Thursday, December 31, 2009

Ick: Paris Gives Aspen Pink Eye

When your fashion sense steers you wrong, console yourself with the knowledge that you will never go this far off course. Paris's t-shirt, hat and boots should never be worn by any woman over the age of 21. Too often, it seems she has far more dollars than sense!

To read the rest of "Ick: Paris Gives Aspen Pink Eye", head over to Lindsay Ferrier's new column at The Stir by CafeMom.

The Matchy: Yay or Nay?


Reader Libby sent me the link to this photo and it made me laugh. How could glamorous J. Lo look so.... momlike? And is this famed wearer of Louboutins really doing The Matchy with her son?

I have mixed feelings about mother-child matching. I actually hate the concept, whether it's a family dressed in coordinating embroidered Mickey Mouse polos at Disneyland or the everybody's-doing-it family beach photo featuring the entire group in white shirts and khakis. It just seems, I don't know, silly.

To read the rest of "The Matchy: Yay or Nay?", head over to Lindsay Ferrier's new column at The Stir by CafeMom.

Deal of the Day: Final Call at LOFT- 25% 40% Off Sale Items!

It is truly the end of the winter season at LOFT right now- All that's left from the winter season is priced to MOVE (Do I sound like a mattress salesman or WHAT?!). With an extra 25%40% OFF (yes, it has gone from 25% to 40% since I wrote this post!) sale prices, there are some seriously great deals to be had with a little hunting for your size. Here are a few of my favorites.

At just $52.49 $41.99 after the discount, I am crushing on this aubergine velvet blazer.

To read the rest of "Deal of the Day: Final Call at LOFT- 25% 40% Off Sale Items!", head over to Lindsay Ferrier's new column at The Stir by CafeMom.

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Singular Style: Gwen Stefani

Like our friend Reese, Gwen Stefani did not have a stylish summer. She spent most of that season kicking around in what looked like the wardrobe from Breakdance 2: Electric Boogaloo.
This winter, though, the woman looks spectacular. Girlfriend knows how to wear a scarf, and she's been doing an admirable job lately of staying avant garde without looking awful. Check out these looks she's sported over the last month...

This may be the first time harem pants haven't bothered me. And I love how she layered the scarf beneath the cropped trench. It was a daring decision- and it worked!

To read the rest of "Singular Style: Gwen Stefani", head over to Lindsay Ferrier's new column at The Stir by CafeMom.

The Great Pajama Drama

Aww hell no.

Yesterday, I was writing at Starbucks when a man walked in wearing pajama bottoms with polar bears all over them. He was talking loudly on his cell phone. I shot daggers at him with my eyes, but he remained impervious. I resorted to my only other weapon... Twitter.

Pajama bottoms in public, I wrote. Please, God, make this trend go awayyyyyyy,

To read the rest of "The Great Pajama Drama", head over to Lindsay Ferrier's new column at The Stir by CafeMom.

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Singular Style: Reese Witherspoon

I'll admit I take a particular interest in Reese Witherspoon because much of her extended family lives here in Nashville and she often comes back for visits. For that reason, I believe it's only a matter of time before we run into each other at Green Hills Mall and start talking and realize we were meant to be lifelong friends (ditto Nicole Kidman). Imagine what Martina will think when she sees my new galpal, Reese! (Or Nicole. I'm not particular.) Martina will never try to take pictures of me again! She'll be too afraid!

Anyway, I will say that Reese's personal style can be hit-or-miss; over the summer, she was spotted wearing the same godawful printed skirts over and over and over again and I wondered how someone so pretty and in such good shape could wear something so unflattering every. single. day.

To read the rest of "Singular Style: Reese Witherspoon", head over to Lindsay Ferrier's new column at The Stir by CafeMom.

Instant Slimmers

Chances are, you're not feeling particularly svelte this week, and you've still got New Year's to get through before you can really start the Big Diet to End All Diets. We've all got tricks to look a little thinner on our not-so-hot days- Here are a few of my favorites.

Spanx

Once I finally bit the bullet and tried Spanx for my beauty column, all I could think was, "What took me so long?!" Spanx make your body look better, no matter how much you weigh, which I'm sure is why even 100-pound celebrities admit to wearing them. They basically do the sucking in for you and who could argue with that?

To read the rest of "Instant Slimmers", head over to Lindsay Ferrier's new column at The Stir by CafeMom.

Deal of the Day: Take an Extra 20% Off J. Crew Sale Items

While I love J.Crew, the line's exorbitant (Yes. I said it.) prices really turn me off, so much that I generally avoid the place when out shopping. However, JCrew.com's after-Christmas sale has me taking a second look.

Between now and January third, you can take an extra 20% off all sale merchandise and get free shipping on orders over $150 with the code EXTRA20. Here are a few of my favorite sale items and I've even worked out the final price after discount, just for you! (And maybe me. I've vowed not to buy any more winter items, but there are some great spring things here.)

To read the rest of "Deal of the Day: Take an Extra 20% Off J. Crew Sale Items", head over to Lindsay Ferrier's new column at The Stir by CafeMom.

Monday, December 28, 2009

Singular Style: Dita Von Teese

While I love checking out the latest trends, I really admire women who take a look and make it their own, regardless of what everyone else is wearing at the moment. I think they are the true arbiters of fashion. One standout in this department is burlesque star Dita Von Teese. She has her own signature style from which she never deviates, and I love it!

At press events, Dita goes for high glam with gorgeous designer dresses that call to mind a screen siren from Hollywood's golden era.

It's too dramatic of a look for most of us to pull off, but Dita is always fun to watch.

To read the rest of "Singular Style: Dita Von Teese", head over to Lindsay Ferrier's new column at The Stir by CafeMom.

Hot Trend: The Statement Necklace

Mrs. O was recently on the cover of Glamour in a "statement necklace," one of this season's hottest trends, and suddenly, these necklaces are everywhere you turn. But how can you make this look work for you?

One place I like to go for ideas is Neiman Marcus. Growing up, I'd start at Neiman's when I shopped at Atlanta's Lenox Mall, decide there which designer looks I liked most, and then go out into the mall and find them at prices I could afford. You can do the same at the Neiman Marcus website. Check out Neiman Marcus's Statement Necklace page to see how premier designers are interpreting the trend.

To read the rest of "Hot Trend: The Statement Necklace", head over to Lindsay Ferrier's new column at The Stir by CafeMom.

Deal of the Day: Talbots After-Christmas Sale

Talbots is having an after-Christmas sale right now, with up to 50% off regular prices. The line tends to be on the high side, but there are bargains to be had, as well as pieces that could qualify as investments for your wardrobe- Talbots' fabrics are high-quality and their styles are timeless.

At $119.99, this dress is still a bit pricey, but it could be a show stopper on the right woman and would make a nice investment piece. I love the brocade print. It looks like something Jackie O might've worn.

This is a lovely take on the ruffled cardigan and the ivory color would take you right into spring. It also comes in brown and olive green and is on sale for $43.99.

To read the rest of "Deal of the Day: Talbots After-Christmas Sale", head over to Lindsay Ferrier's new column at The Stir by CafeMom.

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Deal of the Day: Up to 70% Off at Limited

The Limited is having a sale right now, with up to 70% off its winter line. Here are a couple of my favorites from the sale pages.


This cardigan is super cute, comes in purple, red and black, and is on sale for $34.99. Pair it with this cami, also on sale for $9.99. This is one of those looks that works well whether you're a working woman or stay-at-home mom.

To read the rest of "Deal of the Day: Up to 70% Off at Limited", head over to Lindsay Ferrier's new column at The Stir by CafeMom.

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Deal of the Day: Come on, It's December 26th. Pretty Much Everything is on Sale Today!

Now that Christmas is over, there are many, many deals to be had out there- Here are just a few I'm looking at this morning in a pathetic effort to avoid cleaning up the post-present disaster area that is my home.

Neiman Marcus is mostly way out of my price range. But there are bargains to be had even at the upscale department store. Sort your search by price to weed out the items you can't afford.

To read the rest of "Deal of the Day: Come on, It's December 26th. Pretty Much Everything is on Sale Today!", head over to Lindsay Ferrier's new column at The Stir by CafeMom.

Thursday, December 24, 2009

What I'm Wearing


Okay. I hate pictures of myself and I really hate posting them on my blog. But at the same time, I love it when other people post pictures of what they're wearing, particularly if I like their style. So here you go. Deep breaths. Deeeeeeep breaths.

This was what I wore yesterday. I bought this gorgeous black sweater dress a couple of weeks ago at TJ Maxx for $29.99. It's by BCBG and retailed at $240. I consider that a pretty good deal, so good, in fact, that when I was at TJ Maxx last night getting some last minute stocking stuffers, I found a similar one in chocolate brown and bought that one too. Sweater dresses, after all, never go out of style.

To read the rest of "What I'm Wearing", head over to Lindsay Ferrier's new column at The Stir by CafeMom.

On the Street: L.A.

I love looking at blogs that feature what people are wearing on the streets of some of the world's most fashionable cities. Here are a few looks I liked in and around LA, from the photographers at the L.A. Times's style blog, All the Rage.

Proof that you can be fabulous even when nine months pregnant.


Frilly and feminine.

To read the rest of "On the Street: L.A.", head over to Lindsay Ferrier's new column at The Stir by CafeMom.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Tis the Season for Inappropriate Lingerie


You may be asking yourself, "What the hell is that?" Well, I've got the answer to your question and more totally inappropriate lingerie that men are sure to be putting under the tree for their lady loves. Check out my latest edition of Beauty Uncensored over at Her Nashville Magazine- There's a surprise ending to this column that you won't want to miss!

To read the rest of "Tis the Season for Inappropriate Lingerie", head over to Lindsay Ferrier's new column at The Stir by CafeMom.

You Can Do This: Eva Longoria

Eva Longoria looks fabulous in this shot, wearing an outfit you could easily put together with clothes you probably already have in your closet.

Photo courtesy of Instyle.

To read the rest of "You Can Do This: Eva Longoria", head over to Lindsay Ferrier's new column at The Stir by CafeMom.

Deal of the Day: Victoria's Secret Semi-Annual Sale

A few years ago, I tentatively ordered a few tops from Victoria's Secret. The prices were so good that I was worried they would be cheaply made and look awful, but I was very pleased with them and have been ordering clothes from Victoria's Secret ever since.

What I love about Victoria's Secret's clothing line is the selection- There are so many styles of tops and sweaters and dresses to choose from that you're almost guaranteed to find something that suits your body type. Also, VS is very good about sales and online discounts- Find something you like and a sale or special discount will inevitably come along that makes your selection a steal. A few weeks ago, for example, I used a 25% off discount and free shipping deal to get a pair of already-on-sale Steve Madden stiletto boots for $50.

To read the rest of "Deal of the Day: Victoria's Secret Semi-Annual Sale", head over to Lindsay Ferrier's new column at The Stir by CafeMom.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Good Leggings/ Bad Leggings

I love leggings, whether they're paired with a dress, a short skirt, a long coat, or a tunic. And I think leggings can work on a variety of body types. But leggings can be a mixed bag- worn right, you look long and lean. Worn wrong, you look like a hoochie. And even celebrities aren't immune from leggings disasters. Let's take a look at a few good leggings/bad leggings examples.

Here, Nicky Hilton is having a good leggings day. I would totally wear this outfit- black leggings and black boots topped off by an awesome leopard print coat. Most importantly, her coat covers her rear end. This is key with leggings, as you will see.

To read the rest of "Good Leggings/ Bad Leggings", head over to Lindsay Ferrier's new column at The Stir by CafeMom.

Monday, December 21, 2009

This Necklace is So Pretty...

....and soooo beyond my budget. But I love it. I love, love, love, love, love it. And for $242, it could be yours... personalized. It's pricey, but this piece could definitely qualify as an "investment." And it will never go out of style.


To read the rest of "This Necklace is So Pretty...", head over to Lindsay Ferrier's new column at The Stir by CafeMom.

Remembering Brittany

Say what you will about Brittany Murphy, she had a fabulous sense of style. She clearly loved the high glamor of screen actresses from the 1950s, and her fashion choices were always exciting and very feminine.





RIP, Brittany.

To read the rest of "Remembering Brittany", head over to Lindsay Ferrier's new column at The Stir by CafeMom.

Deal of the Day: Up to 60% Off at Hanna Andersson

I just got word that Hanna Andersson is offering up to 60% off on lots of different styles. You might think of Hanna Andersson primarily as a kids shop (and it's a great one- I always get a few special dresses there for my daughter each year), but they also have wonderful clothing for women, particularly moms.

I saw this picture back in September and fell in love with this women's Cafe dress paired with leggings. I bought it at full price and it remains one of my favorite dresses. My husband loves it on me, too. The dress is now on sale for $50 and the leggings are on sale for $20. Even better, many women's dresses are just $38 right now and skirts are going for $20-$26.

To read the rest of "Deal of the Day: Up to 60% Off at Hanna Andersson", head over to Lindsay Ferrier's new column at The Stir by CafeMom.

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Deal of the Day: 50% off Everything at New York and Company!

Reader Jennifer alerted me to the half-off sale going on this weekend only at New York & Company and specifically, these pants, which are just $17.47.

Here's what she said:

To read the rest of "Deal of the Day: 50% off Everything at New York and Company!", head over to Lindsay Ferrier's new column at The Stir by CafeMom.

Deal of the Day: 40% off at Ann Taylor, Today Only

At full price, Ann Taylor is a bit too expensive for my budget. But I always check the sale racks when I'm at the store for great deals (a few months ago, I found a gorgeous $150 aubergine sweater dress for just $19.99), and I'm finding that I can score online, too, with a little patience.

Today, for example, Ann Taylor is offering 40% off everything with the code SNOWFLAKE and free 3rd day shipping on orders of $150 or more. My pick is the shirt pictured above, which I bought when Ann Taylor offered the 40% off deal several weeks ago. With the 40% off deal, it's $46.50, still a little pricey but it looks absolutely gorgeous on. The detail on this shirt is spectacular. I can't wear mine until Christmas, but I've already secretly tried it on twice, if that tells you anything! Thank God Hubs is a wrapping procrastinator!

To read the rest of "Deal of the Day: 40% off at Ann Taylor, Today Only", head over to Lindsay Ferrier's new column at The Stir by CafeMom.

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Beauty, Uncensored: The Atkins Diet


I've discovered from recent experience that when life hands you lemons, it's a great time to go on a diet.

My family has had a difficult fall season- nothing out of the ordinary, but, you know, difficult. We all go through those seasons from time to time, right? Anyway, I had read several months ago that hard times are a good point at which to make life changes, the ones that are uncomfortable to make when times are good. And for me, that meant it was a prime opportunity to lose the 15 pounds I'd been wanting to get rid of for the last, oh, YEAR.

To read the rest of "Beauty, Uncensored: The Atkins Diet", head over to Lindsay Ferrier's new column at The Stir by CafeMom.

Friday, December 18, 2009

Hair You Can Have: Katie Holmes

Katie Holmes's hair has had its ups and downs. At times, her ever-changing hair styles look downright frumpy and lately, she's been channeling Anna Wintour, which is always dangerous. But this look? I love. It's an easy cut to ask for at the salon and an easy style to maintain, as you'll see. And I can totally see it working on lots of women I know.

What I love about this haircut is that it works in a variety of situations. Here, it's tucked behind Katie's ears, allowing the focus to be on her face. For that kind of shine, I've found that applying a shine spray and then using a high-quality tourmaline straightener works wonders.

To read the rest of "Hair You Can Have: Katie Holmes", head over to Lindsay Ferrier's new column at The Stir by CafeMom.