Heels for the Office
By Abby on December 11 2008 at 09:49 PM
Victoria Beckham was once quoted as saying, “I can’t concentrate in flat shoes.” And it’s true that heels make most women feel confident, poised, professional… and ultra sexy. High heels are the equivalent to a man’s power suit-- without them, you just don’t feel like you’re making a powerful statement. However, if you’re more like me than you are like Victoria Beckham, you think that flat shoes would be a mercy.... because you have a lot more trouble concentrating when your feet are screaming and tingling from five-inch stiletto heels. Too bad flat shoes are so boring.
Tips for Wearable Office Heels
You don’t want to give up wearing heels at the office. But that doesn’t mean that you have to wear the same toe-pinching platforms you’d wear to a nice dinner out. When shopping for stylish but wearable office heels, you should look for:
Heel Height:
The higher the heel, the more pressure will be put on your feet. When wearing just a three inch heel, the pressure put on the ball of the foot is similar to the pressure put on it when you run-- which really adds up over a nine-hour work day. Choose lower heels for longer-term comfort. Two-inch heels tend to be quite comfortable, and are high enough to avoid looking like granny shoes. Want to go higher? Shop for platforms. A four-inch pair of heels with a one-inch platform puts the same pressure your foot as a three-inch pair.
Heel Shape:
Without a doubt, stiletto heels are the sexiest, most eye-catching shoes you can wear. But they’re also the worst for your feet. When shopping for office heels, look for fatter, boxier heels-- the fatter the heel, the more wearable the shoe. Even better, shop for a pair of wedges. Wedges lengthen and slim the leg the same way stilettos do, but are ten times more comfortable. You can wear them a whole work day without a twinge.
New Shoes and Trends for Fall ‘08
By Abby on October 18 2008 at 11:26 AM
Shoes may sit at the bottom of the closet, but they’re at the top of the fashion food chain. Of any accessory we wear, it’s shoes that have the greatest effect on upcoming trends and fashions. This idea makes a lot of sense, really… after all, you build entire outfits around “that one incredible pair of shoes” in a way that you don’t for any other item in your closet, right?
An amazing pair of designer shoes is the quickest and easiest way to both follow the season’s biggest trends and make a real statement about your personal style. And the shoe trends we’re seeing in fall of 2008 don’t disappoint. From fun prints and shapes to streamlined styles in soft leather, this season’s best shoe trends are both eye-poppingly unusual and utterly wearable.
Statement Shoes
In spring and summer of 2008, “statement” shoes were all over the runway. With artistic heels, acid colors, and never-seen-before styles, some of spring’s statement styles of 2008 were downright un-wearable… even if they were fascinating to look at. Fall 2008 shoes, however, are all about edgy-but-wearable style, and this season’s statement shoes are pretty, softened, and more wearable versions of their springtime cousins. But they still announce their presence in no uncertain terms.
For fall 2008 statement shoes, expect to see artsy shapes and embellishments in natural colors and with more wearable details. The Stella McCartney Super High Wedge Pumps with brushed steel plating at the back of the heel are a good example of this. With their unusual, high-art shape, they make an effortless statement. But with their soft, natural leather and easy wearability, they also combine perfectly with some of the softer, more feminine styles of the season.
Eva Longoria in Fringed Marchesa at 2008 Emmys
By Abby on September 22 2008 at 10:28 AM
Eva Longoria Parker sparkled on the red carpet at the 2008 Emmys last evening. She was wearing a fringed metallic ombre Marchesa frock from the spring 2009 collection.
The mini gown did fit Eva’s small frame well, and in typical vixen fashion, stood out from the other red carpet gowns. As usual, Eva looked great. However, it did seem a bit too casual for the Emmys, and the bow seems a bit much, or perhaps it was just oversized. I think this dress on anyone else at the Emmys would have been a disaster, but she was able to pull it off.
I would have liked to have seen a different hair style on her, again she pulled it off, but would have been better severed with a more free flowing flirty style to go with the dress.
Eva finished the look with a metallic clutch, pointy silver pumps and a pair of absolutely gorgeous teardrop earrings.
Daisy by Marc Jacobs
By Abby on September 21 2008 at 10:59 PM
This weekend I set out in search of a new fragrance, for my sexy yet sophisticated moods. Something floral, and light. Nothing really in mind, I figured I would know it when it tickled my nose.
I spent some time at Nordstrom on Saturday sniffing more than my share of fragrance samples and made note of a couple that peaked my interest. Versace Signature
Sunday I headed over to Macys to try again with a fresh nasal cavity. Whether it was the fresh scent or the whimsical bottle, my search ended with me walking out of Macys with a gift box set of Daisy by Marc Jacobs
Autumn 2008 Handbag Trends You’ll “Fall” For
By Abby on September 18 2008 at 08:30 PM
Nobody ever said that summer wasn’t a lot of fun. Sun, sea, sangria, and a really good tan. Nice, right? But summer is also a time of casual, toss-it-on fashion that, while comfortable, isn’t going to turn any heads. That is, unless you’re Paris Hilton and wearing a dress hemmed all the way up to your you-know-what.
That’s why we fashion addicts love fall. When autumn comes, it’s time to put away the simple handbags of summer and break out the truly fashion-forward bags of fall. Because when the weather cools down and the days get shorter, nothing is more cheering than a gorgeous, larger-than-life handbag. In fall, you really get to go all out.
Every season, we watch the runways and flip through the fashion mags to find out what handbag trends will be big this year. And though most of us can’t afford to buy a new designer bag every season, we’ve got to get at least one a year. And the best time to buy a new designer bag is the fall. Because fall is the season for new, up-and-coming trends, it’s the best time to invest in a designer bag that will last for years.
Fall 2008’s Designer Handbag Trends
Tapestry Bags. One of the biggest trends we’re seeing for autumn 2008 is “out in the country” styling. Fitting into this trend of natural fabrics and quaint country patterns is the tapestry bag. And as far as tapestry bags go, Gucci appears to have designed the winning tapestry bag of the season with its Hysteria Top-Handle Tapestry Bag. With a red tapestry design and black leather trim, this statement bag is simple, feminine, and right on trend for Fall 2008.
Embellished Bags. Another trend we saw in spring that is continuing into Fall/Winter 2008 is the embellished bag. Fall’s embellished bags come in soft, natural colors with tough-but-feminine detailing-- a very interesting combo. One of the show-stealing bags of the season is the Celine “Watch me Mirror” Shoulder Bag. With a coquettish but understated charm, this bag in soft, fawn-colored leather is the perfect back to take from autumn to winter.
Gucci has another winner this season with their own version of the embellished bag. The Babouska Medium Tote is tough but sweet, with fringed leather detailing (another big trend this season) and fun, punky studs. Made in black python leather with black suede trim, it’s cocky and confident and lot of fun for fall.
Diane Kruger Disappoints
By Abby on September 05 2008 at 01:54 PM
I absolutely love Diane Kruger, and usually she looks radiant and graceful. You can imagine my disappointment when I saw the photos of her at the Venice Film Festival.
I understand the trend toward sheer and sexy, but this is not sexy or glamorous. It’s tacky. Plain and simple, tacky. Ms Kruger is a gorgeous sexy gal who usually does not disappoint, so I will quickly forgive this indiscretion.
Please Diane, no more high thigh sheer.
Fall Fashion for the Office
By Abby on September 01 2008 at 08:36 PM
After a summer spent frolicking in the sun, fall is the time to get serious and get back to work. And while the “getting back to work” part doesn’t sound like a lot of fun, there is a part of fall that is fun. And that’s getting to revamp your office wardrobe for the working year. It’s during the autumn that all of the designers fill their collections with sharp, professional, and wearable pieces that will complement your office wardrobe for years to come.
When shopping for a fall wardrobe for the office, you have a lot of flexibility with what to buy. Because with the cooling, changing weather of the season, almost any item in your wardrobe can be worn. You can layer lighter pieces with heavier ones. You can combine flouncy, feminine materials with serious wools and corduroys. You can combine textures and styles in a way that you can’t in other seasons. In short, fall is the best time to have fun with fashion.
There are a few particular pieces that every woman must have if she’s looking to revamp her office wardrobe for fall. These are pieces that will last for years and take you easily from autumn into winter, and beyond. Some of this year’s autumn fashion staples for the office are:
Tweed: Tweed is really big on the fall/winter 2008 runways, and is a wonderful trend to wear into the office. As a bonus, most tweed pieces can be combined with rustic pieces to follow the “Country Living” trend and take you into the weekend, as well.
The Top Three Shoe Designers for Favored Feet
By Abby on August 18 2008 at 08:26 PM
We all have our favorite designers, of course. One girl may worship Prada shoes, while another goes crazy for Coach. But no matter our favorites, I don’t think any of us can deny those few designers that stand out as truly special. Their shoes are perfection-- works of art. And because of it, they’re the biggest names in the shoe industry.
Artful Style: Manolo Blahnik
Ten or twenty years ago, Manolo Blahnik was a relative unknown to all but the most devoted shoe lovers. Then Sex in the City came along, and Carrie Bradshaw’s love for this unusual designer brought his name to the forefront of the shoe industry. Sometimes called the “fifth star” of Sex and the City, Manolo’s amazing statement shoes aren’t just for Hollywood A-Listers anymore-- now they’re available to us mere mortals, as well.
If you’ve never owned a pair of Manolos, you’re missing out on some incredible shoes. Manolos never go out of style, and they never get boring or old. Why? Because they’re statement shoes-- works of art. You don’t buy a pair of Manolos to go with your favorite new dress… instead, you buy a new dress to go with your Manolos. With bold, over the top shapes and unusual, artful details, they’re just that kind of shoe. Manolo Blahniks are for women who want to be seen… and maybe even stared at.
Summer Fashion for the Office
By Abby on August 06 2008 at 12:29 PM
Summer is here, and you know just where you want to be… at the beach, of course. Unfortunately, though, you can’t live on the beach year-round. So unless you want to become a very cold-and-sandy beach dweller come wintertime, you’re going to have to keep paying your rent… which means you’ll have to keep coming in to the office instead of lounging around in your bikini.
Fortunately, while you do have to keep your poor, lonely bikini in a drawer until the weekend, you don’t necessarily have to look like you’re living the dull winter hum-drums in the middle of July. With a few little tricks, you can brighten up your office wardrobe so that you at least feel like it’s summer… even if you’re stuck listening to your boss drone on about your company’s mission statement. You just have to do it carefully, that’s all.
Simple Summer Guidelines
In summer, you want “business casual” to focus more on its “casual” side. But while most companies allow for a little dressing down during the hot summer months, there’s no forgetting that, well, this is a business. So you’ve got to dress the part. Some summer items are perfectly appropriate for the office… but there are others you’re going to have to leave at home.
All companies are different, so you’ll want to check with your HR department about dress code and keep an eye on the summer attire of your colleagues for guidelines. But in most companies, you won’t want to wear the following items to the workplace… no matter how sweaty and tempted you may be:
Jean Shorts
Really short skirts (and shorts)
Tank tops, strapless tops, and halters
Flip flops
Another tip? You can dress up a casual outfit with a pair of nice shoes. Or, if you’re called in to a sudden meeting, you can have a cardigan or blazer on hand, just in case.
Alternatives to The Little Black Dress for Summer
By Abby on July 30 2008 at 08:41 PM
Every woman wants to look in style every season. For many women they turn to that time honored favorite: the little black dress. But black can be such a harsh color for summer. Summer is after all a season of beaches and sunshine and blooming flowers. Fortunately there are many other great choices for summertime that appeal to women.
The classic twin set is a popular look that can be paired with a long or short skirt. Twin sets look so pretty in crochet or cotton knit with a touch of lace. This is a great look for a casual event where you want to look dressy but not overdressed.
A tank dress can also be a great option for many women. The tank dress is classically cut and does not have sleeves, making it ideal for summertime. You can find great tank dresses in many styles and colors. Keep this seasons’ favorite colors of brights and bolds in mind. Many women also love tank dresses in floral prints, which are also another popular trend for this season. Lily Pulitzer is known for making a very stylish tank dress.
Hold a Fashion Swap Party!
By Abby on July 24 2008 at 09:47 AM
Wouldn’t you love to go shopping with your girlfriends and not pay a dime? Well..it is actually possible! Hold a fashion swapping party!
Here’s how it works: you invite your girlfriends and ask them to each invite a friend or two. Everyone brings clothing and accessories that they would like to swap. Serve cool drinks and snacks for everyone to enjoy.
Admittedly, swaps may not always be as neat and clean as you may think. Someone’s size 10 may fit a size 14 and then they may realize that another person’s stuff fits them. So you don’t always wind up swapping exactly with another person. Often swaps are group-based, with everyone being generous about trading with they have for the chance to have something else.
Try to invite women that are within the same size range. Also be sensitive to friends who may be very different sizes from other members of the group—as they may have some frustration doing swapping. See if you can find some other women of the same size to invite so they also have someone to attempt to make swaps with. You can also ask them if they know someone around their same size. This is why it can be useful to encourage women to also bring accessories and not just clothing, as it allows everyone to make at least one or two swaps.
Save Big on Your Wedding Dress at Filene’s Basement’s Big Sale
By Abby on July 22 2008 at 05:22 PM
With wedding season coming up, it seems appropriate to mention one of the biggest wedding gown sales held in the country. If you know someone getting married—this sale could literally save them thousands of dollars.
Held at Filene’s Basement in Boston, the World Famous Bridal Event is held twice a year. Brides come from all over the country, some even internationally to select their bridal gowns.
This is an event that is half sale/half rock concert in many ways. Bride-to-be’s have been known to camp out overnight or at least get to the store very, very early in the morning to stand in line for their chance at a beautiful wedding gown. We all know how every woman wants to look beautiful for their wedding day. Sometimes you need to go to great lengths to get exactly what you want! But there are many rewards to be found at this sale—as there are lots of unique, one-of-a-kind designer wedding gowns available.
Gowns are designer wedding gowns. Bride-to-be’s often try on wedding gowns right there in the store, in the middle of the event. This is a very busy, hectic event. But for the chance for the dress of your dreams and the ability to save big dollars—you can see why it would appeal to so many women.
Fashion On-The-Go for Your Vacation
By Jessica on July 19 2008 at 07:50 PM
For most of us, summer time means vacation time to. But vacations can be a real hassle when it comes to taking it all with you. How many times do you wind up packing three times what you need…simply because you have all of these great “just in case” outfits and ideas? Or even worse, you pack clothing that doesn’t seem to travel all that well – and you spend most of your vacation trying to make it look great instead of enjoying your vacation. There has got to be a better way!
For travel there are three fabrics that travel easily: cotton, microfiber and silk. These are your three “magic” fabrics you need to look for when selecting your summer travel wardrobe. Check your clothing labels before anything goes into your suitcase to see exactly what type of fiber it is made out of. One of the most challenging fabrics to pack can often be linen: this is a beautiful fabric but so often needs to be cared for gently and requires frequent ironing. To truly enjoy your vacation we suggest you leave the linen at home this time. Fortunately there are so many great cotton, microfiber and silk fashions to select from. Both expensive name-brand designers and the discount brands use these fabrics generously. You’ll easily find fashions you love that will travel well.
When packing do not fold your clothing, instead “roll” the clothing. It will wrinkle less and it will actually take up less space. Somehow the rolling takes out the extra air that gets trapped between your clothes and it makes your clothes travel much more neater. Your suitcase may look a little different, especially if you are very used to that old-fashioned folding. But you’ll be impressed with how much more space you have (more for souvenirs)!
Mid-Priced Designer Bags: 5 Great Designers to Shop For
By Abby on July 14 2008 at 10:04 PM
Drooling over the newest Chloe bag featured in Vogue… and Glamour… and InStyle? And aching with disappointment that you can’t afford to spend $2,000 on a handbag? Welcome to the “stuck with a mid-priced designer bag” club. It’s not the place you want to be, maybe, but it’s the only club that will accept your current salary. You may as well embrace it with open arms.
Most of us can’t spend more than $300-$400 on a designer bag without digging a sizeable trench in our rent money. But winding up with a mid-priced designer bag instead of your favorite $2,000 Chloe doesn’t have to feel like a disappointing childhood Christmas-- you know… the one you spent dreaming of handlebar-tassled Rainbow Brite bicycle, only to get a Rainbow Brite coloring book instead. There are plenty of designer bags in the $200-$400 that you’ll love just as much (okay, almost as much) as a Chloe or Chanel. The trick to finding one? Pick a great designer.
Karen Millen Bags, Average Price: $220 - Karen Millen bags are popular throughout the UK and Europe, and are slowly trickling into the U.S. market. While you might not be able to pick one up at your local Nordstrom’s, these gorgeous designer bags are available in plenty of your favorite online stores. While Karen’s bags range from classic to bold, the best of them feature bold prints or bright colors and lots of feminine details.
Nook & Willow Bags, Average Price: $375 - Nook & Willow is another popular English brand that’s becoming a favorite of a lot of today’s “It” girls. These nature-inspired leather (or leather and canvas) bags have been seen on Sienna Miller, Elle MacPherson, Jade Jagger, and others. These bags are handmade using natural shades and gorgeous leather. Each one is unique.
Waving the White Flag: My Battle with Skinny Jeans
By Jessica on July 07 2008 at 08:22 AM
A few months ago, after about two years of physical effort and self-analysis, I discovered one very important --and very liberating-- fact about myself. I cannot wear skinny jeans. Sure, Victoria Beckham looks great in them. And ultra thin Kate Moss shouldn’t wear anything else. But on me? They don’t just work. And I’ve finally given up on trying to make them work.
Should You Wear Skinny Jeans?
But, how do you know if skinny jeans actually work for you… or if you’re just trying to (literally) squeeze yourself into a mould? It can be pretty difficult. When you try them on in the dressing room mirror, chances are you think they look just fine. After all, I always did. But the problem with trying on a pair of jeans --or anything, really-- in a shop is the proximity of the dressing room mirror. When you’re standing only one or two feet away from your body’s full-length image, it’s impossible to have a clear idea of what a particular pair of jeans does for your shape.
If you have full thighs and hips, be very suspicious of what the dressing room mirror tells you-- it might just be pulling the wool over your eyes. Instead, watch other girls in their skinny jeans before you go shopping. Watching how other women look while moving and standing in a pair of skinny jeans is a great way to see how they’ll look on you… especially if you look at girls who are close to your size. If skinny jeans make girls with your shape appear to have a mile-wide behind, they’ll do the same to you. And you shouldn’t buy them.
