Pull Yourself Together:
Neon Knits February 8th, 2012 By

I tend to play it pretty safe when I shop for stuff I plan on wearing on my body. My goal is to deter as much attention from the areas I’m so-so with and accentuate the ones I like, BUT SINCE THEY DON’T SELL CLOTHING FOR A WINNING PERSONALITY, I’ve settled for the next best thing, which is neon sweaters. Now, I may have already talked about neon in one of my earlier posts, and I think I may have said that you should keep it to a minimum and only use it as an “accent” piece. This is where I have proven myself wrong (SHOCK), as is evident from the fact I am wearing a chunky neon grandpa sweater (seen below) as I type this. It was a major score at a very depressing thrift store. The neon knit stood out like a beam of light in a dark, sad ocean of Talbots sweaters and cat-piss stained pillows. But hey, that’s Toledo, Ohio for you. In any case, it’s my new “thing”, so here are a few for you to take a look through.

clockwise, l-r: CHUNKY KNIT GRANDPA CARDIGAN, $4.99, very depressing thrift store; NEON ORANGE GRANDPA SWEATER, $45.00, eBay; FEATHERWEIGHT CASHMERE CARDIGAN, $178.00, J.Crew; BUTTON-FRONT CARDIGAN, $39.95, Gap.

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Obviously, I’m Buying This Shirt January 31st, 2012 By

It’s seemingly named after me! The Loehnen Stripe! Best thing that’s ever happened to me. Not only am I ordering it, but I’m getting it monogrammed too, one of the biggest upsides of ordering men’s shirts from J.Crew online. I know I’m not alone in having a deep and vested relationship with J.Crew. Growing up in Montana, my only outlet for wardrobe acquisition was either the pawn shops downtown (awesome shopping, truly) or the Benetton (I still don’t understand how we came to get a Benetton, but I had every single United School of Benetton t-shirt, as well as tube socks, leggings, and jersey skirts galore). We didn’t have a Gap. And we most definitely didn’t have a J.Crew. Twice a year, we would drive through Idaho to shop at the Nordstrom in Spokane, Washington, where they also had a Limited, and a Gap. But still no J.Crew.

The J.Crew catalog was my other version of Sassy. I loved that thing: The models, the clothes, the copywriting, the order form with line spacings so tiny you really had to cram the order number in. Tabulating the shipping? Sigh. After I went to boarding school—when the mailman would literally drop off boxes and boxes of J.Crew catalogs at the entrance to the post office— I petitioned my very-far-away mother to let me order frequently—for my birthday, for fake school holidays…even for Valentine’s Day.  Clearly, I’ve spent many an hour wandering through J.Crew shops all over the country, but I still love flipping through the catalog and then ordering online best. (I’m too impatient to mail a slip in.)

SECRET WASH SHIRT IN LOEHNEN STRIPE, $64.50, J.Crew; MONOGRAMMING, $10.00, J.Crew.

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Pull Yourself Together:
On The Road January 23rd, 2012 By

I was on a road trip for the past four days, which explains why I haven’t posted anything/bathed. This was the first road trip I’d been on in a while and it reminded me how they’re a lot like belly button piercings: They both seem like a good idea when you’re a teenager. Nonetheless, I made the most out of it: I’ve been constipated for a total of five days now but I had my first meals at both Applebees and Cracker Barrel, so I guess I broke even. And yes, I’m sure the two are linked. The other thing I came away with on my road trip is knowing how to pack for one. The trick is to travel light and warm. Coffee is a must, sweatshirts are a way of life, and having snacks and personal belongings readily available is key. I would also suggest carrying extra Baggu bags (not pictured) just to have extra space to organize and lug back any and all thrift store purchases made on the road. I’m pretty certain all the shopping I did is what turned what should’ve been a 15-hour drive into a four-day journey.  It was well worth it—the $2.00 Unicorn artwork and rainbow sweater I bought proves that.

clockwise, l-r: ALADDIN TRAVEL MUG, $10.49, Target; LIGHTWEIGHT FLEECE SWEATSHIRT, $110.00, James Perse; ABINGDON TOTE, $88.00-$98.00, J.Crew; RAINBOW SWEATER & UNICORN PAINTING, $amazing.

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Because I Can’t Help Myself:
My Winter Bike-To-Work Outfit January 19th, 2012 By

So last week, I went on a little rant about how hard it is as an editor to look beyond your own experience when dispensing style advice—particularly when it comes to the realities of your commute. So let’s just go with it, ok? Because January it may be, but I commuted to work by bike today (even though it’s a bit chilly here in LA at a whopping 59 degrees).  Anyway, as I peddle to and from the office on my very handy Trek Hybrid, I spend a lot of time thinking about my outfits: Whether my jeans of choice are comfortable (if they don’t have enough stretch, it can feel like you’re pulling against resistance training bands), whether my top is breathable and thus, not likely to get a little misted with (thoroughly lady-like) perspiration; and whether my shoes are properly tied (or lace-less), so that they don’t take me down by getting caught in my gears. I think about this stuff a lot. So here’s my outfit of choice:


Habitual jeans, worn cuffed, with a rise of at least 8.5-inches: Stretchy, comfortable, and they don’t expose the small of my back. A long button-down, normally from the men’s side of J.Crew (you can buy XS online and in a few of the stores), which further ensures that I’m not flashing anyone as I ride. A thin sweatshirt (yes, maybe sequined) is a key layering piece (plus I don’t seem constitutionally able to wear only one top at once, true fact). I find that Sperry’s are flexible and breathable enough for riding while still looking presentable for work. (I’m also inclined to wear my Nike Air Jordan 1 Phat Lows for more casual days.)


And then, of course, there are the safety requirements, because I’d like to think I’m not a total fool: While nobody in my neighborhood seems inclined to wear a helmet (they all have that vintage-y dress/long flowing hair/beach cruiser situation going), I’m all about having my Voltron-like moments, because, well, a subdural hematoma just wouldn’t be attractive. Nothing is going to ruin that long flowing hair like a shaved patch in the back for a brain-draining stent!  I’m also pretty crazy for these high-wattage lights, having almost been taken down during my dark ride home many a times. This one is great, because you can charge it via your USB portal. I also wear a Patagonia vest as an additional layering piece: It’s a handy way to keep my phone and keys in an easy-to-access place and I can tuck an abundance of necklaces inside and they won’t dangle in my face. Their crossbody bag is also great for hauling my computer and gym clothes around—I use the strap at the waist to deposit the weight, which means that it doesn’t rest flat against my back (thus making me sweaty).

Any other bike commuters out there? Tips, please!

top section, clockwise, l-r: HABITUAL “ALICE” SKINNY STRETCH JEANS, $195.00, Nordstrom; SEQUIN “ISABEL” SWEATSHIRT, $199.99, J.Crew; SECRET WASH SHIRT IN WINDOWPANE, $64.50, J.Crew; SPERRY TOP-SIDER, $85.00, Piperlime.

bottom section, clockwise, l-r: PATAGONIA DOWN SWEATER VEST, $119.99, Moosejaw; SERFAS TRUE 150 USB RECHARGEABLE LIGHT, $81.50, Amazon; PATAGONIA HALF MASS MESSENGER BAG, $89.00, Zappos; BELL “ARRAY” HELMET, $74.99, Nytro.

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Put This On. Now:
Eat your Heart Out, Barbour. January 3rd, 2012 By

On New Year’s Eve, my husband’s best friend, his wife, and their two girls came over for lunch, bearing a spread of Italian delicacies from Sorrento’s in Culver City.  As if their feast of prosciutto, salami, provolone, olives, marinated artichokes, and adorable marzipan pigs weren’t enough, they upped the ante by gifting Henry with a handmade, waxed cotton jacket. This was the first joint production between Yasmine and Alexis (collectively known as Ross & Ross) and I hope it won’t be their last. She did most of the sewing, starting with a very simple ’60s pattern and Alexis added ingenious details like a secret pocket to stash a mini hair comb. My favorite feature, though, is Henry’s name embroidered in script along the bottom seam of the coat. It’s an instant family heirloom and I almost wish Henry would never grow up so he could wear it forever.

If befriending a husband-and-wife duo with the creative chops for producing such a garment isn’t in your near future, you might consider investing in a classic kid-size Beaufort jacket from Barbour. I had contemplated buying one for Henry so he could be Dad’s twin (I’ll save the adventure of Mike’s e-bay purchased Barbour for another day) but it didn’t seem like a wise purchase since he’s going through a biting-one’s-clothing-to-shreds phase. Fingers crossed he doesn’t put any love bites in his Ross & Ross.

KIDS BARBOUR BEAUFORT JACKET, $279.00, J.Crew.

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Pull Yourself Together:
Winter Skirts vs. Ratty Jeans January 3rd, 2012 By

It’s a new year and we all have resolutions. I’m bound to end up breaking most of mine by the time I finish writing this entry. (Resolution #4: Stop eating fried rice on top of my keyboard).

So, let’s try something I’ve been mildly successful at for two days: Wearing winter skirts. The thing I enjoy about this time of year is being warm, cozy, and covering up the 4lbs worth of booze weight. But lately, my go-to winter outfit of choice—jeans and oversize grandpa sweaters, has left me unsatisfied. Namely because there’s a hole developing on my favorite pair of pants, which is forcing me to not only question my outfits but also wonder whether I possibly have mild depression. Which is where skirts come in. Last week I went to a thrift store to find something to wear on New Year’s Eve. I was looking for something that would compete with those flashing 2012 glasses. Instead I left with three of what one would call, ‘sensible’ wool skirts. I haven’t stopped wearing them. Now, there was a time where I would have found them to be way too conservative, but I now realize that it’s all about the right length and what you wear them with. A great pair of tights and a cropped sweater makes them look modern and feminine. Way more feminine than a pair of jeans hanging by a thread.

clockwise, l-r: PETITE CLASSIC MINI IN FELTED WOOL, $98.00, J.Crew; SESSUN TAMMY SKIRT, $99.99, Urban Outfitters; TWEED BELLTOLL SKIRT, $98.00, Madewell; M MISSONI BLUE WOOL SKIRT, $179.85, my-wardrobe.com.

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Pull Yourself Together:
Have Your Back November 16th, 2011 By

You know those teenagers that carry their backpacks on one shoulder? I can’t stand that. It makes them look self-assured and I don’t think anyone under the age of 20 needs to be that confident. When I was in high school I always looked like I was about to go skydiving: Wearing both straps and terrified. In my older age, my love for the backpack has not swayed. It’s the best kind of bag to travel with because, let’s face it, my back isn’t what it used to be—lugging around twenty magazines, every Trader Joe’s snack known to man, and all the other crap I think I need on a plane starts getting a cumbersome. Plus, I think the rule now is that anything not in some way attached to your body requires an extra fee.

clockwise, l-r: ABINGDON BACKPACK, $138.00, J.Crew; BAGGU CANVAS POCKET BACKPACK, $32.00, Urban Outfitters; HERSCHEL SUPPLY CO. LITTLE AMERICA BACKPACK, $85.00, Revolve Clothing; THE LEATHER RAILWAY RUCKSACK, $235.00, Madewell.

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So I’m really lazy.
What of it? November 1st, 2011 By

Contrary to what you might see on the Rachel Zoe Project, I have a theory—a theory that’s been proven over the years—that it really doesn’t take editors all that long to get dressed. Maybe 30 seconds less than the average Joe. Arguably, this is because we have deep closets at our disposal (although, this can make the process more confusing and complicated unless you adhere to strict color-coding closet guidelines, ahem) and also because we spend a lot of time during the day getting paid to muse about what combinations look right. It makes sense that all that deep thinking would infiltrate the morning noise. I would also argue that while we tend to pay attention to the season’s “trends,” we all know that there are so many trends, it’s actually meaningless…and so pretty much stick with what we know works for us. This season, I’m really all about kind of fancy sweatshirts. Seriously. I maintain that you can dress a little bit like a slob, throw on some big necklaces (one short, one long) or a brightly colored shoe, and still look totally put together. Behold, the two sweatshirts that are really getting a workout in my rotation this fall. And if you’re curious, I made a whole collection of other Tomboy selects right here.

Clockwise, l-r:AROUND TOWN SWEATSHIRT, 49.99, J.CREW; LIGHTWEIGHT FLEECE SWEATSHIRT, $110.00, JAMES PERSE; JOHN DERIAN FOR REPETTO BALLET FLATS, 295.00, OPENING CEREMONY; MARC BY MARC JACOBS “CLAUDE” NECKLACE, $258.00, NORDSTROM.

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Pull Yourself Together:
A Sunny Disposition October 24th, 2011 By

Some would say I have a sunny disposition…Just kidding. No one would ever say that about me. Given that I am lacking in that department, I have to make up for it via smoke and mirrors. And by smoke and mirrors, I mean a convincing, albeit fake, smile and a pop of color. You do what you can.

The fall is particularly difficult on those of us with permanent “side-eye” attitudes, so it’s good to keep it light in the color palette. I like to go with bright yellow. Does it compliment my already sallow skin? Probably not. Does it make toddlers smile? Definitely. And really that’s what it’s all about, isn’t folks? Making children smile…

Not really. Let’s be honest, toddlers wouldn’t know fashion if it hit them on their adorable yet very soft heads. But I do love yellow. And I do love the way it makes me feel. Particularly when it’s radiating from that giant star we call the sun. But who needs the sun (everyone, actually, but go with me on this one), when you own any of the following items. The ‘Paddington Bear’ style raincoat alone is enough to make me want to skip, and that’s saying a boatload.

clockwise, l-r: YMC GLOVERALL WAX JACKET, $258.00, SHOPPENELOPES.COM; LUCINDA BLOUSE, $98.00, J.CREW; BDG ZIP-UP FLEECE HOODIE, $39.00, URBAN OUTFITTERS; AMERICAN APPAREL MEDIUM POUCH, $50.00, AMERICAN APPAREL.


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Lazy Dressing:
The Slouchy Dress October 4th, 2011 By

Clearly, I care about things to wear. But I also care about comfort—namely, I like to wear things that are comfortable but don’t inherently make me look like I packed on twenty pounds over the weekend. Enter the slouchy dress, whether cut from cashmere, wool, or cotton. One of my particular faves? The sweatshirt dress. Seems like cheating, right? But I find that if you add a waist-enhancing skinny belt, it’s easy to pull off. Add a long necklace, some opaque tights, and ankle booties, and you have a real outfit. (This is resonating with me in particular because I’m on a plane and regretting my wardrobe choices this morning: My pants are uncomfortable, and the ballet flats I mistakenly slipped on are providing no insulation to my very cold feet.) So tell me: What’s your fail-safe comfy outfit when you also want to look reasonably pulled together?

 

clockwise, l-r: FREE PEOPLE BEAUTIFUL STRANGER PULLOVER SWEATER, $148.00, Revolve Clothing; AMERICAN VINTAGE CASHMERE BLEND TUNIC DRESS, $149.00, Revolve Clothing; J.CREW DOLMAN-SLEEVE SWEATER DRESS, $168.00, J.Crew; JAMES PERSE SWEATSHIRT DRESS, $125.00, Shopbop.

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Wardrobe Staple: Straw Tote March 15th, 2011 By

A straw tote is a must have for spring and summer.  With so many colors and styles in stores, it’s easier than ever to find a straw bag that reflects your style.  Straw shoppers are worth the investment because they are lightweight, incredibly durable, spacious and more convenient to carry when you’re on the go.  We love these five bags below because of their gorgeous shape, bright colors, and beautiful embellishments.  The perfect bag for going from the beach or pool to the cafe and afternoon shopping.





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Meghan Donovan of WIT & Whimsy Gives Us Her Beso August 13th, 2010 By

Meghan Donovan of WIT & Whimsy

Meghan Donovan of WIT & Whimsy

Meghan Donovan is the Editor in Chief of WIT & Whimsy, a lifestyle blog that obsesses over fashion, beauty, food, fitness, travel, and more.  She uses humor to bring a fresh perspective to her daily encounters, but it’s her thoughtfulness that causes readers to fall in love with her. 

Herewith Meghan gives us her beso:

beso: What shoes are you obsessed with right now?
Meghan: I am a shoe gal through and through, but never before have I ever wanted a pair of shoes as badly as I do the Jimmy Choo Private patent leather sandals.  They are to die for.

Jimmy Choo 'Private' Patent Leather Sandals

Jimmy Choo 'Private' Patent Leather Sandals

b: What is your go-to pair of jeans?
M: 7 For All Mankind Roxanne skinny jeans.  They pair perfectly with pumps and a blouse for a night of cocktailing and flats for a more casual daytime look, but can also be cropped to wear with gladiator sandals. 

b: What brand can’t you live without?
M: I think I’d be lost without J. Crew.  Their staples and dresses are just so easy to throw on and look put together.

b: If you could be invited to any runway show, which would you choose?
M: I had a blast covering New York Fashion Week this past February and am anxiously awaiting seeing the looks that were showcased on the runway hanging on the racks and available online — but the one show I dream about seeing is the crème de la crème in Paris: Chanel.

b: What bag are you carrying right now?
M: Even though it’s summer and I’d normally be carrying a more seasonal bag, I’ve not been able to part with an old favorite of mine: The MARC by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Hillier hobo in black.  I love that it has both shoulder and cross-body straps so it mixes up the look a bit.

b: Favorite beauty product?
M: Benefit Posietint.  It’s the perfect lightweight flush of color for both your cheeks and lips.  I layer Benefit Sugarbomb blush on top of it for an added pop, as well.

Benefit Sugarbomb Blush

Benefit Sugarbomb Blush

b: Favorite charity?
M: I support the Ralph Lauren Pink Pony Fund as I love what the brand does to utilize fashion for good.  It’s an easy way for people to support a great cause (cancer care and prevention) both monetarily and fashionably by sporting your cause on any number of their items with the trademark pink pony.

b: What fall trend will you definitely be wearing?
M: I’m for sure after chunky knits come this fall, and saw great ones at Twinkle by Wenlan in February.  I’m also planning on seeing how well I can pull off thigh-highs with cute skirts and sweater dresses!

be: Lastly, what’s your beso? 
M: Be so you.

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