Detoxing your Denim Addiction

I am not saying there is anything wrong with denim. I love jeans, denim skirts, and the occasional denim jacket. However, enough is enough. When jeans are being worn to red carpet events we know that it’s time to re-asses our wardrobes, and our denim addictions.

When did dressing up lose it’s appeal? Dresses, skirts, slacks… are all essential for a sophisticated wardrobe. Never underestimate the statement that is made when you put up your jeans and pull out a nice pair of black pants. A small effort, that gives your outfit a clean, sophisticated look.

Here are some ideas to replace your jeans:

Work:

A great looking maxi-dress with a shrug can give your work regulars a feminine spin:

Never underestimate the power of classic tweed with a great button front shirt:

Evening:

A fun print, with heels and a cute bag and you have an outfit for any evening event:

Always in style: the Little Black Outfit:

Weekend:

A pair of slacks can upgrade a graphic tee and a pair of sneakers:

Who says skirts are just for weekdays:

What are your denim detox tips?

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Stumble it!

SARAH PALIN Swimsuit Competition

Sarah Palin competing in the swimsuit competition for Miss Alaska Pageant 1984

How To Walk in Heels

I have seen many a girl attempt to walk in heels… and look like an unbalanced tight-rope walker. Staggering left, then right, butt out, chest forward, and ankles wobbling. It does not give the desired effect- Sexy it is not! When one of these girls comes wobbling down the street you hear other women sighing (I can’t believe she things she can walk in those) gay men yelling “Oh, honey I could give you lessons,” and others look on and laugh.

This is not what you want when you buy those adorable 3 1/4″ heels… what you really want is to be that gorgeous woman, with legs up to there, sashaying down the street, catching every eye that walks by. A picture of grace and sexiness… but that won’t happen if you don’t know how to walk in those heels!

Here is a simple 6 step process for learning how to conquer those Stilettos:

Step 1:Step with your heel down first, then let the sole follow quickly and smoothly.

Step 2:Walk with your toes pointing straight ahead or as close to straight ahead as possible.

Step 3:Swing your arms as you walk for balance. (Gracefully, this isn’t a marathon!)

Step 4:Keep your legs straight, close and parallel.

Step 5:Take smooth, even steps; consider shortening your stride a bit.

Step 6:Avoid walking on ice, slush, mud, grass, sand, gravel and grated surfaces, on which you can slip or sink. When in doubt, take off your heels and carry them across such questionable surfaces in your bare feet.

Most importantly: practice, practice, practice! Watch yourself in the mirror at home, and when you are satisfied that you look amazing, and won’t brake an ankle… that’s when you take those shoes in public.

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Online Shopping Without Breaking The Bank

We all know about ebay and etsy as great discount buys, but where else can you shop online and save on great clothes? These are my favorite buys:

CCO

Discount liquidator featuring items from: metrostyle, chadwick’s and Brylane home. I’ve purchased tons of great items here, most recently, a cute baby blue halter for $1.99.

BCO

The plus size sister to CCO. Here you can find products from Jessica London, Women Within, Romans and Brylane Home. Recently they just introduced an entire section for La Redoute final clearance items (their US brand is going out of business). I found a great pair of leather boots on this site for $29.99, and a Blazer for $7.99!

Kohls

I think Kohls is often underestimated as the great discounter that they are! If you do a little bit of searching you can find some really great buys! I recently got 2 graphic polos for $6 each!

What are some of your favorite discount sites?

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Janet’s Latest Wardrobe Malfunctions

I don’t really know what to say about these horrendous costume choices except… fire your stylist… NOW! Her look now goes from an alien-pajama-disco-party look to a “Mad Max Meets the Pirates” episode. The bad mohawk, organ grinder hat, and crazy sailor outfit is just…. bad bad bad! Thoughts?

Thoughts??

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Where to Shop in NYC… and Still Keep Your Budget!

When shopping in NY it is important to keep an open mind. Sometimes the best finds are in the seedy little tourist shop, or a street vendor. Sometimes you have to dig to find a great bargain. Here are some of my secret bargain shops on 34th street… A good NYer secret… if you don’t want anyone to know where you bought it, keep a bag from another store in your purse. When you leave the store, transfer your purchases. No one will know that adorable little dress came from the sample sale on the corner of 35th and 8th, or that great pair of pants came from Conway! Oh, and if anyone wants to know where you got your adorable little fill-in-the-blank, keep your secret by saying it was a gift.

Conway

A New York staple, but no one ever admits it! This is a great place to find cute dresses for $9 or great accessories. This is my favorite stop for cute t-shirts and tanks! I stock up on their $4.99 tanks and $3.99 camisoles!

Strawberry

Adorable and trendy are fantastic! Adorable, trendy, and affordable – perfect! Two floors overflowing with clothes, these are just some of the great finds there: Opaque tights: $4.99-$12, Print Chiffon Ruffled Tank: $19.99, Cute Striped Cardigan: $16.99, and Plaid Tunic: $16.99.

Cinderella

An accessories mega-store located on 8th ave. With some digging you can find the cutest hats, and costume jewelry. Right now they are offering a two-for-$10 hat sale.

Again, don’t be afraid to peruse the places you normally wouldn’t step foot it- I have firmly decided that I don’t want to pay standard retail price for any of my clothing choices anymore. Look for sales, offers, street vendors, bargain shops, and sample sales. NY is known for great shopping – NYers know where to go for a great bargain. Tune in all week to see great places to bargain shop… both on location and on the web!

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Deal Alert

Can’t Leave The House Without….

My bag weighs a ton, literally. I have downsized, and sized back up. Cleaned it out only to see it full again. Started going to the chiropractor to repair the damage from my purse…

I have finally come to terms with the fact that my bag has too much in it! It’s way too heavy, and by the time I get home from work my shoulder aches. I used to be a girl scout and so I have an “always be prepared” philosophy about my bag. However, I’m afraid of becoming one of those people who is always rummaging through their purses looking for their keys, wallet, money, or whatever! And so I took an inventory of what is in my bag and here is what I came up with:

• I have an emergency ziplock bag containing everything from packets of aspirin to matches (I don’t smoke but you’ll never know when you might need them!).
• I always keep a magazine or a book on me for the train ride
• My mail, which is still un-opened, although I have every intention of going through it
• My Netflix that need to be returned
• My Day Planner, which hasn’t been updated since April
• Pens and Pencils
• My Ipod
• Today’s Newspaper
• My glasses, contact case and solution
• My digital Camera
• Makeup, etc…

I attempt to clean out my bag every week or so, but I always seem to fill it up again! I’ve tried carrying around smaller bags, but then I feel like I’m missing something.

What do you have in your bag, and what’s your advice for keeping it clean and organized?

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Fall’s New Looks: The LBD

Goth Kids rejoice; Black is back… as the new black! This fall black will be bigger than ever, from girly and sweet, to textured and strong. The most slimming, easy color and shape will be coming back with accessories galore! On the runway it was paired with simple hair and makeup and bold accessories.

I love this style, so simple, sleek and fun! Plus everyone looks good on the dark side every now and then!

Fashion Week: Betsey Johnson, Marc Jacobs, and Luca Luca

As predicted, designers are producing fashion that is a bit more conservative that typical at fashion week. Said to be influenced by the slumping economy and the fact that this year is an election year, designers are showing a sophisticated and classic edge.

Betsey Johnson

Always one to go out of the mold, her show featured a drunken pirate throwing coins at the audience, handcuffed brides, huge hoop skirts, and as always, a cartwheeling Betsey herself. Her selection was quirky as usual featuring rompers, ruffles, minis, tiered skirts, and huge hoop skirts. A sexy lingerie collection and “Wendy’s World” smocks looked a lot of country- from decades past. Overall her line will probably be tamed down quite a bit before it will be wearable by the general public.

Marc Jacobs

While his line was spotted with gray suits and pink gowns the majority of his collection appeared like a mirrored carnival fun house. Lots of bright colors, mixed together in unexpected ways. New silhouettes, and metallic fabrics.  He featured plaid shirts under snug vests and jackets and wide-leg cropped pants. Another favorite were the long skirts pinned in the back like a bustle.

Luca Luca

Extremely minimalist and mostly black and white, Raul Melgoza’s first line with Luca Luca was well received (for the most part.) Great cutaways, and amazing fashion architecture were the themes of his line. Sculptured waistbands with chiffon insets and a mixture of fabrics from mesh to cotton played up this line. Falling in step with the economy and the predictions for the Spring 2009 lines, Luca may just have the won the women’s vote.