Mustard Reprise

Sweater, The Limited. Skirt, Eddie Bauer (swap). Belt, Forever 21. Necklace, Access. Purse, Tingnanello. Tights, Forever 21. Shoes, Keen.

I just love my new yellow purse and belt -they can really add a "pop" to an otherwise ordinary outfit. Now if I could only find a mustard colored scarf...

Mrs. O: The Face of Fashion Democracy

Much has been said about First Lady Michelle Obama's style since she burst into the fashion consciousness at the 2008 Democratic National Convention. She has been praised for her ability to mix high-end fashion with less expensive clothes. She has been compared to Jackie O., but with a more attainable style. She is glamorous, yet accessible.

Mary Tomer of Mrs-O.org elaborates on the "Michelle Obama Effect" in her new book Mrs. O: The Face of Fashion Democracy.

Tomer's group blog, Mrs-O.org, already does a lovely job providing information on Michelle Obama's daily fashion choices. The book goes beyond with new analysis, splendid photography, designer interviews and insights into Obama's cultural impact.

Writing about Michelle Obama's sartorial choices during the Democratic National Convention, Tomer explains what is captivating about the First Lady.

I found myself profoundly impressed by Michelle Obama's confidence, intelligence, and gracious spirit, and inspired that such strength and self possession could exist in harmony with a feminine, almost romantic, style sensibility. While strong and feminine shouldn't be at odds, the dress code of our culture can be remarkably outdated, particularly in the realm of politics. With Mrs. Obama's style, a new era of body-hugging silhouettes, jewel tones, floral prints, and brooches was ushered in--unapologetically feminine details that quickly dismissed the boxy skirt suit as anonymous, old-fashioned, and, well, square.

The book brings forth fresh analysis of the First Lady's fashion, such as Isabel Toledo's comment on the dress worn to meet the Queen of England:

"I thought it was perfect," she said. "Michelle Obama really let the Queen shine in her blossom pink." Commenting on the ivory and black palette, Toledo added, "This classic combination is well understood by men in tuxedos. You are always at your best without upstaging anyone else in the room. It is the art of restraint. For a woman, there is a sense of beauty in being discreet."

The book closes with quotes from readers of Mrs-O.org on why they follow Michelle Obama's fashion. Particularly charming is the short and sweet final quote:

Because I love her.

Thanks to Mrs-O.org for the complementary book for review!

Warm and Fuzzy

Dress, Ann Taylor Loft. Turtleneck, Habana. Belt, thrifted. Leggings, Forever 21. Boots, Aldo.

Some fall days just call for a cozy turtleneck and a warm cup of tea. Since the cutest part of this dress is the ruching at the shoulders, I decided to layer under instead of over.

I got this belt for seventy-five cents at a costume store that was going out of business. It was too big, but my husband fixed that by making another hole in it with his power drill. Ta-dah!

And just for fun -pop the collar!

Breaking the Rules & Power Tools

Sweater, Merona. Jacket, Forever 21 (thrifted). Belt, Forever 21. Skirt, Larry Levine. Shoes, J-41. Necklace, Souvenir from Rome.

When it comes to dressing for my body type, I usually have a pretty good intuitive sense about what works and what doesn't work. I end up subconsciously following the rules touted by fashion writers in magazines and blogs, just because their advice seem to innately make sense to me. After all, at five-foot-three, I know from experience that tea-length skirts make me look comically dwarfed, and billowy shirts with empire waists are better left to the tall and lean or to expectant mothers. But I don't care what they say, I WILL wear floor-length skirts, even if I have to hem the bottom a whole six inches. Long skirts not only feel elegant and feminine, they're also perfect for hiding knee-high wool socks and leggings during the colder months. Not to mention they're as comfortable as pajamas!

Adding a belt to create a high waist helps to lengthen the silhouette a bit as well and makes it a little more wearable for me. I had actually been searching for a "skinny belt" for about a year without finding one that fit at my natural waist. But since my husband graciously offered to customize the holes on my new $2.50 belt with his power drill, I can now define the waistline of any outfit with a bright splash of gold.

By the way, this necklace was a souvenir I picked up in Rome a few years ago.

Mustard Fever

Dress, Mossimo (swapped).  Sweater, MEXX (thrifted).  Belt, Forever 21 (thrifted). Purse, Tignanello. Tights, Betsy Johnson? (from T.J. Max).  Shoes, Rough Hewn.

 

Kasmira's Year of Mustard must have been working in my subconscious over the last six months, because I have been craving something mustard-colored! It seems that everywhere I go, that rich, sunny shade pops out at me from wherever it's hiding and begs me to take it home.  At first I was hoping to find some lovely mustard-yellow shoes, but then I came to the practical realization that without shoe polish to match, the shoes wouldn't look lovely for very long. 

Then I found this purse.  It was the only one left. And it was 50% off.   AND my current purse is so old it's falling apart.  So how could I resist?  With its its creamy soft leather and rich, sunny color, it was love at first sight.  

Looking back, maybe I had mustard yellow even deeper in my subconscious than I thought - the rich, golden hue of sunflowers, which I've used as part of my decorating scheme since high school, is strikingly similar to the mustard shades I've been drawn to more recently.  I guess that warm, rich, bright colors just make me happy!

Chopsticks, anyone?

Shirt, Oxford Style Lab (Thrifted).  Sweater, Old Navy (Thrifted).  Jeans, Banana Republic Factory Store.  Scarf, T.J. Max.  Earrings, Target.  Belt, brand unknown (Thrifted).  Shoes, Bakers. Necklace, Target.

Something about Mondays makes me crave sushi.  Maybe it's because a light and elegant meal is the perfect antidote to the long, fast-paced day that jump-starts every work week. Sushi makes me stop and savor the moment, instead of just being swept up by the momentum of the day and rushing right through dinner. Sometimes you just have to stop and taste the California rolls...

What's your cure for the Monday blues?

Bring on the Trench Coat, Hold the Snow!

Trench coat, Old Navy (thrifted).  Jacket, Forever 21 (thrifted).  Shirt, Merona.  Necklace, Fossil.  Skirt, Mossimo (thrifted). Boots, Aldo. Tights, eBay.

Brrrrrrr! I'm not ready for the temperatures to drop yet, but they sure are dropping here in Wisconsin.  We even had a bit of snow for a few brief minutes -snow in mid-October??  Crisp fall weather means I get to pull out my jean trench coat, which I enjoy.  But if temperatures dip below 45 degrees, I have to swap it for my wool winter coat or freeze in the wind while waiting for the bus.

I got this coat on my first trip ever to a Good Will store, which I discovered in the middle of nowhere, Ohio.  As I was looking around, a fellow shopper walked up to me and handed me this coat, saying "Here.  This wouldn't fit me, but it would look great on you." For $4, I figured it wouldn't hurt to give it a try.  It was definitely money well spent.