Tip: Short skirt (no long jacket)

So today I wear one of my favorite cute dresses. It's aqua blue with black/white swirls, dots and flowers. Very retro modish...if you've seen me wear it, you know exactly the one.

Normally I wear this dress with black stockings and tall boots. This morning, in the spirit of spring, I skipped the tights, and now I'm feeling like this uber-cute "I love this dress" dress is too short! Isn't it funny how a pair of tights can make a frock that's a teensy bit too short, seem just long enough?  I'm feeling like I might be showing a little too much today sans tights.

If you've ever run headlong into the question of whether or not your skirt/dress is long enough to be work-appropriate, here are a few helpful tips:

1. Make sure you're comfortable in your skirt/dress! If you can't sit down, can't walk around without reaching and tugging, then it's probably not right for the office.  (RedKat Dress: PASS)

2. The fingertip test - With your arms hanging loosely at your sides, see where your fingertips fall. Generally speaking this is an acceptable length for your skirt/dress (RedKat Dress: PASS)

3.The Wharton School of Business Rule - Wharton, one of the most well-respected business schools in the country recommends that skirts/dresses be no shorter than 3" above the knee to maintain a professional appearance. They also go on to recommend pantyhose, which you can feel free to disregard. Stockings, yes, pantyhouse no. (RedKat Dress: PASS on length FAIL on stockings)

So if you're confused, check this post and see if you're in the clear. Above all else, if you find yourself at work or out and about in a dress/skirt that's too short, just remember that a little bit of diva-like moxie will carry you. Never let them see you sweat!

Opening Day 2010

It's Opening Day, and I'm off celebrating the anticipated win of the Reds. In the spirit of the day, I thought I'd share my finds for the cutest Reds apparel.

I'm leading off with what I wish I could wear if it were summertime right now. Technically this is probably a pj top, but I've never been one to obey the rules, so today I'm calling it a tank top. The Galaxy Tank Top is clearly made to wear with jeans, and would be perfect for a hot July night at the ballpark. With a forgiving shape, it'll be flattering on anyone.

Did you know that Alyssa Milano has created her own line of sports apparel called Touch by Alyssa Milano? I had no idea. But her stuff is super-cute and wearable, and includes tees, tanks long sleeve tops and jackets.

If you're less into logo, but want to show support by wearing a red anyway, I'm loving this darling striped tonal Tee from Karmaloop. 

I'll be sporting a tee that I can't even share yet...I don't have it! But in case you hadn't heard, local film shop Barking Fish Entertainment is producing a documentary about our very own Pete Rose, and ahead of the fim's fall debut, are handing out 4192: The Crowning of the Hit King tees. Find me, see the tee for yourself. Go Reds!

Did You Think I Left You?

No, I didn't leave you! I've been travelling like a maniac the last two weeks and I've decided to let RedKat take a little breather. We'll be back to our regularly scheduled posts next week, but until then, enjoy this little tidbit...love your outfit! ~Monika

Tip: Quick Repairs At Work

Who hasn't had a fashion emergency at work? I certainly have. Over the years I've discovered that the office supply closet can be a lifesaver when you're in a pinch and need to make quick repairs. Here are some tips that you may or may not have tried yourself.

Ripped Hem - Staple it! On more than one occasion I've managed to rip a hem loose with the heel of my shoe. Staple it right back into place. If you're lucky enough to be wearing black pants, use a Sharpie to color the silver of the staple and it'll blend in fairly well.

Scuffed Shoes - Leather pointy-toed shoes are the bane of my existence! While cute and fashionable, they always seem to get scuffed on concrete steps, curbs and even the underside of cabinets in the office. Grab your trusty Sharpie and blacken the scuff into relative invisibility. Granted, this works primarily on black shoes, but can also work on red with a red Sharpie.

Ink Stain - Drop a pen in your lap? Use hairspray and blot the ink away. If you don't have any hairspray, check the office First Aid kit and use the rubbing alcohol.

To stave off further emergencies, it's helpful to keep the following at your desk...just in case of emergency:

- Clear Nail Polish (for runs)
- Safety Pins
- A Sewing Kit (from a hotel, or buy a travel kit from your local drug store)
- Double-sided Tape (a lifesaver if your shirt is just a little too revealing)
- Stain Stick
- Lint Roller

Tip: Stinky Synthetic Leather

I got a very interesting question from a reader who writes, 

Q: "How can I get rid of the stinky smell of my new synthetic leather boots? I didn't want to pay for the real thing, so I went with cheap ones. Problem is, they smell like gasoline and I am embarrassed to wear them!"

A: Having encountered this once before myself, I'm happy to share what I did to help eliminate the gasoline smell. First, I put the shoes outside. I bet you can't stand the smell of them in a closed room, so outside is a good start. Second, I tried wrapping them in newspaper. Synthetic leather, like real leather, can be slightly porous, so wrapping the boots in newspaper will absorb the smell. This wasn't the most effective thing I tried though. Find a big box or bag and empty an entire box of baking soda into the bottom, then place the boots inside. Seal it tight and let the boots sit in the bag overnight. Baking soda is wonderful for absorbing odors, and this should help.

Let me know if this works for you!

Trend: What I saw at the Oscars

Whether you loved or hated the actual show, there was no shortage of fashion on display at this year's Academy Awards. Winners of the night include Penelope Cruz and Queen Latifah. Losers include Jennifer Lopez (yes, I hated the appendage dress) and Molly Ringwald. But the takeaway for you are the trends. Here's what I saw on the Red Carpet this year:



1. Pale Colors - dresses in pinks and nude tones (Sandra Bullock, Cameron Diaz)
2. Ruffles - bottom heavy or top to bottom (Zoe Saldana, Vera Farmiga)
3. Single Shoulder - right or left (Sigourney Weaver)
4. Watercolor Patterns - swirls of color and flowers (Rachael McAdams, Maggie Gyllenhall)
5. Statuesque Dresses - tall column dress, gorgeous silouhette (Kate Winslet)

And finally - my favorite: Penelope Cruz in Donna Karen.

Image courtesy of Graziedaily.co.uk

Find: Oscar Fashion 2000

At the turn of the century, it seemed like metallics ruled the Red Carpet at the 2000 Academy Awards. No one pulled this look off more beautifully than Hillary Swank in a strapless bronze gown by Randolph Duke. She accented her look with a stunning 17th century Asprey & Garrard diamond necklace. Don't you love the delicate points on the necklace....so stunning. With a cute understated pixie cut and her million dollar smile, Hillary Swank put together a look completely worth of being an Oscar Winner. 

Looking to surround yourself with people in Oscar-worthy fashions? Head to People Working Cooperatively Oscar Night in America VIP After-Party, on Sunday March 7th. The theme this year is "It Came From Hollywood" where everything will be glittery and gold. All proceed from the event benefit PWC's outreach programs including Modifications for Mobility, which assists with critical home modification projects that are typically too expensive for its low-income, disabled clients, including handicapped-accessible ramps, grab bars, bathroom and kitchen modifications. Your $20 at the door gets you fun events, Oscar viewing, foods catered by the Hilton, along with specialty drinks.

Find: First Academy Awards 1927-28

Imagine what it was like in 1929, attending the very first Academy Awards for 1927-28. The private black tie event was a far cry from the big glitzy affair of current times. Guests enjoyed a sumptious dinner, which proved to be the highlight of the night since the actual ceremony only lasted 15 minutes! Winners were announced three months prior to the award ceremony, so no one had to worry about impromptu speeches and over the top thank you's. In fact, because of the lack of surprise, the first Academy Awards had no accompanying tv or radio broadcast. The second Academy Awards included a radio broadcast, but a television broadcast didn't happen until 1953.

The very first Best Actress Oscar went to Janet Gaynor, who won for starring roles in Seventh Heaven, Street Angel and Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans. Imagine what she wore to the Academy Awards...

 

Janet Gaynor with Frank Borzage and her Best Actress Oscar 

image courtesy of mptvimages.com

If old Hollywood is your thing, check out the People Working Cooperatively Oscar Night in America VIP After-Party, on Sunday March 7th. The theme this year is "It Came From Hollywood" which is an hommage to all things...well, old, glamorous and Hollywood. All proceed from the event benefit PWC's outreach programs including Modifications for Mobility, which assists with critical home modification projects that are typically too expensive for its low-income, disabled clients, including handicapped-accessible ramps, grab bars, bathroom and kitchen modifications. Your $20 at the door gets you fun events, food and specialty drinks.

Find: Oscar Fashion 2004

The Red Carpet in 2004 featured a decidedly vintage old Hollywood style. Smokey eyes, soft wavy hair and bronzed skin (hopefully faux) led the way to a gorgeous classic feminine appeal. Of all the looks from '04, the one that struck me as the most elegant, the most refined and so timeless was Charlize Theron in Gucci.

If old Hollywood style is your style, strut your look at the People Working Cooperatively Oscar Night in America VIP After-Party, on Sunday March 7th. The theme this year is "It Came From Hollywood" which is an hommage to all things...well, Hollywood. All proceed from the event benefit PWC's outreach programs including Modifications for Mobility, which assists with critical home modification projects that are typically too expensive for its low-income, disabled clients, including handicapped-accessible ramps, grab bars, bathroom and kitchen modifications. Your $20 at the door gets you fun events, Oscar viewing, foods catered by the Hilton, along with specialty drinks.

Find: Oscar Fashion 2009

I love Amy Adams in this crimson Caroline Herrera. As a redhead, I know how hard it is to find a red dress in just the right shade to compliment your hair, so I love the way Amy works this entire look. With black piping on the bustier, the dress is both simple and stunning at the same time. I love that she plays on the simplicity with the huge beaded Fred Leighton necklace.

Feel like flaunting your Oscar finest (or not so fine?) Join People Working Cooperatively on Sunday March 7th, for the official (and only) Oscar Night® In America VIP After-Party. Head to the Carew Tower Arcade at 8pm, pay $20 at the door and get casino games, pinball, a beauty shop, popcorn bar and dancing with DJ DQ plus delicious foods catered by the Hilton, along with specialty drinks.

FIND: Oscar Week @ Redkatblonde.com

Mark your social datebooks it's Oscar Week, and on Sunday March 7th, Cincinnati plays host to the official (and only) Oscar Night® In America VIP After-Party party to benefit People Working Cooperatively. Hosted this year in the Carew Tower Arcade, the theme is "It Came From Hollywood" and will feature casino games, pinball, beauty shop, popcorn bar and dancing with DJ DQ. Plus you can keep an eye on the Academy's proceedings in a VIP Oscar viewing room. Your $20 at the door gets you all of this, plus delicious foods catered by the Hilton, along with specialty drinks.

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In honor of Oscar Week, I'm highlighting my favorite fashions from the red carpet. Each day I'll post a new photo of an Oscar ensemble, and open it up to you for your comments. Did I pick your fave? Do you hate my choice? Share it in the comments.

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MORE INFO ON EVENT:
Busy on Sunday night? If you can't attend the party you can still be a part of the event’s live and online auctions. The auction includes tech gadgets, gift certificates to popular Cincinnati restaurants, weekend getaways, massage and salon packages and more! Runs through March 5th.

MORE ON PEOPLE WORKING COOPERATIVELY: 
Oscar Night in America is PWC’s major fundraising event.  Proceeds from the event benefit the organization’s Modifications for Mobility program, which assists with critical home modification projects that are typically too expensive for its low-income, disabled clients, including handicapped-accessible ramps, grab bars, bathroom and kitchen modifications.

Find: Hip-T's

Muffin top, whale tail, crack attack -- it's borderline epidemic how often these fashion no-nos show up on a daily basis. Sitting, bending over and stretching can all be cause for backside embarrassment.

Enter the Hip-T. Hip-T's are stretchy bands worn around the waist to help keep your assets covered (pun intended). They compensate for shirts that are too short, jeans that are too low, and tops that won't drape smoothly.

Hip-T's come in a variety of colors, both with and without decorative lacy bottom bands and strangely -- Ed Hardy print. Ranging in price from $15.95 for one to $32.50 for a two-pack, this may just be an affordable fix to some of our frustrating wardrobe issues.

Tip: Pesky Regrowth

It's so unfair that we spend money to get our hairs colored, cut and styled, only to have our look sabotaged by regrowth. Evil, nasty, "oh my hair color is actually NOT natural" regrowth. But with a little ingenuity, you can avoid skunky roots between hair appointments. 

1. Semi-Permanent Pens - not great for a lot of area, but if you can get a little creative with your part, you can use the pen to touch up your regrowth where needed. Try Oscar Blandi Pronto Root Touch Up Pen.

2. Color-Enhancing Shampoo - simple to use and easy to find at any Walgreens or CVS. Try Claypac Color Enhancing Shampoo .

3. Demi-Permanent Kits - Nice'N Easy makes a kit that lets you put temporary color just on the hairline. The color should stay put until your hair appointment. This is the messier of the options, but the longest lasting.

If you're really, really in a pinch I've tried eyeshadow too. Spritz your part with hairspray and then brush shadow over the regrowth. With my red hair, I don't do this too often because I don't have red eyeshadow, but for blondes and brunettes, this is easy to do.

Another quick trick is to fluff your hair...adding volume hides regrowth. Use a root-lifting mousse and blowdry your hair upside down to build volume, then smooth and spray.

Do you have any better root coverup tips? Share!

Trend: Lucite Jewelry

Dress it up, dress it down, with is's versatility and durability, lucite jewelry is one of the hottest accessory trends this year. My fave is this chunky, funky silver/lucite bracelet by Alex Carol.

 

Silver/Lucite Bracelet by Alex Carol

Available at animaboutique.com

Check Etsy for great vintage lucite jewelry and pick up mod earrings, necklaces and pendants like this Cherry Earrings from betsy3.

Vintage Cherry Earrings from Betsy3

Trend: Textured Nails (low cost trend alert!)

Seen on at least a half-dozen runways in NYC during Fashion Week, the new trend for your nails this spring is texture. Talk about wonderful news...no more stressing over slight smudges and dents in a fresh manicure. Texture is edgy and give nails a more prominent place as an accessory this spring.

HOW: If you decide to keep it conservative, add a little sparkle to just the tips with a glitter polish overlay. If you're daring, try this: add a sprinkle of sugar between coats of slightly wet nail polish. Gorgeous texture, no cost!

Tip: Be sure to wipe of your nailpolish brush in between coats so as not to get sugar in the polish bottle.

Find: The Vancouver 2010 Olympic Mascots

I love the Vancouver 2010 mascots! Sumi, Miga and Quatchi represent various facets of Canada in the most darling way possible, and pay homage to the history and legends of the First Nations -- the indigenous peoples of Canada.

Sumi is an animal spirit who represents the mountains and loves to ski. Miga is a sea bear who represents coastal Vancouver and loves to snow board and surf. Finally Quatchi is a young sasquatch representing the Canadian forests and whose passion is hockey.

I'm crushing on all the Olympic Mascot wearables, found in the Official Vancouver 2010 Olympic Store. Choose from fuzzy slippers, an embroidered luggage tag or a mascot tote bag...even though the items are supposedly for children, they are playful enough to pull off a la Hello Kitty. But, if you're more adult-minded, maybe go for a simple key chain to show your Olympic Mascot spirit.

Tip: Puffy Eyes Be Gone!

If you've had a party-hard weekend, pulled a late night for work or had a crying jag, chances are you've encountered puffy eyes. No one likes to walk in looking tired and worn, so try this easy tip for puffy eye relief.

Tea bags. Seriously!

First, steep two tea bags for a few minutes, then set aside until they're cool to the touch. Relax on the couch for ten minutes with the tea bags placed over the puffy skin under your eyes and let them do their magic. Green tea is best, since the antioxidants are wonderful for reducing inflammation, but any tea bags will do. Tea bags are also wonderful for reducing redness if your skin is looking a bit irritated.

Why does this work? Without giving a long science lesson, tea contains tannins, and tannins work with the protein molecules in our skin to tighten them...thereby relieving puffy eyes.

Trend: Watercolor Prints

Channel your inner Monet this spring with a beautiful watercolor print. Seen on the runways of Michel Kors and Cynthia Rowley among others, watercolor prints offer a subtle wash of color that gives leeway to more interesting shapes and styles for blouses, dresses and skirts.

I'm digging this blueish grey printed trapeze dress from Martin + Osa. Not only is it on sale right now for $69.95, but it easily can be worn now with a cardi or jacket thrown over it, and transition nicely into warmer temps later in the season.

 

Watercolor Print Trapeze Dress

Martin + Osa

Trend: Polka Dot Madness

I'm longing for cheerful, colorful clothes to help break up the monotony of this cold, snowy winter. Good thing polka dots are on the menu of Spring 2010 trends. Whether a dress, skirt, shirt, lingerie or even in a trendsetting jumper, polka dots are everywhere. If you spring (no pun intended) for a cute dress now, layer a solid sweater over the dress and belt it for a versatile, super-cute look that carries from winter to spring. I'm loving the Polka Dot Cindy Dress by Motel**.

Polka Dot Cindy Dress

Available at TopShop (US)

Trend: The Scarlet Jacket

With my love of all things red, I'm thrilled to see scarlet jackets storming Spring 2010 runways. The beauty of scarlet is that most people can find some shade that's flattering to their complexion, their hair (even redheads!) and their personal taste. Scarlet is a nice twist to the more sedate colors of winter, and will add welcome pop of brightness to your spring wardrobe.  My fave so far this season is Jack by BB Dakota. Tall collar, buckles and all kinds of springtime sass...perfect for women like us.

From Modcloth.com