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!

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.

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: Grownup Tie-Dye

Your favorite hippy standard gets a grown-up makeover and will be appearing everywhere this spring. Tie-dye is back, looking sleeker and dressier than you remember...especially in the form of a trend-setting cocktail dress.

On the high end, this stunning halter dress from Lotta Stensson:

Dip Dye Sahara Dress in Peacock

from Couture Candy

 

On the budget-friendly end of the spectrum, there's this darling twist strap dress from Anne Klein that would look killer with a great pair of strappy heels (personally, I think the wedge heel is too casual for this dress): 

Tie-Dye Twist Strap Pleated Front Dress
from Anne Klein

Find: Fondly, to my fellow maladroits...

I give you the Bling Band Aid.

I assure you that for all my bumps, bruises, trips, cuts and scrapes, I should probably take out stock in Charles & Marie to offset how much I could spend on these cuties. Despite that, I think these would come in handy when you get a papercut on your pointer finger, five minutes before your big prezo.

 

Bling Band Aid

from Charles & Marie

Tip: Tonight! Fashion, Networking and Fun for $25

Not busy tonight? Then join me for an exclusive Bizwomen Cabinet event- Fashion and Fun!

TIME: 5:30pm - 7:30pm
WHERE: Iron Horse Restaurant, 40 Village Square, Cincinnati, OH 45246 

Enjoy networking, cocktails and appetizers at the historic Iron Horse Restaurant and enjoy an evening of Fashion and Fun with a special fashion show presented by Cincy Chic. Vendors include:
Bella Donna  
Tom James  by clothier Danielle Battaglia
Votre Vu  with Julena Bingaman
DeGroot Handbags

To register, email Amy Goodwin at agoodwin@bizjournals.com and tell her you are a guest of Amy Scalia (@cincychic) for the reduced ticket rate of $25 (typically $99). Walk-ins welcome.

Trend: Pinned Scarf

I've seen this trend pop up in Lucky magazine, in Glamour and now I'm seeing it in catalogs, so I'm convinced it's the real thing. Designers everywhere are showing scarves pinned with oversize brooches or pins. Simply find an oversized pin or brooch and match it to your scarf.

First, find a suitable scarf to use. I don't recommend satin or silk, as the pin will leave a permanent hole in the fabric, but cotton, poly-blend or knit should be fine. Wrap the scarf around your neck and either pin the ends in the front, or toss one end over your shoulder, leaving the other hanging in front. Pin it to secure it to your neck. Voila. I love the chic, Euro-French style of this trend, and I expect it to be hot, hot, hot this spring.

(from blackhousewhitemarket.com)

Tip: Cincinnati Boutique Sale Starts Tomorrow!

For every single fashionista I know, the start of the annual Cincinnati Boutique Sale is something akin to a national holiday. First there's the scramble to figure out where the sale is being held and how to get there. Then there's the rush to be the first in the door, so as to find the primo deals on designer merch. Finally, there's the elation when you score an amazing ensemble for a fraction of the cost, all while supporting local boutiques. Yes, holiday is very apropos...

Here are the deets for this year's sale:

Cincinnati Boutique Sale

January 29-31

The Old Circuit City Building on Ridge

(directions)

Special Fashion Happy Hour

Friday, January 29 from 5-7

at Pachinko in Covington

Since I'll be out of town juding the ADDYs in Michigan, I'd love it if you'd share any of your finds with me. I'll post them on the blog - whether you take modeling shots or you lay your new outfit out on a table and take a snap!

Find: Alice In Wonderland OPI Collection

In celebration of Tim Burton's highly anticipated new release, "Alice In Wonderland", OPI has released a whimsical collection of nailpolish shades inspired by the movie. The colors are as bold and imaginative as the movie, with reds, blues and glitter shades. Available individually, or as a mini kit. Off with her red!

Find: The Regard Ring

Valentine's Day is mere weeks away...aren't you looking forward to the 24-hour love fest? If you're expecting a ring this year, consider this alternative to the too safe friendship ring, or the too meaningful engagement ring. The Regard ring is the Victorian equivalent of an engagement ring, minus the stress and the $25,000 wedding. The Regard ring is comprised of six stones: Ruby, Emerald, Garnet, Amethyst, Ruby and Diamond (get it?) and is a token of love and commitment.

Another twist on this concept is the Dearest ring, except the stones used are Diamond Emerald Amethyst, Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire and Topaz. I prefer the Dearest ring, mostly because I adore Sapphires and Emeralds. Who said diamonds had to be a girl's best friend?

Check out the fabulous Regard and Dearest rings designed by the London Victorian Ring Company.

Trend: The Mittenberry

With the advent of touchscreen phones and the onset of winter, it's a true nuisance to have to take your gloves off to use your Droid or iPhone. Thanks to the geniuses at Mittenberry, you can now tweet, text and talk to your heart's content, . The little flip-top thumb frees you to do your thing, while keeping your fingers toasty warm. Order soon and you can get free shipping.

Thanks to @michellelentz aka Wine Girl for the tip!

Tip: The Shedding Sweater

We all have those sweaters that drive us nuts, leaving little pieces of yarn and lint all over coats, pants, car seats...everywhere. It's enough to wish for a lint roller in every room of your house and office. My friend Kat Woman of Steele (@katwomanofsteel) gave me this handy tip for dealing with the ever-shedding sweater:

"I have a tip (yes me!) that you may or may not know about re: big fuzzy angora sweaters that can shed like mad. Put it in a big zipped bag ziplock or garment or otherwise and freeze it for at least 24 hrs. It sounds crazy but it realllly works!"

Give it a shot and let me know if it works for you. And check out the new Share form on the blog...I'll share your fashion tips and finds too.

Trend: Ribbon-Accented Hair

From Glamour.com - 2010 Hair Trend Alert: the Ribbon-Accented ‘Do

Glamour is reporting that ribbon accented 'dos are the next big thing, and based on the high cuteness factor, I'd have to agree. Braid in a ribbon through your hair, or try twisting two pieces of hair together, running the ribbon through as you twist. There's no wrong way to run the ribbon through your hair, so have fun with it. For short hair, try braiding two small side braids through with ribbon, then pin them back with funky bobby pins. Voila!