High-End, Low Price

It has been a growing trend for years now. High-end designers placing their fashions in affordable department stores. My favorite is Dana Buchman in Kohl's. Then you have Issac Mizarahi in Target. Walmart places designers based upon the community.
I used to get Dana Buchman in Marshall Fields and Macy's so I was happy to see her in Kohl's. Her denims are made of quality material that lasts over the years. Moderately priced and always in style.
I also purchased a pair of Vera Wang jeans in Kohl's. Now I'm curvy, but these jeans take good care of me!
This summer, I decided to be me first and fashionable second. My love of watching The Real Housewives of Atlanta and Orange County and then Basketball Wives keeps me posted on what's happening now. I'm all packed for my trip to New York next week and I have my cute sandals and maxi dresses. I really only wear Tiffany silver and a tennis bracelet or two.
For some reason, I'm really feeling the fashion sensation!

Church Hats & Suits

" Elegance is not the prerogative of those who have just escaped from adolescence, but of those who have already taken possession of their future."-Coco Chanel
Before I begin let me make it very clear that these are my own views and are not meant to hurt or harm anyone.
Church hats and suits are a lovely thing especially when it all matches like the Queen of England.
My only issue is the cookie-cutter suits and hats where as some are found in your local beauty supply stores:o
Suits made of cheesy fabrics and outlandish color schemes will make heads turn alright...
I have searched far and wide on this matter and came up with interesting finds. There's a NY designer, Panzai who makes some of the finest Sunday frock in the country. Yet a bit pricier than ordering from the popular wig magazine but well worth it if you're into dressing to impress. All suits have hats to match, how can you go wrong. There's even a matching suit for him. You usually see Gospel stars, pastors and first ladies donning Panzai's creations but they cater to anyone who's ready to take their 'church suit game' a bit further. The hats are breath taking.

Next is my personal favorite, St. John Couture, St. John Knits and St. John Sport. Timeless is an understatement with some of their pieces. I love the feel of the fabric against my skin and I totally feel confident wearing their pieces since they're adaptable to minor to moderate weight gain. They don't make hats to match their suits but they do make shoes!
You can find their boutiques on Michigan Avenue, Nieman Marcus and online. They do have several outlet stores too. My favorite outlet is in Aurora Illinois. As much as I love this designer, I refuse to part with any pieces, I just keep adding to my collection.
Price wise, this line is costly but back to a previous article I wrote, it pays off in the end. The material shows no wear at all, the colors do not fade, buttons and zippers don't lose luster. Quality made clothing.
This line is dry clean only and just a bit of advice, go to a cleaners that is familiar with St. John!!

Handbags

Everybody is carrying a Coach handbag. That's cool. Especially if it's one of their all leather bags such as their famous Duffel Sac, they last forever. Coach is also reasonably priced. Again, everybody is carrying a Coach.
Next, Louis Vuitton. Hmm, the price ranges are 'up there' but is still affordable. Let's take my favorite, the Speedy 35. Priced at $750, add another $250 to have your initials embroidered.
Next, Gucci. Keep in mind that to me, Gucci and Louis are timeless handbags that never ever go out of style. While some will look down at someone who is still carrying a Gucci Boston Bag from the 80's totally miss the point of these pieces. Me, personally would much rather carry the Boston Bag then the latest Coach bag. My next personal favorite is Dooney & Bourke's All Weather Leather Teton Bag. I have every color combination the line has ever came out with. The pieces of this line I do not own are any of the wallets and coin purses and the back packs. These bags are huge and roomy and they last forever. I've only had to send one in to repair the fob. Other than that, my oldest one is about 17 years old.
I put the brakes on at the Hermes bag. Which one? Any of them.. The starting cost of these bags are $15,000-$20,000. So make sure you don't purchase one of these at the next purse party you attend. I just let the secret out of the bag:-D

I'm on the search for a vintage MCM bag. I really like the way those look. I try to steer away from Coach, unless it's the Duffel Sac I'm carrying.

Another hot handbag is Mulberry and Bottega. Break away from the 'norm' of the Coach and explore!





No More Raggedy Wigs!!

Oh my goodness!
If I see another woman in a wig that absolutely does nothing for her..slap me.
I go to the mall, I see one. I go to the gas station, I see one. I go to my doctor, and I see one. What's the deal? Just because the color is pretty on the manikin does not mean it's pretty on YOU! Just because the style is nice in the magazine does not mean it will look nice on you.
Sometimes all I can think of is the scene from the Wizard Of Oz with the Flying Monkeys when I see someone in an ill-fitting or ill-styled wig. Spare me!
Some of the blame goes to those who shop at stores ran by individuals who know nothing about fitting a woman in a wig. All they want, and is getting is your money. Shame on you for letting them allow you to walk around like this. More of the blame goes to those who are too tight fisted with their money to invest in a decent wig with the mindset of I'll spend $20 to look like a fool versus spending $40 to make people look twice and wonder if it's a wig. Do the math.



I personally feel that all women should value themselves. What's your self worth as far as appearance? I cannot stand to see a woman not value herself. While it may not be at the top of the list, I always remember what my old pastor said.. You never know who you'll run into. Step it up ladies and stop slapping anybody's wig on your head. Take your time and invest in  yourselves. I guarantee you will be glad you did.



Nice Clothes, Not Found At Walmart

You all know by now that I love, love, love nice clothes BUT I hate cheap fabrics. You spend more on cheaper clothes than you know.
I've tried the George line at Walmart. I love the styles, but the quality of the fabrics is the pits!
I find it more money saving by going to Chico's, my favorite store for casual clothing than going to Walmart with the hopes of saving a few dollars. I can pay $65 for a pair of cargo pants that will last me years, the quality of the fabric will not change and the elements of washing will not compromise the quality.
I see high-end designers are putting their labels in Walmart, Kmart, and Target but at what cost? Quality.
Some may say that 'I will never spend $65 on a pair of pants' but if you think about it, you'll end up shopping less by not having to replace items as often.
Even their jeans, known as the platinum line far exudes the quality of your average jeans, and like I stated before they can withstand the elements of laundering.
The closest Chico's store to me is the one at The Streets of Cherryvale, however there are many outlets.