Recession Session

Now that we are officially in a recession, there is not much shopping going on and if there is, I have read that people are feeling guilty for shopping so they are asking for nondescript bags instead of the Louis Vuitton or Prada that their purchases would normally appear in. Guilt shoppers is what they are called, but I am not one of them, I just don't have a plethora of extra money for shopping these days. I saw these tips on The View and thought they were great tips to make your clothing last longer whether you're crunched for cash or not.

Ideal for women who may be pregnant, are in-between sizes or have gained or lost weight and don't want to have to buy a new wardrobe, try the Instant Button™ for Jeans. Instant Button™ for Jeans (not limited to pants, shorts, skirts, etc...) is a removable button that instantly and seamlessly alters the waistband up to one and a half sizes without requiring a belt or an alteration. Instant Button for Jeans comes in a set of two buttons with 2 post lengths (6mm and 8mm), one of each, to accommodate the various jeans thickness.

To use, place the instant button in the desired location, insert the post through the jeans to the underside, and secure it with the clutch fastener to the back of the post. $15 for a set of two, these are definitely easier (and cheaper!) than buying new jeans.

Garment Guard™ is disposable underarm shields designed to adhere to the inside of clothing to protect from deodorant stains and wet marks and helps clothing last longer. Creating a barrier between clothing and underarms, Garment Guard is unisex and available in beige or black cotton in two sizes, you can get five pair for $10.95. I can't wait to try these!

2009 Academy Awards

This is hard work, watching the Oscars, eating chinese food and giving you guys the scoop on who wore what and why before the drinks start flowing. But that is the sacrifice I make for you, dear readers, by giving you a glimpse of my hits and misses before the morn. Stay tuned tomorrow for my Best and Worst dressed Oscar style and how to make yourself Award Worthy!

(Click on Photo for Larger View)

I think Kate Winslet looks fabulous and Miley Cyrus' gown makes me want to take up origami.


I don't love Sarah Jessica Parker's dress, it looks similar to styles she's worn before. Queen Latifah looks awesome, she tends to dress for her body type.


I did a double takewhen I saw this: that is Phoebe Cates, PHOEBE CATES, ladies and gentlemen! Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Drop Dead Fred, Phoebe. I adore Natalie Portman, I think she gets it right when it comes to fashion.


Not loving Melissa Leo's dress and I am happy, HAPPY I tell you that Meryl Streep looks great! She keeps me on on pins and needles with her fashion choices, that Meryl.


I like Jessica Biel's gown but she doesn't look polished. Heidi Klum's a supermodel, what do you expect?


I think Freida Pinto is so beautiful but I can't say that I love her dress. Could Evan Rachel Wood BE any paler with her pasty skin and washed out dress?!?


Brad looks great, Angie is blah (but love the earrings!) and I am not loving Beyonce's look at all. As usual, her idea of glamour is her mermaid look.


I enjoyed Amy Adams' necklace more than I love her gown. Anne Hathaway is stunning.


I like Taraji P. Henson's dress but I think she should have worn her hair up. It's the Oscars, for gosh sakes! I like Vanessa Hudgens' look, she looks young and sexy without looking overdone.


Let's take a minute for Tilda Swinton. I know that she doesn't look great but I love her nontheless because she takes IT there. She is bold in her fashion choices but doesn't ever look like someone else dressed her. She is doing it Tilda Style and you gotta love that.

Style Profile: Zoe Kravitz

I guess it's inevitable that the spawn of one of my fave fashion icons, Denise Huxtable, has given us the gift of Zoe. The daughter of Lisa Bonet and rocker Lenny Kravitz is busy setting style trends all her own. Part flower child with a mix of grunge and a dash of haute couture, Zoe is a fledgling actress who has had roles in The Brave One and No Reservations. Mixing vintage and thrift store finds with the latest Marc Jacobs or Chanel bags and heels, Zoe's style is boho chic, girlie and eclectic. Kravitz cites Carrie Bradshaw and Jimi Hendrix as style influences.





Don't be afraid to mix textures or experiment. The black and white Chanel dress (above right) that Zoe is wearing is actually a skirt!



Need inspiration? Look at your parent's old yearbooks from the 60's or rent Love Story or Annie Hall.

Style Profile: Kathryn Amberleigh

For shoes with personality, you have got to check out Kathryn Amberleigh! The designs are inspired by several generations, including old Hollywood glamour and the punkiness of the 1980's. Fun and fearless but totally wearable, Kathryn Amberleigh shoes help you kick your shoe game up a notch!

Shameless whoring Part 2:

Available at Jokae's African American Books in Dallas
I know they have it because I've seen it there!


Zara gift card



Thank you and good night!

Shameless whoring for last minute gifts:

As much as I think that Jessica Simpson can't sing, the girl's shoe line is uber-fab! I saw these:

Jessica Simspon shoes on the net and secretly lusted for them but when I saw them in person, I was hooked. Of course they were out of my size in the store and online so I went to where all things that can't be found are found: Ebay.

There I found them, in my size AND ten bucks cheaper than in the store. I heart them but of course me never being satisfied, have decided that I must have these as well:

Jessica Simpson Parigi pump $75 @ Zappos

I see them in my dreams with a flirty dress. Will Santa bring them to me in an 8.5 or at the very least a Visa gift card? Stay tuned.......

Faux Real?

I have a friend who recently confessed that she wants a fur coat. huh? I envisioned Cruella de Ville wanting a coat out of dalmatians, complete with long cigarette and grey streak.

What about faux fur? I asked. No, she insists, I want the real thing.

You know we're in Texas and that it doesn't get that cold, right? And who wears real fur these days (besides Mary J. Blige and blue haired old ladies-who-lunch.) Besides, PETA isn't playing around these days, those people will kill to protect animals!

Just a jacket, she clarified. Oh, ok, I have been wanting a crop fur jacket ever since I saw one at an estate sale and didn't buy it a few years ago. I have been kicking myself ever since.

But I have found some faux fur options that she may like:


Charlotte Ronson Bolero


Gryphon The Pretender vest

Vintage 70's Faux Fur Vest M/L

mod faux fur cropped 70s vintage brown jacket

VTG 90's Faux Fur Slouchy Vest with Collar - XS-L

So let's save some minks, rabbits and chinchillas and buy FAUX!

View My Fave Pick HERE