Ketchup Fiend

Rave: Origins Ginger Essence

2008-03-28T04:11:00.003-04:00

"Ancient Chinese tradition holds that where there's yin, there must be yang. And so the fragrant fire of spicy Ginger is balanced by the refreshing zeal of Bergamot, Lemon and Lime to create a sensuous synergy between warm and cool, energy and calm, tempest and tranquility. Skin is surrounded in an enticing aroma that's impossible to resist."

I love LOVE LOVE Origins Ginger Essence ($37 for 5omL). It smells wonderfully feminine without being flowery and a little earthy and spicy without any musk tones. The rollerball version is cheap ($12.50), won’t leak during travel and is easy to pop in your bag (plus men seem to love it!)

True Confessions: Home Shopping Edition

2008-03-28T03:55:00.005-04:00

Embarrassing confession: sometimes when I can't sleep I put on one of the home shopping networks - just the constant upbeat tone of their voices is very soothing. But anyway, the other night they were "presenting" a soft brown wrap cardigan ($69.50) that was actually quite cute. I imagined my way into an easy but glamorous summer outfit... the only problem would be keeping the pants clean!

The Higher the Hair, The Closer to God

2008-03-28T01:49:00.004-04:00

Maybe it is hair envy, but I have been drooling over these fun Big Hairdos.

Alyssa Milano in "My Name is Earl"

Dina Lohan in some magazine.

Rant: 80s glasses

2008-03-28T00:38:00.006-04:00

I have limited tolerance for 80s nostalgia. I feel no sentimentality for Thundercat or John Hughes movies. I think Thriller is okay, just okay.

And the 80s fashion redux of late: I sloowwwwwly came around to leggings. Skinny jeans have not been my favorite fashion trend of all times. And acid-washed tapered jeans, umm.

But the sunglasses, oh dear god the sunglasses:

Sierra Miller and her red Ray bans ...

....and Drew with her white Wayfarers.

Mary Kate and friends step out in white sunglasses. Source: olsenfan.net

The Cobrasnake. Panty Sale photo #9674:

....oh, and Kanye.
ohh Kanye...

Wake up!
These. Do. Not. Look. Good.
In fact, they look horrible.
This trend must die.
/rant

Sak Handbags

2008-03-28T00:12:00.002-04:00

When I was in high school, I worked at Filenes, a department store. I remember stocking the Sak handbags and thinking, "How horrendously ugly." It was a variety of things: the fact that they were only available in shades of beige and gray (with maybe a muddy blue thrown in here in there), the weird crochet that looked like it would get dirty immediately, the clumsy-looking shapes, the name.

Well, friends, I have come around. They have some very nice leather bags at quite reasonable prices and I am considering the "Ashbury" linen bag as a pretty, go-with-everything (slightly impractical) summer handbag.

Silverlake Leather Convertible Satchel ($199)

Ashbury Linen Shopper ($99)

More Fashion & Cancer

2008-03-26T13:18:00.002-04:00

Fashion & Cancer

2008-03-24T21:29:00.004-04:00

I am currently undergoing treatment for lymphoma and although fashion might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of cancer, I find that it is a fun diversion (thus this blog!) For better or for worse, women have a lot wrapped up in personal appearance and chemo's side effects' impact on physical appearance - hair loss (including eyelashes and eyebrows), strange skin, scars - can be especially hard for that reason. In the midst of all that, putting a little effort into fashion can cheer you up.

My stomach bothers me constantly so I never want to wear anything tight around my middle. As a result I have developed a uniform of cozy layers. I think of it as kind of a Bohemian look.
1) Tunic sweaters and long cardigans- being at home so much is fueling my eBay cashmere obsession
2) Leggings, yoga pants, wide-legged pants and soft jeans.
3) Flats and equestrian- style flat boots (I've always been a heels girl but cancer changes everything...).
4) I don't mind my wig, since it actually looks better than my real hair did, but sometimes I'm just not in the mood, so I trade off between it and some pretty Russian-ish scarves.
5) Great cheap A-line coat from H&M - I can squash all of the layers underneath and still look semi-chic.

What I want now: Liberty scarf

2008-03-24T21:27:00.003-04:00

Recently I have been lusting over these vintage Liberty scarves on eBay. I love the beautiful colors and prints, the upper-crusty Liberty name and the pure silk. With most auctions starting at under $10, they are affordable too.

Fave Five: Banana Republic

2008-03-24T13:12:00.000-04:00

I could easily spend all my money at Banana Republic and, true to form, they have great pieces for spring. My favorites:

Paisley silk shirtdress ($130)
I love dresses for spring and summer. You have your whole outfit in one shot. It's easy to commute in the heat in flipflops, then throw on a cardigan or jacket and heels at the office. Paisley + silk = love.

Greenwich shoulder satchel ($228)
White leather is a classic rich-looking summer handbag. This one has nice hardware details, a nice compact shape, plus it fits over your shoulder (a must in my book). In my fantasy life, I can see myself carrying this to lunch in Palm Springs... sigh...

Oriana shielded sandal ($78)
With it comfy looking shape and slightly polished look, I could this being worn with everything from jeans to dresses. I also like the silver version.

Cotton chunky sweater jacket ($98)
It's not a jacket... it's not a sweater... it's a sweater jacket! Perfect for slightly cool days when you don't want a jacket or aggressively airconditioned offices. It also has a cute vacationy vibe to it.

Lightweight wool A-line dress ($99.99)
Another good summer work dress. I like the forgiving, flattering A-line cut and the fact that the look can be completely changed with different shoes, jackets, sweaters and accessories.

Rant: I hate clutches!!!

2008-03-24T00:30:00.000-04:00

Talk about a impractical trend. Unless you have a driver following you around, I can't imagine hauling this around. Just think about looking for your iPod or subway pass or schlepping grocery bags. Also, my arm hurts just looking at that thing. Plus I am so distracted I would probably lose it - I hesitate to buy a bag with a strap that won't fit over my shoulder. Maybe a clutch is OK for an event at night but that's it! OK, rant over.

Fave Five: The Gap

2008-03-23T23:15:00.000-04:00

I've never been a huge Gap fan, but they have some cute pieces this spring! My favorites:

Strapless empire dress ($69.50)
I think this is my favorite of them all: it's so pretty and clean. I can imagine wearing it to daytime shower or wedding. You might even be able to get away with wearing it to work with a knit top or buttoned-up cardigan on top.

Military Flare Skirt ($38.00)
Flattering shape, flattering cut, flattering color... need I say more?

Clean Cropped Pants ($49.50)
A summer basic. Good for work with flats, or the perfect length for sandals or flip-flops. Love the higher waist (holds in the stomach) and the lack of pockets (flattering fit) - a good silhouette for babydoll or empire tops. I can also see wearing them with round-toe pumps for going out. Plus it comes in petite which is good for us shorter girls.

Picot-edge dress ($59.50)
Easy casual comfy fit that could be dressed up or down.

Puff-sleeved scoop neck T ($17.99)
I love this silhouette! I have a sweater like this that's my absolute favorite. It's cute on the smaller-chested model AND it's a great cut for larger-chested girls for the days when you want a fitted t-shirt that doesn't scream boooobs!! It also has that nice comfortable fit of an empire top without looking like a maternity smock.

Rave: To the Max Pleated Shirtdress

2008-03-23T02:21:00.000-04:00

I love this shirtdress/tunic from To The Max ($118 at Nordstrom) . I would wear it over skinny jeans or leggings now, with a cardigan or little jacket. In the summer (depending on how daring you are) you can rock it as a dress. I'd pair it with chunky wood heels.

What I want now

2008-03-17T23:46:00.000-04:00

The tan Mary Janes from Gap Design Editions ($99) are right up my alley for spring. As a vertically-challenged person with hips to boot, I am, at best, a reluctant flat-wearer. But the pointy toe sexifies this pair and makes your leg look less stumpy than a round toe.
I think they would look great paired with black or white pants or jeans in all cuts - bootcut, skinny, wideleg.

Greetings!

2008-03-11T22:12:00.000-04:00

Hello! My blogging adventure begins. This blog will focus on all things style - heavy on the fashion , doodads and interior design and light on the makeup and jewelery with a few hits of food and fitness.