Janice & Holly vs. San Antonio

K, so normally I write about all the beautiful, stylish, gorgeous things we all can’t afford, as well as the ones we can (thank you online sample sales!), however, I could not pass up the opportunity to share with the world the wonders that are Janice and Holly. Anyone remember that show on the BBC, Absolutely Fabulous? This is the senior version!

Recently, I went on a business trip to Branson, Missouri. What’s in Branson, you ask? Well, not much, save the world headquarters of Bass Pro Shops and a bunch of old-timers hanging on their fame (I’m looking at you, Presley’s Country Jubilee). Rumor has it that they bring in residents of old folk’s homes by the busloads. Don’t get me wrong, the landscape is absolutely beautiful; it’s just not a metropolitan style mecca. Just saying.
Anyway, as I’m flying out, these two women are in front of me in the security line, and they were an absolute trip. Holly is wearing her velour jumpsuit with the world “GLAM” bedazzled to the back, with BIG red curly hair and is making a hullabaloo because her white long-haired dog, Precious, has to get out of the carrier. Janice is in her 60’s and cannot figure out why the security thing keeps beeping at her, despite her huge belt buckle, sequin fanny pack, Christmas ornament earrings, PLEATHER PANTS underneath a skirt, red boots, platinum bun, and oh by the way, we learn she has a steel rod in her back. I’m not kidding; it seriously took them 45 minutes to get through security in an airport that literally had four gates. Bring on the LOLs.
As luck would have it, I’m seated directly beside them on the plane, and the whole way I hear about how they were both stewardesses back in their day, how wonderful Precious is to travel with (her seat mate didn’t seem to agree, as he somehow found an open seat in the back of the plane), and how Janice and Holly are going to San Antonio to see the sights. San Antonio, you’ve been warned.
I hope I’m still out on the town with my girls when I’m that age! These ladies were quite a pair, and it made me think about all the crazy fashion choices we’ve all made and regretted. Sure, we shudder at the acid-wash jeans and neon accessories of our youth now, but we were just kids, it was 80’s, that was Mom’s fault, right? But what happens when you get older- are the Christmas sweaters and Mom jeans inevitable? Do we just default to the Sag Harbor section at JC Penny’s, pull our pants up to our armpits and give up? Nay, I say, rage, RAGE against the dying of the style!
Speaking of questionable choices: a couple of years ago, I found a legit Louis Vuitton fanny pack in a vintage store in San Francisco, and I snapped it up for a mere $30. I was envisioning myself as Carrie Bradshaw, the way she does her ironic little 80’s throwback accessories, but still looks totally chic. I’ve yet to rock it. Which brings me to my last and final question: is it ever really OK to sport a fanny pack?

Sneak Peek at the new Rodarte collection for Target

You know, I truly believe that fashion is wherever you find it. Sure, it would be great to walk into DVF or Chanel and walk out with an armful of shopping bags, but for most of us, that just isn’t attainable. I had to learn this painful lesson firsthand when I was the smallest girl in my grade in middle school and was forced to shop in the kids section (gasp!) Trust, they do not make dress up shoes for little girls without patent leather and bows- thus my adolescent scars! And don’t even talk to me about pants- been hemming all my life thanks to my 5’ 2” stumps that I suffer painstaking Pilates classes to give the effect of lengnth- thank you StitchWitch!

Anyway, finding great steals, shopping sample sales, heck, even raiding the thrift stores are all acceptable, and BONUS, don’t cost an arm and a leg. That’s why I am SUPER excited about all the new designer collections at the suburban style mecca, Target! The Luella Bartley collection that came out last year was only the beginning. Followed by Alexander McQueen, Proenza Schouler and my girl, Erin Fetherston collaborated with the retailer to bring wearable couture to the general public.

So imagine how PUMPED I am for Rodarte at Target next week! Rodarte is totally unique from their color combinations to their ethereal aesthetic- remember when Reese Witherspoon wore that totally amazing futuristic sheath to the screening of that alien kid’s movie? Such a risk for her (she’s so classic- I always think of navy when I think of her), yet so wearable- she looked tough and delicate at the same time. I’m dying over the little sheaths with futuristic detail. And thigh-high cream boots? YES, PLEASE!

Other excitement coming down the pike? I hear John Paul Gaultier is also in the queue for an upcoming Target collection.

What other resources do you guys tap to develop a hot wardrobe on a limited budget?

Lindsay's Fashion FLUNK!

The self-bronzed Lindsanity’s fashion show, from house Ungaro, was widely trashed in the press. Sadly, I can see why.

What’s up with all the orange and pink? The color combinations are totally Brady Bunch and very strange. Also, can we discuss the heart appliqués? Seriously- is this what I’m supposed to wear when I’m driving my Delorian around? Also, not a big fan of the open midriff, but I guess that’s Lilo for ya.

I will say, there are a couple of hits in this collection of misses- there’s a pretty, draped white one-shoulder number, and look #2, the hot pink Halston-ish looking one with the gold chain belt is hot. I would rock that one, but I think I’ll pass on the heart pasties.

Ode to Jackets

I must confess, I love a good jacket. Swing coats, sweet poncho/scarf hybrids that you can twist and sculpt into artful creations, an academic tweed blazer with suede trim, leather bombers- heck, even my mom's old Members Only jacket looks current; given the current 80's flashback the fashion world is currently having. Jackets streamline your figure, nip in your waist, and they immediately pull everything together into a finished "outfit." And I'm totally loving the longer boyfriend jackets- so comfy, current, urban, so effortlessly chic.

But I have never seen anything as fabulous as the sequin boyfriend blazers that are currently walking the runways. There is a fabulous Balmain version, a sweet Sass & Bide version. But for the budget-conscious girl, check out this breath-taking version from Victoria's Secret. For $159, it's still a bit pricey, but it looks so chic with some boyfriend jeans and a loose white t-shirt, and some sex kitten heels. With the hair worn loose and wavy, I would do this look on a casual Thursday night on e. 4th, but I was also considering it for New Year's Eve!

As my sister likes to make fun of me for saying, "I would SO rock that!"

Introduction

Hello Fellow Bloggers and Blogettes!

I am a 20-something young professional with an avid interest in media, publicity, fashion, music and art. This blog is an intimate peek into these topics, and pretty much anything else I think is really cool! Although I have minor experience in blogging, I posted my last post in 2006, so any suggestions you guys have I'd be happy to listen to.

My current obsessions include: Rachel Zoe, @bogusbogusky, the new Wendy's campaign, new and IMPROVED Google Analytics, David Guterra, Cleveland Beer Week, the people of Wal-Mart, rosemary steak frites, and of course, the fabulosity that is RUPAUL, NINA FLOWERS, and AKASHIA, who I had the privilege to meet this past week.

Tune in next time for more random, but fabulous thoughts. It's going to be kindof a big deal.