Saturday, April 9, 2011

10 ITEMS WOMEN SHOULD OWN

10 Mistake-Proof Items Every Woman Should Own
By Adam Glassman
O, The Oprah Magazine | From the May 2010 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine

I'm often asked for advice on what will be in style forever. So I've put together a list of mistake-proof items to fit any woman's wardrobe, from here to eternity.

1. Touches of animal print. On a bag or shoe, a little bit of zebra or tiger operates like a neutral. Michael Kors and Ann Taylor bring them out almost every season.

2. A leather jacket. Now a year-round staple, they come in lighter weights and pale colors, like Tory Burch's in camel or Banana Republic's in beige.

3. A men's watch. I like men's styles because they're not too fussy or dainty. If you wear a lot of gold jewelry, go with gold tones (Tag Heuer's are great); if you wear mostly silver, pick stainless steel (Citizen and Swatch have affordable options).

4. Diamond hoop earrings. More youthful than studs, hoops polish off a casual look and complete a dressy one. Unless you want to be mistaken for one of Beyoncé's backup singers, find a medium size. I love Daniel K's, and Carolee makes great faux ones.

5. A sequined scarf. Every woman should have sequins for day. I think the unexpected combination—plain plus fancy—is key.

6. White jeans. CJ by Cookie Johnson's and Gap's come in nice heavy fabrics.

7. A neutral shoe. In leather, patent leather, or fabric, a pair of heels that matches your skin color visually extends the line of your leg.

8. An oversize blazer. The "borrowed from the boys" look isn't going anywhere. At the office, throw on a jacket—black, navy, or pinstriped.

9. A pencil skirt. Sexy without being revealing, and appropriate at any age—it works for every woman. If you have a boyish shape, it gives the impression of curves; if you're curvy, it plays up your figure; if you're plus size, it's more flattering than a full skirt.

10. A lace-trimmed bra or camisole. Peeking out from under a V-neck, a little frill on a Soma bra or Mary Green cami adds a touch of femininity.

MY THOUGHTS

Surprise! Surprise! A men's watch? I don't get it. If you don, then go ahead.

Saturday, April 2, 2011

WEAR YOUR SWIMSUIT AS A TOP

Give Your Swimsuit a Second Life -- Wear It as a Top!
Adele Brennan ON Aug 6, 2010 at 6:30AM
www.ivillage.com

Who says a bathing suit has to be beach-only attire?

Like many of my fellow ladies, when the weather cools, off I tend to toss all my bathing suits into a designated drawer and hold off on using them until next summer rolls around. But when I spotted this Binding Signs Swimsuit by Insight (originally $56, now $39.99, at Need Supply), I thought to myself: now that would look really cute with a pair of high waisted jeans and a blazer!

Sure, it's a little low cut, but that could easily be fixed by a lacy cami (or possibly perfect for a Friday night date). I could also see something like this Yellow Moon Bandeau by Insight (originally $64, now $49.99, at Need Supply) looking adorable when peeking out from a deep v-neck tee, or dress.

It might seem a little out of the box, but whether you're going to spend $10 or $100 on your suit, to me, it just makes sense to try and find more ways to wear it (rather than limiting yourself to just the pool or beach). And really, who's to say you can't put on swimwear all year long?

So tell me...

Would you wear a bathing suit as a top? Discuss!

MY THOUGHTS

Probably not in a tropical country. The swimsuit will stick to the body like glue because of the heat. On cooler days maybe.

Friday, April 1, 2011

WEAR THE RIGHT NECKLACE

THE RIGHT NECKLACE LENGTHS

From the article 'Jewelry Do's & Dont's'
Melissa Kagan ON Apr 7, 2005 at 1:20AM
www.ivillage.com

Wear the Right Necklace Lengths

Have you even seen someone who is dressed to the nines, yet something seems somehow off? Wearing the wrong length necklace with a particular neckline is probably the most common mistake women make when it comes to wearing jewelry. Here are some simple guidelines for getting it right.

* Collar necklaces should lie snugly around the middle of the neck, and can be worn with V-neck, boat-neck and off-the-shoulder tops.

* Chokers fall perfectly at the base of the neck, and look great with strapless or plunging necklines.

* Princess length necklaces (17 to 19 inches) fall just below the throat. This is the most common and versatile length of necklace. It can be worn with most necklines except the high ones. Add a pendant and wear with a V-neck for a pretty look.

* Matinee length necklaces (20 to 24 inches) hit the top of the bust, and it's best not to wear this length with plunging necklines. If the necklace hits the very top of your neckline, it will be fighting for attention with your top.

* Opera length necklaces (28 to 34 inches) fall below the bust and look great with a very high neckline. They can be worn from day to evening. This length can also be doubled for a multi-strand look.

MY THOUGHTS

That's pretty clear. If you're a necklace person, this should sit well with you. Most of the time I find necklaces cumbersome. I have to admit, that they do add value to the way we look when worn properly.