Fall 2010: My Report

I have been thinking about fall a lot lately. I hate to see summer go, especially because this one has been a busy one for my husband and me. We haven't really had time to get outside and really soak it all up and he starts a new semester next Monday! Anyway, I don't know what it is, but last year as well as this year, I start thinking about fall in August. Sometimes I think I am done, DONE, with shopping. But apparently I still want more. Here are some things that have been on my mind. I will probably work on getting quite a few of these.

If you remember, I made a list last year in August...

So, a rundown of this year's list:
1) I really want to get into smaller handbags. I have only been using one handbag for over a year now. Just one. That I use for/with everything. Not only am I sick of my current bag, but I am tired of having a huge hobo bag that inevitable fills up and gets heavy. This oversize clutch is great.

2) I need an evening clutch, too.

3) I still don't own a perfect LBD. I would like to have one, I don't know, someday.

4) I also need a simple, sleek black turtleneck.

5) I just cannot get over my love for a good trouser jean.

6) Still would like to find my perfect skinny jean. Note: Levi's have just come out with some new sizes - slight curve, demi curve, bold curve, just for a woman's proportions!

7) I would like some kind of smallish, bag like this cognac one. Brown, rustic-looking, classic fall, to me. Perfect with jeans and a plaid shirt.

8) Ah, the search continues for a perfect green pump. This one looks like it would work with nearly anything.

9) I used to have a pair of simple pink ballet flats that I loved (and wore out. to death). I want a replacement. Maybe this time I'll kick it up a notch and go for something embellished.

10) I need some fun scarves. That is all.

11) Love this chalcedony ring. Love.

12) For some reason I've really been into chain-y bracelets like this for a while. I want.

13) This bag I have been wanting and eying for a long time. So lady-like and classic.

14) Flat cognac boots. Enough said.

15) I am ready to take the plunge into booties. When they first came out a few seasons ago, I thought they looked ridiculous. Last year I started to warm up to them and now I am obsessed. Is that bad? To join the trend late? Hopefully they stick around for a few more seasons...

16) I have never been super into hats, although I do occasionally think they work for me. Lately every time I try on a fedora, I love it on me. I might need one.

And there you have it! My fall 2010 wish list. Sheesh, this thing is long and intimidating, no?

Fall Accessories Report, 2009

More more more. Just some more stuff I love.  And may be obsessed with. 

 1) I have wanted some fingerless gloves since fall of 2005.  How is it possible that I have never gotten any?  I don't know.  Also, when searching on Etsy, I saw a lot of people referring to them as "Bella Swan gloves", which peeved me and made me wish I weren't shopping for them. 

2) I can't remember when I started wanting a slouchy beret.  I think it was last year, so I may be slow to that trend.  I want it mainly because I have curly hair and a regular beanie will smash my curls and leave them frizzy once removed.  See - fashion can be practical!

3) I am also loving green accessories.  I wear a lot of pinks and purples (which sounds utterly horrible when I say it like that - I swear I don't look 5).  Green would be a good compliment to those colors and I am starting to embrace the idea of wearing accessories in colors that may be less flattering to me when worn in large quantities. 
Also, I would love love LOVE to find the perfect green pump to throw a punch to fall/winter neutrals. 

4) Again, embracing a color (mustard yellow) that I think is great, but not so great on my skin as a sweater or coat.  I love it on some people and love it for fall, but I think if I were going to do it, it would have to be in the form of a fabulous bag. 

In all honesty, the only things on this list that I can really see myself ending up with by the end of the season are the gloves and hat.  And the necklace if I make it.  The rest just aren't in the budget right now. 

Packing Light

I am not going to claim to be an expert on packing and traveling light, butI just got back from a quick trip to my parents' house and I managed to make this trip (from Saturday to Wednesday) with only one pair of shoes. Now, this wasn't a very long trip and it was a trip to Arizona so I could be pretty sure about the meteorological conditions. But I considered it quite a feat for me to get by with one pair of shoes. Over Christmas vacation, I took three pairs. My husband actually had to pack one of my pairs of shoes because I was out of space. Granted, we were gone almost two whole weeks and had church, family pictures, holiday parties, and Magic Mountain on the itinerary.

I didn't want to do that again, if possible. So this time, I started my packing with a pair of shoes in mind. Then I picked outfits accordingly. Sounds simple enough, but somehow it isn't always. I did have to borrow a pair of flip flops from my sister when we got pedicures, but otherwise I was fine. The shoes I took were some pink flats I bought early last fall. It was sort of a whim purchase and I wondered if I would have that much I could wear them with, but it turns out there isn't much I wouldn't wear them with.

These are one of my favorite pairs of shoes. They are supremely comfortable and versatile. I don't often think ballet flats are that comfortable. They just are too flat. Too thin for all day comfort - no shock absorption. But these ones are great. They do come in other colors, but I only have them in pink. Here is a mock up of the outfits I took with me. I don't believe shoes have to be "matchy-matchy" with your outfit, by the way.

The Great Jean Debate

I know, another post about jeans. This is part venting too.
Anyway, I have been searching for jeans lately. I have two pairs that fit, one of which is a little short. I have another pair that is a size too big, but still fairly new and in good shape so I wear it about as often as the other two. So, in essence 3 pairs, with only one being close to perfect. Not counting, the old, faded, ripped, 2 or 3 sizes too big jeans that I bought in high school and college (which I usually wear to my nanny job, to save my nicer ones from the filth that can sometimes be childcare).

That's not enough jeans, right? I feel like if I had more, I would wash each pair fewer times and they would in turn last longer. Right?

OK, so, I've been on the hunt for new ones but my problem has been that I want them to be cheap. And I mean cheap. Long story short, I have discovered that cheap jeans just don't fit well.

I have in the past been of the mindset that paying over $90 for jeans is ridiculous. I know, every fashionista would probably laugh at me, but you have to remember that I was the anti-fashion for a long time. So now I am thinking that someday (someday) designer jeans just may be a worthwhile investment. Because I am really, really, really tired of striking out on jeans and buying jeans that don't fit well. And seriously, jeans should be comfortable and I/we wear jeans all the time. They are a wardrobe staple, a go-to item, can these days be dressed up or down. It makes sense to invest in a great pair (or two or three).

So that's my goal. Someday I will have designer jeans.

Skinny Jeans

I have mentioned before that I am a thin person but I don't think I mentioned that I really can't wear skinny jeans. I know, it doesn't exactly make sense. But with skinny jeans, it's not just about what size you are, but also what shape you are. I know some people just plain hate them and think they are unflattering on anyone (I kind of sort of used to feel a tad like that). I don't think that is true, though. I do hate them on men and boys. I like them for the "gamine" look, with black ballet flats and a sort of indie-chic look, short hair and such but also on people like Heidi Klum in a more fashion-y, trendy context. But even Beyonce can wear them.

Here's the deal: I think if your hips are proportionate with the rest of your legs, skinny jeans may work. I, however, have a badonkadonk like you wouldn't believe if you only saw my twiggy legs and tiny ankles. I am just so round around the hip area that I just think the skinny jeans taper too much on me. Beyonce is more proportionate than I am.

Anyway, I decided to try straight leg jeans because I had a feelin they would actually look like skinny jeans on me, because of my wide hips. This is a great option to try for anyone who thinks they can't pull off skinny jeans, but would like to try them. Also, all skinny jeans are not created equal, so try a few different styles on and you may just be able to work it.
I tried these on today at the Gap (on sale):I know - light jeans? I never buy jeans in a light wash. These are more gray-looking in person and for some reason I was drawn to them (perhaps because they were the only straight-legged jeans on the sale rack in my size). I actually kind of liked them, but they were low-rise and I am so over low-rise jeans. Also, I even went up a size, but they were tighter in the hips than I could tolerate. Back to the "curvy" jeans for me. I ended up walking out with another pair of wide leg jeans. Probably still my favorite jean ever.

Packages

I got my purse the other day and I love it. LOVE it. Every time I see it slung over the back of a chair I am happy that I bought it and that it's mine. I am a little obsessed with gray right now. I think it might be the perfect neutral. This purse makes me feel young and chic, even though it is practical and versatile. And I no longer match my MIL or grandma.

Multi Bags for Multi Purposes

I wrote about my need for a new handbag recently. After the holidays spent with families, I got even more serious about it (maybe it had something to do with staying at my in-laws house and seeing, once again, that my MIL's purse is a little too similar for comfort).
After we got back home, I went ahead and ordered the bag I wanted from Handbag Heaven. I really love this site. Just dedicated to handbags. Free shipping. Copious options in color, style, size, shape, print, embellishments... Etc. My bag is scheduled to come on Wednesday (and I can't find it there anymore, so it must have sold out). But looking around on the website, I can't help but be inspired and picture myself having the perfect bag for all occasions.

When traveling for the holidays, sometimes I wish I had a larger bag. Something to accommodate all my in-flight needs. A magazine, a book, a water bottle, snacks of some sort (I am not a fan of peanuts or most other airline snacks), all my everyday purse essentials and maybe even a laptop or other junk that I don't want to check. A lot to demand of a purse, I know.
But this one at Handbag Heaven looks like it might just do the job. It reminds me of a Birkin Bag (which is probably the idea) and I know I will never own one of those (really don't need to, either). But I like the size and structure of this bag. My only wish is that they would make it in more colors (all they offer is creamy white, gray and black).
As much as I love real leather, I do like the idea of wipe-clean leatherette. And I love the inexpensiveness of it as well, as I tend to tire of my purses after awhile. I think that faux leather has come a long way, so hopefully no one will judge me for having it.

I also like this one, for different purposes. It works as an overnight bag, gym bag, perhaps a baby bag. It definitely is not sleek or streamlined, but I like the print and shape of it. I've never been a leopard print person (don't know why), but this is an animal print I can see me doing.

Honestly, when I travel I usually take a separate bag for toiletries. This one would be a cute option for that kind of thing. Shampoo, conditioner, hairdryer, face wash, moisturizer, contact solution, etc etc... I'm not very good at going without these things (high-maintenance?). I tried to do without a few of my bathroom staples on our last trip and it was not pretty. My skin was really irritated, dry, flaking, etc. I just need my own stuff.

Wardrobe Staples

Lately, I have been getting mildly obsessed with essential, timeless pieces. I am starting to feel like I have gaping wholes in my wardrobe. And since it is getting cold, most of the items I think I need are cold-weather items.
I don't have any great sweaters that will last forever. I don't have any cashmere!! How can I not have any cashmere? I really want a few cashmere sweaters in neutral colors and a few in pretty colors. Black, gray, white, pink, teal, plum. Neutrals will always stand the test of time and colors will brighten up those days of winter when you are soo ready for it to be over and everything around you seems gray or white or brown. I know this seems to go without saying, but it was something I had to learn - always buy colors that flatter your skin tone, regardless of what is in style or how cute the cut is.

Anyway, I also need tweed skirts in neutral colors, to pair with sweaters and blouses in pretty colors. One of my problems is that I grew up in Arizona and now I live in the mountain west. So, in Arizona I didn't need all these winter wardrobe basics and in college, I rarely went shopping and even if I did, I knew nothing about winter wardrobe staples (yes, it's true - moving to a snowy climate does not automatically teach you what you need to wear to survive the snow). I got a down jacket when my dad took me up to college freshman year, but it was . . . less than cute. Back then, I didn't know what was flattering or that a winter jacket could even be cute and flattering. When I went to France for a semester abroad, I bought a cute jacket there, but it was about 9 euros and not the highest quality. Now, three years later, I am realizing it is time to retire that one because the polyester fill has gotten thin and flat and it no longer insulates well.

So, since I just love to look at things, I made collages of the things I need to fill out my winter wardrobe.




This actually makes me kind of excited for winter!

Not Today, But Someday

When I am pregnant, I would like to invest in something like this.

Especially if I am pregnant in the winter... It looks cozy, soft, comfortable, chic. Most of all, it seems like something that could "grow with me" and do a good job minimizing the belly. But let's be realistic. I know there is no miracle article of clothing that will make me look like I'm not pregnant when I am 3 weeks away from delivering. But these seem a little cuter than just sweats and college hoodies. With the deep V neck, you can wear a pretty color underneath and feel slenderized by the black, without feeling like you have to say good-bye to bright colors altogether.

A Rule

I keep thinking about that teal coat I posted here a while back. I keep wanting it. So, the other day I thought I would check to see when I originally posted it, lusting after it. I told myself that unless it had been at least two weeks, I couldn't justify buying it (or asking Santa for it). When I checked, it had been three weeks.
Three weeks and still wanting. I would say that's a pretty good rule. Although I am starting to wonder if maybe I will feel dumb after the colorful coat trend passes... Will I someday be embarrassed that I have a turquoise coat? Will it become the acid washed, elastic cuffed jeans of tomorrow?
I am not sure. But today I was playing around and I made this. Here is that coat, with that purse, with jeans and boots that I already have. *sigh*

Something Else I Wish I Hadn't Seen

This is an unfortunate picture. I mean, unless you want to go out dressed like a bowl of oatmeal, why wouldn't you add some color to this?? That is one of the great things about this blazer - it goes with everything! Not just other beiges.
Anyway, that very picture may be why it hasn't sold so well and why it is on a huge discount right now. I kind of wish I hadn't seen that it was on sale because my money is very budgeted right now. I hardly have enough to buy everyone Christmas presents.
So, right now all I can do is dream. Well, I guess that's what this blog is for.

Once Upon a Time

I said in my last post that I had just undergone a sort of fashion overhaul. I was hesitant to post this, but this is my "honest" blog. Plus, I have basically no readership yet.

So, anyway, I used to dress badly. I mean, there were times that I would dress up and look nice and fairly put-together. But I still didn't really have good style, if any at all. I was like a really bad episode of What Not to Wear, and by "really bad" I mean that it was just NEVER. ENDING. I didn't have Stacy and Clinton to snap some sense into me. Until one day, when I did. I started watching the show this summer and soon became addicted.

Anyway, let's not go into detail about how many hours I have spent learning about style in a short amount of time. But it was about time. I started to realize that I was done with college and couldn't get away with wearing jeans and hoodies and t-shirts all the time.

So let's look back at an outfit that used to be quite common for me.

This would often be worn with an over sized boys' track jacket and perhaps a rolled bandanna on my wild curls, when it was short. Oh, and my go-with-everything shoe (of the past) - my standby black Etnies skate shoe. Those pants were about 3 sizes too big. I never knew what size I was. And I always thought wearing pants that "fit" were going to be uncomfortable. Just, FYI -- they are not. All I can say is I must have had a heck of a personality because I really never had trouble finding guys that enjoyed being with me. This is the girl my husband fell in love with.
Let me add that once I got engaged, my husband started to gently encourage my wearing clothes that fit and looked a little nicer. And no, I did not get offended.

So, here's what I wore the other day. I wore the pants with a different shirt to work, but then I got this new shirt in the mail so I wore it to a friend's baby shower that night.

Tweed pants, gold ballet flats. Um yeah. Different. I am not sure if my legs are really as big as they look in this picture. At first I thought it must just be the angle, but maybe I have gained weight (my husband and I don't have a scale). Oh well. That's irrelevant.

Wow, Payless?

It's amazing the things you find when you open your mind to the possibility of PVC. I will admit, I have not been in a Payless for years. I kind of forgot they existed. It was the place my mom would take us to get shoes because we outgrew them faster than they could have possibly worn out. I'm really not that much of a snob, I just... I don't know how to explain. Maybe I am a snob.

But, my husband is in law school and our money has reached a new level "tightness". So I can't afford to be snobby.