Today’s Outfit: Stripes this way and that way

The jacket is the piece around which I orchestrated my outfit. It’s white with raised, stitched pinstripes (Trapunto stitching is the proper term for a raised, textured stitch) in black.  Typically, I love bright white with super dark denim, so I chose these jeans from Paper Denim Cloth. The contrast of white on dark denim is very strong; the white brightly beams.  Since I was beaming, I didn’t want to drag the outfit down with a boring black tank – no way. I decided on a complementary print instead – something that would offset the vertical stripes of the blazer. I love combining prints so this diagonally-striped top was just the partner for my jacket. The resulting outfit is colorful and playful, and requires very little accessorizing – the stripes are enough.  

Jacket  from Express (bought in 2004)  |  Jeans by Paper Denim Cloth  |  Top from Eva Franco  |  Open-Toe Booties by Marco Sarti

 

Close up of the stripes, going this way and that way

Today’s Outfit: What’s Warm Enough?

When the temperature dips below freezing, and it did this morning (19 degrees), I become most challenged to find an outfit that’s warm, but not frumpy. But all hope is not lost! I (and you) can still be stylish and schlep fabulously in the bitter cold.  Here’s today’s outfit and my super warm sweater that’s so cozy, it sneaks up on you, real ninja-like. The secret is the fiber (cashmere and silk blend). It’s thin, so I don’t feel like I’m drowning in grandma’s knitted sweater. And since I so rarely like to wear all black, I threw on a couple necklaces and colorful scarf.

Jeans by Levi’s  |  Boots by Pour La Victoire  |  Sweater by Acrobat  |  Scarf (a gift) from Thailand |  Tank (secret little layer under the sweater) by Mossimo  |  Necklaces from Forever 21’s Wall of Necklaces

Today’s Outfit: Casual Friday

Friday, fun Friday. Friday, fun top Friday.  Today’s outfit was inspired by a photo in the latest InStyle that showed celebs like Julia Roberts wearing water color prints, a current trend. The light bulb went off! I have a water color print! And thus, today’s outfit.

Denim Leggings by Levis (circa Sept 2010), Shoes by Jeffrey Campbell (circa fall 2009), silk top by Walter (circa May 2010), bangles by Amrita Singh (circa now), jacket by NEXT (bought in Dublin, circa spring 2004).

 

Batwing sleeves and a banded waist details.

A fun take on a pump with laces and semi-square toe.

Ethnic and playful

Women’s Fashion: Vince (period)

Vince. Written with punctuation as if to say, “That’s all you need. Just Vince.”  Could be true considering the brand’s philosophy is rooted in wardrobe basics made from luxurious fibers in current silhouettes. Vince is a very, very simple brand for both men and women. The colors are shades of gray, black, white, and khaki. Here’s the thing though: I go back and forth on Vince. Some days I adore the simplicity (usually those are the days I’m requiring ease and efficiency from my wardrobe).  Some days I wish there was just “more” to the pieces.  Those would be the days I’d layer the garment with a print or tons of jewelry. Either way, I can’t deny that Vince. is a brand that keeps it simple, keeps it clean, and keeps it very now.  Try Vince.

 

Vince. Half-placket silk blouse, $235. The gray is neutral and goes with anything. Layer on a bright yellow or melon colored scarf and wear over black skinny pants with knee high boots. Or, pair it with a black duster cardigan (left open) and a super-long black skirt and boots. This is a blank canvas waiting for color!

 

 

Cowl Neck Knit Dress, $295. Basic black, basic shape, basic fabric, the easiest thing you could ever put on to look tremendously amazing. Do a large medallion necklace with lots of stones or just bling-gold. Wear your cutest booties or even red or purple flats with black tights. Or, spotlight the simplicity and wear it exactly as shown.

 

 

Tweed Turtleneck Cashmere Sweater, $295. Webster's Dictionary defines 'cozy' as the Vince. Turtleneck Sweater. Maybe not, but it should. This cashmere piece will last forever. Wear this with a dark denim skirt, chocolate brown tights and boots. Or, you could try this with oatmeal-colored brushed cotton trousers and a metallic flat shoe.

 

 

Two-in-One Car Coat, $495. Two-two-two coats in one. Wear as shown or unzip the waist band and have a cropped look. Either option is terrific because it's warm (100% wool) and chic (super chunky turtleneck).

 

29×30

That’s my size in Levi’s denim leggings. I’ll get to that in a moment…

On the heels of the Gap, the ‘once iconic then lost it’s groove but slowly becoming iconic again‘ American fashion brands, Levi’s is back on it’s way up.  The new line of Curve ID jeans is honoring the many shapes and sizes of a woman’s lower half with three distinct cuts that come in all of their standard legs (skinny, boot, straight, etc.). Slight, Demi, and Bold are the three choices and each is unique in waist-to-hip ratio. A quick description below and then I’d suggest a virtual visit to take the quiz and see where your toosh falls on the curve.

Slight Curve: Slim waist, slim hips and thighs

Demi Curve: Evenly proportioned from hips to thighs (this was me)

Bold Curve: Defined waist, fuller hips and thighs

Truth? I hate jeans. Yeah, yeah, yeah. They’re sexy. They’re everyday or high fashion. Whatever.  Shopping for them is torture. And, I gravely dislike those initial wearings to ‘break them in’ (particularly if I’m paying $$$ for them). I hate that if you wash them, you have to start ‘breaking them in’ all over. No matter what size or weight I am or have been in my life, I feel constricted. I’ve felt disgruntled about jeans since I was a child.

But today, I was determined. And, after umpteen try-ons of endless permutations in Bold and Demi, 28, 29 and 30 sizes (brought to me by my patient sales dude, Roger – he’s at the 14th street location for Manhattanites), I noticed a saleswoman’s denim leggings.  Within 30 seconds, Roger brought me three pair, I bought two. The difference is that the leggings are super soft denim. They are like yoga pants, only jeans. They don’t make me feel as though my circulation is being sacrificed each time I bend my legs, and I didn’t have to jump to pull them up all the way.  You know that jump I’m talking about. I bought two, size 29×30, and I’m tres happy, lovin’ Levi’s. Here’s what I bought (oh, and Roger was way cute).

Levi's 5-pocket Legging in Blue Bottle, $59.50

Levi's Leggings in Indigo, $44

Bootie Call

First , a few benefits of the bootie.  Benefit 1: They don’t cling to your pants like their knee-high brethren underneath pants or jeans. Benefit 2: They’re uh-dor-uh-ble with a dress/skirt and tights. Benefit 3: seriously, do you need another one? Here are some options, pricey and not so pricey. But with any of these choices, you’re sure to want more, buy more, and wear over and over and over and over…you get me. Go on, get yourself some bootie.

Loeffler Randall Simone Gathered Ankle Bootie in Brick Suede; $625 (but hey, the shipping's free). Actually, this is quite a neutral color. Picture this with grey hosiery, navy blue trousers or dark denim, even an all black ensemble would work. Suede is forever chic, the heel is just high enough but stable, the toe is subtly round/pointy (the perfect combo for walking and not scrunching your toes), and they rock the cool gathered top.

Nine West Orro $99 Piperlime.com, Wedges are inherently easier to walk in, the buckle detail and suede offers a subtle funky cowgirl feel, and the heel ensures sophista-coolness. The toe is round, guaranteeing a long style shelf-life and the color goes with every thing you could possibly think to pair with it.

Report Ariella Buckle Foldover Bootie in Grey, $143 Revolveclothing.com. The fold over isn't just for yoga pants - it works on footwear too. This gray color goes with everything, the double buckle adds good detail without fussiness, and the heel and toe are elegant and won't ever go out of style. Don't cover these up - they're meant to be shown off with a skirt or dress from the knee (at the lowest) up to a mini (as high as you like).

MICHAEL Michael Kors Nora $350 RevolveClothing.com. Bring out the inner rocker girl with this studded pair of sky-high, peep-toe sling back booties (that's a lot of descriptors!). Wear a pair of bright colored tights and let them peek from the toe, try them in the mild spring/fall months bare-legged, or put them with a pair of flare or super skinny leg pants or jeans.

Steven by Steve Madden, Mason Wedge Booties, $199. These fold overs are refined and elegant in a classic caramel leather. The color goes with everything and looks particularly chic when worn over a pair of black cigarette pants or dark denim leggings. If you dare have the gams, a super short mini would also look terrific, just as a knee length classic pencil skirt.

All Saints Agness Boot, $250. A little bit prairie, a little bit gothic, a little bit rustic. One definitely has to have some edge to their personality to wear these but they'd be perfection with demin, skirt or jeans. They'd also look terrific with a pair of just cropped trousers or a dark, high-waisted denim skirt and white collard shirt.

Finally! I’m Skinny!

I did it! I finally found skinny jeans!  I know, I know…who cares? But the truth is, I do. I care because I really, really love the look of skinny jeans. They flatter so many figure shapes, including those who are curvy! In fact, I think they work best to our advantage 😉

My issue with skinny jeans was that they fit, well, skinny.  I’m not used to “feeling” and being “aware” of my clothes.  Every time I took a step, I’d feel them crease at the back of my knee. They were always too low-rise (I’m 30; I can’t do the g-string popping out look anymore). And, when I walked, the jeans would pull themselves down because they never properly fit over the thickest part of my thighs.

I’d sigh, throw yet another pair to the side in the dressing room and resolve to notion that if I wanted the skinny jean look, I’d have to do it via leggings.  But I tell you ladies that now, I believe every woman can have the skinny jeans no matter what!

My secret? I bought straight legged jeans which on my body, act as skinny jeans. They taper, they tuck in, and they streamline my lower half.

What’s so special? Take a look.

CITIZENS OF HUMANITY; ELSON IN TEMPEST (COLOR)

• Wash: Tempest (dark rinse =  sophisticated and slenderizing)
• 34″ inseam (great to ruche at the ankles, fold up, or just tailor if necessary)
• 8″ rise (this is key!! not low-rise, sits just at your naval)
• 98% cotton, 2% elastin (this is the other key – you want stretch and preferably no less than 2% spandex or elastin)
• 14″ in the knee (for those who don’t have a super-slim leg, this is an average opening that allows for comfort)

Cost: $189

Pricey? Yes. But these jeans will last you at least 5 years or as long as you deem them stylish. I have jeans that I bought in 2004 that are still alive and kicking.  Essentially, it pays to pay. I recommend dry cleaning no more than once every 3 months and never, ever wash them. Once you break them in, keep them broken in. Washing will only tighten them up and stiffen the cotton.  We’re not children anymore dealing with stains of grass and dirt. Keep your denim clean and it’s not necessary to wash them often, if at all.

Go try on the different styles of Citizens denim. They have a ton of straight and skinny leg styles. The key message–Citizens knows what it’s doing when it comes to comfy, skinny jeans.  I know…I can finally wear them!