Even the avant garde fashion industry takes on its own standards (though one could argue that’s the point of avant garde fashion itself). In his spring 1997 collection, Martin Margiela, known for deconstructing the typical, examined the dress form and its implied standardization by mimicking it in a linen jacket. Image courtesy The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) Online Collections.

Fashion Undressed | A Womanly Figure: Considering the Dress Form

This morning I pulled out a favorite dress for the first time in ages. It’s a loose, straight piece, nearly “shapeless.” To render it office-appropriate and add definition mimicking my body shape, I belted it. As I saw my now cinched waist in the mirror, I considered the female form, which led to me thinking… Continue Reading Fashion Undressed | A Womanly Figure: Considering the Dress Form

recent purchases hits and misses

Recent Fashion Purchases: Hits and Misses

Change in weather, preparing for BlogHer and other vacations, and spending the majority of last summer in a bulky cast has caused me to do some clothing shopping! Here’s what I’ve tried and which things were fails and which were wins: Shop the Post: J. Crew Factory Denim Jacket Mega win! I’ve been turned off… Continue Reading Recent Fashion Purchases: Hits and Misses

Summer Office Wear – Beating the Heat with Professionalism

When the temps and humidity rise, the last thing you want to do is wiggle into a crisp button-front shirt or shrug into a tailored blazer or lined suiting trousers. How to stay polished at the office when it’s the peak of summer outside? My go-to look is a breezy blouse. Below I share ways… Continue Reading Summer Office Wear – Beating the Heat with Professionalism

Fashion Undressed: Plagiarism as Design Inspiration?

“It’s been done before.” If you’ve watched any of the ubiquitous fashion design shows, you’ve heard coaches, mentors, and judges critique rising courtiers, telling them that their designs aren’t new. “What goes around, comes around.” Not just life advice, those of us who’ve been around tend to roll our eyes at the cyclical versions of… Continue Reading Fashion Undressed: Plagiarism as Design Inspiration?

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Summer Capsule Work Wardrobe – Business Casual with Color

Living in the hot and humid DC area, I understand the difficulty of appearing polished and professional when the temperatures rise. Though it’s tempting to throw your hair in a quick ponytail and wear the skimpiest and lightest weight clothing in our closet, it’s important to dress appropriately for the workplace, no matter the weather.… Continue Reading Summer Capsule Work Wardrobe – Business Casual with Color

plus size capsule wardrobe business casual work fashion with color
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Plus Size Capsule Wardrobe – Business Casual with Color

I had a reader recently reach out asking for advice on how to get her wardrobe ready for going back to work. She enjoys color and believes a capsule wardrobe will simplify her morning routine of getting dressed, especially as a working mom. I created a plus size capsule wardrobe that is business casual and… Continue Reading Plus Size Capsule Wardrobe – Business Casual with Color