Love: Lands End Canvas

The last time I had a closet full of clothes from Lands' End, I was in the 5th grade and my mom was still picking out my outfits. As soon as I stumbled upon the hidden gem that is the Lands' End Canvas line (aside: Why isn't Lands' End doing more to promote this line? I love everything in the collection. Love.), I realized that it's only a matter of time before I become an older (and maybe even a little wiser) version of my 5th grade self.

Earlier today I ordered the Heritage Trench in light khaki ( a coupon for 25% off + free shipping was just the encouragement I needed):






Isn't it cute? It's beautiful, it's classic, and I cannot wait for it to arrive in 4-7 business days. Now, I just have to exercise some self-control and refrain from ordering one of everything else on the Lands' End Canvas site.

My First HSN Purchase

High on my list of guilty pleasures is watching HSN (and QVC). I just *love* watching professional product presenters (and the occasional celebrity) hawk well-lit goods in front of a television camera. Of course, I never felt too guilty about watching home shopping programs because, you know, I never allowed myself to actually purchase anything...

Until today.

How cute is the "Union Jack" tote (modeled below by Twiggy)? It's from the Twiggy London line, which Twiggy herself introduced on HSN today. I actually first spotted it in my copy of next month's Lucky magazine, and switched immediately from the West Virginia-Duke game (only for a second) to HSN to find Twiggy and HSN personality Colleen offering up a dove gray boyfriend blazer. The blazer looked cute-ish, but I was singularly focused on the Union Jack tote. I claimed one of the navy totes as my own, and, because it was "Today's Special," I saved 25%.

via Modelina

My confirmation e-mail tells me that I'll have my new bag by April 13. I can't wait! In the meantime, it looks like I'll be watching Butler take down, with any luck face Duke in the NCAA Championship Game. Did anyone else see Da'Sean Butler go down with a knee injury halfway through the second half of the West Virginia-Duke game? Ouch. Hoping for the best for him.

State of the Fashion

I'll leave it to the pundits to dissect the serious issues covered during President Obama's first State of the Union address tonight. Instead, I will be dissecting tonight's fashion choices via a semi-live blog post.

1. POTUS: The President is wearing a bright red tie with several sets of narrow, white (pink?) parallel "stripes" running down the length of the tie. It reminds me of a candy cane -- not a peppermint one, but one of those delicious strawberry flavored candy canes that I always hunt down during the holidays. I like the tie -- it has an optimistic flair, and is set against a navy, presidential-looking suit. (Wait, did Harry Reid just yawn??? Wow, the Republicans are seriously mean-mugging right now.)

2. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi: Speaker Pelosi is sporting a lavender skirt suit. (I think it's a skirt suit.) The shade is understated -- I like it, but I don't love it. What I do love is her necklace: a jumbo, multicolored pearl strand. And matching earrings! Very sharp, Madam Speaker.

3. VP Biden: The Vice President has also chosen a diagonally striped tie -- it's purple (with blue and white stripes?) and the color contrast is sharp. I'm really digging it. Wait -- did he and Speaker Pelost coordinate? Ohhh, the VP is wearing a navy blue pinstripe suit. I've always held a special place in my heart for a navy pinstripe suit. (Everyone is really stoked about the Jobs Bill -- let's hope this enthusiasm translates into action.)

4. First Lady Michelle Obama: Mrs. Obama's hair and makeup are flawless! But I'm not such a huge fan of the dress. (Oh my goodness, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg just fell fast asleep. I hope she's okay.) The color (a deep burgundy) is quite nice, but the cut just doesn't seem to be exactly right. Then again, maybe I caught a bad angle -- I just saw the dress from another angle, and it looked rather lovely (love the pleating detail in the front).

5. Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice: Ambassador Rice's blazer is intriguing to me. It appears to be a black, crocodile print, leather number. It's shiny and it's unconventional. And I'm kind of loving it. (I'm also loving this bit about reducing the costs of college and forgiving student loan debt. I'm totally on board with that plan.)

6. Senator Olympia Snowe (R-ME): The Senator has chosen a very safe black and white (tweed?) skirt suit that looks well made and expensive. As an aside, Google-ing her political accomplishments led me to some vintage photos of Senator Snowe that dated back to the early days of her political career -- she has made some excellent fashion choices in her time. (Wait -- yes! Health care reform made it to the speech! I was worried. We can't give up on it yet.)

Last but not least -- and this has nothing to do with fashion -- but Roland Burris looks so, so happy to be where he is right now. I had almost forgotten about him and his very special appointment to the United States Senate. Good for him. (Wooow -- I think Obama just urged Congress to pass a law that will essentially erase some of the impact of the Supreme Court's recent campaign finance decision. Fascinating.)

Gap's CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund Khaki Collection: Cute! And Cheap!

Yesterday, I ventured to my neighborhood Gap to see if I could score a few simple tees. To my surprise, I stumbled upon an unbelievably cute floppy hat, and an unbelievably cute dress, for under $5 and under $12 (respectively)!

My new ($12) dress is on the model standing second from the right in this picture:

image: Glamour.com

And my new ($5) floppy hat is on the model second from the left in this picture:

image: Glamour.com

The Weekend in Review

This weekend was gloriously work-free. One of my goals for the weekend was to pick up a few investment pieces to spruce up my work wardrobe, which was in need of a little pick-me-up. I did find a few things, but now I'm experiencing buyer's remorse (this is what happens when there are no sporting events no attention-grabbing sporting events on television -- sorry, U.S. Open).

On Saturday, I ordered two pairs of shoes from Endless.com: pumps and flats, both for work.


I'll have to wait until Monday to see if these are going to work...

Also on Saturday, I picked up a cardigan from Banana Republic. It really was a steal at $40 (it's 100% cashmere!), but now I'm wondering whether the style will work with my wardrobe:

It looks cute on the Banana Republic.com model. I hope I can make it work for me, too.


And finally, today I purchased a pair of navy blue Max Mara pants and a black DKNY three-quarter sleeve blazer from Century 21 (Btw, that place is a zoo... I don't know why I keep subjecting myself to the madness there). The pants are definitely going back -- I got them home and tried them on again and realized they're just not what I was looking for. They're beautiful pants, but they don't work well with the loose, flowing blouses that I like to wear to work. I'm on the fence about the blazer -- I bought it because it coordinates with a pair of DKNY pants that I bought last summer that I stopped wearing to work because they wrinkle sooo easily. What's good about the blazer is that when worn with the pants, it will disguise most of the offending wrinkles.

So I'm not sure that I would call this weekend's shopping project a success. I think that I may have found a few good pieces, but it's too soon to tell. In the meantime, and in the absence of an NBA finals game to distract me (man, that series came and went in a flash), I will be entertaining myself with a generous scoop of pistachio gelato and tonight's episode of Army Wives.

First Lady Fashion

Michelle Obama and Carla Bruni (Sarkozy) were in Normandy, France today to commemorate the 65th Anniversary of D-Day. The event was, of course, serious and at times somber. While watching MSNBC's coverage of today's event (and with complete understanding of and respect for the gravity of the commemoration), I could not help noticing that Mrs. Obama and Mrs. Bruni (Sarkozy) looked absolutely stunning:

images via Huffington Post

Michelle Obama's Sneakers

US Weekly is conducting a poll to see who among its readers likes the Lanvin sneakers that Michelle Obama wore to the Capitol Food Bank last week. The shoes are funky, yes. But any First Lady who wears these kicks is okay in my book. Plus, her service at the food bank is far more important than the shoes.

Images: New York Daily News

The J. Crew University Pant in Navy

My work wardrobe is still a work-in-progress, but one theme has emerged: Navy, and lots of it! I was never one to wear that much navy -- black has always been my dark, neutral shade of choice. But navy has emerged as a major player in my new work wardrobe -- so much so that I think it's time to supplement the pair of navy stovepipe DKNY trousers that I wear at least once a week (I found them on sale and I love them) with another pair of navy pants. I really like this pair from J. Crew (in favorite fit, J. Crew's most universally flattering cut):

Thoughts?

A New Trench Coat Option

It's *pouring* in NYC right now, and the inclement weather has reminded me that my search for the perfect trench is not over. Yesterday's options were vetoed by my personal wardrobe consultant/mother. Today, I found this trench while "window shopping" online. I love the sleek lines of this option (shown in black and khaki):

image: Bloomingdales.com ($195)

image: Bloomingdales.com ($195)

Thoughts? I'm leaning toward the black trench.

Please Help Me Pick Out a (Cute, Affordable) Trench Coat

I need a new trench coat. A few years ago, a bought a great chocolate brown trench from The Gap. It was on sale and it was fabulous. I wore that trench every day that I could -- and now it shows. So I need a new one -- I'm looking for something lightweight, chic and professional-looking. (I'm trying to prepare in advance for those times when work will require me to (a) be out of the office when the weather is bad and (b) look presentable once I get to the out-of-office destination.)

Last Friday, I purchased this Ellen Tracy trench at downtown Manhattan's always unnecessarily hectic discount department store, Century 21. I tried it on in the store, and again at home, where I discovered that it just wasn't a good fit. I'm returning it. The funnel neck collar (it's convertible) is what drew it to me at first:

image: nordstrom.com ($138)

While window-shopping online earlier today, I fell in love with this beautiful Vivienne Westwood trench at Liberty, the UK retailer. Its asymmetrical drape is stunning (as is its price tag):

image: liberty.co.uk (approximately $675)

Harper's Bazaar UK directed me to this option from Banana Republic. I love this shade of gray and the unconventional collar, but it might be too "crinkled" and casual for work:

image: bananarepublic.com ($79.99 -on sale)

Any thoughts on these? Any other suggestions? Is there an amazing trench out there that I'm missing? Do tell.

Michelle Obama's Official White House Photo

Image via The Huffington Post. Photograph by Joyce N. Boghosian.

First Lady Michelle Obama's official White House photo has been released (above). Isn't she stunning? Much has been made about her frequent donning of the sleeveless shift dress -- many have begun to wonder whether it is "appropriate" for the First Lady to go sleeveless. I, for one, love the sleeveless shift dress. It's a classic! And if you ask me, the First Lady looks modern, fit and totally fabulous.

When Sports and Fashion Collide...or Unite, Rather.

Image via People Magazine

On Thursday night, supermodel Gisele Bundchen and New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (who is pretty good looking himself) wed in a small ceremony in Los Angeles. Two summers ago, I spotted this stunning couple while dining with friends at Pure Food and Wine (nothing on the menu had been heated above 118 degrees and absolutely no wheat, dairy, or soy products were involved in the preparation of the food...it was an "experience"). For the record, Gisele and Tom are just as beautiful in person as they are under the bright lights. And while I'm still a little bummed about the whole Bridget Moynihan thing (love you, Bridget!), I hope that Gisele and Tom are happy.

Michelle Obama in Her Own, Fashionable Words

Michelle Obama, lawyer, mother, wife and First Lady extraordinaire, graces the cover of the March issue of Vogue. View Andre Leon Talley's interview with her, as well as a slideshow of her Vogue photo shoot, here.

A Tale of Two Alexes

First, the bad: Alex Rodriguez was busted for steroids. Surprising? Not really. But it's still a pretty big story. President Obama found himself fielding a question about the steroid scandal from the White House press corps during his primetime news conference tonight. The President's take on scandal? It sets a really bad example for baseball's youngest fans. Agreed.

Now for the good: This is old news, but ... Alexander McQueen is coming to Target! (Target, by the way, is one of my favorite stores and my perennial "happy place.") As part of Target's new Designer Collaborations Initiative (not to be confused with the GO International line, which celebrates young, up-and-coming designers), McQueen is offering a collection of funky pieces, all priced under $129.99. This could get interesting. I'm even considering braving the crazy crowds at the Target's downtown Manhattan McQ Market this weekend to check out the goods.

So That's Why I Had Trouble Using J.Crew's Website Today

I think that Michelle Obama is absolutely fabulous, and I am so excited about her turn as First Lady of the United States. I respect that she is an Ivy League-educated attorney and the mother of two beautiful girls. I also appreciate that it is more important to focus on her professional and personal accomplishments than to focus on the clothes she wears and the decorating decisions she makes at the White House. So, as much as I love fashion and interior design, I am going to make a conscious effort to honor that focus (but not totally neglect the fashion and design angle, of course!).

With that said, I have just one tiny anecdote. For the past several days, I've attempted to make some "final sale" purchases on the J. Crew website. Without fail, the website has crashed every single time I attempted to make these purchases. It appears that ever since Michelle Obama wore J. Crew gloves to the inauguration festivities last Tuesday (in addition to wearing very stylish J.Crew outfits during several public appearances over the past few months), business at J. Crew has increased 400%. I guess the website wasn't prepared for the increased traffic. Amazing.

Vogue Patterns

Three reasons why I need to learn how to sew:

This Girl's Gonna Learn How to Sew.

I did it. I took the plunge and registered for "Learn to Sew Like a Pro I" at the Fashion Institute of Technology. The class meets on 4 consecutive Sundays beginning February 8. I'm stoked. My goal is to learn how to sew a shift dress by the summer -- a dress that I'd be comfortable wearing to work. That means that I really need to pay attention in class.

I can't wait!

Part Three: What to Wear (Fashionable fans must dress the part!)

You've familiarized yourself with the basics of college football and you know what teams to watch for this season. Now it's time to look the part. Luckily, long gone are the days when athletic gear and team merchandise were synonymous with shapeless sweatshirts and plastic beer mugs. Take a look at these great finds for fashionable fans (left to right, from top left) :

(1) A perfect Florida Gators hoodie. Perfect because the slim cut and lightweight material make it figure-flattering (read: not bulky!), while the fleece lining makes it warm and cozy. Plus, it's affordable at $39.95. (2) I love the washed and worn look of this Michigan baseball cap. Perfect for catching a game in person on a Saturday afternoon. (3) This USC tee speaks for itself. (4) Don't underestimate these earrings! In a near-perfect collision of sports and fashion, these are NCAA logo Oregon Ducks earrings. (5) Fashion-forward Longhorns fans, rejoice! The script on this Texas tee adds just the right amount of flare. (6) Who says you have to drink beer at your game day party? LSU fans can sip wine in style with these stemless glasses.

Etc.

Confession: I've been studying for grad school exams (1 down, 1 to go), and thus I've been obsessing over them more than anything else this past week. But everyone needs a break every now and then. So, here goes!

1. As I've mentioned before, I love it when two seemingly different ideas/concepts/hobbies (e.g. fashion & sports (of course!), fashion & politics, politics & sports) collide. And so does the NY Times. In the Fashion & Style section of today's paper, the Times ran this fun article about the intensified coverage of the presidential candidates in magazines and websites best known for their entertainment and celebrity gossip coverage (you know the ones--People, US Weekly, TMZ.com). Very interesting! Apparently, John McCain celebrated his 71st (oh my goodness) birthday at a fancy Beverly Hills restaurant. See the footage for yourself at TMZ.com.

In other collision news, Tom Brady + Gisele Bundchen + Met Gala = Fashion & Sports at Their Finest.

2. The Rogan collection for Target hits stores on May 18. A preview of the collection, which features lots of modern cuts and organic cotton, is available here, courtesy of fabsugar.com. I'm hoping to find something in the collection that I can add to my treasure trove of "cute and really reasonably priced clothes I found when I went to Target for toothpaste and paper towels only."

3. The NBA Playoffs: I can't remember exactly when I completely lost track of everything that's been going on during the NBA post-season, but I'm pretty sure that it happened around the time that Jay-Z and Soulja Boy entered the fray during the Cavaliers-Wizards series. Unbelievable. Anyway, it seems that the Cavs play a second game against Boston tonight after losing the first game to the Celtics (final score: 76-72). And the Lakers, led by newly crowned MVP Kobe Bryant, have yet to lose a playoff game. I wonder if they can keep it up. Hmmm...keeping track of a winning streak could get interesting...

Favorite Finds

Several months ago, I blogged about some of my favorite fashion finds (at the time, the list included American Apparel tri-blend t-shirts, Tony Lama cowboy boots and a $5 black pashmina). Now, I'm back with a new list. This time, not every find is a "fashion" find in the strictest sense, but each find is fabulous nonetheless.

1. Marnie Rocks is a jewelry and accessories company that was launched several years ago by Houston-based independent designer and mother of four Marnie Greenwood. I've been following this company for at least the past four years, and it's amazing to see how much it's grown. The company is known for its beautifully crafted, one-of-a-kind jewelry, and in recent years, Marnie Rocks has begun to offer candles, stationery, and bedding. A few weeks ago, the company was featured on one of my favorite television shows, The View. Marnie Rocks!

2. Pacifica Moroccan Chamomile Apple Blossom Soy Candles smell absolutely amazing--something like a bright spring day, a steaming pot of chamomile tea and a flower-filled garden. Usually, I grow tired of scents pretty quickly, but this one never gets old! Plus, the packaging is so pretty. As a bonus, the candles are soy-based, so they burn cleanly.

3. Craft, Inc. is a "how-to" book written by Meg Mateo Ilasco. It's full of great tips and inspiration for aspiring crafters, designers, and entrepreneurs. It's also full of "inside information" about successful independent designers (including how they started their businesses and where to buy their products).

4. Real Simple magazine has quickly become one of my favorite subscriptions (and I subscribe to a lot of magazines). I love that it makes enjoying the little (and medium) things in life--finding the perfect facial cleanser at the drugstore, putting together a spring wardrobe, redecorating a bedroom--simple. Every month, Real Simple gives me a fun, new goal that doesn't stress me out. This month it's learning how to cook more than the 3 meals that I have mastered in my 26 years ( a goal inspired by the article, "11 Fast Weeknight Dinner Ideas").