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 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: Lunch Hour Update

The Challenge: Work-appropriate pants that fit. In an hour. In Clarendon, not quite the fashion capital of the world.

The Solution: Ann Taylor Loft. Really. At heart, I'm a mass-production-hater. In reality, I appreciate the ATs and box stores for the anchor pieces - black slacks, a white shirt, you get the picture. So three blocks down from the office, in torrential rains (I really needed an update), I pulled every stinkin' pair of slacks off the racks that wasn't capri or some wierd knit that reminded me of the trousers the residents wore in the nursing home where I worked in college. Rapid fire dressing room - on, turn, squat, yes/no. Yes, hang on one hook, no, hang on another.

Out of 6-8 pair of slacks, I bought: One.

My motto: if they don't fit perfectly, don't bother. I didn't go to find another pair of poorly fitting pants. I went to find ones that fit. I ended up with the "Ann" cut, which isn't a high-waisted trouser, but certainly isn't a low rise - high enough to tuck in a shirt without looking strange, and not so high as to scream "2007." A little bit of perkiness in a pale blue double pinstripe - on navy, with a cuff.

The Backstory: Post M-clothes, I've been fortunate enough to loose the Bean Weight (I credit one-handed eating and choosing sleep over food. That, and walking as much as I can with her for months because that was the only way she'd sleep during the day.) So even the slacks I bought Post-Bean, because my others didn't fit, are now too big. Walking around in them, day after day with my single dress belt (also too big, actually) cinching them in not enough to look like a purposeful paper bag waist, well, it just feels plain old unhealthy, actually. This morning, when I put on my new pants (and a new blouse, see below), I felt trim, healthy, and alert. Told H, "I just can't believe how much better I feel - it's amazing what I new pair of pants can do for a girl."

I still have a few more updates to make, but in the meantime, I feel better, and have a few more choices in my closet. ATL has some adorable summer choices. Most are decidedly in the preppy camp, but if chosen carefully, and paired with some thought, you won't look like you've just stepped off the Annapolis-based yacht (not necessarily a bad thing, especially if you have the means to be yachting, but...). I've got this sweet button down on with my striped pants - stripes on stripes being my cheekiness today. The fabric is light, but substantial, and the fit good. I'm tempted to go back and pick up the navy polka dot version. I also picked up a fitted cable v-neck in what ATL calls "Embellished Blue." Not sure what "embellished" means in this context, but it's a clear, bright blue that provides just the right kick.

And for others on the update prowl, the sale racks are ripe for the pickin'. I didn't score any deals - nothing fit quite right, but there are plenty of little jackets (like the drool-worthy pink one in this earlier post) and a retro housewife dress I wish was still there in my size. It doesn't have quite the flair the Goodwill version does, but with well-chosen jewelry (Dariaux, here's the place for that blue necklace!), it can be the perfect canvas for individual style.

Shop in Style: Deals on Mass Produced Basics

So I rant about mass-production and how I don't want to look like anyone else.

Then I go shop at the Box Stores and places like Ann Taylor & Banana.

Well?

Whatchu lookin' at, Willis?

What: Banana Republic Final Sale - up to 70% on tons of items, searchable by size (but not by price - that would be helpful). Stock up on basics and cute items you'd never buy unless they were on sale. Be sure and check out their accessories. I've found some of my favorite costume jewelry pieces in their sale bins. My favorites?

$19.99 - Modern boot-cut corduroy pant - perfect for those wintry Washington days we still have left. And corduroy is always in style in some form. Chocolate would be my pick.

$29.99 - Contoured lightweight wool trouser - unfortunately only in a 12, but this cut is exceedingly forgiving and flattering on Real Women. Cut a little higher, a little fuller, but still classic and lovely lines. A girl always needs a pair of black slacks.

$19.99 - Long sleeve merino-blend crewneck. Classic cut, two classic colors. And merino really is a 4-season wool.

$39.99 - Wool textured swing jacket. I swear it's universally flattering, pretty, and easy to pair with tailored bottoms - a skirt or slacks. A pretty green, and you can treat yourself to a pair of long gloves to harken back to the Time When Ladies Were Ladies.

$16.99 - Long cashmere gloves.Granted, these not are the Cashmere of Cashmeres, but still, soft, supple, in cool colors, and long, long, long. So elegant. Pair with the swing coat and trouser jeans, a little pair of flats or ladylike pumps, and you're set for any weekend. There's also a leather version (a little more dear at $44.99, but will likely last longer).

Style Dilemma: Birthday in Freezing Cold NYC

Scarlet writes: So we're going to NYC this weekend for my birthday and it's going to be super cold and we'll be walking a lot, but I want to look stylish and trendy. Thoughts?

Scarlet, first of all, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! A Weekend in NYC is a perfect way to spend a birthday, in my book. But then, I'm the one who giddily spent her honeymoon there, so...

Secondly, down to business.

1) Coat checks are your friend (make like a boy going to a bachelor party, and keep some singles on hand for the nice people who "watch" your coat)

2) Scarves are always a fab accessory (as is not freezing)

3) Boots. Preferably something flat. Think equestrian or, better yet, farmer (but please no Uggs!). Don't know how you feel about the "tucked in look," but this is one of the few times I agree with it - with no-nonsense, eternally flattering farm-related boots (think rugged, like the Frye version at right, or elegant, more like the Ralph Lauren pair I didn't win on e-Bay last week). And I love them non-chalantly with tights and a flowy dress (but only for inside this freezing cold weekend!)

4) Layers - under the coat you're going to check at the restaurants, museums and clubs.

5) If you must wear a skirt (and I don't mind saying that you'd be insane to), Tights. Capital "T."

6) Be a Lady. Wear gloves. I'm still in love with the now "so over" longer-sleeved versions. But a demure, cashmere-lined (must have lined) pair of leather will do. Color? Your choice. If it's too cold for gloves, go Totally Silly and wear an off-the-wall pair of mittens, but keep the rest of your ensemble sedate.

As far as tops, cowl neck sweaters and graceful dolman-sleeve sweaters (perfect opportunity to wear one before spring, for example) are some of my cold weather friends. But always put a presentable and stylish cami or T underneath, in case whereever you are is sauna-like. Or wear a tunic like the Target version at right, and make my grandmother ("Make sure your coat covers your bottom!") happy.

Bottoms? Jeans. Trouser jeans. Thank goodness they're back. Or dressier trousers. (But neither with the tunic. Stay skinnier with a tunic.) Good thing about these? They're usually wool. That's a good thing in the cold.