Tag: fashionista

Steal vs. Splurge!

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Those of us watching Scandal know that Olivia Pope rocks some amazing threads on the show.  Are you all coveting her wardrobe as much as I am??

In searching for an Olivia Pope-esque coat this weekend, I happened to come across this, and knew I HAD to share it with you all!  I first came across the Splurge version, but upon performing an extensive search for similar coats sold on other websites, came across this less expensive version, the Steal:

Steal:  Yellow Bowknot Front H-line Simple Wool Blend Coat, $34.10

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Splurge:  OUTERWEAR BY ME Mustard Yellow Ribbon Longline Coat, $218.00

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Do you feel like you are seeing double??  That’s what I thought!  The description for both coats appears to describe two VERY similar coats (e.g. wool blend, exact same measurements and sizes).  $218 vs $34??  I’d be crazy not to consider the less expensive version!!  Unless…the quality was, of course, atrocious.  However, based on the descriptions, they appear to be similar – if not the same – in quality.

Still have some reservations?  Sure, not everyone is a fan of bright colors. Consider breaking out of your comfort zone with a color like mustard.  It pairs well with black, so it is definitely an easy piece to incorporate into your current wardrobe, color scheme.

Not a fan of the bow?  The placement on the coat makes me suspect that it is easily removable for a more sophisticated look (if indeed you feel the bow is in any way, girlish). Any tailor would be able to make that alteration.  Even more reason to buy the less expensive version of the coat, right?

Fear not, I did purchase the Steal version of the coat, so I will be able to provide an accurate review of the less expensive version soon!  In the meantime, I will keep an eye out for additional steals that may suit your wardrobe needs.

NOTE (November 9, 2013):  I am in the process of writing the review for this coat.  I strongly suggest you do not purchase the STEAL version of this coat until you read my review.  The quality was honestly, incredibly disappointing.

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

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Did you know that October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM)?  Well it is! According to Wikipedia (you know, the bearer of ALL knowledge), “NBCAM was founded in 1985 as a partnership between the American Cancer Society and the pharmaceutical division of Imperial Chemical Industries (now part of AstraZeneca, producer of several anti-breast cancer drugs).

The aim of the NBCAM from the start has been to promote mammography as the most effective weapon in the fight against breast cancer.”

As an epidemiologist (and no, I am not a skin doctor…I do have a doctorate, but am not a skin specialist, ahem!), I often think in terms of numbers (yay, numbers!!).  The following statistics come from the American Cancer Society’s ‘Cancer Facts & Figures, 2013’:

New cases:  “An estimated 232,340 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed among women in the US during 2013; about 2,240 new cases are expected in men.”

Deaths:  “An estimated 40,030 breast cancer deaths (39,620 women, 410 men) are expected in 2013. Breast cancer ranks second as a cause of cancer death in women (after lung cancer).”

Although much progress has been made with regard to breast cancer prevention and control, much remains to be done.  You can help by becoming informed, spreading the word, and helping any way you can to advance our science and other efforts to help fight the battle against breast cancer.

For additional information on signs/symptoms, treatment, survival rates, etc., consult the full report here, or visit www.cancer.org, and/or consult with your doctor.

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To bring it back full circle to topics related to staying ‘chic’ in the workplace, I’ve put together a collection of pink items to help you both raise awareness, as well as help raise funds for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation!  Portions of sales for items listed with an asterisk go towards funding the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.  The ones without an asterisk were, well…cute. 🙂

The Work Flat

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It is not often that you will catch me wearing flats.  I am – and have been since about age 12 – a high-heels-wearer.  It’s innate…possibly even coded in my genes! On occasion, though, I too will dabble in flats-wearing.

Example #1 (actually, it’s probably the ONLY example I have!!):

flats

There are only two types of occasions that have required flats-wearing in my life:

1) During and after pregnancy (swollen feet are no match for ANY pair of high-heels!!).

2) Days when I have to run around campus, walk from building to building, or walk a long distance with bags in tow (e.g. at the ariport).

For those occasions, or when I simply cannot bear the thought of balancing the majority of my weight on the balls of your heels for more than 5 seconds (trust me though, this is rarely the case for me), I recommend the following flats:

1.  The Tory Burch ‘Reva’ Ballerina Flat – Of course!!  Made with a soft buttery leather, these flats are a bit uncomfortable at first; once you break in the leather though, they are quite comfy!  The gold medallion adds a bit of accessorizing without it being too obnoxiously ‘bling’, in my opinion.  I also like that it comes in a variety of colors!  One for each outfit you say?  Why not, I say!! 😉

Tory Burch 'Reva' Ballerina Flat

Tory Burch ‘Reva’ Ballerina Flat

2.  If I am wearing heels to work, to the airport, or any other place really, I make sure to keep a pair of flats in my bag.  Flats creators have innovated the most amazing types of flats recently…the folding flat!  There are two types that I would recommend:

-The Tieks, by Gavrieli Foldable Flat.  Created by a Stanford Alum (Go Cardinal!!), these flats come in about 47 different colors and styles.  They come with a cute, drawstring bag for storage.  Although I would probably default to a black foldable flat (especially if your base wardrobe color tends to be black), I would not shy away from this copper, textured flat, as it is also a great neutral option:

Wild Copper
 
 
 
-Love the idea of the Tieks flat, but can’t fathom shelling out nearly $300 for them?  Worry not, as the Gap has a similar foldable flat!  The City Flat.  I am a fan of this one, actually, owning 4 pairs of these myself (hey, they were on sale!!)!
Gap Womens The City Flat
-When opting for flats, I would recommend buying flats that are all-leather.  You are likely wearing flats to walk around, not just sit at your desk, so wear a materials that won’t have you reaching for band-aids and tending to blisters!
 
-Also, as you would do with any other type of shoe, break them in before wearing them.  You are likely choosing to wear flats to seek comfort when dressing your feet, so make sure that they have stretched out a bit and are going to make your walking experience a pleasant one.
 
-Finally, I leave you with these words of wisdom from one shoe lover to another: “If the shoe fits, BUY IT!!”
 
 

-Stay ‘Chic’!