Call it a sign of the times, but I’m starting to see more and more convertible clothing.  (As in multi-functional, no topless car needed.)  Perhaps it is a combination of the trends of the 80’s meeting head on with the weak economy that continues to plague 2010.  What’s that you say?   You don’t remember convertible dressing of the 80’s?  Well, my friend, let me remind you of one little store: UNITS.  The queen bee store that marked the oh-so-clever belt which was also a mini skirt, that was also a longer skirt, that was also a tube top, that was also a strapless dress.  Ahhhhh, UNITS, modular dressing.  Hit that store, get a perm, tease your bangs and you were like totally bitchin’.  I found this marketing statement about Units: “modular clothing for the masses expressing individuality through apparent uniformity.”  What????

So, fast forward 25 years and here are two examples of a modern convertible dress. Look around and you will see the trend continue to grow throughout 2010.  You truly do get extra mileage for your money and they are great for packing for a trip.  So, look through these and let us know: would you drop your cash, or credit card, for these convertible goods?

Infinity Dress

Donna Karan’s Infinity Dress, released this past fall, set the bar for what convertible dressing can do.  Of course, I wish it were half the price, but goodness the options!  Man, this dress, really does pull it’s weight.  With this dress, a pair of leggings, a pair of jeans and a few shoes, you could seriously pack for a week long trip.

Click here to see even more options for this amazing dress.  Neiman Marcus, Saks.  $895.00

Other options of this dress are available at Net-A-Porter.….for just a bit more.

Convertible Dress

For a less expensive option, but a few less options, see The Convertible Dress by Victoria’s Secret, on sale for just $79:

Zippers

Look for designers to continue to embrace zippers by incorporating in options for convertible clothing, which will continue to expand in 2010.  Zippers have been on the rise in past years, and are stronger than ever in 2010.  Designers everywhere are stating that their lure for women to buy is the creation of pieces that work in several ways.  Easily convertible OR easily adapting to a multitude of situations, you will be able to find some pieces this season which should be ones that can cover both weekday and weekend and perhaps even some evening wear….all from the the same piece.  And look for reversible belts.

While they may not be convertible, J.Crew has just released some exposed zipper black jeans.  You know if J CREW has now embraced the tough exposed zipper look, it’s HERE.   So, be on the look out.  When you see some examples, send us a picture and a price.  You never know when we’ll return to this topic and we might just include your photo!

Miss a post this week?

• Interview with the fabulous Julia Reed
• Have you been to DIGS?
• Clarisonic Opal- THE hot new beauty gadget for 2010
• A virtual art tour of local galleries
• Our fabulous Consignment Sale is coming up!

P.S:  I’ve never done a P.S. before but I’m feeling the need to break rank with the blog for a minute.  This is a style blog….more lifestyle really.  But, I have been overwhelmed by the news from Haiti.  Posting about Convertible Dressing is fun and breezy but sometimes the juxtaposition of life events and a style blog are hard to digest.  A couple weeks after the Tsunami hit Indonesia, I remember standing in line to buy a heavily discounted sale item (remember the Tsumani hit during post Christmas sales as well).  I was in line, and I just started weeping.  Utterly weeping.  I had to leave the store.  Take that moment and know that it has happened time and again to me in the past few days, but this time for Haiti.

So, that being said, if you are feeling the need to lend an extra hand this weekend, we have a great way to do it:  donate any extra warm children’s clothing to the Nashville Rescue Mission and drop them off at Fabu.  Nashville is not Haiti, but on these cold days, the homeless population here in Nashville is desperate for warm clothes and donations are down.  While at Fabu mention StyleBlueprint get 30% off on jewelry (excluding consignment jewelry) through the weekend.

Being a stylish person means inner and outer beauty.  Cry at the news.  Be moved.  Help Haiti and if you have extra warm children’s clothes, help our Nashville children as well.  The owner of Fabu will bring the clothing to the Nashville Rescue Mission.

Have a great weekend.  Hug your loved ones.  Linger over a great meal and enjoy this precious life.  Elizabeth and Liza