Fashion Chick NYC

Style Inspiration: Think Like Coco

2007-10-22T07:57:00.000-04:00

Coco Chanel provided an endless amount of great quotes over the course of her lifetime, but here are three that I hope will inspire your personal style:

“A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.”

“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.”

“The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.”

W.W.G.K.D.?

2007-10-21T18:43:00.001-04:00

A few months ago, my husband and I were a part of a pink wedding. My husband was a groomsman and the bride asked that all the female guests wear their "favorite shade of pink." My first thoughts were, "WHAT? I'm 33! I don't wear pink dresses!" But then I thought since my husband was in the wedding, I couldn't just ignore the bride's request. So what to do... what to do??? My personal mantra when faced with a style challenge on this level is: W.W.G.K.D. or "What Would Grace Kelly Do?"

To me, Grace Kelly in Alfred Hitchcock's movies is the epitome of style. She is always chic, sophisticated, feminine and put together. She not only always looks great but it's clear that whoever put together her wardrobe thought about it. While careless chic is great for the few women who have that going, I appreciate people who think about where they're going and look their best for that particular occasion and circumstance. So take a lesson from Grace Kelly in a few of my favorite Hitchcock films and be inspired to add a little Grace (and grace!) and elegance to your wardrobe.

Rear Window

A plunging neckline and a full skirt accentuates a feminine figure.

A little black dress and pearls are always a sophisticated choice.

And if you're not into pearls, go for a big statement jewelry piece like an oversived charm bracelet.

To Catch a Thief

Why not wear a great big hat? You're fabulous enough to pull it off!

White is not just for your wedding day.

A scarf tied demurely around your neck is charming!

Dial M for Murder

You can't have too many red dresses. Don't you want all eyes on you when you enter a room?

Stop carrying so much stuff around! Downsize into a small frame bag.

Most of the pictures I used for this post came from Grace Kelly Online. And it's a good thing I found that site since I would have never been aware of the Grace Kelly Tribute going on at Sotheby's. Here are the details:

Grace, Princess of Monaco: A Tribute to the Life and Legacy of Grace Kelly
An exhibition from October 15 - 26, 2007

Place: Sotheby's - 1334 York Avenue @ 72nd Street
Time: Daily from 10AM to 5PM & Sundays from 1PM to 5PM
Free and open to the public

So if I've piqued your interest about Grace Kelly with this post, be sure to check out the exhibition!

Trends: Boots that Look Like Shoes with Socks

2007-10-21T16:33:00.000-04:00

I was perusing the latest boots by Marc By Marc Jacobs on Zappos and I noticed the following:

These are boots that make the wearer appear to have on shoes with socks. "How peculiar?!" I thought. But this is Marc and he's known for doing odd things, so I ignored it and kept clicking.

Then I saw these by Giuseppe Zanotti on ShopBop:

And these semi-cute versions of the style by Jill Stuart:

Marc by Marc has an even fuglier version of this style:

I really can't imagine why anyone would wear these. First of all, high-heeled shoes with socks can be a difficult look to pull off in general. So why make boots that are meant to give the illusion of this look? And what does one pair them with? Other than the Jill Stuart ones, these all look far from sexy or feminine. And I suspect next year, as you're weeding through your closet for things for the Goodwill, these are going to scream WINTER 2007! and be among the first things to go. I wouldn't consider these a classic style at all. I will be passing on this trend, but if you absolutely adore any of these, click on the pictures for purchasing information.

SALE!

2007-10-21T10:56:00.000-04:00

Looking for an excuse to go shopping? Make sure to save your money and mark you calendars to shop 7th On Sale starting November 15th. Not only will designer items be ridiculously discounted (Tory Burch Reva ballet flats for $60! Christian Louboutin pumps for $275!), 100% of the proceeds will go to AIDS/HIV education and awareness.

You can read more about the sale in the November issue of Vogue or check out this site for details about the charity.

The Devil is in the Details

2007-10-20T20:19:00.000-04:00

I will often come home with a new purchase and point out some obscure detail on it to my husband that makes me squeal with delight... while he gives me a blank stare. While small details in women's clothing and accessories often go over my husband's head, I'm a person who appreciates little design elements that in a mass-produced world make an item feel unique or evoke quality and artistry. Here are a few of my favorite details:

Covered buttons
Do you hear me squealing as I write this? I really have a thing for covered buttons over your garden variety, plastic uncovered ones. They feel very sophisticated and feminine in a Grace Kelly in a Hitchcock film way.

Handbags with feet
I'm sure I've said this before, but while I love my handbags, I also treat them very poorly. They get dumped on the floor in restaurants and bars... Hurled on the floor as I'm walking into my apartment after a stressful day at work... Or used as a battering ram on a crowded subway car. For this reason, bags with protective feet on the bottom are a must to keep me from scuffing the bottom portion of my purses.

Dresses with lining
You can always tell the difference between poor quality and well-made dresses when you hold them up to the sunlight. If you can see through your dress, you have a problem. This is why I love dresses with built in lining. There are certain parts of my body that I don't want to share with the general public and I appreciate designers who use materials that allow a woman to have a little modesty.

Embroidery on boots
This may sound strange but I like detailing on boots a lot. These Charles David ones with the embroidered design down the side are always a conversation piece when I wear them. This kind of detail on a boot is unexpected and it looks fresh in a sea of black and brown Fall boots.

What are your favorite details??

Model Moment: Liya Kebede

2007-10-20T18:30:00.000-04:00

Liya Kebede is a supermodel with a mission. Born in 1978 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Liya was discovered while in school at the French Lycee by a film director who introduced her to a French modeling agent. When she finished school, Liya moved to France where her career took off.

Liya has been on the covers of Italian, Japanese, French and Spanish Vogue. She's also been featured in ads for Gap, Yves Saint-Laurent, Emanuel Ungaro and Dolce & Gabbana. She's also walked the runway for Marc Jacobs, Balenciaga, Gucci, Anna Sui and Zac Posen. In 2003, Liya was named the face of Estee Lauder cosmetics and was the first person of color to serve as their representative in the company's 57-year history. In 2007, Liya was the eleventh highest paid top model, according to Forbes.

So she's beautiful, successful... and did I mention she's also a philanthropist? In 2005, Liya was appointed as WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health. She also has her own foundation dedicated to reducing maternal newborn and child mortality and improving the health of mothers and children around the globe. She sounds pretty awesome, right? Here's Liya serving you hot fashion.

We're on a Break!

2007-10-07T20:45:00.000-04:00

Between the busy season at my job, graduate school and gearing up for a much needed vacation at the end of the month, I haven't been able to blog nearly as much as I would like. Since I can barely keep my harried life together, Fashion Chick NYC will be on hiatus until 10/20.

While I'm away, I'll leave you with these gorgeous Miu Miu pumps I've been coveting....

Mmmm.... Miu Miu.... See you on 10/20!

Too Luxe: Out of Their Minds Edition

2007-09-26T13:53:00.000-04:00

Apparently the people at Coach have gone and lost their minds. The above monstrosity (how about some more hardware? I think there's an inch that's free) is being sold for $20,000. $20,000!!!! I've said it before and I'll say it again until someone starts listening to me... People in the market for $20,000 bags DO NOT BUY COACH. Arghh!! And this bag's ugly sister is selling for even more. If I didn't love my new boots so much, I would retract my ode from last week. When will the folly of the overpriced handbag be over? It's ridiculous. What next? A $10,000 Le Sportsac?

I Quit This B*tch!

2007-09-18T21:44:00.001-04:00

I'm not going to write about Emmy fashion. (Don't be alarmed. It's just sheer laziness.) But other bloggers did. Here are my favorites.

Where Has Elegance Gone?

2007-09-18T20:57:00.000-04:00

I agree with this article 100%!

An Ode to Coach

2007-09-17T20:39:00.000-04:00

A friend once asked me what my favorite brands were. I listed my usual: Marc Jacobs, Banana Republic and Rachel Pally. "Oh," she said. "I thought Coach would have been one of your favorites, too, since you have so much stuff from there." I was dumbfounded. Really? REALLY???! But she was absolutely right. I do own a lot of Coach items and interestingly I don't consider them among my favorite brands.

Like many fashion bloggers who are not fans of Coach, I discount them as a great brand because they often bring the fug. Their logo print and that horrible patchwork thing they do appeal only to the label-whoriest label-whores. They can also make their bags too busy by piling on the hardware. As a mid-luxury brand, Coach often tries to extend itself into high-luxury territory with ridiculous results. (A $7,000 bag from COACH??? Does this company know who their customer is??? Do they know who they are? Why would I buy a Coach bag when I can get an Hermes Birkin for nearly the same price??)

So you might be wondering where exactly is the "ode" part in this post. There is an area where Coach absolutely excells, and that is the everyday, functional boot. If you were unaware, they are the master of this style. Every Fall, I end up buying a new pair of Coach leather boots. Not because I need to, because their boots hold up remarkably well, but because they will have a new style that is more fabulous than the one I had last year. The quality of the leather is exquisite. The materials, the seams and the craftsmanship of the boots are impeccable. These are the boots you will wear everyday to run errands in with jeans or with your work slacks because you need a "comfy-heel" day. These aren't the boots you're going to wear when you want to look fierce, but they are the ones you can live in comfortably and still feel stylish when you leave the house. As a testament to the comfort factor of Coach boots, on a particularly busy day of hanging out with friends last year, I walked TWO MILES in my favorite pair of Coach boots without a blister or pain.

These are the "two mile" boots I bought last Fall. They still look pretty good after quite a bit of wear. Did I mention I also wore them in the rain?

I ordered the Maxene boot in black for this Fall. I just couldn't resist them! And they're available in this season's hottest color: gray.

The Weslyn boot is a charming riding style as well.

For those of you who don't find the Coach logo print as appalling as I do, try the Meadow boot.

Try this tip: Always take new boots to the cobbler to have a rubber sole added to the existing sole of the shoe. This lengthens the life of the boot and makes it more comfortable since the rubber absorbs some of the shock your feet will feel from walking on concrete sidewalks and streets.

Spring 2008 London Fashion Week: I Don't Get It

2007-09-17T08:17:00.000-04:00

There is a reason I've given my blog the catch phrase: "an ordinary woman obsessed with fashion." That would be because I have no formal training and I'm not a fashion editor. For that reason, designers like Gareth Pugh get a blank face and a "Huh? What?" from me. For example, this was his opening look for his Spring 2008 London show.

I don't get it. Here are a few more looks I don't get.

The model below is wearing a stole made of white mink mice with red eyes and tails. Um... okay....

Does anybody actually wear these clothes or are these just outfits for fashion-insiders to editorialize about? Of the 15 looks he showed, this was the most wearable:

And I think I'm stretching it a bit by saying "wearable." I guess his particular role in the fashion game is to provoke and keep things interesting. Read more about Gareth Pugh's show here.

Blogging About African-Americans in Fashion

2007-09-16T21:45:00.001-04:00

The Fashion Bomb and Cut, Sew & Blog give some really thoughtful insights on the dearth of African-Americans in the fashion industry: from the lack of influential editors to famous designers not using Black models. Check out a great post from The Fashion Bomb here about a recent forum on Blacks in Fashion. Malcolm Harris gives his take on the subject at Cut, Sew & Blog here. Definitely food for thought!

Spring 2008 New York Fashion Week: Dream Items

2007-09-16T20:54:00.000-04:00

I absolutely LOVED the shoes from Tory Burch's Spring 2008 showing. I am definitely getting these adorable, gold gladiator sandals.

I will be sure to pose like this model whenever I wear them.
And this sunny yellow Marc by Marc Jacobs dress will be perfect for Spring. I love the bow detail, the silhouette and the flowery print.

Although, unlike the model, I would have to smile in such a happy dress! I guess I should start saving for my Spring 2008 purchases now....

The Marc Jacobs Controversy

2007-09-16T20:02:00.000-04:00

Suzy Menkes rips Marc Jacobs a new one in her review of his Spring 2008 show.

Marc threatens to move his show to Paris where he would be appreciated more.

Diane von Furstenberg attempts to smooth the whole controversy over.

How will it end???

Three Times Makes it a Trend: The Death of Necklaces?

2007-09-16T11:27:00.000-04:00

As I've been looking through red carpet and various celebrity photos from my favorite gossip blogs, I've been noticing more and more that starlets are choosing to not wear necklaces with their formal wear. It's become more about statement earrings and bracelets and leaving necks bare. Here are three examples from the 2007 VMAs.

Rihanna

Beyonce

Alicia Keys

And the trend continues with three celebrities at the Heroes Pre-Emmy Party:

Ali Larter

Kristen Bell and Hayden Panettiere

Will bare necks be all the rage at tonight's Emmy awards? I think so!

Picture source Picture source

Spring 2008 NY Fashion Week: De La Renta Designs for the Life I Wish I Lived

2007-09-16T09:21:00.000-04:00

I live a jeans-appropriate existence. The fact is, for the majority of my day-to-day activities, jeans would be okay to wear or be the expected style choice. My job is fairly casual with its dress code. And New York city has become increasingly more casual with jeans worn at events that used to require formalwear such as going to the opera. "Dressing up" is often considered dark wash jeans.

But the fact is, I'm a woman who loves dresses. I am actually much more comfortable in a dress than jeans. And if I could wear an A-line dress with a slim fitting bodice that poufs out from the waist everyday, I would be a very happy camper. So in my dream life, I'm a "lady who lunches." This dream woman lunches at fabulous restaurants during the day with her lovely girlfriends and attends charity balls in the evening... And, of course, her wardrobe for this life is exclusively Oscar de la Renta.

He started his show with beautiful suits like this one. (Very appropriate for a smart lunch with the girls, right?)Next, came some gorgeous ethnic print dresses that would be perfect to pack for that upcoming vacation in South Africa.

Oscar showed some lovely solid-colored dresses. In my imaginary life, I would wear these to the various dinner parties I had to attend and be the most chic woman in the room.

And finally, what's a girl to wear to that formal gala or red-carpet event? Oscar has that covered, too.

In my opinion, I think his show embodied everything Fashion Week is meant to be: gorgeous, aspirational, stylish and feminine.

Spring 2008 NY Fashion Week: What's Missing?

2007-09-12T21:53:00.000-04:00

What's missing from the Spring 2008 ready-to-wear shows? Models of color.

Thanks, Cinnamon!

Spring 2008 NY Fashion Week: Making Sense of Marc

2007-09-11T21:22:00.000-04:00

I worship at the altar of Marc Jacobs. I make no bones about it. I agree that he is a genius and doesn't just design lines but moves fashion in a new direction almost every season. I want to BE that funky, hip, luxurious downtown girl (with a few of my own grown-up touches) that his clothes represent. I buy into it wholeheartedly. But his Spring 2008 namesake collection confounds me.

The Bad

The "silly-string guipure gown"

Marc's been quoted as saying he "loves a blouse that's dumb." Well, this dress with it's awkward top and strange strings hanging from is dumb.

The tan shoe was billed as the "too-small pump"and the hot pink and green shoe is what I will call "the accident waiting to happen." The too-small pump seems a little more wearable than the shoe with the heel protruding from the foot bed but both are not knocking my socks off.

Even Worse

I don't understand what's going on here. I'm not going to try.

All of these layers for SPRING??? Even the model looks frightened.

The Interesting

Trompe l'oeil Underwear

Underwear as Outerwear

Marc's usage of underwear as part of the outerwear of the ensemble was an interesting theme, although I feel like I may have seen this explored before.

The Good

I love the looks above for a simple reason: They're pretty. There are no gimmicks, no tricks and they don't need to be explained. And isn't that what most of us really want? The chance to wear a pretty outfit and feel good in it.

Models are Funny When They Fall

2007-09-11T08:15:00.001-04:00

Those amazing Fug Girls put together a compilation of the top 5 runway falls which you can check out here. I think this may be just the little pick-me-up you'll need on this rainy New York day...

Spring 2008 NY Fashion Week: Make Me Understand Vera Wang

2007-09-11T07:52:00.001-04:00

While it's hard to tell in the picture, these are drop-crotch satin shorts.

DROP-CROTCH SATIN SHORTS, I SAY!!!

I was watching Full Frontal Fashion yesterday night and the commentator said that Vera Wang views these as a modern take on the cargo short. WHAT? These look more like a modern take on the MC Hammer pant. Unfortunately, the pictures do not do full justice to how uncomplimentary and unforgiving these shorts are. The back view looks like the model is wearing a droopy diaper. I don't know who can pull these off since they're not really working on these 6 foot tall, 110 pound models. I am not amused.

And remember what I've been saying about the death of volume?
Oy vey, Vera.... And this dress just looks like the model has a goiter growing out of the side of her thigh.

Who looks good wrapped in all this excessive, shiny fabric? Boo, Vera Wang...

Model Moment: Du Juan

2007-09-10T19:49:00.000-04:00

As I was looking through photos of the Spring 2008 Ready-to-Wear shows, I couldn't help but notice that model Du Juan seemed to be everywhere. So far I've spotted her working the runways of Derek Lam, Diane von Furstenberg, 3.1 Phillip Lim, J. Mendel, Badgeley Mischka... and the list goes on. In a sea of blonde, white models, Du Juan truly stands out.

Born in 1987 in Shanghai, China, Du trained at the Shanghai Academy of Dance until she grew too tall to find a partner. She was Miss China in 2003 and made her runway debut in Spring 2006 walking for major designers such as Valentino and Jean-Paul Gaultier. She has been responsible for several "firsts" as an Asian model with such wide appeal. She is the first Asian to be on the cover of French Vogue and she was the cover model of the premier issue of Vogue China. In addition to her runway work, Du has also been featured in ads for Swarovksi, Gap, Louis Vuitton and Yves Saint Laurent.

Here is Du serving you hot fashion:

Source Source Source

Wurk, B*tch!: America Ferrara

2007-09-10T08:23:00.000-04:00

Snaps in a "z" formation go to America Ferrara for her dress, shoes, hair and makeup at the 2007 Creative Arts Emmys. I have one word for her total look: FLAWLESS!

WURK B*TCH!

Spring 2008 NY Fashion Week: I Enjoy Being a Girl!

2007-09-09T15:28:00.000-04:00

As I looked through the runway pictures for Thakoon, Tracy Reese and Catherine Malandrino, I was reminded of one of my favorite show tunes: I Enjoy Being a Girl! The looks were feminine and girly, and celebrated a woman's curves. No more trapeze, tents and empire-waist dresses. It was all about cinched waists and shorter hemlines. (Bye maxi-dresses!) In particular, I adored almost everything from Catherine Malandrino's show. She used several feminine touches including lots of pink, colorful prints and ruffles.

I also noticed that quite a few of the shows have been featuring an asymetrical, single shoulder dress but I liked Catherine Malandrino's take on this style the best. If you want to get an early start on this trend, try this version from Banana Republic.

Here are some of my favorite looks.

Thakoon

Tracy Reese

Catherine Malandrino

Spring 2008 NY Fashion Week: Proenza Schouler

2007-09-09T14:53:00.000-04:00

Proenza Schouler interprets Spring 2008 in a manner that is usually saved for Fall collections: military! Their collection was full of military themes, vests, oversized-metallic buttons and lots of usage of khaki and navy colors. And similar to many other designers who have shown this week, there were a few beautiful metallic dresses. The collection was particularly interesting to me since so many aspects of it seemed menswear inspired and Proenza Schouler was known for its exagerated bustier styles.

This is actually the first show I've seen so far that has me truly excited because the looks seemed so unexpected for Spring. Here are my favorites.

Piping Hot Fashion News

2007-09-09T13:17:00.000-04:00

Some models are anorexic? You don't say. Erin O'Connor reveals the truth about models.

What would a designer be without their stylist? Read about them here.

Anna Wintour repeats her shoes frequently.

The romance of New York Fashion Week.

StyleSpy gives me my new mantra: Stop judging me and my shoes!

Get a head start on shopping for your Spring 2008 metallic heels.

Style Jack: Mary J. Blige

2007-09-08T21:19:00.000-04:00

Mary J. Blige looked stylish and sophisticated on the red carpet of the Fashion Rocks show. Her white trench, peep-toe platforms and sassy beret looked grown-up and sexy. This look could come right off the red carpet and be appropriate for a work event. Here's how you can jack MJB's style.

DAY Birger et Mikkelsen Cotton Twill Trench $219.50 (on sale!)

Nine West Look Good Peep Toe Mary Janes $69.99 (on sale!)

Nordstrom Wool Beret $22

Steve Madden Bnan Gold Clutch $38

Total cost to jack MJB's style: $349.49
Working a sexy secret agent style look: PRICELESS!

Purse Envy

2007-09-07T21:40:00.000-04:00

I had to post this picture of Angelina Jolie and her daughter Zahara wearing matching Valentino Histoire handbags. It's really just too cute for words. And who knew Valentino made a mini-Histoire? And more importantly, how do I get my hands on one???

Picture source

Fashion Week!

2007-09-07T19:46:00.000-04:00

It's Fashion Week in New York City! This is one of my favorite times of the year. If you walk by Bryant Park (where the tents are for the shows) during the day time, you might not see someone famous but you'll definitely see someone fabulous. Model looking women, flamboyant fashionistas and gorgeous men seem to be everywhere. While most are excited to see the Spring 2008 ready-to-wear collections, others want to be seen in all their fashionista glory.

I've been checking out the shows from the past few days on Style.com and I have noticed a few trends:

Volume is dying a slow death. For many designers, such as BCBG and L.A.M.B., dresses that compliment the feminine form and cinch the waist are back. Hallelujah! I was so sick of seeing racks and racks of tent-style dresses in stores. They only flatter tall, thin models. They make the rest of us look pregnant!
Dark colors will work for Spring. Badgeley Mischka, Nicole Miller and L.A.M.B. all heavily featured dark colored clothes (like black and navy) on their runways. Who won't have a wedding or party to attend where a spring-time little black dress will make perfect sense?
Metallics and ethnic inspired prints are spring-time favorites. Marchesa and Nicole Miller both included ethnic touches in their collections while most of the collections I viewed also had metallic style dresses or appliques.

So what can women who aren't a sample size (0 or 2), who have careers, families and active lives wear, or be inspired by for next Spring? Here are my favorite looks! (Click on the picture to find out the designer.)

I'll have more fashion week coverage next week!

Sale!

2007-08-30T22:06:00.001-04:00

Did you ever wish you could find out immediately when your favorite brands go on sale at various stores? ShopItToMe.com does just that. You just select your favorite apparel brands (including great labels like Marc Jacobs, Prada, Banana Republic, Ella Moss and Juicy Couture), your size, the types of items you want (pants, dresses, etc.) and this site will search several online stores and send you an email with the sale items it finds. How awesome is that?! You can also choose how often you want to get emails (daily, twice a week, etc.). So check it out!

Inspired by the Real Thing: Madden Continues to Copy Louboutin

2007-08-27T19:42:00.001-04:00

If Steve Madden is going to keep knocking off the maestro, Christian Louboutin, I'm going to keep bringing it to your attention, dear readers!

On the left, we have the Steve Madden Larrk which retails for $129.95. On the right, we have Christian Louboutin's Caracalo Patent Zip Pump which sells for $910. While $910 seems a lot for a shoe, my personal experience tells me that this is the better buy than the Steve Madden copy.

Dream Item of the Day: Manolo Heels

2007-08-27T19:28:00.000-04:00

I'm a sucker for a d'orsay pump. It's a style that manages to be classic and feminine while the cut elongates the leg. I was particularly intrigued by these Manolo Blahnik lace hair calf d'orsays because of the unusual cut-outs. I could see this shoe looking great with jeans and a white shirt or a beautiful brown tweed dress for Fall. But with a $775 price tag, these Manolos will have to remain in my dreams...

What to Wear: Pregnancy Chic

2007-08-20T09:00:00.000-04:00

While I'm not a fan of Nicole Richie or her "rocker" fiance Joel Madden, I must concede that her choices of outfits during her pregancy have been very chic and sexy without being tacky. I'm all for pregnant women celebrating their sensuality but I think this can be done without wearing a skin-tight shirt over your bump which was all the rage a few years ago. Nicole Richie makes all the right moves with an empire waist halter top dress and sexy Christian Louboutin mary janes. Bravo!

Picture source

Fashion Chick NYC's Fall Coat Picks

2007-08-19T18:03:00.000-04:00

This weekend has been a chilly one in New York city and it made me think of the upcoming cool days of Fall. I love Fall coats! They aren't as bulky as winter coats and a nice one can really add flair to an outfit. Here are some of my favorites.

Super Splurge!

A coat is a great item to splurge on since you will probably wear it several times during the week and if you care for it, several seasons. I like Burberry's metallic trench because it's a classic style with a bit of a twist.

Burberry trench $995

A Little Pricey...
I love this Marc By Marc Jacobs Thick Wale Corduroy jacket! The color is a warm, rich purple that just seems so Fall-like to me. I also love the generous cut at the waist and hip which will allow you to wear heavier sweaters as it gets cooler.

Marc By Marc Jacobs $498

The price is right!

I've owned at least three Gap moleskin Fall coats over the past ten years. I've owned a trench, peacoat and a car coat version of the moleskin. All of them were really good quality and had a great fit and cut.

Gap car coat $98

Happy shopping!

For the Boys: Flight of the Conchords Style

2007-08-12T20:25:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite television shows is HBO's Flight of the Conchords. While the show is hysterically funny with its quirky musical comedy, I love the two main characters' sartorial style.

Jemaine Clement sports a pair of retro 70's style pork chop sideburns and dark-framed eyeglasses. Bret McKenzie has a slightly more hipstery style and often wears sweatshirts with silkscreened animals on them. (Very reminiscent of Stella McCartney for Chloe's Wild Horses show!) Overall, they sport a type of effortless "geek chic" that I find charming. Here are some examples.

Boys, try a take on "geek meets hipster chic" with the outfit below.

Levi's Capital E Skinner Jeans $165

Converse Men's All-Stars Black $44.99

Dolce & Gabbana Men's Plastic Eyeglass Frames $189.95

Autumn Cashmere Breakdance Sweater $185

Picture source Picture source

Shirt Dresses for Fall

2007-08-12T16:59:00.000-04:00

I had a fun day of shopping in Soho with friends yesterday and I couldn't help but notice that every store we went to seemed to have some variation of the shirt dress. While this is a pretty classic style that seems to rear its head every few seasons, like anything in fashion you need to be mindful of proportions and fit and find a version of the trend that works for you.

Case in point, I tried on this Gap shirt dress that R&B singer Amerie is wearing below.

On Amerie it looks flattering and chic. Since I am petite with full hips, the proportion was off and it looked like I was wearing a shirt that was too big and not a chic shirt dress. I would say the rounded hem is tricky to pull off, too, since this can make the dress look too casual and pajama-like. This is definitely not a dress for everybody, so let the buyer beware.

I recently bought this black shirt dress from Ann Taylor Loft.

The full skirt masks my hips and the cinched waist gave me a nice hour-glass shape. For those of you who are curvy women, I would suggest this affordable take on the trend. If you're like me, you might find all black a little boring so punch this look up by changing the belt or adding a pair of bright shoes.

I really adore this Lia Shirt Dress from J. Crew. In addition to having a funky city meets country feel, it combines two of my favorite things (ruffles and full skirts) in a fun, plaid print. Similar to the Ann Taylor Loft dress, I think this silhouette will flatter a variety of shapes.

I've been visiting this Juicy Couture shirt dress for weeks hoping that it will go on sale to no avail! I would probably buy the black version for myself since the pink is a little girlish for a woman in her 30's, but for those of you still in your 20's this color would work well for you. Once again, it has the adorable ruffles and body skimming skirt that can flatter a variety of sizes. And the knee length makes it flirty enough to wear to a party or for date night. I would also leave open the top button to make this look less conservative.

Inspired by the Real Thing: Marc Jacobs Stam

2007-08-12T10:13:00.001-04:00

Since its debut in 2005, the Marc Jacobs Stam Bag has been a must-have for fashionistas. Inspired by Chanel with its quilting and chain handle and named after model Jessica Stam, the Stam looks great dressed down with jeans or dressed up with a classic dress. With a price tag of $1,350, a real Stam is out of the price range for most of us fashionistas who weren't born with a trust fund.

Luckily, Banana Republic has clearly been inspired by Marc's usage of chain and structured top handles on a frame bag and released their own version. At $198, I think the Banana Republic Fillmore deep satchel is a charming take on the Stam and a great addition to your Fall wardrobe.

For my fellow New York fashion chicks: I would highly recommend taking a trip to the Marc By Marc Jacobs store at 403 Bleecker in the Village. I bought the adorable dress below for $50 marked down from $378 yesterday! The dress is a bit sheer so I will be wearing mine with the white tank slip you see underneath in the picture. There were plenty of sizes and the dress was also available in white. Pair it with flip-flops and you have the perfect casual and easy dress for a Labor Day barbecue. Happy shopping!

SALE!!!

2007-08-08T20:46:00.000-04:00

To quote The Devil Wears Prada, "Ladies and gentlemen, gird your loins!" It's time for the Barney's Warehouse Sale! For New Yorkers, this means sifting through racks and racks of clothing and accessories in an extremely crowded store to find that gem of a designer item at one third of the price. Here are the details:

DATE: August 16th - September 3rd
Monday to Friday: 10 AM to 9 PM
Saturday and Sunday: 10 AM to 7PM
Get a head start on 8/16 and 8/17 when the sale starts at 8AM

WHERE: 255 W. 17th St., b/t Seventh & Eighth Aves.

Frankenstein Bag: Part 2

2007-08-02T09:00:00.000-04:00

I guess you can't wear a $52,000 handbag just once, right?

Beyonce wears that monstrous Louis Vuitton Tribute bag while leaving the MTV TRL show. Similar to her previous outing, she pairs the patchwork Tribute with a white t-shirt and jeans. What other wardrobe options are there for such an overpowering bag?

The Tragedy of the Cheap Shoes

2007-08-01T21:51:00.000-04:00

I am the woman who lived in her shoes. Literally. There are shoes in almost every available storage space in my apartment. There are shoes in the bedroom closet. There are also shoes in the additional wardrobe my husband and I purchased since there wasn't enough room for all my clothes in the bedroom closet. There are also shoes in the linen closet, the coat closet and the storage closet. The one room that has not been used for shoe storage is the kitchen and that is because I fear the heat would damage my shoes.

I suffer from the problem of too much quantity and not enough quality. How many times have you been to a Nine West or Steve Madden sale and thought to yourself, "$40 for shoes?! Oh, why not?! I'd be crazy not to buy them at that price!" I've said this way too many times and now I'm drowning in shoes. But I've come to realize that although these shoes may seems like a bargain, you're not saving anything at all.

Let me present Exhibit A:

I purchased these Aerosoles slides in 2003. I know that may seem like a long time ago, but they are summer sandals and I don't wear them very often. Imagine my surprise, as I was walking to my office and my left foot began to feel like it was in a shoe that was a half size too large. The poor man-made materials, which I had thought were leather, on my cheap shoes had fallen apart!

Here's a better look at the damage:

Exhibit B: I also recently purchased these Nine West sandals since I thought they were a fun take on the gladiator style.

While they haven't fallen apart and are comfortable, they make an embarassing, loud squeaking noise when I walk. Unfortunately, I can never sneak up on anyone in my Nine West gladiator sandals.

Exhibit C: These are the Steve Madden knock-offs of those Christian Louboutin shoes I've been talking about for weeks.

I try to enforce a strict "no knock-offs" policy when it comes to my shopping out of respect for designer creativity, but I simply couldn't resist these. I knew I couldn't afford the real thing and these looked so sexy on. Big mistake! These are virtually impossible to walk in. They pinch at the toes and they give blisters in the heel. After an hour of wear, I had to hobble my way into an Ann Taylor Loft and purchase some flip-flops.

The moral of the story: I bought these Burberry ballet flats in 2003. (The same year as the Aerosole shoes mentioned above.)

Ballet flats can carry you across several seasons and I've worn these pretty frequently. With the occasional re-soling and cleaning, these shoes have held their shape and maintained the quality of their materials for four years! The style is classic and I'm sure I'll wear them for years to come. I remember buying these four years ago for $300 and thinking how expensive they are. But in reality, since I've been able to wear them so frequently (as opposed to those Steve Madden shoes I'll probably never wear again), the money spent was far less wasteful than what I've spent on other shoes.

I know that there are exceptions to the rule, but frequently you do get what you pay for. It is possible to find inexpensive shoes that are comfortable, but where you'll feel the pinch (pardon the pun!), is that you won't be able to wear the shoes for years like you will with shoes made of quality materials. If I took all the money I have spent on cheap shoes this year, I would be able to buy a pair of real Louboutins. So take a lesson from me and skip some of those "sales" and save your money for classic styles by the best shoe designers you can afford. Your feet and your wallet will thank you.

Piping Hot Fashion News!

2007-07-31T20:28:00.000-04:00

Catherine Deneuve, classicly beautiful at 64 and starring in the new Louis Vuitton ads. Now that's aging gracefully.

Think about this the next time you consider buying that fake Vuitton bag in Chinatown.

Capri pants are acceptable bottoms for men? Really?

The evil empire of the Crocs expands.

Give up shopping or own your own apartment? I thought women today could do it all.

On a personal note, my posts will be a little more sporadic this week and next since I am in the last two weeks of summer school and trying to get several projects done. In the interim, check my blog roll for your daily fashion fix. Happy shopping!

The Voices in My Head...

2007-07-25T20:00:00.000-04:00

I was in Banana Republic today, minding my own business, and this dress spoke to me. Here's what it said:

"Hey you... Yeah, YOU! I know you're trying to balance your desire to feel sexy with your love of baked goods and fried foods. I know no matter how many crunches you do or boxing classes you take, you still have a soft, round stomach. You're 33 and staying tight gets harder as you age. I understand. REALLY. I UNDERSTAND. See my triangular, empire waist? It hides that little pooch. See that v-neck? Helloooo, sexy neck! And I know you have a great push-up bra and high heels at home that will make the volume on this dress go from business casual to va-va-voom. So do us both a favor and buy me?"

Of course, I had to do as I was told. You can get your own talking dress here.

BOYCOTT L'OREAL!

2007-07-24T20:20:00.000-04:00

I don't post much about beauty products, mostly since they confound me! (But more on that at some later date.) But I will never buy L'Oreal products again. It seems they have banned "non-white" women from promoting their shampoos, in particular Garnier (which I use religiously, mind you). BeautySnob has all the details of the lawsuit and L'Oreal's racist recruitment campaign here.

Louboutin Inspired: Part 3

2007-07-24T08:35:00.000-04:00

Those fabulous Christian Louboutin shoes that were designed for Roland Mouret's recent RM fashion show have been knocked off by Steve Madden. Compare and contrast...

Christian Louboutin Emily Shoe Boot $925

Steve Madden Chap $149.95

Is imitation the greatest form of flattery? Or is it the best way to profit off of someone else's talent? I can't say for sure. I think we all know that when you purchase a knock-off of a designer shoe, you may have something that looks like the real thing but won't be made with the quality of the materials and the craftsmanship of the original. But the reality is, how many of us can afford a $925 Christian Louboutin shoe? And Louboutin has so taken over the shoe world recently that it seems like everyone is knocking him off. Those stunning heels you're wearing right now could be a Louboutin knock-off and you don't even know it. I will leave it up to you to decide based on your budget and fashion needs what you will buy.

Double Your Pleasure...

2007-07-22T17:51:00.001-04:00

I've never been pregnant but God-willing I will be by the end of this year! My friends with children have all told me about the many changes that happen to a woman's body during pregnancy. One that I am not looking forward to (since I have a pretty extensive shoe collection), is that some women's feet grow an entire shoe size by the time they give birth. That would explain why moms-to-be Isla Fisher and Naomi Watts chose to wear super-comfy Birkenstocks while out in Hollywood.

Birkenstock Gizeh Sandals $100

I'm not a Birkenstocks woman, so when I'm looking for comfort in a shoe, I gravitate towards something a little more glam like this:
Beverly Feldman White Leather Sandals $215

Who says comfort can't be fabulous?

SALE!

2007-07-19T17:20:00.000-04:00

I've been browsing some of my favorite shopping sites and there are some great sales going on. Unfortunately, my husband has put me on a shopping diet so I can only make suggestions to you and not buy anything myself. Boo hoo! But, happy shopping!

Tod's Matisse Gladiator Sandal $179 from $445

L.A.M.B. Paneled Wrap Dress $232.50 from $465

Nieves Lavi Waist Tie Blouson Top $55 from $110

Kooba Ginger Braided Tote $381 from $635

JCrew Bermuda Striped Ruffled Shirt Dress $49.99 from $138

Banana Republic Premium Indigo Skinny Jean $19.99 from $128

Too Luxe: Louis Vuitton Tribute Patchwork Bag

2007-07-19T12:43:00.000-04:00

I was looking through this week's Life & Style Weekly and had to do a double-take. I had read about the Louis Vuitton Tribute Patchwork bag many months ago, but had yet to see someone photographed with one. It appears Beyonce owns that most heinous of over-priced, "I just want the world to know I'm rich," status bags. As the article mentions, only 24 were made and thank God for that. I would hardly consider this Marc Jacobs' finest work for Louis Vuitton. In fact, the Tribute Patchwork was referred to as "the Frankenstein monster" by the British press when it first appeared on the runway for the Spring 2007 Ready-to-Wear show. I would say it looks more like a bad arts and crafts challenge from Project Runway than a luxury accessory worth what some people make as an annual salary.

Here is a lesson that should inform all accessory purchases in the age of the $52,000 handbag: Just because something is expensive, doesn't make it elegant or chic.

Photo credit: Life & Style Weekly, 7/30/2007

Dream Item of the Day

2007-07-18T20:45:00.000-04:00

I've been obsessed with shoes lately. Actually, I think I've been obsessed with shoes for the past 20 years or so, but I digress. Since I am a petite five feet tall, I love high-heeled shoes the best among all shoe varieties since they allow me to feel "regular" sized. But I have a love-hate relationship with my beloved heels since they can be so unbearingly painful. Right now, I am suffering with blisters about two inches wide from trying to wear four-inch heels in today's torrential New York city rain. (I also had to walk up a hill in the shoes. What was I thinking?! I'm no Victoria Beckham!) Tomorrow, I will be wearing flat shoes to compensate. But today, I can dream about stepping out in these gorgeous, sexy, metallic Gucci heels... and maybe they wouldn't even hurt.

Gucci Hollywood Sandal $510

Piping Hot Fashion News

2007-07-16T21:02:00.000-04:00

Best. Fashion. Magazine. Layout. Ever.

The life of Gianni Versace is celebrated in Milan with a dancing gala on the 10th anniversary of his death.

Meet the fashion bingers.

Sack, trapeze and baby doll dresses all allow for maximum circulation of air to the body on those hot summer days. But they can also make you look pregnant if you're not super skinny.

The shoes from Valentino's Fall 2007 Haute Couture are a thing of beauty.

Jazz shoes are back? I'll be skipping that trend...

You NEED This Dress in Your Life

2007-07-15T15:28:00.000-04:00

I'm not a big lover of the celebrity clothing line and usually ignore the offerings of L.A.M.B. I was clicking through the Eluxury.com sale page and this dress instantly caught my eye. The pattern was bright and colorful which I love and the cut seemed very flattering. I decided to give this little L.A.M.B. number a try.

Honestly, the picture does not do this dress justice. The pattern is much brighter in person and it's definitely not for the woman who doesn't want to be noticed. The fabric is super soft and moves beautifully. (I wore this dress to work and couldn't help but sneak in a little twirling in the full length mirror in the ladies' room.) I'm also a pear shaped woman and I found the dress minimized my hips and emphasized my shoulders and neck. At $155 on sale from $385, the dress is still a little pricey, but I think it's well worth it. $155 is a small price to pay for a dress that makes you happy enough to twirl in the ladies' room at work!

There are only sizes 0 and 4 left, so hurry and pick up the L.A.M.B. Flutter Sleeve Dress here. (I would say if you're a size 6, you can probably fit into the 4 based on the cut. I fluctuate between a 6 and an 8 and I fit into the 6.) Happy shopping!

Deja-Loub

2007-07-12T16:52:00.001-04:00

Is Christian Louboutin giving these peep-toe Mary Jane pumps away? If so, I seriously need to get on his gift list. Add Jamie-Lynn Sigler to the list of Hollywood starlets with the "it" shoe. Jamie-Lynn wore her pair (also in black! Does it come in other colors???) with a Dolce & Gabbanna dress to the ESPY awards. That brings my count of starlets with this shoe to six!

Model Moment: Emanuela de Paula

2007-07-10T22:33:00.000-04:00

Emanuela de Paula was discovered on the streets of Pernambuco, Brazil. She was born in 1989 in the small Brazilian port town of Cabo de Santo Agostinho. Emanuela can attribute her stunning, exotic looks to her biracial background; her mother is white and her father is black.

She was booking catalog and runway work in Brazil until Jennifer Lopez cast her in the Fall 2005 Sweetface runway show and brought her to New York City. Since then she has done ads for DKNY, Tommy Hilfiger, Sephora and Saks Fifth Avenue. She has also walked the runway for Baby Phat, Catherine Malandrino, Bottega Veneta and Diane von Furstenberg.

Here is Emanuela de Paula serving you hot fashion!

Just Asking.....

2007-07-10T22:00:00.001-04:00

If you all haven't guessed, I tend to spend a lot of money on clothing and accessories. I'm budget conscious about certain items, but with others I'm willing to spend a little more. For example, I tend to lose all sense of reason when it comes to Marc Jacobs handbags. What is YOUR weakness?

Me & My Bulga

2007-07-09T21:28:00.000-04:00

As you may remember, I've been contemplating purchasing a Bulga handbag for a few months now. I just wasn't willing to pay $600 or more for one. In the hierarchy of labels that exists in my mind (Marc Jacobs being at the top of that hierarchy), Bulga is just not a brand I am willing to shell out major cash for. I think Bulga makes lovely handbags but they have not established the brand cache in the fashion world that would make it justifiable to spend that kind of money on their accessories.

Although I had been invited to the Bulga Sample Sale, my schedule was so hectic that week that I wasn't able to attend. But lo and behold, a few weeks ago I was doing one of my daily checks of my favorite online stores' sale pages and I found the Bulga Double Strap Pocket Satchel on sale at Neiman Marcus and ShopBop! Wahoo! Both stores had the bag on sale in all colors for $446. While this was a good deal since the bag was originally priced at $638, I still thought that was a little high. So every morning I would go back and check both stores and hope that the bag would go down in price a little more. Miraculously one morning, as I was sipping my coffee at work and trying to get ready for the long day ahead, I clicked onto the Bulga brand listing on ShopBop and saw that the Double Strap Pocket Satchel had went down to $319! I wanted to spin around in my chair, shake my cubicle-mate and shout, "The Bulga bag I want is HALF-PRICED!!!!" But she wouldn't have cared and I would have looked foolish. I contained my excitement and went ahead and ordered the bag.

My purse came in the mail about six days later and I love it. The leather is buttery soft and it's the perfect size for all my essentials (wallet, make-up kit, Ipod, Blackberry) as well as a good book to read on the subway ride home from work. And, of course, there's nothing as satisfying as getting something you want at a bargain price. The peculiar part of this story is that the bag I bought is back to full price on ShopBop. That just goes to show that being a power shopper and finding a good deal requires vigilance, determination and just a little good luck. Happy shopping!

Style Inspiration: West Side Story

2007-07-08T20:31:00.000-04:00

I love to look for style inspiration in old movies. Whenever I watch a movie from the 1950's or 1960's, I feel like I've stepped into another world. It's a world where women wear hats and gloves and people dress up for traveling and when they go to the theater. These days, it seems that jeans have become appropriate for almost every occasion and it's refreshing to imagine living during a time that was less casual.

West Side Story is one of my favorite movies for the story line and for the fashion. It's full of women in voluminous A-line dresses with cinched waists and low bodices. The clothes are feminine and they move beautifully with the film's choreography. Rita Moreno's arm raised as she begins her mambo and asserts her territory at the dance at the gym (about 3:30 minutes into the video below) gives you high drama and shows off her beautiful lavender frock to maximum effect.

For a modern take on Rita Moreno's look, try this:
Janey Cotton Dress from J.Crew $295

And of course, make sure you have a fabulous club or party to go to where you'll be able to dance in this dress. Imagine how you'll stand out from all the women in jeans!

Piping Hot Fashion News

2007-07-08T19:05:00.001-04:00

Check out Chanel's Fall 2007 shoe disasters here. (Although I think the black d'orsay pump with the white camelia is kind of cute.)

Valentino celebrated 45 years in fashion in Rome last week.

40% of models suffer from eating disorders.

Giorgio Armani brought a rocker vibe to the Fall 2007 Couture shows in Paris.

Everyone is talking about the return of Roland Mouret!

Discounted designer labels are here to stay.

Alber Elbaz talks about the new Lanvin fragrance "Rumeur." If you haven't tried this fragrance, you MUST! It is my new favorite.

Here's how to dress when you're going to see your ex.

Check out Fall 2007's best accessories.

Peep-Toe Crazy!

2007-07-07T00:01:00.000-04:00

While I can appreciate the beauty of Christian Louboutin's shoes, rarely do I feel the urge to actually buy a pair. With prices upwards of $500, I simply can't afford them. But I have become obsessed with his peep-toe Mary Jane pumps since all of hot young Hollywood seems to own a pair. What has me especially curious about these shoes is that they are 4-inch stillettos, which is a style I have found to be cripplingly uncomfortable. But many starlets, such as Jessica Alba, own these shoes and wear them repeatedly which leads me to believe they may actually be comfortable!

Sarah Michelle Gellar wears her peep-toe Loubs to a movie premiere.

Hillary Duff performs in her Loubs on the Today Show.

LeAnn Rimes promotes Corn Flakes in her Loubs.

Yikes! Even perennially worst-dressed Britney Spears owns a pair!

I think these may be Hollywood's new "it" shoe.

What Not to Wear: Eva Longoria

2007-07-06T15:30:00.000-04:00

Eva Longoria shows us how to cheapen a classic Chanel dress while exiting her civil wedding ceremony to Tony Parker today:

- Add stripper heels
- Wear a gawdy necklace that I'm sure was expensive but looks cheap

Simpler jewelry and a less busy shoe would have worked wonders to elevate this look. For shame, Robert Verdi!

Picture source

Inspired by the Real Thing: Christian Louboutin AGAIN

2007-07-06T14:29:00.000-04:00

Christian Louboutin's dazzling heels continue to inspire the good people at Nine West. So take your pick: nearly $600 Louboutins or a $115 close facsimile.

Christian Louboutin Iowa Mary Janes $595

Nine West Rebecca $115

Fall 2007 Couture: Elie Saab

2007-07-06T08:19:00.000-04:00

With 55 gowns in mostly gray and silver tones, two words kept coming to mind as I looked through the Elie Saab Fall 2007 Couture show pictures: Red carpet. I can definitely see many of the gowns gracing the flawless figures of Halle Berry or Nicole Kidman at upcoming award shows and other red carpet events. While Style.com gave the show a scathing review and called it repetitive, I found that many of the gowns were gorgeous and elegant. Here are some of my favorites.

Fall 2007 Couture

2007-07-05T21:45:00.000-04:00

Couture.

I think most people don't really know what that word means. I've heard people refer to their jeans and t-shirts as "couture." Officially, couture is a French word that refers to the creation of exclusive, hand-made, custom-fitted clothing. Couture clothing are usually made from high-quality fabrics with extensive attention to detail and finishing. In France, the words "haute couture" are protected by law and only certain fashion houses are allowed to refer to their clothing in this way.

So who buys couture clothing? Worldwide, there are only about 2,000 women who buy these items. With evening gowns costing up to $100,000 and tailored suits starting at $16,000, it's easy to understand why there is a very small market for these clothes. But the tradition of couture continues even with such a small market and many of the themes explored on couture runways are often incorporated into the labels' ready-to-wear lines.

The Fall 2007 Couture shows are happening in Paris this week. On a personal level, I love the evening wear pieces best and found the Chanel, Christian Dior and Jean Paul Gaultier shows to be the most visually stunning and inspiring.

Chanel
Ever the genius, Karl Lagerfeld delivered haute couture with a twist. LITERALLY. According to Lagerfeld, "Everything is flat at the front. It’s all side effects."

Christian Dior
With the recent passing of John Galliano's chief designer, Steven Robinson, one might have expected a somber Dior show. The show was anything but. The clothing was exuberant and paid an homage to painters, fashion illustrators and photographers. Best of all, some of the most famous supermodels such as Gisele, Naomi and Linda walked the runway.

Jean Paul Gaultier
Gaultier's show revealed a variety of influences. From Prince Charming in fairy tales to military and Indian-inspired themes, the Gaultier show existed somewhere between a dream and reality.

Source

For more pictures and runway reviews, check Style.com.

Style Jack: Penelope Cruz

2007-07-04T17:05:00.000-04:00

Penelope Cruz looks stylish and comfortable as she takes a stroll through Soho. Her layered outfit is perfect for those hot summer days that can lead to cool summer nights. I love her weathered jeans that are a happy medium between the boot-cut and skinny extremes. Penelope's three-quarter length jacket is perfect for the season and her cross-body handbag is much easier on your back than a shoulder bag. What a great outfit for a casual friday at work or a day out with your best girlfriends! Here's how you can get Penelope's style on a budget.

JCrew Cropped Trench $198
Gap Drawstring Trapeze Top $44.50

Banana Republic Contoured Straight-Leg Jean $78
Steve Madden Kaprii Wedge $89.95

Old Navy Large Square Sunglasses $4.75

Urban Outfitters Convertible Suede Bag $89

While some of these pieces may be a little pricey, things like the JCrew jacket and Urban Outfitters handbag can become wonderful staples in your summer to fall wardrobe.

Dream Item of the Day: Best of Fall 2007

2007-07-01T15:54:00.000-04:00

It's not even the middle of summer but new Fall 2007 offerings have already hit some of my favorite online stores. As I'm sweltering in the New York city heat, it feels good to think about those upcoming crisp Fall days. After doing some power-browsing, here is my dream outfit for Fall.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Sophie Dress $458

Christian Louboutin Round-Toe Mary Janes $625

Anna Corinna Mini City Tote $413

If it's just too early for you to think about Fall, use this coupon to get 10% to 15% off at Bloomingdale's stores on sale items through July 4th. Happy shopping!

Milan Fashion Week Spring 2008

2007-06-28T21:51:00.000-04:00

Men's Fashion Week is in full swing in Milan this week. As I was perusing the shows on Style.com, I found that a lot of the styles seemed over the top and not clothes my male friends or husband would wear. Many things were almost comical! I would rate Alexander McQueen's designs among my least favorite. And since I know you're all busy people, I'll tell you why in three words:

Man-pris?

LEGGINGS?!

Polka-dots??

While the collection was rather dark for Spring, Prada's Spring 2008 offerings were my favorite. Again, here's why in three words:

Understated.

Chic.

Whimsical.

Check out a slide show of the worst of the worst from Milan here.

Too Luxe: Balenciaga Leggings

2007-06-27T22:23:00.000-04:00

If you watched the 2007 BET Awards last night, I'm sure you were impressed by Beyonce's performance of "Get Me Bodied". What you might not have realized was that Beyonce performed in Balenciaga's gold leggings which were featured in their Spring 2007 runway collection.

The leggings are made only on request and cost a whopping $100,000! (No, that's not a typo.) They are made of metallic fabric and made quite a splash on the runway. While they are very cutting edge, at $100,000 they are absurdly priced for a trend that will probably not last many more seasons.

Source

Style Jack: Gabrielle Union's Kimono Dress

2007-06-27T20:08:00.000-04:00

Gabrielle Union looks chic and sexy in a printed kimono dress on the red carpet for a party for the BET Awards. With deep v-necks and wide sleeves, kimono style dresses are very flattering. They elongate a woman's neck and show off cleavage while hiding problem areas like upper arms and less than flat stomachs. Gabrielle Union adds a wide leather belt as a sophisticated touch to her Asian-inspired frock. Here's how you can incorporate Gabrielle's style into your summer wardrobe.

This floral print kimono dress from Urban Outfitters is nearly a perfect match. At $58, it's a steal!

Splurge on an Elegantly Waisted wrap belt from ShopBop at empire waist level to complete the look. ($198)

Total cost to jack Gabrielle's style: $256

Figure flattering, sexy style: PRICELESS!

Piping Hot Fashion News

2007-06-24T09:49:00.000-04:00

Dissecting Kate Moss.

Valentino celebrates the 45th anniversary of his fashion house next month.

Ethical and ecologically safe clothing are the future of fashion. (And I'm not talking about those "I'm not a plastic bag" bags!)

The price of luxury continues to soar.

Who will be the successor of Gianfranco Ferre?

Not sure how to apply your makeup? There are legions of makeup video tutorials on YouTube!

Diane von Furstenberg applies spiritual enlightenment to her accessories.

Fergie will be the new face of Candie's Fall 2007 ad campaign.

Read a Book, Blow the Rent

2007-06-23T08:22:00.000-04:00

Read a book....

Tim Gunn: A Guide to Quality, Taste and Style
By Tim Gunn and Kate Moloney

If you watch Project Runway you are probably familiar with Tim Gunn. As the "den mother" for the PR contestants, he's known for giving sage design advice and telling the contestants to "Make it work." As you would expect from Tim Gunn, his book is full of good style guidance for those who feel a little confused or lost by the world of fashion. The book is well written and offers solutions on how to prune your closet, what to wear to compliment your body type and the essentials for every woman's wardrobe. Tim Gunn: A Guide to Quality, Taste and Style even has a glossary of clothing design words that the average consumer might not be familiar with and some good movies and other books to read for fashion inspiration.

My one problem with this book (and all style books for that matter) is the inherent paradox in the advice. Like any book that gives its audience advice on how to dress, it tells the reader to know themselves and find their own personal style... Unless that style is completely appalling, in which case, conform to what the rest of us are wearing. This is always where I think these books fall short. But otherwise, I would highly recommend this quick and engaging read.

Blow the rent....
In his book, Tim Gunn advises that ballet flats are ideal for chic women seeking comfortable footwear or a pair of shoes they can tuck into a purse to wear when their high heels have become unbearable. These Pedro Garcia ruffled flats are an elegant alternative to a pair of sneakers or worse yet, Crocs.

Pedro Garcia Albany Ruffle Ballet Flat $336

Style Lesson: Jennifer Aniston

2007-06-21T20:50:00.000-04:00

Jennifer Aniston is not a woman who follows every trend. You probably won't see her any time soon in a tunic, leggings and ballet flats. This is exactly what I love about her. She has a look that is unique and she sticks to her own personal style aesthetic. Some people might say she has a uniform, but I say she has a signature style.

You can be casual but still chic. In her personal time, it's clear Jennifer loves to be comfortable and wear jeans. But comfort does not have to mean sloppy or not looking put together. Jennifer matches dark jeans with a wide leather belt, heels and a cozy sweater for a stylish yet casual look.

When Jennifer wants to add a little color and warmth to her casual wear, she'll often throw on an extra large scarf.

Want to dress up your shorts? Wear tailored ones with a button down shirt and heels.

Primary colors and neutrals are fool-proof for formal occasions. Jennifer has a set color palette and rarely deviates from it. For red carpet events, she will often wear neutrals, dark or primary colors. She hardly ever ventures into the arena of patterns or bright colors. Dark colors and neutrals are universally flattering. Of course we all know the way to hide a figure flaw is to wear a dark color. And what shows off suntanned, gorgeous skin better than a neutral colored dress? Jennifer knows what colors work for her.

Most importantly, since Jennifer sticks to simple, elegant styles, she is never competing for attention from her clothes. She wears her clothes; the clothes don't wear her. The next time you're debating whether to buy into the latest trend being foisted on us from the fashion world, remember that a classic style is consistent and doesn't need to change with every season. Or maybe just ask yourself, "What Would Jennifer Do?"

SALE: Bulga!

2007-06-21T20:39:00.000-04:00

Look what arrived in my inbox today:

(Click image to enlarge.)

I can only assume that this is a sign from above that me and this bag are meant to be together. See you at the sale!

A Day at the Beach with Juicy

2007-06-20T20:46:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow is the first day of summer. While I don't have any travel plans for the season, I do intend to visit the beaches of Long Island. My usual beach tote is the classic LL Bean boat and tote, but Juicy Couture has some adorable and functional beach bags that are making me rethink my typical choice. In addition to the bags looking great, they also come with a beach towel or mat that makes them totally functional. And you don't have to worry about making a big dent in your wallet with a designer beach bag since Neiman Marcus has them ON SALE!

Juicy Riviera Tote & Mat $169 (from $225) This one is my personal favorite! It can also double as a yoga bag and mat.

Juicy Islands Bag with Towel $124 (from $165)

Juicy Malibu Beach Tote & Towel $116 (from $156)

Since I'm a big believer in mixing designer items with mass brands, I would pair my new Juicy beach tote with this Gap bikini (also on sale!).
Gap Eyelet Crochet Triangle Top $24.99 (from $32.50)
Gap Eyelet Crochet String Bikini $24.99 (from $32.50)

Have fun at the beach!

UPDATE: The Saks.com sale has the Juicy beach bags for even lower prices than Neiman Marcus! My Saks links rarely work properly, but you can search the sale by category and then by brand to find the Juicy bags. Check it out here.

Three Times Makes it a Trend: Nude Dresses

2007-06-19T21:10:00.000-04:00

What's sexier than showing a little skin? Going nude! Many Hollywood starlets are wearing flesh colored dresses to add a little sex appeal to their summer wardrobes. And we all know what it means when three starlets wear the same style... It's a trend!

Victoria Beckham wears a fun and flirty Azzedine Alaia nude dress for her appearance on The Today Show. She accents her dress with nude colored Christian Louboutin pumps and extra large sunglasses.

Katie Holmes wears a strapless nude colored dress with metallic heels and oversized shades while in France with her husband, Tom Cruise.

Entertainment correspondent Maria Menounos wears a nude Dolce & Gabbana dress with gold metallic accents in her corset belt and shoes.

Want to be dressed and still feel nude? Try these pretty flesh-colored dresses.
Leyendecker Chandelier Dress $169.50 (on sale!)

Gap Trapeze Dress $49.99 (on sale!)

Piping Hot Fashion News

2007-06-19T20:34:00.000-04:00

Sunglasses: The last affordable designer frontier.

Victoria Beckham launched her dVb denim line at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York City last week.

R.I.P. Gianfranco Ferre.

Tired of that tramp stamp? Tattoo removal is becoming a booming business.

Dress like you mean business... It may get you a promotion so you can afford to buy more dresses.

The quintessential brand for ballet flats, French Sole, is expanding into bridal shoes.

What happens when relaxed Atlanta style meets New York city chic? Read here and find out.

Avoid Fendi's Fall 2007 handbag line at all costs.

MEOW!

2007-06-17T10:51:00.001-04:00

I adore animal print shoes! As a New Yorker, I often find myself in the city's default uniform: all black. New York may be the fashion capital, but it can be very tiring to come up with exciting new outfits every day. Wearing all black (or the other uniform: black with denim) is a safe choice that requires little thought or preparation and always looks chic. Nothing adds a little sex appeal and spice to a monochromatic outfit like a splash of leopard print. Unleash your wild side with these animal print shoes on sale at Saks.

Brian Atwood Bejeweled Leopard D'orsay Pumps $457.90 (from $655)

Valentino Haircalf Pumps $412.90 (from $590)

Christian Louboutin Leopard Platform Mules $412.90 (from $590)

eBay: Steals or Shams?

2007-06-16T23:56:00.000-04:00

From 2002 to 2003, eBay was my go-to web site for buying designer items at discounted prices. I had a lot of good experiences purchasing authenthic designer clothing and accessories at prices that were very reasonable. I assumed that most of the sellers I purchased from had either bought the items at store sales or shopped at outlets in order to be able to sell their wares for lower than retail prices.

Recently, I've found the site to be very disappointing. There are several obvious designer fakes being sold as "guaranteed authentic" and the prices are far from a bargain anymore. I have read that many sellers have taken to auctioning off knock-offs of designer bags from China that strongly resemble the real thing. After I got burned on a fake Marc Jacobs bag last year, I decided I would need to change how I shop on eBay or not shop there at all. Here are my suggestions to other eBay shoppers.

Know what you're buying. If you are going to buy a Gucci bag, go to your nearest store that is an authorized seller of the brand such as Saks Fifth Avenue or Bloomingdale's and check out the Gucci selection. Take note of things like the zipper brands used (ie. Coach and Marc Jacobs use Riri brand zippers which are embossed on the bottom portion of the zipper pull), the lining or other details the designer uses repeatedly. Once you've taken a close look at the real thing, you can do a better job evaluating the pictures from eBay. If you know that Marc Jacobs uses Riri brand zippers on his bags, don't buy a purse where the seller shows a closeup with a YKK brand zipper.
If the price is too good to be true, it's probably a knock-off. If someone is selling brand-new "with tags" high-end merchandise for an absurdly low price, you should be very suspicious. Even discounters and outlets mark items up to make a profit. If a seller is selling a Stella McCartney shirt for $19.99, how much have they paid for it to make a profit? And how could it be real at that price?
Check reader feedback and the other items the seller has sold. I once saw a seller who sold diapers in bulk and Marc Jacobs handbags. While it's possible that the bags were authentic, something just didn't seem right. Vendors who sell high-end merchandise tend to stick to this type of item exclusively. If the vendor has repeatedly sold designer merchandise in the past and has gotten good feedback from their customers, the vendor may actually be reputable.
You are better off buying used items than brand new. I have found that it's safer to buy used designer clothing and accessories rather than things labeled as "brand new." I would rather buy the "gently used" designer shoes of a fellow fashionista who has just grown tired of the item she bought from a legitimate retailer than chance buying something new that could be fake. Also, don't be afraid to ask to see receipts, tags or other documents that will prove the authenticity of the item and the seller's claims.
Go with your instincts and ask questions. Don't be afraid to ask the seller to see more pictures or for more details about the item. If the seller is slow to respond or doesn't want to give more information, don't buy from them. You have a right to want to know exactly what you're buying before you shell out your hard earned money for the item. If the seller does not respect that, I would avoid them. And if your contact with the seller gives you an uncomfortable feeling, go with that. Your instincts are usually right.

The most important thing about eBay is to look at everything with a slight feeling of suspicion. There are a lot of good vendors out there. (Including me! I have sold many of my old clothing and accessories on eBay with good results.) But there are also a lot of people out there trying to scam innocent shoppers. Let the buyer beware.

Dream Item of the Day

2007-06-16T23:43:00.001-04:00

I played the lottery today and this dress by Fendi is the first thing I plan to buy if I win. I mean, who wouldn't look sexy and stylish in this dress? It shows off the arms and shoulders and cinches in your waist. The side pockets and fullness at the hip gives the wearer an appealing hourglass shape. I NEED this dress.

At a mere $1,119 (which is the reduced sale price, mind you), I certainly can't afford it on my salary. But if that ticket turns out to be a winner, this dress will be hanging in my closet soon. Dare to dream....

Caribbean Fashion Week!

2007-06-14T13:49:00.000-04:00

As a women whose parents were born in the Caribbean, I am ashamed to admit that I had no idea that this week is Caribbean Fashion Week. Taking place in Kingston, Jamaica, CFW is currently in its seventh year and features Caribbean designers.

As to be expected, tropical colors and mixing textures was a big theme and the designs were featured on slightly more curvaceous models than what you would see at the New York shows. You can see pictures and read more about Caribbean Fashion Week here.

French Connection Has the Answers

2007-06-12T22:03:00.000-04:00

I never paid much attention to French Connection. I had shopped French Connection stores a few years ago, but wouldn't find anything particularly appealing so I crossed the stores off my list of shopping destinations. But recently I found myself needing to kill some time before a hair appointment and I wandered into a French Connection store. I was shocked by all that I had been missing! FC had feminine, pretty, colorful styles that were affordable and stylish. Here's how French Connection is going to keep me (and you) chic all summer long!

Need an outfit for work that is simple yet classic? Try the Sinatra dress for $148.

Going to a barbecue? Try the Shadow Flower Shirt for $88 with Lottie Jeans (on sale for $79.99).

Having some cosmos and a night of dancing with the girls? The Super Sequin Dress for $198 will keep all eyes on you.

Doing brunch and a movie on a lazy Sunday afternoon with your boyfriend? How about the Madame Top for $39.99 (on sale!) with Logo Denim Shorts ($108)?

Check out the French Connection web site here. Happy shopping!

Model Moment: Irina Lazareanu

2007-06-12T21:01:00.000-04:00

With a face and style that looks a little 1970's rock star and 1960's pixie, Irina Lazareanu is one of the hottest models walking the runway today.

Born in Romania in 1982, Irina shot to top model status through her friendship with Kate Moss. Irina was sent to study ballet in London in her teens and quickly became a part of its underground music scene. She became friends with Pete Doherty (lead singer of Babyshambles) who introduced her to his girlfriend, Kate Moss. Kate handpicked Irina to model for an issue of Vogue: Paris which Kate was guest editing. The rest is history. Irina holds the record for the most runway work in one season and has walked for top brands such as Chanel, Christian Dior, Michael Kors, Balenciaga and Alexander McQueen. She was also the model for Kate Moss' Top Shop line.

Here is Irina serving you hot fashion.

Backstage at Fall 2007 Alessandro Dell'Acqua

Fall 2007 Balenciaga

Fall 2007 Christian Dior

Modeling Kate Moss' Top Shop Line

Fashion magazine layout with Jessica Stam

Source

Sale!: Tory Burch

2007-06-10T20:02:00.000-04:00

Dying to get a pair of fabulous Tory Burch shoes or at the very least a tunic? Check out the Tory Burch Sample Sale!

Tory Burch for Women

SSS Sample Sales

261 W. 36th Street – 2nd Floor

(betw. 7th & 8th Ave)

Tuesday - Friday 10 - 6:45

Let me know if you score anything good!

Too Luxe: Coach PVC Tote

2007-06-10T18:06:00.000-04:00

I'm not sure exactly when it started, but recently designer handbags have gone from a bit expensive to the absolutely absurd when it comes to prices. While I understand that some handbags should be expensive due to the quality of the materials and craftsmanship involved in making them, it has gotten to the point that designers think that slapping a luxury brand name on any old purse makes it reasonable to charge several hundred or over a thousand dollars. Case in point: the Coach PVC tote.

This purse made of PVC (ie. plastic) with leather trim costs $498. The Coach web site lists this as being ideal for the beach or travel and they are right. But why would I spend nearly $500 on a purse that I will put on hot sand and allow to get wet? And it's PVC! How do you justify that kind of price tag for that material? If you love the idea of a PVC tote for summer but don't want to spend $500 for a plastic bag, try this one from Nine West instead.

Tazio Medium Plastic Tote $29.99 (on sale!)

Piping Hot Fashion News

2007-06-09T21:33:00.000-04:00

Jeans that give you a tummy tuck?! Sign me up for three pairs!

A new trend in wedding gowns: Trashing the dress photo shoots.

Skinny jeans are officially over?

Sienna Miller will be the new face of Tod's fall-winter 2007-2008 ad campaign.

Shirt dresses will keep you stylish and cool this summer.

Marc Jacobs has accessories for the budget-conscious fashionista.

Move over bikinis. One-piece bathing suits with lots of coverage are hot this summer.

SJP's Bitten: I'm Not Biting

2007-06-07T19:37:00.000-04:00

For the most part, I tend to ignore celebrity clothing lines. As all of the celebrities who have their own clothing brands (such as Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Simpson, Gwen Stefani, Kate Moss, etc.) have not gone to fashion design school or had any kind of training, it's obvious they don't really have the neccessary skills to create and design a fashion line. Duh! They're not actually "designing" anything. The typical celebrity clothing brand is based on the star's personal style; which is the result of a well-paid stylist putting together outfits for said star from established or up-and-coming "real" designers. What is particularly interesting or fashion-forward about that?

That said, the advertising campaign and media blitz for Sarah Jessica Parker's Bitten line has annoyed me enough to force a comment. The manifesto for the line is:
"It is every woman's inalienable right to have a pulled-together stylish, confident wardrobe with money left over to live."

And as you can see, Sarah wears a t-shirt that says "Fashion is not a luxury" in the ads for the line.

I'm astonished at how pretentious and insulting the whole marketing campaign behind this line is and that so many people are falling for it hook, line and sinker. Why does a clothing line need a "manifesto"? Am I supposed to believe this line is part of some greater political movement and not an opportunity for Sarah Jessica Parker and the Steve & Barry store chain (where the line is sold) to make money off Sarah's post-Sex and the City-style icon status?

And how kind of her to make lower-priced clothing for the masses. "Fashion is not a luxury?" You don't say? And here I was thinking women of limited means should just walk around naked. If you have ever walked into an H&M, Gap or Old Navy, I am sure you are well aware that fashion can be affordable and leave you with enough money to pay your bills. Even designer clothing can be affordable if you shop at thrift stores or discounters such as Century 21, TJ Maxx and Marshall's. Fashionable clothing at an accessible price is not a new concept and shouldn't be treated as if it's some kind of revelation particularly when it's being marketed by a millionaire who is best known for playing a character that had $40,000 in shoes.

I don't know anything about the quality of the line itself and I have no intention to go to a Steve & Barry's and check it out. From what's been shown in the media, I don't see much about Bitten that makes it any different from other lower-priced lines.

Bitten appears to be just another uninspiring, celeb-persona driven clothing line in an already oversaturated market. Check out a really good article about celebrity clothing lines in today's New York Times here.

Picture source

What Not to Wear

2007-06-06T20:59:00.000-04:00

Here is Kimberly Stewart wearing one of the most dreadful Spring/Summer 2007 trends: the hippie-style headband. Lindsay Lohan, Nicole Richie and Kate Bosworth have all worn this accessory with mixed results. Now that Kimberly Stewart (who is definitely not known for her fashion sense) has shown the world how uncomplimentary and silly this looks, can we finally put a nail in the coffin of the headband trend?

Dream Item of the Day

2007-06-06T20:37:00.000-04:00

I've been obsessed with red accessories ever since I noticed what a popular trend red shoes had become among the celebrity set. But even more than being trendworthy, a pair of red shoes or a red handbag can add just the right POP! to an otherwise conservative outfit.

Beyond adding a little spice, the Valentino Histoire bag in red has beautiful details like braided handles and oversized buckles. It's also very functional with two outer front pockets to stash those items you need quick access to.

At $1,595 this bag is out of my price range but Jennifer Garner looks pretty cool toting hers.

Sale!

2007-06-06T19:10:00.000-04:00

Is your Blackberry about to burst from all the events on your calendar for the summer? Between weddings, bridal and baby showers, barbecues, graduation parties and concerts, when will you have a spare minute to relax and breathe? More importantly, what are you going to wear to all of these events and how will you afford it all??? Time to do a little frugal sale shopping....

Chanel

Saks.com
Get free shipping on orders of $150 or more with the code "summer" until 6/7.

Lord & Taylor
Get 15% off in stores with this coupon until 6/12.

J. Crew
Shop the J. Crew Summer Sale here. (Hint: They have really good prices on summer dresses!)

Net-a-Porter
Shop the Net-a-Porter Summer Sale here. (Check out these adorable nautical-style flats from Michael by Michael Kors for only $58.80!)

SAMPLE SALES (For those in NYC)
Balenciaga
From 6/7 to 6/17
40% off women's dresses
542 W. 22nd St. (Tenth Ave.)
Monday to Saturday: 11-7
Sunday 12-5

Stuart Weitzman
Until 7/1
30% to 50% off SW's fabulous shoes
625 Madison Ave., (58th St.)
Monday to Saturday: 10–6
Sunday: 12–5

Cynthia Steffe
6/7 to 6/8
Heavily discounted cashmere sweaters and flirty dresses
550 Seventh Ave. (39th St., 1oth fl.)
6/7: 12-5 and 6/8: 10–5

Botkier
6/14 to 6/17
Bags are up to 70% off
72 Greene St. (betw. Spring & Broome Sts.)
Thursday to Saturday: 11-7
Sunday: 12-6

Summer Print Dresses from DVF

2007-06-05T19:48:00.000-04:00

Nothing says summer time like an airy, feminine print dress. Diane von Furstenberg print dresses for Spring/Summer are hitting all the right notes. The prints are gorgeous and the silhouettes are extremely flattering. Here are a few that will look perfect with your favorite pair of strappy sandals while you're sipping some after-work mojitos.

Ayuka Silk Dress $345

Jasper pleated chiffon dress $475

Peggie Dress $285

And if you love DVF dresses (and live in NYC) but don't want to shell out the big bucks, there are still a few days left to the DVF Sample Sale!

Sample sale source

Shoe Deja Vu with Jessica Alba

2007-06-04T23:36:00.000-04:00

Most fashionistas have that shirt or pair of shoes in their closet that they adore and wear pretty frequently. I think I have identified that item for Jessica Alba: her Christian Louboutin patent Mary-Janes! Jessica has been photographed wearing these shoes several times in the past few months and they seem to look appropriate with everything.

Jessica wears her peep-toe Louboutin Mary-Janes with bare legs and a strapless dress at the MTV Movie Awards in June.

She wears them with a Chanel dress and black opaque tights at the Chanel Cruise Show in May.

Jessica looks chic in a gray knit top, black pencil skirt and stockings while promoting The Fantatic Four in Australia in May.

While trendy women may often want to go out and purchase whatever is the newest "it" shoe, Jessica Alba gives a prime example of how to find a classic style and wear it in different ways to keep it fresh.

Shopping With Fashion Chick NYC

2007-06-04T20:32:00.000-04:00

A perfect storm of events occurred in my life recently: I turned 33 two weeks ago, got a new full-time job paying me a very nice salary and warm, summer-like weather officially arrived in New York. These three events prompted me to do some serious power-shopping over the past two weeks. I'm not proud of how much money I have spent... I mean it could certainly have been better used in an IRA or in my savings account, but occasionally you just have to indulge. Here are some of my favorite purchases which fall into multiple categories.

"Overpriced and Worth Every Penny"

The Rachel Pally dress I'm wearing here probably looks fairly simple and not worth $211. The fact is, as a pear-shaped petite woman I look tall and long in this picture. Isn't that worth a few extra bucks? I love the print and fun/functional pockets on the dress. I also love the deep v-neck. If I'm feeling saucy, I might wear it without a camisole underneath.

I can't tell you how many compliments I've gotten on this Juicy Couture top. And in the interest of full disclosure, I've worn it four times in the past two weeks (around different people of course!). It's extremely comfortable and soft since it's a silk and cotton blend. Also, the ruffled sleeves, yoking at the collar and embroidery make it wonderfully feminine.

I wore the above ruffled Marc by Marc Jacobs dress for my birthday dinner with my friends and husband. This dress is a prime example of the importance of shopping around. While I was able to get if for about 60% off the original price at Saks.com, it's still selling for full price at Nordstrom.com. Make sure you check around before spending a fortune on a dress!

In case you like this dress, here are a few more fun things about it. It's silk and the ruffles sway a little when you walk. The swaying ruffles made even my usual, ungainly stomping gait look a little model-icious.

"Functional and Fair-Priced"

This blue silk top from Banana Republic was $68 and will surely be on heavy rotation in my summer wardrobe. While at first, I completely embraced the volume trend since it allowed for those of us without washboard abs to be a little less self-conscious about our mid-sections, it can truly be a tough look to pull off. Too much volume can make you look even larger than you may actually be. This top can only work with the skinniest of pants.

"Um, Fashion Chick NYC... You're About 10,000 Months Late...."

I know the Tory Burch Reva Ballet Flats have been on every fashionista's feet for months now but I just received this black pair as a birthday gift from my husband. While many ballet flats are not comfortable because they lack arch support, I found that these were not hard on my feet. If you still haven't bought a pair but plan to, here's a warning: they pinch a litte at the top of your foot. It's nothing you can't break in, though.

"Such a Deal, You'd Be LOSING Money if You Don't Buy Them!"

Can you believe these cool and comfortable red shoes were only $29.99??? Get to an Aerosoles store, immediately!

Happy shopping!

Piping Hot Fashion News

2007-06-03T17:10:00.000-04:00

Sky-high heels are hot or stripper shoes go mainstream. It's all how you want to look at it.

Silver accessories add sparkle to your summer whites.

Flats will be sticking around for Fall and Winter 2007.

Prints always look great for Summer.

Luxury brands are being incorporated into Hollywood movies as subtle advertising.

An interview with Fern Mallis, the woman behind New York Fashion Week.

Model Iman will be hosting Project Runway Canada. But who will be Canada's Tim Gunn???

We're On a Break!

2007-05-24T20:42:00.000-04:00

Your favorite Fashion Chick will be on vacation (and not blogging) until Monday, June 4th. Please show the blogs under my "Required Reading" list some love in the interim. But remember to come back on June 4th! ;-)

Smooches!

Marc Jacobs on MySpace

2007-05-24T19:55:00.000-04:00

Thanks to those super cool chicks at Fashionista.com, I am now aware that Marc Jacobs has a REAL MySpace page. You know you want to add him, so check out his page here.

Model Moment: Chanel Iman

2007-05-24T09:00:00.000-04:00

Chanel Iman (full name Chanel Iman Robinson) is one of the most popular models on the runway today. According to the New York Times, "her name is a combination of her mother’s favorite designer and that of a cousin who was named after the model Iman." Born in Atlanta, Georgia in 1989, Chanel claims to have wanted to be a model all of her 18 years. She has walked the runways of major designers like Marc Jacobs, Dolce & Gabbana, Proenza Schouler and Valentino and was featured on the May 2007 cover of Vogue as one of "the world's next top models." And no surprise, Chanel's favorite brand is Chanel.

Here's Chanel serving you high fashion.

Oscar de la Renta Fall 2007

Bottega Veneta Fall 2007

Backstage at Spring 2007 Stella McCartney (wearing Chanel, of course!)

Fashion magazine layout

May 2007 cover of Vogue

Piping Hot Fashion News

2007-05-23T09:31:00.000-04:00

Hermes scarves celebrate their 70th anniversary this year.

Individual style or badly in need of a better mirror?

The world's first adjustable heels!

You need a little purple in your life.

Mischa Barton is not a sweatpants and Uggs kind of girl.

Thick heels are hot for Fall 2007. My feet breathe a sigh of relief.

What you'll be coveting next: Balenciaga eyewear.

Style Jack: Ugly Betty Edition

2007-05-22T14:03:00.000-04:00

America Ferrera looks amazing in a belted, Nanette Lepore button-front dress on her way to an appearance on Live with Regis & Kelly. She shows off her shapely legs in the knee-length dress and platform, strappy heels. The leopard print is chic and sexy. You can buy the same dress America is wearing for $345 at Nordstrom.com.

Nanette Lepore 'Lucky Leopard' Dress

Or you can unleash your inner animal in this more budget-conscious leopard print mini-dress from Julie Haus:
Julie Haus Lampshade Leopard Dress $214.50 (on sale!)

Whatever you decide, these cute, strappy sandals will complete the look.
Martinez Valero Fire $135

Pucci Turns 60

2007-05-22T09:05:00.000-04:00

The Pucci brand celebrated its 60th birthday with a party in Florence, Italy last weekend. The party brought out celebrities and socialites alike, as would be expected since Pucci has been dressing the jet-set since its inception. Known as "the Prince of Prints," Emilio Pucci's dresses have been staples for style icons such as Marilyn Monroe and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. The founder of the brand, Emilio Pucci, died in 1992. Christian Lacroix took over as head designer from 2002 to 2005 and the current head is the king of boho, Matthew Williamson. You can read more about the party and the history of Pucci here.

For whatever reason, I always associate Pucci with summertime. It must be the bright prints that looks so beautiful on a woman with a tan. So let's celebrate summer being right around the corner and Pucci's 60th birthday with fun Pucci prints!

Pucci Montalban Tank $159

Pucci Plume Shift Dress $509

Pucci Leite Print Scarf $65 (on sale!)

Pucci Lava Print Terry Wedge Mule $179 (on sale!)

And we can't forget another iconic Pucci wearer... Jacqueline Susann! In the late 60's and early 70's, she was the queen of the trash novel and frequently wore Pucci on her book interviews. So with your hair tied back in a Pucci Leite Print scarf on the beach, read a fun and trashy Jacqueline Susann novel while you're relaxing.

Valley of the Dolls by Jacqueline Susann

Yves Saint Laurent Inspired

2007-05-21T21:10:00.000-04:00

Everybody is talking about the Yves Saint Laurent Tribute Mary Jane pump. That includes me. While you can now pre-order your own pair of the "it" shoes at Saks, I would not recommend doing that. Not that I'm opposed to spending $660 on a pair of shoes. If you have that kind of disposable income or if you like to treat yourself, go for it. But I think for most of us regular fashionistas, a $660 shoe is a big splurge and we don't spend it lightly. While a classic shoe that with proper care you will wear for years to come might be worth it, I don't think the YSL Tribute is a "new classic" shoe. Like Uggs boots forever remind me of the year 2003, the YSL Tribute is very "of the moment." Spending that kind of money on a shoe that will be so over this time next year seems silly to me. So now that I've talked you out of the YSL's, you can still get your peep-toe-platform-stiletto-Mary Jane-Tribute-ish fix with a lower priced brand.

Left: Yves Saint Laurent Tribute Mary Jane Pump $660

Right: Jessica Simpson Miami Mary Jane $64.99 (on sale!)

Style Lesson: Nia Long

2007-05-20T10:46:00.000-04:00

According to IMDB, Nia Long is turning 37 this year and stands a petite 5' 2". Yet, when you see Nia in photos, she always looks tall and impossibly youthful. She has a style all her own and the confidence to pull off a variety of looks. Here are some tips you can take from Nia's best outfits and incorporate into your own style.

Wear neautral colors that compliment your skin tone. Nia's floor length, peach-colored gown looks beautiful against her brown skin. It can take some trial and error, but finding the colors that work with your complexion can mean the difference between looking bright and fresh versus pale and withered. Neutral colors like peach, brown and tan compliment a variety of skin tones.

Show those knees! Teensy Nia Long knows the way to make herself look taller is to show some leg. Wearing a knee-length or shorter skirt instantly lengthens petite legs.

When in doubt, wear a little black dress. An L.B.D. is always an appropriate choice. Black works for both formal and casual occasions and always looks sexy. An added bonus is Nia knows the silhouettes that flatter her figure and goes for deep v-necks and spaghetti straps that show off her neck and shoulders.

Don't be afraid to take risks. A formal shorts jumpsuit? You're kidding, right? Nia has the personality and style to make it look fabulous. Don't be afraid to wear clothes that show your personal style. Isn't it wonderful when an outfit looks great on you and few other people could pull it off?

While Nia's outfits are fresh and fun, she always looks age appropriate. Take a cue from Nia and wear clothes that flatter your height and skin tone and reflect your unique style!

Dream Item of the Day

2007-05-19T15:22:00.000-04:00

I absolutely ADORE Manolo Blahnik's Gold Brocade D'orsay Broach pump! These are the perfect fabulous shoe for formal occasions or even with skinny jeans and a sexy top for a night out with your girlfriends. Metallics are fast becoming the new neutral colors so these golden shoes would work with a variety of outfits. They're also a classic Manolo style that was featured in silver on the Sex and the City episode, "A Woman's Right to Shoes."
The silver version are basically impossible to get online although I haven't checked in stores. If you're a women who believes in a women's right to a gorgeous pair of Manolos, you can buy the gold brocade d'orsays here.

Model Moment: Lisa Cant

2007-05-19T10:32:00.000-04:00

Since celebrities have taken over fashion magazine covers, layouts and beauty and fashion ads, very few models have the opportunity to become household names on the level of a Gisele or Naomi anymore. For this reason, I've decided to start a regular feature profiling some of my favorite, fiercest models. Today's featured model is Lisa Cant.

Born December 28, 1985 in Alberta, Canada, Lisa Cant was discovered at age 14 in an IKEA store in Calgary. She's known for her "baby-doll"-like features and is currently the face of Juicy Couture's new fragrance. Lisa's walked the runway for practically all the heavy hitters including Balenciaga, Burberry, Christian Dior, Alexander McQueen, Dolce & Gabbana, Anna Sui and Michael Kors.

Here's Lisa serving you high fashion.

Fall 2007 Y&Kei

Fall 2007 Givenchy

Fashion magazine layout (Doesn't this look like an America's Next Top Model challenge? Lisa would have won!)

Fashion magazine layout

Juicy Couture Fragrance Ad