Red, White, and Blue: Blue Scarves

Today's Red, White and Blue topic: Blue Scarves!

Unless you live in the tropics (and maybe even then), scarves can be worn year round. And because there are so many beautiful shades of blue, you can choose the ones that flatter your skin tone.

Don't believe you can wear scarves every season?  Try this:

1. Throw this on with a tee and jeans, and you are set for spring:

This also screams spring/summer to me:

2.  Bandana print is a hit every summer, and works with your LWD or just a tank and skirt:

If bandana print makes you reach for the eyeball bleach, try a  linen blend in a solid color:

3.  Cooler whether calls for snugglier scarves- try this for fall:

Yeah, yeah, it's not blue.  Click the link for no fewer than FIVE blue options.

4.  In winter I basically want to wear a blanket.  In plaid. 

Happy 4th of July, people. 

What's The Diff?

I interrupt the Red, White, and Blue series for this installment of What's the Diff?

This is the Field Game Cardigan, originally $118, now $59.95:

This is the Yacht Lace Cardigan, $54.99:

Now I ask you,  unless you have a strong preference for thick or skinny stripes (and white or gold buttons, blah blah), what's the diff?

I suppose if I had to choose, I'd go with the first because I find larger stripes more flattering on me and the sale price is only $5 different from the second.  It also looks a bit longer than the yacht lace cardi.  Thoughts?

Red, White, and Blue: Red Shoes

Today's Red, White and Blue topic: red shoes

If you don't own red shoes, you are missing out on a super fun and ridiculously easy way to show some personality in your wardrobe.  Here's what I recommend:

1. Get a pair you adore.  Like, they make your heart SING. Don't go for the most practical pair you see- get the fun ones that you will love wearing!  These do it for me:

2.    Get a pair for work.  For a low-heeled pump, these are pretty slick:

These are an awesome choice for something higher and super sharp:

3.   You can also choose to throw caution to the wind and get a pair that is impractical but fabulous. Hellooo ruby slippers:

4. Or just stick to something H.O.T.

5.  And remember there are many shades of red, so if the bright lipstick hues featured above don't call to you, consider the variations.  Here are several:

Bordeaux:

Orangey:

Lighter red:

Happy hunting!

Red, White, and Blue: Little White Dress

In honor of the fourth of July, which is one of my favorite holidays (who doesn't love fireworks, barbecues, and shameless color coordination?), I am going to post this week on some awesome red, white and blue items you might consider adding to your wardrobe.

First up: The Little White Dress

The LWD doesn't get as much love as the LBD, and for good reason:  white shows every speck of dirt, isn't always as flattering, and is restricted to one season a year.  I agree that white clothes are a huge pain in the arse to keep looking pristine.  If you can get over that, and you find something that fits perfectly, GET IT.  It's almost as versatile as black and will just as flattering if it truly fits well.  And maybe you can use in the spring AND summer?

Some thoughts/musings/suggestions:

1. A lot of white dresses look like nurse uniforms, or worse, nurse costumes.  I advise treading with caution around buttoned down, collared white dresses.  Consider something easy and breezy instead (this also comes in other colors):

2. I also advise choosing something with some structural interest, to keep it from being too plain.  This is fun and it has pockets!

3. Go easy on the eyelet.  It's cute, but you run the risk of looking too young and overly frilly.  This seems to strike a balance:

I strongly recommend heels, boots, or chunky accessories to keep this looking fun rather than precious.

4.  Remember this is a summer garment!  Don't get wrapped up in how much use you will get beyond days at the park, brunch on a sunny day, or bbqs.  Just get one that's comfy, flattering, and affordable, like this:
(ok this one is $174, but you get the idea)

A don't forget the cardi/scarf/leather jacket in case it gets chilly...

What's The Diff? Clutch Edition

I am interrupting my regularly scheduled programming of (diligent! tireless!) studying, to bring you this Clutch Edition of What's The Diff?

This is the Carlo Fellini Rhinestone Satin Frame Clutch. It's $76. It also comes in black and silver.

This is the Petite Glitter Clutch. It's $20.80 at Forever 21. It also comes in silver.

From the color, shape, frame, and rhinestone clasp detail, these look pretty damn close to me.  Yes, the F21 clutch is glitter instead of satin.  So I guess its use might be a bit more limited than that of the satin one.  But for a clutch that I probably won't use more than a few times, the cheaper version wins for me.  You?

Flip Flop Jeans, My Arse

I am coming out of hibernation briefly to address something I just couldn't let go untouched.

One of Piperlime's latest "Headlines" is for Summer's Most-Wanted Denim.  Piperlime has listed, among the white denim (not my thing), denim leggings (very much my thing), and boyfriend shorts (overpriced if you pay more than the cost of scissors to cut up your old jeans), something called Flip Flop Jeans. 

Confused?  You should be, because there's NO SUCH THING. According to Piperlime, these are wide leg jeans you wear with flip flops.  So, into the already oft-confusing world of denim, they decide to throw a new term into the fray.  A term they (or someone else in the industry) probably invented because "wide leg jeans" isn't new and thus wouldn't spur you to whip out your credit card.

Rest easy, ladies and gents.  If you choose to wear flip flops with your jeans, the jeans you have just donned have- like magic!- become your flip flop jeans.  Just do everyone a favor a get a pedicure first.