Slave to Fashion


Soft, buttery, leathery goodness

My Aunt Tam used this expression (slave to fashion) to describe me this weekend. After some consideration, I must agree with her in part. I do not claim to be uber fashion forward, but I really do love me some exceptional retail finds. I blame Anthropologie for my heightened interest in buying pieces that could be the linchpins in future outfits. Admit it! It’s satisfying to be pulled together aesthetically. I do not effortlessly throw outfits together in a snap like Mary Poppins and some of the gals I work with. Rather, I revert back to middle school, agonizing over what to wear. Only now I do not fear someone will remember I wore my Tommy Hilfiger shirt last Thursday with these jeans. Twenty-something Annie realizes that the world does not remember every stitch of clothing I wear each day. Oh, middle school- when you’re so preoccupied with other kids’ opinions and they’re too preoccupied to form any opinions. Now I actually enjoy painstakingly working through the process of creating a wearable masterpiece. In the past I may have said fashion is a waste of time and money…eh, maybe it is, but I definitely have more appreciation for creative minds that juxtapose a top with a skirt that look like they’re going to clash, but somehow harmonize well. On that superficial note…allow me to review some of my most recent retail scores.

BAGGU

As far as my memory reaches, I cannot recall a time my mom was not in search of “the perfect purse.” As a tween I thought she was crazy, but now I relate. But I also know I will not find the perfect purse because deep in my heart of hearts I want more than one purse. However, I have been scavenging thrift shops, T.J. Maxx and Anthro for a basic, black leather purse. A fellow shop girl had a free form, soft leather hobo bag slung over her shoulder a couple weeks ago and I reached for it ready to snatch it off her body. Fortunately she knew I was having an excited, girly moment and was not a vicious thief. The brand? BAGGU. The shape? Organic and lazy. The feel? Soft as a baby’s bum. The price? $160, but I got 40 percent off. Where from? UrbanOutfitters.com. Yes! One percent of Urban’s inventory is high quality! BAGGU is that 1%…

FABLETICS

Kate Hudson, your mama was a better actress than you, but you, pretty lady, have some brilliant ideas. Why the heck are women paying a hundred plus bucks for stretchy pants that they will sweat in? I’m guilty. I have two pairs of Lulu pants and I never work out in them. In Tucson, when does anyone really want to be wearing pants to work out in? I am never yearning for more leg sweat during a boxing class. I’m not an avid yogi. And I paid a lot of money for those stretch pants, so I wear them to travel and for any other activities involving minimal wear and tear and/or sweat. Yes, I’m admitting to not wearing my fancy active wear while being active. SO Kate Hudson (and probably the unsung hero whose idea this really belongs to) decided to sell quality, flattering active wear for a reasonable price. Check out the outfit down yonder. $28 for everything…a sports bra, a shirt and workout capris. The capris and bras are not made of sheer nylon either. They are thick and feel quite similar to those stretch/dress pants I bought for a pretty penny at Lulu. Yes, I did get lured into becoming a VIP member which costs nothing if you remember to “turn down” the outfit your “personal stylist” emails to you at the beginning of each month. Or buy it. Just don’t do nothing, or they charge your $50. But hey, setting a monthly reminder in order to get the VIP prices is no venti problem.