I'm a shoe girl.  Never been a bag girl.  Not a mountain-of-accessories girl. 
Unequivocally a shoe lover.  For me, one dress + 14 pairs of shoes = 14 different outfits.  But something has been niggling me about certain styles of shoes we've been seeing a lot of and I've finally found a definition for it!  Thanks to the following quote from Tom & Lorenzo and their "fabulous and opinionated" critique of fashion and style. 

"Let's all light candles and pray for the end of 20-lb. shoes of anger. We're tired of starlets walking the red carpet looking like they have bear traps on their feet."

That was it!  (After all, aren't we all starlets?)  I've been confounded by the "bear traps!"  The "angry shoes!" The "horses hooves!" Below is a perfect example...

Bear traps.

GRRRR!!!
Extreme bear traps!
Seriously angry shoes.

Not angry shoes.

Grouchy, clomp-clomp horses hooves.

(And not because of the wedge heel.  Wedges are great!)

Happy, walking-on-air shoes.

I don't think it's a color issue because, look!  Nude bear traps!

And I don't think it's a strap issue, because I wouldn't call these angry shoes.  Nor bear traps.  (Would you?)

It seems to be more the "weight" of the shoe - both visually and literally speaking.  A shoe could be made of neoprene and technically weigh nothing but still look heavy and hoof-like on the foot.

I've been loving all the 40's and 50's silhouette's that designers have been tapping of late.  And I like pairing a retro style with a modern shoe.  Keeps the outfit from becoming a costume.  I don't mind a sturdy shoe.  It can add a necessary touch of toughness to an otherwise frilly outfit and looks great with jeans and trousers.  I even like aggressive shoes, on occasion.  They can be unique and fun.  But Tom and Lorenzo hit the nail on the head - too often the shoes come off looking angry and at odds with the rest of the outfit.  Take the below ensembles as an example...

See what I mean!  Truly, "bear traps" and "angry shoes" are perfectly accurate descriptions. So what are your thoughts?  Are you digging the angry shoes or hoping they disappear? Are they the perfect shoe to grab for those times when you're listening to Alanis & Jagged Little Pill?  Or do they not really have a place in your closet and you opt for feminine footwear?  Me, I'm in the latter category.  I just don't find myself drawn to them. I'll admit, it's a very fine line between aggressive and angry shoes, but I prefer feminine, flirty, sexy, retro and unique over bear-trap, growling, horse hooves. 

And a final note... just in case you were thinking it.

Lightening up in the footwear department doesn't mean it's acceptable to wear flip-flops everywhere.  That trend (thankfully!) died over a decade ago.

Save these for the backyard and beach.

Whew! It's been a busy week, let me tell you.  Even a mini vaca over the 4th of July weekend is rough with 3 kids under 3.  Someone please tell me it gets easier when they're at the age when you can just throw them on the floor with a sleeping bag.  As I tackle the laundry, I'm also back to blogging. 

The little poll (and I probably shouldn't have launched a poll before a holiday weekend) came back overwhelmingly in favor of "They're comfortable and fine to wear as ultra-casual. Knee-length can be chic." 
So if you're going to wear them, here are some helpful tips.

 

NEVER wear denim cut-offs so short that your bum cheeks (or the front pocket linings!) peek out. 
Not even if you have a swimsuit underneath. 
Not "just at the beach." 
Never. 
This look says "trashy" in all the ways it can be said.


But don't go below your knee cap, either.  The denim capri is usually much less flattering than the denim short.

Do add a heel!!

A nice wedge sandal can take you from "I've just been cleaning the house and don't care how I look." to "I was just cleaning the house but you'll never know it since I look cute while running a few errands."

Don't fear the DIY. 
Have a pair of too-short jeans still lurking in your closet?  You know the ones.  The high-water/ankle-length Mom jeans?  If they fit you well in the hip, but and thigh - cut 'em off! 

And dye them a nice dark navy or black if they're a light wash.

DO stick to a trim fit, even if you're curvier. 
Wide leg shorts don't slim, they widen.  Same goes for capri's.  The principles of a hip-slimming wide-leg jean do not apply here.

Trim Fit does not mean tight.  It means skimming.  It means slightly camouflaging areas you want to hide and flattering areas you want to enhance.  

As the mercury rises - so do our hemlines.  Shorts, skirts, capris, etc. 
Today, I'd like to get your thoughts on Jean Shorts.
They were big when I was in high-school, went out of vogue for a while, but with the recent denim rage, are everywhere to be found in all sorts of styles. 
So what are your thoughts?

As we continue to translate the Spring 2010 Trends - we have a yay and two nays today.

Thumbs up? Silky print blouses!

I'm actually not certain why style sources are calling this a trend.  Beautiful, silky blouses are never out.  I guess the trend factor is in the fluid, "flowy" cut and the prints.

If you don't have a top or two like this in your closet, I would definitely invest!  They're feminine, figure-forgiving, can be dressed up or down, and worn in any season (a bright silky top under a winter jacket is a great combo!)

Choose a print that suits your style.  Doesn't have to be bright flowers.  And remember that "flowing" does not mean "drowning."  The top should fit you well in the shoulders and skim your body, not flap around you like a tent.

 

Thumbs down #1? Sheer Panels.

Tricky for anyone to wear, extremely problematic for modest dressers, and certain to be only a flash in the pan every once in a while.

I've actually seen some interesting pieces that featured sheer sections over contrasting colors.  And I love the look of black lace over a nude foundation.  But this is not the trend that's been trotted out.  It's truly sheer panels showing skin underneath.

It's fine on a bathing suit, which this top looks like, but otherwise, why bother investing when you have to put something underneath it?.

Thumbs down #2?  Exposed shoulders.

As with the sheer blouses I see no point in calling this a trend, it's a constant in today's world, but it seems the one-shoulder thing is all the rage.  (And it's far more elegant than the slit and slashed shoulders we saw last fall.) 
I actually love the Grecian look of one exposed shoulder and will soon hunt-down a lovely maillot bathing suit in this style.  But as far as clothing goes, this is obviously not a look that most modest dressers will be able to make work on a regular basis, so it's not investment worthy.  And I will take this opportunity to remind you that this look does NOT work over a fitted t-shirt as discussed here last summer.

Welcome to Day 2 of translating spring's trends. 
Did you know there are actually "trend pushers" out there?  Folks trying to push certain looks and oddly enough, I usually see the term associated with the oddest or most unflattering looks.  Like this one...

Um... No.  Just, no.

If you're wanting to incorporate the cutouts trend, this, as opposed to the first look, is lovely.  Strategically placed yet still avoiding the "my sweater is falling apart" look.

Should you invest?  I wouldn't unless you think it's the coolest thing you've ever seen.  There are much better ways to defrump. Especially don't bother investing if you're just going to get something you have to put a coverage-T underneath. Besides, if you're handy with a sewing machine and scissors, and have lightweight knit on hand you don't want to wear anymore, you could DIY this and try it out.

This particular outfit showcases two trends... the cutouts and painterly prints.  Soft and Monet-esque, like this skirt or...

higher contrast and bolder like this dress.

I love prints.  An all-solid wardrobe is boring.  But prints become dated much faster than solids.  So if you love the artsy quality of these prints, choose an item with a timeless cut.  That way, the style of the top or dress will keep it wearable.  If this dress were a good 6 inches longer, it would be a great example of a sleek cut to wear year after year, combined with a current print.

And DON'T pull out your splatter-paint styles from the '80's.  Wrong interpretation of this trend.

Do I really need to say it?  Nein!! 
Any trend with the word "pantsless" in it is just wrong.

But a solid two thumbs up?  Military and safari styles are always welcome and well-used in a stylish woman's wardrobe.  The juxtaposition of masculine and feminine is fabulous.


Look for style details like double-breasted and epaulets...

... or olive drab and braided trim...

... or breast pockets and a tight row of buttons like this adorable infantry jacket!

Just remember - you're going for military.  Not marching band. 

A very simple way to adopt this style (I wouldn't even call it a trend.  It always works!) is the authentic military belt. 

The rugged material and metal grommets add just the right touch of tough to otherwise girly looks.  I like the double prong style myself.

But there is also the single prong style.  Both for about $6 or $7 dollars.

Wearing it as a belt to your jeans, with a plain T and sneakers is a little too standard.  Too tomboy.  But pair it with a really girly piece and you've got yourself the perfect mix of masculine and feminine.  Very fun!  Decidedly non-frumpy! 

Ah... spring.  When the whole world reawakens and lightens up.  Depending on where you live, spring may have sprung a month ago or may still be biding its time.  We thought spring had sprung around here... and then it snowed yesterday.  Yes, it's May 25th and it snowed.  I had to quickly cover the herbs and tomato plants I had just planted this weekend.  Poor little things.

But whether you've been wearing your spring fashions for a while or are still stuck in a sweater - this week we're translating the spring trends that have been going on.  The hits and misses.  What you should definitely incorporate into your wardrobe, what you can tweak, and what to avoid like the pox.

According to Kaboodle.com, these are some of the items you simply can't live without this spring.

A straw fedora a 'la Lindsay Lohan. 
Can't live without?  I'm sorry.  I couldn't live WITH myself if I walked down the street trying to look like Lindsay Lohan.  I have no problem with straw hats, sun protection is a must, but the comparison to this actress, whose taste in clothing the last several years I greatly dislike, kind of killed the fedora for me.  Besides - what is the narrow brim of a fedora supposed to do for me?

Choose a sunhat that actually provides some protection and wear it knowing you're staving off wrinkles just a little longer.

Yep.  Love their suggestion of a breezy scarf!  It helps during those wonky weeks when it's gusty and chilly early on in the day and warm later. 
When choosing a "breezy" scarf make sure that adjective fits both the material and color.  A light springy color in heavy wool will not work.

A bright handbag.
Somehow, this navy blue bag doesn't seem to fit the "bright" description. 

THIS little number from DSW, on the other hand, says "I'm loving spring!"
Bright without being boisterous.  Choose a color you love and use it for many years until it gives up the ghost.

Nude heels. 
A definite two thumbs up! But for the love of your wardrobe do NOT choose this dowdy pair that Kaboodle went with.  Oy! 

A strappy nude sandal will work with any outfit, makes your legs look loooong, and is much more flattering than these stumpy dumpy heels. 

Try a pair like this...

Don't forget - when choosing a nude heel, make sure it's YOUR nude. 
Skin tones vary greatly.  Choose a nude that closely matches your leg. Do NOT assume that a "dark tan" shoe will somehow make your legs look tan.  Doesn't work that way.

A neon watch.
Maybe.  I enjoy fun wrist wear, but if you don't collect watches like bracelets, then a trendy watch may quickly find its way to the forgotten corner of your accessories box and then it's just wasted money.

A classic trench.
Of course! A must-have in every wardrobe because it is so unbelievable versatile.



But it you want to incorporate a little more color and fun into your wardrobe...

Try a short trench in a kicky color.  Like this delightful little number from Nick & Mo on sale at Nordstrom right now for $38!

Yesterday I came across a list from Allure Magazine of 12 or so fashion "must-haves" that everyone apparently needs for winter.  Number 1 on their list? 
This hat.

That's right, folks.  Someone at Allure thinks that if you don't have a giant fur trapper hat this winter you just won't be fit to be seen in public.  I can think of a few people who would need a hat like this.  Professional ice fishers.  Arctic expeditionists.  Ice road truckers.  (If they frequently get flats or the heater in the cab breaks.)  Anyone hunting in the Siberian wilderness. For the rest of us I'm just going to go ahead and call this overkill.

Other than this hat, I really haven't seen any frozen tundra/Davy Crockett influences on fashion this winter.  The 1940's however, are a different story.  A lovely, classy, adorable story.  Grab yourself one of these and live happily, timelessly, stylishly forever.

  I don't often find things I like at Dillards, but this one is adorable and only $35!

A cloche hat is universally flattering.  It can be edgy or cute, sleek or wildly adorned.  I found fabulous options ranging from $15 at Avon to $300 plus at specialty boutiques.  Simply google "cloche hat" and let the fun begin!

This one is delicious...

Red is fantastic...

A little pricey but I found another adorable red cloche for $21 at Kohl's.

Slip one of these on and you'll defy any drabness this winter. 
You'll be ravishing and radiant.  And not the least bit furry.

I've said before that fall is a great time to find modest items that work for spring and I was recently asked for a few examples.  So here are just a very few examples of what you can find.  And remember, these clothes appeal to our frugal sides as well since you can wear them any season!

Sheath dresses - with sleeves!!

Sheath dresses are universally flattering.  But shop for one in spring or summer and nearly all the styles have straps instead of sleeves. 

• Wear it now: with boots, fun patterned tights, sweaters, even a thin long-sleeved turtleneck underneath.
• Wear it later: without the hosiery and layers, add cute jewelry and a bright bag.
  

White shirts - that you can't see through!!

A white button-down shirt that fits you great is a wardrobe essential.  Spring and summer options tend to be very thin "summer weight" cotton.  Shop for one now and you'll score thicker material.

• Wear it now: with anything!  Use it to showcase a great scarf or sweater.
  
• Wear it later: with anything!  It's the perfect counterpoint to summer skirts and bright accessories.
  

Lightweight tops - with sleeves!!

Fall isn't all about heavier fabrics and thicker knits.  You can find lightweight items and more styles with sleeves.

• Wear it now: as a nice thin layer to thicker sweaters and coats.
• Wear it later: as the perfect, floaty spring and summer top.
  

Dresses - with longer hemlines!!

Fall is the perfect time to find dresses that hit at the knee.  This is a great wrap dress in a color that works with boots in fall and sandals in summer.  Personally, I would shorten those sleeves to elbow length.  Easy to do and more appropriate for all seasons.

• Wear it now: with boots, a cute hat and scarf.
• Wear it later: with statement making sandals and a ponytail.
  

Another good dress option.  All it needs is a camisole!

And one more for good measure.  Especially nice for showing off (or creating!) a small waist. 

Again, just add a camisole.  I'd also shorten the sleeves to just above the elbow.

Welcome to the second installment of the Fall Style Series. To check out the Fall trends we translated in Series 1 click here.  (jackets and boots and neon, oh my!)  Today we have more great things for you to consider working into your wardrobe.  And more things to avoid like the Swine Flu!

Metallic for day!
Absolutely!  This is a great way to defrump a modest wardrobe but can easily wander into costume territory if not done right.  So make sure you do it right.  Here are a couple good options for you.

Option 1 - Tone-on-Tone.  I love this silver metallic dress with the gray coat.  If this were all black it would be perfect for a fancy night out but the light colors are appropriate for day.

Option 2 - Paired with casual.  A sparkly skirt like this one with a basic white tee is just the ticket to get you through a long Wednesday.  If the metallic is on top, try trousers or jeans on the bottom.  A little sparkle with a menswear tweed looks fabulous!

Teeter-totter the metallic item with neutral, muted pieces to do the look right.

•   Looking to invest?  Buy the best quality you can afford.  A poorly constructed metallic garment will show it's flaws loudly and won't last long.
  

Ruffles!
Contrary to the opinion of one of this season's Project Runway designers, I like ruffles.  They're feminine and sweet and can enhance or conceal depending on the design.

•   Have something?  Ruffled items pair equally well with menswear inspired trousers and a sexy pencil skirt.
• Looking to invest? Avoid ruffles on chunky knits.  It'll add way too much bulk.
  

Chartreuse or Sunny Yellow!
So often fall gets bogged down in the burgundies, forest greens, grays, and blacks but pulling out a nice sunny color will brighten those shorter days.  AND, lighter cuts like this dress work year round!

• Already have this color?  Make it work in winter months with opaque tights or knee high boots and accessories in neutral colors that don't compete for attention.
• Looking to invest?  Think sunny lime and avoid neon.
  

 

Layering gray and black!
This seems like a no-brainer since layering to keep warm in fall and winter happens anyway but I wanted to include it because the look that's cropping up is specifically monochromatic chic.

• Already have something?  Make sure to incorporate both black and grays.  We're going for a balanced look, not head to toe in one color.  I think this also looks fabulous with various shades of white/cream and tan/brown. Keep the ensemble sleek and watch the makeup!  Against this pallet, your normal “berry kiss” lipstick could look clown-like.
• Looking to invest?  You probably don't need much.  Shop your closet and you'll probably find all the pieces you need.  If not, get the best quality you can afford.  These colors never go out of style.
  

Slit-, Slashed-, or Cut out Shoulders
I apologize for the harsh picture.  It was the best I could find showing this trend and how we're talking only exposed shoulders.  The top still needs to have actual sleeves.  I include this trend only because I saw it layered over a brightly colored piece making it appropriate for modest dressers.

•  Have one?  Do NOT layer it over a flesh-colored item.  You want deliberate contrast.
  
• Looking to invest?  Don't bother.  It's a problematic trend and assuredly a tiny flash in the pan.  If you really love the look it would be very easy to DIY with one of your existing tops you don't mind altering.

Leggings
It's so rare to see leggings done right.  Every year I find myself questioning what I think about them.  They're much more feminine than sweatpants for around the house but once you go out?? This year, like almost every fall, they're popping up under mini-skirts and long tunic tops.  You truly have to have a trim figure to pull off leggings in any sort of flattering way.  They show every lump and bump.  No, they are not slimming and for many people the fact that leggings are skin-tight goes against their definition of modesty.

•  Have some?  Layer them under your shorter, summery skirts and dresses that you want to keep wearing.  If you have the figure, you can show more legging compared to top, but keep the crotch and buns covered, otherwise we'll have to start calling you Lindsey Lohan (the reigning queen of leggings).  And that's not a fashion compliment.
• Looking to invest?  You don't need to spend big bucks on a pair of leggings.  Just make sure they fit snugly and don't sag.  Oy, that's brings a scary picture to mind!
  

Cocoon coat
Oh what a shapeless mess.  As with any item of clothing, from size 8 to 18, concealing your shape under a bulky mass is NOT flattering.   Even where outerwear is concerned.  Bulky shapes like this don't mean more warmth.  It's all just a little too "Snuggie walking down the street."

• Have one?  Donate it or relegate it to your emergency kit.  Maybe the material will be good to deconstruct for a DIY project.
• Looking to invest?  Don't.  If you're in need of a new coat look for a nicely tailored wool topper you'll look good wearing for years upon years to come.
  

Ultra-broad Shoulders
This wasn't a good look in the 80's and it will never be a good look. What do we call this?  Glitzy Linebacker?  What woman worth her femininity wants to look like a linebacker? This look goes beyond simply shoulder-pads to massive poufy shoulders. 

• Have something?  Yes, strongly tailored shoulders slim hips, but this isn't it. Put it in the dress-up box for when your daughters need to channel the 80's. 
• Looking to invest?  Avoid anything Dynasty-esque.  Look for TAILORED shoulders.  Tailored just enough so they’re not slouchy.
  

Welcome to the first of our Fall/Winter Style Series! Since we figure the cycling of trends is here to stay (as discussed here) we might as well cover what's current, how to make it work and what to run from screaming! First...

The Lovelies -

Motorcycle Jacket!  Leather jackets never really go out of style and the main point of this trend is that it's fitted and hip length.  A nice simple blazer-style leather jacket fitting that description will work great.  Do not pair with heavy leather boots.  The jacket should be the only biker item in the ensemble.

• Have one?  Pair it with your ultra feminine pieces to tone down the more sugary sweetness of spring & summer and carry those items through fall & winter.
• Looking to invest?  The biker jacket is miles more versatile then a long Matrix-style coat.  Look for a close-fitting jacket without too many bells and whistles; i.e. avoid multiple heavy zippers and tons of superfluous seaming. 
  

Bright Coats!  Fall and winter coats are NOT something most people want to replace often.  That's why we buy black, brown or tan.  Neutral colors that will stand the test of time.  But a bright coat will do the same - as long as it's cut in a very classic style.  A brightly colored trench brings much needed vibrancy to fall and winter clothes and carries effortlessly through to spring. 

• Have one?  Don't be afraid to pull it out and wear it as long as the weather will allow.  Pair it with neutral scarves, gloves and hats so as not to compete with the coat.
  
• Looking to invest?  Keep the style classic.  Don't be afraid of pattern.  I have a bright pink trench with tiny white polka-dots that garners tons of compliments year after year. Consider a water resistant trench instead of wool.  It will be easier to keep the lighter color clean.
  

Long Gloves!  Around my neck of the woods cooler temps can come early but nothing so frigid as to warrant carrying a coat around all day.  A definite do is pairing long gloves and scarves with short-sleeved items.  It's elegant and unexpected and they're easy to carry with you. 

• Have some? Pair with simple, more sophisticated tops, avoiding graphic tees and active wear.  
• Looking to invest?  Leather gloves wear for decades.  Look for gloves and scarves in complementary tones but not necessarily matchy-matchy.  (click here for info on coordinating vs matching)
  

Fun winter accessories!  Have a black coat?  Add color around your face with a bright scarf and hat.  Dark coats beg for fun colors and patterns.

• Have some?  Keep a lint roller in your car.  That lighter, brighter lint will show up fast on a dark coat.
• Looking to invest?  Dots, stripes, plaids, and animal prints are timeless.  Choose the best material you can afford (ideally cashmere) so they will resist pilling and look great for years to come.
  

Tough call, these over-the-knee-boots.  Personally, I think they look cool but you have to get skinny jeans that tuck into them easily.  And I'm not a fan of skinny jeans.  Thick leggings might also work, but that's a big might, and only with a longer tunic top.  Tricky... very tricky.

• Have some? Nobody with any taste is wearing them with mini skirts and dresses (too tarty!).  Keep everything above the boots short and nicely covered up, like a cute short trench coat.
• Looking to invest?  Only if you're in love with the style and are certain you'll wear it more than one year.  These boots don't come cheap (and if they do - double check the construction!)  Look for a simple cut that will more easily stand the test of time.
  

Neon.  I'm an 80's child.  We did neon like never before and I agree with the sartorial mantra that if you were around the first time the trend hit, you can't wear it the same way the second time. Do a quick search for neon clothing and accessories  and many tacky results will suddenly glare from your screen.

• Have something?  Make it an accent to neutrals.  The brights will look great with whites, tans, and denim.  Pull out those long lost bangles and pop 'em on your wrists.  Or let the neon grace the tip of a shoe or the straps on a sandal. 
  
• Looking to invest?  Don't.  It's practically a guarantee you won't pull out that neon dress next year.  Instead, dip a toe in the trend, literally.  Neon nailpolish is a cheap way to have fun.  Me?  I'll be enjoying my bright orange toenail polish.  Later, when you don't want a full set of neon feet, it can become polka-dot or flower accents for a fun summer look.
  

Harem Pants. DO NOT bother with the "boxy pant"/harem pant/baggy pant trend.  It's unflattering on everyone and will be gone in the blink of an eye.  Even if I have to gather every pair and bonfire them myself.  Who wants their hips to look huge, their legs to look short, and their crotch to hang down to their knees?  Run away from this one.  Far away.

• Have some?  Turn them into cleaning rags.  Show the kids how cloth burns slower than paper, and how to dispose of the ashes.
  

Boyfriend Blazer/Boxy Blazer.  Ladies, anything that hides your shape is a don't!  This trend will make you look like... wait for it... A BOX!  Not good.  Check out this picture vs the one below it.  Even on this tiny little model - she looks shapeless and heavier than she is.

• Have one?  Get thee to a tailor! (as discussed here)  It can most likely be taken up and in at all the right places to get you a flattering piece.  If not, stick it in the dress up box for your kids to be "daddy" and future hobo costumes.
• Looking to invest?  Spend your pennies more wisely on a blazer like the one below.  You'll breathe sighs of relief for years to come. 
  

Ahhhh.  Much better.  Nice shape.  Timeless, slimming, flattering.

Hope this has helped excite you for the coming months!  I love jacket season.  Not so much "I-have-to-shovel-my-way-out-the-front-door" season, but jacket season is great. 
Stay tuned for Fall Style Series 2!