I often joke around about being a sensitive and delicate flower. Like when guys tell me stuff I don’t want to hear, I bat my eyes and say, “I’m a very delicate flower.” Or when someone wants me to overly exert myself (generally in the hot outdoors) I say, “I’m very delicate and sensitive.” It’s just my nature to be dramatic, lighthearted and act like a diva.
Lately, however, I’m starting to feel like the little boy who cried wolf. You see, I really am becoming a delicate and sensitive flower. In the past two months, I’ve developed an allergy to nearly everything in my beauty arsenal! Razors, sunless tanners, lotions—I cringe thinking about what I might develop an allergy to next. And naturally, I’m jumping to the worst possible conclusions. What if I’m never able to wear make-up again? What if I have to adopt an all-organic beauty regimen? What if I have to stop using my favorite shampoo? I might as well just move to the mountains and let myself go!
I’m being dramatic. Clearly, worse things could happen. And at this point, I just need to work with my allergist to find out what it is I’m allergic to (which I’m doing). For years, I’ve been a slave to beauty products…maybe it’s finally starting to catch up with me. I’m too sensitive and delicate to deal with this…
Let me know if you’ve had similar experiences! Any advice would be welcome.
I’ve been skeptical of this whole “leggings” trend for a while now. Maybe it’s because I’m a child of the 80’s and I vividly remember wearing spandex leggings, flats with bows and over-sized sweatshirts to elementary school. It’s not that I don’t like the idea of a more streamlined pant—skinny jeans look great paired with the right top, and cigarette pants are very Audrey Hepburn. But tight, stretchy leggings making a comeback had me thrown...until I saw the perfect way to wear them.
On Saturday I got my latest White House Black Market catalog in the mail. I generally like shopping at White House Black Market for the timeless and classic appeal of their designs. They make great wear-to-work separates that are youthful without being trashy. As I started flipping through the catalog I noticed that lots of the outfits centered around black leggings. But I loved the outfits! They were chic. Tailored. And a had a hint of romantic, rock-star glam. They truly captured how the sophisticated career girl can turn heads with the leggings trend.
I love the look of these leggings paired with the white over-sized cardigan. The cardigan hits at just the right place, making the overall shape of the outfit feminine and delicate. Paired with the platform pumps and layered jewelry, it’s a winner.
Plus, from the back, these leggings have detail. They’re not made for 12-year-olds, and it shows.
Avoid Leggings:
- Under a denim skirt (you’re not in fourth grade)
- With too-short dresses (chances are if your dress is too short, the shape is more unflattering than the skin it reveals)
Rock Your Leggings:
- With an oversized cardigan or sweater that still has shape (shown above)
- Paired with a jacket and shirt
- With a sassy, tunic-shaped top
As long as outfits containing leggings keep moving in a classy direction, I’ll be one happy camper. However, if extreme neon colors, side ponytails and teased bangs start to become the norm, I’ll be breaking out my jeans and running for the hills!
It’s Frivolous Friday! Which means today we can ogle over some of our favorite frivolities. For some reason, I’ve been really into accessories with studded detailing lately. Maybe it’s because a friend of mine often wears a studded belt (that my friends and I refer to as the “spikey emo belt”). Or maybe it’s because one of my favorite wallets is patent leather with a line of studs around the top. Bottom line: studs are relevant right now in fashion. You just have to wear them tastefully.
I love this bag, by Tory Burch (surprise, surprise, I like something by Tory Burch…). The gold studs are glam and the shape of the satchel is traditional yet very city chic. I want this! Check it out by clicking here.
Patricia Field, who’s the designer of Carrie Bradshaw’s studded belt in the Sex and the City movie, does lots of studs and does them well. Not only do I love Carrie’s belt in the movie (especially paired with some of the contrasting feminine designs) I also love this one. Click here to see Patricia’s highly studded selection of goodies.
This extra-long tank (that’s being worn as a dress) from Express is making a splash on the fashion scene right now. Nikki Hilton was even seen sporting it recently. If you’re new to studs, this piece might be your perfect way to try them out. It’s got mass appeal. Click here to see more of the tank.
Remember, don’t wear all your studs at one time (you’ll put off that, “I’m so angry, nobody loves me,” vibe). Instead, view studs as a great way to add detailing and edge to an outfit. And I might have to have that black Tory Burch purse! That’s one studly piece of handbag.
Today I’m wearing the dress I wore on my 21st birthday. No, I’m not dressed like an alcohol-fueled skank. I actually have pretty timeless taste in clothing (if I must say so myself). Plus, I was cleaning out my closet for my recent garage sale and discovered this blast from the past. The truth is, I’m not ready to get rid of it. And I can’t just let it sit in my closet—if I’m keeping it, I’m wearing it.
Paired with simple, black heels, minimal accessories and my white Fendi sunglasses, this zebra print trench dress is perfect for a summer Thursday. And it just helps prove that head-to-toe zebra print can be tasteful.
The truth is, I haven’t had this dress on in over two years! Have you recently found anything in your closet that you’ve started wearing again? Share your resurrected outfits in the comments section.
Today I came across an article on cnn.com called "13 Signs He's Dating a Loser." Click here to read the original article. It basically outlines 13 signs a guy might look for to know that his girlfriend is a huge skank. This, naturally, got my wheels spinning. I started thinking about 13 signs someone might look for to know they're dating me (the one and only).
13 Signs You’re Dating Me
13) You’ve started saving up for a bucket of diamonds.
12) You begin using phrases like “I’m all jammed up,” “faboo,” and “just embrace it.”
11) You talk about Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton, Tory Burch and Diane Von Furstenberg like they're all friends of yours.
10) When you call me, you show up in my phone as “Sugar Daddy.”
9) Visa, MasterCard and American Express recently upgraded your status (and your credit limit).
8) You think the smell of Ketel One is sexy.
7) You’ve taken my fashion advice to heart on more than one occasion.
6) The people at Neiman Marcus know you as “with Emily.”
5) You’ve actually looked into the possibility of purchasing a bucket of diamonds.
4) You’ve been spending time with a new bro named Marc Jacobs lately.
3) When you walk into a Starbuck’s they automatically assume you want an iced, venti non-fat latte…and then something for yourself.
2) You think Chanel speaks volumes louder than flowers.
And the number ONE Sign you’re dating me….
1) You’re hot.
So, any takers? To my knowledge, I wrote most of these things for fun. I don't think they're true. But any past boyfriends are welcome to comment away!
One of the things I pride myself on is always sleeping on 450+ thread count sheets. And I like to know that a personal concierge is always just a phone call away.
"Best Western??? More like the Worst Western."
~Me, who is (among other things) a hotel snob.
I was really skeptical when I walked into Victoria’s Secret last month and the sales associate tried to sell me a “one size fits all” thong. Like most women in the world, I’m 100% convinced that my butt is much larger than everyone else’s. And my body? It’s just weirder than every other woman’s. I ignored the sales associate and went to the section of the store where different sizes were the norm.
About two weeks later, I went in to purchase some bras. Vickie’s just so happened to be having a promotion. They were giving away a free pair of underwear with the purchase of my favorite bra. “Jackpot,” I thought. Then, I saw the free panties included in the promotion. They were those damn “one size fits all” thongs I was trying so hard to avoid! But I bit the bullet and played along—they were, after all, completely free with the bras I was purchasing. I matched up a couple pairs of the “one size fits all” thongs to my bra purchases (matching is key) and checked out.
When I got home I let those dreaded undies sit around for a while. They went completely untouched for nearly a week because I was convinced they just wouldn’t fit right. “How can one silly pair of underwear fit every woman in the world?” I questioned.
Then one night I started feeling brave…and I ran out of underwear options to coordinate perfectly with my hot pink bra (like I said, matching is key). In an act of desperation (and a commitment to always wear matching bras and underwear) I found the “one size fits all” thongs and decided to give them a whirl. To my complete astonishment and amazement they actually fit very nicely. And now, two weeks later, they’re my favorite thing in my underwear drawer!
The “one size fits all” thongs are actually called The Lacie. And they’re available in 36 tantalizing colors (meaning there’s a color to match practically anything) from Victoria’s Secret. You can get three pairs for $25, too. So go ahead, stock up!
At the end of the day, there are some rumps The Lacie won’t cover (and if that’s you, then I suggest you work what you’ve got, shake what your momma gave you and don’t worry about it). But if you wear clothing in a misses size range, you’ll probably be in luck. As girls, we sometimes need to give our bods more credit. Our butts aren’t that big. And we’re not that weird (well, the only weird thing about me is my obsession with always matching perfectly). So, get out there and buys some undies!
..And now I have “The Thong Song” by Sisqo stuck in my head.
NOTE: Hope you entered. Entry for this contest has ended!
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Today's Pretty Proclamation comes from a fortune cookie I ate earlier.
"You have common sense and a lot of charm."
~My really smart cookie. I guess what it's saying is that I'm intelligent and beautiful. Whatever it takes to boost my self-esteem, right? Maybe today, you should take mine and my cookie's advice and tell yourself how pretty, intelligent, witty and fabulous you are.
My love for shopping has finally caught up with me. My life is the world’s most stylish organizational nightmare. Shoes galore. Closets (yes, a few) of clothes. Boxes of belts. It’s just too much.
A few weeks ago my Mom suggested we have a joint garage sale. At the time, a garage sale sounded like a large, tedious undertaking and a completely wasted Saturday morning. Last week, after digging through my closet for 37 minutes just to find one black pump it sounded like the solution to all my problems. Something snapped inside of me. I was ready to take a look at the ma’am in the mirror and make a change. I recanted my original statement about the garage sale and called my mom to admit that her idea was indeed a glorious one. I needed to de-clutter, simplify my life, and get rid of all the stuff I wore less than once a year.
(Isn't this garage sale sign adorable? Click here to check it out.)
Best. Idea. Ever. Setting up all my clothing, shoes and accessories was like merchandising my own private boutique (in my parent’s garage). I secretly pretended I was Kourtney and Khloe Kardashian setting up the clothing in their boutique, Dash (thanks Kourtney and Khloe Take Miami). And just like the Kardashians, I’ve got adorable designer pieces for sale, too. Whatever fashionista stumbles across my sale is in luck. Citizens of Humanity jeans. Seven For All Mankind jeans. Dresses with the tags still on. Pumps that were worn once. Blinged-out bracelets, earrings and necklaces. Watches. My garage sale is a bargain hunter’s dream.
I normally send a box of stuff to charity once a year. But in preparing for the garage sale, I spent time going through my old things and assigning value to each piece. And that really made me think about the value each thing brings to my life. Was that dress I wore twice worth that $80 I paid for it? What about those shoes? Sure, they were on sale. But they hurt my feet. Worth it or not? Going through my stuff made me realize how much money I’ve spent on things through the years. And it will make me think twice before buying something that’s cute, but that I can live without.
I spent most of Saturday morning setting things up and finding additional items to sell. Yet I somehow managed to make about $100—which helps support my vodka habit. This week, my mom is going to be manning the shop while I’m at work on Thursday and Friday. But Saturday morning, I’ll be at it again for one final purge of my possessions.
With only a limited amount of nice weather left, now is the perfect time to arrange a Saturday-morning garage sale. Call up a few friends, pool your stuff together and get busy selling. I had great traffic despite my lack of advertising—I think the shift in the economy has really made people think about buying used items. A garage sale will put you in touch with your shopping habits. Plus, you could make some bargain-hunting fashionista’s day.
Friday night, I had my first encounter with a male stripper (don’t judge me). I was the girl getting a lap dance with my legs crossed saying, “I just want you to know I’m a very proper girl.” Apparently, strippers don’t really care how proper you think you are. They’ll shake their booty and rub their sweat all over you regardless of your prude demeanor.
My roommate held a bachelorette party for a good friend of hers on Friday night. Me and a few of my best friends decided to crash it—you know, Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson style. And it’s a good thing we did, because Scotty the naughty police officer was one hour of high quality adult entertainment I wouldn’t have wanted to miss. Friday night held twists and turns like you wouldn’t believe. And even though it was fueled with wine, vodka and several shots of Patron, it was enlightening and educational. A lot of lessons came from Friday. Here are a few of my favorites.
1) Don’t teach a professional dancer new moves. Scotty had some pretty crazy tricks up his sleeve, but I really wanted to teach him one of my favorites. Scotty needed to learn my signature move: the double dribble. Turns out he would rather have done pelvic thrusts instead of the good ole’ double dribble.
2) Women should objectify men more often. As girls, we get pretty emotional. We think with our hearts and generally listen to our feelings (those terrible things that compel us to make questionable decisions). Throwing dollars at a man in a thong—without feeling or emotion—was actually really liberating. Try it sometime.
3) Baggage is not attractive. While out dancing, a gentlemen tried to impress me by showing me pictures of his two children. I threw up in my mouth then proceeded to tell him “I don’t like kids.” It’s not that I’m a child-hater…they’re just not my thing right now. Word to the wise: if you’re trying to impress the single ladies, don’t do so with your little bundles of joy. Not cute.
4) Making it rain is overrated. I’ve had this desire to make it rain for several years now. You know, take a big stack of ones, throw them around, watch them cascade through the air. Well, I got a taste of “making it rain” and it was slightly overrated. I’d rather take my stack of ones and use them on shoes, handbags or a month’s worth of Starbucks.
So the next time you see a few blondes rolling through the streets of downtown Minneapolis in a stretch limousine shouting, “We’re not getting married but someone else is,” you’ll know that behind the alcohol-induced dance moves, smudged eyeliner and incessant shouting, there’s probably a female who’s very enlightened and quite a bit smarter.
To get the full effect of today's Pretty Proclamation, you really need to say it to yourself with a thick southern accent.
"She's just about the ugliest little thing I've ever seen."
~My Mom, describing Dora the Explorer. I guess the shorts, bowl-shaped haircut and belly-revealing shirt don't exactly do wonders for our exploring friend's image. Now that you mention it, Mom, I guess she could use a makeover!
Have you ever seen that episode of The Office (the funniest show around, hands down) where Michael Scott puts on his favorite pair of jeans and goes a little batty? Click here to watch the clip.
That’s me today. I’ve got my favorite pair of jeans on and I’m feeling good. Yeah, I might dance everywhere instead of walk. I might jump on top of my desk and shake my stuff. I might even strike a pose every time someone stops to talk to me.
It’s amazing how the right pair of jeans can make your day. Today when I woke up I was faced with a challenge. As I stood staring at my closet, I originally opted for a white pencil skirt with a wrap top. Then my rebellious spirit kicked in and I took a drastic turn in the opposite direction. I grabbed my favorite pair of True Religion jeans and a black t-shirt. Today would be a day for sporting my “rock star creative” look.
I did think to myself, “Gosh, I haven’t worn these jeans since April. I hope they still fit. What if my butt has magically changed sizes or the circumference of my legs has exponentially increased? Then I’d really be disappointed because I’d have to stop eating for like a week just to wear this look next week.”
And I did all that worrying for nothing, because they slid right on. No laying on the bed zipping them. No tugging and pulling. After months away, my old friend and I picked right up where we left off.
Jeans are an important wardrobe staple. I’ve spent several blog posts diving into my favorite brands, cuts and washes. And with fall right around the corner, it might be time to consider some new denim pieces for your wardrobe.
But where should you start? My friend Jaime is a real Denim Debutante. She understands fits, brands, styles, fabrics and washes. She’s always on top of the latest denim trends and knows denim news. She’s really quite helpful to have around! Visit her site by clicking here. You’ll love her fun take on denim, fashion and life.
So while I’m busy acting like a complete and total tool today (in my favorite jeans), head over to Denim Debutante to see if Jaime can help you find your next denim delight!
I'm a huge Bethenny Frankel fan. She's my favorite Real Housewife of New York City (probably because she's not really a housewife at all). She's smart, sassy and has an entrepreneurial spirit that I admire. Today I was reading an interview with her about fashion and style where she LITERALLY took the words right out of my mouth.
Interviewer: Tell us your necessities for looking so put together when we see you in the media?
Bethenny Frankel: Buy simple fitted sheath dresses in solid colors. You don't need to accessorize with anything but heels, diamond studs and a great watch.
Great minds really do think alike. For more on buying simple sheath dresses and looking put together all the time, read this blog post from earlier in the week.
For the past 24 hours I’ve been in a very emo mood. This is a rare occurrence for me. I wouldn’t say I’ve smudged black eyeliner all over my eyes, dyed my hair purple and started wearing spikey belts, but I’m definitely not talking a mile a minute or jumping around in my normal state of chaos and excitement.
A few moments ago, I decided to make a purchase that I thought would make me happier. I needed something to snap me out of my funk, so I decided to walk to our corporate cafeteria and pick up a Diet Coke. I walked in, went to the cooler and grabbed one of two Diet Cokes left in the building (if I’d gone to get my Diet Coke 10 minutes later the story would be much, much different, possibly involving tears). I headed up to the register and when I got there, the cashier looked at me and said, “You always dress so cute.”
I was totally caught off guard.
“Thank you,” I smiled back. “I normally try to keep things interesting with my clothes.”
“You do,” she said. “You always have the right accessories, and your clothes are fun and you always look so put together.”
I immediately snapped out of my emo frame of mind. This was shaping up to be a sunny day (despite the rain and gloom outside). As I walked away, thanking the woman again for her kind words, I remembered that this wasn’t the first time I’d received a compliment from her. During spring, when I decided that I would eat French fries every day for lunch, she assured me that I didn’t look like I ate fries every day. What a stellar lady.
There’s practically nothing that a Diet Coke and good compliment can’t fix. Give someone a compliment today—you just might help them step down from their emo ledge.
Today's Pretty Proclamation is an age-old (ha, not quite) saying that reminds us all what a wonderful thing a little attitude can be. Try it during your next break-up or when a girl gives you a look because she's jealous of your outfit.
"Don't hate the player, hate the game."
~Not quite sure who said it first, but it's a good one. Some say it may have originated from a Ghandi quote that stated, "Hate the sin and love the sinner." No matter where it came from, I think it's perfect for the Pretty and Poor girl's sassy arsenal of quotes.
If you're a fan of Pretty and Poor, show your love (in the most fashionable way possible) by clicking here and joining our fan page on Facebook!
A lot of people tell me I look pulled together. I’m not telling you this to brag about how wonderful I am (I could do that, too). I’m telling you this because I am, hands down, one of the most scatterbrained people in the world. But I manage to look like I've got things together. The truth is, I want to share a little secret with you! It’s one of my biggest tips to looking pulled together. And it’s surprisingly easy to do yourself.
A recent statistic revealed that I’ve spent at least 65 percent of my life wearing dresses. You might think, “Woah, this girl’s a nut case.” But I disagree. In my opinion, dresses are the easiest, most economical way to look fabulously pulled-together. I often find myself blogging about stylish dresses that I find on my shopping excursions, but I think it’s important to let you know the method behind the madness. Why do dresses just make sense?
Elementary my dear readers. Dresses require little to no matching. You simply pick out a single piece of clothing (the dress) and throw it on. There’s no matching pants to shirts or skirts. A dress is a one-stop-shop! All it needs is some strategic accessorizing in the form of great heels, fab jewelry and a rock-star bag. Because dresses are so easy to wear they save time, especially when getting ready for work in the morning.
This sheath dress from Banana Republic is versatile and could be worn in a number of settings. The shape works with many body types and the print can be accessorized in seemingly endless ways for endless occasions. Click here to shop.
A tailored dress makes you look professional and thoughtful. Pants and a sweater? Anyone can do that. But make someone remember who you are by wearing a smart sheath dress with a fun silk scarf or a ladylike dress in a bold, floral print. Dresses will help you achieve the “she dresses well” mark without doubling the amount of time it takes you to get ready.
Next time you’re out searching for the perfect outfit, make it a dress. You’ll go from “the plain Jane in the pants” to “the striking lady in the lovely dress” in virtually no time!
To celebrate Pretty and Poor's 1st Birthday, I received this amazing cake! (Because let's face it, what would a party without cake be?) It's hot pink, decorated with dollar signs and dazzled with glitter. It's distinctly me! Tonight I'll be throwing an impromptu-party with all my friends to eat cake and celebrate.
The cake was made by Cream of the Cakes, based in the Minneapolis metro area. If you're looking for the perfect cake, send them an email at creamofthecakes@gmail.com
It’s going to be 92 degrees here today! To many of you, that’s not a big deal. You probably live in climates where temperatures climb way past 90. But considering that the temperature hasn’t breached the 90 mark in over two years here in Minneapolis, this is a big deal.
To commemorate the occasion, I decided to dress in resort casual attire. I look like I should be yachting with my sugar daddy somewhere off the cost of St. Tropez. And right about now, that sounds pretty darn good.
Dear Future Sugar Daddy,
I’m available this weekend. I’m 5’6”, blonde, stylish and I look great paired with a private jet. Let’s grab lunch, a couple greyhounds, then hit the Mediterranean.Love,
Emily
While I wait for my potential husband to respond to my inquiry, I’ll teach you the basics to dressing resort casual. That way no matter where you live, from Scranton to San Antonio, you can put off the “yachting with my sugar daddy” vibes in a stylish, hip way.
Rule #1—Keep it Bright and White:
When you’re on a holiday at a posh resort, things get hot! White is an essential part of the resort casual color palette because it keeps you cool, makes you look tan and puts off clean, “I have my people do my laundry for me” vibes. Make sure you mix white into your resort casual style wherever possible and avoid colors like black and gray, that could potentially put a damper on your sunny day. Today, my shirt, watch and shoes are all bright, gleaming white.
White plays a large role in the color palette of this Lily Pulitzer shift dress. It keeps the dress light, fresh and whimsical.
Rule #2—The Louder, the Prouder:
Brilliant blues, outrageous oranges, perky pinks, yellows that yell and greens that glow—on vacay, life is all about color. Wear your bright, neon colors with pride. They’ll send a message that you know what it means to have fun in the sun.
This Ralph Lauren swimsuit has all the perfect colors for a cheerful day in the sun. When dressing resort casual, these colors are right on the money, honey.
Rule #3—Pump Up the Patterns:
A great pattern shows confidence in dressing. And confidence is part of the resort casual persona. Break out a bold pattern in bright colors and wear it with pride. Today, my J.Crew mini skirt has a bright, bold pattern that’s fun, preppy and bubbly.
This Lilly Pulitzer off-the-shoulder dress has the right mix of bright colors. Plus, it follows our next rule (keep reading) by revealing a shoulder!
Rule #4—Less is More:
Clothes are so constricting these days. Especially if you’re laying on a beach off the coast of France. When it’s appropriate, opt for a shorter skirt, a thinner top or just run around in a swimsuit. Being on a holiday is all about having freedom—resort casual is all about embracing and acknowledging that freedom. Show a little of your wild side.
Rule #5—Bold with the Bling:
Real resort goers don’t sit in a cubicle all day—they’re the movers and shakers of the world. They own companies, invest in new business, inherit millions or have glamourous jobs. With that type of lifestyle comes fortune. That’s why part of the resort casual look is strategically placed bling. A gold bracelet, enameled cuff bracelets, flashy sunglasses or four-karat diamond studs (four karats each, thank you very much) send a message to the world that you are a stunning individual.
Cotton tunics are the ultimate way to make pants optional. Pair this bright white number with your bikini and you’re set for the day. Also, notice the gleaming stack of gold bangles—strategically placed bling that’s classy, yet sassy.
With summer winding down, rock your resort look now. Of course, you could always hold out for that sugar daddy like me. Guess I’ll see you on the French Riviera this fall!
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Today I was listening to the Ryan Seacrest radio show. In between the usual mix of top-40 amusement, a listener called in to ask a question. This listener was a guy (we’ll call him Bob), probably in his late 20s, who needed advice. You see, Bob’s friend was currently in the midst of a steamy affair: he was cheating on his wife with a woman from their softball team.
Bob’s friend asked him to cover his tracks and pretend he knew nothing of the affair. He also asked Bob to lie to his wife if anything came up. Bob was obviously having problems with his conscience. He never would have called asking for advice if he felt that lying was easy or moral.
Then the unthinkable happened. Seacrest and his listeners brought up the notion of a “bro code.” Apparently, this sacred “bro code” implies that Bob needs to keep his mouth shut and respect his bro’s decision—after all, he would want one of his bros to do the same if he were cheating on his wife.
“Bro code” huh? That’s charming. Really. Absolutely adorable that men across the world have a mutual respect for hiding each other’s infidelity. And while I probably should be more enraged about the cheating, I find myself more jammed-up about the notion of a “bro code.”
Girls should have a “bro code,” too! And it should be called a “ho code.” For example, if your girlfriend calls you and says, “I just spent $1400 on a handbag, please don’t tell my husband.” Then you should respect her wishes and lie for her. You should automatically know to tell her husband that her handbag only cost about $50 (and it was on sale), in the event he asks. Duh, “ho code.”
And those highlights? What highlights? You’re a natural blonde. But only your girl would know the truth. Thanks “ho code.”
This tote wasn't $1000. It was Free. "Ho-code."
In a world where bros think it’s a good idea to put their silly heads together, us girls have gotta’ keep it real. Keep quiet about those frivolous purchases. Don’t tell any bro your beauty secrets. And your love life? Keep it concealed. “Ho code” is the new “bro code.”
*I’m really not into using derogatory terms to describe my fellow females, but “ho” just seemed appropriate here for rhyming purposes. Listen to a rap song or two and you’ll realize that this term has been rocketed to the forefront of pop culture. And if you can’t fight it, just embrace it.
Kate Spade now has clothing! Things just got a lot more ladylike in my world. The clothing debuted yesterday and it’s every bit as girly and fabulous as I anticipated. I’m loving the cuts, the details and the overall style factor.
One of my favorite pieces is the Madeline Dot Balloon Sleeve Top. Pictured below in a sassy wear to work combination (if you don’t work in boringville), its polka dots are the right pop of pattern for hundreds of outfit combinations. Plus, this shirt looks great below, but it would look every bit as cute with a pair of dark denim for a day of shopping with the girls.
Nothing is more feminine (and easy to wear) than the perfect dress. Kate’s collection definitely has a few winners. Including this detailed black sheath dress, called the Bisous Lace Dyan Dress. I’m really digging it with the splash-of-color tights.
And just when you thought dresses and shirts were it, she throws some killer coats into the mix. I love the look of this loud Madeline Mona Coat. The bold black and white pattern works with countless color combinations, while it makes a statement with a number of different outfits—from pants to dresses.
I love it when a collection actually makes a statement. Kate’s does just that. It says, “Hello world. I am a lady. I sit with my legs crossed. I love the color pink. I ‘lunch’ at least a couple times a week. And I dream of diamonds. Oh, and I’m just fabulous. ” Can’t wait to make some room in my closet for these chic pieces. Click here to visit the Kate Spade website and check out the line for yourself!
PS: Kate Spade and I were actually sorority sisters…meaning we were in the same sorority….so we’re basically sisters. Which probably doesn’t surprise you at all.
I love ice cream. Absolutely love it. When I have an extra $15,000 just sitting around, I’m going to buy myself a nice soft serve machine. Dual flavors—so I can twist chocolate and vanilla together and then cover my creation with multicolored sprinkles. I consider this a wise investment.
Ice cream is definitely a weakness of mine. I can rarely pass it up! Last Sunday at the grocery store, I walked down the frozen foods aisle with wide eyes. They had so many delicious flavors. Neapolitan. Fudge ripple. Moose tracks. Mocha Almond Fudge. I walked down the aisle, took a deep breath and resisted the urge to grab a carton.
Then five minutes later I found myself back in the freezer section, eyeing up the ice cream…because I have no self-control. And since ice cream was “buy one, get one free” I had to get two cartons. My selections? Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and Homemade Turtle Sundae.
I’m still saving up for my soft serve machine. But in the meantime, here are my favorite ice cream finds to get you through the week. Hurry up, summer’s almost over—so savor the flavor!
Monday, Ben & Jerry’s: Grab a friend (or a secret lover) and run off to Ben & Jerry’s on Mondays for buy one get one free sundaes! Whipped cream. Hot fudge. Ice cream. It’s the best way to beat the Monday blues. Click here for details.
Wednesday, TCBY: I love TCBY. And to be honest, it’s really not that bad for you. It’s frozen yogurt, and it’s delicious in a variety of flavors and combinations. On Wednesdays, stop by your local TCBY for amazing deals on waffle cones filled with delicious, creamy fro-yo. The promotion varies by location, with some offering cones for $.99 and others taking $1.00 off a waffle cone purchase. Click here for all the details and to tempt yourself.
Thursday, Dairy Queen: Give back to charity and enjoy a DQ blizzard with your favorite mix-ins on Thursday, August 13—it’s Miracle Treat Day. Your purchase will benefit the Children’s Miracle Network. Get the details here and look for me enjoying a chocolate chip cookie dough or heath blizzard!
Go ahead, treat yourself!
One of my favorite color combinations is black and gold. These shoes take that combination to the next level. They're fierce. Would you wear them?
At $819.00 a pair, they're fun and oh-so frivolous. Click here to get your pair...or maybe just shop around.
In high school, I was on the golf team because it was one of the most fashionable extra curricular offerings available. And I didn’t have to run. Since those days I’ve always kept up with my golf game by heading to the driving range a few times every summer, taking in a game here and there and making sure I have an ample supply of Burberry, Ralph Lauren and LaCoste in my closet.
Yesterday I spent time hanging out with Tiger Woods and Vijay Singh at Hazeltine National Golf Club while they practiced for the PGA Championship (hanging might be an exaggeration but we were in the same place at the same time…so just hear me out). All those polo shirts, preppy shorts and visors got me in a golfing kinda’ mood. After all, August was always when the girl’s golf team resumed practice—it always brings back thoughts of loading up in the official girl’s golf team van with Coach Bob, heading out to the course for a day of gossip and golf, and lugging our 30-pound bags around in the sweltering heat.
So in honor of the PGA Championship and my days as a golfer, I’ve decided to show you my favorite golf finds!
When it comes to shoes, try to avoid your grandmother’s golf shoes. Today’s styles for the green are bright and detailed with some touches of high fashion and tailoring. These sporty, Puma golf shoes are casual and feminine with the cool vibe you need to be taken seriously on the course. Check out Golf Galaxy or Puma for additional styles.
These Sesto Meucci shoes are chic and sleek. Plus, they have the perfect amount of color to drive your opponents crazy.
Since you can’t go golfing in shoes alone, a look like this will help you stay country club cool. Ralph Lauren has a great selection of polos, in just about every color, to help you stay stylish while teeing off. Plus, polos are a great wardrobe staple. More preppy than you're average t-shirt, you can mix and match these for work or play.
This ensemble is also a great look-- the diagonal, red strips are body lengthening and look intimidating.
Don't forget that accessories are a big part of the game. Since Rolex is a sponsor of the PGA (they have stylish Rolex clocks throughout the course), why not wear one on your wrist? I’m a huge fan of the ladies Yacht-Master in yellow gold with a gold dial.
So let's hit the club in style, ladies. Break out your pitching wedge, a great purse and make your way down to the club. You'll have all the golf pros saying, "FORE!"
You gotta’ love those nights when you get all dolled up, look in the mirror and think to yourself, “Damn, I look good.” Your outfit just fell in to place. Your hair is voluminous and shiny. Your legs look toned. Your lips are glossy and your teeth are white. Plus, you feel skinny. These are the best kind of nights. Except when it starts raining. Pouring, actually.
I recently had one of those nights. It had been raining for most of the day, but by mid-afternoon it was clear and sunny. I got home from a hard day of work, hopped in the shower, threw on one of my favorite navy dresses from Club Monaco and headed out to be seen. Everything had just fallen into place. My hair was nearly perfect. My eye make-up looked fantastic. And my legs didn’t appear to be their usual shade of pasty.
Then the unthinkable happened: nearly an hour into my perfect evening it started raining. Normally I’d have an umbrella and a pair of rain boots waiting in my car for occasions like this. But since I was out on the town I had no such thing. I was forced to walk a block in the rain. And it ruined my life.
(Note to readers: If you get held up at a street crossing sign when it’s raining and you have no umbrella, ducking behind a large, orange road construction sign won’t help deflect the water. It will, however, make you look like a complete and total moron.)
Here’s the thing. My hair is naturally curly. I wear it straight 90% of the time. In fact, it was straight when I left that night. But after getting caught in the rain it looked completely, drastically different. Plus, my make-up looked less natural, my dress became more see-through and I got that uncomfortable cold, wet clothes feeling. I was a certifiable mess. And I was not a happy camper.
I dwelled on my hair for the better part of 30 minutes. It may have been an hour. Someone even bought me a ponytail holder from a girl in a bar to help ease the pain (and it did ease the pain, just having the option of being able to put my hair up was definitely worth that six-dollar hair tie).
But once I forgot about my messed up hair and smudged eye make-up I just started to embrace that strange look I was flaunting. And you know what? I ended up having one of the best, most memorable nights I’ve had in a long, long time.
So maybe I should worry less about my looks. Maybe I should throw my inhibitions to the wind when it comes to hair, face or nails. Maybe clothes really don’t make the (wo)man.
Psych! Maybe I should stop rambling about all that nonsense. Let’s face it; I’ll always be concerned with style, fashion and looking good (I do, after all, hold myself to some pretty high standards). But there comes a time when you have to say to yourself, “Just embrace it.”
I’ve decided that I’m not going to let a bad hair day bum me out, or a chipped nail challenge me. Why let a little zit zap all the fun from a date? Or let a fat day frazzle you? Life’s way to short to let a little fashion faux pas keep you from living it up. So get out there, get your hair wet and have a little fun!
I once read an interview with actress Christine Baranski where she shared her views about clothing. I remember thinking she was a pretty smart lady. In fact, one of the things she said really stuck with me. She mentioned that black clothing never gets you any compliments, and that if you wanted compliments you needed to add color.
Boy, was she right! When it comes to clothing, color will get you noticed. And if done correctly, it will get you noticed for all the right reasons.
Today my outfit is comparable to a circus (in a good way). Navy, orange, fuschia, cream—all of these colors are thrown together on the shirt dress I’m wearing. Add some strategically placed ruffles and you’ve got yourself one good lookin’ clown. Actually, I’m sure that half the world thinks my dress is ridiculous…but that’s the half of the world I don’t really want compliments from.
So here’s my challenge to you, readers. Spice up your wardrobe! Wear some color during the month of August. Blacks? Blah. There will be plenty of time for drabby neutrals during winter. For now, rock the yellow, magenta, lime and lavender! I think you’ll be surprised how much people notice. And how much brighter you actually feel.
Although I can’t remember what magazine it was in, I’m glad that quote from Ms. Baranski stuck with me. After all, I’ve always felt like her and I connected—she’s always cast as the sophisticated bitch….and I’ve been called that before. But hey, at least people dig my clothes.
Making your own clothes is the ultimate fashion statement. Especially if those clothes have a message. Driving home today I came across this hip motorcyclist with a homemade shirt. It really speaks...
That's right, "Free T.I." Of all the controversial topics you could have made a shirt about, you choose to break out a Sharpie marker in support of freeing a rapper from jail. Now that's do-it-yourself fashion at it's finest.
I’m a firm believer that if you’re not five minutes early, you are in fact, late. When someone is punctual, I like that person better. Why? Because by being punctual, they’re actually showing me that they respect my time—and that’s a very admiral quality. That’s why everyone should have a great watch, or seven, to help them stay on time.
Bigger is better when it comes to watches. Wearing a watch that makes a statement adds flair to your outfit—and you know how I feel about flair. Seriously though, wearing a watch that reflects your personality is key. An executive once told me that he judges people by looking at two things: their shoes and their watch. He can’t be the only person who thinks like this. That said, I want to make sure my watch and my shoes are fabulous, unforgettable and convey the right message about just who I am.
My watch collection is pretty straightforward. I’ve got several watches to coordinate with just the right outfits. But at the end of the day, I like blinged-out twists on the basics. I have two watches that are replicas of the Chanel J12 design. One is black, the other is white. They aren’t Chanel. But most people don’t look closely enough to tell I didn’t pay $10,000 for mine. They immediately start freaking out about all the “ice on my wrist”. I get the look of the J12 for a lot less. I’m hoping that someday, the same gentleman that gets me a bucket of diamonds will also get me one of these bad boys.
I also had a heavy, silver Skagen watch, until it fell off my wrist and into a toilet at a Japanese restaurant last year. Not my proudest moment. I had seconds to decide whether I was going to reach in and grab it or flush it and forget about it. I reached into a public restroom toilet to grab my watch. That was the last time I wore it. Something about your watch being submerged in a toilet for two minutes is a real turnoff.
Other watches I love right now? Toy Watch makes a fun design available in a lot of edgy colors and styles. This hot pink watch is distinctly P&P.
Michael Kors has also beefed up his watch offerings. This silver number is clean and classic.
So make sure you’re keeping track of time in the most fashionable way possible. After all, you never know who’s judging you!
Sex and the City provided me with hundreds of great quotes. It always seems like my friends and I are quoting Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte or Samantha. This quote, from Carrie, is one of my favorites because it sums up my very existence.
“I like my money right where I can see it... hanging in my closet.”
~Carrie Bradshaw, who has a very good point.
I am sad. Disappointed. Let down. Angry. Last night I left my office amped up and excited to get myself some rock star hair. I met my stylist at the hair store (yes, they have large stores that sell nothing but hair extensions). We started looking at the platinum blonde options. In case you haven’t latched on to this, my hair is very blonde. It’s naturally a light, ash blonde color. But I get it bleached to amp up the color and the attitude. I have a very, very bright blonde hair color. And that’s just the way I like it.
The people at the hair store took one look at me and started shaking their heads. Then they explained that they were low on bright blonde options because of the summer season. They brought a couple sets of hair to the front and held them up to my head. But the hair was just too dark. Too orange. Too yellow. Strands later I was right back where I started from. There was no hair match for me in the store.
My stylist was just as confused as me. All those hair colors. All those styles. And nothing to match my hair—not even close.
I’m a firm believer that things happen for reasons. So I took this as a sign that maybe it wasn’t the right time for me to get hair extensions (not this week, at least). So I asked my stylist to trim up my hair and call it a night.
In the meantime, I’ll be searching for just the right hair color to match my platinum blonde locks and ramping up my dosage of prenatal vitamins (not because I’m preggers, because they make your hair grow, duh).
Oh, PS: I could show you an after photo. But it would look strikingly similar to yesterday's before photo. And what fun is that?
I’m constantly finding new ways to spend dough on being fabulous. This week I’ve managed to do a pretty good job. I decided to get hair extensions. It’s happening tonight. I’m nervous. Excited. Terrified. Happy. Sad. To be honest, I’m a ball of emotions.
Two years ago I decided to get a haircut. I opted for a short, sassy bob—ala Posh Spice. That was fun. For a little bit. But now I’m stuck in that awkward, agonizing “grow your hair out” phase. To be honest, it’s just not a fun phase to be in. I don’t feel polished and chic like I did during my super-short days. And I don’t feel glam like I did with much longer hair. Last week, after looking in the mirror wondering how I was going to style my hair, I decided to take action. Instead of cutting my hair, I decided to add length. So I called my hair stylist to tell her my plan. She was on board.
Operation hair extensions is happening tonight. I feel like I could throw up. I have so many questions. So many concerns (like, “Please don’t let me look like Kim from the Real Housewives of Atlanta…I don’t want everyone to know my hair is fake.”) On the flip side, I’m thrilled. Because if my hair turns out great I’ll feel more like Jessica Simpson than ever.
Obviously, I’ve decided to tell everyone about my extensions. I know that sometimes people pretend their hair magically grew overnight, but I can’t play that card. And, if I weren’t forward about this, I’d never be able to share this exciting experience on my blog.
Here’s the before (really sweet picture taken from my computer in my office, normally I'd prefer to strike a pose). I'm sporting a simple, plain bob that’s in the “growing out” phase. You’ll have to check back tomorrow for the after!
I’m a big fan of animal prints. Just last week I left the following comment on my friend’s facebook photo.
In case you can't see that too well, my friend's caption said, "I wanted to take him home with me." To which I replied, "And make a coat out of him." I'm pretty sure if PETA knew about me, they'd be in a constant state of upheaval. Instead, they're busy giving celebrities a hard time about carrying leather handbags. The real threat is right here.
Which leads me to these shoes (naturally). Even though they aren't "real" leopard, they're adorable. And I think they'd go with just about everything in my closet.
In my mind the pairing possibilities are virtually endless. Pair them with neutrals and you’ve got yourself an every day outfit with a splash of fun. Amp up a bright dress with these and you’ve got yourself a bombshell combination. Just think of all the possibilities.
Leopard + Black = Classic with a touch of fem.
Leopard + Magenta = Hi, I’m Barbie!
Leopard + Red = How YOU doing?
Leopard + Lime Green = Safari Wonder.
Leopard + Orange = Warm, Warmer, HOT!
Leopard + Yellow = Kitten in the sun!
Okay. I’m going to stop now. But you can imagine how a great, standard pair of leopard print shoes (just like these, which are exclusively available at Nordstrom) might pair up with the colors listed above. In my book of fashion, leopard print is one of the best neutral options there is. It’s not white. It’s not black. It’s certainly not gray. It’s the sassy choice for any old day.
P&P's Price Per Wear (PPW) Calculator was recently featured on one of my favorite blogs to read--especially when it comes to matters pertaining to all things denim! Click here to visit Denim Debutante, read the coverage of P&P and see what Jaime is up to today! I know you'll love her sassy attitude and entertaining posts!
Thanks Denim Debutante!
Yesterday, August 1, 2009, was Pretty & Poor’s FIRST BIRTHDAY! Naturally, I used this as an excuse to spend the entire day celebrating. Shopping would have been too predictable, so I decided to shake things up a little bit. I ended up commemorating this occasion by watching Confessions of a Shopaholic with…you guessed it…a couple of my favorite guy friends.
The boys were surprisingly good sports. Probably because we turned the movie into a drinking game. By the end of the film, we were sitting in my living room surrounded by empty beer cans and wine bottles...and I was asking if we could all play dress up. Complete success.
Because this was the most frivolously fun drinking game I’ve ever played, let alone invented, I’d like to share it with you, too.
Confessions of a Shopaholic Drinking Game
Rule #1: Each time the name of a designer is said, drink two.
Rule #2: If someone says the words “credit card” or “charge it,” drink three.
Rule #3: If someone says “Burberry,” then it’s time for a WATERFALL!
Rule #4: If you see the main character carrying a shopping bag, drink two.
Rule #5: If you see Louboutin’s, drink five.
Rule #6: Each time a store name is said, drink three.
With the above rules and some of your favorite people, you’re guaranteed a fun, frivolous and fashionable night.
This might come as a shock to you, especially if you’re a regular reader, but some of my best friends are guys. You’re probably thinking, “No way! Her? Hanging with a bunch of disgusting guys? But she’s such a girly girl.”
The fact of the matter is I grew up with two wild, rambunctious brothers. I was the one, token girl child and grandchild in a family of boys. All that testosterone prepares one for a life of offensive jokes, vulgar gestures and even the occasional fishing trip. Being friends with boys doesn’t really faze me (trying to date boys is an entirely different subject which I fail miserably at, however).
Last night I had two of my bros (not my biological brothers, duh) over for martinis. Dirty martinis. It wasn’t long before I started rambling off about my website.
“OMG. Have you seen my new site? Have you even seen the redesign? Follow me on Twitter. It’s so fun. I love it. I love shopping! READ MY BLOG,” I gushed.
So, in a random act of girlyness, I whipped out my MacBook and pulled up my site.
“Look how pretty it is,” I gloated. “And...here’s the best part...I have...TA-DAAAA...a Price Per Wear (PPW) Calculator.”
To my surprise, the guys played along (could have been the martinis). We started calculating the PPW of the clothes we were wearing.
That’s when I realized that girls spend a LOT more money on clothing than boys. Now, there are the exceptions to this rule—there are a few guys I know that probably dress nicer than me. But I wanted to prove my theory once and for all. And science helped me prove it. I know because I used PHEOC.
Problem: I need to know who has a higher average PPW—boys or girls? This has been haunting me for at least the last week.
Hypothesis: I believe that girls have a higher PPW, on average.
Experiment: I’ll get my guy friends buzzed, make them read my website with me, share shopping stories and then use the PPW Calculator to calculate the PPW of their outfits.
Observation: The guys really didn’t even need to be that drunk to play on my website. The PPW calculator was a hit—they were totally impressed. Simple math combined with the Internet is really a brilliant thing. Oh, and our guy test subject was sporting a practical, casual shirt from Target, which if I had to guess, would have a very low PPW. I anticipated the odds were in my favor.
Conclusion: After entering the complex data into Pretty and Poor’s PPW Calculator, it was concluded that the PPW of the boy clothing was much lower than that of the girl clothing.
The price of the guys clothing clocked in at around $.12 to $.13 per wear. My get-up? It stacked up to about $2.00 per wear.
So there you have it. Guys just have it easier…but it is more difficult for them to pull off rhinestone-studded True Religion jeans. So in the end, I’ll take the higher PPW and sport my crazy styles with pride. Even if I am just hanging with the guys.
