PARACHUTE PANTS????

No, I'm completely serious--they are back. I had my first sighting of parachute pants as I walked into my office building last week. The upside is that they were black cotton rather than the insane MC Hammer type pant, but even toned down they look stupid (in my opinion). I have done a little (very little) research and realize that the resurgance of the pant has taken on a skinny look as well, and a cropped look that about 2 people in the population can successfully wear. I understand that these may be on the runways and may even be making a mainstream comeback, but I still have to ask myself what woman in her right mind wants to add volume all the way from hip to ankle and then have it all cinched in with an elastic cuff at the bottom?

Golf: Is it fashion forward or just an excuse for fancy polos?

Ok, so I have a feeling I have no readers left after a 4 month hiatus, but in case I do, here is an article I found interesting in the NY Times. The title that caught my eye was "Golfers Have Clothes Laid Out for Them" and the first thing that came to my mind was...seriously??? It is a polo shirt and pants; how difficult can that be?

What I didn't quite take into account is that pro golfers are fashion trendsetters on the course, so needless to say their sponsors want to take full advantage of that. Clothing companies like Nike and Adidas are sketching out what their athletes will wear a year in advance so they can have the items replicated and sold at each tourney! Genius.

ShopStyle.com

Has anyone else used a site called ShopStyle.com? I recently have been doing some generic Google searches in my never ending search for the perfect brown flat, and noticed this site kept coming up. I assumed it was going to be an annoying site that had nothing to do with my search, but in the grand scheme I had nothing to lose, so I opened it up. Since last week, I have used this site another four times when looking for a cocktail dress and yes, more shoes (now, I'm looking for the perfect black ballet flat...a shoe girl's work is never done). I love being able to put in generic terms and getting all different kinds of options spit back out at me that actually match those terms!

Here's the basic concept: I type in "black ballet flats" and it kicks back 50 pages of all different shoes that match my description. There is a mixture of high and low end shoes and when you scroll over them (this I absolutely love) it shows you what online store you can buy them from and what sizes are available! Genius. This really could be a huge time saver when you just need to shop for some cute basics (which generally seem to be so much harder to find than they should be). The next time you are on the hunt for a particular item of clothing but have no store or brand in mind, give it a shot--the only risk you run is spending a little more than you bargained for if you find a few too many options (and to combat that, I reference you to my earlier want vs. need post)!

How short is too short?

Well, we finally enjoyed our first 70+ degree day in the city. Sadly, that will not last, but I welcomed the opportunity to break out the flip flops for their first wear of the 2009 season. Other New Yorkers took this as an opportunity to dig out tank tops, skirts, and of course, the khaki short. Which brings me to my question: How short is too short?

I feel that this should be fairly evident, but based on today's people watching that is not the case. For those of you that have sworn off shorts because frankly they aren't always the most attractive look, you may not be aware that the bermuda length and walking short have been back in style for a few years now and are a fantastic alternative to the traditional 5" inseam short. In fact, retailers are offering 4-5 different lengths to accomodate all shapes and sizes (yay)!

So, with all of this opportunity to pick the right inseam for your body, why do women insist on continuing to purchase a short that provides other people with an up close and personal view of the bottom of their cheeks (you know the ones I'm referring to). This all came up today because one minute I was walking down 6th Ave admiring a beautiful bulldog and the next his owner was walking in front of me and all I saw were shorts riding up in an unflattering way and more skin than I bargained for.

I think the answer to my question is really fairly simple. Shorts are too short when they give you a wedgie as soon as you take your first step (never attractive and honestly, I can't imagine that is terribly comfortable) and/or (I think these two issues tend to go hand in hand) when you feel that it is a bit drafty by your back end. If those two criteria aren't enough, when you try the shorts on and take a few steps, if you find yourself adjusting the legs on them (specifically pulling them down) then yes, they are too short. I think if we all keep these basic concepts in mind, we will not only look better (bonus) but also, the people walking behind us will be grateful for giving them a good view rather than an eyeful of something best kept for special occasions.

Ooooh, so cute! But do I really need it???

Over the years, I have become a much better shopper and have stopped purchasing things that only look good in the skinny mirrors in the store or that are just not overly flattering (even though the sales person insists I look fantastic), but the skill to correctly distinguish buying things based on Want versus Need has continued to allude me for quite some time.

I know I can't be the only one that suffers through this internal monologue when I know I am about to buy something that is technically not absolutely necessary (you see, even now I am qualifying). And frankly, Want is very sneaky and cleverly disguises itself as Need quite often, so somehow that ridiculously cute top just ends up in a shopping bag and in my closet before I realize that I've been had. Foiled again!

However, I think I may finally have caught on to Want's little scheme and have successfully aborted its recent attempts to make its way into my slightly overfull closet. It turns out that by really thinking about whether this dress or that sweater fulfills multiple purposes in my life (instead of being a one hit wonder), I not only rid myself of buyer's remorse when I do make a purchase, but inadvertently, I have started to realize what my closet actually does or does not need to successfully work and play in my daily life. And crazy enough, giving up the items that I just Want is not nearly as hard as I thought; I feel more responsible and more in control of my buying. Sadly, I think this is some indication of growing up, but if it gets me closer to having a house with a bathroom bigger than a closet, then so be it.

And as if this breakthrough wasn't enough, there is more good news. I have discovered that I never have to go through this process when buying shoes. Shoes always fall into Need(yes, Hubby, I am serious). I need shoes to walk in and coincidentally I live in NYC, one of the biggest walking cities. Ergo, shoes are always needed (I knew that logic class would come in handy).

I'm Baaaaaaack

Okay, so I realize I have been ridiculously inconsistent with my writing and I also realize that means my four readers may be gone for good. But in the hopes that you will all give a girl a second chance, I'm back. Now, that being said, I can't promise daily musings, but I'll certainly give it a shot.

To get back into the swing of things, I will head back to my safe place of Shoe Girl's fashion pet peeves. With summer quickly approaching, I just have to address one shoe issue before it quickly spirals out of control in the city: Socks and Sandals.

Really? Isn't the entire purpose of a sandal to allow your feet to breathe (and look pretty with a proper pedicure--another pet peeve)? If you truly feel that you need to put a sock on under your sandal, then odds are pretty good that it is not warm enough to wear said sandal. Please revert back to your boots, pumps or gymshoes (yes, I call them gymshoes).

And to take that one step further, while I do not think it becoming in any way, shape or form, I can kind of (but not really)understand the inclination to put a sock under a birkenstock or a fairly shoe like sandal (you know...the man sandal kind of thing with a heel and a toe, but holes along the side). But under a thong sandal? The little thong strap is meant to fit neatly between your toes...not to have to manuever it's way through a thick piece of fabric in order to find your toes. And how is that at all comfortable? If you don't like the feeling of the strap between your toes, a sock is not the way to combat that.

I truly do not have any intention of offending anyone, but I just do not understand the desire to mix the sock and the sandal. So, enough preaching--there really isn't much more to this argument. Just say no to socks and sandals. It is never a good idea. If you won't do it for all the Shoegirls out there, please think of your feet. They want freedom too.

Spring Fever

One of the most painful times in New York City is the month of March. I say that not because I hold any kind of a grudge against the month, but because it is about the time that we all get Spring Fever. The first sunny day that goes remotely near 50 degrees and we are all out in the park having a picnic or walking the puppy...until we remember that 49 isn't actually all that warm. Perhaps we do still need that jacket....

But, no, we will not bow to Mother Nature. After that first hint of spring (and it tends to be a very, very subtle hint), people start to lose all common sense when getting ready in the morning. I think I saw my favorite this example of this today. A girl had on jeans...very sensible...with gladiator sandals. Yes, sandals. Today was in the 40's and rainy--while I would love to break out the flip flops, I'm thinking today might not be the day.

Maybe New Yorkers (and I have a feeling this extends to the entire Eastern Seaboard) have just built up a resilience to the elements by March. Breaking out the next season's wardrobe is the pick up we need after a long, dreary 3 months and no amount of snow can take that away. I really have no idea what it is, but right about now you can feel the entire city getting ready to rip off their winter coats and break out the grill. And after 8 years in the city, I would like nothing more than to join them.

Hot, Hot, Hot!

I met someone several years ago who gets equally as excited as I do about a beautiful bag or a to-die-for pair of shoes (maybe even more depending on the designer). So, when Molly sent over a few links with some hot shoes for the new season, I decided I had to share them! (Disclaimer: these are by no means the most reasonably priced shoes you will ever see, but they are gorgeous).

Guiseppe Zanotti Caged Ankle Boots: Yes, CAGED. I just love the name. That aside, I had not found a pair of gladiator inspired shoes that I liked in the least bit, but these just have something. It could be that silver stilletto heel...who knows. But, whatever it is, these are just some serious shoes. If anyone is actually going to spring for the bargain $875 price tag, please let me know--I'm coming to your house to try them on.

And if you need to add a little color to your spring wardrobe, try the Manolo Blahnik Dale shoe in turquoise. Now these, I just love for the whimsy of them! And honestly, what shoe girl does not wish for a Manolo Blahnik in her closet?

If turquoise isn't your color, you can always give the YSL Stud Sandal or the Lanvin Puffy Gladiator shoe a try!

Honestly, I know these are all out of our price range, but don't completely dismiss them. If you fall in love, keep your eyes open for a less expensive version--there are plenty of affordable designers who take their cue from the couture lines of the season and I have no doubt that we will see these styles in a budget friendly package!

Just wondering...

So, I read a New York Times article yesterday about the overall decline in sales for retailers, with the exception of everyone's favorite Goliath, Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart actually achieved a 5.1% increase in February which the company attributes to lower gas prices allowing people to travel to the store more and spend more income in discretionary categories; I can only imagine that since Target's sales fell by 4.1% that means that Wal-Mart really does have the better deals (not that I would know...I barely survived Target last weekend. I'm pretty sure that I would have a mental break if I went to a Wal-Mart. Have I mentioned that I'm not good with people?).

Anyway, while all of this is interesting, I became more interested in the information about clothing retailers. Not surprisingly, high end retailers are taking the biggest hit, but I was never in the Neiman Marcus league so no need for discussion there.

I am curious, however, about what it is that made people avoid Abercrombie & Fitch to the extent that their sales figures dropped by 30%, but yet stores like Buckle, Hot Topic and Aeropostale actually showed slight increases. They are all retailers geared toward the same demographic, so I would naturally assume that when one falls, they all fall. Clearly not the case...so, here's what I think: parents (and maybe their kids if they are spending their own money) have finally figured out that Abercrombie is soooo overpriced for the wrinkled and in some cases very teeny tiny t-shirts and shorts that you can purchase. Have you noticed that their ads showcase people wearing not a whole lot of clothes...what is it that they are actually advertising?! Last I checked, they didn't sell the cute set of twin boys on their billboard in the store--so we're back to the too small and wrinkled tees. Anyway, I digress. As I was talking to my husband about this (I listen to politics, he listens to my clothing company theories), I started going off about J.Crew. See, in my age range I think that qualifies as the Abercrombie & Fitch. While I like some of their styles (no itsy bitsy shorts for my butt to fall out of), they are consistently over-priced for the fit and quality of the pieces. I realize that I am not what most of you would consider a "bargain" shopper, but I do need to know that when I shell out some cash, my clothes are going to last me for a few years without falling apart, shrinking or changing shape in the laundry--especially in today's economy. It seems to me that teens (or more accurately parents of teens) are coming to the same conclusion about Abercrombie that I have about J.Crew.

So after all of that, I think the sales figures just show that for the money, people feel they get more bang for their buck at Aeropostale and Hot Topic, and that is probably one of the biggest incentives for a purchase in 2009. For the record, Banana Republic is my Aeropostale/Buckle/Hot Topic...which basically means I am old.

"Fit the century, forget the year." --Valentina Sanina Schlee

Today I had my first visit to The Museum of the City of New York. I have been saying for quite a while that I really need to take advantage of the cultural opportunities that I have at my fingertips, and I have to say that while this wasn't the first place on my list, it's a great museum. Specifically, I went because my Aunt came into town for the weekend and thought that we might find the Valentina exhibit (both of us being avid shoppers and all) interesting; so off we went to 103rd and 5th Ave.

Now I knew the name Valentina, but had no idea where she came from and to what extent she influenced fashion. Valentina Sanina Schlee was a Russian dancer that came to the United States in the 1920s with her husband. After several failed partnerships in fashion, she achieved breakout success with her simple yet sophisticated couture designs. She designed for both Broadway stages as well as wealthy socialites and actresses of the 1930s and 40s; her clients included Greta Garbo, Lynne Fontanne, and Mrs. Randolph Hearst to name a few.

Her creations were by no means accessible to anyone without money--prices went from $250-$1400! That's a lot of money in 2009, let alone in 1935. But her custom made pieces, for those who could afford them, were worth every penny. The exhibit shows off her stunning collection of evening gowns, costumes and even a few daytime outfits. What is most interesting is that many of the dresses could be worn on the red carpet today with no changes. Her designs have the unique capability of accenting all of the best features of the womanly form with exquisite draping, darting and seaming; that is what makes a Valentina piece timeless.

If you have any interest in the history of fashion and find yourself free in NYC for an afternoon, I highly recommend that you check it out. As you look around, think about the dresses, jackets and hats that you have worn over the years and see if you can find her influence in them.

A Few Spring Offers

So I've been a little busy as of late and have been very remiss in what was supposed to be my constant on this blog.... Oh well, better late than never. Here are a few of the deals and offers that have landed in my inbox this week:

• Old Navy is having an online exclusive: 30% off New Arrivals! Enter Code New30 at checkout through 2/26/09.
• Ann Taylor Loft "Spring into Style": Get $20 off a purchase of $75 or more, Get $50 off a purchase of $150 or more. Enter Code Spring at checkout through 3/1/09.
• Ann Taylor Loft and Goodwill Industries Team Up: Loft and Goodwill Industries invite your to donate your gently-worn pant to charity and save $15 on a new pair.

And, there is a cool discount program for teachers and an opportunity to earn rewards for classrooms on Ann Taylor Loft. If you are an educator, it is definitely worth a look: http://teachers.anntaylorloft.com/.

That's what I've got for now--happy shopping!

H&M

I first encountered H&M in London when I studied abroad. Being a poor college student in the UK did not bode well with the exchange rate 8-10 years ago...I can't imagine what it must be like today. I didn't do a lot of clothes shopping (believe it or not, there was a time when I controlled myself) but before I went to visit a friend in Spain, I stopped in to pick out some appropriate going out attire. The experience was fine--decent clothes at a decent price. Fairly trendy but not a budget breaker. And I thought when I left the country, I left H&M behind.

But clearly that is not the case; H&Ms are popping up like Duane Reades around this city! After my first traumatic experience 6 or 7 years ago in a Downtown NYC H&M, I pretty much swore them off. There are three things that make for a Shoegirl Shopping Meltdown and unfortunately H&M seems to have all of them.

1. For starters, I'm a fabric snob; if something is itchy or wrinkles when the wind blows, it is a no go.


2. I overwhelm easily--4 floors of fashions tightly packed together is not my idea of a good time.


3. People--there are just too many people. Have you seen the lines for the dressing rooms in those places?! Anyone who knows me knows that I am not the biggest fan of the general population, particularly those that are oblivious to the world around them. My affection only lessens when you put me in close proximity with a large amount of these people all looking for a bargain.

Now, all of that being said, we are in a recession and a girl still has to shop (well, that may not technically be true, but this girl still has to shop). So, I ventured back into an H&M for the first time in years last Saturday...and I survived! I even thought there might be purchase potential! It seems that now that there is an H&M on every corner, one can strategically pick a location where people are not likely to go in droves and perhaps, just perhaps, have an enjoyable shopping experience.

I have to be honest though--I spent approximately 10 minutes in the store looking around and then headed to an appointment I had, so I can't definitively say that my recent assessment is correct. I'm going to complete my mission this weekend after I've appropriately prepared both mind and body (i.e. eat a big brunch and drink lots of coffee) and report back. Stay tuned...

Long Island Getaway

Two of my favorite things (besides the obvious shoes, clothes, and bags) are my hubby and wine. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to combine those two things last weekend in Long Island of all places. Pardon my surprise, but who knew that Long Island, NY is so beautiful and has upwards of 40 vineyards!

We stayed at the lovliest B&B, Shorecrest Bed and Breakfast, owned and operated by a fantastic woman named Marilyn. I absolutely love a B&B and this was no exception. The house is stunning and Marilyn has put quite a lot of work into the rooms. It is so cozy and directly across from the beach which allowed us the most beautiful view of the water at sunset. And seriously, the breakfast...SO good. One of our favorite foods were these ridiculously amazing orange and ricotta pancakes our second morning there. So, needless to say, if you are planning on visiting Long Island for a little getaway, I highly recommend Shorecrest B&B.

Now, the wine. We visited 10 wineries and found so many things that we liked. One of the biggest surprises to me was how much Chardonnay and Merlot is made there; I can see everyone's nose wrinkle at the mention of Chardonnay, but trust me, this is not the wine you are accustomed to. Thanks to the cooler climate here in NY, the sugar in the grapes doesn't process quite so quickly as it does in CA and it allows the winemakers to hold onto a lot more of the fruit flavors and acidity. The result is a Chardonnay that is crisp and clean (more like a Pinot Grigio) without the overwhelming butter taste. See---drinking can be educational.

In case you are thinking of visiting, some of my favorite wineries were Paumanok, Lenz, Duck Walk, and Osprey's Dominion. Most of the vineyards are family businesses and they have great stories. I recommend picking up a copy of Wine Press to get more information on all of the wineries and the award winning wines they produce. If you want a relaxing day trip close to home (for my NY readers) go--the wine is great, the countryside is beautiful and it is only 90 minutes away. Pack a picnic and enjoy your adventure!

Save in Style

My hubby and I were talking about this blog tonight and he mentioned that maybe there was something I could put up on a regular basis to help or entertain all of you, my 4 readers. His was always a political quote, but I'm thinking mine should maybe be more geared towards how we can all be stylish and save money at the same time! Thanks to the many emails I receive from my favorite stores, I will attempt to keep you up on the latest sales and specials.

Here's the rundown for this week so far:

• Ann Taylor: 25% Off Dresses and Cardigans--Online Only


• Ann Taylor Loft: 25% Off Spring Essentials--Online Only


• Bluefly.com: This site seems to have a deal a day! If you are a first time buyer, they are giving you 10% off of your purchase over $100. I have really only picked coats from here, but they have super cute dresses at a variety of price points (yay spring)!

Just in case you decide to check out Ann Taylor, I got the best little cardigan there this weekend! I have the hardest time finding a cardigan the fits right and actually buttons without pulling, but this one is absolutely perfect. Click here to check it out: Ann Taylor, Item #229462. Happy shopping!

Hello Bandolino

http://www.bandolino.com/. Calling all shoe girls...check this out. I inadvertently ordered a pair of black boots this year (yes, from Piperlime) that were Bandolino. This was my first experience with the brand and they were not only affordable (I realize affordable has many connotations depending on your level of obsession, but in this case I mean affordable by a rationale person's standard), but also comfortable right from the start. Any shoe/boot that I can wear to AND from the subway as well as for a full day at the office makes me a happy woman. It's amazing how hard it actually is to find a shoe that can accomodate.

What I didn't realize is how cute and inexpensive their other shoe lines are; they have a large selection of both trendy and basic shoes all for under $60! Seriously, I love my shoes and I appreciate quality, but if I'm going to buy a pair of wedges that may only be considered "in" for a season, I don't want to spend a fortune.

After yet another good experience with a pair of dark brown heels I recently purchased, I'm heading out this weekend to add the little gem pictured above to my collection. A girl can never have enough shoes...no matter what my husband says.

Just One of Those Weeks...

Most people will tell you that they have their best ideas in the shower. I, on the other hand, spend most of my time trying to picture what outfit I am going to wear for the day (have you seen Clueless? I feel like I have Cher's fancy closet computer system in my head). It sounds easy, but due to my lack of focus before 10AM, my mind drifts to the email I need to send or the person I forgot to call and before I know it the water is off and I still have no clothing plan in sight!

This probably has very little relevance on this blog, but honestly, it has just been one of those weeks where this task of putting top and bottom together seems to be impossible, no matter how long I stay in the shower. I can't even pick an outfit when I am standing directly in front of my closet. And instead of acting like a rational person and putting on the tried and true things I know work well (even if I think they are boring), I attempt to get creative. People like me who get up at the last possible minute leaving only enough time to walk out of the house without any extra task, should not get creative at 7:30AM. It doesn't bode well for the rest of the day.

Ultimately on these mornings, I end up with a floor full of hangers, a daybed covered in failed outfits and I am 20 minutes late getting out the door. TGIF.

Tailor: Friend or Foe?

K's comment to my Size Doesn't Matter post brings up yet another valuable topic in the world of clothing and you: the tailor. I, myself, didn't truly understand the many amazing talents of the tailor until a few years ago. I often have to go a size up in tops to fit a broad back and chest, but then my mid-section is swimming in fabric. Typically I would just accept that, buy the bigger shirt and leave it hanging in my closet with the tags on. But then, I branched out and took one to the tailor...I was hooked! The shirt came out perfectly and I looked fantastic!

Here's the thing--clothes are not made to fit every body. In fact, rarely are they perfect on any body shape. It would be impossible for manufacturers to create multiple cuts on garments to make sure the hourglass, pear and straight girls are all accomodated. So ladies, stop blaming your hips, butt and chest for every garment that doesn't fit right. Start placing the blame on that evil piece of fabric whose dart is in an idiotic location and it doesn't hit your beautiful curves in the right place. Amazing how the inanimate object might actually be the issue, not your bone structure.

But I digress: the real point is that there are clothes that are going to be just oh so close to looking phenomenal--if only the straps were shorter, the side seams slightly more form fitting, or the length an 1" shorter. Guess what? This is where your new best friend the neighborhood tailor comes in. For another $10-$20 you can have the perfect piece of tailor made clothing for your body! And, yes the additional $ are worth it--anything that fits you properly is going to make you and your body look its best, and in turn make you feel your best. Are you noticing a pattern here?

Seriously though, if you have never been to a tailor except to get a bridesmaids' dress fitted, please put that traumatic experience out of your head and give them a second a chance.

A Little Slice of Shoe Heaven

Piperlime.com...my new mecca for shoe selection. Now, I have been a Banana Republic girl for quite some time and I have to say that the addition of a shoe specific site to their family of stores a few years ago (I honestly have no idea when it came into being) was genius. Even more genius is that when you are selecting outfits on BR.com, they so nicely give you the option of finding shoes to match on Piperlime! My husband is cursing those people as we speak....

Anyway, if you are killing some time and feel the urge to do a little shoe shopping from the comfort of your couch, I highly recommend Piperlime as your first stop. Just in case you need some actual convincing to visit, here are a few reasons that Piperlime gets a Shoegirl Gold Star:

1. Free Shipping and Free Returns--now who doesn't love that


2. I heart their search options--not only can I search by the basics of size, color etc, but I can actually break my search into shoe use. My favorite categories are "Comfy and Cute," "At the Office" and "Real Steals." Unlike some of the competitor sites, I never feel overwhelmed with the selection because my search returned 600 pairs of shoes. You may have loved a shoe on page 10, but who can remember when you end on page 43!


3. Rachel Zoe's Picks: Now, I don't know how many of you actually know who she is or watched her reality show (which was a little bit like watching a cranky train wreck) but, she certainly has taste. This category is a great way to get a feel for what you are going to see this season without having to read every issue of Elle. And, yes she does highlight the stunning $500 shoes, but she also has a bunch of shoes in the $100 range as well.


4. Definitely something for everyone: The site has brands of all price ranges and styles. Anyone can shop here--particularly because of Reason #1, FREE RETURNS!

So, while you are waiting for the SuperBowl to start this lovely Sunday afternoon, take a quick peek at what's new for the season on Piperlime.com; you just might fall in love.

Size Really Doesn't Matter

I have a feeling that a lot of my pet peeves and frustrations about both the fashion industry and women's skewed perceptions of themselves will come to light very quickly. So here's issue one:
I will never understand the tunnel vision that overtakes a woman when she sees the size on a piece of clothing. Why on earth do you care if that reads a 6 or a 10? Because honestly, one store's 6 is another store's 10. If you haven't figured it out yet, this sizing convention was most likely created by men and is adjusted based on a stores' clientele. Retailers want women (I should say people, but this tactic is pretty much geared towards women) to buy more--and women buy more when they think they are skinnier and have lost weight. I realize that is screwed up, but it sells product.

No one ever listens to me when I say this, but I am going to try again. Buy clothes that fit--all that matters is that they make you look and feel like a superstar. Fit the widest part of your top or bottom and go from there. It took me a long time to learn that; I have a broad back and big shoulders, so finding tops has never been a walk in the park. But I know that if they pull, gape or if I can't raise my arms, they don't fit. And if they don't fit, I am never going to wear them, let alone make them look good.

Don't limit your potential because of a random even number. As a side note, if you are over 18, the numbers should be even. 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 are for juniors.

When I am picking out clothes (and I range from a 6 to a 12 depending on the piece of clothing), I look for a few major indicators to tell me to go a size up:

• Gaping at the chest--If I'm going to be rebuttoning or pulling on a shirt all day when I wear it, it probably isn't going to do me any favors
• Pulling at the hips--whiskers at the crotch and hips are friends to no woman
• Shoulder seams that hit between my neck and my shoulder--I prefer having some sort of mobility in my upper body. Shoulder seams are there for a reason...to sit at your shoulder.

The concept is not new, just hard for women to accept. The outside world doesn't see the number on your label; they just see an amazing fit. So why shouldn't you?

Snip snip

Ok, ladies, listen up. You know when you buy a coat or a skirt that has pleats of some sort, there are those little threads that are lightly tacked in that hold the bottom of the pleat together? Well, there is a reason they are lightly tacked in---because they are meant to be cut out before you wear the garment!


Clearly, this is a pet peeve of mine. You are doing a disservice to the lovely piece of clothing you bought by not letting the pleat open up, and frankly, you kind of look like you have no idea what you are doing when you get dressed. Seriously, you cannot tell me that you thought the coat was supposed to have that bubble effect on your backside when you bought it. So, is this just laziness or do people really have no idea?


This will not solve any of the important issues that the world is facing right now, but please, I beg you, let the pleats go free.

Shoegirl Goes Blog

Well, as my name implies, I may have a slight issue with shoes. Not the kind of issue where I have 400 pairs in my closet (only because I can't afford to), but the kind where I seem to have the need to stop in every shoe store I pass. In most cities, that wouldn't be such a big deal, but in New York...well, the temptations (which I prefer to call opportunities) are endless.

And, if my obsession were limited to shoes that would be one thing, but of course, a killer outfit is not created by shoes alone. I have whole-heartedly embraced my sister obsessions with clothing, jewelry (preferably unique and handmade), and bags. Happily, I have a very patient husband who has yet to sign me up for Shopaholics Anonymous.

So, that leads me to the reason for this blog. I love all things style-oriented. I have watched every What Not To Wear ever made (but no, I am not so obsessed that I participate in the site's blogs or chat rooms). I adore Tim Gunn and think Season 2 of Guide to Style was so much better than Season 1. I don't claim to know a lot about high fashion, but I do understand what makes a body look good and that it doesn't have to cost a fortune. And I truly believe that the way you look makes a profound difference not only in the way you are perceived and approached by others, but more importantly in the way you feel about yourself.

I have no idea what this blog will become, but it was born out of my desire to share my thoughts and observations on subjects near and dear to my heart--style, shopping and of course...shoes.