Review: Homeward-Bound Dress

All LBDs should be simple, versatile, and flattering and this Michael Stars Homeward-Bound Dress fits the bill.

The dress has a ruched bodice and waist insert that's higher than the natural waistline - this creates the illusion that the waist is higher and legs longer (the key to looking taller!).

The figure-hugging nature of this dress is sexy, but a modest neckline and length keep the dress from being too hoochie.

Plus, it looks great in almost any situation. Pair with a blazer and pumps for work, a wrap and dress sandals for a formal occasion, or a hoodie (like this one) and flat thong sandals for a casual look.

BirkaScandinavian Jewelry

Left to Right:
Flower Earrings, Amber Ring (available in sizes 2 - 15), Midsummer Bracelet

Etsy is a fantastic outpost for anything handmade. One of our favorites is BirkaScandinavian, a store that strives to create "elegant designs at affordable prices." The quality of the jewelry is outstanding, and the designs strike the perfect balance between classic and modern.

We simply love the stacking rings that come in a plethora of colors AND sizes, which allows for mixing-and-matching on all fingers. Simple basics that are perfect for all occasions and outfits.

Recently, we caught up with Marie Maciel, the designer behind BirkaScandinavian.

shopaphilia: Can you tell us about your biggest inspirations for your designs?

Marie Maciel: Being from Sweden I grew up with Scandinavian design. Being homesick makes me appreciate it even more. I want to make functional jewelry with Scandinavian simplicity and clean lines.

shopaphilia: What got you started with creating your own line of jewelry?

MM: I started making jewelry in Sweden. My mother was an avid knitter and it was natural to fall into jewelry chain-making since it is very similar to knitting. I then got deeper into silver smithing and developed the skills I needed to express the ideas I was having at the time. When I moved to the US six years ago, I expanded my business. I began selling my jewelry to Scandinavian stores in the US. The business grew and developed into what it is today.

shopaphilia: You've lived in Sweden and studied as an archaeologist - how has this exciting background influenced you as a jewelry designer?

MM: I try to have a historical perspective when designing. I’m drawn to old artifacts and I try to incorporate these ancient influences into my designs as much as I can. When I design, I seek to remain grounded in the classic at all times while I explore the modern. This keeps me from creating anything too crazy, but I always try to remember that the new and modern is what I am truly after. It is a push and pull, and a little knowledge of the past is always a great help!

shopaphilia: Marie, thanks so much! We look forward to exploring any new designs you come up with at BirkaScandinavian!

Bold, Earthy Necklaces

I picked up this Stacked Disc Necklace recently. It's a pretty solid, heavy necklace (budget jewelry can sometimes be too flimsy). I love the bright tangerine color and the stacked discs with the edges sliced off really add some interest.

The Tiger Eye Necklace is another gorgeous piece. The cotton thread wrapping the necklace gives it a natural feel and the tiger eye beads have just the right amount of glint to them.

Review: Work Tops for Spring/Summer

When the weather gets hot, light tops that are office appropriate are essential. Recently, I tried these on.

If your office is ok with showing shoulders, this Sleeveless Ruched Top would work on it's own since it has thick straps that make sure bra straps don't peek out. For a more conservative office, add a little cardi (a short-sleeve or 3/4-sleeve version would work perfectly).

For a little more coverage, a simple Crewneck with Tucking Details made of silk-viscose is an easy-to-wear silhouette that is definitely office-ready.

The Pleat-Front Blouse is a traditional shape that is made feminine with an airy cotton-silk blend and pretty pleats. Despite it's breezy qualities, it's not see-through so it doesn't require a layer underneath.

Sweltering workdays are infinitely easier with tops like these that help you stay cool and still look professional.

Martin + Osa Review

Martin + Osa is a store from American Eagle Outfitters Inc targeting the 28 to 40 year-old demographic.

From Left to Right:

Scarf-Neck Top

The Osa Flower-Print Tank

Cashmere + Silk Cardigan

Extend Tab Trouser Jean

I loved the simple, unpretentious wardrobe basics that had soft, luxurious fabrics. The prices were fairly reasonable.

The store itself is fine - nothing striking, but nothing off putting either. The bright lighting on the sales floor was a little stark for my liking. Conversely, the dressing room felt like it wanted to be a sauna with lighting so dim, it was a challenge to get a true idea of how the items looked on.

Currently, there are only 20 Martin + Osa stores, and surprisingly, 2 of them are here in Massachusetts (usually more "fashionable" places get new stores first, but I guess good ol' MA was identified as a haven for the M+O demographic).

Ruehl Lane Satchel and Store Review

I have never really thought of Ruehl as a place to shop, but became intrigued by their fairly classy bag collection whilst browsing their site.

So, I decided to test-drive the Ruehl Lane Satchel in Cream for a few days.

Pros: Sturdy construction with great materials (the washed Italian leather is beautiful), nice attention to detail (twisty leather zipper pulls, the o-rings have sections overlayed with a brass-tone metal), easy organization, great style.

Cons: $188 price tag is steep for a mostly fabric bag, looks very casual, still smelled heavily like the store (a.k.a. pre-pubescent boy wearing too much cologne) after a week.

In the end, the bag wasn't quite big enough for what I needed it for. The twill fabric body also made it too casual for my liking - I would have preferred it if it were an all-leather bag. Sadly, the all-leather version doesn't come with the contrasting trim and retails for $328 (way too much for me to spend at the overpriced A&F).

The store itself feels like a dark, brooding teenager and just as complicated. The maze of rooms is disorienting (have I been in this one yet?) and it's hard to check stuff out in the dim lighting. I realize this makes me sound like an old fogey, but I thought Ruehl was supposed to cater to a slightly older crowd than A&F, not A&F-ers who happen to have richer parents. Most of the store associates looked way younger than their target demographic of 22-30 year-olds which probably makes anyone in that age range feel out of place when entering the store.

On the plus side, the store did have a few items on major sale (pretty floral camis for $12, marked down from $48) so maybe once in a blue moon, I will stop by to see if I can score some steals.

Steve Madden Flipperr Review

Recently, I needed to find a casual sandal that could easily be dressed up. The Steve Madden Flipperr Sandal really fits the bill.

The slender 2-inch wedge heel provides some lift, but doesn't take away any comfort (an important consideration for an everyday sandal).

I did have to go half a size up for my entire foot to sit properly on the footbed. The most difficult to fit part is the strap that goes over the foot since it's not adjustable, but luckily, my average width foot did fit comfortably.

The chain strap detail adds some panache to this simple sandal. Plus, it comes in oodles of colors (Black, White, Cognac (shown), Gold, and Silver) making it easy to match it to any outfit.

6pm.com Sale Items & Site Review

Zappos rarely has stuff that's on sale sale. That's because the stuff that WOULD go on sale at Zappos actually ends up at 6pm.com.

A post on the Zappos CEO Blog notes that the "6pm.com is for customers that are looking for a large selection of products at deep discounts" whereas "Zappos.com is for customers that want the very best customer service and the very best selection."

The Marc by Marc Jacobs Core Fabric Faridah in Natural Linen and Printed Canvas is currently only $170.20, which is 49% off retail. I'd jump at this bag if only it had a zipper close instead of a snap.

One of the best pumps I own, the Steve Madden Excitte Pumps are now only $36.80 (50% off). They are so comfortable, true to size, offer some toe cleavage, and are the perfect heel height. Still available in Black Patent, Brown Suede, Grey Leather (shown), and Red Leather.

The frustrating part about 6pm.com is that the testimonials found on Zappos are removed (they do leave the "Fit Survey," however). Also, there seems to be a few bugs on the 6pm.com site. When I went to browse "Brands" to look at everything on sale for MbMJ, but couldn't get there because the site told me it produced no search results. At least typing into the search box works. I also found

All in all, 6pm.com is a nice place to find some great deals, but with a few too many sacrifices from the customer. Just because customers want a great deal, doesn't mean they shouldn't also get reviews and a site that actually works probably. A well-functioning site is to be expected of an online retailer and reviews? Well, those don't cost anything. Easy improvements for 6pm.com to make and hopefully we'll see that in the future.

Review: Gap Classic Wide Leg Dobby Trouser

I have always had trouble with Gap pants. The main problem has been the length. Let it be known that I am not a tall individual - 5'4" when not relying on heels. A 32" or "Regular" inseam should suffice, and it does, until I wash/dry them. I cannot count how many Gap pants I have lost to shrinkage in the dryer (personally, clothes that can be shoved in the washer/dryer are highly preferred).

So when I saw the Classic Wide Leg Dobby Trouser in navy on sale in a store, I tried it on in a "Long" inseam and of course, it was too long. The rise was long too as if the idea was "you have long legs, you must have a long crotch as well." I purchased them anyway and shoved them in the washer and dryer which shrank them to a perfect length and the crotch region is tons better too.

The odd thing about these pants is that they fit quite differently from the "Regular" inseam I tried in the exact same style. Everything felt a smidge roomier in the "Long" vs. the "Regular" inseam - waist, hip, rise. However, you'd expect everything to be exactly the same asides from the inseam. I have heard that Gap has had issues with sizing consistency and if one pair doesn't fit, it's possible to try another in the same size/style and find that it fits differently.

Of course, when you're not just trying a bunch of different sizes to see which size fits AND multiples of the same size to see if anything fits differently, it makes pant shopping even more arduous but it's a good thing to keep in mind when pant shopping.

Green Shell, White Skirt

One of my favorite new items in my wardrobe is the City Style Scoop Neck Shell. It's a lovely fresh green color and incredibly soft (fabric content is 58% silk, 22% nylon, 20% rayon). It's like my favorite tank tops but much more dressed up. I like pairing with a sweater jacket or blazer. Plus, I don't mind leaving the jacket/blazer open because unlike my favorite (read: dingy and well-worn) tank tops, this top is presentable.

I would love to wear the shell with this fantastic City Style Button Skirt. The vertical row of buttons is lengthening and looks cool. Sadly, most of the white skirts at the New York and Company store were pretty sheer and this one probably falls in the same category. It's difficult to find white skirts/pants that aren't see-through, so it's usually best to shop for these items in a regular ol' store where you can check for sheer-ness.

Raveena V-Neck Review

I tried on this adorable Raveena V-Neck tank recently and sadly, it didn't work so hot on me.

I loved the bold blocks of orange (the straps and hem are a different color from the waistband) as well as the gorgeous print. Plus, from the front, it looks like the back would be strappy, but it's a full back which is nice and different.

Problem was, in my regular size, it wouldn't zip up. The bodice fit perfectly when I went a size up, but then I was getting a lot of boob gaping. Plus, the flare at the hem is intense and very voluminous. Both these issues are fixable by a tailor, but I suppose I didn't need the top quite enough to put the time/money/effort into getting it tailored.

Still, it's a gorgeous, well-constructed top. Bonus points because you can wear a regular bra with this pretty top.

Golden Touch Tank and Perfect Measure Jacket Reviews

Recently, as a treat, I got to pick out a couple of items at anthropologie.

The Golden Touch Tank is an adorable surplice top but there's not too much fabric under the bustline, so it avoids the "preggers look." The black/white print is pretty and versatile. The description mentions "hints of gold" but I have checked and checked again and I can't find any gold whatsoever. This means I have either gone colorblind to gold (hopefully not the case) or the description is inaccurate.

I don't have anything like the Perfect Measure Jacket in my wardrobe making it a nice addition. The color is labeled "brown" but it's more of a heather brownish-greyish-purplish-mauvish . It fits quite differently on me than the mannequin (which is why I included a crappy phone-picture). I adore the oversized buttons and they're sewn on with green thread. The cropped shape is great for making me look taller and for showing off a cute top (like the aforementioned Golden Touch Tank) or a great belt.

Purchasing Pants Online

Buying pants online is a very tricky process. There are so many areas that can make a pair of pants look completely wrong on a person and the only way to find the perfect pair is to try them on.

In order to make it a little easier, Victoria's Secret is offering free shipping and returns on all their pants, just use the offer code "RISKFREE" at checkout. The Marisa Fit Wide Waistband Pant in Twill at left is a nice basic cotton pant with a side button closure. For $29.50 (or 2 for $50) and no shipping/return costs, they're worth a shot.

At right is the Alexa Low-Rise Flare Pant is another pant with a great price tag. This pant is a cotton-spandex blend and for the most part, pants with stretch is preferable just because it usually provides a better fit. Don't forget that there's free shipping on dELiA*s orders $25 or more, plus $25 Daisy Dollars with code DWCAFF (valid through 3.26.08).

Recently, navy colored pants have caught my attention (both these pants come in navy). Due to a navy school uniform in a previous life, it's taken me a long time to embrace navy, but it really is a tremendous color - a dark neutral that's more interesting (since it's less oft used) and less harsh than black. In order to avoid the school uniform look, avoid wearing too much navy in one go and pair it with the bright, bold colors of the season.

Miriam Parker Review

I just purchased and received the Miriam Parker mentioned in this post.

It's a basic coat that will be good for cold days. The zippers at the chest aren't actually pockets, but there is a little pocket on the left arm although I don't know what I'd put in there. It is lined in polyester and the hood trim/lining is acrylic.

It's not heavily padded so it may not be the ideal coat for the most bitter-cold days, but at $39.99, it's a very good deal for what it is.

Maxine of Canada Wedge Boot

Here's a quick update to the Maxine of Canada Wedge Boot mentioned in this post:

These boots are absolutely wonderful. They are fully lined (the description says shearling, but it's more of a soft squishy padding), with a zipper, the toe is round, and it's made of "AquaTan Waterproof Leather." The tag notes that "salt, dirt and grime" will wipe off.

The 2-inch wedge is incredibly comfortable. The chocolate color is deep and rich, the heel is a slightly lighter shade of brown. The shaft of the boot is soft but not slouchy per se. I ordered half a size up to accommodate thicker socks, but I would have been ok with my regular size also.

All in all, this waterproof suede boot is a steal at (currently) $46.00.