Something's Afoot

Yesterday I stopped by Gap on 34th Street to check out Erica's look. Here's why I love the Gap on 34th: the gals are downstairs (more intimate, no fishbowl effect); the merchandise is well-organized and spaced (no claustrophobic bumping into Europeans); the bathroom is next to the dressing rooms; and there's rarely a line for the dressing rooms.

And what's up with Gap's designs? Something's afoot and I'm digging it. One of my favorite things from yesterday's visit:

It's like a sweatshirt (slightly American Apparel) but it's much more stylish and has pockets, thank you. This long cut gently eases you from trapeze tops to the more fitted styles for spring. Wear it with a little skirt or shorts and stockings. For $29.50 you hardly have to justify post-holiday spending.

Another nice surprise and another good transition piece is this sweater dress, $69. It's not too loose, it's a great length and it also comes in black. But I'm partial to this light grey. Could Gap be doing pre-spring? Goodness, it's contagious.

For rainy or slightly chilly days, this bright coat sets you up with strong spring coloring ($69.50). It can also claim a bright pink sister.

Check out the sales racks before you go and look for this blouse, $23.99. I think I like it because it's a pretty blue and it's girly which is so not me. We have to remember to mix it up every once in a while.

NB: tomorrow morning I'm going to the last day of the Shoe-In sale at Hammerstein Ballroom that's been highly recommended by Racked. Boots, shoes, Marc Jacobs, Frye, Miss. Sixty, Biviel....I'll let you know if there's anything left.

nnb: Of course, I forgot, Patrick Robinson is now afoot at Gap! Thank you, Mr. Robinson, we appreciate your clean & pretty designs that have no tinge of "dull."

Gap, 60 W. 34th @ Broadway
Shoe-In sale, Hammerstein Ballroom, 311 W. 34th between 8th & 9th

Forgiving Gap

It makes sense that losing weight is the big New Year's resolution, because after holiday food and holiday drinking we usually suffer from holiday gut. Not only is January for getting back to work, but it's also about getting back into work clothes. Some will diet, but Erica, after the ritualistic joining-of-a-gym, went shopping and bought new work gear at Gap. And her look is GOOD:

on the subway.........off the subway.........the art shot (aka "moving train")

I'm really feeling this '70's working woman look. Nice job, Gap (blouse, $44.50 and pants, $49.50). And Erica, as usual, puts it together great: the print shirt, the schoolboy blazer, and the patent pumps is all perfection. And the soft, winter white pants look so January modern, it's refreshing. Why else should we shop Gap in the new year? It's all about the size. At Gap 6 is a 6, not an 8 or 10.

Get a further jump on the upcoming '70's trend with this Bitten jean vest, right, at Steve and Barry's. What's hipper than a denim vest, man? This is $14.98 and fits pretty well. The color is perfect for the retro feel. It's very Sears Toughskins.

Gap, 60 W. 34th at Broadway
Steve & Barry's, Manhattan Mall level 2, 33rd and 6th Ave.

Get Mean with Green

With a cover like today's WWD, left, who cares about back issues? You Balenciaga, me poor....anyway, I'm behind in my trade mag reading but January 3rd's WWD cover says: "It's Only Natural: Eco-conscious apparel is gaining momentum for 2008." Who's not happy about that? I'm ecstatic that "green" jeans are the article's focus. By the way, it's impossible to find a photo of Mr. Green Jeans online (and why did I think he had his own show? Boy I was a dumb kid). So for lack of Mr. Green Jeans pics I've shown the Levi's Eco high-rise denim skirt (right, on sale for $29.98). Please don't wear it with those shoes and tights, Mrs. BrownAnklestraps GrayStockings.

Is this environmental cover story just showcasing another fleeting trend? I think not, as eco-consciousness is becoming a part of our ethos. And you've got power in that cute little bag made of recycled pop can tabs by Brazilian artisans in underdeveloped communities (what a bag, below). Just this morning I saw a hipster gal on the elevator toting it around with her floaty trapeze top. That's called buying power, the young are on it, and the industry powers-that-be will follow.

So what's green on 34th Street? H&M has a line of organic cotton basics, babyGap has an organic cotton collection but it's online only, and Macy's Herald Square sells Levi's & J Brand jeans, but do they carry any of their organic lines? I'm going to ask, and if you're interested in using your green to throw some eco weight around, so should you.

Macy's Herald Square, 151 W 34th St between Broadway & 7th
Gap, 60 W. 34th between 5th & 6th
H&M, 47 W. 34th between 5th & 6th, & 435 7th Ave @ 34th St

More INNRWR

We've been testing out some stockings in the office: control tops, the traditional, and even a no-waistband variety. It's no surprise that these results vary widely. Macy's Herald Square has a large hosiery department on floor 1 1/2, and Hue (tights are 2 for $17) is very well represented. Racquel loves the metallic/silver luster tight with control top:

"The stockings were great, I love the stretchy feel to them. They are comfortable with a perfect thickness and tight fit. Once on, I could barely feel them. It was almost as though I was wearing a new layer of skin, as bizarre as that may sound. Another great thing is that they DO NOT itch!"

In this day and fabric-innovating age, we should not have to contend with the itch, especially on the waistband. I am emboldened by the news that Hue control tops are itch-free and feel au natural on your skin. Next up, Fran, who donned the non-control top Hue opaques:

"I like their opaque quality; you could definitely not see skin through them. They didn't have any elastic tummy control dimension which I enjoyed, because sometimes when stockings have too much going on in the waistline I get a stomach ache by the end of the day. They were very comfortable and didn't bunch up or fall down like other stockings."

After my body shaper test, I can relate to the stomach ache issue. Our poor bellies should not have to sacrifice for proper leg coverage. KT has been looking for hosiery with a comfortable waistband, so I gave her the Calvin Klein "zero waistband" ($11) for "maximum comfort and control without a waistband." She, unfortunately, was unable to properly test the "zero waistband" as the stockings were way short. But the size should have been correct according to their chart. What's going on at Calvin Klein?

I tested the "Legwear Ellen Tracy Perfectly Opaque" control tops. Unfortunately, they were not "the best thing next to you," as their label states. The day before I had worn my body shaper, so perhaps my control top threshold was maxed. But these were too binding and itchy on the waistline. Pros? The color, blue, was nice and they were completely opaque. But for $12 I'd look elsewhere. A good standby is H&M, the 34th & 6th store has a big selection. For waistband comfort I get the hipster tights as they ride low, they aren't tight, and the price is right.

Macy's Herald Square, 151 W. 34th between Broadway and 7th Avenue
H&M, 47 W. 34th between 5th & 6th

Hold It In

It's all about the INNRWR these days at the Fashion Herald; not bad timing as it's freezing outside and I'm happy to be testing some extra layers.

After scoring with the Hanky Panky, I was flush with success and went back for some Spanx. But no luck, Macy's is not a Spanx vendor. So I looked for alternatives. Enter the Hanes Smooth Illusions Go Figure, pictured right and yes, mine did almost hit my chin. They can be found on floor 1 1/2 at Macy's Herald Square for $18. Similar Spanx cost $34.

I wore them all day at work, which perhaps is an unfair test. Most women would wear these under gowns, dresses, and other party attire to alcohol-consuming events. I generally don't drink at work, and spend most of the day staring at a computer. So from 1pm - 6:00pm all I could think was "God my ribs are about to explode." Whereas if I was flirting over champers in a gorgeous gown with everything tucked away I'd be thinking "Thank god my corset is all in order, where's that waiter?" And soon I would feel nothing at all.

So, yes, the Hanes work. I felt very racehorse-sleek and walking down the street is an invigorating experience; truly you are propelled forward by your undergarment. Keep a pair of these in your drawers (ach, can't help it!) for bloating, fat days, and other special occasions. Drawbacks? Men aren't big fans,* they're not sexy, and I don't recommend them for sitting at your desk and drinking water all day. They're a bit of a struggle in the ladies room.

*for a man's point of view read Spencer Morgan's kind of gross and funny Spanx trial in The New York Observer

Macy's Herald Square, 151 W. 34th between Broadway & 7th Avenue

On Hanky Panky

I'd heard about Hanky Panky, but hadn't indulged until recently. Now I'm hooked and am going back to Macy's for more.

When I first saw Hanky Panky (aka "DESGNR INNRWR" as stated on my receipt, a good moniker, like "DJ INNRWR"), they were lying all neat in a pretty, lacy row on the counter and I was surprised. Lace? Lace=pantylines and makes me itch, unless its moniker is La Perla. But I forged on and bought two, a nude Hanky for me (thong-wearer) and a black one for KT (non thong-wearer).

Hanky Panky thongs are so comfortable that you don't know they're there. Guess I wasn't paying attention to their website that says "World's Most Comfortable Thong." They're not inexpensive, but $18 for one is totally worth it. Macy's stocks many colors and a couple different styles (in lingerie on the 6th floor).

KT was also impressed. As a non-user she found the thong comfortable and likes that it "stays put." Her sister wears only Hanky Panky so it runs in the family, but KT's not a total convert; she'd like to try their non-thong variety. And KT was skeptical that the Hanky Panky thong would fit a larger gal (they only come in one size*). Luckily, the Hanky has a plus-size one-size. They've got all the important stuff covered.

*makes for express thong shopping, as KT pointed out, no endless sorting through undies searching for your size. Just find your color and go.

Macy's Herald Square, 151 W. 34th between Broadway & 7th Avenue

A Big Ten Inches

For the new year, the Fashion Herald is mixing it up. We've asked fellow blogger Xmastime to guest blog his New Year's resolution, the traditional "losing of the weight." But we're giving him incentive old-school fashionista style: Friday we're going shopping for some new jeans in his target size. So all of you fashion bloggers/addicts out there need to send in your dieting tips, because he's your beer-drinking guy, not your metrosexual Cosmo guy. For example, regarding Friday shopping times he asked "are clothing stores even open on 6pm Fridays? Who spends Friday evenings shopping?" Ah, so innocent, so cute! Soon we'll have him pronouncing "Ghesquiere" and "Louboutin" if we have our way. But first, we're going to have to make sure he hangs his new jeans next to his refrigerator and not in a pile on the floor.

Xmastime will be posting weekly updates. And his goal? A lofty 10 inches! Yes, he wants to transform his 42 inch waist to a 32. He's got the whole inches thing down, which is a good start. All of us trend dieters know the inch has replaced the pound in diet-speak. Check out his post today for more methods to this ten inch madness. I say congratulations, and bring it. Free gym membership, anyone? He could be your very own Jerod.