Seriously Isaac?

I know I've posted about how happy I was to see Isaac Mizrahi designing for the masses again, with his new gig at Liz Claiborne, but Isaac, we need to talk.  Is this really what you think women need to be wearing this holiday season or ever for that matter?  This size 0 model looks like she's about to give birth to a forest of Christmas trees. 

I get it - you sketched it. Some suits in a boardroom probably thought it would sell, blah blah blah. 

Seriously?  I thought you were going to offer up affordable runway fashion for the every day woman not this crap!  I realize this may sound harsh, but I'm disappointed.  After that beautiful summer line, I was just hoping for more...

Even the "make the season bright" campaign features oatmeal sweaters.  Apparently, the design department wasn't talking to the marketing department.  

Mad for Plaid

I've made no apologies for my new obsession with Isaac Mizrahi for Liz Claiborne. If you've yet to fall in love with him, like me, check this out:This just arrived in my inbox...and I think I gave a silent "Hooray!" {Don't want to disturb my co-workers!} I'm so glad plaid is back. I'm not sure how I'm going to work it in to my wardrobe this fall, but when I do, it needs to be really trendy.


Remember, I just turned 30 this year, so I need to make sure I'm using classic pieces in the right way. Dressing appropriately at 30 can be very tricky. A hem line that's too long or a shirt too boxy and I might look 40. (Gasp!) On the other hand, I can't skew too young and rock a plaid mini...or atleast not without leggings.

A few years ago, I remember I would wear traditional Jackie-O inspired dresses to formal events. Think elegant labels like Oscar de la Renta and Kay Unger. It was a great way to dress - I was a sharp, mature 20-something that could pull it off. This dress is a perfect representation of what I'm talking about in style, not price! {It's available at SAKS for a cool $2,500 right now.}

Now that I'm getting older, I feel like I have to follow the trends more closely and choose classic pieces carefully, or I'll look too old. If I were to rock the Oscar dress to a cocktail party, I'm afraid I would look older than I am.

Instead, I would go with something more like this, from Marc Jacobs: Maybe I am over-analyzing this whole age thing, but I just don't want to be called "Ma'am" by the bartender...that's what it's about these days!

"Step away from the chevron!"

So, it's no secret that I am loving me some chevron print these days.

First was the blue dress from Isaac Mizrahi for Liz Claiborne. You remember the one about which I was so undecided in the beginning? {How could I have ever been conflicted about this dress???)

Then, this flirty fabric...
Oh, and who can forget this inspiring image??? The DVF dress...
Well, the chevron fairy has struck again, in a very familiar way. I decided to buy the orange version of the Liz Claiborne dress...I know, I know, I have a problem. But the first step to recovery is admitting it right? At the very least, applaud me for waiting this long to make the purchase! The dress was only $58 and I received an additional 20% off!

In my defense, I took the dress straight to my alterations lady and she's making it a short dress! Does that help my case? I really need it for a tailgate this weekend...it's the tailgate of all tailgates.

Oh, and there is one huge bonus that comes with the decision to shorten this dress! And this is a big bonus, I'm going to salvage all of that extra fabric and make some pillows!

Signed, sealed, purchased, I'm yours!

I can't believe I was ever undecided about this dress:

I bought it on Friday after work and wore it less than 24 hours later. It was perfect!!! I added a wide gold leather weave belt and wore gold wedges. The belt really completed the look.

The party was a Summer Soiree on a rooftop pool. It was a great backdrop for this dress and complimented the decor. (Leave it to me to match the party! I planned it, so that's okay, right?)

Now only if this margarita headache would go away...

Undecided.

What do you think of this dress? I can't seem to make up my mind. I've tried it on and it's flattering. It really is. What I'm concerned with is the fact that it's "a whole lotta look" if you know what I mean.

Would you believe it's Liz Claiborne? I know, I know, it's not the same Liz Claiborne you've come to know and despise over the years. It's a new LC. An LC that's received some TLC from none other than Isaac Mizrahi.

I think Isaac is doing a fantastic job at his new gig. {It doesn't seem to be helping the stock price any...check out this dismal report.}

Maybe I should buy the dress since it would help the economy. Yeah, that's it. It's the right thing to do for the economy...

Oh, and if your nose is still turned up at Liz Claiborne, what if I told you that LC owns Kate Spade. That's right! Our dear Kate sold her company to Liz back in 2006 for a cool $125 million.