Entries Tagged 'ChicGuide' ↓

After a much-needed chill weekend, FINALLY, I realized this morning that since the weather here hasn’t much resembled “summer” for a while, I should be taking this time to cultivate my summer style.  I am confident that while we haven’t seen the 80′s in too-too long, they will eventually (in August?) make another appearance.  I’ll be READY for it!

Although I recently posted a guide to spring dressing, which has been my bible tuhus far this “summer,” it looks like one for actual summer is needed on its heels (or, on it’s espedrilles, since we’re talking summertime!).  My picks are:

• Braided Belts – For the most part, I’m so over big, chunky belts; I’m also rather high-waisted, so I can’t wear them, as they end up riding right under my bra.  I LOVE a skinny braided belt though, and favor the ones from Old Navy (no longer available online, but they’re only $12 if you can still find them!).  I wear them over cardigans, over casual knit dresses (like Anne Hathaway in the final scene of Bride Wars – love it!), over shirt dresses and shift dresses to create a waist – and I have them in medium brown, dark brown, and white, as well as a funky jersey one in peachy-gold from American Apparel.



• Natural Hair – For me, natural = weird wavy/curly, so on a day to day basis, a great blow dryer is necessary, and since I’m all about embracing my (nappy) texture in the summer, so is a good beach spray.  I’ll admit, I’m still rationing my since-discontinued John Frieda Beach Blonde spray, so I switch off between that and Bumble & Bumble’s Surf Spray.  When my crazy texture needs some help, I break out my trust flat iron to straighten bangs, and to get a perfectly imperfect curl sans curling iron.  Finally, in the summer heat, my sometimes-oily roots need the help of a dry shampoo in order to make a blowdry last more than a day.  For now, I’m mixing baby powder and B & B’s hair powder (the old-school, non-spray version, since the spray nozzle “update” is gross!), but will be trying Oscar Blandi’s shortly as well…Such work to look so low-maintenence!
• Sun Protection – great shades are a given, and I’m partial to my Pradas!

Also needed, a hat – I usually go for floppy, but this season, I’m feeling the linen fedora I scooped up at Banana.  Since I’m less than bikini-ready, I get extra coverage with either a white long-sleeved, v-neck tee, or a little sundress (I’m obsessed with Tibi’s, but since I haven’t yet mastered shopping on Gilt, I’m left still craving the easy style of their one-sleeved tunics…)

• A Tan! - Fake, obviously!  While I’m partial to the next gerneration of Mystic tan offered at only one of our local tanneries (it’s amazing – you get a skin prep layer first, blowdry, tanning from four directions, blowdry, anti-aging/skin-softening mist, and then a final dry – NO STREAKING!), for my budget’s sake, I stick with the plain-old spray tan offered elsewhere.  When I’m really in a (pasty) rush, I reach for my trusty TanWise Foam:

After trying sprays and loations from Neutragena to Bliss Spa, I’ve found that nothing compares to this little angel.  The foam is tinted so you get believable color immediately, and it’s super easy to avoid streaking.  It’s the only thing I use to self tan, although I try-try-try to go to the pros when possible!

On that note, I’d better get back to work…On second thought, I’ve got another entry idea to hash out – here’s hoping that this one makes it out on schedule!

Inspired by Jessica at What I Wore, and the critique I did of her list of items she avoids, here’s my unconscious list of Nevers, which only becomes evident while shopping with a new partner, during which trip, I’m bound to say, “I actually try to stay away from…” and “____ doesn’t really work on me…” more than my fair share of times:

• Trapeze/swingy tops – I occassionally pick one up, with the intent of either belting it, or wearing it under a fitted jacket, but the majority of time, they go unworn.  Why?  Because I’m thick and on the busty and hippy sides, with a small waist.  Although a belt/jacket helps, the blousiness from chest to waist makes me look huge; blousiness from chest to hips is even more obnoxious.
• Ankle-strap shoes – In addition to being the opposite of thin, I’m also short, and even luckier-short-legged.  Thick, short legs (actually either of these on its own as well) + ankle straps = cankles.  HOT.  Actually, I do break this occassionally – but usually only for either straps close to my leg color, dark straps worn with tights, or shoes I know I’ll wear only with pants.
• Overt matchy-matchiness – the epitome of non-chic, to me.  I appreciate that you’ve taken the time and put in the effort to find a pale peach carpis to pair with your coral and peach floral top, BUT matching does not equal style.  I was raised to match-match-match (my mom still gives matching socks along with any gift of clothing that she gives – she’s so cute!), but now think that pairing items because they “go” rather than match, somes across as more cohesive and put-together – in a casual, organically stylish way.
  • The blogger over here, bless her heart, is adorable and has potential, but ALWAYS falls into the matchy-matchy trap (and the too-young trap, see below): http://whatiwore2day.blogspot.com/
• Chunky knit or ribbed sweaters – First let me say, I adore sweaters – ALL sweaters!  BUT, I know me, and I know that a hugely cable knit crewneck or a ribbed turtleneck sweater will do my body no favors (I should say, I know this now…as both of these items were staples for me in my college years…the horror…).  Thin, preferably consisting of Merino wool or cashmere, and v-neck is what works for this girl.  On occassion, I will work a boucle sweater, but it’s bound to be body-conscious in cut, and paired with a slim bottom – and be during a ski weekend or to lounge at the casa.
• Over-accessorizing – I typically wear pretty classic sillhouettes (although I’ve been trying to be more risky with proportion lately), so I really count on my accessories to punch up my outfits.  Long, chunky gold pendant necklaces and gold watches are my biggest weaknesses, and I like to think, part of my style signature.  To keep from going overboard and costumey, I wear the same tiny hoop earrings nearly ever day.  On the rare days I do pick loud earrings over a necklace (oddly, on my wedding day?), I opt for a barely-there necklace or no necklace.  We hear and read about balance in accessorizing constantly, but I see this out far too frequently – especially with matching jewelry “sets”!  Just because it comes together and you like the pieces, doesn’t mean they all have to worn together, at one time!  Each piece would look that much more special if worn as the sole statement item of your look, no?
• Finally – too-young pieces – So, truth is, I haven’t been 21 for 5+ years…does that stop me from hitting up Forever 21 EVERY time I head to the mall?  no.  it does not.  However, I go in, knowing I’m too old for lots of their wares – and I’m okay with it.  I typically have expensive taste and like well-made items, but when I’m looking for a trendy (i.e. dispensible) item, I know where to go.  Teeny-bopper stores are great for funky accessories and even some “going out” pieces – just don’t wear them all together in your post-college days!

Whew!  What are your “Nevers”??

Although we’ve edged our way into summertime, the unseasonably cold weather us Milwaukeeans have been experiencing makes this post-re-applicable.  I’ve been having problems with WordPress since my employer blocked it, along with Twitter, and I haven’t been able to get into the blog!  (Damn you, password-saving technology, which allows me to over-depend on my computer to do the job of my memory…)  I initially penned this post in April, but had issues publishing – happy reading, and here’s hoping that we soon get some wear out of our summer wardrobes!  (sidenote: I completely don’t remember why this post is titled as such…I’m sure it was intended to be relevant/witty?)

(from 4.21.09)  Following an unseasonably warm Friday night and Saturday this weekend (obviously we couldn’t have gotten a full weekend of warmth – this is Wisconsin, afterall), I feel like another dressing guide is needed.

Although I like winter, at least the beginning of it, when everything is pretty and white, when the sun still shines more than it doesn’t, all too many of us in the northern hemisphere-ites spend the entire long, cold, lifeless season (at least after the Resort season, which was pretty bleak this year, anyway) looking forward to the breezy, bright styles that the spring shows have whet our appetite for sooo many months before…only to have far too many girls skip the season, fashion-wise, completely – and head straight for summer!

During our dinner date Friday and our couples-outing Saturday night, far too many of these seasonally inappropriate shapes were spotted at each of our venues:

• Denim Minis – I’m sure this will come up periodically in my blogs, but I hate the things – especially cut-off denim minis.  Although I concede that (hemmed-edge only) denim minis are adorable on little girls, and can be chic-ishhhh… swathing the perfect bums of the spring break crew and otherwise young, toned, beach-goers; heck – I wouldn’t even turn down a dark wash, paired witch darker tights and a kicky pair of boots paired with a snuggly sweater in the autumn…(deep breath)…they are not appropriate for MOST women over the age of 23, on the basis of the following: leg shapliness, and also class expectation.  While leg-shapliness is self-evident in terms of definition, “class expectation,” is a bit dodgier.  Distressed denim minis remind people of Britney Spears during the peak of her TTM (Trailer Trash Material) phase; they reak of Mariah Carey in her rolled-waistband, crochet halter days (are those over yet?); worst of all, they remind me of something Pamela Anderson would wear.  Hence, distressed denim minis in the summer = 1/classy (the inverse of classy, for you non-mathophiles).  Whew!
• Sleeveless Tops – Sleeveless tops are meant to show off toned arms and/or fab tans.  This is April in Wisconsin: chances are, you’ve got neither.  Even if you do, 60-degree weather still can’t be maintained for more than a few hours at a time, so layer on a tee or a jacket, and come join us back in the real world, where we don’t all look like MObama.  Thank You.
• Flip-Flops (worn at night) – lots of times these accompany the peeves listed above – which is fine – in the SUMMER.  Otherwise, it’s just sad.  I am not yet summer-carefree and thus, do not want to spend my evening looking at your dank bar-feet and worrying that you’ll be coming to my place for an afterparty, danking-up my cream carpet for sure.  Since summer a-bars usually take place outside, flip-flop-feet are more acceptable then.

On the PLUS side, Springtime allows for:

• Layering!  While even the tiny cami under your floaty chiffon top turns constricting and sweat-inducing on the hottest of summer days, springtime welcomes such forays into femininity.  Add a sweetly taylored jacket and jeans for cooler days, and save your 3″ chino shorts to pair it with come summer time.
  • I am obsessed with this top – how adorable with great, dark, skinny jeans and flats for now, and shortie khaki shorts and metallic gladiator sandals later?!

• Scarves!  I’m so over them in the hot-hot weather – I live in Wisconsin – I wear a scarf for 8 to 9 months out of the year, and I enjoy sporting a naked neck when the conditions allow for it!  In a light fabric, and paired with a trench during the spring, though, a scarf makes a perfectly chic headcover for those unexpected showers (I have curly hair and bangs – protecting them from moisture is practically a part-time job for me in spring!).  I especially adore this one, from Banana.

• Speaking of jackets…this is another of my (many) shopping weaknesses – somehow, I’ve managed to collect a spring jacket and a winter coat in ever nuetral color (olive and burgundy included), and have now moved into prints (graphic tone-on-tone turquoise for spring, and a gorgeous black and jewel-toned brocade for winter nights – I die!).  This one NEEDS a place to hang in my closet:  Clearance?!  I’m on it!

After not having written in over a week (so sorry – but it’s tax time and I work in the financial industry – life has NOT been pretty lately!), I’m interrupting the weddingness for this season-relevant post.

Friday in Milwaukee was Opening Day at Miller Park – against the Cubs (booo!), no less, which meant Saturday was the first game in our season ticket pack.  Although Art is a Milwaukee transplant, he’s quickly adopted a soft spot for the Brewers and all that comes with them (long summer days of tailgating, overpriced Miller products, and questionably good baseball).  After spotting the THIRD too-skinny girl in too tight skinnies tucked into too tall knee-high boots, we’re definitely overdue for a Guide to Dressing Like a Baller: ChicCritique edition.

Dressing Like a Baller – DO NOT:

• wear heels.  They slow you down and make you look pretentious.  If you’re attending the game in attempt to be “one of the guys” or to be “fun,” teetering all day on inappropriately high heels does not gain you any points.  Miller Park has exit ramps, which are favored over stairs or escalators for ease in exiting the park; heels work especially terribly in this context.
• bring a huge purse/bag with you.  If the seat beside yours is occupied, the only other option for bag storage is under your seat; however, placing your bag here puts its fate in the hands of the fan in the seat behind you.  In my experience, the odds are that this person will be either a) a child left to run free, spilling his Mountain Dew and his dad’s Miller Light into the row in front of him – and also into your purse (and then onto the $200 authentic Brewer jersey you just purchased as a Father’s Day gift), or b) the guy who REALLY loves peanuts – who loves him so much you end up with peanut shells in your hair, in your bag, and down your shirt.  Sometimes these people come together, or Peanut Guy gets tipsy and reverts to Soda Boy.  Take your pick – just leave your Balenciaga at home (since we’re talking Milwaukee here, I should revise that to “leave your Coach at home”).
• pretend that it’s summer just because it’s baseball season.  It was 38 degrees on Opening Day and didn’t top 40 the next day.  Please explain to me why I had to look at shivering, tacky, blue-lipped chickies in cut-off denim minis.  This leads nicely into my final DO NOT…
• DO NOT dress like a hoochie.  I love my cleavage as much as the next girl, but honestly, unless you’re out for a bachelorette party, there’s no reason for it.  The majority of the guys at the game are there for the game – they can catch an eyeful of lady flesh at any bar and spend a whole lot less money on an excuse to do so ($7/each beer, $25 priority parking, $20+ on tickets, $? on food – it adds up!).  The ball park is also a family place, and small children shouldn’t be subjected to your lack of decency – yuck!

• Keep it classy, people!

and here are some tips to look like the Baller that you are!  DO:

•  get supportive a wear a team tee.  Vintage is best; fitted is always cute (opt for men’s sizes over little boys’ as the men’s are longer and leaner if you can find an XS/S/M); baggy and grungy is never cute.  My go-to items are either my dad’s old tee from the ’82 World Series or the Ryan Braun tee from Art last year.
• or, work the casual-but-still-put-together angle.  I’m usually anti-screen printed items, so when I’m feeling less than cheerleadery, I’ll choose simpler layered tees or a hooded cashmere sweater.  You can have more fun in the summer, and definitely get more creative on a night out with the girls…but keep it unfussy.
• accessorize – but again, don’t get too crazy.  Heels are a non-no, but espedrilles or a cute pair of gladiator sandals (if the weather cooperates) could work.  Plain hoop earrings, an interesting necklace, or a cute headwrap…all appropriate.  Anything that looks too dressed-up comes across as trying too hard.
• block the sun!  This one should be a given, but sunblock, a hat, and a great pair of sunglasses are mandatory for enjoying day games in the summer.
• lastly, DO come with a good attitude.  Even if you’re more of a champagne kind of girl than a beer & brat type, soak in the atmosphere and relax.  Guys worry about so much less than girls, so take a note from them and let yourself enjoy the day.  Nothing is more noticably unattractive than a sour face among those smiling and partaking in the fun.

Batter up!!