Fashion Fix ::: Stylish Passport Covers

Photo by {accordingtoame}

On my 36th birthday, I mosied in to the Main Post Office in steamy Downtown St. Louis and finally got myself a passport, complete with the single least flattering photo ever taken of me, probably in my life. (Note to the passport photographer: if you're shorter than the subject, get someone taller, or stand on something. Chin fat and jowls are not even something to joke about.)

Fashion Fix ::: Boden, Great British Style!

All photos via bodenusa.com

After poking around on Boden's website, and lusting after so many of the beautiful garments in their Catalog that always seems to show up at my house right around the time I am attempting (usually with poor results) to curb spending, especially on clothing, I finally bit the bullet on a few specific "basics."

Totally Obsessed ::: H&M Jersey Henley

Photos via H&M

I may have to book it to a local H&M and see if I can grab one, because I am seriously in love with this top.  

Fashion Fix ::: SJP Shoe Line

Photo: From/For O Magazine by Jake Rosenberg/The Coveteur

Launching in select Nordstrom stores at the end of February, not locally, I'm afraid, will be the new shoe line from Carrie Bradshaw herself, Ms. Sarah Jessica Parker.

Fashion Fix ::: Back to Base-ics

I learned (the hard way) this week with this hellish temperature range we experienced, plus the mounds of snow I shoveled, that I am ill prepared for this kind of weather. Which is odd because I've lived here almost my entire life, and it's not like snow and super-cold temperatures are out of the question.

Fashion Fix ::: Champagne Watch Taste, Beer Budget

Photos by {accordingtoame}

While in Hawaii, I tried on a couple of Rolex Datejust watches, mid-size 31mm, Rolexes blend of stainless steel. These were obviously fantasy events for me, with items well out of my budget now or anytime in the even distant future. Since those luxurious adventures, I have been on the hunt for a classic (steel bracelet) watch that looks similar these Rolexes above, or two other classic favorites, the Cartier Ballon Bleu and the Cartier Tank.

Fashion Fix ::: Field Jackets

Photo: Nordstrom

For the last year or two, I have been in lust over the Barbour field-style jackets. Most recently, the "Beadnell" Waxed Cotton Jacket caught my attention on Nordstrom's site, in part because it came in Navy. To quote Ms. Mackenzie Horan, "Navy or Nothing!"

Fashion Fix ::: Denim Trends and Thoughts

Photo

Denim is definitely a staple in my wardrobe, and really just about everyone else's. There are so many cuts and washes, and so many changing trends...it's hard sometimes to know what's best for your style and your body in the change sea of style.  

Fashion Fix ::: Finding the Perfect Pair

Photo: Nordstrom.com

Finding the "perfect pair" of jeans can be an exercise in patience and humility, and even sometimes just exercise.  Sometimes it takes a day, sometimes years.  

I was formerly a "super-cheap jeans" buyer. Back in that era, Target sold some sort of Levi's variant and they were great for my wallet, and I bought a few Old Navy here and there. I just didn't bring myself to spend a ton on them in the past because I didn't "care."  But I had an awakening when I decided one day to actually try some more premium denim on, when I was having a "good butt day."  And that made me "see the light."

Fashion Fix ::: Wedge Sneakers...

Photos: TheTrendDiaries.com (an absolutely KILLER blog for celeb street style!)

I never thought I would see the day where I was finally woo'ed into trying something like this on...but I did. And I kinda liked them. A few were a little too high in the heel for me, but I might be able to get used to them, if I buy them.  I have mocked this look since they first came out, and said "no way" to even trying them...but then I did. And now I am eating crow.

Fashion Fix ::: Style Star

Photos: Sadly, no sourcelinks were given, not for lack of trying

I have long admired Jennifer Aniston's style, not just her hair which I have shamelessly copied the cut of for a while now, and have spoken probably ad nauseum about on here, but her whole easy-going, t-shirt and fitted but not skinny jeans, fresh and easy "thing."  As she calls it in the September issue of Glamour, her "uniform."

Trend Worth Trying ::: Jewel Tones

Photo: Nordstrom.com

Every year, right around this time, jewel tones come blazing back in a big way. It's essentially the Fall trend du jour. And how could it not be? The colors are rich and cozy, and best of all, can easily be worked into a year round wardrobe, especially if they're lighter pieces.

Fashion Fix::: Stripes!

Photo: A Piece Of Toast Blog

A great striped tee is a true wardrobe staple. A little bit nautical, a little bit French, and every bit a classic. The best part is that this look knows no budget, yet always looks chic and put-together. It's also truly seasonless and doesn't look dated.  How amazing and effortless does Sally look above?  

Trend Worth Trying::: Hot Pink and Navy Blue

Photo: Mary McDonald

As I've probably harped on and on about, I think navy seriously is the most versatile color in the wheel, and you can pair it with just about anything. I love it with lime and teal, and also with gold or bronze, but although Mackenzie already knows and proclaims, I am only just learning (accepting?) that seems bright pink is a serious winner, too. The only reason I have a couple hot pink items at all in my closet now is simply to wear this winning team.  I know, I am super late to this shindig...

Fashion Fix::: Ankle Jeans

Photo: Sea of Shoes

I am not one to do capris or cropped pants, I almost always go for full length boot or straight leg jeans.  But this photo above really changed my feeling on ankle-length/cuffed jeans, and now I am kind of loving it.  

Trend Worth Trying::: Worker Bee

Photos: DSW.com, Barneys.com, Me wearing my Frye boots, don't you love that tucked in pant leg?

I love a good engineer style boot. They can work dressed slightly up, and equally well dressed down, and can take an overly buttoned up look down a notch, which is my own personal look du jour for work, especially since I am in a creative industry and don't choose to, or have to, dress up.

Fashion Fix::: Tunics

Tunics have become less of a trend and more of a closet staple, and when I think of tunics I tend now to think immediately of a designer I love and totally respect, Tory Burch, who really made them, first, very luxe and fashion forward, and second, into a legit classic.   It seems now a few other brands are bringing their own great takes as well, and for all figure types and budgets.

Must Have::: Tieks Ballet Flats

Photo: Tieks Facebook Page, Navy Folded Shoe from their online boutiek added by me

I am not often caught in a pair of ballet flats, to be completely upfront. You are going to find me, 99% of the time, in a pair of dirty, probably worn out and mutilated, navy Chuck Taylor slip-ons. Occasionally, I will bring out the spiffy Marimekko blue dot Chucks with the green laces. Or the Crocs flats or espadrilles. I think I have approximately one pair of "cute flats" that are not made by Crocs...the Cole Haan by Maria Sharapova Air Bacara flats I got in a metallic bronze last year from Nordstrom (on sale!) and have worn exactly 4 times since.

Fashion Fix::: J.Crew Schoolboy Blazer

How adorable is this blazer?

Photo: JCrew.com

Now that I am hopefully losing inches, as well as weight, I am starting to really eye up some cuter outfits, in straight sizes, to call attention to my soon-to-be-smaller body.  I have been looking for nice blazers for at least a year to mix in with my seriously huge cardigan collection. Yet, I never seem to quite find the one that will hit the mark exactly right, or that is at all comfortable, and to me comfort trumps all.  

Fashion Fix::: Summer Espadrilles

Espadrilles are everywhere for Spring and Summer!  And even though I am slow to pick up this trend slash classic, I have been on a quest to find a nice, simple pair of flat espadrilles in a crisp navy for a while, and found a few that I totally loved and at a price point that is sure to work for every budget. If navy isn't your thing, most, if not all, come in more colors to suit your wardrobe.  (There's a few greens and teals that I love as well!)