Waist Not, Want Not

I have spoken before of the waist defining belt...such a simple accessory, and yet such a perfect one for those of us with hourglass figures! I've even gone so far as to use grosgrain ribbon to accentuate a simple cotton/spandex t-shirt or boxy-framed dress to give it shape. What I love most about them is that they immediately add something interesting to the top half of an outfit, while showing off a part of my body that I'm proud of. Shouldn't we all work to do that?!

This season, I am already seeing such lovely designs and styles when it comes to the waist-defining belt. I wear these belts over t-shirts, dresses, structured jackets, trench coats, and even with a beach-cover up whenever this incessant winter ends in New England!

Maybe you'll enjoy my favorites, too:

Leather Bridle Belt: How much more Ralph Lauren-esque could a belt look? I love the classic brown with a small touch of hardware. Very chic.
Elastic Belt: I love this combination of leather with an elastic canvas. Again the hardware is classic and very equestrian- would be adorable over a navy shirt dress.
Equestrian Elastic Belt: LOVE the navy with brown accent- again could see this over a class crisp white blouse and dark jeans. Such an easy way to spice up a simple outfit.
Leather Basketweave Belt: The visual interest on this belt is to DIE FOR. Need I say more?So find your favorite and start to play with all the different ways you could add a belt to an outfit. It could open the door to endless possibilities!

Shopafrolic away!

I so love when I discover new tidbits on shopping, especially from friends who have connections! My colleague Susan passed along this very fashionable, reader friendly daily email geared toward product tips for fashion, accessories and beauty- love it! Susan knows one of the founders, Liz, from college- so fun!

The site is created by Liz Lange and Jane Wagman (just cancel the prompt to log in), sisters who admit to being raised by a "shopaholic mother." I love their story, and often have coveted some of Liz Lange's designs (maybe some of you recognize her name from Target, where she boasts a terrific maternity line!) I do admit, I have never purchased maternity clothing, but Liz Lange tempts me! :)

Their site, Shopafrolic, is refreshing, fun, creative, and engaging. It's concise enough for the busiest of gals, and their daily email (my favorite) gives me just enough shopping information to start my day off on the right foot.

So, for those of us who love a little tid-bit (after all, you are reading my blog), I think this one's worth adding to the inbox. Frolic away in delight! :)

Canvas Chic

I've been a lover of Lands' End over L.L.Bean for years. I find their clothing to fit a woman's body better (they established 3 different fits per body type), more fashionable color palettes and patterns, and as you know, their quality (especially in cashmere) is spot on!

I recently came across a new line of theirs called Lands' End Canvas, which is a cross between 1990's Banana Republic (remember when it was clothing you'd wear for an African safari?) and the nautical style of Ralph Lauren. Lots of khaki, pale pink, crisp whites, and navy- all perfect tones for embracing spring. (whenever spring hits for us...sounds like EVERYONE is dealing with crazy snow storms lately!)

Here's a couple of my favorite pieces from this new line: (and gents, there's a men's line, too!)

Shift Dress: Love the two tone, one piece. Both navy and khaki are classic and comfortable.
Pattern Poplin Skirt: Adore the grey circles, which remind me of a seaport town on a warm summer day.

This discovery just makes me happy- even if it's not all that "unique" (reminds me of elements of Gap, JCrew, etc.), but there is definitely something effortless about this line that makes me want to click "add to cart"!

Mod-Fabulous

One of the things I love most about blogging is when friends reveal their shopping finds to me! Inevitably, it gives me the fuel to fire up the blogging skills...

My friend, Karen, was thrilled to share the news of a favorite website for vintage and indie clothing. I hadn't heard of this little treasure (much to her surprise!), and I vowed to unveil it as soon as possible to get on the bandwagon.

I used to work at Anthropologie, a Philly based company that prides itself on French inspired, vintage style clothing for 20-30 somethings. If you know anything about Anthro, it's like walking into a whimsical trip down memory lane- full of trinkets and home goods alongside clothing that speaks to many.

My new discovery, ModCloth, is like a parallel universe to Anthropologie! Creative, colorful, incredibly detailed, fashionable clothing, accessories and shoes that bring you back to another time.

I especially loved learning about the company and its founders:

• Founded in 2002 by a married couple who were highschool sweethearts who boast, "We do this by interacting with you via social network sites like Twitter and Facebook, requesting your feedback through the ModLife Blog and product reviews, and asking you to vote on potential inventory with the Be the Buyer program, all with the intention of running a fashion business in a democratic style."

What's not to love about that philosophy?! I'm also a huge fan of their $7 flat rate shipping fee, as well as the daily inventory of new vintage designs. It's a treat to simply browse the site, and when you find that perfect, unique item- you, too will love ModCloth! Thanks, Karen :)