Girl’s Guide to Going Green

There is no help for it. We women like to shop. Unfortunately, this means we consume a lot of resources and put out a lot of waste. Even if you donate the bulk of your old items to thrift shops and Goodwill you still burned through a lot of natural resources. The book "Green Chic" contains numerous ideas on how girls can streamline their lifestyle and cut back on their consumerism. Besides helping the environment, it assists you in cutting back on your spending habits in our current economy. It is one of those cases of splurging on this book now, to help you later. The book has a lighthearted conversational tone that makes it easy to read. Go and be enlightened!

AUGH!!! Big Fashion No-No

My eyes were visually assaulted the other day by tropical fish clearly stolen from “The Little Mermaid” hanging from someone’s earlobes. I am quite certain Flounder is missing his cousin something fierce and would like him returned. I only wish I had the technological know-how to return the poor little fish to his home.

Fish motifs are popular in tropical places. They are a favorite of tourists and residents alike. I am not particular fond of them when they are hanging on the walls, but under no circumstances should they be worn on your ears like some sort of trophy! Especially, when they are the size of a small battle cruiser and hanging from your lobes to your shoulder in colors bright enough people around you are going blind from the glare. The colors don’t match anything but tacky tourist clothes anyway. You would be much better off investing in some cute (small) sand dollars or starfish made of gold or silver. They still have that tropical flavor but without the vulgar flair of cheap neon plastic.

Permanent Ink

I’ve seen some tattoos that I thought appeared pretty darn neat. The problem is permanence. What if you decide you don‘t like the design? Or if you gain weight and get stretch marks through it? It can go from nifty to nightmare. So, if you are going to get tattoo, try and get it somewhere you can cover it if you desire.

Some tattoos you want to show. The permanent make-up kind for instance. You can have your lips and eyes outlined. It would certainly save you some time in the morning. Your eyeliner would never run and your lip liner would always be flawless.

On a cautionary note, be sure to get it done in a normal color. If you had your eyes lined in a blue or green you run the risk of it clashing with numerous outfits. Black and brown are your best options.

Lip liner color can also go wrong. If you get a permanent lip liner tattoo done in a dark shade of maroon and decide you want to wear a light pink lipstick you will have to go to a lot of work to cover it up. Red lip liner and bright shades run the same risk. It is easier to cover a light color than a dark color. Pick a neutral tone. That way your daily lipstick will match. On special occasions, your permanent lip liner won’t be wasted because it will help you flawlessly line your lips with a darker shade. Advantageous as permanent make-up may be, remember you will be stuck with it and getting it done will likely be painful as your face is a very sensitive area.

Study Guide

I don’t subscribe to the theory that fashion is something you can learn from a book. It is a sixth sense you develop through practice and experimentation. But practical experience can be helped on its way with some professional advice. Nina Garcia wrote a book called “The Little Black Book of Style” that I feel fits this criteria better than any other fashion magazine or book I have ever read. It covers a wide variety of subjects within from the basic must haves, to a break down of fashion from numerous decades. As the editor of Elle magazine, she has the background to make her book trustworthy. If you feel inadequate to the task of tackling fashion on your own, this is the guide for you.

Spend or Trend

Styles come and go. Some people argue that they work in cycles. Whether or not this is true, there are some items you should invest in. They will always be in no matter the current trend and for that reason I encourage you to purchase them even if they are expensive. It will be worth the extra money to get top quality items that will hold up under a few years wear.

A nice pair of black slacks should be at the top of this list. A myriad of tops in various colors and cuts can be paired with them over a long period of time. You should worry most about purchasing a pair that fits well in the hips and waist. Length can be taken care of by a good tailor. Additionally, pick a pair without a lot of fancy stitching and details. This insures their longevity in the style department.

The same basic rules apply when picking out a black suit. Forego intricate and head for simplistic. This way your blouse and jewelry can change with the times and your suit will remain a classic. Try not to get a skirt that us either too short or too long. Just above or below the knee remains the best length.

The Little Black Dress is perhaps one of the most important pieces in a ladies repertoire. It can be worn on a variety of occasions and rarely does it look bad on anyone. Style and material don’t matter. Just locate one that creates a flattering figure on you.

A good pair of jeans remain an investment. Boot cut is best because no matter which way fashion swings (toward flare or straight leg) they are a close enough fit to be stylish. A dark wash is the best color.

Shoes are always a good investment, but if you are looking for one particular kind to purchase on a budget you need a pair of sturdy black pumps. They are versatile and comfortable. Like all necessary wardrobe staples should be.

Wake up to Make-up

Burt’s bees lip balm has become one of the best buys for lip care. They come in numerous tints, some light and some dark. No matter the color they stain your lips a nice shade and keep your lips moist for a long period of time. Those moisturizing ingredients keep your lips from having to reapply as frequently as you need to with other glosses. The all natural ingredients used in the product also mean you can go green at the same time you get softer lips. Burt’s lip gloss is not as expensive as many other green products. They don’t cost much more than any other brand name lip gloss and they are cheaper than Victoria Secret’s. It’s a topnotch balm anyway you spin it.

AUGH!!! Big Fashion No-No

I have finally located the worlds ugliest (and creepiest) pair of shoes! I don't care how desperate you are for a great werewolf costume on Halloween (let's hope that is the only reason anyone would consider these shoes!) they are beyond hideous. In fact, I think I would prefer to lose toes to hypothermia than slip my feet into these suckers. Without a doubt, this is my biggest fashion NO to date!

Cinderella

I seriously wonder if something like a love of shoes can be an inherited trait. My grandmother and I compete to see who owns the most shoes. I have yet to win. She owns over 100 pairs and beats me every time. I realize she’s got a few years on me, but I feel the gap should be closing. Despite my incredible tendencies to buy shoes, I have only managed to keep the status quo. My sole consolation is due to the fact we wear the same size. She still owns some darling spike heels I am only to happy to borrow whenever I visit. Only to make sure the shoes aren’t consigned to live the remainder of their days in a box of course! I’m thinking only of those poor shoes and the miserable existence they could be stuck with. Now that Grandma is in her 80’s, she decided she wants to escape the possibility of a broken hip and retired a small pile of shoes. Though she retains ownership, I get wearer rights. That is a serious perk to our friendly competition. I knew some good came from the gene pool.

Work It or Cover It

Bra straps show. There is no way to keep them from peeking out from time to time even if you buy a bra whose straps can be criss-crossed or turned into a halter strap. Although, Victoria Secret’s 100 hundred way bra comes pretty dang close. One way to solve this problem is to implement bra-straps into your look by making it appear as another layer by wearing bras in bright colors. White should only be worn if you are wearing a t-shirt that has a 0% chance of a strap peeking out. Replace your white bras with those in nude tones if there is the slightest possibility of a sneak appearance. Remember, color is your friend.

Song Sung Blue

Jeans remain a staple clothing. This popularity is due to their comfortable and versatility. For casual daily wear, you can throw on tennis shows and t-shirts. When you want to dress up, you can simply put on nicer shirts and heels with dressier jewelry. The ease with which jeans turn from one style to another is an advantage easily implemented. Trouble arises in finding pairs that fit your body type.

The material your jeans are made of does make a difference. Dark jeans make you look slimmer. Light jeans while they don’t add weight, don’t do you any favors. Buying a pair with a little spandex added to the denim means when your weight fluctuates you can still wear your pants.

Lucky magazine declared a dark wash flare jean to be the best pick for the majority of the population. Make sure you choose a low-rise waist because a high-waist looks too 70s. The jean should be tight down to about your knee and the flare should not be any wider than eight inches. That isn’t much wider than a boot cut jean so you should be able to buy one of those as a substitute if it fits appropriately everywhere else.

Skinny jeans became all the rage recently. They are particularly tricky to wear because you have to be in the perfect weight bracket to pull off the look. If your hips are too slender, they decrease your curves and they add ten pounds if you do have hips. If you want to pull them off, wear a shirt that goes 3-4 inches past the trouble spot.

White- The New Black

The Little Black Dress is definitely one of those pieces that every woman should invest in. If you don’t already own it, I recommend going to the stores and hunting one down- now. If you have bought a LBD, I recommend buying one of this summers trendy pieces: a white sundress. They come in numerous shapes and styles and no particular one is better than any other. The only set detail is the color.

Mr. Toe

Summer begins soon. With it comes sandals and flip flops. That means your toes are going to be on display. Time to buff and polish each little piggy. I recommend doing the work yourself because pedicures rack up the expenses.

When you paint your toenails, use 3- 4 coats and a top coat to seal it. Make sure you let each coat dry before adding the next. This gives you a look closest to that you would get from a professional salon. It does take longer to do your toenails this way, but the end results are worth it.

Doing a thorough job eats up time. That means you need to be choosier about color. You won’t want to, or be able to, switch colors as often as you could when you used 1-2 coats. Assess your wardrobe and find a color that works with the majority of your clothes. Most people do not have two weeks worth of blue and yellow clothes. A French pedicure or shades of pink are usually your best bet. Red and black can also be neutral on your toes. Darker colors stand out more and show mistakes more easily. They also take more coats to get the desired color. Whatever color you choose, make sure you like it because you have to wear it. If you go shopping for a new color, Opi is one of the best brands of polish.

AUGH!!! Big Fashion No-No

I am begging you, no matter how cold your feet get do not wear socks with your flip flops. Only my grandfather could get away with that. The elder generations should not manage to addlepate us so severely we begin to wear their styles. Toe-socks do not give you an excuse either. I know they make it easier to wear socks with flops, but they don't make it look any better. Toe socks are great for lounging around the house. Just take them off when you go out. If you must leave them on, cover them with a pair of tennis shoes.

Ecstasy of Purchase

Is shopping on the internet cheating? There is none of the size search or the rifling through sales racks. Instead, you just run searches on-line and then with two clicks you've bought yourself the item you'ce been looking for. Sometimes, it takes months to locate that one perfect piece to complete your outfit. Now the inernet can help you locate it in a matter of minutes. For me it takes the fun right out of it. Shopping was not meant to be a sport done while sitting on your couch.

Make It or Break It

Accessories, while not a necessity, contain the potential to ruin an outfit. The wrong accessories can completely ruin an outfit, but they can also be an asset. Depending on your shoes, bag, and jewelry, you can dress up or dress down jeans or a dress. Beachy jewelry and flops make your jeans and t-shirt look summery. Wearing ballet flats with a dangly necklace paired with a beaded bag with that same outfit can make it a good look for an evening out with friends.


Remember when accessorizing keep it simple. The adage less is more, was written with fashion in mind. The more you wear, the more you run the risk of your jewelry distracting from your overall look. You don't want people to stare because you are dripping with ice and your jewelry should not turn you into a backdrop. It is equally reprehensible to have your outfit become unnoticable due to strings of necklaces and bracelets up to your elbows. The idea is to enhance your natural assets not replace them.


One of the trickiest rules of jewelry is whether it is o.k. to mix gold and silver pieces. Some people say yes and others, no. My solution is to invest in a watch that has both silver and gold on the band. That way, whichever you wear you can still sport your watch. It also operates as your tie-in piece if you do decide to blend your silver and gold jewelry.


There is no doubt that accessorizing is one of the trickiest areas of fashion but it also one of the most fun. It can either rescue your outfit or condemn it, and you, to fashion hell. Despite the danger, make sure you experiment every once you've gotten your feet wet. Some of the most original outfits come from taking a chance.

Mr. Sun has Risen

I love my father, I really do, but he has had the same style of sunglasses since the 80's. I can't ever remember seeing him in another style. I know they broke occasionally. So apparently, he bought them in bulk. I used to moan and groan and tease him about those sunglasses that I considered ridiculous. Until a few months ago, when suddenly aviator sunglasses were back in style along with bomber jackets. Before I knew it, I found myself swiping my dad's sunglasses behind his back. Not only were they stylin' but they were vintage, so much the better. There is nothing more fun than authenticity. Then, to my dismay my father discovered where exactly his sunglasses had disappeared to. I became the victim of the jokes and I found myself without my newfound shield from the sun. Fortunately, poetic justice is alive and kicking because his glasses broke within a week. As it turns out they were his last pair. Tragic. But it certainly proves that fashion does run in 20 year cycles. I don't think I am ever going to get rid of anything ever again. It is all going in boxes to be stored in the garage. With any luck, by the time I'm fifty, I'll save a bundle on clothes or at least accessories.

And the Winner is...

I could not believe that Christian won Project Runway! Granted, Mr. Fierce did manage to put together an incredibly cohesive collection, but it was so dark. Almost all his clothes were black and dark brown. He used a light tan as an accent. Even the judges felt that all the black was overwhelming and that anyone from the third row on back would miss all the details of his clothes. Personally, I felt that he had the same hang-up as Chris (who was eliminated) and that his line bordered on costume.

However, I did feel there existed a couple positives to his work. His look had the androgynous nature of Goth while also putting in feminine touches which make it fall into the romantic category. To achieve both of those simultaneously is no easy feat. Christian's feather work on all the shoes of his models were nothing short of amazing. And his final dress was coated in the same detail.

It was Jillian I was desperately rooting for. Each clothing item she presented was gorgeous and feminine and her work was unique. Everything she made showed her unique perspective on fashion while still paying homage to history. Some of her sweaters I had never seen the like of before. The culmination of her collection was the most gorgeous dress. The way it floats and flows around the body of the model makes it airy despite its darker style. I wish her collection as a whole had been as strong.

Unfortunately, I agreed with the judges when they said her line as a whole lacked the cohesion of her competitors. Each outfit individually showed more skill, but collectively, they lacked the foresight of the other designers.

Never Run with Scissors

Hair cuts remain one of those nebulous areas that is just so hard to get right. You can walk in with a picture of something you think will look great and walk out looking like Albert Einstein. Here are some tips and tools that I hope will make your next haircut a success. Believe me, a seriously bad hair experience takes time to fix.

Take my last hair fiasco. I have really fine hair, and to compound the problem, I hate spending time fixing it every morning. After a lot of consideration, I decided a body perm was the answer to my problem. It would save me a lot of time in the mornings. I would no longer have to even blow dry my hair, never mind, anything else. In my idiocy, I refused to wait until my regular stylist could do it. Instead, I went to a friend of a friend and made it quite clear I only wanted a little volume by adding a few large loose curls. I exited looking like a poodle. Since then, I have spent copious amounts of money slowly cutting off my icky (and exceedingly curly) hair.

I made a last ditch effort to keep some length a month ago. It looked great when I left. All my hair was magically straight and silky. Of course, even when I was willing to expend the effort to straighten my hair the humidity kinked it back up in record time. I tried, tried, tried, tried, tried, again and again to get my hair to stay straight and finally had to admit defeat. The end result after a year of being terrorized by my hair was the short haircut I had long avoided.

Now, while you have zero control over your hairstylist, you do have some control over what you request. That's not to say whoever you end up with can do what you like. I highly recommend shopping around until you find someone who does your hair well and then stick to them like glue. That usually requires good tipping, but you really don't want to screw over someone who uses sharp objects on your head anyway. Just make sure once you find 'the one', you dn't go to someone you've never met. That's what got me into trouble. I will never cheat on my hairstylist again.

I discovered a couple sites that let you scan in your picture and try on various haircuts and hairdye. My favorite is a site which allows you to experiment with celebrities haircuts as well as makeup and other accessories. You can see how sunglasses and hats would look with the new haircut you choose. This is convenient because you can save the money you might have to spend on new accessories if they all clashed with your new do. The second site displays haircuts and you can also scan in your own photo but it lacks any extras. Whichever you choose, it moves the possibility of a good haircut further into the realm of possibility.

Carpe Diem

Tired of seeing the same things hangin in your closet every winter, but you can't afford to buy a new heavy coat? The best time to shop for your winter wardrobe is in the spring. That means now. The reason behind this is simple- sales. By now, any jackets and sweaters should be hanging on the 75 % off rack. Now the pickings may be slim, but that just offers a challenge in persistantance. Just be careful that you don't buy just to buy, because the prices have dropped so low. You still need to be selective.

Goin' Green

I admit it. The first time I saw an article on going green with your underthings I thought someone out there had lost their mind! Then I had a reality check. Do I really want a bunch of chemically treated cloth on sensitive areas? No, no I don't. So now I have reconsidered. I think going green with your underwear is one of the best ideas since the invention of shopping malls.

Before you panic, they do have some that remain fashionable. You certainly don't want to trade in style for organic. If you would, you are a better woman than I. I want both. Fortunately, women are a large consumer force and someone anticipated the fact many women won't go green unless they can still be fashionable. My favorite pairs come from figleaves.com . They are dyed bright colors and are eco-friendly. But the best part is they are fun.

They all use thermo-chromatic inks, so as the fabrics heat up against your skin, the prints change.

Nifty, huh? Good for you, good for the planet, and entertainment to boot!

AUGH!!! Big Fashion No-No

I know plaid and checkered clothes are making a comeback. There are even some that I like. But checkered pants that make it seem as if you stole someone's tablecloth, because Yogi and Boo-boo already got the picnic basket, do not look attractive on anybody. I guarantee people are not looking at you because they admire your fashion forward way of dressing. What they want, is to know if you have any fried chicken and deviled eggs left over. If you remain oblivious to that, at least acknowledge the trail of ants behind you.

Smaller checks are preferable but please avoid any that make you look like you came from Gilligan's Island or Oz. The easiest way to avoid that is to watch the cut of the dress, the kind of fabric, and your accessories.

Drum Roll Please...

I finally got to see the last two episodes of Project Runway. I missed them when they aired and I was Psyched to catch a re-run.

Tim Gunn traveled to the homes of the four finalists and we got a sneak peak at their collections. What I saw worried me. Two of the four finalists put together collections based on the Romantic Goth style. It gave me flashbacks to the season three finale when two competitors both created their lines around a safari theme. This time around I wanted more originality out of the designers. Christian, who was doing Romantic Goth, was already part of the final three, but there was hope that Chris, who was using the same theme, might still be eliminated.

Rami and Chris each showed three looks. The left two above are Rami's and the two on the right are Chris's. You'll notice that despite the fact that Rami did not do his entire line in a gothic style he still showed the judges the dark clothes from his collection.

Chris created his looks with odd material. He made an overlay on a skirt and the necklace out of safety pins (shown top). I thought that was creative. What disturbed me, was the use of human hair as a trim on the coat (also shown top). I considered that use of material creepy.

What bothered me about Rami was that he once again relied on his skill at draping. To be fair, he did try some new techniques, but after numerous complaints from the judges I was surprised he sent a dress out that was so reminiscent of ones he had done throughout the show.

In the end, Rami won the last spot at Fashion Week. The judges said that Chris made costumes while Rami designed clothes. Because the line between the two is so thin, I'll leave delineating it to the experts. I was just glad I wouldn't be inundated with two lines of clothes all done in black. Well, in all fairness, I was more than a bit relieved not to have to watch models strutting down the runway with human hair decorating their clothes, too.

OT - Doing a Live Blog on Shopping

Most stores don't have wi-fi. That makes live blogging a shopping trip difficult. Writing everything down and then posting it later remains the only possibility. Whipping out your pen and paper every few minutes is kind of annoying when you are trying to shop. I think next time I will just jot down where we are and update it every 15 minutes or so. If anyone has any ideas on something else that relates to fashion that I can live blog (besides a TV show) please leave me a comment.

Shop 'til You Drop

2:47 pm
We found a pair of silver flops with quilted soles. They are really comfortable. Granted I wouldn’t pay $25 for them. But apparently my cousin would as she is currently handing over her money to the cashier. Now that we both have found what we were looking for it is time to call it a day and head home.


2:44 pm
My cousin has dragged me into the store across from Old Navy. I don’t even know the name of it. They had some shoes in a display window and she unilaterally decided we had to go in.


2:42 pm
Old Navy does not appear as packed as the other stores we have passed. I believe this is due to the immense proportions of the store. There are probably as many people; they are just more spread out.

On to the shoes! They are spread out here. The flip flops are not on sale, but the sandals that were $19.99 are now $12.50. If I actually needed a pair I would be tempted. But I try not to buy just because things are a good deal. My cousin doesn’t seem particularly enamored with any of the shoes so we are moving on. Pity after all the time it took to get here.


2:30 pm
The mall parking lot is clogged. Clearly, numerous other people decided to see what the Easter sales would be like. Something about Easter must send everyone into a frenzy of buying for their summer wardrobe.

2:15 pm
The car is within view and we have both selected s singe pair of shoes to purchase. Narrowing it down to a single pair has been no small feet for both of us in this store. We put our purchases in the trunk and we are off.

1:52 pm
We are still in ‘Ladies Paradise’. I have resisted the urge to try on various shoes for a good twenty minutes and finally succumbed. I am not shopping for anything in particular. Mostly, because I have already located a pair of shoes that will work. They are a mustard yellow spike heel with a single strap around the ankle and another over the foot, beautiful on their simplicity.

1:43
No, I have not moved on to the next location. My cousin has been trying on every pair of black heels in sight. I cannot convince her to try on the ankle boots. Personally, I think they are exactly what she should be looking for.

1:35 pm
We arrived at location and indeed there is no sale. There are numerous pairs of heels that are exceptionally cute and some great espadrilles. The only thing missing are tennis shoes. I do not consider that to be unfortunate because good tennis shoes are an investment and getting a cheap pair is usually a bad idea. Next!

Friday 1:29 pm
An excursion to check out the Easter sales is underway. Our first stop is a hole in the wall store called “Ladies Paradise” where all shoes are $5.99- $12.99. The prices remain so good here one hardly needs a sale, but it would be nice nevertheless.

Up and at'em

One of the best ways to ruin a great outfit is to wear it wrinkled. It makes it appear as if you wore it the previous day, went to bed in it, and then got up and wore it again. If you ask have to ask what's wrong with that, you've got a serious wardrobe malfunction. I know you don't want to iron your clothes. That's o.k. There are alternatives.

Alternative one: Pick out clothes in materials that don't easily wrinkle. Wool and wool weaves hold up well. Cotton and silk are not good choices. Although, some have been treated and are wrinkle resistent. Read the tag and check. If it says it is, then, it should be easier to upkeep.

Alternative two: Hang up all your clothes upon immediately removing them from the dryer. The problem comes from hanging them up in your closet. If it is overly crowded your clothes will get wrinkled anyway. A second dilemma occurs if you own clothes you can't put in the dryer. However, that 's not an insurmountable problem. Their are some sprays which you spritz on your clothes, smooth out the wrinkles, then, hang to dry.

Alternative three: Don't worry about it and if your clothes do get wrinkled hang them up in the bathroom, put your shower on hot, then, blast it. Make sure to close the door. In most cases, this method of steaming your clothes will get out the wrinkles. If not, there is a handheld steamer you can use.

Alternative four: Let your clothes air dry and use a spray for dry clothes.

Alternative five: Give in gracefully and iron them already! It probably takes more energy to fight it, than it does to just get it over with. That being said, I go to any length to avoid ironing my own clothes so, I am well acquainted with the age old dilemma.

AUGH!!! Big Fashion No-No

Quick! Someone call the police! I know that girl over there has somehow managed to climb Jack's beanstalk and steal the giants handkerchief! And now she is flaunting it as... ewww, a dress. Now, wearing them as bandanas is bad enough, but hunting down a giant hankie to make into a dress is disturbing on so many levels. At least when Scarlett O'Hara scavenged, she chose a material with some potential. I'll take green velvet over red paisley any day of the week.

To be fair, the dress style looked cute. Generally, You can't go wrong with a classic spaghetti strap, a-line skirt combination. Unless, you make it out of one the most unflattering materials known to mankind. And really, who wants to be reminded of their last head cold every time they look at you?

As I see it, there are two ways to fix this look. Grab a cowboy hat and a pair boots and head down to the ranch nearest you, or get some fabric dye and change the color of the dress. When dying it, remember to go with a dark color palette that will cover the details of paisleys.

One Word: Goodwill

I know; I know. I probably sound like your father. "Why don't you shop at Goodwill like me? Think of all the money you would save." You take quick stock of how exceptionally unfashionable your father is, and know that you are never stepping foot in that store. Well, I am here to turn all your preconceptions upside down. Shopping at Goodwill is actually a good idea. Don't believe me? Here's a few tips to help change your mind and leave your pocketbook a mite heavier.

Most Targets donate their cloths from the sale racks to the Goodwill. That means you can buy them cheaper and they still have the tags on them. I got two pairs of Capri pants, one for 94 cents and the other for a mere $1.27. And if you think that's good...

My sister discovered a Louis Vuitton purse; not a knock-off, the real deal complete with key and serial number. Normally, those things can cost anywhere from $300 for a small clutch, to over $1000 dollars for a purse. The one my sister found was still in mint condition, and she got it for a mere fifty bucks. If she wanted to, she could sell it on e-bay for more than that!

An added benfit to shopping at the Goodwill stores is the fact that you get to help others through your monetary contributions as you enhance your wardrobe. There is nothing like doing a little good, while simultaneously having some retail therapy.

Auf Wiedersehen

Last week, Project Runway was particularly difficult because it was down to the top five. That means you have numerous challenges to get attached and cheer on your favorite designers. It also means the people left are on their game. Sweet Pea was the unfortunate eliminated. She has always been as nice as her name suggests. I don't think I have ever heard her say an unkind word about another designer. She has had the occasional flop when it comes her runway designs. In particular, the candy store fiasco where she had to start her garment completely over. Still, it is hard to watch a designer who has overcome so many hardships leave the show.

The challenge that her sent her packing based on art. Everyone was to pick a painting or a sculpture on which to base their design, but to reflect their aspirations as a designer. Sweet Pea picked a picture of a peacock. Apparently, the judges considered this to be something of a cliche. They also said it was nothing they hadn't seen from her before. It was declared yet another of her sweet, day-time dresses.

The second challenger to be eliminated is yet to be decided. For the first time in the history of Project Runway, there was a tie between two contenders, Romi and Chris.

Now, Chris also based his final design on a previous dress he did for the show. It had an identical Avant Garde flair and the same basic pattern he had used before. I suppose he thought, if it worked once... His saving grace from immediately losing was the seeming elaborateness of his dress.

Romi seemed to fall into the same pothole as Sweet Pea and Chris. Once again, he presented a garment based on his incredible skill with draping cloth. There is no denying he makes an impeccable garment when he uses that technique. The judges just want to see something new, as do I.

So, Chris and Romi will battle it out for the third spot during New York Fashion Week.

New York, New York

It has been brought to my attention by a friend, that I have yet to address New York Fashion Week. My reasoning is simple. Three finalists from Project Runway will go to New York fashion week and all three finalists have yet to be announced. Well, that and the winner of this year's season will be selected. I am doing my utmost to keep from discovering the winner before it airs. Therefore, once the finale is over, I'll address the Holy Grail of fashion.

AUGH!!! Big Fashion No-No

I was rushing furiously down the path completely wrapped up in keeping papers and books from spilling out of the depths of my bag when I saw something that made me freeze where I stood. Could it be? Surely not. But it was! A long held childhood dream come true at last. Big Bird was a mere ten feet in front of me! Miraculous. And then, he turned...

AUGH! It wasn't even a boy. No, before me stood a girl in a ridiculously long yellow sweatshirt that hung to her knees with the hood pulled up. But it got worse. Apparently, she had just spotted a friend because she started jumping up and down with her arms flapping like a demented yellow canary attempting flight. The sleeves were certainly large enough to aid her in her endeavor.

Now, I know we all own a sweatshirt or two that we swiped from a significant other or our father. They are comfortable and great for lounging around the house as we are wont to do on occasion. Unfortunately, this sweater was clearly bought in the women's section. It was a light lemon color with Aeropostale emblazoned in baby blue on the front. Why anyone would buy a sweatshirt so horribly large it can be worn as dress I don't know. But it is a huge fashion don't!

Occasionally, your mood and the weather will necessitate the usage of a sweatshirt. I'm not saying they should never be worn. I just ask you to try to wear one that actually fits. Preferably, in such a way that doesn't make you resemble a Sesame Street character.

This section will likely become a series of fashion no-no's that I spot.

A Camping We Will Go

While camping, I had to laugh as I watched the fifth girl in high heels stumble by as I sat by the fire. No joke! Heels in the great outdoors! I concluded that a blog about camping shoe wear could save many sprained ankles. The key is to think practical. That means no heels or platforms. It’s hard to leave your favorite shoes at home, but it will save you from looking ridiculous and possibly keep you from an expensive doctor bill. That is, if you are there for broken limbs not because of an attack by rabid squirrels.

Now, tennis shoes are a nice, safe route, but if you plan to go camping often, you should invest in a good pair of sturdy boots. I recommend getting them from L.L. Bean. They have a line of fashionable camping gear for women and a lifetime guarantee on all of their merchandise.

When choosing your shoes, pick one with Vibram soles. They help with traction on wet terrain and allow a good grip on the ground even in mud. Also, make sure the shoe has Gor-Tex which makes your shoe waterproof. That’s not to say if you go slogging through a creek they will remain dry, but wet foliage and puddles aren’t a problem. It is a good idea to purchase your shoes ½ a size larger than normal because your feet swell when you hike and you should wear 2 pairs of socks to prevent blisters.

Most importantly, do not pull your new shoes out of the box, put them on, and go camping for 3 days. Even regular tennis shoes have to be broken in and hiking boots are no different. To break them in quickest, soak the shoes in water and let them dry while you are wearing them. They will mold to your feet. Just beware to take your feet out and let them dry periodically so you don’t get trench foot.

Red, white, and... pink?

Welcome to the day of love, when everyone throws fashion sense right out the window. Yes, it is true. All day today I have gone from location to location: the local college campus, shoe store, Blockbuster, Rack Room Shoes. They all had one horrifying similarity. Ninety percent of the female population dressed today in bright hues of red, pink, or a combination of the two. There was also a liberal sprinkling of hearts, and XO’s. It is great that so many people are into the spirit of the holiday. But one of the facts of life is that everyone does not look good in those colors or patterns. Isn’t it better to celebrate the holiday by looking fabulous and sexy in your own way , rather than blending in with the masses in unflattering wear? You absolutely should commemorate Valentine’s Day by purchasing something worthy of you to celebrate it! Just do it in a color tailored to you and not the holiday.

Costume or fashion?

The thing I have long feared finally occurred last week. Project Runway had a challenge that seemed to have less do with fashion as art and more to do with the ridiculous. Each designer had to pick one of the WWE Divas and create a wrestling costume for them to wear in the ring. Tim Gunn even said "He didn't want this one to be his (Romni's) downfall." It would seem one of the people notorious for his fashion sense saw this challenge as a joke. In fact, all the designers seemed to be in agreement that it would be an embarrassment to let this be the challenge that led to their elimination. Surprisingly, the designer sent packing was Ricki!

I do believe no one was as shocked as he was. His background lies in lingerie and he failed during the one challenge that has been closest to his line of regularity. He even said how, "I could give them tips, but why should I?" while talking about the other designers.

Apparently, he was the one in need of some serious advice. His look resembled a bathing suit more than a sexy costume at least according to Nina Garcia. I admit I agree. It was certainly something that should be sent to the Bahamas (if you don't mind a funky tan line). Overall, I would say his design didn't just miss the mark it disappeared into the wrong hemisphere. Doomed by overconfidence and unfunctionality

Let it go or do it right!

I confess their are some fashions I am not a big fan of. Bandanas are one of them. My reasoning is simple: it can be tricky for the average individual to do and it can be far too easily abused. I kid you not, that I have seen people who have one to go with every outfit they own and never bother to do their hair. They just throw on another bandana and off they go. I have been visually assaulted by every flowery, paisley, and checked atrocity in existance. So here is how to turn that fashion don't into a do.

First, I highly recommend buying a dog. Then go purchase as many bandanas as you like and use them to your hearts content on your lovely new pooch. Bandanas are all the rage in dogwear and they remain a great classic. They will probably remain so for a very long time. If you still insist on wearing a bandana, my second suggestion is to stick with a solid color not some crazy design. Keep it simple. Bandanas should be a situational trick not a staple in your wardrobe. Covering the occasional bad hair day with one is a great but it should not be used every day. Bandanas are also highly functional when cleaning or doing activites involving wind, surf, and sun so owning one can be a definite asset for vacationing. Just remember it is a style that is heavily involved with buyer beware!

Chocolatey Fashion

Whoever heard of dresses made of chocolate? Certainly not I. Imagine my surprise upon discovering the combination of two of my favorite things: chocolate and fashion. Contestants must create actual clothing out of chocolate. They are allowed to use string and material, but 75 % of the dress must be chocolate. To add difficulty to the challenge, the chocolate designed dresses must survive the transfer onto a model then a runway show.

When I saw the dresses, I was flummoxed that such a feat was possible. One designer created a hat complete with a brightly colored flower and bird-like plummage entirely from chocolate. That chocolatier brought an artist as his partner. An exceptional choice considering the detailed painting required for the execution of the hat and a matching belt made of patterned squares.

Perhaps, one of the most beautiful creations of the show was exquisite roses that looked as if they had been freshly plucked from a bush. Unfortunately, the artist who designed them spent copious time on sewing the dress and making the roses but not much else. Their dress was lovely, but their concession to the 75% rule was to simply spray the dress with a powdered chocolate. The judges deemed it an easy out, rather than skillful execution.

My one worry was that the dresses would melt from the model's body heat. No matter how short the lifespan of the clothing, a chocolate runway show is a delicious idea from start to finish!

Identity

O.k. I admit that I enjoy looking nice and dressing up. Not just for special occasions, but as a general rule. Most people I know are adjusted to seeing me with my make-up on, hair done, and dressy clothes. I hadn't realized how rarely people see me otherwise until I ran into someone I knew, and they didn't recognize me. They were rather stunned to see me in flops and jeans without so much as a smidge of lipgloss.

I found their shock slightly ridiculous. No one is at their best all the time and here is the important part- that's o.k.! We all have times when we have a list a mile long and just throw on clothes and go. Personally, as a college student, I know there are days after my all-nighters when the last thing I want to do is spend a lot of time getting dressed that I could spend sleeping. Don't stress about it when you just don't have the time to go the extra mile. It saps all the fun out of the experience, and remember, above all, fashion is supposed to be fun.

Personal Faux Pas

It started as an average shopping trip. Every sale between one end of the mall to the other yielded finds of the best sort. Finally, at the end of the day, my best friend and I headed home broke and exhausted. It wasn't until I reached home and examined my haul that I realized I had broken one of the cardinal rules of practical shopping. I had purchased a good many pieces on sale, but not a one was a classic piece that would last longer than this season. So even though I bought all of these clothes that were awesome, in a few months I am going to have to replace them. When I do though, I'll foray back into the land of clothes I can keep for a couple years. Now, that doesn't mean I never buy anything trendy. I always have a few trendy pieces in my wardrobe. But, they're limited to ones that augment the basics I keep long term. I ought to have invested in a few more classic pieces this time and kept my seasonal buys to a minimum. So next time you go out shopping and are tempted by some crazy new patterns and styles, assess how long you'll be able to wear it. Compare that to the money you are going to spend. Then buy, if it is still worth it.

Number One Accessory

Put down the sunglasses and take off your pearls. Quit rifling through your closet in search of your Louis Vuitton bag. Hang up your ties. Throw out the hairpieces. Shelve your hats. Most difficult (and I do apologize most profusely for this borderline blasphemy) place those Jimmy Choo’s back in the box! The truth is all of these are fantastic ways to accentuate an outfit, but they aren’t a necessity. There is only one thing that you must have, and that, is confidence.

I was in the library studying and a group of loud girls walked by. I glanced towards them and found one particular outfit phenomenal. So much so, that I had to go and ask where she bought it. The entire outfit consisted of jeans, tank top, and a simple sweater. But it was mahvelous. She worked it by screaming vibes of confidence. As I turned to go, I saw her friend in a great silk sheath dress with chunky modern jewelry and black boots. I hadn’t even noticed her. She was clearly uncomfortable in her outfit and my gaze had moved right past her. The girl who looked like an apparition from a fashion magazine came across as less fashionable than her friend, simply because she lacked the confidence to carry off her outfit.
Be the girl with poise and confidence. Then even on your casual days you will stand out from the crowd.

A World of Blues

Project Runway this week was a real upset as far as who won and who was eliminated. For those who have been keeping pace, you know that designer Ricky has been consistently in the bottom. This time he managed to churn out the winning dress (on right). The losing garment was designed by Victorya (on left). Surprising, because in general she has received high scores. The big question is, what happened?

Victorya was onto something when she sewed the jean inside out. She was the only one to attempt that technique. She just executed it sloppily. She failed to put together a cohesive garment.

Ricky, however, was on his game. He presented not only a finished garment, but one that the judges considered to be iconic. But, he was one of 4 designers who put together a dress. The dress hardly showcases any real originality.

The use of jean as an American icon challenge is a stroke of genius. Denim is an essential for every mode of life. Let’s face it, there’s nothing that is quite as comfortable, or as versatile. You can dress it up with heels, belt, bag, and blouse, or dial it down with low-key shorts and tennis shoes or flops.

A few tips for selecting your own jeans are: the lighter the wash; the more casual it appears, darker washes are easier to dress-up and have the added benefit of a slimming effect, and too many details can detract from the rest of your look, as well as, add weight.

Ugly Duckling Syndrome

Now that I'm in my 20's, I love fashion. But my first run in with it was bad. I was a tomboy. Not the cute, energetic, ponytail, baseball cap kind. No, I was the girl with boy’s t-shirts and baggy jeans. You know the type. The one who plays sports with the boys, wears grass stains and blood as badges of honor, and whose only friends are male. Now, in middle school it’s o.k., but at fourteen, you are expected to have grown out of it.

Mom tried desperately to get me into something stylish. I refused, adamantly. Until, the new guy came. It only took seeing Adonis reincarnated to make me want to look like, well, a girl. My mom took great delight in making me over from head to toe. The next day came, and it worked! He talked to me. But, bliss turned hellish the instant P.E. began. I had become just ‘another one of the girls’ overnight. Not one of my male friends knew what to do with me. Worse, trying to run in my oh-so-cute shoes was difficult and painful.

I realized then two of the most valuable lessons of fashion: that it is meant to be personalized, and shouldn‘t be done for someone else. It is not supposed to limit your actions, but augment your life. Wearing things you don‘t like for anyone is a bad plan! Never turn from a duckling into a swan, if you are meant to be a flamingo.

Well? What are you waiting for? Go match your wardrobe to you and your lifestyle! After all, you wouldn’t pair a Prada bag with tennis shoes. I hope.