Rubber Match

In case you have been in a coma, or had your arm stuck in between two boulders since September (welcome back, by the way!), or something, you probably have noticed that this has been a pretty crumby winter in New York City, weather-wise. It's been really snowy and cold and slushy and mucky and generally awful. Which usually I don't mind, because it gives me a good excuse not to wear heels when I leave the house (almost never), and to instead wear my black rubber Hunter wellington boots.  I happen to love these boots because, whenever I put them on, they make me feel like the lady of an English manor going out to oversee the grooming of my horses, even when I'm really just going to CVS to buy toilet paper.
However, lately, my charming ladylike rubber boots have started to look a little worse for wear, what with the mud caked on them, and the water spots, and the rubber "blooming" some weird white powder at the seams. I still feel like I'm in an English manor when I wear them, but now I'm more like the disheveled old squatter who mucks out the rabbit cages.
So, I started to wonder about cleaning my boots. What, pray tell, I asked myself, shall I use to spiff up my wellies? (obviously, I was speaking in a British accent when I said this).

AND THEN inspiration hit me like a ton of rabbit pellets in the face- what else is made out of rubber and gets mucky and muddy and needs to be cleaned? That's right- tires! I hopped right out and bought some Mothers Tire Shine (That's just what they had at my store- I am sure other brands, like Armorall, would work just as well). Spray the polish onto a clean soft rag and rub it into the boots. Let them sit for 10 minutes, and then use a dry part of the towel to buff them to a bright shine. You'll be back to feeling like your royal self again, in no time, your ladyship.

The End of Static (and Stasis)

I know I've been gone for a while, lovers. Have you missed me as much as I've missed you?  I've been making excuses about being really busy lately, but, truthfully, I've always been busy, and somehow managed to pump out some marginally interesting posts on a fairly regular basis, anyway. So, now the real truth can be told - I've been taking a little bit of a mental break from the blog because I was suffering from a wicked case of writer's block. That fickle wench Creative Inspiration disappeared, leaving me alone and bereft staring at a blank computer screen. So I buried myself in other projects (so much to tell you about!) and let the old blogerooni simmer for a while, and finally my blogging mojo seems to have sidled it's way back to me. So consider this a bit of a renaissance, if you will.

Now, after that dramatic and confessional intro, you might be expecting a real doozy of a post, that will revolutionize bathroom cleaning, or something, and change your perspective and the whole way you think about things and stuff. That's not going to happen. We're going to start the renaissance with just a little tip- a tiplet, if you will - and ease our way back in. After all, we don't want to scare the muses away, again. So, to thank you for sticking with me, and to apologize for all those times you checked in only to see that "Move It" post was still up, for, like, the the twenty-seventh day in a row, I am going to solve one of life's little annoyances- static cling in your clothes- here and now. Maybe you already know these tips, and this will be super-anti-climactic after weeks of waiting for my (triumphant?) return, but, hey, at least you got a new picture to look at.


How to Get Rid of Static Cling

You know how sometimes, as you go through your work day, your clothes seem to take on a life of their own, and be drawn like magnets to each other and your body? And then your hair starts sort of sticking up on end, and you get that unpleasant electrical-charge feeling all over your body (this especially tends to happen when you are wearing tights or clothes made out of synthetic material)? If you don't know what I'm talking about, congratulations on avoiding this common problem, but you should probably go to a doctor to get checked out because there's a good chance you are an alien.

There are three no-fail methods that will cure you of the cling:

Method #1: Dryer Sheets
Not to put in your dryer, silly (although that might help with the cling, it also leaves a residue on all your clothes and prevents your towels from absorbing as much). Instead, keep a box of dryer sheets handy in your desk at work (or one or two in a Ziplock in your purse), and if the cling attacks, simply rub one of the sheets over your clothes and hair. I don't know why, but it works. I'm pretty sure this is one of those mysteries that science hasn't figured out yet, like what's smaller than a quark or the Loch Ness Monster (that was poorly phrased- most things are smaller than the Loch Ness Monster, probably, but you know what I mean).

 Method #2: Hand Lotion
If you don't happen to have a dryer sheet handy, there's a decent chance you'll at least be able to find some hand lotion. Pour a tiny bit into your hand and work it into your skin underneath where the clothes are clinging. Be very careful not to get it on your clothes in the process, as lotion will leave greasy marks on some fabrics. But for some reason, the lotion will kill the static, and your clothes will start to behave again. Once you have rubbed in all the lotion, gently run your hands over your hair to tame the wildness without looking like you haven't showered in a few days.

Method #3: Hairspray
In a real pinch, you can spray hairspray on your legs or skin to keep the clothes from clinging. But what's worse- static cling, or hairspray on your skin?



photo credit: via jbcurio on flickr

Save Your Soles

I'll admit it: I'm hard on my clothes. In order to claim a spot in my wardrobe, an item has to stand up to dog hair, cooking splatters, weird cleaning concoctions, and very cramped conditions in my tiny NYC-sized closet. And, arguably, my shoes get it twice as bad (since they have to deal with all that, plus being walked on).
It's that time of year where I'm putting away my sandals until spring (so long, my darlings!), and pulling out my boots and winter heels.  In fact, in my misspent youth, I used to just buy cheap shoes, wear them until they were destroyed, and throw them in the garbage at the end of the season.  But ever since I met JM, I'm rethinking this strategy. My dapper husband only buys about one high-quality pair of shoes per year. He keeps them carefully shined and taken care of, and has them resoled from time to time. It turns out that cobblers are nothing short of footwear miracle-workers. I swear to you, my husband has eight-year-old pairs of shoes that look brand new (meanwhile, I have eight-month-old pairs that don't even look like shoes anymore).

Before you rush out to buy a whole new fall shoe wardrobe, take another look at those kicked-around shoes in the back of your closet. Here's just some of the things a good cobbler can do for you.  No sole-searching required.

Stretching: If your shoes are too tight, you can have them stretched (up to a full size) for short money. No more pinched toes!

Leather Repair: A quality tailor can fix cracks, tears, scuffs, and scratches in leather to make them almost invisible. And they can clean and revive battered suede.

Resoling: If you find yourself with a Charlie Chaplin-style hole in your shoe, it's probably because you love those shoes. Fear not- a cobbler can replace the whole sole for a fraction of the cost of a new pair.

Reheeling: If you just can't stop yourself from wearing stilettos to a garden wedding (I've been there, sister), you probably have torn and grass-stained heels. A good shoe repairman can totally clean and patch those heels. So you can wear them to another garden wedding.

Dyeing: If you have a pair of white pumps leftover from a wedding (or the '80s), but you still like the shape, you can have a cobbler dye them any color you want, whether they are fabric or leather.

So give those shoes a new lease on life.

Repping Prep

Growing up in California, my summer attire (heck, my year-round attire) usually consisted of the "daisy dukes and bikinis on top" that are spoken of so eloquently in Katy Perry's ubiquitous hit single. (I'm sorry I keep bringing it up, but if you have not had this song perma-lodged in your head since June, you must be reading this from the moon).
But I've been an East Coaster for (gulp) eleven summers now, and I'd be lying if I didn't admit that my style of dress has transformed over the years from "California Gurl" to more like "Rear Admiral"- not only have I gone preppy, I've gone nautical preppy.  After spending the last two consecutive weekends at weddings in Newport, Rhode Island, and Cape Cod, (more about all that later this week), I've become fully convinced that the world would be a better-looking place if everyone would just follow my plan to dress like they had recently stepped off a yacht.  But even if you aren't on board (get it?) for the full boating look, my favorite pieces are timeless classics that will look great on anyone and can be incorporated into any style of dress (well, maybe not vampire goth).  So pull in the mainline, pour yourself a dark & stormy, and set sail for  the world of Nautical Prep. Even Katy Perry is doing it.

 1. Persol sunglasses, $255, from the Sunglass Hut; 2. Boat and Tote canvas bag, $25, from L.L.Bean; 3. "Know The Ropes" bracelet, $78, from Kate Spade; 4. Ropebelt seersucker shorts, $75, from Tory Burch; 5. Ruffle stripe bikini, $68 each piece, from Anthropologie; 6. Sperry topsiders, $75, from Zappos.com; 7. Saint James "Meridien" sailor shirt, $85, from J.Crew; 8. Aerie sailor shorts, $25, from American Eagle; 9. Nantucket rope bracelets, $14, from The Sunken Ship; 10. Striped espadrilles, $69, from Toms; 11. Silk scarf (for tying over your head or around your neck), $305, from Hermes; 12. Straw fedora, $22 from the Village Hat Shop.

Feelin' Hot, Hot, Hot

Holy buckets, it is hot out. Like, really really ridiculously hot. And while we California girls are, by nature, hot (so hot, in the immortal words of Katy Perry, we'll melt your popsicle), after spending the holiday weekend frolicking by the sea in Newport, Rhode Island, and Cape Cod, being back in the stifling city has come as a bit of a rude awakening. Also I have a little sunburn that isn't helping much with my body-temperature issues.
Luckily, if I have picked up anything from the nine summers I have spent sweltering burgh, it is how to dress appropriately for the heat. The trick is light flowy dresses that give your skin room to breathe and allow for whatever upskirt breezes you may be able to find (hey, if it was good enough for Marilyn, its good enough for me). Throw on some cute sandals, jewelry and shades, and grab a big bag to tote a bottle of water, sunscreen, and other heat-busting gear, and you'll be stylin' while you keep from overheating. So it's easy to be hot and cool all at once.

Here are some of my picks for cute heat-beating dresses (okay, plus one romper I couldn't resist), and the accessories I would wear with them. As Paris would say, that's hot.

1. Gray tiered-skirt dress, $35, from American Eagle; 2. Drapy silk dress, $130, from Banana Republic; 3. Bird-patterned romper, $44, from Modcloth; 4. Floral cross-back dress, $60 from The Gap; 5. Adjustable jersey dress (can be tied seven different ways for different looks), $38, from American Apparel; 6. Floral halter dress, $23, from Forever 21; 7. Loose jersey dress, $16, from Old Navy; 8. Blue patterned wrap dress, $168, from Anthropologie; 9. Strappy striped dress with buttons, $4, from Urban Outfitters.

1. Long gold-chain necklace, $95, from Kate Spade; 2. Braided headband (keeps your hair off your face), $16, by L. Erickson, available from Amazon.com; 3. Tortoise-shell framed sunglasses, $120 by Ray-Ban from the Sunglass Hut; 4. Gold leaf-shaped cuff bracelet, $124, by Kendra Scott, from Zappos.com; 5. Nude suede "Gigi" sandals, $50, by Sam Edelman, from Piperlime.com; 6. Recycled sailcloth tote, $110, from Seabags.com.

The Fabulizer

When I packed up and moved into my college Freshman dorm room in the fall of 1999, I arrived armed with the essentials- a green original iMac, phone cards to call home, and a hugely padded black lace bra that my roommates immediately dubbed "The Fabulizer." I have, in my life, been blessed with many gifts (namely: naturally blond hair I don't have to color, a fairly sunny disposition, and a better-than-average ability to solve crossword puzzles), but I was not bestowed with what you might call "an ample bosom." Hence, The Fabulizer, which immediately added at least three cup sizes to anyone (to prove this, I once tacked it up on the flat wall, and, voila, "Wally Parton").  However,  while it was, well, fabulous, The Fabulizer had several blatant drawbacks. The black lace and thick straps hardly made for an inconspicuous combo, so it made it's presence known by showing though or sticking out of almost any outfit (luckily it was the late 90s and underwear-as-outerwear was in). To totally hide this monster of a bra, in fact, an outfit would have to be so modest as to be completely beside the point.  Also, because I didn't wear it at all times, it was unlikely I fooled anyone into thinking a rack like that had just sprouted overnight. Still, I managed to get quite a bit of wear out of that sucker over the course of the next four extremely educational and enriching years, until I finally outgrew it (emotionally, not physically, sadly).
In my adult life, which could frequently use a little fabulizing, I have often reminisced about the enhancing properties of that brassiere, and wished I had something with similar capabilities which would fit my lifestyle now. It seemed an impossible dream until, like a miracle, I found it: The Fabulizer 2.0.
The Plunge Multi-way Bra with Gel-Curve, $37.50 from Victoria's Secret is the Fabulizer for the new millennium (give or take 10 years). Seriously. I bought it in nude to wear under a dress to a wedding last September, and I have worn it almost every day since (sorry to disappoint you, People I Have Met Since September, but my cleavage isn't the real deal). This bra is actually comfortable, smooth enough to wear under anything without showing, and, unlike any other strapless bra I have ever owned, it stays up on it's own. And the patented Gel-Curve stuff looks and feels way more like real boob than the mattress foam that was stuffed into the original Fabulizer (not that I intend to test that by getting groped).
So, if you happen to be similarly mosquito-bitten, or just want to enhance your natural assets, I suggest you head to Vicky's and try this lovely thing on immediately. And if you spend more than $100 (by buying this bra in every color), get free shipping through July13 using the promo code: SHIPVS10. Fabulous.

Friday Styles: In the Nude

Most of the time, writing this blog is one of the high points of my day. It is my hobby and my great escape. But, for some reason, all the pleasure and joy I take in blogging goes out the window on Fridays, like a miracle in reverse. So my latest solution to this problem is to start a new feature: Friday Styles. These posts will feature something that I own that I think is awesome, and that I think you should probably buy, too. Hopefully, this will also help me rediscover all the great stuff I have stashed away in my place, and remember to be grateful for it. I hope you enjoy.

 Have you ever found something, out of the blue, that turned out to be just exactly the thing you needed, without your even having realized that you needed it? That was the case for me when I found these nude crocodile heels from Kate Spade on ridiculous super-sale at TJ Maxx a few weeks ago. Frankly, when I first spotted them on the rack, I didn't think they were much to look at- in a sea of wildly colored and patterned shoes, who would be drawn to boring old tan? But put the right nude shoe on your foot, and suddenly you'll feel like Cinderella. Or, rather, suddenly you'll feel like Cinderella's tall, leggy, stepsister. Something about a nude shoe makes your legs look a million miles long, even if your physical build is naturally less than statuesque. Seriously- you'll look like you could kick the moon, if you were so inclined. And, because they are so neutral, they look good with everything, from a flowy floral dress to a power suit.
But keep in mind that you have to find the right nude shoe. The color of the shoe should be close to your skin tone, but not an exact match (which could make you look like you have mutant club feet, instead of never-ending gams), so your right "nude" shoe might actually be beige or chocolate brown. And a little platform adds comfort, which is key because, trust me, you are going to be wearing these babies a lot. Here are some of my picks for great nude shoes available right now (sadly, my lovelies are no longer available in non-discount stores).

 1. "Pompadour" by Charles by Charles David, $100, from Zappos.com; 2. "Maddielyn" by Type Z, $74, from Zappos.com; 3. "Peekpump" by Stuart Weitzman, $325, from Zappos.com; 4. "Jocelyn" by Charles David, $250, from Piperlime.com; 5. "Carmen" by Kate Spade, $295, from Piperlime.com; 6."Jacey" by Gabriella Rocha, $54, from Zappo.com; 7. "Napoli" by Franco Sarto, $89, from Piperlime.com; 8. "Karolina" by Kate Spade, $298, from Zappos.com

P.S. Don't forget to enter my Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Giveaway by Monday night at Midnight (EST)!!

Redress the Problem

About this time every year, I fold up all my sweaters and coats and store them under the bed, and I pull out all my cute summer dresses. Before I hang them in the closet I do a little fashion show in front of the full-length mirror (I usually leave out the model walk, unless JM is home), and make sure that I still like them and think I'll wear them again. Most of them stand up to the challenge, but some just... don't. In some cases, it's hard to believe that my sense of fashion has changed so much in the eight months since I put the dress away- I think, "Did September Me really think this was a good look?"

Take, for example, this flouncy aqua dress I bought a couple years ago. I really thought it was cute back then, but in the fresh light of 2010, it looked more "Little House on the Prairie" than "Sex and the City". It wasn't all bad- I still liked the color, the shape of the strapless top, and the high waistline - but the voluminous tiered skirt that ended mid-calf and was more fatering than flattering. Not good.

Could this dress be saved?  I figured it was worth a shot. Using a seam ripper, I removed the bottom tier of the dress, and then stitched the seam into a hem using a sewing machine. Easy! And you can do it with any dress (or even shorts) that fall at unflattering lengths. If your dress doesn't have tiers, you can measure an even hem by using a measuring tape, marking the dress with pencil at even intervals, and then cutting between the marks. Depending on the fabric and how often you intend to wear it, you may not even have to hem it- although, iron-on seam binding works miracles if you aren't inclined to sew.

You know what they say: Dressperate times...

Fancy Footwork (5 Essential Shoes for Summer)

In my apartment the biggest closet is my shoe and tool closet.  A shoe rack as tall as I am covers one wall, filled with my massive footwear collection, and the other corner houses a cabinet which contains my (equally loved) power saw, drill, and hand tools. That just about sums me up, I think.

But just like I don't use every tool all the time (it's been a while since I reached for my awl, for example), I don't actually wear most of those shoes very often. In fact, I was thinking about it, and I think I could easily get through the whole spring and summer with just 5 pairs of shoes.  Granted, I don't have a working-girl life with the pumps and the power suits and whatnot, so if you're some kind of fancy exec, you might need to add a pair or two of corporate-ladder-climbing shoes to the list, but for those in more casual workplaces, I think I've got you covered. So without further ado, here are my

Five Essential Pairs of Shoes Every Gal Should Have This Summer

1. Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star Slim, $50; 2. Seychelles Araxi II snakeskin sandals, $75; 3. Kate Spade Frenchie flats, $156; 4. Elie Tahari Cassandra heels, $398; 5. Kate Spade Blooming Espadrilles, $225.

1. Cute Sneakers: There's something so very Audrey Hepburn about wearing cute simple sneakers in the summer time. I wear mine with shorts, linen pants, skinny jeans, and even short dresses. My mom has been wearing simple white Keds with everything for years, and she always looks adorable. I should have listened to her sooner.
2. Flat Sandals:  Cute flat sandals can make any outfit stylish. I wear mine all year, with everything. They are particularly lovely with maxi dresses, or short shorts (and tan legs).
3. Comfy Flats: These aren't just my summer go-to shoes, but my anytime-there-isn't-snow-on-the-ground go-to shoes. Flats are pretty, feminine, stylish and put together looking, and they're appropriate for any activity: work, play, or dinner out. You cannot go wrong- I walk all over Manhattan in mine. And they are a must-have for flying- they slip right off for security, but keep your toes warm in-flight. Perfection.
4. Killer Heels: Every girl needs at least one pair of great, sexy heels. I think a metallic (like gold or silver) is more versatile than black, and will look great with your power suit at after-work drinks, or any bridesmaid dress you have to don this year (at least your feet will look great).
5. Fun Wedges: These are the shoes you switch into from the flat sandals or sneakers once the sun goes down. They make any outfit- dresses, shorts, jeans, more dressy and fun. I love a modern take on espadrilles like these.


Now just don't make me choose between my tools.

Well Suited (with Guest Blogger Amber)

I just got back from spending a week in California with my family and friends. While I was there, I kept up a very busy schedule of sunbathing, reading, yoga, swimming, eating home-cooked meals and and drinking wine- you can imagine how stressful and exhausting it was. One day, while I was lounging poolside, my friend Amber showed up wearing a super-cute and flattering ruched bikini top. "Where, pray tell, did you get that adorable suit?" I asked. Her answer stunned and amazed me: It turns out that her suit was just a plain old cheap-o triangle top from Old Navy (shop for your own here), that she had rearranged and tied unconventionally in order to create a better-looking, better-fitting bikini top.  And that wasn't all! Amber had several other suit-tying techniques up her sleeve that could turn that same suit top into a variety of different styles- letting you make one suit look like a bunch of different suits. So you can avoid tan-lines, make a statement, and pack lighter, like a miracle! Even more miraculous, Amber agreed to model the looks and show us how to do them, so if you're lucky enough to have a little Spring Break of your own in the works, you can employ her bikini-top macrame techniques yourself. One caveat: This works better for us small-breasted girls than for you well-endowed ladies. But don't be sad if you can't wear a triangle top- you're already stacked, and you can't have everything!




Style #1: Upside-Down. (See on Amber, above). This is an easy one- simply tie the two bottom strings (BR and BL) together around the back of your neck. Then tie the strings that would normally go around your neck behind your back. Then adjust the cups til they are flattering.

                                                     

Style #2: Bandeau. Tie the two bottom strings (BL and BR)tightly together in a bow. Then wrap the two remaining strings (TL and TR) around your back and tie it. If you prefer, you can tuck the bow into one of the cups for a cleaner look.

Style #3: Keyhole. This one is very similar to #2. Twist the two bottom strings (BR and BL) together in a half knot. Then tie them around the back of your neck. Then tie the two remaining strings (TL and TR) around your back.

 Style #4: Center Bow. Slide the triangles away from one another.  Tie the two top strings together in a bow.  Loop the string between the two cups over your neck. Tie the two remaining strings (BL and BR) behind your back. If you prefer, you can trim the ends of the bow short (but that's a permanent change).

Monday Bunday!

Not that I pay that much attention to fashion shows (until someone does one featuring sweatpants, in which case they should put me in the front row next to Anna Wintour), but I couldn't help but notice that a lot of the runway shows during recent fashion weeks have featured models sporting messy buns in their hair. I must be ahead of my time, this has been one of my "signature looks" ever since I took ballet when  I was nine and could never figure out how to get the straggly bits to stay put (sadly, my jetés and pliés were just as sloppy, but that's a story for another day). I've worked on my technique since then, and I'm pretty sure I've mastered the art of creating a bun that looks pulled together, but not too polished, with just the right dash of laissez-faire attitude. It's equally appropriate for a night on the town or a night spent polishing your floors. And it goes particularly well with sweatpants.

Here are my step-by-step instructions for creating a loose bun that looks like you just threw it together (which, in fact, is kind of how you do it). I couldn't bring myself to force a friend to pose for these pictures, so please excuse the weird faces I apparently make when bunning myself. Good thing ballet prepared me to be comfortable with public humiliation.

Step 1: Figure out where you want your bun to be, and pull your hair back into a ponytail, and secure with a rubber band. I generally try to make my hair as smooth as possible during this step, and then mess it up later.








Step 2: Twist the ponytail from the base to the top, and coil the hair around the base of the ponytail. Don't worry if a lot of the hair is sticking out of the twist (like mine)- that's what makes the bun look so easy and breezy, and whatnot.








Step 3: Use large bobby pins to secure the bun in place. It helps make it hold if you are able to slide one side of the pin under part of the rubber band. You can use smaller pins or hairspray to tuck in stray hair pieces. Then, if you want loose strands at the back of your neck, or in front of your ears, pull them out. Tada!









Try a high bun, a low side bun, or add a headband for a Brigitte Bardot look while you are washing your dog or doing the dishes.

top photo credit: via Bella Sugar

Don't-Bleed-Your-Wallet-Dry Cleaning

There's a reason the expression "taken to the cleaners" means ripped off. And that reason is that dry cleaning, while a necessary part of life if you want to look presentable, can be insanely expensive. Sometimes I literally find myself thinking, I bought this sweater at H&M for $19. Am I really about to spend $10 to get it cleaned? Because I'm cheap like that. It's a fierce battle, but usually my cheapness trumps my laziness, and I end up washing the darn thing myself. And while, for your sanity, certain garments are best left to the professionals (like suits, anything with heavy beading or embellishments or a ton of pleats) there are ways to limit the amount of dough you have to shell out, and take some shortcuts at home.* Plus, dry cleaning chemicals are toxic (do you really want them all over your clothes?) and harmful to the environment, so limiting your dry cleaning habit is good for your bank account, your health and the planet. Here are the techniques I employ at home to keep my wallet from getting cleaned out.

1. Read the Labels: If the label says "dry clean" that means you can definitely wash it at home. If it says "dry clean only" there's still a chance that you can clean it yourself. A general rule is that wool, acrylic, cashmere, cotton and polyester can be easily washed at home. Silk and rayon require a little more care, but can sometimes be hand-washed.

2. Use Your Dryer: If the clothes are unstained and just kind of maloderous (due to last night's trip to a cigar bar, or your sprint for the bus), you can use one of the at-home dry cleaning kits at work in your dryer: Dryel or FreshCare. Read the instructions, but they are generally safe with most fabrics, and will leave your clothes unwrinkled, and smelling fresher than if you spray them with Febreze.

3. Handwash Your Sweaters: Here's a secret- hand-washing actually will make your wool and cashmere sweaters softer. Just fill a deep sink or bathtub with room temperature water (not hot!), and add your sweater to it. Put in a small amount of soap (Woolite is nice, but you can also use a gentle shampoo), and gently spot treat just using your hands and by rubbing the fabric against itself. After the sweater has soaked for a while and is clean, rinse them with cool water and lay them flat on a clean towel, then roll the towel to dry. Allow the sweater to lay flat until dry. To save time, do several sweaters at once.

4. Silky tops: Use the same method as with sweaters to wash your silk items, but after you rinse them, pat them dry with a towel and hang on a padded hanger to dry.

*I also take personal umbrage that our dry cleaning establishment will wash and press my husband's shirts for $1.50 each, while my button-up collared shirts are categorized as "blouses" and cost $6. If I were less lazy, I would start a boycott based on the sexism inherent in that, but then I'd be stuck washing and pressing all JM's shirts myself. And they deliver for free, so I'll give them a pass.

photo credit: Nanopedia.case.edu - a site dedicated to the idea of using nanotechnology to create self-cleaning fabrics. So hopefully this whole post will soon be moot.

Friday Styles: A Case in (Needle)Point

Most of the time, contributing to this blog is one of the high points of my day. It is my hobby and my great escape- when I'm doing the things I enjoy less (like unloading the dishwasher or picking up my dog's poo), I often let my mind wander and find myself daydreaming about what I want to write about next. I usually have a mental list a mile long of projects and ideas I can't wait to write about and share with you. But, for some reason, all the pleasure and joy I take in blogging goes out the window on Fridays, like a miracle in reverse. Maybe it's because I've already used up the week's best ideas, or because I am distracted and impatient to get the weekend started, but I find I end up with a massive, impenetrable writer's block on Friday. By Monday, that excitement and enthusiasm are always back in full force, but on Friday, I feel like I am running on fumes. "So, write Friday's post on Thursday!", my husband declares, as if I hadn't thought of that (and failed at it) already. So my latest solution to this problem is to start a new feature: Friday Styles. These posts will feature something that I own that I think is awesome, and that I think you should probably buy, too. That way, my reasoning goes, when I'm stuck, I can just look around my apartment until I spot something to write about. Hopefully, this will also help me rediscover all the great stuff I have stashed away in my place, and remember to be grateful for it. I hope you enjoy.

Custom Needlepoint Monogrammed Loafers, $158, from By Paige.
Okay, so I know I've shown these babies before, but it was almost a year ago, and I don't think I gave them the fanfare they deserve back then, so they are making an encore appearance today. These monogrammed needlepoint loafers were a gift from my husband, a man who never met a popped collar he didn't like (a.k.a. the reigning Preppiest Man Alive). While my own fashion choices are a little more eclectic, there is something wonderfully traditional, classic and pulled-together about the Brooks Brothers set, and I absolutely adore these shoes, from By Paige. Despite being personalized and handmade (you can choose everything from the pattern - think zebra- to the colors, to the font), I think they are very reasonably priced. And they are so comfortable, that I usually slip them on whenever I am just lounging around the apartment. I know they are a little over-the-top (that's sort of the point), but to keep them from going too "costume-y", I wear them with skinny jeans, a blazer, and chunky jewelry (as opposed to Lilly Pulitzer capris). The downside is that because they are custom, they can take up to 4 months to arrive- but at least you know that a classic like these will be in style (or not, depending on your perspective) forever.

Travel Tip #004: Scarf Tactics

I know I have mentioned this before, but some things are so genius they bear repeating. And that's definitely how I feel about this travel tip, which has proven essential to my happiness and general well-being on more than one occasion. Whenever I travel anywhere - be it by airplane, train, bus, or car - I always wear an oversize Pashmina-style wrap as a scarf around my neck. In addition to keeping my neck warm and being a cute accessory with casual clothes, and serving as a wrap with dressier outfits, it also serves a multitude of other functions in my travels. They are big enough to spread out over yourself and use as a warm blanket (beats those static-y fleece numbers the airline may or may not provide) or wad up and use as a pillow. In a pinch, I have used one as a towel, a picnic blanket, a mop, and a beach cover-up, and I've even tied one around my waist to cover up a massive coffee spill on the front of my pants (Gwyneth Paltrow once famously did the same thing to cover her derriere when her leather pants split a seam on a red carpet).
Depending on the blend of the fabric, most of them are machine washable (just don't put them in the dryer!), so you can use them to death without fear of dry-cleaning repercussions. I buy inexpensive wraps in every color in bulk from the street vendors who peddle them on every corner in Manhattan, so when they get truly filthy, I don't feel guilty and can easily replace them. But if you want to invest in something a little more special, all of these options are lovely, versatile, and durable. There, now all your travel problems are all wrapped up.

Top left: Gray Love Quotes wrap scarf, $78, from Zappos.com; top right: Crinkle jersey wrap scarf, $39, from J.Jill; bottom left: Lightweight cashmere scarves, $49 each, from Restoration Hardware; bottom right: White fringed wrap, $13, from Overstock.com.

Puttin' On The Spritz

This year we are celebrating Thanksgiving with my husband's family, and will be going to dinner at his aunt and uncle's house, just outside the city. So, instead of us traveling to Boston, this year, my in-laws are coming to us. And while I won't miss attempting to schlep pies on an overcrowded, traffic-jammed bus, I do want to make the apartment lovely and welcoming for my mother-in-law (even though she has already promised to overlook the dog hair and dust bunnies), which creates it's own list of to-do's.
Here's a simple and easy trick to make your life easier this holiday season. Instead of pulling out the ironing board every fifteen minutes to de-wrinkle the endless stream of tablecloths, guest linens, holiday ribbons, and party clothes that you need, pull out a spray bottle. Fill it with clean (preferably distilled) water and, if you want, a few drops of lavender or rose water. Simply spread the tablecloth over the table, or the sheet on the bed (or hang that blouse from a hanger) and mist the fabric with water, getting the whole thing slightly damp. Then run your clean hands over the surface, and gently pull on the hems, smoothing out any wrinkles. Allow the fabric to dry completely, and it will look like you spent hours slaving over the iron. It's the perfect solution when you're pressed for time.


Photo credit: Real Simple

Playing Dress Up

I'm a big fan of the interweb, and the various gifts it has bestowed upon us: Twitter, Youtube, Facebook, Seamless Web, online shopping, Wikipedia, and (ahem) blogs, among them. But one way my quality of life has deteriorated since the advent of Al Gore's brainchild is that, with pictures of every wedding and event I attend showing up on Facebook, I find that I can't wear the same dress more than a couple times until it seems like everyone has seen me in it. And with eight weddings this summer, all those new dresses can really add up.
Luckily, thanks to the lovely ladies at Rent the Runway (including my friend, Jenn), the internet is about to resolve this particular problem, too. Rent the Runway has dresses from designers like Lela Rose, Proenza Schouler, Tibi, and Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti (as well as many others) available to rent for a fraction of what it would cost you to buy them. And if the only designer things your budget allows are the Target and H&M versions, here's your chance to try the real thing and live like a celeb for a weekend. Just choose the dress you want to wear and it's yours for your choice of four or eight days. Rent the Runway sends you two sizes to ensure you always get the perfect fit. And each dress comes with a pre-paid return envelope, so once you've worn the dress, you can just drop it in the mailbox to send it back. Genius.
Here I am in a Yigel Azrouel number at an event in Las Vegas this weekend. While I would never splurge on something this daring, and, well, red, in real life, I loved getting to wear it for one night. And now it's on it's way back, and I'm back on the site, choosing what I'll be wearing next!

The full site launches November 1, but sign up for membership now at www.renttherunway.com, and check out a preview of just some of their dresses now at www.renttherunway.com/prelaunch.

Crack the Code

I'm in California this week to help my friend, Lea, make the final preparations for her wedding this weekend. In honor of this auspicious occasion, and because this is our last wedding of the season, I have decided to make this "Wedding Week" on the blog. Don't worry if you aren't a bride- or groom-to-be, however -- I'll try to make this week's post applicable to the soon-to-be-hitched, already-wed, and don't-believe-in-the-institution-of-marriage, alike. Today's topic: what to wear almost anywhere.

If you've ever been the gal at the party wearing jeans when everyone else is in a dress, the dork in the jacket and tie at the pool party, or the chick whose 5-inch heels keep sinking in to the dirt at the backyard barbecue, you know the shame and discomfort of being inappropriately dressed for an occasion. Even if you're one of those disdainful-of-fashion-and-propriety types (in which case, what are you doing reading this blog - are you lost or something?), you have to admit that sometimes the right outfit can be a major boost to your confidence and ease, and the wrong one can pretty much ruin your night. All of this is made more complicated by the cryptic and inscrutable dress codes some people choose to assign to their events (what the heck is 'Dressy Casual'?) The only thing worse being when they don't assign one at all and you are left to guess. Happily, my friend and yours, Emily Post, has gone to the trouble of clearly identifying all of the different dress codes that might be ascribed to a party, and outlining precisely what you should wear (and I have taken the liberty of unlawfully copying her work below). I don't agree with everything she says (I tend to think "holiday-themed ties" are a "no" in every circumstance. But first let's address what you should (and should not) wear if no dress code is mentioned.

To A Wedding:
-In the Daytime: Ladies: a short, colorful dress or suit is appropriate. Don't wear black, or flashy sequins or beads. And consider the location; if the wedding is to be outdoors in a garden or on a lawn, you will be happier in flat footwear or wedges than in stilettos. Guys: Dress shirt and pants, with a sports jacket. Tie is optional.
-In the Evening: Ladies: Cocktail dress. Black is fine, white is not. Nothing too flashy or revealing, please. You don't want to draw attention to yourself in a negative way (if you have to ask if it's appropriate, it probably isn't). Guys: Suit or dress pants and jacket. I strongly suggest a tie. Don't wear a tuxedo unless "black tie" is specified.

To A Cocktail Party:
-Outdoors in the Spring or Summer: Ladies: A summery dress and sandals. Guys: Khaki pants and a polo shirt or light cotton dress shirt. Unless you're on Bermuda, stay away from shorts.
-In the Evening in the Fall or Winter: Ladies: A short cocktail dress (duh), with dressy shoes. Guys: A jacket and tie, unless the host or hostess specifically mentions the word "casual".

And Now For the Plagiarized Portion of this Post (Thanks, Emily!):

White Tie
For Men:
Black tailcoat
matching trousers with a single stripe of satin or braid in the US; two stripes in Europe or the UK
white piqué wing-collared shirt with stiff front
white vest
white bow tie
white or gray gloves
black patent shoes and black dress socks

For Women:
Formal (floor length) evening gown

Black Tie

For Men:
Black tuxedo jacket and matching trousers
formal (piqué or pleated front) white shirt
black bow tie (silk, shiny satin or twill)
black cummerbund to match tie, or a vest
dressy suspenders to ensure a good fit
black patent shoes and black dress socks
no gloves.
In summer or on a cruise:
white dinner jacket
black tuxedo trousers plus other black tie wardrobe.

For Women:
Formal (floor length) evening gown or short, dressy cocktail dress

Black Tie Optional
For Men:
Either a tuxedo (see 'Black Tie' above) or dark suit, white shirt and conservative tie

For Women:
Formal (floor length) evening gown or short, dressy cocktail dress or dressy separates

Creative Black Tie
For Men:
Tuxedo combined with trendy or whimsical items, such as a black shirt or a matching colored or patterned bow tie and cummerbund
black shiny patent or dressy black leather shoes and black socks

For Women:
Formal (floor length) evening gown or short, dressy cocktail dress or dressy separates or any of the above accessorized with such items as a feather boa, colorful shawl or colorful jewelry

Semiformal
For Men:
Dark, business suit (usually worsted wool)
matching vest
white shirt
conservative tie
dressy leather shoes and dress (dark)socks

For Women:
Short afternoon or cocktail dress or long dressy skirt and top

Festive Attire
For Men:
Seasonal sport coat or blazer in color of choice and slack
open-collar shirt or shirt and "festive" or holiday-themed tie

For Women:
cocktail dress or long dressy skirt and top or dressy pants outfit

Dressy Casual
For Men:
Seasonal sport coat or blazer and slacks
open-collar shirt

For Women:
Street length dress or skirt and dressy top or dressy pants outfit

Business Casual
For Men:
Seasonal sport coat or blazer with slacks or khakis
open-collar shirt

For Women:
Skirt, khakis or slacks
open-collar shirt, knit shirt or sweater (no spaghetti straps or decolleté)

Sport Casual
For Men:
Khakis or clean, pressed jeans
plain tee shirt (no slogans), polo shirt or casual button-down shirt

For Women:
Khakis or clean, pressed jeans
plain tee shirt (no slogans), polo shirt or casual button-down shirt

Beach Casual
For Men:
Khakis or shorts (cargo or Bermuda)
knit or polo shirt
sport jacket (optional) or sweater

For Women:
Sundress, khakis or shorts (cargo or Bermuda)
open-collar, knit, or polo shirt
lightweight jacket or sweater

Holiday Casual
Clothing is the same as for 'Business Casual' with some holiday colors or designs.

It's a Tie!

I'm headed to California today to help my friend, Lea, make the final preparations for her wedding next weekend. In honor of this auspicious occasion, and because this is our last wedding of the season, I have decided to make this "Wedding Week" on the blog. Don't worry if you aren't a bride- or groom-to-be, however -- I'll try to make this week's post applicable to the soon-to-be-hitched, already-wed, and don't-believe-in-the-institution-of-marriage, alike. Read on, lovers.

Because I always enjoy those special moments in the movies when the young woman shares a touching exchange with her father (or grandfather ... or Crocodile Dundee) while helping him to tie his necktie, I made a point of learning the skill myself. Disappointingly for me, however, my father, brother, and husband are all perfectly capable of tying their own ties (prefer to do so) and, in fact, have never once enlisted my help.
In the meantime, I still think it's a talent worth having in your arsenal, because you never know when you are going to encounter a pack of bewildered groomsmen or just happen to bump into Matthew McConaughey on his way to collect an Oscar, bow tie in hand. Okay, you're right, Matthew McConaughey is never going to win an Oscar, but you know what I mean. And should you encounter a well-tanned Aussie with leather vest and machete wandering around helpless with a cravat, let me know. Read on, and you'll soon find yourself fit to be tied ...or fit to do the tying. One of those.
Step 1: Start with the tie around your (or the person you are sharing an intimate made-for-TV moment with's) neck, with the wide end hanging about 10-12 inches longer than the skinny end. Cross the wide end in front of the skinny end.
Step 2: Wrap the wide end around the back of the skinny end, folding it, so the back side of the wide end is exposed.
Step 3: Wrap the wide end around the front of the skinny end again, folding it so that the front side of the wide end is exposed again.
Step 4: Pull the wide end up and through the part that goes around the neck.
Step 5: Bring the wide end down and through the small loop that is front and center (under the Adam's apple).
Step 6: Pull the skinny end downward to tighten, and shape the knot gently with your fingers. Perfecto.


Step 1: Start with the tie around the neck, with one end hanging 1 - 1 1/2 inches longer than the other.
Step 2: Cross the long end in front of the short end, and pull up through the loop that is around the neck.
Step 3: Fold the short end in half (forming one half of the bow), and tuck it up horizontally by the shirt collar.
Step 4: Bring the long end down in front of the (folded) short end, and (like tying a shoelace) tuck it in half back behind the loop formed by the short end, forming a bow.
Step 5: Slip one index finger inside each loop, grab onto the tie ends, and pull to tighten and straighten.
Step 6: Enjoy the ball, Cinderella (or Cinderello, I guess).

photo credit: stolen from getty images
illustrations credit: Hardscrabble Farm

The Weather Report

Today's Weather Report: Cloudy with a 100% chance of you looking super cute. Look, no one really likes a rainy day: the cold, wet toes, bad hair days, and musty-smelling sweaters are enough to put anyone in a bad mood - even Gene Kelly probably didn't twirl around streetlamps every time the barometer took a dip. But it's much easier to weather the storm in style when you have the proper gear to get you through. Waterproof rubber boots will have you bidding farewell to those soaked socks (and just might have you jumping in puddles). And who wouldn't be happy looking through a rainbow-polka-dotted umbrella? So, when the dark clouds roll in, just gear up in some of this cuteness, and, who knows? You just might even find yourself singing in the rain.


1. Bella Pagoda-style umbrella, $96, from Umbrellas.net; 2. Khaki rain jacket, $266, Cole Haan from Bluefly.com; 3. Riding-style galoshes, $80, from J. Crew; 4. Cloud-pattern umbrella, $65, from Pare; 5. Polka-dotted clear umbrella, $22, from Totes; 6. Classic red Hunter rainboots, $114, from 6pm.com; 7. Rubber-and-leather duck boots, $84, from L.L.Bean; 8. Striped pocket umbrella, £25, from Lulu Guinness; 9. Green mackintosh rain jacket, $70, from L.L.Bean.

10. Brown-and-blue patterned umbrella, $40, from Merimekko; 11. Red bird-silhouette folding umbrella, $45, from Tray 6; 12. Silver short rain boots, $64, by Tretorn, from Zappos.com; 13. Floral-print Urban Mac rain jacket, $138, from Boden USA, 14. Hot-pink heeled Randi rainboots, $125, from Kate Spade; 15. Plaid-print galoshes, $40, by Tommy Hilfiger, from DSW; 16. Floral-print folding umbrella, $22, from Totes; 17. Flowery galoshes, $25, from Target.com; 18. Green rain jacket, $99, by Spiewak, from Bluefly.com; 19. Peacock-feather print umbrella, $26, from Umbrellastand.com.

Suits Me

This may seem like a weird time to be doing a post on bathing suits, what with summer being over, and winter beckoning us with it's icy fingers. But I'm an optimist, and I'm holding out hope that we might have a few warm weather weekends left this year. Not to mention the surprise trip to Bermuda I am sure my husband is planning for me. But mostly, this is a really great time to buy a new bathing suit because they are on sale everywhere. And it's not like styles change much year to year- unless you count that ill-advised high-cut leg thing that was in during the '90s (but if that comes back next year, I suggest you buck the trend). So even if you have to buy one and put it away for next year, at least it will be new to you. Plus, no one loves trying on suits, but wouldn't you rather do it now with an end-of-summer tan than next spring with winter pasty skin and that layer of extra-warmth pudge?


Top row, left to right: Green patterned bikini, $152, from Lilly Pulitzer available at Zappos.com; Navy ruffle full-piece suit, $89, from J.Crew; Striped suit, $44, from Overstock.com; Black low-cut full-piece, $20, from Newport News; Green polka-dot bikini, $39, from Victoria's Secret; Red-and-white bikini by Salinas, $30, from Overstock.com; Blue-and-white nautical bikini, top $22.50, bottom $17.50, from Delia's; White-and-blue one-piece, $99, from Anthropologie; Multi-colored striped bikini, $39, from Victoria's Secret.