The Needs and the Wants

The Needs - local pals, word on the street is that the Gap in Colonie Center is closing and everything in the store is 40-50% off. Gap has not thrilled me in recent years but their t-shirts and cargo pants (ie the "needs") really never steer me wrong. Worth checking out if you've got basic needs to fill.

The Wants - I am ashamed to admit that my "wants" list is long. Too long (as I don't need squat right now, really, other than an end to world hunger). I am in love with the entire new J. Crew catalog. Yup. The whole thing. All of it. (Ok maybe not the pastelly colors in the beginning because I have a very hard time pulling those off... its like "where'd she go? I can't find her anywhere.. she was here a minute ago but then put that peach sweater on and... poof!") but the rest of it, yes. They have such a great selection of fun, embellished t-shirts and cardigans right now, which are the perfect combination for unpredictable spring weather. And, my girl Jenna (their design director, and a Brooklynite... coincidence, I don't think so!) has really infused their women's' clothing with a tiny bit of an edge that I love, love love. But alas, these are wants and not needs. Cue: tiny little violin, playing softly in the distance. I'll wait for the next big sale, or drop some big hints around my birthday.

The Long and Short of It

So K recently asked about pants, capris and shorts. Even though there is, once again, a dusting of snow on the ground where I am, I'm pretty sure its warmer where she is so here's my two cents.

Shorts - I swore off shorts for ages. I didn't find them flattering (heck, I even hated running in shorts because of the ride-up issue) and before kids, unless I was hiking or something, I really never needed to wear them. That all changed when I discovered Bermuda shorts. I think Bermudas are brilliant and flattering on a wide range of bodies. They hit a couple inches above the knee and can be super casual or slightly dressy (I don't "do" dressy shorts but many pull it off just fine). For women with larger / muscular thighs, make sure you get a fit that's looser at the bottom (ala straight-leg pants). If your legs are on the shorter side, just make sure the length isn't too long - ie: keep the hem a solid 3 inches above your knees.

Capris - frankly I think capris are tough. They're not often flattering and can look downright goofy (ie the clamdigger length that just below the knee... I don't get it at all). That said, they may just fall into the necessary evil category, especially in warmer weather. My advice is to go long, 4-6 or inches above the ankle, with a wider opening at the bottom. I'm curious to try the new skinny ankle-length trousers that are like the dressy equivalent of skinny jeans but my gut tells me they're going to be tough to pull off ... I'll post back with my findings.

Girly Goodness

I have strong opinions about clothes (Really? Really!). This includes kids’clothes too, especially for little girls. Its not about price or brand or trend its about things being cute, comfy, age-appropriate and somewhat indestructible. Anyway, after perusing a large selection of truly ugly and poorly made kids' clothes this weekend, I remembered the beautiful dress given to my youngest by the ever-fabulous T and made by her neighbor, a woman who's crafted a business making and selling the most wonderful dresses for little girls. She uses vintage fabrics and great little details like rickrack and eyelet trim but the dresses are not too precious at all... rather they're the perfect getup for a birthday party and then a good romp in a puddle or a zip around the block on a trike. The dresses are sold on Etsy (one of my favorite places, ever) for around $30-35 and are really wonderful quality. Note, the current selection on Etsy is primarily for smaller sizes but Kristin does make larger sizes as well, and may have more in inventory, just e-mail and ask! http://www.etsy.com/shop/ttintin

Bag Lady

Thank sweet Jesus this is not about Target or Gap!! Really, there are very few places that hold such a special place in my heart as Brooklyn Industries. 1). They're in Brooklyn. 2). They consistently offer interesting, well-priced clothing and accessories that make you feel young and hip (especially when no longer living in Brooklyn).

Anyway, here's a cheap cure for the uglier-than-sin "mom purse." I won't elaborate or name names because you know what I'm talking about. I LOVE love love BI's "H-Bag" because the shape and style lend themselves to organization and its not too big and not too small. Plus the coated canvas material is really easy to keep clean and let's face it, you're not going to see 10 other people with this bag... maybe me, but that's a good thing, no? I love both the floral and the lace patterns and for $29 and $49 its a great deal and perfect for spring (Lace H-bag is $49, Floral tote is $29).

What's the Deal?

I feel like a failure for continuing to post about mega chain retailers but this deal is too good not to share (and let me tell you, I love a good deal). Today through Sunday (March 19-21). Gap/Old Navy/Banana Republic are offering 30% off in-store purchases with this coupon. So if this lovely weather has got you thinking that its time to stock up on tanks or spring goodies for you or your crew, 30% off ain't too shabby. Print it out, use it at all three stores if you want.

The other sweet part of the deal is that Gap is donating 5% of sales during this time to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, so if you're feeling guilty about spending dough, this should assuage your guilt!

The Good, The Bad And The Potentially Very Cool

photo: Target

So the Liberty collection for Target is a big disappointment, imho. The women's clothing is all made from a very flammable-feeling polyester material when it should be some sort of crisp cotton. I do think it'll look cute on the younger set but it really doesn't do it for me. I was also disappointed with the kids' pieces as well... nothing for little girls and a few smocky things for older girls. I did snag a pair of floral printed wellies for my older daughter, but not really a bargain at $24.99. Overall, I was really hoping for a better, more classic Liberty look.

That said, another one of my favorite designers, Eugenia Kim, is due to launch a line of hats and accessories at Target later this spring (mid-April). She's really the coolest, and her hats are amazing (above photo is a sneak peak of the Target line... I like!). So I'll hold out hope that her pieces translate well to "Tarzhay." And according to Kim herself, "Everyone can wear a hat, you just need to find the right one."

So Blue

After a few days of Florida sun and a welcome change of pace from the grey northeast (in which I tend to wear far too much grey and black) I'm happy to report the existence of many more colors in the spectrum (yellow sunlight, bright blue water, icy green mojitos). Everyone including myself should do a little color exploration this spring and fashion experts seem to be in agreement that THE color of the season is turquoise.

Now I'll be the first to admit that color scares me sometimes. I am still trying to incorporate more into my wardrobe but I like the idea of a turquoise bag or necklace or other accessory as a slightly non-committal way to jump on the blue bandwagon. Youlookfab.com , another of my favorite fashion blogs, shows a handful of cute turquoise bags at various price points - its also a great blog to check out for general style ideas and tips, and the woman behind it really succeeds in making her site relevant and accessible to all ages and body-types, which is very, very cool.

So go and get your blue on, girls, and let me know how you did it!

Lily Pulitzer is Alive and Well in Florida

A quick note from the Sunshine State. Apparently Lily Pulitzer is alive and well down here. In just 24 hours I've seen more pink and green prints than I can shake my Corona at. Note to self (and others): it looks cute on kids. Period. While I do need to break out of my NYC-induced grey and black comfort zone, there is a middle ground and this 'aint it. Let's see what Miami has to offer. Rant over.

Jean Genie

Spring is about renewal, right? Well, what better way to renew your wardrobe and your look than to try a new style of jeans? Everyone stand up and repeat after me: “I promise to try a new style of jeans this spring!”

Ok, so you’ve got two choices, ‘boyfriend' style or skinny jeans and I have a couple of suggestions for both. The former are somewhat looser-cut and rolled up at the bottom. My guru lastylistmom.com shows a great outfit example on her website right now, all items from H&M and the whole kit and caboodle is under $200 (including shoes and accessories). Got an old pair of straight leg jeans or Levis in your closet that you stashed away when boot-cut became the new in thing? Great, get them out, roll them up 2-3 times and voila, boyfriend jeans. If you’re feeling brave you can even cut off part of the hem and then start rolling. I’ve turned 2 pairs of old but beloved jeans into this new style and several people (including snooty shop ladies) have asked where I got them.

Next – skinny jeans. Don’t hate me for suggesting this. I only ask that you give them a try. They’re available at all price points, from Old Navy to Barney’s and come in a variety of fits. Despite what many people think (including me, at first) they can be flattering on many body types if they fit correctly. Get a pair that's long enough to be a little bunchy at the bottom and that fits your hips/waist/butt well. Next, pair them with a looser longer top – one that comes to the bottom of your hips/butt or an inch or two below (this balances out the skinny on the bottom). Throw on a pair of ballet flats or gladiator sandals and voila, you look modern, hip and ready to take on the world. One other tip – they don’t have to be uber-tight. J Crew offers a “matchstick” style that are a bit wider at the bottom. Some “straight" or "slim" leg styles will also give you a similar look. Seriously, they’re everywhere. Ann Taylor Loft, J. Jill (really) so just give ‘em a try.

Coming Soon to an Ugly Mall Near You

Trust me, I am partial to local, independently owned boutiques (restaurants, bookstores, etc) and am the last person that wants to see the strip-mallification of America but there are a few chain behemoths worth a trip. Forever 21 being one of them. AND I am excited to report that Forever 21 seems to be close to opening a HUGE (and I mean huge) new outpost at Crossgates in the former Dick's location.

Now I'm nowhere near 21 and am not a size 3, but this place has excellent buyers and usually has a lot of little treasures for not a lot of $. Confession: I wore a a few of their things well into my first pregnancy (did I mention that I'm nowhere near a size 3?). Stylists love Forever 21 for their trendy, inexpensive and well chosen clothes and accessories. Great for a season or two and to liven up your wardrobe, but not investment clothing. Clothes run small, so go large (and cut out the tags if you need to!). Also, check the return policy, its not the most generous in the biz. My fave right now is the adorable embroidered tunic above. Happy shopping!

Liberty - March 14th

March 14th - that's when Target's Liberty of London collection will officially hit the stores. They're finally providing a bit of a sneak peek of the patterns and pieces from the collection and I'm positively in love with with the "Dunclare Pink" and "Sixty" patterns.

While I'm not that fired up about the women's dresses that are shown in the previews, I do love the idea of the men's shirts in these fabulous and colorful prints (think beach cover up, think leggings, you get the idea). Cheers!