Jack's Widow. A book review.

I just finished reading Jack's Widow by Eve Pollard; a novel about Jackie O.
It is my opinion that those who are historical fiction authors are the least acknowledged (and appreciated) for their incredible talent. Certainly not all, but a great many of these literary artists perform the daunting task of both being historians and researchers - which takes a knack for facts and an infinite attention span - AND creative and believable - because they are charged with making true facts more interesting, while maintaining believability, while intertwining pure fiction.
One thing I really like about Pollard is that she speckles her story with great descriptions of Jackie's clothing. "All her lingerie, the tulle, satin and organdy, even the silken threads that held them together, was hand-dyed in Paris to match her skin to perfection." "...she bathed, fluffed up her hair, slipped into a pair of cyclamen-pink tapered trousers and a dyed-to-match cashmere crewneck." You can see her, can't you? Jackie, in all her glamour (and, according to this tale, all her torment) still managing to pull off chic perfection when it comes to her appearance.
USA Today was right - I did get sucked into the hijinks and loved every minute!
BUT...Who is the real Jackie?
This curiousness on my part has led me to finally getting a library card! I just checked out a biography on Jackie Kennedy Onassis as well as on Coco Chanel. This plastic card is one I hope to melt rather quickly from overuse!

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?

Personal Shopping!

Are you having a hard time finding the style that work best for you? Are you overwhelmed with the assortment of trends, and how quickly they change? Would you like to have someone shop with you (in your closet and abroad) who will give you honest opinions and advice for improving your look?

I’m a retail therapist, and I’m here to help!

Equipped with a Texas license in counseling, and years of retail experience, I’m ready to help you bridge the gap between your mind and reality when it comes to how you want to look.

Starter Kit – You and I meet in your closet. You tell me what you wear and what you haven’t touched in five years, but can’t seem to throw out. I tell you what you should and shouldn’t be wearing from your closet, what shapes, styles, and colors are most complementary on you. You let me know whether or not you want to see me again. $75 (1 hour increments)

Personal Shopping – The basics. Includes shopping for events, interviews, work, day-to-day, vacation, weekends, etc. Think of me as your incredibly honest friend, but with more style. $75/$50 (1^st 2 hours/hourly thereafter)

Re-do! – Are you a jeans and tshirt kind of person who needs a little polishing? Did you just graduate and need help dressing for the corporate world? From consult to shopping, I’ll help you get from where you are to where you want to be. $125 (consult + 1^st shopping)

SOS – For those who need to purge their wardrobes, need a total makeover, don’t know what treasures they have, and want someone else to make the major decisions. My only requirement? Donate whatever you don’t keep. $100 (2 hours)

The Organizer – You know you had that one scarf that looked fantastic? And those shoes that looked perfect with that pencil skirt? But you can’t find it? I’ll get your closet organized in no time—by season, by genre, by whatever makes most sense to you. $150 (3 hours)

Style File – Let’s digitally archive your looks (and hard work!) to give you fingertip access to your wardrobe and all its potential. Notes will be created to give you alternative accessories, shoes, etc. so you won’t feel stuck in a rut. Time consuming to create? Sure. Time saving when you look in your closet and see nothing to wear? Definitely. $250 (start to finish)

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.

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....