I know, I know...I've been away far too long. I must admit that I haven't been that inspired by fashion these days. In fact, I am down right disappointed with what I am seeing on the racks if not by the look of it, then certainly by the price of it.
Seems like these days all you need is a yard or so of semi-decent looking fabric and you're free to slap a $$$ high priced hang tag on it - no matter what the creation looks like. From bags to underwear, the prices are steadily increasing while the economy is rapidly decreasing. Even stores like Express and Banana Republic are cashing in at the expense of the working class! Can one even find a pair of decent slacks for less than $100.00? Operative word being decent!
And don't even mention the price of purses...$1,000 is nothing to pay for a purse b/c they're on to upwards of tens of thousands of dollars.
All I can say is when will this madness end? It too much...and even if you can afford it, it is still too much!
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Monday, October 8, 2007
Fashionably Late
I know it's been awhile but this fashion lover has been out of pocket swamped with all that is or could be fashionably irrelevant. At any rate, what's old has proven time and time to be new again. Let's see there's the resurgance of sweater dresses and 90's fav oxford heels and ankle boots. The good news is that sweater dresses come in a variety of knits (lightweight wools/chunky knits) and can flatter a variety of body types as long as you adhere to a few simple rules...let's say them together shall we?
- Thou shall not wear tight/ill-fitting sweater dresses in bright colors especially if I can fit clothing from Tall Girl, Lane Bryant, or any other plus-sized store.
- Thou shall not continue to wear any sweater dress that I own if they have piled. Nothing worse than wearing a sweater that looks like it has somehow been infected by the chicken pox.
-Thou shall not layer and layer and layer my sweater dress in a way that makes me too warm but will do so in a way that makes me look very "now"
Now that we know the rules, let's rock our sweater dresses, sip on a hot cocoa and enjoy the soon to be very cool fall season.
- Thou shall not wear tight/ill-fitting sweater dresses in bright colors especially if I can fit clothing from Tall Girl, Lane Bryant, or any other plus-sized store.
- Thou shall not continue to wear any sweater dress that I own if they have piled. Nothing worse than wearing a sweater that looks like it has somehow been infected by the chicken pox.
-Thou shall not layer and layer and layer my sweater dress in a way that makes me too warm but will do so in a way that makes me look very "now"
Now that we know the rules, let's rock our sweater dresses, sip on a hot cocoa and enjoy the soon to be very cool fall season.
Friday, July 6, 2007
She Wore What!?!!
The fashion faux-pas, we've all committed them at one time or another. You know the whole "I thought this would go perfectly with that." And, you find out otherwise as onlookers pretended not to see you.
Sandals
Now the faux pas' I want to address is not one of fashion as it is more one of fit. Ladies, please take a close look at where your heels and/or toes lie in proportion to your shoes! This means if you cannot see the front rim on back rim of shoe, then your feet don't belong in them. Stop wearing shoes that unbeknownest to you are exfoliating your toes b/c they are on the ground being scraped as you walk or wearing shoes that are cutting the back of you feet b/c your heels are hanging over them. Trust me your feet will thank you for sandals, mules and the like that fits.
Babydoll/Swing Dresses
Some us need to wear more of swing and less of the baby. If you are a plus-sized woman, find a way to play up your assets, not detract from them by wearing clothing that makes you resemble Disney's beloved Dumbo in a baby bonnet. I know that may have sounded harsh, but consider it a kind dose of reality so that you may proceed with caution with these styles in the future. And stick with the women's department and stay out of the juniors department as my good friend "E" pointed out.
Leggings
Just like Jay-Z's "Hollywood," these ain't for everybody. If you're "too" anything, then leggings are probably not for you. Too skinny = not flattering, too big = most likely not flattering unless your top goes all the way down to your calves at which point, what would be the point of wearing them?
Just K.I.R
Til Next Time,
Ms. Fashion Know-How
Sandals
Now the faux pas' I want to address is not one of fashion as it is more one of fit. Ladies, please take a close look at where your heels and/or toes lie in proportion to your shoes! This means if you cannot see the front rim on back rim of shoe, then your feet don't belong in them. Stop wearing shoes that unbeknownest to you are exfoliating your toes b/c they are on the ground being scraped as you walk or wearing shoes that are cutting the back of you feet b/c your heels are hanging over them. Trust me your feet will thank you for sandals, mules and the like that fits.
Babydoll/Swing Dresses
Some us need to wear more of swing and less of the baby. If you are a plus-sized woman, find a way to play up your assets, not detract from them by wearing clothing that makes you resemble Disney's beloved Dumbo in a baby bonnet. I know that may have sounded harsh, but consider it a kind dose of reality so that you may proceed with caution with these styles in the future. And stick with the women's department and stay out of the juniors department as my good friend "E" pointed out.
Leggings
Just like Jay-Z's "Hollywood," these ain't for everybody. If you're "too" anything, then leggings are probably not for you. Too skinny = not flattering, too big = most likely not flattering unless your top goes all the way down to your calves at which point, what would be the point of wearing them?
Just K.I.R
Til Next Time,
Ms. Fashion Know-How
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
You Scream, I scream, We All Scream for White T's!
Its the premiere wardrobe saver, a wardrobe staple, and all-around comfy last resort. Its a white t-shirt; now, let me explain myself, when I say white t-shirt...it denotes, tanks, spaghetti strapped camis, fitted ones, loose ones, tunics, etc as long as its white. I don't know how many I've gone through but, I can't stop singing their praises...and at one point neither could Dem Franchise Boyz. I love them, quite simply.
A white t-shirt can not only carry most colors, but can do so in a way that can make you look so finished. With jeans (any color), most casual skirts, shorts, khakis, and some casual slacks, a white tee will do you justice. I think most people know this but, assuming you don't, buy more than one even if you are buying more than one in the same style...buy more than one. Nothing ruins a white tee more than those yellow deodorant stains! And white tanks aren't safe from these stains either so be cognizant of that when you're shopping.
Until a better alternative comes along...I'll be stompin in my white tee.
With Style,
Ms. Fashion Know-How
***Ms. Fashion Know-How does not support or condone in no shape or form any of the lyrics or behaviors discussed in the aforementioned song "White Tee."
A white t-shirt can not only carry most colors, but can do so in a way that can make you look so finished. With jeans (any color), most casual skirts, shorts, khakis, and some casual slacks, a white tee will do you justice. I think most people know this but, assuming you don't, buy more than one even if you are buying more than one in the same style...buy more than one. Nothing ruins a white tee more than those yellow deodorant stains! And white tanks aren't safe from these stains either so be cognizant of that when you're shopping.
Until a better alternative comes along...I'll be stompin in my white tee.
With Style,
Ms. Fashion Know-How
***Ms. Fashion Know-How does not support or condone in no shape or form any of the lyrics or behaviors discussed in the aforementioned song "White Tee."
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
It's Sundress Season!!!
How about it...Chicago is finally seeing some semblence of warm weather and us girls can finally put our sundresses to use. Contrary to what most might believe the easiest way to get dressed during summer is to put on a sundress. Think about it for a moment; its one piece and you're done. And, with this season's cute babydoll, A-line mini dresses, the ever-so-polished shirtdresses, we can all be cute and sassy.
This summer staple put the "girl" in girlie and can flatter even the most God-forsaken body shape. Right now I'm really feelin' Michael Star's new dress line. Its lightweight cotton dresses come in various colors and cuts and are not terribly expensive, check them out at www.michaelstars.com. From simple to sexy, this line has something to match all women's various personas; gotta love that!
Not to knock this season's craze with shorts, but a dress could be whole lot sexier and less constrictive than hot pants, clam diggers and the like so, I say free your legs and flee to the nearest dress shop!
Until A-Line...Ciao,
Ms. Fashion Know-How
This summer staple put the "girl" in girlie and can flatter even the most God-forsaken body shape. Right now I'm really feelin' Michael Star's new dress line. Its lightweight cotton dresses come in various colors and cuts and are not terribly expensive, check them out at www.michaelstars.com. From simple to sexy, this line has something to match all women's various personas; gotta love that!
Not to knock this season's craze with shorts, but a dress could be whole lot sexier and less constrictive than hot pants, clam diggers and the like so, I say free your legs and flee to the nearest dress shop!
Until A-Line...Ciao,
Ms. Fashion Know-How
Monday, May 21, 2007
Women Rejoice! Flats are Here to Stay...For Now.
At last, fashion is paying homage to our feet. How refreshing is it to have such a vast selection of really hot shoes sans the heel? From ballet shoes to gladiator sandals, there are so many flats to choose from, a girl could get lost in the 'flats' section of the women shoe department alone.
A personal favorite of mine is the Tory Burch "Reva Ballerina Flat" (click on link take a peek) http://www.toryburch.com/catalog_detail.aspx?cid=467&id=16431. I love the look of metallic this season and silver is the new "it" color. For the ladies who are thinking "is she crazy?" don't fear there are so many cute flats at various price points so, you name yours and I'm sure there are a pair of flats in it.
If you're like me, you typically can't wait for summer so, you can pull out the flip-flops as they too come in many stylish varieties but, now we have choices! I love stiletto's, strappy sandals, wedge sandals, and platforms as much as the next girl but, I think that my feet and me might just take this summer off and stick with the flats.
Til Next Time,
Ms. Fashion Know-How
A personal favorite of mine is the Tory Burch "Reva Ballerina Flat" (click on link take a peek) http://www.toryburch.com/catalog_detail.aspx?cid=467&id=16431. I love the look of metallic this season and silver is the new "it" color. For the ladies who are thinking "is she crazy?" don't fear there are so many cute flats at various price points so, you name yours and I'm sure there are a pair of flats in it.
If you're like me, you typically can't wait for summer so, you can pull out the flip-flops as they too come in many stylish varieties but, now we have choices! I love stiletto's, strappy sandals, wedge sandals, and platforms as much as the next girl but, I think that my feet and me might just take this summer off and stick with the flats.
Til Next Time,
Ms. Fashion Know-How
Friday, May 18, 2007
We Came, We Saw, We Mixed
Let's be clear about one thing; Chicago loves fashion!!! At least they did last night. And so did I as I walked rack after luscious rack at the Intermix grand opening party last night. This invite only party was a blast! Fashionistas and the men who love them were out in full force last night drinking, socializing and shopping. From fashion editor Stacy Wallace Albert to Chicago-based national jewelry designers, the fashion community was there. I am happy to say this swanky event was co-hosted by my favorite organization, Chicago Fashion Foundation (www.chicagofashionfoundation.com) and I'm not just saying that b/c I sit on the board.
Back to Intermix...talk about hot and haute clothing, Intermix is not for the girl who has a faint wallet shy of cash or plastic! With price points from $100 - $4000 per piece, Intermix features clothing from the best of the best. Lines include: Missoni, Stella McCartney, LaRok, Chloe, and many others. Needless to say I would've been in designer heaven had my wallet not been faint itself!
But, a girl has to splurge sometime and I say if you are going to do it, do so at Intermix. Check them out at www.intermixonline.com
With Style,
Ms. Fashion Know-How
Back to Intermix...talk about hot and haute clothing, Intermix is not for the girl who has a faint wallet shy of cash or plastic! With price points from $100 - $4000 per piece, Intermix features clothing from the best of the best. Lines include: Missoni, Stella McCartney, LaRok, Chloe, and many others. Needless to say I would've been in designer heaven had my wallet not been faint itself!
But, a girl has to splurge sometime and I say if you are going to do it, do so at Intermix. Check them out at www.intermixonline.com
With Style,
Ms. Fashion Know-How
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