Can't Stand These Commuter Fashion Trends

Every morning my husband and I commute from Hoboken, NJ into Manhattan for work. And every morning I must see at least 50 different women in the Port Authority Bus Terminal who are:

*Wearing hair claws
*Wearing flip flops
*Carrying their stuff around in a used shopping bag

What I find especially interesting, is these are the same women who are perpetually:

*Carrying Louis Vuitton bags
*Wearing gigantic rocks on their ring fingers
*Glued to their iphones

The two sets of trends kind of cancel each other out. I suppose that once these women reach work, the flip flops come off, the hair claws come out, and the shopping bags get tucked away. Still, it seems to me that if you're going to project a certain image at work, you should feel a little sheepish about projecting the exact opposite image on your way to work.

I understand that commuters require a certain amount of convenience and comfort. Still, I just hate having to stare at those hair claws and rumpled up Juicy Couture shopping bags every morning. When your handbag is the size of Arizona, why do you need to carry around a used shopping bag, as well? Is it so you can assure everyone that you shop at the most expensive stores in Manhattan? Is it because that's where you store your more presentable shoes and you don't want them to muss up the inside of your $3,000 satchel? Can't you at least pick up a reusable tote? And why do people love these hair claws so much? I find them so haphazard, so "I need to get my hair out of my face but I'm too lazy to put any effort into doing so." I think they look like pigeon talons, and I especially hate the ones that are designed to blend into your hair. Like clear bra straps, they're not fooling anyone.

Call me neurotic, and I'll agree with you. But I doubt I'll ever be swayed into seeing the other side of this one.

Just Purchased: Franco Sarto Talk

I'm switching out my old Franco Sarto slingbacks for a new, sturdier pair of sandals: Franco Sarto Talk. While I could have bought them for about $50 on Piperlime, I decided to spend $20 more and order them from Zappos, just to be sure they'd arrive overnight. I am in desperate need of summer heels, you see, in both black and brown. Still looking for the brown pair.

I can finally say farewell to my dainty little slingbacks. I wore them for about 1.5 seasons, and while they were ridiculously comfortable, they have now a big nick in the heel and are just too "precious" for my evolving sense of style. Plus, I need a big girl heel. The kitten heel isn't cutting it anymore. I'll clean them up a bit and then donate them to a local thrift store. Hopefully someone will be able to overlook their wear and tear. Rest in Peace, old black sandals.

Coach's Poppy Collection

I remember the first time I took note of the Coach motif. I was about ten years old, and was walking through Macy's with my mom. Just as we were about to exit the store, I spotted a canvas pump covered with that infamous "C" on display. At once, I was both horrified and terribly confused. Why would someone want to walk around with such an unattractive pattern all over their feet? I posed the question to my mother, and her response was something like, "Oh, those are Coach shoes. That's what the 'C' stands for--Coach. They're very expensive. Some women really like that pattern, believe it or not."

Today, I'm still trying to believe. Not only do I continue to be turned off by the repetitive "C's," I'm just not into Coach's overall look, especially when it comes to for what the brand is most known: handbags. I'm sure the craftsmanship is very good, but to me, there's something matronly about the shape of Coach's bags. I think when it comes down to it, Coach is just a little too traditional for me.

That said, Coach has practically thrown tradition to the wind with its new, slightly less expensive line, "Poppy." The younger, freer, brighter collection appeals to even me. In fact, when it comes to Poppy, I can actually get into the "C's"! On the bag below, they kind of look like a Gustav Klimt painting. And at the same time, they're what keep the bag grounded, or in other words, from looking a tad too much like the circus has come to town.


You can see more of the Poppy line at Coach's website.

Wardrobe Wishlist: Marquis & Camus

As a jewelry maker myself (albeit an amateur one at this point), I try not to buy too many accessories. I tell myself, "Bethany, you could make something similar for less if you only put your mind to it and by some miracle found hours of extra time on your hands." And yet, there are some accessory artistes whose unique talent I could never touch. Take Marquis & Camus, for instance. Actually, take them for more than instance. Take them for everything. I love them that much.

From what I've seen, Marquis & Camus was the first line to come up with the whole lackadaisical rockin' chain link meets Victorian romance look that is now cropping up all over Etsy and the like. While imitators are certainly flattering the original duo, no one can quite get it right, in my opinion.

Check it out: We've all seen working-to-be-eclectic pieces similar to the one below. But what's different about this Marquis & Camus necklace is that it doesn't look as if it's working-to-be anything. It already has the look DOWN. It really does seem as if someone reached into a Victorian treasure box, tossed a handful of this and that against the wall, sprinkled it with magic, and then BAM! Beautiful.


And then there are the more "refined" collections, featuring at-first-look-feminine chokers like the following:



"Oh, how pretty. How very Kirsten Dunst in Marie Antoinette," you might think. But then there's something a little rough around the edges about this piece that one just can't place...something tongue-in-cheek, something almost raucous...and yet, that something is beneath the surface enough to not overshadow the fact that yes, this item is pretty. Pretty, indeed.

I think what we all try to achieve when it comes to personal style is looking as if we just hatched from an egg wearing a fabulous outfit that perfectly expresses the person we really are. That kind of fashionable, remarkable, exquisite ease is what I see when I look at pieces from Marquis & Camus.

Wow. I must really sound like a nut. But admit it: You're one, too.

In Search Of: Chunky, Summer Sandals

When it comes to shoes, I prefer stacked over stiletto. It may not sound very ladylike, but I'd much rather be wearing a clunky, chunky, grounded, grungy pair of shoes than anything close to "dainty." Therefore, I'm excited to see so many chunkier sandals in stores this season. They're being paired with everything from harem pants, to shorts, to long skirts, and I need to get me some before summer has passed me by.

I am in love with the magical forest color of this pair by Jeffrey Campbell. They look so easy to walk in, and are selling for under $100. The problem, is, I normally shy away from colored footwear, as I worry I won't be able to find enough to wear it with. I need someone to convince me that colors other than black and brown can be versatile. Pronto!


This pair from DKNYC is of a flattering height, but sturdy enough to trek through outdoor terrain. I actually like that these sandals don't show too much skin. This fact makes me think I'd have an easier time dressing them up for work. I'm not a fan of the two-tone heel, however. Shoes that mix black with brown never manage to convince me that they can really be worn with anything. That said, another selling point of this pair is the slingback strap. I always find slingbacks more comfortable than other styles.
Good ol' Frye. I pretty much love everything the brand comes out with. These sandals are certainly no exception. They almost look as if they're made entirely out of wood. I worry that they'd be difficult to walk in, but they possess just the right combination of sexiness and casual ruggedness. They're selling at Urban Outfitters, so I'll easily be able to hop on over and try them on.

Bumpits: Bizarre or Brilliant?

Has anyone taken the time to try these things? They're called Bumpits, and apparently, they're an alternative to teasing--they give your hair that extra lift without your having to rip your tresses into a bird's nest.

Now, my hair is so darn flat, that not even teasing gives it the oomph I'd like. That's why I'm tempted to buy myself some bumpits, although the name alone makes me a bit nervous. Also, I can't imagine my hair staying in place effectively enough to hide the bumpit itself all day long. And I think it'd be a bit embarrassing to have something that looks like this showing through your hair:

You can learn more about bumpits on the product's very own website. The site has just about all the information you could ever want on a gadget like this, including infomercial-style videos. I am so curious to know if anyone has had some honest-to-goodness bumpit success, so please comment if you can!

Wardrobe Wishlist: DKNY Cozy Cardigan

I hardly have a dire need for yet another cardigan...but how can a garment as amazingly versatile as DKNY's Cozy Cardigan not come in incredibly handy? There are twelve different ways that you can style it, and the lightweight fabric means you can wear it year-round.

It sells for $195 on Net-a-Porter, which, for me, means that if I don't need it, I shouldn't be pulling out my wallet. Still, I'm deliberately adding it to my ever-growing wishlist, just in case I stumble upon some extra cash. And it'll be sitting at the very top of the list. too, because if it's really 12 sweaters in one, it's got to be a good investment, right?

Here are just a few of the ways that you can wear it:

Can't Live Without: Frye Boots

I'd been hungrily eying Frye Campus boots for three years before I finally buckled down and purchased a pair. I was jealous of every woman I saw wearing them. Whether brand new or well, well, well worn in, they always looked perfectly stylish to me.

I loved the way they could roughen up a too-frilly dress in the springtime, and lend a carefree element to a buttoned-up outfit in the winter. I appreciated their bohemian ruggedness, and at the same time, was glad they didn't look as if they belonged on a dude ranch.

It's also nice to know that Frye is a brand I can count on, as it's been in business for over 100 years. I expect to have my boots for forever, despite the fact that I wear them all the time.

The Campus boots don't have a zipper down the side, but with the help of two canvas loops sewn into the lining, they're quite easy to pull on. I found the boots to be a little heavy at first, but now I'm quite used to them. They're the comfiest, most sturdy shoes I own--hardly a surprise to me.

My pair is the "banana" color you see above, but I plan on collecting the boots in a variety of shades. I don't yet own a casual pair of black boots, and when I finally get around to finally some I see no reason why I would want them to be anything other than Frye Campus.

Style Muse: Zoe Saldana

Admittedly, the only movie so far in which I've seen Zoe Saldana is Pirates of the Caribbean, but it's apparent that I, and the rest of the world, will be seeing more, much more of her in the near future. She stars in the current blockbuster movie Star Trek, as well as the much-talked-about Avatar. I'm not positive which premier she's pictured at here...I'm thinking Avatar? Any ideas? In any case, she is projecting just the sort of look after which I tend to lust.

I am a huge Jean Paul Gaultier fan, so it's no surprise that I love Zoe in this whimsical, yet structured outfit of his. I love the way she grounds the pink frothiness with a wide black belt, tights, and chunky shoes. Leaving the collar untied is also an excellent choice, and her natural beauty...well, I'm sure she just can't help herself, in that area.

My actual style muses are few and far between, since I tend to walk a thin, jumpy, twisted line between totally trendy and unapologetically avant-garde. Zoe Saldana is, therefore, a rare role model in my style file.

This isn't the only look of Zoe's I've coveted (I may not have seen many of her movies yet, but I've seen my fair share of pics). She always manages to appear spirited and unique, and yet oh so refreshingly natural. She's breathtakingly gorgeous, but part of her appeal is that she doesn't try too hard--not in the least. I mean, come on: long-sleeved blouse, tights, a skirt that hits below the knee, and the woman still looks 100% sexy. Her secret? I'm thinking a strong sense of self.

In Search Of: An Inexpensive, Summery Work Dress

My weight tends to fluctuate like the weather. Therefore, quite expectedly, last year's summer work dresses are no longer cutting it on my body. Fortunately, the dresses are too big this time around, rather than too small. Unfortunately, after being laid off back in November and now temping for about 50% less than what I once made, I don't have the funds to purchase what I really want.

That's one reason why I've cast my sights on none other than GAP and Ann Taylor Loft. The other reason is these are the two stores I pass by every day on my way home from work. Lately, I just don't have the time to go far out of my way for fashion. Yes, my situation really is quite tragic.

Truth be told, neither the GAP, nor Ann Taylor are my type of place, in general. The GAP is too basic basic for my style, and shopping at Ann Taylor makes me nervous about turning into my mother about twenty years too early. Still, I can always manage to pick out a few items from either place that will work for me just fine ...provided that I pair them with the right accessories.

However: A quick website review has led me to believe that the GAP seems to have few work appropriate items in stock these days. Why bother attending the place in person, then?

Hello, Ann T. Loft only, it is!

Here's what I'm considering right now:

I'm not totes comfortable with wearing a sleeveless dress to work (my place of work is pretty casual, but I always like to dress for a bigger role). However, this dress will work just fine if paired with a short-sleeved cardigan. There's something snappy and modern-refined about it that makes it work appropriate. What I really love about it is:

• It's ridiculously versatile
• It has pockets
• The V-neck and folded tulip skirt would work well with my pear shape (the V-neck lengthens and the skirt would help to balance out my hips)
• I gotta say, I look good in cranberry
  

Now, this one...I'm not too crazy about the coloring, but the bohemian pattern appeals to me, and the square neckline is flattering in that it would widen my smaller upper body, thereby balancing out my thicker lower half. Plus, this dress has sleeves. Sleeves come in handy when at work.











I really am into graphic prints lately, and I like that, while sleeveless, this sheath dress is sophisticated enough to wear to work minus a cover-up. That said, an article of clothing containing this much white is normally not great for my already pale skin tone.











Now here's a print/color combination I like. Cooler tones like these are better for my pale, yet rosy complexion. This garment would need a little sweater to make it A-OK for work, but the chiffon fabric helps it to be more formal and sophisticated.











Of course, here's an option that includes the same color, yet remains a little more demure. The ruffly detailing works to draw attention away from the lower half, a.k.a. my not-so-good area.











Which one do you like?

Hot Hair Color

I recently got my hair cut (total three cheers shout out to NYC Japanese salon Manish which gave me the cut of my life for just $60!), and now I need it colored. Although my stylist at Manish complimented me incessantly on my ash blonde locks, I must admit, I'm sooo blahhed out by my current color. I need something a little brighter, a tad riskier, a smidgen more...fun!

We wear our hair every day, so I definitely consider a new shade for my tresses to be an addition to my wardrobe. Some of the looks on which I've had my eye:

Model Jessica Stam's cut and color is actually pretty similar to my own. But her locks are a bit more sweet honey compared to my blah brassy. I love to see women rocking the middle part (my hair refuses to part any other way), and boy does her head manage to shine, shine on. I also love the way her eye makeup looks in every single picture I see of her. I wonder if she almost always has a professional smoke her eyes up, or if she sometimes does it herself. Regardless, the results are consistently perfect. No matter how much black liner she smudges onto her lids, you can't help but be dazzled by how bright blue her eyes really are.

If you're a fashion magdict like I am, you've seen this pic (to the right) from the new Almay color intense ad. The coloring looks way better in the magazines, but you can kind of get the idea here. I must admit, I do love the model's makeup. But more than that, I love her hair. I am not at all afraid of chunky highlights. I'm not sure they would look as good on a cut of my length, however, and the upkeep might be more strenuous.

Claire Danes' color is kind of a happy medium, don't you think? The obvious highlights are there, but the overall affect is softer. It seems brighter, too, despite the lighter shade. It looks like a mix between the almost white hair I had as a kid and the much darker blonde I've grown into today.

Loving Lace Bib Necklaces

Opposites truly attract when it comes to fashion. I've had my eye on this bib necklace by Malin Nyman Smallcombe for about a month now. I'm not sure what I'd pair it with, but I'm excited by the contrasting elements with which it plays. Lace is always assumed to be elegant, but this statement piece appears quite sturdy. The pine green color is unexpected, yet versatile. Come to think of it, a necklace like this could be coupled with anything from a lightweight tee to a little black dress. In any case, it's a refreshingly tough take on lace. I first spotted this necklace in Lucky Magazine, but it can be bought here, at A+R Store.

Wardrobe Wishlist: Matthew Williamson

If I had the money, I'd buy myself some Matthew Williamson. Of course, he did just design a capsule collection for H&M.

Whimsical, eclectic, ethereal, bohemian, detailed, imaginative...these are words that can be used to describe both Matthew Williamson's work and any piece of cloting to which I'm drawn.

Matthew Williamson has the free-thinking power to take a trend and turn it on its ear in such a way that the resulting garment almost laughs in the face of all other followers. Take the silk dress below, for example. Like the spring and summer dresses we see year after year, it's got the tribal thing going on, and yet it's hardly safari-predictable. It encompasses the geometric prints we're used to, but the ombre coloring and randomness of the motif makes it more spirited than stiff.


The racer back and loose fit of this dress make it weekend appropriate, while the incredible detailing and notice-me colors allow it to be easily dressed up for the most glamorous of occasions. The embroidery manages to remind me of both a Eastern European countryside festival and The Great Gatsby. Basically, you know Mr. Williamson is really working his eclectic magicianship here.


You can imagine that I'm excited about Matthew Williamson's new, affordable H&M line, in stores since April 23. I'm a big peacock feather fan, so I'm all about the color scheme and patterns pictured here. Te drapey, layered top at the bottom would really work with my shape.

Can't Live Without: My Levi's

I haven't quite caught on to the whole designer jean thing, although I feel as if I should. My hangup is, I feel jeans are meant to be lived in, not showcased. While every job I've had has held a loosely based business casual dress code, I never wear jeans to work. And I have a hard time convincing myself it's okay to wear them to any sort of chic(ish) occasion. Therefore, it may come as no surprise that my fave pair of jeans is no pair of fancy pants. It's my Levi's 509 flares. So yesteryear, yet so, so comfortable. And so much better suited to my body than anything else I've ever tried (and I feel as if I've tried them all).


Now, these jeans are a Size 9 (yes, I just admitted to you my pant size), which means they're from (gasp!) the Juniors section. That's right: My jeans are meant for teens. I haven't been a teenager for eight years, but Juniors jeans tend to be shorter, which means I don't have to embarrass myself by asking my tailor, "Will you please hem my Levi's?" Also, I need a little flare to balance out these hips of mine, and fewer jeans meant for adults bear this sort of shape anymore.

I'm not sure how long I've had my Levi's, but I think it's been over four years now. To me, that means they're really worth something. Hey, they're at least worth the $40 I paid for them, right? At this point, they're kind of like the Skin Horse from The Velveteen Rabbit. They're worn down and none too shiny, and that means they're really loved.

Cleaning Out Your Closet

Fashion mags, Tim Gunn, and an embarrassingly girly girl section of my home library have convinced me that when it comes to your closet, less is more.

In NYC, closet space is especially hard to come by, so cluttering your closet with things that don't fit right or that you may or may not wear once in your lifetime is not a bright idea. Instead, it's ideal to have a streamlined space containing just a few perfect pieces that look nothing short of exquisite each time you put them on.

Does this ideal describe my cramped closet? Not quite. But I'm doing my best to purge and upgrade! Unfortunately, I was laid off in November, so while the purging part is still quite possible, all upgrades are currently on hold.

My current closet, in all its smashed up, unmanageable glory

My husband doesn't understand my need to clean out my closet. "What a waste!" he exclaims, each time I set aside a piece to donate. Well, I say it's not a waste if you're never going to wear it! And some garments, while they may have seemed fabulous upon purchase, are simply not meant to be worn.

I do a major closet overhaul about once a year, and I think it may be time for another. Rehanging any item is always a game of push and shove at this point, and I even have a sad section of space reserved for pieces I know, deep down, have seen their final days.

So how does one clean out their closet? Well, here's my practiced routine:

1. Get everything out. Toss it all on the bed. Even remove the hangers and lavender pouch thingy that was supposed to keep things smelling sweet.
2. Evaluate each piece, one by one, asking yourself: Does it fit? Do I wear it? Do I love it? If you don't answer "yes" to all three questions, get it off the bed. It has been downgraded to the floor.
3. Rehang the remaining items, keeping the above three questions in mind. Sometimes an iffy number or two will try to stay in the game. Don't let them. Really, it's not worth it.

Now, some people choose to store those items that aren't in season. Because we have no storage space, almost everything stays in my closet year-round. I usually order my items like so:

1. Coats, from bulky to lightweight
2. Pants
   
3. Dresses, from winter to summer, work to play
4. Skirts, ordered like the dresses
5. Jackets
6. Sweaters, with cardigans at the end
7. Work tops
8. Fun tops
9. Casual tops other than T-shirts

Jeans, T-shirts, and anything that can get mussed up a bit either gets placed on a shelf or in a drawer.

Discarded items get donated, although I must admit I tend to procrastinate in this area. Currently, I have a big bag of items stored away for this purpose. Must. add. to. to-do list.

That's really all there is to it. I used to do the whole color-combo arranging act, but have since convinced myself that not only is this a total waste of time, it makes my closet look as if the circus has come to town.

So, the plan is I'll be doing another purge ...and you'll be coming along for the ride.