the FASHION thread

pinoideae

Wow.  By the way, how did your wedding go?  I think this is your honeymoon vacation?  Congrats Beth.

Daffodil

Beth dear, try that hammock for, um, other worthwhile pursuits, too!

It looks divine~~~and what a wonderful time to be away, with no TV! (I imagine you will hear news anyway, but no matter what, enjoy yourself!!!)

BethNY

I was wondering that myself-- how will we hear about the election? (I voted last week) You can rent a TV for $140 for the week, but we decided not to.  Even if we did, I doubt they would be following the elections the way we watch it here...

I'll post lots of pics when we get back. If Kayaking is the death of me, I hereby give my fellow fashionistas dibbs on all of my clothing, shoes and accessories.

KAK

Beth, have a great time & ditto Daffodil's advice about the hammock......loved the go-go boots story!  OMG!  Too bad you didn't capture that on video, both you & your girlfriend in the window laughing.

Look forward to the pix.

Kathi

Daffodil

OK, where is everyone? Beth...dish!!

abbadoodles

Beth won't be home until, I think, November 10.  One more day without the fashion diva.

I am having a fashion-deprived moment.  I still haven't found a short jacket that I like and maybe I am ready to start thinking about a nice cape (short) that I can wear over my suit jacket.  There is a black, knit one in the Garnet Hill catalog but I am not sure if it is appropriate.  I think I might want one that is woven, and with a bright color lining.  Maybe it's time to get out the old sewing machine, as if I don't have enough to do already.

Am suffering along with my latest surgical bra from my revision surgery this past Wednesday.  It's HOT and I'm not happy.  My follow-up appt is this coming Friday so I'm hoping I can be freed from this monster at that time.  Even the shaped 2-hookers I've been wearing the past couple of years are better than this.  I really like the flimsy, unshaped, no underwire one-hookers.  I hope that someday my chest will be in good enough shape to get away with those again.  In the meantime, at least I am making progress.

Daffodil

My exchange is Thursday and I've been buying  sports bras with cups for PS approval/fitting after surgery. Looked longingly at pretties while in VS!

Jacket I spotted for you earlier; sorry it's not on sale!

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod64260213&cmCat=search&searchType=MAIN&parentId=

abbadoodles

Oh, that jacket is great!  I LOVE it.  But, I look like hell in yellow.   Thanks for the tip, though.  I will look more through the NM website.

Perhaps I shouldn't complain about the surgical bra; it's only one of those stretchy things with the velcro tape up the front.  However, it is almost as big as a camisole, so it's hot.  Today, it's in the wash.  I am wearing a Warner's shaped thing but it's very soft and floaty in the cups.  I'm sure it's okay to wear.

Good luck with your exchange on Thursday!  When they say recon is a process, they aren't kidding, are they???

iodine

I just saw a great red cape in the Pendleton cataloge that came today, it was short.  Another opton I've seen, esp. in Europe, is the wide wool shawl, crisscrossed in front and a bit hanging on one side.  Awsome!

KAK

Hello to all.  Tina & Daffodil, good luck with all your PS adventures.

Sadly, mostly because of the post-menopausal "I'm too hot, tired & cranky to go to the gym," I've gained about 15 pounds in the last year so I can't fit into some of my 'skinny' clothes  but l've been trying to tone up & lose a few pounds lately, mostly walking the dog a lot more.  And last night I finally had the nerve to try on this purple dress that I love & have had a few years that's a perfect match for those purple pumps I recently got on sale.  It's a 'skinny' dress so I wasn't sure I'd even get it on.  But IT FITS!    And it even Looks Good!   And it's awesome with the purple pumps!   So, now I've got to come up with a good place to wear my new outfit!!  Things like this so often work the other way, so it's nice for a change when they work out the way you want.

Tina, I know what you mean about the surgical & post-surgical bras!!  I can't do any recon on my battered boob for several months due to rads, so I've been wearing a prosthesis.  I went & got some pocket bras for it, but they are all so high, hot & awful I can't stand them.  Ended up just getting a nice contour bra with a normal low neckline & wearing the prosthesis in it next to my skin, which works better.  As long as what you wear is soft, comfortable & gently supportive, I'm sure it will be fine.

Don't know if this would work, but this looks like a cropped jacket that would fit over a suit.  Sorry the link is massive!

  http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1&_dynSessConf=5680645374744868443&id=813593&parentid=APP_OUTERWEAR_JACKETS&pushId=APP_OUTERWEAR_JACKETS&popId=APP_OUTERWEAR&sortProperties=%2BmarketingPriority%2C-saleDate&navCount=21&navAction=poppushpush&fromCategoryPage=true&selectedProductSize=&selectedProductSize1=&color=ivo&colorName=IVORY

abbadoodles

KAK, you are in RI, where I grew up.  What part of RI?  Maybe we could meet for some retail therapy and wear some of the killer outfits we are coming up with.  PM me if you are interested.  Don't worry, I'm not an axe murderer.  Several folks here know me.  Can they vouch for me?  Hmmmmmmm.........I dunno. LOL

I couldn't get to Anthropologie for that jacket so I'll try again later.  I think their stuff is always cool but a little intimidating to me.  I did see a chair in their Burlington Mall location a few months ago that I would have loved to have bought!  Alas, I did not need another LR chair at $1400.00

I love this little bag.  Is it big enough to use for Sunday-go-to-meetin' and dressy functions?  8.5 x 4.5 x 1.75"

Was a very bad girl this AM.  Was up at 6, the usual time, to have coffee with DH, but then had a nice bath and went back to bed for 5 minutes and all of a sudden it was quarter of 10!

BethNY

Tina is not an axe murderer.  I wish the girls from the fashion/makeup threads could all get together... I know most of us are so far away from one another. Imagine if we all got together at the Mall of America or some Insanely huge Mall somewhere in the country, and they just let us loose.

I digress.....

KAK

Beth!  Dahling!  How was your honeymoon/vacation? 

Great idea about a big shopping spree with us girls.  What would also be fun is to shop in some cosmopolitan setting like Manhattan or Newbury Street in Boston with Copley Place thrown in or the Magnificent Mile in Chicago.  Better food, too!  More real restaurants & not food courts.

I'm relieved to hear that Tina is not an axe murderer.  Although I personally think that no one with a black bag that cute could BE an axe murderer!

Tina, here is a quick snip of that jacket.  I think it might be quicker to go to www.anthropologie.com then hover over 'clothes' in the taskbar & click on 'coats & jackets' -- it was about the 3rd page with 8 pix to a page.  I will PM you about shopping expedition.  BTW, I'm not an axe murderer either!  Hard to catch someone to murder them wearing purple pumps with 4 inch heels.

You would not believe this tablecloth I bought this morning at a local home/kitchen store.  It's a 63" silk square & it's just gorgeous!!  I figure the heck with eating off it.  I want to WEAR it!  Here's a swatch.

KAK

P.S.  Tina, what you can't fit into the black bag for church you can always leave in your hubby's suit jacket or in the glove compartment. 

Raye99

Tina's good people, I'll vouch for her.

Love the tablecloth.

Great idea, Beth - Love clothes, hate to shop, but with you guys it would be fun and we could always stop for a cocktail(s) throughout the day to keep up our strength.

I love white coats this season. What do you guys think of this coat? I am in desperate need of a new one, my last coat I bought in like 2000 and it is getting pilly. My only fear with this coat is that it may be baggy and I like a fitted coat.

BethNY

I'm not a huge fan of the coat. Sorry. There's just something about it I don't like-- the bottom of the sleeves, maybe?

I was surprised at some of the cute coats I saw tonight in target. But, I truly feel that a coat is worth spending money on-- you're going to have it for a while, so you should get something that you love (but still practical).

abbadoodles

Thanks for all the character references, guys.  I think you're fine stuff, too.

Dotti, the red cape at Pendleton is really nice.  It would work over the jacket.  Right now, though, I am thinking I would like something like a gorgeous paisley shawl but not in too rusty colors but maybe creams and blues that would work better with my coloring.  I remember seeing some on the Metropolital Museum site a couple of years ago so I will sashay over there soon to see if they are offering something that would work.  Be on the lookout for me, please.  A hundred eyes are better than two.

Raye, I like the basic coat in white with the empire waist, the collar, but I am with Beth on the shirtsleeves.  A little too fussy for my taste.  If you are not tall and have short arms as I do, solve the problem by buying the coat if you like it and cut off the cuffs.  That's about how much shortening I would normally need, anyway.  But, I think you are tall, aren't you?  (PS I think anyone over 5'2" is TALL.  Not that I consider myself short, you understand.)

KAK, I am wild over that tablecloth print.  I would definitely find a way to wear it - maybe a SHAWL.

pod1257

Hi girls,

I know we are discussing coats, but could anyone  fill me on brand names of comfortable high heels? I mostly have not worn heels for years but would love to "get used" to them again. - Not too daring, just a 2 inch possibly, 3 inch heel. So many cute styles out there.

BUT how do you walk in them as a post tx lady of 50, who also now has joint problems, leg weakness and am just not plain as "steady," on my feet. Also do any companies make heels that don't go clickity, clickity, down the halls. I hate that and don't want everyone to turn around and see what all the racket is about!

Thanks for any ideas.

Julie

KAK

Yes & yes, Julie.  Try looking for heels made by Easy Spirit, American Eagle, Aerosoles & Cushion Comfort.  I have various pumps & dressy shoes by all of them & they are very comfortable.  Also, make sure you get the right size shoe.  Lots of people wear the wrong size.  When you stand up in a shoe, you should be able to pinch a bit of space between the end of your toe & the toe of the shoes (except maybe with a really pointy shoe) & make sure you get wide enough shoes.  Check that the soles or heels have rubber tips so they don't clack.  Can also get a cobbler to put rubber tips on (if you actually have a cobbler anywhere near you!).  Can also put a Dr. Scholls foam insole in shoes to make them more cushy, if the shoe is not too tight to begin with.

I'm a PT so I address this question all the time.  To strengthen your ankles & feet & improve your balance, (& thus be able to wear heels!) stand in front of the kitchen sink & hold the counter.  Keep your knees straight & stand up on your toes for five seconds, then come down.  Then rock back on your heels for 5 sec. & come down.  Repeat at least 10x.  Keep adding on until you can do 30-40x.  Also, practice standing on one leg for 10 sec., first holding onto the counter, then gradually over a few weeks, letting go with one hand, then both hands, until you can keep your balance on one leg for 10 sec.

Oh, and like all smart urban working girls on public transit, if you have to walk a distance before you get to where you want to wear heels with an outfit, wear athletic shoes to walk in, then change into the heels when you  get there.  Good luck!!  Kathi

Raye99

Great advice, Kathi.

Julie, I just want to add that Franco Sarto makes nice comfortable shoes with a variety of heels. Beware, they tend to run a bit large - maybe by 1/2 size; so if you typically wear say, a size 7, get the 6 1/2 to try on.

Good luck and have fun!

Raye

BethNY

Um LMAO at Urban girls and sneakers... b/c real fashionista's would NEVER be caught dead in a skirt suit with tights and SNEAKERS!! hhahahahahah.

I used to pound the pavement in Manhattan in 4 inch stillettos. Now I divide my shoes into sitting shoes, and going out shoes... If I know I'll be sitting in a restaurant or lounge, and not walking far I can wear killer heels-- but if I know I'll be on my feet all day I wear more of a platform or a boot.

I'm trying to think of which brand it is-- I think Cole Hahn, that uses NIKE technology in their heels to make them extra comfy.

Anonymous

I know everyone is talking about all the stores they go to but I just went to the Goodwill in my area and SCORED!  Got some Steve Madden brown shoes for $7.00 and a purple winter coat with a hood with fur on the edges ... for $14.  I got a jean jacket (lost mine) that I like to wear with nice pants and nice shirt for $4.  And my daughter got a new reversable red one side-black the other for $4!!!  The little coat Miss T got is soooooo cute and so cuddly warm. 

Beth!!  How was the vacation???  So far you've been mum!

pod1257

Thanks everyone,

For the advice and brand mames for heels. And thanks Kathi for the exercises. - I can surely use those. Lot's of ideas. - Now let's get shopping!!

Julie

KAK

Beth, I used to trot all over downtown Boston in 4-inch heels myself -- when I was in my twenties!  Now that I am an older fashionista of 54 with a little arthritis, several herniated disks, & back surgery 4 years ago, I've had to revise my fashion strategy!  I have sitting shoes & walking shoes myself.  I also have driving shoes & when-I-get-there shoes.  I'm thrilled that I don't have bunions & that I can even stand wearing 4-inch heels at all!!  LOL

Kathi

iodine

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Versailles Sweater  (#22090) - $94.00 About Details Size Chart Reviews It's so easy to be chic (and comfy) when you toss on this fabulous five-panel cape-sweater featuring the "purl" side out with contrasting, generously sized rib-knit cuffs. A big tonal button closes the round neckline. Flyaway styling has a rounded hem that's longer at the center front and back. An up-to-the-minute silhouette in soft and lightweight boiled wool. 37" long. Oversized fit. Please dry clean. Imported. Only at Soft Surroundings. S/M(4-10), L/XL(12-18) Size:  S  L Total Length:  34.50  37.00 Be the first to write a review. Magenta  more views email to a friend  add to Wish List S/M 4-10 L/XL 12-18 MAGENTA BLACK CHARCOAL Qty 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Product Reviews Review This Product

May we suggest: Layering Turtleneck (#21792) - $43.00 XS (2-4)S (6-8)M (10-12)L (14-16)XL (18) LIGHT PINK BLACK LIGHT GREY IVORY LATTE Qty 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Fleur De Lis Belt (#61837) -

abbadoodles

Way cute, Dotti.  Will take a closer look at that.  Decent price.  Thanks.

iodine

Sorry to have made the page so big!   It really is a good price!

Just call me the catalog queen!  Where we live, it's the only way to shop.

BethNY

Alloy is having a DENIM sale. Buy one get the second half off. Marin- I think you would really like their jeans.

enter code GETDNM to get the discount while shopping online.

Raye99

Dotti - that cape is very cute - and what a great color for the dull gray winter.

KAK

Dotti, love that cape!

Ladies, I found some great links to help me figure out how to wear my new tablecloth!!  Can we say "Sarong"??   If you scroll down, the first video is awesome!

http://www.squidoo.com/tie-a-sarong

Also found this site, on a related note.  Wrong time of year for these, but they look very fun & are quite inexpensive:  http://www.magicwrapskirts.citymax.com/Medium_Magic_Wrap_Skirts.html