Posts
Well kiddies my time has come..it seems as if my run at WaMu is coming to an end. So this is it, the Universe is speaking to me. I am going to click my heels, twinkle my nose, rub sticks together whatever it takes to make my retail dreams come true...stay tuned for the next and hopefully permanent MindyFinds...or rather Finds (toying with that- you likey???)..
But enough about me for just a moment. Sadly, I am not the only soul out there who has lost her vocal during this mess of an economic climate. So how are we supposed to act? Or rather, and certainly more importantly..How are we supposed to DRESS??? I say dress for success! No I don't mean a stodgy old suit, I mean dress for your personal success- success as the fabulous person that you are. Wear beautiful color..Wear sexy heels..Wear a feather boa...Wear whatever it is that makes you feel good about yourself! We learned in nursery school that loving yourself is fundamental in building who you are-well loving how you look follows the same philosophy (holly crap, I think my therapist just took over my being...okay, i am back). So I say dress for who you want to be not for the situation that you are in. I am planning to wear my most fantastic leopard heels to drop my kids off at school because I don't want one moment of my day to be distracted from who I intend to be....how about you? write a comment (see tab) below about how you intend to weather this storm one fabulous piece of clothing at a time.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
It's My Birthday and I'll Shop if I Want To
I dedicate this blog to myself...as of Friday 10/17 at 3:31am, I will be 37 years old. I simply cannot believe it- 27, whoops meant 37- OMG! I have this super fun tradition that I have to share with you all. Every year, I wear a brand new outfit on my birthday, which of course means that I have to shop in anticipation of my big day. And because it's MY day, I feel zero guilt. Ladies (and gents if your reading), I highly recommend this tradition as it is so important to feel fabulously special on your birthday. Let's face it, ya don't get to feel special that often anymore. I did however try to make my birthday a holiday so everyone could feel fabulously special with me...but it didn't fly- sorry. Anywho- back to me and my birthday...so I am debating between 2 outfits, and I am hoping that you all could help me decide.
Option 1 is completely chicaliscious (my own word) and says "hello world"-
from Voom - Paige Kimono in Black
http://www.stylebakery.com/shop/coco-delilah.html
Option 2 is outrageously ROCKIN' from Marc By Marc Jacobs Women's Washed Leather Dress
http://www1.bloomingdales.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=115533&CategoryID=11276&PageID=11276*1*24*-1*-1*51 (kindly note- mamma has friends in really important "shopping" places- wink!)
so my friends- cast you votes because it's my BIRTHDAY and I will SHOP if I want to!
Option 1 is completely chicaliscious (my own word) and says "hello world"-
from Voom - Paige Kimono in Black
http://www.stylebakery.com/shop/coco-delilah.html
Option 2 is outrageously ROCKIN' from Marc By Marc Jacobs Women's Washed Leather Dress
http://www1.bloomingdales.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=115533&CategoryID=11276&PageID=11276*1*24*-1*-1*51 (kindly note- mamma has friends in really important "shopping" places- wink!)
so my friends- cast you votes because it's my BIRTHDAY and I will SHOP if I want to!
Friday, September 19, 2008
What I Found in Marcia's Attic
So, I have to admit I am a true city girl trapped in a suburbia... Admittedly I am a total snob about what I deem as a fashionable spot to shop ....by the way I totally put Target in that category, love the bulls eye.
So until I moved to the burbs , kicking and screaming, I had no idea that the clothing store marcia's attic (www.marciasattic.com) existed and actually opening in my town....huh, I said, looks good on paper but would I actually shop there? I needed to do my investigating ( I take my shopping jaunts very seriously). So I went to shop one of the other locations pre-opening so that I could properly voice my opinion about them setting up shop on my turf (honestly do you love my nerve or what). So up to Englewood I trekked, went in, observed, sauntered and left ...ok fine of course I bought something- j brand jeans (www.jbrandjeans.com) if memory serves. Ok, I likey...I likey alot
Flash forward and now they are open in Livingston, NJ...and I sashayed in today again. The space is lovely and the energy lively. The clothes - women's only- is merchandised very well and very easy to navigate. The price point ranged, unlike its predecessor, and you can definitely get a great item like a ruffle trimmed blouse or even classic flant front black pant within the
$100 range. They have a great mix of established designers such as Theory (www.theory.com) and independent designers such as Sanctuary and Ella Moss (http://www.ellamoss.com).
All in all it was a lovely experience and one that I encourage the ladies of Essex county to take advantage. Come on girls, there is a great yonder beyond the Short Hills Mall...join me, won't you?
So until I moved to the burbs , kicking and screaming, I had no idea that the clothing store marcia's attic (www.marciasattic.com) existed and actually opening in my town....huh, I said, looks good on paper but would I actually shop there? I needed to do my investigating ( I take my shopping jaunts very seriously). So I went to shop one of the other locations pre-opening so that I could properly voice my opinion about them setting up shop on my turf (honestly do you love my nerve or what). So up to Englewood I trekked, went in, observed, sauntered and left ...ok fine of course I bought something- j brand jeans (www.jbrandjeans.com) if memory serves. Ok, I likey...I likey alot
Flash forward and now they are open in Livingston, NJ...and I sashayed in today again. The space is lovely and the energy lively. The clothes - women's only- is merchandised very well and very easy to navigate. The price point ranged, unlike its predecessor, and you can definitely get a great item like a ruffle trimmed blouse or even classic flant front black pant within the
$100 range. They have a great mix of established designers such as Theory (www.theory.com) and independent designers such as Sanctuary and Ella Moss (http://www.ellamoss.com).
All in all it was a lovely experience and one that I encourage the ladies of Essex county to take advantage. Come on girls, there is a great yonder beyond the Short Hills Mall...join me, won't you?
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
What Do I Do With These?
I had a request (from my WBF) to chat about the best silhouettes for ladies who were blessed with the bosom, au natural or enhanced, no matter. Being that I embrace my A cup, I had to do a bit of research on this…so here we go:
Bra:
It goes without saying you have to start from the essentials and make sure you have the proper fitting bra. I know, I know that’s like telling me what’s hot for the season, um I know that. I must say that for most of my bra-wearing years, I wore the wrong size. 'Till one day I had a “professional” measure me and guess what… everything I held sacred was undone in a moment…I was a 32 A not a 34 B as I had been wearing for years…what next white shoes after labor day? (you bet!)..Point being just make sure you double check as no matter what you wear on top, if underneath is not right, nothing will be.
Tops and Dresses:
Surprisingly, the empire waist can flatter but it has to be the right seam line. Rather than going straight across, make sure the line angles down a bit toward your armpit. It creates a nice line across your chest.
The neckline of a top becomes super important. Ladies with endowments can look better with a open or scooped neckline but lets be respectful of knowing when to show the “great divide” and when not to.
Cap sleeves with a full chest will be challenging, so try and stick to sleeveless, a full short sleeve or long sleeve.
MY OPINION. A baby doll or flowing top will never flatter a large-chested figure, kindly stay away….just the way I feel.
Balance a full skirt with a tighter top, carve out your waist and try a different focal point!
Bottom Line: Whether you were born with them or bought them..enjoy them and be respectful of them.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Date Your Clothes?
I often hear people say “oh I wish that I could wear something like that” or “I could NEVER wear that” or my very favorite... “only YOU could wear that”. Really? Where is the rule book that says who can wear what?
Trying something new is no different that a 1st date. How in the world are you going to know if you like him or her if you don’t go on your 1st date? Ok let’s work through it. You are window shopping and see an absolutely amazing gold and silver sequin dress by Tibi http://www.tibi.com/. You notice, you stop, you assess…I ask you, is that any different from noticing a young, cute man at a party that you claim is soooooooooooo not your type? Yes that’s right ladies, the same questions run through your head about that dress as that man…is it too young for me? Do I really need it? How will you know if you don’t give it a 1st date?
So you go home and all you can think about is that dress (or that man)…lets call that the “meeting”. Now the dress has your “number” and has been requesting a 1st date immediately. So without really thinking, you’re back at the store and asking for your size. In the dressing room you go. Dress on and oh my good you look really good. Oddly it feels comfortable but how could it? It’s not the same understated, black shift dress that you are used to wearing? So you graciously thank the sales woman and back it goes back on the rack of "singlehood"(back to the analogy – how could you possibly like this guy that is so the opposite to any guy you have dated- huh? I don’t know BUT a second date will surely ensue)
It weighs on you…Why didn’t you commit? Why didn’t you get the dress? What if its gone? You run back to store and breathlessly ask if that guy, sorry that dress, is still available and by golly it is! (cue the big sappy ballad)…who would have ever thought that little miss black dress would bust out with a fabulously stylish metallic shift dress...and they lived happily every after.
The moral of this story? Take a chance, step out of your comfort zone and try something new on. You never know who ya just may meet in that mirror!
Trying something new is no different that a 1st date. How in the world are you going to know if you like him or her if you don’t go on your 1st date? Ok let’s work through it. You are window shopping and see an absolutely amazing gold and silver sequin dress by Tibi http://www.tibi.com/. You notice, you stop, you assess…I ask you, is that any different from noticing a young, cute man at a party that you claim is soooooooooooo not your type? Yes that’s right ladies, the same questions run through your head about that dress as that man…is it too young for me? Do I really need it? How will you know if you don’t give it a 1st date?
So you go home and all you can think about is that dress (or that man)…lets call that the “meeting”. Now the dress has your “number” and has been requesting a 1st date immediately. So without really thinking, you’re back at the store and asking for your size. In the dressing room you go. Dress on and oh my good you look really good. Oddly it feels comfortable but how could it? It’s not the same understated, black shift dress that you are used to wearing? So you graciously thank the sales woman and back it goes back on the rack of "singlehood"(back to the analogy – how could you possibly like this guy that is so the opposite to any guy you have dated- huh? I don’t know BUT a second date will surely ensue)
It weighs on you…Why didn’t you commit? Why didn’t you get the dress? What if its gone? You run back to store and breathlessly ask if that guy, sorry that dress, is still available and by golly it is! (cue the big sappy ballad)…who would have ever thought that little miss black dress would bust out with a fabulously stylish metallic shift dress...and they lived happily every after.
The moral of this story? Take a chance, step out of your comfort zone and try something new on. You never know who ya just may meet in that mirror!
Monday, August 4, 2008
Accessories Alert- less is more- but do More with Less
Personally I live for accessories- it's an instant outfit uplift- no botox needed! Accessories can literally take you from day to evening just by adding some bling...bling is king!
But ladies there is a limit, know when to say when.
Examples:
1. Chains- probably one of the biggest continued trends - lots of them gold, silver or a mix with gold and silver. Depending on how "Mr. T" you go should depict the rest of your selections. Lay low- maybe a nice hoop, a cocktail ring but keep it simple. Let the chains speak for themselves.
2. Bangles- same rules apply as above- load 'um up ladies. The more you can fit on your arm the better. But if they are gold, stick with gold throughout your look- if they are color based, carry through. No orange polka dot bangles with a gold chain belt.( Dear g-d I know that goes without saying, but wanted to be very clear)
3. Fringe- on scarfs, on belts, on boots, on bags- fringe is IT for the fall. As many of you remember from the 70's, fringe is all consuming. Don't over do it. Keep it now- keep it modern. One fringe item per outfit please. BUT- I do like a fringe bag with some great chains...feel it out.
4. Vintage- accordingly to me Vintage is always in. BUT, similar to me, it always needs to take center stage. Let it speak for itself. The Bigger the better and sparkle is best. Feel free of course to promote it when you get a compliment to say "oh thanks- its vintage"...it adds a whole new level of accessory envy and bragging rights.
Just remember- that rule that you read about in a 1973 Cosmo article is still true. When you turn around in the mirror, if you see more than focal point- an earring, a necklace, a belt- you have accessory overload- not pretty, so immediately REMOVE everything but one category . Turn around again and take solace in the "simplicity". (at least in that part of your life:)
Ta Ta for now
But ladies there is a limit, know when to say when.
Examples:
1. Chains- probably one of the biggest continued trends - lots of them gold, silver or a mix with gold and silver. Depending on how "Mr. T" you go should depict the rest of your selections. Lay low- maybe a nice hoop, a cocktail ring but keep it simple. Let the chains speak for themselves.
2. Bangles- same rules apply as above- load 'um up ladies. The more you can fit on your arm the better. But if they are gold, stick with gold throughout your look- if they are color based, carry through. No orange polka dot bangles with a gold chain belt.( Dear g-d I know that goes without saying, but wanted to be very clear)
3. Fringe- on scarfs, on belts, on boots, on bags- fringe is IT for the fall. As many of you remember from the 70's, fringe is all consuming. Don't over do it. Keep it now- keep it modern. One fringe item per outfit please. BUT- I do like a fringe bag with some great chains...feel it out.
4. Vintage- accordingly to me Vintage is always in. BUT, similar to me, it always needs to take center stage. Let it speak for itself. The Bigger the better and sparkle is best. Feel free of course to promote it when you get a compliment to say "oh thanks- its vintage"...it adds a whole new level of accessory envy and bragging rights.
Just remember- that rule that you read about in a 1973 Cosmo article is still true. When you turn around in the mirror, if you see more than focal point- an earring, a necklace, a belt- you have accessory overload- not pretty, so immediately REMOVE everything but one category . Turn around again and take solace in the "simplicity". (at least in that part of your life:)
Ta Ta for now
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Jeans for Different Genes
I know , I know, I have some nerve tackling possibly the hardest topic ever brought to mankind or rather womankind- JEANS! I have to tell you that I can provide some guidelines BUT the steps you really need to take are ones right to your closest department store- Bloomies, Nordies, Macys, Barneys- don't care. I am not going to sugar coat it, you will need a solid hour to two hours, a friend that can "tough love" you and the biggest dressing room you can get (its best to be able to see yourself in as many different angles as possible). Grab as many different style jeans that you can and let's get started....
Guidelines:
1. SIZE MEANS NOTHING- every line of jeans is different in their sizing. Let me just give you a little insider info- its all LIES...each company has its own standard for the sizing and that is what they will size up or down to...depending on who their target demo is, is how they will gage their sizes. So, let it go- start with what size you think you are but don't be a afraid to go up or down if necessary.
2. STRETCH does in fact mean STRETCH- jeans that have stretch in them will in fact stretch a size once worn. It is critical that you try and get yourself into a size smaller because I promise you, you are one dinner away from them fitting perfectly. Nothing worse then stretchy jeans that are now too big- ya can't go back. (Certain of you out there-living on Essex Court- know exactly what I am talking about as we have had to have a sit down about this). Stretch jeans should not be dried if possible as they will last longer and retain the shape that fits you best. Don't be afraid to go a wearing or 2 longer than your other jeans before a wash.
3. Styles are IRRELEVANT- so here we go- get your heads around this.....pick the style jean- skinny, bootleg, flares, trouser etc- based on what feels good to you. Here's the rule of thumb- if you are seeing it in the stores, its IN style...However, just because the skinny jean is still hot right now (Carolyn that is a shout out to you) doesn't mean its hot for you. I for example, love using myself as an example, think I look better in wide legs jeans as the skinny jeans can make me look short ( OK- I may have a slight complex). Basic rule- if you don't feel good in it , ya won't wear it no matter what the fashion mags say. DONE!
4. Jeans for All Occasions- Here's the hard truth- you will never find one jean that you can wear to Spice Market (culinaryconcepts.com) and food shopping to the market (shoprite.com). So when you are completing step 3, please keep in mind that you will need a pair for hanging out or doing errands, a fancy pair for evenings, a pair for nicer errands (not quite evening worthy but good for if you run into an ex) and a pair because they were just so incredibly fabulous that you HAD to get them. Of course this can be scaled up or down depending on your lifestyle. Admittedly, I am an addict.
For you locals- I am happy to chaperone, but I will warn you it can be similar to giving birth BUT the end product is worth it!
Ta Ta for now
Guidelines:
1. SIZE MEANS NOTHING- every line of jeans is different in their sizing. Let me just give you a little insider info- its all LIES...each company has its own standard for the sizing and that is what they will size up or down to...depending on who their target demo is, is how they will gage their sizes. So, let it go- start with what size you think you are but don't be a afraid to go up or down if necessary.
2. STRETCH does in fact mean STRETCH- jeans that have stretch in them will in fact stretch a size once worn. It is critical that you try and get yourself into a size smaller because I promise you, you are one dinner away from them fitting perfectly. Nothing worse then stretchy jeans that are now too big- ya can't go back. (Certain of you out there-living on Essex Court- know exactly what I am talking about as we have had to have a sit down about this). Stretch jeans should not be dried if possible as they will last longer and retain the shape that fits you best. Don't be afraid to go a wearing or 2 longer than your other jeans before a wash.
3. Styles are IRRELEVANT- so here we go- get your heads around this.....pick the style jean- skinny, bootleg, flares, trouser etc- based on what feels good to you. Here's the rule of thumb- if you are seeing it in the stores, its IN style...However, just because the skinny jean is still hot right now (Carolyn that is a shout out to you) doesn't mean its hot for you. I for example, love using myself as an example, think I look better in wide legs jeans as the skinny jeans can make me look short ( OK- I may have a slight complex). Basic rule- if you don't feel good in it , ya won't wear it no matter what the fashion mags say. DONE!
4. Jeans for All Occasions- Here's the hard truth- you will never find one jean that you can wear to Spice Market (culinaryconcepts.com) and food shopping to the market (shoprite.com). So when you are completing step 3, please keep in mind that you will need a pair for hanging out or doing errands, a fancy pair for evenings, a pair for nicer errands (not quite evening worthy but good for if you run into an ex) and a pair because they were just so incredibly fabulous that you HAD to get them. Of course this can be scaled up or down depending on your lifestyle. Admittedly, I am an addict.
For you locals- I am happy to chaperone, but I will warn you it can be similar to giving birth BUT the end product is worth it!
Ta Ta for now
Monday, July 28, 2008
Mini dresses- can you be a "mini" and wear a mini?
Since I am speaking on behalf of all of those ladies who literally sleep in heels to get a few extra inches, even in their dreams...I would like to tackle to topic of "minis" wearing minis.
The mini-dress is a challenge for any height or size because there are some important rules that need to be followed, but for "minis" specifically if you follow them, you can be best in show.
RULES TO ABIDE BY:
1. A mini should never be tight fitting unless you want to test out the corner of 42nd and 11th ave as an opportunity for supplemental cash flow...and it can actually make you look shorter, enough said.
2. A mini should not be too voluminous as you don't want the look you receive to be "huh, I thought she was done having kids". A-line is best.
3. The length of the mini dictates the type of shoe..I am really driving this home to the "minis", if the mini is very short, a flat is the best- I know its a curse word for "minis" but it is best. If the mini is mid-thigh or a hair longer, a fab heel or wedge provides instant long legs.
4. Personally I think its good manners to sport a boyshort under the mini, god forbid you drop your lipstick and don't bend properly...
Bottom line..."minis" can look "maxi" in a mini dress.
For my readers who aren't "mini", sticking to the above rules applies to you as well...
Ta Ta for now...
(I may physically be a "mini" but I am here for any shape fashion question)
The mini-dress is a challenge for any height or size because there are some important rules that need to be followed, but for "minis" specifically if you follow them, you can be best in show.
RULES TO ABIDE BY:
1. A mini should never be tight fitting unless you want to test out the corner of 42nd and 11th ave as an opportunity for supplemental cash flow...and it can actually make you look shorter, enough said.
2. A mini should not be too voluminous as you don't want the look you receive to be "huh, I thought she was done having kids". A-line is best.
3. The length of the mini dictates the type of shoe..I am really driving this home to the "minis", if the mini is very short, a flat is the best- I know its a curse word for "minis" but it is best. If the mini is mid-thigh or a hair longer, a fab heel or wedge provides instant long legs.
4. Personally I think its good manners to sport a boyshort under the mini, god forbid you drop your lipstick and don't bend properly...
Bottom line..."minis" can look "maxi" in a mini dress.
For my readers who aren't "mini", sticking to the above rules applies to you as well...
Ta Ta for now...
(I may physically be a "mini" but I am here for any shape fashion question)
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Have I arrived?... from a fashion perspective at least?
I sadly have to admit that this is my first go at "blogging"...so please bear with me...
So.......MindyFinds, what is it? I will digress for a moment and tell you about Mindy first- then go to "Finds".
I have, since the day I could appropriately put together a "granimals" outfit, known that I have to be ensconced in fashion. Whether that be simply dressing myself, styling a photoshoot, schlepping clothes as personal shopper, producing fashion shows or writing a blog, I have done it all...While designing for the INC collection for Bloomingdales, I was lured away to be a fashion director of a new website called clothesoutnow.com. At the ripe old age of 28, the title alone made me quiver with excitement...long story short, the site lasted all of 8 months and I found myself manging events for a cool agency in Soho. This took me away from my beloved fashion to the extent that I am now a VP of marketing for a Bank! could you die? So, now we get to "Finds"..I am back ladies (and gentleman) in the fabric so to speak. Oh, sorry forgot to mention that my hubs, Greg Scheier, decided that he made a grave mistake in his career choice and went back to school to be come a dentist- 7 years later he is Dr. Greg Scheier and finally earning a living again. So, back to MindyFinds...now that I have some help supporting the fam, its is time for me to get back to my fashion roots. I began hosting retail "pop-up" stores in Millburn, NJ. I took over vacant retail spaces and reached out to different designers, showrooms and stores and grabbed, on consignment, lots of fab stuff. I dressed the store, brought a bit of the "city" to the suburbs and hopefully created a fun shopping experience for patrons.
Sadly this little thing called an "economic downturn" has delayed my permanent opening of MindyFinds, but in the meantime ladies (and gentlemen) here I am virtually- so check out my fashion rants, raves and blurbs...ask questions or just say hi! This will be the outlet for my fashion cravings until I can go brick and mortar...Let's have some fun!
so
Ta Ta for now:)
So.......MindyFinds, what is it? I will digress for a moment and tell you about Mindy first- then go to "Finds".
I have, since the day I could appropriately put together a "granimals" outfit, known that I have to be ensconced in fashion. Whether that be simply dressing myself, styling a photoshoot, schlepping clothes as personal shopper, producing fashion shows or writing a blog, I have done it all...While designing for the INC collection for Bloomingdales, I was lured away to be a fashion director of a new website called clothesoutnow.com. At the ripe old age of 28, the title alone made me quiver with excitement...long story short, the site lasted all of 8 months and I found myself manging events for a cool agency in Soho. This took me away from my beloved fashion to the extent that I am now a VP of marketing for a Bank! could you die? So, now we get to "Finds"..I am back ladies (and gentleman) in the fabric so to speak. Oh, sorry forgot to mention that my hubs, Greg Scheier, decided that he made a grave mistake in his career choice and went back to school to be come a dentist- 7 years later he is Dr. Greg Scheier and finally earning a living again. So, back to MindyFinds...now that I have some help supporting the fam, its is time for me to get back to my fashion roots. I began hosting retail "pop-up" stores in Millburn, NJ. I took over vacant retail spaces and reached out to different designers, showrooms and stores and grabbed, on consignment, lots of fab stuff. I dressed the store, brought a bit of the "city" to the suburbs and hopefully created a fun shopping experience for patrons.
Sadly this little thing called an "economic downturn" has delayed my permanent opening of MindyFinds, but in the meantime ladies (and gentlemen) here I am virtually- so check out my fashion rants, raves and blurbs...ask questions or just say hi! This will be the outlet for my fashion cravings until I can go brick and mortar...Let's have some fun!
so
Ta Ta for now:)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
