Meet the Parents

There are plenty of things to love about the holidays. For one thing, it's the only time of year when it's appropriate, if not expected, to eat until you want to hurl and spend days on end in your sweat pants. (Don't pretend you don't do that. We all know you do.) The holidays are also a time of gift-giving and receiving, family and friend togetherness and general love and good cheer, which are causes I think we all can, and should, get behind.

But, there is also one holiday tradition that strikes fear into the hearts and men and women everywhere. That causes sleepless nights, cardiac and respiratory distress, sometimes even weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth. I am speaking, of course, of Meeting The Parents.

Ah yes, that age-old holiday tradition of being dragged, kicking and screaming perhaps, to the family homestead of the one you love, to be subjected to pinching by aunts, taunting by nieces and nephews, leering by grandpas and endless questions about your family plan. (Full disclosure: I have never actually been through this process myself, so I am mostly guessing here, but I think this sounds about right.)

While we can't be there for moral support at the Thanksgiving table, we can direct you to this little piece from Glamour Fashion, chock-full of tips to help you dress for success whatever the family occasion might be. I wish you all the best.

Already been there, done that?

Tell us about meeting your future family for the first time, and what wardrobe piece got you through.

And The Winner Is...

The votes have been counted and counted again. And again. All the entries were worthy and wonderful and did Shabby Apple proud. The contest was won by a nose. (That's why all the counting.) And so, after all that counting, I am pleased (and confident) to announce that the winner is...





(Is the suspense killing you?)





... Time Square Countdown!

Congratulations to Mrs. Jones and her beautiful creation, which will now be part of the Shabby Apple vignette section. Forever and ever. Mrs. Jones will also be the proud owner of the Times Square vignette. If only that lame-o ex-boyfriend could see you now!



(Mrs. Jones, leave your e-mail address in the comments section below and we'll hook you up. Congrats again!)



And, to everyone else who found us through this contest, stick around! There is plenty of fashion advice, product introductions and alarming wit, not to mention many more contests to come. You won't be sorry!

Recount

It is way past my bedtime (and I mean way past) and I am still counting votes. The contest is down to two super-duper close finalists, and I think I need to call in reinforcements to quadruple-check my numbers. (Does any of this sound familiar? Sorry, Ted Stevens.)

So, hopefully we'll have a winner announced by Friday morning. Rest assured that all sneaky double votes will be eliminated (and don't try that again, OK?) and for those of you who had trouble with the comments section and e-mailed in your votes, not to worry. They have been counted as well.

Can you stand the suspense a little longer? I hope so, because you'll have to. But, we probably won't have to call in the Supreme Court on this one, so that's good news.

A TAD Much

Let's do a little exercise. (Not jogging. Everyone calm down.) Open your closet and tell me what you see. You probably see some sensible stand-bys (the perfect pair of black pants, that well-fitting white collared shirt, a nice jacket or two), as well as some of your favorite pieces, the ones that are just "you." But what about everything else? What about that pink motorcycle jacket you only wore once? Those outrageous shoes with the six inch heel that you can't even walk in? That boho-chic tunic that was only in for one season?

The evidence is all around, if you look for it. You might be suffering from TAD: Trend-Addiction Disorder.

Trend- Addiction Disorder is not a victimless crime. It fills our closets and empties our bank accounts. And it turns our inner fashionista into a walking fashion faux pas. Your mom and her friends are giving you those weird looks for a reason. Let's leave dressing like Hannah Montana to the tweens, shall we?

The good news is, TAD has a relatively easy treatment. Recovery can be quick and complete. Just follow these few, simple rules.

1. Buy good quality (and sometimes that means expensive) basics.

The importance of nice basics cannot be overstated. Invest in staples such as nice black and brown pants, flattering suit skirts and well-fitting white button-up shirts.

2. Only buy one to three trendy items each season.

More than that and you won't have enough time to wear them before they go out of style.

3. Never, ever, ever buy trends that don't look good on you. (Did I mention never?)

It doesn't matter how good skinny jeans look on someone else, or how cool they are, if they don't look good on you, stay away! (They look awful on me, by the way, so you are in good company.) And the same goes for any other trend.

4. Cut down on impulse buying.

Write a list of the basics that you need. If you still have your heart set on a trendy item after that, think about it for at least two weeks and then buy it. (If you still want it, of course.)

5. Wear only one really trendy piece at a time.

The quickest way to look like you're in junior high is to pair your long scarf with your sequined shirt and huge metal earrings while carrying your favorite studded bag. Narrowing it down draws attention to the trend you choose, and gives everyone around you 

a little room to breathe.

The most important thing is to wear what looks best on you, not what everyone else is wearing. You'll look and feel better, and your closet and credit rating will thank you.

Are you recovering from TAD?

What trendy purchase do you wish you could take back?

The Final Five

{Editor's note: I was in such a hurry to get our finalists up on time, and there were so many great submissions to go through, that I left out the stories that accompany each vignette. They have now been added, for your reading pleasure! If you want to go back and change your vote, go into the comments section, delete your original comment, and put up a new one. And please remember, one vote per person! Good luck, everyone!}

Have any of you ever watched that wonder of science fiction television, "Battlestar Galactica"? I only ask because in the third season there is a race to reveal "The Final Five," those five characters masquerading as people, but who are really robots bent on destroying humankind. I am not suggesting that any of you are robots disguised as humans, but I am suggesting that our own revelation of The Final Five is just as exciting!

Before I make the big announcement, though, let me give everyone an enormous pat on the back. Every submission was creative and wonderful. I loved reading about your stories and your lives, and it was a near-impossible task to narrow down so many entries to The Final Five. I did my best.

So...

Drum roll please...

Here they are!

Springtime and Snowing

The Story: "Yep, I live in Cheyenne, WY, where the wind blows 365 days a year and spring comes in with a blizzard! Here's how I would dress to celebrate it's arrival."



{ Editor's note: Due to some technology glitches, the shoes were inadvertently left off the next vignette, Venetian Stroll. It also includes the Power shoes in red. My bad. I am not so good with these new-fangled computer things.}

Venetian Stroll

The Story: "Who doesn't want to go on a Mediterranean Cruise? (Especially young mothers who deserve it, right?) I personally haven't ever been on a cruise, but I've been extended the possibility of going on this cruise next year, and would love, love, love to get this dress to make the experience a real dream! How fun would it be to sport this as you stroll around Venice, browsing at all the little shops? Fantastica!"

Times Square Countdown

The Story: "The story behind this ensemble started with an 18-month relationship with a former boyfriend that was terminated via e-mail. Yes, you read that right. I was dumped via e-mail. I moved to New York shortly thereafter to do a Pilates apprenticeship and lived there for four months. I didn't turn to prescription drugs, junk food, heavy partying and alcohol, or romantic comedies (not that romantic comedies aren't a good launching point for recuperating your self-esteem after a lousy break-up. I turned to fine clothing, shoes and accessories-- things that enhanced and empowered me. Had Shabby Apple been an option then, this is EXACTLY what I would have bought. This vignette describes my search in getting little pieces of my soul back. You put on a dress like this and you KNOW you're worth an in-person break-up."

Executive Decision

The Story: "I'm a very important person. People envy my profession. It is both time consuming and world changing. At times it's exhausting but always rewarding. Salary.com says I am worth $138,095. And you better believe I earn every last penny! I am a mother of two beautiful baby girls. I am forced to make Executive Decisions from sun up to sun down. Mac 'n'  Cheese or Turkey Sandwiches. Dora the Explorer or Little Einsteins. Play at the Park or Read at the Library. Bath Time or Snuggle Time. Go Grocery Shopping or Window Shopping. Hugs or Kisses. Laundry or Blogging. Homemade Dinner or Take Out. Clean up House or Play House. To me this dress screams Domestic Empowerment! Who says you can't vacuum in high heels?"

A Day At The Races

The Story: "This is my favorite vignette I put together. It reminds me of something I would have worn to those olden day horse races with a big brimmed hat and gloves."

And now, the next part of your job begins! Hop down to the comments section below and cast a vote for your favorite vignette. Bring your friends and family and ask them to vote for your favorite, too. (One vote per person, please!) Voting will close on Wednesday, November 19th, at 10p.m. MST. I'll announce the lucky lady the following morning.

So, what are you waiting for?

Vote!

Closing Time

Well, I am speechless. (Except, not really, because I am going to keep going here.) 

We are simply thrilled at the response to our vignette contest, and I can't wait to curl up with your creations. I can already tell it is going to be hard to narrow this down!

For those of you still wanting to join in, do it! But do it fast. The contest will officially close today, Monday, November 10th, at 7p.m. MST. (That's Mountain Standard Time.)

I'll have the five finalists up by the end of the day Wednesday, and then the second most important voting event of this month can begin! Good luck to everyone! And may the best vignette win.

Coats on Top

The first snow flew here in Utah earlier this week, and I think it is safe to say winter has arrived. There are very few things I like about winter. Hot chocolate and staying inside watching TV online are some of them. Also, finding money in the pockets of winter clothes I haven't worn in months is always a bonus. (I found $6 this week. Score!) And, I am not ashamed to confess a deep and abiding love of winter coats. I actually get pretty excited to break my wool and down outerwear out of storage. So, whether you love winter or not, here are some tips to help you pick a coat that will keep you happy all the cold season long.

Before You Buy

Before you even start looking for a new winter coat, there are a few questions you should answer.

How much money do you want to spend? A winter coat is worth investing a little cash, since you'll probably be wearing it for many seasons to come, but coats come in a variety of prices, so set a budget and only look at coats within that range.

What level of warmth will be necessary? Do you walk a lot in the winter? Drive? Take public transportation? Determining how much time you spend outside in the winter months will help you decide how warm your coat needs to be.

What function will the coat fulfill? Are you looking for a casual coat or a career coat? A coat you can ski in or a coat you can wear on a date? (Unless you are going on a ski date. I don't do such things, so I have no advice for you there.)

Will this be your only coat or will you be able to have more than one? If your budget, and your closet, can accommodate more than one winter coat, you can go for one traditional selection and one more funky and fun. If you're just getting one winter coat, versatility is best. Ideally, every wardrobe should have an outwear coat and a knee-length coat.

Have a Looksie

You'll want to start in stores that have a decent coat selection. Department stores and other large clothing retailers should have a wide variety of styles and colors. Look for coats that are high-quality fabrics, with lining that is thick but not bulky. Other extras to look for include inner pockets, fleece hand pockets and hoods for extra warmth.

The length of your new winter coat will be determined largely by its end use, but choosing a coat length that is flattering to your body type is also crucial. If you're tall, you can generally handle any silhouette. Just make sure knee-length coats are not too short, and hit just at the top of the knee. If you have wide hips, tailored, straight lines are the most flattering. Stay away from wide-belted silhouettes and full skirts. Three-quarter length jackets are better than short jackets, which tend to cut your body right in half. (If it's a magic show, cutting your body in half is pretty cool. If it's fashion, not that cool.) The same advice holds if you're short. Also, be sure that longer coats hit right at your knee. Coats that are too long can overwhelm smaller frames. If you have a large bust you want to minimize, share the wealth! Also, stay away from puffy, short jackets that accentuate the upper torso, and baby doll and empire styles that add volume from the bust down.

Also, this might seem like a no-brainer, but be sure to actually try on the coat before you buy it. It should not feel bulky, and you should be able to zip it up or button it easily. If you're going with a more fitted style, be sure there is still plenty of room for layers underneath.

Trends on Top

For those of you looking for a slighly edgier winter look, here are some hot trends warming up this season. (Get it? Hot trends? Warming up? I know, the wit is overwhelming.) Anyway. Back to hot trends.

Colors that Pop: Everyone needs a neutral and versatile winter coat, but bright colors are in this season in a big way. Look for rich shades of red and purple with berry variations, including raspberry, blueberry and shades of pink and maroon. Solid colors still allow for some versatility and bold accessorizing.

Biker Chic: This might not be a very good option for our vegan friends (sorry, Natalie Portman), but leather jackets are everywhere this season. Pair a biker jacket with feminine, floral prints for a little contrast, or throw it over a turtleneck sweater and add some leather boots for an all-day weekend outfit.

Details, Details, Details: Dramatic detailing around the sleeves and collar spices up even a simple style or color. One of the most frequently used fabrics for detailing is fur (or faux fur for our animal loving friends), for oversized fur cuffs and collars. High, face-framing architectural colllars will also keep you warm and stylish. Other details to watch for include big buttons, large yokes or lapels, cowl necks and other statement collars, belts and piping.




Military Might: The military jacket trend started several seasons ago, but it still going strong. The clean and polished look of these coats means they can be worn anywhere from the office to a night out on the town. Keep your eyes peeled for well-cut coats in dark, rich fabrics with brass buttons, braiding and other interesting detailing. Salute!

Who else is excited to bundle up?

Tell us about the winter coat feature that keeps you happy all winter long.

The Clock is Ticking (Contest Update)

I must say, my dear and loyal Shabby Apple friends, you have outdone yourselves again! The response to our Win a Vignette contest has been truly overwhelming! So much so that I am closing the contest a little earlier than anticipated. If you haven't posted your masterpiece yet, get on it!

The rules are the same: put together an outfit, using a dress, bag, shoes and any other accessories from the Shabby Apple Web site. Give your ensemble a name and tell us why you chose it. Post your ensemble and your story on your blog. And, this part is important! You MUST include a link to Shabby Apple in your post as well. Then leave a link to your blog in the comments section of the original contest post. I'll visit everyone's blog, chose five finalists and you get to choose the winner! I know, it's a pretty awesome contest. So get in there!

Here's what's different. The contest will now be closing one week from today, on Monday, Nov. 10. So, time is running out. Come on now! Show us what you've got!