The Trench Coat

February 7, 2010 by Melinda

In the early nineteen hundreds, Thomas Burberry developed the fabric known as gabardine and proceeded to build on designs by himself and others to develop a water proof coat.  He presented it to the British Army  for the soldiers as a work coat.  It began being used by front line soldiers in the “trenches”, hence the name.   Many brought them home after WW l and it soon after became a fashionable piece.  Some identifiable parts that are still included on most of today’s traditional coats are sleeve straps,  a topstitched belt with D rings, and shoulder straps or epaulets.  A back shoulder flap or yoke, and a wide notched collar are also desirable details.  When designed long ago, these details all had a function.  Today, it is a beautiful piece of clothing and a real classic.

Fashion wisdom  from Chanel to Tim Gunn  and every stylist in between declare it a “must have” for a woman’s wardrobe.  I have trouble with “must haves” but I am becoming a bigger fan of this coat every year.   I think I like a bit of a twist to the traditional  tan or khaki trench.  Although, if someone gave me one like the coat below, I’d have to take it!  Burberry makes several trench coats with a variation on each.  Truly, there is not a more fashionable look than this. Add a beautiful scarf and you can almost go anywhere.

trench coat/ Burberry

I have one almost just like the one below.   The red is my little twist to the classic.  A removable lining is a real plus to these coats also.  I like linings that button out.

DKNY trench/ Bluefly.com/ $149.00

If you are  looking for a true water repellent trench,  you’ll want to make sure it has some nylon or a nylon (or some other like fabric) blend of some sort.  100% cotton will obviously not repel and likely absorb water.  Very uncomfortable!  I like the short version shown here and the zippers give it an edgy look.  Really cool and hip looking.  Really big picture too!

Brema trench/ Nifyfits.com/ $330

I don’t think you can beat the cute factor on the one below.  Plus, the price is fabulous.  Black and white will look great with jeans, khakis, or try a black pencil skirt, bright yellow scarf, and black platform peep toes.  Can’t beat that for spring.

Black and white floral trench/ Charlotte Russe/ $38.99

February might be a really great time to find a traditional tan trench on sale.  The new pieces retailers are receiving  will most likely be prints, florals, heavy linings, and spring colors.  A true water-resistant trench coat will be a great functional piece to have and will look fantastic with almost any outfit you choose to pull together.  If you’ll wear it,  I’d say you could safely invest in a coat like this.  But, if you are just going for a great looking trench imposter, then don’t hesitate to go for cotton blends in cute prints and don’t worry about being water-resistant.   I just left TJ Maxx in Brentwood  and they had a handful of really cute ones.   I hope you decide to give this icon a try!!

Share

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments »

Shoes Are The New Black

February 4, 2010 by Melinda

You know the phrase we all hear from the fashion mags September issue; “the new black is…..”?  Well, my spring take on that line is, shoes are the new black.  The women’s and really even men’s shoe world has been gradually exploding (can you do that?) with evermore colorful, artistic, height defying styles.  Using geometrics and a variety of materials and embellishments, designers have picked every part of their brain to deliver amazing looks in shoes.  The question is what to buy, what to admire from afar, and what to laugh at!?  As we’re going into spring I encourage you to step (like my play on words?) out of your comfort zone a bit and try something new.

Shoes are an intricate part of the process when you are truly “creating” a look.  It doesn’t matter where you are going, if you are putting thought and effort into an outfit, you must give consideration to the shoe.  The ones I am showing here are extremes for the majority of women.  But, when you start buying for spring, I want you to remember these, take it down a notch, and buy at least one statement shoe.  You’ll love it!
Now, this first pair is really not that outlandish.  If I wore 4 inch heels, I might buy these.

Nine West/ Zappos.com/$88.00

Remember, take the overall look, color, design, whatever, and find one similar that suits you.  I do love the electric blue and the ankle strap.

NYLA/ blue suede platform/ $89.00

This next one falls under the artistic label.  I can sooo see these with straight leg black jeans and a summery white top.  The shoe is the outfit here!  Vail, ski slopes maybe?

L.A.M.B. @ Piperlime/ Vail/ $299

Lucky Brand is always good for a fantastic look.   A bit southwestern I think.  Again, I think I was wrong, these are not that out there!  Pair with a fabulous denim skirt maybe?

Lucky Brand/ Petra/ $109.00

And lastly a real heel for that occasion, beautiful floral embellishment, bone hue, and perfect for almost any high-end outfit.  I’ll take it, heel and all.

Kelsie Dagger/ Belize/ $135.00

Okay, forget the whole these are extreme line.  But again, my point is still, take the idea of beauty, art, and color, and apply it to your shoe shopping!  It almost solves the “what do I wear” dilemma because the shoe is the outfit, almost.

About these images, I did a terrible job documenting the site I took them from, so, they are all either, DSW, Piperlime, or Zappos.  So sorry for the mistake.

Call me……

Share


Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

Stripes Forevermore!

January 31, 2010 by Melinda

My item of the week isn’t an item exactly, more like a look.  Nautical stripes have signaled the coming of spring for decades.  Think Audrey Hepburn in a boat-neck, stripe, 3/4 sleeve tee.  And sadly, I don’t have many nautical stripe things.  So, doing this post was a real treat.

The first item is a beautiful scarf.  The navy and yellow (the one I want) would be beautiful with a navy pea coat (which I don’t have), and jeans tucked into black boots.  Love it!  Or pick the light blue and grey.  This would go with black, brown, grey, and navy.  And technically, these are varsity stripes but we’ll just include them in the total stripe look!

stripe cashmere scarf/ Himalaya Trading Co. from Overstock.com/ $47.49

Another really cute stripe piece is this cardigan.  I love that it is red and not the usual black or navy.  Wear this on warmer days with a black or navy tee or tank underneath.  Do a boyfriend khaki and Keds to really go all the way with this nautical look.  Looooove this too!  Sorry for the teeny tiny picture!  Squint.

stripe cardigan/ Urban Outfittters/ $32.00

The last item is this cute button up stripe skirt.   You could easily pair this with navy on the top and brown riding boots to make it cool weather spring appropriate.  Tights or no.

Navy and white stripe skirt/ American Eagle/ $34.50

If you have a spring stripe or nautical look you wear I’d love to hear about it.  It is a continual spring trend so investing in it with a nice sweater or scarf  shouldn’t be something you would regret.  Call if I can help in any way.

Get out and enjoy this beautiful, rare Nashville snow!

Share

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

Casual Winter Dressing

January 24, 2010 by Melinda

I don’t like to do this very often but every once in a while it serves my purposes to use celeb pictures as inspiration for outfits.  Obviously this has nothing to do with like or dislike of the person, I’m totally judging on their style for that day.  So, to help you in contemplating what to put together for a particular outing or possibly what pricey piece you might want to invest in, here are some ideas.  While you probably won’t care for all of them, maybe one will inspire you to branch out or just try a  new way of wearing something.

Claire Danes is my first choice.  This look is very simple and subtle with simple pieces.  Black leather coat and black boots with J brand gray jeans tucked in.  If you’re worried about tucking your jeans in, try a straight leg over your boots.  It’s still a great modern look but different from a boot cut.

Claire Danes/ NYC/image instyle magazine

This next person is one of my favorite style icons.  Diane Keaton.  A couple things you may not know about her is her real, almost obsession with being very covered up.  She almost always will have on a turtleneck, a jacket, gloves, and pants.   Very overdone at times I think.  Here, in my opinion, she really scored.  The coat and the red shoes are fabulous.  I also really love how she will mix whites and creams on occasion (i.e. Something’s Gotta Give movie).   The movie Baby Boom also has some great style choices, just know that it’s 25 years old!  What do you think of this look?

Diane Keaton

Sarah Jessica Parker, aka SJP, has become as well known for her style as for her acting abilities.  Maybe more.  This is definitely a more sedate look than we see sometimes.  But, it certainly backs up my “white in winter” post.  I think the shoes probably have a heel, I’m not sure. Cute, cute about town look.

Sarah Jessica Parker/ NYC/ instyle mag image

Note the scarves/pashminas used and the belts.   Little things make a big impact.  And I think I lied about not using celebs very often, I may have used them more than I realized!  Watch for an item of the week next time.  Stay warm…..

Share

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

Deal Alerts!

January 20, 2010 by Melinda

Just wanted to let you all know….J Crew is having an extra 30% off their sale items, not much left though. Also, BCBG is having a huge sale, 50% to 70% off fall and some winter. Worth checking out!  Oh, and almost forgot, Jamie has 30% to 50% off fall and some winter, but the big deal is an extra 30% off  already 1/2 off shoes and boots.   Tried on a cuuuuute pair of Sam Edelman black flats for $60 something but alas, too big!

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

Do White In Winter!

January 18, 2010 by Melinda

Okay, the weather is not cooperating with my posting.  So much for my last posting about the wet, dreary days of January.  In my defense, wearing white was a topic I was going to cover in a few days.  It’s just that now it is so pretty and warmer, it makes me think of lighter colors.  What is it about this weather that inspires me/you to clean, eat better, walk, and other healthy things?  Well, you can ponder that after you read the rest of this and let me know.  Hopefully after reading you’ll  be inspired to wear white or winter white no matter what the weather is!

I’m going to start with a winter essential, I think, but rarely worn right now.  A white jean.  This one is ankle length but, if you would feel more comfortable, get a regular length, bootcut or straight leg.  Or, for a cool sixties look try a wide-leg white jean…whoa….very mod!  Haven’t seen one but will look and let you know.  Anyway, if you choose to be a fashion “do”,  make sure your denim is heavy weight and  don’t do a whole summer look (i.e. summery sandals, light weight tops, etc.).  You want to keep your other pieces winter appropriate.  Wear boots, flats, chunky sweaters, layered tees, whatever.  With this particular pair, they are obviously great for boot tuckin’.  White denim might be hard to find for a 2 or 3 more weeks.

Vince skinny stretch jean/ Nordstroms/ $195.00

I have a skirt similar to this one but mine is truly a summer skirt and I get so many compliments on it.  I haven’t felt this fabric but it up close it seems to be a fairly heavy cotton and it is lined.  I would love to wear this with black tights and black pumps.  Maybe yellow on top or more cream.   I could also see a high neck blouse with it, kinda a Victorian vibe.  Oh the possibilities!

Aniseed cotton skirt/ Anthropologie/ $128.00

I’ve saved the best for last.  This is an ultimate “it” piece.  What you can’t see is that the back is total chiffon ruffles too.  I love this jacket.  Put a sweet blush colored tee underneath with a pair of distressed boyfriend jeans and ballet flats or maryjane heels.  Fab-u-lous!  I’ll take it in a 6 please, no occasion needed.

Chiffon ruffle jacket with chain trim/ Topshop.com/ $160.00

Of course, if none of these are possibilities for you, at least get a pair of cream cords or a great winter white sweater.  Wearing several shades of cream, white, and winter white is a beautiful look.  You’ll look like a walking snowy vision, whether it’s sunny or snowing!  And we will get cold again!  Call or email if I can help in any way……

Share

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments »

In the Moment

January 13, 2010 by Melinda

Odd title I know, but I was thinking how so much of my time is spent wishing it away.  Wishing for the weekend, wishing for warm weather, wishing for school to be in or out, wishing for snow, but not much time spent enjoying right now.  And January is a popular month  for many people to wish away.  It can be cold, dreary, wet, with short days and limited sunshine.  So, remember in October when you wanted so badly to wear your cords, wool sweaters, down vests, etc. and it was just too warm?  Here in Nashville, we are about a month behind NYC temperature wise in the fall.  So, when you see the huge September fall fashion magazine issues of all the great fall stuff, we generally don’t want to wear it yet.  Take advantage of those pieces now.  January and early February will be the last weeks to really get the most out of mixing black, brown, mulberry, deep teal, dark purple, and so on.  Certainly by February when we are seeing 50 and 60 degree days you’ll be gravitating toward spring colors and fabrics.

January is also a great time to start editing your closet.  While you are finding room for Christmas gifts and after Christmas sale purchases, pull out the things you haven’t worn in a couple years and bag it up.  Or, I know a friend that takes one thing out of her closet  every time  she puts something new in.  Not a bad plan.  I mentioned in the last post I was doing my closet this week; that has been pushed to next week but it is still on the calendar.  When you are back in the depths of your closet, take a good look at your shoes and get them to the cobbler if needed.   Check to see if  new soles or any repairs are needed and be sure to keep a shoe shine kit handy.  It makes a world of difference in your over all look to have nice looking shoes.  My husband has this one which of course I use.  It’s actually kind of relaxing to shine your shoes!

Shoe Shine Kit/ available at Amazon.com/ $46.95

I mentioned in the  last post I was going to feature an item of the week.  I hope to do this regularly.  The problem this week was I haven’t been in the stores the way I usually am.  So, I looked for something online that I know I’ve seen locally.  Whether or not it is still in the store I don’t know.  I picked this 3/4 sleeve pullover sweater because I’ve seen it and it is really cute.  I love that this could be worn with a black  (or other color)  cardigan or blazer now then in the spring with white jeans.  Grey is sooo versatile.  Plus, the little fabric loops at the neck aren’t quite as fussy as some chiffon or satin ones would be.  Cute huh?

Ann Taylor/ 3/4 sleeve merino wool sweater/ $49.99

Okay, clearly this sweater is meant for women no more than an inch tall!  I could not figure out how to get this picture bigger so go to AnnTaylor.com and look at it or see if it is in the store.  I wish you see the details clearly, sorry.

That’s all for right now.  Get some constructive things done these next few weeks with your wardrobe, filling in with quality sale items and clearing out things you don’t need.  I’d be happy to help!  Thanks….

Share

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

Why? Why? Why?

January 11, 2010 by Melinda

We’ve all had those “why did I wear that?” times.  You know, you get home and realize you didn’t look at yourself from all sides in the mirror, or looking at a photograph, you promise never to wear those jeans again.  Sometimes, not getting the compliments you were hoping for on a particular outfit is a clarifying moment, or the comments weren’t compliments but  something like,  “that’s an interesting top”;  not quite the glowing remark you care to hear on a look you were excited about.  Suffice to say it’s happened to everyone.  Even celebs.  I don’t usually write about celebrities except to show a look that is particularly worthy, but I came across a couple of photos of 2 women I really like.  They are both beautiful in different ways, accomplished, and worth watching, usually (a biggie for me!).  For both I’ve found a much more flattering pic to go with the bad one.  I think the second photos  show great style and flawless make-up.

The first is the oh so famous J Lo, or nowadays, Jennifer Lopez.  I find her particularly beautiful, especially when she does the nude, flesh tones like the look in the second photo.  I love her hair up and back but especially the dress and shoes. This look is gorgeous, sexy, but really understated at the same time.  Love it!  Of course, she was visiting D.C. so the first look certainly wouldn’t have worked.  I mean please, even if you can do a glittering body suit, why would you go on stage in it?  On TV no less!  Don’t love it.

Jennifer Lopez/ NYC New Years Eve

Jennifer Lopez/ Victoria Beckham Collection/ Washington D.C.

I must confess, I don’t know much about Gwen Stefani.  I know she’s married to a cutie and has 2 kids.  I’m really not familiar with her music but I am familiar with her style.  She likes to push the envelope fashion wise and her platinum blonde hair and signature red lips fit her perfectly.  I know she has a child under two and is already back in a bikini and looks fabulous.  Anyway, again, good judgement went by the wayside in order to stay warm I guess.  There’s really no understanding this one.  It’s obvious she likes colors but this is just too much.  But the second photo does her justice.  I love her hair up and she has regained her normal style sense, of course, the stylist on this shoot with Elle may have helped…who knows.

Gwen Stefani/ London

Gwen Stefani/ Elle cover/ July 09

One comment on the puffer coat picture.  I had just her in the coat downloaded  (I thought) but it wouldn’t upload to the blog, sorry; the caption on this picture from several sites was “Gwen Stefani coat, Fashion Math Decoded” or something like that.

So, there you go, obviously some of the most fashion minded women make mistakes.  One point on these looks though;  I believe these women made the final decision.  I don’t think their stylist talked them into wearing them.  Celebrity stylists have to think about their reputation, name, future work, best look for the client, etc. when dressing their them.   I think both of these looks are extreme and the stylist wouldn’t have made this call.  Jennifer’s body looked great but the suit still looked silly.   And the coat may be right up Gwen’s style alley but she also still just looked silly; at least she wasn’t on stage!  Just my take on it all.

Well, I didn’t mean to beat the celeb vs. stylist issue into the ground, I just find it interesting.   Next time, real world fashion.  Thoughts  on after Christmas sales and an item of the week.  See ya……


Share

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

After Christmas Sales!

January 7, 2010 by Melinda

I need to clarify something I said on my last post.  I was talking about skinny jeans and said that not everyone was meant to wear them and I still believe that.  But, along with wearing them tucked into boots to balance the outfit, try wearing a long top or tunic that covers your rear end.  Put a belt on to accentuate your waist, just try to use a critical eye when you’re looking in the mirror.   On this same topic, I bought a great pair at the Gap a few days ago.  They are black and are the Always Skinny style and were on sale.  They fit fabulously; the waist is contoured in the back so they don’t gap much and although they don’t have tons of lycra or spandex, they are very comfortable which is a big issue for me.  The pic below is the dark wash which are still full price, but having tried them on, I think they’re worth it.  Remember that when switching fabrics, the fit can be different.

Always Skinny/ Gap/ $69.50

My next after Christmas purchase was this sweater from Anthropologie.  This pic shows grey but I got black.  It didn’t look like much on the hangar and really doesn’t in this picture, but on, it works.  I wore it with a wine colored straight sweater skirt, black tights, black tights, calf height high heel black boots, and I must say, it looked pretty good!  I added a great big teardrop bead necklace and black gloves.  Loved It.

Anthropologie/ timing is everything sweater/ $39.95

I don’t have a great blouse.  I tried this on at Banana Republic and loved it but needed a smaller size.  They didn’t have it and no other store did either.  I guess I’m going to have to order it online.  It will look great right now with jeans, sweaters, cowboy boots, pencil skirts, dress pants,  and I could go on and on.  This spring, I’ll pair it with white jeans, khaki shorts, skirts, you get the idea!  The white collar and cuff really set off the blue, just like a guy’s dress shirt.

Banana Republic/ banker blouse/ $44.99

So, there are my latest post holiday buys.  I’d love to hear what you’ve found.  Next week, I’m tackling my closet.  I’m going to be brutal.  Do you need to do that also, is the sweater from 2003 still there that you paid too much for and hate to give away?  An objective opinion helps and will make it easier to make those decisions.  Call me, January appointments are just starting to pick up.  Retailers have already put out their cruise collections; navy, white, khaki, black, and red usually make up cruise collection colors.  Anyway, when I start seeing the light weight cottons, shorts, and warm weather items, it makes me want to clean out!   Call me if I can help you in any way,  thanks……

Share

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

Dreams of Spring 2010 in January

January 2, 2010 by Melinda

Happy New Year!  You know it’s not just a new year but a new decade.  Remember 10 years ago and the Y2K scare?  Gladly not this year!  You probably realize that the fabrics and design for 201o fall lines are already decided on and being produced for shows and market.  When you think about  it that way, it is not out of the question for us to be talking spring fashions!   Even if it is January 2.   So, as you’re slugging about in those new Uggs or puffy coat you got for Christmas, you can dream about what you’ll be wearing in  3 or 4 months.

The trends for this spring are really new takes on some fall and winter looks you’ve seen.   Epaulets, double breasted jackets, khaki, and navy are all trademarks of military style.  I love it.  It is traditional yet edgy at the same time.  When I was in high school I used to wear my uncle’s USAF short waist wool jacket with his pins and all.  It was olive green and oh so cool.  I still have it.  Anyway, you don’t have to take it that far to get the vibe going.  Here’s a good example of the military trend that everyone can try.

Moschino jacket/ Spring 10/ $495.00

If you are fond of the feminine romantic look don’t look to this season’s spring florals  for it.   Most of the florals I’ve seen for the upcoming season are bold and colorful.  Not shy wallflowers.  Look for large appliqués, bright stand out prints, and a great mix of colors.  I love the skirt below.

Reem Acra/ Spring 10

Okay, let’s tackle jeans.  How long have you heard bootcut, straight leg are the most flattering and do not get a tapered leg jean?  Then, over a years’ time, everyone is wearing skinny jeans and even denim leggings!  Well, the “rule” still stands as far as I’m concerned.  A moderate bootcut or even a straight leg jean universally looks the best.  Yes….there are some that shouldn’t wear skinny jeans.  IF, and that’s a big if, you are tucking them into a boot, it will create some balance and help make them look as they are supposed to.  So, if you must try them and your rear and hips aren’t meant for them, do get a great boot to tuck them into.  And a top that hits about hip length.  As far as spring looks go, skinny will definitely still be all the rage.  As well as, ripped, torn, deconstructed, loose with the hem rolled, light dark and everything in between.  If you can pull it off like the pic below, all denim does make a statement!  Although, I wouldn’t try and match the denim, even though it works in this look.

Banana Republic/ Spring 10

Next week I should be back on track with 2 to 3 posts a week.  I am going to start to include some tips for menswear as well, and hopefully get advice from a male’s perspective for any male readers out there!  Also, look for a 3rd page soon with more detailed information on pricing and services.  As always, thanks….

Share

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

« Older Entries