Pretty Mondays: The New Denim + Tennis Shoes

I was finishing up a cycle class last week, when my cycle instructor told me she loves my Facebook posts about fashion.  She then said she needed ideas on what to wear after the gym - where she primarily picks up her son from school and then does the "mom" thing (the "mom" thing is not a bad thing, nor is it an insult - but if you happen to be a mom, you know this does not usually entail pencil skirts and high heels.......)  She mentioned wanting stylish shoes to wear with her jeans (because it's just too cold for flip-flops now.)  Normally I would recommend an amazing pair of flats (like leopard print) with jeans, but I'd like to offer up an alternative to jeans entirely (but don't forget - leggings are not to be worn as pants!)  I told her about my as-of-that-morning unpublished post featuring this outfit (that I want to wear everyday, to be perfectly frank with you.)

Jacket: Kohls (old) see similar here

T-shirt: H&M

Earrings: H&M (old)

Necklaces: J.Crew Tassel, Forever21

Bracelets: J.Crew (old)

Rings: H&M, 9thandElm.com

Handbag: Phillip Lim for Target

Pants: J.Crew Pixie Pant

Shoes: Puma (via Nordstrom Rack)

I may or may not have told her that these leggings are basically the less shiny version of our work-out pants (#oops) but it's true.  I actually wore this outfit to the last night of shows during KCFW, but wore tennis shoes to meet some friends for dinner beforehand; I had a pair of wedge booties in the car, but Meg (also the lovely photographer) convinced me to wear the sneakers (does the term 'sneakers' sound more cool than tennis shoes?!)  I've come to realize that all tennis shoes (of varying styles) are not created equal.  For anyone who has bought running shoes, you know that they range from cool and sleek to ultra-comfortable clodhoppers.  Some make our feet look normal (streamlined and accentuate our ankles) while others make us look like we are wearing geriatric shoes (though there's nothing wrong with that either - comfort!!)  I recently had to buy a new pair of running shoes, and I kid you not, I ordered twenty different pairs (polka dots!) looking for a pair that was both functional and flattering.

I personally love Puma brand tennis shoes - they seem to work best with my foot type.  I look for shoes that are cut farther away from the top of my foot and ankle - they seem to help with my "cankle-like" appearance, lol!

What brand of shoes do you prefer?

faux leather jacket

sneakers

Organize Your Accessories, Part 1

Now that I've got that out of the way, let's talk organization again.  If you are like me, I clean out my closet every few months......and have a large pile of clothes that will be sold, donated or recycled.  Every time I clean my closet, I have big hopes that I've gotten rid of enough that I will miraculously have space for something awesome, like a shoe or jewelry cabinet.  Sadly, all I ever have is a little bit of breathing room for the favorites I decide to keep.

After years of disorganization, I decided to think outside the box (and outside my closet) for my jewelry organization:

I started using vintage teacups, but I needed something for longer, larger earrings.  I thrifted this glass for $.49!

These jewelry trees can be found everywhere: Forever21, Kohls, JoAnns, Michaels......

Another vintage teacup thrifted for under $1!

I thrifted an old picture frame, spray painted it and simply added pins directly to the wall behind it (I'm not afraid of a few small holes, lol!)  They have some decorative push-pin type hook at Lowe's and Home Depot.  I put up a mirror so I wouldn't carry the jewelry into the bathroom or closet - I was ending up with piles of discarded jewelry all over the place!

My bracelets and rings are kept in the top drawer of my dresser.  I found some great jewelry organizers at Michaels.  If you use a drawer, you can line it with felt to keep your pieces, cups and saucers, and containers from sliding around when the drawer is opened or closed.

Add caption

So think outside the box and get that jewelry organized!  If you can't see it, you won't ever wear it!  If you can't see it, you might find yourself buying things twice (or like items!)

How do you organize your jewelry?

How To: Launder Your Closet

I think it might have been the holes I ended up wearing in my favorite pants that prompted my fanaticism with the proper care and handling of clothing.  For as long as I can remember, I have washed my clothing in cold water and hung them to air-dry.

My mother once saw this magazine at the store and picked it up for me (a highly irregular thing for her to have done!)  It's like my laundry Bible, lol!  It's also from the pre-convict Martha era.

By far the most helpful thing from this treasure of an issue:

If a tag says Dry Clean - you can actually hand wash it (carefully!)  If the tag says Dry Clean Only - take it to the cleaners, that Only is there for a reason.

Cold Water:  Lights, Brights, Darks, Denim and some Whites (yes, SORT your loads people!)
Hot Water: Unmentionables (bras not included,) Whites that are being bleached and Towels
Dryer: Unmentionables and workout gear that I just can't wait to air-dry
Air-Dry: Everything else.

I use a front-loading washing machine - I think they should ban the manufacturing and selling of top-loaders.  Top-loaders are inefficient and that agitator is cruel on clothing.

I wash my wool and silk on the delicate cycle of my front-loading washing machine (DO NOT WASH THESE IN A TOP-LOADER - that agitator will re-shape your garment into an unrecognizable item!)  I then  roll the item up into a towel, pressing heavily on the towel to release excess water (it works, I swear!) all without de-forming the original shape of the sweater.

I could go on (and tell you stories about The Mr drying and shrinking my clothes - argh!)  but I will leave you with this fun guide to Symbols for Washing Your Clothing.........

How To: Closet Spaces

This is a fun post - I get to show you a bunch of fantasy closets (see more here) that I wish I had!

Before I do, I want to make a few points about closets:

1.  Closets should always be organized and clean.  How can you look your best if you can't find your best items??  Bugs (including dust mites) will wear away at your clothes faster than anything else.  I organize my closet by type, then color.  All of my short-sleeve t-shirts are organized by Roy G. Biv (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet - the spectrum of the rainbow) with black, gray and white leading.  Next come my 3/4 sleeve tees, long sleeve tees, button up (arranged again, by sleeves) and so on.  It's the easiest way to find what I am looking for, every time.  I also use wooden hangers exclusively, except when an item is silk or chiffon (they get felt covered hangers.)

2.  Lights can slowly but surely fade your clothes - don't leave them on all day!  Plus, it will save on your electric bill, lol!

On to the fantasizing (grab a kleenex in case of drool.....)

Don't:

Source: 1000notes.com via Erin on Pinterest

How can you find anything in that closet??  The shoes at the back probably get worn the least, mostly because they can't be seen.  While drawers are great - you tend to not wear what you can't see; unless you enjoy the treasure hunting every time you get dressed.

Do (the personal closet of Erica at Moth Design.  She is the most amazing woman you will ever meet online - mother of 5 boys, interior designer, cutest. woman. ever, her closet is a treasure trove of the most enviable handbags, shoes and clothing!) :

Source: moth-design.com via Erin on Pinterest

I wish:

Source: Uploaded by user via Erin on Pinterest

Source: mitchellyvmyrta.tumblr.com via Erin on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Erin on Pinterest

Ideal:

look at all that Roy G. Biv, lol!

Source: houzz.com via Erin on Pinterest

Source: paloma81.blogspot.com via Erin on Pinterest

Source: media-cache5.pinterest.com via Erin on Pinterest

Non-traditionals:

Source: media-cache5.pinterest.com via Erin on Pinterest

Source: sweethomestyle.tumblr.com via Erin on Pinterest

Small spaces:

Source: brooklynlimestone.com via Erin on Pinterest

Source: bhg.com via Erin on Pinterest

Source: brooklynlimestone.com via Erin on Pinterest

Do you already have a fabulous closet?  How do you organize (or fail to organize, lol!)?

Day 1: The Introduction

Day 1½: A Triple P Giveaway

Day 2: Nude vs. Black

Day 3: How to Walk in Stilettos

Day 4: Floods and High Waters, Heels and Maxis

Day 5: Pointed vs. Rounded

 Day 6: Wear Pants

Day 7: Choose Your Hem

Day 8: Knot Your Belt

Day 9: Belts Part II

Day 10: Handbags Large and Small

Day 10½: Another Triple P Giveaway

Day 11: Sleeves, the Long and Short of it

Day 12: Sleeves, Re-do

Day 13: How To: Wear Blazers, Jackets and Tuxedos

Day 14: How To: Wear Bracelets

Day 15: How To: Necklines

Day 16: How To: Necklines, Necklaces + A Giveaway

Day 17: How To: The Scarf

Day 18: Up-dos, Hair-dos

Day 19: Hair Turban

Day 20: Closets

How To: Hair Turbans

I have a love/hate relationship with my hair.  On a good day, I'm secretly grateful I have natural curls.  On a bad day......well, I'm sure you can guess how I feel in the humidity.

I've read books (actually, just this one.)  It was interesting, but in the end it wasn't helpful.  I've consulted with my hairstylist (she's the same one I've had for 9 years.)  I haven't cheated on her either - how's that for commitment, lol?  What I've come to realize is that everyone is so different, it's impossible to sum everything up in one blog post, or one book, or with one hairstylist.  I only know what works for me:

The cocktail, as my hairstylist calls it.

The best shampoo and conditioner at the Beauty Brand $11.98/liter sale prices:

Joico.  pH balanced - learn it, live it, love it.

Have a larger budget for your haircare?  I recently got some samples of the new Shu Uemura hair product line (and advice - we'll call this a flirtation, no adultery here) from Shelby of the Shelby Herrick Salon in Fairway KS.  His is one of only 1% of American salons that carry this line.  He recommended I use the Shusu Sleek (how fun is that to say?!) smoothing shampoo and conditioner.  It's good stuff guys.  So is my new second-day-hair go-to product, which brings my curls back to life: 

If I can leave you with one tip that should apply to everyone, it's this:

Yep, that's a hair turban made of a cotton t-shirt.  T-shirts tend to be soft (don't use a nubby one, that's not good quality cotton and has a similar texture to terry-looped towels.)  Towels can be abrasive (see all those loops and fibers poking out?) 

cut off the sleeve as shown above, then fold the t-shirt in half, cut diagonally!

Tie two ends of the triangle at your forehead.

Tuck the tail under the knot at the forehead.  You're done.

You don't have to "make" a turban, you can simply take a t-shirt (preferably a crew-neck,)stick your head in the hole of the tee and twist the body (do what you will with the arms) around your hair to make the turban. You could also just cut the tee down the middle (or side) and you suddenly have a bath towel sized t-shirt-towel.  I can't guarantee results, but I notice a difference when I use a t-shirt rather than a towel.

What are your hair trade-secrets?

Day 1: The Introduction

Day 1½: A Triple P Giveaway

Day 2: Nude vs. Black

Day 3: How to Walk in Stilettos

Day 4: Floods and High Waters, Heels and Maxis

Day 5: Pointed vs. Rounded

 Day 6: Wear Pants

Day 7: Choose Your Hem

Day 8: Knot Your Belt

Day 9: Belts Part II

Day 10: Handbags Large and Small

Day 10½: Another Triple P Giveaway

Day 11: Sleeves, the Long and Short of it

Day 12: Sleeves, Re-do

Day 13: How To: Wear Blazers, Jackets and Tuxedos

Day 14: How To: Wear Bracelets

Day 15: How To: Necklines

Day 16: How To: Necklines, Necklaces + A Giveaway

Day 17: How To: The Scarf

Day 18: Up-dos, Hair-dos

How To: Up-dos, Hair-dos

I named this blog after the style I'm looking for - all things pretty, polished and perfect.  I find them, but rarely do I ever achieve the Triple P status.  (Most likely due to bad hair days and muffin tops.)

My bad hair day go-to?  The Donut (Doughnut?) Bun.  The Sock Bun, minus the sock, add the donut.

Whether you love or hate the bun trend (sock, top-knot or otherwise) it's in, it's easy and it's the fastest way to get your up-do on.




*WARNING*:  Buns and up-dos are not for everyone.  My own face looks better framed by a down-do.  Proportion is important - my own head shape is not right for a teeny-tiny bun.  My face isn't wide enough for an over-sized "donut."  When in doubt, stick to the rule of thirds - it should be no larger and no smaller than 1/3 the size of your face (but don't forget to counter-size for foreheads - larger foreheads can look larger with a shorter-squatter bun and smaller foreheads can look un-naturally small if dwarfed by a too-large bun.)

So go mess around with your hair, take pictures (those photographic images won't lie - I swear,) and ask your closest and most trusted friend.  And remember, if you receive lots of compliments (of the genuine variety) wash and repeat often.

What do you think?  Are you anti-bun?

How To: The Scarf

Yesterday I mentioned turtlenecks and boatnecks (and a giveaway.)  Those types of collars are not for everyone - they can make a neck look wider and shorter.  A great alternative to a fabulous necklace or neckline is a scarf.  Useful for disguising and hiding, warmth and to draw the eye upward, scarves have the most versatility.  My favorite - the look that always look great - is the one that I see most often on celebrities.  It's also the ones I get the most compliments on.

So, um, yeah.  I'm going to name this The Celebrity (please, no applause for my originality here......)  Seriously, watch this.  Laugh, point, share with your friends.  Especially when I get confused (a mirror would have been extremely useful) and smack myself in the face with the scarf.  It's pretty good stuff:

Wrap it around twice, tuck it under and through.  Adjust it until you look like Blake Lively and wah-lah!  You've achieved celebrity status.  Just kidding.  But go on with your bad self anyway.

Tips for scarves - they can look matronly, so watch the length of the tails.  Those lengthy tails can also make you look top heavy if they don't hang long enough, and short if they hang too long.  Scarves worn long draw the eye down as well, so unless you have on a pair of fabulous shoes.........don't.

What do you think?  How do you wear your scarves (if at all?)

p.s. Like giveaways?  Enter here.

Day 1: The Introduction

Day 1½: A Triple P Giveaway

Day 2: Nude vs. Black

Day 3: How to Walk in Stilettos

Day 4: Floods and High Waters, Heels and Maxis

Day 5: Pointed vs. Rounded

 Day 6: Wear Pants

Day 7: Choose Your Hem

Day 8: Knot Your Belt

Day 9: Belts Part II

Day 10: Handbags Large and Small

Day 10½: Another Triple P Giveaway

Day 11: Sleeves, the Long and Short of it

Day 12: Sleeves, Re-do

Day 13: How To: Wear Blazers, Jackets and Tuxedos

Day 14: How To: Wear Bracelets

Day 15: How To: Necklines

Day 16: How To: Necklines, Necklaces + A Giveaway

How To: Necklines

There are of course, a large variety of necklines, but I wanted to focus on three or four of the more common types for tops and t-shirts.

I myself prefer the boatneck, as it tends to make your neck look more slender.  Of course, I also have a small chest, so really any shirt works for me.  If you hate your collar bone, a jewel neckline works well to hid it, as can a boatneck.  Larger chest?  V-neck t-shirts can help keep your chest from ka-powing it in a t-shirt.  I usually prefer to wear my hair down when I wear a v-neck, or a more scooped jewel neck line (the polka dot shirt.)  I also prefer to not wear a jewel neckline (the orange tee) with a jacket or blazer, because it creates a disproportionate line that is not in harmony with the cut of the lapels - more on that tomorrow!

I can't end this post without mentioning turtlenecks, my second most favorite neckline - for hiding my neck and framing my face at the same time.

I also can't end this post without mentioning the importance of the right bra.  Bras should hold your ladies in the front and center - if you find them going in any other direction, your bra might not be giving you enough support.  Most stores have an associate available (and trained) in measuring you for your correct bra size.

And while we are on the topic of bras and breasts - don't forget to schedule that annual appointment with your doctor!  Early detection of breast cancer = 93% chance of survival (not the survival of your breasts, but the survival of your life.)

Day 1: The Introduction

Day 1½: A Triple P Giveaway

Day 2: Nude vs. Black

Day 3: How to Walk in Stilettos

Day 4: Floods and High Waters, Heels and Maxis

Day 5: Pointed vs. Rounded

 Day 6: Wear Pants

Day 7: Choose Your Hem

Day 8: Knot Your Belt

Day 9: Belts Part II

Day 10: Handbags Large and Small

Day 10½: Another Triple P Giveaway

Day 11: Sleeves, the Long and Short of it

Day 12: Sleeves, Re-do

Day 13: How To: Wear Blazers, Jackets and Tuxedos

Day 14: How To: Wear Bracelets

p.s. Don't forget to enter this week's awesome giveaway!

How To: Wear Bracelets

Let's talk bracelets.  Yesterday I mentioned that I like my jackets and sleeves to bare a little bit of wrist - it's my own version of modestly showing some skin, lol!  While I don't really have man-wrists, I also don't have petite delicate wrists.  J. Crew has some really fabulous (and hugely popular) wrist candy right now.  I am in love with this pave link beauty.  I want this bracelet to work so badly.....but it is terribly disproportionate to my wrist size.  Like unflattering hems on jackets (and muffin tops) this bracelet doesn't dwarf my wrist and make it seem tiny, but rather the opposite.  Here I am, trying to make it work:

I've since learned what will and what won't work.  It's tough - sometimes you fall in love with a trend, an idea, or thing of beauty - and you wage a war.  Do you wear it and love it even if it isn't flattering?  Or do you just. say. no.

Have you heard of the rule of three?  Most often used in interior decorating and phrases, information and objects that appear in threes tend to be more appealing/pleasing-to-the-eye, effective, and memorable than other numbers of objects and information.  That includes multiples - 6, 9, 12, etc......

How many bracelets does that mean you should wear?  I usually choose a statement bracelet and add three bangles:

This isn't to say that you can't wear more, or less.  Wear what makes you happy.  Hopefully you can find pieces that make you happy and compliment (and complete) your outfit, your skin tone and the proportions of your body!

Day 1: The Introduction

Day 1½: A Triple P Giveaway

Day 2: Nude vs. Black

Day 3: How to Walk in Stilettos

Day 4: Floods and High Waters, Heels and Maxis

Day 5: Pointed vs. Rounded

 Day 6: Wear Pants

Day 7: Choose Your Hem

Day 8: Knot Your Belt

Day 9: Belts Part II

Day 10: Handbags Large and Small

Day 10½: Another Triple P Giveaway

Day 11: Sleeves, the Long and Short of it

Day 12: Sleeves, Re-do

Day 13: How To: Wear Blazers, Jackets and Tuxedos

Day 14: How To: Wear Bracelets

What about you?  Do you set rules for your accessories?

p.s. don't forget to enter the fantastic giveaway going on this week!

How To: Wear Blazers, Jackets and Tuxedos

 I'm not sure if you've noticed, but I'm attempting to style you from the floor up.  After sleeves comes jackets - but mostly because I want to include a blurb about the sleeve length and styling of jackets.

The Europeans have long thought showing the wrist was sexy.  I agree (and I'm not European.)  In fact, I prefer it - maybe because I believe it makes my wrist and hands appear more feminine and less manly.  What do you think:

I also love the idea of making a tailored jacket look a bit more messy - the contrast adds visual interest!

Let's talk about the length of the jacket.  Jackets come in just about every shape and size.  I would like to say first and foremost that I am strictly against the 80s and even early 90s menswear inspired double-breasted jackets.  They don't look good on anyone.

They might make you appear tiny under that huge jacket, but how many of you simply thought "That jacket is way too big for you, lady?" or "What happened to your boobs??"

Once again putting my own body on the chopping block:

Long jackets that hit your butt (or right below - and worse, pull the jacket tails apart) at the wrong spot can make your butt look large (think Jennifer Lopez.)  Jackets that hit right below the waist and flare out will help your booty look good, rather than larger than life.  Jackets worn too high on the waist when you don't have an hourglass figure can make your midsection appear larger, and wider (scroll down for that lovely photo.)

I normally don't like longer tuxedo jackets, but paired with the right pair of pants:

But whatever you do, do NOT do this:

There are so many things wrong with this.  These jeans, the way I'm standing, that butt, that t-shirt, my love handles, the cropped jacket......

DO!  This is the same jacket, but paired with a waist-cinching dress (and a line that helps make the jacket look longer) this jacket is much more appropriate.  The full skirt of the dress also helps hide those horrid love-handles!

Not sure about your jacket length?  Take pictures, ask friends, ask Your Mr (or significant other.)  And whatever you do, don't forget to look back in the mirror - it might look great from the front......but your backside could be song-inspiring, lol!  

Day 1: The Introduction

Day 1½: A Triple P Giveaway

Day 2: Nude vs. Black

Day 3: How to Walk in Stilettos

Day 4: Floods and High Waters, Heels and Maxis

Day 5: Pointed vs. Rounded

 Day 6: Wear Pants

Day 7: Choose Your Hem

Day 8: Knot Your Belt

Day 9: Belts Part II

Day 10: Handbags Large and Small

Day 10½: Another Triple P Giveaway

Day 11: Sleeves, the Long and Short of it

Day 12: Sleeves, Re-do

Day 13: How To: Wear Blazers, Jackets and Tuxedos

Day 14: How To: Wear Bracelets 

What do you think?  Is there a jacket length you avoid?

p.s. don't forget to enter the fantastic giveaway going on this week!