The Plain Midwest

This is one of the first images Google turns up for "Midwesterners". Only one pattern. Hmmmmm...

In her latest post, Penelope Trunk wrote something that kind of stuck in my craw:

“You know the pictures of Midwesterners in NYC? I spent ten years learning how to spot a Midwesterner in NYC but really, it only takes ten minutes. Because people in the Midwest have no style. It’s plain top, plain pants, plain shoes. You can rarely peg the decade their outfit comes from because it is tied to no particular style. I have made fun of this for years. And now I’m pretty sure it’s what I look like.”

— Penelope Trunk

Now, as a girl who’s spent most of her life in the Midwest, I can tell you first hand it’s not the style mecca of the world.  But plain top, pants and shoes?  That really doesn’t accurately describe us.

After moving to Charleston, I did have to change my wardrobe.  I had a different career, climate and region to dress for.  Compared to Detroit, Charleston is more dressy, more feminine and lighter.

But have I gone from plain t-shirts to patterns?  Not exactly.  I still have plain t-shirts.  Dark jeans.  Black patent shoes (that I can assure you, are anything but plain.)

What does the rest of the world think?  Are Midwesterners … plain?

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SAG Confusion

The SAG Awards were last night.   They’re not the hip Golden Globes and they’re not the granddaddy of them all – the Oscars.  The SAG’s are confused what kind of award show it could be (Hey! Let’s serve dinner during the show!)  and it seemed to show in the gowns many actresses picked.

Elizabeth Holmes of the Wall Street Journal tweeted “Angie Harmon, great dress, but wrong venue. That’s an Oscar dress.”  I have to agree.  Plus, didn’t Sarah Jessica Parker wear the short version of this dress (famously) to the Emmy’s in 2000?

It’s only a matter of time before Kim Kardashian is declared “Sexiest Woman Ever”, so what happened in this Marchesa gown?  She looks more like a Real Housewife of New Jersey.  Maybe its all that time in NYC rubbing off on her.

January Jones’ Golden Globes Dress said all the right things.  This Carolina Herrera one said all the wrong things – not sexy, not current and not fashion forward.

I adore Jane Lynch.  But this purple taffeta number from Ali Rahimi it at the exact opposite end of the scale.  Perhaps she thought the theme was 80’s prom?  (I men, that theme does seem to be oh-so-popular these days.)

Give her a veil and bouquet and Winona Ryder could be wearing this Alberta Ferretti gown to renew her vows.  I just expect, way, way more from the Queen of Cool.

How did Dianna Agron from Glee manage to look old?  The length of her Chanel gown, the shoes, the dark make-up…it all contributed.  I have a feeling she was trying to look all Mad Men chic, but it just didn’t work.

What did you think of the dresses last night?  Any favorites?  I’m ready to see the Oscar fashions.  Hopefully they won’t disappoint.

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Ga Ga for Gaga Shoes

Couldn’t let the Charleston Gaga Day buzz go without posting these photos of some Gaga inspired shoes. Two lovely ladies were real shoe models for me and I’m sure Vogueing in 8-inch heels was no small feat.  Hope your Monday is a little easier – but just as fashionable.

 

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Charleston Gaga Day

I was too nervous to go to Charleston Gaga Day last year, but after seeing all the fun I knew I had to make it this year!  Even in the cool weather (for Charleston) the CHS Little Monsters were out in full force.  So many cool outfits inspired by Lady Gaga herself.  Congratulations to Joe Quinn on another successful event!  Can’t wait to hear how much was raised for the Trevor Project.

 

Joe Quinn answer questions for the media.

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Golden Globes – The Branded

Now that we’ve covered The Good and The Bad from the Golden Globes, let’s look at who branded themselves the best.  Who’s using their dress to attract more than a flash bulb.  Who’s using it to project their personality, their image, their brand.

You won’t soon forget January Jones in this red Versace dress.  Her hair and perfect red lips remind you that she’s in the über successful Mad Men.  The exposure says “I’m still hot though”.  And the dress is classically Versace – did I mention she’s their latest model?

Many a fashionista has already criticized Michelle William’s Valentino dress.  They’re missing the point.  This dress is who she is – whimsical, pretty, a little bit avant-garde.  A modern-day flower child!  Don’t make her hit you over the head with it…again.

Emma Stone was nominated for “Easy A”.  Not exactly Shakespeare.  Her Calvin Klein gown, understated jewelry and demure hair is all telling you “But I can be a serious actress too!”  Its classy.  Its refined.  Its getting her the next big part.

Now you’ve seen how the Hollywood stars do it.  What about you?  How are you using clothing to brand yourself?

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Golden Globes – The Good & The Bad

While Ricky Gervais had no fear on stage last night, the ladies of the red carpet showed their fashion chops as well.

The Good:

Twitter was a buzz with Anne Hathaway’s shoulder pads – and not in a good way.  But I have to disagree.  Her Armani Privé dress accenting her shape and coloring perfectly.  The structure of the dress works for her – padding and all.

Eva Longoria looked stunning in her black Zac Posen dress.  It was her “I’m even more fab without whats-his-name” moment.

Claire Danes was the winner overall last night.  Golden Globe and red carpet.  Take note ladies – her Calvin Klein dress fit impeccably and so she could pull off what easily could be described as Pink Panther Pink.

The Bad:

First of all what the heck was up with all the flesh-colored, washed out, frumpy dresses this year?  Not a fan.  And my #1 offender was Scarlett Johansson in Elie Saab.  Mainly because she can do SO MUCH better.  It wasn’t sexy.  It wasn’t cool.  It wasn’t anything!

Leighton Meester is a beautiful girl.  But her Burberry works hard to make sure you can’t figure that out.  It covers her up and washes her out.  Yuck.

And the last of the nude offenders, I’m sorry to say, is Sandra Bullock.  I can’t even concentrate on her Jenny Packham dress because her bangs are in the way.  You know its bad when your husband looks up from his football watching to say “What the heck is going on with her hair?!”

Next up, I’ll reveal my ladies are branding themselves the best.  Look for the post shortly.

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Forever 21 Opens in Charleston

Is this the official changing of the guard on King Street?  The Forever 21 store opened this morning replacing the Saks 5th Avenue that had once been the anchor of the shopping district.  While this change was met with displeasure from many residents, that wasn’t the case this morning!

The line of anxious shoppers stretched down the block.  I was told the first 400 customers into the store received a gift card ranging from $5 – $100.  One lucky shopper would get $200 to spend.

Here are some of the folks in line.  Hope you scored some cute clothes!

The first people in line had been there since 3 AM!

Forever 21 customers live on sugar.

They also live on caffeine!

Of course, I couldn’t get into the store before it opened, but here are a few shots of the store.  If you did get in, let me know what you picked up.

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Furry Bag

Recently I asked my contact in China, Wendy, if there were any bags I could purchase as an everyday bag from her company.  I like supporting companies I work with and it was also getting pretty old to have this conversation:

Person:  What do you do?

Me:  I’m launching my own line of laptop bags!

Person:  Cool!  Is that one of your bags?  <Points to bag on my shoulder.>

Me:  Um…No….its <insert name of other company here.>

Wendy  sent me this new bag they were making.  To me, it looks like furry bag.  Not something I’d usually carry.  But its made of lamb wool – like a sweater.  Wendy says they are VERY popular in China.  So, I signed up for a gray one.  And fearlessly, I’ll carry it around Charleston.

Here are all the colors:

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Speaking of fearless, its time to tell you my first goal of 2011.

There are two fearless women I know.  Women who have changed my career.  Always been in my corner.  Made what I did better.  Have mega successful careers in their own right.  Combined, they are my Dream Team.

2011 Goal #1:  By the end of the year, I want to be able to present job offers to Jackie Trepanier and Elin Nozewski.

There it is ladies.  Be ready.  I’m coming to get you.

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