the FASHION thread

KAK

Tina, I've seen some unbelievably cute shawl/scarf things around here that have one big button/buttonhole, so they're perfect for putting on with a jacket that's not quite warm enough.  Haven't seen one on the web, or I'd send a link.

Cannot believe the butt add-ons!  Also cannot believe those stick-on nipples & the flat stick-ons for people who want to hide their nipples!!  Can't believe my prosthesis has a nipple on it.  'Course it's too saggy anyway if I wear it one of my pocketed bras, so my real nipple points perkily straight ahead & the prosthetic nipple points down to my betty button.  There's a real fashion statement for ya!  But if I put the thing in one of my regular contour bras, it's doesn't sag.  Go figure.

Oh, don't even get me started on the economy.  Great to see all my hard-earned money in my Roth IRA & 401K going up in flames...

Kathi

Daffodil

OMG: You know how I said it's fun to come here and avoid {{politics}}? And how I get a kick out of TLC's What Not to Wear?? Politics again! The fashion victim is a pretty Chicago lawyer working on the Obama campaign, who doesn't wear leather but does wear cashmere. They think she needs to upgrade her post-baby tees and jeans........and of course, get a better bra!

I sincerely doubt there'll be an opposition campaign worker featured next week........

BethNY

I'm watching a what not to wear marathon right now.  I love this show. 

KAK

All right, ladies.  Had to do it...had to get real purple high heels, instead of just drawing them into my avatar.  Picked these babies up today, on sale, 75% off.  How could I not walk out the door with them?

Daffodil

75% off? It was your patriotic duty to buy them!!! CUTE!!!!

Celebris466

I have seen quite a few of those coats in TJs recently.  I live in Central MA as well and have to agree they don't have much out this way.

I love that dress Raye99.  I have purchased a few cute sweaters from VS. 

I love this thread and just recently found it. I am a handbag and shoe fanatic!  They kept my spirits up during my recon.  A good Prada bad, Choo(s) and a great scarf --I felt great!

pinoideae

The secret to making your ass look smaller in jeans?  Try them on first, oh yeah, it may take you a day to find them, and your feet may be in pain from walking from store to store all freaking day long, but they are worth their weight in gold.  They don't always have to be expensive either.

KAK

Daffodil Dahling, I'm glad you agree that retail therapy is patriotic!!  Not to mention soooo therapeutic for all of us!  I've done more shopping since this diagnosis than I've done in the previous 12 months, I think.  My favorite, though, far & away, was knowing that my insurance company had to pay for my excursion to a local lingerie store that supplied me with my cami's, a few pocket bras & a prosthesis!! 

Great shoes, Celebris!  I found a website earlier called "House of Heels!!"  Can you stand it??

I'm also a big hat fan.  I'll have to photograph a few of my hats & post 'em.

Kathi

pinoideae

Shoes are awesome, and earrings and purses, and nails and lipstick, and an awesome hair day.

pinoideae

The posted shoes are awesome.  Lots of purple this year, one of my favourite colors and every girl must have a pair of red shoes. 

pinoideae

Well, I kinda need red shoes, I will always have red shoes...at least one pair.  My sister just bought a red purse.

Daffodil

Fab Choos! {sigh}

Lord & Taylor here did a benefit mini-show with Bazaar and Calvin Klein to benefit my cancer charity, with portion of sales coming to us. Naturally, I had to support it!! All I need now is someplace to wear these pretties, especially once I have my exchange 11/13........

BethNY

House of Heels!!!! OMG... this, I have to check out.

Celebris466

I just visted the House of Heels.  Cool. I like how some of the shoes have a price range you can find.  Pretty neat!

 Is there a site called "House of Bras" so that I can locate a bra that actually fits right!

KAK

House of bras??  We wish!  LOL, Celebris466!! 

Summer, I got the best pair of strappy red high heeled sandals during one of my first spates of post-biopsy/pre-lumpectomy retail therapy at a "Buy One Pair, Get One Half Off Sale" for $5!!  Made my day!  Here's a picture of them with one of my hats.  I got to pick out the hat for my birthday this year.  When I was trying it on (at Marshall's, believe it or not - the one here has some fabulous hats!), a woman walking by me said, "Oh, that's a great hat!"  And I said, "Yeah, but what do I wear with it?"  And she said, "A sports car."

You'll note these items bear a strong resemblence to my avatar.  Sort of a life-imitates-art thing. 

 

Oh, and here's something everyone should have at least once in life -- a pink feather boa!  I got this the other night at a breast cancer fundraiser.  It was a night of women comics & dinner, organized by the hospital where I had my surgery.  The main comic was Michele Balan, who was hilarious.  We all cried our mascara off we were laughing so much.  All the BC survivors in the audience were given boas!!

Daffodil, I have the same problem -- I need to boost my social life so I can wear all this stuff more often!!

Daffodil

EVERYONE on this board should have one of those boas!!!!!!!

Celebris466

Those boas sounds like a great fundraising idea to me. 

KAK-  Love the red shoes.  Nine West has a new pair of red patterned pumps that I just love.  I found a whole bunch of funky Nine West pumps on Zappos!  Also, my friend has the cutest Dooney and Bourke Giraffe Print handbag.. she got it in Vegas at the Venitian.  I have been
keeping my eye out for it. 

iodine

I wore those shoes all thru the 60''s!!!!  So glad they have returned.  Nothing greater looking on a woman, IMO.  Just beware what they can do to your feet!  (since they have returned, does that mean that the clunky, crappy ones from the 70's are next???   I think I bought ONE pair of shoes all that decade!)

pinoideae

Dresses, shoes and handbags (purses), I see the 60's too lately.

BethNY

Okay fashionistas... I'm laying out a million pieces for Jamaica, and I really want to lighten my load. We're staying on a private island- no tourists, full staff in our own villa with an infinity pool that overlooks the ocean.  The activities are a lot of outdoor stuff like beach horseback riding, hiking, kyaking, fishing, canopy tours etc...

As far as going outside of the villas we have a car and a driver.  I just can't imagine how much we will really be going out where I need to dress up.

Can I get away with just flip flops and sneakers, or should I be packing heels too?

Also- whats the consensus on me taking a CZ ring and leaving my engagement ring in the vault? I worry about leaving it behind in the villa when we're doing water activities, and I am also concerned about if we do decide to go out to a bar or club one night in a strange place--

all advice welcome! (We're leaving this weekend for a week long stay-) no tv/computer/phones

Raye99

Beth - I always overpack for vacation and end up wearing the same thing the entire week. For Florida, I brought five pairs of shoes and I was only there for four days. I wore flip flop sandles only.

Sooo, I would pack flip flops and sneakers, but maybe bring a "dressier" pair of flip flops, maybe platformish sandles or something, just in case. For clothes, I'd bring shorts, tshirts, maybe a sweatshirt for inside if the AC is on, comfy clothes, some things to sleep in (eh hem), bathing suits. Oh, and some socks in case the terrain is rough when hiking.

As for the ring, I would definitely leave it in the fault and wear a CZ. Absolutely. I always take my ring off before hitting the beach, as my husband fears a shark will get me in the ocean with it on. I try to just swim with my arm up in the air and out of the water, but that makes him nervous too...anyway, if I leave it, then I have to strategically hide the ring in the house we rent and worry the whole time that someone might steal it. You don't want to have to worry about anything.

Have a great time.

Raye

Raye99

Oh and maybe your green and white dress? Just in case?

shrink

Raye - you made my day. LOL about the shark.

KAK

Raye, it does my heart good to know that your husband is soooo concerned about your welfare.

Beth, maybe you could take one pair of bling-y sandals if you have them.  Have seen some upscale flip-flop wedgies with rhinestones & gew-gaws on them that were awesome.  So, maybe something like that.  When are you going?

Celebris & Raye, I remember those pointy shoes, too.  And the platform shoes from the 70's & even the platform shoes my mother used to wear in the late 50's!  You know, those open-toed, T-strapped high-heeled ones with the tiny brass studs around the edges??  They were awesome!  I saved a pair of her old shoes & wore them till they fell apart.  I had a pair of amazing royal blue platform shoes in the 70's with long, ballet-shoe straps that wrapped around the ankle.  I'd kill to have those now!  I think I wore those into the ground, too.

Remember white go-bo boots??  I'm really dating myself now....

Kathi

iodine

You are having one classy place to stay with outstanding options!!

I've been twice to Sandals and the most I dress, and this includes nice resturants and a disco, was a sundress and sandals.  NO HEELS.  The ground is sandy and rocky, no reason to turn an ankle.  Almost everyone there is VERY casual.  It's the tropics, after all.

Beware of the folks selling weed.  You will be carefully sniffed by the drug dogs on the back into the country!!!  So even if you indulge, wash your clothes and bring back nothing that can hold the smell.   Let alone any other "stuff" that will very likely be offered to you. 

A shawl is a good idea--besides, they are sexy.

I, too, usually take a pair of shorts a day and wind up wearing only about 3 pair all week.  Same for tshirts.  Besides, aren't you going shopping??????  Lay it all out on your bed and then take HALF of what you lay out.

Don't forget a hat you love!!  But, then, you can buy hats there, too.  You're not going to Africa.  I find it a lot of fun to cruise the local druggists and groceries to see what I'd like to try where ever we go.  Sunscreen and film and batteries are WAY expensive, so take your own.  But you probably have digital anyway, so that's not really necessary.

They likely have duty free stores that you can pick up some goodies as well.  Oh, and when you leave the US, buy booze at the duty free to drink at the villa, if you do drink.  It will be very expensive there, too, except rum, of course.  We also buy a couple of cartons of Marlboros to use packages as tips for folks who are good to us.  That and leave any left over booze there, you cannot bring it back, but you can buy more at the duty free at the airport.

Have an absolute BLAST.

pinoideae

In some of the most renowned resorts on Jamaica, clothing may not be required at all, but if you're traveling around the island, keep some of these fashion tips in mind.

The clothing you'll see around Jamaica is vibrant and striking, but the overarching theme in this tropical climate is comfort. No matter your plans, comfortable clothing is essential. Lightweight cottons and linens are advisable, while light woolens are suggested for evenings. Try to avoid synthetics, which may not be as breathable as woolens and linens.

Hats, particularly with large brims, and sunglasses are also highly recommended for travelers. Sunblock is also a must-wear for most vacationers. Some have also said that, while skimpy clothing may sound appealing to those looking to tan, the mosquitos can be as much of a deterrent as social custom. Sundresses and lightweight pants are particularly recommended, though sweaters may be a necessity in the evening in winter.

Additionally, waterproof clothing and rain wear are a necessity all year long. Rain showers in Jamaica usually come up suddenly, come down hard, and then are over fairly quickly, so you need to be prepared with a waterproof jacket or umbrella everywhere you go. Opt for attire that is easy to carry around that you can quickly slip on and then put away again when the sun reappears.

What to Where

Although one of the most culturally independent islands in the region, Jamaica still retains some of the influences of its days as a British colony. The following tips will help you fit in, and avoid accidentally offending more conservative islanders:

• If you are traveling for business, a suit, jacket and tie are expected, and the usual formalities and courtesies are observed.
  
• Shorts and bathing suits are acceptable on beaches, but should be avoided in town without cover-ups.
  
• Generally speaking, travelers should consider long shorts or skirts and pants, and men may want to bring button-up shirts.
• Club attire is generally more revealing than clothes worn any other time during the day or night, particularly for women (but it is best to err on the side of caution!)
  

As always, it's best to be aware of the attire expected at a specific location. Many all-inclusive resorts have little to no dress code in place, but some resorts and hotels require women to wear dresses or slacks and men to wear suits and ties at their restaurants. Kingston is known for being a bit more upscale, and women particularly may want to avoid wearing jeans in this city, meanwhile Negril is known for its laid-back side.

Local Wear

While visitors may want to come prepared for all possible weather, there are many styles of island dress that are appropriate. Traditional garb may be worn by some, but Rastafarian wear is also well known. However, no matter what the clothing, you can be sure it will always be infused with color.

Traditional wear includes - most specifically - colorful and usually handmade dresses from calico cloth. Calico is generally striped, similar to a plaid. These dresses include tiered skirts, but another important aspect is the head scarf. This scarf is carefully wrapped around the head to keep hair in place. Men more often wear jeans and shirts than traditional styles.

Rastafarian-influenced clothes generally include red, green, and gold - the colors of the Ethiopian flag. One of the most important aspects of Rastafarian clothing is that it is made from natural fibers. Also important in this attire is the "tam," a hat that covers the dreadlocks.

Lightweight clothes will help keep you from the heat of Jamaica, and it's best to pack lightweight fabrics instead of revealing clothing. Remember that the culture is probably more conservative than your local culture, particularly in the U.S. and Europe.

http://jamaica-guide.info/travel.basics/clothing.and.attire/

Raye99

Dotti - LOL - love the advice on the ganja.

Go Go Boots! I had a pair in like 4th grade. Shiny patent white. I loved them. Even wore them to Sunday School.

BethNY

You guys rock.  Dottie, I love you, and I promise not to wear any clothing that may have an illegal odor clinging to it anywhere near the airport/customs/drug sniffing dogs.

ALL of the alcohol is included.  We got to pick everything we wanted along with the menu ahead of time, and I just found out that my future MIL sent two bottles of champagne to the villa with two complimentary massages.... (I'm blown away)

I found these cute ballet flats made of camel colored cloth with an elastic strap over the foot at Target for $15!!! Perfect for walking around in the gardens that are in each villa.

Raye- took your advice- and again TARGET-- got several CUTE night outfits.

I didn't think about an umbrella or mosquito stuff... DUH.

OH, and GO GO boots.... When I finished college I worked for a marketing company, and my client had to do with nightlife.  My accounts were 50 bars and nightclubs around the country. All the girls that worked for me wore knee high vinyl go go boots. I owned them in white, black, silver and red. We would clean them with 409 spray before each night in the club.  They were a staple in my going out wardrobe for quite some time. So one day, I was leaving to go to a club, and my roomate/best friend was in our 3rd floor rowhouse apt.  She would sit with one leg out the window (I know, she was nuts) facing sideways, smoking a cigarette.  I would always wave from the sidewalk as I walked to my car. As soon as I waved, I turned around, and BOOM!!! I WENT DOWN!!!! The entire platform part of the Boot BROKE OFF!!!!!!!!

Imagine, me waving goodbye, and then seconds later, she sees me, and I'm walking on one platform, and one flat, so my body is limping UP then DOWN then UP then DOWN.... she sees me and laughs so hard, I thought she would fall out the window.

That was the end of my boot wearing days.

BethNY

Had to share... here's a pic of the gazebo attached to the villa we're staying in... I'll be sitting in this hammock reading a book on Sunday!!!!

iodine

Your MIL ROCKS!