Maybe I wear too much pink...

Well hello again, dear readers.  It has recently come to my attention that it has been a while since I've updated this column.  Almost a year, in fact.  I'm not going to get into it, but let's just say I've been a busy girl.  I am not one to leave the fashion-forward in the dust, but make no mistake - I have priorities.  Moving on, this week I've decided to enlighten you all with a few tips about wearing the color pink.  I'm sure you've noticed that pink is a color that I prefer regardless of its reputation for being favored by school girls and "soccer moms" over 40.  I make pink look good, and with my help you could too.

As you can see, I've done you the favor of putting together some outfits for your viewing pleasure.  Let's start with the floral print.  Now, big floral prints are very easy to do very wrong.  You could end up looking like a color-confused mess, or worse - like a grandmother.  The key is to pair a floral print with a solid.  More than one printed piece in an outfit is a recipe for disaster.  As you see below, I've gone a step further and paired this pink floral corset dress with a solid black Alexander McQueen leather jacket.  The black leather against the otherwise innocent pale pink dress gives this ensemble an unexpected "bad girl" vibe.  Honestly, the "bad girl" look isn't hard to get at all, it's not looking trashy that's the hard part.  Also, mastering the attitude, but that is a lesson for another time.  The Fendi cut-out pumps emphasize the jacket, while the Christian Louboutin ruffled clutch plays to the feminine aspect.  It is okay to play with color, ladies.  Not all of your accessories need to be the same color, as they are below, but there should be some kind of thought that goes into them.  When in doubt, pair with neutrals.

Pink is one of those very flexible colors. There is a shade of pink for everyone, no matter what your coloring.  I happen to be endowed with the right coloring for a variety of shades of pink, which is one of the reasons why I adore it.  It is versatile in more than just shades, pink is a color that is acceptable on any occasion.  Below, I've put together an outfit that I would consider "everyday" wear, or "every night" as it were.  As you know, I am all for vamping up my wardrobe while at work.  I'm not above participating in the Fangtasia dress code, but I am not always there.  I occasionally have business which does not involve your favorite vampire bar, and I like to dress appropriately.  If you're not ready for all-over pink, and let's face it - so few are,  try mix and matching like I've done below with this Phase Eight cashmere bow cardigan.  Paired with a dark denim, like these Dolce & Gabbana jeans, the bold pink is toned down yet still noticeable.  Nude pumps are leg-lengthening and best of all, they look expensive.  The accessories all have something in common, in this case, the color black.  The Marc Jacobs bag is elegant, yet casual.  The jewelry ties (literally, ha) the outfit together and moves both the pink and black colors around.

 Getting ready for a night on the town?  Excellent!  Nothing gets my fangs out quite like a good reason to play dress up.  Like I said earlier, it's okay to play with color, ladies.  As you'll see below, navy blue sets off hot pink nicely and it's not an overdone combination.  While I do enjoy accessorizing, if elegant is what you're going for it's better to keep your outfit on the minimalist side.  This Temperley London Thandie minidress is complemented by navy Fendi cut-out platform pumps and a navy Eaton clutch purse wallet.  It is not necessary to match your shoes to your bag, anyone who says it's necessary is either trying to sell you a matching bag and shoe set or is tragically living in the past.  You can see below that while bag and shoes are shades of navy blue, I have varied the leather finish from suede on the shoes to a faux alligator finish on the clutch.  A pair of fancy earrings like the Alexander McQueen pair below, will add that "pizazz" to your ensemble and catch the light, drawing attention to your face.

So there you have it, some tips on wearing pink direct from the master.  I have done my community service for the week.  I am charging you all now to spread this knowledge you've just gained to others who are less fashion-savvy than yourselves.  However, if you are going to insist on mixing prints or overworking that tired pink and brown color combo, you can refrain from telling people that you read my column.  

Until next time, Pam.

The ensembles that you see pictured were created using the fabulous http://www.polyvore.com site.

In which I try not to sound like a dick while talking about why celebrity fundraising annoys me.

I am generally against celebrity fundraising campaigns.  Sure, they're for a good cause.  Fundraising campaigns are generally for a good cause.  Breast cancer, ASPCA, Haiti, or New Orleans.  Most recently, there is the big campaign to "end bullying" in schools.  Good luck, let me know when that happens.  Ellen DeGeneres tweeted this statement like, 5 minutes ago: "Text the word "KIND" to 85944 to donate $5 to @TrevorProject and help end bullying. Remember to respond with "Yes" Thanks!".

Now, the Trevor Project is an extremely worthy organization which aims to help prevent suicide and crisis among LGBTQ youth.  What got me riled was the phrasing "...and help end bullying".  I am sure that since there have been people on Earth, there has been bullying of some kind.  It goes with the human condition.  Basically, this is some kind of false advertising.  It's great that she wants to publicize the project.  What I would really respect is if she took her show to the Trevor Project HQ and showed her audience what exactly it is that they're doing and how people can help.  Bullying will never be over.  Anyone who has ever seen an episode of Sesame Street or Mr. Rodger's Neighborhood (or has a conscience) knows that bullying is wrong.

The part that I appreciate is that Ellen is raising awareness about this project to help curb bullying and get more resources and counseling out there for LGBTQ youth.  The part that seems phony to me is tweeting out a number that folks can text to donate money.  I really hope that is not the end of Ellen's effort.  In the time we live in, where social interactions and entertainment are dominated by digital media, the easiest thing to do is to make a YouTube video, host an Ebay auction, or start a Tweet-a-thon.  Everyone who uses those services knows how easy they are.  It's the use of them that makes fundraising or cause-supporting seem half-hearted to me.  I don't know if I am the only one that feels this way, but there it is.

I have mixed feelings about celebrities using their influence for causes.  Sure, it's a good thing that they're not spending ALL their money on Hollywood real estate and drugs, but publicly supporting a cause because the public eye is on you comes off as self-righteous.  It's like a celebrity can do no wrong if they're raising money for a cause.  You can't speak out against it, there is the iron curtain of "You can't touch me because I am raising money for charity".  End justifies the means indeed.