Fashion

Ooh! This video!? I just learned a really handy trick for using nude flats to look taller:

If you’re petite like moi, or if you just want to add a couple of virtual inches without wearing heels, wear a pair of nude flats — ideally, with a slightly pointy toe — in a shade close to your skin tone. It’ll make your legs look longer.

Also, for the full effect, pair the flats with pants that hit above your ankle, and tuck in your shirt.

Well I’ll be a crazy cat lady… It really works! I got iPhone pic proof yesterday when I went to DSW looking for a pair of nude flats (I had a coupon burning a hole in my pocket. WOO HOO!).

Much to my chagrin, I didn’t hit a home run on the flats, though. I came pretty close with this tan and gold number by Vionic…

They’re one of those shoes that look cuter on your feet than they look sitting on the shelf, but I really wanted something with pointier toe, so I left without them.

At first I thought the cork-like material was kind of odd-looking (like, am I gonna be walking around with wine corks on my feet??), but with the gold flecks, the material looks almost like Chanel tweed.

MONEY SAVING TIP!

If you’re shopping in a DSW store and see a pair of shoes you like, check the website before buying, because sometimes their shoes are less on the website than they are in the stores, and vice versa. For example, the Vionic Minna Ballet Flats shown here are $119 in the store and $89.99 online. That’s a big difference!

The flats also felt like they were already “broken in” (so, not stiff), and the insoles had a fairly high cushioned arch, which I was living for because flats usually have zero arch support.

I came this close to bringing them home, but alas… Gonna keep looking around. If I can’t find anything else, I’ll go back for them.

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One of my arguably unhelpful talents is my uncanny ability to misplace expensive jewelry.

Got a priceless heirloom engagement ring that you want to get off your hands? Loan it to me for a day!! 🙂 That pear-shaped monstrosity you got from your mother-in-law? I’ll make sure you never see it again.

My friend, this is why I primarily stick to costume jewelry. Sure, some of it might turn my finger green someday, but when the inevitable occurs and it decides to “free itself from my clutches,” I won’t be financially crushed by it.

To that end…

I saw these cute and dainty pieces by Universal Thread at Target the other day… Swoon!

They have some heft to them, so they don’t feel cheap. Quality-wise, they’re similar to what you’d get at LOFT, so a little better than “starter” costume jewelry from Charming Charlie or Forever21, but not as substantial as something from Ann Taylor, Kendra Scott or Kate Spade.

So, perfect if you’re on a budget but want something to jooj up a plain white tee and jeans or cutoffs. Also good if you want something to wear to the beach that you don’t have to constantly worry about losing.

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FYI, Anthropologie is where it’s at if you need a $500 muumuu (or mu’umu’u)!

I wish I could say I was kidding, but I’m not. While I was there other day plundering the sale rack, I spotted this bright, silky green caftan on sale for $300 (marked down from $500 though!).

Needless to say, the current status of Muumuu Quest at Tabs the Cat Industries LLC is still DSM (Desperately Seeking Muumuu).

(Pause here for OHEMGEE face.)

Doesn’t the print look like an abstract painting of peacock feathers? Or an abstract kelp forest in the ocean?

I think it’s lovely, and the silk felt fabulous (seriously, when does one get the chance to try on a $500 muumuu?), but there’s no way in hell I’m spending that much for a dress to knock around the house in.

Mind you, the Mrs. Roper-ness levels on it were very, VERY high. Helen would be totally feeling it. It looked terrible on me, though, because the drawstring waist hit at a weird spot, the sleeves were a little too drape-y, and the neckline was way too wide.

It was a hard no.

This muumuu-esque dress by Maeve has navy tassels, oh-la-la!

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I stepped in five puddles on my way to DSW today. It’s been pouring! Before the past two hours, during which we’ve had a brief sunny respite, I’d seen the sun twice all week long. But that’s OK! Because spring is here! — she said, rocking herself back and forth. The sun will be here any time.

All we have to do is hang in there, and to pass the time we can talk about cute sandals. 🙂

I went to DSW today with Novato’s littlest shoe fanatic, who was very opinionated, by the way. She had no qualms about telling me which shoes passed muster.

I saw a bunch of cute sandals while we were there…

1. B.O.C. Adney Flat Sandal in Blush ($39.99)

Like these B.O.C. blush flats. The foot bed was squishy and comfortable, and I love the little petals.

2. Dr. Scholl’s Wander On Flat Sandal ($49.99)

The rubber bottom makes these Dr. Scholl’s Wander On Flats look a little like hospital shoes, but I like how the fabric twists on the top.

3. Sam Edelman Gates Sandal ($39.99)

I like these mostly because they remind me of Snuffleupagus.

4. Kelly & Katie Bania Flat Sandal ($39.99)

They’re faux leather, but they look more expensive than $40 to me. And there’s something very Jackie O. about them.

5. Sam Edelman Grace Sandal ($39.99)

The cutest beaded detail! I like the mixed metal action happening, too. I think these would go with lots of different outfits.

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***TARGET SHOPPER ALERT***

I found the cutest line of clothes at Target. I think it just launched — like, literally just rolled out! — because when I walked into the store this week, the sales associates were pulling these huge racks of clothes, and they were stocking the displays and ooh-ing and ah-ing as they hung the shirts, dresses and sweaters, which, of course, stopped me in my tracks.

The line is called Universal Thread. It’s very J.Crew-meets-Levi’s, with a sprinkle of Ann Taylor on top. There’s lots of denim and prices mostly around $25, with different cuts of jeans, different washes and — get this — different lengths. I saw short, regular and long. And some cute mid- and high-rise styles, too.

Buuuuuuut I didn’t get any jeans, LOL! I grabbed a few tops instead because 1) they were adorable (hi), and 2) I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to find my size if I hesitated, so I just went for it.

I’m head-over-heels for this light blue denim button-up shirt.

It’s comfy heavyweight 100% cotton and has two pockets on the front (also seems well made). The fit’s on the looser side, too, so it fits like a boyfriend shirt, but it isn’t over-sized or anything.

I’ve been wanting something like this for ages to layer on top of dresses and tank tops. It’s perfect! And I have a feeling it’s going to last a long time.

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An awesome and affordable $40 $30 (!) raincoat

OK, so I mentioned wanting a new raincoat, right? I wanted on that was affordable. Well…I bought one!

Turns out that the Target down the street had this olive-colored one by A New Day on sale for $30! So I tried it on, and…now it’s my new raincoat. 🙂

Even for $39.99, it’s pretty boss. It’s a thinner coat, so I don’t expect to go traipsing around the Alps in it, but it’s lined and cozy. It should be enough for the 60s and 50s, and maybe the 40s if you’re made of stronger stuff than I am. If it dips much lower than that, though, you’ll probably need a warm and toasty layer underneath.

The sleeves are long enough to cover my wrists (THANK GOD), but they aren’t too long, and I like the length (long but not too long) and how the waist hits exactly where it should. I also love the olive color and that the hood completely covers my head.

Olive works as a neutral, so I think it’ll go with just about anything.

I do have to say that the shoulders are kinda tight…so if you’ve got a swimmer or water polo player’s shoulders, first of all, I’m jealous! Second, try the coat on first to make sure it fits.

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