Intervention happens

"I shut my eyes in order to see."
-Paul Gauguin

I had an interesting conversation with a friend once over the statement "Everything happens for a reason." I have discovered more times than not agreement in this cliche and was taken aback when she did not. The points of her debate were far more serious than the capacity of this blog, but basically, we moved to agree sometimes, shit happens.

I was watching a most interesting episode of "What Not to Wear"--you know, the fashion friendly, drug-free version of "Intervention" on TLC? This eps. was interesting because the abuser was in fact a producer of runway shows. You know, the person in charge of making sure it all looks good? Calls the shots, translates the vision, relays the tone and tempo for the designers--? She is the one at the center of it all! Who--not only sees first hand, but coordinates the ebb and flow of progressive style!?!

The argument is always the same--"I work all the time," "I have kids," "I can't create a look to save myself. From that show,"-- and what happened with her isn't any different, as she lost sight of herself and focused on what works for others.
I want you, then, to go shopping for someone else. (Hey, I do it for you all the time:) One of my girlfriends used to say "That looks like you," which is the best and sweetest compliment, and I in turn offer it to others. Problem is, everyone has worked it against me! "Oh, that looks like you," as if they cannot see themselves in commendable style. Be it here or in the stores, I want you to create three looks for three different models:

1) the "All Business" Woman

2) the Woman who makes the toughest job look easy (aka "Stacey's Mom" as, she "has got it goin' on")

3) the Woman that gets all the looks. But not ones that get you on that show.

I want you to close your eyes and imagine the prototype of what these women look like.

Now show me.
(Note: some of you may be thinking 'But I wear two or more of those hats' which should be any combination of #3. Bravo! Then, just as you would in those roles, you should be attempting to master equal parts.)

There are no wrong answers! Stacy London said it herself in effort to encourage the producer to pick what she had in mind for her runway models: "Style is all about trying and failing." If this is true, you are hearing it from the biggest losers! The key is to move you to think outside yourself. To see what others see and to feel your way through it. Check out my style book for tips and refreshers; while there are no wrong answers, try to guide your looks according to earlier options I have provided. And remember, as long as you are any combination of number three, then the show is not about you. Now close your eyes and see! But feel free to sing along.

Briefly

I am about to have to bust it outta here to a "Suspenders" party but just wanted to get a quick post out to jump off the weekend. I don't have suspenders, yet, so I will have to improvise for this themed deal. It got me thinking "What then, shall I wear?" So spenders makes me think of nerds, cropped pants and glasses. Ah! I did see those girls just the other day wearing the big, black frame glasses with the lenses popped out...works for me! And that is where you should be pulling for inspiration: the reserves all around you. I was out with some friends the other night when one of the guys I didn't know too well asked if he could touch my shorts. "Huh?" guy? "I know that's weird but...they look...like underwear. They look comfortable!" he said with a sheepish smile. Didn't know my attire could cross gender! So now I'm thinking hmm, that guy noticed I looked comfortable...in my underwear (it was not underwear)...I do want more of these boxer looking shorts, and apparently he would too...hence, briefly :)
Posting some pics to get you thinking along these inspiration lines.

At your service, Part II

"No talking." would be my catch phrase if ever I am deemed worthy a verbal trademark. Ironic, I know, seeing as how I am a communicator!, but sometimes*, I just like to say "no talking" and expect everyone to understand mums' the word. zzzip. no. nil.

So I have been in a 'no talking' mode, as one can see from my sparse posting. There are a couple reasons for this--unmotivated, un-inspired, addicted to carbs...you feel me don't you?, but the best of such is it would be terrible. The post would be an awful attempt to weave weighty world events and fashion or be downright frivolous when I am against the very act! (Hellooo, why hasn't anyone made mention Michelle Obama is really the "Great American Blank Canvas" we have knowingly stroked over with a true American icon?)

Alas, I am going to push on and once again bring forth the issue of presentation. (Hellooo, why hasn't anyone talked to me?!) I wrote about--not only the importance of presentation, but the value of feedback according to translation in "At your service, Part I." Go back and read it, folks, so you can see where I am coming from and where not to go. That goes for you too Michelle....waiting...


...ready?

I have heard many of you find your looks in the most obvious place. One, that like a review, merely gets me in the door but does not feed me full of what I am looking for. I speak of the mannequin folks, found in store windows which offers a mere smear of endless possibilities--which are better found on the racks. I get it: you aren't very good at putting together looks questioning the cohesiveness or just don't enjoy searching. Some--hmm, all of my favourite finds took a little work, a little patience to discover the merit of the dig.

Mannequin style is ideal; the look comes from a team of stylists who get together and determine the direction of an ad campaign and align their stores to reflect a constant tone. But you should be reading 'they decide what half of America wears,' as most buyers stop there, at exactly what is found on the doll. As does any artist, it is the goal of a stylist to inspire the buyer to the next aesthetic--to get you to showcase your skills a-la "My Kid Could Paint That!" or "I can do better than that!"

The point is: prove it.
Start before you hit the stores by drafting your own looks stemming from options I have provided (shopstyle.com). I tend to pull pieces according to two criteria: 1) if I think you will wear it, and 2) cost, usually under $100, as I leave it to you to find comparable style--no matter the cost, for less. That is your reward for the dig! And get inspired! I did a double-take when I saw the cutest girls walking down the street wearing the old Steve Urkel glasses with no lenses! He made nerds look cool! Er, "The Urkel", which I know you attempted at least once...

Don't get stuck in the shadow of a doll, as it your unique position that will catch attention. Or at least, revive a phrase delivered, of course, with a smile.

*"sometimes" is my reservation to occasionally post empty body. It just means 'I am here and am looking for the right words and 'that's hot!' style.' :)

"It's like Liberace, Versace, la cucarachi"

Since blogs are basically free cyber-psych in which one admits entirely too much, I might as well cite a couple more neurosis. The first would be my adoration and all to anxious adaptation of a Brooklyn accent. Sitting here now, I refrain from channelling my inner city sista dishing how one should pursue a sense of style, arms and red nails flailing directions. Even so, I love to meet folks from the borough as then I can match in tonal emphasis--tawk about what ails me soo, or how bothasome it is to push around tha toorists'--some people live ehr, ya know! ...I digress. I'm sayin' I love 'Real Housewives of New York City' cast member Bethenny Frankel, as she is no sista, nor a Housewife but can dish it nontheless. Watch the clip. You'll feel me.

Isn't she funny? Cooc-a-rachi is how I would describe my favourite fellas on EVR which is why I messaged kuddos to the show including a shameless "It's my birthday!" small detail on said day. You did me proud mistas! Not only did this sista get a "Happy Birthday Jessica!" (at 40 minutes), but Pretty Cheap Dress got a shout out toooo! (42 mins.) I haven't figured out how to stick it on ehr but go to this link, click on 'Listen to the most recent show' found at the top, and an online stream of Liberace, Versace, la cucarachi will hit ya upside ya head. ...I'm sorry. My sister gets excited about these sorts of things and doesn't get to come out and play very often.
p.s. If you found the video clip funny, Andrews' depiction of ones' 'workday' at 2:30 in should garner a couple more laughs. Prime example of what I am learning is another type of genius from this book. Yet again, I diverge.

At your service, Part I

Women are tough. If you have not recognized the strength of a woman by this point, you deserve to be karate chopped. Where you can feel it.
Change subject, I was most overjoyed when my brother treated me to birthday lunch at a relatively new establishment here in town. We had read in recent months several raving reviews of the thriving trilogy such successful business wishes to impart: delicious food, apt decor, and--often most important if one lacks elsewhere, gratuitous service. If I had to guess one-third of those responsibilities were left to one half of Thai Tina's, Mr. T dropped the ball. We were barely--hmm, not acknowledged upon entering the premise by the recognized proprietor and were only serviced when asked ("Sir, sir! Is my napkin supposed to be moist?"). Tina, on the other hand, was so kind to deliver our food, refill our drinks, and clear our plates, but I ask why? Didn't she cook it too??

Point is, disservice comes in many forms. I can create an inviting space for you, whip up appropriate looks I think you will wear, serve it up, no strings attached. But how successful would I would be with no feedback all the while assuming I am meeting expectations?

I have full intent of advising said locale of our recent visit because it is not my interest to leave a poor review. I would believe Tina can handle it (perhaps like Uma), but we shall see about Mister T.

Talk to me folks! What do you think about these looks?

Birthday Suits Everyone!

I am going to be a little selfish in this mini-post as my birthday celebration is this Saturday. I must say, I secretly envy those with birthdays at the end of the month as I believe they hold right to celebrate the full thirty and then one. Me, I just get a week as mine falls on the seventh. (One might argue, a lucky number!) Fortunately, I have the bestest friends whom all believe, if you are having a bad day--any day of the year, "It's your birthday." Let's just say, we are well practiced at 'birthday' celebrations.

Seeing as how I am allowed to celebrate oft and a lot, when the real deal rolls around, I am silly mad for a birthday dress. The irony on so many levels is, it is a given the weather will be glorious--unearthly, each day leading to that calendared Saturday. Each rising degree building to that day paves way to great expectations and mounted bravado to flaunt a sassy frock as "It's my (real) birthday!!!" And then, bam! De-flate. The worst rainstorm to hit North Texas will drop in flooding not only streets but the bars!!! Killer bees will decend and rather than kill, impregnate my single friends via tooth or toe! And then, and then!! let's just say, hell freezes over. Ha! Don't you worry! I will still wear my birthday dress. Why? Because despite such chronic dismay, it's still my birthday (really) and I will still feel good in my dress. Join me! It can be your birthday too!

Electric Feel

So I warned you of dying, now I must warn you of things that can strike you. I went running the other night just before--and then during, a brilliant lightning storm. It was one of the most invigorating exercises of my life as I literally thought "What if I run into a lightning bolt...??" If that doesn't motivate you to sprint through a workout, I don't know what will. Anywho, as I was saying, strike...
I've been asked several times when people learn I write a style blog: "So what do you think about that?" pointing out some unsuspecting-suspect fashion villain. "...Um....I don't think about that," is the honest to God to truth--meaning, I don't scope out people for what they are doing wrong, rather struck when something is done differently.
I think that is a very fair assessment for each of us unless you are this 'guy' who has made a career out of Paint.
It is what sets you apart--fundamental value that make the difference. This season, I am finding classic throw-backs are key. It is my theory, the recession is prompting a modern American art renaissance if you will, so what better time than now a brush up:

"Excellent Moments in Personal Style History."

I distinctly recall trailing far behind the cool kids leaving the lunchroom one day in the fourth grade. I must of been finishing my favourite lunch rather than simply disassociating because I don't know why else I would have been separate. A classmate I didn't know very well hung back to ask "Where do you shop?" .....Huh? my face undoubtedly read, as she continued, "You dress different...you always wear things I've not really seen before. Where do you shop?" I'm pretty sure my wardrobe was hand-me-down from my cool (double) cousin from Ohio, but since prompted, rallied into whatever memory recalled whence throwing on my clothes. I still remember wearing (daily) that over-sized, cropped, army green sweatshirt citing "The Gap", comparable to the one shown above (American Apparel, $42) Kuddos to that girl!

As I said, I totally rocked the prairie girl boots back in the day and would do so now as they hold a special place in my heart. I had a pair my mother got me from whoknowswhere that I ran into the ground. The ram I am, it killed my dad to see me still sporting shoes with near holes. "We'll get you some more!" he argued; easily said, off we went to find my new (had to be exactly the same!) boots. After the hundredth womens' shoe store and third mall, I talked myself into sparing my father anymore humiliation in taking me shopping, attempting to convince "...these will be fine..."

"Mija, get exactly what you want. If this is not what you want, do not settle for less."

We ultimately found a much more expensive, er, lovely pair at Nine West that, now that I think about it, must of been what turned me on to opting for wine or burgundy coloured shoes! Such storied value encourages brand loyalty but unfortunately for Nine West does not stimulate re-issue. (Urban Outfitters, $158)
There was a time in my youth, all I ever wanted in this life was "a pink baby named Amy," as pink was my favourite colour, every little girl loves her babies, and Amy was the prettiest name I knew. No offense, but you know how I feel about pink--in general-, I don't need a baby (real or not), and ...I know way too many Amy's! Must of been when I hit junior high, I dropped two-thirds of that list and concentrated on my favourite thing: a pink pique shirt dress paired with matching jellies (shown Lacoste @ Macy's, $140). Agh! I loved that look and while I will not encourage the hued dress, I do think the comfort of a solid cotton shirt dress will be invaluable this summer. Opt for this "Island" green update paired with bronze jellies (Rubbish Button Tab T-Shirt, Nordstrom, $21; "Madeline" Jelly, Endless.com $25).

Of course, there were looks I can't understand even in rational hindsight. I had this short, pleated blue jean skirt that, now that I think about it, I'm sure was absurdly too small for me. It made me feel like a cheerleader in day clothes! ...and after a quick search am not finding anything like it in my size today.... :) I wonder at times if my look is too young; am I to dress 'older' or more sophisticated or more proper? While in Austin, I mentioned to my life coach, Julie, how I loved Austin style: "It's so fearless."

"Yeah, but at least you look put together," she said. "These girls think they can just throw on whatever and it works because it's Austin."
Maintaining that belief system is the fallacy--the true crime committed that has created successful "What Not to Wear" TV. Remember to aim for timeless pieces of fundamental value that capture and hold your affections as it is such that strike a chord not only for you, but your unsuspecting audience. Strike accord. You want shock value, but not by running into a lightning bolt!