McCalls Patterns

Get a laugh out of vintage patterns: 

McCall's Pattern Behavior meme. And we all need a little funny on snow day #?!? I have lost count.

*disclaimer: I do NOT agree with a few of these...but worth a read. Most are hilarious.*

Here is the link.

You're welcome.

Fun App: Red Stamp

I am totally obsessed with

This app is free and fabulous.  You can make digital cards, calendars, invitations, and postcards.  Once you easily personalize them you can text, email, or have them printed.  It is a blast!  I have sent "thinking of you" cards by text, added fun text to pictures, and even expressed condolences.  Even though nothing will ever take the place of the old fashioned note through the mail, Red Stamp is incredibly useful and user friendly.

Man Magnet Clothes

Do women dress for men or other women? Whatever your take on this debate, if you want to impress the man in your life, check out this poll compiled by Redbook and the Today show.   It is just too funny and surprising not to pass on to you! 

Have you ever wondered what your wardrobe would look like if you were dressed by your husband or boyfriend? Redbook magazine polled over 300 men to chose their favorite looks out of this Spring's trends.  Surprisingly, the results had nothing to do with boobs and derrieres!  The men polled voted for the top 5 most attractive looks:

1. The All White Outfit:  "Men are simple creatures" when it comes to taste and they like a clean look as opposed to lots of prints. Caveat: do not wear white shoes with an all white outfit.

2. Sporty Chic:  "It's like wearing his shirt, only better," says the Today Show.  It's comfortable and sexy.  Give an anorak a try as a transitional piece for the seasons.  This jacket is huge for Spring and will give a sporty vibe to the clothes already in your closet.

3. Figure Flattering Dress:  Try a slip dress for this look.  It shows just enough without being revealing.  The slip dress is soft, flowy, and feminine.

                                      Free People Dress

Revolve Clothing Dress

4. Shorts: "These are not baring, Daisy Duke shorts. They are soft and feminine."  If you need more length, go for it.  Shorts are everywhere this Spring, at all different price points and looks.  Shorts as evening wear is HUGE as well.  You can even get them in sequins if your dare!

                                                           Both outfits are from J. Crew. The scalloped short is adorable but pricey at $118., the blue shorts are just $49.50.

5. Strapless: "Men are suckers for bare shoulders."  Obviously, this is a classic, super feminine look.  Strapless never goes out of style.  Keep it simple and feminine by minimizing your accessories.  The dress can be form-filling or loose and billowy.  The point is to focus attention on your shoulders.

Strapless chiffon dress
£55 - topshop.com

Strapless dress
£25 - axparis.co.uk

Quiksilver strapless dress
$70 - quiksilver.com

Smocked dress
$40 - delias.com

ASOS strapless dress
$50 - asos.com

Dorothy Perkins strapless cocktail dress
$44 - dorothyperkins.com

Strapless cocktail dress
$53 - modcloth.com

2 Lips Too t strap heels
$68 - heels.com

The Crop

One of this year's most flattering trends, the cropped pant or jean looks chic for almost any occasion.  It's a becoming way to show just the right amount of leg.  Showing the ankle lends a touch of femininity to casual and formal looks.

Do not be afraid of this look.  It can be achieved in so many different ways: roll or fold up your jeans or jeggings (so 80s- I love it!), capris in color or black.  This is a great opportunity to go shopping in your closet and wear something you already have in a new way.  Crops can help transition a look you have been wearing this Winter for Spring. 

J. Crew 'Minnie' $79.50

My absolute favorite pair of black "magic" pants (because they make everything look better) is a pair of J. Crew Minnie pants in black twill.  If you know me, you have seen me in these one thousand times!  I wish I had them in every color.  They have a wide, slimming waistband, side zip, stretch, and darts behind the knee so they sit just so.  Minnies are perect for cocktails with heels, meetings, and the playground with flats or chucks.  It's a lot of bang for your buck!  The fit is slim so if you want more coverage go with a long, flowy top, boyfriend sweater, or blazer.

The Look For Less:

I just found these last week at my second home, Target.  Surprise!  They are sure to become a Spring and Summer staple in any wardrobe.

Target, Mossimo 'Skinny Crop,' $24.99

The colors available are Rinse Wash (dark denim) and White as shown. These babies have a serious amount of stretch, so they are not just for supermodels.   Another lovely feature is the midrise: they fall below your belly-button but are not so low as to leave you exposed when you sit or bend. 

Rock & Republic for Kohls

         Following on the heels of other hugely successful designer launches with budget retailers (think Missoni for Target and Versace for H&M), tomorrow, February 15th, Rock and Republic relaunches it's line exclusively through Kohls.  That's more like it!  As the name suggests, Rock & Republic is known for an edgy, rock music inspired look.  But they have something for everyone in this collection.  Who doesn't love a new pair of DJs? The prices range from $36 to $160 with both women's and men's apparel and shoes.

                                                           www.latimes.com

This blazer would be a perfect transitional piece from Winter to Spring. 

Denim Blazer $90.

Kashmere Denim Leggings $80.

Floral A-line tank $44.

Kassandra Bootcut Jeans $80.

Crown Embellished Burnout Tee $40.

Embellished Twill Blazer $90.

Platform High Heels $74.99 

 

Sale City

 

If you have last minute shopping to do, today is a great day for it online. These are generally the last few days of the holiday season to order items and still receive them using standard shipping.  Here are a few sites with great sales today:

Boden just started it's Winter Sale, almost everything is 50% off or more.  Some summer items are still available at great prices.

J. Crew is also having a one day sale.  Your entire order is 25% off.  Use the code MERRY at check-out.

Banana Republic, Gap, and Old Navy all have 30% off through tomorrow at checkout when you use the code HOLIDAY.

Happy Hunting!

The Rainbow Connection

Holiday happiness in a jar!

          This look is quite a departure for me, I usually gravitate towards light pinks on my hands.  BUT it's fun to branch out!  So, I bought it for my girls today.  It's like a Christmas tree in a bottle!  It's OPI nail polish from the Muppets Collection.  It seems to be selling out all over the place, so get it while you can!  It would make a perfect stocking-stuffer for a teen or circe for a friend.

OPI Nail Polish 

Rainbow Connection

$8.50

                                        photo by Pinterest