Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Today is Earth Day, and while I'm tempted to tout all the eco-friendly beauty products I've been reading about this week (it seems all the fashion blogs have gone green this week), my Earth Day fashion message is a simple one: reduce, reuse, recycle. If you grew up in a public school system like mine, then you probably learned about the "three Rs" in second grade, but who knew there was a fashion lesson therein? Indeed, one of the most eco-friendly moves you can make is to enjoy AND share fashion that's already right there.

Truly, there is nothing greener that reducing your carbon footprint by indulging in pre-existing clothing and accessories (think: vintage, consignment shops, Ebay!). Not only is it the "green" thing to do, but the pre-owned route can save you a pretty penny. In fact, in celebration of Earth Day, my favorite consignment chain, Second Time Around, is having a special sale this weekend. Between now and Sunday, you can save 20% on all new arrivals--and if you're not familiar with Second Time Around's process, anything that isn't a "new arrival" is marked down even more, depending on how long it's been in the store. Yay savings!

Yet, even more important than indulging ourselves is the fact that we can reduce waste by recycling our cast-offs. Now, I'm entirely sure that I'm preaching to the choir on this one, but that sweater that looked so great in the catalogue but is still hanging in the back of your closet a year later (ring a bell?) could go a long ways towards helping someone. If you're not yet familiar with Dress For Success, it's an amazing organization whose mission is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. We all know what a tough economy it is out there and just how important it is to make a powerful first impression. Now you can help a woman land that job and start a new career by donating a suit or other business-appropriate clothing.

These are just a few ideas on how to make your Earth Day--and all your days--happier and perhaps more meaningful. But as an added bonus, now they can be more stylish too! Happy Earth Day, dearest fashionista friends.

Psst... To learn more about Dress For Success and how you can help, visit their website by clicking here.

Image: Yes, that's me, sitting in an absolutely enormous Burberry bag. And yes, I'm trying to be metaphorical or something. ;)

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.

Five Fun, Festive Gifts Under $50 (A Girl's Guide to Giving to Guys)

As you ladies may already know, in last week's post, we gave your guy a few gift ideas for you (Awww! So sweet, right?). Now the tables have turned. Are you done with your holiday shopping yet? I didn't think so. Never fear, today's handy guide to giving features five fun, festive guy gifts. Feeling the urge to splurge? No need! These gifts are conveniently priced under $50 each...

1. Printed Lumberjack Pullover Hoodie from Urban Outfitters: As rugged as your manly man claims to be, you know he could use the extra layer. This hoodie's outdoorsy lumberjack print may inspire him to venture outside to chop wood, but maybe you can convince him to cozy up with you by the fire instead... Pricetag: $34

2. Scrolling LCD Party Watch from Urban Outfitters: In love with a charming chap who isn't quite so punctual? All is not yet lost. This solar-powered, futuristic timepiece will keep him in the know, at least when it comes to day, date, and time; the rest is up to him (we know he can handle it). Pricetag: $30

3. J. Crew Secret Wash Point-Collar Shirt: Pining after a prepster prince? Keep him looking sharp with a festive red gingham shirt that's actually super soft too, thanks to J. Crew's special "secret wash." The best part? For an extra $10, you can add a monogram. After all, can you really do preppie without a monogram? Pricetag: $49.50

4. Classic SD Swiss Army Knife: Are you mooning over a mountain man? Fortunately for you, the perfect gift has arrived. This handy pocket-sized Swiss Army knife in a lively holiday red (conveniently the signature color of the Swiss Army brand) is perfect for everyday adventures--or for going on a bear hunt (your choice). Pricetag: $17.50

5. J. Crew Camp Socks: Baby, it's colddd outside! Whether your guy is a camper or a cuddler, you can keep him warm with a pair of comfy camp socks made in the last remaining sock mill in Vermont. Pricetag: $16.50

So there you have it! This year, give your guy something he will love almost as much as he loves you. So go ahead, get your shopping on! And may your days be merry and bright.

Images, in order of appearance: (1) Printed Lumberjack Pullover Hoodie in red $34, from Urban Outfitters (www.urbanoutfitters.com); (2) Scrolling LCD Party Watch in red $30, also from Urban Outfitters; (3) Secret Wash Point-Collar Shirt in large gingham/authentic red $49.50, from J. Crew (www.jcrew.com); (4) Classic SD Swiss Army Knife $17.50, from Victorinox Swiss Army (http://www.swissarmy.com/); (5) Camp Socks in salsa $16.50, also from J. Crew.

My Sister's Closet (well, sort of): Going Green

Since we have ventured into my sister's proverbial closet on numerous occasions to date, I thought we would do something different this week and boldly venture into the unknown: her medicine cabinet. After all, fashion without beauty is a total non-sequitur, and any fashionista worth her salt will tell you that the medicine cabinet is a treasure trove of beauty secrets. So what's inside Miss Annie's medicine cabinet? Well, as in many other facets of her life, my sister is going green.

No, I'm not going to preach to you about the environment (but you better not be tossing those Diet Coke cans into the trash either!). This season, my fashion-savvy sister has predicted that green will be the new "it" color for manicures everywhere, and after extensive research, our favorite option (from Rescue Beauty Lounge) is appropriately named Recycle. My sister and I agree that Recycle's appeal is the way it turns up the volume on your standard hunter green, bedazzling the nails in a striking blend of emerald green and black. With this shade, green is (quite literally)the new black.

For you manicured fashionistas out there who are unfamiliar with Rescue Beauty Lounge, it's reputation is founded in its high-quality products. As they confess on their website, Several lab technicians quit their jobs before Ji was satisfied with the polish that would bear the Rescue name. The result is a long-wearing polish created with resin and high molecular polymers to improve flexibility, durability and high shine. What you won't find - harmful and drying Touluene, Formaldehyde, or DBP. Their high-quality polish and lack of harmful toxins results in a slightly higher price tag ($18 per bottle), but their selection of long-lasting colors is truly unbeatable. You know what they say: you pay for what you get.

As far as this particular Rescue gem in concerned, I can guarantee you that my sister has done the due diligence. For those of you who don't have the privilege of knowing Annie, she is (unlike me) what you would call a "cautious shopper." Translation? She read all the customer reviews of this color on the Rescue Beauty Lounge site. That said, I'm glad she did, for we had to giggle at one customer's endorsement, My hubby luvvvsss it! Looks soooo wealthy! Hmmm... Aside from the fact that green is the color of money, I don't know what that means exactly, but I can certainly match the enthusiasm: Recycle is a fantastic color. It's bold, different, unexpected--shocking even (and we fashionistas looove shock value).

Fortunately, as the leaves disappear from the trees and the frost begins its hostile takeover, your life doesn't have to be completely devoid of green. Take heed from the contents of my sister's medicine cabinet! Even if you drive a clunker, you can still Recycle.


Image: Recycle nail color $18, from Rescue Beauty Lounge (available online at www.rescuebeauty.com).

Happy 100th!: Top 10 Under $100

Happy 100th! 100 years of She's Come Unheeled? Not quite--but never say never. Rather, today marks a major milestone for She's Come Unheeled: our 100th post! To you faithful blog followers out there, merci beaucoup for your loyal following and fashion savvy. None of this would have been possible without you!

So, to say thank you and keep the fashion celebration rolling, I have searched far and wide for a few key items (appropriately priced under $100) to celebrate the ages, ready our wardrobes for fall, and ring in the century marker with style. Allow me to introduce the contenders...















1. Thigh-Highs: Girl, you've got legs for days--and the weather is about to get chilly (not to be the bearer of bad news or anything). My crystal ball predicts that thigh-highs worn over skinny jeans or leggings with a pair of boots will be all the rage this fall. So be prepared and get 'em now!

2. Wrap It Up: Sure, you could wear a sweater or a pashmina...but these days it's all about hybrids! This wrap embraces the best of both worlds, while also giving you that hippie chic(minus the "k") look. Ooh la la!

3. Bows and Bangles: Scoot from a day in front of the computer to a night on the town with a little black dress plus these bangles from Kate Spade. The gold and lacquer bow style is very old world, giving you a little kiss of glamour that no girl should be without.

4. Mad About Madmen: I don't think I'm the only one who loves seeing Madmen pop up in my DVR after a (waaaay too) long hiatus. To borrow my friend Suz's fashion icon, this dress is so very Joan that it's impossible to say no. Red hair dye anyone?














5. Sassy Skirts: A little bit rock 'n roll, a little bit country, this Harvest Hour Skirt from Anthropologie makes me dream of pumpkin patches and hot cider. Ugg boots optional.

6. You Say Cocktail, I Say Mocktail--Either way, nothing says happy hour quite like a chunky cocktail ring. How appropriate then that cocktail rings are better with age! This one is vintage, minus the one-of-a-kind pricetag (breathe a sigh of relief) from Oh Faro's shop on Etsy.

7. You're An Animal! Animal print is the new black. I mean, it works with anything and is uncomparably edgy. I'm obsessed with this J. Crew cheetah print belt; since it's a skinny one, it's subtle yet still fierce--just like me!















8. Dressy Denim: If autumn means dark denim, this pair from Anthropologie is absolute class. The trouser cut means "appropriate for the office" (unless denim is banned at your workplace, as it is mine--tear) or for a dinner date. As you well know, versatility is the budget fashionista's bff.

9. Mind Your Moccasins: Because I'm friends with Talyn, I can be absolutely sure that I'm not the only one who adores moccasins. This knee-high pair from Minnetonka is a worthy investment, as they can be worn over leggings, skinny jeans, or with a skirt.

10. Listen To Your Mother--especially when she tells you to be eco-friendly! Respect mother dearest and mother earth with this canvas shopping tote from Dogeared. As if the fun slogan and graphic didn't sell you on this bag already, it (and other styles) can currently be found on sale at Nordstrom. Get it while supplies last!

So there you have it: ten items under $100 that guarantee a fashionable fall. As for the seasons after that? Well, you'll have to tune in to the next 100 posts to find out! What your grade school teachers didn't tell you is that, not only is reading fun and educational, but it's fashionable too. Obviously.

Love and thanks!
Lolly




Images, in order of appearance: (1) Thigh Highs in heather graphite by J. Crew $18.50, online at www.jcrew.com; (2) Abundant Wrap $88, from Anthropologie (www.anthropologie.com); (3) Idiom Bangles by Kate Spade $42, available from Bloomingdale's, online at www.bloomingdales.com; (4) Bridgette Dress by BB Dakota $79, available at Shop Style (www.shopstyle.com); (5) Harvest Hour Skirt $88, from Anthropologie, online at www.anthropologie.com; (6) Ruby Red Vintage Cocktail Ring $20, from Oh Faro's Etsy Shop (www.etsy.com); (7) Skinny Cheetah Calf Hair Belt by J. Crew $55 (online at www.jcrew.com); (8) Daughers of the Liberation High Waist Trousers $98, also from Anthropologie; (9) Minnetonka Lace-Up Knee High in dusty brown $80, available at Piperlime (www.piperlime.com); (10) Dogeared "Listen To Your Mother" Canvas Tote, on sale for $17.90 at Nordstrom (www.nordstrom.com).

Eat Your Rice and Beans--Vintage, That Is

Friends tell secrets--and since we're friends and all, I'm willing to share one of the best kept secrets in designer deals. Forget Ebay! Rice and Beans Vintage is the online spot for both contemporary and vintage designer clothes, shoes, handbags, and jewelry--and at the most reasonable prices, to boot.

Each item is carefully selected by owner Sarah Korsiak Cellier, who understands that "vintage is all about fun and self expression, mixing the old with the new." Her understanding of classic styles and current trends is fully evident in the store inventory. And for those of you who stray from the world of PETA, there's even a fur salon--ooh la la!

To get the flavor of the site, allow me to give you a small serving of Rice and Beans: a dash of Chanel, a pinch of Vitadinni, and just the right amount of Gucci. Delicious is a total understatement, obviously.

So if you're in the mood to consignment shop but are stuck at the office (like too many fashionistas that I know), your luck is changing: handpicked designer bliss is now just a few mouse clicks away! The only downside is that items sell quickly, so you need to act fast. After all, no one likes cold rice and beans. Bon appétit, darlings!

Images, in order of appearance--all from Rice and Beans Vintage, online at http://www.riceandbeansvintage.com/: (1) Collector's Vintage 70's Chanel White Quilted Leather Box Handbag $700; (2) Vintage 80's Adrienne Vittadini Bold Floral Circle Skirt $50; (3) Vintage 80's Gucci Black Leather Riding Boots $400.

Sew Cool

On my list of things I wish I could do, you will find sewing somewhere close to the top. I envision myself in a small but chic workspace, buzzing away on my Singer machine, creating some elaborate couture dress that will dazzle all of the fashion world. I'll admit, this fantasy reads a little bit like the fashionista's version of Cinderella.

The truth of the matter is that I actually do own a sewing machine--and it lives comfortably in the trunk of my car since my apartment is too small to fit the machine anywhere. One of these days I fully intend to take lessons, but until then, what's a girl to do? If you're a wannabe seamstress like me, read on.

This weekend, the Somerville Arts Council and Fusion Ethos Fashion presents Sew What?!, an event dedicated to fashion, art, shopping, and even a Swap-o-Rama. Swap-o-Rama? Sounds fancy, right?--like the Lollapalooza of shopping and/or swapping--which actually isn't too far from the truth. At the Swap-o-Rama, attendees can explore creative re-purposing (so hot right now--and eco-friendly to boot!) through the recycling of used clothing as part of a community clothing swap and do-it-yourself workshop. And you know how I loooove DIY!

If you are an inventive fashionista who finds herself with a free Saturday, look no further--this is THE event. Bring your unwanted clothing for the ultimate in fashion DIY:
Who? you
What? Sew, What?!
Where? Central Plaza in Somerville's Union Square
When? Saturday (June 27, 2009) from 3-7 pm--rain date is Sunday 6/28
Why? because true fashion is worth a little elbow grease!

So mark your calendar for an event that is just SEW cool--you wouldn't want to miss it.

Image from Sew, What's New?, a blog devoted to sewing: http://sewwhatsnew.ning.com/.

Seeing Green

Unless you have been living under a rock, then you are well aware that green is so the new black. Fortunately, it's now so hip to be green that the selection of environmentally conscious apparel and accessories grows daily.

Personally, I love my Whole Foods' shoppers, made from 80-100% recycled material. These sturdy little bags are available for just $1 a pop and can be used to carry groceries and just about anything else your little heart desires. However, while utilitarian and brightly colored with assorted produce graphics, they do leave a little something to be desired in the fashion department---which is why I am thrilled with Dogeared's new collection of eco-friendly totes.

Now you can save the planet while looking cute--what else could a green girl ask for? Dogeared's totes are made of natural cotton canvas, silk-screened with varying designs and slogans. As an added bonus, they come wrapped in recycled brown paper (green from start to finish). My favorites are the "Wish Big" and the "White Non Trash Bag," but there are dozens more to choose from, each gently priced at $27 so that they are eco-friendly and wallet-friendly.

So what have you got to lose? Join the fight against evil plastic bags and add earth-saver to your list of fashionista qualifications. So hot.





Eco-friendly canvas bags by Dogeared, available online at www.dogeared.com.