Frugal or Fashion: That is the question

During these tough economic times and with the holiday season approaching, I wonder if retail will have profitable sales at all by the end of the year.

If I do any shopping these days, I head to discount clothing stores like T.J. Maxx, Marshall's, Kohl's or Target. I used to love strolling the aisles of Macy's and Nordstrom's, but with a recession, that is not really smart.

I feel like I should be saving any money that I get, but my shopaholic syndrome kicks in...when I'm bored, when I'm sad, when I convince myself that I need a new pair of shoes.

It is something to ponder. I wonder if the second stimulus check will ever happen and if so, will that help retail. We shall see.

Summer Interview Wardrobe

I recently had a dilemma of what to wear on a job interview in the dead of summer. I often ponder every day as I am getting ready for current job what to wear, what is appropriate to wear to the office and what I can stand on my body in the dog-days of summer.

In my line of work, I have to leave the office often, and the humidity sometimes is unbearable and it feels that the sun is just sitting on my shoulder at times, so I couldn't bear the thought of wearing pantyhose to an interview.

I did some online research about what is the current trend of wardrobe wear to an interview.

Although I had my mom and my aunt's words ringing in my ears, "Keep it simple, less is more, always wear your classic string of pearls," I did not want to don a pantsuit, pantyhose or heels for that matter.

I was ready to march into my interview with a black linen suit, soft colored shell sleeveless shell underneath and peep toe pumps. But, my conscience got the best of me, and so did my good friend who works in corporate America and dresses the part.

During my contemplation, I found many style articles and blogs that even suggested that wearing the "little White dress" with a black skinny belt is ready-to-wear for summer interviews. I was blown by that. Of course, you have to consider what type of setting are you going to for the interview.



Another style blog suggested a fitted, high-waisted linen pencil skirt paired with a soft, feminine white cotton-blouse and classic, patent-leather pumps will do the trick. Throw in string of pearls, a hobo bag and minimal jewelry, maybe a subdued ring will do the trick. I found this look a little casual, but I love the idea of wearing it to work. That look screams Ann Taylor or Banana Republic.











Another style blog suggested wearing the traditional colors in suiting, including black, navy, brown or gray, but in lighter shades. Light-wool fabrics were also recommended, as they do not wrinkle like rayon or linen suits tend to.




There was also a suggestion to purchase many different tops to change the versatility of suits. For instance, chambray or chartreuse colored blouses can dress down a suit in most casual settings, while white and pin-striped blouses can dress a suit back up.


Some style experts say that wearing a twin-set as opposed to a jacket might be acceptable in some interview settings.

In the end, I ended up wearing my classic black pinstriped skirt suit, my black pumps with a patent leather toe, (closed toe) and I did break out the pantyhose. Call me classic! I did not get the job, but I think that my wardrobe did not have anything to do with that.

Happy Shopping!

The Mrs.

I have been engrossed in Presidential Election coverage since last year and just can't seem to get enough of it, even when I am furious about the latest political misstep.

I adore Barack Obama after having the most memorable interview of my career thus far, and although I have not had the pleasure to meet the "Missus" Michelle Obama, I love her style, grace and personality.

Down to earth divas always win in my book. That deserves a fist bump from me!

Anyway, before the millions of fashion trade magazines,bloggers,journalists and columnists ranted about her black and white White House/ Black Market printed leaf tank dress that she wore on ABC's "The View" as a guest hostess, I loved her gorgeous, purplish V-neck dress by designer Maria Pinto that she accented with a pearl choker and a lovely black leather belt and classic black heels. That dress accentuated her curves nicely, and you know how much I love flattering fashions on women with real shapes.

That was the moment that I spazzed over Michelle Obama's fashion choices. She seems to love this particular designer, as the July 7th issue of People Magazine showed some of her campaign looks in Pinto's red two piece dress suit and sizzling orange 3/4 sleeved dress.

Vision in White

Although I have my opinions about her father, Jenna Bush's pick for her recent nuptials on May 10 was absolutely breathtaking.

Picking a wedding dress is such a pivotal part of a woman's life, and I had to give the thumbs up for Jenna's Oscar de la Renta bridal gown.

Jenna was a vision, in the embroidered, organza gown, with a wonderful fishtail finish. Simple. Classic. Delicate are some of the words for the beautiful gown.

Met Costume Institute Gala

Recently, celebrities converged upon New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art for its Costume Institute Gala and the fashions were pieces of art themselves.

One of my absolute favorite looks of the evening was Beyonce in an elegant pale pink silk organza Giorgio Armani Prive gown. Simple, yet elegant. Her look was complimented with gorgeous emerald drop earrings by Lorraine Schwartz.




I also loved new mommy Jennifer Lopez's look. Lopez wore an teal Alberta Feretti gown and the way that the gown fit her, you could not even tell that she recently gave birth to twins nearly three months ago.

I also liked newly engaged star Scarlett Johansson's look. She was ballerina chic in a Dolce and Gabbana cream and ivory tulle tea-length gown.



Supermodel Gisele Bundchen took my breath away in a daring and sexy pale pink cutout Versace gown. That dress seemed like it was made specifically for her.




I also thought that actress/singer Hilary Duff looked splendid. She wore an exquisite Elie Saab gown accented by lovely Loraine Schwartz jewels.



Other honorable mentions go to actress Eva Longoria Parker, who wore a purple Marchesa gown. She seems to really like that designer.

I also loved Eva Mendes, who wore a dreamy aquamarine Calvin Klein dress.

Unfortunately, there always has to be one fashion disaster. Now, the theme of the Costume Institute Gala was "Superheroes," and it was obvious that Holmes was going for a Wonder Woman kind of look.




The iridescent red Armani gown she wore was tragic enough, but then the patent blue shoes she wore with it just sealed her fate in fashion disaster history for me. Better luck next time!

Can't get enough of Christian

I was thrilled to watch the final episodes of the fourth season of Project Runway. I did not watch the entire season, but I wish I did so I could marvel at the main attraction, which was the winner Christian Siriano.

In one word, Christian was "fierce." From his hair, to designer eye wear to his over the top, flashy designs.

I simply loved all of them, because he created his signature.

I enjoyed his final collection tremendously. I agreed that his first looks down the runway which were mainly black ensembles were a bit monochromatic, but I also thought they were cutting edge and boldly dramatic.

I appreciated the ruffles in a lot of his looks and the chic silhouettes that were created in the total look.

I did not think that the look was a little too much, in fact, I agreed with guest host Victoria Beckham on finale night that it left me wanting more.

His last look that was a animal, safari print gown that was donned in feathers, and created an ombre look as well, was simply breathtaking.

That kid is on his way, and I want to be on the same "fierce" level as him.

Rip the Runway `08

I enjoyed this year's BET's "Rip the Runway" thoroughly.

A nice surprise was Zac Posen's collection in what is usually a urban wear fashion show complimented by the hottest hip hop and R&B music stars in concert.

It was refreshing to see how BET stepped it up, by adding one of the king's of New York, Milan and Paris' fashion weeks on the small screen.

Posen showed off some of his couture lines, and I loved the copper halter gown that had a fishtail bottom.

Beyonce wore a Zac Posen emerald green fishtail gown at this year's Movies Rock red carpet event and not too many critics liked the look, but it highlighted her hourglass figure that is very common among women of color.




There were several fashion debuts on the show, including the Respect ME, Missy Elliott for Adidas Collection, Co Co Ri, which is rapper Snoop Dogg's wife, Shante's line and Snoop's Rich n Infamous Collection.

I really liked Missy's line, because it was sporty and it is about time that Missy got an fashion deal, because she has worn Adidas consistently and it has become her signature look.

I found Co Co Ri to be very trendy right now, with the colorful and girly printed hoodies and the metallic and neon leggings or skinny pants. It is always thrilling to see spouses of uber stars take on their own business ventures and this is a nice start for the "Boss Lady." I thought the hooded sweatshirt dress from her line was adorable.




Sean John, which is music icon Diddy's masterpiece, was always thrilling to see modeled on stage. I liked the spring looks and pastel colors he used in his T-shirts, track jackets and plaid shorts, but I think what makes his line exceptional are the suits and tuxedos. They just seem to fit the typical broad shape of Black men and they just scream classic. Sean John's three-piece suits, which is Diddy's signature look always look dapper and fly.






I also loved the Sean John women's line for this season, topping it off with the silver sequined mini dress worn by Bad Boy Recording artist Cassie and also the black tuxedo jacket that was lined with black sequins and paired with black sequined pants. Ultra glam and I loved it!