Style Dilemma Solved: Blushing Toes Go Bright

When Kate, who's twitter "about" says "I'm a 50s housewife, in a nerdy kind of way," tweeted for help finding a pair of wide, high(er) heeled nude pumps, I didn't exactly spring to action, but with gentle prodding, I did finally get off my blogger butt and give her some options, here.

In the end, it turned out she didn't need any help from lil' ol' me, seeing as she'd not only managed to find a pair (she went to a brand she knew fit her, which is always a good start), but she found them online, "ignoring" my "get thee to a shoe store and try them on" advice.

Brava! I say, for doesn't she look maaaaaahvelous in her new Corso Como pumps? I'm absolutely in love with her ensemble. Each piece is just a leeeetle bit unexpected: the kelly green blouse is simple, but has sweet, just-below-the-elbow buttons; the white trousers, well, they have a Bow; and the layered long chains + molded cuff make the whole deal not only enviable (in a good way), but attainable and copyable. Kate herself tweeted, "I loved the outfit so much I didn't want to take it off."

I don't blame her one. little. bit. If my name were Kate, and I donned this outfit, I'd rock the day, channeling Kate H. in all sorts of ways. Which I'm sure she did.

The only negative, she tweets, "was how much work it was to get out of those pants." Her day-of tweet? "Love these pants, but with a zipper, a button, two hooks, and a ribbon they are not exactly #gulps4glam compatible."

Here's hoping I'll feel the same way, and not want to take of my outfit when I blatantly copy her, which I'm going to do as soon as I get to that #healthyme goal: on the shopping list? Kelly green blouse and off-white trousers.

Have a style dilemma? Email me, tweet me, facebook me...and I'll see what I can do to help! You just have to promise to update us on the results, like Kate did! Want to see what other Style Dilemmas we've solved here? Search the site for Style Dilemma or Style Dilemma Solved, and twitter for #StyleDilemma. Curious about #gulps4glam? Go find that hashtag, too!

Style in Print: Written Inspiration

I'm a reader. I'm an avid reader.

My mommy was an English teacher, so maybe that's why we grew up surrounded - literally - by books. Like so many others, books are my escape, my haven, and, not to sound all trite, but my soul. The written word gives me the chance to forget my daily life, to raise it up, or to release it. I've been known to hide out with a book, avoiding whatever's on the other side of the door. I've been known to laugh hysterically, out loud, then try to muffle it while other coffee shop patrons glace askew.

I'm rarely without a book. In my purse, on my nightstand, in our bathroom, they stand stacked. In times of short attention span, I "resort" to magazines. I read anything from Star to Cook's Illustrated to Town and Country to Smithsonian.

I cried when H and I were trying desperately to make room for The Bean's arrival, packing up the books we thought we wouldn't need so they could go in boxes in the basement.

Though I was carrying on, stiff (but quivering) upper lip and all - willing to put them aside for our new baby (who turns out to love books as much as I do) - H made me - over my I-want-to-be-a-grownup-about-this protests - stop and pull them out of the box so they could stay upstairs with me.

I'll read just about anything, though I tend very strongly towards the fiction variety. I'll make an exception for the exceptional, like Robert Kaplan's Balkan Ghosts, Voices and Silences, James Earl Jones' memoir, or my beloved copy of a massive Katherine Hepburn (my ultimate style heroine, to be deliciously frank) biography I picked up on my first trip to Cambridge, England. (And yes, there's a juicy thrill I get when I read the lines that mention my ancestor-y relative and famously dramatic suffragette, Emmeline Pankhurst, was a bit player in Kate H's life.)

As I tweeted to Alison this morning that I loved her pirate-y ensemble (oddly, it looks like that tweet never went through - pooh), and recommended she get her E a book The Bean adored this summer (Jane Yolen's The Ballad of the Pirate Queens), I realized I needed to add a board to my obsessive pinning: Written Inspiration. Since reading Anne of Green Gables and Macbeth in my middle school years, my wardrobe choices have been incredibly influenced by the tales I read.

Perhaps it's time I return to that inspiration.

Go see what pages inspire me on my new Pinterest board, Written Inspiration. (You are on Pinterest, aren't you?) It's a work in progress, of course, and promises to be a walk down a literature memory lane.

Style Dilemma Solved: Winter Nautical

prettyinpink:

Ok – here’s a question for you.

Light gray and navy large horizontal striped sweater (with big turtleneck) what color pants? And what color shoes?

Initial thought is a darker gray pants and a medium very warm brown shoe (with and little gold buckle)

Would a herringbone pattern pant be too much pattern?

DC Celine:

like the herringbone idea, but would have to see it. brown herringbone or solid might work, too. but again, would have to see. darker grey would definitely work, as would a navy. would do either with a grey or black shoe. not getting the vibe of a brown shoe w/ the grey pant. but again, would have to see. don't suppose you have pics?

prettyinpink:

Sweater (in navy and gray)

can’t find the pants but they’re a darker gray and lighter gray herringbone pattern.

Also have camel pants

DC Celine:

prettyinpink, I think any of these options would work. I'm still not crazy about the brown trousers or shoes option...of course trouser or skinny jeans (if you're so inclined) would work best - that is if you don't want to wear to work (or for Fridays). camel pants would work, but lighter khaki/cream might be good too. or, for that matter, go bold with a winter white trouser a la kate hepburn. then you could swing the warm brown shoes and gold buckle.

Style Challenge Met - Thanks, Mommy!

My time, style, and stress-based challenge of What to Wear to The Bean's Baptism was met.

Thanks, Mommy.

My mom's been a huge help since The Bean arrived. Cleaning, sorting, cleaning, sorting, and buying - like grandmas are wont to do. Most of it's for The Bean (she just can't resist a beautifully illustrated picture book - or The Bean's First Christmas Dress, for that matter), but occasionally, she'll surprise H or me with a gift.

This time, she played personal shopper.

I gave her my thoughts and size, and she went shopping for me. (Bless my stepdad's heart, he waited while she shopped.) So The Bean finally slept on Friday night, and I ventured out to the living room. Fingers crossed, I tried on the suit she'd bought me.

Perfect.

Perfect harmony of Jackie O, Audrey, and Kate. Oh yeah, and a little bit of me.

A sweet little barely swing coat with bracelet sleeves and big silver buttons, and a jaquard a-line skirt, all in navy and cream (all Ann Taylor). Paired with my Chie Mihara pumps, apparently, I was a Hot Mama, says H.

The Bean couldn't have asked for a better dressed mommy on her baptism day. There was no way I could outshine her, of course, in her custom ordered baptismal ensemble from Italy by way of her Greek godmother. "Royal equestrian," Mommy said. "All she needs now is a pony," she told H.

H blanched.

Style Challenge: 2 Days, No Time, Strict Requirements

What: The Bean's Baptism

When: Saturday (today's Thursday, mind you)

What to Wear: I have nothing

What It Must Be: elegant, simple, dressy enough (grandmoms are both wearing suits, H - aka BeanDaddy - wearing a suit), and accessible for Bean. Not so worried about color, getting it dirty, etc. That happens, and that's what drycleaning's for.

What I'm Thinking: a winter white/ivory/cream suit - or even just a pair of great slacks and soft turtleneck sweater, a la Kate H. Understated.

Problem: I have Big Deadlines at work. Read: no time to even sneak out at lunch. And a way-home shopping trip is out of the question, since I go right home to be with The Bean.

So what's a gal to do? Hope? Pray for a Wardrobe Miracle? Wish she had a Fashion Fairy Godmother (aka stylist) to bring her 10 outfits to try in her cube at work? Clearly, none of the above are possible. And we're even too late for last minute shipping from online shopping.

What I'll likely do? Cross my fingers that the only nearby work option, Ann Taylor Loft, has become significantly less boxy and matronly in their cuts since I last tried things there, and hope that the cute little skirt suit with the Peter Pan collar or the A-line jacket with the 3/4 sleeves is actually flattering.

Huzzah! to Mr. Nordstom

I have no idea if there is one (a Mr. Nordstom, that is), but he's brilliant nevertheless.

In our Mall Visit yesterday, we spent a large part of it in Nordstom. The Bean loved Mr. Piano Player, who graciously offered to help her sleep. Didn't work, but nice of him nevertheless.

Anywho.

One pair of slacks each for H and DC Celine (H a gorgeously heathered Italian-made wool, me a well-tailored Kate-inspired brown plaid) later, we packed up the little one and made a beeline for the last errand on our list. On the way we noticed the display windows at Nordstrom.

They announced that Nordstrom stores will not be "decking the Halls" until November 23rd.

I wish I could remember the rest of it, but the essence was that we've gotten too far away from a holiday season (i.e. putting up Christmas decorations before Thanksgiving, Halloween even. Ahem - Mazza Galerie?). So they're waiting.

I applaud this immensely. What a lovely marketing decision. I predict they'll get a great response from it, despite our innane attempts to "shop early." I seriously doubt a Christmas tree in the middle of a store helps fuel purchasing by an intent early shopper. For the rest of us, who like to wait until the week before and then enjoy the hustle and bustle and crisp winter air, maybe a tree or two puts us in the mood. But when it's a) still 7o degrees outside and b) we haven't even broken bread over Plymouth Rock, well, then, it's just silly.

So congratulations, Nordstrom, on what I consider to be the best marketing decision a store could make nowadays. You've got my vote.

Style Dilemma Solved: No Pants!

Now, now, British members of the Infintessimal Readership, it's not what you think. I am wearing underwear.

But three weeks ago, when I packed for our trip to the country, I realized The Bean was all set. She had what she needed to stylishly galavant through the Pennsylvania country fields and along the promenade in Sea Isle City, NJ. Pants, onsies, dresses, bloomers, bonnets, and sweaters.

But mommy didn't. I had no pants. Correction. I had one solitary pair that wasn't M clothes, and that pair, while a favorite, was stained and has seen better days. Now, lounging around at my mother's place required absolutely no real clothing (yoga pants and t-shirts were the extent of my wardrobe for the majority of the week). So just before I left to go down the shore, my mom and I took The Bean on a desperate jaunt to The Mall (choices are not that broad in not-even-suburban Philly; and we were in need of speedy shopping).

The Gap was closest to the mall entrance. So while Grandmom changed The Bean (and into a morbidly uncoordinated outfit - note to mommy: pack only solid color onsies as backups in the diaper bag), I ran in and tried on about 10 pairs of pants as fast as humanly possible. I also snagged a couple of Ts and button downs - the latter of which were sweetly detailed with great patterns and ruffles. I thought they'd look great with the rough and tumble cargos I'd snagged.

The result?

Ruffles don't look good on nursing boobs.

But I did come out with 1 pair of higher-waisted (think Kate H.) trouser jeans, 1 pair of hip mommy cargos (pockets are key for things like binkys), and 1 pair of caramel slacks - in case I feel like dressing up someday. I also snagged two marvelously soft Ts with great detailing on the neck.

Now...if only I could follow my own fashion advice....it's terribly important to pair opposite silouhettes: slouchy with tailored, plain with frilly, etc. Which means I shouldn't wear the mildly slouchy Ts with the cargos if I don't want to look like the super slouchy mom.

But if you see a happy lady pushing a stroller down the street, looking all baggy (yet somehow stylish), that's me.

Style Dilemma: Casual Chic in 111-degree Heat

Kim wrote:

Hi DC,

I have a question - casually cute is the look I am going for tonight, as H and I are hitting up some galleries downtown, a studio party, and then a late dinner at a house turned restaurant. Problem - the heat. It will be 111 degrees here today, and at least 100 this evening. Also, there may be some significant walking involved. Any thoughts? Help!

Kim

Oh dear. You're clearly in a different weather pattern than we are here in DC. I would bet there are a few folks wishing they had their heaters back tonight - and it's only in the 60s!

But on to your question - I hope I'm not too late to help out tonight - thank goodness for a time difference!

My first thought: a breezy babydoll or mod mini (yes, I'm in a rut here - try the patterned Misile at unsungdesigners.com or Target's sweet green version) dress with non-flip-floppy flats or low heels (holding the shoes on all night when you're walking is just not fun). Think goddess sandals.

If baring your legs and having them stick to the seats all night, even in air conditioned restaurants is not your idea of fun, then go for wide-legged linen pants - try navy or white, like Banana's Ryan. Channel Kate H. with a fitted menswear oxford in the lightest material you can find. You'll be happy going in and out of the heat and chill.

Don't forget a wrap or mini jacket of some kind (wrap if you go Kate, mini jacket if you do the dress) - AC can wreck havoc on a girl's style - blue lips and shivering are just not attractive.

Let us know what you end up with - we can then copy you when it's our turn later this weekend.

What I Actually Packed for L.A.

Tops (yes, I packed too many, but they all fit with room to spare, so why not? You never know how you'll feel, right?)
H&M babydoll sweater*
Favorite brown merino v-neck (Banana) all-weather sweater*
Favorite black holey cowl neck sweater (also Banana?), just in case it's chilly
Banana indigo babydoll T**
I.N.C. nearly sheer, ribbed printed indigo T (yes, I'm apparently in love with indigo)
Brown merino shell (Banana)
Brown F.C.U.K. kinda racer-back tank (yes, brown's a theme, too)
Romanian iie (my fallback, ahem, signature, look)
Indian-inspired beaded orange tank (I'd tell you the designer, but it's packed, and all I can remember is that it was a Nieman Marcus purchase and the logo reminds me of Guns-N-Roses)
H's old school warm-up jacket

Bottoms
Ancient Citizens trouser jeans*
Boring but functional (and well-fitting) khakis (Banana)*
Boring but functional (and not-as-well-fitting) pseudo khakis (Banana?) - original plan are still at the cleaners (sorry, H, I forgot, too!)
Too big (but fit the mildly growing bump) Kate-inspired pinstriped trousers**

Sole dress
H&M wrap dress (we'll see if I feel up to wearing it, but it packs too well to not come with me)

Shoes
New orange Nine West flats
Ancient and holey Target mocs
Ancient (what will I do if they ever die?!) bronze/gold sandals (for evening with jeans - perfect)

*On the original list
**Gotta-go-to-work-don't-want-to-bother-to-change-before-the-plane-wear

Style Dilemma: Baby Sis' Bridal Shower

Baby Sis writes:

ok - so i found this really pretty navy sweater - it's a soft v-neck, blousy at the top and ribbed/fitted at the waist. [DC Celine interjects: since she bought it at an outlet - well done - she couldn't find a pic. The one at left is similar in shape.] it has those wide, elbow length sleeves (you know the ones where the arm hole is big??). it's so graceful and pretty on. i thought i'd wear it for my shower but i'm not sure with what! i'm thinking a pencil skirt, either winter white or goldish and brown round toe pumps. i was thinking about wearing tights but i'm not sure what color!! what do you think??

Apart from being your proud Big Sis and Plotter of Bridal Activities, I think you’re right on target with the graceful dolman-like sleeves and understated navy. Winter white is a good choice. But I’d go with slacks. Personally, I’m a fan of the “new” Kate-inspired wide-leg trouser (and am thrilled they’re back and gracing the pages of InStyle and every other “how to” fashion mag). They’re flattering and infinitely wearable. Of course, the Armani Collezioni version at left are waaaaay out of the average girl's price range, but you get the idea.

The skirt, while a girly choice, I think could end up looking rather businesslike. Though with black opaque tights (maybe a teensy bit of a pattern) and brown pumps, like you say, could make a great statement. Maybe.

If you choose trousers, definitely pull out the caramel brown pumps – peep toe with tights could be cute – and cap it all off with some big gold jewelry. It might scream “nautical,” but if you make an unusual pendant choice on a necklace like this Barefoot Czarina necklace at unsungdesigners.com, then you’ll be in the clear of manning the mainsail.

And you won’t look back on your Bridal Shower Pictures and wonder, “what was I thinking?” Better yet, your daughter and granddaughter will look at the pictures and say, “What great style she had – even then!”

Now that we've got you all settled...what the heck am I gonna wear?

I'm Coming Out

I've been agonizing for days about how to write this.

No, it's not bad news - it's good news.

Really good news.

But I had to find some incredibly witty way to tell The Infintessimal Readership. Catchy, intelligent, original...

Yeah, I couldn't come up with anything, so I'll just tell you.

Let's just say that, as the Real J told me, the blog could take a whole new direction: hip, stylish maternity garb.

H and I are thrilled (and scared) to announce that there will be a Blog Baby arriving in July.

So far, this has been a strange and wonderful experience. Now that we're "out," people are nicer, kinder, sweeter. They ask how I'm doing. They ask if we're doing well, what our plans are for all sorts of things. The Powers That Have Been Through This Before tell me that I'll soon tire of all the extra attention.

Until Monday, The Bean, as H and I have dubbed it (yes, it. We're old fashioned - we're waiting to find out), hasn't affected style choices at all. Then, on Monday, I put on my favorite suit pants, and pulled. Up they went, just fine. I tugged them closed.

Uh-oh.

They buttoned, but comfort would not have been a priority that day. So stretchier pants went on that day, Tuesday was a skirt that's usually too big, and Wednesday called for a LBD (dinner with H's business partners). By the time I got to Thursday, I took the plunge and pulled out the gorgeous black pinstriped Kate (Hepburn) slacks that, by all "1 year" rules, I should've given away a while back. They're still too big, but not so big that I couldn't wear them.

So today Mickey and I are headed shopping. I'm not ready to use the Old Navy gift card she sent for me to buy M clothes. My goal is actually to try and get through the 10 (yes, 9 is a myth) months with minimal M clothes purchase. Certain wise women (cough, cough Babsie D) are trying to smartly convince me otherwise. But I've chosen to go blindly go forth and hope. Not that there aren't cute M clothes - there are...but I've made up my mind, and, well, I'm stubborn.

So there. I'm out.

I promise not to highjack the blog with random stories of pregnancy. This is always, and will always be, about style.