Kate Minus 8 Style Points

H,

I was initially full of disbelief when I read in the tabloids that Kate Gosselin's (of “Jon and Kate Plus 8” fame) hair dresser was receiving phone calls from other hair dressers around the country hoping to emulate her do. 

Kate Gosselin

In the last few weeks, though, I've seen the spiky reverse mullet on women everywhere.  At the airport, in the grocery stores, on the beach--everywhere!  I'm beginning to think of it less like a severe motherly hairdo and more like the hairstyle of strong and fashion-forward women. 

What do you think H?  Is the Kate Gosselin look more of a hair-do or more of a hair-don't? 

Traumatized by the Tresses

 

 

Tresses,

Kate Gosselin’s haircut is definitely a HAIR-DON’T.  The women you see beginning to sport her ‘do are the same ones that support her exploitation of her children for money and tabloid fame.  She is not a maternal role model; nor should she be a style role model.

Stepping down from my soapbox now, I have a recommendation if you are hell-bent on hacking off your hair: the short style seen below on Sienna Miller is more sophisticated, runway-worthy take on the longer-in-the-front crop.

Sienna Miller

Always hair for your style needs,

H*

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Gifts for the Future In-Laws

Dear H,
I'm going to visit my boyfriend's parents for the first time. I've met them before, but this will be the first time I'm staying at their house, so I'd like to bring them a gift. I'm flying across the country, so it needs to be something easily transportable (and non-perishable, of course). Any ideas for a thoughtful, appropriate gift?

Thanks,

Meet the Parents

Meet,

Ahhh, the hospitality gift for the significant other's folks; probably the trickiest of presents to figure out.  You could bring wine, but they may not be drinkers.  You could bring flowers or other plantlife, but there may be an allergy. Tchotchkes?? Always a no-no.

Here are a few non-perishable, easily transportable suggestions for you:

1.)  A reusable tote bag.

No gift is better than a useful gift (see the monogrammed branding iron I mentioned in an earlier post).  Most Baby Boomers are now going green and bringing reusable totes for their errands.  You can pick one up at grocery stores like Whole Foods and Trader Joe's, and most other home stores are selling clever versions as well.  Or, try a local museum or landmark in your city--chances are they will have totes in their gift shops as well.   One with a local or personal touch will help remind the future in-laws of your thoughtfulness. Even if the parents are not yet using ecofriendly shopping totes, this will show them that you care about the environment (and by association, their son). You can even personalize the gift a bit by throwing a few of your favorite recipes or some clever kitchen gadgets into the tote bag. 

2.) A framed picture of you and your boyfriend.

This may be the ultimate "duh" idea, but believe me, it's a parent-pleaser.  Is it unique?  Not particularly. Is it stylish? Sure, if you pick a good frame.  However, I'm willing to bet your boyfriend has not given or shown his parents any pictures of you two, much less one that is printed out and framed.  His father may not care much for the sentiment, but you will forever be in his mother's graces.  (Bonus points if you can get a picture with the parents in it from a time you previously met them)

3.) A special candy or chocolate.

"Edible" is another classification of host/hostess gift that never fails.  A nice set of candies or chocolates will travel well and are non-perishable.  Is there a local confectioner that is particularly well-known? Or, channel your inner Martha Stweart and try making your own candy.  Keep in mind that the candy should be from a specialty shop or homemade by you--Hershey's Kisses won't cut it here. 

(A note about edible goods:  If there is a local shop that is well-known regionally or nationally for their food, perishable or not, they are usually willing to ship their products.  This may be a great option if there is something local to you that you'd like to share with the parents that you can't bring on the plane.)

I've shared with you three options that a practical, thoughtful, and/or edible.  Hopefully, if you don't use these, they inspire another great idea!

Good Luck,

H*

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Until next week...

Beachy Keen Cover-ups

Dear H,

I am so excited for my beach vacation this month, but my skin doesn't take well to the sun. Can you give me some guidance for covering up head-to-toe? Emphasis on style, please; I don't want to be labelled the beach freak.

Thanks!

Shade Seeker

Shade,

While I ascribe to the minimal-SPF/maximum-skin-exposure philosophy in summer, I understand that not everyone enjoys the beach for the sun. You can still enjoy the warm sand on your feet, soothing sound of the waves...boy, do I wish I was at the beach.

Regardless, here are some stylish ways for covering up and avoiding the burn, but still remaining beach-trendy.

Hat: Raffia Wide-Brim Hat, from Proper Topper, $70

I love the drama of the pattern in this hat, and the raffia gives it structure to standup to beach breezes while still allowing your head to breathe. It's pricey, but a good investment, and will certainly be a showstopper. For a cheaper option, Proper Topper has an array of beach-specific headwear for less than $70 as well.

Sunglasses: Large White Round Sunglasses, at Target, $16.99

A hat with that drama needs a pair of equally Hollywood-worthy shades. These white shades (from Target no less) are a steal and totally beach-appropriate. They are large enough to shade you from the sun, but the white frame lightens them up for the beach. And for the truly sun-sensitive, they have maximum UV protection, all for just under $17.

Coverup: Solid Halter Maxi Dress, from Victoria's Secret, $95

A solid swimsuit and cover-up in an earthy tone would really complement the statement made by the hat and sunglasses. You are lucky that full length maxi dresses are in style, which will give your legs full coverage. Try this cover-up from Victoria's Secret which comes in a variety of beachy, earthy tones: I like seagrass.

If you are more concerned about arm protection, try a caftan style cover-up, or invest in a large, sturdy beach unbrella.

Note that a good heavy duty sunscreen is necessary no matter how covered up you may be, but as my expertise in that area does not go beyond olive oil, check out Real Simple's road test of sunscreens for some good suggestions for slathering some on.

And if all else fails, you can always dig yourself into the sand!

To endless summer,

H*

Readers, how do you stand up to the sun? Leave a comment.

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Veggie-Friendly BBQ Recipes

Dear H,

This 4th of July, I’ve been invited to a 100% meat-themed barbeque. The only problem: I’m a vegetarian! Any ideas for some veggie-friendly dishes I can bring to throw on the grill and share with the group?

Thanks!
Boneless BBQer


Boneless,

Ahh, the perpetual dilemma of the vegetarian in summer. You could take the easy route and just bring some frozen veggie burgers to slap on the coals, but it is highly unlikely you’ll have success sharing, as they are not nearly as delicious as the all-mighty beef burger.

Here are two recipes you can make for yourself—one for sharing, and one just for you!

For Sharing: Edamame Succotash

So, I won’t beat around the bush—this recipe is straight from Whole Foods. But it is such a update on traditional lima bean-based succotash (not tasty), I had to try it for myself. Luckily, Whole Foods shares its recipe, which I’ve shared with you below. My twist: The mix is missing some crunch, so I would add in some crushed walnuts, candied pecans, or slivered almonds.

Ingredients
2 (4 ounce) packages gourmet mushroom blend, coarsely chopped
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Sea salt, to taste
Ground pepper, to taste
1 (16 ounce) package Edamame soy beans, thawed
2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels, thawed
1 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup roasted red peppers, diced
Dressing
2 tablespoons Thai sweet red chili sauce
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon Thai red curry paste
2 tablespoons mirin
1 1/2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
Method
Sauté mushrooms over medium-high heat in olive oil with salt and pepper for 7 to 8 minutes or until mushrooms give up their liquid. Place edamame and corn in a large serving bowl. Add hot cooked mushrooms, cranberries and peppers. Make dressing by whisking together Thai sweet red chili sauce, Thai red curry paste, mirin, and toasted seame oil. Gently toss together and adjust seasoning to taste.


Not For Sharing: Ellie’s Super-Easy Tofu Kabobs

My vegetarian friend Ellie made these last night along with some chicken kabobs, and they were a hit….for her. While everyone else reached for the chicken, she chomped on her own teriyaki-flavored tofu feast. These kabobs are advantageous because a.) they are delicious, and b.) no non-vegetarians would spring for the tofu, even if it does look delicious (I know from experience).

Here is the recipe, straight from the source:


Ingredients
Tofu (get extra firm or it will fall apart!)
Rainbow peppers (green orange yellow red)
Mushrooms (best are whole baby bellas/criminis. Sliced tend to fall apart)
Red onion
Pineapple
Your favorite bottled teriyaki marinade
Method
Brush the tofu and peppers in the marinade. The mushrooms could soak in it for a little while before grilling, but most veggies shouldn’t in general marinate for very long. Assemble the kabobs by alternating ingredients, just don’t put the yellow peppers next to the pineapple! Spray the grill first, or the tofu will stick. Cook for 10 minutes on each side, or until the veggies appear done.

Bon Appetit!
H*




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Wedding Party Gift Guide

Dear H,

My wedding is coming up in July and I have almost everything prepared.  The one detail I am stuck on is what to get our bridesmaids and groomsmen.  We have a small wedding party- all of whom are family members.  Therefore, I am definitely willing to splurge on these gifts.  I received a beautiful home made box filled with goodies from my sister when I was in her wedding that obviously took her a long time to make.  It has been a wonderful keepsake- I feel I have big bridal shoes to fill.  I want the gifts to be personalized but I am hesitant to take on a large project. My time is very limited, since I have already spent most of it brainstorming ideas, only to come up with the cliche monogrammed jewelry boxes and cuff links.  What gifts would be very unique and thoughtful?

Yours in York

 

York,

First: congratulations!  Both for your upcoming nuptials and also for seemingly handling all of the wedding details, big and small, with so much thought.  It is rare to find a bride who is not scrambling for a last minute gift for the wedding party. 

I’ve got several ideas for thoughtful gifts for your bridesmaids and groomsmen that don’t require you to be crafty and involve minimal monogramming.  I’ve included three options below—one that is traditional and two that are a bit more fun!

Traditional Bridesmaid/Groomsmen Gifts:  Vintage Scarves, Ties, or Pocket Squares

Vintage gifts are great because they can be as unique and customized as you'd like them to be.  You can get scarves and ties or pocket squares for all of your bridesmaids and groomsmen, but also customize the pattern or colors of each to fit each person’s personality.  If you have time to scour vintage clothing stores or consignment shops, you’ll have better control over the selection and quality.  Otherwise, there are plenty of online options:  eBay, Goodwill, and even The Vintage Scarf!  

Fun Bridesmaid Gift:  Forget-Me-Not Rings

This is a fun twist on an old wives’ tale (or a young wife’s tale, in your case!):  give your ladies this ring as a way for them to always remember your special day and their role in it.  These whimsical knot rings come in gold, silver, and even red:

Forget-Me-Not Rings, UncommonGoods.com, $48-198

Fun Groomsman Gift:  Monogrammed Steak Brand

If your fiance’s groomsmen are real “guy’s guys,” a personalized branding iron is a great gift.  Men don’t want keepsakes and trinkets; they want almost-useless-but-strangely-awesome gadgets, and this definitely qualifies in the latter category.  While it is by no means an essential grill tool, every man would would welcome the ability to show off a perfectly grilled steak branded with his initials.  This set from Williams-Sonoma also comes with a “branded” carving board—perhaps the most manly form of monogramming I’ve seen.

Williams-Sonoma Monogrammed Steak Brand and Carving Board, $69.95

If you want to up the ante a bit, throw in some meat with the gift as well—it may not last forever but it will always be remembered (“Dude, my buddy gave me steak for being a groomsman!”)  With the growing trend of local and sustainable food, you should be able to find local suppliers that can make home deliveries to the guys;  otherwise, Omaha Steaks is a decent option.

Hopefully your wedding party will enjoy your big day and their mementos by which to remember it!

Cheers,

H*

 Readers, what is the best or worst gift you've been given for being in a wedding? Leave a comment.

Salute to Sangria

Dear H,

Flag Day is fast approaching and I'm already gathering enthusiasm for Independence Day.  I've spent years trying to perfect the vodka watermelon and once cleverly tried to layer red, white, and blue alcohol infused Jello into a mold; both of these things caused much mess and disappointment (though my brother and his college friends were suitably impressed). 

I had thought about a big pitcher of Pimm's lemonade, but a British drink will never do for the Fourth of July.  Do you have any suggestions for a properly American beverage that appeals to a more adult crowd this summer? 

Cheers!

Allegiance to Alcohol        

 

Allegiance,

If you want a properly American beverage, providing a variety of craft beers would make for a fun July 4^th.  However, it seems you are looking for something sweeter, and I’ve got an idea that may not be purely American, but will be just as patriotic.

Sangria is a great summer beverage to serve a crowd, and although the drink originated in Spain, the Spanish-American War wasn’t until over a century after the first Independence Day, so you’re in the clear.  

Here are three recipes for a red, white, and even a blue! sangria:

 

Red Sangria:

(I love that this one incorporates green apples for tartness and some color)

3/4 cup simple syrup, equal parts sugar and water

2 bottles red wine

3/4 cup brandy

1/2 cup triple sec

3/4 cup orange juice

2 oranges, sliced into thin round

2 green apples, cored and sliced thin

2 lemons, sliced into thin rounds

Boil water + pour over sugar to dissolve. Cool. Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher and refrigerate, covered, 2 hours or up to 2 days. Serve over ice.

Credit:  Bobby Flay

 

White Sangria

(I like my white sangria full of the sweetness of peaches, like a bellini)

1 Bottle of white wine  (H says a “big” bottle, 1.5 L)

1/2 cup Peach Schnapps

1/4 to 1/2 cup sugar (depending on how sweet you prefer your Sangria)

2 sliced peaches (frozen peach slices work well)

1 sliced orange

1/2 mango peeled and sliced

1/2 liter of ginger ale

Pour wine and Schnapps in the pitcher and add sliced peach, orange, and mango. Next add sugar and stir gently. Chill mixture for at least one hour. Add ginger ale or club soda just before serving.

Credit: About.com

 

Blue Sangria

(There are plenty of recipes that call for blue curacao as the pigment, but I came up with this recipe that uses natural ingredients.  It will produce more of a purple color, so if you are dying for a bright blue tint, sub in the curacao for  the blueberry vodka)

To make Blueberry/Blackberry Simple Syrup:  Warm 1 cup of sugar, 2 cups of water, and a ¼ cup each of blueberries and blackberries  over medium-high heat, until sugar dissolves, about 5-6 minutes.

1 Cup Blueberry/Blackberry Simple Syrup

2 Bottles of white wine or a light-bodied red wine (such as a pinot noir)

1 Cup blueberry vodka

1 package blueberries

1 Package Blackberries

Juice of  2 lemons

1 lemon, sliced

Seltzer to taste

Muddle half of the package of blueberries and half of the Blackberries in the bottom of a pitcher with a wooden spoon.  Pour in the simple syrup, wine, vodka, and lemon juice and stir to mix.  If it is too sweet, add seltzer to taste. Chill mixture for at least one hour.  Garnish each glass of sangria with some of the berries and lemon slices.

 

Doing a dry run on Flag Day will ensure you'll perfect them in time for a great 4^th!

 

Cheers,

H*

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Gifting the Bridal Boss

Dear H, 

My boss is getting married next week, and I need to get her a present from the whole team. I want it to be something more fun than her registry (flatware and steak knives are boring), but it should be at least slightly work-appropriate.  She's pretty classy, loves to drink, and everything that involves eating. I actually have some budget for this since it's coming from the whole team, and I need to get something soon. Ideas??

Berzerk at Work

Berzerk,

If the bride is changing her last name, stationery is a fabulous gift that is classy and work-appropriate.  When a good friend of mine got married last summer, my gift to her was a set of personal calling cards:  her first with her new name.  I worked with Felix Doolittle, a stationer out of Newton, Mass., and they did a great job accommodating my needs.   Felix Doolittle has a variety of personalized stationery that you can customize with various motifs, such as food or flowers.  I also love their personalized bakers' labels, which might be great for your boss if she's good in the kitchen:

Felix Doolittle Personalized Bakers' Labels, $40 for a set of 25

Speaking of the kitchen, if you think stationery is still too traditional of a bridal gift, another option might be to gift the bride with a set of cooking classes.  These will certainly come in handy;  home cooking has become so sophisticated of late that even an expert chef would enjoy picking up some advanced tips, and her new spouse will certainly appreciate her for it! There is likely to be a culinary school, caterer, or chef in your area that offers personal classes in a test kitchen or in the bride's home.  If not, kitchen retailers such as Williams-Sonoma and Sur la Table offer in-store classes, and they may be able to point you toward other local options. 

Do you take these suggestions to be your gift idea?

I do,

H*

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Getting Ironed Out

Dear H,

I've been doing a lot of traveling for work recently and my suits always get wrinkled when packed in my suitcase. Please tell me there's some way to avoid this -- I hate having to iron them once I get to the hotel!

Thanks!

Weary of Wrinkles

 

Wrinkles,

The way I see it, you have three options.

Option #1:  Invest in a Garment Bag

Garment bags are designed to transport suits, and also make you look more professional when traveling for work.  Also, they work well as carry-on bags so you don’t have to worry about checking your bag (and possibly losing your suit!)

You can pick up a garment bag at any specialized luggage shop or department store, but I usually buy my luggage from a discount store like Marshall’s, where they sell designer luggage for discount prices.  I got a great Kipling suitcase from Marshall’s last year, though buyer beware:  those stores can be hit-or-miss.

 

Option #2:  Pack Like You Buy

If you absolutely must pack your suit in a suitcase, keep in mind the way clothes are packaged when you buy them; at many stores, they are wrapped in tissue or placed in a plastic garment bag.  Do the same when packing your suit:  use tissue paper as padding when folding your suit, or put the suit on a hanger in a dry cleaning bag before packing. 

 

Option #3:  Wear It

The most foolproof option is to wear your suit on the plane.  Don’t want to look all-business?  Pack the pants and wear the suitcoat with jeans.  The coat is the more difficult piece to de-wrinkle; the pants you can simply iron when you get to your hotel. 

If it were me, I’d pick my battles:  pair the blazer with jeans for the trip, and settle with having to iron the pants.

 

Troubleshooting: Still Left with a Wrinkled Suit?

If you've followed my sage advice, but still have some wrinkles, create a makeshift steamer with the hotel iron.  Hang the suitcoat on a hanger and fill the iron with water.  Holding the iron a few inches from the coat, press the steam button to release wrinkles without applying pressure.  Never put the iron directly on the suit!

 

Hope this saves a wrinkle in time,

H*

 

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Interview Attire

H,

Help!  Everyone knows the state of the economy these days is anything but good, which means a lot of people are finding themselves jobless.  That being said, all those people are on the hunt for a new job and going on countless interviews.  Aside from having a standout resume and sparkling personality, how can I dress to impress new potential employers. 

Signed,

For Hire

 

For Hire,

Just because we are in a recession economy does not mean you can get away with Dust Bowl attire in your interviews.

John Vachon, “Unemployed men who ride the freight trains from Omaha to Kansas City and St. Louis and back,” 1938

 

For the men:

Times may change, but proper interview attire does not:  a suit, tie, and starched and iron shirt are the keys to success.  There are styles and trends that come and go in suiting (two buttons versus four, thin versus thick lapels), but I am a believer in wearing whichever suit makes you look, and feel, confident.  This confidence will radiate during your interviews.

Though the suit is non-negotiable, there are ways you can express yourself and provide a conversation starter.  Vineyard Vines has made expressive ties popular while still being tasteful, and other brands are picking up on this trend.  As long it is not too loud of a pattern, your tie is a great way for your interviewer to pick up on your favorite sport, vacation spot, or alma mater, and makes for a relaxed way to break the ice.

If you are a French cuff guy, you can use cufflinks to express yourself also, and many department stores now carry unique designs, such as these poker chips below.

Poker Chip Cufflinks, by Juicy Couture, on sale for $61.90

 

For the ladies:

The rule of thumb, especially for banking interviews, used to be a conservative skirt suit for interviews.  Well I say you can throw a banking job out the window in this economy, and your skirt suit along with it.

Pant suits are significantly more comfortable to wear (at least for me) and make for a longer, leaner, more powerful look, especially in a male-dominated business world.  In fact, finish the look with your highest heel possible.  Height is key in conveying a powerful and confident first impression.  (Tip: with high heels, you still need to ensure your pant hemline grazes the ground, so bring the pumps with you when you get the pants hemmed.)

Unless the culture of the company for which you are interviewing is quite conservative, a fashionable and slightly more daring woman can feel free to throw the suit away all together.  We can thank power-women like our first lady, Michelle Obama, for pushing the envelope of daytime style yet making shifts and cardigans just as classy as traditional suits.  You rarely see Mrs. Obama in a matching suit, and today’s women should feel free to follow this trend in their  interviews and the workplace.

First Lady Michelle Obama in Vogue magazine

 

But remember, ladies and gentlemen, unless you want to break into modeling, looks are only a small part of acing your interview. 

 

Good luck!

H*

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