D.I.Y. time again...

As you know, I'm a huge fan of DIY projects, especially when it involves clothing or accessories. One of my favorite sites ever, BurdaStyle, an excellent on-line community/open source for people who sew "with style," continually posts new creation ideas and how-to's in addition to hosting a space for cool, creative people all over the world to share their own stuff.

This week, BurdaStyle introduced a super-easy project for a chic, eclectic accessory - the Susanne Necklace. The coiled fabric beads require no sewing at all, perfect for those new to DIY and/or too busy/excited/impatient yet still wish to be uber-fashionable.

Love the gold spandex fabric and leather cord, but there are a gazillion different possibilities for this (colors, fabrics, sizes) to make it your own or as a gift! I can already picture this seriously dressing up a t-shirt, tank or casual dress. After all, elevating existing basics is what we're all about, right?

And won't you feel cool when someone asks you where you got your necklace? It might go something like this:

Gushing Girl: "OMG! Such a great necklace! Where did you get it?"
You: "You won't believe this, but I MADE it."
Now Jealous Girl: "No way, really? You are so crazy talented/gorgeous/cool that I can never, ever compete."
You: "Oh, stop." (Insert secret grin here)

Now go roll up your sleeves and bust out your glue guns girls - fashion isn't always found at the store!

Oh, oh UNIQLO...

It's been said that if you were to take H&M and American Apparel + add a dash of Japanese fashion flair, you'd get UNIQLO. If you love the Euro and/or Japanese feel in your fashion and have a serious addiction to solid colors and well-made, affordable, comfy basics that you can make your own, this is the place to go.

The Japanese characters for UNIQLO sound like "U-NI-KU-RO" which is, to a Japanese ear, the shortened version of "unique clothing." "Clothes as lifestyle components" is the Japanese retailer's mantra, and I'm so loving that this Tokyo-based export wants us to be part of its world!

Unfortunately for us American ladies, the only U.S. store is the NYC SOHO Store, the brand's largest retail outlet in the world. Thank goodness for the Internet!

UNIQLO's website layout is pretty genius - super-clear pictures, great tidbits of global fashion snapshots, fun interactive features and search tools that are ridiculously easy to use and make a lot of sense (a combination that is very rare in online shopping these days).

Some of my favorites are:

*DI Shipley & Halmos Waist Sache Dress
*DI Shipley & Halmos Sleeveless Dress
*EFC Hooded S/S T Tunic
*LTWT CNT Stretch Layered Dress
*Dry Stretch Full Zip Parka
*Illustrators S/S Graphic T

Now go explore the rainbow!

Don't you wish you were mod?

Well, stop wishing girlies! One of my bestest friends, T, offered up this amazing online store that carries excellent trendy clothes and cheeky accessories at really affordable prices - perfect for all of us frugal fashionistas.

ModCloth.com carries one-of-a-kind vintage and vintage-inspired finds, and everything from indie & retro to cute & emo...tops, dresses, purses, jewelry, la la la galore. A few pieces that really caught my eye were the Cornerstone Purse (a lovely, putty-colored clutch/tote/slouchy thing that would go so well with jeans), the Getting To Know You Dress (a happy, very vintage-y summer dress perfect for work and cocktails), the High Seas Skirt (a perfect paper-bag waist pencil skirt in an awesome, versatile deep blue), and the Age of Industry Ring (a stacked, industrial-looking piece that's looks part 90's minimalist, part 80's rapper).

The shop only carries a limited run of each of its pieces (many are sold out by the time I've decided to buy!) which is good if you don't want someone else wearing the same thing you are tonight but is bad if you're indecisive. Great for all you impulse buyers on a budget out there!

Now you CAN be mod (or retro, or indie, or emo...) for very few George Washingtons. We like that!

Right Said Red...

Oh my goodness I heart this dress. I am so hoping that it looks as good on as it does online, because I am in dire need of a red dress, now that summer may actually be around the corner. This one is Forever 21's Flutter Chiffon Dress, for...yes, I'll say it...$22.80!

However, girls, there is a very, very, fine fashion line between "beauty" and "booty" when it comes to pulling off lipstick red! The dress must be well-tailored, at a moderate length and cleavage level and in a fabric that does not cling, shine or sparkle (no being mistaken for a streetwalker here). Also, shoes should be neutral (I like gold or nude myself) - NOT black...unless you want to look straight out of 1987 (if you're going for that, excellent).

And please, please keep your hair natural and makeup minimal. With a color so bold, your outfit does not need competition from the rest of your lovely self...

Find your own soon because the little black dress can quickly become the little BORING dress, am I right? Show your fashion chops and BE the Lady in Red this summer!

It's Definitely Tea Time...

...when you shop at Sarah Seven!

An independent designer out of Portland, OR, Sarah makes fabulously feminine, one-of-a-kind clothing that is seriously TO DIE FOR. An inspiration to my own fledgling seamstress efforts, her work has a floaty, ethereal feel to it yet manages to have wonderful fit and structure.

I myself ordered the Tea Top (a beautiful pink silk chiffon corset top that makes me feel like a ballerina and the Crumpets Skirt (the most beautiful, ultra high-waisted wool gabardine skirt). Her custom creations fit like a glove and are so uber-flattering that you can't help but feel like a lady in them!

On top of it all, Sarah is so friendly and responsive in her online conversation that working with her is a dream.

Go visit her shop on etsy right now.
You'll be singing "I Feel Pretty" before you know it!

Tiers...not just for cakes anymore!

I've been noticing a trend in dresses lately that I wanted to get your opinion on, dear readers. Several designers and copycats have been turning out dresses with layers upon layers of fabric, all the way down the body.

Now, not having yet tried on one of these designs, part of me thinks them quite girly and stylish but part of me thinks they might just add extra poundage to all but the tiniest of us.

The crochet number above is the Rendez-Vous by Paul & Joe Sister Flamme Dress from Urban Outfitters and below are a few additional examples, the BCBG Tiered Cocktail Dress available at E-dressme.com, Betsey Johnson's Blush Dot Cotton Strapless Tiered Dress available at Bluefly.com, and the TBags Ruffle Tier Dress at Pinkmascara.com, respectively.

What do you think? Will we look as pretty as a petit-four or will we look like we ate the whole batch?

In the spirit of Marilyn...

A good friend of mine has quite the affinity for Marilyn Monroe memorabilia. And for good reason! Something about Marilyn just exudes sexiness, femininity, strength, allure and of course, old Hollywood glamour.

In the spirit of Marilyn and in riding the wave of the pin-up revival that has been going strong in many cities, I've recently become very interested in this retro, rockabilly, super-glam look. Think red lipstick, false eyelashes, accented waists, wiggle skirts, one-piece swimsuits...

What say you try your own hand at it? Check out these great pieces to start...

1) Ureshii Marilyn Dress

2) Kimchi Blue Skirted Retro One Piece Swimsuit

Now go be ultra-female and channel your inner Marilyn!

Gotta give it to my girl Angie...

Part (okay MOST) of the fun of watching the Oscar Awards is dishing about the fashion. While some were yawn-worthy, others made up for it.

And finally, Angelina Jolie dressed up again! Classic black, classic shape (love the sweetheart neckline) and classic jewelry in a very fresh color (green emeralds!) made her look like the modern movie star she is.

I just love that she can dress so simply and still be so WOW. Can you tell I would date her if she asked?

American frock...

In earlier posts, I lauded the great things about American Apparel, particularly how basic, versatile and easily personalized their pieces are. Plus, each one comes in such fun colors!

AA's Baby Rib Pocket Frock is no exception. Available in 6 great colors (I'm partial to the royal blue m'self), this super-fun yet basic dress has 3/4 sleeves, a flattering boatneck and pockets (pockets on dresses - I just love). Wear this alone as a mini-dress or with leggings/jeans as a casual tunic. Either way, it's right at home with a belt, a scarf, a bunch of jewelry, tights, heels, flats...endless possibilities ladies!

The best part is that you can wear this NOW and through the rest of the seasons, depending on what you pair it with. Always a good thing to make multiple outfits out of one piece. We like that!

Check out American Apparel's website for lots more chic, yet uber-affordable ideas like this. You will likey, I promise...

White eyelet & warm weather thoughts...

Girly white eyelet - by roxy-land on Polyvore.com

Crisp, white, feminine and a bit peek-a-boo sexy, anything made with eyelet fabric kind of makes you want to sit up straighter and do a little twirl.

Lots of this is coming out for spring and summer which is so great, mostly because it can be an excellent, textured, neutral piece to go with most anything already in your closet. I particularly like how gold jewelry can really set off this look!

Lovely for work and for play, try incorporating a new blouse into your office wear for some much-needed freshness. Or go all out with a full dress - I see it with espadrilles and a mojito myself...

Some really nice pieces I have found so far:

DRESSES

Nine West "Rock Candy" Eyelet Dress (a great, wrap dress)

Delia's "Juliet" Eyelet Dress (only $44!)

Nanette Lepore "It's Only Love" Dress

Isaac Mizrahi for Target Polka-Dot Eyelet Dress (it's seriously $11.24 on clearance with almost all sizes available. Seriously.)

TOPS/JACKETS

Heritage 1981 "Karla" Strapless Top ($12.90 - do I find you deals or WHAT?)

Elie Tahari "Krista" Cropped Jacket

Now start dreaming of warmer weather! Maybe if we buy dresses NOW spring will come sooner?

And she was called yellow...

And she was called yellow... - by roxy-land on Polyvore.com

There is something about the color yellow that just exudes a kind of happy, carefree spirit, which is why I am ultra-excited about all of the new spring/summer styles that are coming out drenched in all of its sunniness.

Want some ideas on how to wear it in order to look effortlessly fun instead of like a confused bumblebee? See my latest creation above from Polyvore! I especially heart the one-shoulder dress with its only-because-I'm-a-girl bow...

Click on the pic for more details. And put a smile on your face today!

Dress obsession of the day...

When surfing around the "mall store" websites today, I happened along something so lovely and so inexpensive and that looked so comfy that I had to share it with you, dear readers. By now, you will have realized that I adore unique, versatile, feminine pieces. It's only a bonus if they don't cause pain :)

THIS dress, however, is all of the above. The Express Flutter-Sleeve Dress is girly, bright, just a little clingy and quite a lot sexy.

You can wear it now with a pair of solid tights and right through the spring and summer with bare legs and whatever fabulous sandals/heels you pick up. And don't forget the power of the skinny or wide belt as an accessory with this one!

I simply adore the print...reminds you of the ocean and an abstract painting all at once, right? But for those of you who are print-shy (and I normally am), this fantastic dress also comes in 3 solid colors (turquoise, cobalt blue and black), all equally nice.

And it's priced at under $60! Shut up!

Dress obsession of the day...

Oh, dear readers, is it possible to live without a nude jersey dress like this for spring and summer? At $645, the Tomas Maier Cross Strap Dress version is a little out of us workin' gals' reach, but it shall serve as inspiration for all of us, ok?

Things to love (and to look for when you buy yours): the so gorgeous blush/nude color, the drapey fabric and the feminine details that will look great on most any shape and flatter most any skin tone.

Check out net-a-porter.com for ways to accessorize it and thus, wear for any occasion and be the prettiest gal in the room! Cuff bracelet, great tote bag, gladiator sandals...the list goes on...

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 her 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!

"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...

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...

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.

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?