Think outside the shoebox

A good friend of mine once said to me "Shopping is my favorite sport." I agree, and like any sport you need to prepare a little and dress appropriately. Specifically, I'm talking footwear. Far too often I see men with tennis shoes trying on pants and suits. Would you wear those gym shoes with the suit you're trying on? If your answer is anything other than an immediate no, turn the computer off. Leave the cave and be sure to pin your address to the inside of your shirt so someone can help you find the way home. When shopping be sure to have the shoes you would wear with the suit or outfit you are purchasing. Not only will this help you get better idea of how the completed ensemble looks, it can also prevent you from fashion mistakes and impulse buying. Don't want to take your shoes with you. Stop by the shoe department and ask for the pair you are intending. For those who may dread the dressing room, a simple adjustment such as this can ease those dressing room anxieties and result in a more pleasurable shopping experience.

Genetic Jean Pool

Ok. I am quickly approaching the age where genes matter. As do jeans. I've recently come to the opinion that 'nice' jeans are the best approach for a budget mommy-makeover. And I went after that brand of makeover with gusto by investing mostly in Hudson's (my toosh would HATE if they went out of business!).

But, alas, the cost of my jean-etic vs. genetic battle was getting a little pricey...until Friday when I discovered the Joelle fit Anoname. And the fact thay they're juniors and I went down a size? It's a win-win for me and the product gurus with the sense to cut their sizes bigger.

I am never at a loss for words when talking about myself or what I am wearing. When talking about you and others I tend to have less to say but still an abundance of observations and testimony. However, in this situation I was at a bit of a loss. There does exist the appropriate pink shoe and this isn't it. If you are going to add color to your shoes, keep it grounded in tangible reality. Pinks and Purples are fun and so should their medium be. Sneakers such as the Converse All Star are a great way to successfully express your fancy for color and remain stylish whether your out being social or riding the A Train uptown.

I have recently started a new affair. Since a relationship with shoe brands is never monogamous I'm not really hurting anyone else. Keep in mind that sensible shoes are to your outfit what potatoes are to food. It doesn't matter how perfect your shirt, pants and any other layers are, if your shoes are incorrect than the whole outfit is ruined. I recently discovered these gems at Macy's. Imported directly from Spain, Mezlan Men's Shoes are extremely well made and possess a timeless style. Two important factors when taking into account the fact you want your shoes to last for quite some. The rich colors available can easily supplement your wardrobe, compliment a suit for the office and formal events, or a great pair of denim for a more casual occasion.

Sometimes, Always, Never

Ever wonder what buttons on your suit jacket should be fastened and which ones shouldn't? If so, you're not alone. Here is a simple way to help you remember. Start from the top button and work your way down. Sometimes button the top, always button the middle, and never button the bottom. Easy for a three button jacket. Some three button suits are made so that the lapels roll to the middle. On those suits you leave the top button unfastened. For a two button suit do away with the "sometimes" bit, always buttoning the top, and leaving the bottom unbuttoned. Coats are designed to flare away at the bottom, and thus the bottom button should never be used as it throws off the tailoring and turns your silhouette into a cylinder. For those feeling venturesome, bold, and brave enough to enter the fashion forward arena and wear a one button suit. Which you should only do for social events and never to the office - unless you are a world famous jazz musician and your office is a nightclub. When wearing a one button suit you can and should button it.

More

Tory Burch. It's a sequin mini. I'm trying to crop out the massive k-tape that is cramping my style, here...

Here is some Calvin Klein...you can't see the fantastic asymetric (not usually a fan of asymetry but this works) rouching, but it's very subtle and clean. Just like the womenswear designer himself...

Tell me you can tell the difference between these two strikingly similar but totally different dresses...

Paying homage to the mommage...

Because who doesn't want to see what I'm wearing against the backdrop of a Nordstrom's restroom? And? White jeans? ALWAYS a good choice...

Cold Weather, Cool Coats

As the mercury of the thermometer dips so do we, that is, dip into our closets for an item we may have categorized and put away for the winter. Adding a coat or other layer does not involve a sacrifice in style. Quite the opposite, more layers means more options. More opportunity for different fibers, fabrics, and colors. Before we get too carried away we must first cover a basic winter item. Everyman should own a black or navy Pea Coat. If you don't already own one then make it a must purchase for the season. The best kind are made from cashmere or wool and can be complemented with a scarf and gloves. When trying one on don't forget to button it and make sure the fit is snug, enough to wear a sweater underneath. Although it may look conservative, it can still be paired with jeans or casual slacks making it a very versatile coat. After you have accomplished the Pea Coat purchase and are looking to boost your selections, reach out for those other colors and styles. I am currently building rapport with this piece. This wool coat by G-Star is a striking bond of Fall color and Winter function. Easily paired with denim and trimmed with a scarf it also features a detachable quilted vest.

I Miss...

I really miss H&M...for a cheap fashion hit. And...did you know? Texas is one of the only states in the UNION without one. WT...Heck? Ok, not really. But MOSSOURI has one?! Did you know Jimmy Choo has a dumbed down shoe line for H&M? Sigh...this may very well be one of the only perks of living in London: proximity to H&M. And...if you've got nothing else to do? Click this link for fun...

What about these?

Although I think I'd prefer a barely there nude color...these would work, too. Comments?

What About These?

What about these? In grey???

My Most Recent Mis-Adventures in (Window) Shopping

I know, I know. This one is risque. I just had to try it on. Ego shopping...size 4.

This is a fabulous Alice + Olivia jacket paired (inappropriately I might add) with some Seven skinny jeans. But isn't that jacket great? So unique!!!

My new favorite stilletto designer? Gwen Stefani. Love her L.A.M.B.

I had to break down and buy this jacket. It's from Express, and I hustled the guy down 30%. So nice to still have it.

This is the cream version of the brown above. I love this one, too, but couldn't justify getting both. Yet.

Grey V Gray

Anybody remember the song 'Rio' by Duran Duran? The line: "I'm on the hunt...I'm after you..." Then it goes on about how Simon LeBon smells how he sounds...which...is kindof unusual, right? ANYWAY...the former is how I feel about my search for grey...er...gray (?) boots this season. Here is a smattering of what I've found. I ordered the top pair after seeing them in San Francisco... After waiting 7 agonizing days for them to arrive, I was disappointed when they looked more like moon boots than biker boots. Sigh. Returned them the same day.

My favorites are the Frye...I like the Miss Sixty's on the bottom for their funk factor. At the end of the day, I really love a simple riding boot. They look great with skinny pants tucked in, peaking out from beneath a pair of bootcut jeans, and paired with a knee-area (or shorter) skirt. Think about the cute sock possibilities! Sigh...I want to like a spikey-heeed boot. Really, I do. But the practical, height-conscious self can't make the leap quite yet.

Hugo Boss...Get On My Belly

I was a snotty snot when I first found this dress and texted it to no less than, well, the handful of people who appreciate that I swim in the shallow end of the humanity pool sometimes. Strangers in the fitting room insisted that I buy it. At first...I resisted. I mean...I don't need this dress? Where do I go that I would need such a thing? And then it sat and sat and sat in my head. For...like...two weeks.

Hugo Boss dress. Should retail for at least $750.

Nevermind that if I gain so much as an OUNCE, it won't fit...and heaven forbid I should need to sit down in said dress...

Nevermind that it gives me...er...the APPEARANCE of certain assets...

Then? It had to be mine.

Wanna see?