Cute & Funky

GoJane


GoJane
Throw these 2 items on with a pair of large silver hoops, a stack of silver bangles and a gray or white tee or tank and you have a cute, funky and unique outfit to wear just about anywhere. Can anyone say CASUAL FRIDAY?!?!

One of my fave color combos

One of my favorite color combos is fuschia and green. And I especially love it in simple, classic pieces put together.


Lulu's


Lulu's


Lulu's
Because this outfit is so simple and classic, I can see it being worn with short hair and a simple pair of studs. This outfit would look absolutely fabulous on Anne Hathaway and Ginnifer Goodwin, as well as Audrey Hepburn. And because of the combination of 2 opposite hues, it's fun while still remaining classic.

Valentine's flowers 2013

Here are my Valentine's flowers from the Hot Tamale . . . a Prabal Gurung peplum blouse from the newly released line at Target and bright lime green ankle pants to go with it.

This new collection from Prabal Gurung is absolutely amazing. It nearly caused me to short-circuit because I didn't know which piece(s) to get. But this is the piece I chose. I love the peplum silhouette and the fit is so flattering on me. I was concerned about looking crazy but if I anchor the ensemble with black sandals and a small black crossbody, it keeps me from looking like a recent circus recruit. I also have a pair of royal blue ankle pants and several pairs of black dress slacks that pair well with the top. The Hot Tamale says that I look "chic" in this outfit. Mission accomplished.

Another Patricia Field great

Patricia Field has done it again! Actually, I guess it would be Vivienne Westwood, the designer of Carrie Bradshaw's wedding dress from the 1st SATC movie. Either way, these Vivienne Westwood lace-ups are on sale on the Patricia Field website for only $50. They were originally $200. It doesn't say what they are made of but they appear to possibly be made out of rubber. How much fun and possibly even a little bit sassy is that?!?!?!

I think that these would look absolutely fabulous with a pair of tweed wide-leg slacks and a black concert t-shirt, accented with fire-engine red fingernails for a fun GNO or date night. Plus, who doesn't want something fun and fabulous designed by the creator of Carrie Bradshaw's wedding dress??

Shades of gray

I recently purchased this gray knit skirt from Old Navy. It is so incredibly comfy.

Then I added these Steve Madden booties, which were a gift, along with gray textured tights.

Because of the neutrality of the bottom half, the top half can be topped with just about anything. A button-down topped with a denim jacket, a lightweight sweater or sweatshirt or even just a t-shirt. Just make sure that the top half has some color so you don't end up looking like a concrete statue.

These jeans are on my wishlist

I WANT THESE JEANS ! ! ! I know that I shouldn't but I totally want them. I have wanted a pair of dramatic, high-waisted jeans like these since I was a zygote. And I found them on the Patricia Field website for only $10 but OF COURSE they don't have them in my size. That figures.

These have got to be one of the most flattering pairs of jeans ever made. The high waist sucks everything in and keeps it there. Because the waist is so high, they make your legs look like they are about a pisquillion miles long. The dark wash is slimming. And the leg openings aren't too wide or too skinny. It's hard to see the actual length but, if they come to your heel, then they will be absolutely perfect.

These would look HOT with a simple white button down and red heels. CLASSIC!

The great thing about a strapless dress . . .

. . . is that it is so versatile. Let me explain.

This Betsey Johnson dress could be paired with any of the following:

1. Little flats and a denim jacket.
2. A white button-down shirt and black pumps.
3. A hot pink t-shirt and a pair of open-toe booties.
4. Simple black strappy sandals and a turquoise clutch.
5. A black bolero jacket & hot pink pumps.
6. Little flat black sandals, a black lightweight cardigan and big Jackie O sunglasses.

The options are endless!

Jen's hair

Of course, the big buzz today is Jennifer Aniston's hair. IT IS AMAZING!!!!! I just saw it and had to include it on my blog.

This new do makes Jen look so much more sophisticated that it isn't even funny. This hair is so hot!

After looking at it for about a split second, I decided that this would also look amazing on my sister, Wonder Woman. I haven't seen her in awhile but I'm assuming that she still has hair to her waist. Anyhow, this hair would look amazing on Wonder Woman because it's sophisticated, it draws the eye up (which in turn makes you seem taller & thinner), it's classic yet still H - O - T and it doesn't require a commitment to short hair since it's still a mid-length.

Now onto a new outfit for Jen to go with her new hair . . .

















This outfit is edgy with a touch of class. The dress is another Patricia Field and the shoes are Manolo Blahniks. I would not put Jen in the gloves because that would be over-the-top edgy for her. Instead, I would simply pair this outfit with a knuckle-dusting black diamond ring set in blackened gold. Very chic and simple.

This Patricia Field dress would be another option, except in black . . .



I would keep all of Jen's accessories the same. She has gorgeous legs (she is a jogger - in sand, no less) and this outfit would show them off. It would also take her look to the next level.

WAY TO GO, JEN AND CHRIS MCMILLAN!

An outfit for Carrie Bradshaw

I could totally see Carrie Bradshaw wearing this jumpsuit by Gracia . . .

with these purple suede pumps by Charles Jourdan.

And, of course, who can forget the gorgeous black diamond ring that Mr. Big gave her at the end of SATC2?!?!?!

In addition, she would wear her ginormous gold "Carrie" earrings, a necklace with red cherries and carry a lime green or bubble gum pink clutch. (Note: Carrie Bradshaw doesn't always "match" but she always makes it work)

I could see Carrie wearing this out to a nice romantic dinner with Mr. Big or a girls night out with Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha. This outfit is comfy but completely fabulous!

The ultimate . . . Harrod's

One of my favorite things to do is to go to the Harrod's website and drool over all the fashions. There are many things that I would never be caught dead in but there are many things that I absolutely love. Below is one of these items - a French Connection skirt.



This skirt has a slightly higher waistline which is very slimming and it also elongates the legs.

I would wear this with a silky black button-down blouse and simple black pumps to wear to the office. It could also be paired with a simple white button-down blouse, a red 1" patent leather belt with a bow (found that at Forever 21 for under $10) and gray mid-heel pumps.

This skirt would be another highly versatile item and well worth the investment.

Oo La La!

Here is yet another Patricia Field outfit. This would be a really great date outfit. But the dress is kind of multi-purpose. It could also be paired with a pair of little black flats, black wedge espadrilles or black flat sandals for a nice casual look. Or you could pair it with a simple black blazer, simple black pumps (no glitter) and a black multi-chain necklace and wear it to work - provided that your workplace is not too conservative.




I highly recommend investing in a multi-purpose dress such as this. It doesn't have to have a pattern or be fancy. A simple silhouette will work best and lay nicely under layering pieces. It will make packing easy and will give you many dressing options.

Another Patricia Field outfit

I absolutely fell in love with these items when I saw them. The skirt is so much fun and is very feminine. I love the shoes because they give the skirt a little bit of an edge. (Yes, the heels are actually a pair of brass knuckles - what an interesting detail for a shoe!)

If I were going to wear these, I would pair them with a standard white button-down, some black patterned tights and a onyx and silver chunky necklace. If I wanted to be a little fancier, I would replace the white button-down with a silky black button-down blouse, replace the patterned tights with sheer black hose and carry a small brightly-colored clutch.

If I were going to put these on Lady Gaga, I would pair them with a white lace long-sleeved turtleneck, white lace gloves, white lace tights and a white wide-rimmed Kentucky Derby-style hat.

If I were going to put these on Diane Keaton, I would pair them with a standard white button-down (buttoned all the way to the neck), an onyx and silver brooch with chain details at the neck, white opaque tights with black polka-dots and a pair of white gloves with a black bow at the wrist.

If I were going to put these on Sarah Jessica Parker, I would pair them with a simple white tanktop, black leather fingerless half-gloves and I would pile on the pearl necklaces - all different lengths but all white.

If I were going to put these on Rihanna, I would pair them with a black corset and a black jet beaded bib necklace that covered her neck and cascaded onto the upper chest. Bare legs, of course.

But if I were going to put these on a young lady for the prom, I would pair them with a simple white crew-neck t-shirt with cap sleeves, white lacy tights (but not too lacy), a big pearl necklace or choker with sparkly details, a faux-fur 3/4 sleeve bolero jacket probably in black or leopard print and a pair of hot pink or red or purple opera length gloves. I would probably also include a pearl bracelet that matches the necklace or choker over the gloves.

These items are so versatile, yet still fun, at any age!

If I could pick a stylist, it would be . . .

PATRICIA FIELD ! ! !
(Patricia Field is on the right in this picture, obviously)

Patricia Field is the costume designer for such movies as "Sex & the City", "Sex & the City 2", "The Devil Wears Prada" and "Confessions of a Shopaholic". She is also the costume designer for such television shows as "Ugly Betty" and "Sex & the City" (the series).

When it comes to movies and television shows that have amazing style, all of the above are at the top of my list.

But Patricia Field also has her own designs. I just went to her website and checked it out. Some of her designs are way over the top but some things just have that extra something. (I LOVE clothing and accessories that have some sort of special detail that make them unique.)


This is just a little something that I threw together for my other older sister, La Hairdresser, from the Patricia Field website. I think she would look so amazing in this outfit.

The black diamond earrings elongate the neck. The one-shoulder jumpsuit is modern yet still sexy and sophisticated. The hot pink glittery pumps add just a pop of color. I think this would be a great date outfit for a smoky, sexy jazz club.

Stay tuned for other outfits that I have come up with, using Patricia Field designs!

Pre - remodel

I was browsing through a 2nd-hand store a couple of years ago when I stumbled across this skirt. Of course, it attracted my attention because it was purple and the fabric was fantastic. It's obviously too big for me and way too full for me. But I could see its potential to be something better so I went ahead and purchased it (for approximately $3-$5). Its been laying around my house, doing absolutely nothing. I'm trying to decide what to make out of it. I'm thinking something like a pencil skirt with a high waist, very fitted, below the knee, very Audrey. I think that would look amazing.

When I've decided and I actually do something with the skirt, I'll post pix of the post-remodel.

I changed my mind . . .

Okay, I went back and looked at my "improvised" outfit from my March 3 post and I've changed my mind. I don't like it at all - improvised or not. My black ballet flats look wierd. I'm sure it's the way I'm standing, but they just look wierd. The sweatshirt is pretty bulky and my skinny jeans also look wierd. Again, probably just the way I'm standing. Oh well . . . hindsight is always 20/20!

The mini-fashionista

For my niece's upcoming birthday, I wanted to send her an actual gift that required some thought. So, I consulted her parents and was extremely excited to find out that she is VERY into fashion. A mini-fashionista, if you will. I was totally psyched to have the opportunity (or shoportunity) to shop for a mini-fashionista. Here is what I ended up with:


I HOPE SHE LIKES IT!!!

The outfit consists of an uber-cool tie-dyish/ombre t-shirt with a tattoo-style butterfly print, light wash demin capri pants, white studded gladiator-ish flip-flops and a sparkly turquoise purse stuffed with all kinds of goodies that a mini-fashionista will love.

HAPPY 8th BIRTHDAY TO THE MINI-FASHIONISTA!!!

My improvisation

When we went on our minivacation a few weeks ago, we were not prepared for the cold weather they were having. I attended an event to which I wore flip-flops. As we arrived at the event, it began to rain. After standing in a vendor tent for about an hour and a half, we left to go get something to eat. While we were out and about, I stopped at the dollar store and purchased socks. I don't even want to confess this . . . but here goes . . . I wore black argyle socks with a pair of silver flip-flops. I know, I know . . . Stacy and Clinton would not approve!

The next day we were going to be attending a different event so I dug into my husband's suitcase to improvise a suitable outfit. I already had a purple polo shirt, skinny jeans, black ballet flats and a mauve canvas conductors hat. I knew that wouldn't be warm enough so I borrowed his black hooded sweatshirt and his black leather belt. I don't think it turned out too bad. I stayed warm and I think it looked pretty good considering it was an improvised outfit.

Thermal therapy

My husband says that I need to seek therapy for my addiction to thermal tops. What can I say?! I love thermal tops. They are so versatile. I've purchased 4 in the last couple of months and I intend to purchase more. They go with just about anything from jeans to dresses. They can be dressed up or down.



(upper left) I've paired this thermal with a multi-colored stone statement necklace from Avon (received as a Christmas gift). Lavender scoopneck thermal top, Highland Outfitters, purchased at Family Dollar for $3.

(lower left) I've paired this thermal with gunmetal chain earrings and a gunmetal multi-strand chain necklace that I've double-looped (both purchased at Target). Gray scoopneck thermal top with ruffled front, Bugle Boy, purchased at Family Dollar for $5.

(upper right) I've paired this thermal with a 5-strand multi-colored freshwater pearl necklace (purchased at Blossom for $20). Cream scoopneck thermal top with ruffled front, Bugle Boy, purchased at Family Dollar for $5.

(lower right) I've paired this thermal with a simple silvertone disc necklace (it actually came with the top!) and a chunky pink mother of pearl and sterling silver ring (purchased at K-Mart). Coral v-neck thermal top, Op, purchased at Wal-Mart for $8.

Just throw on any of the above with a pair of skinny jeans (or regular jeans) and a pair of ballet flats and you are ready to go. I also wear any of the tops without the accessories with skinny jeans and black ballet flats and get out the door. So simple yet casual chic!

Dinner and a show

The Hot Tamale took me to a dinner theatre last night for Valentine's Day. I figured that the least I could do is take my Valentine's flowers along.



This outfit is made up of the following: 1. Black fly-away blazer, purchased at the Windsor Outlet several years ago for about $30; 2. Navy blue tie neck blouse, purchased at Forever 21 several years ago for about $25; 3. Gray, purple, black and blue striped skirt, purchased at Target about 2 years ago for about $30 (designed by Richard Chai); 4. Black leggings, purchased at Wal-Mart a couple of weeks ago for $5; 5. Gray suede ankle boots, received as a gift.

I try to purchase clothing items that are somewhat classic so that I can get more wear out of them. It's easy to just add some trendy leggings and boots to update the outfit.

Just a little aside: I wish that I had worn a different blouse, perhaps a black velvet mock turtleneck would have looked better.