A little beauty humor

Whenever I'm in a rotten mood, I watch muppets. How can you be miserable when Cookie Monster is doing his "om nom nom" and muppets are flailing their skinny little muppet arms around?

And you have to love Miss Piggy. She's as Kevin Clash described, "a trucker trying to be a woman."

And how can you not love Miss Piggy and Joan Rivers hamming it up?

Kate Middleton, "Hat Person"

The Headwear Association just named Kate Middleton the 2012 Hat Person of the Year!

She won by a landslide with 91% of the vote. Congratulations to Kate Middleton!

                 

How do we think she's going to celebrate? I'm hoping she'll have Philip Treacy make her a hat with a trophy and an unicorn on it!

Notice this designer: Joy Cioci

I'm loving New York designer Joy Cioci's spring/summer 2012 collection. Keep an eye out for future collections by this promising designer!

Some press images of her S/S '12 collection:

I could do without the bottom row (really, pasting doilies on the boobies combined with a pleated chambray jumpsuit?!) but am in complete lust with the bright limone sheath with laser cut detailing. Serious want!

"I'll take it in every color."

I've found that when you live with someone else, your styles start to influence each other and mesh. This is why I'm of the opinion that it's essential to have a partner with good taste... It may not be your taste, but it has to be good taste. You can mix up good taste and still not look like a jackass.

My husband has converted me into an "I'll take it in every color" shopper. Or at the bare minimum, I purchase two different colors of the same style. I'm peeking over at my closet right now: identical v-neck cashmere sweaters in grey and black, merino wool thermals in black and red, ballet flats with grosgrain ribbon trim in black and nude, velvet legging jeans in espresso and teal, western snap button plaid shirts, tees with rosette embellishments in chartreause and coral...

Some might find this lazy or hoarderish. As a former stylist, I argue that it is efficient. You wear a flattering silhouette dozens of ways by mixing and matching... and without giving it any serious thought. That's more time to think about accessorizing.

So when you find a style you like, do you stock up on every color? Or do you prefer to keep each piece unique?

Image courtesy of JBellaShop

I think it is admirable to have a recognizable style... Anna Wintour has her signature bob, sunglasses and impeccably tailored clothing. Karl Lagerfeld has his driving gloves, leather tie and high collared white dress shirts. But what's the fine line between having a signature look and looking dated? Carmen Electra and Paris Hilton, I'm looking at you.

What are your thoughts?

Can Ron Johnson bring new life to jcpenney?

This morning my father called with investment advice-- buy jcpenney (not a typo, they have already changed to jcpenney) stock while it's only $35 a share.

It's not really a big secret at this point, since Forbes published something in the same vein three hours ago. The main focus of "Why J.C. Penney Will Be The Most Interesting Retailer Of 2012" is the new company president, Ron Johnson-- the man that started the Apple retail division.

Here's the scoop on their new strategy: jcpenney will be cutting prices by 40% and reducing the frequency of sales, so as to encourage shoppers to purchase when they first see an item instead of waiting for it to go on sale. As far as merchandising, they are trading in endless racks of clothes for mini-boutiques organized by brand.

Coming from a retail background, I do agree that sales are just not worth it. It used to be that stores needed to clear out merchandise and could sell it at a loss or donate old styles for the tax deduction. You know, because brick and mortar stores only have so much space for inventory... and you are paying insurance based on your inventory, so merchandise just hanging out on a shelf actually costs the company money. Sale merchandise is also more likely to become damaged and unsellable as well, since customers think it is valueless. They'll step on it, hang it by the hanger hook, tangle clothing on the racks... horrid! By eliminating sales, jcpenney will need to condition their customer base again.

And let's be honest, a fair share of middle America only shops at jcpenney because they have sales. This significant fraction of their customer base will probably switch over to shopping at Macy's or Kohl's.

In order to implement this strategy and be successful, jcpenney needs to model itself after either H&M or Barneys. On the low end, shops like Topshop encourage "see it now, buy it now" shopping by carrying over the top trendy styles. jcpenney has already lined up a collaboration with Nanette Lepore, but some customers like myself will only make a trip to purchase a downmarket designer collaboration if it's one stop shopping for the day. Sorry, the only way I'm looking at Jason Wu's Target collaboration is if I am picking up cleaning supplies and some Pizza Hut breadsticks at the same time.

Or jcpenney will discover that they need to raise their prices, up the quality and carry bigger names to cater to a different customer: those that don't care about sales, they just want what they want. This is more the higher end department store customer that wants new styles at the beginning of the season and passes over last season's merchandise. I would say moreso the Barney's customer. The person that purchases items that never go on sale like Goyard tote bags. This customer has no interest in running around to different stores to compare prices. Can Ron Johnson attract this customer with clothing at a low price point?

What do you think? That jcpenney's strategy is so bold that it just might work?

Jean Paul Gaultier's Paris show inspired by...

...Amy Winehouse!

There was no mistaking the obvious homage. In addition to the models rocking Amy's hairstyle, winged eyeliner and fake moles, they walked to songs "Back to Black" and "Rehab" by the late performer.

Image courtesy of Glamour's Girls In The Beauty Dept.:

Talk about putting together a serious "don't even think about F-ing with me" power outfit. I'm loving the bad girl -inspired looks on the bottom row, center and bottom right.

What do you think? Good move by the Jean Paul Gaultier design and production team?

Sunny and bright!

Factually, it is only 37 degrees outside... but with the sun shining bright, it almost feels like spring has arrived! It's just enough to put Chicagoans in a spring frame of mind, but not enough warm enough to retire our winter boots quite yet.

I just want to frolic while Vivaldi plays in the background.

I'm indulging in bright colors a bit early, in ways that won't conflict with my cold weather uniform. Take for example, this bright orange bra and "bootie" set from Cosabella:

                                  

New undergarments always perks me up. I should receive them next week.

I also picked up a nail polish at Walgreens this afternoon (and Starburst, since I am craving everything in citrus colors and scents right now), a trendy turquoise by L'Oreal called "Club Prive":

Since I am not commuting on the El train everyday, I might give my Louis Vuitton Stresa a break and start rotating in my limited edition Louis Vuitton Speedy in orange graffiti... I'm thrilled that orange is the color for the upcoming spring/summer season!

Just got my hair done.

I am so happy in my stylist-client relationship right now. My stylist doesn't need to say "I love you" all the time. He shows his feelings through actions, like giving me Hollywood starlet hair. I love it!

Kind of want.

I'm sure right about now, my friend and former boss, Dan, is feeling a disturbance in the fashion-force. It is as if a million voices of gay men cried out in terror and were suddenly silenced.

Oh yes, I am thinking about going back to looking "Amish," as he used to describe my style:

Holding Horses Overall Jumper from Anthropologie

I think I still have my knitted headband he referred to as my "bonnet" to match.... I thought Naomi Watts looked adorable in I Heart Huckabees.

Realistically, I would pair this with platform heels or ankle-height motorcycle boots... And maybe some plaid shirts and my bonnet. Whatever. It's my hot body, I'll wear what I want!

Spring 2012 trends in Rich & Royal's campaign

Today I'm flipping through all of the 2012 campaigns that have floated my way, and when it comes to representing big trends for the S/S 2012 season, Rich & Royal is on it:

Trends: bold gold jewelry, animal prints, looser blouse silhouettes

Trends: looser blazers, shorts, white denim, bold jewelry, the color yellow, closed toe pumps

Trends: colored pants, the color coral, animal prints

Trends: dress shoes for daily wear, cropped slim pants, the color coral

So what can we expect this summer according to Rich & Royal? “It has to be loud, turn heads and fresh! Be it the London Brit Chic, the sights, stars and stripes of New York or Parisian lingerie couture – explosions of colour are a must this season.”

Even comedians are fashionable in Europe.

Think only unattractive people can be funny? Well, I personally think George Clooney is hilarious. Comedian Martina Hill will be on television with Knallerfrauen- her first ever own comedy show on SAT1, beginning on the 3rd of February.

And in the most uninhibited manner possible! In eight episodes on her comedy series, the multi-award winning comedian will play the roles of 106 "fierce women".

Think she will parody Beyonce?



She gets her boobs out as Wonder Woman. She practises her football skills with a melon in the supermarket. And she puts an end to a struggle with a bed sheet by literally pinning it down.

All women in Knallerfrauen have but one goal: To make ends meet in their daily dose of insanity or at least give it a jolly good try . . .the range of bizarre everyday situations and type of women has no boundaries. The comedy queen is convinced: “The wackier, the better!”

Here in Chicago, there's a fantastic all female improv/sketch troupe, Drew's Tumblr, that focuses on issues facing women in their mid 20s-30s. My husband especially loved their parody "The Moms of Facebook." If you are in the Chicago area, I highly recommend coming out to their next show!

Children's style: playful and fierce.

Check out the latest kids' fashions in Europe, featured in a James Bond inspired editorial in COLLEZIONI kids magazine:

Baby worries about holding down a job, and Missy had one too many martinis at lunch.

Kids photographer Gerard Harten produced a handful of international kidswear campaigns over the course of last winter, all of which are scheduled for release sooner rather than later. His most recent work is featured in the current issue of COLLEZIONI kids magazine.

I'm a late bloomer: the geeky teenage stage

Tomorrow I'm going in for my first appointment for Invisalign. And today I purchased a groupon for See Eyewear... only $50 for $200 store credit towards a new pair of glasses.

I think my husband has the Groupon touch. About into a week as a stay-at-home-non-mom, he suggested that I get braces now since I have the time to go to appointments and I'm not holding client meetings anytime soon. And then there's a Groupon for the whole shebang for $2,995. No joke, last night he suggested that I pick out some eyeglasses at See Eyewear since I have the time to take care of it. And today they had a groupon for 75% off!

Hopefully, he'll decide I need a pair of Yves Saint Laurent platform pumps... you know, since I'm no longer "running around" Streeterville for client meetings. Please be benevolent, Groupon Gods.

I have two pairs of glasses on my wishlist:

The gift certificate is only good on non-designer frames. I checked out a clear pair already there for under $200, so this is probably what I will use the Groupon for. Plus the clear frames are modern and great for everyday wear.

I tried these Gucci frames on at my husband's optometrist office. We both loved them on me, but the lavender color doesn't exactly match everything. So I want to buy these additionally... They are also half the price at SEE than they were at the other place! 

I don't need glasses for everyday wear, but rather for driving. It's become more difficult to read signage from a far distance. I have microscope eyes for things closer... my poor husband wishes it were the other way around. He would save so much money on diamond jewelry!

Smile!

I've been smiling all weekend. Besides just having a blast, on Saturday the Chicago Groupon site released a coupon for a complete Invisalign treatment for only $2995. My husband was shocked by the deal and said, "If they're okay with the BBB, I think you should go ahead and buy it!"

I had been thinking about getting braces for some time and finally just got my wisdom teeth removed just this past November. I was a late bloomer. The particular orthodontist running the special didn't have the stellar online reviews I look for, so I found a better dentist to match the deal.

My first appointment is on Wednesday!

Goal: to wear high heels more often

Spring 2012 campaign for Louis Vuitton. I am lusting after those metallic and Tiffany Blue mules.

Last week, I decided that I'm going back to wearing heels more often. I got into the habit of wearing cute flats when I worked retail and I was constantly standing, walking, running for an item, climbing ladders... And it has killed my tolerance!

Today was a hiccup because we're currently experiencing a snow storm up here in Chicago, so I'm dressed for the weather. But in general, wearing high heels is like having a Brazilian Zumba instructor behind you... telling you to sway your hips, tighten your rear end and flauntly stick your chest out. Almost everyone's legs look better in high heels too!

We are not friends.

There's nothing worse than a compliment on the train that goes too far:

"I like your coat. It matches my scarf."

"Thank you."

"Is that Berberry... Blueberry... Who your coat by?"

"You know, I'm not sure."

"You married? I know you are because you got a big ring!"

"Um, thank you."

"How much did that cost? I know your husband loves you!"

"Thank you."

"You got a sister?"

"She's married. To a dude you wouldn't want to mess with."

"What stop you getting off at?"

"I'm not really sure."

"You shopping 'til you drop?"

"It's only groceries. I have a big husband at home. He eats a lot."

And if carrying three bags full of groceries on two trains wasn't enough exercise, walking as briskly as I could to get away from Creepy McCreep definitely made me break a sweat.

To quote comedian Patton Oswalt, "Why can't my fingertips emit mace?!"

Tory Burch: boots with the fur

I was browsing Tory Burch's sale online yesterday while my husband laid next to me. I turned my iPad towards him, showed him the Kiki wedge boot, and proclaimed, "Look it's boots with the fur!"



His response? "Those look like camel toes!"

Dead.

Inspiration: coppers

Picture taken right after checking my coat at Pete Miller's. I paired my red hair with copper eye makeup, bronzer, dramatic costume earrings and a tomato (orange-red) hued top from Anthropologie.

It's too cold out to not look silly in pastels, but fashion-wise spring is here. And it calls for color!

Spring 2012 trend: yellow!

Today, it was 50 degrees in Chicago! In January! I should have bought a lottery ticket today and opened a dozen fortune cookies, because today felt like my lucky day!

Thinking ahead to spring, one look I cannot wait to try is this:

Tibi S/S 2012

Christian Siriano S/S 2012

I have a bright yellow Rachel Pally convertible dress that can turn into a long skirt. I'll try to keep my eyes open for either yellow trousers or a pleated chiffon skirt... and a great nude silk tee!

The look from Tibi is perfect: on trend and effortless. The golden combination!

Color for S/S 2012

Some might think that because I gravitate towards neutrals, it means I hate color. I absolutely love color, but am very selective with how it is used. Abusive color use just comes across as vulgar... I am tempted to say some people just have "too much taste," but as Karl Lagerfeld brilliantly pointed out, "there's taste and no taste."

The blog, The Perfect Palette, dissects color use fairly well. It's not always to my taste but for a vintage-quirky aesthetic, I think she's on it. Major kudos to her as well for developing this handy chart of Pantone's must-have hues for S/S 2012:

I'm looking forward to seeing Driftwood, Cabaret, Solar Power, and Tangerine Tango on the shopping racks this spring. Oranges, yellows and bright pinks look fantastic on me... whenever I want to turn heads and shine, yellow is my color!

Another small fitting bracelet!

I am pretty excited... I now have two bracelets that can fit my small wrists! During Hanukah I received a gorgeous David Yurman bangle and now I layer it with this bracelet by New York -based designer Nicole Schumann:

Today I went shopping... It was torturous looking at all of the resort and spring fashions in the shop windows lining the Gold Coast. In particular, there was this incredible tulle circle skirt in the window at Marc Jacobs... It was bright pink and amazing.

I needed to stay focused: Bloomingdale's Home first for a crystal skull; then lunch; then get a new gym outfit at Lululemon; then go to the Bloomies in the 900 Building to buy M.A.C. eyeshadow and bronzer.

I scored great stuff at Lululemon! I bought a long sleeve Swifty tee in "Paris Pink," a grey striped halter top with built-in sports bra, and plain black Groove pants. I also ordered a feminine sports bra off their website when I got home--- on sale for only $19! And they have most sizes left in black and grey, so it's totally worth checking the sale section on their website.

To warm up my complexion, I bought M.A.C.'s bronzing powder compact in "Golden." If you are pale, run to your nearest counter and get you some. Fo' real. It's the best bronzer because the shimmer hides imperfections and gives a glow--- and it won't make you look dirty or orange! I bought a bright copper eyeshadow to go with it... I'm going to try a darker copper look until spring weather arrives.

Why are these not in store? Madewell

The thing about Chicago that makes up for the winters (Hi, my name is Nikki and I've been procrastinating going outside all day!) is the shopping. Usually.

I was browsing the Madewell website just now and I came across some pretty fabulous handmade sunglasses by super:

If you already clicked on the link, then you know what I'm thinking... Why on earth would you have physical store locations and make sunglasses online only? Sunglasses are the kind of thing you need to try on... they either work for your face or they don't.

Annoying!

I'll probably take my husband there next weekend or so. He's been wanting some new casual looks, since it seems all he's shopped for in the last six months is suiting and other professional attire.

At this point, I wear comfy lounge/yoga clothes all day until about 5 pm when I throw on some makeup, jeans and a cute top before my husband comes home. No man wants to come home to the crazy stretch pants lady. I'm totally aware of how retro that concept is, by the way.

Lululemon: black and white

Have you noticed that I wear a lot of black and white? And grey?

I might need to slow my roll before I end up looking like Cruella deVille, sans dalmation puppy fur coat.

I'm really excited about my new Lululemon outfit, since it looks pretty cute together (although I'll admit that it is rather matchy-matchy) and the black and white print will mix well with my more brightly colored pieces too:

This tank has a great built-in sports bra and a sexy racer back.

Hopefully, this can stay white without bleaching.

I like a mix of cropped pants and full length. On me, they are a bit longer so in this cold weather I can still wear them with tall boots for the walk to the pilates studio.

My husband got a pair of their lounge pants and a sweatshirt, but now refuses to wear Lululemon because his older brother told him that the logo isn't an omega but a "woman's bob haircut."

I will probably just exchange his items for more workout clothes for me. I'm planning on continuing pilates twice a week at the harder intermediate level (I'm pretty excited) and then either registering for krav maga or zumba classes in addition. That requires more cute workout clothes in my laundry rotation!

Anthro's Striped Intersection tee

Yesterday I went over to my local Anthropologie to exchange a blouse and cardigan my husband picked out for me. He saw the combo on a mannequin and thought it looked cute. God bless him, but the mannequins wear a size 4 and a small bralet. I know because I used to dress them when I worked there. I wear a size 0 there and my rack cannot fit into one of their bralets. So the top was a little big in the shoulders and the button down cardigan was way too tight in the bust. But he tried.

Now, my favoritest of favorite things I purchased is this top, the "Striped Intersection" tee:

I don't care who you are. This top will give you the illusion of a tiny waist and sexy cleavage. It also looks really cute tucked into a tulip skirt!

I bought another top that was one of their newer arrivals, but it's not on the website yet. It had an interlocking cumberbun of sorts and also makes the chest look great.

That's the ONE good side effect of all of the pills I'm taking-- my bust right now is a very full DD. Instead of worrying about stretching sweaters out, I'm embracing my inner Dolly Parton and having fun with it.

I also scored a fab deal on a tulip skirt. Yesterday was the last day, but all sale merchandise at Anthropologie was an additional 50% off. I ended up getting a great dark wool skirt for only $15!

Did anyone else find something fabulous during their sale?

Treat day!

I guess today is my official first day back to being a housewife. Household executive. Stay at home non-mom. Cute housewife by day, trained assassin by night.

Never you mind... Today I have a very busy schedule that consists of a mini spa day at the ritzy Red Door Spa on Michigan Ave. (FYI, it's really on Walton. The plaque for it that its address is based on is posted right outside of the Louis Vuitton on Michigan Ave.), lunch and doing an exchange at the Anthropologie on State St. (pro tip: in the secret mall that no one goes in, compared to the Chicago Ave. location).

What better way to kick things off than to just relax today and get prettied up in anticipation for NYE and a party New Year's Day?

Some nail ideas I found while wasting time on Pinterest:

I really like this jacket by Liefsdottir at Anthro:

Structured outerlayers work really well on me right now. Though with jackets, it is all about how the arms are constructed. I like a nice narrow arm, because looser arms can make a petite girl like myself look 10 lbs heavier instantly.

I love winter white and I think this piece would look great with silk tanks and jeans tucked into boots until spring time. In spring, I can see it thrown over a sundress with sandals or paired with white skinny pants for an evening dinner look. I hope my local store still has it in the size 0! Online is sold out!

PS- I am also doing a few other productive things today like unpacking the ungodly amount of Fab.com purchases from the last three weeks and grocery shopping/making dinner tonight. And if I have time, getting my library/office perfectly organized so I can begin working on my children's book illustrations. It's my new "going to the office."

Score! A bangle that fits my small wrists!

Check it out. David Yurman's Fleur de Lis bangle fits my tiny wrists. Happy 4th night of Hanukah to me!

Shimmer for the New Year

Yesterday I bought this delicate lace-stitch metallic cardigan in silver:

Not bad for only $27 from Banana Republic... Isn't that how it always works though, you go into a store to purchase a gift for someone else and find something for yourself too?

It's the perfect throw-over with a v-neck tee, jeans, and tall boots or ballet flats.

My husband is so cute... He bought me the cutest blouse and sweater from Anthropologie for Hanukah. Unfortunately, the blouse was too wide in the shoulders and the sweater was way to small in the bust. Still, it's the thought that counts!