Thursday, July 19, 2012

Green With Envy

Last night I was out with friends and a few of the girls admired my bag.  We were in mixed company so I decided not to spill the beans and tell them I got it at TJ Maxx for about $20 (if I recall) close to a decade ago.  We'll see if they read this and discover the truth.  I love the color and thought it looked "real" even though I think it's PVC/faux croc with a faux bamboo handle.  The underside of the flap is suede and the cloth lining lists a whole bunch of stylish cities, but there is no brand on it.  I didn't care when I bought it, I just thought it was cute.  Everyone always thinks it's real and that makes it even more fabulous!

Faux croc bag



Independently, I bought these shoes, also probably about a decade ago.  They match perfectly.  I remember I was walking around my neighborhood with the cockatoo and stopped to look in the window at Vanessa Noel.  They spotted him and waved to me to go inside because they thought he was so cool.  While he charmed the staff I bought shoes!  They are a perfect match for the bag, above.  I don't wear them very often, but I really love them. 

Avocado green slides from Vanessa Noel look brand new, but are old.

I love the shades of avocado and different textures.

Perfect summer slides.

I always think that if you buy enough of what you love you will find that you can build your clothes and accessories into full outfits.   Like many women I rely on the same 10% of my closet on a daily basis, so I've challenged myself to "shop my closet" this year and am loving wearing my old things.  It's been so long with some of them that they feel new and that satisfies my fashion wanderlust.  Good for my wallet, good for the planet and good for my soul.

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Metallics Make A Comeback

Like a lot of trends metallics come in and out of fashion.  Gold and silver accessories are always in fashion (think strappy sandals and evening clutches) but every decade or two serious metallic fever resurfaces.  I remember attending my friend's Sweet 16 party at Tavern on the Green in the 80's wearing a gold blouse and black velvet pumps with gold, silver and bronze metallic tips.  (Wish I'd kept them!)  This Fall I think we may be seeing a lot of very ornate black and gold outfits.

A couple of days ago when I stumbled onto a sidewalk sale in Greenwich, CT I scooped up two adorable metallic mini bags at half price.  One is rose gold and one is gunmetal.  Both colors I love and a nice variation on traditional gold and silver bags.  I think they're perfect for cocktail parties.


Metallic Michael Kors mini bags in gunmetal and rose gold

A closer look, although the metallics don't photograph that well because of the glare....

Rose gold

Gunmetal

About twenty years ago my mom scooped up three quilted metallic clutch purses at a fabulous sale at a local store near where she used to live.  They were silver, gold and gunmetal.  She can only find the gold and the gunmetal now, but I'm hoping the silver is just buried in her closet.  I remember borrowing the gold one for a party one time.  They are so big and soft, I just love them.  The tag inside says Lisette New York.  Certainly not haute couture, but very fashionable then and now.

Gunmetal and gold vintage clutches

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Something Old, Something New, Something Very Red, White & Blue

I've always loved the 4th of July and have fond childhood memories of spending the day at the local pool and then going to a fireworks display at night, and celebrating my grandfather's birthday at home with family.  He was born on July 4, 1904.  The colors red, white & blue also have fun childhood memories for me because my room was red, white and blue.  I remember the wallpaper my mom picked out:  most of the walls were white with thin blue pinstripes, but one wall had red, white and blue flowers to make it a little girlie.  I also had a red, white and blue rug.  Until I was 16 and begged my parents to let me redecorate.  Then my room became green and blue---my favorite colors!  My birthday is close to the forth so several years I had a cool flag cake at my birthday parties.   I tried to find a photo to scan, but they must all be at my mom's house.

I'm usually in the country on the 4th, but this year I happen to be in the City and I have a big day planned to celebrate.  This afternoon I plan to take the parrots to Central Park for a walk, assuming it doesn't rain.  Then I'm going to Macy's private fireworks party at Chelsea Piers tonight!  I've spent the last 24 hours trying to pick out an outfit that is patriotic and red,white and blue without looking like Uncle Sam on election night.  The front runner outfit is white pants and a navy blue tunic, but I still have some trying on to do.

I have, however, nailed down the accessories.  I am wearing my 4th of July Gucci pumps.  They are red and white with blue bows.  The bows and the sides have stars on them.  I found these two years ago at Marshall's discount shoe store and I love them.  How could I not love them:  red, white & blue & Gucci????!!!  I only wear them once a year, but it's worth it.

Patriotic shoes from Gucci

I'm also going to wear some inexpensive red "pearls" and carry my red Epi leather LV purse.  But, perhaps my most precious accessory today will be a red and blue vintage lucite ring my father gave me when I was about ten.  It wasn't vintage then, but it is now!  This is also the kind of item that gets worn once every couple of years, but I love it.  I think it looks like an ice cube with stripes.

Vintage lucite ring


Happy Independence Day!