Milk.Bread.Fashion.

5.31.2011

Housewives in Morroco

Shopping by Milk.Bread.Fashion. featuring a full skirt

Old Navy short sleeve top, $20
H M short top, 15 GBP
Dorothy Perkins white top, 12 GBP
Full skirt, $215
Belted skirt, 40 GBP
TopShop green skirt, $55
Keds floral wedge, $30
Dorothy Perkins ballerina shoes, 18 GBP
Nine West grey shoes, $79
Missoni embossed handbag, $196
Sonia by Sonia Rykiel cherry bag, 158 GBP
H M zip bag, 30 GBP
Fedora hat, $80
Vintage style sunglass, $300

I am obsessed with Real Housewives. All of them. I watch every single city with the exception of Miami (they were so annoying) and I may not go back to D.C. because it was boring as hell. And the fashion was embarrassing. (If any of you know any of the DC ladies, please pass along my info. and don't show them this blog. :)) Anyway, New York is one of the cities on right now and the women have travelled to Morocco. It is so funny to see some of them (Sonja and Ramona, specifically) traipse around the city dressed like they're going to a club. Not exactly appropriate, if you know what I mean. But Kelly (as in kooky, crazy Kelly Bensimon) had the best shopping outfit on last week and I had to mention it here because I can't really think of a city that it wouldn't work in. New York, DC, London, Paris, Rome, Marrakesh... the list goes on for sure. Hers was a simple navy to-the-knee full skirt with a plain long sleeve fitted white tee, and ballet flats (maybe in red, I can't remember). She looked perfect and appropriate, dressy but not too, and chic without being fussy. I realized I could copy this look with some similar pieces I have in my closet and I made a mental note to remember this for the next time I travel someplace besides the beach!

Here are some examples- tweak as you deem necessary for the city/weather in which you are travelling!

5.27.2011

Bubbles and Bluegrass- Black Tie, Blue Jeans, and Anything In Between!

Bubbles and Bluegrass by Milk.Bread.Fashion. featuring dark wash jeans

Rag Bone racerback dress, $495
Aidan Mattox sequin evening dress, $198
Silk dress, 85 GBP
TopShop gray dress, $100
Floral ruffle dress, 65 GBP
White top, $245
MiH dark wash jeans, $189
Pour La Victoire patent leather pumps, $141
Sam Edelman platform shoes, $225
Sam Edelman peep toe heels, $200
Wedge sandal shoes, 200 AUD
FOOTCANDY summer pumps, $195
Steve Madden suede sandal, $130
Zara high heel shoes, $100
Juicy Couture crystal jewelry, 61 GBP
Bangles jewelry, $82
Kenneth Jay Lane spiked necklace, $80
FRIDA post earring, $75
All Saints brass jewelry, $65
Kendra scott jewelry, $60

It's time once again for the Bubbles and Bluegrass party held each year by Give Back Alexandria. This year, Give Back is partnered with Stop Child Abuse Now and Higher Achievement so that is where the money that is raised will be going. The food is from some of the top restaurants in Alexandria (including The Majestic and Jackson 20), the music is the amazing bluegrass band Over Under Down Yonder, and the beer, wine, and prosecco will be flowing freely. But what does black tie, blue jeans, and anything in between really mean? If you show up in a pair of jeans and a concert tee, are you going to feel comfortable? (It does say "anything," right?) Let me help...

Ladies-

It says black tie but don't bother breaking out a gown for this event. It's too laid back for something that dressy. That doesn't mean a great maxi dress won't work. There are so many great options out there- just make sure you dress it up with some fun jewelry.

How about a cocktail dress? That will work although err on the side of fun cocktail dress, not appropriate-for-a-business-party cocktail dress. This is an event that is focused more on raising money and enjoying friends than trying to impress anyone.

It also says blue jeans. That's true. You could wear jeans. But they should be dark and dressy with something really dressy on top like silk, sequins, beading, etc. And definitely pair with heels.

What you'll see the most are the fun little dresses most of us have at least one of in our closet. Grab one of those, put some heels and some makeup on, and head on over. If you still can't figure it out, call me. That's what I'm here for!

Gentlemen-

Just as with the ladies, you won't be happy if you're in a full tuxedo. But have fun with the theme and try business on top, party on the bottom! (That's code for tux jacket and tie on top with jeans on the bottom.)

If you're coming straight from work and you have a full suit on, feel free. No one will look at you twice. But loosen up your tie and don't be afraid to do something with a little color given the festive occasion.

How about khakis and a polo? Sigh. This is D.C. It is our fall-back male ensemble. You won't be out of place but I encourage you to have a little more fun with this than that. Try to at least grab for a button down! Remember, most of the ladies will be looking gooood... so if you want some attention, you might want to step it up a notch.

This year, the folks at Give Back are making it a little more interesting by awarding a prize to the person whose ensemble most embodies the theme of the party. My advice is have fun with it and, most importantly, wear what you feel comfortable in- not including sweat pants, of course!

It's not too late to buy tickets online- but just 3 more hours!! After that, they'll be available at the door.

http://bubblesandbluegrass2011.eventbrite.com/

5.26.2011

The Coolest Greaser

You might think it's John Travolta a.k.a. Danny from Grease (one of my all time favorite movies). But I think it's actually Jeff Conaway a.k.a.Kenickie. Taxi followed Grease and I loved him there, too. But his most recent "role" on Celebrity Rehab was one of the saddest, most disturbing looks into an addict's life that I've ever seen. As it appears that his life is coming to an end at the age of 60, I just wanted to remember the guy that all the girls, especially Rizzo, were crazy for. And, I might add, his look from Grease will never go out of style. All guys should wear jeans, black biker boots, a white tee, and a black leather jacket. So cool.

5.23.2011

A Few Must-Haves by Milk.Bread.Fashion. featuring theory pants

Christian Dior vintage looking dress, $2,200
S W O R D collarless jacket, $616
Theory pants, $255
Rock & Republic stretch denim jeans, $109
Jimmy Choo black pump shoes, $695
Balenciaga handles handbag, $1,995
Alexander McQueen clutch bag, $1,495
Mawi south sea pearl jewelry, $845
Kara by Kara Ross peacock feather jewelry, $202
Yves Saint Laurent patent belt, $395
Missoni viscose scarve, $258

A friend of mine gave me a fun book called "Parisien Chic" that's all about how to emulate the style (which permeates everything, not just clothing) of the world's most effortlessly stylish women. It got me thinking about what I think are the items that every woman should have in their possession in order to achieve the ultimate effortless chic. Of course, these don't complete your wardrobe. But, with them, you can pretty much make anything look great.

In no particular order:

1. Leather jacket (preferably black)
2. Perfect pair of dark wash jeans
3. Black cashmere sweater (crew neck or turtleneck depending on your build)
4. Perfect fitting pair of black trousers
5. Leopard print pump
6. Amazing scarf
7. Basic boyfriend tanks in black and white
8. Great fitting white short sleeve tee in scoop or v neck
9. A show-stopping necklace and pair of earrings
10. Pair of camel or black flat boots
11. Skinny belt in your favorite jewel tone color
12. One amazing larger bag in gray, ivory, or camel
13. Unique cocktail dress, preferably vintage
14. One sparkly clutch

5.22.2011

The Junior Department

I thought I had moved out of shopping in the junior department many, many years ago. I mean, once I got curves, things just didn't fit like they should. Although, the girls I see these days have plenty of curves so maybe that's not the main reason anymore. Regardless, what is definite is that I don't want to look like I'm trying to reclaim my youth by dressing in clothing inappropriate for my age. (Or just plain innappropriate!) But I found myself visiting this department again for great options in inexpensive accessories. Price and quality definitely do correlate so I never expect my $12 necklace to last much more than a season. But it's great for trendy options. Lately, I've even been venturing into the clothing area and found some cute tops. Last week, it was a blush colored cotton top for $28 and a burn out white tank with a fun dream catcher on the front for $24. This week, I found a pair of "silky" floral print shorts- that were long enough!- for $20. I don't imagine this stuff will get me past this summer but it's perfect for hot days hanging around at the pool and park. I won't care if they get covered in suntan lotion or ice cream drips and, when they do, I'll throw them in the washing machine and wear them again the next week.

Here are a couple of examples. Look how inexpensive!!

Junior Department by Milk.Bread.Fashion. featuring leopard tops

Leopard top, 25 GBP
Miss Selfridge stripe tee, 22 GBP
Jane Norman pleated short, 28 GBP
H M short, 7.99 GBP
ASOS suede shoes, $65
Woven shoes, 32 GBP

5.18.2011

Rainy Days

Per a great request earlier today for what to wear on a dreary rainy day, I put these two looks together. One for work, one for casual. This time of year can be so difficult since rain does not necessarily equal cold. I tried to give you some options other than wellies. Even the black high boots in the dressier look are waterproof as are both the jackets and the hat. I love the duck boots in the coral color; what a cute look for spring that won't make your legs sweat! As much as I don't like rain, I do like interesting raincoats and footwear. Of course. Any opportunity to purchase something "necessary." Anyway, here's hoping this rainy week wraps up by the weekend so we can throw on some flip flops and a tank top and head outdoors for some fun in the sun!