Fashion Me Fabulous

I've seen people in head to toe black, white or other neutrals, but would you ever wear head to toe of the same color?

I have heavy thighs. No amount of exercise will shrink them. They are meaty, muscular and here to stay. For a skirt loving girl, this isn't a huge problem. Any wasp-waisted 1950s dress will cover my legs and give me an hourglass figure. But I'm not an hourglass. I'm a pear. Directives on dressing tell me to choose necklines that widen my shoulders and draw attention to my face. I should avoid halter tops, pencil skirts, shorts and pants. But I like halters tops. I like pencil skirts. I like shorts and pants. What is so essentially wrong with letting the world know that my thighs and hips are wider than my shoulders? Why must the slight woman create the illusion of breasts? Why must the round woman squeeze herself into a nipped waist? Why should we accept our natural shapes as "flawed"? This hourglass figure from Christian Dior Haute Couture Fall 2007 hearkens back to its Victorian roots. Sociologically, an hourglass figure signifies fertility. Wide hips for breed...

-- Jael talks about her father's fashion influence. -- Win free shoes or save some money on thong sandals under $50 . -- If you are going to write about fashion, shouldn't you know a little of its history? -- If you are going shopping, shouldn't you be familiar with the concept of covering your butt cheeks? -- No money? Treat stores like museums. -- How do you feel about lip plumpers , silver jeans and windows for your toes ?

Project Design is our own friendly competition where we put together collection of independent designers for you to rate on your very own imaginary runway. Remembering some of our friends' fondness for wearing their silverware, Jael Paris sent me a list of utensil themed jewelry she found on Etsy. I'd been saving up some similar items for a Project Design, so I ended up with a ton of utensil themed stuff. Since I want to feature it all, I've decided to split it up. This week is all about Forks. Spoons, knives and combinations will come in following weeks. Which fork would you bring to the table? funky recycled silverware fork bracelet Metal Filigree Fork Earrings FORK YOU Necklace Antique Silver Plated Fork Bracelet Sterling Silver Fork Bracelet Fork Pendant Love Stamped Cobalt Bauble more at twiigs.com...

Last week I talked about how I stay chic when I feel crappy. My secret is shift dresses and a rotations of accessories. If you want to build up your basic shift wardrobe, start looking here. For the most versatile dress, go with neutrals. Top: black sheath, Calvin Klein, Macy's $148 oatmeal sleeveless shift with ruched bust, Anthropologie $158 black long-sleeved v-neck, Tart, Bluefly $141 white puff sleeve with funnel collar, Donna Morgan, Nordstrom $158 black long-sleeved mini, Design History, Bluefly $54 white low-hip tank dress, James Perse, Shopbop $165 Bottom: brown sleeveless cowl neck, Anthropologie $168 black banded bottom dress, Target $19.99 grey short sleeved sweater dress, Banana Republic $98 navy retro dress, Isaac Mizrahi for Target $39.99 mushroom with cap sleeved, Park Vogel, Bluefly $115 black sleeveless satin mini, Forever 21 $34.80 Love this idea but want to escape from black? Here are the colors! Top: dusty purple sundress, Gap $54.50 emerald mini trapeze dress,...

With a journalist's wages, I never expect to afford much designer clothing. I certainly do not expect to see future me buying couture. However, I will always admire these clothes, some of which cost more than what I make in a year. I love the richness of seeing these things in person. Touching a gorgeous, structured coat only to find out it barely weighs anything. Examining the amazing construction. Feeling the exquisite fabrics. Seeing one-of-a-kind couture made from found or recycled objects. These are the things I just love about these clothes with a nearly absurd price tag. And these things are why I love to go to boutiques. The shop attendants may look at me like I don't quite belong. Even in my nicest dresses, I don't look like I can afford couture. However, they let me look. They let me take a personal tour through an art gallery full of my favorite kind of art, fashion. If you live near a designer boutique, go, have fun, look at all the clothes. Don't be afraid ...

Maybe I am slowly preparing for a future as a street performer. I've been playing with silver jeans in Polyvore, and I can't help but think they'd be the perfect thing when you want to feel casual but still look exciting. Their metallic sheen would require a certain body confidence as the reflecting light would highlight everything. I've looked and looked, but in order to get jeans that are metallic rather than just grey, you have to pay a pretty penny. The best pair I've found is Diesel's "Lowky" at ASOS for a whopping $302.82. Would you ever wear metallic pants? Do I need therapy before I paint my face silver?