My post on presents for men was so popular with my male friends that I've decided to create an occasional menswear post! Yes that image is Fashion Insider Ken.
Also, I'm about to leave for Fashion Week! Get all the latest on slightly less household name designers here ;)
Ok, one more rough diamond ring since this one is the cheapest I've found so far! And, in my opinion, also the prettiest in its simplicity. Buy at Lille for $495. Designed by Melissa Joy Manning, she purchases her materials, found worldwide, from only domestic suppliers. So if she gets her materials in North America (she's in Cali), than these diamonds must be conflict free and all that jazz, right?
Instead of carrying your pooch in your bag, why not multi-task and carry a pooch purse! These clutches are so adorably cute and cost £65 or about $125 US dollars at Dutch by Design. Buy in black, brown or red!
I love gray leopard print sooo much more than tan! Hearts it! Buy this tee at Searle NYC for $88.
Jenna Bush will be getting married this Spring, and Lady Laura Bush asked 12 designers to design a gown for her daughter. Above are the designs that they submitted. Check out who designed what!
1. Vera Wang - looks like the dress Christian and Chris designed on Project Runway
2. J. Mendel - Will make her look pregnant, as far as I know this isn't a shatgun wedding!
3. Arnold Scaasi - Classic doesn't have to mean boring, thanks
4. Carlos Miele - Oooo, so far this is my favorite
5. Amsale - Pretty and delicate, but maybe a little too frou frou?
6. Carmen Marc Valvo - I think Vera Wang did the ruffled look better
7. Angel Sanchez - A slight twist on a classic shape, which I love. But again with the pregnant look? Maybe it IS a shotgun wedding...
8. Badgley Mischka - Bored, bored, bored, bored! I don't see anything unique or interesting at all in this dress.
9. Nicole Miller - Very vintage-inspired looking. Pretty, but a little overly complicated I think.
10. Lela Rose - A very modern look, but I don't feel like it's too modern for a traditional politician wedding event.
11. Marc Bouwer - Attention designers: Empire waists don't have to be so poofy, do you people really think it's flattering?
12. Oscar de la Renta - Simple and VERY glam, but maybe too sexy?
Hmm, My vote goes for the Carlos Miele or the Vera Wang dress. What do YOU think?
Image from Style Scoop
Gladiator sandals are still in, so go ahead and get yourself a treat for the upcoming warm weather! I wonder how they would look worn with tights, hmmm. You can buy these in black or brown for £40 or about $80 US dollars at Asos.
Here's a way to rock the sheer trend this Spring without worry of a wardrobe malfunction! Not only is this skirt by Elie Tahari totally unique and fun, but it's currently on extra sale at Bluefly for only $180!
ooo, this blouse by Anna Sui is SO cute, I would pre-order it now because my spider sense is telling me it will sell out quick! Buy at Nordstrom for $295.
PS I love that model's hair, should I cut mine short again?
I'm going to NY today for fashion week!!!!!! And tomorrow will be my busiest day I think!
Fri Feb 1
Lipstick Jungle Press Event
Duckie Brown Show
Rubin Singer Show
Project Runway Designer Show (NOT the finale but I'm going to throw myself at Tim Gunn if he's there!)
VENEXIANA Show
I'll be trying to post as frequently as possible over the next few days!
I'm constantly debating on expensive clothing. If I spend a lot money on something, I want to be able to wear it frequently. But if I spend a lot of money on something, I don't want it to be boring either! This sweater is a perfect mix of basic and unique, by new designer Twig. Buy it at Lisa Kline for $225. If you wear it only 10 times, each wearing will cost you $22.50, not bad at all!
Ikat, or Ikkat, is a style of weaving that uses a resist dyeing process similar to tie-dye on either the warp or weft before the threads are woven to create a pattern or design. A Double Ikat is when both the warp and the weft are tie-dyed before weaving. It is apart of Spring 08 fashion and the whole boho tech trend. It tends to hand a zig zaggy tribal look to it, but not always. Since it's just coming into style, most the pieces are expensive, but here are some I've found. Also check TopShop for affordable pieces.
A cross between comfy sweats and a terry robe? YES PLEASE! Buy the Baresuit for $ 150 Canadian, which is about $125 US dollars! I don't care if it looks like something the Partridge Family would perform in, I totally want!
Via The Daily Candy
I wrote about Lauren Conrad's fashion line back in September, but she's finally available at a boutique, Intution! Of course, most of her stuff is still very basic, especially when one of the dresses costs $170! There's also an event for the launch:
Tuesday Feb 5
6 pm to 8 pm
Intuition
10581 West Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA
RSVP: Email RSVP@shopintuition.com
And the first 200 guests get a goodie bag!
What I'd like to know is why isn't she going to NYC Fashion Week?
Valentine's Day is just around the corner, so I spent some time on Bluefly looking for cute things. of course, most guys prefer gadgets, like a MacBook Air, an Xbox 360, a PSP, a new set of speakers. But this isn't Engadget! So if your man specifically requested new clothes or you're dead set on buying him some anyway, here are some options!
This Marc Jacobs wool sweater is basic looking with a few interesting quirks, making a perfect combination of fashionable and wearable! Plus it's currently only $99, originally $188.
This Adam by Adam Lippes merino sweater has amazing colors that are unusual for the average guy but won't make him look too girly. Originally $295, it's currently only $110!
Gucci horsebit print tie! Because every man needs a power tie in his closet. Originally $165, it's now $132.
A Le Tigre polo is perfect for the frat boy in you heart! Just don't let him pop his collar... originally $58, it's not only $30!
A Theory blazer is the perfect present for the classic, well tailored man. Easy to dress up or down, it was originally $495 but currently just $200!
Perfect for ladies who hate carrying purses! The Fendi card case holds a credit card, and id and maybe some cash. Plus it comes with removable wrist and shoulder straps! Buy at Saks for $180 in black or yellow. I recommend yellow since brights are the hotness.
This is another budget-friendly option for the leather jacket trend, only $70 at MetroStyle! The only problem is they don't have a black version, only a coffee color and, oddly enough, blue.
I must believe that Summer is around the corner! And these shorts are so cute, I love the black and white trim contrasting with the patchwork. Buy at Blonde LA for the sale price of $40.
I hear celebrities are loving this label, Orien. The feel certainly meshes with the current boho tech look! My favorite Orien dress is definitely this bunny print one, and it's only $148 at Ron Herman. That's pretty affordable for a "celeb favorite" line!
Boy, I certainly didn't have the beginnings of a fashion empire when I was 15! Of course, I didn't have a rich father either. With the help of her wealthy father, Kira Plastininia has opened a chain of clothing stores across Russia (more than 30) and she is scheduled to launch stores in America later this year.
I was a little skeptical at first since she obviously has a lot of money to help, but looking at her designs I would say they're pretty cute, especially for the teen demographic.
It's like a pair of Converse sneakers and some Manolos had some unholy offspring! I will say these shoes are very interesting and unique, recommended for the highly adventurous fasshonaburu. Buy at ShopBop for $165.
Looking for the perfect gift for your BFF? Get him or her the best friend tee at Built By Wendy for $48! The shirt looks brown (at least on my screen) but it's really a heather black.
Ooo, shiny object! You can buy these metallic finished Notify jeans at Revolve Clothing for $227.
No doubt vests and waistcoats are hugely popular in England right now. Buy this super cute leather one at Warehouse for £50 or about $99 US dollars.
Evian has teamed up with French designer Christian Lacroix to create two special water bottles — rumored to make an appearance at New York Fashion Week. There's couture inspired and pret-a-porter. The pret-a-porter version will tentatively be sold at Pusateri’s, Wholefoods, Sommerhill market, and 5 Saisons. The 750 ml glass bottle will retail for approximately $9.99 in restaurants in high end grocery stores. On the other hand, there are just 99 bottles of haute couture, which will be distributed worldwide and auctioned off for charity. The starting bid for the limited edition haute couture bottle is US $1,000.
Is Chanel Blue Satin already over? of course not, it's still sold out everywhere and celebrities are still rocking the navy blue trend, no worries! But as Spring comes upon us, one of the new colors for nails will be a soft, matte gray, complimenting Spring fashion colors perfectly! Buy this color for $18 at Rescue Beauty Lounge.
Well, if you're going to be in town for Fashion Week like me, than maybe you'll want to hit up some of these sales!
agnès b.
65% off the French brand's Fall/Winter collection
When/Where:
Going on now; no end date set. Contact locations for hours of operation.
103 Greene St at Spring St (212-925-4649);
13 E 16th St nr Fifth Ave (212-741-2585);
1063 Madison Ave between 80th and 81st Sts (212-570-9333).
CoCo & Delilah
30 to 60% off tops and dresses from brands like Tibi, Alice + Olivia, Corey Lynn Calter and Plenty by Tracy Reese; 15% off select denim
When/Where:
Going on now; no end date set. Mon—Fri 1—8pm; Sat, Sun noon—8pm.
115 St. Mark's Pl between First Ave and Ave A (212-254-8741).
Bird
25-75% off all Fall merch, including clothing, shoes and accessories from brands like 3.1 Phillip Lim, Tsumori Chisato, Mayle and Isabel Marant
When/Where:
Friday, January 25th through Sunday, February 10th. Mon—Sat noon—8pm; Sun noon—7pm.
220 Smith St at Butler St, Cobble Hill (718-797-3774);
430 Seventh Ave between 14th and 15th Sts, Park Slope (718-768-4940).
Caravan
Up to 70% off clothing from brands like Blue Marlin, Hyden Yoo, J. Lindeberg and Rag & Bone
When/Where:
Monday, January 21st through Thursday, January 31st. Call locations for hours of operation.
2 Great Jones St between Broadway and Lafayette St (212-260-8189);
128 E 91st St between Lexington and Park Aves (212-722-7282).
Diane T
The normally very-pricey wares at this boutique are marked up to 60% off; find deals on clothing from brands like Catherine Malandrino and Marc by Marc Jacobs
When/Where:
Sunday, January 20th through Wednesday, February 20th. Tue—Fri 11am—7:30pm; Sat 11am—6:30pm; Sun 1—5:30pm.
174 Court St between Amity and Congress Sts, Cobble Hill, Brooklyn (718-923-5777).
Opening Ceremony
50 to 70% off clothing from brands like Acne, Common Projects, Loden Dager, Mayle and Topshop
When/Where:
Friday, January 11th through Thursday, January 31st. Mon—Sat 11am—8pm; Sun noon—7pm.
35 Howard St nr Broadway (212-219-2688).
Dear Fieldbinder
25 to 75% off quirky dresses, tops, coats, pants and skirts from brands like Corey Lynn Calter, Madison Marcus and Twinkle; shoes and handbags are 40% off
When/Where:
Saturday, December 29th through Monday, February 11th. Mon—Sat 11:30am—7:30pm; Sun noon—6pm.
198 Smith St Between Baltic and Warren Sts (718-852-3620).
via Racked
Do you have a red dress ready for National Wear Red Day, a day when Americans nationwide wear red to show their support for women's heart disease awareness, Feb 1? if not, how about this cute little number by Kay Unger? It's on sale at Neiman Marcus for $215, originally $310!
So pretty much every starlet is rocking the long cardigan look.
This one has front pockets and a drawstring hem. Buy it for $96 at Madison LA.
If you think that's a bit much for a trendy item, you can always buy this one from Gap for $50 in navy, gray or heather. You can also buy it in tall is you want extra long or petite if you want subtly long.
Hmm, this skirt was mentioned in Life & Style for being "art-inspired." I personally just think it's a geometric print, but it is cute and you can buy it at Polka Dots & Moonbeams for $102.
Start to brighten up your wardrobe for Spring! This is the perfect top for that, and it's on sale, costing $149 at Active Endeavors.
As tiny sizes and patent are reigning supreme, this purse is a perfect trendy yet affordable addition to your wardrobe. Buy at Steve Madden for $60.
In an attempt to whip my friends into a fashion frenzy more often, I have decided to do more designer profiles to make everyone familiar with amazing designers that aren't quite at the household level yet.
Paul & Joe
Named for the designer Sophie Albou's sons, this French line feels like a mix of Marc Jacobs (quirky) and Nanette Lepore (feminine) to me. The label has been around for more than 10 years, but the average women has never heard of it. I couldn't even find a profile on Style.com, which really surprised me. But their collaboration with Target for Go Int'l may have helped them gain more recognition in the US, I know I certainly enjoyed it ;)
The Fall / Winter collection had a lot of bright, mod-inspired pieces, but Spring / Summer '08 is more "boho tech" - flower and ethnic prints, gladiator sandals, fringe, and a more relaxed feel in general. I do wish there were more bright colors. Check out some of the looks:
Note: Spring/Summer '08 was shown in Paris in September 2007. I don't believe they've shown yet for Paris Fashion Week 2008.
I love hats but I rarely wear them, I must remedy this buy buying more hats! I think I need the perfect cloche, and this one is truly breath taking! You can buy it at Propper Topper for the also awe-inspiring price of $225.
Some of you may remember that I proclaimed stars a trend for 2008 back in October. Well I'm doing the "I Was Right" dance right now, because suddenly tons of other sources are saying the same thing. Buy this cute dress before it sells out at Asos for £35 or about $80 US dollars. Stars totally are the new skulls!
Gladiator sandals is another trend that will be making a reappearance for Spring/Summer 08. This pair is super duper chic and only $98 at ShopBop. Buy in either black or brown or both!
