Women’s Clothing Necessity: The Camisole
November 22, 2007 | 1 Comment
I love camisoles (camis). My roommate makes fun of me for it, but I can’t help it. I think I have a cami in almost every color (no purple), and that’s because they’re very versatile. Some are just plain, some have lace, and I recently bought one with a little embellishment along the top. I can wear them at home, out on a date with my boyfriend, to bed (so comfy), for Holidays, or even to Church - with something else.
Today, cami length varies as much as the color, so they can be worn under the long shirts that are fashionable, or help lengthen out a short shirt. They can also offer a splash of color, or an embellishment. That’s why I love my lace ones - the lace can peek out - just a little bit - under or over the shirt. You don’t need to match a shoe color or purse color with the cami… think of it as an accent, like a pair of nice, long fashionable boots.
One thing to keep in mind about camis, though: they often come with “bras” inside of the shirt. These don’t offer very much support, and they’re not very comfortable. With these, try it on, and if it’s not comfortable, you have two choices: cut it out, or find another one. I recommend finding a different one.
This plain cami is available at Wet Seal for only $10 in cranberry, pink, blue, purple (hmmm…), violet, aqua, brown, white, black, and gray.
This embellished cami is available at Sears (www.sears.com) for $20 in black and white.
This pleated cami is available at JC Penny for $30 in cobalt blue.
Vanity Stores also has some nice camis for under $20, and those are my favorite, because they have lace on top, and on the bottom, the straps are a bit thicker, and they wear well. Unfortunately, I can’t get pictures from the site, but the website is very user friendly.
Wear these in the summer as they are, with layers, or wear them in the spring or fall with layers, or wear them in the winter under a jacket.
Holiday Clothing For the Girls
November 21, 2007 | Leave a Comment
My two younger cousins may be sisters, but they’re as different as two little girls can be. The older one hates dresses, and hates dressing up. The number of times we had to tell her to put her skirt down as a child… But the younger one loves dresses. She loves to dress up and look pretty - Christmas and Easter are her favorite times of year. She’s almost guaranteed a new dress.
Here are a few tips to help find that special girl a holiday outfit she loves and can shine in.
For the girls there are several options dresses, pants or skirts, and shirts.
1)Dresses
Long or short, dresses are as different as the girls who wear them. Sometimes, length is better with age - when kids are younger, they can get away with shorter dresses without a problem. Funny how that works.
This two-piece burgundy dress is available at Target for $23.
This $40 dress from JC Penny is very pretty and covered in a nice lace - could be perfect for the child who is conscientious and careful.
This beautiful $40 red and black velvet dress is also at JC Penny.
2)Pants
For kids like my little cousin’s sister, pants are the perfect way to go. Black pants are best for the winter holidays, but khaki are okay, too.
These black velvet pants are available at Target for only $12.
These brown corduroys are available at JC Penny for only $32.89
3) Skirts
The great thing about skirts is that, unlike dresses, they can be worn more than just a few times, and they’re just as pretty.
This brown skirt is available at Target for only $15.
This black skirt is available at Target for only $17.
4)Shirts
This sweater is available at Target for only $13 in black and white, and can be paired with a nice shirt and worn frequently. It’s pretty and can easily dress up an outfit.
This pretty buckle top t-shirt is available at JC Penny for only $15. The sweater beside it is available in red, black, purple, blue, white, brown and gray for only $11.
This rhinestone heart tee is available at The Children’s Place for only $6 in black, brown, blue, red, white, purple, pink, green, off-white and various pastels.
Getting the Kids Ready for Christmas
November 20, 2007 | Leave a Comment
It’s just over a month before Christmas (did it come early this year, or what?), and it’s time to be thinking about what to put those kids in for the big day. My brother hated Christmas clothing as a child (he might still hate Christmas clothing, but he’s not so young anymore), but my sister and I loved it.
All kids are different when it comes to dressing up, and no matter how your family does it - take the kids shopping with you, or give it as a morning Christmas gift - finding the right clothes are an important part of the day. Here are a few tips to make it a little bit easier.
For the boys:
1) The pants
Khakis are nice, because, according to my brother “they’re not as scratchy” and they still look nice. They can also be worn for Thanksgiving, Easter, and other occasions. Black pants are nice for Christmas and Easter - they have a more formal look about them. And unless they’re from an actual suit, my little brother’s complaint is null. And not every little boy complains about suits. My best friend’s little boy loves them because “he can get more girlfriends.” Straight from the mouth of a six-year-old. He’s just like his mother.
These cotton pants are available in khaki, black, gray and navy at JC Penny for only $17.
These suit pants are available at C&T, www.clothesandthings.com (as are the shirts that accompany them) for only $10.
2) Shirt
If you’re going for the suit look, the shirt is easy - a nice, long-sleeved button up combined with the suit jacket that matches the pants. But other options include a nice polo shirt, or just a long-sleeved button up.
This white Ralph Lauren polo shirt is only $32, and it might be a little cool with the short sleeves, but as long as he stays inside where it’s warm, he should be okay.
These boy’s long-sleeve button-up Oxford is available at Inka’s Coolwear, www.inkascoolwear.com for only $19.
Tomorrow: look for Christmas shopping for the Girls.
Dress For the Holidays
November 19, 2007 | 3 Comments
I don’t know about your family, but in my family, Thanksgiving and Christmas are a big deal. A BIG deal. By that, I mean the whole family gets together, jeans are not allowed, and the same shirt from one holiday to the next, is, likewise, not allowed. For me, this is the perfect excuse to go shopping. For my brother, it’s the perfect reason to complain, and for my sister, it’s the perfect reason to stand, stumped - or steal my clothes. It’s a good thing I have a lot of them.
The good news holiday shopping doesn’t actually have to be that bad. I mean, think about it. Even if you stay within the boundaries of “standard” Christmas colors (black, red, green, gold and silver), you can still do quite a bit. Whatever you want to do, here are a few rules of thumb:
1- Be careful with embellishments. Embellishments are very stylish, but it’s really easy to overdo them, or to do them wrong. Embellishments draw attention to the part of the body that’s embellished, so they can look nice, or they can look really gaudy or tacky. Something like this cami (Sears, $13), which is available in black, white and mauve is nice because it has a simple embellishment that can dress up a look, and the undershirt can be worn under several different shirts or tops, and can dress it up simply. Since it’s across the chest, it accentuates the cleavage. Likewise, embellishments on a skirt will accentuate nice legs.
2- Dress sexy, but don’t show a lot of skin. Just as the cami emphasizes nice cleavage, a slit in a skirt or dress can emphasize the legs -without overdoing it. Embellishments or skirts with a pleat will do the same thing, like this skirt (Sears, $25), which is available in black and brown.
3- Buy things that can be worn more than once. A pair of black pants, or a brown or gray skirt can be worn with several different shirts in several different colors, so even if that’s all you have for the season, you can wear them to all the different parties and celebrations - for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years, without having to wear the same outfit twice. Jewelry, and other accessories - handbags, for instance - can also make an outfit look different.
Pregnant? Trying to Find Cute Cothing That Fits Right?
November 16, 2007 | 5 Comments
Today’s maternity clothes aren’t like what they used to be. Pregnancy used to mean frumpy, but now it doesn’t have to at all. Now, pregnant can be just as stylish, if not more stylish, than otherwise. Bellabumbum is just one of the many stores that helps today’s maternity clothes stay stylish and practical.
All of Hollywood’s pregnant soon-to-be Mommas are sporting these clothes, including Nicole Richie, Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Lopez and Halle Berry (who finally decided that maybe maternity clothes were the way to go, after all).
The super soft, micro-fiber clothing comes in sexy designs that can be worn during pregnancy and even after the baby comes, as many of the pieces are designed with nursing hardware.
These are some of the incredible pieces I really liked that are found at Belabumbum.
This Copacabana Lace Nursing Bra is available for only $4o in white, black, salmon, aqua and latte.
This Cotton Maternity/Nursing Bra is only $15, and is available in white, black, lipstick with black trim, pink with white trim, blue with white trim and mint green with white trim. The material is comfortable, soft,and pretty.
This gorgeous nursing cami can easily be worn alone or under something, and is available for only $56 in a couple of colors.
This Lotus Lace Nursing Chemise-Rose is available for only $68.
I like this black nursing chemise, too.
I think these tulle and lace lounge pants are beautiful, and they look amazing, and can be worn whether you’re in the maternal way, or simply want to be comfortable and pretty, for only $48.
Belabumbum retailers are found in almost every state in the country, and on their homepage, there is a link where you can find the different retailers and locate the one nearest to you. You can also purchase the clothing online.
Cold Weather Clothing
November 16, 2007 | Leave a Comment
As the weather goes cool, it’s time to start pulling out those sweaters and putting away those t-shirts. Sweaters are a major part of a man’s wardrobe - especially during the winter, and here are a few to consider:
The turtleneck sweater: This Eddie Bauer turtleneck is available in white, cream, blue, black, red, and brown for only $39.50. These warm sweaters have a classic, flattering cut.
The bulky, zippered sweater. This Shetland wool Irish sweater is warm and even though it’s a sweater, it has a sweatshirt feel, and is available in charcoal gray for $130.
The 1/4 Zip Sweater. This sweater is really nice - especially with the long sleeves, because it can be worn for any occasion, and they have the nice polo shirt feel, which is really sharp. This shirt is available in cream for $675 - but there are obviously other, less-expensive versions (I think this sweater’s my favorite).
I have to say, though, that I’m not a fan of the men’s button-up cardigan.
Eww… Greasy Hair
November 15, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Okay, so it’s happened to everybody. You know, you wake up late, and you don’t have time to wash it, or you put too much styling product in it and you don’t realize it, or whatever.
However, that doesn’t make it okay, just understandable. The thing about caring for your hair is it’s important for the rest of you. Really oily, greasy hair doesn’t just look gross, it feels gross and looks dirty. It can also cause breakouts - no matter how old you are. The same goes for over-styled sticky hair. Use the right amount, so it does what you want it to do, but still looks acceptable.
On the other hand, you’re really okay until it’s so bad not even professional stylists will touch it, and you can really go for a day or two before it’s that bad. “Greasy Bear” Brandon Davis recently had that problem. Eww.
The Boot: Important Fall Fashion Accessory
November 15, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Fall’s new look includes the boot. If you’ve looked around shoe stores or department stores lately, I’m sure you’ve seen them. I’m talking about the ankle boot, the flat boot, and the high-heeled stiletto boot.
Evidently, a lot of people are picking out their boot before they pick out their coat so they can be sure they match. Here are some of the three uber-cool boots available right now.
The Posh Spice-like Ankle Boot: Sleek, gorgeous and sexy:
The J-Lo-esque Platform Toe-Box Look. Available in white, black, brown - and crazy colors like cobalt blue:
High, Flat Boots That Go Over the Knee. Word to the wise: if you’re wearing these, make sure that if you’re showing a lot of skin you’re also wearing tights:
One boot that is NOT in (and should never be in):
Are You Wearing the Right Size Bra?
November 14, 2007 | Leave a Comment
My roommate came home yesterday and told me that she’d heard about Oprah doing a show on how most women are wearing the wrong bra size. That got me thinking about if women really know how to find out what bra they should be wearing.
A few ways to know you’re bra size is incorrect:
- Back fat falling over the edge of the bra
- Breasts spilling over the cups (I know that wonder bras push them up, but they shouldn’t be falling out)
- Pinching wires
- Falling straps - or straps that pinch
- Dimpling cups
Evidently, about 70-85 percent of women are wearing the wrong bra size. Your bra should be comfortable, sitting under your breast and resting on your chest. A bra that fits right will be comfortable - even if you have to go up (or down) a bra size.
So, how do you find the right bra size? It’s not really that hard. You only need two measurements
- The underbust measurement (measuring under your bust)
- The overbust measurement (measuring the fullest part of your bust)
Now, take your underbust measurement (UM) and, if it’s an even number of inches, add 4 to that number. If it’s an odd number of inches, add five to that number.
Now, take your Overbust Measurement (OM) to determine your bra size.
If the bra size is the same as the OM number, you’re an A. 1 inch more gives you a B, 2 inches more gives you a C, 3 inches more gives you a D, 4 inches more gives you a DD, 5 inches m ore gives you an F, and so on.
So, here’s an example:
UM=32 + 4inches = Bra size 36
OM=40. 40-36 = 4, so the correct bra size is 36DD.
I don’t know about the rest of you, but after checking it myself, I need to go bra shopping.
Picking the Shoes
November 13, 2007 | 2 Comments
Shoes are a tricky thing, but they really don’t have to be. I love the different types of shoes that are available today - and there’s no one forcing you to wear something you don’t like. However, there are a few things to keep in mind.
1) Heels or flats? Flats are nice for everyday occasions, I get it. And now, some of them are really cute and comfortable. I especially like the ballerina-type shoes. Some people also have problems walking in shoes, but you don’t need to wear a stiletto.
On the other hand, women really do look better in heels. It lengthens out and slims the leg, and makes them look more toned and just all-around better. So, while flats might be nice for, say, walking around, or chilling at home, or just daily activities, spicing something up with a heel goes a long way for a nice occasion. No matter how cute your flats are, they’ll never beat a good heel. I’m serious. Stand in front of a mirror, and step on and off one heel - it’s a world of difference.
2) Pointy or rounded or flat toe? I’m against flat toes, end of story. But as for the pointy or rounded toe - it’s really just what looks best on you. I can’t wear a pointy toe to save my life, which makes me really sad because I think they’re pretty. My sister and my roommate, though, look amazing in pointy-toed shoes.
3) Please don’t wear tennis shoes. Tennis shoes are acceptable for sports. Read: jogging, running, and walking. They do nothing for you. Not even the really nice ones. I promise. Oh, and Crocs… I don’t care how comfortable those things are: unless you’re in the safety of your own home, those are OUT!
4) My college roommate’s sister told my roomie and I, “Every woman should own a pair of red shoes.” So true. The color spices up an outfit, and they can be worn with almost anything. Black pants, white pants, jeans, skirts, and even some brown pants (red-browns, not green-browns). These shoes are Mark Jacobs, and they are a ridiculous $485, but you get the idea.
The thing about shoes is you don’t need to wear something that matches your purse or your shirt. Shoes are unique, and they should be treated that way.