July 31st, 2008
Despite the fact that it’s still July, I’ve been on a mission to find the perfect Fall bag. Obsessive? Perhaps. But I’d rather browse the expansive selection that currently exists instead of trudging around in the rain come October and settling for whatever is still available. I’ve always been drawn to slightly under-the-radar brands (I’ve been carrying by Rebecca Minkoff ‘Morning After‘ bag now for almost a year) and find them far more appealing than ones that have the logo slapped across every square inch.
I’ve been stalking the window display of the Foley + Corinna store on Melrose now for about six months, and finally decided on the Classic Mid City Tote in Maple. The leather is buttery-soft and in a toffee color that complements my olive complexion, I was sold. The versatility of the bag is unbelievable, especially for someone as fickle as me. I love how I can hold the sturdy grip at the top, or simply fold it in half and use the long strap to throw over my shoulder. Since there’s no way that I’ll be waiting until the weather turns to bust out my new bag, I can promise pictures very soon.
EDIT: Thanks to the lovely FashionHerald for the tip that Gap has a wonderfully similar option, made of nylon, for those of you not interested in such an investment.
July 30th, 2008
Selma Blair is one of those fashionable ladies whose style I adore, but recognize that I can’t come close to recreating most the looks she puts together (like this and this). Her latest appearance on MTV’s TRL was a perfect example, when she wore an Unhee black romper and Roger Vivier heels that just oozed 20′s appeal. Since I certainly can’t pull off the entire ensemble with the same ease and grace, I picked my favorite part of the outfit, her balloon sleeves, and made it my own.
At a recent Built by Wendy sample sale, I swiped up this three-tiered poufy-sleeved dress. Though I was initially apprehensive about adding any extra width to my build, I quickly learned to love how the wider shoulders create the illusion of a smaller waist. Since I was conscious of looking too dainty in this confection-like dress, I paired it with some rugged boots to toughen it up a bit.
Dress – Built by Wendy
Necklace – Helen Ficalora
Boots – Vintage
July 29th, 2008
I go through white tops with such a fervor that it’s simply ridiculous. Though they happen to be a critical component of my wardrobe, I refuse to wear them once they’ve lost that crisp look and feel. Between underarm stains (due to deodorant), a baggy fit by the end of the day, and transparency issues, it’s hard to find just the right white top. That’s why I’ve done my research and have come up with my favorite.
Though I already own an LnA shirt, this long-sleeved option is clearly a necessity. Since the brand runs big (and stretches out), be ready to buy one or two sizes smaller than normal.
TIP: In order to remove underarm stains, soak in disolved powdered aspirin (5 tablets per liter of water) for 1-2 days.
July 28th, 2008
In the 80′s, blazers were reserved for interviews and formal dinners, but they’ve made an incredible comeback in an entirely fresh way. Gone are the bulky shoulder pads and fabrics that rivaled wallpaper. Instead, they’re being paired with the simplest of outfits, like tissue-thin tops and the shortest of skirts. Since I was forced to dispose of many old jackets this weekend in order to fit in my new [read: shared] closet, I’ve decided that a new blazer would cheer me up stat. Here are a few that I’m contemplating:
For those of us that are still apprehensive about the trend, I think Silence & Noise’s Seamed Blazer is a wonderful transitional piece. At first glance, it almost looks like a cardigan, but brings a bit of edge with its asymmetrical cut and corduroy-trimmed cuffs.
This Lili Marlene jacket is ridiculously chic in a crisp white. Since it’s such a classic menswear shape, I would pair it with a ruffled dress in a blush color (I am also lusting after her white nail polish).
Since nothing creates a more dynamic outfit than the combining of different patterns, this Striped 3Q Jacket would look great with a variety of prints. I love how the sleeves can easily be pushed up and I would be sure to pair this blazer with gold cuffs on both wrists.
Which is your favorite of the three?
