Help, please?

I now enlist you, faithful fashion followers, to help me find a great shoe to go with this dress! It looked fantastic for runway and winter with tights and black suede booties...but I want to wear this dress to a wedding on May 2! The reception will be at the House of Blues, so chic and stylish is a must! Images are below (click here if you need additional pictures).
This will be my dress' debut, so I need it to be fabulous! (Not to mention the party I am attending will be chock full of stylish gals--including the bride who is wearing a sassy Melissa Sweet dress with cobalt Kate Spades!)
I have pewter python Tahari strappy sandals...but I they are way too much texture for the already sensory heavy dress. I don't want to do boring and black (but I will break glass in case of emergency).
So...what say you?

Judith Ripka!!!

Picture this:
It's the last night of the Dallas Opera for the Lovers and Scoundrels season, and for the Dallas Opera to perform at Fair Park Music Hall. I have to work all day, and have decided to wear my evening outfit to work, with evening updates in my bag. Grey menswear pinstripe modifiedsweetheart neckline strapless dress ( BR). Pewter python Tahari strappy sandals. My great-grandmother's lambswool with mink collar evening jacket.
My jewelry was work appropriate and fun for the evening--every strand of pearl I owned!
It was not, however, glam. Or Judith Ripka.
While at work. the very sweet Katie came in to shop. She was wearing a fabulous green amythest Judith Ripka ring--and when I complimented her, she suggested I swing by the store. When I mentioned that it was Closing Night, she told me to come over to borrow jewelry.
That's, right. She was offering the glitz that lay inside the glass cases!
As I (shakily) walked over to the store, I thought about what could possibly lie ahead: a JR ring, perhaps the JR necklace I talked about before, maybe earrings?
What happened was more than I could have imagined!
Katie asked that I take off all the jewelry I was wearing. She then began handing me bauble after bauble, an earring, a larger earring, a choker, a drop necklace, a cuff, a ring, a different necklace...
Before I knew it, I was wearing $60,000 worth of Judith Ripka 18k white gold and diamonds!
Katie asked for my phone number and asked that I return the jewelry Sunday afternoon. That was it! She trusted me to properly represent the brand (and promote it if given the opportunity)--which I was happy to carry!!
To mark the occasion--for myself and for posterity--my very talented Tenor, Steve, did a photoshoot of me and the jewels against the artful backdrop of Deep Ellum.
Enjoy!

Election Day!

In light of all the political conversations going on today, I'd like to take this opportunity for a moment of fluff.

When considering your options at the poll, please take into consideration how influential the style of our elected leaders can be (see: Jackie O., JFK...that's about it). Then, think about the individual styles presented by our options today. I'd like to take a closer look at the women being represented (for the men's fashion, see what The Magnificent Bastard has to say).

If elected, Palin will entice scads of women (who haven't already done so) to run to their local beauty salon and ask for the "Sarah Palin". Although in it's most perfected state (left) this is a classic half-chignon with backcombing and slight bouffant. It's a beautiful updo for a middle-aged woman heading to an event. It is NOT an everyday look. In it's daily (or end-of-day) state (right) it's a messy and easy-gone-awry way to look. This rush to the salon will remind us of the "Rachel" haircut donned by Jennifer Aniston in Friends. And, quite frankly, although the look was stunning on her, it wasn't necessarily as flattering on the millions of others who got it then (and continue now). This comparison is accurate not only because of the similar rush already being felt among moms nation-wide, but also because both looks are overworked and most appropriate for the mid-90s.


If elected, Obama('s wife) will encourage everywoman to look her best. She does not spend outrageously (see article on Palin's wardrobe ravamping); rather she shops at stores we can all find in our local malls. Michelle recently rocked this JCrew outfit on The Tonight Show, surprising both Jay Leno and the audience with her admittance to e-commerce (as well as causign a 64% spike on JCrew's website!). Michelle Obama has already inspired moms across the country to take a harder look at White House Black Market, Banana Republic, and department stores. Sure, Michelle is guilty of picking up luxury items by Thakoon and Tory Burch...but she does so in the same moderation that other middle-class American women do. (For more on Michelle Obama's style, click here).


So, Magpies, when headed to the polls today, think: Which candidate's style will I be less sick of emulating at the end of four years? Which candidate will inspire women the most while in office?

GET OUT AND VOTE!

Now, for the record, I am a firm believer in knowing your candidates before making a decision that will affect not only your life, but the lives of those around you. Go to the Obama and McCain websites and make an informed decision.

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....

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!).

Vintage vs. New: The Battle Continues

I will start this blogging adventure with a topic I am very familiar and comfortable with: jewelry.

Just a brief background of myself and my experience with baubles: I have always loved jewelry. Not necessarily in the same way that all little girls liked to dress up and play with their mother's gems, I mean I really love jewelry. So much so that I brought my mother's diamonds and pearls to show and tell in kindergarten, only to have them confiscated by the school nurse (and family friend) and transferred safely back to my mother's hands. So much so that I was started a charm bracelet that was filled up with over 50 charms by the time I graduated from college. So much so that every summer, for six years, on my way to summer camp, my parents would drive through Kerrville, just so we could go to the James Avery home and store. So much so that my first antique auction purchase was a garnet and sapphire vermeil ring that I still wear to this day. So much would be the key phrase. I probably have more rings than I do socks, and more earrings than I do underwear. I wholeheartedly believe that you can change any outfit's intentions with jewelry. You can make jeans and a tshirt sultry and a little black dress simply and day-appropriate. Although Coco Chanel had very good intentions, I do not believe in her "remove one piece of jewelry before you leave your home" rule--I say add, don't detract. The more the better. Layer, stack, bangle. Now, please hear me: I am NOT an overkill kind of girl. I believe jewelry should be worn in moderation, and (of course) in taste. I certainly ascribe to quality over quantity...but sometimes a girl just wants to have fun!

Back to the present. Not only do I love and appreciate new jewelry, I also have a great affinity for the antique/vintage/old. This is where today's post is headed: Do you save for the things of the past? or splurge on the things of the present?

I think you can do both.

Take for example, if you will, my 15 carat smokey topaz that sits high aloft a 14k gold band and swirl setting. (Please note: tasteful 6-prong setting. Quantity and quality are not synonymous when one is choosing a prong setting.) This is a gorgeous cocktail ring, similar to the styles of the 1950s and 1960s, but purchased from an estate containing more pieces from the 1920s and 1930s. This ring is a classic eye-catcher for all the right reasons. It's slightly larger than socially appropriate for day wear, and slightly undersized for typical cocktail, allowing me to wear it day and night. It's classic proportions and timeless style are just as appreciated now as they were then.

In Texas, this is considered a "rang", not a simple ring.

However, such things do not come cheaply. This is why I fully support the current jewelry trend of bringing back vintage at a fraction of the price.

Banana Republic, 18mm smokey topaz and 18k gold-plated brass $49

This is a GREAT alternative to a truly vintage piece, not only because it is priced so well, but because you will be able to wear it for years, and you won't be heartbroken if you break it.

The moral of this story is: purchasing and wearing vintage is great for the environment (it's recycling at its best!). However, when push comes to shove (and the budget is a consideration), well-made imitations of the real thing are certainly a better alternative to nothing at all.