MJ Speaks

I have a special event coming up, one that I’m really not sure what would be appropriate attire.  It’s a tea.  A proper afternoon tea for a very special event.

Pants are out.  No matter how attractive or flattering, a tea is one of those events that calls for a dress.

Nothing boring, just a classic day time dress — and poof, my mind immediate went to Diane von Furstenberg’s wrap dresses.

First introduced in the 1970’s her wrap dresses were immediately successful, and since then have become a classes.  Over the years there’s always several styles and and pattern in the collection.

This dress, in 100& silk jersey, is in a black island leaves pattern, with a collar and long sleeves.  It sells for $325.

Image:  Diane von Furstenberg

Elie Tahari is one of my favorite designers.  There are a couple reasons for that:  his clothing fits my body well, his styles fit my lifestyle, and — this is really important — the fashion fits my budget.

As I was browsing for summer clothes idea, I came across this Briar (also called khaki) dress with eyelet trim.  It has a caftan neckline, with beading and a tie detail. 

I’m not a big eyelet fan, because while it always looks light and summery, it usually looks a little too "little girl-ish" on me.  This dress, however, really caught my eye.  It may be a little short for me to wear as a dress, but it would be a dynamite swimsuit or beach cover up.  It’s made of linen, so the wrinkle factor makes me a little nervous, and at $329 it’s not an inexpensive options.  Still. . . it has me thinking.

The Devon Eyelet Dress comes in sizes X-Small (2-4), Medium (8-10), Large (10-12) and X-Large (14), and is available online, through Elie Tahari stores, or upscale department stores (check locations here).

Photo credit:  Elie Tahari

Isn’t it fun to shop when you feel like your efforts are going to a good cause?

That’s how I feel about Spoon Fed Art, the creative outlet for Los Angeles designer Karin Collins.  As part of her treatment for an eating disorder, she began making one-of-a-kind pendants out of spoons.  After receiving numerous compliment on her designs, she turn therapy into a business and Spoon Fed Art was born.

I purchased the Purple Rose of Cairo (in photo) a couple years ago, and have had my eye on a couple of her new designs.  You’ll need to check back frequently, as items appear and are sold out quickly.  I regret that I didn’t see Iced Petals before it was sold out. 

I appreciate the opportunity to find a unique piece for myself, but I really love that I can support a small businesswoman and a good cause.  Spoon Fed Art is a member of the NEDA, the National Eating Disorder Association.

Shop — support a good cause — get personalized items.  Life is good!

I’ve never been a huge Louis Vuitton fan.  It’s not that I didn’t like them, it’s that everyone around seemed to have one.  Or rather, a couple of friends had them and everywhere else I turned people had a knock off LV.  (Yes, I can tell the difference!)

It was never high on my wish list as far as a handbag.

Until I went to Paris last fall.

And there, while strolling along the Champs d’Elysees, I fell in love.  With Louis.  And we entered into a committed relationship limited only be the depth of my bankbook.  I took this Monogram Mini Lin Canvas Speedy (in photo) home with me.

Here are the vitals:

• Monogram Mini Lin canvas; supple, light, and resistant
• 58% cotton, 24% linen, 18% polyamide
• Grained calf leather trim
• Light colored stitching
• Shiny brass metal hardware
• Top zip closure with padlock
• Comfortable, rolled leather handles
• Tonal textile lining with interior patch pocket
• 11.8" x 8.3" x 6.7"

This is definitely not a one-night stand!