Leg Warmers Make a Comeback

Leg warmers are back, people.  When I first saw them popping up I turned my nose, having flashbacks to the eighties and the jazzercise craze.

But I've since embraced the legwarmer and gone out to buy a few pairs.  I think they are very stylish peeping out of tall boots or worn over pumps or short booties.  Check out some of my fav's:



This casual pair by Marc Jacobs will keep you warm while looking stylish.

Why in the world do all the pictures at American Apparel look like they were taken by pedophiles?  I feel dirty just browsing their website.  Well, I hate the picture but love these because they are over the knee.  And for $16 you can't beat the price.

I love these Lurex ribbed leg warmers.  I would pair them with a normal length mini, and not a micro that wanna be stars would wear when the "forget" to wear panties and flash the cameras.

This pair by Sock Dreams are so funky and cute.  I love it with the little ballet flats.

The main thing to remember when putting on leg warmers is not to do anything with them that is too dance like.  No baggy sweatshirts or hair buns.  You don't want to be mistaken for someone walking out of ballet class.  Just work them into your regular wardrobe and you'll look fabulous!

Six Shopping Days Left Til Christmas

I'm one of "those" people.

Yes, readers, I always finish my Christmas shopping before Thanksgiving.

I can't help it.  I don't like the frenzy of the malls, fighting for parking spots and searching for something special in department stores that have already been picked over.  So when summer starts to wane, Stefanie starts to shop.  But I do appreciate a good deal and I'm always online scooping out finds for me or gifts for next year.

I have a multitude of friends who savor waiting until Christmas Eve to shop.  They tell me it's an adrenaline rush, or some crazy egg nog induced haze that comes over them  as they go fight for that last cashmere scarf.  So to all you Christmas Eve Warriors, I bring you some last minute ideas for your significant other or friends and family.

These Ugg slippers look so warm and cozy.  The perfect footwear for lounging around the house on these cold nights.

And speaking of lounging, this Victoria's Secret thermal sleepshirt is both warm and sexy.  I am buying this right now.

Got a high maintenance friend (or mother-in-law)?  These stackable rings are sure to please the pickiest of women.

Stumped on what to get the man in your life?  Make sure he's always on time for your date with a sleek GUESS Steel watch.  On top of being very stylish, it's also waterproof in case he drops in in the sink while doing your dishes.  Hey, we can all dream right?

For the people in your life that love to read, how about an e-reader?  The Barnes and Noble Nook starts at $149.

Happy Shopping!

All That Sparkles

Invites for holiday parties are starting to come in and many of us are now staring into our closets wondering what we are going to wear.  The answer: Sequins! 
Normally when I think sequins it brings to mind images of Vegas show girls or Drag Queens.  Both fabulous in their own right but perhaps not quite the look an average woman is trying to achieve.  But sequins have been showing up all over the place lately and even "regular" stores are carrying something sequined in their line.  Check out this pic of Michelle Williams in Azzaro:

So cute!  It immediately made me think that I would wear that to a holiday party.  I jumped online to find some sequins of my very own.  Here are my fav's:

This cute mini from Victoria's Secret is smoking hot.  I'd wear a fitted sweater and tall boots to balance it out.

Office party after work?  No worries!  This Anne Klein skirt is perfect to transition from day to night.  Wear a blazer over it to the office.  After hours, take the jacket off to reveal your cute camisole.

I really don't know who The Limited pays to do their pictures of the website, but they should pony up some more money for a real photographer.  This tank is super cute in person, I swear.  This would go well from day to night as well.  Pair it with some skinny black pants, cardigan and sky high pumps.

Separates too much to handle?  How about a sexy dress.  This one by Victoria's Secret will definitely get you some well deserved attention.

And for those of us who don't have super skinny fashion model bodies...

This Rebecca Taylor dress is cute and flirty.  The floaty skirt will allow you to have any extra glass of egg nog and not have to worry about any unsightly bulges!

Party on Charm City!  Just make sure you look in the mirror before you leave the house.  (Front and back - always check for VPL)

Lace up booties

I'm obsessed with the new lace up bootie trend.  I was recently in DC and saw them EVERYWHERE.  And you know if the city is doing it, the burbs are soon to follow.  So cute with skinny jeans rolled up a little bit to show them off.  Here are some of my favorites.

These boots from Rocket Dog look so warm and cozy.  Important in Maryland since it is freezing right now!  Plus the wedge heel makes them easy to walk all over town in.

Looking for something a little more stylish?  This pair by Coach totally fits the bill. 

This pair by N.Y.L.A. really speaks to me.  It's part Ms. Havisham and part dominatrix.  I would rock these with black tights and a mini.

The sexiest hosiery EVER

I'm not big on pantie hose.  I have a few cheap pairs I pick up at local drug stores now and again.  Hose is normally thin, oddly colored, scratchy and runs easy.  I rarely wear it, preferring to go bare legged when possible.  In the winter I wear thicker tights, usually in black or gray.  Not very original but it looks nice and keeps me warm.  But I recently stumbled across the Wolford website and they have some of the sexiest leggings and tights I have ever seen.  I might be a convert!  Take a look:

These Aston Tights are so sexy and chic, I am ordering a pair ASAP.

I am dying for these Leo Leggings.  I would wear them at least once a week.

I truly believe these thigh highs have super powers that make your legs thinner and smoother.  If all women wore them we might have a good start on spreading world peace.  

Cyber Monday

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and for those of you brave enough to go out on Black Friday I hope you scored some big deals!  Tomorrow marks another big shopping day, Cyber Monday, when everyone goes to work and uses their high speed Internet to shop online.  I don't know how true this is anymore with many people having high speed Internet at home, but anyhow the deals are out there.

If your looking for a one stop place to check out the deals, try cybermonday.com.  This site boasts that it is the official Cyber Monday website. It highlights the best deals from over 700 online retailers.  Some notable deals if you are shopping for loved ones (or yourself):

1. $40.00 off at Express
2. 25% off clearance at Nike
3. 50% off everything at New York and Co.

Plus most stores are offering free shipping deals.  Shopping online is the perfect solution to fighting for parking spots, standing in long lines, and trying to find that perfect gift in stores that have already been picked clean.

Happy Shopping!

Black Friday

Has anyone noticed that there seems to be some kind of competition going on between the retail stores about who can open the earliest on Black Friday?  It's getting a little out of hand.  I thought 6am was early but Kohl's is opening at 3am, some others at midnight.  I heard Walmart was actually going to be open on Thanksgiving day!

I think Tysons Corner in Northern VA takes the cake for over the top ideas:

The mall is opening at midnight, and of course they have the requisite free give aways for the first 200 people, but on top of all that they are having a LIVE DJ at the mall from midnight to 5am.  Really, people?

I might actually go if I didn't have to work, just to see the spectacle first hand.

Lands End...trendy?

I get a lot of catalogs in the mail.  A lot.  And with the holidays upon us the volume seems to have doubled.  So I was flipping through the stack yesterday when one caught my eye.  The first two words were "Lands End" and I was ready to toss it into the recycling bin as I am not over 65 nor do I live in Maine.  But wait, the outfit on the front was really...cute.  Was this some kind of joke?

Turns out, Lands End has a second line, called Lands End Canvas.  And it's really updated from the original granny line they normally carry.  I guess the best way to call it is updated preppy.  I happily flipped though the catalog and then scoped out the website (The catalog is much better styled).

I love this entire outfit, especially the double belt.

And I'm kind of crushing on these Duck Boots which are really in style this season and on sale at Lands End Canvas for only $52.13.  You'd pay almost three times that much for the similar style at LL Bean.

So, the verdict on Lands End Canvas?  Cute, stylish wardrobe staples at reasonable prices.  Might be worth checking out. 

Day Trip! I want to live in St. Michaels, Maryland

One of the best things about living in Baltimore is the variety of choices you have - and I'm not just talking about the great restaurants, nightlife and shopping in the city.  We are less than an hour from DC, just a couple hours from Philly and New York, and within three hours you can be at the beach or the beautiful mountains. 

My Other and I recently took a day trip to beautiful St. Michaels on the eastern shore.  This quaint little town is the kind of place you read about in books.  The houses are charming, the streets clean, and the shop keepers are friendly. 

A church in the middle of town

There are plenty of places to eat at, some right on the water so you can enjoy the coastal view as you dine on crab cakes.  We ate lunch that day at the Key Lime cafe which is perfectly situated on the main street running through St. Michaels, which makes it a great spot to rest up between shopping.  The food was fresh and delicious!

St. Michaels is also home to St. Michaels winery, so after lunch, shopping and site seeing we hit the winery to do a tasting of one of their "flights"

The tasting are pretty cheap and you can also buy wine by the glass and enjoy it out on their little deck.  Make sure you ask for a complementary cheese plate when you go!  We also picked up a couple of bottles of their Chocolate Zin for Holiday gifts, so yummy!  They even wrap them up for free!

For those of you not into wine there is also the Eastern Short Brewing Company right around the corner.  On our way back home to Baltimore we stopped by the Queenstown Outlets.  I mean, it's right there, it would have been a shame not to have stopped, right?

The one good thing about shopping with a man is that I have someone to hold all my packages.  And if you keep them fed, they can't open their mouth to complain.  All in all, a great trip!

Coats we are crushing on this winter

The one good thing about the cooler weather is the wardrobe change.  I was reading an article in Harper's Bazaar about the best coats of the season and thought it was a perfect opportunity to shop the looks and get some ideas.  Here are the seven coat types that are "in" right now:

1. Classic Double Breasted

This Rag & Bone coat has a funky military edge to it.

2. Chic Camel

Opening Ceremony gives the classic camel coat an updated edge.  I love this girl's entire outfit!

3. Gray

I was not at all inspired by gray until I saw this sweet ruffled coat at Express. 



4. Winter White

Winter white is so classic.  This coat by Preston & York is no exception.

5. Toggle Ties

I am seriously crushing on this coat by Mackage.  If only I could win the lottery I would totally buy it.

6. Prints

I saw this coat by Knitted Dove and had a Mondo flashback from Project Runway.  Mondo, you were robbed!
7. Fur Finishes

Fur isn't really my thing.  But faux fur I can totally get behind.  This coat by Kai-Aakmann totally fits the bill with that fabulous fur collar.

Walk Now for Autism Speaks

Looking for something to do this weekend?  Head downtown October 30th and join me in participating in the annual Walk Now for Autism Speaks.  It's a 5K to raise awareness and research money for Autism research. 

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a range of complex neurodevelopment disorders, characterized by social impairments, communication difficulties, and restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior.  A report by the CDC concluded that 1 in every 110 births in the United States are diagnosed with ASD.  There is no clear understanding as to what causes Autism, nor is there a cure, so it is imperative we all join together and raise funds so further research can be done.

Check out their website and register to walk, sponsor a walker, or do a little shopping for a cause.  Really, is there any better type of shopping?  It's a win-win for everyone.

I love this little bracelet, and for only two dollars I can pick one up for all my friends.

A portion of the proceeds of each item sold benefits the Autism Speaks mission.

See you on Saturday!

Gap Coupon

I was flipping through the latest issue of Lucky Magazine today and saw that through October 21-31 if you mention "Lucky 25" at checkout you can take 25% your entire order - in store only.

So of course I went right to their website to check out what's new!  I am a huge fan of Gap for wardrobe basics like jeans and t-shirts.  They aren't really fashion forward but their clothes are comfortable, the fit is great, and the prices are moderate.  Gap's been trying to change their image and have really stepped up their game.  Here are some of my picks:

This tweed mini is so sweet and right on point for this fall.  I'd pair it with a chunky turtleneck and boots.

I can see myself wearing this four pocket cardigan on weekends, curled up nice and cozy by the fire with a steaming cup of cocoa.

I love this cowl neck t-shirt.  The fit is nice and relaxed, I love the slouchy neck and three quarter length sleeves.  I would live in this t-shirt.  And for less than $20 I could buy one for every day of the week!

DSW makes me smile

Have you ever been to a DSW store?  It is like an acre of shoes in every style and color.  There are a couple of them in the Baltimore area. I hit the one in Columbia the most because of proximity to my house but the one in Towson is TWO STORIES OF SHOES!  Makes me smile just to walk in.

I ordered a couple of pairs of boots the other day to get myself ready for the fall wardrobe change and when my package showed up even the box made me smile!  Check it out:


Highly-addictive contents inside



Truer words have never been written.  I love the two boots I got.  One is a pair of black ankle boots.  I buy a new pair almost every year since I practically live in them during the winter.  Pairing them with jeans automatically dresses the outfit up a bit.  I'm thinking this pair will look really cute with my new sweater dress and some patterned tights.

Jones New York Zipster Bootie



I also got these knee high riding boots (but in black).  I love knee high boots with jeans, and have a couple of boots with heals, but thought that this pair would be good when I have to do a lot of walking or just want to give my feet a rest!  This pair is amazingly comfortable.  It's almost as nice as walking around in sneakers (which I would never do!) 

b.o.c. by Born Martina Boot

Let me know what you think in the comments!

Stacy London is adorable

I checked out the Westfield Style Tour at Annapolis Mall yesterday which featured the fabulous Stacey London.  I love her dress!  Her shoes were fantastic too but I couldn't get a clear shot.  There was a little fashion show and then Stacy took the stage and had a little Q&A.  Here's an overview:

1. Men should never wear skinny jeans.  (Thank God someone finally said something!  I hate skinny jeans on men.  Unless you are a rock star, find a boot cut.)
2. UGG's are nasty.  (I agree with this also but also shamefully admit to owning a pair.  Hey, it gets cold in Maryland!)
3. Break up a monochromatic look with different fabric textures or details like a ruffle.
4. There is no excuse to wear exercise shoes unless you are EXERCISING!  (What a novel idea!  Stacy actually called out a lady for committing this faux pas, stating that with flats and wedges there is no reason you need to wear sneakers to go out and be comfortable.)
5. Create a waist with a fitted jacket or belt.   
6. FIT FIT FIT (If you've ever watched "What Not to Wear" you'll know that they always drive home this point.)
7. Also, one lady asked about mini skirts over 35.  Stacy pointed to her own skirt and said that it is so trendy right now to have shorter skirts that she is even having a hard time finding skirts/dresses that hit to the knee.  So as long as they are appropriate, go for it.  (This makes me so happy, I'm not 35 yet, but it's creeping up on me and I surely do like short skirts.)

What I really loved was how positive Stacy was about embracing your body no matter what your shape.  One woman asked a question on how to cover up when you have "junk in your trunk" and Stacy talked about how she didn't really like that phrase as it sounded so negative.  She stated that in order to dress our best we need to take a good look at your naked body in the mirror and see what you like about yourself and then dress to play those aspects up.  What a nice change from the diet/exercise/plastic surgery stuff we normally see.

Afterwards, since I was already in the mall, I thought I would do a little shopping.  I picked up this super cute gray sweater dress at The Limited.  I've been seeing these all over the place lately and can't wait to wear this out!

Stacy London Appearing at Westfield Style Tour Oct 16-17 2010

Charm City Readers, I am in LOVE with TLC's "What Not to Wear".  I've watched the show since it first came out, before Clinton was even on the show, when it was Stacy with some weird long haired man that only wore sweaters with a big cross on the front.  Odd that he didn't work out. 

So imagine my thrill when I saw that Stacy would be in the area this weekend!  She'll be appearing at 2pm Sunday at the Westfield Annapolis Mall.  But don't just go for Stacy - the whole Style Tour has plenty to see as well.  There will be free professional makeup consultations, beauty makeovers, fashion shows, and of course plenty of shopping. 

For those of you wondering when the new season of "What Not to Wear" will start, I am happy to say it will kick off October 29, 2010 at 9pm ET and will feature Mindy Cohn, best known from her role in "Facts of Life"

I'd like to end this post with a quote I read in an interview with Ms. London:

The higher the heal, the closer to God.

Amen.

Project Runway - Last Challenge Episode

Spoiler alert!  If you haven't seen this weeks show read no further! 

Did anyone think while watching the show that Gretchen was going to have a nervous breakdown?  The way she was talking to the camera, and talking to herself, I was waiting for her to start eating her hair.  Then she went and admitted having issues on the runway, it was all very sad.  As was her outfit:

Barbara Nitke, Lifetime Television

The skirt was sad, the blouse was sad, even the leather was sad. 

And was anyone else surprised that the judges thought Michael C.'s was the best outfit?  Don't get me wrong - it was a beautiful dress.  I would certainly wear it, but I just thought it was a little too easy.  I was expecting people to pull out all the stops for this last challenge.  Of course, April did something out of the Matrix, Mondo was Mondo, and Andy's was pretty hot, especially the back.  But overall, I was very disappointed. 

Also, has anyone else thought that this is an especially weepy group of people?  It's all I can do to keep Other in the room with me to watch Project Runway, so when people start crying he just leaves the room.  I don't think he's seen a full episode this season, with all the crying and carrying on.