posted by Jo Frances on March 30, 2011 6:45 pm
Last year, one of the most popular posts on this site was one about a $20 dress from Wal-Mart. After a week of designer wear (minus the Target bags, of course) I thought it was time to cover the other end of the spectrum and what better way to do that than to go back, so to speak, to Wal-Mart.
I remember one of the reasons I wrote about the dress last year was that I saw it at a local store, tried it on, and was really impressed with the value. Really, this dress can go everywhere, and that's literally what I did with mine last year. I would pack all the things I wanted to wear for my trips, and then ball up this dress and put it in my carry-on. I didn't always wear it, but it allowed me to have a dress with me when we decided to go out to a nice dinner. I steamed it in the shower to get the wrinkles out, and that was it.
This dress is made of jersey material which I was hesitant to wear. But what I learned was that jersey will only show every lump and bulge, if you're wearing too small a size. Otherwise the fact that it's a lightweight material actually makes you look slimmer---especially if you wear Spanx underneath!
So here it is, the 2011 version of the Norma Kamali $20 dress:
Norma Kamali - Women's Jersey Short-Sleeve Side-Draped Dress
posted by Jo Frances on March 29, 2011 8:49 am
Have you ever had one of those times when you're thinking about something, then all of a sudden you see it everywhere? I guess it's some variation on the Law of Attraction, and I'm having my moment now. I like, but am not particularly obsessed with, the PS1. However, I am always on the lookout for bargains (!) so I decided to cover the Target version. Considering this was my second post on the bag, I thought I was done covering the trend. But now...there's more! I just discovered a THIRD option to consider and it's this. Instead of having to choose between a sixteen hundred dollar purse or a thirty dollar one, how about...a PS1 wallet for $165??
Get a PS1 for $165!
A PS1 wallet, that is...
posted by Jo Frances on March 27, 2011 12:06 pm
The New York Times ran an article on March 25th detailing the public feud between the designers of Proenza Schoeler's PS1 bag (featured on this blog on November 26, 2010) and Target.
Really, I'm not sure what the fuss is about. Proenza Schoeler is not going to lose a sale because someone out there thinks, "I was going to spend $1595 on a PS1, but since they're selling a knockoff at Target for $29.95---what the heck, I think I'll take the money I'm saving and put it in my 401K instead!" Conversely, if your price point for a bag is similar to the rest of population, then no amount of cutting back on your morning Starbucks is going to get you to $1595.
Here are the two bags, side by side for you to compare. What do you think?
The PS1 vs Target's Mossimo Messenger
A side by side comaprison
posted by Jo Frances on March 26, 2011 8:14 pm
Japan Hope Skinny-Fit Polo
$98.00 at Rugby
As part of the Ralph Lauren family, Rugby proudly supports Polo Ralph Lauren and the United Way worldwide network joining forces to support the relief effort in Japan. 100% of the proceeds from the sale of this limited edition polo will be donated to the humanitarian effort through the Central Community Chest of Japan, a part of the United Way worldwide network. Skinny fit in cotton mesh, finished with our embroidered pony at the left chest, applied flag and embroidered "Japan Relief" at the right chest. Embroidered "Japan", "Ralph Lauren" and "United Way Worldwide" logo at the back. Japanese characters for "hope" are embroidered at the left chest and back.
- Ribbed polo collar, two-button placket. Ribbed armbands, uneven vented hem
- 100% cotton. Machine washable. Imported. A note on fit: This shirt is designed for a very slim fit. If you prefer an easier fit, we recommend ordering one size larger
- If you do not see your size or color, please check back since we are receiving new inventory frequently
- Enjoy complimentary shipping on this item. This product will be made to order and ships separately. Due to high demand, please allow two additional weeks for delivery
- This item is not returnable. And hey -- since it's for charity, we're unable to offer a promotional discount. We're sure you understand
Japan Relief T-Shirt
$29.00 at Tory Burch
We ♥ Japan. 100% of the net proceeds of every Japan Relief T-shirt sold through September 15, 2011, will go to the American Red Cross to benefit the Japan earthquake and Pacific tsunami relief efforts. The American Red Cross name and emblem are used with its permission, which in no way constitutes an endorsement, express or implied, of any product, service, company, opinion or political position. Crewneck. Short sleeve. Runs true to size. Per customer requests, we are now offering size XL for pre-order. 100% Cotton. Machine wash cold. Lay flat to dry.
posted by Jo Frances on March 25, 2011 12:23 pm
Both on the runway and on celebrities, flare jeans were huge this year. For the over 40 woman, a classic,, chic and age appropriate way to wear flares jeans is with a loose button front blouse, tucked in with a skinny belt and worn over platofrm shoes.
posted by Jo Frances on March 24, 2011 10:38 am
Nicky Hilton combines two of the Must Have's in this look: a striped shirt and an oversized watch. What I especially like is how the she pairs the predictable striped shirt-denim jacket combo with a tulip skirt, structured bag and dressy shoes...creating an outfit that is uptown enough to wear while shopping at Chanel.
posted by Jo Frances on March 23, 2011 11:00 am
Now that the Must Have series is over, it's time to show some ways to put these basics together. The first is Zoe Saldana's black blazer outfit. Not only does she look casual-but-polished, but all the pieces that make up this outfit are basics you probably already own. What sets it apart are the pumps and the quality blazer---more proof that spending a little more on the basics pays off.
posted by Jo Frances on March 22, 2011 6:31 am
The last item from InStyle Magazine's Top Ten Must Have List is probably a familiar one to most of us. Whether they are called flared jeans now, or bell bottoms in the 70s, this style is without a doubt, sexy. Can women over 40 still wear this style? Yes, but in a modified form. Save the patches, low rises, acid wash and extreme flares for the younger generation. The choices here include dark rinses, sturctured flares and mid rises.
posted by Jo Frances on March 21, 2011 7:46 am
Perfect for the mom on the go---a trench coat.
posted by Jo Frances on March 20, 2011 8:02 am
Jennifer Anniston and Ashley Tisdale show off their oversized watches.
Even when you aren't wearing any other piece of jewelry, an oversized watch makes you look accessorized. I really love how even inexpensive watches can look like an heirloom piece, a status symbol, or a vintage find.
