Retail Therapy Couch

Summer 1- On the Bright Side

There are lots of fun summer trends this year- brights, whites, stripes, wide leg pants, shorts, maxi dresses, bangles, and the list goes on and on.... When I sat down to write my "summer trend round up" I was overwhelmed with everything that's out there right now. So, I figured take a hand full of trends and dedicate a full post to a specific trend. Hopefully, this will help keep it straight in my head, but if I stray to another trend, please bear with me...

OK, first one up- brights!!! I love bright and neon colors, so much fun. The fashion gurus are telling us to have fun with brights, mix them up, wear them separately or all together. Something like this-

Missoni

I love mixing and matching brights, but it may not be practical for "everyday". Or if you're saying "there is no way I'm wearing that". I hear ya! So, how can you wear this trend without looking like the Joker from Batman? Easy, so long as you have a neutral color to ground all the bright colors, you're golden!

A weekend BBQ get together coming up? Take your lightweight khaki chinos pants (or shorts) as your ground color item, throw on a bright orange top and shoes and viola!

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Bright shoes not your thing? A bright bag as an accessory will do.

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Feel like you can step it up a bit and mix some brights, yet petrified you may look like neon Madonna (circa 1984)? So long as you keep a main item (pant, shirt, blazer etc) a neutral color you're fine.

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In the above picture the main item is the white denim, another big trend for summer, but we'll discuss that at a later post (see, I didn't digress). So, you can go diagonal-bright pink top, white denim, bright pink shoes. Or step it up, go across- bright yellow top, white denim, bright pink shoes. Or, bright pink top, white pants, bright orange tote. LOVE IT ALL! and not too scary, right? All of these outfits can be worn in mainstream society, well, at least I think so... Any other ideas on how to wear brights this season?

 

Go Shorty

Best invention ever- the city short. I love that I can wear my city shorts from day to evening, to even a casual BBQ. These shorts do lean towards a dressier side, so no sneakers and city shorts please, I've, unfortunately, been seeing that a lot... But they can be dressed down slightly to fit a more casual occasion.

Start the day by going to work, a business meeting or a lunch date.

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Have to go out to dinner that night? Best thing with the city short, you don't have to change!!! Keep the pumps, button down and fun jewelry. If you want to switch it up a bit, throw on a sequin cardigan.

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If your day event takes you to a less formal event, small tweaks can make the city short fit. Now, again, if the event is a fun, jump in the pool sort of thing. Bag the city shorts and go for a pair of denim shorts and sandals. If not, switch the pumps out for gladiator sandals, a white tee and, of course, a floppy hat.

 

 

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Time Saving Tip (who doesn't need one of those)

A few days ago I had one of those "classic mornings". I woke up late, kiddo woke up early, we were out of toaster waffles, and of course, that's the only thing my daughter wanted for breakfast. Well, you can imagine what the rest of the day was like and if you can't, here's a hint- it wasn't good... But, did I feel like I was put together and not disheveled (at least in appearance)?- YUP!

Secret to my success? I put my clothes out the night before. I know this sounds weird and very "2nd grader" but it works!! I've been doing this as long as I can remember. I'm not sure if my parents taught me this (if so, thanks Mom & Dad, if not, well thanks anyway) or if it's something I just came up with on my own. You might be thinking, "I don't even know what I'm having for dinner until 5 min before, how can I plan what I'm going to wear?" or, "I have no time at night to think about what to wear". All, very valid call outs, but for me, investing a maximum of 5min the night before saves me time the next morning and, more importantly for me, helps me start my day with a little less stress.

Let's take the morning I described earlier, had I not put my clothes out the night before, I think my day would've been beyond horrific. It was the last day of pre-school for my daughter, and I had an end of year parent-teacher conference, therefore, I had to be at school on time. I was rushing to shower and deal with the whole toaster waffle tantrum. Then, there are all the trials and tribulations of getting a 3 year old ready and out the door in 20 min. When would I have had the time to focus on choosing the perfect "I'm here to discuss my daughter's academic and social development" outfit? I wouldn't. I probably would've shown up in sweats, 2 different shoes and my I love NY tee. Not quite the outfit that exudes "I'm ready to listen to all you have to say about my daughter's progress". But, that was not the case. While I was trying to get over the loud "I want waffles" screams that were still echoing in my head, I at least looked put together. I wore my ironed, white button down shirt, blazer and denim. I was  the business woman / mom / involved parent image that I wanted to project.

This tip isn't just for moms, just busy gals in general. When I just starting working in the fashion industry, even after a crazy day of work, I'd take 5min to put out my clothes the night before. The benefit- an extra 20 min of sleep in the morning, so worth it. Math doesn't add up? Well for me, I'd be so tired and groggy in the morning, that if I didn't put my clothes out the night before I'd stare at my closet for at least 20min to decide what to wear. Hence, the extra 20 min of sleep.

This tip may not work for everyone, but thought I'd share it since it has helped me. Anyone have any other time saving tips that help us look and feel like the fashionistas we are? I'd love to hear them!

 

I'm still on the couch

I know, it's been a while since I blogged. I am so sorry. I'm still here and still looking out for trends. As a matter of fact I've got about 5 blog posts all set up in my head, just need to get the time to type them all. It's just one of those times for me, when everything happens at once. I promise the summer round-up is coming soon!

In the meantime, you can follow me on twitter or facebook for fashion news, happenings, sales and events

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Thanks and Talk Soon!

Not Your Average Father's Day Gift Guide

I was getting ready to do a "Top 5 Father's Day Gift Guide" post, when a conversation with my husband led me to switch it up a bit. It all started when we received a "Father's Day Special" circular, from a top retailer, that shall remain unnamed. Immediately my husband (a very traditional dressing fella from the midwest, I know its the Yin and Yang factor that keeps us going) said "These guys are not Dads, what Dad would wear this? I don't know any Dad that would wear this stuff." I agree, some of the pictures with models wearing skinny jeans and skinny ties were a bit much for the average Dad to handle, but there was something there- Dad's can be trendy too!! Maybe not skinny jeans trendy, but, just like us Mommies, Dads can be trendy without changing who they are.

The result- My Top 5 typical Dad's Day Gift Guide with a Trendy Twist.

# 5- Lightweight Casual Shoes- You can always go the route of sneakers, slippers or boat shoes (which, BTW, are very in) or incorporate a shoe gift with a trendy spin. Lightweight casuals (picture canvas shoes a la TOM's) are not only a top trend, but great for summer. Dad can wear canvas upper boat shoes with jeans or khaki shorts and a polo shirt for a casual trendy look.

Polo Ralph Lauren, Lander. Canvas Boat Shoes Sneakers. macys.com

 
#4- The Chino Pant- While traditional khaki and stone color chinos are definitely all the rage, the fun trend is color, and lots of it. Red, green, navy, bright yellow and even pink are top fashion colors for chinos. Wouldn't recommend getting Dad a pair of bright yellow chinos, but maybe a pair of red chinos paired with a white polo may do a trick. Or if you think that's still too much. Navy chinos will work fine, so long as you don't get Dad yet another khaki colored chino, you're good.

Mens Plain Front Tailored Fit Legacy Chino Pant- landsend.com

#3- Cologne- As a kid, I'd give my Dad the typical cologne gift set for Father's Day. It was an easy gift, and he always needed refills of his favorite Pierre Cardin Cologne. Pierre Cardin has now been replaced with common colognes like Ralph Lauren Polo Blue or Acqua Di Gio, Giorgio Armani. However, just as women, men are also starting to become more in tuned with natural skincare. A big trend is natural or organic products for Men. Some notable brands are Herban Cowboy, Burt's Bees and Aveda Men pure-formance. Skip the Calvin Klein Eternity and go for something natural.

Herban Cowboy Grooming Dusk Blend Cologne- veganessentials.com

#2- Tie- Yet another "easy" gift. But this year, step it up a bit. Brights and bold colors are just as big in menswear as they are women's wear. Get Dad a bright green tie and pair with a chino suit, grey suit or navy suit. Keeping the traditional colored suit lets Dad be who he is and adding the bright tie makes him just a bit more hipper.

 Cavellieri Striped Tie- ties-necktie.com

#1- The Pique Polo Shirt- There is no way getting around this gift. I love polo shirts for men as gifts. See my Father's Day post from last year for the "how to's" on polo shirt shopping- Not all polo shirts are created equal. What will make your basic plain polo shirt trendy? Patterns, tipping, big logos etc. Basically anything but a plain pique polo. Let Dad wear that plain pant (even if it's a khaki color chino) but give him a polo shirt with an argyle print or stripes or tipping around the collar for a fashionable look.

Tommy Hilfiger, Tristen Striped Polo Shirt- macys.com

Happy Father's Day!

To Do List: 1) Clean Closet, 2) Donate, 3) Shop for more clothes

That's right folks, it's that time of the year (actually I'm a bit late...)- The quarterly- CLEAN YOUR CLOSET time. Summer is right around the corner, time to purge your closets, de-clutter and get prepped for your summer wardrobe.

One of my first posts ever, was about cleaning, staying organized and donating. You'll have a clean closet and you'll do something great for others in need. It's really a win-win situation. Plus, for me, it's one of the few times I really end up paying attention to what's in my closet. (I hope my husband is not reading this post). I realized I had 6 black polo shirts, 8 black short sleeve tees, 5 black long sleeve tees, 2 black dresses and 6 pairs of black pants / denim. Can you tell I'm from NY?... Anyway, realized I do not need any other black anything in my wardrobe!!

If you are looking for suggestions on where to donate, please see my see my original post for some of the places I like to donate. One addition- If you live in the Seattle, WA area please consider donating children's items to the Baby Boutique at Wellspring Family Services

Let's clean up because the summer trend round up post is coming soon!

Trouser Power

True Religion Brand Jeans’ cotton denim trousers and Tory Burch’s silk top. Ben-Amun by Isaac Manevitz bangles; Aesa ring; Pour La Victoire pumps. Photo by George Chinsee

The denim trouser style is the hottest style of the season. A throw back to the 70's its an easy denim. However, couple of things to keep on mind when wearing the trouser style. Always tuck in your shirt, I know, it's my new thing now... But seriously, an un tucked shirt and trouser pant will look dumpy. Also, even if you're tall, wear these trousers with platforms, wedges or anything high. Flats will, again, just make you look dumpy. Petites, be wary of this style, these jeans can easily "take over". Make this trouser denim style fits properly in the length and waist.

It's a 2 for 1 outfit

This weekend I had one of those days where I was running around all day. Had to be comfortable during the day with the bambino and then go right into dinner and drinks with the hubs. Not really in the mood to have to change, or even have time to plan out outfits for the day. So, with a few wardrobe adjustments I moved from day to night, without a hitch.

Started with jeans and my favorite "I love NY" tee

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Dress it up, with a tuxedo jacket, some bangles and gladiator sandals.

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One of my favorite trends of this season is the mixing of casual and dress, so anything can go. I also love pairing sequin tanks with hoody sweatshirts.

Flatform Funk

Derek Lam RTW Spring 2011

The "Flatform" shoe, as originally dubbed by Women's Wear Daily, is all the rage this spring, after designers like Prada and Derek Lam showcased these shoes on the runways.

I know, they look weird, but, I'm all for weird, stylish shoes. My bigger concern is if they are comfortable. Now a sufferer of plantar fasciitis I have to start thinking of things like, comfort... Plus almost every blog post I've read about flatforms say they are not comfortable. But I figured, I'm the cool Mom that wears my hi wedge espadrilles to the park and can comfortably chase after my 3 year old so these will be fine. Off I went to buy the trendy flatforms.

Got to the store, tried on a pair and yowza! I could barely walk in them. I felt like Herman Munster walking around the store. These were definitely not the shoes for me, think I'll just stick to my platforms and wedges.

However, there are many people that do love flatforms and say how comfortable they are. So if you're one of the lucky ones that can wear flatforms I say go for it. Pair the flatforms with a midi skirt and ruffled blouse for a great summer look. Or White denim or white linen pants and a stripe tank top for a fabulous trend right look.

Bright All Over the Place

Aqua Cream- sephora.com

With the emergence of sun and warm weather comes bright clothing, accessories and make up. Yes, make up- Eye shadow, lipstick, eyeliner, etc in bright yellows, pinks, blues, greens etc.

Yves Saint Laurent Summer Collection Eye Shadow Duo- nordstrom.com

Not sure about wearing bright make up? Yeah, I'm with you... But if you still want to go for the trend, there's alway bright nail polish. I've got my eye set on this one.

Electric Tropics Nail Duo. Color Aloha- dior.com