…try living in the suburbs. It’s unnatural! And at the very least an intriguing study on human behavior and conformity–or lack thereof. But mostly “there.”
I am telling you that I saw a woman today busting her keister doing yard work, bless her soul, in a bubble gum pink tee-shirt and a bubble gum pink “baseball” cap. I know this woman, actually, and I really like her! But I was slightly confounded by her “fashion” choice.
Here in the ‘burbs I know women who won’t put their hand to a plow so this woman has my respect for being out in the 90+ degree heat with her hubby and getting the job done. But the coordinating shirt and hat–pink no less–I just didn’t understand why one would try and look “stylish” while at the very same time defeating that purpose!
But here’s an admission: My sister and I work out in skirts! I especially like her short pleated kilt. I’ll wear the sporty kind (not skorts) and the slightly bohemian kind that hit just above the knee. They’re airy and easy-to-move-in and frankly a lot more flattering than a lot of work-out shorts or God forbid: spandex.
So who am I to judge? I just really cringed at the cliché of it all. A suburban mom in matchy-matchy gear to do dirty-work. Sigh.
~ Jodi
Filed under: Suburbia, Think about it | Leave a Comment
Tags: bubblegum pink, coordinating clothing, Fashion, mom fashion, neighbors, pink, style, suburbs, yard work
It’s all relative!
So about the nail polish hang-ups. I decided to go funky on my nails–and not just on the safer toe-nails. The finger tips. Ladies: my finger tips are turquoise!
Like little stones of turquoise bejewelled my finger tips
My feeling is that if I am going to meet a client then neutrals it is. But for summertime, play time, and around the house why not dive in to the fun colors? Earlier I made the statement that since I’m over 30 I should probably avoid funky colors. I’ve swung my pendulum slightly toward the middle on this and though I still believe there’s a time and a place (when I want to be taken seriously), the fun colors are still OK for this thirty-something.
Thanks Ruth in the Desert!
Filed under: Inspirations, Think about it | 6 Comments
Tags: bright colors, bright nail polish, Fashion, finger nails, nail polish, thrity-something
Visuals: the Celebrity Census
By Jodi
I don’t know about you all but I need visuals for inspiration when it comes to fashion. I actually have a pin-up board where I’ve torn out magazine articles or even advertisements to keep my mind rolling a certain direction. I find this very helpful and fun. It’s fun to evolve my look and see things pass through the seasons. Right now my board includes cut-outs of nail polish colors, current color-combos that seem to be “in,” and a few outfit assemblies that help me to keep it simple in the morning (rather than waste time in the hazy fog that is my just-awakened state of mind).
I definitely like to have fashion “role models,” so to speak, and these abound on the A-list of Hollywood. I like to see them when they’re in their “everyday attire,” or at least off-the-red-carpet looks. So here I have decided to compile a list of celebs that I personally favor for inspiration; all we gotta do it Google ‘em for some creative (or connect-the-dots) fashion ideas! I’ve linked their names to In Styles’ photo sections of the respective celebrity so you can also browse with one click.
Let me know who your favorites are whether they’re on this list or not!
The always classy Kate Bosworth
Playful and sharp Cameron Diaz
At once both elegant and laid back Kate Winslet
On trend Rachel Bilson
Trend setter Sienna Miller
Another trend setter Chloe Sevigny
Hollywood is in her blood Kate Hudson
Galmourous and chic Charlize Theron
Everything looks good on Keira Knightley
City slicker and country girl Sandra Bullock
and always & forever Gwyneth Paltrow
Filed under: Inspirations | 1 Comment
Tags: Cameron Diaz, celebrity fashion, celebrity style, Charlize Theron, Chloe Sevigny, Fashion, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Bosworth, Kate Hudson, Kate Winslet, Keira Knightley, Rachel Bilson, Sienna Miller, style, style inspiration
It’s a rather time-honored philosophy but I think worth repeating: spend only small amounts on super-trendy items. At this moment in time (which is precisely Friday, July 9, 2010 at 8:39:38 PM MST) such über-trendiness probably includes: one-sleeved garments, studded shirts (or clothing other than accessories), fringed clothing, and sequined anything.
My black sequined flats in action
So about the sequined “anything,” I (Jodi) just dropped a whalloping $12.99 USD on sequined flats. The good news is they are fun to wear and I feel “in the zone.” As screamingly trendy as sequined shoes have got to be I didn’t spend too much to join in the fun. However they fit like shoes that have already been worn a lot. They are made entirely of synthetic materials. I find them to be comfortable enough so that isnt’ an issue but the main thing one might notice is the “gap” between the arch of my foot and the edge of the shoe.
My sequined flats for summer 2010 (and maybe the fall?)
Nonetheless I stand by my” investment” and can’t really imagine paying more than $25 for a pair of sequined shoes so trendy that the next time I inhale they’ll be outdated.
What would you pay for über-trendy shoes?
Filed under: Think about it | 8 Comments
Nail polish nays
Are you one of those people who is always reminded of something by almost everything? If you are then you might be fairly limited in a lot of areas including nail polish 
Jodi recently fell into the direction of the pastels with nail polish. Being a woman of a certain age (read: over 30) she realizes that the brighter & less neutral colors aren’t as appropriate. Still, polish is an area that is easy enough to play with and avoid over-committing to a new trend.
At the suggestion of a very on-trend magazine Jodi tried Rimmel’s ”Steel Gray.” She was happy with the pastel-looking gray but her husband thought it resembled the 2nd week of a bruised finger nail! Humph!
Bruised nails?
Then again, it seems like almost all colors have some kind of connotation. Jodi thinks certain shades of green look like runny-nose. Just sayin’ !
What won’t you wear on your nails? What does it remind you of?
Filed under: Fixations, Think about it | 2 Comments
Tags: finger nail polish, finger nails, gray nail polish, nail polish, nail polish colors, toe nail polish, toe nails
We have searched the world & surfed the web, having skimmed & gleaned, we have now comprised our very own list of “How to Look Like an Off Duty Model” (or better stated: how to look chic without having to try too hard.)
It’s obviously not comprehensive but it is longer than most of the internet postings we’ve found–and that’s the point of this post. This is for us (and you!) to draw from. Our intention is to create something of a “time saver.” Take this list and make it yours, draw from it what you want. We aren’t pretending to have figured out something new here,we’ve just compiled and collected from the likes of Kate Moss, Keira Knightley, and many other gaunt-faced but undeniably stylish living mannequins.
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Remember that this isn’t about being a poser (or knowing how to pose!) It’s about what works. It’s about comfort and style. The one caveat we’ve got is the shoes: those are going to be where the adage “beauty knows no pain” best describes the situation. So stick with the ballet flats or other flat shoes for domicile dwelling moments.
That said, it’s time to whip out the palm pilot, Black Berry, iPhones, and Franklin Covey planners. Note what works for you!
Winter Time off-Duty Look
- Good-fitting jeans/pants are a must
- Cool tees that are a bit baggy; graphic tees without slogans or what personality trait you are.
- Black leggings with flats
- Blazers – when possible, roll the sleeves (consider mannish blazers)
- Oversized cardigans worn under things like short at-the-waist leather jackets. Belt the cardigan when possible (thin belts are key)
- Cuff bracelets
- Big scarves
- Slouchy & slightly too big shoulder bag
- Knitted hats (or a clean-lined hat that doesn’t look solely practical)
- Clumpy shoes (including cowboy boots)
- Slim, tall boots
- When wearing flats & you know you’ll be out all day, consider carrying heels in your bag for lunch dates or other face-time occasions.
Summer Time off-Duty Look
- Cuffed shorts Denim mini skirt, preferably with tights
- Denim shorts, preferably belted & with tights (black is color of choice for many)
- Interesting flats
- Stockings and sturdy boots
- Try: cutoffs, a white tee, and a vest (with long necklace?)
- Graphic tee or sleeveless shirt
- Vests either alone or over the tee
- Light weight clean-lined hat
- Thin bangles
- Huge sunglasses
All Season off-Duty Look
- Very done eyes (especially smoky) but minimal make-up elsewhere
- One stand-out accessory, keep the rest is simple
- A piece with stand out color is great but keep colors basic–rely upon lots of neutrals.
- Basically: Cuff it, belt it, use a major accessory and keep the rest simple; keep one part fitted and then slouch the other “part.” (i.e. fitted top, slouchy bottom, slouchy top, fitted bottom) Carry a big shoulder bag. Also have really cool shoes & use scarves whenever possible. Hair should be tousled, tied up (not too neatly), and “natural.”
Filed under: Fixations, International | 2 Comments
Tags: basic style, chic, model chic, model fashion, model style, Models, off duty model, street style
Jodi’s Got Her Mind On…
My new favorites for fun and flavor!
Granny B’s Big Pink Cookie frosting. And only the frosting! I’ve become a Big Pink Cookie vampire, I only eat the frosting and leave the doughy part of the cookie. Mmmm mmm good!
Cut-offs. I’m at a point where four pair of my jeans have literally ripped at the knees, and since I don’t do ripped clothing and since cuffed jeans and shorts are completely “now,” I’ve taken a pair of scissors to those jeans and created shorts and pedal-pushers a la Jennifer Grey from Dirty Dancing.
Jennifer Grey on the "bridge" in Dirty Dancing
I haven’t stopped with my jeans though, my kids are in need of many shorts for summer and since they outgrow clothing so fast in these toddler years I have taken to “clipping” their lighter-weight pants and their jammies, both tops and bottoms! I feel partly proud of myself and admittedly a little pathetic. But they don’t mind a bit.
NUDE lipstick. I can’t honestly tell you which shades of lipstick are thee shades right now–it depends upon which circles you’re running in. But the nude thing is seemingly always in somehow, or has been for the past many years. I just found a good matte from Revelon that I combine with any and every lip gloss to give it more oomph without losing its “nudity.” It’s called “Nude Attitude” and I’d say to give it a try! Just for fun.
Tea. My favorites are Green teas (don’t get the kind with flavors put in or else much of the antioxidant value is lost), Throat Coat by Traditional Medicinals (I can always find the brand at Target), and Peppermint by Celestial Seasonings. The nice thing about mint teas is that they will take away some of the “I need dessert” edge after eating meals and they also give you a slightly less need to munch in the evening. Try it.
Filed under: Fixations | Leave a Comment
Tags: cookies, Cut offs, denim, Dirty Dancing, frosting, fun things to try, green tea, Jennifer Grey, lip gloss, lipstick, mint tea, pedal pushers, snacks, tea
Consider the Source
Here at the Fashion Filter we try hard to be discerning; discerning of people, of too-good-to-be-true bargains, and of what we read in style sheets. This applies to hard copy magazines as well as those online.
In this case we want to zero in on what is said by and about models and celebrities, the “god-like” creatures next to which the layman or woman (ok, especially women) tend to feel sub par in comparison. It’s become popular to say that our culture is unfair to women when it comes to standards of beauty. Even Dove’s Campaign for Real Beauty garners widespread applause (and probably boosts their sales, too.) We would like to attempt to put forth some actual thought-in-motion tools beyond the generalizations.Recently there was an online piece including a sidebar about Cameron Diaz’ fitness routine. Her trainer, Teddy Bass, is quoted as saying the Diaz is a “genetic goddess.” We used to read these types of quotes and think something like, “gee, if her own physical trainer, presumably an experienced trainer to the elite, says that she’s a genetic goddess, it must be true!” Step back. Think of the wonderful PR that a statement such as this makes for both Diaz and her trainer, who surely would like to remain her trainer and possibly garner more celebrity clients. Afterall, look how good he makes Cameron Diaz both look and sound!
Filter it, that’s all we’re asking. Consider who is saying it and what their motives might be. As a related sidenote, much as we think Diaz does indeed look amazing and unquestionably has talent as an actress, she is far from the perfect standard of Western beauty. We have no intention of celebrity bashing but just to make a point consider these pictures of Diaz. This webpage deftly describes her “boyish” figure, which includes a small chest, narrow hips, and generally not being curvaceous. The hourglass shape has traditionally been considered the Western “ideal” for women, so perhaps Bass’ ”genetic goddess” statement is his own opinion being stated as fact? If that is the case then we’re back to accepting irresponsible reporting creating a cultural facade which perpetuates the inadequacies that leave most of us hating our thighs. Sigh.
There seems to be the implication that celebrities are above the rest of us; they do, afterall, have exposure to so many things and are able to be potentially more selective in selecting their inner circles. Instead of creating temples for worship of our “gods” our culture puts ‘em on the covers of magazines. Yet when reading articles about them, and especially those containing in-person interviews, we should be wise and consider both sides.
Greek statue of Aphrodite of Milos (130-100 BC)
Recently Christie Brinkley’s image blanketed the cover of Ladies Home Journal. That sounds safe, right? A magazine for ladies. Why would LHJ exalt anyone who wasn’t a worthwhile role model to women who’ve passed through the trials of youth and have matured into womanhood? If one reads an article in a major magazine with the assumption that since she has been given such a lofty assignment as to visit a supermodel at her home, the writer must then have opinions and viewpoints that are equal to or even above our own, then one would be mistaken. The article published in the July 2010 issue actually makes us wonder if the interviewer was trying to make Brinkley look less-than-intelligent; so we considered the source. That doesn’t mean we know whether the article represented her accurately, but we won’t blindly believe that Brinkley is as vapid as the article seems to indicate–though this is a sense the writer never directly intimates (and the woman has gone through some very difficult things so we expected a bit more depth.) Examples of a couple of her quotes, “I’d rather have a broken arm than a broken heart,” and “I know when I go someplace that they’re going to want to find out about what I’m wearing instead of what I’m saying…but to be able to get something about a nuclear power plant on Extra or Access Hollywood is incredible,” have us doing a double take as to whether she was serious! These are the kinds of comments that we are supposed to revere as sagely?
We are definitely not suggesting that anyone cancel her subscription to Vogue or any other fashion & celebrity magazine–we love ‘em too! But we are suggesting that when you read about someone’s naturally “fit” physique or perfectly appointed life that we–all of us–use our “filters” and read between the lines. Glean. Why is the quote included in the piece–is there an agenda by anyone: by the writer, the celebrity, or the “source” talking about the celeb? Just remember to never let a piece of publication about a celebrity’s perfect life or body make you feel inadequate since there is always more than meets the eye.
Filed under: Uncategorized | Leave a Comment
Tags: Bias, Cameron Diaz, Celebrities, Celebrity, Christie Brinkley, Filter, Magazine, Magazines, Media, Model, Models, Reporters, Self-esteem, Self-image
May We Suggest?
As far-fetched as it may seem we would like to suggest that fashion is more than a surfacy, shallow arena where the “haves” rule over the “have-nots.” Many would submit that it is an actual art form and while we wouldn’t argue with that, we would like to suggest that it is even more than that.
As the grande dame of the industry Coco Chanel once said, “fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.”
Coco Chanel
One thing that is fun for many of us is looking at old photo albums. Look at the fashions! Even those who don’t actively try to be “in style” can’t escape it if they shop on an semi-regular basis. The powder-blue jeans: gotta be the 80′s. Bell-bottom pants wider than your waistline: only in the 70′s. Even if photo isn’t marked on the back with a year you can at least tell by the styles in what decade it was taken.
King Solomon declared that everything is dust in the wind. True that of fashion! American writer Oscar Wilde wrote that “fashion is a form of ugliness so intolerable that we have to alter it ever six months.” We’d like to hope that some fashions fare better than his take but nonetheless he has a point: it’s ever-changing. Because of this it’s probably best not to take oneself too seriously when it comes to fashion (although we aren’t suggesting donning over-the-top Madonnaesque get-ups.) There does seem to be a fine line between fashion being a mask and the inadvertant revealing of oneself. Take the fashion victim (here we are defining “fashion victim” as one who piles on every current trend without much discernment in order to be “in.”) The irony with fashion victims is that they are striving so ardently to be acceptable in society (or to whomever they believe are the ones in power) that they are giving away their motives, their vulnerability exposed. Stella Blum, a Victorian era designer, stated that, “fashion is so close in revealing a person’s inner feelings that everybody seems to hate to lay claim to vanity so people tend to push is away. It’s really too close to the quick of the soul.”
Those who dress in such a way as to keep themselves incognito i.e. very generic, no straying outside the basics, even they are speaking to the world something of themselves. What could it be?
So may we suggest, for whatever little it’s worth, that fashion is by its very nature the opposite of shallow. It’s actually quite revealing.
Filed under: Uncategorized | Leave a Comment
Tags: Coco Chanel, Era, Fashion, Identity, King Solomon, Oscar Wilde, Philosophy, Self-expression, Stella Blum, Trends
Tube Tops: they’re killer
Tube tops: the non-discriminating figure killer. We just have to ask: why? They’re the equivalent of a boob sandwich, squeezing big ones into unsavory sagging melons and little ones into nothing but nubbins. Small-chested gals look, well, small-chested, and large bossomed gals look (dare we say it) a bit trashy. Why are we submitting ourselves to the degrading results of this long-standing fashion staple?
We get that you don’t want tan lines, and the “Tool Tube” is perfectly understandable. However when there is only dry land involved we really see no reason not to use sunscreen and class-up a bit with alternative styles. The inland Tube might be apropos if a gal is subjected to extremely hot weather, oven-air hot with no air conditioning, and where stripping down is out of the question (Floridians, take note.)
There are other options: tank tops made from feather-light materials, halter tops (very flattering for many types of figures,) or even a bikini top is better (the strings lend some semblance of “support.”) But beyond that we have three words: don’t do it! We implore any of you who have a tube top in your cache of clothes to reconsider next time you come across one to use it in the fall as a currently very on trend ”eternity scarf” rather than a boob-sandwich. Please?
And while we are reluctant to post photos focused exclusively on the female bustline, we feel examples are the only way to hit home the point–no pun intended.
Friends don't let friends do tube.
Looks like she got a case of "tubular vertigo!"
Filed under: Uncategorized | 3 Comments
Tags: figure flattering, Halter top, tan lines, Tank top, Tube top, Tubetop
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