Friday, May 28, 2010

Stars and Stripes for Memorial Day Wine Tasting

It's COLD in the Pacific Northwest and it's wine tasting weekend. Small private wineries open their doors to the public twice a year: Memorial Day and Thanksgiving. It's wonderful fun. But what to wear? (Casual, chic and hopefully warm.)

Starts and Stripes for Memorial Day
Anthropologie, Ralph Lauren, Nine West, Kate Spade
Casual outfit for wine tasting on Memorial Day Weekend

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Designer iPhone Cases

The most often used item in my handbag is my iPhone.A few Christmases agom my favorite gift was a Coach iPhone/iPod case. (See below) While developing an upcoming blog post about how to package purse contents so they can be easily moved between handbags, I researched designer iPhone cases.

From top left:
Kate Spade: $35
Juicy Couture: $58
Gucci: $170


For extra protection, I also use an orange "incase" and clear screen protector around my iPhone.My Coach iPhone holder can be slipped into my into a purse, backpack or tote or used alone with its wrist strap.


Wednesday, May 19, 2010

iPod/iPhone Wardrobe Organizers - Part 2

Yesterday I reviewed two wardrobe management iPhone/iPod apps:Stylish Girl and Closet.

Today, I'll share my experience with
Touch Closet and My Stylist.

First, let me say that I have designed a few iPhone/iPod apps, so I have some knowledge of their capability (although my role was designing the apps' concepts and graphics - I used a programmer to create the actual apps).


TOUCH CLOSET
Cost: $.99

Touch Closet was easy to use. I like that I can see my outfit visually on one screen. I wish I could size my photos to fit the screen the way I'd like them to. I could only fit four items per screen which left me no room for accessories like purse/jewelry/hat. I love that I can create my own categories and that I can categorize pieces by color. Of the four apps I tested, I will probably use Touch Closet the most.





I recommend Touch Closet because of it's ease of use and quick learning curve. I'd like to see more features and I'd be willing to pay more to be able to size my photos within the program.


MY STYLE
Cost: $.99

My Style is the worst app I've ever used. I had to go to the web to enter an activation code, then enter a password on my phone to use the app.

When I entered my outfits, the app insisted that I enter a brand for each piece of clothing. (I entered "none" when I didn't know.) Hello? Some of my clothes are old, why does brand matter? I figure they must be tracking brands to see what their users are buying. If this is true they should NOT charge for the app.

I feel like I wasted $.99. I know that's not a lot of money, but it's gone for nothing. Even if somehow I do not understand how to use the app, that is app's fault. It should be easy and intuitive to use. The instructions say you can adjust your photos, yet that feature did not work. I'm frustrated because I can't figure this thing out.






I absolutely do NOT recommend this app. It looks like if it worked or if I could figure it out, it might be good, but after spending an hour working with it, I couldn't create one outfit.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

iPod/iPhone Wardrobe Organizers - Part 1

Often I wake up too early worrying about what to wear "today". I should choose the next day's clothes the previous night but I always forget to.

A few years ago I wanted to create my own wardrobe organizing computer program but I don't know how to code software. Back then I organized my clothes on MS Excel. Yes, yes, I can get a little anal about organizing.

I looked into iPhone/iPod wardrobe organizers so I can virtually create outfits.
With all that said, I've tested four apps for YOU. Today I review two of them: Stylish Girl and Closet. All four apps make wardrobe organizing a "game".

I like the idea of creating many outfits easily by mixing and matching all my pieces without having to try them on. Also, the apps make me more daring with my combos.


If you decide to buy a wardrobe organizing app you'll need to photograph your attire and upload the photos to your iPhone. By downloading photos of new wardrobe pieces before you buy them you can virtually try them with existing outfits.



STYLISH GIRL
DDN Media, Inc.





Positives
  • Free Has "tags" capability
  • It links to ShopStyle.com to get "wish list" items.

Negatives
  • Can't Layer Photos (I've gotten just to this with websites like Polyvore)
  • No Calendar




CLOSET
Website





Positives:

  • You can try it for free. (Upgrade to full version for only $2.99)
  • Includes a calendar

Negatives

  • Can't Layer Photos (I've gotten just to this with websites like Polyvore)
  • Some photos that fit Stylish Girl are too big for Closet. It should size them to the screen.

Part 2 coming up - I'll review two more apps: Touch Closet and My Fashion Style Assistant.

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Straw Totes under $60

My mission: Find a straw tote that costs less than $60. My challenge:Find a straw tote, for under $60 that doesn't dwarf someone who is 5'1" tall. Here are some of my finds. I haven't chosen one, yet; these may be too large for a shorty.

- J. Crew Seaside tote $45.00 (12"H x 19 3/4"W x 9"D)
- Newport News Straw tote $24 (23 x 13 x 9")
- Endless Murval Barbados Cornhusk Basket Tote – $59 (14.5" H x 23.5" W x 7" D)
- DSW Poppie Jones Straw Shopper $39.95 (17" x 5" x 12")

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Surprise! Land's End Canvas!




I was completely surprised today. When I visited What I Wore to see her photo collection of fashion bloggers wearing Breton Strips, I found a number of bloggers who I hadn't known about including The Good Life for Less . I loved her outfit (follow link to see) and was inspired. I'm a redhead who looks great in golden yellow so I couldn't resist her yellow-gold short trench from Land's End.


I ran down to Sears and ordered one. (Free shipping if you order it at the store.) I was shocked at the vast number of cute and stylish clothes at Land's End. I left with a new purse and three tops. Their stuff used to look and fit like old-lady wear but they've completely redone their sizing and styling. If you like the crisp natuical/casual look, check them out.

Friday, May 7, 2010

The Perfect Mother's Day Shoe

I'm still too shy to post one of my outfits. Perhaps Monday.

Instead I've found the perfect bootie for you to wear to Mom's for her special day on Sunday. Or better yet, give her a pair. Really, it is listed on endless.com. I giggled when I happened onto it


It will only cost you $47.95 to get these Funtasma booties. If you want to be really creative, you can get them in green or black. Or get two pair and wear one black and one red.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Merona Shoe Liners

Because it's a casual day at work today, I wored blue and white striped denim pants/jeans and thought of pairing them with Cole Haan slip-on sneaker-loafers (They're more attractive in person and good lighting). They looked great but felt awful; I just don't like bare feet in sneakers.




So instead I opted for red sandals. But, when I arrived at the office I found the package of Merona Shoe Liners from Target I'd purchased to review. They're the perfect solution for this situation; they serve as an invisible lining between your foot and your shoe. I've worn them for a full day and thrown them in the washing machine -- they came out looking brand new. The package contains two sets and runs $7. (I couldn't find them on their website but are in the stocking department in Target stores.


Monday, May 3, 2010

Stand Alone Collars

The new Urban Outfitters catalog was released today, May 4, and contained three stand-along collars. They're reminiscent of some historical pieces from the 1800's and 1900's that I've worn, but I’m wondering how to use them with today's styles. UA provided a few styling suggestion, but there are many possibilities. I'm looking forward to seeing how others style them.

Urban Outfitters Lace Collar $24: Urban Outfitters Beaded Lace Collar over no-collar shirt.
Urban Outfitters Pearl Collar $34. Urban Outfitters Collar with t-shirt.
Urban Outfitters Beaded Collar $38. Urban Outfitters Beaded collar on vintage-type white blouse.













Product Review - Votivo Candles

If you haven't smelled a Votivo Aromatic Candle, you are missing a delightful aromatic experience. I have tested Lavender Fields and Vanilla and have loved them both. The candles last for ages - 50 hours and their appealing scents add to a room even when they are not lit. They come elegantly wrapped in tissue within a cool box (we use the empty boxes for gift wrapping).

After the candle has burned all the way down, I freeze the glass cup, remove the extra wax, clean it in the dishwasher and use it for a highball glass.

Consider getting three: one for the bedroom to create a romantic ambiance; one in the kitchen to freshen up the air after your cooking adventures; and one to give as a hostess gift.

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Wait, how do you spell that?



This is what a secretaries wore to work in the early 1900's. The blouse is made of taffeta with a cotton collar and a silk attached tie. The skirt is cotton. It was surprisingly comfortable.