Episode 27: Comfy Dress Up

Due to recent events, my wardrobe this week has been rather limited.  In fact, I have made somewhat of a uniform out of sweatpants, Uggs, hoodies, and drapey scarves--and I have never been so thankful for comfy clothes.  Then, today my sister told me about the amazing pants she discovered--of all places, while viewing Breaking Dawn Part 1 this past weekend (apparently, Bella/Kristen Stewart rocks them as part of her pregnancy look, which seems appropriate).  So today I am thankful for this much-needed tip from my sister, and for the fact that it is now possible for comfy to dress up.

Saturday Pants in heather midnight, on sale for $49.50
by J. Crew

J. Crew's Saturday Pants are their chic alternative to leggings, designed for lounging and/or running errands around town.  Knit using a special twisted yarn for a sophisticated heathered look, these pants also feature an elastic waistband with a drawstring for comfortable wear.  With their refined yet cozy appeal, I would venture to say that these pants should be worn much more frequently than just Saturday.  In fact, as much as I love my Colby sweats, I'm about to order a pair now so as to dress up my new uniform.   So thank you again, lovely sister, for this critical cozy chic staple--and I hope you've ordered yours too!

Episode 6: Jeans For Dress-Up

When I was growing up, there was a distinct separation between casual clothes and dress-up clothes.  Dress-up clothes were for church, parties, airplanes (remember those days?), and weddings or funerals, whereas casual clothes were for pretty much all other occasions.  This separation was just as important as cardinal fashion rules like wearing a slip under a skirt or no white after labor day.  In fact, even into my angsty teenage years, I pretty much subscribed to this wardrobe dichotomy.  It wasn't until I moved to LA for college that my staunch New England fashion preconceptions loosened a bit, and I discovered there was an entire style spectrum in between casual and dress-up.  During my four year stint in the City of Angels, I learned a lot about fashion--not to mention, life in general--but perhaps the most important fashion message was that you can (and should) wear jeans for dress-up, and it is for this revelation that I will be eternally thankful to my one-time home of LA.

Some ponder important life questions like: what came first, the chicken or the egg?  As for me, I wonder whether jeans for dress-up inspired the designer denim fad (a trend that is happily alive and well today) or if the designer denim fad made it okay to wear denim to dinner and a movie?  Regardless, I learned about both during my undergraduate years, and my wardrobe has never been the same.  I hoard designer denim like, well, a hoarder--and there have even been times when my husband has had to set some harsh limits for me, like no more jeans until I get rid of some that I already have (sigh).  But I digress... 

The beauty of jeans for dress-up is that they are as stylish as they are comfortable, and when I'm wearing my favorite denim, I never feel more like myself--which is precisely how any girl wants to feel, regardless of the occasion.  Interestingly enough, denim has a spectrum in and of itself.  That is to say, there are some pairs of jeans that I reserve for casual wear and others that are more appropriate for going out.  The difference between the two, of course, is further reinforced by footwear choice: Uggs or heeled leather boots, Converse or Louboutins, flip flops or flats, and so on.

But don't get me wrong.  Now that I'm all grown up, I love playing dress-up just as much--if not more--than I did when I was a little girl.  But with the exception of church, the really fancy occasions are few and far between, and the occasions that call for just a little something special are far more frequent.  And this is how I rationalize all the jeans that I already own--and all that I still want to buy...  So thank you, LA LA Land, for teaching me about casual couture and the absolute necessity of jeans for dress-up.  My fashion sensibilities will be forever indebted.


High Waisted Skinny Jean in "adore me" wash, $125
By J. Crew



4 Gifts For Grads: The Guy Edition

Yes, guys graduate too--and after last week's graduation gift post, I promised that I'd follow up with the guy's gift edition.  So, without any fanfare or further ado, perhaps the following will help you decide what to give that adorable guy for graduation...


One Sketch a Day: A Visual Journal, $15.95
Available at Urban Outfitters

 If your grad is artsy-craftsy...then One Sketch a Day: A Visual Journal will give him a place to keep his daily inspirations.  This sketchbook includes space to draw each day for one year, and then one day--in a galaxy (or life stage) far, far away--he can look back and remember the year after he graduated, the bittersweet time when he (gulp) joined the working world.


Leather Railway Bag, $278 (on sale!)
by J. Crew

 If your grad already has a swanky office gig lined up...then it's high time he retire his college backpack or messenger bag.  Based on an old commuter's bag discovered at a London flea market, J. Crew's Leather Railway Bag is gentlemanly and corporate--without trying too hard.  With all sort of handy pockets, it's the ideal commuter bag and is sure to take your grad from mailroom to boardroom in no time.


Bacon Money Clip, $65
By Jack Spade

 If your grad is ready to bring home the bacon...then he's going to need a place to put it!  Made of stainless steel, Jack Spade's Bacon Money Clip is perfect for cash and cards.  Plus, it's clever inscription will keep your grad's eyes on the prize.  It's all about the Benjamins, baby.


Pocket Watch, $99.95
Available from Red Envelope

 If your grad prides himself on punctuality... then a personalized pocket watch ensures he make time for style too.  Made of brass with brushed chrome plating, the inside face reveals the watch's skeleton so you can--quite literally--see what makes it tick.  For a more personal touch, you can also choose to monogram the front, or add a message or date on the back.   So if you really, really feel the need to quote Oh! The Places You'll Go!, here's your chance.

So there you have it.  By now, you may be feeling a tad sentimental--and there's no shame in that.  But try to keep it together--if only for the sake of your grad--and, if at all possible, resist the urge to listen to Green Day's Time of Your Life.  Happy graduation, class of 2011!

4 Gifts For Grads

My dear sister--and fellow blogger--will be graduating from Colby College next Sunday so I've been thinking a bit about graduation over these last few weeks.  Graduation gifts are often a category that I struggle with, wanting to remain appropriately sentimental without even a hint of cheese.  I have generally found my way (and my sister's gift is pretty freaking fabulous, if I do say so myself), but in case any of you are currently struggling with the "gifts for grads" category, perhaps you can find a bit of inspiration in today's post.


Go! Reminder Necklace by Dogeared, $46

  If your grad is a go-getter...  Instead of giving her another copy of Oh! The Places You'll Go!, you can still share words of encouragement with this sterling silver "Go!" Reminder Necklace by Dogeared.  Featuring a tiny, sterling silver arrow charm on a delicate sterling chain, this necklace promises to "inspire anyone who wears it to keep moving in a positive direction, chase their dreams, and make their wishes come true."


Hire Me Scoop Tee from Urban Outfitters, $24

 If your grad has a sense of humor--and perhaps a job already lined up?...  You're sure to make her smile by bringing some comic relief to what is often an emotionally charged day.  After all, there's absolutely nothing wrong with a little shameless self-promotion.


2011 Graduation Charm Bracelet
by Juicy Couture, $148
Available at Neiman Marcus

 If your grad lives a charmed life...  Nothing says "congrats" quite as boldly as a bit of bling, and as always, Juicy Couture takes it to the next level.  This 2011 Graduation Charm Bracelet features a gold chain link with graduation themed charms, including a class ring, rhinestone "2011," yearbook, and graduation cap.


How to Be a Hepburn in a Hilton World
by Jordan Christy, $9.87
Available at Barnes & Noble

 If your grad keeps it classy at the head of her class...  Perhaps there has never been a "how to" guide quite as relevant for the elegantly modern girl than How to Be a Hepburn in a Hilton World.  Delving into "the art of living with style, class, and grace" will take your gracious grad from mailroom to boardroom in no time.

Okay, so obviously these gifts are for the girl grads, but I haven't forgotten about the guys.  More to come in the next episode...  Stay tuned!

Wallets: Out With the Old, In With the New

I distinctly remember my mom buying me a pink Vera Bradley wallet when I was in elementary school and calling it my "training wallet." I wasn't allowed to carry any real money around in it until I proved that I was responsible enough to keep track of its whereabouts (totally normal, right?). I passed the test, and remained loyal to Vera Bradley wallets all the way until this past December.

Zip ID Case in boysenberry by Vera Bradley, $12

In college, my Vera Bradley "wallet" with a key-ring attachment was ideal; it allowed me to keep my room and mailbox key together with my Colby Card, which was prominently displayed in the clear plastic window built into the wallet. Somehow, I also managed to fit all my cash, cards, and change into the small--though often overcrowded--wallet too, which meant I hardly ever needed to carry my handbag with me when I went out. Great system while I was at school, but... not so great once I entered the real world. I realized it was time for a more grown-up look AND a more sophisticated storage system. Plus, carrying a purse meant that I could have my keys in a separate place from my wallet...oh the possibilites!

Nero Intrecciato Nappa by Bottega Veneta, $680

 After exploring my options online, I settled on the continental wallet style. With a zipper to contain everything, and slots to organize all my cards it seemed ideal. I was immediately drawn to Tory Burch's Robinson Zip Continental Wallet, but I continued to search. I then managed to fall in love with an amazing Bottega Veneta wallet, but seeing as how I wouldn't have much money left over to store in the wallet, Bottega and I had to part ways.

Back to Tory. With wallets available in a variety of colors and materials, it seems there must be a style for everybody at Tory Burch, but it was the leather Robinson that truly spoke to me. And seeing as how I wanted to have money left to store in my wallet after making the purchase, Tory Burch's pricetag seemed reasonable. I decided on a simple design: black leather with a gold logo, a classic start to what I hope will ultimately be my extensive wallet collection. And mom would be proud because, so far, I haven't lost it.



Robinson Zip Continental in black leather by Tory Burch, $225






Go Back To School In Style

Though I've been out of school for a few years now, I feel like the phrase "back to school" will forever conjure images of stately brick school buildings, teachers with horn-rimmed glasses, stacks of homework and books to read, and--perhaps my favorite--a few new additions to the wardrobe to start the school year right. You should know, I'm using the word "wardrobe" rather loosely here, so as to cover all manners of fashion. Including handbags.

As luck would have it, I popped into Kate Spade during a shopping trip this past weekend. My intention was to examine their selection of diaper bags, but I was almost immediately distracted by what looked like one of my favorite books, The Great Gatsby. As it turned out, it wasn't a copy of Gatsby but rather a clutch that resembled the book!

Indeed, Kate Spade's collection of "Book of the Month" clutches is a clever re-imagination of classic titles, also including Great Expectations and The Importance of Being Earnest. Their reasoning? Some books simply should not be left on the shelves! Each clutch is crafted from laminated silk twill with a metallic cowhide trim clasp closure. The interior--lined with custom woven pinstripe silk faille--features a handy zip pocket and six credit card slots, which means that fellow bookworms have more than enough room to tote a library card!

Once again, it just goes to show that reading can be fun AND educational. For this humble fashionista, the "back to school" season has never looked SO good!


Images, in order of appearance: (1) The Great Gatsby and (2) Great Expectations, both clutches from Kate Spade's "Book of the Month" line--$325 each, available from Kate Spade (http://www.katespade.com/).

In Remembrance of Summer Reading Lists

Remember summer reading lists? These days, my reading lists are mostly self-imposed or for the sake of my book group, but nothing compared to the pressure of finishing up a book just in time for the first day of school. My dear friend, Talyn, and I would often take snacks and camp out in Harvard Yard to try to get our reading done as summer vacation came to a close; the only trouble is, the squirrels are eerily tame there--and one of us reads much faster than the other... Still, I sort of miss the enforced academia, the tiny black and white print on countless pages of classic literature. Fortunately for me (and any other resident dorks out there), now you can wear the best and brightest of your summer reading list! I kid you not.

Established in 1984, Out of Print is a clothing company with a mission to celebrate the world's great stories through fashion. So there ARE other resident dorks out there in the world of fashion--hurray! Their line of tees feature iconic book covers, many of which are now out of print. Among other classic works, their collection includes The Catcher In the Rye, Moby Dick, and even The Hound of the Baskervilles. Okay, NOW do you remember summer reading lists? Even more fantastic is that they have a men's line and a women's line so if you're sweetie is as bookworm-ish as you are, you'll be in fashionable company. Plus, they're cozy too! According to the Out of Print website, each shirt is treated to feel soft and worn like a well-read book. And if you really want to feel good about your purchase, you should know that for every tee-shirt sold, Out of Print will donate one book to a community in need, thanks to their partnership with Books for Africa.

As the end of summer approaches, you may be lacking that looming deadline of "must reads," but you can easily fill that academic void with a few "must buy" tee-shirts instead. So go ahead, do it in remembrance of summer reading lists. It might just be a good story...



Images, in order of appearance: (1) Tales of the Jazz Age tee $28, available from Out of Print (http://www.outofprintclothing.com/); (2) Moby Dick tee $28, also from Out of Print.

Angry Music, Vampires, & New England--Oh My! An Ode to Black

Lately, I'm all about black. Black clothes are pretty much my uniform at work, black nails have become a part of my identity, a light smokey eye has taken over my cosmetic repertoire, and even my hair is black now. I love black for being simultaneously functional, chic, and totally classic.

So what's the deal? Have I gone emo? Am I a bit too obsessed with vampires? Maybe there's a little too much angry music on my iPod? My mother will tell you it's New England. When she and my Daddy moved back to Boston after living in LA for years, she said that her technicolor sunny California wardrobe stood out like a sore thumb against the black and grey New England background. So maybe that's it--maybe I'm a little too New England...

Whatever the reason, black is the new black--at least for me. So as an ode to the color I so dearly love and obsess over, I thought I would share some of my favorite black possessions with you. Some are old, some are new--but none are borrowed and NONE are blue!

Black Tee. Okay, let's rewind to the part about how I might be a little too obsessed with vampires: it's true. But can we also talk about what an amaaazing husband I have, considering that he purchased this tee for me, despite my competing affections for the fictitious and fiercely handsome pale face? Is it so wrong to love them equally?



Black Nails. French manicures are soooo last year! Like a little black dress (LBD!), black nails are classic. Whether you opt for Chimney Sweep or Black Satin, rest assured that your nails will work for day or night, work or play. Just make sure you keep your nails short and square; we don't need to get all creature from the black lagoon or anything.

Black Jeans. My office has a no denim rule. I know, right?--so unfair! The kicker is that my jeans are some of the nicest things I own! Yet, I have found that it's possible to bend the rules with black jeans, and my pair of black Joe's Jeans with their tasteful cigarette leg is my favorite way to go. Am I going to get totally nailed by putting this confession on the internet? Likely. But for the sake of you fashionistas living in a no-denim-by-day world out there, I'll take the hit.

Black Shoes. I received my first pair of Chucks as a child, but we were reacquainted during college when a friend gave me a pair (adult-sized this time) for my birthday--and it's been a love affair ever since. Unlike Kristen Stewart, I never wear them with a party dress--nor do I wear them to work (some rules can neither be bent nor broken). But every other time and place is fair game. Like most black apparel, they are comfortable, classic, and fabulous.

Black Hoodie. Sometimes a fashionista just wants to be cozy (hello, lolly.brand!), and nothing is more cozy than a hoodie. For years now, my black hoodie and I have been inseparable. Granted, my "black hoodie" is more like a series of different black hoodies that have been used, abused, and worn out. My new favorite brand for cozy-cozies is Alternative Apparel (not to be confused with American Apparel), AND if you're loving this fabulous Rocky style hoodie, then just wait until it has the skater graphic from brand.L by lolly.brand on it!* Coming soon...

Painting my nails in preparation for a friend's Christmas party a couple of weeks ago, my adorable husband remarked that black wasn't exactly the most festive choice. Nonetheless, it certainly looked fierce with my black and gold Yansi Fugel dress! What can I say? I guess I'm just happy being a black sheep--and loving angry music, vampires, and New England (obvi).

See you next year, dearest fashionista friends! I'll be the one wearing black...

XOXO,
Lolly



*Obviously, I'm ALL about shameless self-promotion, so let me just add this: brand.L skater hoodies will be available in January 2010--yay! Stay tuned at www.lollybrand.net for exclusive details. Plus, lolly.brand is now on Facebook; join the group by clicking here!


Images, in order of appearance: (1) Gashly Crumb Tinies drawing by Edward Gorey, image thanks to http://www.mentalfloss.com; (2) Team Edward Crew $24 from Urban Outfitters, online at www.urbanoutfitters.com; (3) Black Satin Nail Polish by Chanel, photo from www.fashionista.com; (4) Cigarette Leg Jeans in black by Joe's Jeans $165, available at Shopbop (www.shopbop.com); (5) Converse sneakers in black, photo thanks to Star Style Inc. (www.starstyleinc.com); (6) Rocky Zip Up Fleece Hoodie in eco black by Alternative Apparel, photo thanks to Alternative Apparel (http://www.alternativeapparel.com/).

Too Turquoise

One bland November weekend (well, not really--it was right before Thanksgiving), I ventured up Canada way (Montréal, in particular, of course!) to visit some old friends and recall the simple pleasures of my summer life. I was invited to a surprise engagement/birthday party of a friend, and while I was there, noticed a beautiful and exciting trend: deep turqouise for fall.

Everyone was doing it. The bride-to-be/birthday girl had on a beautiful black and turquoise dress. Her best friend's dress was also in the same family. As I looked down, I noticed that I was wearing turquoise tights with my burgundy pumps and little black dress. It was everywhere, even the lights in our classy Gossip Girl-esque supper club. Even Bella is doing it.

When I trudged back to Ohio (sigh), I noticed it was everywhere here as well. When my Astronomy professor wore a turquoise shirt to class, I knew it was truly a trend. Interestingly, we also have learned in Astronomy that, when stars are moving towards us, they are called "blueshifted" because we perceive the light they emit as blue due to their motion. A blue tint also indicates new star formation in the sky. Fashion taking a hint from the Laws of Physics? I'm peachy with that.

Blue, especially lighter turqouise, is so often seen as a summer color, given its bright, tropical and beachy feel. Yet, a deeper turquoise is showing us all that there can be some versatility to color, and there is a way to wear blue in autumn without defaulting to navy.

The verdict: love it. It's a perfect pop of color that plays surprisingly well with others, especially neutrals. It's the perfect color for a scarf, tights, or even pendant if you're in the mood for a touch of the American Southwest. So don't just settle for bland blues; invest in some new turquoise pieces and see what happens!

xoxo la montréalaise

Images, in order of appearance: (1) Bella Swan and Edward Cullen (http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2120989/bella_swan_from_twilight_halloween.html); (2) Turquoise ballet flats, available at Polyvore (www.polyvore.com).

Coming To A Head

In true Oberlin style, I was sitting in my afternoon dance class (which is unusual, seeing that we are usually moving!), Improvisation, which today was merged with the Collaborative Investigations class. Our purpose? To listen to Pulitzer-prize winning composer David Lang advise us on the collaborative and creative process. As I looked around the dance studio, I observed the mix of students: dancers from my class, as well as a blend of composers and musicians from the Conservatory and dance majors from the College working on projects together within the Collaborative Investigations class. It was, to say the least, a very interesting fashion mix, to be sure--from leotards to Prada loafers.

Among the sea of students, I was struck by a girl wearing the infamous forehead headband. My memory was immediately jogged, recalling London from America's Next Top Model Cycle 12, who was always sporting her headband across her forehead (much to Tyra's chagrin). Every pannel, Tyra would criticize London for the headband, but it would always come back. And I liked London! She posed well--if not fantastically--for pictures, and she was a pretty girl who believed in the good in people and thought it was kind of crazy that they chased her off one week for diet and weight issues. But I digress...

So it was this very "London" style choice that today left me contemplating... Sure, we wear belts to emphasize our waists, and use hems to accentuate other features. And of course, we wear bracelets on our wrists and necklaces too--so why not something on our foreheads? After all, the forehead is like the center of the chain, a vessel for the very minds that make us the strong, thoughtful women that we are. It's like saying, "Hey. Look right here. See what this is? Yeah, it's pretty great."

As far as celebrities go, Nicole Richie and MK have been spotted wearing the (fore)headband, a true testament to today's Boho-Hollywood feel. Relinquishing control of clothing and sporting less structured garments and hairstyles speaks to fashion's hopefully growing laissez-faire attitude, thus allowing style to develop, rather than be dictated. Always a joy to see.

The verdict for the everday girl: I think it's all too easy to make a mistake--too probable that your hair might bunch up on top (eew), or that the band could leave unsightly imprint lines. But for the goddesses of fierce among us, I say: go forth. Channel your inner Helen of Troy and draw attention to the strength and wonder of that pretty little head.

Images, in order of appearance: (1) ANTM's London, Cycle 12 (community.livejournal.com/topmodel/2403512.html); (2) London again, appearing on America's Next Top Model ( metanorn.kokidokom.net/2009/03/goddess-of-fierce/); (3) Nicole Richie and Mary Kate Olson sporting forehead headbands (http://stylenews.peoplestylewatch.com/2006/08/25/forehead-bands/).