Author: Sadie

Wanted: New and Pretty Spring and Summer Outfits

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Even though we still have a couple solid months of chilly temperatures ahead of us, I have already been browsing the stores for lighter fabrics, shorter hemlines, and fun warm weather patterns. All of my usual haunts have started to put out their spring and summer lines, so here are some basics that are on my wish list so far:

For Work:

jcrewpants

These pants from J.Crew are colorful, chic, and machine washable. Enough said. With dress pants I’ve realized that I need to try them on before I buy (I usually avoid trying things on). So I will definitely be finding some time to visit a J.Crew in the coming months to make sure I pick the right fit.

AnnTaylordress

This dress from Ann Taylor is pretty simple, but I love a good sheath and I could easily pair it with a bright cardigan or a plain blazer and wear it clear into the fall. Easy peasy.

BananaBlouse

Black and white seems to be on trend this spring, surprise, surprise. This hits all of my requirements for a work shirt: blousey (forgiving), white, unique geometric print, and timeless. Plus it easily doubles as a casual look with jeans.

For Play:

slubsweater

J.Crew Factory is killing it right now! I have a similar slub sweater from there that I got last year. I wear it all the time and I think I need a new color. Other cute things from J.Crew Factory include: this, and I need stock up on these.

jcrewshorts

Here’s another need from J.Crew Factory. Because who doesn’t need blue leopard print shorts? (And speaking of leopard print, I really needed new gym sneaks so I just ordered these)

gapshorts

I might need a new pair of jean shorts, and these ones from Gap look perfect. They have a real finished hem (an upgrade from my current cut-off version), and they’re a good wash. Even though I might be pushing the age limit for short shorts, I’ve realized that dressing for my figure means shorts that are 3 or 4 inch inseams. Honest to G**, my muscular quads make longer shorts look awkward.

 Investment Piece:

blushleather

I saw this in Banana ads but it didn’t register with me how fabulous it was until I saw it in a magazine as well. I love a blush/nude anything and I think it will go with everything. I could definitely use a good spring jacket. I’m keeping my eyes open for a sale or similar alternatives at other stores to make sure I make the best choice!

As we know, my new year’s resolution is to have an efficient wardrobe, so these choices are obvious relatively neutral and timeless (blue leopard is always in season). A few are in my “shopping cart” but I’m doing some comparison shopping and waiting for some sales. We’ll see what makes it home!

What has caught your eye in the stores so far?

Gigi at the Kennedy Center

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I saw an article a couple months ago about Gigi the musical being revived on Broadway this spring. I love Gigi the movie and have seen it several times, so I was excited to hear it was coming to the stage. Then I heard that they were planning to preview the production in DC for a couple months before it went to Broadway. Bingo!

Gigi

 

Since my parents are also Gigi fans, it was a perfect excuse to trick them into visiting me. We had a quick but tasty pre-theater dinner at District Commons in Foggy Bottom, then headed to the Kennedy Center for the show!

gigi3
The big name in the production is Vanessa Hudgens who stars as Gigi. I believe this is her big Broadway debut (or at least debut in a leading role on Broadway). Hudgens is of course known for her role in High School Musical and other Disney productions. She does all her promotional shots in that black dress but it’s actually not in the production, it’s her curtain call dress. It’s not really true to the period which explains why it isn’t in the actual show, but I’m not sure why they decided it was a good look for the promos… Besides Hudgens, there are a few Broadway names, but no other headliners.

First of all, I enjoyed the production. Second of all, they made some rather significant song changes that threw me for a loop. In the movie version, Maurice Chevalier plays Honore LaChaille, the narrator and wise older uncle to Gaston Lachaille (the leading man). He sings one of the signature songs: “Thank Heaven for Little Girls.” In this production they gave that song away to Gigi’s Aunt Alicia and Grandmother Mamita, and it lost a lot of the Chevalier charm in the process.

Also, in this production, Gaston is interested in science and technology and spends a lot of time at the “Exhibition.” I’m not quite sure why they made that addition because outside of a little dialogue here or there it doesn’t do much to the plot at all.

Of course every revival is going to have changes, but overall I thought it was a solid production. Hudgens was good, and I think Corey Cott who plays Gaston has potential. His songs always ended really strong but he needs to be a little more consistent throughout. In the movie Gaston is played by a much older Louis Jourdan but it was clear that they wanted to make the Gaston/Gigi relationship a little more plausible for the current audience (apparently a 30 year age gap just isn’t the norm anymore…).  I thought the costumes and sets were great and made several nods to the original movie which was nice.

Though it might have lost some of that “je ne sais quoi” from legends like Leslie Caron, Chevalier, and Jourdan, and I think it’s definitely worth the trip. It’s a great love story and period piece that makes me want to watch the movie again!

SAG Awards Best and Worst

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The SAG awards is always an interesting fashion event because there is usually a little more creativity than the Golden Globes or the Academy Awards, but this year there were some really chic simple gowns. I’m not sure if this is valid, but I felt like there was some star power missing from the show. And by star power I mainly mean Benedict Cumberbatch, the only star who matters (I also didn’t see Mark Ruffalo, Kate Hudson, Tina Fey, Ben Affleck, Jennifer Garner, or Channing Tatum). I will forgive him though because his fiance is expecting, so maybe they have to pick their moments this year. (Speaking of pregnant: Is Amy Poehler pregnant? I can’t tell, and it’s always awkward to ask… I didn’t even know she had a boyfriend.)

I borrowed the images from People.com.

My Best:

Felicity Jones

Felicity Jones: This is a perfect combination of interesting and understated. I love the architectural detail and the perfect fit. She looks flawless, timeless, glamorous, elegant…

Reese Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon: Another chic simple gown. Reese always stays pretty simple, but it usually looks great, and this was no exception. The back was interesting as well. She’s now a regular on my best list!

Emmy Rossum

Emmy Rossum: I thought this was a great combination of pretty, interesting, flattering, and fashionable. I love a lace motif, and this is a great spin on the standard lace overlay dress. I’m not thrilled with the middle part bangs, but you can’t win ’em all.

My Worst:

Rashida Jones

Rashida Jones: This is just not doing it for me. The hair and makeup is nice and the silhouette is not hideous but I don’t really get the print and trim. It looks like it could be the makings of a great apron, but it doesn’t seem like a formal enough print/color for the red carpet.

Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep: This kills me a little because who would want to be negative about Meryl. The problem is that I could wear this dress to work, and frankly, it wouldn’t be one of my “dressy” days. She was a nominee! She pretty much does this for every awards show, I would love to see her do a gown and wear something other than black. Also, would it kill you to wear a necklace with that v-neck?

Claire Danes

Claire Danes: I don’t get it. The fabric looks like drapes, and the belt kills it. It’s baggy and not particularly flattering. I know Ms. Danes likes to be fashion forward in a creative way, but better luck next time. I will say, though, hair and makeup is pretty great.