Spring/Summer 2009: A White Handbag

I recently bought a white handbag (actually slightly off white) and I LOVE IT!!!


I used to stay away from white purses much like I used to stay away from white pants and blouses (well, some of us who have small children might still have to)- because I couldn't get the right style and I thought they would dirty easily.

But now I say, aw heck, who cares, and I jump right in.


Carrying a white handbag is along the same lines as wearing a white watch, or white shoes- fresh, crisp and new! it breathes some life into your wardrobe, for a colorless color ;)

And it goes really well with color, as well as black!

If you're still on the fence about white, I say, go for it!


Here are some white handbags from Kohl's and NY and Company!

***to see stores or items in detail, click on the image below***

White handbags by real style real people on Polyvore.com

Ironing-Up For Debate?

OK, I am going to out myself today- and I'm a little nervous because I write a style blog.........


but, here goes...


I NEVER, EVER IRON! ANYTHING. LIKE, EVER!


Unless, I am desperate, of course-like with a wrinkly button down shirt, where the front panel or the collar just doesn't lay right.


But even then, I might just give it up and opt for something else to save myself the time and aggravation! No iron shirts, anyone?


So, you may wonder-What do I do instead?


Well, I have two very good friends-


1. The Dryer (hello dryer, my BFF- if you ever break down I may cry, or resort to my other friend down there)


Just pop that wrinkly piece of clothing in there and SHAZAM! it comes out fluffy and unwrinkled!


2. Downy Wrinkle Releaser, one of the best inventions ever made in my humble opinion.



You spray it on, smooth the material down and POOF the wrinkles are gone- works like magic- I swear!



WELL. I feel so much better I got that off of my chest.


Now c'mon there's got to be someone out there just like me (Bueller, Bueller..).


I only know of one other friend like me (Mary Jo, where are you to back me up?)....


Do I lead a lonely existence?

Boyfriend Jeans (and shorts) Revisited

Yeah, I know I talked about them in the fall, but I'm still seeing them everywhere, and I still like them, to a certain degree.

I especially like them in shorts, worn by Taylor Momsen, right (but not exactly with that outfit).

Or as capris, worn by Zoe Saldana, below.

BUT, they still have the tendency to make you look bigger than you really are, like in Halle Berry's case, below.

And I dont like them very holey and ripped up, like Jessica Alba's, below.

And I definitely don't like them peg-legged at the bottom like Eva Longoria's.

SO, they have to be the right fit (just slightly baggy) the right roll (just rolled straight up once or twice or not at all).

That's alot of rights so far-and probably why I don't wear them.

BUT then Bam, I see a pair on someone and I really like them, like the ones below, on Victoria Beckham and Lisa Rinna-CUTE!

But then again they are both very thin and not my shape, so I'm back to just looking and admiring!

What are your thoughts, readers?

(photot credit: fashionising, deminology, imnotobsessed)

Spring/Summer 2009: Ruffles

Femininity was seen all over the Spring 2009 runways.
(Photo of Sonia Rykiel's Spring 2009 show, right, available on style.com)


Ruffles offer a certain sophistication to an outfit. If they're too much for you in a shirt, skirt or dress, try them in an accessory!

They offer an extra touch of girliness and class!


Here are some more ideas from QVC, Payless and Handbag Heaven:

***To see stores or items in greater detail, click on the image below***



Ruffles by real style real people featuring Roxy clutches

Chick Downtown: Tolani Scarf Winner

AND THE WINNER OF THIS FABULOUS SCARF FROM CHICK DOWNTOWN IS:
(drumroll please) ARAN. Aran please email me with your address!

Bummed about not winning? Then check out The Budget Babe's fabulous selection of budget friendly alternatives!

Want to Advertise on RSRP?

Need help spreading the word about your new or smaller business? I know all about being a mom-prenuer! ;)

EMAIL ME: christinalee@ameritech.net TO ADVERTISE ON MY LEFT SIDEBAR (on this site or my jewelry site, tags-n-stones)!

Celebrity Chic But Cheap: Sienna Miller

I like this look- crisp and classic, AND I am a fan of how you rolled your jeans at the bottom!

Here is my re-creation below:

*** to view the items or stores in detail, click on the image below***

Celebrity Chic but Cheap: Sienna Miller by real style real people featuring GAP jeans

"Real People" Real Style: black and white, and some color too!

Here are some "real people" in and around town!

Cute and pregnant!


FABULOUS Anthroplogie dress (couldn't find it though)

With a black cardie to keep her warm on chilly spring days.


Smart and hip from Forever 21!

Great for day! Take off the jacket- great for evening!


Way to be stylish "real people" ;)

How to Act Your Age, Not Your Shoe Size, OR, A Guide to Becoming Mature AND Stylish

It's my birthday today! ;) And EARTH DAY!

And it got me thinking about a conversation I had with my friend, Jane.

She and her friend are turning the big 4-0 this year and decided there are things they need to finally do to feel like grown up, mature women!

I thought I'd help them add to their list from a completely stylish perspective:

1. Get fitted for a GOOD bra! Get A real fitting at a department store where they know what they are talking about. This is especially important if you've had babies, or gained or lost weight recently. You need something to lift and separate those puppies no matter how big or small you are. A good bra will make what you are wearing look better. And while we are at it, let's add in some decent underwear too, that do not ride up or show panty lines under everything!

2. Get a professional salon cut and/or color for your hair! Yeah it can be expensive but at least get a base started and go from there. Ask them what drugstore color you can use to spread out your visits-they'll be honest with you! Plus, a good flattering haircut can be the difference between Marge Simpson and Betty Rubble (or something like that).


3. Get some quality basics in your closet. if you need help deciding what those are, look under "you wardrobe essentials" in my right sidebar for some ideas! Now nobody has the money to buy them all at once (well some do but I don't think they are reading this blog). Start with a great pair of jeans that fit you like a glove and make you feel good(closer to $100 is ok for years of wear in my book) and then move on to durable trousers, camis, tees, etc.

4. While you're at it with the basics, get some quality accessories. Shoes and a purse you LOVE that will last you years.

5. Get some great jewelry that you love. A couple of quality pieces of sterling silver or gold-filled will do the trick. Look for freshwater pearls and real gemstones too. These things will LAST!

6. Get classic and stylish outerwear. I separated this from the wardrobe basics in #3, even though coats are staples because time and again I see how a good coat makes a HUGE difference for how someone is presented and received. Go for wool or a wool/poly blend for the winter and cotton/nylon/poly mix for fall and spring.

While we're at it, Here's my list of what to get rid of:

1. Shirts with cutesy or stupid sayings. There are graphic tees out there that are more appropriate.

2. Cutesy embellished sweaters-"Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells"!

3. Dasiy Duke shorts and very mini skirts (or shirts for that matter).

4. Cheap plastic or rubbery jewelry.

5. Body piercings, especially on the face (sorry).

6. Matronly and/or cheap looking floral dresses,skirts or jumpers. OR jean material in any of these. We used to call these social worker or teacher dresses or skirts (And believe me I have been both of these in my past careers, so I'm not trying to offend anyone)-but also known as "Laura Ashley" dresses.

7. Rubbery flip flops for evening wear or work wear -I'm not talking about for everyday casual wear!

Readers, what else can you add to my lists?

(photo credit: keatleyphoto.com, denimology.co.uk, media.ebaumsworld.com)

Thanks to The Budget Fashionista for wanting to feature this post on their site this week!

How to Wear a Short Sleeve Cardigan

I have been asked by a couple of readers how to wear a short sleeve cardigan. So here goes:

I own several and wear them for every season. In the winter, I wear one over a turtleneck, in the fall and spring, over a long sleeve tee, and in the summer (on cooler days) over a tank or cami. It's a great and easy way to update your look.

It's a refreshing change from traditional cardigans. Plus, they are nice to use as a lighter cover-up in the warmer months.

Here are some examples, below, on Jennifer Garner and Katherine Heigl:

(photo credit: coolspotters.com, imnotobsessed.com)

And here are some ideas from Yours Truly, below.

-over a scoop neck long sleeve tee, with jeans (or trousers, or khakis) and Converse kicks

-OR, over a white cami, with a skirt and heels- I could have been more daring and worn a brightly colored cami underneath

-Over a sleeveless sundress not quite ready for warm weather (doesn't my husband's upright bass make a good prop?)

-OR over a long sleeve tee (most any color would do) with jeans, a bright scarf and leopard print shoes.

By the way, both of those cardis I am wearing are from Target!

See the versatility? The possibilites are endless......

Hope that helped ;)

Beauty Review: Mascara

I have a love/hate relationship with mascara. I've been in a life-long pursuit for the perfect mascara for me. I want length and volume-is that too much for a girl to ask?


And don't get me started on all the "fake" mascara ads and commercials- I am no longer nieve enough to get sucked into them. There is no way that celebrity or model is not getting help with false eyelashes.


Anyhoo, I feel like I tested them all (but I know I really haven't). I have tried lots of drugstore brands, as well as Clinique, Definicils by Lancome (curious about Fatale though), False Eyelashes by Prescriptives, and so on.



So, right now I am using Loreal Voluminous black waterproof mascara. And I keep going back to it, because it works the best for me but I don't love love it (I love it, but I'm not in love with it). ;)


The problem I have is that if I don't use the waterproof kind, black flakes begin collecting under my eyes by the end of the day. And let's face it- I already have enough of a problem with under eye darkness- I don't need more.


The Budget Babe recently said she swears by Maybelline Define-A-Lash so I am going to try that one next.


So, my lovely readers, PLEASE share with me what mascara you swear by that doesn't flake or clump ( at least very much), and gives you some length and volume.

Contest Giveaway from Chick Downtown

Guess What RSRP readers? The nice people over at Chick Downtown are going to give away one Tolani Bright Blue Zig Zag Scarf, the value being $85!

To enter the contest just email me: christinalee@ameritech.net and put Tolani Scarf in the subject line to be entered to win! The contest runs until Friday, April 24th.


Readers, be sure to take a look at their website. My favorite section is the Sale section. If you've had your eye on a certain designer piece, I would check back and see if they offer it on sale or special. They always have lots of sales going on and chances are, you'll make out good!



Also, they just began carrying Alexis Bittar Jewelry, who makes beautiful pieces. Alexis Bittar is a talented New York jewelry maker who takes his inspiration from all things art and fashion. Check her out, if only just to dream.


Readers, what would you wear with that gorgeous scarf ?

Four Word Weekend: Bra and Underwear

DO YOU MATCH YOURS?

(photo credit: Nordstroms)

COMMENT IN FOUR WORDS ONLY, PLEASE!

Celebrity Chic But Cheap: Trista Sutter

Trista I adore your dress, from the shape, to the print to the color. Fabulous, darling!

By the way, are you the only one to actually find lasting love on the Bachelor/Bachelor-ette series? You and this year's Jason of course (snicker).

But I am going to go out on a limb here and say that I think Jason did the right thing! No one wants to see a marriage end in divorce in the first year. I think he did a brave thing, but I don't think the network should have had it go down the way it did!

Ok, 'nuff said. Back to Trista who always looks crazy happy with her cute hubby and new family!

Of course I couldn't find her exact dress, so I found some dresses that have a similar silhouette, all from the great website, My Shape! The open toed shoes are from Zappos!

*** To see the stores or items in detail, click on the image below***

Celebrity Chic but Cheap: Trista Sutter by real style real people on Polyvore.com

(photo credit: imnotobsessed.com)

Ask Christina: How To Wear Rain Boots

Dear Christina:

April Showers bring May flowers! It is rainy here and I am out and about with the kids - after much obsessing over rain boots I purchased my first pair from Target. A cute navy pair with small light blue anchors - but now I just don't know how to wear them - I know about skinny jeans but I only own one pair of straight leg b/c honestly with hips and a butt it isn't the most flattering look - do you have other suggestions on how to wear them?

Answer:

Well Rachel, I think just like very warm furry boots in the winter (Uggs, etc.) there is no real rhyme or reason when it comes to practicality. Yeah, I know, it's important to look cute. So I say rain boots can go with all kinds of jeans/pants (as well as casual skirts), not just skinny jeans! My friend Deb, below, met me wearing her pink ones over straight cut jeans and I immediately thought how cute they looked.

I happen to think any jeans will do! Or don't tuck, just wear your flare or boot cut jeans right over them!

What I am more inclined to do is to roll up my jeans so they are not dragging on the ground in the rain but still look chic, like below!

Check out all of these cute rain boots all from What a Pair! for $40 and under!

photo credit: Amazon, foto s.a

Spring/ Fall 2009: Bohemian Chic

I happen to love Boho Chic styles-my favorite being split-neck tunics!

I know, some don't like the prints or the flowy fabrics or the hippy vibe.

But there are plenty of more stream-lined pieces out there that you can pair with crisp white pants, for example, or a structured purse.

Plus, the flowy fabrics really work for some of us and our mid-sections. And the longer lengths can help skim over (and hide) the thighs. Even still, I know it's not for every body type!

(photo credit: the Etro and Diane Von Furstenberg shows courtesy of style.com)

Here are some other boho influences below:

**Reminder to my readers: the blue and red dress below is from Ruche! Don't forget about their 10% off discount for RSRP readers until May 1st! Just put RSRP as your coupon code at checkout!

***Click on image below to see items or stores in detail***

boho chic by real style real people featuring Forever21 tops

Spring 2009 Handbags

Adding a new spring handbag to your wardrobe can do many things for you:

- It can add a small "spring" to your step (no pun intended ) ;)

- It can make you feel current, given your bag is a neon or citrusy color, has a feminine detail, or is a popular shape (like a hobo, for instance)

- It can add a pop of color where you need it-especially if you are stuck between seasons like we are here (and it's still cold on some days).

- It can be a low-budget update!

All of the Spring handbags below are from Handbag Heaven! Check them out on my sidebar for lots of options under $50!

***click on the image below to see the item or store in detail***

Spring Handbags by real style real people on Polyvore.com

Sidenote: un-related to fashion- anyone out there a fan of 24 this season? Shock and awe that Tony A. turned last night? No, T., NO! How could you? Talk to me about it! I am bummed! :(