Yellow Polka Dot Bikinis and Tummy Crunches

This is actually the name of an exhibit running now thru July 31, 2011 at the White River Museum.  It focuses on swimsuits from 1910 to 2010.  Each decade is shown with the art, diet and exercise manuals of that time period.  Could be a very interesting look into what women have (some would say) “put up with” for decades.  I’ll report back once I check it out myself!

Toms Shoes: One for One

I’m sure you have seen the Tom’s shoes by now.  It’s this amazing shoe company started in 2006 by an American traveler, Blake Mycoskie.  He realized that lots of kids in Argentina were growing up without shoes and he came up with Toms Shoes: One for One program.  For every pair of Toms purchased, a pair of shoes will be given to a child in need.  Check out their site, particularly the One for One Movement page.  Pretty inspiring

Bill Cunningham’s New York

If you haven’t seen Bill Cunningham’s New York, then run, don’t walk to see it now!   I went last Friday afternoon with a friend and we agreed it brought hope and a smile to our faces.  Bill Cunningham is a New York icon who has been photographing real people on the streets of NYC for decades.  There’s more to him than that, check out the UTube trailer of the movie for a glimpse.

My favorite line in the movie is when Bill says, “Fashion is the armor to survive the reality of everyday life.”

See this movie!

Labels Consignment Store

Have you been to Labels in the Greenwood neighborhood in Seattle?  It’s a funky little store, packed with current looks, all on consignment.   I recently found a great BCBG skirt there.  $17!   Per usual with consignment stores, you have to make it a practice to show up and do some digging, but if you are up for it, you’ll find an instant bargain and something new to add to your wardrobe.  My last blog talked about scarves and they have scarves aplenty there.

Scarves are the New Black

You may have seen this article last week in the NY Times Style section.  It’s all about how scarves can make your look and how they have taken on a new dimension in fashion.  They mention some high end scarves which are great but style should be for everyone and I’ve found some great, reasonably priced scarves here in Seattle at Undies and Outies on Queen Anne.  They have several racks of $30 scarves right inside the door and you can find plenty of great looks to spice up your wardrobe as you head from winter to spring (and sometimes back into winter here in the Pacific NW)!

Fashionable Orthopedic Shoes, REALLY!

I’ve been seeing a lot of the Earthies Orthopedic shoes all over these days.  SheFinds showed them in April.  I saw them in Romax in Seattle last week and they are popping up on women’s feet everyday.  You know how Seattlelites love their comfort?  Well, we also like style.  And if you are looking for both, you should check these out.

I”ve said it before, I’ll say it again…

It’s that time of year when it’s cold in the morning, sometimes rainy and then maybe even “warm” by afternoon.  When in doubt in the morning, throw another pair of shoes and coat in the car or your bag for the day.  That way, if you start the day with boots on and it gets warm enough to enjoy the moment of Spring, you’ll be able to seize the day.  I always throw in a hat and maybe scarf as well just in case the weather happens to go the other way!

Speaking of travel…

My biggest tip regarding getting ready for a trip is to plan early and pack  in advance.  Several years back I got a really bad case of food poisoning the weekend before I left on a trip to Mexico.  Fortunately, I had packed my own bags earlier in the week and even better, I had shopped in advance for my daughter who had outgrown everything we needed to take!  If I had waited until the day or two before we left, my husband would have had to do the shopping.  Some men enjoy shopping but my husband isn’t one of them.   So plan ahead and you’ll be relaxing, waiting for the plane to arrive to take you to your destination without any stress at all.

Swimwear with style

I’m looking forward to a trip in the near future that will take me somewhere warm and sunny.  One thing I’m already working on is my packing list.  Better to be more prepared than wandering around at the last minute trying to find a cute swimsuit.  I stopped by Queen Anne Dispatch  and with the help of Tara, found a great suit by Lole.  Reasonably priced, athletic cut, full coverage.  How good is my life?    I’m ready to go find some warm weather AND feel well dressed while doing it!

Have you seen this product?

When you buy a ring at say, Forever 21, it may not be a perfect fit, but it is so cute and inexpensive that you can’t stop yourself from the purchase.

Here’s where the New and Improved Ring Guard Solution from Luc-Co.Inc comes in handy.  You squeeze the tube and put a little bit inside the ring and it automatically takes up space making it smaller.  I’m intrigued.  Let me know if you try it!