Camel Toe Armour

I just had to post this because it amuses me endlessly. There is a solution for every problem! Now you can protect yourself against Camel Toe with the Chuchini!

From the website:
What is The Cuchini?

The Cuchini is a comfortable, light-weight material that adheres to any undergarment (panties, bikini, sports attire, etc). It smoothes the ridges of a woman’s mons pubis area providing a smooth and camouflaged appearance. This eliminates what is commonly known as "Camel Toe."

1. Smoothes the ridges of a woman’s mons pubis area.
2. Keeps undergarments clean.
3. Can be used with or without underwear.

They really seem to like saying "mons pubis". You can get your very own Cuchini for only $15 (for two). Or you can amuse (or frighten) yourself by browsing the gallery of celebrity Camel Toe pics. I wonder if you wore this under a bikini and went in the water what the danger of the pad floating to the surface would be? Try explaining that one!

Links à la Mode : April 30th

Good morning! Here are some great blogs to entertain you, as I get the feeling I will be TRES busy today...

• 39th & Broadway - Is the fashion industry responsible for our weight issues?
• A Typical Atypical - When to ignore the fashion houses - the ridiculous, the impractical and the downright foolish!
• Broke & Beautiful - Earth Week! The best of plastic bags are highlighted.
• Capitola Girl Jewelry Blog - Take flight with some fanciful feathered jewelry
• Culturistas - The Culturistas take a trip to the Vintage Expo and give tips on how to shop for vintage
• Debutante Clothing - A private, curator led tour of the Valentina exhibit in NYC
• Dirty Laundry - Who needs Marc Jacobs when you have DIY?
• Dramatis Personae - B&Lu Presents Fun Plus-Sized Fashion…
• Fashion in my eyes - Interview with Sarah Korsiak Cellier, owner of a vintage shop with designer pieces
• FashionMind - Dressing up classy but very bright and not boring.
• Fasshonaburu - A public request for online stores to provide more and better pictures of their merchandise!
• Gladys L - Construction boots or Lotus shoes? The astonishing Chinese quest for female beauty incorporating small feet!
• In Pursuit of Fashion - Bleach for beginners: How to DIY the latest trend, bleached jeans.
• Independent Fashion Bloggers - 6 Do’s and Don’ts for Networking Online
• Retro Chick - Ethical Design Spotlight - Heart’s Desire Jewellery (+ 20% Discount!)
• Style Symmetry - My Storage System for Belts.
• StyleCovered - How fusing trends and culture can create something unique and chic! Who said covering up had to be boring?
• The Art of Accessories - The Art of Accessories show you how to make your own tinted moisturizer, how thrifty?
• THE COVETED - The Coveted: Two chances to win Pequito Bun Vintage Jewelry!
• The Curvy Fashionista - The brains behind Full Figure Fashion Week- Gwen DeVoe dares to bring Plus Size Fashion to the forefront
• The Style PA - Where to go in Leeds for Vintage fashion and beauty treats.
• Work Chic - Blowing your shopping budget? It may be your shopping habits!

Edited by Retro Chick

Work Appropriate Flat Sandals

I will never recommend wearing flip flops to the office, even if they are crystal embellished, but there are plenty of options still available for you. I still shy away from overly bare thong styles, but I think you could get away with the follow:

Don't forget a pedicure!

Tribal Print Romper

This romper is sold out at Pixie Market, but I like how they styled it better, so I'm using their picture!! Luckily for you, you can still buy it at Revolve Clothing for three dollars less anyway! Buy for $96 and I would plan to wear a cool belt with it.

Seude Puff Sleeve Blazer

From the Barbara Hulanicki (used to design for Biba and '60s fashion icon in London) for TopShop collection, this blazer has got that fabulous sculpted shoulder I've been searching for! It's $260, which is more affordable than most, but suede right before summer... I suppose it could look boho paired with some jean shorts and gladiator sandals!

Silk Crop Top

Crop tops, ahhhhhh! No word on if they're actually caught on past the hipster crowd, but this one has a near flawless fit, not too tight or too loose, to make it as wearable as a crop top can be. Buy at Otte for $166.

Triple Wrap Leather Bracelet

Woo, how very RAWK! This is a fun piece to give your summer outfits an edge, buy at ShopBop for $95. I wonder if you can unwrap it to wear long around your neck...

A Picture Speaks Not Enough Words

I've been getting really annoyed shopping online of late. So many boutiques just never provide enough pictures to get a good sense of the piece you may be considering.

My biggest pet peeve is probably pictures of clothing laid flat or on hangers - seriously guys, how am I supposed to see its real silhouette?? I look uniformly terrible in shift dresses, but if it's laid down how am I suppose the tell the difference between that and its less voluminous sister, the sheath dress?

I also really hate just one picture. If I can't see the back of a piece, I refuse to buy it, period. It would be nice to see it from the side as well. Luckily, most stores understand this and get at least a front / back view up. Even worse is when there are multiple color options with one picture! No, having boxes showing the color options does NOT make up for it.

There are some sites that seem more interested in creating an "arty" persona than showing you the clothing. This is not an editorial people, this is an online catalog!

Finally, I hate not getting a sense of size. Many sites selling jewelry and purses will provide measurements, but I really like to see proportions. Are those mini, regular or over-sized earrings? Will that purse fit under my shoulder? These are questions immediately answered with the right picture.

I know it's additional costs to put up more shots, but the added value will keep your customers happy and your sales up!

Do You Really Need A Marc Jacobs's Bag Tee

Owners' of this tee should really be asking themselves, "Do you really need a t-shirt costing $125?" Well, if you do you can find this at She Boutique.

Bright Lightweight Sweater

Despite their scary mannequins, Old Navy is awesome for affordable basics! I love the bird detail on this sweater, but there's also a dragon fly depending on the color. It's on sale, but for how much is also dependant on the color, so buy for $13 - $18!

Sash Tie Maxi Dress

Every summer people start breaking out their maxi dresses and every summer I look for a non babydoll style one! Seriously, do you really want more volume, why is this style so popular?? Well, I may finally end my quest, as this dress sash ties at the waist, giving you a beautiful Grecian look! Buy at Bluefly for the current price of $180.

Alice + Olivia Does Balmain Jacket For Fall

Can you believe that Alice + Olivia is doing what I consider to be such a blatant rip off?? It will be about $400, and I'm already saving up to buy one :P I wish it had the sculpted shoulders though!

Via Coutorture

Khaki Boyfriend Blazer

Another piece I tend to forget abou tin the summer is the blazer! But there are plenty of great options, like this linen boyfriend style one, which will run you $119 at Bloomingdale's.

Kimono Style Jacket

Ooo, this lightweight jacket looks like a great buy for summer, just what you too to stave off an office of night chill! Buy at Oak for $196.

Khaki Tulip Skirt

It's tres hard to find a professional looking skirt that feels summery! This khaki cotton and linen blend skirt totally fits the bill, and is a relatively affordable $111 at Far Fetch!

ShopBop Handbag Sale Code

Shopbop is offering 25% off all full-priced handbags! I am eyeing several, including this super duper chic Antik Batik suede and sequin one! Use this opportunity to save some money and help the economy! The code to use at checkout is "ARMCANDY", and it ends on April 29th.

Gold Crystal Sandals

It's about 90 degrees here in DC; time to break out the sexy summer sandals! I like the giant jewel embellishments on this pair, wear when you feel like channeling Cleopatra! Buy at Free People for $118.

The Mini Social

There's a new online sample sale site, but this one caters exclusively to moms! The Mini Social will feature up to 60% off savings on designer clothing and accessories for mom, baby and child!

Silk Floral Print Top

There are unaccountable amounts of floral tops available right now, the more paint-y looking the better! This one is slightly less spring specific (not pastel) so you could easy rock it year round! And it's only $135 at Anne Klein.

Gray Belted Shorts

I totally covet these shorts by Helmut Lang! The waist looks super flattering and silk is the perfect material for some going out shorts. Buy at La Garconne for $255.

Leather Cross-Body Bag

This messenger style bag by Joe's Jeans just looks so insanely functional while remaining totally cute at the same time. Buy at Dillard's for $129.

Fan Tee

And now for your outrageously expensive t-shirt of the day, brought to you by Costume National! This fan tee is cute, but would you really spend $241 on it? It's made of jersey cotton and better magically hide 20 lbs to be worth that!

Today's Temptations!

Ooo, Escada on sale today at Ideeli!
And Tracy Reese at Hautelook!
And Betsey Johnson AND ViX swimwear at Rue La La!
Feel free to leave a comment if you need invites to anything!

Gingham Skirted Bikini

Fellow write Alyssa mentioned wanting a bikini top that didn't tie at the neck, and I told her such thing did not exist. Well, here to prove me wrong is this skirted bikini, with its back similar to a bra top. Buy the top for $78 and the bottoms for $88 at Anthropologie.

Crisscross Chain Jewelry

This silver and leather chain piece can be either be worn at the waist or around your neck as a necklace. Either way, its sure to add some attitude to you outfit! Get it for $200 at 80's Purple.

Colorblock Bikini

Ohhh way to be fun and colorful Gap. Check out this cheerful bikini set. I love the boy-short cut of the bottoms. Best of all the top and bottom are both on sale for $24.99 each!

High Heeled Puma Lace ups

I am a big fan of Puma. In fact, they are pretty much the only sneakers I wear. If this fabulous combination of the Clyde Lace-up and a feminine high heel weren't so outrageously expensive I would be all over them. I would love to confuse our HR dept (no sneakers at work) by wearing these to the office! Get them for $790.00 at Puma Online.

Asymmetrical Cap Sleeve Cardigan

Hooray asymmetrical closures! This would be a great summer layering piece, though I wonder how it would look left open... extra drapey? Buy at South Moon Under for $84.

Kristinit Sale Code

Get 20% off your order at Kristinit with the code "klovesblogs" before 5/15!

Loose Cropped Blouse

Hmm, I'm not loving the idea of loose crop tops, maybe if you had a small bust it would look good. Hmm, paired with some high waisted paint, it could be cute in a retro kinda way! Buy at ModCloth.

Oversized Hood Coat

The over-sized hood on this Crispin and Basilio jacket gives it a bit of a shawl collar look - tres cute! Originally $545, it's on sale for $269 at Buy Definition!

Links à la Mode : April 23rd

The SS09 Wardrobe Transition

Edited by Clutch22

In reviewing submissions for this week’s edition of Links á la Mode, I found comfort in learning I’m not the only one ”nesting” my closet for spring and summer. Thankfully, Agent Lover shows us how to shop for retro swimwear, Super Kawaii Mama shows us some of her favorite pick-me-ups that cost almost nothing and Dirty Laundry gives DIY alternatives to Maison Martin Margiela. Additionally, there are a variety of insightful designer interviews and shopping reviews to check out in this week’s roundup. Finally, Retro Chick explains how she used IFB’s Little Birdie service to organize a goodie bag giveaway for her one year blog birthday.

• 39^th & Broadway: Even fashion designers can get scared of a new and forward trend.
• Agent Dreamer: An interview with Rachel Lanese of Crafttastrophe – designer of beautiful shoes and other wearable art.
• Agent Lover: Hunting for the perfect retro bathing suit, part two.
• Breakfast at Saks: A review of independent designer retailer, Moxsie and Itsola dress.
• Broke & Beautiful: Miss Elle experiences amazing handmade jewelry in a video post!
• Consume or Consumed: Review and hypothetically shopping at Net-A-Porter’s sister sale site: The Outnet
• Culturistas: Update your wardrobe for Spring using the clothes you already have!
• Dirty Laundry: How to wear Maison Martin Margiela without breaking the bank via DIY alternatives.
• Fashion Pulse Daily: Perry Ellis surprises with a fall line-up of classics that with please your Dad and your hottie 20-something boyfriend simultaneously!
• Felicia Sullivan: eco-friendly fashion on a budget: toggery by kate d’arcy.
• Haute World: An inside look to the ever famous Louis Vuitton flagship store in Paris.
• Hello Kelli:New Japanese technology creates a loose wave digital perm.
• Independent Fashion Bloggers: Starting your own blog? IFB helps find the right blog platform for you.
  
• LuciteBox: HBO’s Grey Gardens – beyond the fashionable women.
• Retro Chick: Celebrating one year blog birthday with a reader goodie bag giveaway.
• Star Fashion Addict: A roundup of the hottest handbag styles for spring.
• Style Symmetry: Inspiration Flashback – a look back at Little House on the Prairie.
• Super Kawaii Mama: Luxe & Less - Pick me up’s for next to nothing.
• The Coveted: Basic Investing, is it better to invest in basics or statement pieces?
• The Curvy Fashionista: Interview with plus size high fashion designer, Monif C - breaking all plus size stigmas.
• The Demoiselles: The Littlest Demoiselle discusses ANTM’s Short Model Season, and “under height” models of the p
• The Sunday Best: Why Club Monaco should bring back the crewneck.

Nugget Hoops

Apparently a larger version of these were worn by Vanessa on "Gossip Girl," but I prefer the smaller, more delicate looking pair! I personally think her always wearing giant hoop earrings looks a little Jersey anyway. You can by these earrings at Joy O Designs for $128.

Rachel Bilson is new InStyle fashion editor

Your early morning style news is that Rachel is a new fashion editor for InStyle Magazine with her own Q & A monthly column, WWD.com reported.

Rachel will get down to her editor duties in May’s issue of the fashion mag.

I can talk about fashion all day long, and I am an avid InStyle reader so the relationship seemed perfect! This column is the best homework assignment ever!” Ms. Bilson said in the interview. “I am not planning on quitting my day job to be a full-time fashion editor, although I am really enjoying it and it intrigues me very much.”

The young actress adds that the offer is very flattering, and she’s surprised that people want to ask her questions about style.

Hmmm, I suppose her fashion sense if good, but I don't find her particularly inspiring.

Via Glamour Vanity

Lust for Less: Bandage Skirts

Surprisingly, the Herve Leger skirts I found didn't have the bandage details so...

Here's one by Proenza Schouler. It's beautiful but a pricey $890 at Saks Fifth Avenue.

You can get a similar look with this Bodycon version at Topshop! I doubt you would fool another fashionista, but for $44 can you afford NOT to buy it??

Round Mini Purse

I like this picture of the purse better than the one they use on the actual page, so here it is! Cute bag, only $38 at Urban Outfitters.

Stud Double T-Strap Wedges

Perfect for summer: a mix of tough studs and a wooden wedge heel! Buy at Betsey Johnson for $190.

Organic String Bikini

And finally, no day of eco-friendly posting is complete without something form Stella McCartney! She never uses leather or fur, but I'd like to note that not all of her clothing is 100% organic! So I decided to post a cute bikini from her capsule collection, which is all organic, in order to be safe. Buy at Barney's for $275.

Cutout Tall Socks

I've really been sucked into the cutout / torn trend, somebody save me! This knee high socks are cute though, made of organic cotton and only $30 at Sans.

Petal Sleeve Shift

I LOVE the color of this dress, and the scalloped petal sleeves. But it sounds like it's silhouette is a bit boxy, not the easiest shape to pull off! If only Nimli had more pictures of it in different angles! Pre-order in fuchsia or raspberry, and maybe get 20% off with the code "PREORDER09" at checkout!

Navy Harem Pants

Eco-friendly harem pants, hooray! By these pants made of organic cotton at Fashion-Conscience for £55 or about $80 US Dollars.

Pull the Plug Tee

Happy Earth Day! Here's a tee to remind everyone to use less electricity! Buy at Envi for the sale price of $36.

Pure DKNY Goes Organic

DKNY has released several 100% organic pieces within their Pure DKNY line, and the casual basics are just perfect for summertime frolicking. “We’re all thinking of ways to live more harmoniously with Mother Earth,” Zen queen Donna Karan said. “Pure DKNY is the perfect platform for us to dip our toes. We didn’t want to announce ourselves as green. We wanted to really see what that looks and feels like, as well as how viable, creatively and practically, it is for us to do organic clothes. So far, we’re very happy with where this is going.” The pieces will be available at DKNY shops and major department stores later this month.

Via FWD

Asymmetrical Cutout Sweater

I was already planning on posting this Edun sweater at full price ($210) when I saw it again on sale! Hooray for GreenLoop where you can buy it for just $83.

Feather Headband

What a truly unique headband by Ivana Helsinki, a "family company well known for their ethically handmade avant-garde prints." Buy at Belinka, a great eco-boutique, for the sale price of $48.

Archival Photo Tees

Each of these t-shirts features a photo from the archives of the Los Angeles Public Library. The first tee is from a photograph by Gary Leonard "outside of The Vex, a nightclub in Crenshaw, LA, in November of 1980." The second one "depicts a group of kids dispersing to avoid trouble with the police on the Sunset Strip" in 1966. Get either one for $30 from American Apparel.

Athleta

Whoa, stop the presses! Gap Inc, which has brought us Gap, Old Navy, Bananrepublic and Piperlime, apparently has a new store! It's called Athleta and sells sportswear! Why have I not heard about this, I was just going to the Gap site and there it was! They cover all the different sports, but it looks like their bread and butter is really yoga clothing.They also have swimwear (sport and regular) and some artisan jewelry from CA.

Paint Splattered Jean Shorts

These remind me of the paint splattered boyfriend jeans I posted except SO not $600!! Get the look for just $35 at Delia*s instead! Hmm, I'm realy petite and have narrow hips, maybe juniors sized would fit me better anyway?

Valentino: The Last Emperor

The film that many fashion lovers want to see, Valentino: The Last Emperor, had a limited release to certain theaters, mostly in NYC. But it's coming to theaters in more cities, including the Washington, DC area! Las Vegas probably doesn't count as a fashion-loving city because we sit around in sequin bra tops all day.
Check to see if it's playing in a theater near you!

Double Flap Crossbody Bag

Since everything I've posted so far has been more than $150, I really intended to post something under $100! But then I saw this at Chocosho and went "Oooo" even though it's $288 so here it is! I like the shape and really love the extra flap with pocket!

Brushstroke Plaid Skirt

What a fabulous take on plaid! I bet this piece would look great paired with a bright yellow top. This brushstroke print skirt by Vince can be yours for $235 at Saks Fifth Avenue!

Buckly Closure Sneaker

While I'm not usually a fan of hi tops, I forgive these sneakers because they are so rad! I love the buckle closures, they feel very futuristic rock! Buy at Urban Outfitters for $165, sizes 36 and 37 are already back-ordered!

Rosette Strapless Minidress

Some of you may recognize this dress as a recent splurge of mine, last worn at the Dress Up Soiree in NY. Well this will be my dress of the season, as I'm next wearing it to a wedding this weekend and then probably my engagement party! It's super cute, and can be found for $398 at BCBG - luckily for you there's a sale code "SPRINGGIFT" where you get $100 off a purchase of $300 or more!