OLD

As promised on Wednesday, here is your Cinderella transformation from business casual to holiday haute. How cute you'll look under the mistletoe!

Black Sequined Cardigan (Old Navy, $29.50), Charcoal Fab Satin Mini (Forever21, $7.50), Satin Ruffle Top (Charlotte Rusee, $19.99), Miu Miu Grey Suede Cap-Toe Bow Pumps (Bluefly, $408), Earrings and Headband (Forever21), Black Clutch, Anya Hindmarch for Target (Target, $19.99)

Despite the balmy weather in Boston today, I know that many of you have been planning outfits for your holiday parties. In the effort of being true Recessionistas, I know it is important to have an outfit with what I like to call "recyclable pieces"-that can make the smooth transition from the office to a classy party on a budget. Most of these items are available on the cheap at your local mall or online and the shoes were too good to pass up for a splurge. That's what Santa is for, right?

Today I'll give my top picks for a daytime outfit that will shine in the office, and check back on Friday for the Cinderella transformation for out on the town!


Black Sequined Cardigan (Old Navy, $29.50), Pants (Forever21, $24.80), Navigation Linen Ruffle V-Neck Tank (Jcrew, $39.99), Lace Triangle Scarf with Fringe (Urban Outfitters), Miu Miu Grey Suede Cap-Toe Bow Pumps (Bluefly, $408), Earrings and Headband (Forever21, $4.80), Merona Large Hobo Bag (Target)

Photo Source

7 year old Piper Palin has a Louis Vuitton bag and I don't. And that just makes me want to throw up. I don't like to give a 7 year old a hard time and I don't even like Louis Vuitton bags that much, but where's the intervention here!?

Little Piper was spotted earlier this week carrying a Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Montorgueil PM , which goes for $790. Notice the jumbo McD's. Maybe the Palin family is justifying their apparel purchases by cutting back their food budget.

It's my understanding that the Palin family has been on a few shopping sprees and I'm not going to criticize Sarah Palin's wardrobe (hey, she has to keep up with Cindy McCain right?) But I think a Louis Vuitton for a 7 year old is a little much. I don't think Joe Six-Pack would buy a $790 bag for his daughter, but maybe Palin and I just disagree on our definition of middle class.

(In case you missed earlier headlines this week, according to Politico.com, The Republican National Committee has spent more than $150,000 to clothe and accessorize the Palin family. Since early September, the family has racked up bills from Saks Fifth Avenue in St. Louis and New York for a combined $49,425.74. Records also document a couple of big-time shopping trips to Neiman Marcus in Minneapolis, including one $75,062.63 spree).

Photo Source

Trashy mags are a guilty pleasure for me, an indulgence best enjoyed in small doses. I refuse to pay for them, but I'll usually have gone through the entire stack at the gym by the end of the week.

One of my favorite sections has always been the "worst-dressed". I think of the photos as a little pick me up. If you can spend $6,000 on a Zac Posen dress and still be slammed by US Weekly, I feel o.k. for sometimes trying to get by in my college sweatshirt and jeans. At least I don't look like a disco ball like Jessica Simpson (see above).

The originial chief of the fashion police, Richard Blackwell, died today at 86. Mr. Blackwell was the first to compile a "worst-dressed list" nearly 50 years ago, inspiring the Perez's of our generation to thrive off of celebrity flaws.

Some of my favorite divas have benefited from Blackwell's buzz in their "any press is good press" wealth. According to Mr. Blackwell, Lindsay Lohan "went from adorable to deplorable:, Britney Spears wore "a bra-topped collection of Madonna rejects are pure fashion overkill", and Victoria Beckham topped his list as the #1 worst dressed celeb of 2008.

Even celebs can't be fashionistas all the time. Thanks for pointing out the flaws, Mr. Blackwell. I feel better about my outfit today already.

Photo Source

For those of you who can only have so many cashmere cable knit sweaters, did you know that JCrew has a trendier, less preppy little sister?

Madewell 1937 was founded right in New Bedford, Massachusetts. It's long since then been acquired by JCrew and has a lot of nice alternatives to critter clothing for sophisticated yet ecletic folk (for 20 to 30 percent less than JCrew too).

The fall collection is a women's-only line of tight skinny jeans, long grandpa style cardigans, slouchy bags, and modern accessories such as bright rumpled scarves. They have a real focus on "staple items", especially jeans, to promote value instead of volume. Consider it a cross between Forever 21 and the Gap.

The items in their fall collection that caught my eye were garment dyed jeans in "fall colors created using an old school dye process" ($98.50) and vintage looking boots in Italian leather and suede.

Madewell only has eight stores, and we're lucky to have one right here at the Natick Mall! Otherwise, you can order through their website where it's still archaically "call to order".

NYC girls should hit up their flagship store in SoHo, which has been hosting “Denim After Dark” parties on Thursday nights complete with discounts, DJ’s, mojitos and cupcakes. You can also stop by SoHo for their Saturday afternoon “Made-in Madewell Series” to check out how-to workshops and special appearances from NY artists, designers and editors.

For those serious about Madewell shopping, today and tomorrow you can save 15% off your order by joining their Facebook group.

http://www.madewell1937.com
Natick Collection
508-653-0175
1245 Worcester Street, Natick, MA 01760

SoHo Flagship Store
212-226-6954
486 Broadway at Broome Street, New York, New York 10012
with additional locations

Don't you wish that you could be inspired by your favorite designers such as Gucci, Kate Spade, Betsey Johnson, Stella McCartney, Diane Von Furstenberg and Dolce & Gabbana (that's only a few) every time you check your email?

I try and be productive on rainy days. I really do. I always have a list of errands that I fully intend on doing as well as a list of indoor things to do such as organize this and clean that.

a) baking excessive amounts of cookies and brownies
b) sleeping in
c) watching entire seasons of TV shows online

I could probably rattle off a substantial list of justifications for my hermeting, but I think my most legitimate excuse is that I just never have anything to wear. I'll opt for a hat and a sweatshirt before a cute rain outfit because I always end up freezing and uncomfortable in my trench coat and rubber wellies. Solution?

Wellie Warmers. Such a cute name. The fleece inserts are made by the original Wellie creators, Hunter. You can't get Hunter products shipped to the U.S., but a cheaper American alternative can be found at L.L. Bean. I actually prefer their cream knit cuff to Hunter's fleece version, they just look so much cozier!

Wellie Warmers definately have a spot on my wish list, if not for fashion and practicality than simply for the fact that increased motivation for avoiding excess cookie baking is always a good thing.

http://www.hunterboots.com
http://www.llbean.com