Take 21: Crimes Against Fashion

These are my picks for the current Top 5 Worst Fashion Sins. 

You've probably seen some of these before in various fashion magazines. The sad thing is, they're still happening. Every day. All around you. Now, I'm all for individual expression in fashion...no doubt about it. Some things I wear, like my new turquoise bejeweled flats (on sale for $7.50 at Target), other girls wouldn't be caught dead in. But the problem with these 5 is they just. don't. make. sense!!!

1. Uggs worn during the summer with skirts. Most of my friends know that I'm not a huge fan of Uggs in the first place. I think they kinda make women clomp around like Abominable Snowmen, and they're not feminine in any way, shape, or form. But, in Chicago, or Wisconsin, or Canada, I get it. I get that it's freaking ridiculously cold and sheep's wool or whatever they're made of would feel fantastic snuggled around your little tootsies. Check out the photo to the right, though. Seriously? Seriously??? Is it at all practical or necessary or even flattering to wear these clod-hopper boots with skirts? Skirts??? If it's warm enough to wear a skirt without tights, please, please find a cute pair of sandals or some funky low-top Converse sneakers to wear with your jean skirt. Please!!!

2. Coordinating sweatsuits. Listen up Tri-State area women! Yes, I'm mainly talking to you. Thankfully this trend has passed in the South. Or it never came here. But regardless of where you live, this look is over. O-V-E-R. I firmly support fashion gurus Tim Gunn, Clinton Kelly, and Stacy London who plead with women everywhere to have a sweatsuit alternative. That's right. No more velour. No more pastels. No more "Juicy" written across your ass. Pull on a pair of jeans, cute tee, and fashion sneakers. Slip on a cozy sweater. Sweats are worn to...um...what's that again? Oh, yeah.  SWEAT!!!

3. Crocs. Look, I've gotten a lot of flack in the past for saying how much I detest these shoes. Or rubber gloves for your feet, as I think they look and feel. It's just...come on! They're clunky. And rubber. Rubber!!!! And they have holes all over them and come in neon colors and they must smell soooooo bad when your feet sweat. Which they will. Because your shoes are made of rubber. Unless you're actually working in a garden, or professional kitchen, or I guess, maybe even a hospital, just don't do it. Just say no.

4. Socks and sandals. The fact that there's a man or woman alive that thinks this looks good just baffles me. One of my friends said, "Well, maybe he/she has really funky toes." Get a pedicure. See a podiatrist. Wear sneakers.

5. Muffin tops. So, I'm a plus-size girl. There's no question that I can't always camouflage to the degree that I'd like the fact that I have some lumpy bits. But I implore you...please! Just buy a larger size!! That's all it would take here. These jeans are clearly too low and too tight to accommodate the shape of these women. Can you imagine how sleek and streamlined they'd look in a properly fitting pair of jeans? I know, believe me I know, the damage going up a size can do to your psyche. But if you look better in the end, isn't it worth it?! Repeat after me ladies: No More Muffin Tops!!!

Take 20: Ensembles de Inauguration

Let's face it. Michelle Obama is our Jackie Kennedy. There's just no other way to aptly describe our First Lady's grasp of what's appropriate, what's stylish, and what's powerful enough to invoke the rest of us to dress classier and with more elegance. 

Personally, I loved Michelle Obama's outfits on Inauguration Day. I thought her daytime look was chic, and dressy enough for this important occasion. Apparently the designer, Isabel Toledo, has deemed the color "lemongrass." I thought the jeweled neckline and lace jacket were right on point with what's in fashion today, and the pop of color from her Jimmy Choo shoes were just the right touch of fun. The only thing I wasn't particularly fond of were her gloves. As Jackie O proves, gloves are dainty and ladylike and a surefire win. But the color Mrs. Obama chose was all wrong. I would've liked to see them match her shoes exactly, or be a different color from green altogether. Otherwise, brilliant choices Mrs. O. Bravo.

I also loved the Jason Wu dress she wore to the Inaugural Ball. Classy. Beautiful intricate details. And she wisely chose another American designer. What's not to like?

PS — I think I figured out why I'm compelled to admire the president and Mrs. Obama so much as a couple. I don't mean to trivialize their positions or the challenges they've faced by stating this, but seriously, are they or are they not today's real life example of Heathcliff and Clair Huxtable? They're smart, accomplished, stylish, elegant, and I'll bet they're pretty funny. And they can dance!!!

Take 19: Try This Look

Everyone has their own version of this look. It's so simple—a T-shirt, blazer, plus accessories. I'm hoping to bring this back into my weekend wardrobe with just a few variations on what we've already been working for years. 

To make this look more "now" you must choose a graphic tee...the bolder, the better. I love these from Forever 21, both about $15. They remind me of M.I.A.

The blazer or sweater you pair this with is very important...go for lighter or brighter colors. Dark brown, black or gray was for winter...shop now for something that will carry on into spring. Choose something fitted...cropped blazers look more modern, as do longer sweaters.

This striped blazer from Old Navy is just $25.

I have a very similar blazer to this one from Old Navy (plus size, $30). Come spring I plan to have it dry-cleaned and wear it like mad!

This boyfriend cardigan from the Gap is so chic! Buy a similar one if this is too pricey for you ($54), but look for the slim, sleek look and lightweight fabric to avoid additional bulk.

The major difference I can see in scarves lately is their gauzy nature. Go for something light. If you wear it long, like the first one from Urban Outfitters below ($28), don't tie it and go for a wider width—no skinny scarves anymore. The second example, the Birds in Paris scarf ($24), is extremely trendy and something I will dare to wear soon...I love the bohemian look of this style!

Finally, jewelry (remember, with the simple T-shirt and blazer look, accessories are a must!). I love, LOVE this necklace from Urban Outfitters ($24). Longer, layered necklaces are best with this look, but pay attention to your earrings and bracelets too. Not too much though—remember what Coco Chanel said about removing one item from your outfit before leaving the house!