Friday, February 27, 2009

Spring Fever

Spring may not be here just yet. . .but it is all I can think about these days! I am checking weather.com daily to see when it will begin to warm up enough to bust out my Spring clothes! One of my favorite things about Spring is the dresses! Not only are they pretty, and flattering, but they are such an easy outfit! No mixing and matching tops and bottoms, just throw on a dress, jewelry and heels and go.

Another great thing about dresses is that they can easily go from the office to cocktail hour. Depending on the conservativeness of you office, a dress can be a great option for Spring. When wearing a dress to the office there are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Make sure you aren't showing too much skin: this means leg, chest and back! It's okay to wear a sleeveless dress if you throw a cardigan or jacket over it for the office.

2. Make sure it's not too tight.


3. Make sure the material is appropriate. Don't wear casual fabrics to the office unless you have a casual dress code.


All of the dresses below are appropriate for the office (depending on your office dress code) with a cardigan or jacket, and can go strait from the office to drinks, dinner or dancing after!


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1. Anthropologie Dress: I love this dress and think it can be great for day and night! For work wear with a colorful cardigan, black heels and sophisticated jewelry. For night change into fun heels, colorful jewelry, and a clutch and you are ready to go!

2. Shoshanna Yellow Dress: Another great dress! This doesn't require a cardigan for work unless your dress code doesn't allow shoulders to show. In that case throw on a black jacket or cardigan. For shoes go with a neutral heel. For cocktail hour throw on a chunky bangle and a patterned heel, or even go with pink!

3. Suzi Chin: I'm typically not one for floral, but this year I can't get enough of flowing floral chiffon dresses. For the office: yellow cardigan, neutral heel.

4. Milly Dress: This dress may be stretching the boundary of office appropriate. . .but I loved it. . .so I had to put it on here!

5. Banana Republic Dress: The structure and sleeves to this dress make it appropriate for just about any office. There is no need to add a cardigan or jacket, just wear with nude shoes so as to not fight the graphic pattern of the dress. For evening throw on a metallic sandal and some bangles.

6. JCrew Dress: This dress would look great with a slim fit, 2 button blazer and nude pumps for the office. For night lose the blazer, add a gold bracelet and metallic heels and you are done!

7. Bebe Dress: Add a cardigan or 2 button blazer to this dress for the office. Pair with black heels a simple jewelry. You may also need to add a camisole under the dress to avoid showing too much cleavage. For night loose the camisole and cardigan, slip into some strappy sandals and add a chunky statement necklace.

8. JCrew Dress: I'm not sure if this dress would work with a cardigan or not due to the high neckline. This dress is appropriate for those in a more creative field with a lax dress code due to the bare shoulders. Pair with pumps for the office and sandals for cocktail hour.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

The Oscars FASHION REVIEW

The Oscars is one of the most anticipated events in Hollywood. This is the award show of all award shows; the most glamorous event of the year. This year was no exception as stars dazzled on the red carpet. Gowns and bling were bigger than ever!

On major trend on the red carpet was big, bold and colored bling. This is in tune with my previous post about statement jewelry. Bold accessories are a great way to update an outfit, or add interest to a look. Obviously the jewelry seen at the Oscars isn't in anyone's budget, but costume jewelry is an acceptable alternative.




Best dressed in my opinion was Penelope Cruz in Vintage Balmain. I LOVE vintage gowns, and I thought this gown was flawless on her! Runner up would be Angelina Jolie, who looked perfect (as always) in a simple, yet chic, black gown by Elie Saab. Her oversize emerald earrings were the perfect compliment for the gown. I also think Marissa Tomei deserves an honorable mention.

On the worst dressed list is Beyonce wearing House of Dereon. From the print, to the style I thought this dress was just all wrong. I was also not impressed by Vanessa Hudgens or Miley Cyrus. Both gowns were too much for girls of their age -- although I give them credit for dressing elegantly instead of too sexy on the red carpet!






Monday, February 23, 2009

As mentioned last week, online sample sales are a great way to buy designer for WAY less! One of my FAVORITE sample sale sites is Gilt Groupe, an invitation only sample sale! Well, my readers are in luck, you can follow the link below to join Gilt Groupe now!



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This week at Gilt Groupe expect sales from some of my favorite designers!!! All sales start at noon, and you better check them out early! Items sell out fast, so shop early and if you like something, buy it, don't wait around.

Upcoming sales:

Monday 2/23: 
  • CFDA on the Red Carpet Accessories
  • CFDA on the Red Carpet Eveningwear
  • Hickey 
  • Adam
Tuesday 2/24:
  • Richard Chai
  • Richard Chai Men's
  • Isabella Fiore
  • Me&Ro
Wednesday 2/25:
  • Cynthia Rowley
  • Oscar de la Renta Home
  • Vince Men's
  • Cynthia Rowley Handbags
Thursday 2/26
  • Zac Posen
  • Tibi
  • Badgley Mischka Platinum Handbags
  • Ted Baker Shoes
Friday 2/27:
  • Michelle Vale
  • Ben-Amun
  • Ted Baker
  • Effortless Outfitting
  • Fall Accessories Sale
Saturday 2/28
  • Lola3





Thursday, February 19, 2009

2009 Trend #3 - Decorative Zippers

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1. Lanvin Spring 2009 2. D&G 3. Phillip Lim 4&5. Marc by Marc Jacobs 6. Rory Beca 7. Forever21

As stated in my 9 Trend for 2009, no more hidden zippers; now zippers are used as a decorative detail. From exposed, to contrasting fabric trim, zippers will be a focal point for the back of shirts as well as dresses. I LOVE this trend; I'm typically a fan of anything that draws interest to the back of clothing. Be careful not to over-do the look by no over accessorizing or pairing a zipper back top with a pencil skirt with back detailing as well!


GET THE LOOK
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Dress: JCREW
Zippers: Swarovski, Orange, Aluminum

This trend is an easy one to copy on a budget! Go through your closet, what items do you have that might look good with an exposed or decorative zipper? Measure the length of the existing zipper and go to your local craft store and find a zipper that is the same length in a contrasting color or that has other decorative touches. If you can't sew, take the zipper and item to your tailor and have them rip out the existing zipper and replace it with your new zipper, sewing it so that the ribbon is on the OUTSIDE instead of hidden on the inside!

VOILA - a totally custom made, one-of-a-kind look! You can find zippers for $10-$20, and the cost of tailoring should run about the same. New look for just $40!

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Look like a Million $$ on a Budget!

You can't go a day without hearing the word: recession. Yes. . .we are in one, but that doesn't mean that you have to look like it. In fact, studies have shown that the way we look can have a direct effect on how we feel, and our productivity level. So how can you look like a million bucks in the middle of a recession?

There are several things you can do to save money this season without forfeiting style.

1. Shop Vintage

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There are a 2 great things about vintage clothing: the price and the one-of-a-kind find. I have found that spring/summer is the best for vintage finds. There's an abundance of great vintage dresses out there! Check the yellow pages for a vintage store near you, or try online at sites like EBAY (check out my favorite Vintage sellers above!)

When vintage shopping there are a few things to watch out for. The first is size; vintage clothing typically runs smaller than clothing today, so be sure to try on or get measurements before buying. Also, you should NEVER wear vintage head to toe, be sure to mix a vintage piece with a newer more modern piece to keep from looking like you are headed to a decades party.

Online vintage stores: 1. Yoox 2. Posh Girl Vintage


2. Alterations

Chances are if you go through your closet you will find a number of items that you no longer wear. Try them on and look at what you could change to make it wearable. Do you have a pair of flare jeans hanging in your closet that you no longer wear? Take them to a tailor and they can easily change your old flare leg jeans into skinny jeans for a fraction of the cost of a new pair of jeans!

More easy changes to make are sleeve length and neck line. If you are unsure of what you can do to an item take it to a tailor. A good tailor should be able to make some suggestions as to how you can update your item, or tell you that their is nothing that can be done!

3. Sample Sales

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It used to be that sample sales were something that only New Yorkers could take advantage of. Times have changed with the start of online sample sales. There are several websites which offer online sample sales: Gilt Groupe, Editors Closet and Haute Look are my favorites. These websites are by invitation only, check back tomorrow and I'll post an invitation link so you can join!

These websites send out daily emails informing of their upcoming sample sales. Be sure to shop early and buy something if you want it immediately. These sales have a tendency to sell out fast! Also, most of these websites offer money incentives if your friends sign up and buy something!

4. Discount Stores


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1 & 3: Smart Bargains
Dress: $70
Shoes: $35

2: BlueFly
Trench: $90


There are a lot of discount stores and websites out there. . .and many of them carry overstock of items from THIS season! TJ Maxx is one of my favorites, and they even have a "From the Runway" section which carries high end designers at low prices! Filenes Basement is another favorite! Warning: go prepared to dig for items. Great finds can be made, but it takes a lot of time and energy to find them! Websites such as SmartBargains and BlueFly also offer great deals! Check back daily for new items!

5. Coupons and Sales

With the current economy, retail stores are hurting. This means more coupons and sales for us! Before you go shopping check out stores websites for any sales or coupons that might be going on. Websites such as RetailMeNot.com post coupon codes for online shopping. Check for these before checking out to find great discounts!

6. Budget Stores


When it comes to basics, there is no need to waste money. Stores like Forever21, Walmart and Old Navy are great for stocking up on cheap basics such as tee's and tanks! H&M is another great place to find great work pieces and the occasional trendy item.

Be careful of overbuying at stores like these though. Don't buy items just because they are cheap, only buy what you need. Also don't dress in Forever21 head to toe, mix a cheap tee or sweater with designer jeans and a nice handbag to avoid looking cheap.

7. Accessorize

As I've mentioned before, accessories are a great way to update a look from past years, or to add interest to an otherwise plain outfit. Check craigslist or your newspaper for upcoming Estate Sales. These are great places to find really unique jewelry and scarves for super cheap!

Buy a really great pair of shoes that are sure to make a statement! Try to find a pair that can be worn with a variety of looks.