7 Style Trends I've embraced in 2009

It's almost the end of 2009 (yikes!) and everyone is making lists.

So, here's my list of trends I've gotten on board with this year:

1. Boyfriend Cardigans (the one below is from the Gap): I own three of them and wear them religiously with tanks, jeans and scarfs.

2. Leggings: Just like Katie (image below from justjared.buzznet.com), I've worn my black ones with long tunics, dresses and flats:

3. My Plaid Tunic (from charlotte Ruche) that I've worn every which way:

4. Infinity Scarfs (this is one is LA Made). So easy-no thought involved. Just wind one, two, or three times around your neck. It never comes undone and you never have to fuss with it.

5. Short Scrunchie Boots (these are from JC Penney). I wear them with leggings, straight leg or boot cut pants. Easy. Love them.
6. Anything with Ruffles (the one below is by BCBG). Big bosom babes beware-depending on where the ruffles are placed, they can make you look even larger.



7. Short-sleeve cardigans. I wear them for every season. In the warmer months I just layer a long tee underneath (mine is from Target):

So there you have it!

HOW ABOUT YOU?

Dream Jeans or Pipe Dream? Edition II

I think I'm in LOVE (at least for the moment- I am a flighty kind of girl).


Remember a couple months back I was super excited about trying on the Old Navy Dream Jeans--with tummy control (my current problem and obsession)?


Well I did try them on, and liked the looked, BUT I needed the next bigger size to feel comfortable. They searched, and they called and.... didn't have them in stock (or on-line at the time).



So I left the store, defeated, and thought I'd mosy on over to my favorite pick me up place: TARGET!


Who couldn't use some Target browsing time every now and again(which inevitably always leads too a $100 spent at the register).


WELL--lo and behold, I spotted these , below:


The Merona Fit Solutions No Gap Waist Jeans for $24.99.


AND, The Merona Fit Solutions Denim Tummy control Panel Jeans for $24.99.

What do I like about these two pair of jeans besides the fit and price? The comfort!! Tons of Stretch, especially along the waistband, where I need it right now!



I can't help it-- I need comfort. Might be why I always find something I'm attracted to in the maternity department at Target!


Sad I know! :)

Denim Leggings

When I first saw some (at Target) I thought, AW HELL NO!

Demin Leggings by real style real people featuring Dorothy Perkins tights

But then I got to thinking about them. How were they that much different than wearing skinny jeans- with a top covering my bum, tucked into boots (or with ballet flats)?

If anything they would be way more comfy! And may get rid of that sag I seem to get at the top of my boots where my jeans are tucked in....

So I'll be giving them a try this season! How about you?

Your Jeans Wardrobe- Revisited

I thougth my post on jeans from last year was worth a repeat, so here goes......


In my opinion, trying on jeans, is like trying on a bathing suit- you need a boatload of confidence, and lots of time, to find a flattering pair. And you should never go by the size you see on the tag, because it's different in every store, but I know that plays with a women's psyche. As far as cost is concerned, finding a pair that fits you to a tee and make you feel dynamite, is worth the price of admission. Especially if it's a pair that you'll own for years and becomes an essential in your closet.

So what are those essentials jeans you should have in your closet? Here's my list:

1)Straight Leg Jeans will always be in style. They are classic and look good on most figures. The straight leg jeans below are from The Gap.


2)Crop Jeans. Crop style have been around for a long time and are now considered a classic silhouette. You can wear your crops into fall with boots, heels and ballets. The crops below are from Motto at QVC.
3) Trouser Jeans have a more refined look in your jeans wardrobe. They look dressy and therefore add more sophistication. The trouser jeans below are from Banana Republic.
4)Boot Cut Jeans also work on most figures. I love them because they help balance out my hip area. However, women who are ultra thin say that they have the opposite effect are them. The bootcut jeans below are by Elle, a newer line by Kohl's that I like. You can take your boot cuts a little farther and have more of a flare at the bottom, and sometimes it's hard to differentiate between the two in stores. But boot cuts should only flare out slightly at the bottom.
5) Wide Leg Jeans, which are meant to be wide from hip to heel, can look classy or trendy depending on the rinse and rise. They can help "balance you out", but on petite women's, they can look overwhelming. So again, try everything on and find the right fit for you. The wide leg jeans below are from Old Navy.

Now length, rinse, rise and pockets a different matter.

You need to decide whether you want a longer length because you wear a lot of heels or a shorter length because you're a flats girls. I am somewhere in between and so I tend to look for "in between" lengths that can go both ways. Or, if I am wearing flats and my jeans are too long, I roll them one or two times at the bottom.

As far as rinse is concerned, I would stay closer to a darker rinse most of the time, because it is more flattering, on trend and classy. Although, it is fun to have a lighter, broken in pair, as well as a different color, such as black or grey.

The rule of thumb for pockets is that if you have a bigger bum and hips, go for clean lines and pockets that don't stand out, such as tab button pockets in the back. If you have a flat bum and hips, these kind of pockets will help add depth. But again, the key is to try everything on. My favorite pair of Gap jeans have tab buttons and I think they are very flattering on me.

The rise depends on what your comfortable with and what flatters you. Some of my favorite jeans have a low rise because they look good on my hips and thighs. But they can drive me crazy, because I always think something in back is showing. I am definitely more comfortable with a higher rise, like right around or below my belly button.


Trendy looks that will be a safe bet for the next year? Skinny, all the way! Before you know it they'll be considered classics (who knows).

Also, boyfriend, distressed and moto-cross styles. How about denim jackets, vests and shirts? YEP! More to come on these.....

Three Reasons Why I love Joan Holloway's Style

I'm a newer convert to Mad Men, so here goes:

1. Her BOLD use of colors:

2. Playing up the features of her realistic womenly body:

3.This one is totally biased: I most love when she wears green (my favorite color) with her blazing red hair!
Gorgeous, assertive and sexy, all in one!

I think I just came up with my own Halloween costume-think anyone would get it?

Dressing for the Airport

The picture, below, of "The Becks" was taken at the airport:

And here's what I want to say to Victoria: Um, hello??? I am so uncomfortable for you!

If you are coming off of your own private plane then fine, but still, how comfortable can that outfit be for you? When you sit down someone can see your goods and the heels have got to hurt after awhile(I know, there are those out there who love to wear heels and feel perfectly comfortable in them).

David, you have perfect comfy yet stylish clothes on (and plus, you are just perfect).

I was just on a five hour plane ride (really eight, when you count layovers) to San Diego and I choose to wear my softest denim and comfy flats. And I try to dress in soft layers too.

But there are variations of comfortable, I know. And I've seen some STRANGE outfits at the airport, like matchy top and bottom leopard sweat outfits and even slippers. And yes, as a society we have really let ourselves go when it comes to comfort (pajamas in the grocery store, anyone?)

So this is one topic that irks me. Dress for comfort but don't look like you're going to a sleep-over, or you're a bag lady or you're auditioning for top model!

Fergie, below, looks comfortable and stylish coming off of her flight:

Kate Hudson is wearing a simple tee and jeans (which I'll assume she feels comfortable in):

Megan Fox is wearing black sweat-type pants. It looks comfy to me and I have tons of these kind of loungy clothes- but I'm not sure I'd wear them on a plane. What about you?

Readers, what do you wear on a plane?

(photo credit: imnotobsessed.com and people.com)

Ruffled Tanks

I am loving this look, worn by Leann Rimes (photo from people.com).

It gives a regular tank a boost of feminity and makes it more interesting.

You can take it into fall by adding a cardi or fitted jacket.

Here are some similar looks from Gap, Charlotte Ruche, Bluefly and Kohls:

ruffle tanks by real style real people featuring GAP

Dream Jeans or Pipe Dream?

Have you heard of the Old Navy Dreamer Jeans?

They are a classic rise- so they sit naturally on your waist.

They are boot-cut.

They have a front panel that slims the tummy (yes! The problem area I am having right now).

And a no-gap contoured wasitband.

They come in four different rinse colors and have a nice pocket design- all for $34.50.

Now do I believe this to be the ultimate jean? I don't know, but I'm about to find out, because I ordered them and will test them out!

I know there are other jeans out there that claim to help tuck you in and slim you like, the Miracle Body jeans (for $110) and the Totally Slimming jeans by Levis in Wal-Mart stores (for $20).

Yes my dreams may be dashed, if they may miss the mark for me.

But Old Navy merchandise is right up my alley. Their store displays are always enticing to me, as well as their prices. They always have the latest trends and I have had success with some of their other jeans, as long as I go up a size.

Plus a knock-out pair of jeans is an ESSENTIAL in your wardrobe.

So, what do I have to lose, really?

Aprons: fashionable or sensible?

Do you wear an apron when you cook? My mom did all the time no matter what. Hers became stained and worn out, but she never went without one.

And I'm thinking that's smart. Because Murphy's Law always dictates that if I'm cooking pasta with some kind of red sauce, OR if I happen to be cutting up watermelon or strawberries that day, I absolutely always just happen to have a white a shirt on. Always, I swear.

I do have two aprons sitting in a drawer that I've been given as gifts.

Do I ever put one of these aprons on before my knife digs into the melon? Not a chance.

Instead I hold my upper body far away from where I'm cutting in some kind of funky position so as to not get anything splashed on me. And it never works.

Aprons seem to be trendier to wear as of late, especially vintage styles. There are so many great handmade ones on etsy, but alas, I don't think my habits will change.

(photot credit: countryliving.com)

READERS, what about you?

Faeries and Pixie Dust

On a recent trip to the bookstore (one of my favorite places on earth), I got lost, as I always do, checking out all the latest best-sellers, and then made my way to the young adult section to check out my future competition (HA!) if my pipe dream of becoming published ever comes true.

There were lots of interesting looking books out there, certainly lots of vampire books and Faery books. The one below, had such a gorgeous cover (it is for middle grade readers) and it got me thinking about ethereal worlds and why they're so appealing to me.


Maybe it has to do with the whisper of a magical land that promises to enchant and surprise you. Although I have to admit that is probably directly opposite of the book I've written- but it still has a similar intrigue and mystery to it.

photot credit : (godboxcafe.com)

Much like the pieces below add some whismy to an outfit. The flowy fabrics and accessories dotted with irridescent crystals and flowers make you believe woodland creatures may appear any moment around the corner.

Maybe that's why I am so drawn to those kinds of skirts and dresses (besides the fact that they flow nicely over any curves)-but for me, instead of woodland creatures the Big Bad Wolf (or maybe a random zombie) would appear in my woodlands! Ha Ha!

ethereal by real style real people featuring Forever21

Giraffe Prints

Guess where we went this weekend?

Are you as impressed as I am with my picture taking ability?

Those sweet giraffes got into position for me to take the perfect shot, of one of my favorite animals.

I love giraffes! They are so unusual, and have the prettiest coat.

Animal prints will always be in style- they are classic.

Normally, you see other animals represented, like tiger, cheetah and zebra.

But giraffe prints have become more prominent- I am seeing them everywhere!

But: when it comes to this print, less is more!

So I say, stick to accessories!

All of the bags below are from Handbag Heaven, for under $45:

giraffe print bags by real style real people on Polyvore.com

***To view the items or stores below in more detail, just click on the image***

giraffe print accessories by real style real people featuring Old Navy scarves

ARE YOU GAME?

Show and Tell: Downy Wrinkle Releaser

A couple of months ago when I outed myself about Never, EVER ironing here, it became a spirited conversation with my readers, and I realized (outside of one person who was very passionate about ironing), I was NOT ALONE.

I mentioned that outside of the dryer, I used Downy Wrinkle Releaser on a daily basis:

That revelation was met with shock, curiosity and awe and I was asked to do a demonstration.

WELL, I finally got my camera and Downy in the same room together to take pictures of how the product works. So here goes:

Here's a pair of my wrinkly pants:

I spray the Downy on them (see the sprtiz marks? It doesn't ruin the material):

Next I smooth the material down with my hands:

See how the material is beginning to "release" and soften the wrinkles?

And BAM! I put them on to show you (I could have waited a couple of minutes until the spray stains dried a little, but I was in a hurry).

Now it's not perfect, but it works!!!

What do you think, readers, do you use it already or would you be willing to try it?

I swear I don't work for or get paid by Downy-but they could offer me a contract ;)

The Cleveland Fashion Show

Well Fashion Week Cleveland has come to an end, but not before the Grand Finale black tie gala event Saturday night!

It was a night of fun sophistication!

There was a mix of student designers and American designers.

As a whole I enjoyed the student designers immensely and I really applaud their efforts!

Here are some of my pictures below:

Nathanael Porembka (from the University of Cincinnati):

Megan Rowley (from Kent State University):

Andrew Spargo (from Kent State University):

The American Designer that I loved and felt was the most wearable, for me (if I could just afford her clothes on Etsy) was Valerie Mayen!

She is also a semi-finalist this season for Project Runway (go Valerie!)

Here are some of her ETSY shop designs for sale called Yellow Cake Shop:

Here were some of the guests at the snazzy Renaissance Hotel in Cleveland: