Bargain-tastic

So, part of why I love shopping so much is the thrill of the hunt… for the perfect bargain! And when I found myself at Target today, just to buy hair care stuff, I found myself irresistibly drawn toward the clearance clothes racks. And then stopped by the shoes. And ended up with a black wool A-line skirt for $4.98 and red suede Isaac Mizrahi ballet flats for $7.48. And some new dress socks for $0.74 a pair. It was amazingly wonderful.

I now have red shoes! Once I get black boots (round-toed or pointy, none of the square-toed nonsense), and maybe some more sandals, my shoe collection will be complete!

I also find myself filled with spring fever and the desire for 50s-inspired skirts and twinsets in pastel colors and dark cuffed jean capris to go with my cork wedges and puffed/short-sleeved button-ups in dotted swiss cotton. I want to finally wear my white eyelet tiered skirt that I bought in southern France (I need a decent slip) and the white cotton tunic shirts I bought on sale this winter. I want to go bare-legged! I’m sick of ice and subzero temperatures (literally, it was -10 at 11 am this morning) and the freezing wind! *sigh* And it’s only half-way done. Ah well, the heat of summer will be here soon enough and then I’ll be begging for a breath of cool air. Such is life in the upper-midwest.

Now I have laundry that needs doing and a soon-to-be Girls Night In that needs attending to. So if you’ll excuse me, I must go.

Like Night and Day

First of all: Happy New Year! I know I’m a bit belated in this posting, but I thought I should celebrate the turning of the year (2007 already? Is anyone else still counting the years as if it’s 2000? You know, like 1995 was only five years ago?) and the coming of a new fashion season: Spring.

Okay, so even though it’s been unseasonably warm, we’ve still go a good two to three months of winter left where I live, and we generally don’t get a spring (it usually goes from winter straight into summer). However, that doesn’t mean that I don’t look forward to new clothes.

Although, now that I have so many different pairs of shoes, my wardrobe is nearly complete! Just a few more pairs of flats, some twill trousers, a few more dressy blouses, and some more capris and I’ll be set for life! At least until I find more things to buy, anyway. *grin*

But I digress, the Point of this post is that it has recently come to my attention that most people probably dont’ know the difference between day wear and evening wear. So I’m going to try and define the differences between the two.

Day Wear:
Usually casual or semi-formal in nature. Generally consists of lighter and brighter colors with more prominent use of neutrals like khaki, cream, olive, and grey. More casual fabrics like cotton, knits, denim, twill, corduroy, etc. Casual wear could consist of khakis or jeans with button-down shirt and casual shoes, or summer skirt and sandals with a peasant top, or corduroy skirt and boots with a sweater. Day shoes are generally canvas flats, sneakers, espadrilles, boots, oxfords, office pumps, wedges, etc. Day wear is generally what people wear every day.

Evening Wear:
Usually dressy-casual or formal. Generally consists of darker and richer colors with more prominent use of neutrals like black, charcoal grey, and chocolate brown. More formal fabrics like silk, satin, tulle, fine wool, etc. Dressy-casual could consist of black trousers with black satin pumps and a jewel-toned silk blouse, or a dark wool trumpet skirt with satin top and jacket. Formal wear generally means dark suits or tuxes for men and cocktail or evening gowns for women. Evening shoes consist of dress shoes like wingtips for men, and high-heeled or stilletto pumps and sandals for women. Evening wear is generally worn for special occasions or for evenings out, such as to a nice restaurant for dinner, or even to a club.

The easiest way to differentiate between the two is color, shade, and fabric. You wouldn’t wear khaki corduroy to an evening wedding with a swanky reception, just as you wouldn’t wear a plum satin cocktail dress to a baby shower in the spring (unless it was a weird, evening, cocktail-party-type baby shower, and even then it would be a bit out of place). In my mind, I also associate evening wear with winter and dark colors, and day wear with lighter and brighter spring, summer, and autumn colors and fabrics.

There, as we move from winter into the distant spring, I hope that helps.

Haste makes ruined clothes

So, I went out for martinis with an old friend from the East Coast whom I rarely get to see (we’re talking maybe once or twice a year, here, people), and we went to a swanky bar downtown last night, so naturally, I felt the need to dress up. I wore a white collared shirt with french cuffs, my new evergreen-colored merino Elena Solano sweater, and the cutest dark denim trumpet skirt with soft navy tulle edging. And black hose and black pointy-toed “alligator” mary janes.

However, my skirt needed to be ironed, and in my haste to get ready (I worked until 7:30 that night and after dinner, I had only a 1/2 hour to get ready) I didn’t realize that the iron was on the hottest setting and I completely melted/burned a small section of the tulle trim. I tried to salvage it, but just my luck, it was in the front. Luckily, the tulle is ruffled and against dark stockings it’s not really visible, but I was angry with myself all the same.

Moral of the story: haste makes ruined clothing!

I still had fun last night. My “date” was well-dressed and charming and I forgave him for parking three blocks away in the frigid cold because I was wearing my swank long sapphire blue wool coat that I “stole” from my mother and kept plenty warm. After a delicious cosmo (I really do love those things, and the Grey Goose made me feel expensive) my friend and I went for a walk downtown, surruptitiously peering into the windows of the upscale restaurants to see if we knew anyone. Funnily enough, I knew the band leader of a jazz band at the most expensive restaurant. He saw me through the window and we smiled at each other, but my “date” and I just kept walking. It was really, really fun. And we laughed at the drunk people tipsily wandering out of the bars and back to their cars (eeek!) and congratulated ourselves for having only one martini apiece and being able to hold our liquor.

Just to gossip: I did see some atrociously dressed people at the bar we went to (not so much unconsciously unfashionable as implementing BAD fashion and thinking they were cool) and my friend and I mocked them (only to each other, of course). All in all it was a lovely evening. *sigh* If only we could hang out together more often. He really is my best friend. We share everything and have lots in common. *sigh* Oh why does he have to live half a continent away!

Ah well, it was a lovely evening anyway…

Since I won’t be able to go to one, here’s some ideas for what to wear to a swank New Year’s Eve party.

1) The formal: If the party you’re attending if a formal banquet/cocktail party that requires a ball gown, go for classic red or black or white with metallic or brightly colored accents (with white and black, anyway). Or, if you can pull it off (and afford it), a silver satin sheath with brilliant blue pumps and a deep blue pashmina shawl with a diamond and sapphire necklace would be my choice. *grin* Of course, I wouldn’t be able to afford it either (or pull it off, for that matter). For the rest of us, a black formal dress (black satin with black velvet accents might be nice) will have to do. But kick it up a notch with brightly colored shoes (red, turquoise, sapphire blue) and/or a shawl/wrap.

2) The swanky cocktail party: a cocktail dress, of course! Cocktail dresses are usually sheathes or fitted 50s-type short dresses in all colors and styles. Black is a perennial favorite, but feel free to go with other colors, too. But keep in mind that winter usually demands jewel tones, dark colors, and/or metallics. Wear baby pink and people will think it’s spring. Again, if you wear black, punch it with brilliantly toned shoes and/or accessories, like a metallic clutch. Depending on the weather and time of day, a short beaded cardigan or capelet is a nice alternative to a wrap.

3) The at-home friendly shindig: These types of parties usually consist of about 15-30 people and are more relaxed. Here, a wool skirt with dark tights and a cashmere sweater would be appropriate. Or wide-leg pants and a festively striped button-down. If you’re not sure how formal something is, look at the normal, every-day wear of your hosts. Are they dressy by nature? Sporty? Preppy? Take your cues from them. Still not sure? Ask your hosts outright, or ask them what they will be wearing.

As always, since there is usually a lot of standing at these parties, don’t wear your most painful shoes. And if you’re planning on eating a full meal, make sure you wear an outfit that isn’t too tight and that you can comfortably sit in. If you don’t want to eat much, you can remind yourself to eat less by wearing something that is tight across your stomach and eat slowly and be aware of how full you are.

So, go forth and celebrate for me! I’m going out of town over the holidays, so since I won’t post again until 2007, Happy Holidays and have a fashionable New Year!

Remind me again why the 80s are back in?

Ugh. I think I have just seen the worst fashion faux-pas of my life. Ladies and gentlemen (drumroll please)… I have just seen an acid-washed denim fanny pack. And no, it wasn’t on some middle-aged sleaze ball who doesn’t know any better. It was on a normal-looking college girl and her outfit, though not exactly chic, was pretty normal-looking too. But she was wearing an acid-washed denim fanny back. Turned around so it faced the back. And so I ask, if you’re going to wear something so hideous and awful, the least you could do would be to have the decency to wear it correctly. I mean honestly, you’re just asking for someone to steal your wallet. Or your passport, circa 1987.

Ick. Icky. Icky poo-poo.

And of course, the eternal question, said with feeling and despair: WHY?!

World Aids Day

Hello darlings! Today, December 1st, is World Aids Day. So, to honor all of the victims of HIV/AIDS, those living with it, and those fighting it, I’m wearing red and black today. And you should, too if you want to show your solidarity and support for this worthy cause.

Besides, how classy is red and black?

To Dry Clean or Not To Dry Clean?

So, I find that I have a penchant for wool and linen things, most of which say either “hand wash only” or “dry clean only.” Since I don’t like to hand wash things and refuse to pay money (and destroy the environment) by dry cleaning things, I often just don’t wear them as often and let them air out.

 BUT, I find myself loving a few items too much and they being too cheap to pass up, despite the “dry clean” and “hand wash” labels.

Wool is washable. Just not in the machine (unless the tag states otherwise). The biggest mistake most people make with wool, especially knits, is throwing it in the wash on Hot and then drying it in the dryer. Heat and agitation will felt and shrink wool/cashmere knits beyond wearability (visit the sweater section of any thrift store for proof).

So is linen, silk, and other delicate, often synthetic fabrics. The key is to look at the label. Often labels will read “hand wash cold, lay flat to dry.” This means that you should use a gentle detergent (like Woolite or similar) in cold water (cold, I tell you!), gently lay the garment in the water, pat it down until it sinks, then gently squeeze (do not rub knit wools under any circumstance!) the sudsy water through it. Leave to soak for a few minutes, then carefully remove the garment (without pulling on or stretching it, mostly in a big ball works) and fill basin/sink with fresh cold water, then submerge and gently squeeze again, repeating until water is clean. Then place on towels, shape, place more towels on top, and roll to squeeze out excess water. The garment can then be laid on more towels or better yet, a mesh sweater rack (usually square and suspended) to finish drying.

To avoid snagging fabrics and to protect your hands, wear rubber gloves.

For more detailed info on various garments to clean, visit Handwashing 101 or read the chapter on “Handwashing Delicates” in Home Comforts: The Art and Science of Keeping House by Cheryl Mendelson.

As for dry cleaning, garment manufacturers cannot by law label something “dry clean only” unless machine and/or hand washing will physically damage the garment. “Dry clean” is what I consider to be a cop-out on the part of the garment industry and means that drycleaning is merely the recommended method of washing. A garment that reads just “Dry clean” can probably be hand washed.

I’ve yet to decide if my linen-silk blend trousers can be hand washed, but at $7, I think I’ll risk an experiment. If only I had the time, space, and willpower to do all my sweaters at once.

London Calling?

So I got to see Stacy London from TLC’s “What Not to Wear” today at the Women’s Showcase. The showcase itself (mostly a jumble of businesses seeking business from women; everything from jewelry stores to plastic surgery clinics to Home Depot) was pretty boring. I did get some some free stuff and a creepy guy running for Tax Commissioner gave me some Tootsie Rolls. But for the most part it was weird.

Good people watching though. It was interesting to see the people who dressed up (since Stacy was going to be there), myself and good friend included, and contrast them with the grandmas in velour sweatsuits and older women in tapered leg pants. The most fascinating were the “hip” older women who were wearing things like high-heeled boots, fitted jackets and cardigans, but would then be wearing tapered leg, light-wash jeans or bootcut jeans that were not long enough for their heels and made their flat butts look awful. It was interesting to see what trends they picked up and what they didn’t.

Stacy London was amazing. She’s like herself from the show, only much nicer and a little more hyperactive. Strange to think about, but as she herself said, she might have undiagnosed ADD. She was bubbly, witty, and her critiques had just the slightest edge, but were mostly nice. Which is saying something given the outfits in my Midwestern town.  She was overly nice, in some cases, because in the audience question section, when she went out into the crowd and answered questions, far too many people asked dumb/rude questions like, “I’m a journalism and fashion marketing major and I was just wondering, when you retire would you put in a good word for me?” To which Stacy replied, “For all of you who want my job, I’m not dead yet!” and then moved on. And the scary beauty-pageant girls who were there kept interrupting her for pictures during this same audience question period. It was annoying and I was disappointed in the audience.

It was also fascinating to see who was simply trendy (which Stacy decried in general, but didn’t point out anyone), and who was fashionable. I’d say about 90% of the people there were simply trendy, or trying to be fashionable. There were some people who really pulled it off, but not many. I don’t think I was one of those people, but at least I try, right?

Quality?

When has it become acceptable to charge $120 for a pair of pumps constructed wholly of man-made materials?

Why is it impossible to find anything stylish in wool and why does it cost twice as much as everything else?

What is happening to quality, people? Even the upscale stores are carrying sweaters made entirely or predominantly of acrylic. Why would I want to pay $75 for a sweater that is just going to pill and nap in the wash? I think I’d rather hand wash a wool or cashmere sweater and have it last considerably longer. Especially since it’s also warmer.

*sigh* I know it’s generally cheaper to produce things out of man-made (i.e. petroleum-derived/plastic) material, but since when is it acceptable to charge the same amount for crappy man-made stuff as the good natural stuff, just because someone slapped a designer label on it?

Yes, this does have a source, as you’ve probably already gleaned from my rant. I was perusing Herberger’s (yes, I live in the Midwest, get over it), looking at shoes, handbags, and sweaters (I need warmth, people!), and I kept finding things well over $50 (even on sale) that were still 100% man-made or acrylic! It was driving me nuts! And the Woolrich’s sweaters they did have, which were wool, were pullovers, looked like camping gear, and were thin and itchy. Not to mention $75 a pop.

I’m just disappointed that even armed with extensive sweatshop labor and uber-cheap materials, designers still can’t seem to get over their egos and either price things fairly or produce actual quality goods.

Now, don’t get me wrong: I’m not attacking all designers. There are some people out there who can work wonders in cotton, wool, linen, silk, and the occasional bit of spandex (which, despite being a man-made material, is your best friend in very SMALL quantities).

All I’m saying is that if I’m going to spend $75 bucks on a sweater, it had better be cute, warm, and well-made.

Fashiontainment

I am officially addicted to Project Runway. It’s a little sick. We don’t have Bravo, so a friend of mine downloads them from the website and we tend to watch several at a time. The best part? No commercials!

I also saw The Devil Wears Prada this past weekend. It was pretty awesome. Meryl Streep as Meredith was frostily elegant and oh-so-chic, if also oh-so-evil. And Anne Hathaway is gorgeous with flat-ironed hair and blunt bangs. She looks like an effing supermodel.

I also love Ugly Betty on ABC. Or is it NBC? I don’t remember. It’s good anyway. Also also fashion-ish. Sort of like The Devil Wears Prada, only sweeter and funnier.

I now own cute black ballet flats. But they’re half a size too big. Damn you, shoe companies for not making size 10 1/2 anymore!

Too Many Shoes?

I went on a trip to the twin cities (aka Minneapolis-St. Paul) this weekend with a club from school and, of course, we went to the mall. I was searching for a nice, flirty black skirt for social dance, and some dance shoes if possible. I found both: a black A-line skirt from H&M with a satin ribbon belt that fits and moves like a dream. It’s also suitable for, well… a suit! And I found some Etienne Aigner open-toed and ankle-strapped pumps that are very cute and worked well for dance shoes (they stay on well, have a lower heel, and have some padding in the footbed). Alas, all those straps ended up rubbing my heels raw. Oh well, hopefully they’ll get broken in. And I did wear them basically all day and walked around campus in them all day. Which in hindsight was a mistake, but I did it anyway. The skirt was $25 and the shoes were on sale for $30 (instead of $65). So I think I did pretty well for myself.

Speaking of injurious shoes: I bought those black, Isaac Mizrahi alligator mary janes. They were a bit too big (size 11, I have big feet, I know) since the 10s were too small (damn you Target for not making size 10 1/2!) and since they’re pointy-toed, my feet sort of slid around in them more than I expected. So I got blisters in weird places. However, they are totally hot and I love them, so I think it might be worth it. Especially since I got some little Dr. Scholl’s-type padding things to put in the toes. Haven’t worn them since, but I will soon.

Also, speaking of Target, I bought some lovely khaki-colored linen wide-leg pants there (also Isaac Mizrahi) for $6.50 (a steal, I know) only to find out after I get home and cut the tags off that they are linen-silk blend with cotton lining, and also DRY CLEAN ONLY! Gah! I refuse to pay $5 to dryclean a pair of $7 trousers, even if they do fit like a dream. Plus, it’s uber bad for the environment. It seems awfully silly that natural fabrics should have to be drycleaned. I might do some research and get back to you on that.

I find myself wanting more sweaters now that it’s getting colder.

I have yet to wear my brown boots this year. Maybe tomorrow with my jean skirt and colored tights. We’ll see.

H&M is totally worth buying at full price, especially for dressy clothes.

I wish Forever 21 would make things in XL. The L is just slightly too small, and their clothes are REALLY cute and relatively cheap.

I still want red shoes.

If high heels didn’t hurt so much sometimes, I’d wear them every day.