It’s no secret that I’m a jean-loving kind of gal as I have expressed that many times throughout this blog.  Strangely, I actually think that jeans somehow define who I am and what I’m all about.  In fact, I just took this fun little jean quiz because it said

“What’s stitched on your bum say a lot about you.”

Well, of course, I was curious and wanted to know what my bum has been saying about me all these years.  And to think that Seventeen Magazine has held all the answers and I never knew.

Without haste, I quickly answered each question, regardless how silly they ALL seemed.  My bum’s been talking and I had no idea.  Afterall, our bum in jeans is what we really care most about, right?

Voila, my results:

Go take the quiz yourself

Right here

And come tell me your results.

And another fun quiz that will show you which brands and styles fit your shape the best can be found here.

Skinny jean update:

I fought the skinny jean thing long and hard and am here to officially report that I now own two pair and LOVE ‘em.  I have the Addie and the Ellie and wear them both all the time. For those of you that are still on the fence, deciding whether the trip back to 1985 is really something you want to do, I’m here to tell you it is and to just do it!

Don’t think you have the right shape?  Afraid you can’t pull it off?  I will tell you that our jeans are somewhat magical, I swear.  I mean they continue to miraculously fit and flatter every shape and size.  While I’m not claiming they hold any magical dust that will suddenly land a pot of gold on your doorstep, I swear they’re like the jeans in this movie in that they fit everyone perfectly. Really, and I don’t swear often. (well, not very often)

PS – I think you’re really going to like the tomorrow’s weekly special:)

(source)

During a morning Internet search, I came across this article and decided to share.  While I tend to think the fashion industry involves way to much thinking -over-thinking- and I usually break every rule, there are some decent points worth sharing.  Who knew there could be such a formula to wearing a hat and accessorizing it perfectly with each outfit?  Who knew?

Add Sparkle to Colors and Color to Neutrals

1. Add a white or beige ribbon to a colored hat to give even a winter-colored hat a bright, spring look. This is a good way to turn a sensible navy blue or burgundy cap from a winter-wardrobe staple into a nautical-looking accessory.
2. Take the brooch you wore during the winter, or borrow a tiepin, and secure it firmly in the front and center of the crown of your spring hat. For floppy, straw styles, place a sparkly brooch low on the crown, almost where it meets the brim. For tailored, stiff styles, place the brooch either equidistant from the top and bottom of the crown or at the top of the crown for a bold, elegant style.
3. Buy a scarf that matches your cap, and wear the scarf at your throat, through the belt loops of your jeans or slacks, or even tied around your wrist in a fabric bracelet. This is an easy, coordinated way to upgrade any outfit, and it can even work with walking shorts and casual shirts.

See what I mean?  A little to much thinking.  In my opinion, I say pick the hat you like most and wear it.  End.of.story.  Sometimes I think this is how it should be with everything.  Oh there’s more.

Accessorize With Shoes, Belts and Bags

1. Match your hat, if you want a tailored appearance, to your shoes, your belt or your handbag. However, do not match it to all three, as this will create a “splotchy” appearance, and the eye will be attracted to each of your accessories in turn. Matching the hat to one wardrobe item will pull the hat into the outfit without overdoing it.
2. Wear bright lipsticks with bright hats. After you do your makeup, try your hat on in the bathroom mirror. If you are wearing a berry red or plum-colored hat, you may need to add a little more color to your face.
3. Accessorize with a fabric belt pulled from a favorite dress and tied around your hat for an instantly complete outfit. Also, remove any fabric flowers and secure them to the hat. Extra buttons that come with clothing can do double-duty as hat accessories.

Warning:

Accessorize a spring hat lavishly if your outfit does not have many embellishments, and keep your hat simple if your clothes sport flowers, bows or other eye-catching accessories. You don’t want to look like a fabric explosion. At garden parties, however, it’s acceptable to go a bit over the top in the way of romantic flourishes.

This post brought to you by ehow.

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One thing about the internet is that, with the click of button, I learn that something I do, or wear, or think, or believe is widely criticized on public forums, warranting multiple blog posts and comments galore. Sometimes I chuckle and other times I simply scratch my head. Most of the time, I just wonder why people care so much about seemingly unimportant details. And then sometimes, I just get mad. The nerve of some people.

A while ago, I read this blog post, and found myself laughing while feeling slightly offended and puzzled all at the time. In a nutshell, the blog author HATES flip flops and thinks anyone wearing the blasted things, at places other than the pool, has created the ultimate fashion crime, not to mention has become a menace to society. OK…maybe that’s stretching it a little but you get the point. Really, though, this was the first time that I realized there was such a controversy regarding the beloved footwear.

I mean, really, who doesn’t wear flip flops? Come on, don’t be shy. And whatever happened to just wearing want you want, regardless what anyone thinks? When did the world become so critical? Or was it always that way?

I, for one, love ‘em and wear them all the time. Chacos are my first love and when warm weather permits, I wear Chacos or flip-flops 95% of the time. However, I do know when and where they are appropriate. I never wear them to church…never, ever….although I don’t really understand the difference between some dressy flip-flops and dressy sandals. And looky here -even the stars are wearing them, which usually means it’s gospel, right?

(photo source)

If Mrs. Beckham, known for her sleek fashion, can sport flips, than anyone can.

(photo source)

Love ‘em?
Hate ‘em?
Wear ‘em?
Don’t care either way?
I’d love to hear your opinion on this one.

Some people even go as far as labeling flip-flops the Fashion Anti-Christ….yikes

For Christmas, my stylish mother gifted me this darling clutch handbag. It’s small yet not too small, sleek and fancy yet not too fancy, and a good mix between casual and dressy. I’ve never owned a clutch and I think the only time I have ever used one was decades ago while attending high school formal dances. Oh, that just made me feel old.

At first I thought, when will I ever use this? You see, I barely use a purse. Not because I don’t want to, I’m just lazy and forget half the time. I’m on a quest, though, to be more stylish, actually adapting the advice and tips my stylistas give.

Gone are the days when carrying a clutch was simply left for the select few red carpet goers or the sparsely numbered times per year (or, in my case, lifetime) when the event or wardrobe warranted such an accessory. Yep, the clutch is now paired with casual/everyday wear.

According to Guide The Chic Fashionista, here are few guidelines to picking out the right clutch for you:

• Petites should opt for a smaller clutch
• Tall girls should opt for a longer or larger clutch
• Plus size girls should look for structured or boxy clutches
• If you’re thin you should look for softer, rounded clutches
• If you’re a petite plus size, then go for small but structured clutches.

And some stylish ideas on how to wear the clutch handbags:

• Let it match with your shoes, jewelry and other accessories. Like for example a blue envelope clutch with a beautiful blue beaded necklace.
• If you’re wearing a multi-colored dress or top then pick one of the colors from the blend and wear it as a bag
• Get to know the color wheel and find other complementary colors to your outfit.

However, if you’re like me and like to break all the rules, then go for the clutch you like the best. (I just might be hearing from my stylistas now.)

My same daughter that so proudly declared her desire for a new mom yesterday, also came upstairs this morning complaining that the “poky part” of her jeans stuffed into her boots were causing her grief. I tried to explain that she had the wrong style of jeans for the boots she desired. Without fail, I became the meanie and she marched away. Motherhood -it’s a no win battle.

And then I thought about the times, just like her, that I’ve tried to cram my own jeans into a pair of boots only to be miserable and look ridiculous. And so the question remains, what jeans are people wearing that fit snugly inside a stylish boot? When I posed this question to Savvy Stylista, I received the answer I was afraid to hear.

The Skinny Jean

I’ll confess, I’m yet to own a pair of skinny jeans. I’ve been too scared and the whole idea brings back an era of my life I’d rather forget – the big hair, pegged jeans, blue eyeshadow, aqua net. Don’t get me wrong, I love the skinny jeans when worn correctly on other people so why is it that I can’t do it myself? I even helped my darling cousin at one of our parties pick out her first skinnys along with some smashing boots. I will have you know – she looked hot. It was rather inspiring, I must confess.

In my conversation with I.always.look.fabulous.without.even.trying – Stylista herself, she assured me that skinny jeans are not around to induce fear and anyone can look fantastic wearing them. Anyone. (I’m hanging on to that one).

The most slimming of the skinny jeans will come in a dark blue or black wash and you don’t need supermodel legs to wear them. In fact, for those of you that are shy about showing your thighs, rest assured a longer top of sweater will make you feel more comfortable. I’m also told, it’s imperative to pair the skinny jean with a longer top, tunics and bell-sleeves being excellent examples.

Then she confirmed what I already knew and what I tried to tell my 6 yr old this morning. Never ever try and tuck regular boot-cut or flare jeans into your boots. Namely because it will be difficult to get all the extra denim to stay smooth and most boots won’t even zip up with all that bulk, not to mention the extreme discomfort.

That’s it, I’m on a mission to find my first skinny jeans because, if anything, I want to wear my new boots. Speaking of, check out some Recessionista boots that fit perfectly with the skinny jean.

And hint…this may or may not a little glimpse into Day 1 of our 12 Days of Giveaways. Only tomorrow will tell.