Start Your New Year Off with the Right Knot

Sit down. Are your kids running around screaming? Hush them. You, little missy, need to focus for the next 4.5 minutes. You are about to watch one of the best YouTube videos of. all. time.

The Muses have been waiting for a video like this for years - it definitely rocked our worlds. Twenty-five different ways to wear a scarf, and compiled into a campy, super cute little video. We are definitely inspired! We can't wait to try the "DIY-Infinity," "The Celebrity," "The Braid", and "The Bunny Ears." Perhaps we'll use the month of January to try all 25.

Prepare to be inspired, and enjoy!

Leggings (as pants) not permitted after Labor Day....or during any other season

As you are well aware, the Muses have long raged against fellow fashionistas sporting leggings as pants. In fact, we regularly chant to one another, “Leggings are not pants!” and can be heard muttering the same when walking behind anyone wearing a short shirt with a pair of leggings. Though we love, love, love Joanna Goddard, the goddess behind A Cup of Jo, we happily disagree with her recent praise of leggings as pants, and her patronage of the $68 EmersonMade bag o’leggings. We wholeheartedly stand by our original battle cry of, “Leggings are not pants!” VPLs* abound in leggings, and many leggings do not offer the coverage you need. Don’t believe us? Don your beloved leggings and stand next to an open window while the natural light streams in and take another peek at your derrière.

However, being the reasonable gals that we are, we’re here to say that there is something behind the slim, sleek, silhouette of black pants – and we agree, this is something to crave! Audrey Hepburn, anyone? The sight of that little pixie prancing around in her slim black pants and flats is something we all adore and aspire to. But the answer is not leggings. The original name for these pants is “cigarette pants,” and while that name is a bit antiquated, the look is not.

Take a peek at J.Crew, for example (another brand that Jo frequently plugs). The “Minnie” pant offers the look that we all desire, but gives us an actual pants version of them in both wool and twill.

Bottom line (pun totally intended), save the butt-bearing leggings for under tunics and dresses, and score a pair of slim, figure-hugging pants like the ones from J.Crew. Your rear-end, your figure, and your mother will thank you (and us).

End rant.

*VPL – visible panty line.

A Stylish iPhone Case - the perfect accessory

Bags, shoes, earrings - check, check and check. Of course we all have those quintessential accessories down pat - they complete our look. But let's say you're one of the millions of iPhone users - you want something that matches your style as far as that goes too, yes?

We've all seen the same, tired iPhone cases you can get at the Apple Store, or the cheap-o ones that you can purchase at a mall kiosk with your fave sports team logo. But what's a girl to do if she wants something unique and stylish - something that catches admiring looks from passers-by when you pull it out to text or schedule your next hair appointment?

Of course, the Muses have a few suggestions for you:

1) Go totally unique -- Society 6 is a venue for artists to sell their creations. Browse more than 12,000 pieces of artwork to find something that speaks to you...or speaks about you. The best part, they will turn any painting, picture, or print from their website into a case or skin for your iPhone, iPod, or even your computer.

2) Support individual vendors & their creativity -- you can find almost anything to suit your fancy on Etsy.com. Soft cloth covers, cute little pockets, hard covers that look like retro Nintendo holders or phones - if you want it, chances are you can find it on Etsy - or commission a vendor to create it for you.

3) As if we need to tell you -- two little words that make any girl happy: Kate Spade.

Mandala by Peter Patrick Barreda

Personalized Cases from Etsy

Because for at least one of the Muses the dream of being a Mermaid never died

Oh Kate, how we love thee

Cell Phone Envelope from Etsy

HILARIOUS Notorious B.I.G case

Friday Friday!

From Zara's photographic love letter to America. This photo is an ode to Florida, where your sweet Muses met and fell in love. 

The new Design Sponge book is out.

Check out Gourmet Traveller's tantalizing collection of coffee dessert recipes - great for a sweet pick me up. The chocolate, fig, and hazelnut semifreddo looked particularly sumptuous.

Loving the rain.

In Fashion this week....

The Limited started selling shoes (!!)

Zara opened its online shop. Dangerous.

Happy Friday!

We are loving the Lanvin Fall/Winer 2011-2012 collection. Check out those beautiful red and coral dresses...and they move so well when fist pumping! However, our male dancers should maybe just stick to catwalks #whitefolk.




So who mandated no white after Labor Day in the first place? If you must know, Time dishes the scoop.

Obsessed with the new web site Museum of Useful Things offering fun kitschy items and great gifts. Personally, we love the idea of this Mason's Tote as a weekender bag!

Never be without the perfect card again, from the always lovely Kate Spade.

Lucky west coasters never have to do without 'em, but east coast gals are always craving lemons. Learn how to preserve lemons, thanks to SF Girl by Bay.

This fairly perfectly sums up the interaction between your bi-coastal Muses over last week's "earthquake". Too funny.

white jeans after Labor Day? YES WE CAN!

It's almost Fall, which makes this little East Coast Muse giddy with excitement: boots and trenches and sweaters, oh my! (This, of course, isn't really the same for our sweet West Coast Muse, who, thanks to San Francisco's perpetually-brisk weather, gets to wear boots and tights any ole time she likes) But Fall's fast approach also brings on the whole "wear-your-summer-stuff-now-because-it's-almost-Labor-Day" dilemma. I've spotted multiple ladies at the office this week wearing every piece of white clothing in their wardrobe.

HOWEVER -- while getting my shoulder iced yesterday afternoon at the PT office, I flipped through the September issue of InStyle magazine. In it, they answered a reader’s question by saying YES – you CAN wear white jeans* after Labor Day. Only stipulation: style them differently for fall/winter. We suggest pairing them with some dark chunky boots, a camel-colored trench or a long-sleeved button-down (even chambray!).

Enzo Angiolini Alessi Bootie, Classic Khaki Banana Republic Trench, Lucky Brand Ashbury Floral Top, J Crew Selvedge Chambray

The rules are changin', ladies! And yes, if you happen to live on the East Coast, you will see me sporting my white jeans well into late fall/winter.

*please note: if you own white jeggings, go ahead and throw them into the trash now. no need to hang onto those nuisances.

stylish modern fabric

The Muses have tons of crafty friends that sew clothing (for themselves and their children), baby gifts, aprons - and sometimes, when one friend in particular gets a wild hair, she reupholsters furniture.

We hear the occasional gripe that it's difficult to find fun modern fabrics that inspire. Sadly, if you hit up a fabric store in the suburbs you'll find little more than pleather, pink plaid fleece, and polyester (yes, there are heroes in the midst, but it takes some work). A brilliant friend of the Muses, Claire, once reupholstered a dining room chair with a napkin from Anthro because the fabric selection she found was lacking. Oh la la - there must be more.

Enter - Fabricworm, an eclectic collection of unique and modern designs. This online shop, run by a momma (let's hear it for smart working moms!) supplies fabrics with designs that are sure to arouse creativity. She also sells bundles of assorted fabrics that coordinate.

Take a peek at her website but beware, before you know it you'll be filled with fabric lust and won't be able to stop your mind from wandering to fantasies of new baby bedding, curtains, birb clothes, and napkins.

Here are a few Muse favorites

We know one Muse cannot tear herself away from stripes : Dena Designs Taza Stripe 

Can we see this as an adorable baby boy bib? Sarah Jane Making Paper Hats in Aqua

Ahem, do we see a certain color scheme that matches a certain blog... Tiffany Blue and Red Bundle

Endless possibilites - accent pillows! napkins! curtains! Dena Designs Taza, Tarika Yellow

Also a great curtain option - digging this color combo : Anna Maria Horner Little Folks Voile in Olive

A modern rose pattern. Love and love! Such a bold pattern would be good as a small accent like the lining of a bag or inside cuff of a shirt : Joel Dewberry Heirloom, Rose Bouquet Amber

Even the boys seek inspiration

A male coworker casually mentioned to the East Coast Muse his desire to incorporate more color and energy into his wardrobe. Poor lad – he had no idea that there is nothing casual about fashion inspiration as far as the Muses are concerned. We bring you: Christopher’s Inspiration Board

Some new hipster Ray-Ban sunglasses

A bright Jack Spade carry-all  - use it for your laptop or just as a messenger bag

J. Crew striped t-shirt - the Muses don't just love stripes for ourselves we love them on him too

Fish hook bracelet from STAG in Austin

J. Crew gingham skinny tie for the office or about town

A fun tote for groceries

Some new kicks – sure, they look casual, but with that skinny tie, you’re golden

How about some fun laces for those kicks?

Happy Socks. The ECM's hubby wears even the brightest ones with his black loafers on a regular basis

How nude is too nude?

high heels...we're talking about high heels.

Recently, a beloved reader wrote in to ask about nude heel hues.

So ladies, I keep seeing nude pumps for a dressy combination that I love since they should go with almost everything. But what is the right coloring? There are so many shades - how close should they be to your skin tone? What are your thoughts?

Meghan

Thanks so much for writing in, Meghan!

It is true that because of the nude heel trend (which we love!) there are a ton of "nude" shades to choose from. There are some with pinkish undertones, grey undertones, some that are straight-up pale, and others that are a little browner. The key to a nude heel is make sure that it doesn't wash you out. Nude heels always fare far better with a slight tan - we're not proposing that you roast yourself in UV coffins or bake yourself at the beach. Perhaps a little self-tanning lotion, or a bronzer? The nude heel just does better with some kind of coloring on your skin. If you are a pale-skinned beauty and self-tanners just make you look orange, we suggest that you consider a neutral heel, versus a nude.

Ok, that was a lot of talking (er, typing). Let's show you some photos to help you figure out what we're explaining.

This Linzy heel by Kelsi Dagger is an example of the quintessential nude pump: close-toed (therefore office appropriate), a bit of a platform (making it sexy enough for a date) and that basic skin-tone color. Easy enough, right? Beware: the ECM, who has Mediterranean olive undertones, could probably pull this off a little better than our German WCM (frequently likened to color of alabaster).

So what should the more fair-skinned WCM look for? How about something like this Bevv pump by Steve Madden.  Notice that this shoe is a little bit darker in color, and the undertones are pink - just like the WCM's undertones (if it's hard for you to tell what the shoe's undertones are, just take a cue from the name of the color - for example, they call the color of this shoe "blush patent." That's your clue). The slight blush of this shoe helps guard against wash-out. 

This Stephanie slingback from Cole Haan is called "beige" and would probably look good on either of the Muses. It is sort of a medium tone so it wouldn't wash either of us out. So if you have pale pale skin or darker skin, this one could rock this one. 

Ok, so now to demystify nude vs. neutral. Think of "neutral" as an adjective to describe any shoe that will pair well with almost anything - it doesn't take away from the outfit. Sort of like how a proper side dish never takes away from the main course, it just adds to it nicely and brings out the main flavor of the main course.

Neutral can look like this lovely Farrel heel from Enzo Angiolini.

or Claudine by Dolce Vita (this one has a little funky personality - nice)...

 or even Guzman from Joan & David (love the texture! This is an ECM fave)

Remember, metallics qualify as a neutral too - particularly if you're getting gussied up for something. Whether gold (like these RSVP Gigi heels), silver, or bronze, the metallic serves the same purpose as a neutral shoe but for those fancier occasions.

Another neutral dressy option would be this Peep Train sandal (disregard the confusing and disturbing name) by Kenneth Cole.

Sweet Meghan, we hope this helps! Happy hunting for nude shoes - this post has surely inspired us.

Do or Don't: sheer shirt, black bra

The sheer shirt and black bra: to be, or not to be?

The Muses have been discussing this very question amongst themselves the past few days. WCM says there is something very French about the sheer shirt/black bra look- but isn't quite sure how to do it well. The ECM has decided to assist her Francophile WCM and instruct her in the way to go. We DO suggest sporting this look but the key is proper execution.

The trick of pulling off the black bra/sheer shirt is a matter of making it look purposeful, and not like it was an accident resulting from bad lighting in your apartment. Trolling the internet procured a few examples, and of course we had to share with all of you.

DON'T: 

One-half of the Olsen duo could potentially have pulled this off had she swapped her black bra for a black cami. However, the effect of the black bra with a high-waisted black skirt in this instance makes it look like she made a juvenile mistake.

When it comes to fashion, we rarely find much for which to criticize Katie Holmes. However this outfit, worn to a gala, doesn't do it. The shirt looks like an afterthought paired with that elegant skirt, and the bra looks like something that would be better-suited for a yoga class, not a black-tie event. The shirt/bra combo could have worked with a light, 3/4 length cardi and cigarette jeans and flats during the day. But for an evening event - don't do it.



DO:

The brilliance of this outfit (from Candystore Collective) is the patterned sheer shirt and the dark bra that isn't overtly black (it may even be navy blue, which would have been a great call - it echoes the dark wash of her jeans). You can glimpse the waist of the model's jeans as well, but you can't see her belly button. Total winner, and completely accessible to even the average girl. We don't condone this outfit for work or church, but for a late lunch with the girls after a trip to the farmer's market - do it.

This look (also Candystore Collective) is definitely a little sexier because of the extra sheer back. Note that the entire shirt is not see-through, it is really just the back so it adds a sexy pop without being obscene. The Muses definitely suggest trying this hot look but if you do, remember that the sheer top/black bra should be the hero. If you add a leather mini skirt and 5" heels, you're just going to look like a stripper (definitely a Muse DON'T). It would be perfectly suited for a night out when paired with a pencil skirt and a low wedge. 

Though you can't see it well here, when Karolina Kurkova made a guest appearance on America's Next Top Model, she sported a black tank dress under a long sheer button-down, and tied a slim black belt around the ensemble. Her hair was slicked back in a sweet bun, and the neutral flats set it all off. Had she worn heels, it would have been too much. Same with extravagant earrings or big hair. The result was simple, sophisticated, and sassy. Winning combo, in our humble opinion.

What do you think, lovely ladies? Are you for this trend, or against it?

Grownup paper doll fun with the Zara Spring Summer 2011 Collection

Have you seen the latest Zara Collection?! Oh, how we love it! Bright colors, stylish cuts, fabulous shoes, flirty skirts. It's enough to make a Muse squeal.

Smitten and charmed by Zara's summer line, the Muses spent some time flipping through the online selection and chose their top picks for every occasion. The most fun of all? Stepping back to admire our choices and realizing that though we are one in heart and mind, Zara's versatility allowed each of our styles to shine.

The East Coast Muse


ECM Outfit 1 - Out & About

  the vibrant scarf, the shirt, the wide-legged pants, the wooden heels




ECM Outfit 2 - Work

 
the dress, the short blazer, the heels




ECM Outfit 3 - Going Out
the sexy little dress, the shoulder coverage for the restaurant, the clutch, the hot heels




The West Coast Muse

WCM Outfit 1 - Out & About

the scarf, the top, the trousers, the ankle boots

WCM Outfit 2 - Work

the top, the mini skirt, the wooden heels

WCM Outfit 3 - Going Out

the buttons-down-the-back top, the leather mini skirt (OH yeah!), the belt, the rockin' heels


Ok so that's what the Muses would wear. What would you choose from the latest Zara line?

An Ode to the Princess

In times of tumult, the people look for reprieve - not necessarily for a visionary to guide them out of their troubles (although that is also much-needed), but a glimmer of hope, an ideal of what life could look like, a beacon of beauty.

Enter: Kate Middleton. With a name that rolls off the tongue and speaks to her humble upbringing, this image of youth and beauty glides in with impeccable timing to do just what we need her to do. She's for the most part silent, but when she does speak, the masses (and the media) hang onto her words, hoping that in some way she can impart just a bit of that vigor, poise and grace. In a manner reminiscent of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy in the White House of the 1960s, Kate Middleton displays a savvy sense of style and etiquette that makes her welcome in any and every setting, but with just enough sass to keep the powers that be on their toes. With charm, and wit, and a sweet smile, Kate Middleton has soothed the nay-sayers and endeared herself to the world.

And so we tip our hats to you, Her Royal Highness, Princess William of Wales, not only because you have made it fashionable for us gals to once again don hats, but because you embody all that we want to be: beautiful, poised, elegant in every situation and, well, a princess. May God bless the Queen - and may you be the future queen.

Rock the Red Pump: March 10, 2011

The Muses recently heard about The Red Pump Project which was started by a couple of (stylish) women to raise awareness about the impact of HIV/AIDS on women and girls.

Obviously the words "red pump" grabbed us immediately. We love a good excuse to strut in red heels but this campaign is about a lot more than just looking good on March 10. Founders Lovette "Luuvie" Ajayi and Karyn Brianne Watkins want to educate people about the effect of HIV/AIDS on women and girls. Here are a few things we learned while milling around on their Web site.

• The largest number of HIV/AIDS diagnoses recently are for women ages 15 - 39.
• HIV/AIDS disproportionately affects miniority women in the United States. According to the 2005 census, black and Latina women represent 24% of all US women combined, but 82% of the estimated total AIDS diagnoses for women in 2005.
• HIV is the leading cause of death for black women ages 25 - 34 years.
• The rate of AIDS diagnosis for black women is approximately 23 times the rates for white women and 4 times the rate for Latina women.
• In 2006, black teens represented 69% of reported AIDS cases among 13-19 year olds; Latino teens represented 19%.

Bottom line - AIDS isn't just the cause of the 1990s; it's still the cause of right now, because it's affecting millions of people right now - many of whom are women and young girls. Join us on March 10 by wearing your red heels and step out for those affected by AIDS.

Insolia in the news

Check it out - Insolia (Products That Really Work) recently got some press on Dr. Oz.

PS Can we all agree that the reason the woman walking in high heels looks so "uncomfortable" and is "barely holding herself up" is probably because she has no idea how to walk in heels? Seriously, she was wearing jeans, a thick brown belt, and a crew neck black T-shirt. Doubtful that she has spent much time in 4" heels. The Muses never walk like that in heels...then again, maybe it's because we use Insolia!

Insolia high heel inserts are not sold in many stores but you can order on the web. They are definitely worth a try.

Quoi porter et faire à Paris

The Muses just received an urgent request for help on what to pack for Paris.

A) we hate you for going to Paris without us. We suppose we can still be friends as long as you eat a lot of baguettes for us. Oh, oh, the bread in France cannot be beat.

The weather in France is horrid at this time of year so that needs to be a main factor in packing. Also to consider, the key in Paris is looking like you belong. We know someone that visited and may or may not have worn cowboy boots and flannel the entire time...seriously.

• A scarf
• Adorable gloves
• Tights
• Skirts and dresses...leave the jeans at home. Well, OK, bring one pair of nice jeans
• A city hat
• Flats appropriate for walking miles from métro to métro
• An umbrella
• Let’s Go France. Seriously don’t get all those other dumb books. The reviews in Let’s Go cannot be beat.
• A little coin purse because all those Euros are going to fall out of your wallet.
• A purse big enough for a camera, extra pain au chocolat, and to hide your touristy Let’s Go book.
• A cork screw. How else will you open bottles of cheap wine in your hotel room?

Let’s Go is a “student travel guide” so it is good for finding great deals and will help you find great little niche restaurants. For some more “adult” reviews...ask David Lebovitz.

As we've mentioned before, the cute WCM has spent a good bit of time in France...though most of that time was in fields of betterave not Paris.

Restaurants
L’As du Falafel
Ladurée (the one on Rue Royale, not the one on Champs-Elysées)
Aux Artistes (and be the first to review it on Yelp!)

Others
Sacre Couer. Most. Beautiful. Church. Ever. (well...Sagrada Família is pretty amazing too)
Musée d’Orsay and Centre Pomipdu (Seriously don’t waste your time at the Louvre. The Mona Lisa is ugly and contrary to popular belief, you don’t not have to see while in Paris.)
Just go hang out in the Jewish neighborhood (3ème arrondissement). You could get lost in shops for days. It’s simply delightful.

Real men wear their own jeans

C'mon, dude - don't blame your fascination with skin-tight jeans on your ex-girlfriend.

Et tu, Brute?

Really?

A Lady Needs a Flask

As the Muses have mentioned before, we are two creative, right-brain girls that have both somehow landed among scientists for our 9-5.

Generally this is a good thing. When our beloved nerd co-workers spend their days at the bench pipetting or doing data analysis they lose touch with the real world. So the Muses love to bring some real world to their lives. A splash of leopard print here, taste testing chocolates and cupcakes, encouragement to think outside the box. We do what we do well.

BUT occasionally the paper work, the grants, the meeting planning, the abstract collecting erodes a creative girl’s mind/soul. Is that over dramatic? Mmm? No I don’t think so...grants, are soul sucking.

And the best thing to do when life starts to wear on you...is drink. So here is a collection of in vogue flasks that are great for all sorts of events - outdoor concerts, the ballet, lunch dates with that super high stress friend, and of course, your desk drawer.

Light Pink Faux Alligator Skin Flask

Leopard Print Glitter Flask

Love Birds Chicks Peacocks Flask

Golly! Liquor is Quicker! by Anne Taintor

New Product Review: L’Oreal Infallible Never Fail Lipcolour

There are so many new products out there it is hard to tell what's great and what's a dud. Which is why the Muses compiled a big list of great products for you not too long ago.

Add this one to the list girls! It is Muse tested and approved!

L’Oreal Infallible Never Fail Lipcolour

This product lives up to its claims. Beautiful lip color that lasts for hours and hours. While you are jamming down Luna Bars and lattes and politely dabbing your lips after lunch meetings it stays in place! Maybe more importantly, it will hold beautiful color through glasses of wine, dinner... and a little smooching. Also, it comes with a moisturizing stick that keeps your lips soft and nourished.

Go. Buy. Now.

Mother-In-Law of the Bride: Help!

To the Muses Via Text: Can you look for a dress for me for this wedding? I just don't want to pay 500 bucks for a dress and I can't seem to not get frustrated when I look online!! Either 3X or 24-26.

Ok, ok, scoot your chair back, take your hand off the mouse and take a deep breath. Trying to find a decent online retailer is like rumaging through those racks of unorganized clothes at Ross to find the perfect sundress. It can be done, but is not for the faint of heart. The Muses are gonna help you skip all that and just hand you what you want on a silver platter.

We will give you a couple rules so you don't get stuck in the MOB trap.

Rule Number 1: Do not google "mother of the bride dress." This is only going to give you David's Bridal and random boutiques in cities you've never heard of. AND if you tack the word "wedding" onto anything, the price doubles. You can find a beautiful dress for this wedding, and it doesn't have to be labeled "mother of the bride".

Rule Number 2: When looking online, do not be scared away from dresses that have 20 year-old women in them. Just cause you're a momma doesn't mean you have to wear beige and long sleeves.

Rule Number 3: Do not wear a sack. Let's find something great that helps give shape. You need a defined waist and lovely flowing skirt.

Rule Number 4: If you are worried about showing your arms, please sweet gracious Jesus, do not wear a jacket. Suit coats are for the office not a classy party. If you need something to cover up a bit, lets do a lovely detailed sweater, bolero or wrap.

Now, let's see what we can find using our ground rules!

From IGIGI




From Kiyonna



When in doubt, Nordstrom




Or Dillards (beware: they have some of those hideous jackets on here, just say no to the chiffon suit coat...uh, cringe)

Girl, these are some great options. Now you just gotta find the dynamite, yet practical...oh screw practicality ...dynamite shoes to match.

PS. We found a load of coupon codes here.