Your Monthly Horoscope Awaits...

Illustration by the lovely Melanie of bagandaberet.blogspot.com

September 23 to October 22

(depending on the year)

Your monthly style horoscope presented by 

Madame Lotta Prada  

• Lady Libra, you are a stylish, playful, creative life form; and those traits should serve you well during this time of transition from mild to cooler climes. The way awaits you in your very own closet. Several well selected additions will make the journey sweeter.

• You tend to be more generous with others than yourself. That item online that's been in your shopping cart forever - make it yours. You deserve it!

• The hills have eyes; so do the neighbors and your significant other. It may seem over the top, but next time you're waiting with the kids at the bus stop, working in the yard or out for errands, try wearing something a little shorter, body skimming or flowy, preferably in ox blood,  the results will delight. 

•  Reach for a long forgotten piece in your closet. Commit to it for a few days. Give yourself a dollar for every compliment it gets you. Within no time you should be able to treat yourself to a grande size beverage of your choice...yes, you'll want whip cream on that.

• Take a cue from these stylish bloggers and put the following five items on your fahsion radar: Megan Mae's button flowers, Kathleen's Beret, Rachel's snuggly sweaters, Amber's ankle cowboy boots and Gracie's hounds tooth. 

Your lucky numbers are:

1: as in the number of new lip stick colors you might want to invest in this month.

3: as in the number of belts you can wear... all at the same time!

5: as in the number of bras you should try on before settling on one.

6: as in the number of pockets your new skinny cargos should have.
8: as in the number of days you should wait before wearing the same patterned jeans again.
14: as in the number of pieces you might want to edit from your closet this season.

These ladies are Libras too...

Left to right:Catherine Zeta-Jones, Ashanti, Gweneth Paltrow, Kate Winslet, Freida Pinto. Photos via Google images

Pssst...guess who else is a Libra? Sheila of Ephemera. Raise your hand if you're a Libra too.

 

 Friends of the zodiac

Scorpio: 10/23-11/21 Wedges of cheese, pizza and pie are good; wedge boots even better. Wedgies...not so good. Pick (no pun intended) your undies carefully.
Sagittarius: 11/22-12/21  One word: Boots!
Capricorn: 12/22-1/19 Color is fashionable, black is forever stylish. Combine the two often until the new moon.
Aquarius: 1/12-2/20 Having several dickies in your drawers will not make you a clothes whore. 
Pisces: 2/19-3/20 Upcoming social events, meetings and the like demand that attention be focused solely on your words. Assure your clothes do not compete with you for attention.
Aries: 3/21-4/20 Your inner cowgirl is begging to be released. Russel her up some denim, Native American prints and leather. Happy trails...
Taurus: 4/21-5/21 You have a low tolerance for fashion boredom. This can be avoided. Rock a trend of years past... Hello square toe pumps!
Gemini: 5/22-6/21 You appreciate style and quality. Consider an artisan handmade bag for your next purse; custom made, even better.
Cancer: 6/22-7/22 Disruptions of your usual routine may have you pressed for time. Predetermine you outfits for the next seven to ten days and save yourself extra frustration.
Leo: 7/23-8/22 Your glamorous side is coming to the forefront. Metallics, glitter, sparkle and shine should be considered daily.
Virgo: 8/23-9/22 Denim choices abound this season in color and pattern which can confuse and overwhelm. Keep your sense of style balanced and assure that a pair of long ,lean dark wash jeans is among your picks.

Disclaimer: This horoscope is purely for fun, entertainment, shits and giggles. For the real answers pray to God or consult your local psychic.

The Serpent and the Cargo

Ladies I've had this post sitting in the draft folder awhile and I figured I better get it out before the clothes go out of style...
For this outfit I'm taking a cue from two fabulous bloggers. a few weeks ago, Judith, the Style Crone did snake print and pearls ensemble, a terrific mix of neutrals that left me speechless, definitely one of my favorite outfits of her's. The other part of my outfit, the vest was inspired by Simply Chic. Those words describe this blogger as no others. She's exactly that. I really like what she did with her cargo. So what do you get when you put the two together? This...

I had some paperwork to wrap up for my new job and even though I was done with the interview process, I felt this last detail was still an extension of it. I didn't want to show up in jeans, but I didn't want to put on a suit either, so I chose this dress. I originally wore it belted with a black cardigan but when I was done with official business, I switched the cardi for the cargo and headed for the mall. I felt stylish and chic. Thanks to two great bloggers for the inspiration!
Guess who's birthday is around the corner? Sheila's. No, not me, Sheila north of the border. She's invited us to the her party and basically said we could wear anything we want. I've been known to change my mind at the last minute, but I think I'll wear this only with a little more bling...
Go, go, go, go
Go, go, go, shawty
'Cause it's your birthday
We gon' party like it's yo birthday
We gon' sip Bacardi like it's your birthday...

-  Lyrics from 50 Cent's "In da Club" (as if you didn't already know).

I Don't Have a Thing to Wear!

Why is it when spring arrives I feel like I all I have to wear is sweaters and boots, then when fall arrives, I feel like all I have is tank tops and flip flops? Every. Single. Year. Guess what? This year's no different. So as usual, I'm sneaking some summer stuff into fall. This floral skirt is something I picked up at a yard sale this spring, but couldn't quite bring myself to wear. I think because it looked heavy visually, but now it seems appropriate. I played around and figured out a couple of different ways to style it.

 ...and that makes me happy!

Hmmm...there's a lot of prints going on here. Plaid blazer, blue and white striped shirt, floral skirt and buffalo checked rubber boots. My formula for winterizing summer stuff is to add a turtleneck and be done with it. I'm trying to be a little more creative with the layering this year, but sometimes things don't quite turn out like how they looked in my mind...it's still fun to experiment though.

I guess the other reason I didn't wear this was because of the awkward length; not quite a middi, not quite a maxi. So I did the ol' hike-the-skirt-over-the-boobs thing. This is the only one I've ever been able to pull that trick off with.

...and that makes me happy! So does hanging out at Patti's Visible Monday.

Are you one of those stylish people who can make their clothes do tricks by wearing them inside out, upside down and backwards?
Is your wardrobe ready for fall?
Any tips or tricks you have for layering?

Ann Taylor Loft yellow sweater: In stores now
Phool rayon skirt: yard sale
No name ombre dyed scarf: thrifted
Apt. 9 button down shirt: thrifted
Dress Barn blazer: thrifted
Bracelet in second photo: gift from Lynne. Thanks, love it!
No name black cardi: thrifted, old
Clarks Indigo black Majorca Villa boots: In stores now

Calling All Re-Fashionistas...Help!

Sound the alarm! ...calling all re-fashionistas and upcyclers... Jean, Pao, are you there? I got this great pair of Lucky Brand sweats at the thrift store. They're too small for me but I couldn't resist the design on the legs. On one side there's a geisha and on the other a dragon. Each design is partly  embroidered and partly stamped/batiked. The material is a dark brown high quality fleece. If I could fit these, I'd wear them as is. They're just the kind of thing I like to bump around the house in.
My first instinct tells me to refashion the legs as sleeves on another garment. But what do you think? My sewing skills are top notch, but it seems I've lost some of my creative mojo over the past few years.

Isn't she lovely?

 This is a distress call... a cry for help, so even if you're not a re-fashionista or upcycler, please chime in if you've got some ideas.

Fetish Fantasy of a Forty-Something

This is my fantasy...

ZiGiny pumps (see more platform high heels)

This is my reality...

Yeah, my fantasy involves black leather, straps, studs and spikes...I'm talking shoes baby! I have a bit of a shoe fetish (surprise!). I love shoes; tall ones, short ones, skinny ones, fat ones, black ones, white ones. And ever since shoes with studs and spikes came out a couple years ago, I've been fantasizing about owning a pair. I'd like mine to be the tallest, spikiest, most outrageous pair out there, but really, where would I wear them without feeling totally ridiculous? My options are basically work and the grocery store. There's also the issue of my safety. After 43 years of living, I still haven't mastered walking in mega heels. And I'd rather spend the $250 on a nice purse (or shoes) than on the insurance deductible for breaking my neck. 

Here they are in real life. I still get all the bad ass-ness of the studs and spikes but the possibility of bodily injury has been reduced to almost 0.001%.  Cool.

"Conceited" black flats via Baker's Shoes
John Roberts striped over-dress: thrifted
Worthington gray under dress: thrifted; also worn here. 
Vintage Ettienne Aigner clutch: thrifted 


Hey,  Gracie , Ally, Pao,  Lynn, Gracey and Charmaine;
a big heartfelt thanks to you all for coming to the swap party. Lynn voiced the spectacular idea of having a permanent swap page, which I believe I'll do. 
The winner of the Pandora bracelet is #6, Charmaine. Congratulations.

Keeping my fingers crossed that some of your fantasies will become realities. Have a great week. See you at Patti's Visible Monday. Monday Mingle

Swap 'Til You Drop

Welcome!

Come on in, make yourself comfy. I'm so happy you could make to the swap party link up. If you've visited my blog within the last 3 weeks or so then you already know the details; if you haven't, click here. 

Gracie , Ally, Pao, and Lynn have arrived already. Scroll down and link your swap post too by clicking on the little blue froggy guy, then have a look around and see if there's anything you'd like to swap for. Leave me a comment or email styleagent909@gmail.com. Be sure to visit everybody; you never know what you might find! Just finding out about the party? You've still got time to join! The link is open until Saturday night 9/22/12.

A few suggestions, if I may... Since we're not doing this face to face, real time (oh, how I wish!) a swap make take a couple emails back and forth so please be patient with fellow party attendees. 2) If you have any doubt as to whether an item will fit, ask for measurements. 3) If condition or authenticity of an item is important to you, ask lots of questions. 4) Please link back to styleagent909.blogspot.com so others can join the party. 5) Just because the link closes Saturday night, doesn't mean the swapping has to stop. 6)If you make a great trade(s) we'd all love to see it in a future post(s).

 Oh yeah... you probably want to know about the prize. It's a sterling silver Pandora bracelet and one starter sterling silver charm/bead (you get to have the fun of filling it up and personalizing it). This bracelet accepts the sterling silver beads but not the glass beads of Pandora. Glass beads from other brands such as Troll may fit. One randomly chosen person wins. I'll announce it next post.


Now let the swapping begin...

Betu Sport skinny python pants. Size 8.
 Waist 29", hips 43", total length 40". Zip front. No pockets. 97% cotton, 3% spandex.
I seriously want a pair of python pants so bad, I was going to sew an insert into the sides of these to make them larger, but decided it would wreck the look.
Wouldn't these look fabulous with some boots?

9/1/12 update: I was in Macy's yesterday and found a pair of python print jeans. I'm just over the moon about them!

a.n.a faux leather jacket. XL.
Underarm to underarm 44", Neck to bottom 22", shoulder to cuff, 25.5".
In general, I'm not a fan of faux leather. But I really liked this jacket. The photo doesn't do it justice. I has a "broken in" look. Because it's an XL there lots of room for layering thicker clothes underneath. Drawback, no pockets. I recently replaced it with a nearly identical one that does have pockets.

Levi's denim shirt. Medium.
Bust 40", Waist 35", neck to hem 29", shoulder to cuff 24".

The southwest look is going to be big this fall. This shirt is a must have. Soft, 100% cotton. It's slightly fitted and just doesn't have the looseness I'm looking for plus I have at least 3 other denim shirts.

Gap linen biased cut skirt. Size 8.
Waist 32", length 28", hips are very generous.
I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw this at the thrift store. It's the exact same one I'm wearing here. The only difference is that this one has dark stripes where mine are light and visa versa. This could work in any season. I was going to cut this one up and use it as a pattern, but I decided one skirt like this is enough.
I really should have ironed it, but I'll leave that to the new owner.

Express faux fur jacket. Size Large
42" bust, 25" shoulder to cuff, 22" neck to bottom. I know there's somebody out there who can really rock this like it deserves to be. I think it's sooo cute. The only problem is, it makes me look like Sasquatch. If you have a small frame there's lots of room for layering. If you have a larger frame like me, try wearing it with a light weight garment underneath.

Worthington dress. Size 14.
Bust 42", length from waist to hem 21", waist 34", hips 48" (at maximum). 100% polyester, but has a silky feel.
I really like this dress it kind of reminds me of a tortoise shell.
The problem is, it rides up my thighs a little higher than I'd like when I sit down. It has a side zipper and a matching fabric belt that is permanently attached.

Steve Madden wedges. Size 8 1/2. From heel to toe 10", 4 1/2" tall at heel.
 Remember these? I wore them here. I just don't sport these much at all and I think they deserve to be shown off. They're in great shape and feel amazingly stable to walk in.

Here's my wish list: 
1. Big rings
2. Scarves (can't get enough of 'em)
3. Anything made of colored suede or leather
4. Small to medium cross body type purse (I have red, black, and white ones already).
5. Vests
6. Patterned tights
7. Chunky necklace
8. Boots! I love boots!
9. Basic black blazer (I know, I can't believe I don't have one either.)
10. Long cardigan (really long, like this one). I have a brown one and a gray one already.
The specs:
shoe: Sometimes and 8 or 9, but usually 8 1/2.
dresses, pants, jeans: 12 to 14
Blouses, sweaters, jackets: 12 to 14,  medium to XL.

Sizing also depends on the fabric of certain items. If you have something you think I'd like, but it's not my size or on my wish list, give me a holler anyway, maybe I can make it work!

Diamonds Are Forever...

At what point is an item no longer worth buying even at thrift store prices? When is so beat up and tattered you're better off leaving it on the rack? Yes, believe it or not I have limits like that and I'd almost reached mine when I spotted this sweater. Sure, it looks great now, but when I bought it, it had 50 million little moth eaten holes in it. Well, maybe not 50 million, but at least 20. I lovingly mended each and every one. This also included the extra effort of changing the thread color four times. Now, even I can't tell where the holes were. It was a diamond in the rough. And all diamonds are graded by the four C's.

Clarity: Meaning how many flaws or inclusions does it have. A diamond is a natural thing and inclusions are also natural and not always necessarily a deal breaker. In the case of this sweater it's an I-3, very heavily included.

Cut: The cut ensures the diamond shows of maximum brilliance. I'm going to rate this as a 3 which is "good". It's slightly slouchy, just the way I like my sweaters to be.

Color: Graded from no color at all "D", which is most desired, to "Z". Anything beyond a Z, and it's a  colored diamond. I guess mine is a ZZZZ.

Carat: There are 5 carats in a gram. The word carat is derived from the seed of the carob tree pod. This sweater has got to be at least 10 carats. It's pure Merino wool. I'm rich!

Sometimes the stars align and the 4 C's are all high scale. Sometimes people are willing to sacrifice one thing for another, such as a little
sub par cut for more carats. Decisions, decisions...
I'm happy with my diamond sweater even though it's not flawless and I'm walking over to Patti's Visible Monday  and Monday Mingle to show it off.

Please note: judging by the 4 C's (color, weight, brilliance, lack of flaws) only apply to diamonds and sweaters - not people.


Remember the Swap party is coming up this week. I'll open the link this Thursday, September 20th - Saturday September 22nd.  See you there!