glitter and gold

the above cardie by philip limm

Every time holiday parties start, I wish I had a little glittery sparkly sequin cardigan to add to my holiday wardrobe. Just look at the mix of sequin fashions here. Chic with jeans or slim trousers, non?

Do you have any festive fashions that you don during the month of December?

number cruncher

I am married to a number cruncher. When the time comes to check my accounts, he can be ruthless, right down to the penny. As an artist, I think that it is downright wild how some can get all the math skills. Somehow having this bag, seems to alleviate any stress that I might anticipate prior to his number crunching rath.

I found her needlepoint Countess here, and she comes in a black combo too.

(The logical part of the equation is that it is on sale but the black combo is ten dollars more)

Which one do you like? The green combo or the black?

Bamboo handles on both.

soccer fever

My son has a new pair of soccer cleats to go along with his soccer fever. I love the color along with the design. At various times of the day, now that school is out, I witness him with his new shoes and his soccer ball in the back yard just kicking it around, running and enjoying himself.

So, do you have soccer fever with all this "World Cup" soccer on the television?

t-time

There is something so special about a tunic.

Do you have a favorite tunic that you love to wear?

Do you wear with pants?

pve design illustration for jmclaughlin

halter break

How about a halter break, halters seem to be everywhere along with these dreamy greige colors. Pretty dress for a bevy of bridesmaids with a metallic sandal and a bangle or two. Here comes the bride. I found both of these dresses on etsy. I love pretty necklines, halters, ruffles and bows. Nice little break for a June wedding.

a marsupial pouch

I found the perfect hip pouch here. All I need to make a run for it.

Why were we not designed and equipped with a marsupial pouch?

I will never quite understand huge hand-bags. I always wonder when I see a gal with an enormous bag weighing her down. Part of me wants to run over and examine the interior contents. Does one really need to lug around "half a house?"

I love a streamlined clutch or pouch.

There is something so freeing about not having to have a "bag." Most of the time I am in my car, making stops, running errands and all I need are my keys, my i-phone and a wallet. Lipstick or chap-stick is a given.

Weekends are for the tote, to toss a few items, pj's, undies, socks, toiletries, jeans or one fancy pant, a top, a sweater and a tee. (Maybe a dress for dinner) A book and a project in tow. A bottle of water and some dried snacks, nuts or fruits.

I'd die for these accessories, they are young, hip, and easy. Is it me or am I feeling punchy for a pouch?

ruff and ready

17th century Anna Rosina Marquat sporting a "Ruff"

If I could pick any time to travel to, I would want to go back in time to the 17th century purely for my very own fascination with nothing other than the "ruff." Back in the day of my Fashion History lessons, I learned how a ruff served a practical purpose, being that the wearer's dandruff would not show as well as protect one's clothing. The daily hair washing was non-existant.

The "Ruff" workroom

A ruff did limit freedom of movement, but I do quite love the look of one

as well as having my very own case to stow it away.

I am ready for a modern day ruff. The closest item that I could find was this lovely blouse at J.Crew. Are you ready for a ruff? Perhaps when wearing this, no-one will be allowed to ruffle my feathers?

silly wabbit

"Rabbit" - by Hunt Slonem, on display at Bergdorf Goodman -New York

Yesterday was a day full of "play"- in New York City and I was positively crazy for the "silly wabbits" in the windows at the posh Fifth Avenue store, Bergdorf Goodman.

The Artwork of Hunt Slonem was on display along with a witty collection of "scwewy" fashions for which I have a wild hair for, just look at that dazzling necklace above along with the cleverly arranged palette, brushes and tubes of paint.  

You do remember "Elmer Fudd" - and his penchant for "silly wabbits" likes Bugs Bunny.

This rabbit has his brush fully loaded, along with this colorful "Balenciaga" bag.  I also spotted these bags at Barneys on display.  They are witty, full of whimsy and have a casual sophisticated yet -fun flair.  I think we all could use a little color, as we hope for Spring.

More fuel to my desire to design and create an artful life is on display in the above window.  I think it was refreshing to see things casually composed with a carefree spirit in a world 

obsessed with restoring order.  I'd like to think of it as magical and lucky, akin to pulling a rabbit out of a hat or that of a "fatal attraction."  I know, I just could not resist wanting to know more about this artist, Hunt Slonem and of course the to die for fashions.

to be wooed

Fashion Designer, Jason Wu with model, from The NY Times

Jason Wu, the 26 year old fashion designer has wooed me over with his creations.  Suddenly, I feel invigorated by his designs and his fresh face too.  How thrilling for this young man to have been chosen to design the First Lady's dress for her first dance.   For the first time in years, I have drug out my old sewing machine in hopes of creating a wooable and wearable garment.

Many years ago, I would stay up all night just to make something that I saw, so that I could wear it the next day.  A feeling of being so excited to make something, that I could not sleep and not even feel the least bit tired the next day.  What has wooed you lately?

in the neighborhood

Mister Rodgers sporting a zip front cardigan "In the neighborhood."

I am in the neighborhood for a zip front sweater to keep me cozy.  Something about a sweater with a zipper reminds me of Mister Rodgers.   Thrift shops here I come.  What are you in the neighborhood for these days, boys and girls?  

get tanked

When the market tanked yesterday - surely it is a sign to "get a tank." Can't beat the heat, then a tank will provide a cool solution. After a rough week, I heard that the New York City bars were full of people "getting tanked" over the tanked market. I prefer to buy a tank.

Tanks are a great solution for Indian Summer days and nights.

All tanks are from Martin+Osa

One can never go wrong with an essential white tank. The perfect accessory with denim and adds a layer of warmth for winter months.

A clean cardigan layered over a tank equals comfort dressing at home or at the movies.

This is also a great way to travel.

Feel the need to shine, add a polished satin tank when you just need to feel a little more "dressed."

Start a revolution, with a little bit of an what I like to call and "empire" tank. I just lose my head over this one. Call me Josephine.

Seems as though I am not the only one losing their head in a tanked market.

Do you wear tanks and which brand is your favorite? One blogger comes to mind who sports tanks - can anyone name that tank wearing design darling?