Fashion Blog » 2008 » December

2009 is nigh underway. This crossover time is when we all privately carry out a mental inventory of the highs and lows of the past year. For many of us 2008 presented us with more lows than expected and far less highs. The spector of the Credit Crunch, crunched it’s way into our lives, our homes, our families, our joy.

This global economic crisis has pervaded our consciousness. Even to the extent of how we see ourselves.  For those of us who possess the malady of social short sightedness - those who equate their financial status with who they are, who measure their self worth in dollars and cents, pounds and pennies, shares and bonds  - this is the worst of times.

After the Christmas binge, looking in the mirror to assess the damage, may be an even more painful exercise this year. So dear reader, it’s time to lighten up. So what if you gained a few pounds over Christmas, but didn’t you have fun gaining it? Wasn’t the turkey succulent? The frosting on the cake oh so sweet? Well then! We’ve all had to face a bit of gloom in the past year, why add to it?  Relax.

I don’t believe in making New Year’s resolutions. I believe in making lifetime resolutions, being on a journey of continuous self improvement and achievement. A journey of learning to love myself more, like myself more and give more of myself to others. Working towards a more content, peaceful, whole, happier me. So far, so good. Hence the title. Let 2009 be a year of loving yourself more, liking yourself more. Stop trying to emulate the emaciated airbrushed illusions on the magazine covers and start emulating yourself. There is only one of you and you’re wonderful.

Invest in a ‘pet’ scarf, colorful and cozy, something that makes you feel happy and warm every time you wear it.

These soft and mushy scarves from The Spirit if The Andes are just the trick! The Ana Scarf ($27.74) pictured below is made from pure Alpaca, available in a variety of delicate, rainbow shades.

Why not celebrate yourself with a Funky Bear?  He comes with his own designer hoodie, in a range of colors, and a personalized message.  Don’t be afraid to have something like “I am cute!” printed on the front, why not?

I’m thinking of getting one and buying a hoodie to match!  Click the link to order your FunkyBear from FunkyBears.com.

Keeping to the cozy theme, there is nothing I like more than wearing a pair of cozy bed socks and snuggling up in bed

These wool bed socks, $26.28 from The Wool Company are ideal.

What can be more fulfilling than making a fashion purchase and giving to charity at the same time. Give more of yourself. Gap Red offers you this perfect opportunity when you purchase any item from the site. Half the proceeds go straight to the Global Fund, to help fight against Aids and HIV in Africa. Some major fashion labels have also come aboard to help. Visit the ‘Learn’ page to find out more

Finally, take a read of Susie Orbach’s latest book, entitled Bodies. Orbach discusses the issues that contribute to women feeling inferior about their physical appearance. Available in various bookstores and online, $10.58.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more women’s scarves.
Discounts on women’s socks.

Tomorrow is New Year’s Eve!  Time to say ‘good-bye’ to a bittersweet 2008.  Time to bring new essential fashion pieces into your wardrobe for 2009.  You can start with this simple black clutch.  It’s super light and can be worn with casual or dressy attire.

Babee D Simply Black Clutch Handbag: $79.99 (Was: $165)

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop fore more Babee D handbags.
Discounts on black clutch handbags.

Not to beat a dead horse, but I’m back on the subject of UGG boots again this week. Quite a few people I know were thrilled to death to find a pair of comfy UGGs under the Christmas tree this past week and I’m happy to welcome them on to the bandwagon. Others, however, were simply jealous and immediately began hunting for the best bargains around so that they could run out and buy their own.

WARNING: UGG boot shopping without any knowledge of UGG lore can be incredibly dangerous. You simply can’t run out to the nearest department store with only a hope and a prayer. Those who haphazardly take up the art of UGG boot shopping are quickly disappointed when they get home and realize they’ve been tricked into buying fakes.

Fakes? Yes! Fake UGG boots do exist. They look like UGGs (sometimes they’re even uglier). They feel like UGGs (the beauty of synthetic materials and mass production). They’re even priced like real UGGS. Wait – that’s not fair!

Here are a few things to look out for as you browse your nearest UGG retail store in search of post-holiday discounts:

• Are the boots cheap or expensive? As much as we’d like to find UGG boots for under $100, it’s just not going to happen. If you’re getting ready to pay $12, $20, or $50 for a pair of UGGs you need to think again. They’re probably not real.

• For online shoppers, are your UGGs listed as “sheepskin boots” or merely “sheepskin lined?” If they’re only “lined” then the wool inside will probably be fake, meaning it won’t be thermal, keep your feet warm, or keep the boots from stinking after a few weeks of wear.

• Do the boots have an authentic “UGG Australia” label on the back of each heel? If not, they’re not real UGG brand boots.

There are a few other things to consider, but these are the most important. I’d hate to see you run out and waste all of your holiday cash on a pair of boots that aren’t what you thought they would be. Every good girl deserves a pair of UGG boots – it’s just nicer to know that they’re actually REAL!

Next week we’ll move onto something new and exciting. Until then, enjoy the rest of your holiday celebrations and have a great time ringing in the New Year!

Find at Smarter.com:  Real Ugg boots.

There are only seven more days left in 2008!  Time flies!  In order to inspire a bright 2009, I suggest sporting some bright colored pumps in January.  These cherrywood pumps are “winter bright”, super stylish and would work for just about every occasion.  They also come in black for those who love everything black.

BCBGirls Lornas Pump: $60.47 (Was: $109.95)

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more BCBG Girls shoes.
Discounts on women’s pumps.

We hope you all have a safe Christmas and enjoy your time with friends and family!

Image Source:  finalfashion.ca

During the holidays, with all the travel, and the food, and the lack of exercise, we begin to feel a little stuffy. Too much turkey stuffing maybe? Christmas pudding pies got you down? Fill yourself with happy thoughts of healthier plates and cleaner arteries with clean-cut, stylish fashion.

Some looks to get you thinking:

Gap Ruffled White Blouse: a new, feminine take on the traditional white long-sleeve button down.

Gray Cardigan with Ribbon: While we all try to avoid tight belts around our middles while stuffing our faces with third helpings of apple pie, maybe a light ribbon will give us a little reminder that salads are good, too?

Dove Gray Pants: White is a little too risky, but how do we feel about off-white, or a beautiful dove gray? Pair it with a black long sleeve t-shirt and you’ll stand out in comparison to all the black pants/ white shirts in the crowd.

*Use coupon code TUESDAYS by 12/31/08 to take 20% off your order at Gap.com.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more ruffled blouses.
Discounts on women’s cardigan sweaters.
Buy women’s gray pants.

Do you know what you’re going to wear on New Year’s Eve? Do you even know what you’re doing New Year’s Eve? This baby doll dress would make for a pretty cute New Year’s Eve party dress if you shnaz it up with some hot accessories.  It also come in a pretty olive color which I think looks particularly good on naturally tan skin.

Gabriella Rocha Studio Addy: $49.50 (Was: $55)

Find on Smarter.com:   Shop for more Gabriella Rocha dresses.
Discounts on women’s baby doll dresses.

My ultra cool, well connected cousin from New York, has invited me on a trip to Sweden, where we will be staying in an ambassador’s house. My cousin through his good schooling, has rubbed shoulders with celebrities and such like for many of his 25 years. However, he seems totally unimpressed and underwhelmed by it all. He has driven his younger brother David and I to distraction when he ‘forgets’ to tell us that he went to a party and discussed basketball with Denzel Washington, has been invited to Paris to stay with one of his old college friends, whose father,  lives next door to Johnny Depp. He never bothered to mention that he was invited to meet Beyonce by Jay Z at their house. He has just returned from Isabella Rosselini’s house in Paris, invited by her glamorous daughter Electra. He is ever so blase about visiting the Hamptons whenever he goes.

Well I finally had enough and demanded that I be invited along somewhere or else! So we’re off to Sweden in the New Year. Now I know this trip does not necessarily involve meeting any Hollywood stars or even Johnny Depp, but I’m working on it. At least I will be staying in plush surroundings.  I also realize that at sub zero temperatures I have very little fashion scope to try and look glam. So I have decided that my only glam option is jewelery. Even if I am wrapped up in warm clothing to my eyeballs, I am hoping that these following pieces will help me twinkle a little bit!

Sterling Silver Star Earrings from Monaco, $117.59

Filligree Earrings, $17.82

I will definitely look the part in this icy Charm Bracelet, handmade in Greece:

You can find all of these wonderful gems at Farfallina.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more star earrings.
Discounts on filligree earrings.
Buy charm bracelets.

Here’s the deal. They say you either love UGG boots or you hate them, but there’s really no middle ground. I’ve found, thus far, that most of the people who claim to hate them are making their decision based solely on aesthetics. I completely agree, by the way – the design of the boot is devastatingly ugly, but once you slip your feet inside those fuzzy atrocities you’ll quickly understand why they’re so popular.

It’s all in the wool. Merino wool is one of the highest qualities of wool in the world and Australia is responsible for almost 50% of the world’s production of this particular type. Merino sheep aren’t raised for food, so their wool is softer. The wool also has a unique fiber density which gives it the durable and thermal qualities we’ve come to expect from UGGs.

Wool has natural thermal tendencies, meaning they can keep your feet warm in temperatures as low as 30 degrees below Fahrenheit. On the other hand, wool is naturally breathable and can keep your feet cool in temperatures as warm as 80 degrees Fahrenheit. In short, those surfers wearing UGG boots aren’t as stupid as some might think. They’re keeping their feet warm after leaving the water but won’t end up sweating to death because the boots are breathable!

There are, of course, cheap alternatives to the authentic UGG boot brands, but they’re made of synthetic materials instead of real Merino wool. That means you’ll end up with a pretty (ugly) boot, but you won’t be nearly as warm as you would have been had you coughed up the cash for an authentic pair.

They’re warm. They’re soft. They’re comfortable. Those are the reasons I give for now having a pair of UGG boots in my closet. I cringed, at first, but the sharp black pair of classic short boots go great with jeans or the nicer slacks I wear to work or when I go out. I do not, however, tuck my jeans into my boots. That’s a fashion decision you’ll have to make for yourself!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for affordable women’s Ugg boots.
Discounts on men’s Ugg boots.

Girlawhirl finds the best gifts for under $25.

SheFinds spreads the word on how to earn extra cash by batting your eyelashes to show off a company’s logo on your lids.

Are you feeling not-so-skinny in those skinny jeans? Sing your way to a svelte new you with SheZoom’s own Dr. Lou.

Find out how to get glam hair for the holidays at StyleBakery.com

The Beauty Brains get lippy and tell us what kind of lip balm to use and why!

This week on Smarter Fashion:

Check out 8 fashion gift ideas for your DJ friends or wannabe DJ friends.

We showed you some cool watches on sale at Zappos.com.

Colleen showed us how to dress appropriately for your corportate holiday party.

Check out a great deal on a holiday red clutch/wallet on sale for under $50.

Colleen shows us how to get a look inspired by the awesome movie The Life Aquatic.