And so I’m getting there.  I’m already a lot more girly than I was as a teenager – and don’t get me wrong, I still *love* to dress all in black with knee boots and a leather jacket and spiky hair (I didn’t quite do that in high school, either).  But some days I just want to be pretty, in the strongest sense of the word: romantic and lovely and opulent and happy.  A princess.  The little girl never really leaves me.

I have pink sheets and bright pastel bedding with candy-colored dots and stripes.  I still love dolls, and keep them around, with my favorite stuffed animals.  It’s silly, really – and dolls scare the boys, but I don’t care.  I now have a pink patent leather purse (I’m so excited about it), pink t-shirts, pink dresses, pink bikini, pink jacket, pink skirt, pink scarf, pink pearls.  I love to layer the pearls with my sparkliest necklaces and earrings and bracelets and other pastels and feel like royalty, like a dream, like Marie Antoinette (in a way).

Anyway, if you’re down with the prettiest pinks, here are some treats you might enjoy (click for details).

Marc Jacobs “The Handy Clutch”; Lorus Pink Strap Watch

Boden “Chic” Coat;  Delia’s “Michelle” Dress

Carvela “Delicious” Platforms;  KG “Azalea” Platforms

Charlotte Russe Opal Pink Pastel Skinny Jeans; Café Press Pink Unicorn T-Shirt

Forever 21 Pink Sunglasses; “Leesa” Metallic Bangle

Yummy.

P.S. If you love me, you now have the option of donating :)

Now. I’m all for the fashion comeback – reinterpreted or not. That doesn’t mean I’ll always like it, let alone that everyone else will (I remember the upheaval over the return of the high-waisted jean a couple years back). Now, using that as an example – I’m all for the high-waisted flares (yes, I own a pair). Seventies appeal, cute form, figure-flattering cut (in some ways, it bears similarities to this style of bikini).  However – I’ve never been on board with the reinterpreted high-waisted skinny jean. Some people like it – but personally, it doesn’t do it for me, as I think it creates a very odd and awkward silhouette.  Some people are afraid of strange, uncommon shapes (whether a reinterpretation has taken place or not).  In the case of this bathing suit, it hasn’t – but I remain perplexed nonetheless.  I simply can’t decide whether or not I like this enough as a modern bikini (and believe me, if it was the fifties, I would be all over this thing).  The funny thing is, it’s not the coverage itself that’s weird -  if this were a one-piece, it would look totally normal; it’s the covering of the belly-button with a high-waisted bikini bottom that’s no longer standard – when we see a midriff nowadays, we expect (maybe demand) to see navel!  Another funny thing is that I think Victoria’s Secret is having a similar dilemma, given that they’ve actually provided two bottom styles (one more standard for this day and age) to pair with this one top.

Now really.  The problem here is it depends on who you’re trying to please.  If you’re into the retro look, and go for it, you’re probably only trying to please yourself – which is good, but means that you need to be aware that you will probably have people snickering behind your back, and will most likely turn off the male majority (most of whom I suspect will interpret these retro bottoms as unnecessary granny panties).  If, however, you want to look cute, but still sexy to the masses, you will probably choose the standard bikini bottom – it’s safer.  But in my opinion?  Compared to the retro style, it’s boring!  Suddenly, the modern bikini bottom is run-of-the-mill and unoriginal.

Now – I love the retro-style bottom.  But I’m torn.  I’m not sure I can picture myself actually wearing it, or if it’s worth the odd glances I’m sure to attract.  It’s one thing to model this for a catalogue shoot, and look great, and feel like a babe – but is it worth wearing on the beach?  Would I even have the guts?  Would you, if you love it like I do?  Because the standard bottom style makes for a cute bikini – but frankly, I already have a sexy purple-ish bikini – so unless this one has magic powers I’m skeptical I need to buy it.

Perhaps I’m overreacting.  I’m curious to see how this dilemma turns out.  I wonder – is temptation always enough?

A lot of people might say that if you are used to wearing a lot of neutral colors (black, white, beige, grey), or just a monochrome outfit here and there, you should ease into color gradually and choose pieces that are less bold and therefore less intimidating, or opt for patterns or interesting textures over full-on solids.  This makes sense in some ways, but overall I disagree with this approach, and would encourage you not to hold back, for three reasons:

1) If you’re new to color, it’s never easy, regardless of which route you take.
2) Patterns and textures are more distinct (read: memorable) and more difficult to alter/play with, and you are therefore less likely to wear them often.
3) You can fall into a habit of buying colorful/patterned tops and nothing else (I did this all through high school) -  which is fun but packs a hit to your wallet for less mileage (see #2).

I’m not saying you shouldn’t/can’t wear patterns or textures – these can both be great.  Just don’t put all your eggs in that basket if your goal is color and versatility.

My prescription?  Pieces which are easy to layer, and lots of them:

Colored tights (Alloy has some great opaque tights in eight colors – $5.50 ea. when you buy 3 or more.)
Colored leggings (For when it’s colder.  Best buy?  American Apparel – but you can get them cheaper on Amazon.com.)
Colored cardigans (Get lightweight pieces for all-weather wear: Forever21 and Wet Seal have inexpensive options.)
Colored coat/jacket (This works particularly well in colder seasons, when it’s all anyone usually sees.  Shop around.)
Colored accessories (Scarves, belts, jewelry, sunglasses, whatever!  Handbag optional – I keep mine simple.)

The great thing about all these pieces is they are bold (regardless of hue) and versatile (they can be paired with all your basics in endless combinations, which allows you more control over how much color you want to show, and where).  You can also tried colored shoes/boots (but stick to a pair – and a hue – you’re sure you’ll wear over and over again, lest you regret your cash-dropping).

But how do you know which colors to choose?  Unfortunately this is less my area, because like I said, I’ll wear anything that strikes my fancy.  There are complicated color charts that compare complexions to seasons in an attempt to produce a workable palette for one’s skin tone – but personally, I’ve had little luck trying to decode them and properly apply them to myself.  You, however, are welcome to try.  But I’ll say this when it comes to choosing colors:

1) Complement your skin tone.  If you tend to go pink in the face easily, don’t wear a lot of red/pink/coral/orange.  If you are particularly pale, you might want to stay away from yellow and neon green to avoid looking sallow.  Use common sense.
2) Go with what you love.  Don’t be afraid to try things because of how they might look.  Try them first.  Which brings me to…
3) Invest in a full length mirror – I can’t stress this enough.  Consequently (when shopping in person), try things on before you leave the store.

You don’t have to go all out – you can just try a pop of color here and there.  If you’re not comfortable wearing red tights, try a red clutch instead.  But as usual, I recommend thinking outside the box – don’t be cornered by fashion “rules.”  For instance, I’ve been seen lately wearing two or three bright colors at the same time – like yellow tights with a fuchsia dress.  Sounds ridiculous – but I guarantee you that there will always be someone who won’t like what you’re wearing, regardless of how safe or daring it is.  Better to ‘fail’ (whatever that means) taking a risk than spend the day wondering what it would have been like to put on red lipstick and wear that orange silk scarf with your work attire.

Go with what you feel.  It’s surprisingly liberating – and you will never be wrong.

Lately I’ve been thinking about statement pieces.  Hopefully, you all have some (or one or two, at least).  You know what I’m talking about: those out-of-this-world boots (I have some tartan stompers worthy of Kiss that fit the bill), that fabulous fur coat (which I am dead set against, I’ll have you know), those huge gold filigree earrings (I made that one up).  They are impossible to miss – a splash of color, an interesting shape, anything that draws attention to itself.  You get the idea.  Or do you?  I realize I haven’t been ‘getting it’ as much as I should.  I utilize them on a regular basis, but I could probably be doing it more, and better.

Why do we have statement pieces, aside from the attention they garner?  What are their benefits?  Well, they will transform an ensemble in seconds, for one (that dress will never be the same after you add that huge patent belt).  In addition, you can build an entire outfit around one piece, if you so desire (don’t know what to wear today?  What would go with that gorgeous cloche hat you really love?).  Here are some examples:

I’m finding myself thinking about which articles of clothing and accessories I own are worthy of the title “statement piece.”  There’s the bright green Mayhem coat from French Connection, for one (it looks cuter when worn, but it’s still bizarre).  There’s the denim corset belt I found at F21 a while back (which is crazy awesome over a dress or blouse, though not for everyone).  There’s the YSL-mimic glass star necklace I just bought from ASOS (out-of-season, but still great), along with countless other necklaces (I have, for instance, a short pearl necklace from Korea with a large black metal bird motif and a black bow – it’s brilliant really).  Leather is big on my list – a faux leather vest (I can’t believe how much I love that thing), leather obi belt, and recently, elbow-length leather gloves (oh yes, I did) – not to even mention all the other leather things I own (I won’t wear fur but I’ll wear leather, it’s silly really).  There’s the black fedora, various other hats, the custom-made Victorian-style coat from Japan, the lace-up wrist cuff I found on Etsy – the list goes on.**

So what of it?  Basically, I’m realizing it would be well worth the effort to make sure such ‘statement pieces’ don’t get pushed to the back of the closet or the bottom of a drawer.  There are times I feel at a loss with regards to what to wear, and I forget these miracles even exist.  In fact, with the exception of coats, I think I might create a drawer dedicated solely to statement pieces, to utilize every time I get stuck, or just anytime I feel like it.  How about you?

** Good rule of thumb – one statement piece at a time is more than enough.

(I will be posting more, by the way. You don’t have to believe me, but check back when you can.)

I have trouble accepting the fact that I can’t (and don’t have to!) buy every great article of clothing that comes my way.  Granted, I’ve accepted there are certain things out of my price range, but as long as something is affordable, I can’t say no – and there’s never just one thing.  I SPREE.  Affordable as that great pair of pumps is, they’re not so affordable when purchased with, or in addition to, that wool coat, that trendy top, that out-of-season designer bikini.

This is not to say I haven’t realized (and utilized) the value of closet classics (more on that later), or that I don’t have a full wardrobe as is – I do.  It’s more than full.  It’s everything I could ever need, but not close to everything I could ever want.  I shop mostly online (ASOS, in the UK, is a current favorite).  Lately, I’m finding that I’m having to talk myself out of things to save money, sometimes leaving tabs open in my browser for days, weeks, watching that cute dress, waiting for the price to drop, trying not to press the purchase button, eating up all my computer’s RAM, freaking out when it restarts, hoping I remembered to bookmark the item.  Sometimes it will be closed for a few days, then I’ll go back, only this time, I’ll re-survey the entire catalog, adding, rather than subtracting, clothing articles from my queue.  And I struggle to narrow it down, to whittle down my favorites to one or two, and if I can’t afford them yet (as is the trend with me these days), wait.  Anything can happen in a few days.  The price drops down to half of what it was, already reduced – amazing!  I can afford it now!  But when I click the drop-down menu…my size is sold out.  Sold out?  That’s it?  Gone?

I’ve managed not to get too sad when this happens.  I’m really not accustomed yet to having to say ‘no’ to myself, though.  Some of these items, I’ve been watching for months, lusting after.  Only recently have I convinced myself that it’s better to purchase a dress I really love for $100 than to purchase five dresses I like for the same price (you’ll find I’m quite frugal with fashion).  A good lesson in quality versus quantity, for sure, and one I’ve had to get used to, but sometimes I can’t afford to buy even that one fabulous dress.  And I wait.  And I miss it.  I MISS IT?

You know what else I miss sometimes?  The point-and-click shopping experience, the grab-it-and-throw-it-in-the-basket-no-matter-what-it-costs-and/or-how-much-I-need-it practice.  But right now, I’m saying goodbye to my compulsive shopping tendencies, and I think I’m a better person for it.  It’s really made me realize the value in what I have, and what I can do with my already not-so-modest wardrobe.  I can’t complain.

Regardless, in memory of beautiful wishes, here are some recent items I’ve had to say goodbye to.  Who knows – maybe they still have it in your size (note: these are UK sizes).

ASOS – Jovonna Tie Sleeve Stripe Puffball Dress

ASOS – ASOS Tartan Strapless Dress

Interesting fact: when I went to grab the link to that tartan dress, I found my size was (momentarily) back in stock.  Meaning one or two have probably been returned. My heart stopped, but I did not press that button.

I wonder if I’ll last…

I did see something today that inspired me to post again – a new-ish collection of bell-bottoms courtesy of Prada, whose Spring/Summer ’08 foray into fantasy has surprised and delighted the globe with whimsical prints and blossoming shoes (which also showed up in my shoe post a few entries back). Though I’ve been a mad fan of this collection since it first made an appearance, it seems the bell-bottom trousers have received litte attention. So little, in fact, that I didn’t notice them until now. Thus, we prepare to delve into this exciting little world.

First, it wouldn’t hurt to mention that Prada is no stranger to danger and innovation. For those who haven’t noticed, this isn’t the first time their edgy stylehas stolen the spotlight and influenced trends worldwide. Their Resort ’08 floral dresses made a big impact in a short time span, influencing the floral movement right next to Oscar de la Renta’s plummetting poppies and Balenciaga’s structured brights.

And let’s not forget their Fall ’08/Winter ’09 lineup, which caught my attention promptly with earth tones and bright bags, long gloves and curvy heels, tights and feathers, loose sweaters and cat-like makeup.

So if this is the past, what now? Well, most of you have probably seen the fantasy-inspired designs of their Spring/Summer ’08 bags and outfits and shoes. There were (and still are) fairies galore, funky stripes, bold hues AND muted tones. These are just a few examples from the ad campaign…to see the entire collection, click here, then on the main menu click > Spring Summer 2008 > The Campaign.

BAGS (two styles and ooh, très populaire):

SHOES, TIGHTS and TROUSERS (I was aware only of the former):

ENSEMBLES (certainly some of the most eye-catching pieces):

SKIRTS (which also escaped my radar somehow):

And finally, le piece de resistance, BELL-BOTTOMS. Ooh la fun!

Now, my first thought on the bells was, WHO HAS BEEN HIDING THESE FROM ME, AND WHY?! Now, you may ask, why does it matter? If you’re anything like me and you actually DO love them, WOULD wear them (and pull them off) AND can’t afford them, this revelation seems all too cruel and unnecessary. But wait…remember skinny jeans? How they made a comeback circa mid-’00s? Some might say flares and bells were on the way out – but I, along with many loyal followers, kept wearing them. And I dare admit that, since their first reappearance, I still have yet to buy, own or wear a pair of skinny jeans.

Oh, LE SHOCK! It’s true. And funny, the day after I contemplated buying a pair (just two days ago), I discovered that these slender legs may be fading into the background – and how could they not, with a pair of bells like THAT? Checkers, plaid, and pinstripes in basic yet rich hues…suddenly, I’m blinded to anything but. And yet…

…I’m still going to buy my skinny jeans – and not just because I’m a trend-defier. But because I’m ever-curious. I’m curious as to why the bells didn’t make it into many magazines, if any – and my theory is that people are afraid to admit that bells might still be attractive and wearable. Until they reached popularity, skinny jeans defied the majority. As we can see from this entire collection, Prada successfully does the same.

My always-valuable fashion advice? You should, too.

As you can see, Locher’s offers many lovely designs suitable for your weekly tea-and-crumpets party, luncheon, or pity date – whether you prefer your sleeves short or long, your cuts loose or fitted.

Or, if you’re like me, and can’t resist the idea of wearing these on a daily basis, I’m sure you’ll receive an abundance of desired reactions, regardless. After all, who doesn’t hate children, or get a little snippy once in a while?

The tops are a little pricey at $87 apiece, but if you can afford the hand-made quality AND maintain the attitude, it may very well be worth it. And with matching jewelry to boot, it’s even harder to resist.

I believe I may have to splurge myself, one of these days. Will fuck for gift certificates.

Well boys, here’s what you’ve all been waiting for.

The odd thing is that this leaves…something to be desired.  Maybe not for everyone – after all, most would agree they’re gorgeous.  Some of us have been waiting years for them to slip out of those lacy bras and skinny thongs and beach bikinis.  Some of us see them so often we realize there’s nothing here we haven’t basically already seen – and anyway, they’re not showing it now, either.  Take a moment with Photoshop, draw a line across the hip, another over the shoulder, and suddenly it’s as if they’re once more clad – albeit scantily.

Some of us shop Victoria’s Secret – a lot.  And those of us who do know that there’s much more to it than tangas and push-ups.  Okay, we’ve all bought the bathing suits (admittedly, I’m pushing six already) and lingerie (the occasional slip or babydoll).  But the last time I bought underwear they were the PINK line’s low-rise cotton hip-huggers – 5 for $25.  Multiply that five times over with equal parts low-rise bikini and you’ve got my entire underwear drawer.  I dare you to find a thong that’s not worn strictly for the novelty.  I dare you to go through my wardrobe and not find their fancy trend tops and Colin Stewart sandals, fuzzy sweaters and thermal tees, blouses, dresses, sweats and trousers.  And my all-time favorite purchases - high-quality wool coats and leather jackets to get me through the wind and rain, the sun and snow…well, everything.

I can name every one of these women off the top of my head, left to right, without hesitating:  Alessandra Ambrosio.  Izabel Goulart.  Miranda Kerr.  Adriana Lima.  Karolina Kurkova.  Selita Ebanks.  I know these girls.  They wear my clothes and coats and shoes, business suits and flannel PJs.  They’re smart, and sharp, and funny, and professional – and although sexy, sell me on essentials much faster than undergarments.  

So what does this mean?  Am I turning feminist?  Am I pushing the facts to distract you from their long legs and curvy hips?  Well, let me tell you something – it’s not going to happen.  Here are your angels, revealed. They’re sweet young sirens with nothing to hide, and couldn’t even if they tried.  You’re not going to turn away from their lusty limbs and sexy smiles because I remind you they’ve had traumatic childhoods and rough beginnings, emotional scars and pimples – or that they’re writers (Kerr), ambassadors (Ambrosio), or devout Catholic virgins (yep - no lie – Lima).  But they have – and they are. So just for a moment, think about it.  Maybe go buy a coat. Then shift your eyes back to those sultry nudes – I mean hey, I may not be shocked by their posing, but I’ve got a crush on Miranda Kerr.

Whereas most runway fashions are extremes not to be taken literally, some of these new artistic masterpieces are fast becoming favorites.  A prime example of this trend-lust can be seen in an abundance of curved cut-out heels, the likes of which can be traced back to designers like Christian Dior, whose show-stopping sandals and Spectator pumps (for better or worse) defy both logic and tradition.

But Dior didn’t stop there.  These strange little wonders have spherical renderings, as if gravity had to be defied as well with simulations of tiny planets.  I wouldn’t trust those pink ones in space, let alone on the dance floor.

Next up: sporty meets glam…or not.  Balenciaga’s (ahem) catastrophic creations haven’t been able to decide whether to be sandals, ski boots, or roller-blades - but in Balenciaga’s defence, they can’t possibly have expected anyone to actually wear these off the runway, no matter the purpose…right?  I’m still on the fence with Alberta Ferretti’s sneaker pumps (as are the shoes themselves, apparently), intermittently convincing myself I’d be able to pull them off somehow.  My guess is that verdict will remain forever undecided.

Did you think I was done?  Oh my, no.  Prada’s certainly made a disorienting splash with their wave flower pumps, in an attempt at channeling mythology.  Interesting, yes.  Wearable?  Er…let’s just say if I really want the vibe, I’ll stick to their clothes.

Yves Saint Laurent made a shoe I can handle in these sensational celestial wrap-arounds.  Not your everyday shoe, I’ll admit, but one I could wear with a certain level of confidence.  Then again, fashion-wise, I’ve got a lot of that.

Getting back to the Dior trend, these shoes take cutouts to the extreme, this time experimenting with metallics, frames and wedges.  Here we have some examples from Giuseppe Zanotti and Emilio Pucci – the latter of which I believe is wearable.

In that vein, Louis Vuitton even dropped the handbags for a moment to try a hand in this style, experimenting more with shape.

Fendi also took a break from the bags and mixed recent trends to create some hideous heels.  I’ve yet to see bulky chains and sandals mix well, and frankly, breeding a kitten heel with a wedge was an evolutionary error.

Fortunately, it wasn’t all bad.  In appreciation of the finer things in life and a capture of visual appeal, they did manage this orange and tan creation with a kaleidoscope heel.  Speaking of the finer things, Chanel mixed snakeskin and opposite styles to create a wedge-like heel with a floating pearl.

Miu Miu deserves a special mention for taking elegant beauty all the way back to the Victorian era – updated with interesting materials, of course.  Ruffles turn from lace to leather, and refinement mixes with raw materials in an edgy metal heel.  Better yet is their fancy gold and polished “teacup” heel.

Lately art’s been more literal and abstract, with designs inspired by artists and historical movements.  Here we have a painted silk-organza pump from Dolce and Gabbana, channeling the likes of Jackson Pollock.  Or, for a more cutting look, Christian Louboutin’s managed to create a convincing Piet Mondrian wedge.

These are far from all the examples out there – and I didn’t even get into the boots (nor Balenciaga’s awful multicolored-rope-knee-high-gladiator-sandals – maybe they should stick to blazers?).  But these are a few notable additions to the world of strange and artsy shoes.  Will the trend continue?  It’s hard to say.  But I’ll leave you with something to think about - a pump from Marc Jacobs that keeps me on my toes (pun intended), ever-waiting and wondering. 

Congratulations, MJ.  You take the cake, my friend.