Saturday, September 30, 2006

Perfect Knit

One of my favorite dress materials is, by far, jersey knit. That auctomatically steps any item up into the maybe pile of possible purchases but this material is always really hard to find. That is until recently. Here is the large selection that I came acress from Saks. Now you can see the broad selection without the hassle of having to search, Your welcome.

Step Into The Future

It's starting to get colder out, which means you might want to break out the light clothing. No, you didn't read that wrong. It's just a reference to what may be the next big thing in fashion and the next big profit centre for clothes makers - apparel that lights up when you wear it. It's called Lumalive and it was developed by an electronics firm. Dutch giant Philips created the fabric that contains light emitting diodes as part of a research project last year. But it's only now that they've decided it may have a commercial use. Enter fashion designer Anke Loh, who believes there's lots of money to be brought to light from the idea. Her "Dressing Light" line of clothing is expected to hit stores in 2007. "I had the idea of putting different lights into clothing and seeing what kind of moving images and atmosphere I could create," she explains. The fabric can display text, graphics and even animation. She showed off clothing featuring an elevated train moving through stations, a changing cartoon cityscape and people laughing. The wearables are powered by a small removable battery pack about the size of a cell phone. "It's not just a dress, it's not just technology," she ventures. "Together they speak with one another." But while some fashionistas see the idea as a chance to design new styles other companies see something else - and it seems inevitable: advertising. The same material can be used to illuminate everything from office furniture to drapes, jackets, even couch cushions. And some firms are waiting to see if the idea catches on before using it to literally put their names up in lights. "What Philips Research showed last year were research prototypes; this year the jackets and furniture represent versions that are ready to go into commercial production, and include integrated power sources and control electronics," notes the company's Bas Zeper. And while no prices on all of this have been confirmed, about the only thing left to see now is whether this idea will light up the eyes of consumers and ultimately light-en up their wallets. -- citynews
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And I though this was the best intergartion of technology and fashion. This is a whole other level!

You Had To Know It Was Coming

If Paul Newman can save the world with salad dressing, perhaps Elton John can also contribute with bubble bath? That’s the plan, as the music icon teams up with Bath & Body Works for his first-ever product line. Developed with help from Harry Slatkin, president of home design at Limited Brands, Elton’s new line is called the Fireside Collection; it will debut at Bath & Body Works in time for the holidays, with proceeds benefiting the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Patrons have the added bonus of entering a sweepstake with every purchase: this fall, Bath & Body Works hosts a Legendary Rock Sweepstakes, where consumers can win a 5.5 carat diamond pendant by designer Daniel K. The pendant is worth $75,000, but hopefully the new bath line will raise considerably more for John’s charity… -- Fashion Week Daily
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And as nice as the sentiment of this vebnture is I'm still more excited about the upcoming line of L.A.M.B. bags.

Ha Ha

British fashion house Burberry's Milan Fashion Week show in Italy last night was wrecked by animal activists protesting the company's use of fur. 3 People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) activists stood holding 'Burberry: Fur Shame' placards charged the runway at the glitzy fashion show, disrupting the invitation-only event. The protestors were quickly escorted out of the show and released. Ironically, one of the attendees at the show was Vogue editor Anna Wintour, who has been a longtime PETA target. Lucky for her she was saves another tofu pie in the face. A PETA spokesman says, "We have met with Burberry executives and screened a video that shows graphic footage of animals who are suffering on fur farms and in traps. "But, unlike a growing number of fashion companies that are fur-free, Burberry continues to sell real fur. This is unacceptable." -- contactmusic.com

J Crew On Your Special Day

That's right JCrew does bridal wear and such for weddings! I know, I was as shocked as the next person. It was almost like finding out that Lane Bryant did as well. I mean I understand you want to be able to cater to your chosen audience on every front but to go so far as wedding attire seems quite outlandish to me. But, after looking at all the dresses (and the prices) it might somehting to consider if classic plain with simple lines is what you want. Take this for example, you could eve buy this dress and have a tailor add some beading and other detailing. It would sitll be cheaper than going to Vera Wang and not quite as cookie cuttrer as David's Bridal.

Bag Borrow oe Steal For Real

As an avid bag collector I am not a fan of Bag, Borrow, or Steal. Based on it's pricing for membership and rentals I'd rather just buy the bag outright. Now they have come up with something for me. After the bags have become so last week you can buy them yourselved from the online used bag outlet as long as you sign up. I'm sure we all rember the Coach Daphne sytle satchel bag and the initial, msut have it, hotness. Instead of paying $598.00 you can have it for $399.00. Granted, when you take into account shipping and taxes it could be a better deal but you never know what you might find.

Last Minute Sale

We all love the deals that you can dig up on Bluefly but how about instead of clicking and dropping it in a digital shopping cart you can dig through stuff in person. Well, today and tomorrow are the last chances you'll have to do that. And even though it's the last day there are still major chances for deals because ot the additional markdowns to the already-discounted designer merchandise makeing it up to 90 percent off. Head over to 72 Greene St., nr. Broome St. today from 9-9 and tomorrow from 9-5.

Best Dress Ever

We all know my feelings on the Marilyn Convertible dress. Fabulousness! Now you can pre-order the ones for Fall 2006 online. Get them while you can because I have a feeling that once the pre-orders ship they are going to be hard to get. One another note, I love the people over at Monif C. I had a problem with my credit card and they have been doing everything they can to make sure that I get the 3 (that's right) dresses that I preordered. Fabulous dresses and excellent service. What more could you ask for?

On The Job Again...

I'm working on a Saturday morning yet again. Why, I'm not exactly sure but I'm thinking I might need to do somehting to change that. But, that's not what I'm here to write about I'm here to tell you the only benefit of working on a saturday, dressing your pajamas (or pajama like things). Today it's Juicy Couture sweatpants, plain dusty rose colored tee, and my gray zip up Gap hoodie but, the piece de resistance of this SUPER comfy outfit has to be my Uggz. Not Uggs, Uggz. Uggz are straight from Australia, not the Americanized version. But, I believe they are no long in business after losing a nasty lawsuit about their name to the Ugg Australia company. Ugh! What I know for sure is that they are like wearing big fuzzy slippers and I love it. Check for more today, I actually have time to write!

Wednesday, September 27, 2006

Wednesday Is My Monday

So today, I popped into my office in my business casual fabulousness. Meaning: black slacks, red 3/4 length sleeve tee, and beautiful Beverly Feldman shoes. I'm carrying my school bag (that, but 1st ed.) because it's the only thing that is big enough to fit my laptop and notebook even though I have abused it to the point where it is starting to fall apart. Gotta love it. Yesterday was a bit different though. On my all school day I wore something that reminded be of Audrey Hepurn in the Gap ads. If a girl wants to dance, indeed. Skinny jeans, graphic tee, and ballet flats. The many styles of me.
P.S. Ladies, when you have a bad day brush it off!

Saturday, September 23, 2006

O My Word!

Let's add another one to the list! Oscar de la Renta is launching O Oscar, a better women's sportswear collection available at Macy's in Spring 2007 "Luxurious details and embellishment have always been important to my designs,” stated the designer in a press release. “In the past, we have been unable to faithfully execute these types of finishes at a price that is compelling to a broad audience. We hope to expand the O Oscar label at Macy's to other merchandise including women's accessories, fragrance and men's clothing. We intend to establish a true lifestyle brand with its own unique identity." The O Oscar sportswear line will feature all the rich color, embellishments and iconic detailing that you know and love from Oscar, but at far more accessible price points. Clothes will retail from $199 to $229 for jackets, $79 to $99 for pants, $99 to $139 for skirts, $99 to $129 for sweaters, $49 for knit underpinnings, $79 for shirts, and approximately $169 for dresses. Slightly above scale for a dress-down designer line but O is it Oscar.

Matchmaker, Matchmaker Make Me A Match

Remeber in the movie Clueless when Cher cycled through her touch screen closet inventory to pick her outfit for the day? That is always in my mind when I think about my dream house. Now I am one step closer with FashMatch.com. The creators of this site really know how to make online shopping a piece of cake. You can piece togehter a whole outfit, save it to your profile, and you can even buy the whole look at the click of a button. If nothing else it's a new way of distracting yourself at work. Take my first match for example doing a great job of keeping me from taking care of all the work I had left over from yesterday and at the same time giving me some ideas about stuff to add to my wadrobe. Excellent!

Friday, September 22, 2006

Pop!

New York City’s fashion darlings get ready for the one day only Pop Up Vintage Shop at the Galapagos Art Space in Brooklyn, this Sunday. The space will be filled with tons of carefully selected vintage clothing and jewelry for men & women – all in excellent condition and selling at very reasonable prices (cash only). This isn’t your average shabby thrift store, the Pop Up Vintage Shop is a guerrilla-style shopping event and it shouldn’t be missed. Bring your friends, bring some cash and head to Galapagos for cocktails, tunes, clothing and jewels!

Featured Women’s Items Include:
Jewelry and Accessories $10 - $30
Dresses and Skirts $20 - $30
Coats and Jackets $25 - $35

Address:
70 N. 6th Street (btwn. Kent and Wythe)
Williamsburg, Brooklyn

How Small Is Too Small?

"Since Spain denounced the use of models with a BMI of 18 or less the debate has become a hot topic in the fashion world. Paul Smith announced his belief yesterday that healthier looking models would soon dominate the catwalks. Smith made his announcement after showing a masculine womenswear collection at the Royal Horticultural Halls in Westminster. The models who appeared in show were by no means 'normal' sized but in the fashion world 'normal' means thin and 'thin' means unhealthy. Model Laura Tempany said in the Telegraph that models from poorer countries whose families depended on them for money were under enormous pressure to stay thin.This issue has dominated London Fashion Week... Even the culture minister, Tessa Jowell stepped in to give her tuppence worth.Whether this is going to be a lasting change in the extravagant world of fashion, or just a chance for the industry to jump onto a worthy bandwagon like the fur debates in the 90's remains to be seen." -- Catwalk Queen
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I find this slightly refreshing becuase being not a size 2 sometimes makes me feel self concious of my size, unattractive, and all that garbage that sometimes can't be help when faced with the standard of beauty today. Maybe as people start getting a little more realistic there will be a change in what is the socially acceptable picture of beauty.

Latina Style

As a styling latina fashionista I am always on the lookout for cute ways to express that part of myself without spackling the Puerto Rican flag all over myself. It's not that I'm not proud it's just not subtle and it's been done before many a time. Not to mention, what's the first thing that comes to mind when you see an American with the stars and stripes on their chest, jeans, vest, jacket, back window of their pick-up... yeah that's what I think of too. When I found Lola y Maria it was becuase I got a heads up about their styling new stuff for the fall, which is lovely by the way. But, while searching I stumbled across this adorable t-shirt. Now this is something that my other latina's can get into as well and while some people might stare at me like I'm crazy because they don't get it I know there will be those on the street that know where I'm coming from. Viva la Boriqueña!

In Stitches

We all know that knits are on the list of trendy items for the fall and when I spotted these items that automatically sprung to my mind. Why be like everyone else with their chunky sweaters? Granted they are cute, comfy, and warm but at this point will be everywhere. Why not spice it up? Here's how... with these two adorable knit handbags. First of all the Margaret Nicole cable knit clutch and likewise with this crochet hobo from Nordstrom. I want the clutch in every color!

Thursday, September 21, 2006

PARTAY!

If you are looking for something to do this everning instead of the usual happy hour head on over the Edge (65 Bleeker btwn. Broadway & Lafayette) for their one year anniversary party. Shopping and cocktails without having to buy a ticket sounds good to me! Don't forget to RSVP.

Wednesday, September 20, 2006

You Know You Have A Problem When..

While strolling over to work with my boyfriend early yesterday morning I was faced with a test. Now you might be wondering what test could I have possibly been faced with at 8:15 in the morning in the financial district of NYC? Well, while passing the Coach store on Front Street I noticed stacks and stacks of boxes. I took one quick look at them and I knew that the new shipment of Coach bags was lying on the cobblestone within my reach. I grabbed onto my boyfriend and told him not to let go for fear that if he did I would run over, grab a box, and take off. Considering the physical shape of the delivery men I think I would have made it but I suppose it was smarter of me not to take that chance. But, then again...

Sunday, September 17, 2006

Finally, Fall Trends!

Sorry it took so long. I have been sitting on this since I came back from the Bahamas but technically it's not fall yet and you of course still have time to pick up your key items if you haven't already!

Get Your Choo's


I'm sure plenty of you fashionista's will be happy to know that instead of having to trek to the Jimmy Choo boutique or shop the limited selections at big name department stores you can now order your Choo's online. This shoe master very recently implemented an online shop and you can click your pick and it will be sent straight to your door, no middleman! I'm going to call this one dangerously convenient.

Out Of Order

I know this is not a fashion item but when I saw these in the September issue of Shop Etc. I thought they were the cutest thing in the world. What a perfect way to organize your personal information at home! I know the whole pile thing seems to be working out but that's just for now wait until it tumbles down and you won't know what's what! Believe me I know. So the least you can do is treat yourself to some unique organizational tools. If I hadn't just finished my long overdue spring cleaning I would totally treat myself...

Nova-Check It Out

As some might know Burberry will be celebrating it's 150th anniversary this fall and because of this I chose to look back on the origins of this covetable brand. Starting in 1856 Thomas Burberry set out to crate problem solving gear by introducing thrill-seeking adventurer to a waterproof, and very sturdy twill we know as garbardine. Proprietors included Sir Ernest Shackleton on his trek to the North Pole in the early 1900's, as well as, Captain Ronald Amundsen on his trip to the South Pole in 1911. In 1902 Burberry's signature deep pocketed, double breasted jacket was chosen to outfit King Edward's army. With the advent of trench warfare in 1914 the garment was given epaulet's to hold hats, D rings to hold binoculars, compasses, and of course the odd grenade thus gaining the moniker we all know today of "trench coat" Ah, the origins of icons!

Thursday, September 14, 2006

Pay Less Indeed

It all started for me with Isaac Mizrahi and his line of clothing at Target and then it seemed that every single fashion designer was busting down doors to get their "affordable" lines out and spread their name to the masses not just the privleged few. Names like Luella, Tara Jarmon, Rafé, Norma Kamali, and the list goes on. Now Abaeté is on that list having just released their new line of shoes for none other than "Bo-Go" Payless Shoe Source. And I swore I would never buy another pair of Payless shoes after I got to high-school. After going to visit these new shoes I totally caved and got the "Casey" flat. (Even though I was tempted by the "Oliver" d'Orsay pump, but I'm realistic about me walking in high heels) They are impeccably manufactured with detailed stitching, bows, and handsome fabrics. Plus, you can't beat the price!

Wednesday, September 13, 2006

Back To The World Of Fashion

Today will be my first day back at ths comp blogging about fashion since the fifth and I apologize. I sank into a deep depression when Fashion Week came to the city and the only chance I had of getting in the tents was in Istanbul until the day of the show. Sufficet to say I was not contacted until the day after he returned, and after the show. Cest la vie I suppose, there is always the spring. So I return to the world dressed for success and a little but of fun. I'm wearing a Tara Jarmon mini, with a short sleeved scoop neck sweater from The Gap like this, black blazer from The Gap as well like this, and these adorble ballet flats. If I switch the flats to some sexy heels I could go out on the town. And of course my trusty, fit-everything, Spy bag. Translates from office to schools and out on the town. Love it. I've got much new news so check back later as I update.

Tuesday, September 05, 2006

Be One Of The First

I couldn't go last year because I wasn't of age but this year I am and ready to go! To what you ask? Well, if you though Girl's Night Out was great you will LOVE Lucky's Lucky Shops event. It will take place on November 9th and 10th at Gotham Hall. You'll save as much as 70% on items from Marc Jabobs, Foley + Corina, Paper Denim & Cloth, Rebecca Taylor, Botkier, Catherine Malandrino, Laura Merkin and many more. Get your tickets while they last. From what I've heard there will be a line out the door for regular admission and it will be worth it to go for the pre-sale ones. Free cocktails and the best selection of goods sounds great to me. I haven't even started classes and already I'm trying to rationalize skipping and shopping it up.

Monday, September 04, 2006

So Comfy

I braved the crazy crowds this weekend to do some last minute shopping before it's back to the super grind of work and school and I found the most comfortable sandals ever! I don't have anything to match them and I it didn't matter that's how comfortable they were. I had to have them. I looked up the brand, Born, online and they have tons of shoes, boots, and of course sandals with the signature super padded comfy sole. They even do handbags! Now I know where to look for new work shoes so I'm not clacking around all day but hobbling home.

Everything's Coming Up Roses

I am in love! This reminds me of a bracelet that Sarah Jessica Park wore to the Emmy's or Oscar's a few years back. It was designed by Vera Wang, diamond encrusted, and impossible to replicate believe me I searched. But that's all over now! What's most exciting about what I've found is that it's not a bracelet because I don't wear them, it's a necklace and even more of a bonus, there are matching earrings. Like I said, love and I must order now.

Better Late Than Never

I know that the VMA's are old news already but here are my picks for some of the best and worst dressed:
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I'm always jealous of Shakira, the things she can do with her body! But, I digress. The point is she looks fabulous! Simple yet stunning and of course with her beautiful smile.

As much as I can't stand Christina Aguilera's constant desire to look like she's Marilyn Monroe I have to say right here, as much as that want is defintially still there, I'm getting another vibe that's a little more just Christina. Maybe I'm crazy but she looks fabulous.


As much as I want to hunt here down and just start shoving cake in her mouth Nicole Richie is hiding her skeletal look very well here in this wonderfully frilly dress. To bad her arms are a dead giveaway, maybe she should have gone all retro and wore evening gloves.

I know that Marc Anthony has JLo under his thumb but he really needs to hire a stylist instead of picking out her clothes for himself. The whole retro femme bot look might work for him but it doesn't for me, or anyone else for that matter.

Paris need to take a stlye lesson from ex-best friend Nicole for sure. Maybe without the tutu skirt that dres would have been ok. Either way that doesn't mean the boots or that quaf work. This is a great example that there are things that money can't buy.

Saturday, September 02, 2006

On The Job

Working on Saturdays is not the kind of thing that I looked forward too during the summer because it was beautiful, sunny, and I could have been at the beach working on my tan. But with the start of September comes the crappy weather and back to school so I suppose sitting in my solitary office on my solitary floor just chilling isn't that bad. You can get your work done in your own time and as long as it's done it's done, no one breathing down your neck or throwing more things on the pile (I literally do have piles on my desk) and being comfy. Right now I'm wearing my brand spankin' new Apple Bottom jeans (love them and I managed to get into a crazy small size for me yay!), graphic tee, and Puma speed cats. I've also traded in the Spy that I have been attached to all week for my Vintage Louis Vuitton Speedy. Honestly, I just need to start carrying a smaller bag but that's a whole different story.

Friday, September 01, 2006

Crazyness

When I first got a look at this picture I really thought that it was a fake Canal Street knock off of a Louis Vuitton. But, I was so wrong. This could be the perfect gift for someone you know. If for no other reason than that they won't believe what they are seeing.

Gassed

(NEW YORK) Although Kimora Lee Simmons is staging her Baby Phat show in the largest venue at Bryant Park this September, don’t get your hopes up. Several fashion editors were flummoxed Monday morning upon receiving unsolicited rejections from the fashion label. E-mails were dropped into the inboxes of several editors—who had not requested Baby Phat seats—with the following message: “Thank you for your interest in attending the upcoming Baby Phat by Kimora Lee Simmons Spring 07 Fashion Show. Unfortunately, due to the limited amount of seats we are unable to accommodate your request at this time. Thank you again.” -- Fashion Week Daily
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I am not surprised considering Kimora Lee's tendencies...