Love It or Loathe It? Episode 8: Silly Bandz for Adults???

I simply had to laugh when I saw that Silly Bandz made the New York Times fashion headlines in my iGoogle today! For those unfamiliar with Silly Bandz, they are essentially rubber bands--in an array of bright colors--that are shaped like objects such as a peace sign, a guitar, or an animal. They are designed to be worn on the wrist, but they revert back to their original shape when taken off. Apparently, they have been the hot item amongst today's youth (much like I snap bracelets were in my day--can I get an Amen?) for some time now--and according to today's Times' article, Older Audience for Child’s Bracelet Is Not a Stretch, adults are now getting in on the silliness too! In fact, my adorable college-age sister told me that one of her friends wears a single silly band on her wrist--and that it serves as a fun conversation piece.

Anyway, with my love of bracelets no secret, I'm sort of intrigued by this still-rising trend that has taken over one demographic and moved right on to the next. But now I want to hear from YOU! The question for today's episode of Love It or Loathe It? is (appropriately) a bit silly: Silly Bandz for adults--love it or loathe it? And why? Send me an email or post your comments!



Image: an edgy adult wearing Silly Bandz just like the kids, photo from The New York Times article, Older Audience for Child’s Bracelet Is Not a Stretch by Kayleen Schaefer; full article available online by clicking here.

Heart This

Perhaps a certain part of me is still very much a little girl, but I just loooove things that sparkle! When I was a teenager (and even through part of college), this meant that I wore a lot of shimmery powder and glittery eyeliner. But now that I'm all grown up with an office job, I've had to resort to other means of sparkle--namely the subtle sheen of a good bronzer; a blinged out cocktail ring or another piece of statement jewelry; or a bit of glitz on a fun headband. You know, the little things. That said, you can only imagine how excited I was to come across the opportunity to heart something entirely new: the ban.do heart.

Yet another piece of adorable hair candy from the LA based ban.do, their signature red heart doubles as a hair clip and a brooch--allowing you to have your hair accessories and wear them too! Okay, so maybe this is not the hair clip for a serious board meeting, but that's the fun of it; when it doesn't work for wear in the hair, pin it to your tote, blazer, or cardigan. Wherever it goes, it will bring a little pop! of color and a little bit of sparkle with a price tag ($15!!) that you're guaranteed to heart.



Images: the ban.do heart $15 from ban.do, available online at www.shopbando.com.

Another Installment of Fashion At Home: My Husband Is Sometimes Right

It's been a while since we last chatted about fashion at home, but you may remember that this topic is often the source of marital discord and/or compromise in my happy little family. Nonetheless, the result is always a good one, for Dallin and I eventually find a way to blend our decorating wants into a well balanced aesthetic, somewhere along the lines of "traditional with a twist." Having recently moved (once again), we are now (once again) facing the somewhat daunting task of decorating our new home, the place where we hope to stay put for a while--especially now that we have a little one of our own on the way...

That said, given my husband's penchant for interior design and his self-proclaimed "creative vision," we have found ourselves navigating the sometimes turbulent waters of creating a space that simultaneously reflects both our unique and combined tastes, doesn't break the bank, and looks absolutely impeccable without being overtly catalog. Perhaps for this reason, we are still unpacking, long after our May 1 move-in date. However, it apparently took Michelangelo four painstaking years to paint the Sistine Chapel, so sometimes good things come to those who wait.

With our living room nearing completion, we recently shifted our focus to the dining room. After nearly four years of marriage, I'm excited to report that we finally have a dining room, and so it's been exciting for us to venture into this uncharted territory. We were lucky to inherit the fabulous farm-style table that was a fixture in my dining room growing up, and we recently proved ourselves worthy of it, after lugging it home via Uhaul alllll the way back from my family's home in Western Massachusetts (NOT an easy task). However, the chairs were another matter entirely. Understandably, my mother is still using the dining room chairs that my father hand painted for her in the charming Quimper style years ago. So, we were left to our own devices as far as seating--and that's where things got...interesting.

My first thought was to find some rustic wooden chairs and perhaps a matching bench, and I even located a few contenders at Pottery Barn. However, my husband saw things differently, arguing that--if I had my way--our dining room would look like it came straight off the pages of the Pottery Barn catalog, devoid of character and originality. As it turns out, his vision was one of mixed media, pairing our wooden farmhouse table with steel chairs. At first, I balked at this suggestion: metal chairs with a wood table?! But then he actually showed me the chairs he has been obsessed with since practically forever, and I started to see the light. But not for nothing, I have to mention that the chairs in question hailed from the pages of my mother's Sundance catalog--so it seems you can never fully escape all things "catalog." Just saying.

Here's a fun fact: Dallin's beloved steel chairs actually have quite the history! Yes, they may have found their way onto the pages of Sundance, but their story neither starts nor stops there. Rather, it all began once upon a time (in the 1930s, to be precise) when Xavier Pauchard designed the iconic Chaise A as part of a collection of galvanized steel furniture under the Tolix brand. Given its inherent form and function, the Chaise A immediately took off, becoming a ubiquitously favored seating choice--from cafes and bistros to army barracks and hospitals. Then, in the early 1980s, the Tolix A Chair, also known as the Marais AC Chaise, was reissued. Again, it was well-received, this time by both the public and professional designers alike who also valued its chic design and durable structure. Now, you can find this fabulous chair (in its original burnished steel, as well as bright colors like blue, red, or yellow) everywhere from the furniture shops of France, to antique fairs and flea markets across our great nation, and even on the pages of Sundance, Pottery Barn, and Crate and Barrel. Imagine that!

So here's the truth: in this particular case, Dallin couldn't have been more right, or his creative vision more cool. Still, we have never been a couple that does things precisely by the book; believe it or not, we ultimately moved away from the Tolix design, in favor of another galvanized steel chair, whose design was slightly more worn and industrial--an ideal compliment to the deliciously distressed cracked white paint along the lip and legs of our table. The end product?--sheer perfection that is impeccably country chic without even a hint catalog. What else can I say? My husband is sometimes right.

Fun facts about Tolix chairs, thanks to Paris Parfait (http://parisparfait.typepad.com/). Images, in order of appearance: (1) 1934 Dining Chair from Sundance, as shown on the Sundance website (www.sundancecatalog.com); (2) Wynn Ladderback Chairs in french white $229-299 by Pottery Barn, available online (http://www.potterybarn.com/); (3) Another view of the 1934 Dining Chair $245, available from Sundance; (4) Lyle Side Chair $199 by Crate and Barrel, available online (http://www.crateandbarrel.com/); (5) Another view of the Lyle Side Chair, as shown on the Crate and Barrel website.

From The Great Gatsby to Cuchi Cuchi--Back to the Roaring Twenties

Last night, my husband and I had the opportunity to dine out with our great friends at Cambridge's Cuchi Cuchi. Having heard countless rave reviews of the Central Square spot, I was just waiting for an excuse to check it out for myself--and it was well worth the wait, both for the spicy and sophisticated cuisine and the inspiring fashion. The concept behind the chic hotspot is essentially an homage to la belle epoch and early Hollywood. The result is a glowing, lavishly furnished restaurant/bar, where Daisy Buchanan-esque waitresses serve small, "straight up" dishes (not to be mistaken for tapas!) and vintage cocktails. Feeling as though I had stepped into one of Jay Gatsby's infamous parties, I almost found myself looking for a single green light, minute and faraway, that might have been the end of a dock.

But I'm getting ahead of myself. While dressing for dinner earlier that evening, I lamented my lack of wardrobe options. My adorable husband, who always does his homework, reported that the Cuchi Cuchi website identified the dress code as one of casual elegance, which was further qualified as pearls and designer jeans. Although I was somewhat surprised by these specifics, it made dressing that much easier--and without further fuss and bother, I happily climbed into my black Rock & Republic skinny jeans, and we hit the road.

Yet, just thirty minutes later, surrounded by a glamorous waitstaff who captured the quintessential Gatsby look with unparalleled perfection, I was feeling much more like the unrefined Myrtle Wilson (was it because of our shared last name?) than the ravishing (albeit fickle) Daisy. It wasn't until later that I learned that Cuchi Cuchi actually has its own costume closet and vault library so that their staff can bedazzle themselves in vintage clothes and jewels like the roaring twenties never ended. From the glitz to the glam to the painted, ruby red lips, these lovely ladies glittered with finery that left me considering the ways that an everyday fashionista might incorporate a bit of old world beauty and excess into an everyday look.

As it turns out, the answer lies in Cuchi Cuchi's own brilliant dress code. By simply adding a few choice accessories to an otherwise streamlined look, you can infuse the everyday with a much-needed hint of drama. For example, a jeweled hair pin; dramatic faux lashes and red velvet lips; a glittering cocktail ring; a luxe silk blouse; or even a a simple headband, worn jazz-era style (across your forehead) can bring your pearls and designer jeans look back to the bygone age. Plus, there's a good chance you already have many--if not all--of these items in your closet. That means you get to be glamorous and frugal at precisely the same time--leaving your hard earned dollars for a night out at...Cuchi Cuchi! I mean, really now, where else would you go?

Quote from The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Images, in order of appearance: (1) "no. 100" rhinestone hair pin $130 by ban.do, available online (http://www.shopbando.com/); (2) Cuchi Cuchi girl, thanks to the Cuchi Cuchi website (http://www.cuchicuchi.com/); (3) "no. 113" beaded headband $130, also by ban.do.

A Luxe New Way In Nail Care

You've all heard me rave about my favorite nail salon (Lauren's Nails on Charles Street) many times before, but sometimes a fashionista needs to venture into the unknown--you know, explore her options a bit? With that same adventurous spirit in mind, yesterday I made an appointment for a manicure at MiniLuxe in Lexington Center. I had been wanting to try this salon for a while, after reading about their special Minx manicure in Boston's Daily Candy a while back. While I opted for a classic French over the Minx this time around, I figured that any salon boasting such a swanky nail treatment had to have something going for it!

Marketing themselves as a nail and beauty salon, MiniLuxe's philosophy is that "me time" is critical to a balanced life. You never need an excuse to take care of you. This may go without saying, but their worldview definitely speaks to this particular fashionista! Without wanting to sound too much like Elle Woods, sometimes a mani/pedi is all I need to repair my body, mind, and spirit. Their nail care options include tempting treatments like the Organi Mani, an ode to mother Earth, using only organic skincare products; the Klean Pedi, where your feet are scrubbed and then intensely hydrated; and even a special Preggie Pedi, designed exclusively for mamas-to-be who need to put their feet up and enjoy a cooling and soothing leg, ankle, and foot treatment. Tempted yet? Wait, there's more! In addition to their list of mani/pedi options, their salon services--which they have aptly named MiniLuxuries--also include a range of waxing options, as well as the irresistible 10-minute neck and shoulder massage to help you unwind as you wait for your nails to dry.

All of that...and ambiance too? The salon itself boasts a clean, sleek, and modern design that speaks to their amazing hygiene policy. Understanding that "clean" doesn't necessarily mean sanitary, MiniLuxe raises the bar (really high) for themselves so that the salon clientele can enjoy their services in a sterile, worry-free, and über polished environment. Meaning: all of their tools are sterilized in an autoclave after each service, the same way that dentists and surgeons sterilize their tools. Through extreme heat and steam pressure, an autoclave completely sterilizes the instruments, leaving them 100% free from bacteria that can cause serious health problems. The tools are then sealed in individual sterilization packs for your protection, and your nail file and buffer are actually yours to keep after your service. Now, how's that for clean freaks?

So here's a little synopsis: I enjoyed a clean and pretty French manicure, as well as that irresistible neck and shoulder massage (!)--and was still in and out of the salon in 45 minutes. Fortunately for me, the Lexington Center location is on my way home from work too, so I was able to make it home in time for dinner with my husby. But if you don't live in my hood, worry not; MiniLuxe also has locations on Newbury Street and in Newton Centre--so you totally have options. I have to admit, I'm already thinking about what my next service might be, so if you're in the mood for some pampering, I'm soooo in.

All images thanks to MiniLuxe. To book an apointment online, or to learn more about MiniLuxe's amazing products and services, check out their website: www.miniluxe.com.

Sail Away!--A Head to Toe Guide

In preparation for my family's trip to Monhegan Island this weekend, my mind has been focused on all things ocean-related for the past few days. And you know what that means: there are crucial weekend wardrobe choices to be made! We've talked about it numerous times before, but there is no summer style quite like nautical fashion. It's simple yet classic, elegant yet comfortable--and who can argue with that? So in honor of my weekend plans and my summer fashion obsession, let's do a little refresher course, shall we? Read on and learn how to sail away!--from head to toe:

Get tied down: I've seen countless pieces of anchor-inspired jewelry recently, and while I'm admittedly in love with anchor iconography, you have to be cautious of your look becoming overly literal...and thus too costume-y. Made of brass with rope detailing and a lobster clasp closure (so appropriate), this rope necklace from Tory Burch looks great with both summer whites AND sailor stripes! Price tag: $137 (on sale!)

Be a star in stripes: This cheerful red-striped tee is inherently sailor chic, especially when you account for the nautical-inspired buttons at the left shoulder--or the way it inspires you to say, Ahoy! And not for nothing--especially with those July 4 BBQs right around the corner--it's also a bit patriotic. Price tag: $58

Layer against the salty breeze: For those of you who spend a lot of time by the ocean (lucky!), you know that the dress code is all about layers. Sea breezes pick up at night, and even though it might be summer, it can still be rather chilly! Keep warm in style with this waistcoat styled cardigan from Leifsdottir, that is both elegant and completely functional--and with a bit of a military twist to boot! Price tag: $188

Bottoms up: One of the rules of fashion I make every attempt to live by is, whenever possible, keep it comfy. Truth be told, with my love of high high heels, it's really not always possible, but comfy is totally the name of the game where bottoms are concerned. As is versatility--yet another reason why I'm sooo into these Congo Skinny Cargo pants by Citizens of Humanity. Made of stretch twill with tons of pockets, you can walk the collect shells along the beach in your bare feet and then dust off the sand, throw on some heels, and head out for lobster dinner! All in a hard day's work. Price tag: $172

Stay on the Top Side(r): Let's be real here; as outstanding as some killer 5-inch wedges would look with the above wardrobe selections, if we're talking nautical, we need to be talking about boat shoes. I've made my opinions known (why have anything else but metallic?!), but those who prefer to keep their look a bit more understated may like the neutral look of these dusty sage deck shoes by Sperry. Whatever your color palette, you're guaranteed to be golden in this classic footwear. Price tag: $98

It's in the (sail)bag: I've always loved the look of recycled sail bags, and since they're also eco-friendly, it's a purchase you can really feel good about. This particular style from Maine-based Angela Adams and Sea Bags is as durable and water-resistant as it is fun and fashionable. With hemp handles long enough to go over the shoulder and a hook-and-ring closure to keep your valuables stowed safely, this one bag is all you need for a day at the beach, an on-island weekend, or any other adventures you might have planned this summer! Price tag: $198

Sadly, not all of us are able to make a quick getaway on our own personal yacht (or, in my case, even a sailboat, canoe, or dingy!), but with a few key wardrobe items, you can still look the part. In fact, the carefree ease of nautical fashion makes cruise control relatively easy. So what are you waiting for? Sail away!

Images, in order of appearance: (1) "Perfect for Sailing" photograph by Tom Palumbo from Harper's Bazaar, 1956/57, image thanks to Paris Hotel Boutique Journal(parishotelboutique.blogspot.com); (2) Rope Necklace $137 (on sale!) by Tory Burch , available online (http://www.toryburch.com/); (3) Yardarm Tee in red motif $58 by Velvet, available from Anthropologie (http://www.anthropologie.com/); (4) Waistcoat Cardigan $188 by Leifsdottir, also available from Anthropologie; (5) Congo Skinny Cargos $172 by Citizens of Humanity, also available from Anthropologe; (6) Top-Sider Authentic Original Two-Eye Boat Shoes in dusty sage $98 by Sperry, available form J. Crew (http://www.jcrew.com/); (7) Diagonal Stripe Sail Bag by Angela Adams and Sea Bags for J. Crew $198, available online.

The Jumpsuit Crisis

With so many of my regular TV programs off the air for the summer, I find myself watching shows like The Bachelorette with more interest than I might otherwise. Although, bachelorette Ali might be cute as a button, it seems fashion is not exactly her forte. Tuning in this past Monday, I found myself almost enjoying critiquing her appearance on multiple occasions through out the two hour time block. Yet, questions like Why would she pick that dress? and observations like Those pants look terrible with her body shape! paled into comparison to her cocktail party attire and my resultant: Is she REALLY wearing a jumpsuit right now?!

Yes, I am a mean girl; that question is (perhaps fortunately) not up for debate in this particular post. What is debatable, however, is the jumpsuit issue. It seems that what I attributed to a bad shopping choice from the likes of Bebe (whether it was purchased by Ali or The Bachelorette's producers is beside the point) might actually be more "fashionable" (gag!) than I realized. Lured to the J. Crew website earlier today by an email in my inbox announcing the last day of free shipping on their summer sale, I clicked on the link for "pants" with the hope that my pretty little plaid pants might have been marked down since last week. Sadly, that was not the case, but while perusing the styles that were marked down, I found: A JUMPSUIT?! Really, J. Crew?

The J. Crew website describes their Slub Cotton Jumpsuit as the outfit where "cozy meets cool." Debatable. However, I must admit, the jumpsuit look has seen far more longevity than I ever thought possible! When I attended a trend screening hosted by the Fashion Group International almost two years ago, jumpsuits were the hot forecasted trend, and I remember thinking, NO WAY will I be caught dead in that look! Seasons later, the jumpsuit is refusing to die, but I can affirm that I have maintained my resolution. Yet, I have to admit that J. Crew makes this look just a tiny bit tempting, with their interpretation of what I previously considered a fashion monstrosity. The clever J. Crew stylists have matched their "wear-it-anywhere slub cotton jumpsuit" with a business-chic striped oxford, a cluster of bejewelled statement necklaces, and floral-adorned nude sandals. The kicker is their model's "effortlessly" tussled Blake Lively-esque hair. Clearly, we're dealing with professionals here who know exactly how to market to the career woman who refuses to give up her penchant for fashion, even at the office.

What's more, in their description of this item, they suggest wearing "a sparkly top underneath and flip-flops on your feet," calling it "the jumpsuit for the girl who doesn't wear jumpsuits." Well, as the girl who indeed doesn't wear jumpsuits, does that mean this is the jumpsuit for me?! My entire style equilibrium has been shaken to the core, and were I not sporting a baby bump that doesn't lend itself well to the jumpsuit silhouette, I might be tempted to give it a try. I mean, it is on sale...

Clearly, I need your feedback, my dearest fashionista friends. As always, feel free to post your comments or send me an email. I mean, we are in a crisis situation here!

Image: Slub Cotton Jumpsuit in dark pewter, on sale for $49.99 from J. Crew (www.jcrew.com).

Pretty Pretty Plaid

It isn't often that I fall in love with a head-to-toe catalog look. Well, perhaps I should rephrase; it isn't often that I fall in love with a head-to-toe catalog look that I can actually wear in its entirety. There are many reasons for this, though my height and style are primary. Yet, this fashion feat actually happened this past weekend! Allow me to recap...

As I was innocently shoe shopping with my lovely friend, India, we popped into J. Crew to kill a few minutes while waiting for our table to be ready at a nearby restaurant. Lo and behold, I didn't even make it through the door, for the impeccably styled window display was calling to me. Wearing cropped plaid pants, a sequined tee, and a playful straw fedora, this mannequin was...sooo me! Upon closer inspection, the tee was actually a sequined tank layered over a basic tee, but who's counting? Part prepster, part beach bum, and part glam goddess, this outfit--in my humble opinion--is the ultimate in summer style.

Clearly, this look is made by the pretty pretty plaid pants. For argument's sake, let's say the rest of these items were paired with a pair of cut-off jeans instead of madras; definitely a do-able (and cute) outfit--but somehow lacking the instant character and boldness of plaid. PLUS, these particular plaid pants have an extra bit of edge, with exposed zippers at the pockets and ankles. Given the inherent prep appeal of plaid, I'm thinking these pants can be worn to the office one day--and the beach the next. Now that's what I can versatility, which is worth its weight in sequins during these turbulent times.

To answer the question I know you simply must be thinking: no, I will not hold it against you if you want to cop my style and steal this look. Just remember where you heard it first (+1 for me). Oh wait, I saw it in the J. Crew window display (+1 for J. Crew). Looks like it's a wash. Happy shopping!




Images, in order of appearance: (1) Cropped Seaside Madras Zipper Pant $88 by J. Crew (http://www.jcrew.com/); (2) Sequin Drizzle Tank in aluminum $148, also by J. Crew; (3) Straw Panama Hat in natural $58, also by J. Crew.

More on Jelly...Apples

I didn't think I would find myself discussing jelly twice within the span of a week, yet here we are again... But let's forget footwear at least for the moment, because this post is all about Jelly Apples--as in the fabulous red nail color from Essie that I'm absolutely obsessed with right now!

On a recent manicure mission, I was sad not to find a very particular Essie red--Lollipop--which had been recommended to me by my lovely yoga guru friend, Jo. Forced to readjust my plan, I found my way on the color wheel to Jelly Apple--and now totally looove it! Believe me, though candy apples might be a fall treat, Jelly Apple are for year round wear. This punchy red is exactly what the experts mean when they say pop! of color. Perfect for summer, it couldn't be more fun, flirty, or bright.

Well, ladies, it looks like, once again, there is something to be said for jelly. Who knew?


Image: Jelly Apple nail color by Essie, available online (www.essie.com).

Happy 200th! And To Celebrate: 3 Summer Tote Bags Under $200

Dearest fashionista friends, we have reached a crossroads: happy 200th post!!! Once again, I want to thank you for faithfully tuning in to my style rants, as well as for contributing your fierce and fabulous feedback. In honor of this milestone, a celebration is in order--and nothing says "celebration" quite like a fashion bargain, am I right? So without further ado, allow me to share 3 sizzling summer tote bags (perfect for the beach)--that are all conveniently priced under $200:

Because: who doesn't want to eat cake?! You didn't think we could discuss tote bags without a bit of shameless self promotion, did you? Especially when something so utterly sweet is brand NEW from lolly.brand, my other raison d'être. These days, it's hip to be green—so go green in style with lolly.brand's new eco-friendly tote bag! This tote is made of 100% bull denim woven cotton, with dual handles long enough to go over the shoulder. Translation: versatility, versatility, versatility! Use it as a gym bag, a beach bag, a book bag, or a shopping bag--or better yet, use it for everything! And this is one fashion situation that is not all about the Benjamins, baby; this sweet summer steal is more about the Andrew Jacksons, with a pricetag of $25. Think of that as the cherry on top of your cupcake.

Because: pups are the cutest accessories! But the world can be cruel, and not all landlords allow pets (sigh)... So if you're dying for a Fido of your own, why not settle for a fashionable substitution? From the irresistible See by Chloé collection comes a surprisingly edgy doggie-themed shopper. Made of cotton in a brilliant summer blue, a chain collar and logo tag make this shopper almost like the real thing. If you're one of the lucky ones that actually has your own pupper, you can still keep it real with a shopper that will fit all your summer essentials, plus a few dog toys too! Price tag: on sale right now for $96. And isn't it an unwritten shopping rule that a fashionista must never walk away from a sale empty-handed?

Because: sometimes even the most well-behaved fashionistas like to break the rules! This is one tote with a 'tude, but it is, as the Kate Spade site so sweetly phrases it, charmingly rebellious. The best part: this brightly colored statement tote is hand-stitched by women in Bosnia and Kosovo as part of Kate Spade's unique partnership with Women for Women International, which employs survivors in war-torn countries. The price tag ($175) supports a good cause, which is a win/win as far as this sassy summer shopper goes.

With Memorial Day weekend having come and gone, summer has officially arrived. That means weddings, cocktail parties, clambakes, and countless trips to the beach. A fashionista worth her salt is always prepared--and also knows that preparation is faaaar more fun when it's in fashion. Arm yourself with a tote--which fits everything under the sun--and the only thing left to worry about will be whether or not you're tanning evenly. On that note, happy summer--and happy 200th post--to you, my lovely friends! AND cheers to the next 200...





Images, in order of appearance: (1) Cupcake Tote Bag $25 by the fabulous lolly.brand, available online (http://www.lollybrand.net/); (2) Doggie Large Tote $96 (on sale!) from See by Chloé, available from Nordstrom (http://www.nordstrom.com/); (3) Hand In Hand Break the Rules Tote $175 by Kate Spade, available online (www.katespade.com).