On Yoga Jeans and Winning
May 17, 2013 § 2 Comments
It appears, folks, that putting your name in the pot (so to speak) does actually result in winning.
After a week of ups and downs and more downs, I received an email from Canadian company, Second Yoga Jeans, letting me know that I’d won a pair from a giveaway on Attached To My Heart.
Out of 1400 people, aren’t I lucky?
There’s a lot of literature online about Yoga Jeans running large, but after corresponding with the company’s Marie Eve, I was advised that the ones I wanted (Mid Rise Skinny in Watermelon) are running small.
Unable to find a pair of the watermelon in my area to try, I called up the trusty helpers at Nordstrom to give me some advice (since they carry the brand in their stores and online).
Unlike Not Your Daughter’s Jeans (never judge until you try), the Nordstrom fit genius I spoke with told me that although the Yoga Jeans have stretch, they haven’t fallen victim to way off vanity sizing like the NYDJ’s pair I’ve got (size 8, isn’t that funny?), but they do tend to run on the larger side.
The only other pair of super stretchy jeans I own (with amazing memory… look good after wearing for three days) are Blank’s Spray on Skinny, which I took in my normal size (31).
What’s a gal to do?
Having weighed all of the input, I’ve requested a 31.
Let’s hope they fit!
M.
If you could choose, which would you order?
These are the BlankNYC Spray on Skinny that I seriously LOVE! Still available on Gilt.
Yoga Jeans Mid Rise Skinny Crop in Watermelon. I ordered the longer version.
Yoga Jeans Low Rise Skinny in Black. I find their color options much more interesting, but these could be a good wardrobe basic.
Yoga Jeans High Rise Straight in Ice Blue. Such a pretty color. I’m not crazy about a straight leg stretchy jean. I think straight legs look better a little baggier and rolled. But that’s just me.
Yoga Jeans Pull On Skinny in Ink. Most of the reviews on these have said they run big (by maybe a size or two).
So many more pretty colors…
A Girl Needs Gear
May 14, 2013 § 20 Comments
I’ve just returned home from a four mile run with two fantastic friends, who might be responsible for reigniting my running mojo.
Despite the fact that their comfortable run pace was closer to a minute per mile faster than mine, I was happy panting a good few feet behind.
I waved them ahead when I needed to slow, and sweet as they are, they always circled back to get me.
I know I’m predictable, but everything always comes around to what everyone wore.
Both girls chose capri tights and cute tanks, while I, the sun hater, covered up in a long sleeve shirt, my Luluemon pace shorts, and a good dose of sunscreen on all other exposed skin.
I’m completely over my entire running wardrobe right now (maybe because I’m heavier than when I was marathon training or because my legs no longer look 20 … my shorts seem really short), so for weeks I’ve been surfing the latest, newest, greatest.
Inspired running has inspired running clothes shopping.
And we all know how I love good gear.
M.
P.S. Notice how there’s no Lululemon in the bunch. Another post, another day.
Nike Sunset Legging. Pretty.
Nike Pro Print Capri in Fuchsia Stars. Compression and fun.
Sweaty Betty Easy Run Capri. Must have these….
Sweaty Betty Boyfriend Sunset Run Tee.
Adidas by Stella McCartney Run Performance Print Tank. Stella’s stuff is expensive, because you’re paying for design, but if you have a smaller chest and like tanks, watch for this to go down. It’s fantastic looking.
OIselle Run Tee in Indigo. Best tee shirts ever. They’ve got a bunch on the Oiselle website that have been marked down.
Oiselle BIG run tee in Violet. Never did buy the long sleeve, but probably good for early morning runs.
Sweaty Betty Protector Run Jacket. I completely killed my Lululemon lightweight jacket, so this could be a good replacement. The yoke and the pink toggles excite me.
They Call It Mellow Yellow
May 2, 2013 § 8 Comments
Yellow is a funny color. With so many shades to choose from (pale lemon to butterscotch to neon flouro) I’m surprised I’ve not one piece of it in my closet.
I realized this last summer when I bought a strand of easy-going, yellow gratitude beads that I thought I’d wear like a neutral.
But every time I put them on they seemed to clash with everything else I was wearing.
Maybe it had more to do with my skin coloring?
Pale and pink, I am.
A tough backdrop to the primary that it is.
Heading into another summer I’m still attracted to hue, but am wondering if yellow on the feet might work better than yellow around the neck? Farther from the face, more of a sunny afterthought?
Whether you’re a yellow fan or not, one web-shop search tells the story; an abundance of sunshiny spring/summer sandals just begging to be worn.
M.
How do you feel about yellow? Would you wear any of these?
Neon Sandal from Zara. They look like Birkenstocks’ for toddlers, which I sort of love.
Asymmetric Flat Sandal at Zara. The consistent piece connecting the front and back on one side make these a little more interesting than your average ankle-strap flat.
Hanna Anderson Ugglebo in yellow patent. What can I say? I’m clog crazy. And they have matching ones for the kiddos.
Coach Coco in neon yellow and saddle. If you can do an extended thong these could be great. I have trouble with any thong … anywhere.
See by Chloe, similar to the Cole Haan. These I would do despite my thong aversion.
Swedish Hasbeens Pappilon in yellow. My mother has a papillon named Aerobella. She’s as sweet as this shoe.
Tory Burch Cameron in Daisy Yellow. Blahhhhh.
Toms Bimini Stitchout in Bright Yellow. I have friends that could pull these off. Not sure I can.
Matisse Medina Yellow Suede. Probably more of a spring/early fall shoe because of the suede, but they’re so pretty.
A Distressing Trend
April 29, 2013 § 7 Comments
All weekend I web-surfed denim looking to replace my old Paige Jimmy Jimmy’s that’ve been tossed in the dryer far more often than any jeans ever should be.
My search resulted in two surprising discoveries.
The first being the sheer number of skinny jeans being sold (wowza).
The second, and frankly the bigger surprise, is the massive trend toward distressed denim. How long has this been going on, and more importantly, why hadn’t I noticed?
Distressing is nothing new.
As a teenager I took bleach and razor blades to my not-cool-enough denim. But what I learned back then is that unless you’re a DIY pro, it’s not easy to control the desired effect. Rip too far and you’ve got too big of a hole. Too much bleach and you look like a dish rag.
I actually do own two pair of distressed boyfriends that don’t get much wear. When I see them folded in my dresser drawer I can hear my mother’s whisper from far, far away, “Why are there holes in your pants?”
So they stay folded on top of the grey Genetic Shane’s that never, ever get worn; their own lives inching closer to an Ebay separation and divorce.
But the biggest resistance to wearing distressed denim (mostly) see-saws over the fact that I already rode that horse almost thirty years ago.
Do I really want to go there again? And with this amount of gusto?
I might.
I just might.
M.
Do you wear distressed denim? What do you think of the trend?
The Level 99 Relaxed Lily’s have been getting a lot of press. Loads of celebrities are wearing these and they aren’t as disgustingly priced as some of the others. Still, at $160.00 they aren’t being given away either.
Citizens of Humanity Dylan Boyfriend in Love Worn. I think these are fantastic, as far as the shape and distressing go. I happen to love the plain Dylan’s, too. $238.00.
Paige Jeans Lydia. These look awfully similar to the original Jimmy Jimmy boyfriend skinny. $209.00
Current Elliot The Stiletto in Shredded. $258.00.
Hudson Vintage Cameron Boyfriend in Pandemonium. The distressing and patches look reinforced, which probably accounts for the price. $317.00
Siwy Jeans Juliet Skinny Crop in Cerulean. $195.00.
Hudson Dax Crop Boyfriend in Anti-Establishment. Would you spend $260.00 on these? I vote no.
AG Stilt in 26 Years Thrasher. $215.00.
Rag and Bone Distressed Jean Jacket. $253.00
7 for all Mankind Pencil Skirt. Not very interesting, but at least it covers ones’ underpants.
This Junya Watanabe Jean Skort tickles my Seventies, hippy-child funny bone. OMG they’re so good! $895.00
LB Monogrammed Car Seat Cover – A Giveaway
April 22, 2013 § 11 Comments
Monica Rogers was my friend long before we ever discussed social media business marketing, which we do now on the same schedule as her hair coloring appointments (she texts me from the chair).
Not only is Monica a super mom, a talented writer and blogger, she also makes the most gorgeous infant and toddler seat covers, sold under her relaunched brand LB ( formerly known as Little Bits).
When I told Monica that I wanted to start doing giveaways, she immediately offered up one of her solid toddler car seat covers (retail for $92.00, fully lined, piped, durable, washable, providing a protective barrier from the off-gassing of manufacture car seats).
Having been featured on the Today Show, Instyle Magazine, and the New York Times as a new parent ”must have”- LB car seat covers are famed as being the most stylish accessory to hit car seats since… well, the inception of instant car seats!
Constructed with gorgeous fabrics and monogrammed (or not), they’re a celebrity favorite. Developed in 2004, Monica’s mission is about doing your “little bit” to make a difference in the world- whatever that may be; all of her car seat covers were made from exquisite end of bolt fabrics.
Winner of the giveaway will be able to choose one solid fabric toddler car seat cover with piping color of your choice. Monogram will be included.
Winner (must be in the U.S.) will place their order with Monica upon Rafflecopter’s closing of the giveaway on May 6th (12 a.m.).
Rules are as follows …
Mandatory for eligibility …
1.Like LB on Facebook for 2 points.
2. Like MarthaWills(dot)com on Facebook for 2 points.
For extra points …
1. Like @MerrillMartha on Twitter for 1 point.
2. Leave a comment introducing yourself for 1 point.
3. For 2 points tweet this about the giveaway – “Adorable monogrammed car seat cover giveaway from @MerrillMartha! #kids #gear #celebfave http://marthawills.com/”
Oh, and we’d really love a photo of your child in their seat once you’ve received your prize!
*** Please note: LB car seat covers fit most standard size car seats including Graco, Britax, Evenflo, etc. but do not fit Peg Prego at this time.
Have fun and good luck!
M.
Addison is sitting in the LB car seat cover in hot pink with lime green piping.
LB ~ Covering mistakes since 2004.
For more information or if you can’t wait for the winner to be chosen,
contact LB directly (here) to place an order.
No Makeup Makeup for the Over Forty Gang
April 20, 2013 § 4 Comments
For years I’ve been low key when it comes to my makeup, preferring the no makeup look to a face-full of color.
My arsenal’s gotten even smaller since the birth of my twins five years ago; sunscreen du jour, Mac’s Omega shadow brushed on eyebrows (since 1991) and some sort of lip balm (the latest, Josie Maran’s Argan Color Stick in Rosey).
But since turning forty a year and a half ago, the simple routine no longer cuts the mustard. The no makeup look has turned into the not enough makeup look.
Difficult for any over-fortier to pull off.
More than a few Sephora visits since that pivotal birthday has added to the list of products that now sit at my makeup station. Some of them have turned out to be just what I needed; a pop of color, a little more glow.
Others haven’t held up, and so the search continues for the right mascara that doesn’t make me want to itch my eyeballs out of my head, or a foundation that evens things out without making me look like a Kardashian.
M.
What’s in your beauty arsenal? Are you a minimalist or do prefer to play more with color?
Mac Omega Matte Shadow. Used with a slanted brush, it’s the perfect color for natural blondes.
Sephora Collection Waterproof Retractable Brow Pencil in Honey Blonde. I started using this when training for my marathon. My natural eyebrows are getting lighter every year and I needed something that would stay put when I sweat. Never leave home without your eyebrows!
Josie Maran Argan Oil Color Stick. These come in two sizes and can be used on cheeks or lips. I hardly ever use it on my cheeks, because I do better with powder blush, but this feels great on lips. It’s my go to. I think I’d like the pink one, too.
Stilla Crush Lip & Cheek Stain. Stilla’s stains are great and they really do last. When I’m not using the Josie Maran on my lips I like the Crush or the Passion Fruit (which is a pinky peach).
Urban Decay Pale Peach Matte – ABC Gum. A million years ago I used an Aveda eyeshadow that was the perfect peach with a teensy bit of shimmer that I could sweep across the lid and would stay all day. Sadly it was discontinued and my search has continued for a replacement. I like this Urban decay. Older skin doesn’t do so well with too much shimmer, so I went matte. Still searching for that Aveda twin.
Mac Studio Fix Mascara in black. I would like to wear mascara everyday, but my eyes won’t have it. For a few years I did great with an Almay lash tint. It was the perfect amount of color (really darkened up the lashes), but didn’t get thick the more you layered on. Of course, it was discontinued, so I spend most days without that pop of alertness that a good mascara provides.
Dior Mono Shadow in Peach Beige Sheen. Back in the eighties I had my makeup done with a Chanel quad. I looked like a drag queen and decided that so many layers of eyeshadow were not for me, hence my love for a sweep of color. I’ve heard nothing but great things about Dior. This could be perfect.
I love the look of a rosy glow and have tried many over the years. My current favorite is Lorac Cheek Stamp in Hibiscus, but this Dior Healthy Glow Awakening Blush (even though it looks flourescent) has gotten really good reviews for delivering the perfect glow from within.
My dermatologist had me try the GloMineral Pressed Base in Natural Fair and it was love at first mirrored look. Using a Kabuki brush it covered beautifully, matched perfectly, and could be swiped on once, lasting all day. The doctor isn’t carrying it anymore (moving toward only carrying Jane Iredale), but writing this makes me wonder. Why don’t I just buy it online?
The search for the right foundation continues to haunt me. Knowing from experience that a tinted moisturizer is not enough coverage for aging skin that spent too many years in the sun, I gave the Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream a try. It’s nice, but still doesn’t cover as I’d like leaving me to wonder if I’m entering the years of real heavy-duty foundation. I feel a GloMinerals purchase coming on.
I’ve been using this Laura Mercier full coverage Silk Creme Foundation in Cream Ivory for the past few days. It’s very soft and feels moisturizing on the skin. I’ve read a lot of makeup artists blogs that praise it for being the best (for coverage). I do think a powder is needed to set it, though. It did slide off my face without a dusting.
My favorite, newest discovery is the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Ethereal. A highlighting powder, which can be used with Hourglass’ brush or (as I do) a fan brush, adds a bit of radiance to skin. The powders come in six different glows to mimic different light.
Zara Sizing and American Girls
April 17, 2013 § 13 Comments
After discovering Zara a few months ago and falling fast for their fashion forward aesthetic (and totally reasonable pricing), I placed my first order and waited anxiously for my friend in the big brown truck to deposit the goods at my door.
When the package arrived, boxed beautifully, folded in tissue paper, I think I may have squealed.
But after trying on the first piece (the trf line’s quilted moto jacket), I laughed out loud when both arms could only get as far as the elbows. The back of the jacket (a large, btw) was so tiny that I looked like a giant in a baby’s clothing; arms overhead in touch down mode, there was no way, no how, this was ever going to fit.
There’s been a lot of press about Zara sizing too small for American women.
Yes, we Americans do like vanity sizing. And yes, Americans weigh nearly twenty-five pounds more than they did forty years ago.
But some of us are fit and healthy (maybe a little soft through the middle) and never going to squeeze into a typical Zara large.
The other items in my box looked so miniature (all from the trf line) that I didn’t bother trying.
One printed return receipt, a quick trip to drop-off at UPS, and I was back at the Zara site; I am not a girl who gives up.
This time sticking with the women’s line, I ordered the v-neck blouse in two colors (one in Xl and one in XXL), cotton and ramie (a linen-like fabric), perfect for steamy summer days.
When they arrived I was pleased with both; nice fit over shoulders, good room in the body, glided easily over arms.
The XXL fit with room, but since the blouse is made from such airy fabric I’ll have to remember to be more careful with the XL when laundering (let’s not make shrinky dinks out of our clothes, k?).
The women’s line is clearly a bit larger than trf, but since much of Zara’s offerings are polyester or viscose, checking the composition tab helps when deciding on size.
The moral of the story is this …
Yes American girls, Zara does run small. The trf line runs remarkably small.
Be safe and order up a size or two. Do not be deterred by the size on the tag and take advantage of the free shipping and returns.
M.
Do you find Zara runs small? Would you stay away from a piece based on the size on the tag?
V-Neck Blouse Ramie (similar to linen) and cotton. The XL fits me like it does on this girl. The XXL is longer and looser. FYI, I’m usually a 12 on top because of the boobs.
Wrap Around Cardigan in navy. Small-Large, but oversized so probably ok.
- Printed Shift Dress 100% cotton. Only goes up to a large. Even though it looks roomy on the model I have a feeling it would still be too small on me.
Floral Printed Dress 97% cotton and 3% elastane. Just a little stretch is nice. Perfect sleeve, here, too. If only they’d make it larger than a large. It would be pretty on curvier girls.
Long Sleeve Linen T. Comes in lots of colors. I’ve heard great things about Zara’s linen tees.
Basic Satin Trouser. A lot like the AG Satin Jean for much less. These go up to a 12, so more like an 8? If you are smaller than a typical 8/29, these are a great buy.
The Printed Quilted Cardigan Jacket from the trf line. This was the one that confirmed the rumors.
Sweaty Betty Harem Debate
April 4, 2013 § 14 Comments
Just yesterday I had a lively conversation with my UK blogging buddies at our secret meet up on facebook.
I’d sent out a call for style/purchasing help regarding British company Sweaty Betty’s 7/8 Harem Capri in coral.
“Are they weird or amazing?”
Having seen the questionable pants on SB’s site days ago, I kept going back to visit.
The more I looked, the more I liked.
Paired with a black boyfriend tee and my (waiting for warmth to wear) Rachel Comey, tan, open-toed wedges, wouldn’t they be great in summer? Cool and loose in the U.S. southern heat.
Love or loathe, these ladies always tell the truth.
Fiona called them vile (made me giggle, such a great word), but also said that the company has “… a great reputation for quality.”
Joanna said they were, “…right up her street,” which wasn’t a huge surprise as we’ve already bonded over our approval of the hotly debated design.
Trea thought the print was gorgeous even though she’s not a fan of harems for herself.
And Kat gave me a great suggestion for evening styling; black silky tee, blazer and heels.
If I squint my eyes hard enough I can see a future where I got out again after dark.
What say you?
M.
Come on and share.
And be truthful.
p.s. If you hate them, please try not to giggle when you see me coming because I made my decision … and it’s LOVE!
Gap Skinnies for Spring
March 26, 2013 § 15 Comments
Shopping as research is the name of the game when blogging about fashion and clothes. Combine with that my closet’s one missing necessity (a pair of proper skinnies that slim the legs, fit the low-waist without creating massive muffin top, and stretch enough to be comfortable, but not baggy) and my order at The Gap seemed requisite.
Though The Gap ebbs and flows in the design (and fit) department, they’ve been pumping out some quality products for the past few seasons (i.e. my much worn denim button-down, my Alice Ritter Star top, to name a few).
Their new Skimmer Skinnies arrived this morning, along with the 1969 Forever Stretch Legging Jeans. Both did great!
Shopping as research only works when the purchased items fail. This is what my credit card will have you think.
But my closet is happy, so I am happy, and if your happy, too?
Win/win/win!
M.
Have you tried Gap’s newest denim?
1969 Forever Stretch Legging Jeans on the model.
Forever Stretch Legging on me (size large). They are super stretchy and soft with a working zipper and button. The waist on these is too big making them fall down. Also, as you can see on the stems/drumsticks, the fabric bunches a little, too. I’m hoping that sizing down will fix both problems.
1969 Always Skinny Skimmer on the model. They messed up with the photo for these by using the image of the longer length. The skimmer only goes to the ankle.
Gap 1969 Skimmer on me. Definitely some vanity sizing here. I’m usually a 31, but these are a 30, and there’s room in the waist. When they give a little I’ll have to wear a belt. Wrong shoe, btw. Best with flats.
The Gap Boyfriend Button-Down Shirt in pink gingham happened to get sent, too. During the summer my uniform consists of button-down shirts with sleeves I can roll down when I’m out in the sun, and roll up when inside. The problem with button-downs is usually a pulling issue making it more and more difficult to cover the three D’s. This fit so well across the bust, I’m not surprised most colors are sold out online. Made from 100% cotton means I might have to consider some of the other prints.
It just so happened, on this day of Gap denim reviewing, that Sophie wore her Gap Skinnies to school today! Sort of awesome, because she never wear her jeans (she’s leggings all the way). These Skimmers have been styled by Soph with Office London’s kitty heels, circa 2001.
You Better Shape Up Cause I Need a Man – The Leather Legging for Every Girl
March 17, 2013 § 9 Comments
For every little girl who watched Olivia Newton-John morph from Sweet Sandy to Danny’s T-Bird dream (and wished for the day that she herself could “Tell me about it, Stud!”), the trend toward skinny leather pants is like a childhood fantasy come true.
Designers have gone mad for leather, pleather, and all sorts of fancy fabrications that harken back to 1978′s Grease Lightning.
But rather than pairing the 2013 versions with open toed stilettos and a smelly cigarette, the new ones are being styled in much more clever ways, making them wearable for every girl.
Miranda Kerr, queen of the skinny jean, styles hers with preppy pieces like a classic trench and ballerina flats.
Leather pants for pre-school pick-up? Totally wearable when paired with basic tees and Converse.
Dressed up with heels or flats and easy tunics makes them perfect for a night out with the girls.
Have you taken the leather pant plunge?
M.
The real deal, J Brand Lambskin Leather Pants $895 @ Nordstrom.
Rag and Bone Leather with zippers @ Shopbop are marked from to $470.00 (from $950.00). Rag and Bone has a huge following, but I admittedly haven’t tried them yet. The zipper detail has been a big seller for them in the regular denim fabrication.
My newest denim obsession, Sold Design Lab (hunting for the medium blue pull on to no avail). These are their Pleather Pants @ Piperlime. Size up.
AG leatherette Legging Jean @ Revolve. Size up.
AG Leatherette Legging in Cobalt. The blue makes them less vampy, but still on trend. @ Calypso.
Genetic Denim The Shane Faux-Front Cigarette Jean. Sequined! I’m a huge Genetic Denim fan. These are sold out @ Gilt , but you can always put your size on the wait list. A bunch of sizes are still available @ Asos.
Topshop Faux leather Leggings @ Nordstrom. Only $36.00 and with surprisingly good reviews in regard to fit and appearance (not too oily looking, etc.).