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Darlings,
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Essentials for the Not A Soccer Mom

Just the other day, one of my dearest friends asked for my help. She had just read Tim Gunn’s Top 10 Essentials and was wondering if I could translate them for her with a “less urban” take. What she really wanted to know was, how does she do the work of a soccer mom (raise three kids, start a business, look after husband and house etc., etc.) without looking like one. So, with all due respect to the fabulous Mr. Gunn, here it is:

1. Tim says: Basic Black Dress. Tanya says: Classic Black Dress with good accessories.

Of course, no wardrobe is complete without one really flattering dress that can be worn anywhere from a meeting to a cocktail party. Black lends an instant formality, but a classic, flattering cut in a strong neutral color (blue eyed blonds, what about a deep midnight blue instead of black?) will always work. Your shoes and jewelry or lack thereof will dress it up from work to play. A good heel raises not only your height, but your spirits.

2. Tim Says: Trench Coat. Tanya says: Trench Coat or Pea Coat

A trench is indeed useful. The pea coat is an equally classic alternative that dresses down more easily. However, if you need a wrap that will dress up, use the trench and forgo the dated pashmina shawl. Please.

3. Tim Says: Dress Pants. Tanya says: Play pants.

Yes, you will value a good dress pant to pull out of the closet when you most need it (forgot the parent/teacher conference, perhaps?). For now, let’s focus on what you can wear to run to the store, the park, to get coffee. How about a little cigarette pant with a bit of stretch? These ankle length pants are functional, chic and a great substitute for the leg shortening floppy khaki capris that are everywhere. Please refrain, they often hit at the widest part of the leg and are so, so bland.

4. Tim Says: Classic Shirt. Tanya Says: Perfect T-Shirt.

Button downs are tough. They gap, they can look overly corporate, many are cut like a square. May I suggest instead a classic T in white or black that closely follows the lines of your body? A T will work with jeans or even under a suit. So many great options are available, but for high-end I suggest Majestic brand and for low, Mossimo for Target.

5. Tim Says: Jeans. Tanya Says: 2 pair of Jeans

How about one dark wash for day to night and one with a wider leg or boyfriend shape for day? Jeans are the backbone of a modern wardrobe. Splurge on your "dressy" pair and get a couple lower-priced ones to help fill in. Remeber, fit is key.

Come on back next week for No.’s 6-10!

Photo info: Photo from www.jcrew.com.

Dita Moi

Darlings, pictured is Ms. Dita Von Teese, world-renowned burlesque queen and style idol. Don’t take my word for it; ask Marc Jacobs, Christian Louboutin or the many other designers who look to Ms. Von Teese for inspiration. I just adore her look for the following reasons: first, in LaLa land, home of the blond Stepford star, she is her own woman; second she knows who she is and makes an art out of showing it; finally, she allows her style to evolve and change.

When I first started reading about Dita, her style was strictly vintage from the top of her tiny hat to the antique corsets she wore under everything. While I so admire her total commitment to her own take on style, I more admire that as her world, and no doubt her resources have grown, so has her look. As you can see, everything about this outfit owes something to a retro look, but I would bet nothing she has on is actually vintage except her jewelry and possibly the glasses. She is now a picture of high-end elegance and old Hollywood glamour.

The moral of the story? Commit to your style, but let it grow and change with you. Love a sophisticated, polished look but suddenly find yourself at the playground with your kids more days than not? Loose the flip flops and cropped khakis (I beg of you) and substitute cigarette pants and ballet flats with a T and big glasses. Live for parties, sequins and shine, but work in an old-school office environment? Wear a Tom Binns necklace with your suit (the fist lady does!). Own it, work it love it!

The Case for Glasses

I am very happy to see that one of my favorite trends is back. I am talking about big, face obscuring, horn rimmed, old-school glasses. A friend of mine from college used to call them “pretty people ugly” glasses; meaning of course, that pretty people wore them to get others to take them more seriously. Think Clark Kent, think Scarlett Jo on the awards show podium, think Grace Kelley reading scripts.

The beauty of these little darlings, in addition to allowing those of us who need it to see a bit more clearly, is that they really do give that pretty/ugly effect. Anyone brave enough to wear the self-consciously geeky frames shows the world they secretly know they are cute enough to pull them off.

I first noticed the trend last fall on the Michael Kors runway (pictured). Two parts chic, one part geek: what could be better? I know that talking about a trend from about 6 months ago is like digging up a relic from the Paleolithic period in fashion time, but the trend is still alive. Flipping through newest J. Crew catalog this month, I saw the same look. Geek is the new black!

Depression Chic

WOW, have you seen the Depression Chic frocks that are gracing the Spring 2009 runway? I am blown away at the fringe, the sack dresses and the flapper fringe making a comeback.
I think with the current state of the economy, designers had a clever idea to turn back to 1929 and work the high and low of that era.

What do you think?