STYLEnosh

WhatWentWrong - Eliminate Schumpy, Dumpy, Frumpy

This look is not for public consumption. Doing a little window shopping with your sweetie doesn't require you to dress up like your going to prom. But can you at least try to put a little effort into your wardrobe when you leave the house. 

The extra fabric lodged ever so gently in her crack really makes a statement. (And not a good one I might add.) I know some of you could care less about your clothes. Let me just remind you that he rest of us have to look at you too. And this is not what we want to see. 

IS YOUR WARDROBE HOLDING YOU BACK?

I often pride myself on my remarkable ability to purge the items from my closet that I no longer have any use for. Unflattering sweater. Gone. Too tight pants. Bye bye. But my illusions of wardrobe efficiency came to an abrupt end when I tripped over a pair of tattered green flip flops. 

My first thought was I was certain I had thrown them away. But no, I kept them because... Well, I don't actually have a reason for keeping them but there they were, staring back at me. Besides looking horribly rundown, these flip-flops also have the characteristic of falling off of your feet when you walk in them. I don't even wear these shoes outside of the house! So why did I keep them? 

Sometimes we hold on to things because they represent something to us that we're not willing to let go. That beautiful dress you haven't worn in 10 years reminds you of time in your life when you were young, carefree, and kid free. Or those battered old tennis shoes that make you think of the time in your life when you used to run everyday. And while we hold on to these items that mean so much from our past, how much of this holding on is cutting off the things we're supposed to experience in our future? Maybe there's a better dress out there waiting for you, one that represents your fabulous future.

Well I have to go. My old, green flip flops have a date with the trash can. What are the items that you need to toss from your closet?

SIGERSON MORRISON FOR TARGET...OMG!

Don't you just love it when you find a little gem of information. I was doing some research about upcoming designers for Target when I discovered that one of my most favorite designers in the world: Sigerson Morrison! They're doing a line for Target! I think I need to sit down. The Sigerson Morrison collection typically runs upwards of $400 and their less expensive line, Belle, hovers around $300. Needless to say, I'm definitely interested in grabbing of piece of their style at a substantially reduced price. 

So I'm perusing the Target pressroom pics and I'm a little conflicted about what I find. The shapes and styles are classic Sigerson Morrison: pumps in bright colors, booties, and flats with jewel detailing. But something often happens when these high end designers create collections for discount retailers. The result can look a tad bit cheesy. I like the colors and the styles are cute. But I'm not feeling the beaded detailing at all. Maybe I just need to see them in person. You know I'll be scouring Target stores anxiously anticipating the arrival of my beloved shoe designer. The line is scheduled to hit Target around October 12th. 

THE LIMITED ONLINE STORE IS OPEN

The Limited as finally launched their online store. I've waited a long time for this. I couldn't wait to peruse the new site. (You know I'm always eager for a new web window shopping option.) So I jump on the site and my enthusiasm started to wane just a little bit.

It's wonderful that they finally got the online store up and running. But after clicking through it for just a minute or two, I noticed something seemed generic. Too generic, for a store like The Limited who's not a discount retailer but a quality choice for fashionable, affordable women's apparel. I couldn't figure out why the site looked so basic so I popped over to Banana Republic and the issue hit me. The Limited site used mannequins to showcase the clothes. BR used actual models. It's a slightly different method with an obviously different aesthetic and feel.

Don't get me wrong. The chic clothes that are available in their stores are definitely represented on the online store. They're just not presented as nicely as they could be. Basically, the folks at The Limited (and the investment group that owns them) aren't giving the clothes their just due. I guess I just expect more from one of my favorite purveyor's of stylish women's clothing.

Check out the online store and let me know what you think.

Images: The Limited

NO PETRO? SHOP FROM HOME

If you want to drive anywhere in Atlanta, you have to think long and hard these days about where you're going and is it imperative that you get there. The gas shortage is getting a little tight around these parts. Let's just say driving to work is a definite do. Driving to the mall on the other hand is a definitely can wait. Luckily, window shopping on the web requires no gas. With the nippy weather arriving every evening, I think it's time to shop for jackets. The look I'm going for is a sleek leather jacket. I'm thinking bomber or motorcycle styles.

I spotted several cool options at Bloomingdale's and other fine retailers. But I'm really not interested in dropping $400 plus on a fall indulgence. So I hopped over to Urban Outfitters and found this interesting grey bomber jacket for only $129. Compared to the expensives ones I've seen, this UO look is a chic, economically friendly option. Naturally it will look pretty sweet with jeans. But I'm looking forward to wearing it with a pencil skirt and sexy pumps. Think of it as a way to mix tough elements with feminine ones. How chic.

Image: Urban Outfitters

WhatWentWrong - A MAN PURSE. SERIOUSLY?

So I'm sitting in Whole Foods trying to get some work done and chatting with a good friend, when he noticed that the guy sitting across from us was draped in head to toe Adidas. Then he spotted the man purse and quipped, "You need to get your camera out and take a picture of that." 

And so I did.

I tried to give this gentlemen a pass because he was an older man. But my friend said oh no, you've got to get that!

So here it is. The more I think about it, I truly believe that this man purse thing is a no-no. I mean really, what can he possibly have in there that he needs to carry around in a bag? Medication?  A PDA? Afternoon snacks? I'm still not sold on its purpose.

What do you think? Is the man purse a fashionable statement of male maturity? Or is it just a hot mess? 

THIS WEEK'S SPLENDID READS!!!

From the Splendicity community, comes this week best in beauty, fashion and shopping.

FASHION

The Well-Heeled Society is giving subscribers a chance to win wall-to-wall shoes!

eye4style gets the scoop of fall footwear courtesy of shoe designer Faryl Robin Morse. Click here to read the exclusive interview!

STYLEnosh is offering a new approach to fall 2008 fashion.

BEAUTY

Come see what Teri and a few of her Beautiful Makeup Search friends thought about the brand new L'Oreal Féria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Colour.

Aging Fabulous tells you how to look ten years younger in five minutes.

CelebLOOK wonders if you like Victoria Beckham's new pixie.

A Touch of Blusher reviews Basics Eye Palette from Bobbi Brown's holiday 2008 collection.

Beauty Banter gets beautiful for a great cause... here's an exclusive look at the star-studded beauty and health event honoring the 60th Anniversary of the Emmy's AND Breast Cancer Awareness!

15 Minute Beauty Fanatic finds some hair inspiration in the Gen Art Fashion Show!

Teen Style Lounge reminds you that these are the final days to enter to win over $200 in skin care products, plus a new laptop bag and flash drive. What are you waiting for? Enter now!

Snarkstress is praying that her crystal ball of beauty has this degree of fabulousness in her future.

Steeping Beauty observes the healing effects of Natural Skin MD's Shielding Lotion.

The Scented Life likes Victoria Beckham's softer side in her new perfume, Beckham Signature for Her.

SHOPPING

The Fragrance Fanatic explores the new Fall collection of candles at Yankee Candle.

MACY'S SHOPPING FOR A GOOD CAUSE

I know many of you aren't shopping these days but if you happened to go into the mall, swing by Macy's and support The American Heart Association's Go Red for Women Movement and the Family Violence Prevention Fund RESPECT! Campaign. Purchase a $5 ticket and receive 20% or 10% most of your purchases on Saturday, September 20. You can buy your ticket and use it in the store or online. 

AN APPROACH TO 2008 FALL FASHION

I typically enjoy devouring fashion magazines seeking out the big trends for each new season. But something odd has been brewing this fall. I haven't really been motivated to suss out the new trends for fall 2008. I think all this talk about banks collapsing and federally backed billion dollar bailouts hasn't really prompted me to hit the mall. Oddly enough, it's a good thing I'm not interested because this year's fall trends look an awful lot like last year's heavy hitters.

The good news? You shouldn't feel compelled to spend a lot of money updating your wardrobe this season. With a few tweaks, you can proceed with fall in style and with money in your pocket.

Fall Fashion 2008  Tips

Pick one trend. There are plenty of trends to choose from this fall. Only  focus on one to update your look while maintaining your budget. You can go for a particular color (purple hues are everywhere for fall). Or implement feminine details into your wardrobe like ruffles, sheer blouses (i.e. this Milly blouse pictured), or peep toe pumps. The wonderful thing is that you can find these trends at every price point. First go for the free option. Look in your closet and look for that shirt from two years that you've been holding onto. Or raid a friend's closet for her old stuff that's new to you. If there's nothing there, you can shop a wallet saver like Old Navy for this season's trends.

Image: Bloomingdale's

Splurge on key pieces. Some items, great items if you will, can carry you from season to season no matter what the fashion scene happens to be calling trendy. When you stumble on one of these gems, you don't mind spending a little extra on them. You know a great pair of shoes or classic handbag falls into this category. But don't forget about a lovely leather jacket or an ultra chic coat. Remember, the outer pinnings are what people see first so they are definitely an important part of your wardrobe. If you only have $100 to splurge on clothing for the next six months, consider spending it on a piece that you'll use often.

The point here is be creative in your approach to fall shopping. Now may not be the time to spend money on your wardrobe and that's okay. Sometimes you only need one small change to make a big difference.

Image: Ann Taylor Loft

MASTERING THE DRESSY CASUAL LOOK

The first thing I noticed was the embroidered denim jacket. It had a sense of familiarity like I knew it from somewhere. The owner reminded me it was from the Gap and I instantly remembered it from a few years earlier. But the thing that makes this look chic is its accidental style. It's like the person just happened to look effortlessly stylish in a black dress perfectly topped off with a jean jacket. How refreshingly chic for casual Friday.

WATCH OPRAH. READ THE MAGAZINE!

Just in case you missed the latest tactic, I'm here with an update. There's a group in Florida, The Florida Federation of Republican Women, who have decided to boycott Oprah (talk show and magazine) because she won't have Sarah Palin on as a guest until after the election. Oprah says that she won't have any candidates on during the election season. Click here to read her statement.

I find it Interesting that they're sincerely concerned about the VP pick not getting airtime on Oprah, but they don't seem to care that she hasn't been on any major political shows like Meet the Press. 

So I say, let's watch Oprah and grab that latest issue of her magazine. Let's show the Republican party that they can't bully Oprah or voters.

Image: oprah.com

  

THIS WEEK'S SALES...INCLUDING READER FEEDBACK

Hey party people! I know what most of you like to do on the two days of the week that represent your real life, here is a sampling of this weekend's sales.

I received several emails and calls yesterday regarding this huge sale on Nine West shoes. Boots for under $40? Sounds like something worth looking into. You can find this great sale at 6pm.com. 

And one my favorites, The Limited, is taking 30% off your purchase. Sale prices are included! Click here for locations. (NOTE: You have to present the coupon to receive the discount.)

Have a fantastic weekend!