Molly Bloom knows style

If you like nice things and have a hundred or two to spare, it’s time for Neiman Marcus summer sale. Woot!

Sometimes these sales are super sold out in normal sizes but a quick perusal showed this tunic-inspired dress in a range of sizes and marked down to $149. It looks like something I’d design, yes? Also on sale is this dang cute bag from Michael Kors, a real find because the handbags never go on sale. I’m thinking this bag would look great with my resort wear.

If you can do it with cash (not credit), I say it’s time to stimulate the economy and your closet. One bonus with shopping NM online is that you can use your Visa or Mastercard debit, which you cannot do in-store. They’re Neiman and AmEx only.

When was the last time you bought a tie? You need a new one. Women like men in ties and we notice how often you wear which ones. I’m just saying.

These printed ties from Cyberoptix Ties (pictured above) are fantastic. The designs are smart — get one for the DJ or hypochondriac in your life. There’s a group discount if you want to trick out your wedding party with, say, the meatgrinder ties. There’s even a tie for Scott Beale. Only $30!

This dotted Brioni tie is classic and looks expensive without being too outrageously priced for a luxury item. Monaco, Montana — you could get laid anywhere in the world with a tie like this. Someday soon, when I make a pile of money, I am going to buy Ted a Brioni suit. James Bond wears Brioni suits. Hot.

Some other ideas: Geoffrey Beene makes kicky ties. This black on black Emporio Armani tie would look sexy with a black suit.

Tie styles come and go. Most men opt for the more classic narrow to medium shape. Skinny ties are still in vogue for younger dudes but you need to have the complete skinny-tie look: trim shirt and pants, and if you wear a jacket it better be slim and almost too small. Since the 1970s wide ties have been the provenance of clowns but I say wear what you dig.

One last thing: no sheer shirts with ties, OK? If you put on a dress shirt and you can see the outline of the outline of your torso, your undershirt or chest hair, it’s too thin. Thanks.

For the curious, here’s a look at my fashion line. It’s called First Resort. I hope you like it.

I’m not in the market for a new bathing costume, mostly because this one is sold out in my size. Love those big bottoms and the separately sized bra top. Swimwear should be sold individually for the best fit, unless you’re buying one of those tiny triangles-on-string concoctions, in which case screw you for being skinny. Kidding.

This coverup is adorable, you should get it.

I’m of the opinion that zippers should be used and not seen. Hidden under the arm or enveloped in a back seam, dresses don’t need a clearly marked exit.

Enter a new trend: the ugly zipper. A too-heavy zipper with large metal teeth or unsightly contrasting border seems to be the zip du jour for some of fashion’s au currant designers.

Phillip Lim 3.1
Dang cute from the front, right? Love the pockets. I wonder if that metallic tissue fabric is scratchy; I’ve sewn dresses with similar material and I constantly felt it against my skin. Now click on the back view and tell me you don’t suddenly hate the whole thing.

RM by Roland Mouret
This kooky dress is a pattern-makers dream. It’s like origami. Then you see the back view. That thing is obscene. The zipper looks cold and hard. You need bloomers to wear this. Fail.