Size Ain't Nothing But a Number

 Why is it that the E! network has a half hour program called "Fashion Police" that praises itsy-bitsy size 0 women who fit in things right off the models on the runway, but then has "E! News" ridiculing a celebrity for losing weight all within the same two-hour time period?  It really bothers me.  Why is it okay for some and not for others to look a certain way?

E!'s Giuliana Rancic

The celebrity was LeAnn Rimes.  Apparently she has lost too much weight for the network's liking - that - or it was a slow news week.  Because really, when you compare her to other celebrities the network never criticizes such as Kate Bosworth or their own Giuliana Rancic, there really isn't much of a difference.  They're all pretty much size zeros.  In fact, in one episode of the Style Network's "Giuliana & Bill," she commented on how she has to stay a "sample size" to be able to fit into the wardrobe E! provides her.  In case you're wondering, a sample size usually ranges from a 0 to a 2 - and on rare occasions is a 4.

LeAnn Rimes

If women in entertainment have to maintain these nearly impossible standards, what's left for the everyday women like us?  Sometimes I feel like we're held to the same requirements.  We're constantly offered supplements, new workout regiments, meal programs on our TV's, in our magazines and on our radios.

When will it stop?  When will this culture accept that we are of all different sizes?  Why can't we see the beauty in being different?  If Jennifer Hudson could be found gorgeous at her new size of 4 or her old of 16, why can't all of us?  And who says we have to meet a certain size requirement anyway?  What does that number even mean?

Jennifer Hudson

Take, for instance, me and one of my friends.  We are both the same size at our favorite store, but I am 5'3" and one weight, while she is 5'10" and a completely different one.  Yet we are the same size and don't look anything alike. 

Maintaining a certain size in fashion may have it's place, but being one in the real world doesn't.  There is beauty in all sizes.  We just have to embrace ourselves and love the shape we have.  We shouldn't define ourselves by a number.  And if we must, then take it and run with it.

Maybe if we do, we can control the sizes of the women we see on our TV and movie screens and not be controlled by them.

Not Jumping For Jumpsuits

I'm a big believer in finding your own personal style.  Just because something is on-trend doesn't mean it has to be on you.  There are certain items I really don't get.  Why do people wear them?  Leggings.  Saggy tunic dresses.  Gladiator sandals.  Clogs.  Bright colored tights - to name a few.

Lately I've noticed an explosion in the wearing of jumpsuits.  They are all over the runways, covering pages of my magazines, and on my favorite TV shows.  Case in point: Wednesday's episode of American Idol.  When Ryan Seacrest announced early in the program that Gwen Stefani was the personal stylist, I had some expectations.  After all, she's considered by many to be a modern day fashion icon, has her own clothing line L.A.M.B., and has been in the music business for nearly two decades.  My expectations were short-lived. 

Pia Toscano (left), Haley Reinhart (center), Lauren Alaina (right)

Imagine my disappointment when not one, but two of the three women in the competition were donning jumpers.  They were so unflattering, in fact, that some blamed Pia's untimely elimination on her outfit.  Why is this look sprouting up everywhere?  Jumpsuits do a complete disservice to the majority of women who wear them.  Both of the girls above are beautiful in their own right.  Pia looks gorgeous in almost any look, while Lauren can pull off something fitted that shows off her curves.  A pleated shorts onesie over black tights does not do this, in my opinion.

These girls aren't the only recent offenders.  Jennifer Lopez was criticized by tabloids and Entertainment News programs for this number she wore at the Judges announcement program last summer.

Jennifer Lopez

This woman is a style icon in her own right, but certainly not for this.  To be honest, if she can't pull it off, who really can?  There's a reason this look originated for utilitarian purposes  - worn by janitors, astronauts, painters.  Jumpsuits get the job done in those aspects, but definitely not on the big screen, runway, or in the limelight.

Find a look that works for you - not a trend meant for work!

10 Things I Love About Your Wardrobe

Trends come and go, but there are some items that never go out of style.  These “classics” earn their place in a wardrobe by being reliable, effortless, and forever-chic. 

1. The Fitted Blazer – this item is great on many levels.  It can instantly dress up trousers, a dress, or skirt ensemble to make it more “business” appropriate in a pinch.  It also looks great on weekends with a pair of jeans and a tank or tee.  Be sure to invest in a good one and find a tailor if necessary, because this item will be useful through many seasons.

2. The Perfect Dress – some lists might tell you that an LBD “Little Black Dress” is a key component to a wardrobe.  But I disagree.  They can be great for some, but not for others.  Dresses are ideal for dates, parties, events, but they don’t need to be black.  What’s important is the fit and style that ultimately flatters most.  Black isn’t always the most slimming.  Sometimes a bold pattern or color makes someone look far better.  I'm also loving the LWD "Little White Dress" trend happening right now.  It’s all about your personality.  Find a dress that fits you on all levels and you’ll be wearing it to more than just the occasional wedding reception.

Kate Spade Amy Dress

3. The Best Jeans – some magazines try to tell us what’s “in” with denim each season.  But what’s really “in” is finding a pair that flatters your body and is timeless.  Jeans are hard to shop for as it is, there’s no reason to go out every season to match the latest trends.  Besides, those come and go so quickly that they’re usually out by the time they hit Milwaukee.  Stick to what flatters you.  Not everyone was built for skinny jeans or jeggings – a cross between denim and leggings.  I know I wasn’t.  A long-torsoed woman can rock a pair of high-waisted ones, but for their petite counterparts, perhaps a straight fit would be better.  When in doubt, try the universally-flattering boot cut in a dark, clean wash.  Make sure they’re tight (but that you can still zip them up) in the fitting room, because any jean with spandex in them will stretch.

4. The Nude Pump – you can argue that Uggs and flip flops go with everything – but they don’t.  I love a nude colored heel because it matches everything (just be sure it goes with your skin tone).  If you have a wide variety of color in your wardrobe – or are on a shoe budget – these can take you far.  Bonus – they make your legs look miles longer than they actually are!  Whether you prefer a kitten heel or stiletto, you will get plenty of use out of these.

AK Anne Klein Pump

5. The Winter Coat – if you’re living in subzero temperatures like we do in Wisconsin, a winter coat is a must.  Unfortunately, we spend half the year covering up our cute outfits with them.  That’s why it’s important to have a coat you love to look at just as much as it keeps you warm.  It’s the first thing people notice about you when you’re walking outside – or back inside.  Coats are pricey and best if they can take you through many seasons and storms.  I love my bright blue one from J. Crew (found it brand new on Ebay at a fraction of the original price).  It’s a classic, timeless fit but with an unexpected color.  I can’t go a day without getting complimented on it.

J.Crew Carlin Coat

6. A Cozy Cardigan – this is one item to not live without.  It can be used anywhere from an air conditioned office to a chilly fall evening when a coat is just too much.  There are so many options to choose from.  Black cashmere.  Bright cotton.  A dressy one with fancy buttons and pretty trim.  Whatever look you’re going for, there’s a cardigan out there for it.  Use a basic one on the weekends, or a fancy one to take a tee to a whole new level. 

J.Crew Jackie Cardigan

7. A Great Handbag (or a few) – last week my Mom and I were at the Coach Outlet store, where I saw numerous women holding many purses in their arms.  They might have thought they were getting a great deal and had to stock up, but the jokes on them.  A great handbag doesn’t need to be followed up.  Just add a few other styles to the mix and you have yourself a full purse wardrobe.  No need for an entire closet full.  I love a nice sized handbag for daytime.  Something roomy enough to hold your necessities (wallet, hairbrush, lip gloss, cell phone, etc.), but not so large that it will send you to the chiropractor.  In the evenings, clutches are ideal.  You don’t need to truck all your stuff along with you.  Maybe just your lipstick, phone, ID, and some cash.  On the weekends, totes are great to have for the unexpected trip to the store, a gym carry along, or to hold a snack or two.

Kate Spade Sugar Hill Seraphine Bag

8. A Leather Belt – the right belt can add the perfect touch to an outfit.  I’m not an advocate of the “belt around a t-shirt” look, but I do love one that creates a waistline over a dress or blazer.  The options really are limitless.  Just try to get one that’s simple enough not to distract from the outfit.  I like a brown, leather, woven belt.  Avoid pleather ones with enormous buckles.  Those just look weird.

9. A Stunning Pair of Studs – I’m sure I’m not the only woman with a box full of costume jewelry I’ve tired of or tangled up.  I get sick of certain items and forget about them after awhile.  Not the case with my pearl stud earrings.  My husband, Matt, got them for me last October for our anniversary, and I’m pretty sure I’ve worn them about a hundred times since then.  They go with everything.  They’re light and comfortable.  I love them and I know I’ll be wearing them for years to come.  How do I know?  They have their own jewelry dish that sits far, far away from the costume jewelry box.

10.  A “For Fun” Item – sometimes you come across that one item while shopping that you love but have no idea when you’d really wear it.  It’s not advised to succumb to all of these finds, but when there’s one you truly adore and can’t stop thinking about, go for it!  I have a polka dot Kate Spade skirt I found on clearance that isn’t practical at all for my office or normal everyday life, but I love it.  Just seeing it hanging in my closet makes me smile.  And when there is finally a night to wear it out, it makes the occasion that much more special!  Find your fun item and it just might become the showpiece of your wardrobe.

Banana Republic Blazer

Did I miss anything you can’t live without in your wardrobe?  Let me know.  Maybe I need to try one on for myself!

Reduce, Reuse and Restyle

Sometimes shopping in the malls - the same old stores over and over - can get mundane.  You basically know what you're getting yourself into, and know that whatever you find, there's going to be about a hundred other women wearing the exact same thing all around town.

Those are a few of the reasons I've developed a love for shopping the many resale shops in the area.  For one, you never know what you're going to find.  It's like an adventure.  You could go back a month later or even only a week and find completely different merchandise (unlike retail stores, which get their inventory in waves, weeks apart at a time).

Second, there's only one of everything.  You will be the only one wearing it.  Nobody can outshine you in it - or copy your look.  And, let's not overlook, the prices.  The clothes at resale shops (at least the ones I love) are a fraction of the cost of what you'd find in retail stores.

BCBG Max Azaria dress and Banana Republic handbag;
Back on the Rack, Brookfield

These stores also have quality items.  They don't accept anything torn or stained, outdated, or out of season.  You can find great brand items that are like new (or in some cases, still have the original tags attached).  There are downsides, though.  Like when you find an awesome piece only to find it doesn't fit.  Note: if it's too big and you love it, get it tailored.  If too small, I guess you're out of luck.  Also, all the resale shops I patronize are final sale.  You'd better bring a friend along for a second opinion to avoid the dreaded - but often reality - of loving something in the fitting room but hating it at home.

And while we're on the subject of resale, Ebay is also a great source for adding to a wardrobe.  It can also be more narrowed down to what you're looking for.  Select a specific brand, size, or category such as dresses or blazers.  I've found some great items on this site at great prices.  Again, however, most purchases are not returnable.

So if you're bored with the current trends found at your local mall, try a resale shop on for size.  You might find that they fit perfectly with your wardrobe (and your wallet).

Savvy Seconds - Waukesha, WI

Where to shop:
Back on the Rack - 13870 W. Greenfield Ave., Brookfield, WI
Savvy Seconds - N4W22496 Bluemound Rd., Waukesha, WI
The Wooden Hanger - 169 Main St., Pewaukee, WI

Stepping Out In Style

Sometimes half the fun of going out with the girls is getting ready for it.  I know I like to figure out who I want to be hours - or even days - in advance.  Do I want to be laid back in jeans and a top or dolled up in a dress and pumps?  I'm sure I'm not the only one that does this.  After all, it looked like a lot of girls put effort into their appearances when out to dinner on Friday.

One of the things I love do do most when out is people watching.  Who's wearing what and how did they wear it?  Some of my biggest inspirations come from seeing how a girl put something together all on her own and not straight out of a magazine.  Some make it look easy and others like they're trying way too hard.  Either way, all expressed their personality.

I had to laugh, then, when I and my girlfriends were the perfect example of this at dinner.  I decided to wear my favorite Kate Spade polka dot skirt and my boat neck striped White House Black Market top (I have a love affair with polka dots and stripes).  Then, when I sat down to the table at the restaurant, I found my friend Janelle was wearing an adorable bow tank with mini black and white polka dots, skinny jeans and heels (she looked great), and my sister-in-law, Mandi, wearing her black and white polka dot heels, flared jeans, and a cardigan (also looking awesome).

My point is, we all took the same trend, but added our own spin to it.  Somehow, we managed to not look matchy-matchy, but all our own.  Some of us like to take a trend and run with it, others add it in as an accessory.

And then there's my friend, Megan, who, in her free-spirited personality, perfectly rocked a brightly multi-colored floral full skirt, gladiator heel, denim jacket and white tank.  We couldn't all wear polka dots, right?!?