In case you're interested: An adult shirt at AE

For the record, I'm still upset with American Eagle Outfitters (the company) for closing down my beloved Martin & Osa chain.  I hope they fail. 

However, while helping a coworker pick out shoes today (she wears kid sizes) I saw the shirt below on the clearance page and I want it.  It would be really cute with a cardigan and jeans for work and with my white shorts and silver sandals this summer.   I'm still considering the purchase though, mostly because I'm not sure how true the 'machine wash' claim is.  Me and embellished tops don't get along so well...  :-/

AE Beaded Tee - $24.95

Copying Ann Taylor Loft for Spring

I hate that odd time between seasons when the weather isn't cooperating with what you want to wear.  Like right now, I want to look spring-ey, but not in thin fabrics and sleeveless tops.  As I searched for inspiration today (I was feeling bored with my clothes), I found that Ann Taylor Loft has some nice outfits that I'm totally going to copy until it gets warmer (and probably after that too).

Their way:

My way (without buying lots of new stuff)

What am I going to do?

My favorite store is closing.  All of them. 

I hate you American Eagle Outfitters and I hope you know this is your own damn fault.  Hardly bothering to market when a store launches does not lead to success.  If I, your target consumer who is online all day and reads tons of magazines, did not know you existed until stumbling upon the store a year ago then someone sucks at their job. 

I will be stocking up on summer stuff and trying to find somewhere else to spend my money. That is all.

No more M+O

Cute sandals where I didn't expect them: Urban Outfitters

I know some of you are thinking "Urban Outfitters is for college students and I'm not a hipster".  I honestly haven't shopped there since I stopped wearing funny t-shirts.  However, I found myself in the store with some time to kill before a movie started and was really surprised at the shoes they carry now.

Yes, some of them are weird and made of pvc.  But others are really on trend for this spring (even for the non-hipster) and the prices are great. 

Sandals under $30 - All of these would be great with shorts or dresses, and are a nice nod to the nautical trend without being made of rope

I think I need the ones on the bottom right... and the ones above them.

New addition:
Ok, these aren't from UO, but I love them and think they'd be comfortable because the bottom is rubber

Michael Kors Shane Sandal

Jeans for men, not college students

My first post about shopping for men... 

No offense college students, but when a man reaches the point in his life where he works full time and is in charge of things (or is 25) it's time to put away the ripped up, pre-faded jeans.   Most guys I know (mine included) buy the same jeans they've always gotten when their old ones wear out and call it a day.  However, if those same jeans make you look like you're trying to be 19 it's time to consider a change.

My friend Chris and I searched for adult jeans a couple of years ago and it was not easy.  Luckily, darker washes are in this year and you don't even need to switch stores to find something new.  Here are a couple of pairs from American Eagle that are under $50 and will still look appropriate on someone who is out of college.


For work on Friday...
AE Bootcut Jean - Dark tinted wash

For the weekend...
AE Low Loose Jean - Dark Indigo Wash

For high schoolers...

Kenneth Cole Jewelry at Macy's

Last week I was helping my friend pick out some jewelry for her mom's birthday and I came across the Kenneth Cole New York collection at Macy's.  I was impressed at the prices (all under $50) and thought these would work for almost any woman you need to buy for since the pieces are so classic (but not boring). 

Macy's has a habit of charging $45 for necklaces you could get at Claire's and these definitely don't fall into that category.  Keep an eye on these as Mother's Day draws near... or get them now.

Mom, forget you read this post. 

Heartbroken

For years, I have wished that shirts were sold with bra size in mind.  I've always said that if I had a clothing line, there would be size 10 and a size 10B (boobs) with more room up top.  Well someone has beaten me to it (years ago, actually) and the shirts and dresses are perfect.  Rebecca & Drew make classic button downs and shirt dresses sized according to your bra size and height.  That's practically custom made.  You can imagine my excitement.

Then I saw the prices.  Even the sale shirts are $117 and the tailored shirt dress of my dreams is $250.

Maybe one day someone will copy this idea and make them $60.  :(