Wild Times

In keeping with my “I Love All Things Animal Print” philosophy, check out these new watches from Timex:

 

There is something so reassuring about a Timex watch.  They last FOREVER, are easy to repair if the battery dies or the band needs replacing, and they are classically elegant.  I love the easy to read dial on these styles.  Styled with some simple bangles and bracelets, you have a statement look that is chic and goes from the playground to the office to a night on the town.  The picture below makes me want to buy one of these watches and start pulling together outfits!

Image courtesy of notesfromthedressingroom.blogspot.com

These Timex watches cost around $60 each and are available at most major retailers, and on line at Piperlime.   One more word about animal prints and animals…consider adopting an animal in need this winter.  Local shelters have so many wonderful creatures that need good homes, so back up your fashion sense with some good old fashioned love and bring the wild into your home!  You’ll be glad you did…

ShoeMint.com Launching on Black Friday!

Image courtesy of Jewelsandmint.blogspot.com

The “mint” e-shops, which include the T-shirt destination StyleMint, the jewelry store JewelMint and the new skincare site BeautyMint are about to welcome a new member, ShoeMint, hosted by style icon Rachel Bilson.  Those in the know have been getting teaser alerts via email and Facebook for the past few weeks about the pending launch of ShoeMint, and now it’s official.  According to  InStyle.com ”… now here’s one more thing to get excited to shop for come Black Friday 2011Rachel Bilson’s new ShoeMint footwear collection! InStyle.com just confirmed that the wallet-friendly line will launch on Friday, November 25th. Bilson, star of the new CW show Hart of Dixie and an InStyle contributorteamed up with stylist Nicole Chavez and industry vet Steve Madden to create the lineup.   Each pair will sell for $80.  While you wait to shop, sign up for alerts at shoemint.com.” 

I’m so excited to see what the site has to offer.   The quality and selection of goodies on the other Mint sites has been great, so I have high hopes for ShoeMint.  Have you shopped at any of the other sites, and what has your experience with them been?  Leave us a comment and let us know.

Not Your Mother’s Pendleton Wool

When I think of the brand Pendleton I think of warm blankets and wooly home accessories, and occasionally the name brings to mind conservative woolen outfits and prim and proper clothing.  This is what I see:

Image courtesy of Pendleton-usa.com

Image courtesy of Pendleton-usa.com

So imagine my surprise when I stumbled across this AWESOME dress from Pendleton for Opening Ceremony.

Pendleton for Opening Ceremony Pencil Dress $599 at Shopbop.com

According to the Shopbop.com  web site …”Fashion rebels at Opening Ceremony, known for their avant-garde boutiques in New York, Los Angeles, and Tokyo, discovered a partner in heritage textiler Pendleton when they visited century-old woolen mills in Oregon in 2009. The result of their collaboration is Pendelton Meets Opening Ceremony, a collection of artfully constructed pieces in timeless plaids, intricate patterns, and brilliant hues. Inspired by American legends and world travelers, this line brings out the stylish free spirit in all.”

 

Image courtesy of Pendleton for Opening Ceremony

 

Image courtesy of Pendleton for Opening Ceremony

Image courtesy of Pendleton for Opening Ceremony

I love these jackets and the messenger bag!  The mini skirt is fantastic.  The vibrant colors are great for the dreary winter months, and bold prints can work for daytime casual as well as downtown funk.  Definitely not your mother’s Pendleton!  You can find most of these pieces, along with many other vibrant selections at Openingceremony.us/.

 

 

 

Which Boots Would You Choose?

Fashion is a funny thing.  It’s very personal and subjective.  A simple detail or element that makes one person look like a million bucks can make someone else look like a Glamour Don’t.  What is appealing to Jane is appalling to Joyce.  Consider these two boots; Exhibit A the Kiki Wedge Boot by Tory Burch:

Kiki Wedge Boots by Tory Burch $395

and Exhibit B , the Ash Zubroska Apres Ski Boot:

Ash Zubroska Apres Ski Boot $227.50

You all know I’m a fan of Tory Burch (especially her angelic ballet flats – see post dated 10/14/11) but I look at this boot and wonder “What was she thinking?”  It’s just wrong on so many levels.  And then there’s the Ash boot.  Again, I’m a big fan of Ash but will readily point out their fashion fails (see post dated 11/08/11).  However, there is something about this Apres Ski boot that speaks to me, whereas I want to run far, far away from the Tory Burch version.  Is it the choice of fur?  The colors?  The jaunty use of pom-poms that is a game changer?  I can’t figure it out.  I’ve been staring at these two boots for much longer than I care to admit and I don’t have an answer.

What do you think?  Do you love them both, hate them both, prefer one to the other?  Leave us a comment with your opinion and maybe together we can crack the deep mysteries of the fashion universe…

 

Another Fashion Fail…

I am a big fan of ASH boots and shoes.  They make a consistently high quality product that is fashionable and comfortable and usually has some interesting detail that takes it from the ordinary to the extraordinary.  Consider the Buffalo boot:

Ash Buffalo fringe boots, $375 at Piperlime.com

The fringe trim is uber cool, and takes the traditional cowboy boot from the high plains to the runway and back again.  I also love the Extreme bootie with the biker/hiker/skier buckles.

Ash Extreme bootie $199 at Piperlime.com

You can kind of have an identity crisis in these booties and it’s all good.

So would someone please tell me, what is going on with these Ash shoes?

Ash Flirt Kitten Heel Sneakers $69 at Shopbop.com

 

Ash Stone High Heel Sneakers $72.50 at Shopbop.com

Even the names are just WRONG.  Kitten Heel Sneakers?  High Heel Sneakers?  Where would you wear these?  And what could they possibly go with?  If you are going for the comfort thing, why not go flat out with flats, and if you are accessorizing with a bit of a heel, presumably you are looking for a more tailored or dressed up look.   Perhaps I’m just being snobby.  If you can see the beauty in these shoes or have a fashionable way to wear or style them, leave us a comment and let us know.

Make a Bold Statement with Bold Shoes

I don’t know about you, but when the temperature drops below 40 degrees I have a tendency to get very monochromatic in my dressing.  Which is a fancy way of saying that I wear black from head to toe for most of the winter months.  It’s chic and simple and does an great job of camouflaging the extra weight that always seems to show up around November 1.  (I’m sure it isn’t related to the Halloween candy or anything…)

All black can get boring, so if you want to add some bold color to your look without breaking out of your comfort zone (or breaking the bank), try some color blocked shoes.  They are right on trend without being trendy, and add some interest and flair to a classic look.

Gaayle by Steve Madden, $130

DV by Dolce Vita, $99

Jorgle by Vince Camuto, $129

All of these shoes are available on-line at Piperlime.com.  If you want to balance out your look, try adding a pair of big earrings or a necklace in the same color family as your shoes, and you have an outfit that will be as vibrant as you are!

Stylish Costume Ideas on StyleMint.com

Style Mint (the cousin of Jewel Mint – the fabulous site that is sponsoring a give away ending tomorrow on The Fashionable Housewife…don’t forget to enter..!) is one of my favorite shopping sites.  I read a quote that said “…anything the Olsen twins touch turns to gold…” and I couldn’t agree more.  The T-shirts the offer on StyleMint.com are very stylish and made with great quality and attention to detail.  But what I’m loving right now are their Halloween styling suggestions.  Today’s theme is Witchy Vibes.  Check out this Tumblr:

Image courtesy of Stylemint.com

1. StyleMint Bixel T
2. Madewell Bag
3. Rag & Bone Hat
4. Mango Skirt
5. JewelMint Saber Pendant Necklace
6. Baker’s Boots

If you’re looking to pull together a chic outfit for a Halloween party, or simply want to look FABULOUS when you greet all the goblins at your door, check out StyleMint.com and their October T Moments for some fun and different styling ideas.