The Skinny: fat free bites of style and sass

Blog Crush

Once upon a time I read books.  Then my attention span decreased like a Shrinky Dink, prompting a switch to magazines. Now I read blogs.  I like blogs.  When done well they inform, entertain, enlighten and empower.  Sometimes all at once.  My email box is full of all the RSS feeds I get daily.  I read everything from frazzled mom rants to professional design blogs. Sometime I laugh, sometimes I cry, and sometimes I just want to take the blogger home and put them on my bulletin board, OR lock them in my closet...with their wardrobe.  Today I bring you, fashion blog crushes. 

This girl is just as cool as it gets.  If I were 15 years younger and transplanted to New York, I would seek her out to be my new BFF.

http://www.theglamourai.com/

 

If I was looking for an age appropriate BFF and my primary criteria was style, this woman would be the front runner.   Both on the fashion and home front she rocks it out.

 

 

http://www.atlantishome.typepad.com/

Next week's blog crush theme:  Home Invasion, the people I want to move in with.

KEEP bringing on the deals.

I neglected to mention other great discount voucher options in a previous post.  I focused on Tippr because the concept of the deals getting bigger as participation grows in currently unique.  There are other opportunities to savesavesave.  The ones I use and endorse are:

www.groupon.com

www.livingsocial.com

Unlike Tippr, which is currently only in Seattle.  These savings opportunities are available in most major cities.  This means you could also use use them to give gifts to far-flung friends and family or treat yourself when you travel.

Who Will Save Your Soles? Part Deux.

 

Although my love of footwear has been previously established, let me reiterate.  I LOVE my shoes.  Why?  One reason.  Unlike their capricious wardrobe ally, denim, they will not abandon you after a vacation fueled carbohydrate bender.  Shoes ALWAYS fit.  This is why I make sure my shoes have comfortable accommodations in my closet. 

When I remodeled my last home, I took that commitment to a new level. I had my closet designed so that ALL of my shoes had a room with a view. 

Then I moved (pause for a moment of silence).  Now I share a closet with my husband and most of my beloved footwear must be stored waaaay up high in…(gasp)…plastic containers.   

They are NOT happy. 

Neither am I.  I can’t see them.  I miss them.  I forget to wear them.  Ok, maybe that means I have too many, but that’s between my therapist and me. 

I decided something needed to be done to help the situation, STAT.  Spring and Summer are approaching and my open toed footwear bounty must be accessible. 

The solution.  Shoe portraits. 

Now all of my shoes have their pictures prominently displayed on the front of their houses so I know where to go when I want to pick them up for a date.

All it took was and about 1 hour (ok, make it two) with my digital camera and printer.

The containers can be had at www.containerstore.com for $1.29 each if you buy a case of 20.

For a small fee (or a bottle of wine), I will direct the photo session for you.   But first, I have a rendezvous with a pair of LD Tuttle Wedges.  

ps.  The current LD Tuttle collection is not to be missed.  I hope the "Floats" like their new home.

http://ldtuttle.com/shoes/

Bring on the deals.

It's official.  I have become thrifty.  DO YOU HEAR ME STEVE?    I had no idea how easy it can be to save money.  My latest discovery, Tippr, is to the service industry what the private shopping event sites are to fashion.  

It's simple.  You sign up and receive the inside scoop on deals in your area.  If you see something you like, you purchase a voucher to take to the vendor.  Pretty basic.  Pretty cool.  

I just bought a facial valued at $85 for $40.  But wait, there's more.  Like sites such as Ideli and Hautelook, the clock is ticking on the discounts.  However, at Tippr, the more people who participate the bigger the discount.  

This is a relatively new site with limited offers but I anticipate that will change.  Especially if more people participate.  SIgn up and we can ALL be thrifty.  

http://tippr.com/

You can also go here to get the backstory on this concept.

http://blog.tippr.com/about/

Move Over Zoe (as in Rachael)

I love getting dressed.  Each time I sashay out of the house in a carefully crafted closet concoction, I feel victorious.  Sadly, I do not live a life that requires multiple daily ensembles. On a good day I might get two shots at style alchemy.  Except on vacation, then all bets are off. "Pack lightly" is not part of my travel lexicon.  

So until my Bravo reality show gets picked up or Conde Nast calls to say it's kicked Anna Wintour out on her boney little ass and NEEDS me to (wo)man the helm at Vogue, I will have to get my stylist fix digitally.  

Lucky for me I have options...

I discovered Polyvore during one of my late night insomnia fueled internet swims.  Its like a cyber incarnation of paper dolls.  You put together "sets" (aka outfits) using the vast number of items in their "closet".  You then upload them and get feedback or more importantly, WIN STUFF.  

It's also fun to see what other people come up with.  You might even find a style soul mate.  

BONUS: Should you decide you can't live without the fashion masterpieces you have assembled, all the items in the virtual closet are hyperlinked to where they are available for purchase.
 

Right now I am imagining the fun I would have cavorting in this tasty ensemble I call, "Kickin' it with McQueen" in honor of the style genius responsible for these wicked shoes. 

For you own virtual wardrobe fix...

http://www.polyvore.com/

My latest addiction is the Macy's Fashion Director site. Not as creative as polyvore, but there is a Daily Fashion Challenge that I am DETERMINED TO WIN. Today's theme is to makeover your "boyfriend".  You should see what my new boyfriend is wearing.  I plan on entering every day.  You can too...

http://social.macys.com/fashiondirector

And now you'll have to excuse me.  I have 6 virtual parties to attend this weekend and nothing to wear.

Bargain Flair: The Etsy Experiment

If you haven't already heard about Etsy, you need to check it out.

It's like a garage sale, a flea market, a vintage store, a church bazaar and a craft fair got together for an E-tail orgy.  I have been "screen shopping" for quite some time but was hesitant to order from the mini boutiques for fear that the "craft" in hand-crafted might not be so crafty.  I decided to conduct an experiment with a focus on thriftiness (stop laughing Mr. G).  The criteria:

1. Spend less than $100.

2. Support Etsy's independent artisans.

3. Get as many items as possible without sacrificing quality.

The result: a fabulous array of unique inexpensive flair.  A review:

This custom zodiac necklace is a great addition to my Mr. T inspired layering collection.  For $26, I got a  24" chain with three charms representing the zodiac signs of my family. The price increases or decreases based on the number of charms.

Create your own at:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/KristaLynnDesigns

My favorite score is this funky octopus necklace, irresistible due it it's silly price ($14). It is a fantastic "statement" necklace I will use as a travel alternative to the more expensive pieces I like to leave safely at home. 

Again, impressed by the packaging.  

 Other great finds can be procurred at:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/lulucoco

These wood earrings are a perfect complement to the modern tribe vibe I plan to channel this Summer.  They are exactly what I was looking for at far less ($15) than the ones spotted at a local shop.

I love that they come with thoughtful packaging for gift giving.

These and other wonderful wooden creations can be found at:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/sharmadesigns

For my daughter I found a sassy headband ($8).  I am not usually a headband gal, but I tried this one on and planning on borrowing it to festoon the "bird's nest updon't" I wear on bad hair days.

Feather your own tresses at:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/prettypeacockshop

My final selection was a whimsical wooden disc necklace ($14).   The 2" painted disk comes on a 16" or 18" rubber cord.  Smaller versions ($10) would make great party gifts for a child's birthday in lieu of those ridiculous bags of candy and crappy plastic toys kids usually get sent home with (how many teeny tiny yo-yo's does a person need?)

  There is a great array of designs to choose from.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ZephyrWoods

After receiving all of my selections, I have deemed this experiment a success. I marvel at the fact that I got three necklaces, a pair of earrings and a headband for $98.50 (including shipping).  

I am hooked.  I look forward to sharing more fabulous finds in future posts.  Until then, troll for your own treasures.  

http://www.etsy.com/

If you like it than YOU should put a ring on it.

According to our friends at De Beers, all the ladies (single or otherwise) should be pimping...

 “The Right Hand Ring”

Jewelry designed for you to declare your rights, and express your unique style.

Your left hand loves candlelight. Your right hand loves the spotlight.

Your left hand says, “I do.” Your right hand says, “I can.” 

Your left hand is your heart. Your right hand is your voice.

After convincing men that three months salary was the required budget for an engagement ring because “A Diamond is Forever”, the diamond industry has redirected it's ongoing efforts to assign intrinsic emotional value to a tiny piece of carbon towards the ladies.

I applaud them for coming up with this little marketing gem and wish them luck in their quest to encourage women to sashay in to the jewelry store and let their fingers do the talking. 

Problem is, my right hand has a lot to say and it is going to take a lot more than one piece of signature bling to deliver my message.  This is why, over the years, I have amassed a collection of “Cocktail” rings. 

"Cocktail" rings are better than "Right Hand" rings because they are cool. Let's start with the name.  One says, "Bring me a martini."  The other, "Wear me on your right hand."   Cocktail rings are also bold, fun and can make a great weapon.

I endorse investing in an interesting variety of cocktail rings to keep your right hand in the conversation.  They need not be diamond encrusted or expensive but they should be interesting and/or meaningful.

Some favorites…

My modern “mood” ring, a moonstone and diamond ring by Jamie Joseph, a Seattle designer who has become wildly popular. Her rings can be something of an addiction. Ask my friend Kevyn.  I am currently coveting this one …

http://www.jamiejoseph.com/

SPARKLE ALLERT! She will be making a special appearance at an Essenza trunk show in May.

http://www.essenzaseattle.com/

I like to channel my inner boho rock chick when I wear this...

It is by Kimberly Baker, another talented Seattleite who you can count on to keep your digits “cool”.  I have my eye on this one as a future finger conversation starter.

 

http://www.kimberlybaker.com/ 

I recently celebrated my 15^th wedding anniversary and was told by Mr. G that I should make sparkly suggestions to herald the occasion.  It was decided a ring for my right hand was in order. Research began in earnest resulting in many contenders. Much to my surprise and delight, Master G went for the big guns and got me a truly spectacular and unique piece that I can wear when my right hand wants to say "BANANAS".

 Stenzhorn, a company out of Germany is responsible for this DIVINE creation (and many others). Their pieces are hard to find, but worth the effort.

http://www.stenzhorn.com/

Sadly, there were many fabulous options left behind who are looking for a new home on YOUR right hand.  Some favorites…

 Temple St Clair

http://www.templestclair.com/

 Emily Armenta

http://www.emilyarmenta.com/

Jude Francis

http://www.judefrances.com/

Lucifer-Vir-Honestus 

http://www.lucifer-vir-honestus.com/

Irene Neuwirth

www.ireneneuwirth.com/

Monique Pean

http://moniquepean.com/

Marroni

http://www.barneys.com

Places your right hand can go to be heard...

http://www.barneys.com/

http://www.ylang23.com/

http://www.vivre.com/

http://www.twistonline.com/