Currently Loving: January

I've got a number of Girl Friday interviews lined up for the next couple of weeks, but today, we're going to take a break for the January edition of Currently Loving!
Just a few things that are making the winter a little prettier and a little more colorful:

• Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain: Despite the mouthful of a title (and the fact that I just typed "Just Bitten" like some Twi-hard), this is my favorite lip balm/stick/etc that I've found yet. I love that it goes on like a chapstick (no heavy lipstick feeling), the color stays on for a fairly good amount of time, and I can kiss David without leaving a Hollywood-starlet lipstick stain on his cheek. I currently have it in both "Honey" (shown above... a neutral pinkish-nude color) and "Cherish" (a fun, light & bright pink).
• Crispy Black Bean Tacos, by Smitten Kitchen: We've made these tacos about 6 times in the past 2 months. They're that good. I made them for dinner one evening when we had friends over, and they loved them so much I had to get up halfway through dinner and cook up another batch (which, thanks to the simplicity of the recipe, took just a few minutes!). If you try them, you won't regret it! (Thanks to Becca for the recipe recommendation.)
• Citron: Such a good color for gray days. It hints at spring while livening up winter wardrobes. Plus the brightness transitions into summer really well. I'm currently loving it on this sweater from Target, and on a new v-neck tee I picked up the other day.
• Muk Luks Boot Socks, in Mint: A sweet Christmas gift from my sister-in-law, Marjorie. These socks are perfect for keeping feet warm while infusing a little March/April/May into an outfit, and will be cute with boots well into the spring, thanks to their fresh colors and feminine details. (Thanks, Marj!)

What are you loving this January? Share with the rest of us!

My Closet: Zips!

Meet my new favorite pair of pants. I seriously love them... we're talking 5-zipper, perfect-fit, olive green marvels.

Style: I've been looking to add some pants with zippered pockets to my closet for awhile now (I love the edginess) so I was pretty excited when I found these Rockstar Zip-Pocket Pants at Old Navy, which feature not only zippered pockets, but zippered ankles as well. Double score. And no, they aren't maternity pants -- but they're forgiving enough that I can still wear them comfortably at 23 weeks pregnant. Triple score.

Fit: They've got just the right amount of stretch. However, they did loosen up some as I wore them throughout the day, so I sized down (the stretch allowed me to do so). The hem hits right at the top of my foot, just like I wanted it to.

Quality: The material is a good-quality cotton twill/chino. They feel well-made and not flimsy, which you don't always find at Old Navy.

Color: They come in olive green, dark gray, and tan. I tried the gray and the olive, and while the gray is a great rockstar option, the olive won out for my wardrobe in the end. The tan I stayed away from -- the color looked like it would make a light-skinned wearer look n-to-the-aked.

Price: Currently $35... unless you use a discount code! I ended up paying $22, thanks to a recent deal they were running online.

So yeah. Remember that one time I posted about wanting to wear my flare jeans again? Don't tell them they have more competition; it will only break their little denim hearts.

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This is not a sponsored post. I just... love these pants. 

Wearing White In Winter

New reader question:

"What exactly would you say the rule is about white in the winter? No white at all? Or is it acceptable when paired with something wintery enough? I bought this jacket yesterday and I'm wondering if I have to wait until spring to wear it. Could I pair it with a scarf or something so it doesn't look too summery?"

"Winter White" is actually a trend this fall & winter! Your grandmother's "no white after Labor Day" rule no longer applies.

1  //  2  //  3

There are a few things to consider when wearing white from October to February, though:

• Choose your fabrics strategically: Save the linens & light summery textiles for warm weather. Stick to heavier knits, leather, wools... I also recommend pairing whites with especially wintery accessories (jackets, boots, scarves, etc.) again, to ground the outfit.
• Don't be afraid to go for lots of layers. You can go for an all white outfit (if you're really brave and keep your distance from all pasta sauce), but I recommend experimenting by adding camel, black, or a neon bright, to ground the look.
• Don't worry about matching your shades of white perfectly: One of the beauties of this trend is that the layered, mutli-hued white ensemble will make the textures you're wearing stand out and look both cozy & chic.
• If you're not interested in an all-white outfit, match white with wintery colors like camel, cranberry, gold, or forest green. Unless you're going nautical, be careful wearing it with navy or red.

When it comes to the jacket in question, here are some suggestions for styling it until the spring (match all of these with white pants, jeans, etc.):

People Watching: The 2013 Golden Globes

Let's talk Golden Globes! I'm kind of a real girl when it comes to Red Carpet events -- the dresses are just too fun to look at... and ooh & ahh/gag over with friends via text (ahem, Elise, Janet, Kelley). Let's start with favorites:

• Michelle Dockery's regal gold & white Alexandre Vauthier gown caught my attention especially -- the colors and style were perfect for her and the occasion. Flattering in every way.
• Kate Hudson's Alexander McQueen dress came in second for me -- the gold detailing at the unusual but rockstar collar and the classy black silhouette worked really well.

While the above were my favorite style-wise, I also loved the following dresses for their color schemes and detailing: 

• Julianne Hough in a Monique Lhuillier gown: Along with her hair, the combination was girly and princess-y. Sometimes you just can't beat a super girly dress... if you can't wear something like this on the red carpet, where can you wear it?!
• Lucy Liu in Carolina Herrera: Definitely a bold move on her part, as this was pretty much the only (colored) print I saw last night. I love both the color scheme and how different it is. Again, the way her hair is styled completes the look. 
• Carly Steel's gown made the list because I loved the contrast of the colored beading/sequins up top with the simple flowy white skirt. It's different, sophisticated, and fun in an indie glam kind of way.
• Jessica Alba in Oscar de la Renta: The color/cut of her dress plus the color of her lipstick, and that necklace? Pretty much flawless. I could do without the clutch though.

And my picks for worst dresses of the night?

• Sienna Miller in Erdem: She looks like a 5 year old's birthday party meets the worst mother of the bride dress ever.
• Taylor Swift in Donna Karan: Umm... the top. I wanted a dress with straps like that when I was 14. Need I say more?
• Rosario Dawson's toothpaste-blue peplum number was cut oddly at the top. Plus it didn't do her middle/hips any favors.

And then there's Emily Mortimer's silver sequin gown, for which there are very few words. And those words are "armor," "eww," and "why?"

Which were your favorite dresses? Which would you never, ever wear?

Girl Friday: Julie

This is Julie!

Julie is one of the first friends who got me thinking outside the box when it comes to fashion (and good eats: this girl is a very adventurous foodie -- check out her blog for more on that). We used to work together, and I'd always eagerly wait to see what she'd be wearing each day at the office. Her history in the fashion industry fascinated me (she's worked shows at Fashion Week!), and she very kindly shared insights and tips and encouraged my love of fun and interesting clothes. Enjoy her interview!

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The Twenty Ninth: Tell us a little bit about your background in fashion.

Julie: My mother opened up a women's clothing store when I was in 4th grade,  nd that was when my interest in fashion began. In high school I started taking trips with her to New York City to check out merchandise, and helped her in her decision-making process for some of the products that were being selected. For a while I really thought that I would be very directly involved with the fashion industry, but knowing the uncertainty of a steady job being a fashion designer, I decided to pursue the business aspect of fashion. So for college I went to Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, and “enlightenment” could be the easiest word to describe my perspective on fashion. My professors were veterans: buyers at Macy's and Bergdorf Goodman, advertising managers for major fashion houses, and well known “fashion forecasters.” (Like weather forecasters, these guys were paid to consult with fashion houses about what would be the next trends. For example, one professor told us that 80’s were coming back (to the extreme horror of the class), and this was in 2002.) I had the privilege of working at some fashion shows during Fashion Week. Some of the shows that I worked for were Tommy Hilfiger, Kenneth Cole, Ralph Lauren, and other smaller names. The general public thinks we wear what is dictated as trendy by magazines and fashion designers, but what most people do not realize is that these designers are inspired mostly by the people they see on the streets. If you live in NYC long enough, you realize that the trendsetters are the ones that already know what their style is, and absolutely fight conformity of the general public. That is still what I try to aspire to.

TN: Describe your style in a few words or a phrase.

J: A feminine oxymoron. I love combining things that make no sense at first, and then -- surprise!! For example: an extremely girly, frilly dress paired with men's aviator sunglasses and a biker's chain for a necklace.

TN: How has your style evolved over the years? 

J: At first it was very glamorous and preppy. I always wanted things to match and look super made up. Then I started living in NYC, and discovered comfort is always what makes you feel the most beautiful. And its all about individualism there, so it was more about expressing what you were feeling at the moment and actually fighting against the trends to preserve your individuality. So I have to admit, things got a little out of hand there sometimes (suede pants anybody??). Now, working in the corporate world, I'm still learning how to express my individuality while maintaining a professional appearance with clients and vendors -- for example, I'll do things like wear a dress suit but have camouflage nails, or suit pants and a crewneck sweater but with a leather biker jacket. It's always a mix of absolute classic, with a hint of fun.

TN: Any fun/embarrassing clothing mishaps or stories you want to share?

J: So I mentioned the brown suede pants. There were also Jnco jeans from my middle school days, and brightly colored Nautica and Tommy Hilfiger men's coats that I thought were the "da bomb." (Like the 90's reference?)

TN: Who are your style influences?

J: My mom. She used to have a women's clothing store which got me into fashion in the first place. She and my grandmother were the ones that got me into statement jewelry. Other influences include Audrey Hepburn and Kate Middleton's classic, clean-cut style, Elizabeth Taylor's bold sultry style, Gwen Stefani and Angelina Jolie's straight shooter style, and Victoria Beckham's no nonsense, high-power and super-tailored style. Also, Gwyneth Paltrow has been surprising me lately: her style used to bore me, but I am starting to realize the genius behind her simplicity. It's super sophisticated and modern without being stuffy.

TN: Where's your favorite place to shop?

J: H&M. People don't realize there is true innovation behind their marketing. They were one of the first pioneers in trying to get major designers to the common public. To get Stella McCartney, Karl Lagerfeld, and Donatella Versace designs to the general public was unheard of before them. The only one close enough is Target partnering with Isaac Mizrahi, but I've never been a fan of his anyways so that doesn't count. I also like Gap and J.Crew for classic pieces that will last forever, and Forever 21 for trendy clothes that only need to last one season. Of course, if I had an unlimited budget, my favorites would be BCBG, ZARA, Alexander McQueen, LAMB and Modcloth.

TN: How do you pick out an outfit?

J: Completely depends on my mood and schedule. I'm an event planner, so I have to be strategic with my outfits. If I have an event that day, usually I'll make sure I wear something with pockets, and flats or comfortable heels. Sometimes I'll wear something to make me stand out so if a client needs to find me, I can say, "I'm wearing bright yellow pants." (Actually I just did that yesterday for an event.) On the weekends, it depends on if I feel like wearing something romantic, fierce and masculine, or just comfortable. Of course on date nights with the hubby, I like to wear something super girly -- but ironically, he likes me in more masculine styles. So sometimes I veer more towards that. It's a form of expression, so I just have fun with it.   

TN: Which part of your look have you experimented with recently?

J: My hair and makeup! I've always done the same three styles with my hair as long as I could remember, and I'm trying to experiment with them. When it comes to my makeup, I have monolids (Asian eyes with no creases) and I always felt like my options were limited because of that. No one really understands unless they have them. But I'm starting to be a little bit more adventurous with eye wear, and I've started wearing dark red lipstick since I feel like I'm old enough now. I've also really been intrigued by the really fun, more feminine and structured goth style jewelry I've seen coming out recently. 

TN: What's your favorite thing in your closet to wear and why?

J: My asymmetrical leather biker jacket: it just gives the right modern edge to any outfit I wear. I can wear it with a plain outfit and a beanie and it's an automatic modern outfit. I can wear it with a super frilly dress and heels to tone down the girliness of it. My nude pumps: the color of the nude blends in with your legs and makes your legs look much longer! I also recently got a cute pair of black booties with elastic edging on the top and ½ inch inside platform that I love. Super comfortable!!

TN: Do you have a favorite skincare or makeup product, or a favorite perfume?

J: Organic, unprocessed shea butter: my skin gets so dry in the winter and nothing seems to help it but this. I also read somewhere to start using honey as facial cleanser. I was really skeptical at first, but I absolutely love it! My skin comes out feeling so soft, and not dry like after other cleansers. If you are willing try, make sure that you use organic, raw honey as the nutrients in it will be absorbed by your skin and help heal it. Another favorite: I got a nude lipstick from Bare Minerals that I'm obsessed with. It matches your skin tone, and changes color to fit your skin's natural color after you put it on.

TN: Any shopping tips or fashion advice you'd like to share?

J: A couple things:

• Start really studying your body. Understand which things work for you and which things don't. For example, I know that pencil skirts will make me look taller and skinnier depending on where they start at my waist. I also know that since my back curves a little and is more "big boned" if you will, empire waist shirts and dresses are a no for me. It just makes me look like I am pregnant, which is not what you want if you aren't.  
• I cannot emphasize enough the importance of tailoring: for every fashion ad, magazine spread, and runway show, they all do a "fitting" for the models. What you don't see are clips in the back, and safety pins here and there to tailor the garment. At fashion shows, they literally have assistants running around with a needle and thread for last minute adjustments. And if a supermodel who is 110 lbs and 6 feet tall needs a fitting/tailoring, don’t think that we all won’t benefit from it as well! 
• Don't get something just because it's on sale. I've wasted a lot of money "trying to save money."
• Finally, if you have any interest in fashion, start reading books on the history of fashion and start learning about it. It’s fascinating to know and understand why certain things were created in a specific way, and it can help you with your own style as well.

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Well, I just learned a lot! Julie, thanks for interviewing and sharing your unique perspective. My favorite quote (which I bolded above): "...what most people do not realize is that these designers are inspired mostly by the people they see on the streets." How cool is that? Style and fashion are dictated by the people!


Know someone who should be featured on The 29th? Interested in being interviewed yourself? Drop me a line: casey [at] thetwentyninth [dot] com.

I Miss My Flare Jeans & I Need Your Help

I have a bad case of clothes nostalgia... recently, I've been longing to wear my flare jeans again.

"So wear them, idiot!" (I know, I could, duh.)

(via Refined Style)

I made the switch to skinny jeans as my go-to jeans a few years ago, after I realized they worked well for my body type and style, were extremely comfy, and flattering. I haven't regretted the decision. But my fashionable denim roots began with flare-legged boyfriend jeans, and I've kept a pair or two from my past that I occasionally pull out and wear when I'm feeling it.

Mostly in the summer, mostly with a v-neck tee and flip flops. Because it's nostalgic and classic, for me at least. You know how the hems on flares get all ripped up and ragged after you've tracked them all over kingdom come? Yeah. Nothing beats pulling on jeans worn in by memories.

(via Frankie Hearts Fashion)

The thing is, I'm a little out of practice! I currently don't have any ideas for fresh and up-to-date ways to style flare-leg jeans. I mean, there are always the basics like I mentioned above, and that's cool. But if you have new/current favorite ways to wear your flares, can you let me in on the dealio? I want to wear my flares!

(PS: Check out my Twitter feed for some behind the scenes pics of the photoshoot I just styled for Bittersweet Creative! More on that soon!)

H&M Wants Your Old Clothes!

This is pretty cool: starting February 2013, H&M is starting a clothes recycling initiative! As mentioned in this article, up to 95% of clothing can be recycled, either by being reused for fabric and textiles or by being passed along to others to be reworn. H&M is the first fashion company to offer a green, global opportunity like this!

The process sounds pretty simple:

• Bring in your old clothes (no matter the brand).
• Drop them off at a bin by the checkout.
• Get a $5 voucher for your next H&M purchase.

A good way to start off the year -- purge your closet, recycle what you're no longer using... and then "support the economy" with a coupon.

Think you'll take advantage of H&M's recycling?

Clothes for Cheap: Really, Old Navy?

Yet another "This is so painful I just had to share." It's Monday, so you're kind of already groaning, right?

Ohhh Old Navy. Just because you can copy J.Crew doesn't mean you should. I personally don't like J.Crew's blue plaid print at all... but Old Navy upped the ante and made it 10x worse in their copycat version. The J.Crew red medallion print I don't mind as much, but Old Navy's version is, again, pretty awful.

Sorry if these types of posts bore you, but lookalikes like this get me every time. The fashion industry, bless its heart, is a marvel.

Old Navy Plaid Skinny Ankle Pant  //  J.Crew Etched Plaid Pant
J.Crew Café Capri in Silk Scarf Foulard  //  Old Navy Red Print Skinny Ankle Pant

Girl Friday: Chelsea

Hey everyone, meet Chelsea!

I knew I had to ask Chelsea for an interview: she's one of the few people who I consistently re-pin on Pinterest, and every time I see a new outfit she's come up with, I'm inspired to try something a little bit different than I usually would. She's got a great eye for layering and an amazing wardrobe... and an adorable kid named Kingston (pictured above). Hope you enjoy reading her answers and seeing her unique take on style!

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The Twenty Ninth: Tell us a little bit about what you're currently up to.

Chelsea: I currently am a stay at home mom and live in Louisville, KY with my husband Jacob, and my son Kingston Ryle.

TN: Describe your style in a few words or a phrase.

C: My husband loves all things Madewell and J.Crew. I love all things Free People. So I guess it's a mixture of both. :) 

TN: How has your style evolved over the years? 

C: I never considered myself to be artistic, but once I realized I could be artistic in the way that I dress, I started having a lot more fun with what I wear.

TN: Any fun/embarrassing clothing mishaps or stories you want to share?

C: I will never leave my house in an outfit that doesn't feel right. So those days when there's a problem with every piece in my closet. I'm grateful for a patient and understanding husband. This has caused us to be late on more then a few occasions. :)

TN: Who are your style influences?

C: I get most of my style influences from people that I don't know but stalk on Instagram and online. Also, I get a lot of inspiration from people I see while I'm out. It's one thing to wear an outfit for a photo, it's another to actually wear it.

TN: Where's your favorite place to shop?

C: Nordstrom Rack! I would shop there every day if I could. Probably 90% of my wardrobe is from there. I think its biggest draw is that there's normally only a few of each piece which means the chances of seeing someone else in it are slim. Also, I LOVE a good deal. Also, we have the only Zappos outlet 20 minutes from our house and I have found some of the best deals there.

TN: How do you pick out an outfit?

C: I normally have at least one thing in my closet that is new or that I've never worn before (yes, I'm a shopaholic!), so I normally start with that piece and work around it.

TN: What's your favorite thing in your closet to wear and why?

C: Sweatpants, yoga pants, and t-shirts. Haha. I don't think there's one piece that's my favorite. I love layering clothes, and have a lot of fun experimenting putting different pieces together.

TN: Is there an article of clothing or type of shoes you wouldn't be caught dead in?

C: I thought it was Uggs, but then I just went out and got my first pair, so I've learned to never to say never. :)

TN: Do you have a favorite skincare or makeup product, or a favorite perfume?

C: I've been experimenting with apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, and baking soda as a natural skincare regimen. If it doesn't work out, I'll go back to my beloved Kiehls :). So far so good though.

TN: Any shopping tips or fashion advice you'd like to share?

C: Never be afraid to try something new... just because your friends aren't wearing it doesn't mean you shouldn't. Also, if you're confident in what you're wearing, you can pull almost anything off. I rarely wear just a pants and shirt, but always try to add something to make it a little more exciting and unexpected. That's one thing I love about Free People... they always add unexpected details to each piece of clothing, whether it be neon stitching on a plain shirt, or a thermal with lace on the sleeves.

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Thanks for interviewing Chelsea! I particularly liked what you said about how it's one thing to see someone wearing an outfit in a photo, but it's another thing to actually wear it. People who are actually out and about wearing awesome clothes can be a lot more inspiring than staged photographs, and are immediate proof of an outfit's wearability.

Know someone who should be featured on The 29th? Interested in being interviewed yourself? Drop me a line: casey [at] thetwentyninth [dot] com.

My Closet: New Favorite Sweatshirt Sweater

It's 2013!

I'm pretty excited... I get to start the year by styling a photo shoot for an awesome organization and their magazine! I can't wait to tell you more about it in the coming weeks.

For now, here's a little glimpse into my closet...
I bought this basic gray pullover at Forever 21 a few weeks ago. It's slouchy but fitted enough to look put together. It's nice enough that it can pass for a "sweater" but comfortable enough that it feels like a favorite sweatshirt I've had for forever. It's the perfect throw-on piece and works with a skirt or shorts just as well as it does with a pair of jeans. I love this thing.

...and I've already worn it more times over these past few weeks than I care to admit, usually with a combination of the following pieces. Don't everyone freak out about how fashion-forward and creative these outfits are:

I usually throw a slouchy bright tee on underneath the sweatshirt so a little pop of color peeks out underneath. Basic, I know. But I love it. I foresee a long and happy future together.
PS: It's kind of similar to this sweater from Madewell. Bonus.

Have a happy Thursday! I'm off to run errands and gather props. Fun fun fun!