Really Loving: Leggings an Alternative to Tights

I really resisted the legging trend when it resurfaced from the 80s a couple years ago. I always thought they were for skinny teen age girls and when I saw anyone older wearing them I shuddered. I didn't think they were for me until recently. I finally relented and reluctantly purchased a pair of black leggings from H&M for my 10 hour flight to Amsterdam. And surprisingly, I loved, loved them. I paired the leggings with a long stretchy cotton tee, then added a thin oversized stripped V-neck sweater, and finally a long sweater coat. I tend to wear them on the weekends but recently wore them to work with a flowy, flowery dress and long cardigan and I stayed quite toasty. If you're like me and have turned your nose at leggings, I think you should reconsider. They are a great alternative to tights and are surprisingly flattering--when worn the right way that is.

The Look:
The key to wearing leggings the right way is to achieve the big-over-small silhouette. So when you choose a shirt to pair with your leggings, look for a roomy one. Do not expose the bottom or the gap between the mid-thigh.  Your bum shouldn't be hanging out! Choose a longer-length top which hits the mid-thigh. This elongates the torso and gives proportion.

Fabric: You should choose a good quality fabric which will keep its shape (one with more than 4% lycra). Cheap leggings have a tendency to bubble and go out of shape. Choose a thicker fabric to slim and add shape and support.

Color: Black or dark gray colors are best to achieve a slimming effect that also means choosing full length leggings, not the ankle or mid calf styles.

Styling Tips:  The thing that's great about leggings is that you can wear them just as you would wear your tights. For instance, a classic dress can be given an on-trend, edgy look by popping a pair of leggings underneath rather than plain tights. I recemmend two ways to wear dresses over leggings: (1) a close fitting dress (such as a knit dress),  or (2) a billowy bohemian style casual dress. What ever style you choose, make sure that the dress falls at or above the knee for the most flattering silhouette. But please note, leggings are not an alternative to pants.

And don't forget the shoes Dahlings. Look for three styles: flats, boots, and pumps. Other types of shoes tend not to work as well as these three styles. My personal favorite are booties or knee high boots.


Where To Buy: This trend can be found anywhere. So just buy one already.

A Word About Jeggings: As if leggings weren't enough, "Jeggings"-- a cross between leggings and jeans-- has fashion fanatics flocking to the stores in droves. I'm not falling for this one.

Check out this video for more tips on how to wear leggings, no matter what your body type.


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Ten Fab Gifts Under $100

Dahlings, only 13 days to go before Xmas! Are you exhausted with all the Christmas shopping? It can be a very anxiety inducing endeavor trying to find the perfect gift for all the wonderful people in your life. It's very taxing. I have no such anxieties as I do my best to avoid all that madness. I'm planning on getting my man a gift and will only purchase gifts for the babies in the family. That's it. I'm done. But I've created a wish list of items that I'm coveting in case anyone asks for my Xmas wish list. A girl must be prepared for such requests. Here are some fun items that would make perfect gifts for that phenomenal woman in your life and it's okay if you're the only phenomenal woman you know: wink. wink. And the best part; everything on the list is insanely affordable!

1. Clipa Handbag Hanger is a must to keep purses off the ground. According to the folks at Clipa you simply clip it to your handbag strap and leave it there and it instantly hooks onto table edges, chairs, doors, rails etc. nice.($25, shopintuition.com).


2. I love coffeetable books, especially those that offer a sneak peek into the world of fashion, art and design. I'm curious about the The Sartorialist by Scott Schuman (sale $16.50, amazon.com) featuring inspiring street style. Be sure to check out the blog during a slow day at work.

3. If you have a friend who loves to cook, bake, mix drinks and entertains often this apron from Anthropologie is a must. Each apron is a work of art, blending whimsical prints with delicious details like pleats, rickrack trim, eyelet lace and ruffles. They're almost too pretty to wear! And unlike Anthropologie's clothing, which tends to be priced just out of reach, these fashionable aprons range from roughly $24 for a child's apron to $38 for adults. 

4. A woman can never have enough hangbags, really. But this one is a decent price, roomy and very versatile. Check out this $90  Melie Bianco tote.

5. For the girl making things happen or climbing that ladder at work these personalized $28  business card cases from Neiman's say business with some fun on the side due to the bright colors.

6. What girl doesn't love Tiffany's? Maybe you're not making Tiffany money or don't have someone your life to lavish you with such niceties but you can give that someone special this little gift: Tiffany’s Key charms are the jewelry gift this holiday, and this small silver version ($100) is subtle enough to wear every day – and it comes in that infamous blue box. This cute coin purse ( $50) is also a fun and cheaper option.

7. I'm loving these cute plush booties ( $36) to wear around the house on cold days. Perfect for opening presents on Xmas morning. And these Ann  Taylor loft comfy slippers  for $24 are just as adorable.

8. I love notebooks, little ones preferably in bright colors. Loving these $15 Philip Keel Simple Dairy books that "helps us look inside because we are overloaded outside."

9. Glove Love. The Ten-Finger Mitten. A friend of mine scored one of these at the annual office White Elephant gift exchange. I was standing next to her and tried them on and fell in love. Too bad she wasn't drunk so I could slip them in my bag without her knowing. But this one from Anthropologie is just as cute. I've also been feigning for a serious leather glove. My mother-in-law gave me pair for Christmas one year but who knows where they are now. There's something elegant about a leather glove that I love. I'm eyeing this one from J.Crew.

10. There's nothing like a great watch. It's rare these days to find someone with a watch. But not only is a watch functional but it can also be immensely fashionable. I'm loving this collection of wrap watches by La Mer with prices that start at $84. You can also customize them if you drop more money.

Final Word: Yes, it is a pleasure to give but I really enjoy receiving. Here's hoping the Hubby and loved ones are reading this post. Happy Holiday's Dahlings!

Dec. 20: You Have A Date With Target

Dahlings, the fashion blogs have been a flutter about Rodarte,  brand of designer clothing and accessories coming to Target on December 20th as part of the  GO International limited edition high end designer collection. Rodarte has been seen on celebrities such as Kirsten Dunst and Keira Knightley and is known for their  avant-garde looks.  Everyone has been trying to get good look of the much anticipated collection which promises to be feminine yet modern with a rich mix of patterns and embellishments such as sequins, bows, and faux fur.  The collection features clothing with lace and tulle on it, tons of leopard print, and a selection of dresses, jackets, and tights.

 Of course since it's going to be at Target, the prices are to die for Dahlings, ranging from $9.99 for knee-highs to a $79.99 leopard-print jacket; a far cry from the $3,000 knits in their Ready-to-Wear collection. But Target promises that, while the sky-high price tag may be missing from the line, the immaculate attention to detail that Rodarte have become renowned for will not. A spokesman said, “It’s very feminine, yet very modern. The collection incorporates a rich mix of patterns and fabrications and everything from sequins and bows to faux fur. The key with Rodarte is layering.” Rodarte will launch the line online and in stores nationwide and will run until February 6th so make sure you make a stop at your local Target before then. I wasn't impressed with the Anna Sui collection which was inspired by my favorite guilty pleasure, Gossip Girl, so I really hope this one delivers.

Guess who else is has penned a deal with Target? Jean Paul Gaultier. Gaultier first gained mainstream acceptance after working with Madonna, designing the iconic cone shaped bra, a silhouette that appeared in many of his designs for the Spring 2010 collection. No word yet on what the line will look like but you know I will keep you in the know once the pics have leaked. The line will launch online and in 250 retail outlets nationwide on March 7 and will remain on sale until April 11.

Check out the video on Rodarte to get a better look:

Final Word: Don't we love Target?? I've got my eye on the  little jean jacket with the braided detail. Perfect for Spring.

Spotted: Street Style in Amsterdam

Dahlings...it's been a week since I've been back from my trip to Amsterdam where I was managing some promotional work for my company. I can say that Amsterdam is a  beautiful city. In between  work,  I managed to sneak away to visit a few touristy spots in the Dam such as the Ann Frank house, the Van Gogh and Rembrandt Museums and of course the infamouse and seedy Red Light District. The rain was incessant and I think I would prefer to have been there in the spring time. But of course as I walked and walked and walked, the streets of Amsterdam, being careful not to get run over by bikers, I kept my eyes open to what the women were wearing. I really enjoyed the confidence in which Dutch women carried themselves. Young and old seem to really enjoy fashion.The clothing was practicle, stylish and not overtly fussy and individual style statements was made in the detail; a nice scarf, a well tailored coat, sexy heels, and a chic purse. I love that the girls zipped about town on bikes in heels, sensible heels I might add but on the weekends I did spot some major heel heights.

The style uniform was not all that different than what the girls here are rocking: leggings ( all sorts, mostly black but the more adventourous girls went for a pop of color); tulip or ballerina inspired skirts, and of course boots reigned supreme ( tall ones, short ones, shooties, booties, you name it);and both stylish but functional, scarves and hats were in high rotation. As expected this time of year, the coat ruled the streets, primarily the belted military coat in black of course.

 But I really enjoyed the girls who broke out of the box and opted for a patterned or a fantastic coat in an unexpected color. There's something so refreshing about a shot of bright color on a dreary winter day. I recalled a baby blue swing coat, an orange baby doll coat and a deep purple double breasted coat standing out vividly among a sea of blackness.

There was also a lot of faux fur on the streets, which was bizarre considering it rained non-stop. And of course I made an attempt to buy something stylish that was unique to Amsterdam. Unfortunately what I really wanted I couldn't really afford and what I could afford I could get  here in the states...cheaper. Major let down. But stores, like H&M where at every corner, as well as ZARA as to be expected. It's interesting how the democratization of fashion is uniting us all. Not sure if it's good or bad thing yet. Anyway here's some street style I captured, some on a rainy day as a I sat at an outdoor cafe sipping on my Americano and some just walking the streets.