So, first, I have to break the bad news…I didn’t get to meet Tim Gunn in person after all.

Wah-waaah. I know. But I did get to talk to him on the phone! Here’s how it all happened (I can’t believe I have actual celebrity dish for you!): Tim was coming to Portland to host a Lucky Brand Jeans event, and his PR folks contacted me to see if I’d like to interview him before the event (um, YES!). After our lovely chat on the phone last week, Tim asked me to attend the Lucky Brand event, and to let his people know I was there so he could meet me (!). Convinced we were destined to be BFFs, I showed up, dressed to the nines, of course. But alas, his schedule (or more specifically, I suspect, his handlers) had other plans. So, I had to settle for sitting 6 feet away while he expounded on everything from the tortures of warm-weather dressing (he shares my hatred for capri pants and showing too much skin) to that bitch, Gretchen, from season eight. Not a bad consolation prize…especially when paired with our phone chat. But I’ll admit, I was a bit blue.

{Photo by my darling hubs. Yes, that’s me, over in the right-hand corner. You can always spot me by the sunnies
perched on my head. And PS, aren’t those red jeans adorable on Tim? }

Minor setbacks aside, it turns out that, in person (and on the phone), Tim is every bit the poised, well-mannered guy you want him to be (if considerably skinnier). But he also loves to dish, just a little bit. He has some fantastic stories about behind-the-scenes wars with Heidi and the other Project Runway judges, which entertained me to no end. He’s nothing if not honest, but he has that rare gift for delivering the truth in a way that doesn’t make you hate him. {And as a bonus, it turns out the event wasn’t a total loss: Lucky Brand actually has some extremely cute summer wares, and is offering 20% off online today. Score!}

I know, I know, blah, blah. “Get to the part where Tim tells us the secrets of the fashion universe,” you’re thinking. And so, I shall. But be prepared…it’s long. He’s a chatty guy, that Tim Gunn. I edited for length, but not for content – I didn’t want you to miss a thing! So, this is the world’s longest blog post. You’ve been warned. Read the rest of this entry »

Summer is about the only time of year during which I open myself up to “cheap” pieces. Those espadrilles that will inevitably wind up speckled with cherry Slurpee stains, the tank tops that lose their shape from all that sun and sweat, and the sundress you’ll be wearing so often, the very sight of it will hurt your eyes come September – none of them warrant splurges. Instead, I’m perpetually on the hunt for the pieces I’ll use and abuse for the next three months, then be perfectly content to send off to greener pastures, or pleasantly surprised if they manage to survive.

Over the weekend, I popped into Cost Plus World Market in search of patio furniture for my new digs. Instead, I found the cutest little section of summer apparel! Who knew? Loads of pitch-perfect tunics, maxidresses and sarongs, all in actual cotton (no polyester that I saw), so they’ll be as light and airy as you’re hoping. I nabbed this adorable kaftan, took it home, and…friends, it’s pretty fantastic for $20.

One size really does fit all, the waist cinches in at just the right spot, and it’s long enough to be worn solo (it hits right above my knee). Sure, I might not win a sexpot award, but all that draping is actually pretty flattering. It’s going to be just the thing for those sweltering summer days when I don’t want a thing touching me…and it would make a dream cover-up for your next poolside vacation. All of their apparel is 20% off this week, so head in (plus, you get a free subscription to Martha Stewart Living with a $30 purchase). But you’ll have to beat me there – I’m off to buy one in another color.

{Editor’s Note: Our intrepid Trends expert, Ms. Kim Brandt is back to talk about a trend I’m seriously feeling this season: the printed pant. Having just nabbed this pair (from Talbots, of all places), I can hardly wait to see her suggestions for successfully pulling off the look. Sadly, Kim is going to be taking a little hiatus from her post here while she settles in at a fabulous new job, but I’m crossing my fingers she’ll be back soon!}

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We’re getting to the point where y’all are getting to know me a bit. So, I’m sure this post comes as a shock (not)…we’re talking all about prints today.  I am a big fan of the patterned pants trend happening right now. It takes a bit of confidence to pull off, but styled right, it can really work for you. I’m definitely (ahem) bottom heavy, so because of my body type I need to be really careful how I wear this one.

If you’re super tall and lean (read: model), you really don’t need my advice; you can wear anything. But if you’re anything else, this look is all about balance. Particularly if the pant is a skinny style, this look is best worn with a long, loose top, statement jewelry, and heels, though a funky loafer may work if you’re blessed with extra-long gams.

{Images c/o Anthropologie / Madewell / Whitney Eve / Natalia Vodianova, via Style.com}

If you’re especially lower-half-conscious, pair the printed pant with a sleek, loose fitting top, a long jacket, a heavy piece of metallic jewelry (think chunky watch or vintage chain necklace), and heeled booties or gladiator sandals.

{Images c/o Tory Burch, via Style.com / Vanessa Hudgens (we think), via Style / Olivia Palermo, via Mr.Newton}

For those that are blessed up top, pair the print with a shirt that has a bit of defined shape.  A tailored blazer or belted blouse is a great solution. Depending on the cut of the blazer, pair with some great drop earrings and then, as always, heels on the bottom. Be careful not to pick too narrow a heel; it’s all about balancing the shape from head to toe!

{Images c/o Dries Van Noten, via Style.com / Beyoncé, via People / Chanel, via Style.com}

So, tell us: Are you going to be rocking the patterned pant this Spring? ~Kim B.

My favorite collection from Fall ’12 so far came from a label I barely knew. MSGM, a small Italian design house, stopped me dead in my tracks. Ordinarily, their styles are a little too sporty and flamboyant for my taste, but this season? Total perfection.

That fun, bright palette, the fantastic patterns and textures (especially those fireworks!), and the incredible wearability of it all is just too much to take. I can literally see myself wearing darn near every piece in the collection (okay, maybe not the cropped leather pants…), and mixing them up a thousand different ways. Really, when is a zigzag cocoon coat ever a bad idea? The beauty is that every single piece is a statement – so you only need one to give your wardrobe a serious seasonal facelift.

Best of all, this is one of the more affordable contemporary collections, with all kinds of options in the $500 range. Still a splurge, but really…compared to, say, Isabel Marant? A total bargain. Plus, truly, much as I try to adore Isabel, these pieces are much more my style.

I may have nabbed that beautiful cropped floral mohair jacket on pre-order from Moda Operandi – I had a little credit burning a hole in my pocket. If you’re feeling flush, you might want to do the same – the trunk show ends at 11 PM EDT tonight. I can hardly wait to pair it with a little something pink, or maybe a nautical stripe. If pre-orders aren’t your thing, you’ll be able to scoop up pieces by the end of summer at spots like ASOS, Luisa Via Roma and FarFetch. Time to start saving!

Much as I love to fantasize about attending every fashion show during Fashion Week (New York and Paris, thank you), it’s definitely more dream than reality right now. Runway samples, models and a bevy of beautiful people sipping champagne are a coast (or a continent) away, and I’m forced to live the experience vicariously through photos, videos, and the musings of others. Until now!

It turns out that Nordstrom hosts a fundraiser every year in Portland to benefit the Women’s Health Center at Oregon Health & Science University. And not just any fundraiser. It’s called the Designer Preview, and it goes a little something like this: the store works with all of the major designers to pull runway samples from the season’s shows, then stages a massive fashion show highlighting all the biggest design houses. You’re picturing one of those lame mall-grade fashion shows, but it wasn’t that at all. This was serious business. Want to come along? I knew it.

{Click through the arrows to see all of the images}

Best of all, attendees get to shop the samples right after the show, in an exclusive designer boutique set up just for the event. In other words, you get to see, touch and try on samples fresh from the show, in all their couture glory…and, if you have the means, plunk down that Nordstrom card to special order your favorites. Try doing that at Fashion Week! A few of my favorite finds…

{Click through the arrows to see all of the images}

Sounds like a dream, right? If you can imagine, it’s even better than it sounds – and that’s not just the champagne cocktails talking. For the first time in my fledgling fashion career, I got to see a Chanel runway sample up close – to check out all of the intricate stitching, the gossamer-light linings crumpled in the sleeves to create volume, the luxe iridescence of the fabrics. I got to manhandle a silver laser-cut lace evening jacket from Marc Jacobs, that looked as if it should weigh 100 lbs, but was light as air. And to see that the beautiful striped cocktail dress that came down the runway from Gucci was actually made up of rows of intricately trimmed leather fringe.

Friends, if you get the chance, this is a ticket worth saving for (never mind the fact that the proceeds go to charity). In addition to the Portland event, Nordstrom hosts similar shows in Seattle, San Diego, Washington DC, San Francisco, southern California and Minneapolis every year. Just check with your local store to get all the details, and be sure to save the date. I’m already blocking my calendar for next year’s festivities!

A huge thanks to Nordstrom for inviting me, and to our lovely Trends columnist, Kimberly Brandt, for shooting all of these amazing photos. That is one multi-talented lady!

For my latest “Off the Rack” installment, I thought I’d show off a buy that took me nearly a year to work up to. It’s not a splurge, but it is a bit of a stretch…for my fashion sense, at least.

You see, I bought a maxi skirt. Despite the fact that I haven’t exactly advocated the maxi in any of its forms (I even hate the word “maxi”), and despite the fact that a maxi – particularly this specific one, made entirely of silk – is anything but practical for a rainy town like Portland. Frankly, I blame Downton Abbey for convincing me I could pull it off.

So, after trying it on nearly a year ago at Madewell, I finally succumbed to the silk maxiskirt…and on final sale, no less.

It’s a huge style departure for me, but I’m doing my best to limp along. So far, I’ve figured out the following, which I think is useful whether we’re talking maxi skirts or maxi dresses:

• No ballet flats – they make it look far too, well, twee, as the Brits would say. Ankle boots work well, as will certain sandals in the spring.
• A waist is essential. I’m taking a cue from my favorite Downton Abbey ladies here, who do an impressive job of showing off their figures despite seemingly insurmountable quantities of fabric. So, either belt or wear something very figure-conscious on your top half (a buttoned blazer, belted cardigan or a fitted lace tee are my current favorites).
• Something’s got to give. You can’t go completely romantic with this look, or you’ll start to resemble an extra in a period movie. Add edge somewhere – maybe a leather jacket instead of a cardigan, or a tough ankle boot from Frye over something more sweet.

All that sage advice comes from wearing this exactly once, wherein I spent more than an hour trying to figure out how to style it. What works, what doesn’t…it all becomes painfully obvious when it’s staring back at you in a mirror and you’re late for a coffee date, no?

Friends, I’ve missed our Friday Finds fun, so I’m resurrecting it today. Which means I’m pre-empting Kim’s usual spot…so you’ll see her here on Monday instead. Rude, I know. Forgive me?

Every year when Fashion Week (or NYFW, as it’s called in the biz) rolls around, I get excited to see what’s in store. But mostly, I get incredibly jealous that I’m not there. Because, you know, the only thing standing between me and a front row seat at Marc Jacobs, Rachel Comey and Proenza Schouler is a plane ticket and a hotel room.

Since (sniff!) I’m not there, I thought I’d daydream a little about what I’d pack for my fantasy NYFW experience.

First, I’m going to need an amazing carry-on. This new tote from Hayden-Harnett stole my heart the moment I spotted it last week, and hasn’t let go. Navy and black used to scare me, but now it’s one of my favorite color combos – and this crazy-practical version happens to be reversible! Fashion Week or not, I may need this as a consolation prize.

Menswear flats are everywhere right now, and I’ve been dying to splurge on a pair of Dieppa Restrepo loafers. This metallic tasseled version would be just the thing to get Bill Cunningham to snap my pic, as I stylishly leap from one cab to another.

Of course, I’m going to need some pretty amazing apparel to compete with all of my cohorts on the front row. Fortunately, Lauren Santo Domingo has nothing on me. Sure, I could go with the obvious and dress in the designer whose show I’m seeing, but it’s infinitely cooler to show up in a piece from a up-and-coming label. This Jasper jacket from Veda isn’t available until next month, but I’m sure I could pull some strings and pick one up early, just like all the celebs do. It’s easy, right?

And really, it’s time to admit that those printed pants I’ve been coveting are totally necessary – at NYFW, it’s all about trends, after all. These from Derek Lam have been in every fashion magazine this season, so they’re sure to pave my way to success. Or, I could go the “understated chic French” route and opt for these Vanessa Bruno cropped silk trousers instead. I do love that colorblocking!

To go along with all this edgy apparel, I’ll need a little something extraordinary in the jewelry department. Yes, I’m thinking a piece from Iosselliani is just the thing to help me bump up the style quotient of my everyday attire. Add a white tee, leather jacket and a great boot, and really, I’m ready for just about anything.

Finally, I’m going to need an amazing bag to carry to all of these events. I’d be nothing at NYFW without at least one piece of Proenza to my name, but absolutely everyone will be toting the ubiquitous PS1. Instead, I’ll opt for this neon yellow clutch (which I’ll wear, ever so coolly, crossbody by day). This bag alone is sure to get me into Anna Wintour’s most exclusive fete.

Phew! I’m exhausted, friends. All that wistful shopping was too much….I think I need a nap. Especially since I’ll be heading to all those after-parties this week. Have an amazing weekend, and I’ll see you back here next week!

Friends, last week I asked for reader questions, and boy, did you deliver! I have so many great questions (and hopefully some good answers) ahead…I think it should make for some quality programming.

I hardly knew where to start, but this question from a sweet reader who’s headed off for a job interview got first dibs, just because her interview is tomorrow!

Hi, Becki! I’m a loyal follower of your blog, and I have a wardrobe challenge/question for you. I’m interviewing at an environmental non-profit and meeting with “senior management.” The atmosphere is very different from my current corporate job. I went to my last interview dressed in a suit and was met by the hiring supervisor in jeans and a sweater. I need a professional, non-suit outfit that reflects me. Are you up for the challenge? ~ EB

Oh, you know I am! It’s tricky, to be sure. Unless you’re looking for work at a law firm or a bank, the reality is that most business dress codes have taken a step down in recent years. Personally, I don’t think a great suit ever does you a disservice, but there are definitely interviews for which you’ll want to put a slightly less formal foot forward. The bonus here is that it’s also a great chance to show off a little bit of personality, as well as your ability to embrace a casual dress code with class.

The trick is to still be the best-dressed woman in the office, without looking like you’ll be woefully out of place if they give you the job. My favorite option for a non-suit environment is a classic silk shirt with a great pair of trousers in a straight or wideleg cut (no skinnies, please). I’m always more likely to embrace solid colors for an interview – prints are highly subjective, and you never know what little detail will turn an inteviewer on or off.  To accessorize, skip big earrings and scarves in favor of a necklace that adds a little bit of personality (nothing too long or too bold). Add a great pointed-toe flat or kitten heel and a classic tote, and you’re set.

Madewell silk shirt, $80 / Alberta Ferretti trousers, $300 or Gap trousers, $60 / Dahlia dress belt, $3 /
Madewell necklace, $33 / Loeffler Randall Quinnie flat, $250 / J.Crew bag, $328

The other way to go, if you’re after a more ladylike look, is a dress. Steer clear of wrap styles (you’re just asking for a wardrobe malfunction), and instead look for a sheath or a classic shirtdress. If the fabric is dressy enough, it’s definitely work-appropriate, but still reads a bit more casual than a suit. Make sure it’s not too body-conscious, at least knee-length, and if you go the shirtdress route, steer clear of shirttail hems. With a dress, keep jewelry minimal, just a simple belt and a classic pump (3.5 inches or under!) will send you straight to the head of the class.

Talbots Sash dress, $160 / Talbots Olivia dress, $150 / Ann Taylor belt, $30 / Graf + Lantz tote, $229 / LK Bennett pumps, $250

So, E, I hope this helps…and I’m crossing my fingers that you get the job!

Got a pressing query of your own? Tell me all about it: editor{at{shoppingsmycardio{dot}com!

A big welcome back to my favorite stylist, Kim of Billede Design. I so look forward to her “Trend to Try” columns – she always manages to make me look at my closet in a new way, which is something I think we can all use. I’m thrilled to say Kim will now be here every second and fourth Friday of the month, so mark your calendars!

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If you want to give yourself away as a non-native Pacific Northwesterner (or, for that matter, a non-New Yorker), just wear color. Any bright color. Even though I’ve lived in Portland for over a decade now, I just can’t give up color! And this season, brights are here in a really big way. From color blocking to pattern mixing, it’s everywhere. I especially am fond of brights paired with stripes (and not just because it sort of rhymes!). Because stripes are such an easy staple to wear, they’re a great starting point to help you ease into bolder color.

This Christmas, my hubby got me an item that was at the very top of my wish list.  The Kate Spade Prize Ball Thermos. It takes me forever to finish my morning cup (or 3) of coffee and I am so excited to have this bright thermos to keep it toasty warm!

Image via Kate Spade

Pulling off brights from head to toe can be a bit tricky. The key is to always start with a neutral base and build from there. I especially love using stripes as my neutral, and building from there, but it’s not the only way to go. These looks from Christian Siriano’s Spring 2012 line are a great example.  You can see he used blush as a neutral, as well as coordinating stripes to get the look.

Images via New York Magazine

I’m not a huge fan of the cut of this Jil Sander jacket, but the color combo is another stellar example. To neutralize the tomato, fuschia, and green, the black jacket was layered over the top.

Image via Style

In this look from Loewe, the neutral is the model.  This hot pink and red combo works because the model’s hair and make up are sleek and fuss-free. The short skirt with the nude leg and neutral flat ground the look. If this was paired with a sky high bright heel, heavy make up, and over-styled hair, it would totally loose any aspect of savvy and sophistication.

Image via Style

Of course, any post about brights and stripes just wouldn’t be complete without a look from Kate Spade. In this example, you can see the neutral element is the white cardigan, white purse, and simple flats.

Image via Kate Spade

 J.Crew is another great reference source for both bold color and stripes, so they work the combo as brilliantly as you’d expect. The look at left is certainly one of the boldest we are looking at today – think of it as “brights for the advanced student”. The colors are bit off-kilter from your typical primary brights, which totally makes this look work for me. Contrasting that is a great “beginner’s” option for mixing stripes and brights – you can see that a classic navy stripe is just the thing to neutralize a bright hue.

Images via jcrew

These last three images are some of my favorite street style examples (originally found via Pinterest). Notice how each of these looks are bold, but the hair, make up, and shoe is kept simple and neutral. I especially love that bold mustard mini-dress toned down with the navy blue blazer. And I just can’t say enough about the necessity of a good nude heel – it can tie together even the boldest look seamlessly.

 

Images via Sterling Style & The Glamourai

What do you think? Are you ready to give bold brights and stripes a try?

Really, what else is there to say?

Well, there is one thing to say. My favorite piece of the season seems to have finally returned in a size M (who knows how many there are): the Double-Faced Crewneck Jacket. As soft as their regular cashmere, but so much more structured, it plays perfectly for business. Fair warning: it runs a bit on the trim side, and you’ll note that little “all sales are final” disclaimer above. I’m a size 10, and it’s a snug (but do-able) fit on me. On a 6-8, it’d be genius. Especially at $125.

Go forth and shop, friends!