One of the...

best big trends of this fall and winter has been patterned tights. These can run the gamut from plaid (not recommended) to lace. While the more boldly patterned tights have their place (the ladies of Gossip Girl look fabulous in their plaid tights, for example) the more wearable option are the black patterned tights. The pattern is formed with darker areas or lines contrasting with sheer areas, usually in a geometric pattern of some kind. My friend Kel wore a pair recently that was just so fab I had to share:

Great, right? They’re like the quintessential pair of patterned tights.

Except here’s the kicker: that is not actually a pair of patterned tights. After a fruitless search for the ideal tights, Kel decided to layer a pair of fishnets over a pair of semi-sheer black tights. I can only categorize this solution as brilliant. Fishnets are surprisingly easy to find, and most ladies probably have a pair of black hose hiding in the back of a drawer. It’s a great way to try patterned tights without having to search for the perfect pair.

Ace and I...

were recently discussing the glories of an oft forgotten item that can easily become a staple of your winter closet: cords. Corduroy pants are a simple alternative to denim, as they are comfortable, warm, and pair easily with the rest of your winter wardrobe. Somehow managing to look dressier than jeans without being fussy, cords are a great way to stay comfortable and warm while running errands, without fear of being embarrassed if you happen to run into any long-lost friends or acquaintances.

Corduroy pants look excellent worn with a sweater; it’s cozy without being dowdy. The chunkier the knit of the sweater, the more casual the look. Pair a neutral pair with a colored sweater. Jewel tones look fabulous with cream or grey cords. If you’d like to try colored cords, go with darker, richer hues. A deep plum would be a fabulous choice, and would look wonderful with a cream or camel top. As an alternative to sweaters, a blouse or nicer top paired with a menswear inspired vest would look fashionable without being trendy or too “on.” This would be a great look for a casual get together with friends.

As for shoes, sleek leather boots (flat or with a chunky heel) or unembellished flats are your best bet.

It was recently...

announced that Jean Paul Gaultier will be gracing Target with a diffusion collection. I found this news very exciting, but upon further reflection, realized that I had felt the same about every other Target designer collaboration. And guess how many items I have from these collections? None. Why is that? Why, when I have been known to count down the days to the launch of the collection, do I not own a single piece from any of the many collections? I think the problem lies in my expectations for the line. I see the “real” collection, and then when the diffusion line reaches Target, it’s not so much diffused as diluted. What I expect from these collections is the same silhouette and “look” of the designer’s line, but in less expensive fabrics and finishes. This, alas, is not so. H&M, however, churns out beautiful capsule collections. Why does H&M hit it so on the nose, and Target falls so far short? First of all, H&M has a slightly higher price point, so the materials can be a little “better” than those used at Target. Second, H&M, unlike Target, does not do one diffusion line after another. They take their time collaborating with designers, and then they let the whole concept rest before premiering another. Targ on the other hand rests for maybe three weeks before releasing another collection.

That being said, I will more than likely (eagerly) check out the Jean Paul Gaultier. Who knows, maybe I can get a cone bra of my very own.

When I was..

about seven, I begged TS for a pair of purple clogs by Hannah Anderson. They were fabulous, and I rocked them until my feet grew too big (insert Sasquatch joke here). Around this time last year, I desperately yearned for a new pair. It seems the dear Karl Lagerfeld heard my cries, because he sent his models in Paris clomping down the runway in high-heeled clogs for Chanel’s spring 2010 show. Now, to me clogs are just about the closest thing to a physical embodiment of autumn as you can get. However, the fact that Karl sees them as a spring shoe means two things. First, they span the seasons. They can be worn in fall, winter, and spring. Purchase a pair now and you are guaranteed seven to eight months of fashionable wear. Second, I’ll be purchasing a pair promptly.

Craving your own pair? I recommend a color that will work with both your fall and spring wardrobes. Cognac, caramel, and other shades of brown would be a good neutral choice. A reddish-chestnut would also work well. I’ll be going with a milk-chocolate pair, to wear with jeans and sweaters in the fall and winter, and tights and my white dress in the spring.

I am currently...

obsessing a little over charm bracelets. Those old-school keepsakes of all major (and sometimes minor) events, accomplishments, and milestones in ones life act as a sort of traveling scrapbook. What better way to commemorate ones major life-moments? Hunting down the perfect charm to celebrate your triumphs adds to the excitement. I especially love charm-bracelets that are loaded down with charms, with every link holding multiple charms Hearing the jingling of charms knocking together as you go through your day serves as a reminder of the blessings in your life.

The charm bracelet may seem to be a statement piece, one that cannot be worn with other jewelry, however it is actually quite versatile. It can act as your standout piece when paired with a simple pair of studs, or it can work in conjunction with a medallion-type necklace for a big night out. For day, try simple diamond or pearl studs, or thin hoops. A uniform necklace (one that does not have a solitary embellishment but a repeating pattern) will look best. At night you can pile on bigger and bolder pieces to match the spirit of the charm bracelet.

Remember when...

you were a little girl, and your mom finally let you paint your nails yourself? If you were like me, this was one of the best privileges ever and you wanted to demonstrate how sophisticated you were. Which of course meant painting each of your nails a different color.

My new fave way to paint my nails is an adaptation of these multi-hued days. Instead of using ten different colors, I’m using two; I’m selecting one finger* and painting it a color that coordinates with the one on the rest of my fingers.  For example, currently the index finger on both hands is painted orange, while the rest of my nails are a bright raspberry.

Adorbs, right? 

If you want to try this style, make sure to use two colors form (roughly) the same color family. The thing that makes this look so great is that it is almost un-noticeable. It looks best when it doesn’t scream at you. Along the same lines, pick a contrast-finger that is not obvious. My suggestion: don’t do your middle finger or thumb. Choose your ring, pinky, or index fingers.

If you are feeling a little timid about this style, try a slightly more subtle take by picking shades of the same color that are just different enough to be surely discernable. Another option is to paint your nails all the same color, and then using a glittery topcoat on just your contrast finger. This is one case when sparkle will be the more subtle choice.

*Paint the contrast color on the same finger on each hand (i.e. both pinky fingers). 

Sparkle Week, Day 4…

It’s the day when the lingering effects of the previous weekend turn into longing for the next. Thursday is the day I’m most likely to sport a ponytail and the day I inevitably wake up late with little time to throw together an outfit.

So, how do you dress up a ponytail, so it appears intentional and not as if you hit snooze three times? There is always the (semi-obvious) option of the headband, but we tried that yesterday. Another option is using a special hair-band. Whether embellished with jewels, feathers, or beads, that extra little something turns the ponytail into an actual hairstyle and a statement.

Don’t have an embellished hair-band? Try wrapping a long necklace around the base of the ponytail, covering the hair-band (those clear rubber/plastic ones will stay hidden best). You might need to use bobby pins to secure the necklace, or to pin in excess length. 

Continuing our Sparkle Week coverage…

Today, the weather is gloriously and unseasonably warm, and I am embracing it with open arms. However, with “unseasonably” comes “unexpected”, and also “unprepared”, as in, I am. With only one pair of sandals with me in Corvallis, I must embrace the pair I have (silver flip-flops).  I also am sadly devoid of most spring/summer dresses and skirts, so I’ll be cuffing my jeans into capris. On top I’ll be wearing a statement-top (mine is bright pink eyelet, but the following tips applies to any statement top).

But how, when wearing a statement top, do you also add some sparkle? It can be somewhat difficult to incorporate another high-impact piece into your look. A simple silver cuff or wide bangle would be good here. However, I think the best solution here is to take a cue from everyone’s favorite Upper-East Sider, Blair Waldorf. Add a headband!  It should be embellished (this is Sparkle Week after all) but skinny headbands work best here. Nestled in your hair (rather than actually holding it back) it shines just enough to complement, not compete with, your top. The headband I selected is silver glitter, and just ½ centimeter thick. Finish off the look with small drop earrings; your hair will hide them most of the time, catching the light every-so –often for just the right amount of spark.  And shoes? Metallic is best, but they should be minimal. Simple ballet flats or sandals will not compete with the rest, but will fit in nicely. 

Just another reason NYC is fabulous…

This week it is “Sparkle Week” in NYC.  Last month, the mayor of New York, Michael Bloomberg, declared April 20^th through 26^th “Sparkle Week”, to celebrate (and boost the sales of) all things sparkly, namely jewelry and diamonds. Just to be clear: this week is a governmentally-sanctioned celebration of diamonds. Fantastic. 

Because I am a lover of all things sparkly, I will certainly be celebrating Sparkle Week here in Corvallis, and encourage you to do the same. Every day this week I’ll be offering a different proposal for how to rock some sparkle of your own.

We’ll start off (semi) subtle. Today, I’m thinking a top of some kind with some built in sparkle, paired with some shimmery extras. For example, I’m wearing a t-shirt with silver leaves printed on it, with silver flip-flops and some silver bangles, along with my signature diamond studs.  You can cut-out pieces to suit your own taste/comfort level, but I would advise against going whole-hog today. After all, there are six more days to shine.

It may be...

winter in Oregon and fall in New York (at least according to the runways), but my heart is resting squarely in spring. Stores are beginning to stock the spring merch., and magazines are showing the Spring looks, and those lucky bastards in  California are already breaking out their sundresses. Looking at the images from last September’s RTW shows, there’re a couple of trends I am loving, and a few I am loathing.

Love: Maxi dresses are still going strong. There seem to be quite a lot of bandeau-halter (the halter comes from the center of the chest, rather then near the under-arms). Colors are bright yet not quite “true”; there is coral instead of orange or pink, and turquoise instead of blue or green. There was also tons of white and black—often together in graphic prints. Dresses and skirts were very full and lady-like, but still wearable for day. DVF showed big floral headbands; I like the idea of it, but I would tone it down for the real world. I saw tons of lace used in a pretty casual way, and it was fantastic. I also loved all the caftan-like dresses.

Loathe: Inexplicably, the jumpsuit trend is still ubiquitous, and has brought in its equally evil little sister: the romper. Just…no. If it doesn’t flatter a model, whose job it is to make clothes look good, then it will not look good on an average or normal person. Please, step away from any sort of one-piece top-bottoms combo. Another bad look? “Harem” pants. I’m sorry, are you a genie? Is your name Aladdin? If not, then put the pants back on the rack and step away.

{PS. Sorry it's been so long since my last post.}

My current obsession...

is the day-clutch. That is, an oversized clutch that you use during the day, as opposed to at night. This is not your old stand-by going-out spangly clutch. It should be some sort of skin: leather, snake –skin or alligator. The day-clutches I like best have a special detail in the form of hardware; a buckle or horse-bit is especially charming. The clothes you pair with your clutch need not be anything special; they should, however, be put together. No sweats or zip-ups here. You can wear pretty much anything you want, as long as it is A) polished and B) not something that you could wear going-out at night. 

Sequins are quite...

...possibly the love of my life. When I see them in a store, its like a tractor-beam—it pulls me right in. I love sparkle of any kind, but sequins hold a special place in my heart. A common misconception about sequins is that they can only be worn at night. The truth is, there are only two situations where sequins would be considered inappropriate: a funeral and anytime you are appearing in court. All you have to do to wear your sequins during the day is to pair it with some decidedly “day” pieces. Wearing a sequined skirt? Team it with opaque tights, flats and a simple t-shirt-cardigan combo. A sequined top should be worn with jeans, and a cardigan or blazer. Heels can be worn as long as they are not shiny. And in all situations, keep jewelry minimal. 

Recessionista, Part IV

Continuing our theme of “revivification” (thank you Lucky!) lets look at diaphanous tops. These flowy and often sheer tops are very popular in the spring and summer, and chances are there is one hanging in the back of your closet (or shoved into a box with your other out of season clothes).  They can turn basics into a really cute and unexpected winter outfit. Layer your spring blouse under a fine-ribbed turtleneck sweater or a long sleeved t-shirt. Whether you go with the turtleneck or the t-shirt, it is important that it is very fitted—whenever layering, it is important to be careful about not adding bulk. If the top is extremely flowy, feel free to belt it with a skinny belt at the thinnest part of your torso. You can also add in a blazer instead of or in addition to the sweater under the blouse. A velvet or corduroy one will especially chic.

Recessionista, Part III

If you are anything like Ace, you become slightly obsessed with a particular item during the course of the season. Maybe one season it’s pointy-toed pumps, or wide-leg jeans. You buy in multiples, until one day someone says, “You always wear the cutest  ________!” Spring 2008, Ace was all about short or three-quarter sleeved jackets. She loved them, wore them practically daily, and bought one almost weekly. But now it is cold—too cold for semi-bear arms. But wait, it is completely possible and even adorable to wear them now. All you need is a long-sleeved t-shirt and a scarf.  If your jacket is particularly bold, wear a neutral colored long-sleeved shirt. If your jacket itself is neutral, you can pair it with a patterned long-sleeved t-shirt, just make sure the print is small and not overly spring-like. You can also try a waffle-knit shirt for a warmer look. If it is too cold for just a long-sleeved t-shirt, pair your jacket with a slim fitting turtleneck. This is an excellent way to bring your favorite jackets from spring into the colder months of fall and winter.

Recessionista, Part II

Maxi dresses were all over the place the past two summers, and Spring 2008 they were also pretty prevalent. How, you ask, are you going to transition these breezy, possibly trailing dresses into something that works for fall and winter? Easily. All you need is a pair of chunky-heeled boots or heels in some shade of brown. Bonus points if the heel is wooden or stacked, and it will look especially fantastic if they are slightly beat-up. If the dress is a halter, layer a cami underneath and add a cardigan on top; a wrap sweater cinched with a wide leather belt would also look good (remember, we’re working with pieces you already own). If your legs are cold, feel free to add a pair of tights or leggings. I suggest going with leggings if you’re wearing heels; tights tend to feet slip right out of high-heels. A maxi-skirt can be transitioned into the colder months in the same way. No matter what you pair on top, be sure that it is slim and fitted to balance all the volume down below. Keep accessories fairly simple—thin gold hoops and a solid bangle or cuff, but nothing very ornate.

Recessionista, Part I

As is evidenced in many previous posts, I love tights. They can turn a simple dress into an adorable “look”. Here is a great thing for all of you “recessionista’s” (cringe): you can get a pair of tights for about $10, and they are the perfect way to transform your summer dresses into something appropriate for the colder weather.  Neutral, solid dresses look great with brightly colored tights—my favorite is magenta, but any color will work. If your dress is white, I suggest wearing black tights that are a little thicker knit. (Check to make sure you can’t see your tights through your dress!) Patterned dresses look super cute with either A) black tights (think Zooey Deschanel) or B) colored tights. If the dress is a pretty busy/intense pattern, black is probably the way to go. If you choose to go with colored tights, look for a pair that draws out one of the less prominent colors on the dress. You can wear heels or flats with any of these looks; heels look best if the dress is any longer than just-below the knee. Layer a long sleeved t-shirt or slim turtleneck under your dress, or a cardigan on top (or do both if it’s really cold!). You’re all set! 

A Special Note...

With the economy gone to pot as it has, it seems that everyone is reconsidering their spending habits, and rightfully so. Clothing and accessories that are not absolute necessities are one of the things most people are cutting back on. There is a phrase being used, and while it makes me want to smash something, there really isn’t a good alternative: recessionista. I know, awful right? But for now, it will have to work. It’s the girl that wants to look good, but has to do so on a budget. She is a fashionista in the throes of a recession (or near-recession). In light of this, Sparkle’s next few posts will be dedicated to reworking things you already have, with a few small purchases.  

And if you know of an alternative to “recessionista”, please let me know. 

Nearly every time...

Ace and I exchange presents, we inevitably give one another clothes. She usually gives me something black (and if it’s not black, it’s a different neutral). I give her something colored, and we both say the same thing: “You just need a little more black/color in your closet”.  I think, then, that Ace will be proud to learn that the other day as I looked through my closet, I realized that the items that I have begun reaching for the most are some sort of neutral.  While Ace’s “colors” of choice may be black and white, mine are brown and camel. In the past, when I would go shopping, if I found a piece that I liked, I would look for it in a bright color, like hot pink or bright red. Now, I look for it in brown or even black. My point is this: try branching out, even if that means toning it down as opposed to turning it up.  It never hurts to try a new look. And Ace may just be right: you can never have too much black in your closet. 

I am so...

excited to actually be able to rock collegiate style this fall/winter. Due to the fact that I now go to school in Oregon, I can actually wear some classic looks that just were not right in SoCal. I love argyle, blazers, cords, scarves, sweater vests, cable-knit, ribbed turtleneck sweaters and anything else that is a part of the classic college look. It’s a little retro—college girls in the mid-to-late seventies define this look. The colors are very muted, classic autumn colors: burgundy, olive, mustard, and shades of brown. If you too decide to go for the college co-ed look, my suggestion is to play it subtle. You don’t want to look like you think its 1975. Just go with one or two items, like a cardigan with cords.  Don’t try to do argyle and plaid; it just won’t work. Personally, I think argyle goes on sweaters and plaid on skirts. Leather chunky-heeled knee-high boots complete the look.

I want a beret.

I just think that they are very pretty, very glamorous.  A beret is not your typical hat, meaning that it’s not the type of hat you can throw on to cover a bad hair day.  I love both the classic beret and the floppy beret, but there are different rules for each.

My tips for if you decide to try a classic beret: if your hair is short, I think your best bet is going strait.  I’m thinking (cliché alert!) Faye Dunaway in Bonnie and Clyde. Long hair? Try a little bit of a wave. You can also go strait and where it pulled back in a loose ponytail.  Place the hat on a slight angle, but don’t obsess. Own it, and it will look fantastic.

As for floppy berets, think Rachel Bilson. Slight wave, no matter your hair-length. Embrace the boho quality, and go with a darker colored beret, maybe park purple.  Again, wear at a slight angle letting the flop fall where it may, it knows what is best. Your clothes should be more classic, with maybe a printed scarf.