Knock it off - you’ll be glad you did
Old Navy quilted faux leather satchel
Lusting after a really beautiful high-end handbag? But not willing to choose between paying the rent and stashing your stuff in style? I have a solution.
For fall 2008, big patent handbags are hip and cool, but the big price tag on some can be overwhelming. J. Crew has a beautiful patent leather hobo for $298.00 — OR you can grab the Old Navy knock off for $34.50.
Sure, it’s not real leather, and it’s probably not as meticulously crafted as the J. Crew version, but if you’re looking for this season’s It Bag, this isn’t a bad way to get it.
Old Navy quilted faux leather satchel, $34.50. Available in five colors. Big enough to haul all your stuff; affordable to allow you to buy more stuff. Perfect.
Style Friday - How to wear a scarf
Raj Imports 'Om' Gauze Scarf
Kristen has a question about scarves: “I have a very pretty scarf that is black with a pattern of large white dots on it. I would like to wear it but don’t know how. The only time I have worn it is as a belt. I see women wearing scarves around their necks and they look chic. How does one tie a scarf around her neck and not look like an old lady or a door-to-door cosmetic sales lady?”
Kristen has a couple of options, neither of which will make her look like an Avon Lady. Since her scarf is large enough to wear as a belt, she can try looping it around her neck and letting the ends hang, like the model here is doing. This is a casual, simple style that’s more bohemian rocker girl than flight attendant. The trick here is to keep the rest of the outfit simple — jeans and a tee or sweater, for example. This also works well under a jacket or trench coat.
Kristen can also loop the scarf a couple of times around her neck and tie it, rather than letting it hang; the key to not looking old or frumpy is to not be too too precise in the wrapping and tying. Don’t fold or wrap the scarf too carefully — it’s okay if the pattern looks a little messy. Wrap it enough times that the ends are very short when you tie them — skip the big fluffy bow. And again, pair with other simple pieces. Kristen wants the scarf to look a little edgy rather than a lot precious.
Raj Imports ‘Om’ gauze scarf, $49.00 at Nordstrom.
Have a question for Style Friday? Email me at fridaystyle.susan@gmail.com!
Style Friday - What you need to know to look your best
I’m on vacation this week; my husband and I are in Beijing, at the Olympics, as guests of Johnson & Johnson. We are incredibly excited and deeply indebted to J&J for making this possible.
Everyone pick up some Johnson’s baby shampoo today and share the love.
When I come back from China (and recover from the jet lag because holy time difference, Batman!) I’ll be introducing a new feature at Fashion Find: Style Friday. Each Friday, instead of featuring a product, I’ll be proffering a simple tip — for dressing your specific body type or scoring a deal on something cool or making the most of what you have.
Have a question for Style Friday? Send me an email at fridaystyle.susan@gmail.com. I’m here to help with whatever dilemma you have.
And also to remind you that Johnson’s Baby Shampoo is the PERFECT soap for all your cashmere pieces. There’s a tip for you! You’re welcome.
Tips for shopping the mid-season sales
Hello, it’s finally summer! Time for barbecues and long days at the pool and cocktails on the porch. Which means that your favorite retailers have to clear the floor for the fall looks. You know, because you don’t need a swimsuit in July, you need a winter coat!
It’s a stupid system, I know, but it can work to your advantage. Mid-season sales are a great time to shop for two categories of things: basics and trends. Sale prices give you a chance to stock up on basics (shorts and tees and tanks and swimwear) that you know you will need this summer AND next. Sales also let you test trends without breaking the bank.
But keep in mind: no matter WHAT you buy, don’t be seduced by the sale price. You’re not SAVING any money, you’re only SPENDING less, and it is only money well spent if you WEAR what you buy. Ask yourself this: would I have paid full-price for this? If the answer is no, then step away from the sale rack; you’re better off spending more and getting something you will really wear.
Gap suede thong sandals, currently $17.99. These qualify as a basic.