Shopping on a budget

Some of their clothes are questionable; others are a definite pass. For supplements to your wardrobe, JCPenney's can provide some great items. Their misses section is full of gems (and some horrors, too), as is the womens work-attire section. The prices are moderate, many of the items are good quality and well-made. Stay away from the junior's department and underwear. The bra section, however, is excellent.

(above) W jacket ($34.99 to $39.99)

W striped gaucho ($29.99)

I must illustrate why I chose to put up a gaucho pant: this pair is structured, made of decent material (a cotton-polyester blend), and can be succesfully worn with things other than tee-shirts or tank tops.








a.n.a. print pintuck skirt ($21.99 to $24.99)











a.n.a. ribbed turtleneck sweater ($19.99 to $24.99)


Tea-length organza dress ($119.99)

Six Stellar Finds

This is a very simple shoe, but I wouldn't call it plain. The front buckle is chunky, which in itself is an accessory for the shoe. This is what I would call an "all-purpose" pair of shoes. They can be worn to work, to the grocery store, out with friends, on a date, to church, to a movie, to the mailbox. They would go great with jeans, slacks, a medium-length skirt (maybe even short, but not a mini), cropped pants or a simple wrap dress. They also come in red, black and medium-neutral (a shade of tan), but this brown seems to have the most posibilities...just be sure not to pair it with black! (Delilah by Bandolino, $72.95 at Zappos.com)



This shoe certainly is unique. It comes in this "bright-multi" and a "dark-multi" design. The color stripes are actually made of ribbon. I prefer the bright-multi because the white stripes give the shoe a dash of pizzaz. The point of the toe is not overstated with the seemingly-crazy design, and the heel is just high enough.This pair would go great with dark jeans and similar solids on top, layered or not. A very understated pattern on a similarly-colored, solid top would also work. (Grosgrain by Two Lips, $77.95 at Zappos.com)





This shoe is an accessorized take on the classic pump. It comes in three colors, but the one shown is a plum. Although there are various metal pieces on the shoe, it doesn't look gaudy. The buckle appears simple, even with the metallic detailing. The square studs on the heel are streamlined with the curve of the shoe, adding a simple line over the stitching and giving the row of round studs a parallel. I can see this with jeans or slacks, light or dark. A dark top, probably another shade of plum, brown or black, would work well over any color bottom with these shoes. (Brienna by Two Lips, $77.95 at Zappos.com)



This sassy little number still seems simple with rhinestones and multiple straps. The combination of the rhinestones and front bow makes it seem elegant, yet girly without looking like something designed for a four-year-old. The suede is cream-colored, which saves the shoe from the gaudiness it might acquire with rhinestones set in immaculate, shining silver fabric. These shoes would go well with dark jeans and a flirty top for a night out. They would also pair nicely with a solid-colored, medium-length skirt, probably in a dark color. Maybe not for the office, but for a nice outing. (Molly by Via Spiga, $282.95 at Zappos.com)



I had to think hard about this pair before putting it on my list. Normally I would cast away this style of shoe as "just plain gross", but this one got a second look out of me (and a third). The neutral color paired with the not-so-overdone cutout design makes this shoe, well, not as gaudy as one would think. The front bow is not overly-cute, as it might be without an open-toe style. This shoe would pair well with a medium-length skirt, slacks or jeans. I would stay away from wearing anything terribly dark close to this pair...I can certainly see it with tan slacks and a black tee, gold jewelry and a neutral (or even red!) purse. (Anya from O by Oscar de la Renta, $118.95 at Zappos.com)



If I had to describe this shoe in one word, I would use "flirtatious." Why? The bow on the front says "look at me!" and the thin ankle strap is sexy and cute at the same time. The luscious fushia color is eye-catching. The heel, with a two-tone twist, is dainty. I would love to put these shoes on with a pair of dark jeans or slacks. They could also go with a medium-length skirt in a darker color. Just be wary of piling on too much pink or purple with this shoe--the fushia can stand on it's own. Make sure this shoe is what really stands out in an outfit! (Naola by BCBG Max Azria, $253.95 at Zappos.com)

Save Yourself!

Why is it that so many people are attracted to sales, red dots and clearance racks?

After all, isn't the point of those things for the store to get rid of the crap people won't buy at full price?

And hasn't there got to be some reason people aren't buying it?

Sure, a good deal can be found on the clearance rack occasionally, but we shouldn't stick to clothing ourselves with mark-downs. The focus should instead be on finding quality pieces of clothing in classic styles, that will last a long time and can be paired with a variety of other items.

Take a black tank top, for instance. If the tank top is good quality (fabric and make) and well-taken care of (washed according to tag directions, inside out), it will last a long time without fading. That little black tank can be paired with a skirt and matching jacket for work--in any color, really, because black is the king of neutrals. It can be paired with jeans, heels and a sparkly shrug or cardigan for an evening outing. It will go with khaki or jean shorts and sandals on a hot day. Other shirts can be layered over it, with jeans or a skirt. And once it starts to get old (finally), it will make a great pyjama top. Just think of the possibilities!

The same goes for men: a nice, dark-solid tee can go with jeans and a button-up top, under a polo shirt and with jeans or slacks, alone with jeans or slacks, with shorts (alone or under a button-up), and so forth.

People today focus on quantity more than quality. We want lots of things in our closets so we feel like we have accomplished a lot. Too often people don't think about how poorly made some of those things are, whether or not they've just gone out of style with the season, whether they are flattering, or if the color is wrong. Some people even buy pieces (horror of horrors!) that don't fit them, just because they're on clearance. Others buy pieces that will never go with anything else, just because of a sale.

The moral of the story? Don't look at the pricetag. Look at the fit of the item. Think of the possibilities it has with other members of your wardrobe. Consider the materials that created it and how well the item was made. Will you actually wear that shirt, or are you just telling yourself because it's on sale for fifteen dollars?

Shop smart. Spend a little more to get better quality. Stay away from those red dots.

Versace (Oh rapture!)

The components of Versace's Fall 2006 Women's Ready to Wear Line: lots of black, dark blue and purple, silver, electric blue and purple, a splash of white and gold; long, elegant dresses; short, hip-length dresses with a very retro, 60's feel; emphasis on shine and metallic; blunt lines; hip-length jackets; lots of buttons. Overall, it had the most enjoyable peices of any fall '06 line I've seen so far. *sigh*

Walter Rodrigues

This women's Fall 2006 Ready to Wear Collection, shown in Rio, contains mostly black and white, with some dark blue thrown in. Nearly every outfit is a dress, floor length and with long lines--either elegant and flowy or straight and structured. There is an emphasis on short or no sleeves and cropped jackets.

Plus-Size FASHION???

It seems to be a larger-than-life dilemma that many women in the U.S. have a difficult time finding something to wear. Why? For some reason, most of our clothing is targeted toward women with less-than curvy and thin figures. The majority of Americans are overweight, and many of those overweight Americans are women who would like to look nice leaving the house. Most of the styles available for plus-size women are boxy, long and "covering", come in a small selection of colors and make it even more obvious that those clothing are being worn because the wearer is overweight. Stores like Lane Bryant make it easier for big ladies (plus size 14 to 28) to find nice clothing that is affordably priced and properly made.
It is important to be healthy, but you shouldn't have to exercise just so you can fit into decent clothing!


Above: striped linen blouse with sash, $44.50 from Lane Bryant
Below: printed empire-tie cami, $36.50 from Lane Bryant































Above: ruffled voile skirt, $49.50 from Lane Bryant
Below: satin knee-length dress, $89.50 from Lane Bryant































Above: Chelsea wide-leg herring bone one-shadow stripe pant, $49.50 - $54.50 from Lane Bryant
Below: stretch sateen shirt with French cuffs, $39.50 from Lane Bryant

Ozwald Boateng

This fall 2006 men's line had lots of metallics and velvety fabrics. It also included many styles that reminded me of mens' clothing from the early 1900s (not shown here). Hip-length coats were popular in this line, as were strange hats (also not shown here). The emphasis was clearly on business-chic clothing.

To match or to go?

There's a difference between having your clothes "go" together and "match".
It seems wierd, but it's true. It's just like the difference between matching just enough and matching too much. Matching too much would be wearing blue jeans with a blue shirt of the same shade. Or, as I discovered in middle school, wearing dark blue exercise pants with a lime green stripe down the side with a long-sleeved shirt of the same color and also having a lime green stripe down the side.
You can wear a red shirt with jeans and NOT have to wear red shoes and carry a red purse. You can wear shoes (or carry a purse) with a wild print to "go" with that red shirt, perhaps a black-and-white zebra print or a floral print in red, blue and cream. As long as the print isn't gaudy, it's fine. And don't mix prints; that's over the top. Neutrals can also help you solve many of the problems that accompany the struggle between matching and going.
These "neutrals" I speak of come in a variety of colors: black, tan, beige, grey, navy blue and variations on those colors. White is a sometimes-neutral. All neutrals don't ALWAYS go with everything, but they go better than, say, purple, turquoise or fushia would go with a lot of other things.
It's okay to be creative and pair things that you like, that "go" together. Remember that not everything has to match. Also remember that sometimes a second opinion is necessary if you aren't sure.

Colors that absolutely should never be paired, whether they match or go (if you can prove me wrong, I dare you):
-Yellow and purple
-Red and green (unless you're a grandmother and it's Christmas time)
-Grey and brown
-Silver and gold (it looks incredibly tacky, trust me)
-Red and yellow
-Orange and green
-Neons and pastels

Saturday Top Seven

"Juno" by Donald J. Pliner, $223.95 on Zappos.com

I apologize. I just returned from Europe, and these are all the rage in Germany. The more decorative the better, without looking gaudy. These are best worn with dark-colored jeans. If you live in the Western U.S., don't go overboard by pairing boots with a cowboy hat. It's fine if you live elsewhere, as long as your whole outfit doesn't scream "cowboy".






"Sharon" by Bass, $40.95 on Zappos.com

This shoe is a flat without looking dowdy. The strap comes in several neutral colors. For a thong style, this shoe should be more comfortable than your Target-brand variety, while the strap is made of leather and will not wreck your feet. The shoe is also a higher quality than those you can pick up for $2, so it will last you much longer. This can be worn with a playful, medium-length skirt, jeans or shorts.






"Intrigue" by Lacoste, $128.95 on Zappos.com

If you're going to wear street shoes, then wear them tastefully. These are attractive because they aren't outright athletic shoes. Pair them with jeans or shorts. If you wear shorts, make sure you wear ped or ankle socks. Tall socks are never attractive when they can be seen. This shoe comes in a variety of colors, though I found this one most versatile.








"Kiss" by Stuart Weitzman, $228.95 on Zappos.com

This shoe is just hot, what can I say. The color is outrageous, but if paired with neutrals or other colors/patterns that aren't as wild, it's a good shade of outrageous. I can see this with jeans, slacks or a medium-length skirt.










"Surprise" by Cynthia Rowley, $219.95 on Zappos.com

This is cute, but not too cutesy. If paired with elegant, clean lines and understated prints (no bows and ruffles, please), this shoe will look very nice. It comes in other colors, but I prefer this style in white. Rowley also has other variations on this style without the bow, in other colors, that can be suitable for different individual tastes. This shoe will go well with a medium-length skirt, slacks or dark jeans.





"Catchy" by Charles David, $198.95 on Zappos.com

This elegant, simple shoe can be dressed up or down. Wear it with dark jeans or slacks. Daring wearers can pair it with a short (not mini) or medium-length skirt. It would work with other neutrals or a few bolder colors, such as red or purple. The shoe itself comes in a few other neutral shades, but this cream is the most striking on the shoe. If you have thin ankles, this shoe will work best in a light shade. For those with more meat on their bones, a darker shade of shoe may be preferable.




"Uriela" from Imagine by Vince Camuto, $168.95 on Zappos.com

With summery platforms everywhere this year, why not something a little bolder in black? This shoe, with an understated croc print, would go best with dark jeans. It may be (carefully) paired with a medium length or short (again, not mini) skirt in a bold color.

The Skinny on Thin Ankles

There is just something about the combination of this shoe and the model that makes these shoes particularly unattractive. Perhaps it is how thin her ankles are, paired with a somewhat bulky ankle strap. It draws attention to how boney she is, making the boniness seem worse than it actually is. The heel is also chunkier than a stilleto, which draws further attention to her thin ankles. A shoe with thinner straps would work better on someone with tiny ankles because thinner straps would give her leg the air of having more substance and create subtler lines, sexier lines.

La Perla

A little something from the Russian design house's Spring 2006 Women's Ready to Wear line

Tips from Stacy London

Some jeans-buying myths de-bunked by Fashion Guru Stacy London.

Myth 1: Boot cut is flattering on everyone. False, Stacy says. Petite women, in particular, should avoid boot-cut jeans, and wear jeans with a straighter leg. Stacy says if you're shorter than 5'4'', a boot cut may make your thighs look heavier by hugging the knees too tightly before flaring at the bottom. Boot-cut jeans can also make your legs look shorter.

The ideal body type for boot-cut pants is a woman taller than 5'4'' who has long legs.

Myth 2: Stretch denim is always better.

"Well, not always," Stacy says. "Sometimes [stretch denim] can make your legs look like sausage in casing if it's too tight."

What's another reason to avoid stretchy fabric? Stacy says the skin-tight fit can give women "dimples" right below the tush. Her advice is to try on nonstretch, as well as stretch, to find the best fit.

Myth 3: Distressing always makes you look thinner.

Oprah learned this lesson the hard way. Her old jeans are distressed along the leg, which Stacy says creates a "spotlight" on her thighs. "Unfortunately, in the wrong place, whiskering, bleaching or distressing can actually accent a wide hip, a larger booty or a heavier thigh," Stacy says.

Distressed jeans also look more casual than darker denim, Stacy says. She suggests dark-wash jeans paired with heels and a sequined top for a great evening look!

What are you wearing under there???

A little advice for females...in a much-neglected area.

"Where to Wear Your Bra

According to Susan Nethero, the perfect position for your breasts is midway between your shoulders and your elbows. And your bra should be level front to back. Susan says most women wear their bra bands too high on their torsos and throw their measurements off. "Most women," Susan says, "keep going up in the back [increasing their band size] instead of getting a deeper cup. We want to keep the back lean and small so we can lift the bust. [The bra band is] like a bridge, if it's properly planted at the base, it can lift."

Susan says there are obvious clues your bra is the wrong size:

If your cups runneth over, it's time to go up a cup size.

If your cups dimple, it's time to go down a cup size.

If you have the dreaded back fat, you probably think your bra is too tight, but you're wrong—your bra is too big. Wearing the bra lower on your back with a smaller band size will completely eliminate the back fat.

If your strap falls down, that means your bra band is riding up and you probably need to go down a band size."

Hot Days

Men are not exempt from the rules of fashion!
No matter how hot it is, it is inappropropriate to strip down.
His flip-flops are baby blue, so they don't go with anything else he's wearing.
His pants have an elastic waistband, so there is no excuse for them to be lower than his underwear. Under no circumstances should the rest of the world be subjected to seeing that. Blegh!
The shirt should stay on, plain and simple.

Tourists!

Here is a wrinkled shirt, which accentuates the wearer's weight.
The pants have that "faded, distressed" look that makes her legs look like stuffed sausages. The pants are too tight, visible from the wrinkling at the knee, and they are too long.

Androgeny?

It is difficult to decipher the sex of this person without seeing her face. She is wearing a shapeless tee-shirt over ill-fitting cargo pants. The pants are wrinkly--even cargo pants should be ironed. They are also too big. The croch is hanging down and gathers when she walks. This is a simple outfit, simple mistakes. Wear fitted clothing (that fits YOU!!!). Iron your clothing. Good job.

A Touch of Femininity

All of these are very cute. This just proves you don't have to strip down to go out during the summer, even if you live in a hot climate. There is no excuse for looking like a sleazebucket during the hot months. (Courtesy of Ann Taylor Loft.)

Fact of the Day

A recent poll found that Western women (U.S.) place high value on tan skin. Eastern women (Asia) place a higher value on pale skin.