A Whole New World

It’s a difficult transition in a woman’s life when she graduates to the “Misses” clothing section of department stores.

It’s hard to resist the temptation of the Juniors section, which resembles the best party you’ve never been invited to. The bright lights, the rainbow of colors, the upbeat music and the glitter on the floor can be intoxicating to the eyes.

I once thought I was having a seizure, but then realized I was just in the dressing room of the Juniors section at Macy’s.

When you graduate to the Misses section, you realize that it has a different feel. No longer are you greeted by pictures of fresh-faced young women who appear to be having the best day of their entire lives simply by wearing leggings as pants and a see-thru blouse while jumping into the air.

Instead, the Misses section feels more like you are now a member of the book club, “Lonely Literate Ladies of the Library Who Embrace Lace and the Occasional Lower Leaking.”

You walk through a maze of aisles littered with embroidered holiday sweatshirts, turtlenecks and cap-sleeved shirts in putrid colors like mint, taupe, off-white and mother of pearl. The only music you can hear is the faint sound of Edwain McCain singing, “I’ll be Your Crying Shoulder,” which is playing on repeat as you slowly digest your new reality.

You search and search for something “fun” to wear to your girl’s night out, which now starts at 4 pm on a Saturday and consists of a “party” at a friend’s house who is trying to sell you crappy candles that never burn out, over-priced purses that resemble diaper bags (but you can get your initials embroidered on them for only $30 extra) and over-priced costume jewelry made by some chick named, “Lia Sophia,” who I am convinced was that girl in high school who told me that my Gap sweatshirt was “so two years ago.”

Sadly, it’s inevitable that every lady must eventually embrace the Misses section. There comes a time when we must get over the delusion that we can walk into a Wet Seal or Forever 21 store and NOT get the stink eye from every young sales associate who has figured out that a small waist is more celebrated than intellect in our society.

We should no longer be shocked when we enter these stores and are immediately asked, “Are you looking for something for your daughter?” I, of course, say all of this out of righteous jealousy.

I realize that this can be an overwhelming and confusing process so I’m here to help.

Below, I’ve devised a list of when you know it’s time to venture on over to the Misses section:

1)     You are trying on the same outfit as your granddaughter.

2)     You have a granddaughter.

3)     You’ve used a rotary phone in your lifetime.

4)     You have ever uttered the words, “It’s too loud in here.”

5)     You eat yogurt for the probiotics, which was recommended to you by your doctor after your recent colonoscopy.

6)     You listen to NPR…even on the weekends.

7)     You no longer ask for an STD test when at your annual lady appointment.

8)     You have conversations with your friends that begin with, “Broccoli makes me gassy.”

9)     You remember Reaganomics.

10)  Your husband was in WW1.

Good luck! It’s an unjust world out there. However, we can change it. In order to do so, we must band together and redefine beauty in our society. We should demand that women over the age of 30 are treated equally and have the right to be sold attractive clothing.

We should occupy the aisles of every department store until age is deemed more beautiful than youth. We should…well, let’s be honest, we’re all too invested in “The Real Housewives” to find time for any of that. The new season of Orange County just started and Vicki has a new chin!

 

 

A video from the author… 

CHUNKY… and we’re not referring to Campbell’s soup!

Put a modern twist on 60′s mod with the new CHUNKY heel for Spring!

For those wanting comfort, you’ll be pleased to know that your ankles can sit comfortably this season on a stacked thick heel that won’t make you feel like you are sacrificing for fashion!  We first noticed the trend last Fall during Spring 2013 Fashion Week with a nod toward vintage.  Look for the chunky heel in all styles: high heel pumps, loafers, and strappy sandals.  When it comes to chunky heels, the stacked heel is a popular look, but other options include two-tone, metallic and even cork heels.

What we love about the chunky heel, in addition to the style, is the level of comfort. Since it offers walking ease and ankle support, and with the 1960’s inspired look, you’ll be at the height of fashion AND comfort.   Think of how mod you’ll look if you pair this versatile shoe with a flirty feminine dress . This type of heel coordinates perfectly with nearly anything because of its ready-to-wear colors and patterns.You won’t have to worry about wearing a pair of these to work. The chunky heel can be paired with dress slacks, and other professional attire to put a stylish twist on the banal business suit.

The chunky heel is one of the few styles of shoe that one can wear for the entire day. Throughout daytime and evening looks the chunky heel prevails. Consider wearing a chunky heel that is two-toned, a bright yellow patent, or you can always play it safe with a neutral.

Try trading your usual summer wedges in for a chunky heel.
Whether for work or play, we’re quite certain you’ll fall in love with the chunky heel, but don’t worry—we’re not suggesting you dispose of your classically sexy stilettos! This shoe with a retro twist is a great way to update your wardrobe for 2013.

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Fashions from Top World Designers Spotted at Phoenix Premium Outlets Grand Opening

April 4, 2013 marked the grand opening of the new and highly anticipated Phoenix Premium Outlets in Chandler, AZ.  Fashions from top designers such as Coco Chanel, Jimmy Choo, Christian Louboutin, Gucci and more graced the shelves of Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th.   If you have visited the outlet malls in Anthem and Tempe, you know it’s uncommon to see a decent selection of products from leading designers.  It was an unexpected surprise and I broke my two week tweet silence in hopes of informing Phoenix Fashionistas of the noteworthy finds.

Saks Off Fifth was stocked with the usual Saks outlet merchandise but to my surprise, there were some higher end designers not frequently seen in the outlet stores.  There were Coco Chanel dresses lined with silk, St. John suits, Escada slacks and blouses and Judith Leiber handbags.  Designer shoes included  Gucci, Kate Spade, Chanel, Louboutin, Jimmy Choo, Lanvin and more.  Just a couple weeks ago, Neiman Marcus Last Call received their twice annual shipment of designer shoes.  Women were waiting outside the doors, myself included, and within the first 20 minutes of unlocking the doors, the shelves were stripped of Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo and Chanel in the common sizes.

There were quite a few popular designer stores that were not prepared for the April opening.  Stores that did not open this weekend included Ralph Lauren, Movado, Kate Spade, Crabtree and Evelyn and Cole Haan.  The premium outlet website has posted estimated opening dates for these stores and others that weren’t prepared for the grand opening event.   Coach made the date and shoppers were lined up outside the store until closing.

All in all, it was a pleasant surprise to see the beautiful merchandise in Off 5th.  Other stores in the mall were bustling with people and cars were still arriving an hour before the mall was closing for the night.  Whether or not such high end merchandise will continue to be stocked at Off 5th is yet to be discovered.  It’s entertaining to handle the clothes and take the opportunity to try them on in an unpretentious setting.  When they are gone, that might be it, with the exception of special arrival events.

Fashion with a Purpose

As a cancer survivor I can tell you that despite its terror, there are some good things that have come about because of it.  I can also tell you that cancer supporters can come in many different forms.  When I was stricken with it myself some of the people I thought would be there for me– were not,  and some I never would of dreamed of came to my side.

I recently attended the Wellness Community Red Carpet Event hosted at Saks Fifth Avenue.   The event was full of beautiful women coming together to support this non-profit organization that is “An Affiliate of the Cancer Support Community.” I was touched  to see so much corporate support for such a personal issue.   National Bank of Arizona was one of the corporate sponsors as well.On hand to show her support was Deborah Bateman, the Executive Vice President and Director of Wealth Strategies for the National Bank of Arizona.

The co-chairs of the event were Maritza Braga-Brown and Susan Williams.  The event highlighted Juanita Francis as the annual Hope Awards Honoree recipient.  The elegant bistro breakfast was provided by Benedict’s and Nothing Bundt Cakes added a little take home treat in the swag bags.The fashion show hosted by Saks Fifth Avenue was fabulous and the styles were retro, circa 1960.

Saks Fifth Avenue donated $25 gift cards and a generous portion of all proceeds from the event went  to the Wellness Community.

From my perspective as a publisher for a women’s magazine, I am often privy to many of these red carpet events and I must say that often times I get to see and meet with amazing women and they always inspire me.  They are always gracious, forward thinking and have the biggest hearts.  (A couple of them have fabulous shoes too!)

I hope that someday I too will be able to inspire young women the way these amazing women have inspired me.

Arizona Winter Fur Fashion Dos and Don’ts

Well, it certainly has been a rather unusual winter here in Arizona.

The past two winters have brought relatively mild temperatures to the Valley of the Sun, but this winter has been a different story.  Some people may not like it, but those of us who are winter wardrobe lovers sure are loving it.

The storage vault is emptier than it has been in years as more and more ladies stop by to pick up their beautiful furs. And for the past couple of weeks, there have been many sightings of these chic women around town wearing their lovely furs.

How great it has been to see ladies on crisp winter nights bundled up in their furs all toasty warm and looking like a million bucks!

With all of that in mind, here are a few dos and don’ts, which will help keep your garment in tip-top condition as you wear them throughout the winter season:

 

• Do shake out your garment before you wear it.  This will release any loose fur and dust that may have settled in the coat
• Do be kind to your coat by not wearing a handbag strap on your shoulder.  This will, over time, break the hairs off of the shoulder area and cause a wear spot to become apparent.
• Don’t spray perfume on while wearing your fur.  The alcohol in the perfume is drying and is harmful to your fur.
• Do wear a silk scarf around the inside neck of your fur.  This will protect your garment from any makeup that might be near your neck.
• Do unbutton your coat when you get into the car to sit down.  This keeps undue stress off of the closures which could tear and damage the pelts of the fur.
• Don’t dry a wet fur with artificial heat.  If your coat gets wet, shake it out and hang it up with plenty of air around it.  If by some chance it gets soaked, bring it to us immediately—a little wet is okay—a lot wet could become a problem—try to use an umbrella!
• Do get your fur cleaned if something gets spilled on it such as food or alcohol.  If you are traveling to a cold country and snow and/or salt gets on the bottom, bring the coat to us upon your return so we can clean it.
• Do be careful with the linings of your fur.  They are nearly impossible to get clean—much harder to clean than the fur.  Nine times out of ten, if the lining gets badly stained, there is nothing that will fix problem, and the coat will need a new lining.

 

The weather forecast tells us that there may be even more opportunities this season to break out the fur. If you do and decide yours is out of style or does not fit right, consider trading it in.  This is the perfect time to buy something new that you will still be able to wear this season, or lay away for next season.

Fur coats, fur-trimmed cloth coats, leather coats and fur accessories of all kinds are experiencing an all-time high in terms of popularity all over Europe, which, as we all know, means that in a few short seasons every fashionista in the states is going to be wearing the most updated fur fashions available.

So remember… It’s not about the Arizona winter weather, it’s about the fashion!

 

Customizing Your House Key with Nail Polish

In the consumer world we live in sometimes it seems easier and faster to simply purchase items rather than making your own, but that leads to mass amounts of items and keeps you from being the original and unique self that you are.

One thing that we used to customize at home was our house keys. I remember getting my first one and being super excited to decorate it and make it unique and then showing it off at school – which in the end led me to losing it, but I did enjoy it while I did have it! Now it is simple to just run to any grocery or home repair store and pick up one of the many keys they have on stock, but then all the fun of creating your own special key is taken away.

So I have created a custom key that only I can have and I just love that! Below I have photographed my step-by-step process of creating my candy-stripe key that I made with something most of you probably already own, nail polish!

Step 1: First make sure that your key is extremely clean. You don’t want to start painting it with any dirt on it, so make sure you have a clean slate to begin on. Then I added a thin coat of clear nail polish to create the base level of your key.

Step 2: I then began to coat the entire key with a silver nail polish. This is a metallic shade so it glistens in the lights, but matte colors are great for this as well. The color I chose was unfortunately quite sheer so I painted three coats of the silver, allowing ample drying time between each layer.

Step 3: This is where the real fun begins! You can basically do any design you would like on the key now that you have a solid coat for the background. I chose to play around with some sparkly pink stripes, but anything from polka-dots to hearts or other shapes can be super easy to create and lots of fun! After the pink stripes I thought it needed just a little bit more pizazz, so I added more sparkle, of course! I lined the edges of the key with shimmering black nail polish.

 

Step 4: Now that all the colorful additions are done on your key, make sure to let the paint sit and dry for plenty of time. After that it is time for the final clear coat to seal the polish in. I layered it on a little thick for this coat just to make sure it was nice and smooth. I recommend leaving it for an hour to fully dry before using it, and then of course enjoy it and make sure to show it off to all your friends when it is complete!

Preparing for a TV Debut: The Outfit

Now that your hair and make-up are styled impeccably and you look like you’re ready for the taping, you need to get dressed. Simple right? Just throw on a nice looking top and skirt and you feel like you are ready to go, but unfortunately it isn’t that simple.

One basic rule is no green! Even if you are 99% sure you will be nowhere near a green screen, you never know if you may walk in front of one for the segment or it may be added to your set last minute, so it is better to just stay away from that color in order to not be known at the floating head on television. Another color to avoid is white. When they are prepping for the shots they will to a white test to set the colors right and this can sometimes make the white almost glow on TV, which is probably something you want to avoid.

I also recommend avoiding patterns that have extremely intricate details. These can look like they are almost moving when in front of the camera, and unless you are talking about optical illusions, this probably isn’t what you are looking for. Vibrant patterns also seem to be a little too much for the camera, so unless you are an avant-garde fashion designer, polka-dots and bold strips should be avoided.

A great color palette for TV is often the basic, more muted pastel colors. Think of a creamy pink and navy ensemble. These are simple yet professional, so the viewers will note that you are dressed nicely, but that won’t be the only thing that they take away from the segment.

Aside from the colors that you choose to wear, the styles are equally important! From a general viewpoint, it doesn’t matter if you wear a dress, slacks or a skirt, you just need to wear something that you are comfortable in.

If you opt for slacks may sure that they are steamed and appropriately hemmed, as nothing is more embarrassing than excess material being bunched at the floor while you are sitting for an interview. The inseam is also important as you don’t want the pants to pull anywhere or be uncomfortable and make you squirm.

The blouse for a skirt or slacks should always be tucked in. This is a more professional look and it is right on trend right now. Silks look great on TV and tuck in nicely. Try to keep the blouse simple, a few details around the neckline are okay, but anything more can seem hectic, so it is better to wear solids. Remember that you are on TV, so wearing thing straps is most likely not the best idea, opt for something that doesn’t reveal too much of your chest and that also either has thick straps or covers your shoulders.

If you do have your mind set on wearing a blouse that is a little too revealing, a cardigan or blazer can almost always be added to any look. This can also be a way to add some of your own personality to the look by maybe choosing a more boldly colored blazer or by throwing on a cardigan with some sort of embellishment on it.

Regarding the length of your skirt or dress, there is one major rule to stick by: get fully dress and walk around for a few moments to let your outfit settle. Then relax with your arms straight down and see where they hit along the skirts. If your finger tips are longer than the hemline, then it is entirely too short. Optimally, you should have roughly 1/2 left over of material for the length to be appropriate. This is important because if your segment includes you sitting down, you want to make sure the skirt or dress is long enough for you to not have to readjust yourself multiple times throughout the interview.

Another thing to keep in mind is your choice of shoes. I recommend keeping them neutral and simple, so you have a polished look without being too over the top. Bold colors are fine if your outfit is simple, but too much color doesn’t come off well on TV. I like a wedge as well to give you some height but without being too uncomfortable. Make sure the height isn’t more than four inches, and also keep in mind that you may be standing or moving around so make sure you are extremely comfortable in them.

Even if these guidelines feel a little too uptight, it is always good to remember that you would rather be overdressed to an event than under, and those same rules apply to this. Don’t forget though, you can always add some fun pops of color to your outfit with jewelry and accessories. Demure headbands with crystals, thin leather belts, lavish necklaces, bracelets and earrings can all be added to your outfit – just remember that you don’t necessarily need all of them to go into one look. Maybe opt for simple diamond studs for earrings, a bold necklace and a few bangles on your wrist – this is still fun but it is not too much to distract the viewer.

As a final note, remember that simple chic is always better than trying to combine everything into one look. And when all else fails, watch a few segments from the TV show before you go on and pull some inspiration from the looks others wear on the show. Oh and of course, have fun!

The Teen Perspective: Indie Trendy

Indie. It’s all over my favorite fashion blogs and gossip magazines. But what does Indie mean?

Officially, “Indie” or “Hipster” symbolizes being individual, staying out of the mainstream. By definition, being trendy is remaining in sync with the mainstream. So, is it even possible to have an Indie “trend,” two opposites, shaping your closet and lifestyle?

The roots of the indie influence go back to the Bohemian or Hippie movement that rose afterWorld War II. One critical fashion difference: platform shoes have changed their shape to become a part of a pump and wedge shoes. Casually, canvas shoes such as TOMS, Converse, or Vans are the way to go now. TOMS are especially Indie and charitable, since the profits go to charity. Indie and Bohemian are almost identical: clothes that look worn out, purses or handbags with long straps, headbands, braids and loose fitting tops.  Think hand-made, hand-crafted, local.

If you want to dress more indie, shop for the hallmarks of the trend such as natural fibers like cotton instead of polyester, then add your own unexpected twist.  Try earth tone clothes, with a pop of color in your shoes, earrings, belt, or necklace. Earth tones are neutral, so any color will look good with them. Add some jewelry made from natural stones, turquoise and coral are hot colors this season.

Additionally, “Indie” is attached to genres of art, such as film and music that are created or produced outside of the traditional industry structures. For example, check out Sundance Film Festival or art by Shepard Fairey.  Yes, this is the same “indie”.

So, try something new this week: stop by a movie that you have not seen advertised on TV, spend an hour at a local Farmer’s Market, or poke around a thrift or vintage shop for some interesting fashion finds.  That’s how more and more people are staying “Indie” and on trend.

 

 

Fashion Tips to Keep Cool Yet Professional During the Summer Months

Record highs greeted the valley quite early this season, which is causing the fashion enthusiast in me quite a bit of distress. Triple digit temperatures are quite a conundrum for business-chic ensembles and typically leads to one agonizing question: How does one continue to look stylish yet professional when the moment they step outside or even near a sun-glaring window they break out in a sweat?

All I have to say is thank you fashion gods for inventing the lightweight fabric known as linen! This work appropriate textile is not only airy, it lets breezes flow through easily and has a great texture suitable for matching with many fabrics.

I recommend incorporating linen into your work-day through blouses. I picked up this cheerful pink pop-over just a few weeks ago and it has saved my life. This can be work tucked into a simple pencil skirt or untucked with a pair of trousers. The sleeves can be rolled and scrunched different ways to add versatility and of course jewelry and scarves are also easy additions to really take this simple outfit to a new level.

 

Who doesn’t love a fabulous pair of open-toe heels? Patent shoes may sound like a death sentence with the outrageous heat, but if you opt for a pair that is open-toed you would be surprised with how cool your feet will look and feel.

Stinkin’ Cute Boutique

Fashion can be quite a confusion these days, from trend palettes to color schemes. I know it is a bit overwhelming to stay on top of what is in and what is way out; what’s hip and what’s something to be locked away never to be worn again. So that’s where I, Tammy Tinen, come in, as your guide on a journey through the fashion jungle to find your own, unique “pretty place”.

After opening up Stinkin’ Cute, a fashion boutique in Gilbert, I realized that many people knew they liked to flirt with the current fashion trends, but were unsure how to put it all together. So my mission is to help you navigate through today’s fashion must-haves and faux pas.

A great starting place is to discover the beauty of accessories and color together. We have all had that tragic experience of meeting a few friends for lunch only to discover two of us are in the exact same dress! Many of use have discovered the monotony of corporate America’s dress code, but it doesn’t need to be that way!

Color, color and more color – Don’t be afraid to truly embrace the vivid hues on trend this season. Switch out the neutrals for some coral, yellow, lime, turquoise, mint and pink! A great way to wear multiple colors is color-blocking!

Accessories – These staple can make an outfit go from ehh to glamourous: chunky jewelry, floppy hats, wrap around watches, cross-body messenger bags and cat-eye sunglasses. Don’t forget those youthful colored flowers that look great with any hairstyle!

Mix n’ Match – Right now the ‘hippest’ thing is not matching in a precise way. Be bold and pair various patterns, colors and designs, these combinations typically result in the best ensembles. Just today I discovered a drop-down earring and a flowered anklet that went with my sheer top, a must-have, that just made my outfit!

Of course, these are just a few tips to get you started on your journey to fab, for more head on into Stinkin’ Cute and take a peek at all the wardrobe solutions we have to offer. Finding your “pretty place” is unique to everyone and should be stress-free and enjoyable! I constantly have new offerings and I am always searching for the newest and hottest treasures to refresh your current looks as well as create new ones! I also offer a shopping adventure, which consists of two hours of exclusive time together to jumpstart your own fashion adventure! Feel free to bring in inspirations, like photographs from magazines as well as items straight from your closet and let’s discover your wardrobe solutions.