Style Savvy from Diane

so the past couple of days i’ve found myself daydreaming about the wonderful trip my hubby and i took to the coast. there’s just something so wonderful about listening to the surf, watching the wild grass blow in the wind, and just relax away from the hustle and bustle of regular days. This is where I want to be right now:

But instead, I’m at work, in my cubicle, just daydreaming. I did, however, find some clothing that is particularly inspiring and reminiscent of a simpler life spent relaxing by the sea. The first company I came across that I immediately fell in love with is loup charmant which is french for “the charming wolf.” the designer, kee edwards, uses organic cottons to create her beautiful, fresh, and simple pieces. Here are a couple of favorites:

These are from Loup Charmant’s “noble collection,” from 2007. The next line, “pure,” will be out in the coming months. You can order directly through Loup Charmant by visiting their website.

If you want something in a lower price range, believe it or not, Old Navy has hit the nail on the head with several cute linen dresses that are super relaxed and just plain wonderful. I just picked up this one:

and another on clearance that is a halter style that goes to the floor. I plan on rocking these year round. It’ll be perfect for tomorrow’s weather, since we are apparently in for a 90 degree day. But, even on the rainiest of rainy days in the middle of winter, I plan on pairing this with some cozy boots, some warm leggings, and a thick cable knit sweater!

If I can’t be at the beach, I’m going to do whatever it takes to at least bring it to me!

Taken from the Target News Page: Target is partnering with American designer Rogan Gregory to create the next limited-edition collection for GO International, ® an innovative program designed to provide affordable fashion created by world-renowned designers. All cotton used in the Rogan for Target collection is 100% certified organic, highlighting Rogan’s design sensibility of unique construction and a devotion to environmentally sensitive materials. The exclusive women’s fashion collection will launch on Target.com/go and at most Target stores nationwide on May 18, 2008, and will be available through June 28. 

I have to say that it is awesome that Target has chosen Rogan Gregory for the next GO International designer. Anyone who has looked at clothes made of any organic material, or produced by sustainable method knows that it’s pretty unaffordable for us normal folk. So, when you hear that Target will be carrying cute, sustainable clothes in a reasonable price range, you just have to get excited. You just have to!

Gregory’s clothes are not the hippie fuddy duddy clothes that sometimes come to mind when you hear about organic materials. From leggings to bikinis to jumpers, this is a very fashionable and unique collection. The pieces are simple, yes, but can be put together in a very fun way. And the simplicity of the pieces also equals versatility-resulting in more bang for your buck!

Here are some of my fave outfits:

I  like the layering on this one. Sure the shorts over the leggings may be a bit reminiscent of that horrible 80’s trend of wearing shorts over sweats, but you know, I think it’s a great option for girls like me who are too self conscious to bare leg it.

A great outfit for summer! Again, if you are uncomfortable with the length of the skirt-opt for some tights or leggings to cover up a bit. I just love the sassyness of the zebra print combined with the comfort of the tank top. A great juxtaposition!

A great way to avoid lookin’ like a hoochie when you wear shorter shorts is to A) wear them a little baggier, and B) pair them with a looser top, like this cute sweater shown here. Again, this can be combined with legging as well for a more covered look.

This is probably my favorite. For some reason i’m totally into jumpers right now-only thing is making sure they fit properly. Too small and you know the problems that can arise between your crotch and your neck. But too big and you look like you’re going to auto shop. The key is finding the right fit, and if you are skeptical at all about it, don’t buy it. Regardless, I like this updated jumper-it’s so not 3’s Company at all. Very hip and classy!

Hey everyone. I know it’s been a long hiatus, and I’m sorry! Totally inexcusable, I know! So, let me make it up to you by helping you freshen up your laundry. Yes, you heard me, I’m going to share with you a laundry tip! Believe it or not, I do laundry, and I am ever so much more excited about doing laundry since I learned of this company:

Here’s how it started. About 3 weeks ago my hubby and I took a quick trip to Cannon Beach, Oregon, for a couple nights. We stayed at a little place called the Ocean Point Inn, which by the way, rules. Check out their site at www.oceanpoint-inn.com. It’s amazing. Anyway, the linens on the bed were so soft-I swear I thought I was sleeping in butter! I figured these must be like, 1000 thread count, well out of my budget sheets, but I thought I’d ask to see where the proprietors of the wonderful inn got them. Turns out they are just ordinary sheets. The secret is to iron them (which I tried and it works!) and use the Caldrea products.

So, I bought these:

I washed and ironed my sheets with them, and low and behold, they smelled so fresh and felt just as soft as those at the Ocean Point Inn. My recommendation is to only use them for things like bed linens and bath towels, because these products are more expensive than your average fabric softener. A bottle of Caldrea softener will run you about $15. But, in my mind it more than makes up for it if you don’t have to fork over hundreds of dollars in expensive sheets. Plus, I am a firm believer that rest is priceless, and if your bed sheets are aromatherapeutic, then you really can’t argue with 15 bucks.

Caldrea also has a bunch of other products for cleaning and personal care. The great thing about these products also is that they are environmentally friendly, and don’t leave a harsh chemical smell. So, after using their products to clean your bathroom, you won’t feel like your lungs are full of bleach. Rather, you can breath deep savoring the aromas of lavender, pomelo, ginger, and more of their many wonderful fragrances.

In addition to my home decor shopping spree, I also purchased a maxi dress. I sold the one that was like a big sack on me, and decided to I’d keep my eyes peeled for one closer to the Victoria’s Secret halter I mentioned a few days ago. After scouring Target and a few other places I was about to give up, but I figured, heck, I’ll check out Old Navy real quick and see what they’ve got. Right now the ones they have are great-bright greens and some fantastic prints.

I love these two, but I really was looking for something a little more subdued, preferable in a chocolate brown. Keep in mind that I am just starting to get out of my “everything is black” safety zone. So, bright green and pinks are steps I still haven’t been able to take yet. Anyway, I headed back to the sale area, and I found the very last brown maxi dress they had in store, for $22 as opposed to $60 at Victorias Secret. Not that I’m trying to speak poorly to Victoria’s Secret, I definitely would have purchased that had I not found this one. But I am always one to save a few bucks on a dress. Anyway, this is the one I found, and I believe they still have a few left for sale on their website.

Since I saved a few bucks on the dress, I figured I’d pick up some shoes to complement it. I’d had my eye on a pair of Payless espadrilles, so I tracked down a pair.

And, I’m just now finding out, a day or two after I bought these, they are now on sale from an already low price of $22, they are $16.99. So snag them while you can. They are comfy and adorable.

To finish off the outfit, I figure I’ll stay in the same brownish color palette. Target has some really chic wooden jewelry, so I will probably stop by there and pick up a necklace and a cool bangle, and maybe a large ring. I’m thinking something along these lines:

This bangle set is great because it’s still got the neutrals, but the bright colored beads keep it from getting too monotonous in color. This pendant will be a nice complement-a different wood tone and not overpowering:

And finally, a nice head scarf to add a little pizazz to my hair:

This one is nice because it’s got the combo headband in it, so it won’t slip off my head. And the pink is a nice bright punch to again offset all of the brown.

Nobody can blame me for not doing my part to boost the economy. Despite my best efforts to resist, it was like the shops were pulling my heart strings, beckoning me to break my long hiatus from them. And by long, I mean like 2 weeks. Shut up, that’s long for me.

Anyhoo, it all really started last week when I picked up a Better Homes and Gardens Magazine that my mother-in-law had sent me. I was actually searching for gardening ideas but I came across an article on home organization. Talk about a Godsend! Lately my house has been looking like the Tazmanian Devil and Cookie Monster ransacked it but then tried to clean up after themselves by just cramming everything I own into a closet and shutting it before everything falls out.

So, I figure I would try out the Better Homes and Gardens idea, which involved getting a bunch of wicker baskets. At first I admit feeling a bit disappointed in myself that I’d succumbed to basket-buying by the age of 27. I really thought I could hold off until 30. Anyway, I decided to head off to World Market, and to my very eyes they actually had some pretty up to date looking baskets! So I bought these:

I actually got them in black and white, since I prefer that to the brown. But they are great. I have a big built-in cabinet in my hallway, so now I can organize my towels and washcloths in one, and sheets and kitchen things (like placemats) in the others. It’s so nice not being pummeled by piles of sheets and towels every time I open the cupboard.

I’ve also been really trying to give my house a style that is carried throughout. It’s a bit vintage but with a modern twist. A lot of our furniture is more contemporary, but then I’ve added that vintage element with various accents, such as damask drapes in our living room. I’m also very into the graphic patterns of the early 1900s, such as toile, that seem to be making a come back. I recently purchased this shower curtain from target and I love love love it!

It has really set the theme for my bathroom, and I’ve accented it with some vintage apothecary style jars from a local store here in Portland, which is fabulous, called Zucari Home & Garden.

This set is actually from Pottery Barn, and it has the same canister and soapdish that I got. So, it’s nice to know that you can get it at a nationwide chain, though I’m always happy to purchase from a local retailer. So, now my bathroom looks very vintage french and I couldn’t be happier.

By now it’s not news that maxi dresses are among some of the biggest trends for the spring/summer months, but to be honest, I’ve been on the fence about them. First of all, the term maxi dress calls to mind kotex commercials and all things maxi pad.

Really, though, that is not my real issue with the maxi dress. It has more to do with the fact that I am not the size of a runway model who can easily carry off so much fabric. I am merely a 5′6″ average body type woman who has curves and body fat and all that good stuff. So, I’m left thinking, can I really pull this off? Can any normal woman pull off the maxi dress?

After looking around at various styles, I have come to the conclusion that yes, any woman can pull it off. There are just certain guidelines to consider when purchasing one. The first is to NOT do what I did and purchase the first dress you see that, although it has an awesome pattern, has no shape to it whatsoever. The worst thing a person who doesn’t really have height on her side can do is drape herself in a modified potato sack that almost goes down to the floor. Opt instead for something that has a shape to it, and that can draw attention to your best assets. I have found that empire waists are awesome because they draw attention to an always great asset, your decolletage, and they hide any other possible flaws. I actually happened upon several from Victoria’s Secret that I love, and that are pretty reasonably priced. Here are a few:

This halter maxi dress is my favorite. I like that it’s got the empire waist, and a halter is always flattering. The skirt is cut on the bias, so it drapes over the body without overwhelming you with fabric.

This one is great because it’s got a bold black and white print, which is hot for summer. You can accessorize with some bold red jewelry, and you’ve got a stunning night look. Again, this one has the empire waist with the draping skirt that doesn’t overwhelm.

If you want a more billowy style, this version is great. The detailing at the bust, and the tailoring in that area draw attention up as well as create a silhouette, even with so much fabric. Careful on the bold print, though. Opt for simple or no accessories, and if you need something to keep your shoulders warm, try a solid color cardigan or wrap.

The second guideline is to wear appropriate shoes. If you have height on your side, then a pair of flat “gladiator” style sandals would be very appropriate.

These “Rossini” sandals from Nine West are great. They are decorative and eye-catching in the platinum metallic color, but they are not over the top. They can easily work for a day or evening look. Just make sure you have a good pedicure!

If you are like me and need a little boost in the height department, I’d opt for some wedges. The wedges are less fussy than heels, but can still be very chic. Again, Nine West carries some great options.

These are great, especially for a night out. However, you can dress down your look with something a little more casual, like these:

The platform definitely gives you the height you are looking for, without putting too much pressure on the balls of your feet.

Guideline 3, accessory-wise, keep it simple. The dress is the maxi part of your outfit. You don’t need maxi earrings, maxi necklaces, or maxi purses. Opt for simple-a little sparkle is fine-so some shimmery studs in your ears would be perfect. I’d stay away from chandelier earrings-it’s just too much. A few bangles on your wrist and a small clutch purse and you are good to go!

Ok, so after all that I think that I convinced myself, even, that the maxi dress is totally wearable, no matter your size or shape. And, I do firmly believe that curvy girls need to show it off. So, if you have some extra curves and meat on your bones, don’t automatically feel that you need to hide it under a bunch of fabric. Opt for a version that is loose, but follows gently the contour of your body.

Dear Harper’s Bazaar,

Really? Really? You are serious. No this is not the first time I’ve noticed this, but it’s the first time I’ve said something about it. Well, at least on the internet. Dear Bazaar, do you have ANY idea of reality? At all? I mean, hellooo, it’s a recession, yet, in your “How to Dress for Your Age” article in one of last winter’s issues (i was reading at the gym, all their issues are older) you suggest several dresses for us girls in our 20’s, none of which were less than $1500! Really? You really think we can afford that? You might as well hang a big juicy slab of bacon in front of our faces when we are doing the lemon juice/cayenne pepper fast. Maybe I’m living in some other space/time continuum, but most women I know in their 20’s cannot afford and would not choose to drop $2000 on a skirt.

It’s no wonder so many young women have credit card debt. I mean, if they feel that this is how they have to shop to dress for success, they are doomed for financial ruin! Here’s an idea, Harper’s Bazaar. Why not, in your age appropriate articles, talk about clothes that fit the age and the budget for that age? So yes, maybe a woman in her 40’s or 50’s could MAYBE afford a $1500 dress, and may choose to splurge like that. But it is far beyond me to pick out any woman I know in her 20’s or 30’s who could shell out that kind of cash. And even if I were going to spend that, it wouldn’t be on a pair of jewel encrusted blue jeans that’ll be SO OUT this time next year. I would maybe think of spending more than $200 on something classic, that I know I’ll wear, like a good pair of black slacks. But seriously, a trendy piece? Ugh, i just can’t even fathom it! How about something attainable, please!

On a more positive note, I just got my designer ebay purchases in the mail today! I got my Jovovich Hawk dress as well as a mini dress by Black Halo. They are adorable, and the price I paid for both of them plus shipping was about a quarter of what they’d cost in store. Here they are:

 The Jovovich Hawk Tata Dress

 The Black Halo dress

I feel smart and fashionable now…and my anger towards Harper’s Bazaar is fast fading.

So, since this is the official first entry of the super awesome fashion blog, I’m just going to take a minute to say hello, welcome, and thanks for visiting. Krista and I will be continually blogging about our favorite fashion finds, great places to shop online, and whenever we can, we will direct you to some great deals and steals. I hope to add at least one blog per day, but if I don’t, don’t get too upset. It probably just means that I’m over at Nordstrom doing some retail therapy research on the next great fashion find. So, stay tuned, and thanks again for checking us out!