Andra Naylor
Sometimes after shopping, even if I’ve only purchased from the sales racks, I feel a tiny bit guilty about buying more clothes. I’m not ashamed to admit that material things bring me joy, but having too many possessions makes me anxious. That’s why I have a habit of starting a bag for the Salvation Army when I arrive home from some serious shopping. It makes me feel better about my purchases to make room in my closet by passing on some items I haven’t worn in awhile.
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So in the spirit of get a little, give a little, I’ll follow each fabulous piece I tell you about in this column with a helpful tip for giving back
For example, Pedro Garcia footwear literally makes my heart sing. His shoes are a perfect mix of edgy and elegant – if he’s working in satin, he’ll fray the edges just so or finish a dainty pump in daring python. Pictured here: denim pump with pearls (on sale for $247.50 at shopbop.com) and champagne satin pump ($216 at bluefly.com). So if you choose to self-indulge, think about also donating a pair of gently worn shoes to soles4souls.org, an organization with a simple mission – impact as many lives as possible with the gift of shoes. Or read up on other ways you can help at soles4souls.org.*
Women have been lusting over cashmere for decades, now and I can’t say I rise above this cliché. Just yesterday I bought myself a cozy 100% cashmere wrap from Club Monaco that I’m pretty sure I’m going to live in. These sweaters are perfect for wrapping up in over your pjs (Velvet Asha Wrap, $187 at tobi.com) and complements office wear equally as well (Matthew Williamson oversized wrap, $1,200 at madisonlosangeles.com). To share the warmth, visit dotdigital.com for a list of opportunities to knit, sew and stitch for a good cause.
What I put on in the morning can really make or break a day for me. That’s why I rely heavily on day dresses – those stylish, but not to dressy frocks that are perfect for the office. This season’s faux two-piece dresses are a simple solution for work. I love Max & Cleo’s ruffled dress with metallic skirt ($178 at Nordstrom.com). Pair with a long cardigan and you’re ready for your day! Speaking of dresses, one of my favorite non-profits is the Glass Slipper Project, an organization that outfits high schoolers in Chicago with prom dresses and accessories. Read more at glassslipperproject.org and check back for 2009 information.
Because we spend most of our time in the workplace, I focus mostly on work-appropriate attire when shopping. BCBG has a great selection of mix and match pieces that form a stylish, modern suit. Pictured here: Ruffle Collar Jacket paired with black pants and blouse ($318, $208 and $178 respectively) and Wool Twill Jacket with coordinating skirt ($294 and $138 respectively). All pieces available at bcbg.com. To pass on the fashion karma, check out bottomlesscloset.org and dressforsuccess.org, which both provide women with professional clothing.
1. BCBG Ruffle Collar Jacket, Black Pants and Blouse
2. BCBG Wool Twill Jacket With Skirt
3. Velvet Asha Wrap Sweater
4. Max & Cleo’s Ruffled Dress
5. Matthew Williamson Oversized Wrap
6. Pedro Garcia Champagne Satin Pump
7. Pedro Garcia Denim Pump With Pearls
*Bring your gently worn shoes this month to Hubba Hubba 3309 N. Clark Street to benefit Soles4Souls or bring them to our shopping party with Hubba Hubba on Thursday, November 20 from 5-8pm. See our Events Calendar for details and to RSVP.