We always want what we do not have

Do you ever get obsessed with an article of clothing?  As in, you discover it exists and set about finding it so you can have it yourself, only to find out it's sold out everywhere in your size?  That's when you become officially obsessed.  You stalk links, you call stores in other states, you enlist the aid of your friends.  You might even, ahem, wake up earlier than normal to check the website of a retailer you know updates stock in the wee hours. 

Okay, maybe we're only talking about me here.   

Behold the latest object of my obsession, the Tibi Elsa skirt.  Perfect for summer, no?  It's a knit, it won't wrinkle. Stretchy, yet still made with a zipper and waistband for good fit.  Tapered in, and long enough for tall people and/or those of us who like to wear heels.  With a white blouse for work, with a white tee for weekend, this skirt could do double and triple duty and more than justify the $250.00 price tag.

At first I thought it was a Net-A-Porter exclusive (where it is, of course, sold out).  Tibi doesn't carry it!  Then found it on the site of a tiny e-tailer though not in my size.  I'm usually the same size as the Net-A-Porter model who wore a 2.  The e-tailer had a 4.  I ordered and am anxiously awaiting the package.  Will it be euphoria or crushing disappointment? 

Truthfully, striped pencil skirts are everywhere this spring and if Elsa doesn't work out I'm sure I can find another.  Apparently I always want what I cannot find.

Tag, you're it

Is it just me, or are care tags becoming more complicated?  See this one?  This one is simple.  I can read it, I can understand it, and I can successfully follow it.

Here is a care tag that doesn't want to take responsibility. You do what you want, but it's probably best if you don't do anything and send this to the dry cleaner.

Then there are the symbols.  Oh my goodness, the symbols.

 

 

Confused yet?

Here's the deal. I have a few things that need to be drycleaned.  The rest must survive the wash or they can't live here with me, although I don't mind the odd load in the gentle cycle.  Silk goes in the washer.  Wool sweaters go in the washer.  Yes, even cashmere.  I'm the fabric whisperer - I touch it and determine what it needs.  So far I haven't lost a garment.  Well, except that white tee that came out pink after sloshing around in the washer with the colors.  There is no care tag made that could have prevented that.

Fashion Solutions: What do you do about deodorant marks?

We've all been there.  We put on a top, or we take one off, and there are the marks from our deodorant, all over the side. What's a girl to do?  Wash or dry clean the item every time its worn?  Unless you've run a marathon, or run after a few children, you probably didn't work up enough of a sweat to warrant that.

 
There are solutions.  There's actually a deodorant removing sponge, here.  I haven't tried it myself but judging from the reviews it does a great job.  There are much more cost efficient ways of getting it done, it turns out.  Nylons - commonly called pantyhose around these parts - work perfectly.  The slightly abrasive texture takes the mark right off.  Likewise the mesh bags used for washing delicates, another item you probably have in the house.  You can use a mesh dish scrubber, as long as it hasn't already been pressed into service to clean the lasagna pan.  Ditto a mesh body scrubber. 

Save the bag your oranges came in, it works too.

Warm weather leather

I've received a lot of store emails recently extolling the virtues of summer leather.  Summer leather?  What's cool about leather?

Maybe it's not such a nutty idea.  Leather comes in all forms these days.  Some of it is so thin and supple, you would almost forget it's actually leather.  It is very wearable in warm weather, and even once it gets hot if you add a thin silk layer under it.   

Leather shorts are a great way to transition from spring to summer.  This is a simple and sexy look that almost anyone can wear. 

Maybe a top is more your speed.  Perforated leather may be just the ticket to beat the heat.  Ignore the pained expression on this model's face.  This top from Vince, a master of amazing leather clothes, could work well with Bermuda shorts, a flowy silk skirt or cropped pants. 

 

Not ready for a solid leather top?  This top, also from Vince, features a silk back.

 



Stick with a simple silhouette that isn't trendy and won't go out of style because leather lasts a long time. Wait for a sale and you'll spend a little less while still getting an investment piece that will span seasons and work for multiple occasions.   

Imitation is . . . well??

I came across these clutches while browsing Shopbop. 

The Christopher Kon clutches (here) have a leather weave that looks very, very familiar.  That's because it's exactly the same as the Bottega Veneta intrecciato leather weave first created by that brand's craftsmen in 1966.  I'm no expert on copyrights and intellectual property, I have no idea if you can patent a method of weaving leather.  Is it flattering imitation or outright copy cat?

Bottega Veneta

Grownup Pom-Poms

Despite the title, this is not a T-and-A post. It's really about for-reals pom-poms. I've loved 'em since I was a wee one. See?

But, the whole pom-pom look is trickier to pull off as an adult. Luckily, there are whimsical options out there for those of us who can no longer rock a bare midriff adorned by those sweet little tufts of puffs. This pompom crest tee ($68) from Anthropologie is Option 1.

 

Probably the easiest thing to do is rock 'em in a scarf which tones down the junior/cutesiness factor quite a bit.

 

 

Option 2: La Fiorentina scarf ($58) from Nordstrom.

 

And finally, for you big spenders..... Option 3: A pricey ($155) Tory Burch "Reva" scarf that is just too fun in those bright colors.

 

 

A bonus...

 

 

This Iztapa pompom poncho ($78), also from Anthropologie, is subtle.

Big price tag v. small

Every girl needs a pair of flat sandals.  Cruising the internet, I came across these amazing Alaia gladiator style sandals, for the handsome price of $1,530.00. Yes, you read that correctly.  One thousand five hundred and thirty dollars.

Gorgeous, no?  When a shoe is more than your monthly mortgage payment, you have to look for an "inspired by" that is budget friendlier. 

eBay to the rescue.  These Schuler & Sons sandals boast a similar swirly leather strap effect for a fraction of the price - under $60 including shipping.  Originally sold by Anthropologie, they went as low as $30 on the sale rack.  All leather, soft and comfortable, the same gladiator style look for much less.

There are still some sizes left on eBay, here.