Blog Archives

Battle of the brands

3/31/2012

Here in Colorado people wear a lot of athletic wear and the brands Patagonia, prAna, and NorthFace. All of these brands are sold by a number stores, so be surf before you buy to find the best price on the same item.
Take this seasonless prAna crochet beanie with removeable flower applique; it costs $26 at most sites, but I found it for $8.22 from Sierra Trading Post with their DealFlyer discount. Try Campmor, Altrec, backcountry.com, Buckman's, R.E.I.--all reliable online sites with fast, inexpensive delivery.

Sierra Trading Post prAna Anne beanie open weave crochet, $8.22

I need a toothpick and a cigarette

3/30/2012

Just kidding. I just like the names. I think you have to be a stick to wear 'em.

J. Crew toothpick cord in snowy thistle, $19.99! (in size 32)

Urban Outfitters BDG cigarette mid-rise jean - clean resin, $54.00

What are you wearing for Easter or Passover?

3/29/2012

I'm going to wear the crochet skirt I posted below on March 20 (http://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?searchCID=44995&vid=1&pid=757611&scid=757611032) with a white top. But I love this dress... What are you going to wear?

J. Crew Factory cotton medallion dress, $54.50

Athleta cutback crochet skirt, $29.99

Snap it up

3/28/2012

Every year Zand Amsterdam puts out a series of these fun wrap-snap skirts in two lengths with a mix of fabrics--each one is unique! Some come with a matching "pouchbag." They are one-size-fits-all--you snap them to fit high or low on your waist as you prefer. In boutiques, they run from around $50-80. I searched online to find the best prices. The Zand website sells to European shoppers in euros. Ellatopia.com and Bolinat.com sell them for between $39 and $59.90.

My Zand skirt from two seasons ago.

My Zand skirt from last year.

Ellatopia Zand Lisa skirt, $45

Rose short wrapskirt with pouch, €39

Bolinat Zand skirt with pouch bag, $39.90

Dress your age?

3/27/2012

For men: Vice magazine co-founder Gavin McInnes is funny and smart and has some amazing insights to help men pick out some clothes to dress their age and grow old gracefully! http://www.complex.com/style/2012/03/video-author-gavin-mcinnes-shows-how-to-dress-your-age This 4-minute video will make your day.

For women 5'5" or shorter and under 140 lbs.: Now, for women, we get a little more flexibility. If you're under 5'5", you may want to consider purchasing girls' clothes instead of women's for some items since they are often almost identical and are typically half the price! Girls also often get all the best styles. They are sized for girls of all sizes up to 18 years old (size 18) and are also offered in Plus sizes. The largest size is really big!

Below is my Unofficial Size Chart, developed from my many girls' department purchases. Also some tips...

Girls' Sizes

10
12
14
16
18
12 Plus
14 Plus
16 Plus
18 Plus

Women's Weight and Height

90-100 lbs., 5 foot
105-110 lbs., 5 foot, 2 in.
110-115 lbs., 5 foot, 4 in.
115-120 lbs., 5 foot, 5 in.
125-130 lbs., 5 foot, 5 in.
110-115 lbs., 5 foot, 2 in.
115-120 lbs., 5 foot, 4 in.
125-130 lbs., 5 foot, 5 in.
135-140 lbs., 5 foot, 5 in.

Lands' End girls' plus long-sleeve solid mockneck rash guard, $25

Women's Athleta Trestles cutback rashguard, $54

Try kids’ rash guards and cover-ups to help you avoid sunburns this summer—less than half the price of adult ones.

Athleta Tallulah tunic coverup, $69

Lands' End Girls' long-sleeve embroidered v-neck woven tunic, available in XL, $29

Tips:
·Most plus sizes you’ll have to order online.
·You may have to remove the belt loops on sweaters or tops so that you can self-tie, or they may end up too high on your waist.
·Several places to look: Land’s End, L.L.Bean, GAP, Old Navy, H&M, R.E.I., Boden, Garnet Hill, Nordstrom, Macy's, Neiman Marcus, Target, Alloy, dELiA's--really, anywhere girls' clothes are sold!
·Patagonia and Columbia jackets and pullovers also come in XXL kids’ sizes for a fraction of the cost of an adult jacket.
·An added bonus: Girls’ bottoms have an internal belt—takes the bulk out of your profile if you’re wearing a untucked tight shirt over the top.

Check out the Mind the GAP tab "For Smaller Women" to your right for more girls' clothes that will fit women.

Tricks of the trade

3/26/2012

Question:
Dear Fashion Feline, I have a job interview coming up, and I was going to wear my best navy suit. But maybe the rules have changed? --Alexa

Answer:
Dear Alexa,
Employment experts still suggest that you dress in your best, most conservative suit for a job interview, and I'm sure you'll make a good impression in that suit. But suits are pretty stiff and masculine, so I suggest you add something to your outfit like a colorful blouse or a necklace, earrings, or scarf that makes your look unique and conveys a sense of who you are.

Here's an example from Banana Republic. The statement necklace softens and updates the professional persona.
A blush-colored blouse brings out your cheeks and is always flattering.

Banana Republic beige stripe lightweight wool blazer, $69.99

Here's another example I found on a brochure. The bright, fun top and necklace soften the severity of an all-black suit. The look is professional but also full of personality.

Three colorful tops to put under your suit:

Garnet Hill Asymmetrical Wrap Knit Top, $18

Garnet Hill Goddess Knit Top, $38

Venus drapey cowl neck top, $17

Mirroring
Another great technique to use is called "mirroring": model your outfit on what you imagine those interviewing you will be wearing (or research it if you can), and they're sure to think you fit in naturally with the organization.

Take a look at this fascinating photo story by Noreen Malone on Hillary Clinton mirroring the outfits of those with whom she has met: http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2011/12/secret-to-hillary-clintons-diplomatic-success.html

Try mirroring your outfit with that of those you'll be interviewing with...

Check out more examples of Hillary's mirroring technique by clicking on this photo or going to http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2011/12/secret-to-hillary-clintons-diplomatic-success.html. Clinton with Aung San Suu Kyi, photo by Saul Loeb

How to make the most of your suit:
Here's a great video that shows three girls transformed by Macy's staff into interview-ready professionals: http://www.careerspots.com/vidplay_links_ext.aspx?aid=647&partid=275&apass=/j8bKfreUnYuxo/GZaXXdQ==&id=4

Here's sending you my best orange kitty luck for your interview! Too bad you have to find a job and can't just lie around sleeping and thinking about fashion all day like I do :-).--FF >^.^<

In my tribe

3/25/2012

Tribal prints are heating up the season.

Piperlime printed maxi dress by Hive & Honey, $69 minus 20% with the code SPRINGSAVE

All right already—I give in

3/24/2012

I’ve been sort of resisting the onslaught of colored jeans. But the other day I saw a woman riding a bike wearing red jeans and a striped top, and her outfit looked so fresh and classic, I'm about ready to surrender.

Keep your pants on: cool article on the red pants trend: http://www.npr.org/2012/04/19/150984878/pants-trend-makes-a-red-hot-statement

Urban Outfitters BDG Roadie boot jean - Red, $19

dELiA's Britt low-rise skinny color jean, $39.50 (buy one, get one 50% off)

GAP slim cropped refined pant, $49.95 minus 25% with the code SPRINGSAVE

Whatever gets you through the night

3/23/2012

If you're going out tonight, you probably need this perfect small bag, originally priced $49.99, now $9.99 minus 15%! The strap is long enough to wear it cross-body while you're dancing. In store, you may find it in this black color; online it seems only the gold is available, but it's not bad either.

J. Jill sequined mini-pouch, $9.99 minus 15%

It's just not me.... Or is it?

3/22/2012

Most of the time we're pretty sure about our personal style. But sometimes our friends or famiily pick out things for us that we never would have imagined for ourselves. We try them on and enjoy a new persona.
Which of these items might you grow to love if someone gave it to you?

R.E.I. Patagonia pinback top, $45

Boston Proper seed-bead fringe necklace, $99

Victoria's Secret one-shoulder top, $24.99

Tulle short sleeve sweater dress, $63