Margaret Logan Style

Okay, so I was a little late to the party. But what’s that old cliche, better late than never? It’s the plight of the skinny jean. Even in the midst of my fashion heyday, I wouldn’t go near them. They just screamed “1980s” in a way that seemed cheap and, at the risk of sounding prudish, almost vulgar. Because unless one is really tiny, skinny jeans morph into an enormous billboard exposing all the world to the things better left to one’s self and one’s immediate loved ones. On a good day.

And yet, I took the Helene m. dare one day this past December and tried on the Twiggy 5 pocket legging in China Doll from James, expecting nothing short of a horror show. And much to my complete surprise, they were comfortable. I didn’t feel sucked in. They had just the right amount of “give,” as my mother used to say (we now call that stretch), and, what’s that? They looked incredible. If I do say so myself. I couldn’t wait to have them, and immediately took the plunge. I couldn’t be happier with them or receive more compliments when wearing them. These jeans have given me a boost in more ways than one, and I love them for it.

Still, when I look at the James Jeans promo shot for my newly beloved Twiggy skinny jeans, I cringe a bit. Because the old “let’s pair the uber skinny jeans with 1-800-Call-Me” high heels is really a look that begs for a street corner more than a night out on the town…

For me, the skinny jean does much better when paired with a tall boot or a flat. It’s a bit more chic and understated, which is the whole point, right? I mean, too much is just that. Too much.

But I digress. I mean, who knew that skinny jeans would rock my world, so many years deep into the great denim trend? Here’s to being open to the possibilities…

To borrow a phrase from my dear friend Sarah, I do enjoy my new nautical navy and white stripe tee by Rodarte for Target (affect French accent here, please). It’s comfy, it’s long waisted, and it’s a fun spin off of a timeless classic/wardrobe must-have.

And at $16.99, what’s not to love?

Granted, the Rodarte selection at Target is by now pretty picked over, but onward and upward, my friends. Zac Posen designs a limited edition collection for Target this spring, and it hits the stores April 25th.

Now that is something worth waiting for…

The Pantone Gods have spoken, and the good word for spring fashion is Color, and lots of it. This bodes well for retail, as in my humble experience, consumers (especially women) are drawn to color and are more compelled to buy garments in alluring shades to update and refresh old standbys, give basics a sense of newness, and enjoy a much needed emotional pick-me-up that only color can bring….

Word on the street says to watch for lots of blues and nautical references. Just the thing we need to transport ourselves from arctic cold and blowing snow to languid island beaches . If only in our dreams….

Check out Pantone’s full Spring 2010 Color Report:

http://www.pantone.com/downloads/articles/pdfs/Pantone-FCR-sp2010f.pdf

Window designer Bobbie Ventola and David Hodgkins of David Wood set to work on making the retailer’s holiday store window come alive with the kind of Christmas cheer that stops traffic. Fifth Avenue could do no better.

All yours for the price of an afternoon stroll down Market Street.

Merry Christmas Portland!

I’ve long been an admirer of Portia’s pearls. And I’m in good company. Katie Couric, for instance, thought enough of her necklace to wear it for her CBS News promo photo, which ended up everywhere from USA Today to Elle magazine and the Wall Street Journal to Times Square. Now, that’s a pretty chic feather in the cap of our very own Maine-based designer and resident lovely person, Portia Clark.

Perhaps more telling are the legions of local gals of all stripe and measure who consider their freshwater pearls from Portia Clark precious little treasures. But not too precious to wear everyday, whether it’s to work, out for a coffee or some delightful special occasion when you want to feel extra special and a dress just isn’t enough.

Some of us have pet names for these little lovelies. My favorite one of all comes from our very dear and worldly friend Pat. She fondly refers to her collection, and I do mean collection, as her “beads.” As in, “Where are my beads, darling?” And she looks divine in each and every one of them.

As the season of giving approaches, why not spread some of this positively infectious joy to the ones you love? Sisters, friends, moms and even special colleagues will swoon, and hold dear not only the thought but the beauty of such a rare and unexpected gift.

From the green and pink felt hand-stitched jewelry case (you will learn to hoard these, and rightly so) to whatever grand or glorious treasure lurks inside, beaming smiles and copious kisses will ensue.

Christmas indeed.

Visit Portia’s newly refreshed online site to view her collection, or stop by Helene m. (Portland, Portsmouth, NH and So. Hamilton, MA), Nest in Dedham, MA or Josephine in Camden, Maine to try her pearls on and be tempted….

Been really, really good this year? Perhaps you’ll find this little number under your tree. Gives new meaning to the term “baubles…”

Or the little sister, so perfect for everyday…

Michelle Obama and the President at last night’s State Dinner, honoring the Prime Minister of India

Our First Lady is, quite simply put, gorgeous. And we should be so proud.

Visit Mrs. O for more fabulous pictures, commentary and information about that incredible dress, designed by Naeem Khan.

‘Tis the season ladies….Evening soirees, fundraisers, cocktails at 8 pm, dinner at 10 pm, who knows what by midnight? These fabulous frocks are wondrously beautiful and, like a loyal old friend, will see you through well past the end of party season.

So fret not. Kick up your heels and your heart and steal away with a magnum of joy, if only for one special night.

From Alice + Olivia, we have the Bustier satin dress in black. This little black dress is a strapless statement piece with an incredible sculpted bottom that flirts with you from afar. It practically screams, “Where’s the after party?!” Available at Net-A-Porter, $525.

Rebecca Taylor’s Metallic Party Dress soaks up city life and its social whirl with a vigor. Turquoise and gold jacquard fabric with an oversized bow at the bust and pleated detail in the body creates a look that is simply stunning and holiday perfect. Available at Net-A-Porter, $350.

Milly’s Petal Cocktail Dress conjurs images of a gorgeous, lonely girl strolling along Fifth Avenue the morning after, sipping coffee and peering into another world, compliments of Tiffany & Co. Silk chiffon with unfinished petal details blooming at its base, this halter-neck LBD is utterly delightful. And, of course, a splurge! Available at Net-A-Porter, $695.

The Lele silk chiffon strapless dress by Diane von Furstenberg is for the gal who doesn’t need a lot of embellishment or whimsy to her evening attire, just chic, chic, chic! This teal chiffon fitted dress with a shimmer of gold is made all the more suggestive with a trace of black lace peeking out from below the hem.

And ladies, note bene: ruching is indeed your friend. Not only is it used to stunning effect with this dress, it also acts as a great concealer. Don’t believe me? Try something on with this detail and you’ll see what I mean. This little number has just a touch of spandex for a little give and maximum comfort.

The heads will turn with envy and amazement as you take the evening for all it is worth. Because let’s face it, if you’re donning this dress tonight, you’ve got bigger and better things on your mind than appearances. $385, available at Net-A-Porter.

Milly does it again with a knock out LBD that is stunning and ultra-feminine. The Elizabeth dress gives a nod to haute couture with its oversized ruffles lined in pink satin, not to mention its daring neckline. Pink martinis, anyone? $365, available at Net-A-Porter.

Why, I can already hear the corks popping….

Who else, but Diane von Furstenberg, could do shearling so chic?

Forget the heavy, generic overcoat styles that don’t just keep you warm but have you working up a sweat, looking like you ought to be trekking across an arctic tundra rather than having lunch with the girls on a chilly January day.

Feminine, fluid and reversible, the Iggy Stardust shearling jacket in ivory by Diane von Furstenberg is understated and elegant. Dress it down with jeans for everyday or keep it city sophisticate with leggings, a bit of a heel and a fabulous bag. Not to mention a great skirt and tall boots or even winter white trousers. The possibilities are endless.

At $1,100, it is more than a little bit of luxury in which to indulge during times like these…and yet all things being equal, in the world of shearling jackets, not too over the top.

Santa baby?

I found this image on the Kate Spade website months ago, when fall fashion was just kicking into high gear.

I love this coat ~ the Bisous Tamaris Swing Jacket, $495 ~ and I love this image, especially the title: Treasure Hunt.

It instantly reminded me of my dear friend Portia. Ever stylish, always unique and ever on a treasure hunt. Here’s to you, Portia!

Leave it to Kate Spade to bring some extra cheer into the world. And not a moment too soon, I might add. Just looking at this delightful scarf is sure to bring a smile to your face, for it is truly something to admire.

The Hand in Hand Pull Through Scarf by Kate Spade is actually hand made in Bosnia by women who have survived their country’s war-torn history and are struggling to keep themselves and their families afloat in dire economic conditions.

Kate Spade is empowering these women by joining forces with Women for Women International. Women for Women provides the training in knitting, and Kate Spade provides the creative direction.

And we, dear consumer, get a fabulous, fun, lovely, useful product that, when purchased, will spread joy and strength and beauty far and wide.

Let the season of giving begin.