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Archive for the ‘Pants’ Category


Designer or Deal: Workwear for Women

Apr 26, 2008 Author: Michelle | Filed under: Girls, Jackets, Moms, Pants, Shirts, Styles, Women

I work as a full-time freelance writer who has two small little ones to watch after so unfortunately I don’t have the opportunity as much as I would like to when it comes to wearing sexy workwear. I still do when I get the chance however, and think that some of the sexy women’s workwear pieces are some of the most modern and appealing I have ever seen.

I love that women can look professional and respectable and yet sexy and elegant at the same time, and if you are looking for some of the hottest women’s workwear pieces, here are a few to start you off.

Not only did I select for you some of the most high quality, versatile and fashionable pieces but as well used them to create three separate outfits for you. Remember that you can always mix and match the different outfits, switch the shoes or handbags from one to another and come up with some really terrific outfits.

I am going to continue with the Designer or Deal posts in the future, so you can either splurge on the designer duds or if you are strapped for cash or just want to be a bit more conservative with your spending, can stick to a similar look for less.

It is important to look good and take pride in your appearance, but also to make sure you know your limits and are only spending what you can afford to.

Designer

Designer

Here is a blazer that will hug your curves in all the right places. This Nanette Lepore brown cotton blend ‘Hepcat’ cropped blazer is fresh and sexy, and perfect for all body types. It is trendy and oh-so-modern, featuring a notched and rounded collar, single button closure, pleats along the back to add a bit of detail, and is made of lightweight cotton blend two-tone oxford. Designed to fit a woman’s body to perfection, it will really nip you in at the waist to boot, for $275.

I really prefer a simple top with this blazer, so I chose the white mesh and rib knit tank top from Robert Rodriguez. You want to keep it simple and keep the outfit tied together, and I really like the white contrast against the gray of the blazer. The mesh and rib knit feature also helps by adding a more interesting aspect to it. This tank retails for $120 via the Robert Rodriguez Collection website.

This Nanette Lepore skirt is actually part of a set and goes with the blazer shown above. As with all Nanette’s fashion creations, this high-waisted skirt is sexy with a girlish charm, for $295. It features a zip fly with tab at waist and five overlay buttons, and a decorative lace-up back waist which is very reminecent of lingerie. The high waist of this skirt goes perfect with the cropped jacket and helps even more to slim your waist.

This Marc Jacobs handbag is great for this outfit because it adds a splash of color to an otherwise pretty conservative and toned down look. Made of smooth calf leather this bag features contrast topstitching, polished silver metal hardware, flat grained leather shoulder straps with double-layered link chain attachments, and a flap top with magnetic closure. It is available from Marc Jacobs and retails for $995.

They may be a bit pricey but definitely worth the splurge for these gorgeous Jimmy Choo black velvet ‘Clue’ platform slingbacks. Every woman needs a pair of Jimmy Choo’s in her closet, and what better pair than these timeless square peep toe slingbacks that feature a buckle adjustable slingback strap, lightly padded insole and 4 1/4″ covered heel. Sweet and sexy, these shoes are so versatile they can be incorporated into almost any outfit, for $640.

Deal

Deal

This Wendy Katlen grey woven swing crop jacket is slimming and modern, and retails for only $225. Made of lightweight woven fabrics to keep you cool even in warmer weather, this trendy blazer features a circular front yoke with three button front, inverted pleats at front princess seams and centerback seams, and three quarter flare sleeves.

Almost identical to the Robert Rodriguez version featured here, this Petit Bateau tank top is available for just $30. It is available in a few colors but I prefer the white and light pink stripe version with this particular ensemble. This fitted tank of soft cotton knit with stripe pattern is comfortable and dressed up underneath the blazer.

This Alvin Valley gray linen pleated pencil skirt is almost identical to the Nanette Lepore version but for less, at just $286. Designed from lightweight stretch linen blend chambray, this fashionable skirt is straight cut and features an invisible back zip closure to keep you streamlined and pulled together. The pleated front helps to cover up any tummy that you might want to hide, and really helps to give the ensemble a sort of retro feel.

For this look I decided to go with this Kenneth Cole New York black leather ‘Key Hole’ hobo bag. It comes with a top zip closure with oversized pull, satin lining with interior cell phone, pen, patch, and zip pockets, and two leather feet at the base. It also retails for nearly 1/4 of the price of the Marc Jacobs version, at just $268 from Kenneth Cole New York.

These black satin ‘Incarte’ peep-toe slingbacks are simple and pretty, featuring a lustrous satin upper and rounded peep-toe with cut-out details. The leather lining makes these shoes incredibly comfortable so you can wear them all day at work, and the 4″ heel on this shoe keeps it very sexy. You can grab these shoes from any Max Azria retailer or over their website for $198.

Finding Pants for Tall Girls

Apr 7, 2008 Author: Michelle | Filed under: Moms, Pants, Women

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As a tall girl myself at 5′10″, I understand firsthand just how difficult it can be to find pants that fit. We all hear about the shorter women who have problems finding the right size pants but at least they can get theirs tailored, whereas we tall girls are left looking like we are waiting for a flood!

I used to find myself shopping around from store to store trying to find pants that were long enough for my legs, and more often than not would end up frustrated, with no luck.

I know a lot of other women as well who are taller than average and who deal with the same problem, and this combined with the simple fact that I would like to know where I can go and find pants that are going to fit and look great, made me decide to do some research.

Alloy

One of the best companies I have found to date is Alloy. They offer pants with inseams up to 37″ which includes even women who are over six feet tall.

I especially love their denim collection, which features all the most popular styles of jean including wide leg, flare, skinny, destroyed, new washes and treatments, and even crops and capris.

They are only available online which is unfortunate because then you are not able to visit an actual retail store to try on the pants first, but I have ordered many times from this company and trust me, you will not be returning or exchanging anything.

Not only do they offer an incredible selection of jeans but also pants, hoodies, tops, dresses, shorts, skirts, accessories, swimwear, and more.

Gap

Gap is another clothing retailer that offers pants in extended sizes. Their women’s apparel is actually divided into two specific categories: petite and tall, to make the shopping experience as easy for you as possible.

Their pants are available in five different sizes of inseam ranging from 29-36 inches long. Another thing I love about the Gap is that they have different styles of jeans listed including boot cut, curvy, straight, and fashion denim, which makes it easier to choose just the right pair of jeans for every occasion.

The pants are also actually affordable which is often hard to find when you are shopping for a specialty item, which apparently extra-long inseams are.

I love how comfortable these pants fit and how they keep their shape even after washing and drying them. It’s great knowing that whenever I want a pair of cute new pants I can head here and find a great selection.

Victoria’s Secret

One of my favorite stores of all time, Victoria’s Secret, is the third to make my list here. Not only do they have a gorgeous line of lingerie and swimwear, but as well apparel including pants with extra-long inseams.

They have a great selection of pants for both work and play, and they too are very affordable which is important to me because I simply cannot reason with paying hundreds of dollars for a single pair of jeans.

If you are not already aware, they offer the VS Uplift pants, which feature a built-in powerful mesh panel that lifts from the inside but which is invisible from the outside. This gives the ole tush a little lift, which no woman can complain about.

I have found a few other stores that cater to tall women and which I have visited a few times, but these are definitely three of my favorite. If you are a tall girl like I am who is looking for a pair of pants with a great fit, I am sure you will have success at any one of these places.

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