I have 3 diplomas from the School of Thought

I usually subscribe to the school of thought that comfortable equals unfashionable. Let's face it, anyone who spends the better part of her life in 4 inch heels, is not too concerned about comfort -- or podiatric care. However, yesterday, I was looking for something comfortable to wear. And what could be more comfortable than a loose, knit dress? (But just so I didn't confuse this comfortable dress with my pajamas, I rocked my Carlos Santa Satisfaction heels in mauve.)

The dress must have looked comfortable too, because someone asked me, and I quote: "What is that a shirt? A dress?"

I bought this dress (yes, it's a dress) last Fall, when purple was the color of the moment. And here we are, a full two seasons later -- citrus hues are all the rage --and I'm still wearing purple. I also subscribe to the school of thought that no matter what the trendy colors are, you should wear what you want.

Seasonal or not, this color is still a hit. At work, someone said, "That's a great color." I nodded in agreement. Rude? I don't think so. I agreed with her statement, but her statement was not a compliment to me.

If she had said, "That's a great color on you," then I would have said "Thank you." I subscribe to the school of thought that a declaratory statement, about something I have no control over -- e.g., the color the manufacturer chooses to dye fabric -- does not count as a personal compliment.

I'm sure the color purple was flattered. I'm sure somewhere there's a crayon with an inflated ego.

Now, I'm sure some of you think I am over analyzing what people say to me. And to those people I say, "That tree is tall. You're welcome."

Everyone's entitled to their own opinion...unless it's wrong

InStyle magazine, has recently added actress Rachel Bilson as a style columnist. Having no idea who she is, I looked her up. Apparently, she made it big on the "O.C." a show I (surprisingly) did not watch. Each month, the "style-setting actress" answers reader's fashion questions. In the July issue, one of her answers got me so worked up, I decided to blog about it.

What could possibly prompt me to forgo the usual, self-serving photo opportunity that is my blog? Here it is:

Q. I've chosen a summery maxidress for my sister's graduation. What shoes do I need?

A. Flat sandals with interesting details are the way to go. I like T-strap or braided pairs that buckle at the ankle. Try Coach or Giuseppe Zanotti -- both have pretty versions. It's nice when a bit of toe peeks out from underneath the hem. Opt for nude polish, though -- you don't want to distract from your dress.

Now just in case you do not know what a maxidress is, I've arranged for the AV department to provide a visual aid:

Popularized in the seventies, the maxidress has made its way back to mainstream (much like David Carradine). These dresses are super long and depending on how tall the wearer is, they could drag the floor.

I agree with Ms. Bilson, flat sandals are the way to go with the maxidress. This could be why I do not own/wear a maxidress -- you would be hard pressed to find anything lower than a 3" heel in my closet. However, it is her advice to opt for nude polish so you don't "distract from the dress" that really irritated me.

As someone who's toes are always painted a bright or dark color (depending on the season) I am offended by the assertion that color on the toes would distract from fashion. Couple this with the fact that maxidresses will, in most cases, completely cover your feet and it is an absurd response!

Bottom line: there is only one way your toenails will "distract from your dress" and if this is the case, you have a whole mess of other issues to worry about.

T.G.I.F. - This getup is fierce

If I was to go shopping this weekend, I would immediately buy a purple dress and aqua belt. I saw this on Tyra Bank and fell in love with the color combination.

Random fact: Tyra coined the catchphrase "fierce" during America's Next Top Model. I don't watch that show, or any reality shows, but I do love a good catchphrase.

And look, here are the same colors in reverse on Vivica A. Fox.

Random fact: Vivica appeared as Jazz's sister on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Tyra played Will's love interest during the college years. This is a show I did watch.

That's odd. I seriously doubt that I'm the first white woman to ever wear these colors together. Moving on.

Since I do not already own a purple dress or an aqua belt -- nor am I allowing myself to go buy these items -- I made the most of what I had. I shopped my closet and came up with this:

Today I paired an aqua tank top under a purple jacket. If the jacket looks familiar it's probably because we all owned a Members' Only jacket (or in my case a knock-off) at some point in the 80's. Like all fashion, the Members' Only jacket style has been recycled. Today's jackets offer shorter sleeves and brighter colors.

Since I cannot wear jeans to work (sigh), I opted for my black, cropped pants. I accessorized with my black, Carlos Santana Vertigos (yes, I have them in 3 colors), layered silver necklaces, a silver bangle and silver hoop earrings.

Today a coworker said, "don't you look sporty today?" as if it were a question. Umm, I don't know...do I?

Maybe its the bangs: