"Sorry folks, park closed. Moose out front shoulda told ya."

So after finishing another lovely conversation with Mom tonight, I found out that the whole honkin' Ostreicher family is heading to Key West for her birthday in October. That's eight of us on one island, for five days.

Like any other traveling venture, I look at this as an opportunity to shop. And of course, wish Mom a happy one, bond with my siblings, snorkel, sail and of course, party. But I can't do any of that without at least a few of the items on my summer wish list....

Embellished and/or metallic thong sandals to dress up a sundress, but still be breezy and comfortable.


New aviators, because I end up breaking or losing a pair every summer.


Long sleeve t-shirts for sun protection on the boat, preferably JCrew tissue tees.


Twill shorts of a modest length, to pair with either a cardigan/oxford, or wear to the beach. Love the VV ones with the sash.


A plain white sundress.... beautiful.


A bright, splashy, unapologetically tropical sundress. Love the DVF.


These Sperry flops for the boat and beach and town and biking...


New white linen pants, a staple that close to the equator.


A Bermuda bag with an interchangeable cover. Lilly's crab one here is cute, but the corduroy is a bit too autumn for this trip.

If anyone has been to Key West, please drop a line! I'd love to know what to expect!

Cheers,
Hayley

Feeling Young at 15% Off

I know, I know, I'm only recently a college alum, so I understand when middle-aged women roll their eyes when I refer to myself as "old." But still, all you new career women out there will agree that five days in a row wearing suit separates and serious heels can give you that 30-something feeling. The gray hair I found the other day, though tiny and blond-ish in color, only added to the old-and-harried feeling.

I frequently get nostalgic for the days when I could wear Sperrys, jeans, a sweater and aviators every day, and appear "polished." When the last few weeks of class could be spent consecutively in jeans and track shorts. So when I came across this little piece of sunshine to brighten up a rough week and quiet weekend, I had to share.

Right now at American Eagle (www.americaneagle.com) use the discount code 69905524 to get 15% off your order, sale items included, until March 5. They also offer free shipping on orders $100+.

Here's what I used the code to get:

Patchwork Madras Bermudas, $44.50 marked down to $37.83
(Yes, somewhat overdone, but I love madras in spring, and these are less expensive than the JCrew ones, making them a better buy since I rarely get the opportunity to wear plaid shorts without judgment.)


Wide Leg Athletic Pants, $29.95 marked down to $25.46
(Needed these for the gym anyway, and I don't have any red sweatpants.)


Artist Low-Rise Bleached Jeans, $44 on sale for $29.95, marked down to $25.46
(Risky buying jeans online, yes, but 1) they're returnable and 2) they're cheap and look comfy for weekends, to wear with a polo and flops.)

Now, I don't usually shop at AE, now that I'm post-commencement and stuck in office-apropos attire five days a week. It's just not practical or cost efficient, usually. But with sales on reasonable prices and a discount code, I can now justify very early spring shopping for clothes I won't be able to wear until, honestly, maybe the 3rd weekend in April. And there are a few things to avoid: flimsy camisoles with eagles on them, shorts with no discernible inseam and their skirt sisters, and the logo-covered hoodies. Also, the free Spring Break Bag they're sending me, that I couldn't remove from the order. No self-respecting professional woman can pull off these pieces anymore.

Well, maybe in Jersey, since you'll likely look classier than the local women. But who wants to go there?

Happy Shopping!
Hayley

Embrace the Short

Around 2006, a new trend was introduced: the "formal short."


Don't get me wrong, now - I adore Gwen Stefani's daring style. And there is definitely something to be said for a woman who wears serious heels while pregnant. However, I wouldn't ever wear shorts on a red carpet, to a wedding, or an important work meeting. And I don't embrace them as a component of the "new suit."

But one fantastic by-product of this begone trend was the re-introduction of longer, more sophisticated shorts into the mainstream. I don't speak of capris, which tend to make women look stumpy, and remind me of the 50s. And I don't speak of the bastard child in the short family known as culottes. Blech.


I speak of the tailored, structured, modest-length walking shorts that elongate women's legs, serve as transition pieces between seasons, and are not uber-casual, nor expected to fly at the office. These great pieces are both modern, and yet classy, as by definition, they have a considerable inseam, unlike shorts favored by some of my 20-something counterparts.

But often, women don't know what kind to buy to flatter their figure, nor how to dress with them. I will focus this post on what to wear with the shorts, and give a few basic rules that will flatter most shoppers. However, try on everything and be honest with yourself.

1. Go for straight cuts, hitting at or slightly above the knee. This length will show enough of your knee and calf to be more flattering than clam-diggers, but will also cover up any biz-ness you want to cover in your thighs.

2. If you're going for a higher hem, opt for looser-fitting styles. These keep the shorts from venturing into mom-short territory. They also will be more flattering to your thighs, and evoke more of a skirt feel.

3. Wear the proper shoes: heels, wedges, or knee-high heeled boots. Unless you have wiry legs, flats will combine with long shorts to make your legs resemble tree trunks. Obviously, the knee-high boots should be leather, and in a neutral color to temper this more daring combination. There will be absolutely no: Uggs, Converse, booties, or loafers. Flip-flops work only in summer, and only if you have flats-worthy legs.


4. Long shorts that venture into the capri zone can be very flattering and sexy. To pull it off, make sure the cut is straight, the hem doesn't venture below the knee cap and you rock the heels.


5. Use color! Bright shorts look refreshing and chic with dark, neutral tops in classic cuts.



Here are some great photos of shorts of different cuts, with varying pieces on top. Take notes - the cardigan-and-shorts look will be big this spring. (My apologies from re-using JCrew pictures, but the shorts looks are just so great, I had to.)

Layer a sweater and Oxford with shorts of any length, for a polished, modern prep look.


Neutral, feminine sweaters and tops temper patterned shorts, and make a great casual weekend ensemble.


Fitted blouses look great with patterned shorts, and lightweight materials give you coverage without warmth. Put the darker color on the half of your body that is larger, for the most flattering hue usage.


A blazer or double-breasted jacket with non-matched shorts looks great for fall or spring. Keep the colors muted and the shoes closed-toe for fall, and opt for lighter materials and peep-toes or wedges in spring.


Fall is a great time to pair a long sweater with loose, mid-thigh shorts (not a great example above). Belt the sweater at your natural waist, and pair with tall boots. You can try tights for an edgier look, but it's not for me.

Have fun, accessorize, and flatter your figure!

Cheers,
Hayley

Vespas and Riding Mocs

JCrew has introduced new items into their spring line, shot in Rome. There are so many delightful items, I'll never have the closet space for all of them, but I plan on buying a few key pieces. Here are some highlights from the Ciao Roma series...

Python-Print Silk Tank, $72


Homespun Rugby Jersey, $49.50


Moroccan Cocktail Ring, $65


Swiss-dot Fontana Dress, $140


Solid Alessia Blouse, $82


Trastavere Paisley Wide-Band Halter and Hipster Bikini, $56 and $54


Italian Plaid Scarf, $39.50


Printed Canvas San Isidiro Bag, 58


Trastavere Paisley Cardigan, $100


Cashmere Argyle Short-Sleeved Sweater, $148


Gayle Ruffle Trench, $250


Oceana Patchwork Madras Mini, $72



Trastavere Paisley Short, $68


Some of my favorite new looks include.....

Full skirts with classic tops

Demure mini-dresses with exotic jewelry

Preppy cardigans and Oxfords with tailored, modest shorts

Yellow with neutrals

Between these and my new favorite handbags, spring really needs to come soon!

Salute,
Hayley

Good Stores Gone Bad

Everyone has their staple stores. Save havens online, in the mall, or in the city where you can step inside, know exactly what size you wear, and know that you will find no shortage of pieces you love. Shirtdresses, cableknit cardigans, wrap skirts, linen capris, argyle sweatervests, driving mocs, printed scarves, wicker clutches..... some brands are just good.

But just like baked brie or a fresh manicure, your favorite clothing brand can quickly go from delightful to disgusting. I have many times been blindsided by pieces found in my favorite clothing establishments, wondering what young marketing whiz-kid or wiley has-been celebrity designer pulled the strings to get a piece like this introduced to the store's usually classic lines.

So here are some of my favorite moments, of good stores gone bad. Don't worry. These prime pieces will be hitting your local TJ Maxx soon, to be confined within the population that buys for label, not for style.

Enjoy.

GAP: A reliable, affordable source of classic jeans, Oxfords, trousers, coats and skirts.

But this particular dress is troubling. A half-assed denim wash somewhere between "dressy" and "distressed," a round neck with empire waist with that charming St. Pauli girl effect, and six big, cheap-looking buttons strapping the girls in. I won't even begin to discuss the green turtleneck layered under this dress. Or the boots.

JCREW: Reliable, higher-end retailer of luxe basics and classic, modern pieces. Staple materials include wool, cashmere, linen, madras, leather and poplin. Influences from the French Riviera as much as Old Greenwich.

But sometimes, French clashes with current trends (and... Mondrian?) to create pants like these. Metallic, printed matchstick capris with a high waist, slim-cut hips and thighs and an awkward length, compounded by a very tapered cut. I'm sure anyone can pull these off, even a petite waif named Colette in Cannes.

VINEYARD VINES: An online boutique and brand found in quaint New England shops and on various islands in the Atlantic. Has expanded from polos and ties to include dresses, skirts, pants, tote bags, flipflops and outerwear. Expensive, colorful, somewhat unique in certain areas and always found with the adorable whale emblem.

But then they had to create these. These shorts are only one portion of Shep & Ian's color panel phase. One can also find pants, and the articles in several clothing palettes. I know the Handbook preaches the bold use of color, even when bordering on outlandish, but these shorts are "preppy" taken a bit too far.

RALPH LAUREN: Needs no introduction. The ultimate American classic.

But Ralph, please remember that 95% of America doesn't, in fact, play polo on a regular basis, as much as they would like to think they could. Your classic and skinny polos never go out of style, and the diminutive pony in a bold color was daring enough. By making polos like this, you are bypassing the original intent of these shirts, and forever damning them to use by spray-tanned meatheads who "summer" on the Jersey Shore.


That being said...

Try as I did, one store (and its sale-esque counterpart) just didn't present anything to me that screamed "tacky," "cheap," "trendy," "tired" or just plain "ugly." And with a wide selection of separates, suiting, dresses, shoes, jewelry, and adorable, timeless skirts, Ann Taylor appears unable to do any wrong.

Congratulations and well done, Ann!

Cheers,
Hayley