The BEST strapless bra for A cup or B cup gals (and it's NOT Victoria's Secret!)

I can't really speak for the C-cup-and-above women out there, but I can tell you that I just spent the best $10.99 I've ever spent in my life. The Gilligan & O'Malley Strapless Plunge Padded Bra at Target. I might have caught a sale when I bought it because it shows up online as $14.99.



Here are the specs for those of you who are interested:

• Sizing and Fit: Women Sizing
• Material: 82 % Nylon, 18 % Spandex
• Care and Cleaning: Line Dry, Machine Wash Cold
• Underwire Type: Underwire
• Cup Style: Padded
• Closure Style: Hook Back Closure(s)
• Garment Detail: Removable Straps

Let me preface this by saying that I have been a Victoria's Secret bra addict for years. Personally, and especially after finding this bra, I think a lot of my brand loyalty has to do with the hype. From the Victoria's Secret fashion show to the gorgeous celebrity models to the ubiquitous mailers, they advertise REALLY well. Which is why, for years, I've been buying $40+ bras that I knew, deep inside, were way too expensive for the quality I was getting.

I've bought a total of three mediocre Victoria's Secret strapless bras. The worst bra I have ever bought from VS is the Very Sexy 100-way Bra. Do not buy this bra. It's $50 of uncomfortable, flimsy ugliness that if you don't see it right when you buy it, you'll feel it a year later. The top edge of the cups showed in almost every top I wore. The band stretched out and lost its elasticity way sooner than I anticipated. And worst of all, the cups actually got lumpy. I don't know why since I usually air-dried the bra after the wash. (Though I'll admit, I didn't do this *every* time.)

The only thing I liked about this bra was the clear plastic plunge in the center. I could wear really low cut tops with this thing, even ones that plunged past the center of this bra. Since the center piece is clear, it's almost invisible. That was a really smart idea. Until, of course, the piece of plastic tore - now I have two separate cups.

Hence the need to go shopping for another strapless bra. I decided to try Target, since the online reviews of some of the Target bras were not bad. When I tried the Gilligan & O'Malley Strapless Bra, I fell in love. The cups felt absolutely perfect. The bra itself was incredibly stiffly constructed which felt a little too hard at first, but when I put it on, it was virtually invisible. It conformed to my body so well I hardly felt it. When I put my top over it, I couldn't see the top edge at all. Plus it's plunge AND padded? What more could I want?

Now, there are caveats to this find. First of all, I can already tell that eventually, the wires may poke out of the bra over time. I'll have to wait to see what the long-term wear on this bra is. Secondly, the cups are a little more of the "full coverage" style, rather than the "demi" style, which, I think, we smaller-busted women prefer.

But really, the best part of this find is the fact that I'm getting much more than I paid for. I would wear this bra as a normal everyday bra, let alone for special strapless occasions. $10.99? I almost bought two! But I stopped myself, because that would have just been unreasonable.

I know y'all have a Target near you. Do yourselves a favor and go to one and just TRY one on. Before they stop making them! And those with C+ cups, if you find this works for you too, let me know :)

Country Boots/Cowboy Boots?

This is in response to a comment I got yesterday:

I think I've also got some country boots that needs a touch up. Any advice
if this is even worth modernizing.

By country boots I assume you mean cowboy boots? What color are they and what style? I'm picturing something like this:



Cowboy boots are such a great winter-to-spring transition piece. AND, in my personal opinion, they are worn BEST when they are OFF-trend, not on-trend. ie., when no one else is wearing them :) The best kinds are the classic ones that look authentic with real leather and bonus if they have scuff marks. My favorite colors are a rich dark coffee-brown as shown on the right of the link I have there, or RED. I have a pair of red cowboy boots and they always come off as unique when I pull them on.

Cowboy boots over leggings and a long fitted shirt (make sure the hem hits at least mid-thigh) would be a great casual on-the-go look. Paired with a slouchy hobo and, if you have an hourglass figure, a cinched belt that matches the boot color, this look would be great for spring. If you have great legs like the women in the link, you don't need leggings. And the flowy dress makes the outfit cute, but watch out for getting too little dramatic if you get too flowy.

If you want a more subtle "cowboy boot" look, bootcut jeans are your answer! Jeans with just a little flare in them give your body shape. You don't have to show the whole boot to get that "Western" look. Just let the jeans fall over the boot. Try them with a medium-width brown belt and a plaid or checkered shirt that isn't long, not the tunic styles, but slightly shorter to show off glimpses of the belt.

Another suggestion: Boots, bootcut jeans over it, loose fitting vintage-soft worn-in "I don't care" tshirt, maybe black-ish or yellow for a playful statement, or a basic super-soft tee, and an unbuttoned loose fitting button-up over it. Says completely casual with a twist! Accessorize with a funky necklace and oversized sunglasses and you're good to go.

If you're asking about how to modernize the boot itself, I'd have to see what the boot looks like.

DIY Strapped Boots

This is a post of a tweet I saw (aren't I SO web 3.0?? :) on how to make your own Strapped Boots. I haven't done it yet, but I do have a pair of black basic boots that I want to modernize!

http://caroline.feber.se/art/167081/diy_strapped_boots/

Just like Rodarte's boots!:



Let me know if anyone ends up trying this! I would glue the straps on as I was tying to make it permanent, rather than tie then untie these everytime I want to wear them.

Baby-G!

So it's been a long time since my last post, and I have but one itty bitty excuse: My CAMERA broke! :(

So until I get another one, I can't really do what I love to do most with this blog, and that's come up with outfits and post them! :)

I'll get one soon, and there's so much going on, and so much I haven't written about yet.

Like today, I was browsing Monica Rose's blog (stylist for Kim Kardashian) and she has a post on the OLD SCHOOL CASIO WATCH!



How many of us rocked these in elementary school or middle school, entertaining thoughts of cheating on that arithmetic test using these oh-so-tiny calculator buttons?

I was very amused to find this item being featured. There comes a time when you get just a little bit tired of hearing what the latest legging or plaid trend is. On TV the other day, I heard, "this Fall's latest trend? Boots!" How are boots, in general, a trend? Not impressed. A segment on how to wear boots, maybe, or the latest boots, sure. But boots in general are not a trend. They're what you wear when it gets cold.

Their one saving grace that prevented me from thinking they were totally clueless is they featured the thigh-high boot trend that's hot right now, although not for my short stature (please think Anne Hathaway in Devil Wears Prada and NOT Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman!).





Love Anne's and Kate's, but Haydn is bordering on PW territory here.

Anyway, back to my point. I always digress! Monica Rose then goes on to talk about the throwback BABY G watch she bought in this fit of retro watches. That was exactly the idea I had when I asked for a Baby-G Casio watch for my birthday this past January! One that I love and have been rocking since, especially since I'm a runner.



Just wanted to put that out there. Oh, retro watches Monica? Totally had that idea first! :)

A look for Heathum

My girlfriend asked me "what's new in the jean world?" And I instantly got visions in my head of clothes I would love to try on her. Yes, I'm seeking help for these visions in my head... but in the meantime I figure I'll indulge myself by writing a blog post just for her!

Heather is about 5'9", but she's a skinny minnie! With a tiny waist and a lean frame with legs that go on forever, she's definitely a stylist's dream! Even after a baby, to us, her friends, she looks exactly the same as she did pre-preggers (truth!).

So here's a suggested outfit for my Heathum, just a concept of two styles of the same look that I drew:



Starting with the jeans:



National Jean Company - A Pocket Fit Flare Jean in Vintage Allston. $245.00 (but 20% off with the code "grechen")

For the cool, casual, "mom on the go," I would suggest these Seven Fit 'n Flare jeans. Lucky for Heather, who doesn't have a corporate dress code to abide by, she can go with a few stylish tears in her jeans.

My take on tears: I don't like overboard tears for casual wear. Maybe if you're trying to make a statement at a fancy dinner or a casual club, I would wear skinny jeans with crazy tears (best when they're NOT in style - lends more to the rebel vibe :). But little tears like this I think will never go out of style when paired with equally casual top and accessory pieces.

Another thing about these jeans - they look best on women with long legs. On me, the knee on a pair like this would hit my shin! I have a pair of dark wash Seven jeans that are similar, with small knee tears, that I love to run errands in, but I had to hem them. For Heather's slim legs, jeans that "fit" at the thigh and "flare" towards the ankle are best so she doesn't look like she's drowning in the jeans.

Another jean for a more polished look, and a brand I personally ADORE: J Brand.


J Brand - 722 Lightweight Lovestory Bell Bottom ($188), 20% off with "grechen"

Worn by Jessica Alba, Rhianna, etc. etc., these are definitely one of the "celebrity jeans." But seriously, I know why. It's because they fit like a dream!

And to top off the outfit, who styles casual-comfy-chic better than James Perse? Either of these will do:


Not the most economical choices... but we're still in fantasy land aren't we? Brace yourself:
James Perse Oversized Cotton Shirt, $195, net-a-porter.com. James Perse Sheer Cotton Shirt, $195, www.saksfifthavenue.com.

My philosophy on basics: These prices might seem ridiculous, and they probably are for most so I'm not saying buy these specific pieces, but I would definitely call this shirt a basic. And, contrary to intuition, I would invest MORE on basics than on trend pieces. Quality basics go a reeally long way when it comes to both surviving seasons and looking polished.

The flare of the jeans with these tunic styles will really create curves and movement for the very tall and thin. You can even cinch it with a belt if you're feeling fancy. Or throw it on and roll up your sleeves before you run errands. The loose fit keeps it casual and effortless, but you will look great! Sheer is very in right now, and pairing the white shirt with a camisole underneath, experiment with the color :), or even wearing a nude bra and daring to wear it with nothing under (lingerie-inspired) along with a blazer would be SO hot, such as:



Elizabeth and James, Double Breasted Blazer, $395.00, shopbop.com.

Personally, I think if you found a brown jacket, that might go even better. This is definitely an "in your dreams" pricetag, as is everything else in this post, but if you're looking for something different but casual still, this might fit the bill:



Lela Rose Cashmere Safari Jacket, $995, shopbop.com.

The details here are so unique! From the shoulder panels to the cinch-me or don't cinch-me belt, to the collar that can be worn up or down to the hint of metal in the button and belt details... And this jacket will contrast well with the simplified elements of the rest of your outfit. You can throw this on over just about anything and look very sophisticated. This is definitely an investment piece, and the idea here isn't to buy these specific products, but that classics/quality basics + one investment piece = very polished.

Since Heather is tall, she doesn't wear heels very often. I would suggest any of these very cute flats (to go with her Coach baby bag!):



Coach Skyla Flat, $158.00, coach.com. Coach Honor Flat, $158.00, coach.com.

BUT... I will say - wearing heels with these flare jeans will definitely make you not just very tall, but very hot:


Christian Louboutins, Round-Toe Pump, $625, Neiman Marcus



Of course Love Quotes, go with everything - Love Quotes Linen/Viscose, $79, Singer22.com
I would pick the Bali or Cobalt color (deep blue) with jeans, white or black shirt and pink flats. I would pick cocoshell (brown) or really any color to go with the white shirt and brown flats.

But SERIOUSLY - red scarf with the red shoes, white shirt, either of the jeans, plus blazer? YESSS! :)

So, these are of course not practical suggestions due to the prices. But it's fun to look, isn't it! And hopefully it gave you a style idea or two that maybe you can find in a store at a more reasonable price :)

Gorgeous in YELLOW... Spring 2010?

I've always been interested in clothes, but only recently can I say I've been interested in fashion. And when I say fashion, italics included, I mean not only fashion-as-art, fashion-as-expression, but also fashion-as-buzz. There are so many fashion blogs out there! Is this a big "duh" or what?

Ever since I opened this can of extravagant worms, it became addicting. One blog led to another, one comment led to another blog, and in some cases, links to clothing led to purchase! But don't worry, I'm not in too deep yet. I did notice, however, that I love looking at the fashion shows.

Spring 2010 seems like a long way off, but believe it or not, that's where the buzz is. For those of you that may not follow fashion, the shows feature clothes for the next season. So we saw Fall 2009 back in February (in New York anyway), and Spring 2010 now. And I'm seeing whether the buzz is right: Is yellow going to be the hot color in Spring 2010, just because it's all over the runways now?

I guess we'll wait and see.

In the meantime though, half of me is sold already with Charlize Theron:



What a gorgeous outfit! The gold and even the subtle white on the purse really complements the yellow, and nothing on her looks too gaudy even though you wouldn't think, without looking at this, that gold, yellow and white would go too well together. Just stunning!

Here's a peek at other "yellows" featured on the runway:


Diane von Furstenberg, Spring 2010 RTW


Brian Reyes, Spring 2010 RTW (more greenish than yellow, but I love the structured rouching!)


Zac Posen, Spring 2010 RTW

I actually have a yellow shirtdress that I rocked this past summer, sometimes to work :), and I always got comments on it. Mostly because the yellow was so bright (think Tide bright :) and not muted like Charleze's. I feel so fashion-forward! :)


(dress: From Amsterdam in New York, cardigan: Abercrombie and Fitch [really old but stays in my rotation :)], belt: patent black belt that came from a dress at Ambiance)

I love this dress because I always like unexpected colors that momst people would shy away from. Like this yellow, or when Carrie from Sex and the City would pair rich saturated pink and blue together. (of COURSE I'm a Sex and the City fan...! :)


By the way, the above pic took FOREVER to find. I couldn't find it anywhere until I finally got the right Google phrase: "carrie bradshaw pink knit hat" haha.



I paired this today to go run some errands after work:

(hoodie: Juicy Couture, tee: LnA, pants: HardTail black foldover stretch pants)

So comfortable. And I just loved how I felt in the colors.

Colors make a difference - I wonder if yellow has anything to do with trying to cheer ourselves up given the economic situation? Hmmmm...

80s is back with a vengeance! My lazy-chic shouldered blazer look :)

What was it about 80s and early 90s fashion that made us cringe so much? For me, it was the haircuts. Not that I really remember all that - I was but a toddler :) But still... shudder:



All I know is spandex no longer invokes jokes about Richard Simmons, exaggerated shoulders are no longer for the moms who had shoulder pads in their dresses and suits, and bleached and acid wash and ripped holes and plaid and Raybans are back! Are we seeing something this second go-round that we didn't see the first time, or are we just running out of original ideas?

In an article I read about how to dress for fashion week, the author made a very interesting point - just because you're wearing what's in now, doesn't mean you're being fashion forward.

5. Don’t slave the trends.

Just because something is in when fashion week rolls around doesn’t mean you should devote your entire look to it. Remember, once a trend ships to stores it has been wholesaleing for over 6 months and was designed several months before that. So maybe lace is huge right now, maybe you’ve seen it all over Barney’s Co-op and in the Bloomies catalogue and The View talked about it in their ‘hot trends for Fall’ feature but that doesn’t make it fresh to anyone in the industry. We’ve all been looking at it for the past year!

I’m not saying don’t wear it, I’m saying don’t wear too much of it, i.e. a lace dress with lace fingerless gloves and lace half socks under your open toe booties with a jacket covered in zippers on top (because zippers are everywhere too so you thought it would look totally trendy!). Like most things, a little bit goes a long way.

Just an interesting tidbit that I'd never thought about. Not that I've ever been to a fashion show period (though, duh, I want to go so bad! :), but I'm definitely more interested in how fashion-as-art translates to and inspires fashion-as-expression in the real world. Wear what makes you feel good!

The impetus for this post comes from something that happened to me last night. I was sorting out clothes to hand down to my sister when I came across a suit jacket that I never ever wore because it was slightly too big, and the shoulders had pads in them that I've been too lazy to cut out and alter to fit me. Besides, the suit jacket was $30 and I bought it over a year and a half ago for work.

But when I took it down from the hanger and was about to throw it in the pile, something compelled me to stop and put it on. At the time, I was wearing a pink backless LnA spaghetti strap top and leggings. I loved it! I loved the look! I added my Coach black heels and accessories (my Cobalt Love Quotes scarf or my fake pearl necklace), and tried both long and cropped leggings, and came up with this:




My shoulders in the second set of pictures, plus the leggings - so 80s! I could totally see myself going to a casual gathering or even out somewhere like a museum party. I could even see myself putting on a pair of RayBans!

To give this formal piece (a suit jacket no less!!) that casual vibe, wear it with a tee and a lazy-chic (i coined that term :) accessory underneath. The final touch? Cuff the sleeve!



I can't help it. Maybe I am a slave to trends sometimes.

Maybe I really need to get a real room lamp so everything doesn't come out so blurry!