I am watching a documentary about Valentino on-demand called Valentino: The Last Emperor and must confess for as much as I love fashion and seeing the famed designer's artistic process unfold....what I am really enjoying watching is his 6 pugs; Milton, Monty, Maude, Margot, Maggie and Molly that are totally stealing the scenes.

Two of my favorite things fashion and pugs!

My favorite line from the film is when Valentino is in the final stages of completing his 45th year anniversary collection and under a ton pf pressure with a herd of pugs underfoot he exclaims, "I don't care about the collection. My dogs are much more important!".

I love it.

Of course Valentino would only own pugs, he is a man of exquisite taste, after all.

Posted by Lori in Fashion , Movies , Pugs at 2:41 PM permalink Comments (2)

I have officially crossed over to the dark side. After many years of my well documented loathing - I have finally succumb to the skinny jean.

As I bow my head before you in shame allow me to share my lesson in humility and how the transformation occurred....

After a recent trip to NYC, where I take my fashion cues from the women on the streets of SOHO and Manhattan.... it suddenly became very clear to me that the Skinny Jean is really the only way to rock the tall riding boot.

A fall/winter wardrobe staple.

The key I now realize is to make sure you get a pair that fit in all the right places....and that you pair them with the right tops, long layered tops work really well. To my surprise, done correctly they are way comfortable and you don't have to be tall and thin with the same hip to waist ratio - even shorter women with some curves can pull off the look.

Of course you realize I am now just one step away from ballet flats and leggings. But we'll deal with that another time.

For now let's just see if I can still fit into my skinny jeans after Thursday with all the turkey and carbs I'm planning to eat.

My money is on no.

Gobble. Gobble.

Posted by Lori in Fashion at 6:07 PM permalink Comments (6)

Just when you thought fashion trends couldn't get any worse than skinny jeans, I opened my fall Victoria's Secret catalog and was horrified to see that Harem Pants are all the rage!!

Harem pants are basically a skinny jean on the bottom half of the pants and a big baggy mess up top.

Think MC Hammer, "Can't touch this".

I can promise you this is one fashion trend I will NOT be following.

Let me preface this by saying I have lived very frugally over the past year and have not been to the mall, clothes shopping, or even had so much as one haircut in all that time.

So being that I am gainfully employed again, I thought it was my civic responsibility to head to the mall and do my part in helping to stimulate the economy.

I made a day out of it. On my way down I drove with the windows and sunroof open in perfect pre-fall 72 degrees exquisite weather playing my Michael Jackson Thriller soundtrack the whole way.

I parked in Macy's lot and spent the first 2 hours just poking around there. First in the
Juniors section, then onto Ralph Lauren, Inc., shoes, intimate apparel, Charter Club, Lacoste. What hit me immediately is everywhere I looked on hangers clothes were draped in deep shades of purple. It seems that Plum is the "it" color right now. Fitting.

By the time I left Macy's, I had 2 full bags of work tops: cardigan sweaters, crisp white shirts with sweater vests overlaid, flouncy blouses, tank tops, and button downs. Much to my surprise and delight, plaid flannel is back in style. Go Grunge! I would be totally happy to wear Levi's 501 blues, flannel shirts, and combat boots 24/7 if it were socially acceptable.

Next I headed over to Ann Taylor Loft. I tried on a really cool Plum colored corduroy jacket but in the end I didn't get it because the shoulders were a little too puffy. I don't do puff. I'm more of an understated gal. I walked out with 3 long sleeve shirts, white, black, and blue fitted button down with ¾ sleeves and a pair of brown Marissa fit trouser pants. Yee.

On my way out I walked by Aeropostale and spotted a really cool Plum colored shirt on the window mannequin. The color was awesome and the cut was perfect for me: long sleeve, empire waist not too much detail but just enough...I looked all over the store for it and finally asked this kid where they were. "Oh, we don't have anymore of those."

"Oh too bad, can I buy the one on the mannequin?" No, I'm sorry, we don't do that."

"Excuse me?"

What does he mean they don't "do" that?

So they just leave a shirt in their storefront window advertising an item they no longer carry?

I suspect the boy was just too lazy to change the mannequin's outfit. He looked like he might have just smoked a big fat doobie on his lunch break.

I wasn't happy about it because I really had my mind fixated on that shirt, but I put it behind me and pressed on knowing the best had yet to come.

And there it was across the courtyard - Banana, Banana.

"Oh Banana Republic, how I have missed you while I was away. Please don't ever let us part this long again!"

This is where I did the most stimulating and I had the nicest dressing room boy ever. He totally made up for what the Aeropostale dude was lacking.

Aaron was a psych major with dark brown hair, he was 50% geek 50% cool, and 110% attentive to my needs without swooping in on me like a vulture as all the other store clerks had. The kind of guy I could fall madly in love with had he been about 15 years older and not working at the mall.

Aaron was more than happy to follow me around the store taking clothes out of my hand and setting them up in my dressing room so they were all neatly laid out for me when I got in there, organized by clothes type and I swear by color. He kept knocking on my dressing room door and fetching me different sizes and colors. Loved Aaron.
And love love love my Martin Fit Trouser pants with flared leg. I considered getting 2 pairs but decided to not go overboard. Shirts, long sleeve, short sleeve, ¾ sleeve, sleeveless, sweater, cotton, silk was enough! Most of the stuff I got there was on sale and it was 10% Tuesday.

Next stop - Victoria's Secret, because it's equally as important to have nice undergarments.

Can I just tell you how hard it is for a woman to find a good pair of underwear?

85% of what they throw out there is thongs, and you all know how I feel about thongs. Probably the most uncomfortable garment in the history of textiles.

And if they aren't thongs, they are big high waisted unflattering ugly patterned granny panties.

It's basically granny or tranny. There is no in between.

The only thing vaguely resembling an in between is the bikini brief and it's nearly impossible to find a pair where the strings aren't so thin and tight that they dig into the skin on the side of your hips leaving red marks, or where the front isn't so baggy that you have to pull them up over your tummy, or where the backside isn't all bunched up and saggy, making your ass look like my 19 month old nephew's loaded diaper.....or where they aren't so low in the butt that they expose your crack.

I left with a $45 bra and some smelly lotion.

Last stop Sephora for a couple staple items: Clinique oil free eye makeup remover, Imju Fiberwig mascara (best mascara ever), mini kabuki brush, and because I can never leave Sephora without buying at least one new lipstick...I loved the first one I picked up, the shade immediately jumped out at me. It's called Plum Vertigo.

Posted by Lori in Fashion at 9:49 PM permalink Comments (5)

When it comes to clothes I am a total mood dresser. If I'm in a bad mood its sweatpants and a gray t shirt. If I'm feeling particularly spunky I might whip out a nice pair of jeans, throw on some black heels and a cool halter top. I like open backs on summer nights.

So far my summer has been pretty fair.

I'm not much of an accessory girl. I avoid jewelry for the most part because I just feel like it gets in the way or sticks to my skin and bugs me. Not really into belts or bags, just for functional purposes when absolutely necessary.

I get addicted to things too, and I have to wear them out before I can move on. Right now it's all those cute summer dresses with empire waists ruched at the bust like Sookie from True Blood wears.

I've been wearing the Sookie side ponytail too, and some days I'll do a side chunky braid that looks like a headband. But most days I'll just let my hair air dry and go for the wavy beach look. Who can be bothered with a blow dryer this time of year anyway?

Right now I'm really into my white boot cut jeans and pairing them with a yellow tank top or any sleeveless top of color, really. Sometimes I'll throw a white long sleeve see through button down shirt over the tank if I feel like layering.

Tank tops and halter tops are my summer staple. I'll pair them with anything: long flowy skirts, cargo shorts, jeans, you name it.

My other summer wardrobe staple is my pink and gray Puma sneakers. I don't know what it is about them but I love the way they look and feel. They go with everything too. If I'm not wearing my Puma's I'm wearing my black flip flops.

I've been basically living in my camoflauge cargo shorts - they are very Lara Croft. I'm not ashamed to tell you that secretly in my mind I am Lara Croft Tomb Raider. They are perfect for hiking, biking, a day on the water, chasing pugs around, and accomplishing other critical missions.

Also into the jeans shorts, Golf shorts (madras colored) and long cargo pants these days.

My taste in pants hasn't changed much, I still like low rise boot cut classics. A girl can never go wrong for instance in a basic pair of Levis. That goes for cut off shorts, long and lean flares or modern and trendy.

I am very happy to report the skinny jeans are finally out and loose baggy boyfriend jeans are in!

Loose and baggy is good. Very good. Especially after consuming too many burgers and steaks on the grill, and potato salad, and dessert, and corn on the cob, and....well you get the picture...

I'm really feeling the summer tube top this year, and terry for the beach. I am also digging my pink striped bikini. I'm a bikini girl. I don't think I look good in a one piece because I'm too short, the bikini elongates me in a way. I have about 8 different styles but this year I like my pink stripes.

Also been pairing trouser pants with a rocker tee or fitted tank top when the occasion calls. I am loving my Jim Morrison American Poet tee by Junk Food. I got it on ebay for $4.99. What a find!

As you may have guessed I wear a lot of pug tees as well. And hats, and socks, and tote bags, etc. etc. etc. And pug hair. Lots of pug hair.

What is your summer style?

Posted by Lori in Fashion at 12:52 AM permalink Comments (4)

I was suiting up for a job interview the other week and I realized that all of my fancy footwear is black, brown, or navy. I actually don't own a pair of neutral pumps in nude, white or silver. So naturally when I got called back in for the second interview I knew I couldn't wear the same suit or shoes so I hightailed it down to Macy's and lo and behold I found exactly the pair I had in mind! They were these really hot nine west beige colored pumps size 6 1/2, fit perfect. 3.5 inch heel. I could have worn them with business attire, summer dresses, or with jeans... AND they were on sale, marked way down.

All perfect except for one little thing. When I tried them on I couldn't help but notice that you could see the cracks of my toes peaking through the tops of the pump. I wondered what was going on - it seemed really weird to have my toes squished together and exposed for everyone to see. Because of this I decided against buying them despite how cool they were in every other way. I didn't want to look like a freak with my toe cracks showing.

Later that night I was looking at some fashion pages online and would you know I stumbled across an article about how "Toe Cleavage" is one of the hottest trends going right now.

Toe Cleavage is the partial exposure of a woman's toes in shoes that are cut low enough at the vamp. Low cut shoes reveal toe cleavage similar to how low cut tops reveal breast cleavage.

It was then I realized my toes weren't freakishly wide or Fred Flintstone-like as I feared; it is actually the way they are cutting the shoes now to expose more toe cleavage.

Who knew?

In fact there is a whole toe cleavage etiquette according to Wikipedia. There are proper and improper ways to flaunt toe cleavage.

Manolo Blahnik himself opined that "the secret of toe cleavage, a very important part of the sexuality of the shoe" is that "You must only show the first two cracks."

According to fashion insiders, it is part of the unwritten dress code that "toe-cleavage shoes must be worn without stockings" even in the winter".

Fashion advice also centers on the amount of appropriate toe cleavage. A pump (shoe) with a "slightly low vamp for a hint of toe cleavage" should not be "too racy for a conservative office". Financial guru Suze Orman says it is "the only cleavage that should be shown around an office".

I went back to Macy's to buy the nude pumps but they were gone.

I got called back for a 3rd interview too and they'd whittled down their candidates to just me and one other person in a neck and neck horse race. After weeks of meetings with 4 VP's, 2 Human Resources people, the head of IT, the head of HR, and totally feeling like I had won them all over - they ended up going with the other candidate who had more experience in that industry.

I bet it would have been me if I flashed them some toe cleavage.

Posted by Lori in Fashion at 12:15 AM permalink Comments (6)

I can't believe I found a hat with the word Scallywag. It's one of my favorite words ever. I found it in a pet boutique of all places. Ha ha. What a find!

scal·ly·wag
Variant of scalawag.
n. -
1. a deceitful and unreliable scoundrel
knave, rapscallion, rascal, rogue, varlet, scallywag
scoundrel, villain - a wicked or evil person; someone who does evil deliberately

2. - one who is playfully mischievous
scamp, imp, monkey, rapscallion, rascal, scallywag

For the record, I am not a Scallywag. I mostly just like using the word in reference to others.

Posted by Lori in Fashion at 12:49 AM permalink Comments (5)

The free Ugg boot competition is really heating up, with one more week to go..
Readers have submitted photos in front of pyramids in Egypt, outside of phone booths in Czech Republic, and in Cape Cod holding signs that say "will work for Uggs".

It's not looking good for my little old "Uggs not Drugs campaign". And it seemed so clever when I thought of it at the time.. Ho hum. If I don't win I guess I'll get over it and still be happy with the pair I bought.

Of course I have been wearing them all over town here in the snowy northeast. So if I do win I can't very well in good conscience return a used pair. I can however consider a delicious new pair in black or espresso...

Wow. It feels like it's been an emotionally draining week for a lot of reasons. It's nice to think about some mindless girly things again for a change.

Posted by Lori in Fashion at 12:09 AM permalink Comments (5)

Got my new pair of Uggs today. Here they are fresh out of the box. I fucking love them. Retail therapy or not.
I ended up only buying these and banking the rest of my Hmmmm money.

I think Pugsley would want me to have them.

Still, being the frugal gal that I am....I'm feeling a little guilty for the purchase. That's why it's cool that I found this site which I learned of last year when they picked up one of my articles: http://www.igotuggs.com/2008/01/dog-doo-on-her-uggs.html on Pugs and Uggs.

Anyway, they are having a photo contest to win a free pair of Uggs so I submitted this photo and now I'm thinking if I win, I will return these and get the free pair.

New boots + No guilt = Win Win.. It could happen...

Here is my original Pugged article for anyone who missed it.

Posted by Lori in Fashion at 8:47 AM permalink Comments (14)

When it comes to the standard interview questions, I know exactly how to answer:

• Tell me why you think you'd be a great fit for this position
• What is your most important accomplishment to date?
• Tell me about some of your recent goals and what you did to achieve them.
• What is your greatest strength?
• What is your greatest weakness?

But the one question I am struggling with is which shoes should I wear with my black suit? I know that strappy open-toed is obviously out. That leaves Pump, Peep toe, or Mary Janes.

I am kind of bored with the basic black pump. They just don't scream "creative thinker!", "expert negotiator!", or all around awesome kick ass get-the-job-done girl. So, I want to do a variation of the basic black pump; something that is still classic but with slightly more flair.

Keep in mind the upcoming interview is in NYC at a big publishing house so the look I am going for is professional but snazzy. The three pairs I've narrowed it down to are all equal in terms of comfort and walkability. Alternately I could go with a lower heel, but they won't look as good or make me feel as powerful. I am a scant 5'2 barefoot so anytime I can get up closer to eye level is a nice confidence booster.

Seeing as though I am a foot model now, I thought you could help me out!

Please answer my poll and help me decide which pair I should wear.

Suede peep toe

Patent peep toe

Mary Janes

Posted by Lori in Fashion at 12:32 AM permalink

When it comes to fashion I tend to be a bit "old fashioned" sticking to the classic cuts and clean lines that not only does my practical side prefer but as an added bonus, never goes out of style. I am referring to my staple wardrobe items; the little black dress, fall corduroy, cashmere and wool sweaters, collared polos, crisp white button downs, the sweater vest, boot cut jeans and white tees, tailored trouser pants, etc. You get the idea.

Within these garment fixtures I intersperse a trendy item here and there that ties it all together, giving a more modern flare. Or not. Depending how hip or classic I am feeling. According to the fall fashion reports this season there are some good and some not so good trends hitting the stores nearest you.

Sadly...it looks like the skinny jean and ballet flats are still here to stay (why? they are so three years ago). On a positive note for us short gals who want a little lengthening, I am happy to report that the wide leg and flare jeans will rule this year!

Gone too (thank goodness) are the ultra-low rise butt crack baring jeans replaced this season with higher waited pants and skirts. Something tells me though, that won't stop the offenders.

Best of all, "rocker chic" is back in a big way with distressed denim, vintage fading, and rips and tears in all the right places. Excellent news for my 7 For all Mankind jeans in panama wash that have just been begging me to take them out of the closet on Saturday night. ---------------------->

Layering by the way is still hip and a great way to mix and match your unique style. Both men and women will be sporting lots of vests. Especially sweater vests, Yay! I LOVE the sweater vest.

And here are some fashion trends I will not be sporting this year:

*Fringe and feathers on boots (I was sure this look died with the Village People)
*Peaked Shoulders (flashbacks of Cyndi Lauper).
*Leggings with heels (more flashbacks of Cyndi Lauper).
*Ribbons, buttons, and bows
*Gladiator sandals
*Medieval outfits
*Oversized knits
*Western themes
*Earthy tones mixed with pastels

Other style themes worth mentioning
• Flapper
• Cocoon coats
• 50's styles
• Plaid
• Gothic gone Girlie (Black lace, sheer slips, black hair, black nails, crosses and lariats)
• Colorful scarves and pashminas paired with black jackets.
• Tweed and herringbone jackets

For shoes there are a wide variety of styles to choose from but the rule this year is the higher the better
• Platform Stilettos
• Kitten heels
• Thick and chunky
• Square and pointy toed
• Maryjanes with buckles and pointed toe
• Open toe shoes in the winter with tights

And my personal favorite wardrobe of the unemployed "everyday is a weekend" outfit that never goes out of style - Sweat pants and the cotton hoodie!

Posted by Lori in Fashion at 10:38 PM permalink Comments (7)

I won the bid on these brand new New Balance golf shoes tonight. They retail for $120.00, I got them for $24.00.
Giddy up.

I've got my eyes on this cute little golf / tennis skort too.

It may be too short for the course, but I can still have fun banging around in it.

Posted by Lori in Fashion at 10:21 PM permalink Comments (1)

I have a great tip today for the sporty ladies out there. On sale now at Victoria's Secret you will find the Yoga Fold over pants! They have a low waist, flare leg and you can choose your inseam size at the online checkout for the perfect length. I have one pair in black with white waist band and one in black with black waist band. The fit is awesome and they are so cozy. Best of all they are one sale right now 2 for $50.00.

Trust me you will love these workout pants. The girls at the gym will be asking you where you got 'em and the boys will be checking you out.

And just because I'm feeling generous today.... enter this coupon code at the checkout to receive $5.00 off your first online order.

Coupon Code: SP89145
Discount:$5 off your "first" order

*Tip* If you are already an online customer, use an alternate email address to get your discount.

Posted by Lori in Fashion at 12:15 AM permalink Comments (1)

Let's talk winter fashion, shall we?

A big nail trend this year is dark nail polish that looks almost black.. It's all the rage. Black, Eggplant, Deep burgundies, or chocolates. I'm going for a manicure this week. I don't usually get them, I've maybe had 3 my whole life because I don't keep my nails long. But in this case, the black on short nails with fair skin works and looks classy. On long pointy nails it looks kinda witchy. The one I'm considering was recommended by a girl at work and it looks awesome. It's by OPI and it's called Linkin Park in the Dark.

On the clothes front, right now I'm feeling my Seven Mankind and Hollister jeans and cords. A pocket or cargo pockets mostly, but classic cords are cool too with a basic black top.
The Sevens go well with my wedge boots in tan, or black and the corduroy works best paired with some sort of preppy sweater, usually a J. Crew or Banana Republic but sometimes I throw in a Hollister or Abercrombie for good measure. Long sweaters are trendy but I like waist length classic cut sweaters too. Cableknit Lambswool or Cashmere.

I'm going through a navy and pink phase at the moment for sweaters and hoodies paired with a white or cream colored lace trim tank top for a modern layered look. Oh yea, I'm BIG on layering at present and probably will be all season long.

I've been rocking the wedge boots with jeans look too. The only hitch here is they have to be slim legged or skinny jeans to get the boots zipped up and as I've mentioned before, I don't do skinny jeans. I can squeeze my boot cut or straight leg Sevens into the boots and pull it off but that's about it. I'm slightly limited here, but always on the hunt for a new boot friendly pant. The Leggins have also made a big comeback so that's a possibility.... I do think they look cool on other people with tall boots but I can't seem to bring myself back to them. They are just so 80's.

Turtlenecks; again pinks or blues. Cashmere is preferred but my 100% cotton whites, blacks, and grays are winter staples alone or under something. With or without down vests and short waisted coats. I'm really into the puffers this year as well. Puffer vests worn over a sweater or hoodie and down jackets. I have one in red, one in green, and one in blue. I had a gray vest but I lost it.

Another new trend I spotted and really liked on someone at work is a long sleeved button down shirt with short sleeve sweater over it, black on black monochrome colors, layered. It's like a trendy but modern twist on the classic sweater vest look.

Cousin Nicole has been rocking the wide leg jeans, ala Katie Holmes style even getting compliments from gay men on how good her ass looks in them. I'm most intrigued by this because we have genetically similar asses. I've challenged her to post a picture on her blog so I can see what she's talking about. **Nicole, if you post one of your jeans I'll post one of mine.

I have some wide leggers too -- Juicy Couture trouser style in Dark Rinse but I had them hemmed because I'm a shorty and they just don't look the same because you lose the original hem. Ho hum.

Speaking of rinse I like dark but I flip flop between dark and medium. I prefer a medium with nice whiskering effect but whiskers don't work on dark. Destroyed denim is one trend I never got into, sort of like in the eighties when I refused to wear sand blasted and stone washed, tapered leg, and shoulder pads. I did however wear a feathered roach clip in my hair. It was very Fast Times at Ridgemont High. I probably have the pictures somewhere to prove it.

What are you wearing right now? [something tells me Coffeypot is naked and hopefully he is not wearing nail polish]

Posted by Lori in Fashion at 12:10 AM permalink

I'm taking a fashion poll today..... what do you think about a mini skirt with knee high boots for a fall / winter look?

Is it:

A. Trendy
B. Trampy?

Posted by Lori in Fashion at 11:19 PM permalink Comments (11)

I thought I'd show you my end of summer pedicure. I went with french tips.
P.S> These are my faux snakeskin shoes...total coincidence..

Posted by Lori in Fashion at 12:25 AM permalink Comments (6)

I should have listened to my instincts when they told me last fall to never ever, no matter what under ANY circumstances succumb to the temptation and try on a pair of skinny jeans. I knew I would be sorry.

But all the girls in San Francisco and New York wear them and they look so cute, girls my size so they must be cool on me too, right? Wrong. Not cool for everyone. Not cool for me. Not cool for 5'3 with hips and curves. Let me say upfront, if you are a woman who can pull off the skinny jean, I envy you. Somedays I wish I had a body like that.

For those of you who don't know what skinny jeans are, think 80's tapered leg, made super slim throughout the hips, thighs and especially calves and leg openings. Meant to be worn by women with zero body fat and built like a 12 year old boy from the waist down. Enter exhibit A.

There I was at TJ Maxx with a carriage of work out clothes and spring things to try on. Into the mix I added in a pair of skinny jeans. Brand unimportant. I liked the style and I like to be trendy so what harm could it do, I reasoned. How awful could they be? I was sure I wouldn't like them but the curiosity was getting to me.....I had to get the skinny jean out of my system once and for all. I'm not sure how I would even make them work, because I don't own a seasonal shoe to go with the skinny jeans. They are supposed to be worn with pointy shoes or ballet flats this time of year and I don't own either. I loathe flats and you will never catch me in a pair of pointy witch shoes.

Into the dressing room I went and what followed was both comical and scary. I tried on everything else first, saving the skinny jeans for last. By the time I got to the jeans, I was already exhausted. I got one leg into the skinny jeans and should have known something was wrong when I had to force my ankle and calf into the skin tight leg hole with an opening about the size of a golf ball.

I pressed on out of sheer vanity and curiosity, jumping up and down, wriggling my hips back and forth in mid air, hoping the gravity might help pull the jeans up and over my ass. I got one leg in and forced the other leg up. I just had to see what the skinny jeans would look like on me. All the while I was wriggling and jumping with my back to the mirror. When I finally got the skinny jeans on I exhaled and turned around to see the final product.

I looked like a frightened little leprechaun.

It was not good. Not good at all. I remembered what poor Pugsley looked like with his elf booty from his leg surgery in August when the bandage had fallen past his paw and he had to walk stumbling and tripping over it.

But it wasn't actually getting the skinny jeans on that posed the big problem, it was trying to get them off. They were painted on me like a fake spray tan. I pulled and tugged, when my arms got sore, I used one foot to try to jimmy the other pant leg down. I started to feel guilty and think maybe I was being punished. Punished for straying from my tried and true Levi's, American Rag, Seven For Mankind and Joes Jeans.

I couldn't get out of the skinny jeans. They were stuck on my calves. When I finally pulled and forced them off my calves, then I couldn't' get them past my ankles. I'm lucky I didn't end up with a sprain. After a full on struggle in the dressing room, I finally got them off.

Phew!

Ultimately I don't feel bad about not being able to pull off the skinny jean look. I think there is something to be said for having a naturally curvy womanly shape. The moral of the story is, some girls just aren't meant to wear skinny jeans. Me, clearly being one of them. I'm going to stick with what works best on my body: boot cut, sweatpants, wide leg, and flares.

Posted by Lori in Fashion at 12:06 AM permalink Comments (8)

So all the hot fall trends this year are things I would never wear, like skinny jeans and bubble skirts. Didn’t we all get enough of those in the 80’s? I didn’t like them then and I don’t like them now. Maybe it’s because I’m short. Tall women can pull off the tapered leg and bubble butt look, but I am fairly certain, I could not. Shoes are another tough thing for me. My feet are small but the upper part is wide and the back is narrow with a deep arch. It's not often I find a really nice shoe I like that feels good too. What I am really waiting for is 1990's Grunge to come back into style. I'm well stocked on flannel shirts, wool sweaters, and chunky heeled shoes.

Aside from a trendy top, designer jeans, or anything Juicy Couture..... I’m more of a classic gal, myself. I will always choose the clean lines and timeless pieces that never go out of style. That is why one of my favorite places to shop is Banana Republic. This year, I am all about the Merino sweater vest with a crisp white or striped fitted button down underneath. Tailored Martin fit trousers and cargo jeans, jersey shirts and wrap dresses.

Banana Republic, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways:

1. Best place to shop for fall clothes.
2. Perfect combination of preppy meets safari. Professionally sophisticated with just a hint of sexy.
3. Their clothes run big, most other places I’m a size 4 but at Banana Republic I’m a size 2 or XS.
4. Free hemming.
5. Shoes, like these square buckle slingbacks I picked up this weekend. A bit pricey but they go with blacks or browns, pants, skirts, dresses, or jeans. They are actually comfortable enough for walking around the city. And they're cute too!

Posted by Lori in Fashion at 9:52 PM permalink Comments (1)

The purpose of today’s entry is an effort to make the common woman feel less inadequate about her appearance when comparing herself to the other .01% of women on the planet who just so happen to be hot female celebrities. If you are like me, you can’t help but to feel a little sub par when leafing through the weekly People. When you live in a world of mass media and are surrounded on a daily basis by fashion magazines, commercials for beauty products, television shows, awards ceremonies, movies, theatre, and red carpet premiers crammed down your throat....you come to the realization that no matter how many Eva Longoria vitamins you take in the morning, you still don't look like her.

Fear not fellow common woman. I have happened upon further proof that they don't just roll out of bed looking like that.

Enter this before and after pic of one of the most beautiful women in the world, Eva Longoria. Spokes model for the cosmetics giant, L'Oreal . Girlfriend of hot NBA star, Tony Parker. Hottest of the Hot Housewives.

I gotta say, I give her a lot of credit for leaving the house with a bare face. She is saying,"I don't care what you think of me because I am beautiful on the inside, I have confidence in the person I am and I’m more than just a pretty face." Clearly.

Just think how hot the rest of us could look if we had access to the endless professional grooming tools of the Hollywood trade.

Near as I can tell, here is what’s missing from Ms. Longoria's before picture:

•  Hair Color
•  Hair Extensions
•  Professional hair style
•  False eye lashes
• Eyeliner on lids and under eye
•  Eyeshadow
•  Eye concealer and depuffer
•  A couple layers of foundation
•  Facial Concealer
•  Facial Powder
•  Fake Tan or bronzer
•  Blush on the cheeks
•  Lipstick
•  Lip Liner
•  And presumably..... a day old lip wax. Either that or she just chugged a huge glass of chocolate milk before the photog captured this shot..

Posted by Lori in Fashion at 7:00 AM permalink Comments (5)

How does Lori unwind after a long hard day? Spending a couple hours playing with online paper dolls at Design Her Gals. This is fun stuff for the ladies out there! Select from the numerous hairstyles, clothes, and accessories. Then you can make stationary and e-cards out of your own likeness.. I always wanted to be a cartoon version of myself, and now I am! I'll be expecting all my girlfriends to email me their "Gals". I must warn you however, it is highly addictive.

Here are mine. Which one do you think I should order for stationary? Or I could always go back and create more :)

Posted by Lori in Fashion at 12:33 AM permalink Comments (5)

Yandy Lingerie called. They sell shoes now and asked if I’d do another product review. Well, after a new French pedicure and suntan, who was I to refuse? “Send me the black strappy numbers in a 6 ½ and I'll blog it.” They are 3 inches tall (which makes me a whopping 5'6) have sparkly hearts on the front straps and rhinestone studs on the backs of the heels. I think they will go perfectly with my little black dress.

Maybe you guys can help me review this one. Aren’t they puuuurty?

Posted by Lori in Fashion at 9:50 PM permalink Comments (10)

Couture that is. I know I know...I'm supposed to be saving money to buy a house but what's a girl to do banging around Nordstroms one rainy Saturday afternoon when she stumbles onto this little gem of a tee shirt?

Posted by Lori in Fashion at 10:57 PM permalink

I Love Juicy.

I am obsessed with Juicy.

I am addicted to Juicy.

I'm not getting paid to write Juicy product reviews (only in my dreams) but I must introduce you to my new black Juicy Couture track pants and tank top. I may wear these and nothing else for the next year or so on Saturdays and Sundays..

Track suits, swim suits, tube tops, hoodies, tanks, Juicy tees, Juicy jeans and cords, Juicy soft ribbing textures, terry, velour, and Juicy flip flops. I'm a junkie. If I could afford to I would enswathe my whole body in nothing but Juicy. I even like name, I like saying it. Juicy, Juicy, Juicy. But it’s more than that....It's the drape and hang, the flowy and fluid, languid fit.. It's how when you wear Juicy, you look Juicy and feel Juicy. You ARE Juicy. They even fit good when you are all bloated and PMS'ing. Just give me a tub of udder cream to slather on my legs and let me cover them up in some Juicy terry. I'm a happy girl.

Thank God for Ebay.

Posted by Lori in Fashion at 12:51 AM permalink

Before I announce the winner, I have just enough time to tell you about my last Yandy item for review. I thought this spicy little number was a good way to go out with a bang! Simply put, it’s hot. 2 PC Lace and mesh underwire bra with low rise bikini bottom. The bra is a demi cup style with adjustable straps and the bottoms sit low on the hips with metal loops on the bikini sides. It’s a combination of silky mesh fabric and lace detail, in bright pink and white colors. Very pretty!

As promised, Pugsley has picked a winner of the $100.00 Shopping Spree to Yandy.com!!

Here’s how it went down. I wrote the names of all the entrants and put them in a baseball cap. Then I closed my eyes, reached in and selected 3 random finalists: Michelle, Dawn, and Lauren.

We were all out of Snausages -- so I had to use Beggin’ Strips and Scooby Snacks in the treat bags to coax Pugsley to choose one. Something went wrong with my camcorder but I didn’t realize until after the shoot. So I was able to capture Pugsley picking the winner on video but the quality of the video isn’t that good. It's kind of grainy...Nonetheless, it shows the sausage picking the winner.

Bag #1 Michelle
Bag #2 Dawn
Bag #3 Lauren

Click Here to see Pugsley pick the winner!

And the Winner is.............

Posted by Lori in Fashion at 12:00 AM permalink

The next item du jour from the Yandy sexy lingerie collection is the I Love You Bralette w/ Low Cut Panty

I’m not sure what to write about this little number, the picture really says it all. It’s red, it’s hot, it says I heart you across the chest, presumably to be worn for that special someone. The only thing that comes to mind is the lyrics from one of my favorite Tori Amos songs :

I remember
Yes, in my peach party dress
No one dared
No one cared to tell me
Where the pretty girls are
Those demigods
With Their Nine-Inch Nails and Little Fascist Panties Tucked Inside The Heart Of Every Nice Girl.....

Posted by Lori in Fashion at 8:36 PM permalink Comments (0)

Four Days to the wedding and I’m still working out last minute details…The dress that I thought I was going to wear isn’t going to work after all. It’s cute of course but way too summery for an April wedding in Connecticut. Hence, I spent the better part of my weekend dress shopping. After 5 hours on Saturday I ended up with this lavender colored Tweed thing from Ann Taylor that must have purely been a mercy purchase or denial or something. I say this because when I got home and tried it on in front of the actual mirror that I am used to seeing myself in, I had to stop, gasp, and ask myself what the fuck I was thinking. Light Purple tweed with a belted waist? As my very gay friend Nicholas would say, "Dahling, it’s a disastray!" Oh yes, it was.

Good Lord! I hiked it back down to the mall (which btw is a not so scant 45 minute drive from my house) on Sunday with a migraine, 3 hours, 4 department stores, 15 frocks in the dressing room later, I finally found the dress. You’ll have to wait for the wedding pictures to see it, but think 1940’s style silk and chiffon number, very Meggie Cleary in her ashes of rose from my all time favorite miniseries, the Thorn Birds. It’s pale pink and so pretty that I wasn’t really thinking of how the pale pink would look against my pale white post winter skin. Ugh! Nevertheless I’m a solution-oriented gal and resourceful in times of stress, by now I’ve moved well into the land of multi-tasking. Tonight I went rifling through my vast assortment of body lotions and creams to find some Jergens Natural Glow leftover from last summer. This is a bit of a risky move for me, because I've never been able to rule out my fake tanning cream as the possible itchy nipple culprit. It was the same time last year while using the lotion that I broke out with the mysterious boob rash. It would be just like me to break out with some freakish ailment at my brothers wedding. Still, I've assessed the risk and determined it's one I'm willing to take in the name of fashion.

So as you may know, for those of you who use these pigment enhancing creams, that you have to apply it while not wearing any clothing because it can stain. You basically have to put it on and let yourself air dry. I also have white leather couches and am kind of afraid to sit on them for a while or I might leave brown spots behind. At the same time, I am trying to break in my new sparkly silver shoes so when I get all liquored up Saturday night and start losing my balance, I don’t go flying on the dance floor into any embarrassing nose dives with my skirt above my head. So here I am trolloping around the house in nothing but my Yandy’s, my new sparkly shoes and fake sticky tan for the next few nights. I may do my taxes while I’m at it too. Pugsley thinks I am nuts.... and he may be right.

The only detail left is my hair. I’m not sure whether to wear it up or down…but I'm leaning towards down with loose curls. Oh, speaking of Yandy look for my next product review tomorrow or Thursday..

Posted by Lori in Fashion at 11:20 PM permalink

Hey that sounds like a Dr. Seuss title. Sort of like There's a Wocket in my Pocket! Btw, did I ever tell you that Dr. Seuss is my hero?

So, some of you have been emailing and commenting with questions about the contest. Things like, “Can I enter more than once? How can Pugsley choose the winner? Can he be bribed with toys and treats?”

Here’s how it will work -- You can enter more than once but it won’t matter because at the end of the contest I’ll run all the names through a program that will kick out duplicates to make it fair.

Since nothing in my life happens without complete approval from the Pug – I've decided after the program randomly selects 3 finalists -- I will write those names down on a piece of paper, put them in little doggie bags that are filled with Snausages and Beggin' strips -- then, I’ll line them up in a row on the floor and instruct Pugsley to sit stay in front of them. Which he will do like a little soldier for as long as I say -- because he works for food. I could even leave the room for 10 minutes, come back and he will still be sitting there in front of the bags waiting for me to say the magic word.

After a sufficient waiting period has passed -- I will give him the “okay!” command at which time he will lunge at the bags and after carefully choosing – whichever bag he sticks his head in first and picks a Snausage from – will be the winner!

Stay tuned....my next Yandy item up for review will be mailed on Monday. And it promises to be a juicy one..

Posted by Lori in Fashion at 10:13 PM permalink Comments (8)

Happy Spring! It's been a long cold winter and now for some tasty little morsels of goodness to warm you up inside....Exciting news -- I am partnering with Yandy.com, an online Lingerie and Clothing store. Over the next month, I will be writing product reviews in exchange for products! I've heard of struggling artists having to write and sing for their supper but writing for their under garments might be a groundbreaking moment in our history. So here is your chance to be a part of it, thanks to Yandy – and P.S. send me one of everything that's black, white, and pink in a 34B.

But wait, there’s more – since my blog is so interactive, I have arranged a contest where one of my lucky readers will Win a $100.00 Shopping Spree to Yandy! All you have to do is click the contest banner at the top of the page -- to enter and fill out the form. ***Note*** that I will NOT share your email addresses! Pugsley gets to pick the winner.

This contest is exclusive to Pugsplace readers -- so ONE of you will win!

Who wouldn’t want to add some pretty little things to their wardrobe? Yandy has pajamas, swimwear, fitness wear, handbags, and of course, Lingerie. There is something for everyone. It’s like a hip Victoria’s Secret at discount prices!

I'd also like to invite the gentlemen out there to enter the contest for a chance to win something nice for their wives or girlfriends. They will love you for it!

I will announce the winner on my Blog May 1st. So make sure you check back to see if you’ve won!

And be on the lookout for my product reviews!

Good Night, and Good luck!

Posted by Lori in Fashion at 12:04 AM permalink Comments (6)

I know I know, it's been all about food, pugs, and fashion this week
but I am so excited about my new Shakespeare Tee!

"Then how can it be said that I am alone when all the world is here to look on me" ~Helena

It's the little things in life. The things you find when you aren't even looking.

Posted by Lori in Fashion at 7:48 PM permalink Comments (5)

My ass has been called many things. Heart-Shaped, squeezable, and shapely to name a few. But it wasn’t until I wore my Citizens of Humanity jeans to work one day when a female co-worker with an ass fetish made me twirl around in a circle and exclaimed, “Dang, I ‘aint never knew you had a booty on you! Girl, I hope you don’t hurt no’one with that thang!”

She thought she was complimenting me but I was mortified! I tried to explain that white girls don’t want booties, we want the bodies of thirteen year old boys with breasts. Especially a shorty like me. But this was a concept she couldn’t grasp. Apparently in other subcultures, an ass that is shaped and filled out nicely with curves is the desirous ass to have. I must admit, when I slink into my Citizens of Humanity Naomi Stretch Flares with Argyle stitching, I do feel ever so slightly Booty-licious.

I’ve always been interested in asses and all their little nuances. Male asses and female asses. They are such funny things, aren’t they, asses? All the different sizes, shapes, textures, and colors. There are so many varieties. Flat, dimpled, puckered, square, round, jiggly, wiggly, tight, hard, soft, long, toned, thick, bubbled, wide, narrow, hairy, smooth, freckled, too much ass, or no ass at all. Asses built like shelving units that you can rest a beer can on. I once knew a girl who was all back. She was built straight up and down like a tree trunk, there were no curves. Nothing to separate ass from back. The place where ass and back meet was proportionately the same. So from behind she looked like one long back with legs.

I’m also intrigued at how genetics play a role in the shape and size of the ass. Sometimes you can look at a mother and daughter from behind and see the exact same ass. Though generationally and gravitationally distinct, the basic ass configuration remains indistinguishable. Some asses are hereditary and others are not. I’ve also observed in my study of the gluteus maximus that the men who have the best most shapely and tight asses are gay men. Why is that? Or why some women have babies and can retain the original shape and size of their ass but then other women who after childbirth retain the shape but the size increases so they have the same exact ass, only BIGGER.

For the record, I of course plan to be a woman whose ass doesn’t change after children. I figure if I’ve lasted 3.5 decades with basically the same size and shape ass then at this point chances are pretty good that it will stay this way no matter what I do myself. Theoretically, for the amount of Slump that I eat, I should have an ass the size of China by now. But I don't. So what's squeezing out a kid or two gonna do to me?

It also amuses me that women who have one type of ass always want the opposite ass. A woman with a flat ass, wants a round ass and vice versa. It goes back to the old grass is greener equation -- we always want that which we don't have. But no matter what kind of junk is in our trunk, at the end of the day aren’t we all just Citizens of Humanity?

Posted by Lori in Fashion at 7:44 PM permalink

Yes.......one must.

Posted by Lori in Fashion at 7:37 AM permalink

I'm having trouble deciding what to be for Halloween this year. So I've added a Poll to the top of the Blog so readers can decide. Last year I was Britney so a slutty school girl is out. Right now Pink Lady (think Grease) is on top with Cheerleader and Sexy Girl Scout running neck and neck. You can also suggest something not on the list.

What should I be?

Posted by Lori in Fashion at 7:49 AM permalink