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Closet Case Do you ever stare at your closet and think you don’t have anything to wear? I’ve been doing that a lot lately. Of course it isn’t true, but it kind of is. Nothing is really speaking to me. I reorganized my closet recently but it wasn’t very satisfying because I got rid of a lot of things when we moved from L.A. to Portland. It just emphasized how I’m in need of some basics this fall. My mood is just like the weather. Blah! Here’s what I’d like to be wearing right now:
Maybe if I liked what I was wearing, I could actually get some writing done today. Maybe I need more coffee or maybe I need to take some meds for my headache. I don’t know. Instead of writing, I am updating my blog and looking for new songs to download from iTunes. I need to get cracking, but my excuse is that music helps me summon my muse. Shaded But Not Jaded I’ve learned a lesson in economy recently. Not everything that’s inexpensive is cheap and sometimes cheap can actually be expensive. Here’s the story: I recently bought a pair of $14 sunglasses from Urban Outfitters because I left mine at home on a bright day. Very stupid, but the purchase was quite smart.
Before this I had not bought anything at Urban Outfitters in years. I’m 33 and not really in their demo. As tempting as it is to get a basic tee for cheap, I’d rather spend a little more to get something a bit more refined. So out of sheer desperation I walked into the store, tried on a few pairs of sunglasses and quickly paid for the aviators in five minutes flat. It was the best 14 bucks I’ve ever spent! These have even replaced my old Michael Kors sunglasses. I don’t ever buy really expensive sunglasses to begin with, but now I’m convinced you can go the cheap route and still find something decent. Hey, they aren’t Prada but they’re sturdy, not skewed (a big problem with cheap sunglasses) and did I mention they cost me $14 bucks? She’s Crafty Wow, this weekend can’t come fast enough. While, I’d like to say I’m dashing off to New York for Fashion Week, I’m actually going spend some of my time reorganizing my closet. What a glamorous life I lead. I’m also getting crafty. I am going to attempt sewing thanks to a fantastic new book called Sew U. Even if you’ve never sewn a button, this book will have you feeling like you can handle anything. I also have a knitting project that needs finishing. It was supposed to be a gray short-sleeve sweater but I’m going to make it a vest since I’m now too lazy to knit the sleeves. I’ve moved on, especially after finding new inspiration. This cute dress caught my eye.
Believe me I won’t try this at home. The pointelle alone would have me crying in a corner. Some things were meant for retail. Have a fabulous weekend and look forward to Spring/Summer 2007 Fashion Week coverage on Fashion Vice. The action starts today and I’ll blog about it starting Monday. So Pretty There’s nothing worse than returning from a relaxing three day weekend only to be slammed with work. Aaaaaarg! I curse you, work! Why can’t I have a rich aunt who passes down her tastefully decorated Tuscan villa and fantastically glamorous wardrobe? Back to reality now. To get through the necessary evil of work, I’ve decided to focus on something pretty. This definitely fits the description:
I’m not usually a fan of the one-shouldered look but everything works so well here. From the color and drape of the dress to the opaque tights and leather accessories, this look is so, so pretty. For you lucky gals who have an extra three grand to spare, you can find it at eLuxury. And I don’t want to hear about your tastefully decorate Tuscan villa or your fantastically glamorous wardrobe. Online Shopper: Finally Marni! I am a little bit obsessed with online shopping. There aren’t any crowds, parking problems, or snooty sales people. Best of all, it’s the great equalizer. Even if you don’t live in a big city like New York, you can find any label online (unless you’re looking for Mayle, in which case, it’s like panning for gold. That’s a subject for another day). For me, shopping online is the best kind of window shopping. Often I just want to see a collection in one place and get a closer look at individual pieces. Sometimes I put things in my shopping cart before I think, “Get a hold of yourself, woman! This costs a shit load of money!” But I digress. It’s fun to explore a nicely designed and easy-to-navigate website. Amazingly, there aren’t too many out there, especially by individual designers. Now Marni has just launched a new online store and it is worth checking out, girls. It’s about time Marni had a better presence on the internet. Marni’s whimsical, lady-like designs are so distinct.
The site let’s you browse by category or “mood” like winter garden or macramé. I’ve never been in a macramé mood, but whatever. The categories are further divided into colors and sizes, if that’s how you like to browse. If you register, you can create “style notes” which saves your favorite Marni items in one spot. The idea is to save your favorite pieces so you can create perfect outfits (for purchase later I presume). In my case, I can save items to admire in the hopes that I can someday find them on eBay or Yoox. If fashion is all about fantasy then online stores like Marni give you the stuff… that sweet funky stuff. Alright, I’ll stop now. Loving Loeffler Randall If you haven’t jumped on the Loeffler Randall bandwagon, here are a few reasons to join in.
Loeffler Randall unveiled a new handbag line for fall and I am absolutely coveting the Hattie in blue. I love the vintage-inspired shoe designs and beautiful flourishes. The Devon is the perfect example, with the cool wooden platform and contrast stitching details. I also love the metallic Vava clutch and the purple Harlow flats. You can view the Loeffler Randall Fall 2006 handbag and shoe collection on their website, but you have to open PDF’s with poor pictures. It’s kind of annoying. However, you can check out parts of the collection on Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Shopbop, LaGarconne, and Pink Mascara. I hope all of the Loeffler Randall fall pieces will hit online stores at some point. I could stock up on the entire collection! (Not that I have tons of extra cash to spare, but you get the idea.) Anyway, I can see why the brand was nominated for a 2006 CFDA award in emerging accessories design. Speaking of getting more attention, designer Jessie Randall is on the cover of the September issue of Domino Magazine. The fan club seems to be growing. What to Expect When You Aren’t Expecting Not long ago, I went shopping for a friend’s baby shower at babystyle and I was impressed. Maternity wear is more fashionable than ever. A salesperson even told me that women who aren’t pregnant actually shop there. Now that seemed a little over the top to me. Fast forward to now and I have a confession to make. I bought a shirt that’s technically maternity. It happened by accident. I was at Target shopping for socks when something caught my eye. I walked over to the Liz Lange maternity section to take a closer look. Before I could think twice, I threw this shirt in my cart without even trying it on!
Sorry you can't see the polka dots! I think the shirt works because it's more long than billowy, like you’d expect a maternity top to be. At least I hope it works, because no woman wants to look like she has a bun in the oven when she doesn’t. I’m not saying I’ll make a habit out of this. Heck, the top cost $14.99 so it was a cheap addition to the wardrobe! Put a Lid On It It’s the perfect remedy to a bad hair day and an easy way to add a little glamour to your look. Best of all, it’s one of the least expensive ways to perk up a tired wardrobe. Urban Outfitters has a nice selection of hats at even nicer prices. And fear not, all you gals who think you’re a little beyond the Urban Outfitters demographic (that would include me). There are some polished looks for those of us who left college years ago.
These are all priced at 38 bucks and under. Not bad for a cheap mood booster. The only thing cheaper would be new lipstick and I have way too many of those.
While the media raconteurs over at Gawker make light of the heft of September magazine issues, I’m wondering if their experiment is the most amusement I’ll get from fall mags. I got Lucky last week and InStyle a couple of days ago. Lucky’s September issue was okay. Nothing too forward thinking, but I guess that’s not why I get that magazine anyway. I flipped through InStyle briefly but it didn’t thrill me. I’ll probably get my September Vogue any day now, but I’m already dreading that pop candy cover photo. Do you feel like you’ve seen it all anyway? Like I mentioned in yesterday’s post, the turnaround time for fashion is so fast that it seems like we’ve chewed up and spit out the fall season before it’s really started. Eh, whatevah. There are still plenty of other things that get me excited for fall.
More Fabulous Fall Finds We’re having typical Pacific Northwest weather here in Portland, with cloudy skies and cool temperatures until the late afternoon. Trust me, I’m not trying to bore you with a weather report. I’m trying to psych you up for fall, which is what this post is about. Two must-have fall looks!
It’s funny to me that ankle boots are supposed to be a big look for fall. To me a classic ankle boot never goes out of fashion. The Stella McCartney cutout boots offer a nice twist to one of my perennial favorites. Since these babies cost nearly $700, a less pricey option is definitely in order.
I’m feeling the plaid this year. The model pulls this off, but I can’t say I’d do the same. I was in high school when Pearl Jam hit it big so I don’t want to take a step back into the 90’s archives with this trend, but there are some feminine options out there that won’t have a girl looking like a lumberjack or a randy school girl.
This jacket could go “Brigadoon” but pair it with a long, black knit shirt and dark jeans and you won’t look like an extra from the musical. Fall Fantasy Wardrobe: Part 2 Oh, to be able to spend with abandon! My last post was about putting together a fantasy wardrobe. Now here are my picks for getting fall’s best looks without breaking the bank (or selling a kidney).
This is cotton voile so it’s a totally different vibe as the metallic YSL tunic but hey, it’s still cute and much, much cheaper at $98. This is perfect with skinny pants and a chunky knit sweater or cape.
Here’s a classic look from Banana Republic, the reliable retailer of all things office-appropriate. This wool blend dress will set you back $128. Not bad. I don’t know why they are showing this with black tights and flat shoes. I’d definitely funk this up with platform slingbacks or boots and fun jewelry.
I know these are wildly different from the Christian Louboutin platform pumps, but since the focus is on animal print, I’m sticking to my pick. I personally don’t think there’s a substitute for Louboutin’s so you might as well go for a different look or save your pennies and get the real deal. Besides, I think the flats are fun and for 30 bucks, you won’t cry when it’s time for these to go.
It’s hard to do embellished tastefully at lower prices but I think this dress by Mint fits the bill. It’s girly without going over the top. The $395 price tag isn’t cheap, but I’d wear this with skinny jeans or tights and boots for different looks. If you aren’t familiar with Mint you should get to know this line. There are some gorgeous designs on tap for fall.
Check this little bag out. It’s from the Maxx New York Fall/Winter 2006 collection. Frame bags are still going strong and I like that the bag comes in black patent. The price is right at $175. Fall Fantasy Wardrobe: Part 1 Men have Fantasy Football. I have my Fantasy Fall Wardrobe. What are some key pieces to revamp the closet for fall? These would be my guilty pleasures if money was not an object.
Structured tunic – This gold Yves Saint Laurent tunic is GORGEOUS. I salivate when I see this picture. I’m glad the flowy, flowery, embroidered tunics are taking a back seat to something more structured and chic this fall. On a side note, I think Stefano Pilati is hot. He looks like Hugh Jackman, no?
Sweater dress – I have said before how much I love, love, love knitwear. Cashmere feels so incredible against the skin. Just change up the shoes, bag and accessories and this dress will remain timeless.
Animal print – I know, I know. The ubiquitous Louboutin platform pumps. It’s not a very original pick, but it’s my fantasy wardrobe so I’m including them anyway.
Embellished – Elegant embellishment is everywhere and it’s hard to ignore his amazing Matthew Williamson dress. I love the keyhole bodice and the beading on the cuffs.
Chain Bag – I have already posted my top bag pick but in the interest of mixing it up, here’s a beautiful little bag from Dolce & Gabbana. Named “Miss Really Hot,” I think a girl could easily feel at least semi-hot with this bag hanging on your shoulder. Plus, red is a really hot color for fall. So what would these five divine pieces cost? Not including the YSL tunic (because I can’t find a price on it yet) the total = $6,845. Oh yeah, I can afford that… if I sold a kidney. Good thing I have two. Next week I’ll have a list of similar pieces that are much easier on a fashionable girl’s bank account and five more Fall Fantasy Wardrobe looks. Squirrels Gone Wild Do you remember that song Muskrat Love? Yeah, I don’t really remember it either. But I thought of the song when I saw this dress online.
Technically, the print depicts squirrels not muskrats but what do you expect from a girl who thinks of a song she doesn’t really know? I have a thing for squirrels. They scamper around in the fir trees and hazelnut bushes in my yard, which I find entertaining. I just don’t want them too close to the house where they can get in the basement, have a million babies, get into the walls and wreak havoc. Anyway, I found this dress by Australian design team Manning Cartell and I think it’s adorable. The color is all wrong for me and I’d get rid of the matching belt for something tougher, but it’s still adorable. If you want some squirrel love you can find the dress at My Catwalk.
I was at the bookstore last night and did my usual rounds at the magazine racks. The cover of Bust Magazine caught my eye because Tara Subkoff was on the cover with the words Fall Fashion Issue. I’ve never bought Bust, though I love Debbie Stoller, the magazine’s creator and Editor-in-Chief. Her Stitch-n-Bitch knitting books are smart, funny and above all useful. If you even have the slightest interest in knitting you should go out and buy her first book right now. What caught my eye with the latest edition of Bust was the fact that a feminist magazine had a fashion issue. I’m not saying I’m not a feminist, but I wonder how to reconcile my love of fashion with some of the negative aspects associated with the whole industry. So with a Fall Fashion Issue featuring a female designer who firmly follows her own rules, I had to take a closer look.
Since I am a shoe fanatic, I was interesting in Subkoff’s collaboration with Easy Spirit, the comfort shoe line that somehow got hip to this so-called indie queen. But I also wanted to read more about Imitation of Christ, her one-of-a-kind line of remade vintage fashions, and her unflinching view of the mainstream fashion industry.
It doesn’t mean I’ll cancel my subscription to Vogue. But it’s nice to know there is still a magazine that offers a little intrigue. Wishin’ and Hopin’ And thinkin’ and prayin’ that I can afford this hot new handbag from Marc Jacobs.
Okay, so I won’t be dropping nearly three thousand big ones for my latest bag obsession, but a girl can dream right? Marc, are you out there? I love you! Bargain blowout Like most gals, I love a good sale. But I don’t like when bargain hunting is a huge effort. A good sale is when you pick up a pair of shoes they’re 50% off. A bad sale is picking through a rack of leftovers that look trampled ten times over in the dressing room. No matter what your patience level for finding the deepest discounts, now is the time to find all kinds of worthwhile sales. My favorite place to look is online, where retailers like eLUXURY and Net-a-Porter have slashed prices on everything from Marc Jacobs bags to Chloe dresses. Even fashionistas on a budget (that would be me!) can find some interesting things for about a hundred bucks and even better items for just under $200. My favorite sale item right now is this Miu Miu crochet handbag. Okay, so at $416 it doesn’t actually qualify as a bargain, but it’s marked down to half its original price so I’d say it qualifies as a pretty good sale item. You can get your hands on this fun little number at
Best Dress Dresses rule for spring and as an unabashed girly-girl, I can’t think of a better trend to indulge in. Right now I’m coveting this little Miu Miu number.
It’s perfect because it’s feminine without being cutesy. I keep visiting the dress on net-a-porter like it’s an old friend. Maybe someday I can splurge. As much as I’d like to, I can’t give in every time. In the mean time, I bought a new spring dress (on sale no less!) at J. Crew and I can’t wait to wear it for cocktails on the deck of a fun bar. Or maybe I’ll wear it for cocktails on my own deck. No use waiting around, right? Straight Talk on Skinny Jeans Stovepipe, cigarette or pencil leg jeans - whatever you call them, you can’t get away from the skinny silhouette. Check out any picture of Kate Moss, Nicole Ritchie or *insert thin starlet here* and there’s some reference to their skinny jeans. Remember when skinny jeans used to mean the pair every gal kept in the back of her closet for the day she lost the last 5 pounds? My last favorite pair of pencil leg denim takes me back to junior high school when I couldn’t zip up my favorite Jordache jeans without lying on my bed or breaking a nail. It’s not for everyone, but I like the straight leg look. My favorite is J Brand’s 914 jeans. I love this brand for skipping over-the-top back pocket designs and for having a nice bum-flattering fit. Of course there is something called too much of a good thing. When I see super skinny jeans I just wonder, “Ugh, why not wear leggings?” I loathe leggings. That’s a subject for another time. |
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