Saturday, January 31, 2009

Lofts, teachers and a fab dress...



My college roommate and dear friend is the new fashion director for Ann Taylor LOFT!

Having been involved with several fashion ventures with designers, fashion magazines and her own jewelry business, she is certainly one of the most stylish, energetic and infectiously adventurous people I know. Now that she's bringing h
er fabulosity to Ann Taylor LOFT, you can be sure she'll take care of what your closet's been missing.

That said, check out one of Ann Taylor LOFT's newest styles - this super-versatile, flattering Eyelet Hem Dress. Not only can it be dressed up or down (essential for any self-respecting fashionista's wardrobe) and accessorized with belts, shoes, cami's, what-have-you, but it's also 100% cotton and washable (read: comfy!). Easily an all-season dress, it seems like a no-brainer, right?

Another thing I discovered while surfing around the website is this lovely program they sponsor named LOFT Loves Teachers. Dedicated to educators, members receive 15% off purchases, earn benefits for their classrooms, become part of an online community and support efforts to have a positive impact on education. Excellent!

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Shoe obsession of the day...



Does it get more sweet than this? In a lovely turquoise, these little darlings are perfect for spring and summer. They'd go equally well with a pair of jeans as with a little skirt or dress, adding just the right pop of color that your outfits have been begging you for.

With a cork footbed and a tiny, 3/4" wedge heel, they are bound to be super-comfy without sacrificing style! By Bandolino, the Wesken Peep-Toe Wedge also comes in other colors, but why in the world would you want them when you can have them in this one?

At just $69, they're available online at Piperlime.com - free shipping and free returns ladies!

"SAG" and "Blue" are usually bad...

Unless it's at the 2009 Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards! The best-dressed ladies at the SAG awards followed the same rules: on-trend rich blue, tailored fit, creative yet classic feminine shapes.

What's even better is that all of these gorgeous women just happen to be ridiculously talented actresses. It IS possible to have it all (but it helps if your name is Evan Rachel, Kate or Angelina). Sigh...

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Sexy-Crafty with GiannyL...


So, if you're like me and you are interested in fashion and DIY, you may already know about Instructables.com, an excellent online community "where passionate people share what they do and how they do it, and learn from and collaborate with others." It's a great site for ideas and how-to's for anything from technology to music to crafts.

For myself, I love to to check out what people are up to in revamping and reconstructing old clothing - a great way to be original and to recycle at the same time!

One creative gal who always stands out is GiannyL from Paraguay, an impossibly bouncy and beautiful DIY'er who makes fun, quick videos of great projects that anyone can do. Her amazing skills range from making a bikini out of an old t-shirt to converting a tired, old sweater into a super-cute dress.

Watch this video of her making a t-shirt into a swimsuit cover-up - so easy! Now if I could just figure out how to look as good as she does in a bikini...

For more info on GiannyL, visit her Instructables page or her website, GiannyL.com and get sexy-crafty!

How To Make A Bikini Cover Up - video powered by Metacafe

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Angel of Cool...


I first discovered Angel D'Amico when perusing Etsy.com for some interesting new finds to share with my fellow fashion junkies. Her etsy shop, AD Love, sells one-of-a-kind, hand dyed, hand screen-printed wearable works of art that are so urban-chic that you can't help but hear your own soundtrack in your head while you wear them. Plus, she prints on a lot of American Apparel basics - bonus!

D'Amico is a Chicago-based freelance illustrator and designer with a BFA in Visual Communications. She not only creates an incredibly wide range of artwork but also plays and composes music and designs/illustrates TrueStar Magazine, a magazine dedicated to keeping teens off the street with an after-school program that gives them real experience in the media field.

So, in other words, she's a pretty amazing, creative, one-woman army of cool. Find out more about her on her website.

Pssst! AD Love is having a $35 hoodie and sweatshirt sale only for January. I suggest you get your online shopping fingers tapping now...

Monday, January 26, 2009

Low on cash? No excuse for fashion!


After waxing poetic about custom clothing, designer brands and luxury labels, I realized that I would be remiss if I did not mention my old standbys. In other words, those shops that don't require you to take a second job or feel guilty about going shopping when you haven't paid your cell phone bill yet...

My favorite go-to stores for quick, cheap and trendy are, hands down, Forever 21 and American Apparel. While the dressing rooms may not be as nice, the staff may not be as helpful and you have to do a little more digging through the racks than pricier stores, their clothes give your wardrobe just enough punch to be able to keep lookin' pretty and maintain your stylish self.

Forever 21 always has its finger on the pulse of trendy, bringing the newest colors, accessories and shapes lightning-fast to the racks, all for so little dough it's almost astonishing. For example, the purple number above is a Forever 21 Pointelle Sweater Top that I forced a friend of mine to buy in a beautiful magenta and she can wear it to work and out for a martini, all for a mere $23 (plus the cost of a cosmo) [forever21.com].

Don't let American Apparel's name fool you...this is the most "Euro" store of all. Providing low-cost dudes', gals' and kids' basic clothing and accessories in millions of colors that can be combined and turned around in just as many ways, AA is a new favorite of mine. The quirky website has demo videos to show you how to turn one dress into 20 and a circle scarf into everything from a hood to a high-waist skirt. I have multiples of both the Cotton Spandex Jersey Bandeau Dress and the Cotton Spandex Jersey Strapless Ruched Bodysuit. So cute, versatile and comfortable [americanapparel.net]!

Each of these stores has its own, great website where you can buy direct if you're not close to a retail location. Plus, they each have a decidedly international feel to them - making YOU feel oh-so-with-it and NOT cheap FOR cheap. THAT'S worth a few fashion bucks, right?

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Not ready for bikinis yet?


Neither am I. I have many more sets of tricep and lat lifts to do before I venture into that territory again. However, covering UP that bikini is something that you can think about now, right?

In that case, have you ever seen a more adorable and fashion-forward swimsuit wrap than Anthropologie's Crest and Fall Cover-Up? Exclusive to anthropologie.com and not available in stores, it's made of floaty cotton with a gauzy side-tie in a contrasting color. It's also better looking than most of the tired old sundresses or tube tops that are hanging out in my closet right now. Best of all, it comes in both the cobalt blue and also bright yellow that I mentioned would be tres chic for the spring and summer.

Now I just have to figure out what I will look like UNDER the darn thing...

Saturday, January 24, 2009

A jumper? Yes, it can be cool...


The epitome of the sophisticated look I would like to create on a daily basis...

You must check out Anthropologie's Deller's Element Jumper - an over-the-top, super-chic ensemble of wide, high-waist linen pants and a ruffly cotton blouse that if it were to fit your body (most likely not mine), I would call myself not worthy. I am going to try it on at the store either way, so there!

One note ladies: Be sure to look at the jumper in the catalog picture on a model. However, best to leave the hat at home. Now THAT would be over the top.

Diane von Fabulousberg...


Dress obsession of the day! The Diane Von Furstenberg "Lanii" Wrap Dress in a camel fan print silk charmeuse.

This most excellent, very ladylike dress is so classic in that it's a Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress but so ultra-modern with its graphic print and obi-style belt. Plus, I am in love with the sleeves.

It's 40% off at Bluefly.com and, while it is still pricey, it's something you can wear for many an occasion, it should be highly flattering and...oh, what am I justifying for? It's a Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress! On sale! Seriously people!

Friday, January 23, 2009

She bangs!


Bangs are still going strong in hair fashion for 2009. While we may all want to look effortlessly cool and slightly retro like the celebrities do sporting their glossy fringe, in reality, bangs are pretty high-maintenance due to frequent trims, straightening, constant worrying that they're in place, et cetera.

That said, my high-maintenance self would like to try (again) with some very heavy bangs. I have long, coarse, slightly-layered, Asian hair and a slight cowlick along my front hairline. I have also had the same, basic haircut since high school. Sigh...

Since I have given up squinting into the mirror to find out what I "might" look like as my new, glamorous self, I bit the bullet and tried out one of those online "try on a new hairstyle" thingies at The Hairstyler. After playing around for an hour and daydreaming (I really CAN look like Pat Benatar!), I came up with a few that are very, very wrong and some that I might actually take along to my hairstylist. What do you think?

Or I may just puss out, drop another 50 bucks and ask for the ol' 1/2 inch trim and layers bit. Again.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

In the beginning, there was a fig leaf...


Oh, Ebay, why must you contribute to my online window shopping addiction? Alas, I give in, but I share the fruits of my surfing labors with you, dear readers.

I came across this pretty excellent Ebay store named Fig Leaf Fashion that sells super-feminine, super-modern clothing from sample sales. The seller (so she claims) is the sister of a designer and therefore gets to attend these sales. Being the entrepreneur that she is, she consequently re-sells them to the fashion-addicted public.

I don't have experience buying from her (yet), but her feedback scores are very good & some of her stuff is just so darn cute (I mean, this dress, so friggin' adorable), I may be her next victim.

Check it out during one of your well-deserved work breaks.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Woo Hoo for Wu!


Since it is difficult to contain the frenzy that was Inauguration Day yesterday, let us dissect all of its gloriousness down to the dress that Michelle Obama was wearing. Designed by American designer, Jason Wu, Michelle's gown was everything that it should be - modern, comfortable, flattering to her assets (body type, skin color, etc.) and with just the right amount of flash.

Interested? Check out Jason Wu's Spring 2009 RTW collection! You can definitely tell why Mrs. Obama chose him to design a dress for her - his designs are *easy* and flattering to a woman's body and his use of striking colors with feminine and innovative shapes are creative and feel new and classic at the same time. I particularly love the formal dresses at the end of the show - the bright yellow and jade green numbers. Kind of downtown meets ladies who lunch, no?

Sunday, January 18, 2009

No Pants!


So, most of us have at least *heard* of these organized events put together by groups of strangers online just for the heck of it. Such as, "meet at the corner of North and Farwell at 1:09PM on Saturday and scream for 1.2 minutes."

The most organized efforts that I have yet seen are by Improv Everywhere, a movement based in NYC that causes scenes of chaos and joy in public places. Called "missions," the group of "undercover agents" decides on a place and a time to do something outrageous, funny, poignant, whatever.

Go see videos and pics of their latest organized chaos: The 8th Annual No Pants Subway Ride. They had up to 1500 participants! Some of the other awesome missions highighted are Human Mirror and No Shirts. So funny & they encourage people to do things like this everywhere...Maybe we should start a group in Milwaukee. Any takers?

Also, check out its sister site, Urban Prankster, covering pranks, hacks, participatory art, flash mobs, and other creative endeavors that take place in public places in cities across the world.

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Today's accessory obsession...

I had mentioned Baby White Elephant in an earlier post about Etsy.com. Well, although I am enamored with cuff bracelets in general, this beautiful one is made from a real orchid that has been preserved and voila! nested atop a black leather cuff.

Preserved Orchid and Carnelian Leather Cuff Bracelet by Baby White Elephant

I think the juxtaposition of the tough leather and the bright, jeweled, girly flower is great. Plus, who else will be wearing this out but you? Well, besides me...

Just $55 in a blood-orange that will add the right pop of color! Yay!

Friday, January 16, 2009

2009 Fashion Predictions...


Based on my own devouring of fashion magazines, countless hours spent surfing (and shopping!) online and a general interest in what women are wearing on the street, I like to make predictions on what will be and what will remain in style for at least this season and the year.

Note: These are not predictions of what will be on the runway but guesses on what people in real life will be wearing, all to help you in your future fashion purchase decisions!

WHAT'S NEW SO FAR...


New Colors
Tans, nudes, neutrals (this goes for tops, bottoms AND shoes)
Cobalt blue (Seen this everywhere, and it's darling on all skin colors)
Bright yellows
Gray is still super-hot and is a new neutral that I have fallen in love with

New Shapes
 

Interesting shapes and drapes to clothes have been showing up everywhere from the runway to the retail store. This sculptural quality is something you may want to try in small doses but if you're adventurous, go for it! See this page at Urban Outfitters for an example. If you're from the Milwaukee area, Fashion Ninja has been doing this for awhile and her shop and studio are consistently turning out new and creative ideas as well as limited run pieces.

Retro-Feminine

The return to the Jackie-O style will be very big this spring and summer. Think pencil skirts, bracelet-length sleeves, capes, lockets on skinny chains, small florals, anything with ruffles, shift dresses. The good thing about this? Very flattering on a feminine figure and oh so classy.

WHAT WILL BE STAYING
Don't toss these into the Goodwill bin just yet OR if you've been pondering buying them, do so. Right now. 

Skinny Jeans
For all the debate that has gone on round and round online and in mags, these are still going strong. Girls love them, they pair well with the blousy, feminine and voluminous tops that are still in style and will be for the spring and they're flattering when done right. Plus, Kate Moss is still wearing them and if she's still rockin' something, it's bound to still be a fashion DO. Am I right?

If you already have 'em, try updating your wardrobe with a new color (light gray, bright blue) or rise (high-waisted if you can pull this off?). If you haven't tried 'em yet, buy them in a dark color to start (dark wash indigo, black, dark gray) and make sure they have a bit of stretch to them (look for some % of lycra o
r spandex mixed with cotton on the tag).

My personal favorites are by BDG, available for about $50 at Urban Outfitters. I have the BDG Black Overdye Cigarette Jean. However, as with ANY clothes you buy but especially with jeans, TRY ON TRY ON TRY ON. 

Blousy, voluminous tops
I'm talking the pleated, ruffly, tunic-y tops that are ultra-feminine and have a bit of volume. Usually, they're made of a nice drapey jersey, chiffon, silk, what-have-you. Remember to balance out the proportion with a fitted skirt or skinny pants. For the winter, you can rock these in black, gray (for the safe) or in a jewel-tone to get out of the blahs. Look for them in pastels
and neutrals for the spring.

Platform shoesThese showed up last year everywhere and...guess what? They're here to stay, AT LEAST through the summer. Closed, rounded toe and peep-toe with tights right now and open-toe and peep-toe for the spring/summer. If you haven't yet discovered the miracle of the hidden platform pump, try one on today (especially you shorties out there like me!).

The L.A.M.B. "Daly" Woven Hidden Platform Pump is a lovely example.
I'm not sure if the strictly gladiator look will continue but a modified version as a very strappy platform sandal will definitely be hot for the next several months, especially in new colors! Check out Michael Kors' Tajines Gladiator Sandal to see what I mean.


Higher Waists
There is a huge range here, from belly-button level to natural waist to just under the bust. This goes for pants, jeans and especially skirts.

Again, this is especially flattering for shorter legs but it provides some nice structure to all ladies' bodies and brings back an older fashion era.
And again, TRY ON! You never know what will look good on you if you don't at least take a look at it on your own body inside that private sanctuary called the dressing room.

Black patent leather
Shoes, purses, totes, everything. Still a good, classic investment that adds punch to your wardrobe.

WHAT WILL BE GOING. FAR AWAY...
Donate or recycle these. Thank goodness I have a sewing machine!

Big florals
 

Not that this ever really caught on with the real gals out there, but I predict that these will not be pushed this spring like they were the past several months. Large prints are rarely flattering on many a bod and I think that the idea reminded us too much of our grandmas, even if the print WAS on a fabulous dress.

Maxi dresses
Anything that makes you look a little pregnant and a lot short is not a good thing. I learned the h
ard way. Sigh...

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Online shopping is ever-evolving...SHOP IT TO ME


So, over margaritas during happy hour last week, a friend of mine and I were discussing the fine details of fashion when she mentioned the site Shop It To Me.

Basically, the site acts as your own, personal online shopper, allowing you to personalize your profile to your sizes and to select apparel brands that you love.

They send you a daily or weekly e-mail, alerting you to any items that go on sale in your size. My friend has been stalking a Diane Von Furstenburg wrap dress for months and, thanks to Shop It To Me, is ready to pounce on one that just went on sale!

I just got my first SaleMail and found these ridiculously fab BCBGirls "Beverlyn" boots for 32% off. Hooray!

P.S. If you know of any young-uns who are looking for a paid marketing internship in the fashion world in San Francisco (impossible to come by), they are hiring as we speak.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Today's shoe obsession...


Nine West's new collection is just beginning to appear in stores and online. So far, I am in LOVE with this shoe - "Jack" Peep Toe Pump.

A tiny ankle strap won't cut the legs off, a fabulous 4" patent leather heel, chopped peep-toe and just a hint of old-school spectator make me want to wear pencil skirts all week long...


Find them at
Nine West or at Macy's. UPDATE: I have found them on sale (9% off) at Zappos.com with free shipping both ways!

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

I HEART these sites...


etsy.com

If you haven't already discovered this awesome site, visit it immediately!

Etsy.com is a sweet site for handmade and custom-made accessories, clothes, gifts & so much else! It's a community of artists, crafters and others who buy and sell all things handmade. It's a friendly place and I have found some really great shops here for everything from jewelry to custom clothing.

Plus, the site has a really creative way of displaying and filtering what you're looking for. You can keep an eye on your favorite shops & favorite items. Here are just some of mine:

*
sarahseven (her "Lemon Drop Dress" is pictured above)
*
emilyryan
*
Ureshii
*
UNEARTHED
*
ao3designs
*
BabyWhiteElephant

Seriously, check them out.

polyvore.com

Mix
and match images from anywhere on the web, to create outfits, interior designs, or any kind of collage. Browse and shop thousands of looks created by a community of stylish people.

Basically, you can enter in an article of clothing that you want to get ideas of what wear with it. It then comes up with all these "outfits" that other people have come up with, complete with links to online stores. GREAT for ideas!!

In my case, I bought a pair of gray scrunchy booties simply because they were gorgeous, but I had the classic dilemma of not having anything to wear with them :)

Really love it. Go! Now.

Current shoe obsession...

I simply cannot get the idea of natural color patent leather shoes out of my head - picture them with black tights right now and with bare feet and legs in the spring.

They fit nicely into the vision I have of stylish and elegant vs. simply trendy. These are my 2 contenders right now:

BCBGirls "Amonia" Platform Pump (at Macy's)

Theory "Mariel" Peep-Toe Pump (at Piperlime)