Black Shoe

basiccravings — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 23:53:06 +0000

I have visited these shoes every day for the past few days. They are so simple, but so perfect.

Currently Craving: Ann Taylor

basiccravings — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 23:40:54 +0000

I did some personal shopping for a client today in Ann Taylor and was quite pleased with their new arrivals. Everything was very clean, modern and colorful. It is amazing how Ann Taylor has been able to totally transform their brand over the past couple of years. Five years ago I would have never shopped there, but today, I wanted half the store. Here are a few of the pieces I picked up for my client.

This graphic print skirt is great for the office or the weekend.

This bright blue dress is the perfect day to night dress.

source

I also picked up this bright yellow top. I have put this top on many clients and I have to say, it is pretty universally flattering. My only comment is that you should probably size down.

Have you been into Ann Taylor recently? What did you think?

In-home Peel

basiccravings — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:09:59 +0000

Last year I got a little hooked on going to my local esthetician school and getting facials, peels, and microdermabrasion. Since I was approaching 30, I wanted to up my skincare routine in hopes of avoiding the inevitable wrinkles that were coming my way. I haven’t gotten any treatments in about 6 months and could definitely see the difference in my skin. I have problematic skin. Ever since I gave up hormonal birth control a year and a half ago, I have had bouts of acne. When I was going regularly to get facials and peels my skin broke out less frequently. Even though the esthetician school is cheaper than my dermatologist, the cost still added up pretty quickly. I was about to give in and head back to receive another round of treatments until I stumbled across a bottle of salicylic acid on Amazon the other day. I promptly ordered it and have been using it weekly for the past three weeks. Since I have been using it, my acne has cleared up, not gone completely, but cleared up. I have also noticed that my forehead wrinkles are a little less pronounced, my acne scarring is fading, and my skin is smoother.

I wasn’t worried about doing a peel at home because while my skin is acne prone, it is not sensitive. My skin reacts well to peels and facials and needs regular exfoliation. Every time I have had a peel at a spa, my skin does not turn red and I can walk out and continue my day. This peel has been easy to use and is a fraction of the cost of my spa peel. I am in love with it and will continue to use it weekly as a part of my skin routine. It takes less than 8 minutes and leaves my skin feeling fantastic.

Would you be brave enough to do a peel at home?

esthetician

Wardrobe Basics: The Trench Coat

basiccravings — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 13:17:10 +0000

Trench coats are definitely a wardrobe basic. They are the perfect topper to an outfit in the fall or spring, and if you live in a warmer climate, winter too. A trench automatically adds polish to any outfit, is classic, and goes with everything. I have two trenches, but neither of them are perfect. I love one when it is buttoned, but hate it when it is unbuttoned. The other is a more of a rain coat and looks silly when the sun is shining. So, I am on the hunt for the perfect trench. I have tried to convince my husband that a Burberry trench is a necessary closet staple. He does not agree. Here are a few trenches at a variety of price points.

This Calvin Klein trench coat has a removable felt lining making it perfect for those in a colder climate. And, it is under a 100 dollars!

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Love this Banana Republic trench. Since it is from Banana Republic, there is bound to be a coupon for it soon.

I love the orange details and clean front on this trench coat.

This trench isn’t beige, but navy is just as classic. If I had money to burn, this would be in my closet.

And, the Burberry trench that is perfection, but not in my price range.

Do you have the perfect trench coat?

Random

basiccravings — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:27:10 +0000

I am kind of obsessed with Shopbop’s newest model. She. Is. Gorgeous. Everything looks fantastic on her. This outfit is SO Miami Vice and not cute. But on her, I don’t hate it. I think she would look good in a potato sack.

I am also really digging this cashmere sweater.

I wore this sometime last week when it was cold. Yesterday it was a gorgeous 78 degrees. Today it is going to be 75, but I am headed to Portland where it is going to be 45. Yikes.

Vintage blazer, thrifted dress, Spanx tights, Bongo shoes.

I need to write a review for these new jeans. I am kind of obsessed with them and wore them three times in one week. Too much?

Old Navy sweater, DL 1961 Jeans, Calvin Klein shoes, Stella and Dot necklace.

Have any random thoughts to share?

Lovely, but Unwearable

basiccravings — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 13:21:58 +0000

I am in love with this tank, but I have the sinking feeling that it would be highly unwearable. I think this top would look fantastic on a model, but terrible on anyone not very tall and slender. What do you think?

Adventures in Proportion

basiccravings — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:40:54 +0000

I like oversized, comfortable clothing. I love slouchy shirts, drapey dresses, and all things that hide my figure. The problem with these pieces are that they hide your figure. A catch 22, isn’t it? Even though I know these larger pieces are not the most flattering silhouette, I still wear them, but I try to pair them with something fitted so I am not completely lost under my swaths of fabric. I always advise my clients to pair an oversized top with skinny jeans or a drapey dress with a fitted blazer, that way we get some sense of shape. Even though I love this look on most, this is going to be hardest for busty women to pull off. If you are busty and want to wear oversized pieces, I would suggest wearing a fitted cardigan or blazer over your top to give yourself some kind of figure.

Free People sweater, J Brand skinnies, Calvin Klein shoes, scarf from India.

This dress is by no means oversized, but it is drapey and does look best paired with a fitted blazer.

T by Alexander Wang dress, vintage blazer, Bongo oxfords, Spanx tights.

Do you like drapey dresses or oversized tops?

Cheap Thrills

basiccravings — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 16:58:12 +0000

One of my most recent clients was a college student. Her look consisted of lots of t-shirts and jeans, but thankfully, she did not rock the Nike shorts and oversized t-shirt look. She was looking to add a few new pieces that would help make her casual look a little more polished. Being in college, for most, means that there isn’t really money for extras like clothing. Whenever I am looking for inexpensive pieces for clients, I always turn to the thrift store, Old Navy, or Forever 21. Here are my picks for her from Old Navy.

This sweater will easily elevate a t-shrit and jeans look. Pair it with a black or cream t-shirt, or go bolder and pair it with a striped top.

This bird print top is just as easy as a t-shirt, but adds a bit of polish to the overall look.

I love this neon bag and it would be a great pop of color to any outfit.

Topping a concert tee, converse, and jeans with a blazer instantly pulls the whole look together.

Swapping out your plain denim for a black pair of skinnies instantly makes the look more sophisticated.

One of the simplest (and cheapest!) ways to spice up an outfit is through accessories. This scarf adds a bit of interest without breaking the bank.

What is your go to place when you need something inexpensive for your wardrobe?

Letterman Jacket Trend

basiccravings — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:41:25 +0000

I have seen many women over the age of 18 sporting Letterman jackets on the internet lately. I have to admit that I don’t understand this trend at all. Why would one want to wear a jacket that many high school girls borrow from their boyfriend or earned themselves from playing sports? I rarely wore my Letterman jacket in high school. It was bulky, purple, and kind of ugly. Sure, I was proud to own one, but it didn’t get that much use. Now, I would never wear one because it reminds me of a high school girl, and since I am far from my teens, I don’t want to look like a high school girl. I would like to look like to look a few years younger, but more than 10 years younger, no thank you.

What am I missing here? Do you like the Letterman jacket trend? Hate it? Get it? I would love to hear what you think.

Gorgeous

basiccravings — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 19:31:02 +0000

I spotted this necklace last night in my People Stylewatch. I need it.

Am I the only one who reads People Stylewatch?