Tag Archive for 'gap'

Singing in the Rain….

I  remember the days of my childhood when I would actually play in the rain.  Careless and fancy-free ; I would get dressed in my crappy clothes. Put on my Dad’s oversized raincoat, grab an umbrella and splash and stomp in the puddles around my driveway.

    Flash-Forward 20 years: Instead of embracing the rain, We, as adults run and shutter from every drop. I am constantly finding myself ill-equip for the rain.  My gap poncho from high school is always conveniently stashed away in my trunk. Umbrellas? Sure !    I ‘ve got two of em!  One on my porch so I can grab it on the way to my car (never-do), the other is an Ark & Co one (Great new designer who we brought on) that I got free at the MAGIC show.  Where’s that one? In my car? Nope….

In place of a wine bottle in my wine rack….

So as you can see my rain preparedness… not so good.  On days like this I also have trouble figuring out what to wear. I want to look cute, but it’s so hard when it really limits your shoe selection. 

My solution:  THE RAIN-BOOT!

I can dress in relation to my new water shoe and tuck my jeans in them so I avoid that awful wet ankle syndrome.  So I’ve done my research and Target definitely has the cutest selection.  I don’t want to spend more than $25.00 on something I will only wear once and while.

Here are my top choices( I also included an outfit sample with each boot)

So go ahead and cast your vote for which boot I should buy! I need your opinions!  Just comment on this post and let me know.     Soon, I will be back in action stomping in those puddles faster than you can say “Hair-Sprayed Bangs from 1987″

 

bird
bird by marybevello featuring Charlotte Russe scarves

 

plaid

     

WWD: What’s the New Lipstick?

This year was the first time that I had heard of the lipstick effect.  Basically when the economy is down, lipstick sales soar.  Why you ask? Well, lipstick is the one purchase that is fairly cheap (depending on what cosmetic line you use) and can make a women feel good about herself!  I’m not sure if a lip gloss or lipstick would really quench my thirst, but here’s what WWD has to say about it:

” The phenomenon,known as the lipstick effect, dates back to The Great Depression and has provided bright spots in otherwise dull retail landscapes.  Meanwhile, Estee Lauder chairman Leonard Lauder added credence to the economic indictor when he coined the “Lipstick Index” post 9/11.  The sqaure root of the concept is an easy, feel-good item that offers a quick and affordable fix.”

According to WWD one of the most popular  lipsticks is the new Guerlain Rouge G, the red lipstick

Guerlain Rouge G, the red lipstick

Guerlain Rouge G, the red lipstick

 

   Hmm, pretty packaging at least.  So other than lipstick what else are women turning to in these economic times of despair?   According to Ken Downing, senior vice president and fashion director at Neiman Marcus ” The new lipstick is shoes”

  Brands that are trending up are Tory Burch, Christian Louboutin, Manolo Blahnik and Christian Dior.  Looks like Carrie Bradshaw had it right all along!

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Christian Louboutin

Christian Louboutin

 

Tory Burch

Tory Burch

Christian Dior

Christian Dior

Manolo Blahnik

Manolo Blahnik

  Other retailers such as Donna Karen, Bergdorf Goodman, Barneys, Lord and Taylor, Henri Bendel, J crew, Gap and Intermix cite these favorites as the next lipstick:

  • Scarves
Accordian Scarf from bevello

Accordian Scarf from bevello

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Handbags
Saltbox "Trellis"

Saltbox "Trellis" from Dillards

  • Costume Jewelry
Lilith Earrings from bevello

Lilith Earrings from bevello

Chirp Necklace from bevello
Chirp Necklace from bevello

 

 

 

 

Henna bracelet from bevello

Henna bracelet from bevello

  • Cocktail Rings
Juju Ring from Forever 21

Juju Ring from Forever 21

         

 

 

 

  • J Crew’s Cupcake T
J Crew Cupcake Tank

J Crew Cupcake Tank

  • Bright clothes
  • Jumpsuits
  • Headbands and Hats
Urban Outfitters Feather Headband

Urban Outfitters Feather Headband

  Looks like accessories are a big hit amongst this recession.  Here’s what Scott Schramm Senior VP of Henri Bendel has to say about the strength of accessories: “Accessories typically have been recession-proof. ”

(“Beyond ‘Lipstick Index’: Stores see some hits even in the recession” by Jessica Iredale)

   I agree.  Accessories are key in fashion.  It takes a blah and boring dress or shirt and adds that much needed POP!  Its an acquired skill. One that I myself need to work on.  I am so focused on my outfit and shoes that I regularly forget to put on accessories!

The reason I love accessories? 

  It doesn’t matter what size you are!  Accessories look great on everyone size 2 to 22!

  Whats my favorite “lipstick” ?     The hinged wallet or clutch!

Hinged Wallet from target

Hinged Wallet from target