Dig this in LA Times

My latest obsession

Shop Bop is my favorite online shopping site and I am completely obsessed with this recent email with the work/after work outfit. I absolutely adore this Diane von Furstenberg plaid blouse. The big ruffle/tie is detachable. I love how Shop Bop tucks it into a gigantic trouser to tastefully highlight a tiny waste, and then pairs it untucked with cigarette pants and gladiators. LOVE IT.

Unfortunately right now, I don't want to spend $225 on a blouse and $264 on cigarette pants and $672 on that tote. I don't think many of us could spend that right now. So I spent the greater part of yesterday reconstructing, to the best of my abilities, both of those outfits at more realistic prices.

First, the work outfit -

A very similar blouse is available at Banana.
I am not sure if this one is as cute as the DVF untucked, but let's hope.

Those high-wasted, wide-leg trouser are so flattering for hourglass and pear shapes. Blue Fly has a pair, and these have a tummy-flattening front with the sailor-pant buttons.

Since the Banana blouse is black and white, I would pair a colorful tote with this work outfit. Get this Nordstrom on in Claret.

Evening outfit -

Again, Banana has a cigarette pant or for a lot less, just get a pair of leggings .

Orange gladiators !

And a subtle, matching clutch .

Investment cashmere

Hook & Eye Tunic in Carbon Sparkle, $525Luxury Cashmere Blend at Nolita(IN-STORE 10/15/08)http://www.nolitaonline.com/

Everyone asks me what cashmere to invest in. ABSOLUTELY NOT the thin cardigans from Banana Republic. Those will last one, maybe two seasons. But this chunky cashmere from Nolita in Portland is to die for. Yes, invest $525 for this. It will last forever.

Angie on SaneShopping Magazine!

Stylish Everything

Okay, gas prices are soaring your fanny is widening, so you made a resolution to bike commute. Does this mean that you have to throw style out the window? Absolutely not. And that includes your bike! No, you don't have to fork out the equivalent amount of 3 pairs of Prada for a decent bike, it's very simple.

The above green thing was the start of my bike. After sanding and a little paint and the help of a bike mechanic, I turned this $25 Goodwill purchase into the hottest fixie.

So not only am I saving gas, working my butt, looking stylish, I am also on the cutting edge of a sport! How many stylish girls do you see on a fixie around town? Try it, I dare you.

Beijing Fashion

The opening ceremony was worth staying up late. The 2000+ lighted drums, the chanting, really cool. Of course the most important part for me was the fashion.

Ah the Dutch.
[photo from LA Times]


I went to Amsterdam earlier this year, and they suck at fashion. I am not buying the excuse that they are big kids, so fashion is hard. They had What Not to Wear type shows, and they forced poor, unsuspecting girls into the latest trends despite how awful. The before pics were better than the afters. Alas, they did get it right for the opening ceremony. I love the white piping. The pants were a skinny pant, but it actually flattered all of the big Dutchies.

USA - eh, ok.
[photo from LA Times]


Ralph Lauren designed this look. Without the Kengol cap, it would be too classic RL.

Not a lot of love in Russia.
[photo from LA Times]


All I can say is yikes. Crazy-patterned dickies, dresses that cut mid-calf (not good on anyone, it cuts you off at the widest part of your lower leg. Looks like you have cankles.). Bad fedoras. Only the French pulled off a fedora alright.

Great Britain
[photo from LA Times]

Nice work! The ladies had a sassy sheath dress with a sparkly, fashionable silver belt. Look at how cute the flagbearer is!

But, overall, I wasn't happy with the fashion show. It goes back to what I keep saying is that just because you are sporty, doesn't mean you can't dress well. With all of those hard bodies out there, EVERYONE should be looking tasty, especially since the entire world is watching. Shame on the countries that put their athletes out in track suits when Beijing put on such a formal fete.

Here's an interesting audio slideshow with commentary on the fashions http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2008/08/08/sports/olympics/20080808-olympic-fashion2/index.html

Living in Seattle now, and having been born in Portland, I am painfully aware of commuting in the rain. What’s even harder in this wet traverse is trying to do it with as little fuel as possible. What’s the most agonizing about these travels is witnessing what other people wear to weather the elements.

I live on Vashon Island, so I ride the ferry twice a day to downtown and I understand dressing comfortably, but get this outfit – an ill-fitting, burgundy 1991 Columbia Sportswear jacket with leather fisherman’s hats, and Merrel slip-on shoes (tan, of course), with white tube socks. And no lie, that was a woman’s outfit!

So here is my answer to hard core rain roving, even in June, since it feels like it’s never going to be summer in Seattle:

Hunter Wellington’s. You can’t keep your feet any drier than rubber boots that go up to your knees. These are perfect to tuck your long, wide-leg trousers into so they don’t drag in puddles and collect mud on the hems. They keep your calves or tights dry and splash free. These boots are so playful; I sometimes wear them with a short skirt! The best color choice is traditional hunter green. Very retro debonair.

Carry a waterproof, gigantic Stella McCartney for Le Sport Sac bag. I got the biggest one in bright orange, of course, and it comes with a zippered pocket on the bottom to carry my heels in that I wear at the office. There is a basement pocket that is so big I can even stow my wellies in it when I go out for Happy Hour.

Nau Urbane jacket. Yes, sadly, Nau went out of business, but they are moving inventory online right now at half off. This jacket is bullet-proof and SOOOOOO incredibly chic. It looks so fabulous with any work outfit because of the sassy hardware and waist-flattering lines, but it’s the perfect all-around jacket, too; on weekends it’s sporty-casual with jeans and flip-flops.

So that’s your outwear. Get a sassy Castro cap to keep your hair dry and you are an environmentally-supportive, classy, professional, and most importantly, DRY commuter.

There is absolutely no excuse for frumpiness at any time!