Successful Transitioning.........Into Spring to be Specific

this time of year always gets me
as a year round fan of layering,
somehow the transition from winter to spring dupes me every time..

freezing cold mornings, hot humid afternoons or the reverse............what's a girl to wear.........currently im obsessed with an army green cardigan recently purchased (from splendid, with 3/4 sleeves that roll back safari style)......layering it over my dresses, tops, etc........the easiest thing is to layer up and peel off later.............right? but how much do you layer and how do you layer without looking bulky (or preggers!)

obviously we're all sick of winter...........but don't go full throttle into your spring wardrobe or you will soon tire of it......and then what?

1. start with a really fitted tee or sweater.........add springish dress.........boots or tights worn with open toe shoes (wedges, booties, gladiators) and throw on cardigan or jacket, scarf and voila....

2. say at noon it's warming up and you start to sweat.......loose the jacket or sweater.............by 3pm it's even warmer.......step into a closet and pull a superman, lose your tights and under layer (not your bra and panties please!)

3. but goodness, drinks after work and it's getting chilly...........throw back on the cardigan or jacket (maybe belt your cardi) and voila........your back in business............

Budgeting with a Conscious...

ok, so i will be the first to admit i have often tried to budget and always failed!

during the 2nd semester of my freshman year of college, while trying to lose the infamous "freshman 15" i fastidiously wrote down everything I ate or drank and the quantity....talk about rethinking what goes into your mouth?! after a week i had squelched the late night binges and i went for a run today candy bar rewards.....

so, this year i am budgeting my wardrobe with a conscious! with all the bad press surrounding china and other countries that manufacture our clothing and accessories, perhaps facing the facts in writing will help me to be a more consciouses consumer.

1. with all the LEAD paint issues in toys, etc. manufactured in china and the snuffoo they had with their infant formula.....DO YOU REALLY WANT TO WEAR SOMETHING ON YOUR SKIN THAT COULD POTENTIALLY HAVE HAZARDOUS MATERIAL OR POISON IN THE DYE OR FABRIC......ummmmmmmmmm NO

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19508453/
2. inhumane work conditions......point in case, india sweatshops.........child labor, etc........research the companies you are buying from to insure that they are complying with the UN's mandates to protect children and workers rights.........

it is not as though i alone am going to change the world. but it everyone takes to time to read the labels in the clothing, accessories and shoes they wish to purchase, eventually we could collectlively show the large manufactures abroad that we mean business and want QUALITY, NOT QUANTITY.

try it for a week...........see how much it saves you in the long run, i have already seen results.....instead of buying 4 pairs of cheap shoes at target this season i will buy 1 pair hopefully from a local boutique and manufactured in italy, south america or the usa........think about it!

little black dress

are we born knowing we should own a little black dress?

it innate that we all own a little black dress.......i believe it is........honestly i can think of 4 different black dresses a girl should own.......ok, maybe just 2.......

#1 the classic black dress (all the 1st ladies of the united states have been photographed in one)

shown above are two "lbd's" that are considered classics.....

can you guess which is designer and which is available at your local mall?

the classic "lbd" should include partially covered arms, chest and rest on or below knee in a body conscious tasteful fit

anything that you would be comfortable wearing to a funeral or job interview

#2 festive black dress (think jennifer aniston on the red carpet)

this can be strapless, mini, sheer, etc........to be worn new years eve and all other celebratory occasions.......change out your accessories seasonally

#3 comfy black dress (what angelina jolie is always photographed in with the kids)

more for wearing around town or when dining al fresco......think cotton jersey, linen or a model blend.......usually of the pull over your head variety......works with rainbow flip flops or metallic gladiators.....

#4 feel good black dress (i can't think of anyone famous, because they always wear new dresses!)

if you are on a budget it is easy to find 1 great black dress, can be both festive and classic.....find one in a lightweight wool or silk blend........add jacket or cardigan for serious occasions......and bling it up for nights out........

a great way to take a strapless black dress from night to day is to

1. layer a white button down underneath dress

2. add cardigan (neutral or not, whichever you prefer)

3. belt unbuttoned cardigan over dress (skinny or wide) (patent or embossed or suede)

4. add your jewels (whatever you prefer)

if it's winter tights and pumps or flats............if summer fabulous pump or sandal......and voila new outfit, new you!

i don't speak spanish, but i love Si....

always on the hunt for new fashion reading material, fresh perspective........

the queen city has a new publication i stumbled upon at lunchbox records on central avenue.....it is call Si (don't know how to insert accent over i to make spanish)

ok sooo i'll admit, i don't speak a lick of spanish.....dabbled in french and latin during high school and college......but i didn't need to read the words, the fashion editorials spoke for themselves........ very accessible

beautiful makeup.......RED RED RED, the color of passion.....something we all need in our lives and perhaps some red glitter on our eyelids(evening only ladies).......crystal studded lips......a dash of red lipstick is a timeless way to dress up your face (with a little black dress or jeans and t-shirt, a bit of color can go a long way)


the fashion photo ops "truant" and "no-lita" are a refreshing mix of high and low.....very wearable looks...layering a light long cardigan over fitted tee and leggings or straight leg jeans is something we can all do.....just add flats for day or a heel for night (wedges and platforms are much easier to walk in!).......add a fabulous collar necklace or multi layer chains and voila instant style!

check them out on facebook or their website http://www.sirevista.com/

hi.....

heyheyhey!



this is all terribly new to me........i have an old nokia phone, do not own a personal computer (although im a firm believer that MACS are better than PC) and do not have cable television....



to introduce myself...

a lady never reveals her age, but i am in my mid twenties, born and bred in charlotte, north carolina....still living in charlotte, 3 hours to the beach even less to mountains........who wouldn't want to live here?



i am a middle child, if you can find a middle in 6.....



why a blog, why now?

my job allows me access to peoples most intimate details......

i have a passion for fashion and am always intrigued by how people present themselves physically.....the details people are willing to share with practical strangers and our social obsession with image (both physical and mental)......



people have asked if i have a blog, so voila.....here goes!



a man who i love dearly used to and still gets frustrated with my "critical" comments......and my response to his distaste has always been "im not critical, just analytical"....hence blog name



so i will endeavor to talk about what is on my mind and be as analytical and contemplative as possible........whew........and completely random because we're all a little ADHD these days (thank you high fructose corn syrup and television)