season.  Banana Republic has some gorgeous pieces for work especially.  Don't you love the gray and blue?

Formal Shorts: Love 'em or Hate 'em?

Some formal shorts are not so cute...or so formal...or so classy.  Exhibit A:

However, not all formal shorts need be so...well, short.  (And you don't need to pair them with cleavage and fake tan).  There are some formal shorts that are quite versatile, lovely, and flattering.  Exhibit B: The shorts I bought today from Ann Taylor:

On me they have a nice straight leg and end just above the knee and I love them!  I'll be picking up a new pair of black pumps this week since I've worn my current pair to oblivion and I think they'll be super cute with these.  I think they'll also work with flat sandals and just be great for the summer in general.  What do you think - will you be picking up a pair of formal shorts this summer?

Spring Trends V: Goddess/Grecian Draping

Something tells me that the Grecian draping obsessed Rami from Project Runway is sitting pretty right now.  The "goddess" look has been everywhere this spring and I think it's simply lovely.  So flowy, so pretty and possibly quite wearable, especially for weddings.  The only problems I can foresee is that some of us need a bit more structure in our dresses and don't appreciate extra bulk.  However, with the right fit and perhaps the right Spanx keeping everything from jiggling underneath, this look is versatile enough to work on just about everyone.  Here are some looks I love.

I am currently obsessing about yellow and this pretty little dress is flirty and fun.

How gorgeous is this dress?  For those of you with strong shoulders and slim hips, this would be so beautiful on you (Ashley....). 

Now, not all Grecian draping works well - sometimes it looks like you are trying to rock a bed sheet.  Case in point:

 

She's super adorable and I love the hair, but doesn't it all look just a tad under-styled?  I say, be real careful with the goddess look when the fabric is white.  What do you think?  Will you be picking out a goddess dress this spring/summer?

Spring Trends IV: High Waisted Pants

Eeek!  I'll just be honest - I can't stand this trend.  It is yet another style that only looks OK on skinny, flat-stomached, tiny hipped girls - and even then it's not ideal.  The high waist just creates or accentuates a tummy pooch - is that really what we want?  Oh, and the pleats that tend to accompany this look...don't even get me started on the pleats.  I've seen this look work on maybe one person...I don't know who, but I thought I should allow for the off-chance that these pants might be flattering on someone.  Honestly, these are the type of pants women wore in the "olden" days...ie. before they knew better.  Come on, ladies, haven't we moved past this? Here's some sad examples of how high waisted pants don't work.  Oh, and Scar-Jo, don't even get me started on the white bra with the black tank...