Archive for the ‘Fashion’ Category

If you’re planning to tackle Black Friday and/or Cyber Monday, here are some general tips and tricks to help you know when to pull the trigger and when to wait. Contrary to what marketers are telling you, most of the “deals” are merely exaggerations to lure you and your wallet. Take it from a “marketer” who plays on both sides of the fence…yours truly!

The following slide show is a mini version – just click on the different colored tabs. You can check out the extended version with all the details after the jump!

Wow, today marks three years since I launched Clutch22. I remember never expecting anyone to read it, let alone find myself living in New York City, attending fabulous events and meeting the most amazing people. 

Thanks for all of the support along the way. A walk down memory lane is coming soon.

Photo Credit: jonwa60 via Flickr

What goes better with the glittery dresses, jewelry and handbags you’ve accumulated over the past few years? This season, I’m all about the perfect black suede platform pumps. There’s something almost cartoonish or doll-like about them and the bold shape helps flatter your legs while giving you a sturdy thick heel for walking. Whoah, just had a flash back to three years ago where I wore bad shoes to a holiday party, slipped and as I was being introduced, nearly flashed the CEO of my bf’s company at the time. Lesson learned…the hard way.  I’m not sure what inspired my sudden change in mindset from relying on accessories to do the talking to finsing the right pair of black pumps. Maybe it’s the thought of a pair of shoes that can work with all of your holiday looks…that and craving something other than black in holiday dresses.

Every shop from budget-conscious to Bergdorf’s has an option for black suede platform pumps. Some are even hard to tell from one another, as you might have noticed. Here are the ones I pulled, featured above, starting with the top left:

• Nine West, $89 ($62.30 after 30% discount @ checkout; via Nine West) – A classic look with an average height
• Forever 21, $24.80 – A good option if you’re unsure about getting another pair black pumps, but you want to try out the shape
• Yves Saint Laurent, $549.99 (via Bluefly) – Does this shoe even need a description? If they had my size, these would be in my closet
• Dolce Vita, $158.95 (via Zappos) – I’ve been leaning toward these for awhile, but am sort of waiting for Black Friday and Cyber Monday to pull the trigger (love these too; very similar)
• Me Too, $89 (via Zappos) – This brand is known for being comfortable, so if you’re looking for all-day wears, try these

Which are you favorite? Do you have a pair yet? Any other items on your holiday attire shopping list?

Having spent most of my life in the Seattle area, you’d think I have rain gear down. Not the case. I don’t know where the rumors about Seattle being the rainiest city, but that’s another story. New York City beats Seattle by a long shot and when it rains, it pours. I purchased what I thought was a rain coat from American Apparel last year – $100 and leakage through the seams in the chest area made me look…well, like a mom who just finished nursing (no offense moms out there…I’m just not near ready for that). What a waste, right?

A few weeks ago I was on one of my favorite weekend walks along the Upper Westside and made a stop in Lululemon. I wasn’t looking for a rain coat, but $178 later walked out with the most amazing rain and wind resistant, knee length hooded jacket! It’s called the Everyday Yoga Jacket, which doesn’t do it any justice. I purchased the slate grey, but it also comes in black and light grey. It sort of reminds me of The North Face all weather apex jackets, just a little more stylish and flattering. I wore it outside in the rain for several hours last week for a work event and I’m probably the only person on my team who isn’t getting sick. It’s probably not the jacket, but I’d of course, like to think it had something to do with my smart purchase. Anyway, check it out when you get a chance. I’m usually a small or extra small in coats and purchased a size 4 in this one.

It’d be a great thing to add to your holiday wishlist too!

Need a last minute costume idea, but not into the cheap kinds available at your typical Halloween shops? It’s fairly easy to create your own version of a Smurfette as opposed to the frumpy store-bought version. Here are two different ways (the second is after the jump)…plus, as with the other DIY costumes I’m posting, you’ll get more wear beyond October 31. 

Look #1 (left side of Smurfette):

• American Apparel longsleeve tee ($26): You could always paint yourself blue, but this is a cleaner option and you’ll probably wear the top again.
• American Apparel thigh high stockings ($15):  Again, you could always go with paint or even blue tights, but these are a little more fun in my opinion.
• American Apparel mini dress ($36): Wear this over top of the long sleeve tee and stockings, then use it in layered looks in the future.
• TOMS white shoes ($44): This version of a Smurfette cares about social causes, clearly. Plus TOMS are super comfortable.
• Peggy Sue wig ($19.95): There are lots of yellow wig options; you could even do blonde. Pick one that makes you feel cute.
• Smurf hat ($13.95): A slouchy white beanie would work too. Read the rest of this entry »