lovely links

If you’re in the midst of or about to tackle spring closet cleaning, consider my book or mini makeover PDF as tools to help make the process more effective!

I worked with the fabulous M.A. Rosko on a couple of fun spring fashion segments for our local Fox affiliate, channel 9!

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Best News of the Week in My Opinion: I know that many of you loved last week’s guest post about style and privilege from reader Nichole. Now, due in large part to YOUR encouragement, she’s launched her own blog: Neighborhood Dilettante. Just getting started, but I know it’ll take off, and fast. Kudos to the AP community for expressing such heartfelt support, and congrats to Nichole for launching what promises to be a unique and fascinating blog.

Jewelry designer Kendra Scott has a section on her website where you can custom design pieces using a rainbow of semi-precious gemstones! (Cheers, Amy.)

Unsurprisingly, I adore this full skirt and bright cardigan combo.

Coming up on April 20, HAMMS – Help a Minnesota Maker Succeed – will be hosting a one-day market for men, women and their dogs featuring local small businesses. Join the fun!

Would mirror confrontation therapy – standing in front of your reflection and identifying traits, but doing so without judgment – be helpful to you?

“I think it’s important to listen to the call of our Fantasy Wardrobe items, not necessarily to purchase and wear in their Fantasy form (though they can sometimes turn out to be smart purchases), but to give us clues about ourselves. Often, we can find ways to incorporate some Fantasy aspects into our Reality wardrobes, whether it be color or movement or a design detail that may turn out to have some special appeal or meaning to us.”

Can you wear boots in spring? Of course!

Mazuba Haanyama has researched and written about the hair politics of black women for years, and in this post she explores the social, cultural, economic, performative, and sexual implications of the topic. On a related note, Amber shares her personal story of going natural.

What’s on YOUR self-care list this spring?

I hosted my first clothing swap last weekend, and wrote about the experience over at Huffington Post.

Blazers are a great way to make slightly sheer tops and blouses feel more office-appropriate. (Nude camis help, too!)

“We all have so much pressure on us to be perfect people by being perfect in our eating habits, work habits, exercise habits, parenting habits, and on and on, so that loving our bodies feels like another item on our endless to-do list of ‘shoulds.’”

Related: What do do when body love feels phony.

The creators of StyleLikeU have launched a month of body image programming, starting with this roundtable discussion featuring Eve, Nicolette Mason, and other women who work in the fashion and entertainment industries.

A girl shares her story of growing up in her parents’ vintage clothing store.

The ladies at Beauty Redefined explore the social and health-related implications of tanning, both fake and real.

“Sponsored by Name It. Change It., a project of the Women’s Media Center and She Should Run, the March survey of 1,500 likely voters nationwide found that no matter what is said about a female political candidate’s appearance, it has a negative impact on what potential voters think of her.” (Related recent post here. Also related: This post on dressing double standards in science and academia.)

A chambray shirt and cobalt pencil skirt make for a fantastically balanced dressy-casual combination.

And speaking of chambray, Tamia illustrates how to do double denim in a chic, sophisticated outfit mix.

Anyone tried dry brushing for detoxing and clogged pores? (Via Smart, Pretty & Awkward.)

Simple tips for making inexpensive clothes look chic and polished.

In the wake of Obama’s compliment-related gaffe, Caperton breaks down the politics of complimenting a woman on her looks.

Lily Pulitzer – A.K.A. the Queen of Prep – passed away this past weekend. This post trace’s her clothing line’s interesting and somewhat rocky history.

Expand your bag vocabulary right here.

“… actresses are under tremendous pressure to meet the stereotypical ideal of beauty. I imagine that many would rather be able to spend their time improving their acting and being professional actors, than professional very thin women who appear to never age. Society insists that they look like their photoshopped images to avoid public shame, vitriol, and humiliation, and then shames them for the things that they do to accomplish that.”

Oh, Target. Really? Missy sizes get “dark heather gray” and plus sizes get “manatee gray“? BAH!

Yet more shoes as art from the designers at Heavy Machine.

I’m with Patti on this one: Totally girl-crushing on Linda Rodin.

“So I wear booties that cut off my ankle and make my legs look thicker. I wear short skirts with bare legs. I’ll rock a halter or racerback top and go sans-Spanx if I feel like it. It’s MY body, not society’s. Accepting and embracing this body as-is has made it easier to care for it, to dress it, and to feel more confident on a daily basis.”

It’s about time I introduced you to my super-silly Tumblr blog, My Hair in the Morning. Would love your submissions for goofy morning hair photos, too!

And from the Department of Random: This literally made my head explode.  (Eh? Eh?)

Additionally: How animals eat their food.

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This coming Monday, I’ll be teaching my Learning to Dress Your Best course, and there’s still room for you! Details here.

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Also coming up next week, a reading and book signing at Subtext: A Bookstore in St. Paul!
I’ll be speaking about my personal style journey, read an excerpt, answer questions,
and sign books.

March 27
7 p.m.
Subtext, 165 Western Ave N., St. Paul
Free!

* * * * *

This recap of a recent panel discussion summarizes how a handful of prominent fashion critics defended their craft. (Cheers, Amelia.)

This flirty floral frock is making me long for spring!

“It’s a well known fact that brows lighter than your locks just look ‘weird,’ but why is that? Because we all need some level of sameness to feel comfortable when we gaze into one another’s eyes?”

Golda is gearing up for a TEDx talk about body love, and she needs your input and submissions!

Good point, Stephen Colbert.

“When I blow dry my hair after a shower, I look at my body in the mirror, and the familiar internal conversation begins. First there is the still present feeling of surprise. That’s me? Then comes the uncontrollable feeling of disgust constricting my throat. But on its heels the thought: wait a minute, these scars are sacred, they represent one of the most significant stories within my story, something I don’t want to forget, and there, right there is evidence of my own rebirth into something more.” (Thanks, Natasha and Brenda)

Love the look of a bow tie in a casual-formal mix.

A staunch feminist and active critic of the diet industry and narrow beauty standards, Jessica Wakeman joined Weight Watchers. She explains why in this post.

I’m a die-hard tunic lover, and this forest-print tunic is a great take on a classic piece. Stephanie’s chunky heels are pretty fabulous, too.

Recently, Elle published a roundup of innovative new shopping, consigning, and swapping sites. I’ve joined The Real Real which offers consigned designer items, many at amazing prices.

The proportions and artful layers in this rugged dress and mini skirt outfit are fantastic.

Local Twin Cities folks, this panel discussion on street harassment is coming up in early April, and promises to give attendees concrete tools for dealing with harassment themselves.

Polka dot pants and polka dot flats in one outfit? I squealed with glee. Yes, I’m a dork.

Tips and visuals for making a denim jacket work all year long.

“I write about body image because every day we’re told we’re unworthy unless we weigh a certain number or look a certain way. Every day many of us feel a palpable pressure to focus on our physical appearance at all costs.”

Not exactly surprising, but nonetheless stomach-turning: 1950s beauty pageant judging guidelines look suspiciously like 4-H judging guidelines. Gotta wonder if they use anything similar these days.

Grown and Curvy Woman is busting out the bright colors for spring!

The You Look Fab team has revamped and redesigned, and everything is MUCH easier to find now.

Snuck in a bonus casual outfit over on Facebook. Featuring: Gobs of snow.

“Why do queries about neck hair yield cries of acceptance, while queries about any other form of body hair yields advice, recommendations, tips, tricks, products? When I posed this question to a friend, she pointed out that even though neck hair falls below the full hairline, it’s still on our heads, and women’s locks are ‘supposed’ to be long and luxurious—and what’s more luxurious than abundance?”

I’ll definitely be combining lavender, red, and navy in future outfits. Such a great way to balance pale pastels.

It warms my heart to know that Elementary Feminisms exists.

Great advice on finding your best neutral for blondes and brunettes.

FASCINATING dissection of the viral distribution of a photo of mannequins at Swedish department store Åhléns, one of which was curvier than you typically see in mall stores. So much missing or incorrect info surrounding this lauded and hated image.

If you’re looking for a fashion-focused source of inspiration and eye-candy, check out Pose. (You can find me here.) They’ve got great apps for browsing on the go, too!

Bra expert K-Line gives her thoughts on Bratabase, a database and community about – what else? – bras.

“Whether you’re considered ugly, beautiful, or anything in-between, nobody has it easy in a culture where there is so much emphasis on appearances … especially if you are female. As a woman, you really can’t win in this arena. Yet, we’re taught it is the only game in town worth playing.” (Via The Beheld)

And from the Department of Random: Daily Odd Compliment.

Additionally: An excerpt from Teri Gross’s interview with Maurice Sendak in 2012, illustrated by Christoph Niemann. Keep tissues on hand. (Thanks, Tehilah.)

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If you read my blog through Google Reader, you have no doubt heard that the service will shut down on July 1. You can continue to follow my blog using Bloglovin, and here are six other alternative RSS readers.

Please excuse me while I plug my dad’s book one more time: I interviewed him about his career and the book process. Check it out! And pick up your copy here.

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Coming up, a reading and book signing at Subtext: A Bookstore in St. Paul!
I’ll be speaking about my personal style journey, read an excerpt, answer questions,
and sign books.

March 27
7 p.m.
Subtext, 165 Western Ave N., St. Paul
Free!

* * * * *

Can’t find the exact pair of shoes you’ve been dreaming about? Design them yourself.

Monochrome red is fabulous. Monochrome bright red head to toe is super fabulous.

TomboyX is hoping to create and sell clothes that will fit and work for self-described tomboys of all ages and body types.

Just like Ragen, the phrase “problem areas” makes me cringe.

“Why are there no recognizable new fashion critics? You would think, with an abundance of free media for the taking, one or two strong fresh voices would rise to challenge the established names and push this type of writing further.”

Marcy looks utterly radiant in cobalt blue.

The recently released Body Image Survival Guide for Parents offers advice for toddlers through teens, and includes guidance for parents of both boys and girls.

I love happy endings. Mamma Biscuit started in a puppy mill, but is now a doted-upon doggy fashionista.

Tyler presented as female for 19 years. When he began to transition to a male-presenting person at age 20, he became increasingly disgusted with how frequently both men and women excuse appalling, aggressive, and insulting behavior perpetrated by men against women. He has some thoughts for anyone who uses the phrase, “boys will be boys” to excuse such behaviors.

Today is Rosie Molinary’s All Natural Day. Did anyone participate?

Check out these easy and updated ways to style graphic tees. I love pairing mine with skirts, though I go for full instead of pencil.

This was a tough read, but mind-opening. Don’t tell me to love my body. The author says, “Maybe the fact that I don’t love my body isn’t really an issue. Maybe the problem is that everyone thinks I should love my body. That loving my body is some kind of standard of womanly goodness in and of itself.”

And on the total flip side, graffiti artist Jessica Sabogal writes about her new exhibit, Better Than Perfect, which kicks off her “Women Are Perfect! (If You Let Them)” Campaign.

Lisa accents a blue-green pattern mix with red accessories. Because she’s bold like that.

Corporette asks can you wear Geek Chic glasses in a conservative office environment?

Because it can still feel odd and awkward, here are some tips on how to take a compliment.

“It’s such a cold-hearted way to go through the world, which is the only way I can think to describe a mindset in which everyone – even your friends – are competition. Instead, why not try to be a source of positivity? Why not admire other women you find beautiful or accomplished? … You don’t have to be best friends with every woman you meet – you don’t even have to like them – but you don’t have to actively try to tear them down, either.”

A yellow and white striped dress looks marvelously springy paired with a red bow bag and leopard heels.

I participated in a HuffPost Live chat with Fashion Star’s Louise Roe this week in which we discussed making current trends work! See the full interview here. (I’m toward the end.)

If the notion of drawing inspiration from editorials exhausts you, check out this post that explains how to put together real outfits based on magazine photos. (Via The Beheld)

“Why do we compare ourselves to others? Why do we do something that so often means we come off second best, feeling less than, and struggling to recognise what we already have but aren’t valuing enough?”

And from the Department of Random: If you really want to have a trippy afternoon, try listening to Hey Jude in a minor key. (Among others. Californication in major is pretty odd, too.)

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First off, happy International Women’s Day!

My book is now available for sale at Subtext in St. Paul. Also, would love to see you on March 27 for my reading!

If you’re still hesitant to try print and pattern mixing, remember that black and white prints are often the easiest to mix.

For a slightly more advanced look, try prints with similar elements and colors. (That first outfit is so marvelous, I’ve gone back to peer at it a dozen times. I exaggerate not.)

“It’s so easy to brush aside the practices that keep me whole, or dismiss them as not that big of a deal. But when I had to look at myself each and every day, I very quickly got a reminder of both how loud my inner critic can be and how incredibly kind and loving I can be to myself when I take a deep breath and allow it.”

Zounds. Take a peek at this chart listing common garment care symbols.

A recent study claims that “chick lit” may harm body image, but researchers weren’t exactly looking at the whole story.

SKM’s dog-walking outfit is fabulously glam. And bonus: Adorable dog!

I’ll admit it. If someone asked me how to style saddle shoes, I’d probably stare at them blankly. And then run away in shame. Allison, however, has some stellar suggestions!

Do you – or would you – display your clothing as artwork?

This has nothing to do with style or body image, but since I can remember with perfect clarity the moment in which my third grade math teacher told me that I was “bad at math,” I must include it: The truth about gender and math. (BTW, I never got anything lower than an A- in math, right through trigonometry. Yet I still feel like I’m bad at math.)

Adore this post that touches upon how to be happy in a romantic relationship when you don’t feel lovable.

I’m drooling over everything in this outfit, from the printed pants to the spiky peep-toes.

I interviewed Denise Alden, owner of St. Paul’s Bombshell -a fabulous plus-size only boutique – for the Star Tribune this week!

Some folks feel like they’re retro in a bad way, but Katherine shows us how versatile denim jackets can be in this roundup post. (I’m a huge fan myself!)

My favorite read of the week: Margarita shares what she’s learned about self-care. So many wonderful insights.

Dark florals are fabulous for spring transitional. They’re floral like spring … but they’re dark like winter. Best of both worlds.

“I have yet to learn of a sexual desire, appetite, aversion or practice that is truly universal or unique. To put it another way, not everyone is into the same sexual stuff as you. But whatever it is you are into sexually, you aren’t the only one. So, no I don’t think you’re normal, I don’t think that I’m normal and when it comes to sex I don’t even know what ‘normal’ means.”

This outfit is basically monochrome slate blue with textural touches. And that just plain rocks.

Mothers of daughters, I’d love to hear your thoughts on this list of 10 ways to nurture positive body image in your daughters..

Hurrah! JCPenney is bringing Joe Fresh to those of us who don’t live in Canada! Or New York!

Photographer Erwin Olaf tracked down some of the pin-up girls from the 40s and 50s and photographed them in 1999 in traditional pin-up poses for an exhibit titled Mature. (Link not safe for work – contains partial nudity)

What a fabulous way to style suspenders.

“I made a conscious decision to stop having conversations about other women’s looks, on the internet and in real life. I stopped participating in negative body-talk with friends—I’ll try to be supportive of their concerns about weight, but I’d rather not engage the topic. I haven’t been perfect, but I do my best, and that effort has made an unimaginable difference in how kind I am to myself.”

How to Cover interviews Jewish women and men about how and why they cover their heads and hair. Such a great tagline: A look at Jewish head-covering from a not-quite-Orthodox perspective. (Via The Beheld)

This outfit combines a bright yellow dress, bejeweled belt, and leopard scarf and STILL looks utterly classic.

And from the Department of Random: Demetri Martin changes hermit crabs for the better. (His stand-up is a joy to behold. Highly recommend.)

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Coming up, a reading and book signing at Subtext: A Bookstore in St. Paul!
I’ll be speaking about my personal style journey, read an excerpt, answer questions,
and sign books.

March 27
7 p.m.
Subtext, 165 Western Ave N., St. Paul
Free!

* * * * *

A few purchasing tips for women who’d like to wear dresses but have a much smaller top than bottom size. (Similar post on separates here.)

Navy, mustard, and burgundy is one of my absolute favorite color combinations right now. (See?)

“We think it’s necessary to bash ourselves. We think it is appropriate to hate ourselves. We think that body bashing builds camaraderie, that it makes us approachable, that it shows humility, that it is what nice girls do. It doesn’t. It is not. We need to stop it.”

A graphic print sweater and sneaker wedges pair up in Gabi’s on-trend ensemble.

Patti shares some tips for laundering and caring for delicate clothing.

Grass green and periwinkle make for a marvelously spring-y combination.

Eight amazing women entrepreneurs share the reasons they love themselves. So inspiring. (Via Weesha’s World)

Reader Susan pointed me to the work of Kate Fletcher, who is doing a lot of thought-provoking writing on craft, use, and sustainability. I’m particularly intrigued by the Use Practices tab on her Local Wisdom site. Love the ideas of alternative dress codes, intensive use, and exploring value.

Oh, how I adore this turquoise leather midi skirt. Never thought I’d hear myself say that, but it’s true!

A recent study indicates that peer influence might have more impact on individual body image than media exposure.

This roundup of curvy and plus-sized style bloggers included a few that were new to me, and that I immediately added to my reading list.

Eboni creates a fun and punchy outfit with an all-black base and super-bright coat. Also see the linkup at the bottom of her post for more inspiration.

TJ Maxx and Marshalls will be launching online shopping sites, though no details yet as to when.

I adore this fabulously modern take on boho chic.

Lisa at Sociological Images has some interesting theories about why high heeled shoes take up so much real estate at most shoe stores, and how wearing heels creates certain social distinctions among women.

Huge thanks to Woodbury Magazine for their fantastic story about my style consults. Equally huge thanks to my client London for contributing to the story!

This perfectly slouchy casual ensemble is making me long for springy temperatures.

Finally found a post that put a name to the woman whose style I’ve been admiring for ages over on Pinterest: Stylist Elisa Nalin. She adores color, accessorizes beautifully, and looks radiantly happy in most of her photos.

How fantastic are these heart-print tights?

Speaking of tights, this post has some helpful recommendations for winter hosiery, including brands, colors, and denier.

Cannot WAIT to get my hands on the Elizabeth Dehn for One Love Organics products. I’m still hoarding the last drops of my serum and shea cream from her old line.

A black base makes this bold print mix look fun and natural.

Can middle aged ladies wear biker jackets? Lisa says yes. I concur.

Responding to yet another article that outlines what feminists should/shouldn’t be, the Vagenda team responds, “So this is my first issue with the piece. That, as feminists, we have to be this, or we have to be that. We can’t be both, or many things, or everything.” (Not safe for work due to frequent f-bombs.)

And from the Department of Random: Daily Dishonesty

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