The Curse of the Black Cardigan

At any point in time, my wardrobe typically consists of about 4 or 5 pairs of black pants, three or four black jackets/blazers and, depending on the season, anywhere from 6 to 10 black cardigans. See a pattern here? I find having mainly black clothing makes life easier. Black is versatile, it can be dressy or casual, I don't have to worry about matching colors, and I can wear the same pieces over and over again and (hopefully) nobody notices. But mainly I stick to black clothing because it's safe and I don't have the imagination or courage to mix it up. Every now and then, I go crazy and buy a white turtleneck.

Anyway, having been on vacation the last two weeks, I decided that I was going to take advantage of all the current sales and try to update my wardrobe. (Plus, I have almost no tops to wear under my black jackets and/or cardigans.) Inspired by an older gentleman who shops as a sport (and is not gay!) and buys only when he finds the absolutely best deals, I was determined to do my research. I spent hours browsing retailers' internet sites and then set upon expeditions to the stores to see the actual pieces and try them on.

I started at my fallback, the DKNY store in SoHo. I had seen a pair of trousers on their website that looked great, but that did not fit quite right when I tried them on in the store. I was able, however, to find another nice pair for under $80 and a cool boxy jacket for under $140. I also found a pair of shoes at the nearby Anne Klein store for $20 bucks that looked just like a $300 Taryn Rose pair I had been eyeing! Score! So all in all, I had bought a suit and pair of shoes for under $250. Problem is everything I bought was black. That's OK, we were just starting out.

Next stop, JCrew. JCrew is so ubiquitous and the go to place for so many teeny boppers that it is really best for only basics because otherwise everyone will know you got your clothes there. I did make an exception for a black and gold print silk blouse that was only $35. It was the wrong size, but when I tried it on it fit! I also bought a wool and cashmere WHITE turtleneck sweater from their website that they didn't have in the store for $50 (although it was almost $60 with shipping). OK, so I was regressing a bit.

Next, Bloomingdales. I spent three hours here and came home with a black cardigan to show for it. (I may be mentally challenged.) However, this was a cool silk Marc Jacobs cardigan striped with this metallic threading that was $240 on the website but only $90 at the store. Can anyone really have too many black cardigans anyway?

The true payoff to all my hard work however was this beautiful silk blouse by Milly that I tried on in the store. I knew from my research that it was $96 dollars on the website (but it was not marked down from its almost $300 price tag in the store!). Of course, I ordered it as soon as I got home. See, isn't it pretty?


Anyway, I love it and it will go well with my new trousers.











I also ordered this short raglan sleeve turtleneck to go with my new boxy jacket:

















So besides a fuller closet, a somewhat diminished bank account and a blister on my foot, I came away with the following lessons from my shopping extravaganza:

1. At least for me, black is still beautiful. I can keep it simple with black pants and jackets and mix it up with the tops I wear.

2. It pays to look for sales both on a retailer's website and at the store. I found certain items marked down on the website but not in the store and vice versa. Also, especially if you're buying final sale items, you need to be able to try them on to make sure they fit.

3. Make sure you factor in shipping and handling when you order online and that you still consider it a deal after adding in that cost.

4. Shopping, if done with the object of getting the best price, is hard work. Note that I was on vacation during this time and I still only visited one store per day when I actually went out to shop. Some days, I spent a significant amount of time on the internet. For me, I think it paid off. For about $600, I was able to get a blazer, pair of trousers, pair of shoes, a turtleneck sweater, a cardigan and three blouses. (OK, I probably could have done without an additional black cardigan).

5. Know when to stop. Like with investing, you don't want to put your money into the market all at once. There is always another sale around the corner.

New Clothes, Woo hoo!

With all the election hullabaloo and the world falling apart and all over the last few weeks, I totally ignored NY Fashion Week, which is kind of sad because it really is very important that we all have clothes. Anyway, it's that time of the year again when the wardrobe needs refreshing, and so I thought I'd share my favorite recent purchases. I've previously sung the praises of DKNY, which I think has chic easy clothes at a range of prices (some more reasonable than others). Below, their classic cozy (in silk or wool) for under $200, can be worn 12 different ways:




I love to wear this wool v-neck dress over a black turtle neck tee and tights with knee-high boots. Nice and cozy for $175.



And, finally, cool, comfortable shoes for under $100.



Now, I just need to stop myself from shopping anymore for a while . . . .

Bought Them: Fit Flops

I've spotted at least one wearer of these shoes almost every day for the last month. I actually looked up the company that makes them to see if I could purchase the stock. It turns out that they're a private company, so boo hoo. At any rate, I found out afterwards that Oprah has already endorsed them so I'd probably be too late to the party. Still, I predict these will be bigger than Crocs.

Recently, I've heard a lot in the media about the dangers of wearing flip flops. Regular flip flops reportedly accentuate pronation (the rolling in of your feet), which causes fatigue and stress in your feet and lower legs and can lead to overuse injuries. They can also accelerate bunion formation by increasing the stress on the great toe joint (eek, I have bunions!). The fit flop, on the other hand, is supposed to increase muscle activation and make the muscles that stabilize the foot work harder and over a period of time can actually strengthen your feet. Fit flops are touted as helping to tone your calves, thighs and butt. I don't know if that's true, but they actually make your legs look good while wearing them, and after wearing them all day, it felt wrong to wear my regular flip flops at home in the evening.

I also think they're pretty cute. I bought the Walkstar II model in patent bronze shown above. I had the hardest time finding this particular model in my size on the internet. Finally, I walked into Macy's and bought the last pair they had in my size (I generally wear U.S. size 7, but these run large so I bought a 6) for $59.99. Score!

Dream Team?

(Photos courtesy of Associated Press)
Who would've thunk that turquoise jewelry and a burgundy suit would go well together? But Hillary managed to pull it off nicely at last night's debate. I have to hand it to her hair, makeup and wardrobe people - she's been looking FANtastic!

Garnet Hill For Pants

It's that them of year again when the wardrobe needs refreshing, and I simply do not have enough pairs of pants. As a petite person (euphemism for "short"), I have much trouble finding clothes that fit and refuse to buy apparel that is not made with smaller ladies in mind. Hence, I am always grateful to find retailers which offer shorter lengths. One catalog retailer that I've been pretty lucky with in this department is Garnet Hill. I have just ordered three pairs of pants. From left: Eileen Fisher Straight Leg Pant - $148; Slim Stretch Trouser - $98; and Easy Stretch Trouser - $88. Hopefully, they'll fit. (Sigh, the perils of online shopping.) BTW, GH also sells long lengths in addition to regular!

Lusting: Prada Handbag and Delman Shoes

I was looking at this month's issue of Real Simple magazine and noticed this handbag on the front cover. I am still on self-imposed handbag probation and wouldn't consider such a big splurge anyway, but I think this Prada handbag is GORGEOUS (except for the logo - I hate logos). You can even get a sense from the picture of the quality of the leather (look at those juicy ripples). But enough with the salivating. The cost is over $2500.

Also, I've heard from a few sources that Delman shoes are extremely comfortable and have been meaning to check them out. My toes could use some comfort. I was intrigued by this particular pair, also featured in the RS issue. The cost is $225.
A friend once noted that Real Simple is the magazine devoted to making your life simpler by getting you to buy more stuff, which I think is pretty funny (and true). Although I do think that there is some benefit to knowing what products are out there and what they cost, etc., so that when you are in the market for something new, you're better prepared, and also, because I believe in "strategic" shopping -- i.e., buying things from a list of specific items that you've determined you need or want (as opposed to impulse shopping). I think strategic shopping to some extent helps to stave off impulse shopping and can help keep you organized. Of course, sometimes there is just "lustful" shopping . . . .

Hipper Clothes at Brooks Brothers?

I can't claim to be a big fan of Brooks Brothers despite having shopped there for most of my professional life and spent a small fortune at their stores. I purchased their clothes due to, in equal parts, a lack of courage and lack of alternatives: I consider their clothes "safe" for a professional environment and am a petite who refuses to purchase clothes that require altering (they carry a petite line of women's clothes). Also, the quality of the clothes is pretty much indisputable and I can say without employing hyperbole that their non-iron shirts have just about saved my life. Therefore, I reacted with cautious optimism when I read in today's Wall Street Journal that Brooks Brothers is launching a campaign to promote a new clothing line, Black Fleece, designed by Thom Browne. Browne, who won this year’s Council of Fashion Designers of America award for menswear designer of the year, is known for his ankle-bearing men's pants and teeny tiny jackets. I have serious doubts that the average male professional, presumably Brook's Brothers' staple customer, is going to embrace these fashions. Believe me, I work in the hedge fund industry and not even hedge funds are THAT cool yet. As a woman, however, I have to look forward to Brooks Brothers quality in a not so frumpy package. Now if they could just work on their snooty sales people.

Link to the article: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB118463380199268380.html?mod=todays_us_nonsub_marketplace

Decorate My Life

I have a hard time finding and choosing the right jewelry. In the case of shoes and handbags, I know what I like and look for good quality. With clothing, I look for clothes that feel good to wear and fit well (although pants occasionally are still a problem). Accessorizing, however, seems to require some innate talent that I do not possess. Plus, I like to keep it simple, and picking out jewelry in the morning sounds as difficult to me as having to get dressed twice. So I throw my hands up, and don't wear any. But, as a result, I feel that I look unfinished. I recently bought a couple of bracelets, and am in serious need of some earrings - just a set of gold or silver posts to keep me from looking so plain. However, if I ever decide to amp it up, I may have to go for something like these pieces that I saw in last week's New York Times, in the "Sunday Styles" section (cocktail rings always seem so fun to me - they remind me of playing dress up as a kid):

Cocktail rings by Kenneth Jay Lane at vivre.com and http://www.intermixonline.com/.

The Big Fat Handbag Debate: How Much Is Too Much?

Frankly, if you are feeding and clothing any children you may have and generally meeting your financial obligations, it's not my place to judge you for any amount you may want to spend on a handbag. For me, I have a theoretical limit of $1500, although I have not yet spent half that amount. (OK, I spent half that amount). If you are willing and able to spend more, then I can only envy you.

My decision to purchase a new handbag was fraught with anxiety. Which one? I love so many, and a handbag is so much more than something in which to carry your stuff -- it's a commitment. I did not want to make a mistake. I knew that I wanted a satchel, I've always thought they looked most sophisticated. I went to department stores and did research on the web. I involved my whole office in the decision -- I brought in pictures and solicited my co-workers' opinions. The drama! I settled on a L.A.M.B. "Love Venezia" satchel by Gwen Stefani (believe me, I never thought I'd buy anything with a pop singer's name on it, but I fell for it). I've now had my Lambie for a few months - do I love it? Well, truth be told, if I had to do it over again, I might get something with a little less "bling" (I'm not crazy about the "L" on the front (I'm opposed to logos on principal) or the gold link on the handles). Also, I know now that rolled handles would be more comfortable to carry. BUT, I do love the hinge closure thingie that lets me open and close it easily. Also, it has this neat candy stripe lining on the inside that just tickles me when I open it up. All in all, I guess I'm pretty happy with it. (Then again, I was pretty happy with the practical leather tote from Levenger that was my last handbag).

There IS this Bottega Veneta beauty I eyed recently, but I cannot bring myself to spend my hard-earned cash on another handbag when I have a perfectly good one and could be making an extra principal payment on my mortgage. So for now, I'll stick with my L.A.M.B. satchel until I feel I've gotten sufficient use out of it. As a friend pointed out, it's almost like IT owns a little piece of ME now.

A Weakness - Taryn Rose shoes

I just purchased today my third pair of Taryn Rose shoes. I am not a professed shopaholic nor do not consider myself a "Carrie Bradshaw type," but if any shopping experience comes close to a religious one for me, it is the purchase of these shoes. I had never until I discovered them worn a pair that was perfectly comfortable in every way. No scraping parts, no squished toes and they're even wide enough to accomodate a bunion on one's left foot (should one have such a problem). As a result of this discovery, I now find it difficult to purchase any other brand of shoe, and will probably have far fewer shoes in my closet (they are not cheap). I guess I will just consider the clutter reduction a positive byproduct of my commitment.