So why not go for a fitting? I read one blogger who said she didn’t want some old lady groping her twins. I’m here to set the record straight. I had a fitting done at Victoria’s Secret and it’s not what you think. If you’re a Sex and the City fan (which I’m guessing most of you are), ixnay the lingerie saleswoman/Miranda scene from your brain. At VS, I kept all of my clothes on and didn’t even need to go into a fitting room. A salesclerk measured my ribcage and then the widest part of my chest. Done! Can you believe it? It took all of two seconds.

Here are some things you ought to know. I was even surprised the first time I heard them.

1. Your bra should not be held up by your straps. Rather, you should be supported by the band (the part which hooks around your ribcage). If your bra doesn’t stay up on its own, ya know, without its straps, you’re due for a new one.
2. The piece that rests in between the girls should be flush against your skin. This prevents your bra from rotating side to side.
3. Because our bras go through the wash and we stretch them when we put them on, it is recommended to buy one size smaller. Not a smaller cup, but a smaller band (i.e. if you’re a 34, get a 32. If you’re a 36, get a 34, etc).

Now finding an appropriate “brassiere” might be easier for those carrying around plums or apples versus grapefruits and melons. I guess the Big Guy had to even it out somehow!  Visit our Shopping for Bras sister site.

1. Their heels are photo shopped in
2. The pics are snapped during their only few strides of the day
3. They are willing to endure the pain in the name of their careers

Well we can’t all have the luxury of door-to-door service, so we usually wind up opting for function over fashion, right? I particularly empathize with those that live in snowy areas (like mine). I mean, come on, Uggs or galoshes? Gimme a break! If I sound bitter it’s because I am. Grrrr.

While fashion and comfort might be direct contradictions, at least SOMEONE in the industry is ready to meet the needs of every day women. Cole Haan pleeeeeeeeeeease get your fashion colleagues to follow your lead! The Yarmouth, Maine-based brand has recently collaborated with sneaker-giant Nike to create (drum roll)…a comfy heal! Hallelujah! These shoes, retailing around $328, combine Nike Air technology with Cole Haan’s aesthetic.  Interestingly enough, CH is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nike (learn something new every day).

If you can’t afford a pair of Cole Haans, there are other tricks of the trade that allow us rock a heel without the pain. Follow these rules-of-thumb and get the best of both worlds: style and comfort:

Blissfully Painless

Ankle boots

Wedge heels

Chunky heel

Wretchedly Painful

Stilettos

Platforms

Strappy

Okay, okay, I TRY to stick with these most of the time but sometimes reason and will power are low. Next thing you know, you’re caving (like when I bought those patent-leather, nude stilettos I can barely walk in). Stay strong and sensible!  My favorite Italian shoes for women and boot obsessions.

 I was watching Coco Before Chanel the other day (not the Shirley MacClaine movie but the French film) and Coco, born Gabrielle Chanel, wore men’s clothes in a time when women decorated themselves with pearls, feathers, and other frills. Now she is recognized as a 20^th century icon and her name resonates with the best of the industry. Way to go Coco, I want one of your bags!

 I think it all has to do with vision and if I may borrow a line from The Holiday, (I’m a big movie buff if you can’t tell) “gumption.” If you’re lacking a bit on the vision side, that’s okay; you can always gather inspiration from someone else’s vision. Don’t even try to tell me you don’t have chutzpah—I’ll call your bluff.

So who are the great visionaries of today? They’re the masterminds behind what you see on the catwalk, of course! North of the neckline, Chanel and Zac Posen are all about amethyst eyes and a red pout. Frame out these features with a messy updo, braid, or sleek ponytail to unleash your inner siren. No no matter who’s your type, you’ll have your pick of the Johnny Depps and Matthew McConaugheys of the world. Knock ‘em dead

Let’s talk velvet first. I love this because it’s chic AND warm; usually the two are mutually exclusive. Madewell, Alexander Wang, Charlotte Ronson, Nanette Lepore, and Mr. Zac Posen all used the luxurious material. If I were Cher Horowitz (Alicia Silverstone, Clueless) I’d give these designers “snaps!”

Green…the color of money, envy, and Kermit The Frog but for Devi Kroell, Monique Lhuiller, and Rag & Bone, it was the color which adorned their runway models (Posen and Wang were in this mix too). Other not-so-novel trends spotlighted included lace, black-on-black, and yes, sequins are here to stay (I don’t know how I feel about this one. I’m starting to think it’s a bit overplayed). On a more positive note, keep your eyes peeled for velvety numbers to keep you comfy, cozy chic in fall 2010. Word to the wise, avoid crushed velvet (we’re not going for your little sister’s or niece’s gymnastics leotard).

K lets break it down. Lace shirts are pretty self-explanatory but if you don’t know what tap shorts are (love them), they’re adorable little, ruffley shorts that are usually made out of silk or lace. They come in a variety colors but pastels seem to be the most common. Diesel Black Gold, Sunner, and Alexander Wang (this man can do no wrong) each have their versions in the February issue of ELLE. I’ll take a pair! Too bad I’ll have to wait until a more affordable brand comes out with them L Moving on…

Who doesn’t love jammies? No one, that’s who! Ok please pay attention because I’m not suggesting you take your plaid, flannel numbers and strut your stuff around town. No, no. Remember the operative word here is INSPIRED. We don’t want you looking like a co-ed who just rolled out of bed and didn’t bother to get dressed for class. These “jams” are actually MEANT to be worn during the daytime and are usually floral with an occasional subtle polka-dot in the mix. I want a pair of these too! Ugh.

Share my frustration with sky-high designer duds? Not to worry because one little company which brands itself with red and white circles has our backs. Target, or “tar-zhay” as I like to call it, has partnered with Rodarte to deliver us some quality bedtime-inspired looks. SUPER CUTE and they’re in that sorbet color which is the color to dress is this season. Want to find out more? Visit http://www.target.com/gp/browse.html?node=16275561&ref=sr_shorturl_gointernational

Interested in find which other designers are designing for us every-day women? Read our Fabulously Frugal article. Ta-ta for now.

Trend #2 – Photoprints.  You started to see this look on bags years ago and you may have even it seen a few glimpses from your famous vintage store.  The look has now matured and we think you’ll love it.

Trend #3 – Boudoir goes public.  Normally this would not be a good thing, but connecting a lace top with a blazer can give a flirty, feminine look that is hard to duplicate.

Trend #4 – Ikat.  According to Wikipedia ikat or ikkat is a style of weaving that uses a resist dyeing process similar to tie-dye on either the warp or weft before the threads are woven to create a pattern or design.  In other words, tie-dye meets the runway.

Trend #5 – Slouchy Menswear.  We’re seeing it everywhere and done right it can be exceptional.

• Upper East Side preppy (a la Blaire Waldorf)
• J.Lo glam
• Nicole Richie boho
• Rhianna alternative
• Rachel Zoe retro

If you weren’t able to answer this, ask yourself this: Is your style such a smorgasbord you couldn’t define yourself by one category? If so, your sense of style is having a bit of an identity crisis. Don’t worry; consider Women Fashion Online your emergency hotline. Take charge sister!  Your style is one thing you have COMPLETE control over, and who says you have to be bogged down by any one? (If you’re wishing this applied to boyfriends, that’s a whole other issue altogether). I hate to be the bearer of bad news but a lot of people that think they have a style truly don’t. What I mean is: how would you describe your look day-by-day? If you’re at a loss for words, consider yourself in style limbo.  Too many people take their cues from the wrong kinds of sources—what everyone is wearing to work/school; what the department stores are carrying or worse yet–what they have on sale. Dare to be different.  Let’s consider my initial question. Now, picture any one of these fashion icons walking down the street only stripped on their fame (i.e. Rhianna wasn’t Rhianna). Do you really think they would blend in with woodwork? I don’t think so! Fashion is all about having a point of view. What’s yours? To develop your own style start by:

1. Creating a collage. Look at the magazines; get some ideas. If you have a style icon, bust out your inner stalker and research, research, research!  Clip out everything that inspires you and compile your findings on a sheet of paper. I know, I know—this is a little arts & crafts but it will seriously help you visualize your ideal style. What would mine look like? Probably one part Olivia Palermo, one part Taylor Jacobson, with dashes of Lauren Conrad, Heidi Klum, and Rachel Zoe topped off with a mix of Calvin dresses (I mean really, the man can’t go wrong).
2. Define. What three adjectives would you use to describe the collection of clothes in your collage? Sleek, modern, sophisticated? Young, fresh, and flirty? These words will serve as the foundation to your new style. We’ll call it your “style platform.” Hey, a ‘lil politics never hurt a fashionista (just ask Michelle Obama).
3. Compare and contrast. Take a minute and look in your closet. Compare your collage to your own collection of clothes. Do you have any pieces that are reminiscent of your newly-formed style platform? If so, play dress-up—mix ‘n match and don’t forget to accessorize. Emulate the look of your magazine excerpts. Once satisfied, set all completed looks aside. Wear one tomorrow. There’s no time like the present!
4. Go shopping. Yaaaaaay the part we’ve all been waiting for. I’m sure you all know how to do this well so I’m not going to insult you with any tips other than these: 1) go in to some new stores you previously never would have gone in and 2) if you’re considering a purchase, think of your style icon and ask yourself “would _________ wear this?” If the answer is “no” cease and desist.
5. Enjoy. Bask in your newfound style savvy and prepare yourself for constant inquiries as to where you got your stuff–I’ll leave it up to your discretion if you’d like to disclose

Once upon a time spandex pants were only available in Walmart for say, runners and stay-at-home-moms (no offense intended moms- we all know you have the toughest job there is). In case you’ve ever wondered, leggings became part of the fashion scene in the 1960s as a modification of capris pants (only tighter). Fashion designer, Patricia Field, claims she invented the modern leggings in the late 1970s. Sorry Patty, I’ve never heard of you. I did, however, do some investigating on your website– some cute accessories but for a pretty penny (and very similar to Betsy Johnson). What REALLY revived them back into mainstream fashion? For those of us born after 1980, I recall it being a little company called Abercrombie & Fitch. Now, we all know the aesthetic of the American company: distressed denim, flip-flops, and lots ‘n lots of brown! If you were ever a customer (I know, the things we learn) you might also remember the company’s inability to produce items appropriate for the fall and winter seasons. Around winter 2006 they marketed their staple denim miniskirts with brown or gray leggings (I only remember this because I was an unfortunate employee at the time).  Like it or not the A&F label IS fashion forward (they also were the first commercial carriers of skinny jeans).

As you may have figured from my previous rant (if you didn’t know before), there is a right way to wear leggings and there’s a wrong way.  Let’s talk “dos.”

Legging dos:

• Style with a relatively loose skirt, dress, or long shirt. Yes, one that covers the booty.
• Rock studs or black sequins (Heidi Klum style). Black ones are vanilla. Amp up your style with some embellishment!
• Wear a cropped pair that shows off your ankle. This balances out your top and bottom proportions. Ankle-length leggings create an upside-down triangle affect (not good) so avoid these unless you’re pairing them with a boot.
• Pair with heals and a long, baggy sweater for an easy sexy look.

Legging don’ts:

• Wear them as pants to work. Need I say more? Under dresses, however, is still acceptable.
• Rock any that have a graphic. This is bad no matter how skinny you are—it creates an illusion that you’re bigger than you actually are.
• White……..NEVER!  This just looks bad and you can usually see through them.
• Wear florescent ones and/or style them with a denim miniskirt unless under the age of 16
• “Jeggings.” If you don’t already know these are leggings meant to look like jeans. Leggings + jeans = jeggings. Let’s just say anything that tries to be two things at once is a bad idea (think mullets, skorts, and that weird peanut butter and jelly that comes in the same jar).

I, _____________________________, do solemnly swear to abide by the above leggings laws thereby sparing myself of public ridicule and thus ensuring complete fabulosity.  I hereby also commit myself to the betterment of womankind and pledge to pay this leggings knowledge forward to every sister, cousin, roommate, friend, and acquaintance thereby aiding Women Fashion Online’s initiative to make world a better dressed place.