Calling all chicks*!

What do you want to read about on here? Do you have questions about existing fashion? About your wardrobe? About jewelry? Accessories? ANYTHING?
Leave a comment or email me and I'll post for you!


*for any of you who are concerned about the negative connotation that frequently accompanies this slang term for women, let me point out that I am a Magpie, and I like to think of my readers as fellow birds. That's it. Just a little thing I have...

Monogram

...is the luxury line for Banana Republic. It has never quite made sense to us why the Banana Republic in Highland Park Village did not have this line, especially considering our neighbors.
It has been made known that we will be getting Monogram SOON!!!!
Stay tuned for more details....

Judith Ripka

If you would like to enjoy a truly "Highland Park Village" experience, and not be guilted by sales associates who recognize you do not have the funding to be in their store, go to Judith Ripka.

Katie has been the sales associate/jewelry connoisseur I have worked with the times I have visited. She understands that not everybody who walks in her door has the appropriate budget, but also understands that diamonds are a girl's best friend and encourages trying on.

You will see local legends and Hollywood stars alike donning the gilt and glitter that Judith Ripka has to offer. From Cindy Crawford to Kate Hudson to Lisa Edelstein, glamour girls from the runway and the big and small screens recognize the talent, versatility, and statement that Judith Ripka so effortlessly makes.

Some may compare Ripka to David Yurman. I find this connection both a positive and a negative. Yes, both Ripka and Yurman utilize lab-created gemstones to guarantee depth of color and quality; however, Ripka has a much softer, more romantic side than does the chain-burdened and often heavy-handed Yurman. I would much rather compare Ripka to Van Cleef and Arpels, with a dash of Tiffany & Co., and a generous helping of her unique style.

My favorites?

The Jubilee Necklace 18k gold with small diamond accents, 17" $4550
The Garland Ring sterling silver and 18K gold with small diamond accents $500

and the non-pictured Clover necklace

I predict that Judith Ripka's signature Clover (available in the Dallas bourtique) will soon have the same status and demand as the Elsa Peretti Bean.

New shoes, old soles

I see many women crammed into very stylish shoes. As much as they protest that they are as comfortable as being barefooted, I see their corns, bunions, and red spots and disagree.
When purchasing shoes, there are several things to remember.
If you are buying heels over 2.5", you will want to go up one half size. The exception to this rule is if there is a covered platform under the toe--with these, you will just want to try them on.
If you are purchasing boots, remember that they may fit fantastically when you are in bare or stocking-feet; however, once you get on tights or a real sock, they may be too snug.
When you try on the shoes, walk around! A sales person will understand if you keep the shoes on your feet for up to ten or fifteen minutes because it is the only way you can get an accurate understanding of what the shoes will feel like once they are yours. Be mindful of walking on carpeted and hardwood surfaces as unworn shoes frequently come with slick soles.
The best way to break in a new pair of heels is to wear them in your driveway/garage with a pair of athletic socks. Not only will you scuff up the bottom of the shoe sufficiently to prevent sliding around on hardwoods and carpet, but the thickness of the athletic sock provides cushioning in the right places to prevent blistering and tightness. My personal way of maintaining non-blistered feet is to wear my heels around the house, vacuuming, cleaning, tv watching, with socks on my feet so that the stretch of the shoe is maintained.
Happy feet will change your outlook for the whole day!

Reduce, Reuse, Antique

I'm a firm believer in recycling, which is why I buy vintage. It's recycling in its own right!
My Magpie mother and I have a showcase at Forestwood Antique Mall in Dallas. Mom (Commandant's Cottage Antiques) does child's play things and various smalls, while I (Thieving Magpie) do jewelry and accessories (of course!). Here are a few snapshots of what is currently in the booth....





























go HERE to see more recent pics from the space! (and click through the rest of my pictures to get an idea of what else we have carried in the past)

Miss Manners and Purse Etiquette

When was the last time you picked up a copy of Emily Post's Guide to Etiquette? Although I'm sure it has been a while (if not never), it is important for Magpie's to know the subtle nuances of etiquette when out and about on the streets of the world.




Let's take, for today, the proper way to carry your bag*.

(*Note: the difference between a purse and a handbag is price.
A purse is valued at under $100, a bag at over. )

When you are walking around, your bag should be situated in your left hand, in the crook of your left elbow, or on your left shoulder. Notice a pattern? LEFT. When passing a friend on the street, you should be able to easily offer your right hand to greet without jostling your bag out of the way. Your right hand should always be available to socialize. When you carry your bag in your right hand, on your right shoulder, or particularly in the crook of your right elbow, you are, in essence, flipping the world off and letting them know you are rude and socially unavailable.

If you carry a briefcase, this rule does not apply to you as rigidly. It is commonly accepted that one who works, and therefore has a briefcase, does not always have time to be sociable. Your purse may then be carried on your left and your briefcase in your right hand.

When you are dining, your bag may not be placed on the table. Ever. Really. It is considered incredibly rude, even if you are carrying a Judith Leiber, to place your bag on the dining surface. Your bag has two possible resting sites:

• If it is day, you may place your bag in an empty chair (at the same table, do not drag another chair to your table just to avoid the floor. Yes, germs and bacterial goo are disgusting, but you shouldn't be licking the bottom of your bag.). You may also place your bag on the floor to the left of you. (Why the left? Because the server should be coming to your place setting from the right, and you certainly do not want to trip him. Also, for your protection--it is much more obvious to reach with your right hand to the place on your left to try to steal someone's bag than it is to lean with your left. Finally, because when you stand up at the end of your meal, you should be able to seamlessly pick up your bag with your left hand and shake hands with your meal partners.) You may NEVER place your bag on the back or arm of the chair. We are Magpies, and, therefore, we are not tacky.

• If is it evening, you may place your bag in your lap, under your napkin, or behind you in your chair (be careful with any chair that has slats). Those are your only two options. Well, if you are sitting on a bench-style seat, you may place your bag between you and your date--and then quickly find another man. Bench seating is not very classy (see: easy ways to embarrass yourself while rising from the table).

Questions? Comments?

This season's hottest color

...I'm sure you have noticed, is aubergine.
There are plenty of ways you can incorporate this deep and delightful shade of purple in your wardrobe--I've seen tshirts, tanks, pants, tops, headbands, jewelry, etc...
When choosing a shade of amethyst, remember that the best colors are always the most saturated. Keep in mind what colors normally are most complimentary for your skin (blues, reds, yellows) because you can always find a tonal version of purple that is based on the best hue for you.
If you need an example on how to do plum the right way, take note from Carolina Herrera.

Carolina Herrera, Fall 2008

(This is a silk dress with a built-in bodice, with pockets. I love a pocket on a dress!)
CH has a beautiful boutique located in Highland Park Village (girls take note: they have a full couture bridal salon in the store). Having spent several hours there, I can personally attest that the staff is knowledgeable, not pushy, and very complementary to their environment. They know everything that is important to know when working in womens fashion, including how we need Manolo Blahniks to most accurately get a picture of what we will look like while wearing the beautiful CH cocktail dress,

and that we need time to think about such a large purchase ($2990 to be exact).

Thanks to the Michael and Javier at Carolina Herrera!

Good Morning Texas - WFAA (Dallas)

I appreciate what they are trying to do. However, two things are very important for an up-and-coming morning television program, especially if they are trying to cultivate a following and credibility:
1. American Airlines Center's Victory Plaza is not Rockefeller Plaza, nor will it ever be. Make this plaza your own.
2. Please get a stylist! Nothing says "amateur" quite like a bad outfit (especially when said in quartet). Please see: Amy's outfit this morning: a bright red, short-sleeved scoop-neck knit top, with a red on black pinstripe wide leg pant that was a size too small. When you are petite (and rather beautiful, I must add), proportion is everything...especially when petite and curvy.

Suiting

Q I think I need you to do a post on the classic business suit because I need to go shopping for one for interviews and I am LOST. --Samantha

Samantha:
There are guidelines in life, and certainly a specific set exists for suiting. Although I probably allow more grace when it comes to all things professionally oriented, I do have my standards.

1. 2 vs 3 button jacket

It is crucial that the stance on your jacket be perfect. Not only will it ensure that the girls are “locked & loaded” (thanks Stacy & Clinton), but it is one of the first things that a potential employer/professional colleague will see. Look in the mirror and put your arm out as if you are going to shake someone’s hand. If you follow the line of sight from your hand, up your arm, to your chest, then up to your face, you realize that the stance of the jacket serves as a frame for your figure and for your face. Whether you wear a button-up or a silk tie-neck under your suiting, the construction and shape of the jacket is of most importance. Two or three buttons is a personal preference (but also one of logistics, see: aforementioned need to lock & load). I prefer a two.

2. Pants AND skirt

Every Magpie needs versatility: it is what we thrive on. This is why I highly suggest that wherever you go to look for suiting, be sure they sell both pants and skirt in the same fabric. On top of that, if the brand carries both a trouser leg and a wide leg pant, as well as a skirt, you’ve hit the suiting holy grail. While the suit you wear will be your first impression in your interview (and therefore must be outstanding) you have to remember that the suit is now a part of your larger wardrobe. Long gone are the days of “interview wear” and “job wear”. In fact, I’ve seen many a girl take her jacket out with her for a night on the town while wearing a slinky top and jeans. Bottom line: the more options, the better. Think about wearing your suiting pant(s) and skirt multiple times throughout the month (or even week, if done craftily). Now think about how many ways you could wear a jacket, skirt, and pant while integrating the rest of your wardrobe. Benefits: less time spent figuring out what to wear in the morning, cheaper dry cleaning bills, more time and money for play.

3. Fabric

The suiting fabric of choice would be a summer weight wool blend. My theory is you can always layer, but you can only take off so many clothes and still be considered socially appropriate. You can purchase a cotton-blend suit (like Banana Republic’s Smart Suit), but you limit your options (e.g., cotton-blend suits tend to show wrinkles more quickly, don’t always travel well, and are usually only weighted appropriately for the South. They do not layer well.)

In my previous life (when I didn’t know any better) I bought a denim suit. It was a perfectly fitting jacket and skirt; the jacket had a zipper (ew) and leopard lining (cute, but professionally inappropriate), and all the hems and seams were contrast stitched (ew). Although I felt very cute while wearing it, I soon realized that a frequent appearance from this suit may lead my boss to realize that (1) I have no taste, (2) I don’t understand the meaning of business professional/casual, and (3) I’m not spending my hard earned money appropriately. Termination? Probably not. Snickering by the water cooler? Definitely.

4. Neutral colors

This should be the easiest rule. Stay with black, brown, grey, tan. My personal preference is a dark mottled grey because it can be worn with black or brown, thus offering you the most options for your money.

5. Subtle or no pattern

I once went to a church in South Dallas where the men and women were wearing suits with half-inch wide stripes (in blaring colors). This is NOT the way to wear a suit (especially if you want to wear it multiple times in a month/week). Stick with a light pinstripe, heathered fabric, or glenplaid.

6. Short sleeves?

The fad this summer was to have suiting with a short (usually puffy-sleeved) jacket. I’m not a fan. Although I believe in the right to bear arms, I do not believe that baring arms in the professional world is always well-accepted. (see: BR) *Note: if you did purchase the short-sleeved jacket, it looks great layered with a thin knit—probably turtleneck or vneck is best…and with jeans.

There is some fear, I am sure, that you will be too well dressed. NONSENSE! You can never be too well dressed or too appropriate. It is ok if you are dressed better than those with whom you are interviewing. If you choose to accept the position, just be sure to tailor your look to fit into their environment. However, this does not mean skimping on what you already know to be true: quality construction and good fabrics are always in style and should not be skimped on.

Remember: your suiting should be classic, wearable, impressionable, but not too memorable because you want to get maximum wear. Your most important professional investment should be the perfectly tailored suit (oh, and your education!).

Bauble

For those of you who do not know what a bauble is, I offer the following definition:

bau·ble /ˈbɔbəl/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[baw-buhl] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation –noun

1.	a showy, usually cheap, ornament; trinket; gewgaw.

2.	a jester's scepter.

www.dictionary.com

When I am using the term "bauble", I am referring to a small bit of jewelry that holds significantly more weight emotionally or sentimentally than monetary. In no way would I consider a bauble to be "cheap"; rather, I consider it of personal worth to the owner.

I hope that provides the clarification needed.

NEXT POST: The business suit