DIY Jeans...Keeping the Original Hem

Last week I did something I almost never do...went shopping. For clothes. For me. Not my favorite thing to do (who needs to buy clothes when your best friend keeps you stocked), but Shannon managed to drag me to the mall for an hour of fun at The Gap. It also helps that her sister works there...which equaled a nice discount.

One hour, a few dollars, and some major dressing room meltdowns later, I walked out with a bag full. Two needed purchases: new jeans. I'm not really sure who they make jeans to fit, but it definitely isn't me. And it really stinks to spend money on clothes to turn around and have to have them altered. But, at the end of the day, the jeans were really long. As in way toooooooo long. So I decided to pull out the sewing machine and try to hem them myself. And to keep the original hem. There's nothing worse than a pair of badly hemmed jeans...well, there are a lot of things worse, but you get the idea...

Step 1: Determine the length you want your new inseam to be. Subtract it from the old inseam. Divide the difference by 2. For me this was 32-29=3. 3 divided by 2 = 1.5

Step 2: Make a cuff the size of your number and iron it down.

Step 3: Turn the pants leg inside out and stitch along the orinigal hem.

Step 4: Stitch up the side to prevent the cuff from falling down.

Step 6: Turn jeans right side out and press.

Some people might cut the excess fabric off. Because I didn't have that much, I decided to stitch the sides up and keep it. New clothes are awesome. New clothes that fit are even better. Especially when alterations were $0!

Rachel :)

Happy Feet

I couldn't NOT share this find!  I will let the pictures/captions speak for themselves:

Stuart Weitzman Alex Wedge 

$365 at Piperlime

Mossimo Pam Wedge

$24.99 at Target

I got so excited that my 6 year old had to remind me we were actually at Target to buy a birthday present for his friend!

XOXO,

Marlene

Fashion Friday...Spring's Hottest Shoes

Allow myself to introduce...myself (what, you're not an Austin Powers fan?).  I'm Marlene.  Better known as the "Accessorize" portion of this blog.  Yes, I've been delinquent in my posts, but quite frankly, Rachel just does an outstanding job and I lost interest.  She begged me to do a Fashion Friday, so here I am.

I've been on a Spring shoe kick for the last week.  Here are my purchases:

Toms Ballet Flats

The only thing that bugs me is the gigantic TOMS label on the back.  I tried to remove it but it's impossible to do without wrecking the shoe. You can read more about my love for labels here. I'm actually wearing them today and they are VERY comfortable.  A word of advice...I normally wear a 6.5 so that's what I ordered, but I probably could wear a 6. 

Zigi Ruler sandal

I haven't received these yet but I just love the color and little studs. I also like the fact that it has a tiny heel so they aren't completely flat.  When If I decide to blog again, I'll let you know how they fit.

Sam Edelman Gigi sandal

If you don't own this sandal in at least one color then you are missing out. I bought the gold two years ago and have worn them to death.  And they still look GREAT! I did return this pair, though.  The ankle strap was too ivory for me and the thong strap was too glittery.  They come in a million colors and hold up really well.  

Yellow Box Auntie sandal

Are you seeing a theme?  Apparently, regular flip flops can aggravate bunions (sorry).  Having a strap holding the shoe on relieves some of the pressure on your toes.  I got these on sale and was totally pumped. I was even more pumped when I tried them on.  Then I noticed the medallions were sewed on with fishing line and one of the "lines" broke.  I'm trying to decide if I should ship them back or simply take them to a shoe shop.  I'm leaning toward repairing them because they were so cheap.  

And in my dream world....

Miu Miu Roccia Rope Wedge

If anyone would like to make a contribution so I can own these, I am more than willing to accept them!  

XOXO,

M

25 Ways to Wear a Scarf

I know...I'm the last person you should take fashion advice from. I wear jeans and Converse...everyday. And if you are lucky enough to catch me in something other than sneakers, watch out...they might be slippers...whoops! But I love a good scarf and had to pass this video on...

Rachel :)

Calypso Update

As soon as I finished yesterday's post I went running to Target to check out the Calypso collection.  I walked out of Target 14 minutes after I started with all of this:

Target

Like how I hacked her together?

and this...

Go check out the front here!

Cutest little vest ever.  Crochet is HUGE for Spring and Summer.  This will be so cute with a bright tank top under it!

...and this, too...

This will be very cute under the vest

this is the last thing-I promise!

Calypso for Target

No closet can have enough white tanks for Summer. 

I tried on this dress but it didn't fit.  

The bottom was too big and I couldn't have worn the top any smaller.  Oh well, I think I did enough damage in record time.  I also managed to pick out a birthday card for my sister in those 14 minutes.  I did my homework before I went in there.  I also looked for the cute espadrilles from yesterday but they weren't out, yet.  There is a Target on my way home from work, though!  Can you tell I'm obsessed with this stuff?

Gotta love Target

As I am sure most of you are aware, Target has been doing capsule collections with major (and some not so major, which is cool) designers for several years now.  Although I can't say that I have ever purchased anything from one of these collections, I absolutely love the concept and idea.  High end designers collaborating with Target to make fashion affordable for everyone is fantastic.

The collection released yesterday is beyond...just beyond.  Calypso St. Barth has done a collection of womens' and children's clothing and home goods!  Here's the back story to explain my excitement.  A few years ago I read an article about a perfume.  It was by Calypso St. Barth.  Supposedly the perfume was the most beautiful scent ever created.  I am so weird about my perfumes and smells in general that I became intrigued and wanted to smell it for myself.  J and I went to Boston for a long weekend and were shopping on Newbury Street. There before my eyes was a Calypso store!  I dragged him in against his will.  I immediately became enchanted.  I am a total beach girl and everything about this store screamed "luxury beach resort!"  Instant love!  I didn't buy anything that day, but Calypso has never been far from my mind.  Now, for a limited time, I can buy their products at  TARGET!!!!!

Here is my favorite dress from the collection:

Calypso St. Barth for Target

Here is my favorite dress from their regular collection:

Calypso St. Barth

With summer knocking on our door, either of these dresses would be perfect for day or night!  Especially with these adorable espadrilles!

Calypso for Target wedges

Happy Shopping!

xoxo,

Marlene

Spring Fever

Ol' Mother Nature has been pulling some not so funny tricks with the weather lately.  When it was 80 degrees and sunny I immediately switched over my closet and said "adios" to all of the black and grey.  Now, it's rainy and 50 degrees and I'm ready to wear sandals and dresses.  Did I mention that I HATE being cold (except when it's August and I'm ready to wear sweaters and boots)?

I went on a shopping binge last week.  I have been searching for the perfect pair of tan wedges that are versatile enough to wear with dresses, shorts or jeans.  I found them!  

Frye

Fortunately, I happened to have a 20% off coupon for the store for my upcoming birthday.  

Here's the unfortunate part.  I was wearing jeans and asked if they had a dress I could try on to see how they would look.  Of course they had a dress...and a belt to go with it!  See where I'm going with this?  I tried and tried to find a picture of the dress ( I couldn't simply take one because my camera is still broken) but it turns out I may have purchased a one-of-a-kind!  This is the belt:

Elise M. Collections

I would like to say that I stopped there.  I didn't.  Instead, I stopped at Hand In Pocket on the way home.  Remember the Best Little Black Dress EVER and how H.I.P. always has EXACTLY what I need?  That day they had the exact tank tops, cardigan, and skirt that I wanted needed.  

This tank is so amazing that I think I'm going to order it in every color they make

Michael Stars

Hand in Pocket

I bought this entire outfit except for the belt, which I'm kind of regretting as I write this post.  I got the cardigan in 2 colors-light teal and white.  WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME???

I'm really happy with my purchases.  I still need to fill in with some cute tops and I really want a cute chambray denim skirt like this one from Old Navy

 Old Navy

They don't have it in my size online, but I'm about to start calling around town (jewelry biz is a little slow, can you tell?)

I know not everyone sees the change in season as an opportunity to reinvent their closet.  Some people approach it with reason and buy a few things to fill in.  What key pieces will you be buying this spring?

XOXO,

Marlene

Best Little Black Dress EVER!

We had a photo shoot at the office to get some shots for the new and improved Ascot Diamonds website.  Of course, the minute someone said the words "photos" and "dress up" I had to run out and buy a new outfit.  I went to my favorite store, Hand In Pocket, and said, "I need a black or blue dress-STAT!" They always have exactly what I need.  They totally outdid themselves this time.  This is the most fabulous black dress I've ever owned.  I can't think of an occasion that this dress wouldn't be right for (sorry about the grammar there, I re-wrote this sentence 5 times and couldn't get it right).  Without further ado...

THE BEST LITTLE BLACK DRESS EVER

I should have warned you that I would be in the picture looking not so great.  You really can't tell from this photo what makes this dress so fab.  Here is a close up of the sleeves:

Cute, right?

Here is the front...there are so many delish things to focus on.  Warning:  picture of me again.

And since I'm the author of this post, I get to add one picture that has been Photoshopped (for my vanity!)

I looked everywhere online for this dress in order to spare you the pictures of moi, but they don't exist!  The dress is by MM Couture, but it's not even on their website.  Guess I just got lucky!

xoxo

Marlene

My UNfavorite things

Generally this blog is about positive things: fun accessories, good finds to enhance your life, organizing your home, exercising.  This week, I am in one of those moods, though.  I need to vent. 

My rules of shopping and dressing are simple.  If I like it, I'll buy it.  I don't care how much it costs (on the cheap end, that is) or where it came from (I can't do used clothing, though.  Nothing against people who can, I'm just not built that way.  Thank goodness my boys are!).  I'm actually more excited to tell someone about my $25 Target boots than a $250 pair.  It feels like I've really done something, I guess. 

To my point...

I can't stand when people buy obvious things in an effort to have style.  I would much prefer someone NOT know where I got something. I  routinely mix Target and Old Navy into my wardrobe.  My shoes might be  more expensive than the rest of my outfit combined, but you would never know!

Here are a few of my top complaints:

1. Tory Burch

I just don't get it.  I was at a meeting this week with approximately 75 other females.  There was so much Tory Burch there that I think I threw up in my mouth made a sour face.  There is nothing remarkable about anything she puts out.  It's just a ballet flat (or handbag or diaper bag or flip flops) with her logo on it, people!  Pretty much, you are paying a premium so that A) everyone you meet will know how much you spent on your shoes, B) you can be a free walking advertisement for sweet Tory, and C) you can actually prove that you have no creativity and passed up that cute flat at Target so you could pay a premium to do A. and B.  I don't like to say "never", but mark my words, I WILL NEVER BUY TORY BURCH!

2. Classic Louis Vuitton/Fendi Handbags

My problem here is that you are paying thousands of dollars for something that can be bought in China for about $15.00.  I'm certainly not talking about quality.  I hate the logo print that both of these houses use.  Again, it screams, "Look at me!  I charged a whole bunch on my credit card spent a lot of money to have this bag!"  It is replicated so well in China that it's lost it's exclusivity.  There are some really amazing things from both brands but Jane Doe walking down the street isn't the girl carrying them.  She's carrying a fake logo bag that she bought on a trip to New York.

3. Pandora Bracelets

Ugh...gross.  I am sure I am offending people left and right, but please know, I like you.  Really, I do! 

Before you buy that Pandora charm, please stop and think about that local artist who does insanely unique pieces that are one-of-a kind and will cost you half of what that bracelet will end up costing.  And no one else will have one!!!

I could go on for hours.  Rachel wanted me to include Vera Bradley bags, too.  I'm going to end on a positive note, though!

Check out this website http://www.elizabethshowers.com/ .  I am in love with her jewelry!  Especially the sterling silver stuff.  Instead of diamonds, she uses white sapphires which brings the price waaayyy down!  Genius!  The best part is that she is still relatively new and unknown.  I talked to her on the phone yesterday and she's really sweet, too.

This bracelet costs $16,500, but it's so beautiful.

Grumpily yours,

Marlene

The root of my love

I was having a conversation with two friends at a cocktail party last night.  One friend, whom I will call W., was robbed last week.  Not just a little robbed, but A LOT!  She travels to Asia frequently and does a lot of shopping and had just returned from a trip with a bunch of goodies.  She also loves jewelry as much as I do and, I'll call a spade a spade, she's a compulsive shopper.  Needless to say, the thief hit the mother load when he broke into her house in the middle of the day last week.  Understandably, it has completely ruined the holidays for her and not only does she feel violated, she's just plain bummed.

Yesterday W decided to go to the mall to shop and hopefully get into the holiday spirit while lifting her own.  She started trying on clothes and her mood just got worse.  She said she felt fat and bloated (she is the furthest thing from either of those) and trying on clothes accentuated those feelings when they didn't fit quite right.  My jaw dropped upon hearing this tale...

If you only learn one thing from this blog (well, my portion anyway) let that lesson be that under NO circumstances should you ever shop for clothing when you are depressed. Accessories are the answer for that!  My love for accessories doesn't just stem from the fact that you can transform an outfit from "blah" to "fabulous" with the right shoes but from the simple fact that accessories ALWAYS FIT!  When was the last time you tried on a pair of earrings that made you look fat?  Of course, there are earrings that don't look good with your face shape or hair style, but made you look fat and ugly-No Way!  The quickest way to feel petite is to go buy a handbag of giant proportions.  All of a sudden you are Tinkerbell's size.  Want your legs to look long and lean?  Buy (or as J would say, just put on one of the 300 pairs you already own) a pair of 4 inch stilletos. 

W. was shocked when I started shrieking, "WHY ON EARTH WOULD YOU TRY ON CLOTHES WHEN YOU ARE TRYING TO MAKE YOURSELF FEEL BETTER?"  I took it for granted that all women knew this but just didn't talk about it.  When I explained my logic, W looked as if I had given her the answer to a life-long question.  If by writing this blog I save even one woman from the heartbreak that W. felt on Saturday, then I consider my civic duty done.

I always say shopping is cheaper than a psychiatrist ~ Tammy Faye Baker

I couldn't agree more!

Marlene

And yes, those are my drool-worthy, pink satin, ankle-tie Chanel pumps, circa Fall 2001, that I was supposed to be wearing when I got engaged.  Instead I was wearing J's ratty KA Old South t-shirt and flannel pajama pants.  I guess he didn't get the memo.

The best accessory...

The best accessory a girl can have is a computer that works!  I'm back in business, though!  With Thanksgiving upon us, I really have the urge to dig out my old maternity clothes and prepare for the feast.  Not so attractive.  Fighting that longing was tough, but here is what I decided to wear:

Charcoal tunic by Lole

http://www.lolewomen.com/us/atl-33-10.html#images 

Grey leggings by David Lerner

http://www.dlcollection.com/Product/11293-88129/basic-legging

Naot Illusion boot in black pearl.  The picture doesn't do them justice.  It is an amazing color between black, grey and pewter.  J says I look like I should be in KISS when I wear them.  What does he know?

http://www.zappos.com/naot-footwear-illusion-black-pearl-leather-black-midnight-leather?channel=87&mr:referralID=4f76690e-f7ef-11df-ad8e-001b2166c62d

I just added up the cost of this casual little ensemble. You can do the math your self.  Actually, the boots were an early Hanukkah present from my dad!  Yay!  If I had time, I would run out and try to find this cute scarf to add some color.  Fittingly, I am in charge of the dressing this year...unfortunately it's of the "turkey and " variety.  No time to shop for scarves!  Happy Thanksgiving!  Hope you wear your most stylish stretchy pants!

Feeling Good

I know whenever I have on something cute and stylish because when I get dressed in the morning the first thing Mr. T says is, "You look like Marlene today." That's about the biggest compliment I can get. Half of my wardrobe is from Marlene's closet, which I love! However, after her post on layering, I was inspired to put something together on my own. I went to the GAP and here's what I came up with...

of course I also wore these:

and i can't forget this...

So, I was feeling pretty cute....had a few compliments...overall a good day! I'm hardly ever in style, unless Marlene has parted with something prematurely, but I picked these out all by myself (except the jewelry:)) so I was feeling good! Fast forward a week...I had worn my new jean leggings quite a few times and had paired them with some longer tanks and sweaters. I'm into flats these days, so I had worn the new ones almost everyday by now. I was having another cute day when the school called at 11am to let me know Smurfette was sick. After getting her home and settled I spent some time straitening the house and putting things away. As I was doing this I had a thought that went something like this..."My new flats slide all over the hardwood floors..." Random, I know, but it slowly occurred to me that the cute new flats from the GAP I had been sporting all around town weren't flats at all...THEY WERE SLIPPERS!!! And yes, that's how cool I am.

Rachel :)

A grand total of $93.80 (without sales tax)!!!

Early in our friendship, Rachel and I went shopping at Kmart.  I'm not sure what we were shopping for, but we ended up in the women's clothing department.  After looking around, I made the comment, "There is no reason poor people shouldn't dress well!  There are really cute things here!"  Admittedly, I sound like a Paris Hilton-sized snob.  I guess in my naivete`, I was assuming everyone had good taste but just couldn't afford to dress the part.  Ah, sweet youth.  In honor of my youthful outlook on life, I have put together an entire outfit from Wal Mart and Forever 21 for under $100!  And by entire, I mean a sweater, jeans, boots, bracelet, and puffer jacket!
Here is the look:

This sweater has cute and very fashionable studs at the neck and on the sleeves and is $12.99 at Wal mart. http://www.walmart.com/ip/Susie-Rose-Juniors-Studded-Boatneck-Sweater/15026988

I just love skinny jeans.  I don't care if bell bottoms come back in style again.  I'm sticking with the skinnies.  These are $14.00 from Wal Mart. http://www.walmart.com/ip/Op-Juniors-French-Terry-5-Pocket-Skinny-Jeggings/14945529

These boots rock.  They are over the knee with a cute little tie.  They are a whopping $27.00 at Wal Mart. http://www.walmart.com/ip/Women-s-Patty-Over-The-Knee-Sueded-Boots/14892912

 This is one cute puffer jacket.  It has a detachable hood with faux fur trim. 

 How cute and politically correct is that?  It's $27.00.

 http://www.walmart.com/ip/Faded-Glory-Women-s-Faux-Fur-Hooded-Puffer-Coat/14560358

Since this outfit is almost entirely in black, I figured I needed some sparkle.  This bracelet is $10.80 at Forever 21.  I bought one that is almost identical at Madewell for $68.00. 

I've worn it so much that I really do think I've gotten my money out of it.  If I had

paid $10.80 I would feel like I had made money on the deal!

My mother didn't like the fact that I said "poor people" and wanted me to substitute those words for something kinder.  The fact is, though, that's what I said.  Luckily, I have matured.  I now realize that it's not just "financially challenged" people (that better, Mom?) shopping at Kmart, Wal Mart, or Target.  It's fashion savvy  people who know how to mix high and low and come away with a look that's all their own!

Marlene

The Art of Layering: Vince - Fall 2010

I love layering.  As you can see from previous posts, sweaters and tanks are my staples.  I stumbled upon this video on Shop Bop.  I enjoyed it and hope you do,too!   Of course, the model is missing some really sparkly jewelry, but that's not what they're selling, now is it? 

XOXO
Marlene

How are we friends?

Rachel and I have been friends for almost 15 years now.  Along the way we lost touch, but for about 8 years we've been solid.  We could not be more different in our interests.  I know I can count on her for menu planning and exercise advice and she knows she can count on me to identify the designer watch she must have (and make sure she receives it for her anniversary) with just a glance. 

We started this blog because we are both really good at what we do!  She is excellent at organization, DIY projects, saving money and decorating her home.  While I rock at putting together a wardrobe and accessorizing it (I am a private jeweler by trade http://www.ascotdiamonds.com/ for those interested), finding out the newest restaurant or store opening, or the latest thing in skin care, I am terrible at homemaking. If you put us together, you would have the perfect woman.  We talk about 5 times a day and my husband says that one day Rachel and I will just live together.  I always respond that we would have a gorgeous house and fabulous wardrobe!

Don't get me wrong, I'm not proud of being a disorganized mess.  I make several attempts a year at turning over a new leaf.  Please see exhibits "A" - "C" as to why I have multiples of a lot of things in my closet.  I usually can't find anything in here.

 To be fair, my father does own a shoe store. You're welcome, Dad.



When we put our house on the market last year the real estate agent suggested that I put my "off season" clothing in another closet to make it seem like there was more room.  He was astounded that I already do that.

I hope that by having Rachel put her ideas and tips on "paper", I will learn something.  Maybe she will learn something from me and stop wearing those shoes that start with a "V".

Marlene