It's almost impossible to turn on the television these days without being bombarded by about a dozen different wedding/bridal shows. From the anything-but-classy Bridezillas to the overdone Platinum Weddings, brides are everywhere and they're not going away any time soon.
Along with them, there has become an obsession placed on the importance of the engagement ring. I can't go anywhere without being reminded of this. Just this past weekend I worked out alongside what must have been either European princesses or Hollywood starlets because these two women were both wearing rocks the size of golf balls.
Okay, so maybe I am exaggerating. But come on, this is Wisconsin, not Beverly Hills. Why do so many people need the "wow" factor in their ring? No less than 50 years ago it was common to wear a simple band. My grandmother - an amazing woman - wore just that. She wasn't any less of a woman because of it.
My small, understated, but adored ring is currently out of commission being re-sized. In it's place for the week, my mom loaned me the wedding ring that my great Grandma wore. This thing has been through two world wars, a great depression, a women's rights movement - now THAT'S a symbol of strength. It has about the smallest chip of a diamond in it, but who cares? It's been through so much and I love it! Just try finding that kind of meaning at Tiffany's or Jared's.
All too much of our worth is placed on what diamond he gets us. It's almost a competition. Somehow we're fooled into thinking they are rare and invaluable. The truth is, diamonds aren't all that rare - our fiances are. Shouldn't that be what it's all about?
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Size Matters
Numbers tend to rule our lives. Some are crucial. What time do we have to be to work? What was my GPA in college? How much is my mortgage? How many miles per gallon does my car get?
It's constant. We can't escape them. But there's one number that we should try to take with a grain of salt. It's our clothing size.
I saw first-hand this weekend just how consumed many women are about their size. One such lady came into Gap to find new jeans. She just had a baby and really didn't know what fit. I had her try on two different styles. Both looked great, but in one she wore a 10, the other, a 6.
Wouldn't you know? When she came to the checkout, she had one pair in her hand - the 6's. I asked her what helped with her decision. She told me "she liked being able to tell people she was a 6 and not a 10."
Wow. A perfect example of how fixated our country is on maintaining a new size. As a character in "The Devil Wears Prada" stated - "4 is the new 6 and 6 is the new 12."
The truth is - size really doesn't mean much in retail. I know that in one store I could be an 8, another a 4. They aren't consistent from store to store. At the Gap alone, I range from an XS/2 to a M/6.
Why do we torture ourselves about a silly little number sewn to the inside of our jeans? If we cut it off, will it make us slimmer? If we fudge the number, will we instantly drop 5 pounds? Yes, it's just as ridiculous a concept as it sounds.
We just have to dress our bodies in the most flattering ways. Ignore the numbers. Your body knows if it's at it's right size. You feel healthier, have more energy, can look in the mirror with confidence and smile. You don't need a tag to do that for you.
The next time you have to try something on in a different number than you're used to, just smile and shrug. Take it with that grain of salt. Stand up proud (after all, correcting your posture is the best way to instantly look smaller).
Hold your head up high and work it! We can be gorgeous at any size, 00 or 14. As long as we believe we are. A woman's confidence is something nobody can measure down to a number. It's priceless.
It's constant. We can't escape them. But there's one number that we should try to take with a grain of salt. It's our clothing size.
I saw first-hand this weekend just how consumed many women are about their size. One such lady came into Gap to find new jeans. She just had a baby and really didn't know what fit. I had her try on two different styles. Both looked great, but in one she wore a 10, the other, a 6.
Wouldn't you know? When she came to the checkout, she had one pair in her hand - the 6's. I asked her what helped with her decision. She told me "she liked being able to tell people she was a 6 and not a 10."
Wow. A perfect example of how fixated our country is on maintaining a new size. As a character in "The Devil Wears Prada" stated - "4 is the new 6 and 6 is the new 12."
The truth is - size really doesn't mean much in retail. I know that in one store I could be an 8, another a 4. They aren't consistent from store to store. At the Gap alone, I range from an XS/2 to a M/6.
Why do we torture ourselves about a silly little number sewn to the inside of our jeans? If we cut it off, will it make us slimmer? If we fudge the number, will we instantly drop 5 pounds? Yes, it's just as ridiculous a concept as it sounds.
We just have to dress our bodies in the most flattering ways. Ignore the numbers. Your body knows if it's at it's right size. You feel healthier, have more energy, can look in the mirror with confidence and smile. You don't need a tag to do that for you.
The next time you have to try something on in a different number than you're used to, just smile and shrug. Take it with that grain of salt. Stand up proud (after all, correcting your posture is the best way to instantly look smaller).
Hold your head up high and work it! We can be gorgeous at any size, 00 or 14. As long as we believe we are. A woman's confidence is something nobody can measure down to a number. It's priceless.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Jeans VS. Genes
I don't know about you, but I'm guessing that if you're anything like me, finding a great pair of jeans is one of the most difficult missions of the fashion war. In fact, I fight this battle pretty much every time I work a shift at the Gap.
If you fight every season or only once a year, you know what I'm talking about. How damn hard it is to find "the perfect jean." With no two women's bodies alike, how can any brand pinpoint everything you need - perfect fit, perfect length, perfect wash?
Sometimes you need to face this fight alone - with 20 different styles in multiple sizes in the ill-lit fitting rooms - or at other times, you need backup. Like a good friend or trustworthy sales person who you know will tell you like it is.
We have 8 different fits of jeans at the Gap and about 3 or 4 colors of each, so the possibilities are out there. I've seen petite women and long, leggy ones alike look awesome in the same styles. You just have to be patient and find what's right for you. Are you a classic, dark washed trouser type, or a rockin', distressed skinny fit kind of girl? The point is, you've got to get out there and try with patience an open mind about your style and body type.
Who knows, maybe after a bout in the fitting rooms you find that you're not at all who you thought you'd be - and sometimes that's the best victory of all.
If you fight every season or only once a year, you know what I'm talking about. How damn hard it is to find "the perfect jean." With no two women's bodies alike, how can any brand pinpoint everything you need - perfect fit, perfect length, perfect wash?
Sometimes you need to face this fight alone - with 20 different styles in multiple sizes in the ill-lit fitting rooms - or at other times, you need backup. Like a good friend or trustworthy sales person who you know will tell you like it is.
We have 8 different fits of jeans at the Gap and about 3 or 4 colors of each, so the possibilities are out there. I've seen petite women and long, leggy ones alike look awesome in the same styles. You just have to be patient and find what's right for you. Are you a classic, dark washed trouser type, or a rockin', distressed skinny fit kind of girl? The point is, you've got to get out there and try with patience an open mind about your style and body type.
Who knows, maybe after a bout in the fitting rooms you find that you're not at all who you thought you'd be - and sometimes that's the best victory of all.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Out of the Closet
I love to shop. I admit it. In fact, I might borderline as an addict. But these days, nobody can afford to endulge. It wasn't too difficult to avoid the mall during the long winter months (busy holiday shoppers, boring & drab styles), but now that Spring is here and it's brought along all it's pretty colors - it's pure torture!
There are so many cute spring dresses and fun patterns out there that I'm ready to add to my wardrobe. Unfortunately, all I can afford is reinvent with what I already have.
I dug through years of clothes (hey, I've worked retail since I was 18) to see what I had, what still fit, and what I forgot even existed. What I discovered surprised me. It was like shopping in a vintage boutique - for free! So many cute tanks and tops. Lots of bold costume jewelry (okay, so I raided my Mom's accessories too). A ton of ways to mix and match that I never tried before (it pays to be a little inventive).
What I didn't care for or didn't fit anymore even came to use. I packed it all up and brought it to a local resale shop. Hey, gotta make everything work for me. Now I'll have a little extra cash to pick up a cute dress or two!
So, if you're like me and are ready to make the shift into spring fashion - skip the mall and shop your own closet. What you find in there may surprise you!
There are so many cute spring dresses and fun patterns out there that I'm ready to add to my wardrobe. Unfortunately, all I can afford is reinvent with what I already have.
I dug through years of clothes (hey, I've worked retail since I was 18) to see what I had, what still fit, and what I forgot even existed. What I discovered surprised me. It was like shopping in a vintage boutique - for free! So many cute tanks and tops. Lots of bold costume jewelry (okay, so I raided my Mom's accessories too). A ton of ways to mix and match that I never tried before (it pays to be a little inventive).
What I didn't care for or didn't fit anymore even came to use. I packed it all up and brought it to a local resale shop. Hey, gotta make everything work for me. Now I'll have a little extra cash to pick up a cute dress or two!
So, if you're like me and are ready to make the shift into spring fashion - skip the mall and shop your own closet. What you find in there may surprise you!
Friday, March 5, 2010
Accessorize and Surprise
During these tough economic times, going shopping for new clothes isn't exactly within everyone's budget. But just because our paychecks may be suffering, it doesn't mean our style has to. Why should we feel any less feminine, special and put together? After all, looking and feeling good is something we could all use to pull out of the gloom and into Spring.
Lately I've been using stand-out-and-notice-me jewelry that costs far less than a new outfit. Sure, they may be costumey, but they have a fun way of pulling an outfit together. I love bright colors and unusual shapes and materials. With them, I've been able to make new outfits by using the fun accessories to tie them together.
The best part is that these add-ons can be found anywhere from Target to Goodwill. From your Grandma's collection to Banana Republic. To me, it's the most economical way to spice up your wardrobe without making you lose your head (how else would you wear those sweet earrings?)
I've also been a little more experimental with hair and makeup. Usually I've been the red lipstick and stick-straight, long hair girl. But lately I've been trying new colors, pinks, purples, corals - another cheap way to mix things up for Spring. You don't even have to buy the expensive ones, some of the best lipsticks are the $10 ones at Walgreens.
As for hair, I've been inspired by all the braids and ponies that have graced the magazines. They're quick and easy to do and don't cost what a pricey new 'do at the salon might.
There are a lot of great, gorgeous styles in stores out there. If you can afford them, go for them! But for a lot of us, it's just not feasible. Try some of my ideas out. They're cheap and really easy to do. Who knows, they may be just what you need to get out of your Winter (or financial) rut and spring into the new season!
Lately I've been using stand-out-and-notice-me jewelry that costs far less than a new outfit. Sure, they may be costumey, but they have a fun way of pulling an outfit together. I love bright colors and unusual shapes and materials. With them, I've been able to make new outfits by using the fun accessories to tie them together.
The best part is that these add-ons can be found anywhere from Target to Goodwill. From your Grandma's collection to Banana Republic. To me, it's the most economical way to spice up your wardrobe without making you lose your head (how else would you wear those sweet earrings?)
I've also been a little more experimental with hair and makeup. Usually I've been the red lipstick and stick-straight, long hair girl. But lately I've been trying new colors, pinks, purples, corals - another cheap way to mix things up for Spring. You don't even have to buy the expensive ones, some of the best lipsticks are the $10 ones at Walgreens.
As for hair, I've been inspired by all the braids and ponies that have graced the magazines. They're quick and easy to do and don't cost what a pricey new 'do at the salon might.
There are a lot of great, gorgeous styles in stores out there. If you can afford them, go for them! But for a lot of us, it's just not feasible. Try some of my ideas out. They're cheap and really easy to do. Who knows, they may be just what you need to get out of your Winter (or financial) rut and spring into the new season!
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Ugh...Ugg Boots Again?
An enjoyable lunch with an old girlfriend led to a conversation about items we don't understand why women wear. They ranged from things like black leggings to ugg boots. I personally am not a fan. I don't get them. Never have. But enough about those ill-fitting pants that only enhance the cellulite most of us are trying to hide - here are some items I think every woman should have in her closet.
1. A cardigan - so versatile and classic. Nowadays there are so many enhancements available - like cute flowers or a ruffle trim. Throw it over a cute tank or a sundress. The key reason I stay warm around a frigid office. You can find them everywhere from the reasonably-priced Target to the more expensive J. Crew in so many different colors.
2. An awesome sundress - nothing makes me feel girlier or more put together. To me, happiness is a sundress. It's a great way to show your personality and style - and make your boyfriend/husband swoon. Are you a maxidress type, or a minidress one? So many colors, so many shapes and styles. Beats a tee and shorts anyday in my book. If it's a little chilly - refer back to item #1!
3. A pair of darkwash jeans - make sure it's a perfect fit. Doesn't matter if they're straight, skinny or boot cut. As long as they make you look as sleek as can be. The dark wash is great to dress up or down and is date night and office-appropriate.
4. Nude-colored pumps - these match practically everything - more so than the usual black heels. They also elongate the leg when they match your skin tone - and make putting together a cute outfit that much easier.
5. Flats - enough with the uggs and the tennis shoes. A flat - whether ballet or pointy toed - can step a casual outfit up another notch. They are effortlessly chic and adorable - and a nice break from the pumps (see #4).
6. Great costume jewelry - something so inexpensive can make an outfit that much more special. I am a huge fan of costume jewelry (having only a few real jewelry items). It's cheap and a great way to spice up a wardrobe. It can also allow you to really let your personality stand out. Raid a boutique or your grandmother's collection today!
7. A blouse - something that's cute enough to wear on the weekend with shorts, a skirt or capris - yet appropriate enough for the office. It's all about having as little amount of pieces with the most amount of uses and outfit combinations!
8. A winter coat - try to avoid boring and basic. In cold places like the Midwest, your coat is the first thing people notice for a good 6 months of the year. I love a bright colored peacoat or trench. Nothing is more stylish to me. I'd avoid the puffy coats and vests - they aren't often flattering and add extra bulk.
9. A little black dress - because you never know when you might need one - for an unexpected night out to a business dinner. Have a go-to dress that is classic and season-less. Find one that's perfect for your body type and not too trendy so you can wear it for years to come.
10. A great bag - trust me, this doesn't have to cost upwards of $400 like Coach has led many of us to believe. Some of my favorites have come from Target for around $25. Try to avoid the trends so you can use the bag for seasons to come. Find one in a color you love and size that's right for your lifestyle. If you like to pack a lunch and bottle of water, then a tote is great for you. If you just want a little cash and your ID, then a clutch might be a better solution. Make it original. Don't get one that "everybody" has. Make it YOURS!
1. A cardigan - so versatile and classic. Nowadays there are so many enhancements available - like cute flowers or a ruffle trim. Throw it over a cute tank or a sundress. The key reason I stay warm around a frigid office. You can find them everywhere from the reasonably-priced Target to the more expensive J. Crew in so many different colors.
2. An awesome sundress - nothing makes me feel girlier or more put together. To me, happiness is a sundress. It's a great way to show your personality and style - and make your boyfriend/husband swoon. Are you a maxidress type, or a minidress one? So many colors, so many shapes and styles. Beats a tee and shorts anyday in my book. If it's a little chilly - refer back to item #1!
3. A pair of darkwash jeans - make sure it's a perfect fit. Doesn't matter if they're straight, skinny or boot cut. As long as they make you look as sleek as can be. The dark wash is great to dress up or down and is date night and office-appropriate.
4. Nude-colored pumps - these match practically everything - more so than the usual black heels. They also elongate the leg when they match your skin tone - and make putting together a cute outfit that much easier.
5. Flats - enough with the uggs and the tennis shoes. A flat - whether ballet or pointy toed - can step a casual outfit up another notch. They are effortlessly chic and adorable - and a nice break from the pumps (see #4).
6. Great costume jewelry - something so inexpensive can make an outfit that much more special. I am a huge fan of costume jewelry (having only a few real jewelry items). It's cheap and a great way to spice up a wardrobe. It can also allow you to really let your personality stand out. Raid a boutique or your grandmother's collection today!
7. A blouse - something that's cute enough to wear on the weekend with shorts, a skirt or capris - yet appropriate enough for the office. It's all about having as little amount of pieces with the most amount of uses and outfit combinations!
8. A winter coat - try to avoid boring and basic. In cold places like the Midwest, your coat is the first thing people notice for a good 6 months of the year. I love a bright colored peacoat or trench. Nothing is more stylish to me. I'd avoid the puffy coats and vests - they aren't often flattering and add extra bulk.
9. A little black dress - because you never know when you might need one - for an unexpected night out to a business dinner. Have a go-to dress that is classic and season-less. Find one that's perfect for your body type and not too trendy so you can wear it for years to come.
10. A great bag - trust me, this doesn't have to cost upwards of $400 like Coach has led many of us to believe. Some of my favorites have come from Target for around $25. Try to avoid the trends so you can use the bag for seasons to come. Find one in a color you love and size that's right for your lifestyle. If you like to pack a lunch and bottle of water, then a tote is great for you. If you just want a little cash and your ID, then a clutch might be a better solution. Make it original. Don't get one that "everybody" has. Make it YOURS!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
While body image may not necessarily be considered a direct link to fashion, I think it has everything to do with style. Learning to love my own body came along with finding my personal style - and vice versa.
I bring this up because while working out at the gym on Monday, I read an article in Us Weekly about a certain female actress (who shall remain nameless) and her battle with her body. Now, I am all for Hollywood stars to be honest about just what it takes to obtain their near-perfect bodies. But it's when they act like they're being upfront when they really aren't that bothers me.
I get especially annoyed when a size 0 celebrity tries to tell E! News that she "eats whatever she wants." It's just not realistic. Yes, genes might be part of it - but it just can't be for all the of skinny-mini actresses out there.
Trust me, for years I thought that is how easy it was - that there was something wrong with ME. I can't even being to tell you how deep this battle was. Actually, it never really goes away. Trust me. I don't eat ANYTHING without thinking of the consequences. I hardly ever get to just enjoy food. If I don't have the opportunity to plan out my meals for the day, I kind of panic inside. But that's a long story I could go on and on forever about.
Back to the main issue here - I was annoyed at this article because they had obviously lied about the actress's weight. The story was about her struggle with eating disorders and how she found her way through it - but then they lied! What kind of message is that sending? How do the young women of the world who are just finding themselves (like I was when I started having issues) supposed to feel about that?
Let's get real. Let's be upfront about our bodies...our health. Women shouldn't have to do this alone. There's power in numbers. We should be going through this together.
I bring this up because while working out at the gym on Monday, I read an article in Us Weekly about a certain female actress (who shall remain nameless) and her battle with her body. Now, I am all for Hollywood stars to be honest about just what it takes to obtain their near-perfect bodies. But it's when they act like they're being upfront when they really aren't that bothers me.
I get especially annoyed when a size 0 celebrity tries to tell E! News that she "eats whatever she wants." It's just not realistic. Yes, genes might be part of it - but it just can't be for all the of skinny-mini actresses out there.
Trust me, for years I thought that is how easy it was - that there was something wrong with ME. I can't even being to tell you how deep this battle was. Actually, it never really goes away. Trust me. I don't eat ANYTHING without thinking of the consequences. I hardly ever get to just enjoy food. If I don't have the opportunity to plan out my meals for the day, I kind of panic inside. But that's a long story I could go on and on forever about.
Back to the main issue here - I was annoyed at this article because they had obviously lied about the actress's weight. The story was about her struggle with eating disorders and how she found her way through it - but then they lied! What kind of message is that sending? How do the young women of the world who are just finding themselves (like I was when I started having issues) supposed to feel about that?
Let's get real. Let's be upfront about our bodies...our health. Women shouldn't have to do this alone. There's power in numbers. We should be going through this together.
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