Archive for 2010

Aug

IS MADONNA’S “MATERIAL GIRL” FOR GROWN-UPS?

There has been a ton of hype leading up to the launch of 5′4″ Madonna’s new clothing line “Material Girl.” The collection debuted at 200 Macy’s stores on August 3. I finally made it to my local Macy’s yesterday to check out all the fuss. Here are my observations.

I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of merchandise offered at the suburban Orlando store. Although the ”Material Girl” collection was definitely designed for the teen/tween market, I found that there was something for everyone. I would definitely wear the short black jacket with organza floral pin ($36), ballet flats ($19.95), and studded tank tops ($22). Correction – I would wear these items if they FIT, which they did not. The line is clearly cut for a tall, slender build, not a petite frame. The sleeves on the jacket were inches too long. However, my 5′8″ Madonna-loving friend Yvette looked great in the olive capri pants.

There is no doubt that “Material Girl” is a Junior line. The prints are very youthful – hearts, stars, and skulls. The clothing features lots of metal studs, hook and eye closures, lace, and fishnet trims. No one over a certain age is likely to wear the lycra bandeau tops, stretch tank dresses, studded leggings, pleather bike shorts, or “Who’s that Girl” inspired netted tutu skirts. The quality seems a bit cheap but so are the prices, ranging from $5 to $36. You get what you pay for. Overall, Madonna’s new line is edgy, fun, and flirty just like the Material Girl.

Franceska and the Material Girls

Posted by: Kim at 4:02 pm 1 Comment » | Topic: Designers

Aug

FURRY LITTLE ACCESSORIES

My mother-in-law’s fur muffler has been carefully packed away in a storage trunk for years now. After reading the Personal Style column in the August issue of Harper’s Bazaar magazine, I realized what a fabulous little fashion accessory I had in hiding. I was inspired to pull that furry little pelt out and wear it this fall.

An identical fur muffler was featured at #5 on the list of top Fall trends. The Harper’s Bazaar article featured a Ralph Lauren muffler for $795 and a Dennis Basso muffler for $1250. I had no idea that I was hiding such a valuable family heirloom. A snuggly, furry wraparound scarf will fight off the winter chill and update any outfit with just one single swoop around the neck. As an added bonus, a muffler makes the perfect petite accessory because it keeps the focal point high on the petite figure.

Posted by: Kim at 5:18 pm Comments Off | Topic: Trends

Aug

PETITE WARDROBE CLASSICS

This fall promises a return to the classics. Here is my ”Petite Classics Hall of Fame,” a list of classic items that will never go out of style:

1. Animal Prints - have become a timeless look for clothing, handbags, and shoes.

2. A Leather Jacket – now a year-round item.

3. A White Shirt – a “must have” for every petite wardrobe.

4. A Pencil Skirt – works for any petite woman, any size, any shape.

5. A Neutral Shoe – if it matches your skintone, it will lengthen the leg.

Photo Image: Courtesy of www.nordstrom.com

Posted by: Kim at 4:54 pm Comments Off | Topic: Trends

Jul

BACK-TO-SCHOOL SHOPPING FOR PETITE FASHIONISTAS

As crazy as it may seem, I still get excited about back-to-school fashion. Believe me, I am way past back-to-school age. Even my kids are full-fledged adults now. Yet I still look forward to the weeks right before school starts because retail clothing stores are merchandised at their absolute best. Inventory levels are high and hard-to-find sizes plentiful. You will find lots of great sales. In fact, discount coupons appear daily in the mailbox and online encouraging you to shop at national chains that actually have some appeal to grown-ups like Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, and Limited Express.

This is also the time of year when new designers introduce their collections. The hottest thing going for Fall 2010 is Madonna’s ”Material Girl” line of clothing launching exclusively at Macy’s nationwide on August 3. Although “Material Girl” targets primarily the tween and teen markets, there could be something for everyone since the collection includes shoes, handbags, and accessories. The prices can’t be beat with most items ranging from $12 to $40 at retail.

If you run your own business (like me) and have a fetish for office supplies (like me), now is the time to stock up. As office supply stores try to snag back-to-school revenue, they are loaded with all sorts of fun notebooks, spirals, folders, and desk supplies at amazing discounts. You can update your desktop and your wardrobe at the same time.

Posted by: Kim at 11:00 am 2 Comments » | Topic: Shopping