Seeing Spots!

Not many prints have the power that polka dots have. Think about it...what other print is kooky yet classic, whimsical but not wacky and can make you feel child-like without looking childish? It's no wonder these delightful dots have been popping up in clothing and accessories for decades. Strangely enough, the exact origin of the polka dot print is a mystery. It was most likely the influence of (surprise surprise) the Polish Polka dance craze that began in the late 19th century. From then on, ladies from Lucille Ball to Minnie Mouse have had a love affair with the print. I’m quite parcel to polka dots myself...something about them just makes me smile. Whether wearing something super casual or a show stopping piece, it’s impossible to put on polka dots and not have fun!


Mini skirt $15, Forever 21













Cashmere scarf $95, Replique













Sweater $55, Mod Cloth














T-strap pumps $100, Betseyville












Organza Ball Gown $460, Alyce Designs

Comfy Cozy Chic

Recently I saw The Cider House Rules and really really loved it. First & foremost because any movie about orphans really tugs on my heartstrings! I’m not a movie crier...but those damned orphans get me every time. Also, it totally made me want to roll up my sleeves and do some apple pickin’ on a farm. Ok that’s an exaggeration...at the very least it made me want apple cider real bad. With some ginger snaps on the side. But mostly I just adored the chunky-knit sweaters Charlize Theron’s character Candy wore throughout the film. She made a seemingly boring oversized sweater into an ultra feminine look, simply by adding a cute headband and fiery red nail polish. A neutral colored chunky sweater is a great addition to any cold weather wardrobe. Layering sweaters such as these over girlie dresses and skirts is a great way to stay comfy, cozy & chic. Just add some tights and ankle booties and you’ll be toasty yet trendy well into the winter.


Apple picking sweater $118, Anthropologie


















Donegal shawl cardigan $148, J Crew















Long button-front sweater coat $45, Old Navy

The Freaks Come Out At Night

Every girl has a dark side. Even the prissiest of prissies secretly want to fly their freak flag every now & then. With Halloween vastly approaching it's a great excuse to embrace your inner weirdo. And if dressing up in costume isn't your bag, rocking something with a bizarre-o flair is a fun alternative! It’s little rock & roll with a twist of teen angst...minus the crazy hormones. But proceed with caution..you may just give yourself the heebie jeebies!

Skull T-Shirt $44, Top Shop

Bat Cuff $170, Alkemie

Spike Ring $180, Noir Jewelry

"Underworld" Lipstick $15, Mac Cosmetics

True Blood Energy Drink 4 pack for $16, HBO online

Are Friends Electric?

I wear a lot of black. I adore color and prints but I always tend to gravitate towards black clothing, especially when I'm having a morning wardrobe crisis. To avoid looking completely dull, I love to add a pop of color to a basic look to via a shoe, piece of jewelry, etc. Looking to add color to your wardrobe? You might as well try something REALLY bright or neon. Go big or go home people! Electric shades were all over the Fall 09 runways. Michael Kors, Versace and Marc Jacobs all showed intensely bright pieces in their shows. Don't want to invest in a neon ensemble? Accessories are the way to go...super fun and affordable! Unlike the Marc Jacobs bag Kate Beckinsale is rocking in the pic (retail value around $1000...eeek!) there are bright accessories available that won't break the bank. Here are a few cuties:












Urban Outfitters, plastic two-tone sunglasses $10
















SR SQUARED by Sondra Roberts Neon Bow Clutch, $21






Miss Me Vernice Satin Platform Pump, $40

InVestigating

I usually write about fashion trends I thoroughly enjoy. Not the case in this post. I'm reluctant to accept the vest as a likable trend. In my opinion vests are silly. I’ve never been able to take them seriously as a wearable item of clothing. Probably because most of my vest associations are comical...

Ferris Bueller wearing a white t-shirt and knit leopard print vest. With a baseball jacket. God 80’s fashion was TERRIBLE! Only Ferris had the personality to pull it off that atrocious look and remain so darn likable.

Back To The Future. A 1980’s Marty McFly walks into a 1950’s diner. He’s wearing an obnoxiously puffy vest. With a button up shirt. AND a denim jacket (again TERRIBLE!). The cook promptly says to him “Hey kid what’d ya do, jump ship?”

And a great quote from Mean Girls. Such a hilarious movie! In one scene the mean girls discuss their wardrobe rules to obey. If they don't obey the rules they are banned from the cafeteria lunch table. The queen bee Regina is about to be banned and arguing the wardrobe rules aren’t legit. Her drone Karen is pissed.

Karen: Those rules were real that day I wore a vest!

Regina: Because that vest was disgusting!

Finally, I asked my Dad. Because he's the only regular vest-wearer I know, that makes him my go-to guy to uncover the allure of the vest. Here’s how our phone conversation went:

Me: Hey Dad, you still wear vests, right?

Dad: Yeah I have about four. Two that I wear for work and two suede vests, one black and one brown.

Me: So clearly you’re a vest fan. What do you like about them?

Dad: I like a vest because if your shirt sucks you can still look good.

Style words of wisdom from Mike Cicalese everyone.

There are a variety of vests out there, not just in Mike’s closet. Fur and faux fur vests are supposed to be super hot for fall. Celebrity stylist and author Rachel Zoe (whom I love but most people can’t stand!) will be debuting her line of fur vests on QVC very soon. Denim vests are also quite prevalent. They are so 80's to me I just can't accept them! But below are some vests that don't make me violently ill:

Corduroy vest, Old Navy $24.50

Leather vest, Express $88

Nylon Lace, Urban Outfitters $68

So will I be purchasing a vest anytime soon? Don’t hold your breath. But never say never.



Are You Tough Enough?

When I envision a leather jacket, a variety of men usually come to mind. The T Birds in Grease. Arnold Schwarzenegger in Terminator. James Dean (who interestingly enough never wore a leather jacket in any of his movies - how about that!) And of course the Fonz- eyyyyy! Well step aside gentleman. This fall the leather jacket is huge trend for the ladies. Or should I say for chicks. Yeah that's more like it.

A leather jacket is much more than a disposable trendy item. It's really an iconic piece worth investing in. A couple of years ago I decided I needed one. After some shopping research I found out that duh - leather is expensive! Most of the jackets I had my eye on were in the $300-400 range. At the time too rich for my blood. So I settled on a faux leather biker-style jacket from Target. Super cute, you'd never know it wasn't real leather - shhh! I would love to buy a real leather jacket for fall but unfortunately it's not in the budget....so the plan is to rock my old faux friend for a while. But my eyes will be peeled for a good leather on clearance!

If wearing a leather jacket makes you feel like you should be stealing children's lunch money, don't fret. There are ways to wear this tough style without looking like a delinquent.




Pair with something sweet: A floral print dress, ruffle-y top and girly accessories all contrast fantastically with the toughness of a leather jacket.







Opt for brown: Black leather might be too much for the meek at heart. A lighter, buttery brown is less severe but still makes you feel like a cool cat.








Age appropriate: A blazer style is more a traditional take on a biker or bomber fit. This is a classic for all ages!






P.S. No lie...not five little minutes after I finished writing this post I received an email ad from Urban Outfitters titled "Leather Report" featuring their new selection of leather jackets, which are adorable! Check them out!

The Joan Hypothesis

I’ve developed a theory. I’ll call it The Joan Hypothesis. My theory argues that famous women named Joan (both fictional and non-fictional) are highly likely to A) be tough as nails broads and B) have great personal style. I'll give you some examples to prove my point.



Joan Crawford - Those eyebrows! Those shoulder pads! That ability to appear classy on the outside but be a deranged "Mommy Dearest".










Joan Collins - Again those shoulder pads! That great 80's coif! Engaging in cat-fights with Linda Evans while dripping in diamonds and designer duds! That’s a hard look to pull off.











Joan Jett - Again great 80's coif! Awesome leather ensembles! Being super pretty AND super tough....also a hard look to pull off.












Joan of Arc – The ultimate trendsetter. She made talking to God cool way before Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret, rocked armor centuries before Balenciaga did on the runway and (in my opinion) invented the bob haircut. Oh and props for the whole leading France to victory against the Brits & burning at the stake thing.









And now I come to my Joan du jour and the inspiration for this particular post......Joan Halloway!

Who you ask? She is not as well known as the other Joan's, but holds a special place in my heart. She is my favorite character on my favorite show Mad Men. If you have not seen the show, it’s fabulous! It’s all about life at an advertising firm in the early 1960’s. Season 1 & 2 are both available in DVD. Great story line. Greater costumes. Watch!

I’m crazy about Joan because she is indeed a bad ass broad and has great style. Refreshingly, she’s also not a waif (Christine Hendricks the actress that plays her was actually told to gain weight for the part – every woman’s dream!). Her curvaceous-ness perfectly compliments her saucy personality. She’s the office manager in charge of bossing around all the secretaries as well as the bedroom fantasy (and reality to a few) of the male executives. Her wardrobe consists of body-hugging silhouettes in bright jewel tones, killer jewelry and the greatest 60’s accessory, the ever present ciggie. Please note I do not support the tobacco industry:) Although Joan’s style is super sexy she never crosses the line to vulgarity. In one episode of Season 2, she reprimands a pretty young secretary whose top is not buttoned up properly. Joan tells her “I know what you’re doing. Your décolletage is distracting....I thought you where better than that.” Meow!

So what style inspirations can be taken from Joan without going 60’s overboard?

The body-hugging silhouette - in the form of a dark denim pencil skirt. Office appropriate with a bright blouse or patterned cardigan & round -toe pumps. Also very cute w/ a tank & flip flops for the weekend.

60’s style satchel handbag - in faux croc or a fun bright color...check out this site for a great selection of vintage bags.

Statement jewelry – be it a sparkly brooch, a bold gold earring or a chic pen necklace (but I think only Joan can get away with the latter).

Strawberry blond/red hair dye – If ONLY I could get away with red hair, but alas...


So there you go. Just try & prove my theory wrong I dare ya!