Going on Record: I did peplum first

Those who follow the runways know that one of the biggest named trends off the Fall 2012 runways is the peplum.

Huh?

For the Normal Girl, this one falls directly into the WTF Big Designers? Don't you understand us at all? No? Clearly you hate us, for why in the name of all things flattering would you dream that we Normal Girls would ever want to add to our hips. Because that's what it looks like you're doing with these Peplum Thingys. On a rail-thin model, sure, it's stunning, but Real World? Katy Perry and sheer underpants-y pastel blue hair we are not.

And then I looked at myself in the mirror this morning.

By way of #healthyme news, I'm happily back to cinching belts at my waist, rather than my hips. Conventional What-Not-To-Wear-type wisdom would have us, um, what's the word of the moment? healthy girls (seriously, there's an off-center euphamism if I ever heard one) belting our waists to make them narrower, but for a time there, I simply wasn't comfortable doing it. I felt heavier with a waist-level belt than a hip-level belt, so I went for the latter.

Anywho, back to this morning's mirror. As I adjust my belt to the almost-last holes (stop applauding, it's a large or extra-large belt), I untuck my layered shirt, and oila! A pretty little ruffle flirts out from under the belt.

It's a peplum.

Really. Teeny, but it's a peplum.

And I've been doing it since sometime last spring, when I first created this go-to outfit. Big Designers, you are so behind the 8 ball.

More Calverton-office-park-bathroom photography. Fabulous, isn't it?

Ladies, listen up. A peplum does, in fact, do what they say it does. It does make my waist look tiny(ier, let's be truthful here). It's just a teeny little bit of fabric gathered, but man, do I like it. So now, my friends, I'm recommending you get on The Peplum Bandwagon now.

Then you, like me, can say you did it first, before the bloggers take the peplum by printed neon pastel storm.

Style Dilemma: ISO Hot Top

Carebear wrote me in search of a top for Friday night (ok, so I'm a little slow on the uptake - eek! sorry!). She's in a friend's wedding ('tis the season), and feels like she wants to wear something a leeeeeetle bit sexy to the rehearsal dinner. The trick? Make it appropriate, as well. Here's what she gave me as her requirements - for no more than $40.

1 - something that is functional (ie can be worn more than once)

2 - something not too expensive

3 - something sexy but not too slutty

4 - not sure about sleeveless but maybe

Dear Carebear:

Hmmm...this is a tough one - part of it depends on what "sexy" means to you - or for whom you want it to be sexy (as we all know, the male/female versions of "sexy" can vary greatly). My thoughts:

A wrap or faux wrap top with a nice deep V-neck could work - waist accentuating and, uh, asset displaying - and depending on how much you want on display, you can pin a sparkly broach at the V or not. At 20 bucks on sale, the NY & Company version at right fits the requirements. Change out the black baubles in the pic for one big brightly colored accessory (a cuff, big beads, a scarf), and you're smokin'.

To do the sweet version of sexy (again, just depends on your perspective), try Isaac's tuxedo-inspired button down. It would be lovely and appropriate, but the cinched waist and button down can definitely be sexy. You'd have to be careful to not head to the dowdy end, but sexy shoes would be your friend here - show some red tootsies or a stiletto and pointy toe, and it should work.

And going with the trend here, a belted button down - again, paired with the right outspoken accesories - NY & Company's white version brings to mind the "boyfriend shirt" without looking like you've raided his closet. You could even ditch the white belt that comes with it for a colorful scarf or wider belt for a more daring (and waist-cinching) look.

Let us know what you pick and how you style it!