Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Hurricane sandy

I hope that everyone made it through the storm alright. It was a big one. Thank you to our men and women who bravely do their duty as first responders.  New entry to come tomorrow!


Thursday, October 25, 2012

Perfectly Posh Pippa

Today I am in the All Star spirit due to my favorite show, Project Runway beginning tonight with their All Star Cast from seasons past.

I am giving my All Star fashion shout out to one of my style icons, She may not be a princess but she is still faboo... Pippa Middleton.

This lady just has such impeccable taste, regal yet fun, bold and pretty. The thing I love most about her is that her style is approchable, she has some great peices she will wear multiple times and she shops at places like Top shop, H&M and Banana Republic but can transform into a vision in Temperley London . She just gives me the greatest ideas, so lets look at some of my favorites.



I absolutely adore her french lady inspired striped top and simple pant, perfectly accessorized with her emerald bag. This is such a put together piece.














This dress is bold and a great way to show off lace detail without looking bridal or like grandma. Don't be afraid to go bold no matter what your skin tone. It will make tan skin look tanner and pale look fresher.












Some people ask me about mixing black and brown, can it be done? Should it be done? Absolutely. Both colors stand well on their own but when paired together it looks a bit mysterious and unexpected. Also if you are afraid to mix prints try a printed stocking first. Its an easy, fun, sexy way to mix up your favorite dress. 






Pippa has her staples and this black blazer is her goto, paired with a bold dress you can be fun and tailored. Also invest in black tights they are great for those winter months when lets face it ladies, we don't shave as often.











Lastly I love her use of Printed scarves, every woman needs a handful of these because they add such character to something you already have.


I adore this lady and her style, she is so fresh and my style soul sister. Here are a few great Pippa staples for you to try out, Enjoy!





Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Project Runway All stars!

Its that time of year again, time to break out the all stars! I love this show for the ideas, great design and to see people who are really passionate about fashion, but mostly because my mom and I watch it together. Check it out on Lifetime TV. Enjoy!


Monday, October 22, 2012

Potato sack and a designer bag.

Success! My surgery went flawlessly and I am on the mend, Yay! Go me.
I am so excited to get back to writing, even if it is only with one hand.

I am talking about today something that has always bothered me, Its apart of my whole movement on America and casual: You're doing it wrong. This is something I never understood and im talking about women using a designer bag as a fashion shield, with this said it means you can basically look like you
 A.) Just left a Midwestern Tupperware party
 B.) Just rolled out of bed
 C.) Just escaped a psych ward
And slap on a Coach, Vera Bradley, or knock-off Louis Vuitton or Chanel bag and think "OK, Im safe."

I see it all the time, It feeds into the mentality that if you slap a big enough logo on something it means you paid big bucks for it and you are safe to wear some clam digger jeans and your I heart cats t-shirt and rubber crocs. This is know as a fashion shield. Wearing one big piece with either a big logo or an obvious marking to make you look expensive or safe but in reality the rest of the package is a mess.

We are all guilty of it at one point or another, but for those repeat offenders I'm onto you. Being fashionable is wearing clothes that fit you well and finding good looking accessories. Girl still rocking the white and rainbow Louis V bag Im talking to you, no one is going to believe that thing is real when you are wearing tweety bird pajama pants and old navy flip flops.

Its alright to want to be fancy but if you want to be a fancy pants really give it a shot.
 French women are a perfect example, their motto is FAITES SIMPLE. Keep it simple, if you don't have the thousands to spend on the real stuff its alright because keeping it simple and finding eclectic elegant pieces from a vintage shop is way more suitable than slapping a big ass logo on something and still dressing like crap.

Grow into fashion embrace it, don't just go buy one big expensive looking thing and think you are exempt from keeping up appearances. Fashion is a way of life not one logo away from awful.
 Example: Ive said it before but if you are going to wear jeans and a T-shirt pick up a Blazer, Leave the Vera Bradley. Those bags are grandma quilts with straps. LEAVE IT. 

Designers put out Two lines, The Runway Look and the Ready to Wear look. 
The Runway look can be as Avant Garde and expressive as the designer wants to be,
The Ready to wear look is your basic off the rack look ie. Polo shirts. Think anything you look at that obviously stands out as designer specific and that is ready to wear. 

My issue is that people without a fashion clue will spend money to buy what is obvious. Paying full price for ONE "fashionable" item is not trendy its Lazy. You are barely scratching the surface of couture.

 These Girls here are trying hard to be "preppy" but they have done nothing to their hair, their dresses are WRINKLED, and their shoes don't match the outfit. They are wearing this Lilly Pulitzer dress as a fashion shield.  Do something with your hair, wear decent shoes and seriously iron your dress. Perfect example, fashion shield.

I'm not saying everyone needs to throw away obvious pieces, just be conscious to do something with yourself and do not let one mass produced designer thing make it acceptable for the rest of you to be a big' ole mess. Embrace style and dress simply. Good Luck!
 


Thursday, October 18, 2012

Coming soon!

Surgery tomorrow, so I will have a lot of time to think about this next entry. Next post will be about Americas fashion shield.... The designer bag. Stay tuned!


Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Dreams come true

Well my fashion skills have been recognized, I have just been asked to be the fashion expert for a major department store, fingers crossed my surgery Friday goes smoothly with a speedy recovery and I will be a happy lady. Thanks to all my friends and family for your loving support and infinite patience. I wouldn't be living my dreams without you.

For my loving followers this means more style and more ideas, stay tuned and thank you.

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Print Mixing 101



Mixing Prints:

  How to get creative with everything in your closet


One of the most popular and difficult trends to master this season is the mixing of prints. You will see many crazy combinations on the runway and on the streets of Paris but I want to help you find a simple way to use what is in you closet to add some interest to your basic pieces. It is possible to have this look go waaaaay wrong and have you looking like the crazy bag lady who talks to the pigeons in the park. Have no fear...help is here.


The easiest way to achieve the complex yet effortless look of print mixing is to start with a couple of black and white items from your closet. The look at right works because one print is a black and white stripe and the other is a smaller black and white print. The pop of red is gives interest to the whole look and makes it polished yet fun. The simplest way to ease into this trend is to start with one black and white item like a striped boat neck tee, add a floral scarf, then throw on a black blazer, cropped jeans and a colorful flat. The look at left is from my own closet and is a favorite go-to outfit.



We all have an animal print item in the back of the closet like a jacket, skinny jeans, scarf, or shoe. The look at left is elegant and interesting and can be easily achieved with items that we already have. The chambray shirt gives a casualness to the formal attitude of the pearls and faux fur coat. I could see Grace Kelly strolling the streets of Paris in this feminine and provocative ensemble. I also love the fearless use of pearls and bangles. Never underestimate the power of a print scarf to liven up a bland        combination of basics.



The looks at right are another example of things we already own and how to update them by mixing it up. A printed cardigan is paired with a plaid shirt and textured skirt, a basic argyle sweater gets new life when paired with a red print blouse, a basic black a-line, and a navy and yellow plaid blazer is paired with a yellow checked skirt. These are all examples of print mixing without the crazy colors or bag lady effect. Run to you closet and mix it up this week. People will be impressed with your creativity and wonder how you managed to hire a celebrity stylist!

Julie Borshak (julieborshak@me.com)

Monday, October 15, 2012

Fall Trend: Lace & How to wear it without looking like a granny 

or Madonna in the 80's.



Lace has been seen on the runway for several seasons and is still trending on the Fall 2012 runway and well into Spring 2013. Who is responsible for reviving this once stuffy and potentially tacky trend? I think we can blame the wonderful costume designers of BBC's Downton Abbey for a more formal and feminine look. The Downton influence is giving us gloves, lovely hats, beading, twenties inspired shoes, intricate jewelry, and lots of lace. This trend is especially delightful for someone like me who always loved parading around in large picture hats, gloves, and long dresses when I was a little girl.  There is a way to embrace the lace without looking like you are playing dress-up, are a dowager countess, or a western saloon girl.




Lace can be found at our favorite stores in the form of jackets, scarves, gloves, peplum tops, and dresses. The trick to wearing this  trend is to pick one of these lace items and add it to our basics. The photo at the left is an outfit from my own closet. I have taken the basic black pencil skirt (the workhorse of any wardrobe) and added a cotton lace peplum top with a belt and statement necklace (one of my own designs). The peplum top that has been revived from the 1940's and then again from the 80's is going to be your best friend. It is a more relaxed peplum and when paired with a skinny pant or pencil skirt, gives us a tiny waist and feminine silhouette. This lace peplum top that was a dress from the clearance rack at TJ maxx has been shortened and is now my favorite new fall item. On cooler days, I will add a simple leather jacket or a cardigan. 
Try this lace peplum tank from Anthropologie $88



Other ways to add lace to your basics? Touches of lace can be seen at left and are all great examples of items that are available now at every price point. A lace pencil skirt (2) may be paired with a sweater set and pearls, the lace pump (3) will add sass to any stuffy suit, a lace dress (5) may be paired with a lovely solid wrap for an evening look, and the lace pants (9) would pair well with a blouse, blazer and slingback for a twist on the traditional menswear inspired look. One thing to remember for our age group, the lace should be a neutral shade such as black, cream, or navy. Avoid any lace item that is a bright color (4), tightly fitting (6), or low cut. Lace can go very cheap very quickly and have you looking like something that stepped out of the Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. Stay neutral and only choose silhouettes that are modest and paired with a neat and simple partner. One lace piece per outfit is plenty! 




You should now be able to successfully master the trend of lace and use it to show your feminine side as an elegant and confident woman! See below for more items. Next lesson: mixing prints

Julie Borshak (julieborshak@me.com)



Fall Wardrobe Help for the 40 and over crowd.

Fall Wardrobe Woes: There is help!

Working for a national retail chain puts me in touch with many women over 40 who are completely confused about clothes shopping. I can spot them as soon as they walk into the store. They have this completely confused look and they wander around the store grabbing random non-related garments and then trudge reluctantly to the fitting room. Once there, they try on a pile of clothing and then get frustrated because nothing fits properly and no outfits have miraculously put themselves together on the hangers. Ladies, there is help for you.




The first step toward shopping for the coming season begins in your own closet. Start by putting away everything that is out of season and donate anything that you know you will never wear again (no, those expensive leather pants from the 90's that are two sizes too small are not exempt). Try everything on and give each item a critical eye to make sure that it still fits. The next step is to look at your basics and make sure that they are in good repair and still in style. Hint: sweaters and jackets with moth holes or anything double breasted is out. Basics include blazers, dress pants, skinny jeans, blouses, scarfs, and simple dresses.The basics are the canvas on which you will add a few trends to create a polished and chic look that will be your own masterpiece.

What trends can we find in this runway look from Alexander McQueen? Lace, peplum top,  large jewelry, and sheer black.


So, what are the trends and how can our age group make them work for us? The secrets are in  Fashion Week photos. No, I don't expect you to don a beekeepers hat a la Alexander McQueen  and parade into Costco or your next board meeting. The runway looks are an artist's expression and they are exaggerated version of what we will eventually see on the racks of our local TJ Maxx store. The fall trends that we will be exploring in the next few posts are lace, mixing prints, skinny pants, colorful flats, chunky retro jewelry, and boho chic.    All wonderful looks that can be incorporated into a wardrobe of basics. So, while I am working on your next lesson, your homework assignment is to purge your closet. Get started and remember, if you haven't worn it in a year, it has to go!


Julie Borshak



Saturday, October 13, 2012

Country Glamor


Alright all you Jersey shore watchers, Its the south's turn in the spotlight. My new favorite show is Nasville on ABC. Its starting a movement away from super tan and animal print everything and showing the world what southern style is all about.
Nashville is a show about a Country Leading lady, Rayna James (played by Connie Britton) and her struggle to stay on top of a changing music scene. Hayden Paneittiere plays the label's young ingenue Juliette Barns who is desperate to take over Rayna's spotlight. This show is full of scandal and beauty in looks as well as music, its going to introduce a whole new audience to country music. So in honor of this new show I'm going to highlight one of my favorite styles, Country Glamour

Growing up in the south, country music has always been a part of my life. I always secretly wanted to be a country music star. This actually led me to working for for Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede. I was in love with the fact that during the day I was shoveling stalls and riding horses then dressing up to perform a show every night. The love from the crowds was intoxicating and I will take any excuse to wear sparkles.



 I have always thought that women of country music have this classic beauty, this shine, sparkle and electric confidence that no other performer had. Maybe its because they are just a little bit different. They dominated the scene after country music was considered a mans world. They sang of real issues women faced like first loves, broken hearts, cheating husbands and home wreckin' hussys.

When I think classic country glamour I think of Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, and Dolly Parton to name a few. These women all came from very humble beginnings but were able to become country superstars. The most appealing thing to me is that they seemed so down to earth, and yet so glamorous. They transitioned country style from rhinestone studded western wear to silk dresses and larger than life hair. They wanted the world to see that country music can be feminine and beautiful.





I grew up with, Dixie Chicks, Trisha Yearwood, Shania Twain and Faith Hill. They were great role models for me since they didn't have to bare all to be considered sexy. The oozed confidence and wrote songs that seemed to speak to me, some were happy summer anthems to powerful love songs. They stood on good values but still had southern  sass.



When you think Fashion you don't automatically think of country music stars. But Country Glamour to me means style that has a great contrast between hard and soft, its a true rustic chicness.
 Jeans, Boots, Sweet little white dresses and beautiful Jewelry. Its a mix of Classic and Earthy with effortless sparkle and knowing that you can mix any formal gown with cowboy boots. Country style no matter how gorgeous or grungy is all about remembering where you came from and where these boots will take you next.


You don't have to be country to appreciate its style. Fashion is all about taking bits and pieces from different genres and making them your own. Pop culture has great influence on style so hopefully you will see more ladies moving away from the super tan, and over processed "snookie" look to a softer and prettier more natural look with the help of the new shows on TV highlighting southern style.
Definitely check out Nashville on Wednesday nights on ABC, look for the raw attitude, beautiful music and I hope it inspires you to try out a little country style of your own.
Enjoy!









Thursday, October 11, 2012

Nashville shines

Alright get ready my fashion lovelys, Im going to highlight tomorrow my section of
Country Glamor its time for the south to rise again and lets look at what sets us apart from the rest with a little help from ABC's new show Nashville.

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

The "Ugh" trend, Sans Pants.

Ever so often there is a look that comes around, and it always seems to be the tackiest pop starts who leach onto it. I call this the "Ugh" trend.
We may differ in what we think is tacky but I basically take anything Christina Aguilera wears and just use that as a base for the height of gaudy.

The problem is that tacky stars will showcase these trends and inevitably some poor soul will copy them.
 Ladies I'm here to save you and say that the "Look ma, No Pants!" look is barely being pulled off by stars, do not try this at home.

Leah Dunham, (not a tacky pop star) Creator of the HBO show Girls is facing some flack because of her recent Pants Free look.


Dunham is quoted as saying in this New York Post piece. "I actually saw it ... 'Love it or hate it: The no pants look.' My mom .... thought it was so funny. My boyfriend was like, 'People seem to be worked up about you going out without pants.' But I didn’t go out without pants! I had shorts on," Dunham said.




Girl, No. I understand wanting to stir things up a bit but walking out of the house wanting people to think you are wearing no pants is just down right trashy. You know who doesn't wear pants?? Drunk girls, Courtney Love, and strippers.




Sloppy "Trends" like this one I feel set women back, it gives
people with no fashion sense the right to walk out of the house skin to the wind because they see young Hollywood doing it. Of course this picture here is a parody but truth is that someone out there will follow this trend and look busted in the process.

Shirts are meant to be shirts. Their structural integrity is not meant to hold up your bum ladies.

The no pants, big shirt look is not even remotely flattering, if you want to show off your thighs wear a short dress or skirt with a tasteful top.
The Sixties brought us sexy legs with clean geometric lines. Draw the eye with pops of color and show off the legs while keeping everything in place. Like these looks from Betsy Johnson fall 2012.
 Also these looks left to right are, GEN ART SKIRT FALL 2012 RTW, ANTONIO BERARDI SKIRT FALL 2012 RTW, and CHARLOTTE RONSON SKIRT FALL 2012 RTW






Pro Tip: If you ever have to ask yourself, " Is this a shirt or a dress?" Assume its a shirt and wear something underneath.
Remember that some trends are just plain stupid, Sexy is leaving some things up to imagination, and for God's sake Put your Damn Pants on!

Sunday, October 7, 2012

Hello Everyone,

Let me introduce myself...I am Katy's mom and I will contribute fashion help for the forty and over crowd. What makes me an expert? I come from a long line of southern  fashionistas. My great grandmother was always beautifully groomed with tasteful jewelry, stylish clothing, and a lovely color coordinated hats. My grandmother never left the house unless she was properly attired. I remember once when  I was a young teenager, she fell down a flight of icy stairs. I was rushing to the telephone  to call 911 when she stopped me to demand that I 'fixed her hair' and helped her put on lipstick before she went to the hospital. Her arm was broken and hanging limply by her side but she managed to put on a starched blouse and colorful scarf before anyone could see her. Now that is dedication to good grooming!  The tradition continues with my mother who always looks beautiful and never leaves the house in sneakers or sweats, ever.

I started sewing when I was six or seven years old and began creating perfectly lovely designs for my Barbie out of double knit scraps. She was ready for any occasion including a color coordinated wedding with bridesmaids and tiny bouquets. As I got older, sewing became a way of creating new clothes at a time when my mother really couldn't afford to clothe me in the latest preppy fashions.  I became an expert at making ribbon belts, corduroy jumpers, and 3/4 length sleeve tops in every color. It was about this time that I discovered the magic of second hand clothes. I loved the idea that an article of clothing had lived another life with another girl who most likely had a much more exciting story to tell. That love of vintage clothing and second hand finds continues to this day as half of my closet once lived another life.

All of this love of fashion has led to some wonderful experiences in my adult life. I have designed fabrics for a national company, studied costume design at the NC School for the Arts, and created many lovely pieces of jewelry throughout the years. Now, I work for a well known fashion retailer and help many women find what looks best on them and what works best with their lifestyles. Check in with me from time to time for tips on looking your best and not paying full price for anything, ever.

Julie Borshak


Saturday, October 6, 2012

Weekend Read

Hope Everyone is having a great weekend, Im going to try and feature a new read every week. The book for this week is Savage Beauty,
It is in honor of Alexander McQueen and his most beautiful Avant Garde works.
Avant Garde Fashion is a feast for the eyes. It is the most extreme, raw and interpretative form of design. No one did this better than McQueen. Check it out its truly inspiring. Savage Beauty - Anthropologie

I truly appreciate and adore him. I feel his works were true true art and an inspiration for many.

Friday, October 5, 2012

I have Chanel taste with a Walmart Budget.

This is me. I am a fancy pants, I love everything that glitters and I would shop every single day if I could. 
The only problem is I would go bankrupt in 5 seconds. Mostly being that if I fell upon $1,0000,000 dollars tomorrow I already have it spent before you could even congratulate me.
Just because you like many others have suffered the blow of a less than desirable economic smackdown, I want to give you a few tips on easy ways to Fancy-up what you've already got.

This morning I went to dress and let out the "God my closet sucks" groan. I got bored with what I had and didn't know where to turn. I had a white blouse, leather leggings (my favorite find) and black boots. I was missing something. Then a bag fell out of my closet onto my head filled with all my scarves. Like some Tim Gunn magic ( and yes I feel that Tim Gunn sits on my shoulder and makes wardrobe magic happen.) I threw on a beautiful scarf and changed the white blouse to a black ralph lauren dress and my day was made. It's that easy. When in doubt Fancy it out. Take a dress, Pair it with leggings throw on some boots and a scarf and strut. Take things you have and mix them up, hit the shuffle button. In the meantime look at how fabulous leather leggings are. 

 Pro Tip: The scarf I'm wearing is made from a vintage dress. If you ever see one you like with a funky fabric that doesn't quite fit, cut it, finish it off and boom instant one-of-a-kind scarf.

In the words of my magic mentor Tim Gunn, "Make it work!"

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Fall for beautiful hair!

Lets talk today about our most important accessory today, Our hair. Now naturally I have very fine hair, not perfectly straight nor beach wavy. It really has its own agenda.  It has been every color black, brown, bleached out yellow-y blonde, red...  I like to change it up, it gives me the opportunity to feel bolder and different.
At times it was very obvious that I am sporting an unnatural shade of awful, I remember the worst was when on a whim I dyed it dark-ash brown from bleach blonde in high school. Thank god it was on St. Patrick's day because under the unforgiving florescent lights in English class my hair was green. God I hated high-school.


So for all those who want to change it up a little bit without looking ridiculous here are the fall hair tends.
Lets start with Color, It's time to get rid of your summer Bronz-y tones and go for a icier more beige tone for blondes and for brunettes, kick it up with a warmer tone or some contrast highlights with a hint of cinnamon. African American hair, Go for softer more natural tones its all about big curls and a soft color to bring out cheeks. And for red heads, Christina Hendricks all the way, Bold big and BAM!
Next, Hair ornamentation. With the influence of Downton Abbey and the upcoming Great Gatsby film, ornate turn of the century jeweled headbands and art deco inspired peices are the perfect way to liven up any style. 

Next trend is Bouffant. Don't think you are going to walk out of the house with your grandmother's 1960's hive, Keep it simple with a low pony tail or simple headband, and go simple with the makeup as well. Otherwise you will look like the lead singer from the B-52's circa 1989.
 Great look for brides this season is Braids Braids soften any look and they are all over the runways, my favorite is to braid small sections and then pin them up in a stacked form. Make sure to wear them loosely and don't be afraid to make them messy!



 My last girl on the go look is the High Bun. It's romantic and classic, It can be as big or as messy as you want, there are no rules with the high bun...go nuts and embellish.


 Wear you hair with pride and don't be afraid to try something different. I advise you that if you are a first time color-er get it done professionally. For 30.00 and up at ULTA you can get a professional consultation and a great color. They will also host workshops periodically for updo tutorials among other services. Check for your local salon at ULTA.com.
Enjoy!

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

In the Spirit of all things Causual...

I've decided I'm just going to embrace my situation of being not only temporarily left-arm handicapped, but extremely wardrobe challenged right now. 
You hear that saying that having an impairment heightens your other senses, well for me that is true. I go out in public and feel like a fashion leper, Overnight I went from Glam girl to Girl you need help.
 This has left me starving for all things elegant, soft and pretty.
I Love fall fashion so much and if I could put on a black blazer and skinny jeans right now I would, If I could style my own hair or even hold a hair dryer right now I would be rocking some awesome hair. But I am stuck with robo arm for another month and a half at least.
My lack of style options however has really made me appreciate the fashion freedom I had.

In the spirit of all things casual, lets talk about my favorite form called Dress up casual.
 Like I said I would kill to be able to wear a blazer and jeans with my fall frye boots. This look is great for a date or a dinner with friends, maybe even work depending on where you work.
 If you don't have a nice looking fitted blazer (without shoulder pads!) you need to invest in this. It is definitely a fall staple. If you are bigger up top like me the best thing is to find one with minimal buttons maybe a one button jacket. Mostly because the more pull on the lines of the jacket due to big boobs, the heavier you will look. Here are some examples that I love for the fall:

Here they are featured in the Skinny, Flare and Boyfriend jeans. Its a great way to add a little bit of tailoring to an otherwise casual look.  This looks great for women of all shapes and sizes. Be daring and go out and get one today.
Here are some great ones at good prices:    
Kardashian KollectionWomen's Peak Shoulder Blazer - 48.99
Kirna Zabete for Target - 49.99 
MNG by Mango for jcp - 40.00
H&M Blazer 24.95

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Despite what Victoria's secret tries to do, It's hard to jazz up sweatpants.

I have been sick this whole weekend, but before that I have had a cast on my arm for over a month. One that goes past the elbow and not only that, Its HUGE.
Point is I have been living in sweats and T-shirts, a far far cry from where I used to be trend wise, I call this Ultra Casual.
There 4 are stages to casual:
1.) Dress up Casual (Blazer with jeans)
2.) Casual-Casual (Jeans with Jersey knit top, sandals, sweaters etc...)
3.) Ultra Casual ( Sporty sweats, T-shirts, tennis shoes.)
4.) Giving up :( ( Tracksuit, PERIOD.)

 At first I tried to do the best I could pulling out all of my Victoria's secret PINK sweats because lets face it ladies if you have to wear them sweats are better worn with a bedazzled ass. (I can't believe I just said that.) But much like the 80's brought us the bedazzler the PINK line has given us the false sense of security that dressing like a hungover sorority sister on her way to English class is acceptable in everyday life.  And when you walk out the door you feel like you look like this...


Or for anyone over the age of 30, This is from the Talbot's At Ease collection:

















I used to run to the grocery or out shopping on weekends in yoga pants and tennis shoes once in a while because I  like to be comfortable, who doesn't?? But think about it, not too long ago women would still wear their pearls while cleaning the house, They would wear hats and white gloves when going out and wear silk pajamas to bed... Never sweatpants and a t-shirt. Now over some bad fashion evoloution it is socially acceptable for people to wear their pajamas out in public.

I am a fashion forward individual but I am not above wearing fat pants every once in a while. I don't care if you are Anna Wintour herself, everyone has fat pants. However,you will not find a picture of Anna in sweats because trust me I tried and when I typed it into Google I actually got a corrective:
  Did you mean: Not a chance in Hell?

 I am not going to give up my sweats mostly because I can't right now and as much as I want to look like the happy young carefree model in reality I probably look like this...



Ok just kidding that is not how I dress even for a stomach flu, but there is a right way and a wrong way to do Ultra Casual.
 Im saying this for all of us who have those days, my advice is this:
1.) Keep the hair clean, Pulled back accent with a headband.
2.) Try wearing simple earrings like small studs
3.) Stick to Black. Its slimming and looks cleaner and sleeker than mismatched neon's.
4.) This goes for any age and any shape, Imagine you are going to run into everyone you know when you step out of the house feeling like a bag of potatoes. You want them to think that even though you are dressing down you look freakin' fantastic doing it. Walk with confidence and know that everyone has those days and this too shall pass.

This entry may go against the code of trend setters everywhere but if you are gonna do it, do it right. And for God's sake don't look like Britney.