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 »

Spring is such a tease here in the Pacific Northwest. The sun comes out, temperatures rise, and I get all excited about breaking out my spring dresses. The next day, the clouds reappear, and I’m relegated to rain boots again. I can’t handle the mind games!

Fortunately, I’ve found a bit of help to steer me through these rough sartorial waters: Grey tights!

I know, I know…not exactly a revelation. But I’ve been a black-tights-only girl for my entire adult life. Anything else felt too sheer, and somehow just wrong. But black tights don’t do a thing for a cheery spring dress, unless you’re trying to rock it in the depths of winter. Grey, on the other hand, is light and subtle. It blends in, takes a back seat, and lets your favorite florals, pastels or whatever other springtime frock you’re sporting take center stage.

{Images, clockwise from top left: iro iro MTV Style / Golestaneh / Stone in Boots}

See what I mean? The only catch is that the right grey tights are just as hard to track down as the perfect opaque black. Heathered shades add bulk (texture is almost never a good idea). Anything too opaque looks dowdy, and anything too sheer looks like, well, pantyhose. It took some exhaustive searches, but I tracked down the perfect pair: Philippe Matignon’s “Noblesse 50″ in Platino.

They’re the ultimate middle ground between opaque and sheer, which is perfect for this iffy season. No super-strong control top to weigh you down (or peek out underneath that super-short minidress), plenty of stretch to make these incredibly comfortable to wear all day, and the shade of grey is dark enough to provide all the slimming benefits of black. I’ve been wearing them nonstop all month. In fact, I think it’s time to order a second pair.

Of course, if it’s already mid-summer where you are…well, don’t tell me. But order these anyway – you’ll be wishing for them in September.

Cropped pants. I should probably disclose, before telling you that I’ve just bought two pair, that I really, strongly dislike them. Sure, they’re adorable on Audrey. But then, what isn’t? Not exactly the best measure for success. In general, they tend to be seriously unflattering on women with curves – too loose in the backside, too tight on the calves, too short to create that long, lean line that lends us all a hand every now and then.

And yet. Spring rolls around and suddenly longer trousers just feel out of place. So, I was determined to make these work for me. And I found some options!

First rule of cropped pants: length is key. Subtitle: Capris are terrible. They make your calves look huge, and instantly beg the comparison in size between your calves and thighs, which no one needs. If you’re going cropped, the only way to get that long, slim silhouette you’re after is if the hem hits that flattering spot right around your ankle bone. No part of your calf should be exposed.

Second rule of cropped pants: tailoring. Bubble butt is a huge problem with this style for some reason. But, it’s easily solved by your favorite tailor. A couple of well-placed darts on the backside, and you’ll have a fabulous fit – best $20 you’ll ever spend.

So, my two finds? First, an ankle-length printed pant from Talbots.

The paisley print felt more modern, and a bit more unique than all the florals floating around out there (it also looks an awful lot like something from Stella McCartney’s spring line, but no complaints here). The length is just about perfect on me, so anyone 5’8″ or less is set. They’re also insanely cheap just now – $45, plus an additional 40% off. They do require a little tailoring in the rear department, but you can more than afford it at that price.

Next up is the ubiquitous Minnie pant from J.Crew (which does not photograph well…sorry). They’re surprisingly flattering, but too short. So, semi-genius solution: I ordered them in a Tall size. Perfect! J.Crew is one of those brands with faux-tall sizes – all they do is adjust the length, with no change to the rise or any other measurement. So I often order a tall since I’m right on the cusp – better to hem than to flood. I went with boring black here, as I thought too many of the other colors looked like aerobic leggings once on. Give yourself a little room in this style to prevent that. I could have worn an 8, but went up to a 10 so they looked less legging, more pant.

What are your feelings on the cropped pant? Are you two old friends, or are you phobic like me?

I have always been a fan of understated (bland) rain gear. Best to blend in, look sophisticated, and all that. But all of these grey April days looking so very beautiful against the bright, happy flowers of spring have made me reconsider. So, last month, I treated myself to my first “bright” umbrella: navy with hot pink hearts from J.Crew (alas, not available online, but well worth a trip to the store). It’s changed my entire outlook on this dreary spring weather.

{Hillary Day trench, $435; Sorel Tivoli rain boots, $115 (or $30 on clearance for the black!); Marc Jacobs umbrella, $24}

Now, I’m traipsing around town with my bold umbrella and a bright, puddle-stomping pair of Sorel rain boots (how could I resist that polka dot lining?)…and, though I may not look sophisticated, I’ve still managed to cling to stylish. And I can tell you it’s done an immeasurable amount of good for my attitude.

While I’m rambling, a word about that lovely trench above. It’s by Hillary Day, a designer based here in Portland, and it’s possibly the most flattering – and utilitarian – trench I’ve ever tried. No buttons to pull uncomfortably when you layer (or sit down), and the fabric is the highest tech thing I’ve seen since the iPad. Hillary’s favorite party trick is to dump a glass of water on one when you walk in the shop. By the time you leave, that water will still be in a puddle on top of the trench. Unreal.

Happy Friday, friends! Though, for me, this won’t be much of a weekend, but rather Phase One of the big move. And to clean out all my piles celebrate, I’m selling off a few excellent pieces on eBay that might be of interest. Feel free to take a look – I’d so love for them to go to a good home!

And speaking of sales, there are some killer ones happening this weekend, both in Portland and farther afield.

* Mabel & Zora, one of my favorite girly Portland boutiques with the sweetest owners you’ll ever meet, is celebrating its 6th anniversary today with a flash sale on their website! Save 20% off all separates (which I think means anything but shoes, jewelry and dresses) from 6 pm to midnight tonight only (4.13) with code 6YEAR.

* My beloved Moulé is having an anniversary too! To celebrate a quarter century in business, you can take 30% off the entire store (that means their amazing jewelry and home collections too, neither of which ever go on sale!). The only catch is that you have to be in PDX – the sale’s in-store only. But if you’re here, it’s not to be missed.

* And on a slightly larger scale, Kate Spade‘s multi-annual friends & family event is going on this weekend. Take 25% off nearly everything (except home, stationery and watches) today and tomorrow with code FFSPR12.

And after all that, phew! We need some pretty pictures, don’t we?

These earrings came across my path as a “Best Bet” on NYMag’s blog a couple of weeks ago, and I’m still thinking about them. Quite possibly the perfect studs, don’t you think? Especially for under $100.

Do you know Hermione de Paula? I didn’t either…but now I’m completely in love. She manages to marry old-school tropical prints with mod digitized formats, and the result is, well, the best Hawaiian shirt you’ll ever find.

I am in a world of trouble. Rachel Comey has finally (finally!) opened an online store. Which means no more obsessive hunting through dozens of online mini-boutiques when I’m desperate for a new pair of ankle boots (hers are the very, very best). They even have my size! It spells danger, my friends…but oh, what lovely danger! Those tan perforated Hitch boots (right) are next on my list.

And speaking of newcomers to the online world, Club Monaco’s online store is finally here! Think Topshop, but a little easier to wear – hems are a little longer, styles are a bit more grown up, and looks aren’t all ripped from some other designer’s atelier. I’m so looking forward to taking advantage – particularly since they’re offering free shipping and free returns through the end of April!

And last but not least, my favorite Pin of the week! What can I say…I have bag storage on the brain. But can you blame me, now that this beauty has come to live with me?

{via design*sponge}

Phew! Okay, that’s it, friends. Have a fantastic weekend…pop by my place if you’re in Portland…and I’ll see you back here next week

Some days, my job is so fun, I can’t quite believe how lucky I am. Like, for example, when West Elm invites me over to the store for a sneak peek of all the goods they have in store for summer. And gives me mini cupcakes. Plying me with sugar nearly always works, but these goods needed no plying at all. West Elm is knocking it out of the park this season, friends. Care to be my plus-one for the preview?

{Photos by yours truly…can you believe it?}

Yes, I’ll take a few of those woven baskets, that papier mâché hippo head, and any or all of those bed linens, thank you.

Of all the goods to love at West Elm, I think my favorite thing is that they are masters when it comes to display creativity. Sure, I won’t be stringing baskets from the ceiling, but it gives me a great indication of just how well they’ll work as a decorative item. And note how they’ve taken the scary out of pattern-mixing for your bedroom by showing off all of those contrasting bed linens together. I love the pairings they came up with, and it proves the point I’m always making: if you love a combo, it will work, no matter how bold or unique. It’s true in fashion and it’s true at home.

Since I’m in the process of moving to a new place, you’ll most likely be hearing a lot more about home design from me over the next few weeks…I hope you don’t mind. I have remodeling on the brain, and well…it all shows up on the blog. For now, I’m ogling all sorts of potential additions to my new pad from West Elm. Want to see a few of my current faves?

Don’t all of those calm creams and greys just clear your head? I can’t tell if it’s the fact that I’m moving from a warm, quirky Victorian home to a clean, modern condo (with a killer view), but it seems that bold color phase I was in a few years ago has abated. Now, it’s all calm, classic neutrals, as far as the eye can see. I’m envisioning a clean, less cluttered feel than the cozy, eclectic thing I have going on in my current space. Of course, translating that look without scrapping every piece of furniture I’ve accumulated thus far is easier said than done. But I’ll keep you posted on the process!

It’s Friday and it’s a holiday weekend…is there anything better? I’m off to spend a few days with my family, so forgive me if I take a little extra time off next week. For now, I’ll leave you with enough goodies to keep you sated until I’m back.

First up, a winner for that wildly popular kate spade new york contest! You ladies love your bedding, that’s for sure. I’m always so thrilled when one of our giveaways is a hit like this, so thanks for that. Our winner is lucky number 7, Emily, who won with her Twitter entry @emma621. Congratulations, Emily!

Now, on to more pressing business. Like jewelry. Pretty, delicate, utterly-perfect-for-spring jewelry, to be precise. Amy Wing’s spring collection has me in palpitations, and not just because she’s a dear friend (and because her stunning lookbook was styled by our inimitable Trends Columnist). Particularly this Tiny Blossom lariat, which I’m envisioning as the perfect finishing touch for everything I want to wear all summer.

You may very well fall over when I show you this next find. It’s from Payless Shoes (I nearly fell over just typing that). But hey, even the bargain bins get it right sometimes, and this sweet strappy sandal is spot-on for summer. I love the grosgrain detail, the color-blocking, the woven wicker edging on the wedge (and a very reasonable 2″ wedge it is, by the way). In short, a very excellent summer shoe…for $39.

Remember those Athena Procopiou scarves with which I’ve been utterly obsessed this spring? Well, guess who has two thumbs and found one for half off? Yep…this guy! Best of all, I didn’t snag the only one for myself…get thee to Anthropologie stat, and nab yourself this beautiful thing, which is even more bold, bright and statement-making in person.

I’ve been seriously tempted by these Tribeca pants at StyleMint for the last few weeks, but was convinced I couldn’t pull them off as anything other than sweats. Then, I went to the hairdresser yesterday, and my stylist was wearing the cutest version of sweats ever: a black version of these pants, a cropped, elbow-length sweatshirt, and black suede ankle booties. Her hair was in a perfectly messy side braid, and the whole thing was so fantastic, I was distracted into getting my hair chopped about 3 inches shorter than I was expecting. If you’re feeling brave, this just may be worth a try.

Last but not least, I thought I’d start showing you my favorite thing I’ve pinned on Pinterest each week. Are you pinning yet? I’m itching to bust out a certain perfect black pencil skirt I bought last month, but it’s been too cold. This look might just be the solution!

{via Models Off Duty}

Have a fantastic holiday weekend, friends…don’t forget to splurge on a frosted sugar cookie (or two)!

{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.

{Editor’s Note: The following content is sponsored by Kohl’s, and you can read all about the gory details at the end. That said, the content is 100% my opinion, which I’m never shy about sharing.}

Welcome to part two of my Kohl’s shopping adventure! To catch you up from last time, Kohl’s challenged me to pick out an outfit from their spring collections that worked with two of spring’s hottest trends. I am many things, but I’m never one to back down from a shopping challenge. You’ve already heard all about my efforts to embrace bold color, but this time, we’re talking shine! Paillettes, sequins or beads, sparkle is big right now. Sadly, while I admire the dickens out of the look on others, it’s a tricky style for me. Blame my casual lifestyle, but I just feel a little ridiculous walking my dogs in a sequined miniskirt.

Fortunately, there was no shortage of shine to choose from at Kohl’s. With new partnerships with Jennifer Lopez and Rock & Republic, it was actual work to avoid shine in many cases. Naturally, I ran from the rhinestones at breakneck pace, and headed to my safe zone: Chaps.

Sure enough, I found exactly what I was after: a nautical sweater in navy with silver metallic stripes. Just right! To keep the focus on the shine, I added a pair of white straight-leg jeans – a crazy flattering pair, in fact. I’m a huge fan of not spending a ton on white jeans…they’ll only break your heart.

To finish it off (and take the edge off the Nantucket vibe I was rocking thus far), I added a bold, chunky necklace from Simply Vera Vera Wang – pearls, rhinestones and chains, thank you! – to increase my shine factor, and my own silver ballet flats. The final look was still more Upper East Side than hip downtown club, but that’s much more my style. And the whole look was well under $100. Pretty impressive!

My next (and final) Kohl’s installment will be all about wearing white…even if you’re not a supermodel. Don’t miss it!

Disclosure: Bloggers received a gift card on behalf of Kohl’s via Glam Media to complete the trend look. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Kohl’s. All trademarks and service marks are owned or licensed by Kohl’s Illinois, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Kohl’s Department Stores, Inc.

Update: Kohl’s has switched things up on their site, but if you’d still like to read all about my Bold Color adventures, you can find a cached version of my post right here.

Editor’s Note: The following content is sponsored by Kohl’s, and you can read all about the gory details at the end. That said, the content is 100% my opinion, as always.

You know I’m always up for a style challenge. So when I got an email from Kohl’s asking me to come over to their store and put together a couple of looks based on the latest trends – for less than $100 – I couldn’t resist. While it wasn’t the easiest thing I’ve ever done (ahem, budgets are not my strong suit), I think I pulled it together in the end:

Not bad, right? Head over to their site and check out all the details, won’t you? (It’s over on the right side of the page, and I’m the fourth blogger down…).

Oh, and prepare yourselves…there’s a second installment of this experiment coming in a week or two. Start getting excited!

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Disclosure: Bloggers received a gift card on behalf of Kohl’s via Glam Media to complete the trend look. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Kohl’s. All trademarks and service marks are owned or licensed by Kohl’s Illinois, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Kohl’s Department Stores, Inc.