The Skinny: fat free bites of style and sass

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/

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/

 

Follow that blog!

 

This blog makes me want to immediately open an account at Joanne fabrics, get a job at Michael's, buy a sewing machine, learn how to knit and get my fashion craft on.   In the meantime, I will continue to subscribe while I look for my glue gun.

http://psimadethis.com/

Stacy Had a Little Lamb

I have these fuzzy pillows that I LOOOVE.  Actually, they are well loved by all who sit on my couch and find themselves unconsciously petting them with such enthusiasm I sometimes wonder if narcotics are involved and consider filing charges on their behalf.  They are Mongolian Lamb and I found them on-line at a favorite website.  

http://pillowsandthrows.com/

This site has an excellent selection of modern bedding and other soft decor items.  I also procured an equally yummy Johnathan Adler throw which I DO NOT share with the group.  Some things remain sacred. 

Earlier this year I spotted a Tibetan lamb vest by LaRok and I thought to myself, "How awesome would it be to to have a personal fuzzy to pet all day long?"  I decided I MUST have that vest. 

Reality check: the vest was $398.  

The search began in earnest for a budget alternative and BING-go, I found the coveted vest for less than 1/2 the price at... 

http://www.curlyfurimports.com/

I was hesitant to try an untested on-line source, but desperation took over and the order was placed. 

Four endless weeks later, viola... 

The quality was better than expected and the vest has become the anchor to favorite boho-glam ensembles.  Now all I need is a ride on a G5 to Aspen.

The rest of the outfit:  Boots (BCBG), Jeans (H&M), Top (Joie).

 

Let Your Fingers Do the Shopping.

If you have not already ventured past the velvet ropes and into the wonderful world of private event shopping, an e-tail paradise where nothing is ever full price, it is time.  Grab your credit cards and follow me as I take you on an e-commerce tour sure to delight and amaze.

 

Gilt Groupe:  http://www.giltgroupe.com


Found: Jersey graphic halter dress (T-Bags) 

Retail: $220
 Private-sale: $78



 

Rue La La:  http://www.ruelala.com/


Found: James Jeans "Twiggy" Baltic Skinny


Retail: $172
 Private-sale: $69



 

HauteLook:  http://www.hautelook.com/

Found: William Rast jeans 


Retail: $200
 Private-sale: $90



 

Billion Dollar Babes:  https://www.billiondollarbabes.com/

Found: The Snap Jacket by Current Elliot


Retail: $129.50
 Private-sale: $28 -are you kidding?  That is just silly.

 

Gilt Man:  http://www.giltman.com


Found: Mammut Makalu Jacket

Retail: $280  Private-sale: $138

 

Gilt Fuse:  http://www.giltfuse.com


Found: Jeffrey Campbel Wedge Boots (NEED THESE!)

Retail: $140  Private-sale: $69



 

ideeli:  http://www.ideeli.com


Found: Pade Vavra two color bead necklace (LOVE THIS!)

Retail: $250
 Private-sale: $109

 

Editor's Closet:  http://www.editorscloset.com


Found: Whiting & Davis ring metal evening bag 

Retail: $70
 Private-sale: $27



 

The Mini Social: http://www.theminisocial.com


Found: Hula Mula retro anchors dress (Makes me ALMOST wish I had little kids)

Retail: $72  Private-sale: $32



Targeting Web-savvy moms and dads, The Mini Social offers sales on toys, clothing, and accessories for kids. The company donates a portion of its proceeds to charities, including U.S. Fund for UNICEF and Shoe4Africa.

 

Enjoy the deals but don't forget to support your local boutiques,  they also have great sales. Also, the rush that comes from pushing send does not replicate the sheer joy of sporting your new purchase the same day.

 

 

Flair Alert: Arielle De Pinto

I have a treasured necklace given to me for my 40^th birthday by a couple of lovely gal pals (thank you Becky and Kevyn). It is by Arielle de Pinto, a jewelry designer from Canada.   

 

Her work is spectacular.  Pieces from the Spring collection will be entertaining visitors with bubbly sips on Saturday at Lamb’s Ear in Fremont.  BONUS: While sipping champagne and jewelry gazing, you can check out the fantastic shoes.

 

http://www.lambsearshoes.com/designers/2-arielle-de-pinto

A big thanks goes out to our friends to the North for bringing us such talent.  This almost makes up for Nickelback.

Fashion Rant: Exercise Attire Assault

I was running errands the other day and noticed that much of the female population was dressed for an exercise emergency.  I realized this alarming trend had reached epidemic proportions when I picked my daughter up from school and observed the current middle school trend of wearing fitness pants tucked in to Uggs (a footwear assault I have yet to accept and will save for a future rant).   I blame the Canadian fitness apparel powerhouse, lululemon, for this pervasive trend.  I thank them for elevating the style quotient in the gym while cursing them for lowering it everywhere else.  

What I want to know is at what point did exercise clothes become actual clothes?  I admit to occasionally sporting my workout gear with a resting heart rate, but most of the time I adhere to what I call “The 3-hour Rule”, a style statute that states: One shall not leave the house in exercise clothes unless one plans to exercise within 3 hours of departure.  

Exempt from this rule are those who work in the fitness industry, people who are sick (really sick) and new mothers operating under such a severe state of sleep deprivation that they get a pass on any fashion infraction.

But Stacy, we really like our workout clothes. They are COMFY.  If it is comfort you seek, there are many options.  Try yoga pants with a sweater and flats... 

 Or work the “sporty spice” angle with track pants paired with a t-shirt, fitted denim jacket and classic "kicks"...

But Stacy, we really like our workout clothes. They are CUTE.  So are my pajamas, but you don’t see me wearing them to the grocery store.

 End rant.

 

 

 

 

Favorite Flair

Unlike Jennifer Anniston's character on Office Space (one of my favorite movies), I do not require 15 pieces of flair at all times.  Most of the time, I'm satisfied with 3-5 (not counting the perma-bling). 

I am a fan of establishing your style with a "signature" piece, especially when it is unusual.  For my 40th birthday I hit the sparkle jackpot when my husband hooked me up with this...

I think a pre-historic shark's tooth with a "grill" is about as unique as it gets. BONUS: wearing a 50 million year old fossil makes 40 feel young.  The designer Pade Vavra, is out of LA and her stuff is divine. Check it...

http://www.padevavra.com/

Mine was procured at Souchi, a boutique in NW Portland where DOUBLE BONUS, the price is the price (translation: no sales tax).   Next time you are in The Rose City, be sure to pop in.  

http://www.souchi.com/

What's your signature piece?