if target was a man, i'd marry him

It's true. Target, (or "taar-zhay") may be the greatest store in the history of stores (and obviously, twenty-somethings such as myself often feel the need to over-exaggerate that fact). I give my most sincere and humble apologies to all the designers of the world- to every store from Vera Wang to the Gap to Once Upon a Toy in Walt Disney World- but Target has you all beat.

Headlined by understated yet respected designer Isaac Mizrahi , Target has long since surpassed the title of "just another store." Unlike it's predecessors, such as Caldors and WalMart, Target offers not only affordable clothes, but cutting edge and, thanks to Isaac, some original styles.

The clothes at Target are not cheap or average. While the basics are offered (of course, at a great prices) unique and funky styles are readily if not more available. Target defines its own style, and that is the key element in what separates it from all the other bland superstores.

The clothes are very durable- trust me, I have put them to the test! In my experience, they don't fade, shrink, rip, wear, tear, stretch or unravel on the first date. So whether it's a $5.00 "Kiss me, I'm Irish!" t-shirt or an $85.00 tweed jacket, you know you're getting a decent deal.

And the very best thing of all? Not only are the clothes original- they are also copycat styles! (Don't bother rereading that sentence, it will not make any more sense the second time) What do I mean by this? Ok, for example, let's say you spot a pair of must-have, can't-live-without, incredibly adorable shoes at one of your favorite stories, Urban Outfitters.

The problem? The price tag- $120.00! (Keep in mind, "you" are a broke college kid on a itty bitty budget.) So what to do?

Enter Target. An incredibly similar style, minus the designer tag, for only $20.00! These shoes are equally as durable, equally as stylish, and just as comfortable (if I do say so myself). Congratulations, you just saved yourself a Ben Franklin and a lot of stress when you don't see that little present from the neighborhood dog on the sidewalk.

Hundreds of examples like this exist- if you know how to shop for the exact look you want, you can usually get it at Target. If I had a nickel for everytime someone said to me, "That's so cute, where did you get it?" and it was from Target, I could afford to shop in the Prudential Center a lot more often than I actually do.

Another example, the trendy Steven Madden slip-ons from this fall.

The shoes were everywhere, including below the ankles of many of my closest friends. So when I showed up to a lunch date, wearing a heather gray version of the stylish clog, one girl gasped that I had splurged on a name brand. I just smiled at her, and she said, "If you say you got those at Target I'm going to scream."

Needless to say, we alarmed nearly everyone at the coffee shop when she did just that.

Target may not be something you'd find in the Prudential Center, Beacon Hill or Newbury Street, but that doesn't make me love it any less. It's because of Target I can walk in and look like I shop in such places, yet still afford the $1.25 for the T to get back home.

the little black trash bag

Friday night's theme party was the greatest. Leave it to the concept of a party to bring out the best and brightest part of a college kid- creativity a professor would never even begin to see reflected in a term paper will be borough out on occasions like this. More work goes went into these costumes than the average midterm, more time was spent than an entire semester's worth of homework!

Ok, maybe those are slight exaggerations, but looking at some of the costumes which showed up Friday night, one can only imagine what this group of college students is capable of with the right motivations.

In light of fashion, I see it completely justified to showcase some of the best costumes of the night. And if that does not sell the idea to you about why I posted these images, chalk it up the the simple entertainment value associated with the below pictures.

Trash bags were the unquestionable theme Friday night- now there's a comment you won't find in any red carpet review. But, given the occasion, trash bags proved top be the essential costume piece which was the cheapest, more convenient, and easiest to manipulate.


This costume is composed of nothing more than a single black trash bag and lots of double sided tape. It was obviously cut into two pieces, tied in the back of the top, and literally taped completely around the waist. Carlin added the heels and earrings to give it some charm and sophistication. Regardless to what the reader may assume, this little number actually lasted the entire night.


A personal favorite of mine- who doesn't want a present on their birthday? Straying from the trash bag theme, Sarah quite literally wrapped herself up in wrapping paper, complete with two big bows. My favorite part of the outfit, however, was the gift tag attached to her wrist- "Do not open until Sara's 21st birthday." I love it!


Another classy trash bag dress- only this one could actually pass for a "normal" little black dress! I give the credit to the maroon sash around Phuong's waist- it adds a sense of elegance and sophistication. I wouldn't look twice if I saw her wearing this on the street!


A slightly different take on the trash bag look- Amber wrapper herself in a white trash bag instead of the traditional black. I think the fishnet stockings, which you can sort of see in the right hand bottom of the picture, are what complete the outfit. (And of course, that's me in the goofy top hat with newspaper- a journalist even in her off-the-wall fashions!)


A "Super 88" shopping bag has never looked so fashionable! Suprisingly fitted and workable, Kelly paired this with a paper towel skirt (unfortunately not shown in the picture). The entire ensemble was free of cost! Erica, on the right, also went for the "little black trash bag" look, adding big hair to make it exceptionally runway worthy.


If the black trash bag is the must have item of the season, terry cloth towels are a close second. Unlike their plastic counterpart, these towels enable the fashionista to add some color to her wardrobe. They are simple and always look good- much like the 'anything but clothes' version of the college sweatshirt.


Even the guys get into the theme! For the boys, the most popular item was the toga- something most college guys already know how to create. Matt, left, creates this one with her very own bed sheets. Mark, however, gives new meaning to the idea that broke college students live in a box. I love the "M" on the front.

And that's my little review of the party! Cute pictures, great night! And I promise, tomorrow we return to our regularly scheduled fashion review.

"anything goes but clothes"

Breaking News: My 21st birthday is Sunday, February 26th...
(send cake and BIG presents)

Let the all weekend party begin! I, being a college kid, and in the name of "youngins" everywhere, need to make this birthday a 3-day event.

Starting tonight!

Night one is a little 'get together' thrown by one of my nearest and dearest friends in this city. The theme is "anything goes BUT clothes" (no, to any hormone-driven 13-yr-olds who may have stumbled upon my blog, that does not mean a party full of attireless college women). What this means is that every guest must make their outfit from anything they desire- anything, that is, other than "normal" clothing (ie t-shirts, jeans, tank tops, ect...)

Now, anyone can throw together a plain and uncreative outfit- but the ultimate purpose is to make that trashbag look good!

(I look like something out of the "Derelique" fashion show)

My outfit consist of two main parts, the top and the skirt. The top is a black trashbag, fitted to be worn as a tube top. I cut out the bottom, pulled the handles out at the top so it tightly fit above my bust, then tied them together in the back. I then wrapped and pulled the bottom of it so it was snug all the way down to my hips. I tied the excess plastic off in the back with a normal hair tie, and curled it under the back.

The skirt is made completely of newspaper. I starter by cutting the elastic waist off of an old pair of spandex shorts. Next I shredded a few pages of newspaper the long way, and ripped those in half. I then stapled the strips just below the elastic waistband, making it into something that resembled a pleated skirt. (It's a little noisy, but it works!)

To top the outfit off, I took my old black top hat and wrapped one of the strips of newspaper around it (so it's not EXACTLY normal clothing). I also made a bracelet (not shown) out of another strip, and topped the whole thing off with my black pumps.

It's dressy, creative, fits the criteria perfectly- and looks great! I'll post pictures of other people's creative ideas tomorrow!

If anything, I consider this theme as practice- if we can make this trend work, we can make anything work! I love "outside the box" (or rather, "out of the trash") fashion!

blazing style

There is no good reason why any one person should not own a blazer.

Blazers, acting as the single trendiest "must have" of the past few years, are a staple in any wardrobe. They are light enough to be worn under a heavier jacket, yet warm enough to be used as a solo spring coat. They come in every color and fabric imaginable, and can go with virtually any outfit. They can be seen anywhere, from walking down the red carpet to lounging around in a college dorm.

Blazers express personality, as the wide variety offers something for everyone. College professors gravitate towards corduroy with patches on the elbows, artists go for rips and designs, professionals enjoy sleek solids and fashionistas know how to wear crisp colors. They are paired with t-shirts, suits, little black dresses, pajama pants and skirts of all lengths. The really is no single item which a blazer simply won't go with.

Scarves, handkerchiefs, jewelry, hats and gloves compliment whatever look the trend setter may be going for. Some people live in their blazers, and in time, become defined by them. These jackets will look worn, faded and posses a comfort beyond words from years of wear and tear.

That's another thing about the blazer- like a fine wine, they only get better with time. Unlike most items of clothing, which usually stretch, rip and fade, a good blazer will adjust to its owner, becoming softer and better fitted to their body. Any rips or worn areas will add character, and it will start to become classified as vintage rather than trash. Serious tears or bleach stains can be covered by patches, only adding more flare and personal style to the item.

With any blazer, it's easy to go from day to night. It's one of the few accessories which can remain a critical part of the outfit, from morning meetings to a night out with the girls. Need an outfit for that presentation? Throw a blazer on over a simple button-down shirt, and pair it with a corresponding pair of trousers. At night, only the pants and shoes will have to be changed to bop around town in.

Personally, I own four blazers: gold, brown, green and black:

The brown is my oldest and most diverse. It is a soft corduroy, broken in over the course of two solid years of wear. It pairs with any shirt in my closet, from a thin sweatshirt to a classic button-down. ($24.00 at Old Navy- on sale)

The black is the fanciest than the others, and fits nicely with a sophisticated outfit. It is fitted almost like a suit jacket, and even came with shoulder pads (ick). Pair with a t-shirt, however, it can turn any outfit trendy and even get that classic glam rock look. ($20.00 at Conways)

The green is the loudest, and is usually worn on the days my creative streak strikes. Like the green, it is a soft corduroy and fitted. Some of my favorite looks include pairing it with ripped jeans or tall boots, especially when cruising Newbury Street. ($20.00 at American Eagle- on sale)

The gold is what I jokingly refer to as my "golf jacket," for obvious reasons. It, similar to the black, is on the fancy side, mainly due to the detailed gold buttons. The outside is made of velour and the inside resembles a cool silk. Always a fan of detail, one of the features which sold me on the jacket was the inside pattern, making it especially unique. It usually takes a dressier top, but if done right, can be paired with a simple t-shirt. I have found that plainly colored v-necks work well, adding a complementary piece of jewelry. Another thing I adored was the price ($7.00 at Old Navy!- on sale)

bootylicious

Had to share.

These are my friend's new jeans, and I just thought that they were just too cute to keep hidden from the rest of the world.

The detail of adorable, the quality looks phenomenal, and it is, quite obviously, a very different look. It strays from the norm, yet is not too "out there." Most people would not even notice it until it was pointed out to them (one thing that gets to me is when a perfectly good pair of jeans are destroyed by a loud pattern- it looks like the person is trying too hard, portraying themselves as a poser rather than an individual).

The style is clearly different from the monotonous denim we see everyday. It allows a bit of personal expression to shine though, but not so much that it chokes the life out of style. Almost any top can be paired with it, ranging from a glittery halter for a night on the town, to an oversized sweatshirt for days of cramming.

As for the actual word, forever, it is something with a little more class that "bootylicious" or "princess." That fad married Marc Anthony a few years ago and hasn't been heard from since- what was once so cute has quickly turned to tacky. The way I see it, if you have to claim you are "hot stuff," you are obviously not. The day I spotted a frazzled woman (in an oversized stained t-shirt, smoking a cigarette and wearing what appeared to be a pair of slippers) sporting a ripped pair of just such sweatpants in Stop and Stop, I knew the empire had fallen. She was not exactly the "cutie" her back side claimed her to be, and I never viewed the pair of pants the same way again.

But these jeans make the style work. Even the colors- red against dark wash denim- are somewhat suttle. They could easily be worn twice in the same week without society taking a collective gasp of horror the moment you step out of your apartment.

My review? The jeans, by Zoo Co, get two thumbs up and defiantly make my hot list. And to keep our "broke college kid" theme, they were purchased at Macy's, on sale, for only $30.00.

*special thanks to Carlin Lewinson for acting as my inspiration and model

ah new england...

To continue my rant on New England weather...

May I just point out that on Thursday, it was blazer/t-shirt weather. One could easily roam the streets of Boston in little more than they would wear on a breezy summer night. On the walk back to my apartment, I felt like a social outcast bundled up in my tweed peacoat, and quickly shed all but one of my layers. The next day, I strolled the streets in just a blazer and jeans. It was a little chilly at night, but NOTHING compared to today.

For reasons beyond my comprehension, the temperature has suddenly plummeted to sub-freezing levels. The wind is whipping through the city, so sharp it feels like you get rugburn on any exposed skin everytime you step out of the doorway. It howls through the alleyways, threatens to knock over trees and buildings, and tears apart stray newspaper pages before the very eyes of spectators. Some would not see this as a state of emergency, but for someone even the least bit concerned about their outside appearance, it's a big deal.

In this weather, fashionistas must rely on simply concepts- hats, scarves, gloves, sweatshirts, long jackets and the occasional leggings thrown on under a pair of jeans. For me, it was too late- I ventured a half mile to the train station under only the protection of a light jacket, and almost froze to death. It was a good half hour before I regained feeling in my nose and ears.

So ladies, tie your hair up under an oversized cap to keep it from whipping you in the face- go light on the eyeliner and mascara, since the inevitable wind-whipped tears which form will leave you with streaks and smears- keep on a heavy set of gloves (even if they electricute you at every chance they get)- and protect your lips with plenty of lip balm (chapped lips don't look or feel the least bit sexy).

Just a few little tips from me- again, feel great before looking great. Stay warm!

look hot, date or not

Happy Valentine's Day!

(my trash bag valentine)

(Or, as in my case, Singles Awareness Day....)

Anyways, there's no reason not to celebrate tonight, regardless of your romantic entanglements. Being single is not an excuse for the lack of effort in your style! Concentrate on looking fabulous for yourself (even if you plan to spend your night curled up under a pool table at a local dive, patheticially lapping up the last sips from empty beer cans you pulled out of the trash.....)

Normally I would make my own list of some must-haves and great ideas for this Hallmark holiday. However, Style Diary has already compiled what I consider to be one of the best lists out there.

10. Define It! Ask yourself what you find sexy and what you feel sexy in. Some women may think its iron straight hair, puffy lips and a skimpy mini dress while others find it in a clean classic look. Take a little time honing your radar and it’ll become easier to dress the part. For me, it’s all about soft, flowing dresses and pretty heels and I’ll be on the hunt for these items in the future.

9. ID Your Best Body Parts and Emphasize Them: I once saw a slightly heavier woman at a club in Chicago, and even though she wasn’t a perfect size 2, every guy couldn’t keep his eyes off her. Why? She knew how to dress for her body. Find your strong points and work around them. Got great legs? Flaunt them in a flowing dress that hits a little higher on the thigh. Strong, tanned arms? Try a basic tank so they can stand out!

8. Know Thy Fabric: Fabric is key to looking hot! Not only do you want to hunt for the right types of fabric (soft, floaty, sheer are good) but also those that look great on. Take your time and experiment with everything that’s out there. It’s the best way to learn what works and what doesn’t.

7. Understand Balance: The way you balance the pieces in your date night outfit is going to dictate its overall feel. For example, a short mini with a tiny, snug fitting top and high heels will produce one look, while the same skirt with a loose, pretty top and heels will produce another. I like to stick to the rule of thumb that if one item is crazy hot, the others need to be understated and I think this works for most as well.

6. Less Can Be More: I don’t mean less clothing, but less detail, design and detail. A simple, black dress with black heels and good earrings can be as hot as a blatantly sultry top. Don’t be afraid to keep it simple!

5. Know the Brands: There are a few good lines out there that can dress your sassy side and it’s good to be acquainted with them. Rachel Pally usually has good cropped pants as an alternative to jeans (I like the new cropped genie style), you can usually find pretty dresses and tops from Diane Von Furstenberg and Alvin Valley or Theory are often favorites for pants. By having a good sense of what’s out there for date night dressing, it’ll be easier to find the pieces for your look.

4. Invest in Shoes: I’ve got a closet full of flats, flip flops and rugged boots and believe me, this is an enormous disadvantage when it’s time to go out. Be sure to have a few good heels, strappy sandals and a basic leather knee boot in your footwear collection for those nights on the town.

3. Use Your Head: Hair is a secret weapon to looking hot and your make up can speak volumes to your outfit. It doesn’t have to be elaborate or heavily applied - even just a little tousle to your locks and a bit of lip gloss can suffice.

2. Assume Nothing: We women automatically think guys like the style you see in a beer commercial. I can bet they do, but so many of the men I know are as enthralled by a woman in a turtleneck or button up. Don’t automatically assume that looking hot requires tight fitting, skimpy clothes!

1. Own It: Whatever you put on, remember that the key to looking great goes beyond the clothes. By picking something that you feel good wearing, you’ll be more confident and comfortable - and that’s the sexiest thing of all!

zap!

I hate fleece gloves.

Don't get me wrong, they serve their purpose probably better than any other glove in the business. They're extremely warm, comfortable, colorful, and to embrace the cliche, they 'fit like a glove.' In theory they seem perfect. But as we all know, appearances can be deceiving.

It's a little thing called static cling.

Under normal circumstances, one would chose the winter to sport such an accessory as a fleece glove. Given that it is the coldest season, for some unknown reason, static cling is in the air- much like love in springtime. And we all know what happens when a fleece glove and an areas buzzing with static are combined.

Everything sticks to me, and I do mean everything. I can be previously dressed from head to toe in my winter outfit and will not have a problem before the gloves are added. However, once I slip on these shocking boobytraps, "the gloves are off." I can no longer get my hand within even a foot of my hair, my wool hat or my knit scarf. My Ugg boots will have to wait until I get to class to be adjusted, being that the combination of two different types of fleece will result in nothing less than disaster. I won't even bring up the possibility of wearing fleece socks. My jacket will almost start to hum with electricity as the gloves brush up against the tweed material over the course of the walk, and somehow that energy will transfer to my hair, causing it to rise like a loaf of bread. By the time I get to class, I look like I've spent the last few hours attached to a wall outlet.

And it only gets worse from there. Without question, the first metal piece you come into contact with will give you a shock loud enough to be heard by the entire block. I once made the mistake of touching my computer first, and still firmly believe that it was that very shock which fried my hard drive. Some lucky people get off easy with only one zap, but that's not usually the case for me. I will continue to zap, pow, whizz and pop for at least an hour. Everything I touch is at risk, from doorknobs to the family dog. In theory, I should have smoke coming out of my ears by the end of the day.

So what to do about this little problem? Nothing. There's nothing one CAN do to avoid any of it. The fleece gloves are so warm, so cheap and so easy to find that I doubt anyone will ever give up on them entirely. The do, in the end, prove to be worth all the aggravation as they keep our hands nice and toasty against the harsh winter weather.

Until a new, non-static form of fleece comes along, we must just grin and bare it, wearing our clingy gloves proudly, and avoiding metal objects at all costs.

layers and jackets and hats- oh my!

Totally snowed in. Got to love New England weather.

But this particular storm comes with some a little extra- not only were the weathermen correct in their predictions (New England weather forecasters giving accurate information? Go on!) but I have the honor and privlidge of being snowed in at home in little ol' Cranston, Rhode Island. How does this pertain to style? Don't worry, I'm getting to that.

When a blizzard strikes the city, commuters become concerned about the slippery conditions outside, but not nearly as worried as those who live in suburbs. One of the advantages of renting an apartment, condo, or even penthouse is that.... guess what? You have the luxury of being without a driveway. Perhaps you're one of the lucky ones with your own parking spot on the side of the road, but not so much a 100-200 foot driveway, just waiting to be turned into an ice rink.

In the city, all you really need to worry about is a heavy set of snow-worthy boots and the ability to push open the front door of your building (assuming you're not from an after school tv special, in which college dorms are depicted to have doormen- but that's a rant for another day). You need no be concerned over shoveling for hours, finding you (white) car hidden beneath tremendous mountians of snow, cleaning off that very car, unfreezing the locks, warming the engine, shoveling the walkway/sidewalk in front of your house (a fact little knownst to me) and deicing any cement steps which may be attached to your house. Oh, those fun times homeowners spend shoveling away when others are snuggled up under fleece blankets, on a diet of green tea and oreos while watching reruns of the Gilmore Girls.

It's days like this which I am eternally happy to reside in the city, knowing that the little task of shoveling, deicing and even warming is the task of my(hopefully responsible) landlord. I can dash out the door (attempting not to fall) and make it to my class in only a few seconds longer than it would take me on a snowless day. When relying on a car, however, it can take anywhere from 30-45 minutes extra.

So enough about cars- moving onto clothes. The reason I went on a little rant about living in the suburbs was to highlight the the pros of snow in the city- but now onto the cons. When living in an area where you are forced to either walk or take public transportation everyone, one must prepare for the absolute worst. It is a guarantee that the T will be running five minutes later than you could fear, and not a single unoccupied taxi will be available for at least eight blocks. My suggestion is to remember one simply rule above all the others: LAYERS!

Layers will be the one fashion tip that will save you this winter, guaranteed. We have all been there in the past, and we all know the dreaded heating story (technology these days, huh?). When faced with a long walk, one will usually pile on insane amounts of clothing in hope of keeping warm. Two or three sweaters, two pairs of pants, a few layers of socks and long underwear underneath it all seems like the ideal outfit. However, once the destination is reached, the room will quickly begin to resemble a sona to anyone in that amount of clothing. It is understandably awkward to begin stripping yourself of these huge sweaters and pairs of jeans in the middle of class, so most people will just sit and bare it the duration of the event.

My advice is to dress in light layers. Focus on a few lighter shirts under layers of sweaters which can unbutton, unzip and be slipped out of in a matter of seconds. I'd say to stick with one pair of pants, but try pairing them with a tall pair of boots and heavy socks. Thanks to today's quirky fashions, one can simply roll the jeans practically up to their knees once they are inside, helping to reduce the claustrophobic feeling for one's calves inside the boots. Layers of scarves, hats and even mittens are also lightweight accessories that never go out of style. Any scarf, no matter the size, will beat those chunky turtlenecks!

The number one most important item in your winter outfit will unquestionably be your jacket. Like it or not, this will be the one accessory that will save your from the cold more than anything else, and therefore will be a staple of your wardrobe throughout the entire winter. Regardless to contrary belief, not all winter jackets will make a woman look like an oddly colored marshmallow. Again, thanks to current trends, there is a slew of styles to chose from, all cold weather compatible. Take a day to go to the mall and pick yourself out a god one, one which will go with any outfit and be suitable for any weather condition. Trust me, it will be worth spending a little extra money. The jacket should be the bun to your hot dog, the roll to your hamburger, the bacon to your scallop- not just an optional condiment.

One of my (many) pet peeves is the idea of wearing high heels directly after a snowstorm. I just see no need for it, and impractical does not even begin to define it. More often than I care to admit I see females strutting around my campus, trying to maintain balance and a sense of togetherness when wearing a perfectly impractical pair of shoes. Speaking from personal experience, I find it hard enough to walk in my beloved pumps on a perfectly sunny day, much less one in which the ground is covered with a solid sheet of ice. And let's not forget the booby traps known as "slush puddles," cleverly disguised as fluffy mounds of snow by the side of the road. One false step will give anyone a fabulous case of frozen foot for the day, not exactly an experience I care to remember. A pair of heels would be cold in any case on a snowy day, and will protect you far less than a sturdy set of boots. So save the popsicle foot and triple axles for the ice rink- comfort is your main concern today.

My advice? Stick with any boot with any combination of waterproof and fleece features. For example, last year's Ugg boots. With a flat, rubber sole and fleece lined insides, this appears to be a perfect weather shoe. Being a must-have item from last winter, almost everyone owns some variety of the boot, and would not be particularly upset to get a little more use out of it. Not to mention it is extremely comfortable and still fashionable to pull off with almost any outfit. Another good choice would be the trendy multicolored rainboots from this season. The boots usual go all the way up to one's knee, and have the sole purpose of being waterproof. Paired with a thick pair of socks, these could also suffice as the perfect snow boot.

This is where my little rant goes back to the idea of living in the suburbs. Being back home in Cranston, I have not had to worry about dressing for survival when going out to brave the cold. In my case, the only thing I have to worry about when dressing in the morning is having an extra pair of sweatpants and a sweatshirt to go out and shovel out my car. Once my transportation is set, I have the ability to change back into whatever I would like, throw on a jacket and and, with the amazing power of a heated car, only have to worry about being outside for a total of a minute.

While I have been extremely lucky for this length of the snowstorm, all good things must come to an end. I am planning to jump on the commuter rail first thing in the morning and head back to the city. If there is anything that living in New England has taught me, it is to always expect the unexpected, even on a simple commute. So much for my "fashionista first" attitude- time to layer up!

If you don't like the weather in New England, just wait a few minutes. - Mark Twain

king of suspenders

Larry King is the only man on the face of the Earth who can pull of suspenders.

I hate to be this blunt about it, but I heard this exact comment in a recent conversation with a group of friends and felt the need to publish it.

Let's look at the facts. Any "regular" man would look like a fool in the painfully outdated style, causing their pants to slump at an odd angle, sliding down their shoulders and looking like a sad imitation of Gallagher.

So why can Larry King get away with it? (And no, it is not because he is already on his seventh wife.) The answer is simple- he is always sitting behind a desk.

The trademark suspenders somehow give him a sense of importance and re-emphasize that journalistic appeal which, in theory, allows guests to open up to him. He defines the stereotype of a hard news broadcaster- an image which was arguably based upon the celebrity himself.

According to Wikipedia:

[King] said that he tries to project an image of earnestness and sincerity in each interview, and the format of the show (King in suspenders instead of suit and tie, sitting directly next to the guest) reinforce that.

But when he stands, it is a completely different story. Suddenly his distinguished edge is lost, and he is transformed into a regular guy in a seemingly silly, outdated getup.

The point of my little rant? To offer my advice, of course: Stay strong with your bold fashion statement Larry- but please, for all our sakes, stay seated.

feeling lucky?

With so many fashion magazines swarming the newspaper stands, it's hard to tell which ones are real, and which are only there to mimcik and mock the styles of Hollywood elite. Honestly, how many times can you read "Brittany goes Boho" or "Christina Cleans Up." We may never learn to how "Steal Shakira's Style" or "Be a Punk like Pink," but one thing we can learn from these magazines is an expert's advice on how and where to shop. After close review of the most recent subscriptions on the stands, one magazine stands apart. "Ask yourself, 'Do I feel lucky? Well, do ya punk?"

Lucky is a fashion magazine offering locations of outstanding deals, hard to find items, makeup tips and, of course, overviews of the latest trends. What separates this one from the rest? The prices. While Cosmopolitan and InStyle set the fashion standards, most college kids will go broke simply looking at the photos of featured items. Lucky, however, advertises items which fit nicely into any college budget.

For example, the latest shoe guide features over 100 different pairs of shoes, featuring every hot new style from Jimmy Choo to Payless. Designer looks are displayed by the dozens, while an almost identical outfit is directly next to them, for only a sliver of the cost. Affordable hair care products and tips are rated, and bargain salons are reviewed.

As for a local angle, different cities are featured in every new episode. In the latest, Boston is the city of choice. The guide not only gives tips on hot spots to vintage shop, but it also explains the best places to go if you need a shoe repaired, suit dry cleaned or jewelry resized. Consider it a quick, local version of a Modern Girl's Guide to Life.

Of the fashion magazines, I personally find this one to be the most practical by far. Not to mention the price of the subscription itself. Most magazines will go for about $25/year, but this one is only $12 annually ($1/issue, for you mathematically impaired writers like myself). Afterall, why spend so much money on the magazine that you can't afford the clothes?

So try skipping the coffee today and catch up on some important reading- who knows, you might just get Lucky.

love the double

So I have a quick story-

During my all-out shopping trip, and I hit a sale in one of my favorite stores, H&M. On a shopping high, I raced around the store, trying on every fabulous item of clothing I laid eyes on.

Now, I've more than expressed my alledged shoe fetish to my audience, but I haven't even begun to touch on my nearly equally large obsession with hats. While not as expensive or seeminly unobtainable, almost every complete outfit I own includes one of my (thousands of!) hats. I'll throw on anything from my faded Red Sox baseball cap to my corduroy bucket hat, pairing them oddly with whatever I happen to be wearing.

Back to today's shopping trip.

Naturally, after spending far too much time and money, I left the store with three new hats in check, all on the cutting edge of today's styles. Excited about my new purchases, but feeling a twinge of guilt from the amount charged on my credit card, I decided to wait on the fashion show for my shopping buddy until I got home.

Once comfortably in the reflection of my own full length mirror, I felt the need every woman has after purchasing new clothes- to become the next Heidi Klum, strutting their stuff around their house/apartment in their new outfits. Pairing one of my hats with the outfit I was already wearing, I nearly took a double take in the mirror. Something about that hat seemed oddly familiar, and I suddenly regretted not trying it on in the store. Much to my dismay, I had just purchased the exact same hat I already owned, just in a speckled tan rather than blue.

While I hate to admit how common a mistake this is for me, I don't completely blame myself for it. Obviously I'm a big fan of this trendy piece- perhaps too big a fan. In my defense, I at least hadn't purchased the two items from the same store.

The blue wool cabbie, already a signature piece in my collection, had been purchased back in May of 2005, in the Mexico Pavilion of Epcot (Walt Disney World). At the time, I had been unable to turn down such a great deal (only $8!) and had no idea how much I would grow to love it. It had been thrown amongst a collection of knitted wool ponchos and tissue paper umbrellas, all handiwork of the native Mexicans working the cart. I thought what I had purchased was a one-of-a-kind item, a conversation piece, something to tell my friends stories about. I never would have guessed that I would have see the exact same item sitting on the shelf of trendy H&M only a little over six months later.

Now, most people would suggest I admit my own mistake and return the new hat. I, however, am not like most people. Judging on the amount of usage my blue hat gets in an average week, I've decided to double its productivity by adding this second hat to my collection. The fact that I already own one unquestionably similar does not discourage me from loving it and flaunting it every bit as much as the first. After all, it performs every bit as well, and truth be told, I like it every bit as much.

The point to today's story? When it comes to shopping, women (including myself) are often set in their ways and stubborn. Even when not aware, we gravitate towards what is familiar. If we liked it once, we will probably like it when we see it the second time around. While I am contradicting my blog's theme of "go out and try new things," one shouldn't be afraid to stick with what works. Afterall, isn't that the basis of style? Take a trend and make it yours, no matter how different or "un-Gap-like" it may seem. If it works for you, just stay with it.

As for me, this signature piece of clothing is now doing doubletime in my wardrobe, and doing twice as well as before.

(above: look- the exact same hat!!!)

something old, something new...

"Hello my name is Sara and I am a Sex and the City-aholic." (insert: "hi Sara.")

Big surprise, right? As I assume you have gathered by now, I live, breath, eat and dress by that show. Not only was/is it a cutting edge program in the world of television (especially in terms of the FCC), but it also broke new ground in the world of fashion. Designers such as Dolce&Gabbana, Dior, Manolo Blahnik, Gucci, Fendi, Vera Wang, Oscar de la Renta and Jimmy Choo have become household names practically overnight. Fashion is no longer only for Park Avenue princesses or Hollywood heartthrobs. Women (and men) everywhere are learning that they really can be every bit as stylish as they want to be.

Don't know what I'm talking about? You can check out the looks (and designers) right here on the show's official website.

Now, back to the topic at hand- the broke college kids. Just because we, as a generation, have become familiar with the labels doesn't necessarily mean we can afford them anymore than before. But there is one major secret to the show's stylish success- vintage.

The pairing of old and new isn't exactly a new concept, but the stylists behind Sex and the City (including Sarah Jessica Parker herself) have put a whole new spin on the idea. Many of the primary pieces in Carrie's closet are vintage, and are from Parker's actual wardrobe.

Now, no, the simple pairing of the two doesn't make the designer clothes any more affordable- the prices don't magically change. What it does do, however, it make that entire outfit doable. Rather than having to buy the dress, the jacket, the shoes and the jewelry, chose only one primary piece to splurge on.

The picture above shows Carrie as the fashionista we all know and love her for being. The secret to this photo? While the silk dress is Calvin Klein, the jacket is actually vintage (and from Parker's actual closet). She, who is clearly not a broke college kid, pairs it with a pair of Miu Miu heels and a vintage Dior envelope.

This little trick not only saves money, but it also aids personal expression. Let's face it- anyone can walk into any store, point to an outfit on a model and say "I want that." They can then walk out of the store with the trendiest "it" items, hot off the runway. But what fun is that? Using vintage and personal items can add flavor and personality to an outfit, allowing some of the items to act as conversation pieces. It feels so much better to be complimented on an accessory with a story behind it than one just purchased at the mall.

So go ahead- be bold. Pair those Manolos with the dress from Target and your grandmother's pearls. Sport the Dior jacket over your new outfit from the Gap Outlet. Carry a Fendi bag filled with $.99 chapstick and a disposable camera. Anything is possible, as long as you can work it. While these may be seen as crimes of fashion on Fifth Ave, I'm sorry Toto, but we're not in Manhattan anymore.