Scarves - wardrobe workhorse

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If you're looking for sheer versatility, nothing beats a scarf.  Beyond the obvious, keeping your neck warm, there are the outfit making qualities.  Scarves can add color, texture and pattern to beef up your neutrals.  A print you might never wear in a dress or blouse can work in a scarf.  Not sure what to do with it?  Scarf tying videos abound on youtube.  Get adventurous and add a scarf ring. Yes, there are videos for that too. 

Every clothing budget has room for a few scarves.  Cashmere blends are heaven in cold weather.  Silk chiffon can transition right into summer heat since they feel weightless around your neck. Scarves can be worn so many ways, or even tied around the handle of a handbag.  How about using a small scarf tied around your wrist as a bracelet?  Tie one on your ponytail.  Drape one around your neck in place of a necklace. Thread one through your belt loops.  Scarves come in so many sizes.  No other item gives you so many options. 

Still not convinced?  Look back at the icons of style who wore them well. Jackie Kennedy, Grace Kelly, and Audrey Hepburn knew the elegance of the scarf.  Need I say more?

Bucket bag

Being a fan of the structured bag, I'm surprised I'm drawn to a bucket bag.  Maybe it's the casual summer vibe.  Throw in your stuff, cinch it and toss it over your shoulder.  Everyone makes a bucket bag, from Coach to Louis Vuitton.  They're available at every price point and in every color.

Behold this Alexander Wang Diego bag. The color is soft tang. How much fun is that?  The studs add a little edge to an otherwise simple shape. 

Get yours here.

Boyfriend jeans

Why is it so hard to find the perfect pair of boyfriend jeans?  They should be slouchy without completely obscuring your butt.  After all, jeans exist to make your butt look good.  They should feel a little oversized yet not need to be hiked up all day.  They need to work with flats and with heels. It should be easy, yet for many of us the search goes on and on. 

The easiest look ever is the hardest to find.

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Bermuda shorts

For years the words Bermuda shorts conjured up an image like this in my mind:

Now that I am a woman of a certain age, I have come to appreciate the Bermuda short for all it can do for me.  Upper thigh coverage?  Check.  Flattering backside view?  Check.  Cooler than jeans?  Check.  Worn with flats or heeled sandals, they are a polished way to dress for the heat.  They were all over the spring runways.

 

 



Personally I favor Vince brand for Bermuda shorts. I haven't found a pair that fits so well or has such a flattering leg line.  They come in all the neutral colors you'd expect from Vince and, huge bonus, their white version is not see through. They're pricey, but worth it. 

Big price tag v. small

These Balenciaga rings were all over street style photos after debuting on the 2013 spring runway.  Every blogger and their dog sported a set. They're very cool and come with a hefty list price.  They are upward of $200 per finger. 

ASOS steps in with an alternative. A set of 8 rings in different widths that can be combined to create a similar look at a much more budget friendly $13, free ship and returns.

Get them here.

Pink

This morning Net A Porter implored me to rethink pink.  Pink is my worst favorite color.  I have trouble even touching pink clothing on the rack when shopping. What is it about pink that causes such a visceral reaction? It's a pretty color. It's not puce or greige.  It is perfectly lovely.  On others.  I wear pink and look like death on a cracker. Red veins pop out in my nose, my tan turns jaundice yellow, the grey hairs begin dancing on my head. Not good, not good at all. 

Admittedly pink is a wonderful color for spring and summer. What's the sunny alternative?  In my closet it is orange. In my sea of neutrals, orange is the bright spot.  More forgiving to my skin tone while still being feminine and happy.  That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

So Long!

In the words of the immortal Von Trapp family, "So long! Farewell! Auf wiedersehen! Good night!"

It's been fun, but I gotta be honest - I'm tired and overwhelmed and with three kids (four, if you count the husband and honestly, I do) and a job - I'm outmanned, outgunned.... and outdone by the many, many great bloggers out there. I'm gonna let this Blog go. I appreciate all those who - whether you commented or not - stopped by and read. Perhaps I'll try again some day.

But for now, adieu, adieu to you and you and you - my three faithful readers. :)