tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49193842023270339322024-02-20T01:50:42.384-06:00Style and SubstanceInternal musings and external stylingsKMSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10053103910970890744noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919384202327033932.post-37389668899343235022012-07-25T11:12:00.000-05:002012-07-25T11:12:11.226-05:00Great giveawayon <a href="http://www.thepinkpeonies.com/2012/07/a-giveaway-worth-entering-100-winners.html">The Pink Peonies</a> today.KMSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10053103910970890744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919384202327033932.post-63118988354328020132012-01-09T23:47:00.003-06:002012-01-10T00:32:52.078-06:00J.Crew - a case of mixed emotionsI am a huge J.Crew fan...I was all the way back in 8th grade when I pored over catalogs and ordered my fair share of striped rugby shirts. We had a falling out post-college...and only had the occasional meeting, but I was back worshipping at the J.Crew altar in 2008 when their fall rollout hit me like a ton of bricks. Since then, I have admired (and coveted) their unique use of color and texture, ladylike (yeah, I said it) and classic styling mixed with easy casual pieces for a simple chic. I am absolutely obsessed with the <a href="http://www.jcrew.com/womens_special_sizes/size16/skirts/PRDOVR~47314/99102498870/ENE~1+2+3+22+4294967294+20~~~0~15~all~mode+matchallany~~~~~no%202/47314.jsp">No. 2 pencil skirts in double serge wool</a>. Fantastic weight wool -- perfect for the cold winters, lovely colors, beautifully lined and great, consistent fit. Who could ask for more? One thing I know is true...no morning is so bad that a pencil skirt and a pair of heels can't fix. <br /><br />But in recent years, I've also been disappointed in the apparent declining quality of some of their fabrics and construction. I submit to you the <a href="http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/pants/chinoutilitypants/PRDOVR~62443/62443.jsp">Toothpick Jean in garment-dyed twill</a>. An adorable pant, exceptionally poorly executed. I couldn't believe the construction of these pants.<br /><br />Notice how off-center the fly is? <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhePziWAIE1QVOZ3YGXfAj9o7Ttedwytp6QZY57hl93FCliY6gkjBn5lTnNwq6elx2iB_kNxjiRG8EcfURZl5Us3uP5Mna2w0ydT2OeGhcLXyA5XS3jcnYHoKG-I0lWb_VW224feUgpR_qN/s1600/matchstick+twill.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhePziWAIE1QVOZ3YGXfAj9o7Ttedwytp6QZY57hl93FCliY6gkjBn5lTnNwq6elx2iB_kNxjiRG8EcfURZl5Us3uP5Mna2w0ydT2OeGhcLXyA5XS3jcnYHoKG-I0lWb_VW224feUgpR_qN/s400/matchstick+twill.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695883039710068370" /></a><br /><br />I know no one's body is perfectly symmetrical and mine is no exception (given two pregnancies), but I assure you that my belly button is not that cockeyed. Also, notice the gap at the right side of the waistband. The entire pant was off kilter. It's absolutely unacceptable, especially at $108 full retail. And it seems strange that they're offering this pant in Tall sizes but not Petite...that decision certainly can't be attributed to high production costs.<br /><br />I hope that J. Crew does not continue with this downward slide. They really need to pay attention to the community at great blogs like <a href="http://jcrewaficionada.blogspot.com/">J.Crew Aficionada</a>. There's a lot of love and a lot of frustration out there for J.Crew...and more than a couple of other retailers who are stepping up their game with improved styling, better price points for more consistent quality and better sales. <a href="">AT</a> anyone?KMSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10053103910970890744noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919384202327033932.post-54236180014610713542011-12-03T00:03:00.003-06:002011-12-03T00:20:49.823-06:00That's it...I quit...I may not be moving on, per se, but I'm definitely done buying stripes. For at least the next couple of months. A couple of experiences have factored into this resolution. <br /><br />1) Walking around at the mall today and I think every other person I saw was wearing a striped shirt. It's feeling...tired.<br /><br />2) I took a hard, honest look at my closet this week. It's like someone vomited stripes all over it. Seriously, how many stripes does one person need? It's beginning to look like a one-note wonder and that's never a good thing for versatility in the wardrobe. <br /><br />So I'm taking a stripe hiatus for awhile. We'll see how long I can hold out.KMSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10053103910970890744noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919384202327033932.post-91026333667694391542010-12-22T14:44:00.007-06:002012-08-26T11:00:28.984-05:00Worth the waitIt has been said the "Patience is a virtue." Well, the patient get their reward with Nordstrom's Designer Finale at Mall of America. For about a year now, I have been making a truly concerted effort to buy quality over quantity. No more "disposable clothing" for me -- I squirrel away my shopping budget and wait for...opportunities. So, Finale is like a gift from the gods -- I get to buy great quality, beautifully constructed clothing and I don't have to pay full price. Tory Burch dresses, here I come!<br /><br />Designer Finale pre-sale starts on Dec. 30 at 8:00 a.m. All the designer clearance merchandise from every Nordstrom store across the country will be shipped to MOA and marked 40 - 60% off and there will be an additional % off during pre-sale. Pre-sale means that you get to pick through and lay claim to the items you want before the racks open up to the general shopping public on Jan 5. <br /><br />Yes, you'll still lay out a chunk of change. Even at 60%+ off, designer clothing is still at least as much as you'd pay full price in many other stores. If you're understandably hesitant, let me tell you about PPW, or price-per-wear. It's nothing fancy, just longer-term thinking about how you spend on clothing. This very simple idea is about making high quality, classic purchases on staples you love, and calculating the cost per wear over the lifetime of the garment. For example, I bought a gorgeous Max Mara coat in a beautiful, blush colored wool/cashmere blend 8 winters ago for more than I'd ever thought I'd spend. The high quality fabric, classic color and construction still looks brand new. My price-per-wear, now less than $1, goes down every year. That's a great buy.KMSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10053103910970890744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919384202327033932.post-27560324806742242132010-06-22T23:01:00.001-05:002010-06-22T23:01:30.828-05:00Award-winning websiteThe fabulous design duo, Wendy Ruyle and Diana Lillicrap, of <a href="http://www.5by5design.com/">5 by 5 Design</a>, recently learned they won a <a href="http://www.gdusa.com/CONTESTS/AWDA/10/WINNERS/types/awdagallery.php">2010 Web Design Award</a> for my <a href="http://katherinebass.com/">site</a>. Of course, <span style="font-style:italic;">I</span> knew all along that their work was award-worthy...KMSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10053103910970890744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919384202327033932.post-59238771459307407422009-07-27T21:57:00.002-05:002009-07-27T22:04:03.843-05:00AffirmationCarrying <a href="http://www.glamour.com/fashion/blogs/slaves-to-fashion/2009/06/introducing-trove-tkees-the-sh.html">these</a> at one of my favorite local shoe boutiques. Though I prefer a heel, I feel so <a href="http://www.katherinebass.com/get-tips.html">validated</a>.KMSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10053103910970890744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919384202327033932.post-78383721753760310042009-06-06T10:43:00.006-05:002009-08-19T22:13:49.770-05:00Website is live!My business website, <a href="http://www.katherinebass.com/">http://www.katherinebass.com/</a>, is live! I invite you to peruse its contents and check out the fun tips. Take the "Are you in wardrobe distress?" quiz to determine whether you are in need of services.<br /><br />My fabulous design team, Diana and Wendy from <a href="http://www.5by5design.com/index.php">5 by 5 Design</a>, were wonderful to work with -- they were patient, creative and supportive, going above and beyond to ensure that my business identity, website and collateral materials reflect my philosophy and style. They also invited me to be a <a href="http://www.5by5design.com/inspired-ideas-bass.php">guest author</a> on their site in the month of June. Check out the article. Thanks, 5 by 5, for your fantastic work!KMSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10053103910970890744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919384202327033932.post-11420712923211048362009-05-18T13:58:00.005-05:002009-05-18T22:36:55.214-05:00Episode 1: Total Money Makeover: Closet CreativityRecently, my husband and I decided to embark on a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Total-Money-Makeover-Financial-Fitness/dp/0785289089/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1242703827&sr=8-1">Total Money Makover</a>, setting a goal to pay off all of our debt in two years or less (the exception is our home mortgage, which will get tackled after that). Since we don't carry credit card balances, this should be a feat we can accomplish with only a small bit of pain.<br /><br />Now getting to the pain part...we agreed to an equal amount of "mad money" throughout the month. I have to use mine for any purchases that are just for me; same goes for him. Let me tell you that it doesn't stretch very far when you love shoes and jewelry as much as I do, especially when you factor in personal services (e.g., haircut, pedicure, etc.), lunch at work or evening out with girlfriends -- it all comes out of the same stash. I've been taking a lot of turkey sandwiches for lunch these days...<br /><br />So I've been shopping from my closet quite a bit lately. That fact that we're in the midst of a season change and the natural transition of my closet from winter to summer plays a helpful role in my self-deception, making things feel new. I'm delighted to rediscover a few pieces that are feeling fresh again, often with something as simple as a shoe change. I pulled out a couple of knit dresses in the last week or two. Instead of an as-usual pairing with a sandal or wedge, I pulled on my Seychelles low wedge boot that I recently scored at Nordstrom Rack for less than $40 (great fit for the Total Money Makeover budget).<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjORQrio1X3-iTdABA5IW2Qpu2z4gmxQsHIey1FCcxNQAD3Psn9UXD7TvmvU-sf49xvJDiMIIo0ZfEyvQV04vrUUefCuc5k87ejHq7oT4JVKBIYMvLlWSK21lHx-7UuzDT8XS6ufw-ssV-t/s1600-h/seychelles+at+last+boot%5B1%5D+(2).jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 260px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337371598071370178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjORQrio1X3-iTdABA5IW2Qpu2z4gmxQsHIey1FCcxNQAD3Psn9UXD7TvmvU-sf49xvJDiMIIo0ZfEyvQV04vrUUefCuc5k87ejHq7oT4JVKBIYMvLlWSK21lHx-7UuzDT8XS6ufw-ssV-t/s400/seychelles+at+last+boot%5B1%5D+(2).jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />With a jean jacket (or slightly upgraded, casual blazer) this combination is a great way to extend the seasonality of your summery dresses.<br /><br />Look for more episodes of Total Money Makeover: Closet Creativity.KMSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10053103910970890744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919384202327033932.post-40124520806463912572009-02-26T09:52:00.008-06:002012-08-01T17:12:17.980-05:00Style of the day<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip3523V5v57161csWKIdmVLxrkTKN2GrRxj3JBcGxxQhjp-t4Yx7EeC6H1-HDfuYGYCtMemfy4eGTtuLYbawLUYi_mgjeHNSXpOCmO-Bo-OVXWFPf_Hk7UW3cDYMIpm3iTALqP5IXU2VKN/s1600-h/Picture+002.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395940555263558322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip3523V5v57161csWKIdmVLxrkTKN2GrRxj3JBcGxxQhjp-t4Yx7EeC6H1-HDfuYGYCtMemfy4eGTtuLYbawLUYi_mgjeHNSXpOCmO-Bo-OVXWFPf_Hk7UW3cDYMIpm3iTALqP5IXU2VKN/s400/Picture+002.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaE7GUPFMcnRNHHp8vIzXlzvktYSxZT2gbZF70aBcH4mzeMfuK9pazg-0bFic7GevBBiKfBfqvs3sHSYo38sJ6WACRZQzWBJWgwz3tBL8nw_DsNO2o7dJQh1Pb0N4lcKzco9_mlmFgvCBR/s1600-h/navy+bracelet.jpeg"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307141289337861042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaE7GUPFMcnRNHHp8vIzXlzvktYSxZT2gbZF70aBcH4mzeMfuK9pazg-0bFic7GevBBiKfBfqvs3sHSYo38sJ6WACRZQzWBJWgwz3tBL8nw_DsNO2o7dJQh1Pb0N4lcKzco9_mlmFgvCBR/s400/navy+bracelet.jpeg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhuxOcNuu0C8HNUBqbrNB2L3fUUQlcxzehJJNN-Qx3PcYcQwx01ltcTGBVQEmhLT_0800xHnJZGyNwnk5zmrM-sV6XP0AZv3ZGQVkRJR5UGsrx8tdDoyIK_ko3kf2Oo7XZ07OWCNTxuR_a/s1600-h/white+button+down+shirt.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 316px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307141285221483282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhuxOcNuu0C8HNUBqbrNB2L3fUUQlcxzehJJNN-Qx3PcYcQwx01ltcTGBVQEmhLT_0800xHnJZGyNwnk5zmrM-sV6XP0AZv3ZGQVkRJR5UGsrx8tdDoyIK_ko3kf2Oo7XZ07OWCNTxuR_a/s400/white+button+down+shirt.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div>White button down shirt (Club Monaco); V-neck sweater vest in Rhubarb (J Crew); Navy with chalk stripe pant (Tahari); Penelope mary jane heels (J Crew); loads of bracelets: navy enamel link bracelet (J Crew), faux pearl charm bracelet (Target); gold rope bracelet (ShopNBC); gold link and pearl layer necklace (TJ Maxx).</div><br /><br /><br /><div>A couple of tips:<br /></div><br /><br /><ul><br /><br /><li>Without the notorious "3rd piece" (sweater vest) that adds texture and a pop of color, this outfit would be really boring, even with all the jewelry to accessorize.</li><br /><br /><br /><br /><li>I love, love, love white button-down shirts -- to give it some extra sassy, I usually roll the sleeves and pop the collar in the back. I know you might feel self-conscious at first, but don't worry! You CAN pull this off -- believability is a matter of self-confidence. Bring some swagger to the look -- if you believe in it, everyone else will too.</li></ul></div></div></div></div>KMSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10053103910970890744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919384202327033932.post-11747024807283325842009-01-29T16:59:00.007-06:002009-05-19T22:22:00.189-05:00Boot alors!I like to think of myself as a pragmatic lover of fashion. I love my stilettos, and they're fab when I'm at work or out for dinner, but you won't catch me in the sky-highs when I'm facing a day jammed with errands. (Neither will you find me in my running shoes -- a comfortable wedge does the trick...it's a slippery slope towards sloppy.) An outdoor wedding calls for a stylish flat sandal rather than a skinny heel that will leave you -- literally -- with a sinking feeling. And in the winter, snow boots are a must. Picking your way through the ice with your heels on is a sure-fire way to end up in the ER with a broken hip. And, unless you're <a href="http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://msnbcmedia4.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/061129/061129_snoop_vlrg_4a.widec.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21365044&usg=__Xr_1izaSb0PNNmNjZmXuS_aj6gI=&h=375&w=298&sz=17&hl=en&start=87&tbnid=aQaJbSffgcdHcM:&tbnh=122&tbnw=97&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dsnoop%2Bdogg%26gbv%3D2%26ndsp%3D20%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26start%3D80">Snoop Dogg</a>, it's difficult to make walking with a cane fashionable.<br /><br />This is a long way of saying...the right shoe for the job. Especially in these economic times -- it's irresponsible not to protect your investment in your footwear. The reality of living in a cold, snowy climate is that you can't wear your cute shoes outside in the winter unless you have a personal car and driver that offers door-to-door service (one can dream). Wear boots! Nothing ruins shoes faster than exposure to water, sand and salt. Get a big work tote and carry your shoes with you.<br /><br />Along the same lines...tuck your pants into your boots. It's not fashionable when you're trudging through the parking lot, but it's far worse to drag your hem through the muck. I'm a big fan of investing in pieces that last rather than buying disposable clothing. But the "pieces that last" part depends on care and maintenance.<br /><br />My motto? Look smart, be smart.KMSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10053103910970890744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919384202327033932.post-23619639799231709732009-01-22T13:26:00.007-06:002012-08-01T17:12:41.222-05:00Style of the day<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc_o5z8tvBtaBSvEpdfWX8r5n_tffzLA9L8c5-3t8jImtEKwEaHFKgfX6HhrOWytke_jClEotYwLhGz9lhyphenhyphenF7DmFtsQhqbTANaVx2wd3w4XuOnT38KtxhbNuVipfdBlByrkqPM4yQ5654G/s1600-h/skirt.bmp"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 393px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 393px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294202711868200402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc_o5z8tvBtaBSvEpdfWX8r5n_tffzLA9L8c5-3t8jImtEKwEaHFKgfX6HhrOWytke_jClEotYwLhGz9lhyphenhyphenF7DmFtsQhqbTANaVx2wd3w4XuOnT38KtxhbNuVipfdBlByrkqPM4yQ5654G/s400/skirt.bmp" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8yPnqkhOU9xsGTbZIHj4qnLkQGmncN5bAbOplj5k8eBINIju-kwzBiCWtEQXc-tyaSz9Z0Bnx4oG9dNgtVOOGK-66Jm-QKeA7k4EeYk04-I9UMq6WCtEYk5qFKnesHv-I5dSIqk34n8AM/s1600-h/skirt.bmp"></a><br /><br /><br /><div>Silk dupioni skirt in Golden Cypress (JCrew), heather grey merino wool ribbed crewneck sweater (Jaeger), gold crackle metallic skinny belt (JCrew), black beaded bib necklace (Target - clearance $6.58!), black opaque tights, black patent stacked high heels (Diane von Furstenberg).</div><div></div><div>I'm loving this skirt with gray, cream, blush and navy.</div></div>KMSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10053103910970890744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919384202327033932.post-29897185389995817762009-01-22T11:42:00.007-06:002009-08-19T22:17:48.873-05:00The First Lady -- Fierce, Fashionable & Feminist<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxjQhyr9Y8pzSiczf14VKIYtbPceRFAqgtrIHGeHhfOgAH9LfpvofEyxCT_zXgOAaDbzzd5wLzvZNTjNd6KZauvGJBp4wzfLQ4E6Qp-6imFIywKeCBV3QdgrkKYS4glFRFvLQew5Qubj2d/s1600-h/18_michelleobama_lgl.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 232px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294196853271149730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxjQhyr9Y8pzSiczf14VKIYtbPceRFAqgtrIHGeHhfOgAH9LfpvofEyxCT_zXgOAaDbzzd5wLzvZNTjNd6KZauvGJBp4wzfLQ4E6Qp-6imFIywKeCBV3QdgrkKYS4glFRFvLQew5Qubj2d/s400/18_michelleobama_lgl.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Much has been written these past months about the fashionable stylings of Michelle Obama...her chic look, the <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601088&sid=aoX93BcgZBXs&refer=muse">accessibility of her style</a>, her <a href="http://www.salon.com/mwt/feature/2008/11/18/michelles_booty/">statuesque figure</a>. I admit it. I too have been swept up in the discussions about her selection of gowns. At the same time, I've been disappointed that newsmakers seem more interested in her fashion sense than her brain. Candidly, I tried to take a principled stand against the media hoopla, but I can't keep my mouse from gliding over to the teasers to check out the fashion world's take on her choices and clicking to my heart's content.<br /><br />Ever since I became aware of the pernicious stereotypes about feminists (aka hairy, man-hating lesbians who never wear lipstick) and fashionistas (shallow, nasty dingbats seeking rich husbands to support their shopping habits), I've felt an internal struggle about what I love. How could I be a smart, (mostly) capable wife and mother, a fierce advocate of equality and social justice, a contributor to community improvement, delight in the successful sale-stalking of an item at JCrew AND a lip gloss junkie?<br /><br />But I'm done feeling guilty.<br /><br />Here's what I love about our new First Lady -- she is a transcendant role model for women. She's smart as hell, warm, sincere, open and giving. She has shown her commitment to fighting for <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/momocrats/michelle-obama-reaches-ou_b_117646.html">dignity and respect for military families </a>and the burdens that military wives shoulder for our country. What could be more feminist than that?<br /><br />She is clearly fiercely protective of her family and enforces <a href="http://blogs.reuters.com/frontrow/2008/07/23/house-rules-help-obama-family-stay-organized/">rules</a> for creating order, discipline and predictability in her household. She obviously adores her husband, but unlike other, more reverential First Ladies of the past, she has said, "He's a gifted man, but in the end, he's just a man."<br /><br />Educated at Princeton and Harvard, she's had a successful career in her own right. No one can doubt her strong mind and intellect. No one could question her strength or confidence.<br /><br />And she loves to shop. She has a taste for the off-the-rack retailers like JCrew and White House/Black Market mixed with the sublime...Narciso Rodriguez, anyone? She loves a good deal. And yes, she also rocks the Jimmy Choos.<br /><br />How...liberating! But isn't this just what feminism is? Be who you are...don't apologize for it...fight for what you believe in...celebrate...love with abandon...be beautiful, in your own way, inside and out.<br /><br />So, yes, this <em><strong>is</strong></em> a new skirt. Now ask me how I'm going to help change the world.KMSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10053103910970890744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919384202327033932.post-83682101694000937462008-12-12T18:43:00.005-06:002012-08-01T17:13:10.756-05:00Style of the dayGreat outfit day...Grey wool flannel Phillippa dress (Tory Burch) and Camel knee high "Zipper" boots (L'Autre Chose).<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijxo_ChvYrOyrtwAYx6GlNL8CU_UkrIpILHubGd0UVPC0_WtLtyko8EV4rmT58pXLIZGxihwW-8vv8euh2HnF18upeSK5Ply-LWBhrayR32NKzITgEp3u1nLlrIIdDE_Xcd-CLl9EFL3a4/s1600-h/Philippa+dress+Tory+Burch.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 230px; HEIGHT: 345px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337738560106392434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijxo_ChvYrOyrtwAYx6GlNL8CU_UkrIpILHubGd0UVPC0_WtLtyko8EV4rmT58pXLIZGxihwW-8vv8euh2HnF18upeSK5Ply-LWBhrayR32NKzITgEp3u1nLlrIIdDE_Xcd-CLl9EFL3a4/s400/Philippa+dress+Tory+Burch.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPqNqQqqpXhuy7B_1d2A0sIfWFqjBM8nspHHBXpiD8mff50SV-cvg3DcsA0g_9RUP1EIh8NnMHXQiCOaKHNBwNHdKxRxjr0wJ1mMmBBD5PBO3L0NY9JBOG5pJx1Almo_ub0p3HKo-harx9/s1600-h/L'Autre+Chose+Zipper+Boot.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337739015762077490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPqNqQqqpXhuy7B_1d2A0sIfWFqjBM8nspHHBXpiD8mff50SV-cvg3DcsA0g_9RUP1EIh8NnMHXQiCOaKHNBwNHdKxRxjr0wJ1mMmBBD5PBO3L0NY9JBOG5pJx1Almo_ub0p3HKo-harx9/s400/L'Autre+Chose+Zipper+Boot.jpg" /></a></div>KMSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10053103910970890744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919384202327033932.post-15059770593313431382008-12-03T23:29:00.004-06:002012-08-01T17:13:27.799-05:00Style of the dayGreat outfit day: Navy/Ivory double tab pencil skirt (Lela Rose), Cambridge crewneck sweater in light spearmint (JCrew), Penelope mary janes (JCrew), Clear glass bead necklace (Express)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMuucLgZj-9UkWIH_qwWXx6xWiXC9T6Irngllf2kOC3IPOEy42ezWJjNcmX2-mOgKm58P3Zzr0XJdM078kUe_2oqTSmnmzD35qDnNob8p88T7HVhlobYxRyPhyN_Crwd2l5s3yrWmm1ZXw/s1600-h/sweater.bmp"><img style="WIDTH: 393px; HEIGHT: 393px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275805905967138226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMuucLgZj-9UkWIH_qwWXx6xWiXC9T6Irngllf2kOC3IPOEy42ezWJjNcmX2-mOgKm58P3Zzr0XJdM078kUe_2oqTSmnmzD35qDnNob8p88T7HVhlobYxRyPhyN_Crwd2l5s3yrWmm1ZXw/s400/sweater.bmp" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHZZjOG4w9Vk3KlMzmh3EFctWGWOKl10FtEIzP7npOOQdnV3q55Y4-qozo4te4XcsPl5iuhDsKTXmydXXvFSBucmYUmuwPFDurrqooXIdLTfA2jrzBvIZBHUh3VDBiOdK90SBHe49WiLMQ/s1600-h/shoes.bmp"><img style="WIDTH: 393px; HEIGHT: 393px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275805910588072482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHZZjOG4w9Vk3KlMzmh3EFctWGWOKl10FtEIzP7npOOQdnV3q55Y4-qozo4te4XcsPl5iuhDsKTXmydXXvFSBucmYUmuwPFDurrqooXIdLTfA2jrzBvIZBHUh3VDBiOdK90SBHe49WiLMQ/s400/shoes.bmp" /></a></div>KMSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10053103910970890744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919384202327033932.post-48919839114107265692008-12-02T22:38:00.008-06:002009-05-19T22:29:33.450-05:00eBay pitfallI don't sell on ebay all the time -- I go through phases where I'll list items every night for a week and then not for months. I'm often amazed at how unpredictable the final selling price is. Things I think will surely sell...and at a good price...sometimes don't sell at all. Then there are items that seem so mundane I wonder why I'm bothering, and boom! I sell a pair of used -- er, "previously owned" -- Banana Republic wool pants for $51!<br /><br />One ebay curiousity I have to guard against in particular (and it's completely self-imposed): <em>beware the good sell</em>. I put a lot of effort into the description of the item. With clothing, I find it especially helpful to give the potential bidder a visual picture of how she might pair that item with others that are already in her closet -- making her basics work harder -- or I suggest putting together unexpected combinations or tapping trends she might not otherwise know how to pull off. I've got a pretty good track record. Unfortunately, I've convinced <strong>myself</strong> not to sell something more than once. Chances are, if I set it aside to sell, there's good reason. But, that doesn't stop me from occasionally getting caught up in the romanticizing of the item. At moments like those, I enlist an external opinion. Usually, a test run by my husband does the trick...<br /><br />Me (performing catwalk): Honey, I'm second guessing myself.<br />Him: Don't.<br />Me: Don't what? Don't second guess myself or don't sell it?<br />Him (giving me the "are you serious?" look): Trust your first instinct.<br /><br />Good rule to shop (and sell) by: <strong>trust your first instinct</strong>. If you find you're soliciting the opinion of a salesperson to dissuade you from those niggling doubts about the item, do yourself a favor and walk away. And, by the way, if you don't have a husband who gives brutally honest opinions, enlist the help of a mother, sister or friend. Or, hire me.KMSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10053103910970890744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919384202327033932.post-15544180850383788302008-12-02T11:57:00.001-06:002008-12-02T22:37:37.257-06:00Happy unionTwo of my favorite things -- fashion and philanthropy -- came together unexepectedly yesterday. Complaints about my employer I have many...but one thing I greatly appreciate is the 20 hours volunteer paid time off each employee is given every year to spend on behalf of worthy community organizations and activities.<br /><br />A few members of my team volunteered at the <a href="http://www.emergencyfoodshelf.org/">Emergency Foodshelf Network</a> yesterday, and the first job we were given was sorting and coordinating a sizeable donation of Hannah Montana sweatsuits and tank tops. I believe the question we were asked by the volunteer coordinator was, "How are you all at putting together outfits?" Noting the irony, my coworkers stifled their laughter.<br /><br />Much to my fellow volunteers' relief, I took on the task of coordinating tank top to sweatsuit -- a job that I truly enjoyed and for which I developed exacting standards. (They may be sweatsuits, but at least they should be color balanced.) I personally wouldn't advise anyone to buy Hannah Montana sweatsuits, but for a certain age group of girls these outfits will be wonderful suprises. In the afternoon, we moved on to sorting frozen items into holiday meal boxes. No matter what task we're assigned at EFN, it's always a rewarding way to spend the day, and a great reminder of just how many people need the kind of help that EFN provides. If you can spare it, consider donating your time or your money. You won't regret it.KMSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10053103910970890744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4919384202327033932.post-40014760687525402122008-12-02T11:06:00.000-06:002012-08-01T17:13:42.804-05:00Style of the dayGood outfit day -- pink silk taffeta a-line skirt (JCrew), putty cashmere turtleneck (TSE), metallic mint belt, pink enamel crystal ball necklace & tortoise shell bangle (JCrew), tall chestnut boots (L'Autre Chose)<a href="javascript:void(0);"></a>. <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4t_lAST82Ftjhnhaf-Ks4qS8EsSW6IK_jE7ZVV2wZLxfUcr0vvjQbdcvj36xvCC0hYj3QWZhImGFCf14f8I3-7tIVXGwk6jKfR9M6EL5NRJjU_ShMeHFFk0nFf1UZr6WCstb8_KrBHCYG/s1600-h/skirt.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275252617009423874" style="WIDTH: 393px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 393px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4t_lAST82Ftjhnhaf-Ks4qS8EsSW6IK_jE7ZVV2wZLxfUcr0vvjQbdcvj36xvCC0hYj3QWZhImGFCf14f8I3-7tIVXGwk6jKfR9M6EL5NRJjU_ShMeHFFk0nFf1UZr6WCstb8_KrBHCYG/s400/skirt.bmp" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5USl2uyK2ZwJLNCZzYQL5WTLBP5bC4A4xIXDgqEedMH4G5ECx3oONas_xdfEhvfYpeXtWSQL0KVTYzGmYOz6OzvFgCGjNv0EeTOMRCHmaYXq-BsS6eWcxBlcl5Yr4UsXX2gE1STbD0ZuW/s1600-h/belt.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275252669036962114" style="WIDTH: 393px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 393px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5USl2uyK2ZwJLNCZzYQL5WTLBP5bC4A4xIXDgqEedMH4G5ECx3oONas_xdfEhvfYpeXtWSQL0KVTYzGmYOz6OzvFgCGjNv0EeTOMRCHmaYXq-BsS6eWcxBlcl5Yr4UsXX2gE1STbD0ZuW/s400/belt.bmp" border="0" /></a></div>KMSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10053103910970890744noreply@blogger.com0