Hello, bootsy!

There have been a lot of boots around our home lately. So much so that someone (I wonder who?!) has taken to calling me “Bootsy.” Is that supposed to be affectionate? Not really sure, but it is accurate! We (and by we, of course I mean ME), have got little black booties, grey knee-high boots, black mid-calf boots, and most recently…. A pair of bright yellow rubber boots. You might be thinking that last item doesn’t really fit with the rest of boot collection, but I promise, it does! I am now the proud owner of Hunter Wellington boots, and I think you should be too.

Here’s why:

1. When the husband saw the black version of the boots, he said “What are these? They look like what people wear to milk the cows on the farm!” These were my friend Molly’s boots. Molly is not a farmer, but actually quite the fashionista. The girl dresses in designer duds and pretty much works her own little runway every day – not exactly Susie homemaker milking the cows. However, she was quick to point out that Hunter boots were originally designed for such hard work! (The design originates from the 1800s - talk about vintage!) Though Molly and I wear them now to Sunday brunch or college football games with our skinny jeans, they have the durability to really endure much more than that. (Though I was recently reminded that tailgating can be quite strenuous on the feetsies!)
2. They come in several fabulous colors, and even more phones are the Hunter “socks” (like fleece liners) that come in a wide variety as well. You can get a few pairs of those, change them out, and your boots look totally different! I did the yellow boots with the grey liners, but I am particularly intrigued by the leopard ones, and I think they will appear on my holiday wish list.
3. They last forever. Partially because they are a littttttle pricey $115, but more so because they were made for those farm “people” the husband thought of.
   
4. Hunters are also available for kids and toddlers, which let's be honest, makes them even more adorable.
   

Now it’s your turn – pick your welly, pick your color coordinating sock, and go splash through some puddles! Or, just take yourself out to breakfast. Enjoy!

Happy holidays, Fashionistas!

Not only have we recently launched the fall sale season (watch for Chanel and Gucci to markdown the beginning of next month), but another season is also upon us – the HOLIDAYS. Which, to true fashionistas, equals HEAVEN. What could be better than excuse after excuse to shop? For yourself (please oh please let the Christmas party invitations keep coming so I can keep filling my closet with darling dresses to wear to them) AND – ok, more importantly, for others! I am a firm believer that a fab fashionista is also a generous gift giver. Obviously, because it goes back to the fact that we LOVE to shop – for anything! I honestly receive just as much joy finding someone the most perfect gift as I do finding myself the most perfect… pair of boots. Red lipstick. Wear-it-with-everything necklace. WHATEVER. Gift giving is a favorite form of shopping, and a guilt free one too! Spending money is a totally different story when it’s for someone else.

Case in point:

“Honey, I bought myself a $200 dress today – but it’s really cute and I’ll wear it forever!”

or

“Honey, I spent $200 on your mother’s Christmas gift but I know she’ll really love it.”

What do you think induces a better reaction in this household?

But, besides buying presents for others and decking yourself out for all those delicious parties I know you’ll be invited too – there is another fashionista festivity of note: THE TREE!

Now, the you must “outfit” your Christmas tree just as you would dress yourself; this is absolutely a fashion project, and the complete look is so important. The tree is essentially your staple piece for the holidays! This thing has the potential to see all your friends and family, appear in countless photographs, etc. etc. Just like your special occasion outfits, I feel your tree should definitely have a theme, or at least a color story. Because I have been looking forward to getting my tree since September, I have been planning (or plotting!) my décor scheme for awhile. Last month, I asked the husband what he thought our theme should be for the tree. The creative genius responded: “Christmas.” Soooo orginal. For those of us who have a little more… how do you say… STYLE…, we might gravitate toward some of the following ideas:

Metallic (silver and gold ornaments with white lights)

Winter Wonderland (white lights with light blue and white, bright ornaments)

Fashion Friendly (themed ornaments like little shopping bags, purses, shoes, and sunglasses in fun colors – available at Nordstrom NOW!)

Chanel (a little extreme, but could be super cute! check out the dream tree featured above - AMAZING!)

Fortunately for me, the husband was lenient about his lame theme ideas, and instead of “Christmas” we (and by WE I mean I, because he was plugging away at the computer doing his normal Sunday regimen – fantasy football) decorated our tree in gold, silver and chocolate brown, with these amazing white LED lights that will supposedly last like longer than we will! (Pick those babies up at Target for as low as $9.99 a box.) I also found a ton of great ornaments at Target for some recessionista prices - check out the tubs full of ornaments ready to make your theme come to life.

So, since I’m so modest, I can admit that my tree is gorgeous. However, the path to get it here was not. Four hours, five tree farms, and a mini-tour of Hobart, Washington (have you ever heard of that place? Neither had I.), we were completely tree-less. WHO KNEW that it is essentially IMPOSSIBLE to buy a tree before Thanksgiving? That is, unless you go to good old, reliable Fred Meyer. Oh, Freddy’s. Thanks to your lovely parking lot with your pre-cut trees that probably left the forest in October, I had my very own Noble Fir, on November 22nd! The husband says I have problems with "delayed gratification." When I asked what that meant, he said that buying a Christmas tree the week before Thanksgiving was a prime example. I don't care though - me, my tree, and he are all living happily ever after together until Christmas. Or, more likely, until the thing dies... next week?

I hereby dedicate this blog post to the Issaquah Fred Meyer - for honoring those of us who struggle with "delayed gratification," or to put it more nicely, those fashionistas who bought their ornaments early and were just a little too excited to "dress up" their tree.

Too much TV? Nah....

Fashionistas! Fall has brought so much fun that I have not even had time to write to you lovelies. The change of seasons marks many occasions, including the completion of my summer book club (see below for a two more delicious reads), more reading, as I catch up on all the fall fashion magazines and then go find the fabulous trends in real life, and perhaps more importantly – the return of fall television – THANK GOD.

First things first – true fashionistas are tuned into Project Runway, now on Lifetime, which is already about halfway through the season. Now comes the good stuff. The crazies have been filtered out, and we are left with a group of, though self-proclaimed, “true” designers who really have “talent.” Hmmmmm… questionable? Absolutely. But that’s where the fun is! The husband, who has watched the show in years past but was suddenly too good for it this year, even tuned back in when he saw the insanity coming down the runway in episode 2. If you’ve missed it so far; it’s not too late. There have been 7 episodes, and at about 42 minutes each, you only need…. Well, like 300 minutes. Which is… 5 hours-ish? Totally worth it. Why? Because Logan from Seattle is still on, and yes, his designs are decent, but he himself is worth looking at twice! Watch full episodes for free here.

Next, I am THRILLED that Brothers and Sisters is back on with that darling Calista Flockhart. Her character, Kitty, is often spotted in designer duds, and guessing “who” she’s wearing often keeps me busy on commercial breaks throughout the show! For more double duty as an audience member/trendspotter, watch Desperate Housewives the hour before. Those ladies are always decked out in everything from Dolce and Gabbana to Michael Kors.

My friend Addison (Kate Walsh) on Private Practice is also a fellow fashionista. Last season, Addison loved her Gucci. This season… I’ve only seen her in scrubs. But there’s only been one episode! So I’m not worried. Both her and Naomi, her BFF on the show, always have the best designer shoes and handbags too. I appreciate this, because as doctors, I feel like they can afford it, and should be dressing to the nines. Little details like this really affect the authenticity of television!

Finally, my goal (in all my spare time – as you can see my evenings are really booked up with this tv schedule!) is to really get into Gossip Girl, because it is a fashionista’s HEAVEN. The most recent US Weekly featured a small spread on the show’s wardrobe closet, and this thing was basically a WAREHOUSE of the most beautiful, expensive, fabulous pieces. The show has really become a walking runway, and is nearly a must-see for people in the industry. Oh darn. I’m forced to watch another show….

I hope this gives all of you a good guide to follow fashion from the most comfortable place… your couch. Please let me know if I’m missing anything!

*yes, I finished my (individual) summer book club! Here are my final must reads:

“Bringing home the Birkin” by Michael Tonello – a TRUE story about a funny, funny boy fashionista who travels the world to buy and sell the coveted Hermes Birkin handbags. Michael’s writing is fun, fresh and the tales of his adventures make me not only want a bag, but I also want to be his friend!

“Little Earthquakes” by Jennifer Weiner – so hysterical, I started following Jennifer on Twitter and she is funny on there too! In this novel, her humor extends beyond single girl life and into motherhood.

gooooo team FALL FASHION!

This fashionista spent too much time shopping and not enough time sleeping these last couple of weeks, because yesterday I caught the most dreadful cold. I came home from work early, ready to rest up, but first catch up on all my favorite shopping websites, sales, blogs, you know the drill. I opened my precious Mac to find the desktop a complete mess… filled with fantasy websites popped up here and there, freaky spreadsheets of NFL players and their stats, and all kinds of “very important information” that I promptly closed. Why? Because it was in my way! As is basically all of football season, which, oh so blessedly, began this week. And, as the chubby hubby was quick to point out – will last all the way until January.

At first, this sounds like an ideal opportunity: more time for the girlfriends, the spa and of course the shopping. Even better – every time I do come home, he will either be at boys’ house who have DVR and every channel under the sun, or he will be so glued to our (lame, cable-less tv) that he would never notice me bringing in bags (and bags) of new purchases. But then, things get tricky. Apparently, I’m actually expected to PARTICIPATE in this insane season! The trickier issue is this – what do you wear to hang out with a bunch of boys drinking beers, Sunday after Sunday? Not to worry. I have solutions for us fashionistas who would rather NOT live in their pajamas from now until January, even though their significant other… will.

Let’s get exited for a teeny, tiny second: the best part about football season is that it marks the beginning of our FAVORITE fashion season: FALL! Fall is when all the best collections come out; each and every designer – from the high to the low – really pours their heart into the fall wardrobe. But even if we’re not buying designer, everyone can still appreciate the chunky knit sweaters we cuddle up to as the leaves change, the luxurious cashmere scarves we wrap ourselves in, those fabulous coats with the loveliest buttons that keep us warm but also darling… oh how I love them all! So, let’s embrace these faves for our football lives too. I just stocked up on my pre-season wardrobe this week, and here are my must-haves:

Long-sleeve tees – this crew neck is my favorite basic, and super affordable.

Chunky knit open sweater

(this is waaaaay cuter on in person - take my word for it. get it in "briar" and wear it open - not buttoned - over a black tee with denim and black flats - adorable.)

This one is also a great neutral and easier to layer with. Plus, it's super soft and comfy - perfect for snuggling on the couch and watching your team win!

Scarves in every color (maybe even to represent your favorite team? That might be going too far…) I think these ones are perfect, because you actually could rep a team, but still look adorable. For solid colors and more lightweight ideas, check out BP at Nordstrom. They have TONS of options, and most are around $18ish.

The perfect boyfriend jean - try it in grey for fall!. I recently picked up these ones by Cookie Johnson, Magic Johnson's wife! I had the chance to meet her, and not only is she a lovely, humble person, she also happens to design great denim, in coordination with the designers for Rich and Skinny. I am especially loving Love it!

So, after picking up all of these, I am quick to reprimand myself. Football season IS fun!

{pictures courtesy of... you know who. the football-happy husband.}

Don't be late for KATE!

In my job as a fabulous fashionista, (yes, I actually get paid to work in fashion, and I also get the privilege of describing myself that way) I recently had the opportunity to launch the Kate Spade apparel collection for the first time. For those of you who don’t know Kate like I do (but as an educated fashionista who reads her monthly magazines you should), it is a delectable collection of many entities; she originated with handbags, and has since expanded to shoes, sunglasses, and recently jewelry. Most, most recently though, Kate Spade New York (that is the official title, as it is now actually owned by Liz Claiborne – minor detail – and it’s ok because Tim Gunn from Project Runway is Liz’s creative director, so it’s still all in good hands) launched a delicious line of apparel.

The fall 2009 collection is the first to hit major retailers, including select Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and Bloomingdale’s doors nationwide. Designed by Deborah Lloyd, formerly with Burberry and Banana Republic, Kate Spade apparel is all you would expect… but then more.

A cheeky little blouse (which has a cheeky little name to match - all pieces in the collection have girl names, so I am just waiting for the "Erin" to emerge!) has hot pink lip stick prints all over it with the most adorable peter pan collar… and then on the inside, near the label, is the phrase “live colorfully.” A Chanel-like grey and black tweed jacket has chiffon trim and a grosgrain ribbon belt, and then, when you unbutton it to put the precious little thing on, you’re surprised with… pale, pale lovely antique-looking pink silk lining. It’s the little details like that which make this collection so high quality, but also so much fun. And there is so, so much more - I'm not even going to get INTO the sequin cardigan - you must see it to believe it - GORGEOUS! I want to buy these yummy little pieces and wear them to death! Why? Not just because it’s something new, but because it’s something special.

And that – I believe – is the beauty of fashion. Pieces are supposed to be special, and they’re supposed to be fun. Someone very wise once told me – after I cried about an important Coco crisis – “its just clothes.” Just yesterday in the elevator, I heard a woman say the same thing. Yes, we may live and eat and breathe fashion, and fashionistas, you know I love that attitude! But, we must remember – fashion is OH so much fun. Which is why, if you hurry, I’m going to let you do something realllllllly fun – shop the exclusive, 4-day-only Kate Spade Sample sale!! Click HERE now, and don’t say I never gave you anything!

My Philosophy

Ever since I started living with a boy (some might say MAN, I would still say BOY), my big brown eyes have been opened wide to the blissful blessing of… PRODUCT. You know the product I’m talking about – all those miraculous lotions and potions that make a girl swoon just at the scent. The beautifully designed bottles that house the concoctions to make our skin soft, our hair silky, and ourselves… even more lovable then before. It’s true!

Now, before I tell you my favorites, we need to stop and breathe in the beauty for a second. BECAUSE, if I didn’t have my lovely shelf of perfumes, my basket of lotions and hair products, and my shower caddy full of delicious body washes and bubble baths, my world would be, well, sad. And, it would smell like a man! I find it so disappointing that when the husband takes a shower, he has the choice to dowse himself in oddly-named bottles of AX or Old Spice. First of all, the brand names are disappointing at best. (AX? What is that? And why is it the only thing on the shelf besides Old Spice, which obviously = old man?) Second, the options within are disturbing! You can make yourself smell like “Pure Sport” (Does that mean sweat? Or locker room? Gross!) or other bizarre scents such as “Surf’s Tide” (Perfect. Now he can smell like salt water.) To make it worse, the bottles are hideous (bright reds and blues, which totally clash with my bathroom’s color scheme), and of course, since they are made for lazy men, they are always industrial sized, no matter where you buy them.

Then, on the other side of the bathroom, in a precious corner of the bathtub, you find… Hope. And Grace. And Purity. And Love. No, no; I am not making a metaphor. I am being literal! All in delicate pastel pinks and purples, soft whites and ivories, my body wash and lotion are called Grace, my face moisturizer is called Hope, my face wash is called Purity, and there is a delectable little number on my wish list named Love. Philosophy Cosmetics make all of the above, and I kid you not when I say these products really do make you believe in miracles (which is, sweetly, the product line’s own “philosophy”).

If you want product that gets the job done, look no further. I started using this on my honeymoon when my best-maid-of-honor ever so graciously sent me off with some travel sizes, and I got hooked for life. Gorgeous presentation for your powder room shelves, and even better results for your beautiful body. Plus, a perk for the mind: all of the bottles share inspirational words of encouragement. I read my Grace bottle in the shower all the time, and find it a perfect way to start my day:

“life is a classroom. we are both student and teacher. each day is a test. and each day we receive a passing or failing grade in one particular subject: grace. grace is compassion, gratitude, surrender, faith, forgiveness, good manners, reverence, and the list goes on. it’s something money can’t buy and credentials rarely produce. being the smartest, the prettiest, the most talented, the richest, or even the poorest, can’t help. being a humble person can and being a helpful person can guide you through your days with grace and gratitude.”

And, then, I lather that all over my green loofah (the husband has the purple loofah, which I was incredibly angry about, because I bought myself the purple and him the green, but he said something dumb about "real dawgs wear purple") and poured that nasty Pure Sport all over it, so I was stuck with the green and begin my GRACEful day. Take your pick - and find your own philosophy...

Fabulous Flats

OH, fashionistas. Since I last blogged, so much as happened. Seattle shopped the Nordstrom Anniversary sale (I am proud to report not only did I track down every item on my wish list, I also provided fabulous finds for some of my favorite fellow fashionistas), suffered through a massive heat wave (which really did not coordinate well with all the fall merchandise we just bought at the Anniversary Sale – perhaps that explains why no one seemed able to dress for the record-breaking weather), and celebrated the annual Sea Fair (another occasion where people had wardrobe issues; this time, it seemed women opted not to get dressed at all… a rather disturbing choice for most observers in nearby boats – such as myself and the husband – yikes!)

Also – amidst the chaos of all the above, the husband discovered a MASSIVE SPIDER in our kitchen! This is not an exaggeration – this little monster was 4 inches in diameter. (Or is that radius? Who cares. It was huge!) It was a pretty monumental moment in our short marriage, so I am noting it here. Five minutes post-spider-death, I heard what sounded like a Lamaze class taking place in my bathroom. No, it was just the arachnophobia husband, panting and taking deep yoga breaths, still recovering from the act of killing the biggest spider ever. As he smashed it (I am pretty sure there were tears of fear in his eyes), he viciously yelled, “And tell your family!” I kid you not. The man sent the spider a death message for his relatives. Again, this is what I live with.

Back to the happenings - last but not least, this little fashionista got a new job! But don’t worry! It is still in the fashion industry and it is really even more fabulous. Yet, this new endeavor requires me to be even quicker on my feet… meaning, wait for it… yes, I have had to stoop so low (literally) as to purchase flats. Multiple pairs, in fact! You may feel as depressed as I, knowing that the lie I have been living for years as a 5’5” person is over, but I promise you, this new gig is definitely worth it, and my feet are thanking me already. (Another bonus - I predict these shoes are going to be extremely helpful in my spider-smashing future.) So, at least a couple days a week, I am back to 5’1”. (Pitiful.) Considering I have not purchased flats in years (except for those gladiators you know I love), I did some major research on my purchases, and am here to enlighten you as well. Below are my favorites. Be sure to let me know if you find any good ones, too!

First... let's be honest; they are FLATS, so we don't want to deposit a whole paycheck into them like we might do for some Chanel pumps. Instead, let's be practical for once. First things first - we need a perfect pair of black flats to go with anything and everything. This one is ideal - it's the beloved patent, but a simple shape, and a sneaky little tiny heel, to provide a bit of height - just enough! Plus, Jessica Simpson, despite her romance problems, actually makes pretty comfortable shoes. Or, the Ruby and Bloom is a perfect little ballet flat - so reminds me of Gwyneyth Paltrow - effortlessly simple and chic. (I love it in the metallic colors too - I might buy a few of these actually!)

Then, we need a pair that will go with all of our basic black, but also back to solid colors. Something to jazz up our outfits a bit. We may be a few inches lower, but hey, we can still feel fab! So, let's rock the animal print. I LOVE these leopard ones by my friend Charles by Charles David, and I think they are a great price too.


Happy speed walking, fashionistas! Could it be - the flatter the shoes, the faster you shop?? Hmmmm.... i'll let you know.

Summer Book Club, here I come!

My normal reading material consists of US Weekly (I am loyal subscriber and therefore read it religiously every Thursday night), Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar (again, I wait for the monthly glossies to arrive in my mailbox), and catalogs (the husband hates that when we moved I was thrilled to get us on a mailing list for all home stores in the nation!). However, in the summer, I get serious about my reading. I try to plan my days off in accordance with the weather if at all possible, and lay out (on my front porch, someone else’s roof, my parents’ patio, wherever) for several hours per day and devour approximately a book or two per week. When I say devour, I mean it. I get completely obsessive about my books, the plots, the characters, etc. After my day tanning, I proceed to read at night, when I’m sweating in our sweltering third floor apartment. I get lost in the story to the point where (thank goodness) I forget about the heat and stay up for hours past the fi-fo-fum husband, who like clockwork, peacefully falls asleep before 10pm.

This summer, I decided to get really serious about my reading. After a lunch break spent pouring through the shelves at Barnes and Noble, and another few hours reading the backs of all the books at Target, I created my own personal summer reading list. Feeling quite pleased with myself, I took it one step further and invented MY OWN SUMMER BOOK CLUB. The husband (again, he is so ridiculous) says that you cannot have a real “club” if you are the only person in it, but as usual, I beg to differ. I am THRILLED about my club, however independent it may be! And, for being so negative, he actually turned out to be quite supportive, because he even bought me three books from Amazon! (By bought, I mean I clicked “Yes, use credit card on file” while I was ordering, and then asked him afterward. I LOVE stored account numbers like that!)

Since I (someday) want to write my own book, my reading list is rather memoir-focused. (See, this is why I can be the only person in my club, because the titles are all for my own personal benefit.) Here is what I have tackled so far:

“the best of friends” by Sara James and Ginger Mauney (an excellent read – two best friends wind and twist their individual tales and the span of their friendship through three decades)

“someday my prince will come” by Jerramy Fine (the true story of a girl searching for her prince, literally; incredibly candid and hilarious, it’s an easy and upbeat read that brought much joy to the few days it took me to read it!)

still to come…

“change of heart” by Jodi Picoult (not a memoir, but I love this author, and I’m sure this book – one of her earlier novels – will not disappoint; she is responsible for this summer's blockbuster, "my sister's keeper" as well)

“pretty in plaid” by Jen Lancaster (another memoir, by the same funny girl who wrote “Bitter is the New Black;” her writing style is supposedly quite “bloggy” so I think I will like it!)

One week and counting...

Just as I promised, it just keeps getting better. One week from today you will see exactly what I mean when you bust through the doors of the Nordstrom near you and shop til you drop at the… wait for it… yes, it’s here! The ANNIVERSARY SALE.

Remember when I told you I shopped via stroller as a baby? I have a feeling this is where the passion for fashion really began. When the stroller days were long gone, I have memories of setting my alarm for 6am in elementary school to go shop the sale the SECOND the doors opened at 7:00am sharp with my mom, aunts, grandma, whoever I could sucker into going with me.

Nothing beats this sale. Nordstrom is the only retailer in the industry who does it – fall product for women, men and kids EARLY at a discount for just 17 days every summer, starting the third week in July. This year, D-Day falls on Friday, July 17th. Then, August 3rd, everything gets marked back up. This is why it’s a marathon, not a sprint, fashionistas! (Personally, I hate running, but I feel as if this analogy works with almost anything.)

Now – for the really juicy news. For the first time ever, the coveted catalog (which you should be receiving any day in the mail if you’re a Nordstrom subscriber… if you’re not, don’t even tell my why; just get on the mailing list quick!) is online. EVEN BETTER – the online catalog has even more product featured in it than the hard copy, including tons more shoes, denim, hosiery, handbags, and more. Instead of just a snapshot of all the sale has to offer, this little devil can really give you the details! (You can even circle items and bookmark pages – heaven for an organizational freak like me.) Get your wish list ready before you go by checking it all out here.

Fortunately for you, I’ve had a sneak peek at most of the merchandise that will be featured on the Anniversary Sale. Here are the fall-must haves I plan on picking up on the 17th:

*boyfriend blazer (there will be several price point options; you can pick one up in BP, TBD or Via C… I haven’t decided on my favorite yet)
*boots (TONS of great ones on sale… but everyone is going crazy for the Fryes already, see page 36 and 41a)
*statement necklace (check out the Cara necklace on page 44 – AMAZING! I’m going to wear it with everything from an LBD to a white t-shirt.)
*black skinny pants (I am absolutely purchasing the Joe’s seen on page 45; they are comfy like a legging but have the details of a real pant – the best of both worlds)
*cosmetics (this is the only time they really go on ‘sale,’ so definitely stock up, because they have lots of special sizes and values. I ordered the Trish McEvoy planner and makeup card in the cute pink cases! See page 58)
*delicates (my favorite Honeydew panties will be only 4/$34 – steal of a deal! Check out the pages of panties on 50-51.)

That’s just a yummy little slice of the transaction that could easily take up the majority of a paycheck. Ah, Anniversary. You are worth every penny.

Sweet, sweet season of weddings

Well fashionistas, we’re in the midst of sale season, which we all know keeps us busy enough, but now we are in the dead heat of my other favorite season – nope, you know me better than to think it would be something as trivial as “summer.” Wedding season is officially in full swing! I kicked it off on Saturday, when one of my nearest and dearest friends (you may remember her as the sparkly Vegas bachelorette) wed her high school sweetheart on the 4th of July. Fortunately for me, she chose a darling sunshine yellow dress, and the nicest-bride-ever let us pick our own shoes! Of course, I went with the sky-high Charles by Charles David camel colored heels with gold accents. Perfect for looks, not so perfect for my walk down the bumpy grass aisle… never mind that. (However, if in the market for something that will take you from 5'1 to 5'6, visit his website.)

However, most times we attend weddings, we are not part of the privy bridal party, and must get dressed on our own. Here is where I come to the rescue…

A few helpful hints to help you look almost as cute as these people from Martha Stewart Weddings magazine (see pic above - they are adorable):

1. Select your outfit sometime other than the DAY OF the wedding. Picking something out an hour before is an obvious recipe for disaster. I've been there, and ended up frantically buying duct tape at a gas station to hold my dress to my chest... try waking up with that situation in the morning!

2. While you’re behaving as a good fashionista, creating the perfect ensemble a few days prior to the big event, do your research! Most of the vital stats can be learned from the invitation – so make sure your husband/lover/roommate/mother/dog/whoever does not throw that precious piece of paper away! The time of the ceremony is a major hint; afternoon = more casual, after 5 = more dressy, probably cocktail-ish. The location of the reception is another giveaway; outside = more casual, downtown hotel or venue = more dressy. And, since you are a few days out, if you are super confused, you have time to call someone who would know the answer, but would probably be too VIP on the day of the wedding to talk to you.

3. Please dress your mate appropriately. Whoever is the “true” fashionista in the relationship (and I know there are many men who fill this important role), make sure your outfits coordinate. For example, when you go with the girl in the sunshine dress, you don’t wear a dark, dreary winter suit. (I am proud to report that this was not us! The husband showed up dressed to IMPRESS this time, and I have pictures to prove it! I just can't figure out how to get them off the camera.) You can take a cue from my best-dressed hubby; summer, outdoor wedding, accompanying a date in bright cotton dress… boy’s outfit translates to: cute khaki-ish pants (not straight, old fashioned khakis, but ones with a slight pattern or texture – I love any of the chino styles from j.crew), light-colored striped button-shirt, brown leather slip on shoes, and brown belt. Effortless.

4. Yes, wedding season can be stressful, chaotic, busy – like I said, it can overtake your summer, just like our treasured sales! However, under NO circumstances should you attend a wedding with overlapping guests in the EXACT. SAME. OUTFIT. That, my fashionistas, is a faux-pa we just cannot forgive. So make a note on the calendar, take a Polaroid, do what you must, but when you are celebrating this summer, you better be doing so in something different each time around. (With resources like your friend’s, sister’s, mom’s closets, Target, H and M, Forever 21… trust me, you can make it happen.)

And this, my fashionable friends, is how it's done. Instead of struggling with style, you will SAIL right through the beloved wedding season, making me proud along the way.

SEQUIN mania

Last weekend I had the pleasure of travelling to Las Vegas for a dear friend's bachelorette party. Wait, by party, I mean, paaaaaaarTY! But, it's not true what they say; what happens in Vegas, does NOT stay in Vegas. Because I have to tell you - that place was fashion faux-pa central! I interpreted the general rule there as "less is more," and when people were actually dressed, that was just as scary of a sight! However, our little bachelorette party was definitely more creative... The one thing all 8 of us agreed on throughout the weekend was our obsession with SEQUINS.

In couture fashion, sequins are referred to by their prettier, fancier, french name: "paillettes." But, in Vegas, they're just plain old sequins, and we wanted lots of them. The first night out, our very own bachelorette donned a brown sequin tank dress by Free People (this sassy little number also comes in a dark purple and champagne-ish gold. However, as I am seeing it online, I am noticing it is sold as a shirt and not a dress...that's what I thought! Oh well, the insane little bridezilla just gave it a whole new look, and a very Vegas-y one too! I have seen this shirt/tank/dress/whatever you want it to be worn as a top though, with boyfriend jeans - which you should have by now! - and gold flats, and it was quite cute. So there you go). Not to mention, the lovely bride-to-be accessorized her ensemble with the ever-important blingy bachelorette tiara and a pink sash just in case anyone beyond the vacinity failed to hear the squeals, laughs and constant shouts of "She's getting MARRIED!"

The next night, I threw on an oldie-but-goodie from Urban Outfitters in the form of an all-over short sleeved silver sequined little number. What a tongue-twister. (If you are ever desperate for sequins, Urban is a great place to check, especially online.) And, thinking of my newly-learned "less-is-more" Vegas philosophy, I belted it with a wide black belt to take it up just a notch. (Don't worry - only a little!) Speaking of, a wide black belt is absolutely an essential, and I love this one. For the mere price of $68, I think this totally looks Givenchy or Balenciaga inspired, and in a good way! I am also needing a skinny black belt, and I think this one is a great deal and super chic.

Long story (and even longer weekend!) short - every girl needs a little sparkle in her life. Whether you are living it up in Vegas, going out and about in our own town, or just need a pick-me-up one day, I tell you, sequins = success.

Fashion format?

Hello my faithful following fashionistas! I am playing with my blog to try and make it a little more aesthetically pleasing... I'm not going to lie - it is rather difficult to make a blank web page look "fashion forward," but I'm doing my best here... and I would love any feedback and/or suggestions! Please let me know what you think, and watch for a new post about my weekend in LAS VEGAS soon!

Coco comes home

It was a happy day in my household yesterday. Not only did my precious Coco (you remember my GLORIOUS! Chanel grand shopping tote) come home from repair-land looking better than ever (she had a minor owie that had to be corrected), a little friend came along with her in the form of a BLACK ESSENTIAL TWEED 2-POCKET CARDIGAN JACKET. Read it and weep, fashionistas. Your favorite blogger is the new owner of a classic, oh-so-Coco jacket!

In fact, I can totally picture Coco Chanel herself in something similar. The cardigan jacket was her first jacket design, and they style still exists today. Karl Lagerfeld loves the design so much that last year a GIGANTIC one sat in the center of the runway for the Spring/Summer 2008 Haute Couture Show. (Mine looks like that, basically, but is black and has only 2 pockets. It is microscopic compared to that monstrous one, but I’m giving you the general idea here. Its massive presence on the runway is symbolic of how owning one is such a big deal in my life!) The darling little thing has many followers – from 20-somethings like myself to grandmas! I kid you not – a woman in her sixties – at least – was trying this on the other day. Which is fine with me, because I admittedly have a soft spot for grandma clothes. I just love old-ladyish pieces! I like to think it’s because they are more classic, but I think it’s just been inherited. My grandma constantly took me shopping as a baby, strolling me around all the shops, letting the shopping gene seeeeeeeeep into my little tiny baby brain. She says I was incredibly well-behaved while at the mall – even as an infant! I think this says a lot. It’s like I was TRAINED from birth to be a shopaholic…. So I can’t really feel bad about it. It’s genetics.

Just like my bag, I will own this jacket for a lifetime. Like I tell the anti-shopaholic-husband, it’s an INVESTMENT. He asked me what the return on my so-called investment would be. Well… first I had to figure out what exactly that question meant. Why does it always seem like he is speaking Spanish to me? Apparently, he meant “How will this make you money in the future?” Oh, ok – that’s easy. I use it my whole life, then I hand it down to my future fashionista daughter (if she’s a tomboy I’ll die, but give her the bag anyways), then she passes it down, and so on and so forth. So, it’s like this – I’m not TECHNICALLY making money in the future, but I’m SAVING money, now and then… because since I have the fabulous bag now, I will be able to share the wealth with my offspring. Duh! And it will be the same with the jacket. Did you know almost all Chanel jackets can be let in or let out up or down 2 whole sizes? It’s amazing, and such a couture feature. So, my new favorite jacket could be made to fit the tomboy daughter, basically whatever size she is, or whoever! See, it is an “investment,” just a very fashionable one.....

Life's too short to hate happy hours

We had been married for a very short time when one night, the husband said something like this to his fun-loving fashionista wife: "You need to learn that fun doesn't only take place Monday through Friday from 4 to 6pm at a bar or restaurant!" "Well!" I thought, "He simply hasn't come to understand the joy of happy hour. Little does he know that fun really can happen from 4 to 6pm, and it is very affordable fun at that!"

Fear not, my fellow happy goers. He has since learned that happy hour is not only FUN, but it is an art. You must scout where to go and when, what to get and why, and duh - as always, we must be dressed to impress! I am proud to report that tonight, at my new favorite happy hour hot spot (which I reveal later), HE was the one who kept ordering the delicious half-priced snacks! More importantly, HE came home from work and decided he must change his outfit and VOLUNTARILY put on a collared shirt! I declare, there is a God!

Now that I have been living on Eastlake for awhile, I have finally taken the time to tap into the neighborhood's multiple happy hour opportunities. Sale season has slowed me down a little, but the sunny weather and my favorite summer dresses have pushed me right back into action! There is nothing like slipping on a darling little dress, your new flat gold gladiator sandals (more about those later too), some fabulous sunglasses, and lounging on a deck or patio while enjoying some cheap vino and basking in the sun. Honestly, it's the best feeling ever. If you haven't implemented this into your summer-loving lifestyle, I suggest you treat yourself to such a luxury (well, more like a steal-of-a-deal luxury) once a week or so. It is absolutely worth it.

Yet, you'll feel even better if you have on a little ensemble like I just mentioned. I found some AMAZING gold gladiators at H and M for $17.95! (I can't include a picture because their website is super confusing and doesn't really have product, but trust me, they are super cute and So comfortable.) Comfort is key for happy hour, because what if the hubby gets REALLY fun and decides he can handle TWO happy hours?!?! Whoa there! Ok, so get yourself some gladiators. (Speaking of - funny store about gladiators.... While I was in Italy a few years ago, my infamous mother - the same woman who told me there was a bridge to Alaska - visited the Collosseum in Rome. We took a professional tour, during which the tour guide spoke about the role of gladiators who fought there way back when. Halfway through, my mother leans over and whispers: "Why does she keep calling the dinosaurs gladiators? And why were the dinosaurs wearing helmets?" Yes, the 3rd grade teacher thought the HUMAN gladiators were DINOSAURS. This is where I come from!!)

Then, you need some shades. Whether you go high (like my Chanels) or low (BP at Nordstrom has every style imaginable for $10 each!), just pick up something fun and that looks good on your face. While bigger is better, don't look like a bug! When in doubt, I think every girl needs a pair of aviators, and you can check out a ton here.

Finally, we have discussed this before, but the maxi can totally handle some happy hours - she can be dressed down with the gladiators, or for some fancier times, do her up with heels and more accessories. I just bought this one, and it's AWESOME on. Plus, it's silk, so it will wear well and... wait for it... be totally IN and look great next summer too. If you haven't quite latched on to my maxi obsession yet (I'll keep pushing it, because I know eventually you will get the hint), a short summer dress would be perfect too. I have been loving the idea of white dresses with gold shoes (the famous gladiators) and accessories (pick up gold from your earrings, sunglasses, etc.) A white linen or cotton dress is like a blank canvas, and not only ideal for happy hour, but of course for other occasions as well. (All of these are avialable in white.)

So, moral of the story: pick up these summer staples, and get yourself to a happy hour, STAT! Because, it's like that phrase - life's too short; eat dessert first. That's essentially what I told the happy-hour-hating-husband - honey, life's too short to hate happy hours.

In case you're on the hunt for the happiest of happy hours, here are a few of my favorites to get you started:
Eastlake:
*Daniel's Broiler (Lake Union location)
*Bluwater Bistro (I prefer the Lake Union location)
*I Love Sushi (Lake Union location again)
Downtown:
*Palomino
*Red Fin

Clean Freak

I just need to talk really quickly about how much I love Anthropologie (the store, not the science – duh.)Amidst a busy day at work, I stopped in there on my lunch break, and found instant satisfaction in spending a ridiculous amount of money on post-it notes and pretty notebooks. Oh, and I found some fabulous file folders as well. I know, I know – you could buy things that serve the same purpose at Office Depot or wherever for 50 cents – but, I ask, would they make you feel as good? NO! Even if you are doing something ultra-lame like writing a grocery list, how much better does that feel when you are writing with your favorite pen and on a gorgeous, decorative piece of paper? Ten times better, at least. And then, as you waltz through Safeway with that list, you are still feeling good, admiring your lovely stationary and all the good karma that comes with it.

Now, speaking of lists, I admit that I have become a bit freakish with the organization/cleanliness part of my life. I attribute this clean-freak-syndrome to living with the Dorito King – aka husband. First of all, I HATE Doritos. Second of all, I apparently cannot say the word. Just because I pronounce it how it looks: Door –eee – toes, I take a wide array of criticism. Supposedly, according to their number one consumer, my genius hubby, you say it like this: Der –ee – toes? I don’t know. One vowel makes a big difference I guess. Anyways, I also hate those dang chips because I believe no food should be that color! And what is with the stench? It lingers. Why did I marry someone who those Doritos so? I kick myself for that all the time, especially when I awake after my precious beauty sleep to find Mr. Dorito King’s ORANGE CRUMBS all over my couch (yes, the cream couch that only recently recovered from its wine tragedy). This is when I FREAK OUT, and start vacuuming before 8am. Not a good thing in a new marriage. Or a good thing for the new neighbors. Oh well!

However, living with the man who constantly leaves a trail of crumbs on the counter, caked dirt from his construction shoes on my hardwood floors, or dirty dishes from his quesadillas (his other favorite food) in the sink, has taught me many things… well, most likely just one thing: cleaning helps de-stress me from the monster of mess, but only when I have the right supplies (as in, don’t expect me to use plain old soap and water – boring!) and set up (as in, I clean if I want, when I want, and you should establish the same schedule for yourself). Here are a few tips to get you started:

First, you must get organized. Make a list with those cute post-its I was talking about.

Then, you have to be in the proper I’m-cleaning-and-I-look-good-doing it outfit (back to Anthrolopogie, I think their aprons are darling. There are lots to choose from, but my favorite is the yellow one a the top of the blog.)

Finally, to be most successful, you need to have the right supplies. (I love Method because you can buy it almost everywhere and the French Lavender scent smells delicious!)

Happy spring (well it's almost summer, so hurry up!) cleaning, my fashionista friends!

Pool Party

I recently attended an impromptu pool party, which featured a water slide (so scary - see right), a hot tub (not scary, heavenly), a little cheerleading clinic (more about that later), fabulous food, friends and family, and of course, swimsuits (can be scary). We can love ‘em or loathe ‘em, but year after year , the bikinis are back. And, unless you plan on being a little vampire all summer, you must face the facts and buy the bathing suit that’s best for you.

Now, not only must you consider your body type, but also your activity level. For someone like my mother, who went down a water slide for the first time in a decade, you need something supportive yet fashionable at the same time. What did she learn from her trip (her very, very nervous trip, which was more of a push) down the slide? Two important fashionista facts:

1. Water slides can and will wreck your hair (for both that day and the following – it is a tough recovery, let me tell you. I saw the woman in person the next morning – her hair looked half like a pancake, half like it was electrocuted! This is very “her” though… we called my mother Cruella Deville for years…Our other pet name for her is Lucy, after Lucille Ball. The water slide experience in and of itself was quite a Lucy moment. I have not a finer memory of this summer so far than watching my mother careen down a light blue slide, screeching at the top of her lungs, and splashing into the water, where the Hostess with the Mostess, Mary, waited for her. The best part of all was watching concerned Mary, ready and waiting with a kickboard to uphold my floundering mother, calling out “Pop up! Pop up!” thinking that Lucy had drowned in the 8 ft. pool. No, she didn’t drown (she can barely swim, so she very well could have; you should have seen my brother forcing her to blow bubbles when he tried to teach her to swim a few summers back. To say the least, he eventually just gave up). The reason she almost never “popped up” was just her adoring son-in-law, pulling her gangly legs downward, causing Mary to keep yelling “Come on! Pop up! You can do it!” This is my family – we have Cruella/Lucy running the thing, and I won’t even get into my dad, who was doing cannon balls all night...)

2. Back to the lesson at hand - If you have bottoms on that are even a TAD to small (the mother again), or a top on that is even a TAD too big (that was my bad), that swimwear WILL malfunction and slide right up or right down! Nothing that a gifted swimmer can’t react to (that would be…neither of us), but all should be prepared.
So, for the insane-but-charming water-slide-rider mom, I suggest a well-fit tankini, like this one. (I adore the coral color, the classic bottom, and the sweetheart cut on top!)

If you are an active high school girl like my future-cheerleader friend, same idea… swimwear that has function and fashion. This girl and her pals were leaping off walls and ledges, flipping forward and backward, and busting out all kinds of frightening moves that scared me just watching. For those cuties, a bikini is still an option, but I would select a halter top (not triangles that can slide around on you!) and a full coverage bottom, like this one. I love the details on this top in the material, and I think the width of the sides on the bottom are just right.

If you are me, and prefer to participate in no type of water sports/activities whatsoever, your options are endless! No, not really. Why? Because you never know when evil husband will throw you in the pool, or when you too will be forced down the sky-high water slide. So, you must come prepared in a suit ideal for tanning (my main priority from now through the end of September), but also something that can withstand the torture from people who actually LIKE water. (Weird, I know.) I especially like tops with options for straps, like this one (remove the straps for no-tan lines, and fasten those darling pink things on for some security later!)

Finally, don’t forget a cute cover up. (I normally don't love Juicy, but I DO love this long cover up. You know I have been into Maxi dresses lately! And I am obsessed with navy blue, so this has a lot going for it.) For a shorter option, this is a great style for all body types, and it has an especially fun print.

Goal before next pool party: get Cruella a decent suit, and come prepared with a strategy to avoid that scary slide!

wine and the woes that come with it

I apologize for the lapse in posts! Now, the reason I haven’t written is quite simple. What did we just talk about?? Yes, sale season! I have been SWAMPED with that four letter word (s-a-l-e) and it has just tuckered me out. The last week of my life has looking something like this: work/shop-drink-sleep; work/shop-drink-sleep, over and over. Some nights, I have been so exhausted, I even skipped the drink! However, I was sure to make up for that (oh-so-important) part during my wine-tasting weekend…

Us Washingtonians are fortunate to live in a place filled with recreational opportunities – you can boat in the summer, ski in the winter, and drink wine… all year round I guess! (What’s stopping you? You can taste the vino in Woodinville, Yakima, Walla Walla, Portland… Well, that last one’s not in Washington, but you get the point.) We’ll get to that boating/water situation later, and I’m not even going to go INTO snow gear, because that is just ridiculous to drag yourself up a mountain, freeze to death, get your lips chapped, wear outfits that make you look like a puffed-up marshmallow, and claim you’re having fun. Everyone knows this fashionista hates the snow and all the fashion faux-pas that come with it, so moving on to the best of the best: wine-tasting!

First major obstacle to overcome – if you venture to the land of vino in the summertime, hello, heat wave! Also, the more you drink, the hotter you get! Therefore, the mission is this: dress to impress, while not being half-naked. Furthermore, let’s not forget the two words that were made very clear to me the first month of my marriage: no, not “unconditional love” or something silly like that. WINE STAINS. And our outfit must remember that as well.

It was a typical newlywed night in our house a few months back. The wine was flowing and the thank you notes were being written at warp speed by one of us, and with painstaking, heartfelt care by the other. (I’ll let you guess who was writing what.) It is sort of a blur now, as I have tried to forget the nightmare that nearly caused a divorce, (or could it have been an annulment? Probably!) but I will try and revisit tragedy for the sake of my loyal readers. Like I said, there was a little vino amidst the drone of thank yous, and suddenly, a chase broke out! We were running circles around the apartment, and the nimble Tinkerbell known as Erin gracefully leaped over her glass of wine sitting on the hardwood floor. Thinking fondly of my Shrek of a husband, I squealed in warning, “There’s wine! There’s wine!” Then, just as I suspected, Mr. Fee-fie-fo-fum came barreling behind me and PUNTED THE FULL GLASS OF RED WINE INTO THE CREAM COUCH. It instantly shattered and splattered everywhere. There was wine on the walls, wine on the floor, wine.on.the.brand.new.pure.ivory.couch. And then, there were sobs. It literally looked like a murder had taken place on my couch, and I was mourning the loss. And, the husband thought this was hilarious. But no, not I. Crumpled and crying, I moaned that we could never have nice things, and that soon we would be living in a cardboard box, and that such a stain could never be fixed. Weeks went by, and the tears kept coming, as we waited for our warranty technician to come save the day. He came, and he failed. Now, my couch was blue. Blood red, dark blue, grey, a big giant bruise is what it looked like – you would have never known this was once a camel-backed beautiful sofa. Despite my efforts to turn over the cushions, it was impossible. The couch was wrecked, and as I was convinced, so was the marriage. How could you possibly take care of each other if you could not even take care of a piece of furniture? So much for ever having a pet or a kid! We were too dysfunctional to even own a loveseat!

Then, one fateful night, the husband, tired of Tinkerbell’s tears, returned home with… a bin of Oxy-Clean. We lovingly bathed the couch in it, gladly withstood the stench of bleach, and waited with great anticipation to pull the cushion covers out of the washing machine. The results were: perfection. Oxy-Clean saved the couch, and our newlywed bliss! I instantly loved the couch, the apartment, and most importantly, the husband once again. But, my fashionistas, what did we learn from this experience? Numerous lessons. Don’t put wine on the floor, and if you do, don’t ever, EVER play a game of chase. Most valuable – should you stain not just your fave couch, but your favorite, most precious article of CLOTHING – Oxy-Clean can and will fix all!

Now, back to the wine tasting weekend. Fortunately, there was no need for the angel of Oxy yet. But there we were. The terrible two. Me, sweating in a strapless dress, wishing he would just let me buy him some new shorts. Him, sweating in the CORDUROY shorts and driving Miss Daisy all over Yakima. On our next trip, we will be better prepared, and I hope to see our svelte selves in one of the following suggestions:

For the femmes, I am CRAVING a maxi dress. (Truth be told, I do already have one, but it’s from last year and I just NEED another one, preferably printed.) Long, cool and breezy, these babies are the simple solutions to summer events. You could wear one for a number of W words… wine-tasting, weddings, water festivities (like as a swimsuit cover up, or for a day on the beach boardwalk, etc). I really love this one from J.Crew.

But, if you don’t love mustard as much as I do, or the 3-digit price point, this one from Forever21 is a steal of a deal!

For our man friends, what ever happened to the classic polo? This is what I’m talking about!

Then, for those stinking shorts I wish so badly he would let me buy, J.Crew has about ten thousand and seven options. I particularly like their “Club Shorts,” like these ones. Will the wine-glass-punter husband ever be the proud owner of such cute shorts? Stay tuned.

It’s Here. No, not Memorial Day! SALE SEASON.

That’s right, people. Read it and weep. This week marks the start of not just summer, but the real reason for the season: SALES. I’m proud to report that markdowns are juicy, the sizes are still aplenty, and yes, it is only the beginning, my fellow shopaholics!

For those who have never experienced summer as it relates to sales, welcome to my world. You don’t plan your vacations for the 4th of July or concert appearances. Nope, you plan everything around when Chanel is going 40% off (which is not yet – don’t worry, I’ll let you know). Why on earth would you go camping – that so-called form of fun involving tents that blow over, food that is burnt, and scratchy sleeping bags – when you could find the piece from Spring runway you have been eying since the fashion show more than six months ago? And, it’s at a discount and in your size? Camping, schmamping! Summer is all about fabulous bargains and the highlights that come along with finding them.

Now, let’s talk lineup. We really need to hit the ground running here. Just because there are lots of sales throughout the summer, that does not – BY ANY MEANS – suggest you wait until the last ones to shop. That would be an absolute amateur move. Don’t be disappointed in yourself if that was your plan though; that’s why I’m here to help. There is serious strategy to sale season. In all honesty, teaching you could be detrimental to my own shopping, because before I know it, you’re going to be snatching up all my favorite things. But, since the eeeeevil husband says I can’t buy anything this sale, that means I am more than willing to share the wealth with you.

That’s another thing – I thought everything was fine after the Chanel handbag PURCHASE OF A LIFETIME, but that was definitely just an act. Mr.-I-buy-$20-piece-of-crap-shoes-at-Big-5 has recently decided he would like to live in the lap of luxury and buy himself something nice. “Alright,” I think, “Good for him. He could use a nice new pair of shoes.” Oh no, by upping the ante in his pathetic excuse for spending, he means he plans to PURCHASE A GUN. The postage-stamp size closet in the slightly larger-than-a-postage-stamp apartment is now supposed to house the redneck-rifle-king’s gun collection and the princess’ prized possessions (my clothes – duh!) That closet was supposed to be for ME and it’s bad enough I already had to loan him a little space. Now what – my beautiful pieces have to be, God forbid, SQUISHED to accommodate a gun cabinet?

But back to sale strategy - first things first – get yourself to the Nordstrom Women’s and Children’s Half Yearly Sale – going on NOW. Every women’s department (including shoes) is offering something for this event, so it’s a sure go. For the kiddies, there is plenty too. This all includes primarily early spring arrival markdowns – pieces that are totally buy-now, wear-now. At least 1/3 of each department has been marked down to 30-40% off, so if you hurry, there will be lots to choose from.

In Designer land, the big call out is that Dolce and Gabbana was marked, plus some Marni, Stella McCartney, Zac Posen, Armani, Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs, RM, and more. And, it keeps getting better. Come May 27th, more markdowns will hit on selected Designer shoes, handbags, and apparel as well at Nordstrom.

So, on your mark, get set, go! But wait! Don’t spend the whole wad at once, girls. We still have the rest of the season, which includes the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, Designer Finale, and other savings opportunities. Oh, sweet sweet summer. How happy am I to welcome you back!

BB-Question: what do i wear?

On Sunday I went to a barbecue. Simple, old-fashioned, American fun. Green grass, sunny day, good food. All of the above should be complemented by the perfect ensemble. However, I had NO IDEA WHAT TO WEAR. Scratch that – I did have an IDEA of what to wear, but I did not OWN that idea. This is where the tragedy arose. Consequently, it took this fashionista more than hour to get dressed! Even more tragic, by the time I did discover a decent outfit, I was sweating nearly all my makeup off, and could not even enjoy my hot coffee!

There was a main problem within this fashion crisis; I was invited by association. Meaning, as much as I love these people, and let’s be honest, I know they love me back, but - I know they love my husband more. But, nonetheless, they were nice enough to invite me to share in the fun. So, since all of the guests were expecting the husband to show up in his normal jeans/vans/v-neck outfit (newly accented by his post-wedding weight gain, I might add), I know they had low expectations for my outfit as well.

However, it is my belief that I must always dress to impress. Coco believed the same thing – she once said. “I don't understand how a woman can leave the house without fixing herself up a little - if only out of politeness. And then, you never know, maybe that's the day she has a date with destiny. And it's best to be as pretty as possible for destiny.” And who knows – what if I met destiny at that dang BBQ? See? THIS is why it took me an hour to figure out a barbecuing outfit. Plus, I cannot help I was being distracted by the opinions of one faux-fashion-expert who was wearing a t-shirt with a cartoon bride and groom that read “GAME OVER.” Nice. This genius also believes that jean shorts are cool and that Carhartts are couture. HELP ME.

Eventually I decided on boyfriend jeans, a striped ¾ sleeve blouse, flats, and big sunglasses. While this worked, I was missing a few key elements that would have really worked better! Below is what I’m adding to my wish list – and you should too – to stock the closet for those upcoming summer backyard days...

PRINTED (and pretty!) TOPS, like this one by Elizabeth and James
i love mixing the femininity of piece (from Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen's line) with the roughness of the boyfriend jeans

or, (ok, AND, but don't wear it with the top above!), a FUN, FITTED CARDIGAN, like this one by Tracy Reese
this is DARLING and would be cute with the BF jeans, or any denim, but also over a dress as well (for those "fancy" barbecues!)

And, if you don't have them yet, BOYFRIEND JEANS, like these by Rich and Skinny
you MUST pick up a pair of these at some point - they are here to stay!