Happy 4th of July!

(image courtesy of www.greenkitchen.com)

Happy 4th of July weekend to all of our US-based readers. This weekend means BBQs, beer, pool parties, fireworks and other "American" activities. For me, it means breaking out my favorite in red, white and blue apparel. The 4th of July surely isn't meant to be a fashion statement, but indeed it is (as is every other day, but that's besides the point). What's more American than blue jeans and white t-shirts? It's always a proper choice for casualwear. Pair it with a pair of Havaiana flip flops, especially if your plans include lounging poolside.

Enjoy the long holiday weekend, don't eat too many cheeseburgers and remember bug spray for any and all plans. I'll be found on the North Shore of Massachusetts, next to my friend's pool, cradling a bottomless frozen margarita and listening to endless 4th of July music staples (think Bruce Springsteen and Aerosmith).

-M

Why I Love Richard Chai

(image courtesy of shinystyle.tv)

On a quick break from work today, I found this interview with Richard Chai on The Cut. I realized I love him and his designs. Why? I thought you'd never ask.

1.) His last name is the name of maybe my favorite Starbucks beverage.

2.) He wears t-shirts all the time, making me feel less like a scrub for wearing mine all the time.

3.) He's basically a prodigy. Who really takes a class at Parsons when they're 13?

And...

4.) He thinks too-skinny jeans should go bye bye. Oh Richard Chai. My new best friend.

-M

The Casual Friday Dilemma

(image courtesy of [and made by me!] at polyvore.com)

Casual Fridays are hailed at offices as a wonderful convocation into the weekend. While I love Casual Friday just as much as the next twenty-something stuck in corporate America, I feel the need to set a few guidelines for those choosing to follow suit. In the above image I have created a Polyvore set (my new obsession) with a representation of the Casual Friday outfit I am wearing today (right now! as I type this!).

Firstly, Casual Friday should be called denim Friday. Casual Friday is not meant to be interpreted as pajama Friday, Juicy Couture tracksuit Friday or scrubby college clothes from the early 2000's Friday. Basically, everyone's goal on a Casual Friday is to wear normal work appropriate attire, only with denim as a pant. Today, I chose a pair of pencil cut Habitual jeans. Paired with a pair of brown ballet flats, a C&C California basic white tee and a preppy blazer (I'm wearing one by Pink by Victoria's Secret, the above shown is by Ralph Lauren), it creates a perfect work (and age) appropriate look. For added style, throw on a pair of aviators (I chose a large pair by Free People) during your walk to the subway.

Still confused as to what is Casual Friday appropriate? Keep the t-shirts by Junk Food (although so comfortable), Juicy Couture velour pants and flip-flops (yes, even if they're leather and cost a fortune) at home. That part of your wardrobe is what Saturday and Sundays are for!

-M

California Style Everywhere

(image courtesy of: http://www.fadedyouthblog.com/)

So while LC's actual clothing line is on hold for a few seasons, Ms. Conrad is in the works of creating an 'affordable' line for Kohls. Great news for recessionistas everywhere. Maybe someone clued her in that no one is in the right economic state to spend over $100.00 on a jersey dress. Good move LC. Good move.

-M

NYC Goes Crazy For Topshop!

(photo courtesy of: http://www.nitrolicious.com)

My BFF, A, located in NYC (Don't get me started on the distance. Five hours on the Mass Pike might as well be an ocean between us!), reported to me (along with the NY Mag) last night via phone that the line for Topshop is, "around the corner." She stated that the Kate Moss for Topshop line wasn't worth the wait, and who are we kidding, our bank accounts can't cushion more than a few items anyway. Apparently, everyone else in NYC can afford to though. Is there a money tree somewhere and is keeping it a secret?!

As I've said before, I love the Kate Moss for Topshop line. P with her non-US roots, always had envy-worthy clothing and accessories from Topshop. I think of it as what my mother always tells me. I want what I can't have (Apparently I run into the same situation with clothes as I do with men). Regardless, Kate Moss her royal modelness was present in NYC herself to do the honors of opening Topshop in a goregous emerald green dress and (what looks to be) a royally gorgeous tan. While she normally looks robotic (no offense Ms. Moss) or too out of it from her questionable activities, the Topshop opening was a reason for celebration for even the stiffest of models! Look at her, she even dances with shopping joy (around the 1:08 mark)!!!

-M

Have boyfriend. Will steal clothes.

(Images courtsey style.com, mkashley.com and my paint application!)

Perhaps its a sign of the times. The majority of Spring/Summer fashion this year is giving me a severe case of deja vu. Gladiator sandals. Check. Flirty florals. Check. Frills and ruffles. Check. Military inspired jackets. Check Ginormo harem pants. Check. (Damnit, MC Hammer, come kill this trend already) . Who knows, maybe a recessionista means less disposable fashion and smarter investments in timeless pieces like little black dresses (a girl can never have enough), crisp white shirts, a classic tote, a string of pearls, a pair of smart pumps and blue jeans. The one trend I'm quite pleased to see continue is the boyfriend-anything. Whether you have a boy or not, boyfriend-cut jeans, blazers and shirts are good buys. They are guranteed to keep you looking effortlessly chic. And anyway, I can't think of anything else sexier to wear for a post-coital Sunday brunch!