Lazy Me, Two Cats in a Tree

Some days I just don't have a lot of creative juice flowing, style-wise. It's good to have staples to pull out of the closet, add a favorite boot, and keep a low if nice-looking profile. Is that a long-winded way of saying I felt a little lazy today?

I chose a silky pale peach blouse, black wool pencil skirt and Gianni Bini caramel boots. My only accessories, besides the watch/wedding ring, are a thin animal print belt and sparkly bracelet. Not breaking any fashion barriers here, but I'm neat and no children will scream.

Every day cannot be the Superbowl, right?  : >
I do harmonize with my new chair.

Skinny G: "Ha, I own the third floor."
King: "I am Basement Cat. I patiently await your doom."

Have a wonderful Thursday! Whether you throw a fashion touchdown or just make it out of the huddle, you are fabulous.

The Award Shows: Glorious Women Of A Certain Age

I enjoy watching the entertainment awards shows, pieces of them anyway (I admit to snacking and chores during the speeches). I especially love to see Women of A Certain Age looking glorious in fab gowns, shoes and jewels. It's fantasy, not my life. Still fun to ogle and imagine.

The Golden Globes had eye-candy for us in the 45+ set:

The gorgeous Julianne Moore in Tom Ford.

Sally Field (Mrs. Lincoln) in Alberta Ferretti. Lovely.

And The Queen, Helen Mirren (in Badgley Mischka) can do no wrong.

I had a harder time finding age-peers at the SAG awards Sunday night. Perhaps because it's more television-oriented, and that's a younger set? But aren't there fabulous midlife women on television any more? Here are a couple of younger-midlifers who looked spendid, but I struggled to find any over 50:

Lovely 49 year-old Helen Hunt, wearing a Romona Keveza gown. Sparkles!

Edie Falco (Nurse Jackie) in a navy Chagoury gown. Love her darker hair.

Are you a fan of these flamboyant fests? If so, do you search the crowd for women of your own age, and enjoy their confident fabulous-ness?

Visible Monday #82: Visible in Mood Lighting

Welcome to Visible Monday #82! If you want to participate, it's so easy: just go to the bottom of this post for the simple how-to.

I made a vest for myself! Well, the super-laziest way: I tucked the ends of my Christian Audigier scarf into my belt for a vest-y look. It gives some personality to an otherwise neutral outfit.

The Breton tee is Jones New York. The flared asymmetrical skirt was thrifted as was the leather belt. I'm wearing my beloved Tsubo booties and no hose today. Tights would look fab, but it's 77 degrees, a woman's got to breathe.

The second moody, film noir snapshot is a result of my husband/photographer having his finger over the flash. I like it.

I am the least crafty/DIY among us, but I made a vest!

I am ready for my French film debut here. Hand me a Gauloise.

 Now, let's see what you're wearing, Visible Women!!

The guidelines to participate in the Visible Monday Link-Up are so simple!

1. Whoever wants to can join in! Just compose a post that includes any outfit, accessory, piece of jewelry, hairstyle, cosmetic or other adornment that makes you feel more confident, alive and visible that day.
2. Include a link to Not Dead Yet Style somewhere in your post.
3. Go to the bottom of this post and click on this cute little link:

In the "Next Step", you crop the pic (easy tool) you want to display, and you're done!

Fabulous Over 60: Henny Garfunkel

Henny Garfunkel, photo credit Kristin Murphy for The New York Times

I couldn't take my eyes off this Woman of A Certain Age: Henny Garfunkel, celebrity photographer. Here's how a recent New York Times article describes her:

Henny Garfunkel, 65, may be the closest thing the Sundance Film Festival has to a reigning queen. A celebrity photographer with a wild personal style — gobs of red lipstick, 19 ear piercings, bouffant hair in the front and a ponytail in the back — she has been high-tailing it here every January for the last 19 years.

And this is how Ms. Garfunkel nonchalantly describes her style: “I know people like my look, which I guess I’d call memorable, but I don’t think much about it,” she said. “I started wearing my hair long because my barber retired. Then I thought, ‘Huh, what would this look like as a bouffant in front?’ ”

She looks strong, confident, full of life and style. I wouldn't copy her hairstyle, but it's not for copying anyway; it's hers. Take a look at some of her work here, if you have a chance. There's a striking portrait of Tilda Swinton, one of my favorite actors/over-40 beauties.


Have a wonderful Saturday and remember: Visible Monday is on for Monday January 28th! Everyone is welcome to participate!

What I Wore: Influenced by Blogger Friend Megan!

Here I am in a very simple knit dress by Lands End, in the Color-of-the-Season, burgundy. It's a great background for any number of accessories like bright scarves, major belts, necklaces, tights, and more. It's a nifty, easy dress for work as it goes in the washer and dries without a wrinkle. It's not high-fashion by any stretch, but a solid basic.

Then I introduced a very cool obi belt, created by my blogger friend Megan of Megan Mae Daily. She makes these belts from men's ties, in all manner of colors and patterns. This one, the "Lynne" is just perfection for my Merlot dress.

Megan also introduced me, via her blog, to Cydwoq shoes and boots. Oddest name, eh? These are my first but not last pair of Cyds. I found them at a great price on eBay. They're wonderfully comfortable and have such a stylish design! Thanks Megan, times two  : >

Feeling groovy in simple dress and statement accessories.

You've been inspired by fellow bloggers, yes? It's one of the ways we weave happily into each other's wardrobes!

Design Your Own Shoes - So Fun!

This sounds like a fun job: Two sisters created an online company, allowing women to design their own shoes and custom-order them. (I found the story in  the New York Times Business section). 

Ilissa and Dorian Howard started Milk and Honey Shoes so women wouldn't be "stuck with the options that the ladies footwear buyer from a department store provides for you.” Dorian said. “You want that three-inch, raised, suede pump? We’ll make it for you.”

The site is great fun to play with, but pretty pricey. I did design, if not purchase, several fabulous pairs. Here's my red peep-toes in faux-croc:

Love! Unfortunately, the price came out at $275.

You can start with flats, wedges, platforms, boots, or booties. Add bows, rhinestones, roses or knots. Have one or two or no straps, and elevate or chunkify your heels. You can design in leather, suede, fabric, pony and tweed. Party on, designing women, and have a wonderful Tuesday!

Visible Monday #81: Visible, Yet Demure . . . ?

Welcome to Visible Monday #81! If you want to participate, it's so easy: just go to the bottom of this post for the simple how-to.

Sometimes I like to whisper my Visibility. Today I am wearing soft colors and neutrals and I feel good. (And weather appropriate, as we're having low 70's for a cool spell!).

The pale blue mens' shirt (thrifted) is by Yves Saint Laurent and it feels so great against my skin. Many mens' shirts are made from wonderful cottons and cotton blends and they wear forever. Wash in the machine, dry on medium, and no ironing needed for this one.

The skirt is a cotton blend by MetroWear, fully lined and also wonderfully comfortable. The embellished belt and bronze boots were thrifted. It's an easy look that combines my love of slouchy pieces with a defined waist, and a touch of sass (cowboy boots).

So ladylike, you'd never know about the tequila shots that followed.

I like menswear combined with feminine pieces. Oh hey, there's Picasso looking
for a new spot in a new home.

 Now, let's see what you're wearing, Visible Women!!

The guidelines to participate in the Visible Monday Link-Up are so simple!

1. Whoever wants to can join in! Just compose a post that includes any outfit, accessory, piece of jewelry, hairstyle, cosmetic or other adornment that makes you feel more confident, alive and visible that day.
2. Include a link to Not Dead Yet Style somewhere in your post.
3. Go to the bottom of this post and click on this cute little link:

In the "Next Step", you crop the pic (easy tool) you want to display, and you're done!

I Like This "Capsule"

I have a Capsule Wardrobe only in my style dreams. I love to look at them and read about them, but I'll never have the discipline/temperament to actually live by one. I like an organized closet but I also like thrifting and experimenting.

But I really, really appreciate this one from Omiru, even though it's several years old, and for a colder climate than mine:

I just like the way this all works. Source.

I'd switch out the two trousers for skirts and the cold weather coats for blazers, and have a really fab winter wardrobe (at least in my head!) Why does this grouping appeal so much?

• It looks modern without being too trendy.
• Incorporates classics (white shirt, pencil skirt), and wild cards (rose-print tee).
• Lots of layering potential.
• Shots of color to enliven the neutrals.
• It all looks so wearable and suited for a casual but stylish life.

Do you like? What might you switch?


Have a splendid Saturday and remember: Visible Monday is on for Monday January 21st! Everyone is welcome to participate!

What I Wore: Paisley Shirt, and King the Giant Cat

Everything looks good with a fitted black pencil skirt, imho. But I really, really like the look of this paisley print shirt. I think it's the good color contrast, the looser top over the fitted bottom, or just the mood I was in today  : >

Both pieces are thrift finds; the wool skirt is Banana Republic from a couple of years ago. The cotton shirt is by Lauren Ralph Lauren, whose shirts I adore for the great fit and fabric. A chestnut belt and Tsubo booties give some contrast.

The bedroom curtains are not so wild and crazy as the living room!

My gorgeous boy King is ready for a long day of securing the bed. "I'm in charge here."

Happy, happy Thursday!

Your Signature Style, Finale: Shop Smarter

Smart Shopper: I pay half now, half when dog is gone. Source

We've been following the RealSimple article, Define Your Signature Style. You can find Parts 1-3 here, here and here. We've found our favorite items, analyzed our mistakes, and identified the missing pieces. Today, we Shop Smarter! (Never too late for smarter, right? I didn't marry my dream man till I was 46, so I may be late out of the gate but I get there.)

Here's the article:

Step 4: Shop Smarter

Take your lists of likes, dislikes, and needs and head to the mall. But before opening your wallet, run through this checklist to determine whether a piece will last the long haul. This may seem tedious, but if it prevents pricey mistakes, it’s worth the effort, right? After a while, you’ll automatically ask yourself these questions. The more an item costs, the more seriously you want to consider these factors.

Will it work with your lifestyle?
Where will you wear it? Ideally, this is a place you go every week or month.
Does it coordinate with at least three other pieces in your wardrobe?
Can you wear it year-round? Imagine it with tights, a sweater, or open-toe shoes.
Can you picture yourself wearing it next season? Next year? In five years?
Will the effort of hand washing or dry-cleaning prevent you from wearing it regularly?
Is it good quality?

***************************************

So I've identified the silhouettes, colors and fabrics that work best for me. I know my shopping blind spots (I think!). I want to shop smarter, have fewer wardrobe mistakes, and enjoy every piece in the closet. This last step is about the financial aspect of wardrobing.

Budget-wise, the key question for me is not "can I afford it?"; usually I can because I shop in reasonable marketplaces. It's more "Is it worth it?".  I don't mind experimenting with fun pieces for a few dollars, then re-cycling them to family or thrifts. Most skirts, accessories and casual tops fall into this category.

But for Big Stuff, like shoes, boots, signature dresses, "real" jewelry, good leather bags, I try to answer the above questions. My wardrobe needed a classic cashmere cardigan, so I went through the steps and finally bought one like this:

Mine's black but similar style. Pockets! This one's from Bloomie's.
Outfit idea too: Cardigan over lacy dress!

This sweater is a big yes to the questions above (I can wear it year-round in my icy office). I could have bought several lesser-quality cardigans, and that's what I did for decades. I would like but not love them, and they would often pill or pull or fade. So I made, for moi, a Shop Smarter decision.

What say you all? Do you have any interest in investment-dressing, cost-per-wear, Shop-Smarter philosophies? Do you segregate your purchases, like I do, into Small Stuff and Big Stuff?

Love to hear from you about this. And I hope you've enjoyed this series, just for the pure fun of playing in our closets!

Visible Monday #80: Great Scarf, Bed-Head!

Welcome to Visible Monday #80! If you want to participate, it's so easy: just go to the bottom of this post for the easy how-to.

I'm still working out all the photography details in the new place, not to mention the decor. (Someone, please come help me?) But I've got a great dress and scarf combo going on!

The simple knit dress is by Eileen Fisher, purchased at a consignment store in NYC for just $30. It's so well-made and makes a wonderful foundation piece for scarves, jackets, jewelry and messy hair.

The silk scarf is by Christian Audigier and I love the colors. I picked it up at a charming local shop, Cottage Rose, for under $20. Here it serves as a necklace and really livens up my neutral outfit. The wood bangle was found at the Molly Mutt Thrift, my absolute favorite thrift store because they save the kittehs.

The Chrysler Building at my hip!

It's too warm to wear tights. We'll hit 80 degrees today.

 Now, let's see what you're wearing, Visible Women!!

The guidelines to participate in the Visible Monday Link-Up are so simple!

1. Whoever wants to can join in! Just compose a post that includes any outfit, accessory, piece of jewelry, hairstyle, cosmetic or other adornment that makes you feel more confident, alive and visible that day.
2. Include a link to Not Dead Yet Style somewhere in your post.
3. Go to the bottom of this post and click on this cute little link:

In the "Next Step", you crop the pic (easy tool) you want to display, and you're done!

Your Signature Style III: The Missing Pieces

I forgot my pants. Source.

After the less-than-cheery step of "analyzing my mistakes", we are back on track for fun with step 3: Identify the Missing Pieces! It does require some analysis and reflection. The questions below, via the Real Simple article, are spot-on for discerning what's needed to round out your wardrobe:

Step 3: I.D. the Missing Pieces in Your Wardrobe

Separate your clothes by type. Ideally, you want to have three times as many tops as bottoms—the same ratio you see in stores, says Julie Watson, a wardrobe consultant and a former senior director of merchandising for Banana Republic. “No one remembers your pants,” she says. “We associate with people from the waist up.” Watson also suggests a 60-40 balance of staples (timeless, solid-color pieces) to novelty items (prints, funky details). To refine what you need, write down your responses to these questions, then check off what’s lacking from your closet on the Wardrobe Basics Checklist.

    What items would make the pieces you own more versatile? (For instance, a polka-dot blouse to perk up a pencil skirt or pointy-toe flats to make cropped pants look less casual.)
    Do you spend most days in a corporate environment but have a closet full of cheery sundresses? (It might lift your spirits more if you invested in a new suit that makes you feel great.)
    Have there been occasions (maybe a dressy dinner, a job interview, or a funeral) when you were at a loss about what to wear?
    Do you need to update any go-to items that you’ve reached for one too many times (say, a pair of overly dry-cleaned black pants, a wool suit with shine marks, or a ring-around-the-collar white blouse)?


Your answers reveal: The only things you should be buying. (Stay strong!)

************************************

I don't necessarily buy into the tops-to-bottoms ratios for my own closet, as I love to collect (and wear) interesting/memorable skirts. But I do need to pay attention to my tops, and not always fall back on my store of black tees.

The missing chunks in my wardrobe definitely relate to weekend wear. I tend to focus my energy and $$$ on office clothes, even though it's a laid-back environment. The second question above got me thinking about upgrading to a nicer pair of dark denims, some fresh Breton tees (they do wear out) and maybe a cool chunky necklace for casual wear. I already bought a nice black cashmere cardigan to wear any day of the week and it has filled a lot of gaps.

These classic Levis would freshen up my weekend wear.

And this cool necklace from Etsy would add vintage personality to my black/striped tees

I'm good with occasion-wear, having a classic pinstriped pantsuit and a Little Black Dress. So my shopping list is short and focused, with flexibility for dream-pieces. A woman can't be too strict about these things! For example, here are my fabulous new Cydwoq booties, not on any list but too yummy:

Megan got me hooked on this brand, and they are soooo comfortable.

Over to you, insightful fashionistas: What are the missing pieces, if any, in your closet? Do you shop by that list, or let the style spirits move you?


Reminder:  Visible Monday is on for Monday January 14th! Everyone is welcome to participate!

Your Signature Style, Part II: Analyze Your Mistakes

Source

 
Picking my favorite "go-to" pieces was fun and easy! I am not so happy-faced about the second step in Real Simple's series, Define Your Signature Style. As it reads:


Step 2: Analyze Your Mistakes

Like rehashing a bad relationship, this cringe-inducing ( yet cathartic) exercise helps ensure that you don’t go down the same dead ends again. Ready? Take out five things you wish you hadn’t bought and ask yourself the questions in step one, plus the questions below. Then let go of those items, plus anything else that’s not pulling its weight—even if it still has its tags or it will be perfect once you lose 10 pounds or you have friends who throw fancy parties. “Your wardrobe should reflect who you are now,” says Kendall Farr, the author of Style Evolution. “Don’t hang on to images of what worked for you 10 or 20 years ago.”

    Do you have anywhere to wear this?
    Is it high-maintenence?
    Does it make you feel old and frumpy? Or young and silly?
    Is it poor quality?
    Did you buy it for the thrill of the bargain?
    Did you buy it only because it was trendy?
    Was it a panic purchase for a big event?
    Does the color make you look pale? Yellow? Ruddy?

Your answers reveal: Your shopping blind spots. (Write down details about your mistakes so you never waste another cent falling into the same trap.) If your favorite pieces are tailored and crisp, that’s why you’re not reaching for the ruffled chiffon top. You will want to hold firm to your “likes” and “dislikes” lists.

***********************************

I really, truly don't own five things I wish I hadn't bought. Oh yes, I have bought them - but they don't stay in my closet for long. So here are a couple of sad-sack memories, and why they were mistakes:

• Polyester print 60's mini dress. Too short to feel comfortable at work, poor quality fabric, made me feel a little "young and silly", bought for the Thrill of the Bargain on eBay ("it's vintage!").

It was similar to this one, currently on eBay
Not a bad dress, but not good for me.

• Ankle length camel corduroy skirt. Made me feel old and frumpy, bought for the Thrill of the Bargain at a thrift store.

Again, not heinous, but I felt so lumpy-dumpy in it.
But it was only $1.50! I had to!!

• Floral print cotton blazer. Colors washed me out, construction was poor quality, bought for the Thrill of the Bargain at Target on clearance (before I took the Shop Secondhand First Pledge).

Some of you would look fab in this. But it just killed me dead. No amount of
lipstick could save me. But it was $8!

I see a trend in my fashion "mistakes", eh? I have fallen for the Thrill of the Bargain without considering if a piece is truly functional, good quality and a flattering color for me. I'm getting better at resisting The Bargain, and don't have a recent purchase to put on this list.

How about you? Care to share any purchasing "mistakes" and what you've learned from them?  Do you have a shopping blind spot?

Identify Your Signature Style, Part I

Art by Nick Cave, former Alvin Ailey dancer and fashion designer. Source.

Although I dress confidently, I am a sucker for how-to's, lists, do-overs, et al. I'll read any fashion article that starts with "Five Ways To . . ." I swear I found one on a lesser website (not a blog!) that was titled "How To Dress More Elegantly" and started with "Buy more elegant clothing".

This little article from Real Simple has some gold in it: Define Your Signature Style. It's real simple (heh), can be applied to any wardrobe, and appeals to my sense of orderliness without being oppressive.

I'm going to take a couple of posts and apply the guidelines to my own wardrobe, and hope that you'll play along, if you choose. And share in the comments! Here's the verbatim text for Step #1:

Step 1: Identify What’s Working

You probably have a handful of go-to pieces you instinctively reach for when you want to look put-together. Now imagine having a rack full of them. The first step toward achieving that goal is figuring out what makes those favorites so, well, favored, says Amy E. Goodman, the author of Wear This, Toss That ($27, amazon.com). “Pull out the five things you would wear every day if no one was keeping track,” she says. (Emphasis mine). Choose something in each clothing category: tops, pants, dresses, and skirts. Then ask yourself a few questions about each piece. Jot down your answers so you can use them as a shopping guide later.

    How would you describe the item? Crisp and tailored? Soft and ruffly?
    What image does it project? Smart and professional? Edgy and fashionable?
    What color is it? Does the shade brighten your complexion?
    What fabric is it made of?
    What is the silhouette like? Nipped at the waist? Flowing and hip-grazing?
    What parts of your body does it accentuate?
    What parts of your body does it de-emphasize? Is it comfortable?

Your answers reveal: Your style barometer. Use your notes to help pinpoint what you like. “Be careful of buying replicates,” says Goodman. You may learn you prefer darks and flared shapes, but you need only one good pair of black bootcuts. “Think of it as nailing down a signature look, not getting into a rut,” she says.

*************************

OK, here I go. The five pieces I'd wear every day are:

• Dark wash straight leg jeans
• Black long sleeve tee, slim cut but not tight
• Striped long sleeve tee, slim cut but not tight
• Black pencil or full skirt
• Knee length black knit dress, sleeveless for layering

Five Reach-Fors

I'm not entirely sure about the image this projects, except it feels like "me", "she likes black", "move to NYC", or "boring!". Not ruffly nor edgy. Everything is soft, easy to wear, neutral and fairly casual. I like body-skimming clothing that shows off my slim form. I like a waistline and I emphasize my upper body. I avoid bright colors/prints.

What this question does not take into account is that these pieces are the backdrop for lots of accessories. So one of my signatures is: blank canvas for creativity.

The warning against duplicates hits home: I keep buying slim black tees and striped Breton tees, because I love them. I probably own enough now for the remainder of 2013.

Next installment will be Analyze Your Mistakes!

Over to you: What are your five reach-for pieces? What do they reveal about you? Or do these articles make you numb?? No wrong answers!

Visible Monday #79: Karina Dress-Love! And These Curtains Are Killing Me

Welcome to Visible Monday #79! The first one of 2013! If you want to participate, it's so easy: just go to the bottom of this post for the easy how-to.

I adore every Karina dress I own, for all the obvious reasons: made in the USA, gorgeous prints, wash and wear care, and not least, the company itself. Karina Dresses is the brainchild of the incomparable Karina Coisineau, one of the most delightful, creative, and hard-working women I've ever met. Just go over to their website right now, check out the dresses (some on sale!), and join their Facebook site too.

As soon as I set my sights on the Karina Josie dress, it was on my wish list. It's got what I love with its deep scoop neck, three-quarter sleeves and easy, flowy shape. And how great is this print? (It may not be available now; the fabrics are in limited production, but there are gorgeous options).

I can wear this dress year-round in Florida. Here it's got tights and boots for accompaniment, but will be perfect with sandals in a couple of months. I am dressed here for lunch at the in-laws, and felt chic and comfortable.

The curtains! Wow, I didn't know how loud they were until I saw this pic. They actually look good as part of the living room/office, from a distance. Not the ideal backdrop for a print dress, eh? I still haven't found a good picture spot in the new condo, so please forgive any eye-strain.

Hope you can see me against the look-at-me curtains!

These Gianni Bini boots are comfortable all day. Love that.

Use Code GIBP30 for $30 off any full-price Karina dress online!

Now, let's see what you're wearing, Visible Women!!

The guidelines to participate in the Visible Monday Link-Up are so simple!

1. Whoever wants to can join in! Just compose a post that includes any outfit, accessory, piece of jewelry, hairstyle, cosmetic or other adornment that makes you feel more confident, alive and visible that day.
2. Include a link to Not Dead Yet Style somewhere in your post.
3. Go to the bottom of this post and click on this cute little link:

In the "Next Step", you crop the pic (easy tool) you want to display, and you're done!

Faux "No-No's" From More Magazine

I usually enjoy the features in More magazine, although I feel like I was their target audience ten years ago. There's not a lot in there for the 55+ woman. But I still appreciate the fashions and some of the financial/career articles.

This slide show had me howling, though, with its list of fashion "mistakes". I'm going to highlight a few of the most egregious here, and await your feedback:

• Boxy Jackets. These "create a boxy silhouette. Today’s chic jacket shape is fitted and shrunken." Um, maybe, but I love a boxy jacket too, and find the "boyfriend" look kind of youthful. I wear it with straight jeans and booties and a scarf, and feel great.

Not fitted or shrunken, but very appealing. Michael Kors, $110

• Flannel Night Gowns. "Unless you are sick with the flu and sipping a steaming mug of tea, the flannel gown is not your friend in the bedroom." Sorry, editors of fashion magazines, there's nothing wrong with a cozy nightgown on a frosty night. I think they're adorable. And I have a friend in the bedroom already, and it's not my nightwear.

This one is flannel-backed. And I'd wear it any cold night, and be tres happy.
Carole Hochman, $42.

• Stockings With Sandals. "It is a crime against sandals everywhere. They’re sandals, and they’re meant to be worn with bare feet." That's pretty bossy. I like the look of tights peeping out of an open toe, but amiwrong?

Cute enough? From the blog The Shoeologist.

• Your Husband's Anything. "Get over the sentimentality of wearing his college sweatshirt. Not flattering, not fashionable, not necessary." OK to the sweatshirt; it's probably not flattering. But I love a man's shirt with a pencil skirt, sleeves rolled up and collar popped. And Megan owned the menswear look this week when she borrowed her husband's sweater.

And I did it too, not too gruesome.

There are plenty of items on the list that no sane woman would disagree with: Clothes that are too tight, chipped nail polish, and micro-mini skirts. But they also included the color orange as a never-wear! These are restrictions up with which I will not put. How say you all?


Reminder:  Visible Monday is on for Monday January 7th! Everyone is welcome to participate!

What I Wore: Tulle, No Teacup

I really like the tulle-and-teacup theme that invaded the fashion blogosphere last Fall. I didn't participate, but I enjoyed fabulous blogger friends like Melanie and Curtise in their tulle finery.

Melanie of Bag and a Beret is mesmerizing in tulle and teacup

Curtise of The Secondhand Years is dreamy in tulle and teacup.

I did not achieve mesmerizing or dreamy, sigh. But I do rock this little tulle skirt from Isaac Mizrahi for Target. I picked it up on eBay for under $10 and I've been wearing the dickens out of it. I wore it in the warmer months with tee shirts and now I'm adding tights, boots and a pretty scarf (also eBay'ed).

Who was in charge of bringing me tea??

Have you worn/would you wear a tulle skirt? And what's in your teacup?  : >

Not For A Million Dollars, Aunt Patti

Source

Happy New Year! Don't you love fresh, clean pages and symbolic new starts? We could choose to do that any day, but enshrined dates like New Years Day are full of hope and promise. No formal resolutions for me - I have OCD already and do not need any more To Do Lists. But to learn more and love better are my ongoing goals, every year.

****************************************

I interviewed my darling nieces about fashion on our way down to Grandma's house this past weekend. Kara is ten and Katie is 13, two beauties who are also aces at school and sports.

I asked them, "What three items would you need to keep in your closet to get dressed every day, and feel good?" They both said straight-cut jeans, Aeropostale tees, and a hoodie. So, that was easy. They have already streamlined their wardrobe decisions.

Then I asked, "What would you not wear to school for a million dollars?" Katie did not hesitate: "Crocs." Kara said, "I'd wear anything for a million dollars." Hmmm, their dad is a CPA and his thinking has clearly affected the younger one!

So, what would I not wear to work for a million dollars? "I'd wear anything for a million dollars." Okay, but what would I be very unhappy about wearing? If I only get to pick one item, I suppose it would be:

The print does match nicely at the seams though, eh?

There is nothing intrinsically bad about this shirt, of course. My husband wears them all the time and looks like the cool middle-aged surfer he is. It's just so not-me, the bright print and big collar and etc. But if I were coming home to a million dollars, I'd pop it right on with a neat pencil skirt, boots and a blazer!

Over to you: what would you not wear for a million, billion bucks? No wrong answers of course, we all have our dreams.