Timeless Tuesday - Houndstooth

Dear Claire,

What is it about this pattern of black and white repeating itself that is just so wonderfully endearing?

I can't explain it - it must be the eighth wonder of the world.  All I know is, it's not going anywhere.  So buy a houndstooth scarf, pencil skirt, or purse, and you'll get years of use out of it.

Love ya when you're wearing black and white!

Mom

Pants That Fit

Dear Claire,

Please, buy pants that fit.

I know that you're going to go through some phases where you wear clothes because they're trendy and all of your friends are wearing them.  These clothes aren't always going to be very flattering and will often make you look awkward.  I get it.  This is part of growing up.

But, if you could just buy pants that fit, I promise it will make you cringe a lot less when you look back at pictures one day.

If your pants are too small, they won't look right.  If your pants are too big, they won't look right.  If they're too short or too long, they won't look right.

Flare.  Skinny.  Ripped.  Dyed. Bell-Bottoms.  Harem.   Even Acid-Washed.  

I'm cool with all of the above; just buy the right size.

Love you Girl,
Mom. 

Timless Tuesdays - Burberry

Dear Claire,

What is it about those three, somewhat bland colours, that when put together in such an organized fashion they just look classic?

All hail the Queen! Gotta love Burberry, and trust me, it's definitely timeless.

Timeless Tuesday - Sewing

Dear Claire,

Sewing is one of the best skills to have!  It is wonderful to be able to hem your own pants, fix a button, and even create your own clothes and household items.

All the most famous and fabulous fashion designers can sew, so put yourself in lovely company and learn this timeless skill.

Love Mom

Super handy!

Super Fun!

Super Coco!

Super Retro!

Super Best Ever Mr. Valentino!



One Trend at a Time

Dear Claire,

The other day I saw a picture of myself in grade seven.

I'm wearing:

-short denim overalls with one of the straps undone and half the bib folded down

-white hi-top L.A. Gear shoes with multi-coloured shoelaces

-a purple fanny pack

-a Chicago Bulls hat

You can't see the back of my head in the picture, but I'm fairly certain there is a "scrunchie" back there.

This is a picture of tragedy.  Tragedy in epic proportions.

I'm pretty sure that one or two trends at a time will do. 

Try wearing the "in" colour and then one other trend and you will look stylish, on point, and like you just might know what you're doing.

Anything more than two is overkill.  You'll look like you're trying too hard.

Trying too hard in fashion is the kiss of death.  Avoid this death whenever possible.

Love you even if you mess this one up...you're only twelve once.
Mom

p.s. - I wonder if Paris Hilton ever cries when she google-images herself?


 

Seriously? You're either a runner or a heel - you're not allowed to be both.

Dear Claire,

There are very few pieces of fashion or trends that I truly despise.  You may choose to embrace these trends just to spite me and I will accept that. It's true however, that I will cringe every time you walk out the door into public.  And I will cringe a second time for all of the innocent eyes that are laid on you in some ridicuous get-up.  And I will cringe a third and final time for your future eyes that will one day look back at pictures of yourself and want to cry.

The one thing I will forbid you to ever wear is the platform running shoe. This shoe is wrong on all levels.  It makes no sense.  It is unattractive.  It doesn't look right with pants or a skirt. It is neither here nor there.  It's the equivlent of wearing a clown wig all day on your feet.  They should be collected like the books in "Fahrenheit 451' and burned in the town square.

Please honey, promise mommy you'll never wear these??? Please?

Love Mom

 

In the Navy

Dear Claire,

When it comes to fashion, there are very few things that will stand the test of time.  A little black dress, fitted white t-shirts, and a khaki trench coat are about the only things you can bank on being in style every single year.

If you want to look gorgeous every season, regardless of the trends, ensure that your wardrobe has a few key pieces in navy blue.

Navy blue is the most undervalued colour!  Wear a navy suit instead of a black one, you'll appear more chic and stand out next to the thousand women all in black. 

The best thing about navy blue is that it is a great colour for accessories.  Hair bands, belts, and scarves all look fabulous in navy.  Navy blue sandals with white capris...hello Jackie Kennedy on a sailboat!  Floor length navy gown with martini in hand...Audrey Hepburn is that you?!  

Navy also flatters any hair colour; it will look great whether your hair is brown, blond, or red.  Navy will even do wonders for your complexion, black often looks harsh and creams may "wash you out"; navy will brighten your face beautifully.

Casual navy blue may be the best of all!  White and blue striped t-shirts for the sailor summer, navy shorts flatter any figure, and what is cuter than a navy cocktail dress with tiny white polka dots?? Nothing.

So join the navy doll, and you'll be a beauty every time.

Love Mom

ps - one exception...navy blue leather is puke-worthy so skip the leather bags and shoes

Jeans - A Wardrobe Staple

Dear Claire,

Without question, blue jeans will always be a staple in your wardrobe.  Jeans are something that can be worn almost anywhere: school, grocery shopping, around the house, and even work!

In saying that however, all jeans are not created equal! 

Rules for wearing jeans:

1. Know what leg style looks best on your body.  Whether it's a straight, wide, skinny, or boot leg, always wear the cut that flatters your body the best.  Sometimes a new cut will be in style, but that doesn't mean you should wear it.  The only thing that will come of wearing a trend that doesn't suit you, is looking back at pictures and saying "yikes...what was I thinking?".

2. Know what style can be worn to different places/events.  Don't wear ripped, low-rise or any other trendy style of jean to work.  It's unprofessional and should be saved for more caual places.

3. High school is the time to have fun with your jeans.  When you're in high school you have a lot of freedom and can wear just about anything.  While I still recommend wearing the cut that flatters your body best, you can have fun with just about everything else.  Wear jeans that are coloured, torn, "washed" any way, adorened with safety pins, graffiti, and just about anything else you can think of.

4. Never wear jeans to a wedding or funeral.  No matter where you live, the size of the event, or the time of day - never, and I mean, NEVER, wear jeans to a wedding or funeral.  This is beyond tacky and will reflect your immaturity and disrespect for these special occasions if you don't take the time to dress appropriately.

Love Mom

p.s. - don't wash your jeans every time you wear them, and when you do, turn them inside-out