Monday, December 18, 2006

Old Navy

When I was little, I used to call Old Navy Old Lady. My mom thought it was cute, so this "mistake" of mine continued on for years. When I was old enough to judge the fashion offerings of this mega-chain, I realized that my childhood mispronounciation was not error, but a Freudian Slip, revealing what I truly thought of the store. The clothes were dowdy, always a year too late on trends. The commercials, while fun, seemed to advertise smiling and dancing as opposed to trendy apparel. So, I returned to Old Navy each year, simply for camp basics. They really do have great tanktops. I was perusing the Net for holiday clothing and, between the agressive advertising for $20 fleece pullovers in chartreuse for the whole family (!) , I saw sophisticated pieces suitable for a classy affair. I haven't seen them in person, so I can't judge the quality, but I certainly like the way they look!Old Navy Top, $25

I love this. It reminds me of something Reese Whitherspoon would wear. This is definetely functional into spring!Old Navy Pleated Silk Cami, $15

So classy. Really a fancy piece at a tiny price. This will last you years.Old Navy Babydoll, $12

This is more casual. This is definetely good for camp, etc, as well as over a thermal for now.Old Navy T-Shirt Sweater, $25

I am so converted. How cute is this, for school. Gosh, they have the cutest clothes here!


Old Navy Tiered Dress, $20

A perfect dress for a fancy occasion that leaves room in your budget a pre-party spa day.

Sunday, December 10, 2006

Skirting Around...

I remember the day of the mini. In nuclear pink, three layers cascading to just above the knee. We wore them proudly, under layered wife beaters of equally obnoxious colors. We wandered the mall, panting over Juicy Couture T-Shirts that said cute things like, "SMILE!".
We all remember 2003. And while the mini skirt was a major fashion force for a while, it soon faded into the back corner of Target, taking up the walls of Baby Gap.
It seemed, for a bit, that there was no way to incorporate a skirt into a fashionable outfit. Abercrombie sold those short, "distressed" denim minis. They were distressed like a dead body was distressed. A carcas of denim, veteran of a war with bleach, rhinestones and embroidery.
These too, seemed to fade.
And we were left with a limited supply of clothing options: pants, shorts, dresses. Our lower halves were sorely understyled.
And now, the dawn after a skirtless day, it seems there is some hope, some chance that skirts will soon be worn.

Our Heroes:

Our first resillient skirt is the pencil. Simple and straight forward, this garment is librarian gone right. High waisted with a belt or a tucked in blouse, this skirt is for the fashionable.Urban Outfitters Pencil Skirt, $58

This is a newer sort of skirt. A hybrid between ruffled mini, A-line, and bubble skirt, this is a trend whose length of stay is unkown. Perhaps the most versatile of skirts, this can be worn with a T-shirt and shiny white converse, as well as tights and ballet flats. The youngest warrior, potential acknowledged, achievements few.Urban Outfitters Jacquard Pleated Skirt, $68Urban Outfitters Denim Pleated Skirt, $58

Saturday, December 09, 2006

My New Hat!


I just got back from the Felt Club, and it was great. I got an amazing hat, like this one. I think it satiates my Ana Kula desire. A little bit. Anyways, it's a cool place. They have it once a month and the stuff there is cute and sweet and original.

Felt Club


Today, I am going to the Felt Club, where a bunch of little companies that sell cute, handmade crafty stuff sell their ware. I will let you know how it is!

Randomness...

Last night, I think I had a dream about Polka dots. All of the sudden, in the dream, I realized that EVERYONE was wearing polka dots, and EVERYTHING had polka dots on them. Magazines said that since everyone was wearing polka dots, they were uncool.

What does this mean?
Personally, I like polka dots, if done in a non-Limited Too way.

Friday, December 08, 2006

Holiday Party Fashion Guide #2

Yale Holiday Party:

Logan and Rory are at a retirement party for a beloved professor of theirs. The invitation says "Casual Party Attire", and Rory interprets the ever elusive phrase to a T. J. Crew Sleeveless Shirt, $98


This shirt is ornate, but not showy. Reliable black is souped up in interesting polkas. J. Crew Green Cords, $58

Don't you just love the way Rory takes a risk with green pants. It's her conservative, Ivy League way of standing out. Don't worry, she knows it brings out her eyes.

American Eagle Quilted Ballet Flats, $35
Her conservative rebellion keeps going with another piece that complements, not clashes. Purple toes peeking out from green pants is a fashion manifestation of her mom's irreverence and her Emily's sophistication.

Thursday, December 07, 2006

Holiday Party Fashion Guide

Some of you, unlike myself, actually have social lives, and some of you, unlike myself, don't spend an obscene amount of time online, drooling over Zac Posen's new resort line. And some of you, unlike myself, were invited to holiday parties, and some of you may not know what to wear.

What to Wear to A Holiday Party
1. Determine your audience.
Hilary Duff will not be demanded of an encore at a heavy metal concert, just like a floor length/Versace/cut out/embellished/chartreuse gown probably won't bode well eating cookies at Grandma's. Give your occasion a formality rating. 1 is soccer practice, 10, meeting the Queen. Also, regardless of an outfit's amazingness, it may not be worth it to get wierd, "Why aren't you wearing a reindeer sweater" looks from people wearing reindeer sweaters.

2. Lay your foundation.
Decide, in one word, what you are going to wear.
Dress.
Jeans.
Clothes.
These are all examples of fine answers.

3. SHOP!!!
This is the easiest, yet most challenging part. It is easy because it is fun and challenging because it is fun. This is because a well-stocked mall can often lead to indecision.

In honor of my tied-for-most-favorite Gilmore, the charming Rory, I wanted to make outfits that embody her classic and carefree fashion


Mr. & Mrs. Gilmore's Cocktail Party:


Nordstrom B.P. Dress, $58



This reminds me of Rory Gilmore. Trendy, yet modest and classy. My first instinct to accessorize this is RED, but I am beginning to feel that the "retro hip" look is more old and less vintage. I would love pale pink and tan accessories, delicate and understaded.
American Eagle Stud Earrings, $12.50



These fit the bill for being Rory-esque. Simple, yet visually intriguing. The blue jeans of earrings.Delia's Woolen Jacket, $42.50




Of course Rory wouldn't even consider entering her grandparents' holiday party without a cover-up for cocktail hour.Delia's Peep Toes, $38



These may come across as a bit old lady-ish, but I know that Lorelai Gilmore II (Rory's name is actually Lorelai, did you know that?) could totally rock them in her New English sort of way.