Still wondering? Here’s a quick piece by yours truly to  help you find the answer: www.ineedprettythings.comcourtesy: www.ineedprettythings.com

This is the week every shopper waits for is here. Or maybe it’s the week you dread?

But Black Friday is here.

I don’t really have much to say because EVERY store has a sale going on. If you want the bargain of all bargains, go to some outlets near you. Sale items are on-sale. What’s better than that?

I suggest going to Queenstown Outlets or Hagerstown Outlets because they have great stores like BCBG, White House Black Market, Coach, Polo, anything. And it’s all on sale.

The best thing is that all of these stores have people inside that are more than willing to help you decide what is in style. ASK THEM if you think it’s a fashion fail, they’ll be honest.

Have SO much fun! BE CAUTIOUS OF CRAZY SHOPPERS!

The temperature in LA has dipped low enough to keep me snuggled up indoors for the majority of the day. Despite the chilly weather, I’m excited for the coming holiday season! I love seeing all the stores decked out in Christmas decor and it reminds me that it’s a good time to start thinking about picking up some fun holiday dresses.

BCBGMAXAZRIA One Shoulder Satin Dress ($248) BCBG dresses were always a staple at my college banquets and this one is absolutely perfect. It’s clean-cut enough to wear to office holiday parties, but still offers a sassy kick with the gorgeous zipper-lined shoulder bow and pockets (still loving pockets oh so much!). One shoulder anything reminds me of this horrific red one shoulder shirt I wore back in high school and  as such, I haven’t been able to bring myself to go back to that style ever again. However, this dress just might be enough to quell that memory. Being that 20-something in the office means we have to walk that thin line between classy and youthful–this dress manages to promise both!

Arden B. Taffeta Ruffle Front Dress ($78) The strapless mini is my fallback for all my evening wear dilemmas. The silhouette has never failed me in presenting a fitted, slim, and mature look… even when I feel like over-indulging at those holiday gatherings. The added touch of the pleated ruffles (for that GORGEOUS neckline) and banded high-waist also sets this dress apart from the other strapless dresses I already own. This is my favorite must-have for the season based on look and price. Can’t wait to see how it looks on!

Despite how much I love my dresses, it’s a shame that us girls can’t wear them (usually) to more than one main event. That leaves me thinking twice before spending too much on a dress I’ll never see again. Luckily, I found some more affordable options for the social butterflies out there who need a few options for the season.

Forever21 High Sheen Dress ($22.80) It’s easy to think of red as being the go-to color during this time of year, but this deep violet dress would be a great contrast on anyone’s skin! The sweetheart neck and layered skirt are fun and flirty. Pair this up with some gold strappy heels and a long strand of pearls for a dressed up and sophisticated look. My only concern about this dress would be that sometimes F21 tends to make their frocks awkwardly too short, so hopefully it’s not the case with this one! I suppose we must give up something for not paying $322 for the Foley + Corinna version.

Forever21 Sparkling Tiered Dress ($24.80) This is another take on the tiered skirt, but the high waistband and sequined layers are perfect! This dress mimics another dress I have from the summer and I’m loving that this would be a comfortable choice for dancing the night away. Since it’s black, I wouldn’t have to worry about the sequins looking tacky as long as I don’t over-accessorize. The key would be to balance out the dress with some colorful heels and a simple long necklace.

Happy dancing, ladies!

So on Wednesday I went back to try on that BCBG lace dress that I posted about last week. I kept on thinking about it.

Primarily I because I hadn’t really considered lace before, I wasn’t quite sure how horizontal lines would translate on my body, and because I love the idea of finding a dress not meant to be a wedding dress (if anything has wedding in the title the price doubles).

Here are some photos:

So I went shopping in Raleigh earlier this week at the North Hills Mall and was very pleasantly surprised by the amount of quality boutiques in this shopping center!  I actually grew up in Raleigh, but since I’ve moved away this mall was torn down and then rebuilt as an outdoor shopping center, so this was the first time I had been back since they completed it.  Think of it as a mix between Lumina Station & Mayfair.  Anway, if you are planning on doing some shopping in Raleigh, I would definately recomend checking these places out at North Hills:

Vermillion                                                                                                                                                       http://www.vermillionstyle.com/                                                                                                                                                                     This store would be comparable to Beanie + Cecil.  They carry 3.1 Phillip Lim, Loeffler Randall, Lela Rose, Pucci, Balenciaga, and many more.  Very Classy Stuff.

Scout & Molly’s                                                                                                                                                   http://www.scoutandmollys.com/                                                                                                                                                                    This store is quite big and they definately have something for everyone, including a seperate shoe room.  They carry a wide range of brands like Tibi, Nanette Lepore, BCBG, Trina Turk, Alice & Trixie….They also have an impressive collection of Joes Jeans & AG Denim. 

Gena Chandler                                                                                                                            http://www.northhillsraleigh.com/index.phpview=interior&page=viewstore&storeID=84                                                  Their actual website is under construction, but you can find info about them from the North Hills link above.  This was my favorite store!  I knew I would want everything inside when I saw a sparkling Gryphon skirt on a mannequin through the window, and I was right!  They have an AWESOME selection of brands and styles.  Velentino Red, Juicy Couture, Diane von Furstenburg, Alice + Olivia, Haute Hippie to name just a few.  They also have a massive denim wall full of J.Brand, True Religion, and many more brands of jeans.  I scored a custom Chanel Tee that they have printed in LA and I love, love, love it. 

It is so soft and the deep-V and fit make it surprisingly sexy.  It also comes in gray and black.  Get yours for $85, they sell out quick!

There is also a Uniquities and a Monkees in the shopping center, so if you haven’t found anything at the first 3 spots (which is pretty much impossible), you are bound to find something here.  We are definatly spoiled by the Monkees down here in Wilmington, though.  It is much bigger and has more selection.

I also wanted to let everyone know about a few exciting events happening in Wilmington this weekend!

Saturday, November 21st

Bargain Box Fashion Show – This Event is SOLD OUT!  More details and pics to come….

Sunday, November 22 7-9pm

Banana Republic is hosting its 5th Annual Holiday Charity Fashion Show at their store in Mayfair, which benefits  The Leukema and Lymphoma Society.  There will be food from The Melting Pot, free wine, and a 25% discount on anything bought after the show!  There will also be some awesome raffle prizes donated by local businesses.  I will actualy be participating as a model in this show, so come laugh at me!  Tickets are $10 now, $15 at the door.  Stop by the store and get yours!

Also starting this weekend you can save 25% off you purchase at Beanie + Cecil, just by doanting 3 canned goods!  This cause is to benefit the Food Bank of Eastern and Central North Carolina.  This awesome chance to give and get back will continue through Sunday November 30th!

Hope to see you all out and about this weekend!

Oh no! I haven’t updated in FOREVER. Like really forever. Way too long. College is so crazy. There’s so much going on all the time. At any rate I have made very few clothing purchases…all the same, I feel bad. MUST UPDATE MORE?

I still read “Sea of Shoes” rather obsessively. Every time she (Jane?) updates, I look down at my cheap $20 – $30 jeans and old sweaters and flip-flops (which have now broken!) and feel a little bit sadder that I am not the daughter of an obscenely wealthy person. I feel like having the capital to invest in beautiful, expensive clothing is one of the key components to a successful fashion blog. I don’t think my Kohl’s sweater-dress is worth anyone’s time…although it is pretty cute. I guess.

I bought a couple of new sweaters! One is a gorgeously over-sized monstrosity, a true gem of a sweater. So ugly it’s glorious, you know? Potentially fashion-forward. And incredibly comfortable.

My friend, Lauren, is wearing an Express blazer, a heather dress from F21, & an amethyst necklace by BCBG. Isn’t she foiiine?

I like the other sweater so much that I think I will wait to update about it–it’s another lovely sweater from Forever 21. That place has ruined me in terms of my price expectations. I get so angry about paying more than $30 for jeans or a shirt.

I will try to be more consistent about updating, I swear! I apologize for my absence, although it’s doubtful that anyone on the whole wide internet really missed me.

Alas, trying times ahead. Term paper, here I come.

Unlike all the old hippie lady catalogs that come addressed to our house’s previous tenants, the BCBG mini-catalogs are always a delight to receive in the mail. Instead of making me think “Man, they are really killin’ trees to advertise these fake-eclectic placemats,” I end up counting how many dresses I wish I had the occasion to wear.

The party was perfect. I couldn’t have hoped for anything better! My mom and I left home around 11:30am to go to Williamsburg. We went to the outlets and shopped at Underarmour, Adidas, Nike, AE, Bath and Body Works, Victoria’s Secret, Ann Taylor, Coach, and BCBG…my fave! It was sooooo crowded, almost like Black Friday. Rediculous! But there were great sales, and I got lots of cute clothes We left Williamsburg around 5:45pm and started going home, and I drove sllllowly in order to not get home before 7! She didn’t suspect a thing, and I even think she bought my response when she asked “what all the cars were doing in my neighbor’s yard?” I just said they were having a party, and proceeded to talk about our shopping trip. We walked into the house and everyone was surrounding the doorway and yelled “surprise!” at exactly the right time. It was so so so perfect! Thank you to everyone who helped make this party a success-my dad, my amazing boyfriend, my aunt, and every single person who was at the party! Ya’ll are great

I’m going to post pictures when they are uploaded (hopefully!) but here is one Michael sent when they were decorating…this was before the mean “Over the Hill” decorations!!!

-xoxo

This week I saw some new dresses at BCBG that could work really well as alternative wedding gowns. A little casual, a little elegant. One was a flowing chiffon dress in off-white (this one should have been my favorite, right?) and this one in tiered silk and lace.

The image of it on BCBG’s website is much more white than what I saw in the store. In person it looks much more antique and delicate. Both dresses were around $400 — this one almost $500 — but BCBG seems to always have discounts so perhaps it is possible to land a deal on one of these.

a bit less harsh white in person

[While everyone is fabulous in their own right, we thought we should celebrate the campus fashionistas of the world for their continued excellence in not looking like a hot mess for class. So, we started stalking those girls on campus to get a few pics and get some tips on their personal style.

And maybe a restraining order or two.

But it’s worth it to highlight fresh, unique wardrobe choices that show personality and the courage to wear what you believe in.]

She’s a senior and while she may be dealing with a bad case of Senioritis, her style certainly isn’t. No matter what time she wakes up in the morning – sometimes ten minutes before class…and sometimes ten minutes after it’s started – Jessica always stays fly and manages to pull on something cute. Even if its her simple staple look – one of her many v-necks, a scarf, and a pair of comfy jeans. She just makes everything look good. What got me to notice her in a sea of students wearing jeans and v-necks, though?

Her hot pink Longchamp bag and a fantastically contrasting bright scarf. This girl just knows how to stand out.

Name: Jessica
Year: 2010
Major: Political Science, Global Health Certificate
Jessica in 3 words: tongue-in-cheek, spontaneous, eclectic

1) Describe your personal style.

I’ve never really defined my personal style; it’s pretty eclectic and definitely varies with my mood. I’m from San Francisco and people sometimes tell me I have that easy-going West Coast vibe: skinny jeans, colorful Chucks, v-neck tee, and scarf. I love v-neck tees and have them in every color. Sometimes I’ll feel more girly and wear a pretty sundress with sandals or flip-flops (never heels, just too uncomfortable for me). I don’t know, I go through phases! I’ve been through a punk phase, a boho phase, a hipster phase…I don’t have much time to get ready in the morning, though, so I definitely go for something comfortable and easy to wear.

2) You can’t leave your house without your ________.

Bright pink Longchamp bag! I carry it every day whether I’m going to class or just going out to dinner with friends. I can fit everything in it, including my laptop! I also love how it’s so bright and goes with basically any outfit.

3) Name your favorite store.

I absolutely love this online boutique called 80’s purple; it’s an eclectic mix of basics and bolder, more “out-there” looks. I also love shopping in boutiques in Hong Kong (you can get designer clothes at much cheaper prices), and you can never go wrong with Forever21!

4) What/who is the biggest influence on your style?

I can’t really pinpoint one influence. I guess I just absorb what I see in the media, magazines, and on my friends – and then choose my own style from there!

5) What’s your favorite trend, past or present?

Scarves. I LOVE scarves – all types! I have at least twenty from all over the world. Whenever I travel, I always pick up a few from whichever country I’m in at the time.

Clothes in the picture:
Top: BCBG, Max Azria
Jeans: Hollister
Necklace: Forever21
Kanye shades: thrift store in Berkeley, CA

[Is there a fashionista on your campus whose style should be celebrated? Someone who is always pushing the style envelope and lookin' damn good doing it? Someone who always seems to put together the coolest outfits, no matter the occasion? Send us a picture and she (or he!) could be featured in a future Campus Couture!]

Stripes & Tights for a Rainy Day

BCBG-black Blazer
OLD NAVY-stripped dress
FRED FLARE-White Japanese talking Watch
TOPSHOP- black tights
ZARA- black ballet flats

]]> http://clairdeplume.wordpress.com/2009/11/07/les-looks-decryptes/ Sat, 07 Nov 2009 07:52:10 +0000 clairdeplume http://clairdeplume.wordpress.com/2009/11/07/les-looks-decryptes/

Copyright : E. Robert Espalieu

Après le dictionnaire des noms propres, le dico français-anglais et celui des synonymes, voici le… dictionnaire du look! Il s’agit là de l’accessoire ultime pour apprendre à décrypter les différents looks qui existent. En couple dans la vie, Géraldine de Margerie, journaliste, et Olivier Marty, photographe, ont recensé pour ce dico 39 looks différents, de l’Arty au Teuffeur en passant par la Baby-pouffe, l’Emo, la Fashionista, la Gouine à mèche, le Punk à chien ou encore le Bling-bling.

Comment vous est venue l’idée du livre?
Géraldine de Margerie: «On s’est rendu compte qu’il y avait une quantité de looks nouveaux qui étaient apparus chez les jeunes qu’on ne connaissait pas et on a eu envie de les recenser, à la fois les éternels qui avaient toujours été là, et les nouvelles comètes qui venaient d’apparaître. Donc on a eu cette idée d’un catalogue, qu’on imaginait un peu comme un herbier. Et on s’est dit que le dictionnaire était une bonne idée.»

Comment avez-vous procédé?
GdM: «On a d’abord dressé une liste des looks qu’on connaissait déjà et qui étaient toujours présents. Puis on a commencé à s’intéresser aux nouveaux looks qui étaient apparus. Très vite il a fallu trancher, parce qu’une fois qu’on commence, on ne s’arrête plus, il y en a vraiment énormément. Donc on a sélectionné les plus représentatifs et les plus répandus. A partir de là, on a fait un grand casting sur réseaux sociaux (Facebook, Myspace, Skype Blog), par mails, et puis surtout, on a fait des castings sauvages, dans la rue. On arrêtait des gens en leur expliquant notre projet et en leur proposant de poser.»

Quel est votre look préféré?
GdM: «Je les aime tous. Le Looké-décalé, qui est vraiment la mode humoristique, avec un vrai sens du détail, beaucoup de fantaisie, de créativité. Il s’accompagne d’une attitude un peu drôle un peu cynique. Sinon, les looks mangas: Gothic Lolita, Kawaii… cela c’était assez surprenant.»
Olivier Marty: «Moi, c’est la Gothic Lolita, parce que je trouve cela très joli. Le modèle est très joli. (rires de Géraldine) C’était surprenant, je ne connaissais pas ce look-là au départ. Et les Kawaii aussi.»

Et lequel n’aimez-vous pas alors?
GdM: «On les aime tous! Il n’y en a pas qu’on n’aime pas, tout est intéressant.»
OM: «On n’a pas de jugement sur les looks. Ce n’est pas une appréciation de style.»

Votre look à vous, c’est lequel?
GdM: «Nous, on est Bobo! On l’assume. On ne va pas se mentir. On avait aussi envie de se moquer de nous. C’est un peu le principe du livre: taquiner tous les looks. On avait envie de taquiner le nôtre aussi.»

Vous avez inventé certains noms. Vous les avez trouvez comment?
GdM: «Par exemple, Sunset Beach, cela fait référence à une série américaine que je regardais, avec que des héros bodybuildés, plein de beaux-gosses américains. Je trouvais cela juste d’appeler comme cela certains spécimens que j’ai observé! Après, pour les Jah-Jah, qui ont un vestiaire un peu ethnique, qui sont fans de reggae, c’est parce que jah-jah ce sont des mots qui reviennent souvent dans les chansons reggae.»

Comment faire la différence entre un Gothic et un Emo?
GdM: «En gros, ils n’écoutent pas la même musique, ne s’habillent pas de la même manière, même si cela s’influence quand même et s’apparente à la même famille. Mais dans le Emo, il y a la présence du manga qu’on ne retrouve pas chez les gothiques. Et puis, Emo, c’est très androgyne: des vêtements assez moulants, les garçons qui se maquillent. Ils sont plus ambigus que les gothiques.»
OM: «Le Emo est moins dark. Même s’il s’habille avec des vêtements noirs, il a un petit côté mignon. La notion du mignon est importante chez les Emo. Il n’y a pas du tout cela chez les gothiques. Chez ces derniers, il y a plus une culture des ténèbres, qu’il n’y a pas chez les Emos».

Et qu’est-ce qui différencie la Baby-Pouffe de la Bimbo?
GdM: «La Baby-Pouffe est la petite sœur de la Bimbo. C’est une histoire d’âge.»
OM: «La Baby-Pouffe est une Bimbo en devenir.»

Tous les individus peuvent rentrer dans une catégorie?
GdM: «Non. Là, on a tracé des grandes lignes. Après évidement, il y a des gens qui peuvent entrer dans différentes catégories. Le test à la fin du livre en témoigne. Plutôt de dire vous êtes cela ou cela, on a fait une famille.»
OM: «On a quand même une catégorie No look. Ce n’est pas exhaustif. Il y a des tribus dont on n’a pas parlé, parce qu’elles sont moins répandues.»

ET VOUS, QUEL EST VOTRE LOOK ?

Et vous, êtes-vous plutôt Bcbg, Caillera, Geek, Marie-Chantal, Nerd, néodandy, Oversized, Tecktonik ou Kikoolol? Un petit test en fin d’ouvrage vous permet de le déterminer… Attention, il n’est pas toujours très flatteur! Reste ensuite à découvrir pour chaque look sa panoplie. Après une description du style -photos bien sûr à l’appui-, on y découvre les coiffures et marques associées,  les endroits où (ne pas) le croiser, ses mots préférés, ses musiques et films favoris, ses ennemis et ses figures célèbres ou encore s’il a de l’humour ou pas…

Christelle

«Dictionnaire du look», de Géraldine de Margerie et Olivier Marty, éditions Robert Laffont, 283 pages, 22 €

Cote: 4/5

This Comme des Garcons jacket is awesome X infinity. $77 with 2 days less. This is one of the best jackets EVER.

I can’t believe this Lanvin bracelet is $0.99 with 4 days left.

This BCBG leather jacket with a removable fur collar is perfection. $130 with just under 2 days left.

I am totally feeling this Marni belt. The price is tempting at $41 with just about 1 day remaining.

A stunning blue Phillip Lim Dress. $122.50 with 1 day remaining.

Adriana Orsini Pave Pyramid Bracelet. Was $325, now $89 on eBay. I was thrilled to see this because I recently saw a similar bracelet in pewter/silver on BCBG.com and it sold out quickly. I like this gold one better anyway. Ends soon!

Love love love this Alexander Wang Jacket. This one is a size 2, so if that’s you, BUY IT. This is a no-brainer. Look at the fabulous wool with the hyper-shiny zipper. HOTNESS!

Topshop Shoes. About $49 USD with 1 day and 19 hours to go.

Someone is basically giving away this Dolce & Gabbana blazer for a fixed price of $19!

Anthropoliogie Scented Drawer Liners. $10.50 ending soon. I think I may have put scented drawer liners on the blog once before. It’s one of those things that doesn’t pass my mind frequently, but I when i see them I get excited. Stocking stuffer?

Chanel Top. $85 with 3 days left.

Somehow this lovely pink Etro purse (retail: over $800) is only $44 ending in 8 hours.

It’s a lamp. I like it. I had to share it with you. $20 with less that a day left.

Someone smart needs to buy this Cacharel coat. Fixed price at $135.

Sexy Blumarine gloves in black and pink leather. Fixed price of $199.

Isabel Marant Blouse. Crystal buttons. Only $36.43 with less than 2 days left.

Yoana Baraschi dress. Just $34 with 18 hours left.

This sort of thing is why I love Reiss.$73.88 with less than 2 days left.

Leifsdottir Dress. $9.38 with 2 days left.

Leonard of Paris jacket, $124, 2 days left.

Tracy Reese Woven Belt. Fixed price at $50.

Gryphon Studded Coat. $102.50 with 2 days left. I’ve seen this dress once on eBay before,

Oscar de la Renta dress. $51 with 4 days to go.

Catherine Malandrino Handbag. A rare find. Just under 5 days to go. $149.

Ports 1961 Skirt. Just $39 with 3 days left. Awesome.

Anthropologie Charm Cardigan. $76 with 2 days remaining. Another one of those rare cardigans I think is worth a little extra money.

Someone lucky should be scooping up this Zac Posen skirt bargain- $38 with 2 days left.

Dolce & Gabbana Blouse. Fixed Price $139.99. Love love love love love…

Another ridiculous bargain- Lanvin dress, $66, just under 2 days left.

Vena Cava Top. Fixed price of $75.

Antik Batik Dress. Priced buy-it-now $230 or best offer.

An immediate addition to my wardrobe is needed in the form of a pair of textured leggings.  Here are my favorites so far..

Chico's Velvet Legging: $68

BCBG Textured Leggings: $78

Express Sequin Legging: $98

II

LABELS

Balmain- 

______________________________________________________________________

Balenciaga

______________________________________________________________________

Belstaff

______________________________________________________________________

Bensimon

_____________________________________________________________________

Be You K

_______________________________________________________________________

BCBG

_____________________________________________________________________

Bill Tornade

_______________________________________________________________________

BIRIBELLE (dmv)**

______________________________________________________________________

Box Fresh

_______________________________________________________________________

Buddhist Punk -

______________________________________________________________________

Bruno Pieters-

_______________________________________________________________________

PUBLICATIONS

WWD- I know I said Vogue is the fashion bible. But let me clarify, Vogue is great and always will be…but its like the old testament and WWD is the New Testament. This magazine seems to be carrying on torch…whether Vogue likes it or not. WWD is always thorough.

W – I love how big this magazine is. Sure its not the easiest to carry around but the photography (esp the covers!) are amazing. Great fashion too! Its definitely more European than most other mags we are use to, but thats what makes it so worthwhile.

Frank151- The complete opposite of W. These miniature magazine-books are always based off of a specific theme that is carried out in all aspects of the issue. Great friend of mine introduced me to this mag and its definitely grown on me over time. I was resistant to the size and thickness of the paper. But its effective and I do like that you can carry them everywhere. And they have interviews, anecdotes, fashion and music.

DOTCOMS

Bread & Butter-Website dedicated to urban fashion. Pretty thorough.

Vice Magazine-A friend of mine put me onto this site almost 3 years ago. I am grateful for that to this day. Raw and real articles. Great images. And I LOVE their dos & don’t section. Just hope ya never turn up in it though. yikes

Format Mag – Another friend of mine told me about this great site last year. Beautiful images, layout and graphics. Music, Fashion and Art online magazine.

This is THE LIST for this month. If you are a designer/label in the area(dc/md/va) or from elsewhere in the world, please contact me editor.shademagazine.com to be considered.  Every month you’ll get a new set of labels, designers, sites, publications and so forth added to THE LIST. Hope you enjoyed this set, please leave comments and tell me what you think!!

-Selamawit

Stylist Laura Ferrara pairs Max and Lubov Azria’s techno-Monet prints, tasseled clutches , and strappy platforms of BCBG’s Spring/Summer 2010 show. Check out all of the exquisitely eclectic looks at Style.com.

Tonight I am attending a birthday party for my dear friend H.  She has a very girly, cotton candy-colour, preppy sweet style.  The crowd will be fashionistah heavy thus inspiring many photoshoots.  This evening’s festivities starts at her brother’s hipster pad, followed by cocktails and dancing at a swank cocktail bar (picture glossy black lacquered tables, velvet flocked wallpaper and white faux deer head as decor).

It’s always fun to kick up your style for birthday parties.  I love it when a dress code calls for “Cocktail attire.”  If you’ve been following the LC, I often gently influence outfit co-ordination of the masses.  Power in numbers!  I took a poll and word on the street is that I will probably see a denim mini-dress with tulle, a sexy sequined shift, liquid leggings and a hot pink tulip dress.  Sounds exciting, non?

For my evening look, I draw on many inspirations.  Here is what I am wearing tonight:

• Black Sequin Beret – I have kiboshed shopping temporarily but I could not help myself.  I saw this black sequin beret and I tried it on.  It was over!  I shut it down, especially with my bangs.  It reminds me of the scene from the SATC movie when Carrie goes over to Miranda’s house on New Year’s Eve in her fur chubby, silk pajamas and sequin beret tilted just so.  You die.  So French. So glamour.

Black sequin beret! OMG, can you handle it?

• Watercolour Painted Full Mini – My friend A showed up to her Champagne Bridal Shower in a watercolour circle skirt by Erdem.  I was inspired by this romantic, artsy style so I thought I would adapt it for a ‘going out’ look.  Erdem went to Fashion School with us.  He’s such a talented designer and we always knew he would be a star. 

Erdem's creation as seen on Style.com

• BCBG Ma-Nisha Stilettos – These shoes are killer Statement Shoes.  They mix glossy patent with black kid leather and are finished with a giant pull up gold zipper.  Intricate design and details are what count.  Fashion contrasts are so interesting. 
• Dance Prop – We are using our friend Y as a dance prop.  We get so excited over her petite Asian cuteness, we can’t help but pick her up and hug her on the dancefloor.

Carrie knows. Statement shoes finish a great outfit. I covet the Patricia Field stud belt.

ohhh the consequences of being a nineteen year old daughter to the owners of a fabulous restaurant; for one thing – it’s my day off, and i’m working.. which is fine, i mean, my parents NEVER get to go out, so i’ll deal – but the fact that i had to get up, get ready, get the menu printing, sign for delivery, and i’m waiting on a local newspaper to send some of it’s people my way, apparently – they got  a call from one of our customers, how great our decor is – which it is, my father decided on buying over 300+ pumpkins to decorate our front parking lot, it looks amazing, i won’t lie – but really, my parents left me to take on the responsibility of meeting with these people – oh and i work all night, i’m on the schedule. but okay, i’m breathing, my parents are out having a good time, the baby is out with them, and the almost 18 year old is at school.

so okay; readyy? i’m hungry – the kitchen just opened, so i ordered myself some food – i’m hungry for a gyro – i feel like i eat them alot, but my chef makes it so yummmy, so i wait about 10-15 minutes and it’s ready

tehe

but what would my life be, without an intreruption – so as i snap this picture, to show you what my warm meal looks like, another beer delivery man walks into my office – i of course, had to go downstairs, into the cooler – open the fridge for him, sign his papers, wait till he leaves – by the time i get back, my gyro is cold so whatever, i guess i’m used to that. at least my iced tea didn’t get warm ;] hahahaha ; butt anywayyy a plus to this job, is that when i’m not doing stuff – i get to do whatever i would like, therefore, right now, i am drooling over the clothes on the BCBG website ; i have a christening i’m going to in november, and this calls for a new dress! which is greatttttttttt

a few of my choices for right now [take a loooksiie]

i was also thinking of maybe even wearing like a cool tunic with leggings, or tight nice pants – with booties, check this baybbee out

i’ll let you know when i buy it ; annakay

Purple is defiantly making its way back into our wardrobes, yes ladies and gentlemen it has arrived with a with a vengance.  It’s one of those colors I consider a staple, a must have in your closet. Plum purple, metallic purple, electric or royal it is definantly back in effect. Purple is the new black.  Ever since Prince put purple on the map, it has been considered one of the more edgy colors and designers have begun to do it justice. It is no longer just being incorporated into apparel for a splash, folks are stepping out of the box and it’s dominating entire outfits from head to toe. From cosmetics to apparel it was the foremost color on designer’s minds and ever-present at this past fashion week spring 2010.  Vena Cava strutted their runways with models wearing purple lips and eyelids covered in grayish-taupe. Versace also adorned their models faces with shades of purple.  The designs were not to be forgotten, Aquilano.Rimondi, and BCBG  used royal purple to accentuate their pieces and make a splash with spectators. Purple my Dear is quintessentially chic, make it work chyle!

 Mmmuah,

See ya next post!

Do You Dabble in Discount?

(polls)

I can’t pay full retail.  There…I said it, phew!  This past Sunday, I made a little trek to the Westside (as we Angelenos call it) to hang out with one of my best friends.  She and I share a passion for eating, delicious libations and shopping.  Luckily she isn’t a discount snob or a label whore, so we get along swimmingly!

After a lovely brunch, we ventured to the Fox Hills Mall, which everyone I’ve mentioned it to insisted on pointing out to me – “It’s a Westfield Shopping Center now.”…whatever you want to call it, it’s a mall Sparky.  I can’t really recall the stores I strolled into, because I think I blocked it out of my mind due to a major case of sticker shock. 

Remember when Target was affordable?!  I found an adorable green argyle sweater, but it was $24.99.  It’s all relative, I suppose.  If you found a sweater at Nordstrom for $24.99, it’s considered a major mark down, but Target?  What’s their excuse?  So I did what any full-blooded American woman would do – walked around the entire Target for an hour carrying it and then left it in the little girls’ section.  I have it down to a science, people!

We beelined it to Aeropostale, lured by the huge sale sign in their window, and I quickly snapped up a purple sweater for $16.99 and a pair of grey corduroy jeans for $16.99.  Mind you, I’m 99.9% of the time dressed in black, so purple and grey were my baby steps into the color wheel.  Unfortunately for the Aeropostalians, they forgot to change the sweater sale sign from $16.99 to $29.99, which is what I would’ve paid for the sweater.  My Fairy Fashionmother was looking out for me, because the manager honored the lower price, nice!

Our next stop was ROSS and I almost did some major damage there.  At one point I had 4 pairs of shoes cradled in my arms muttering ”my kingdom for a cart”.  I put back 3 pairs just in case it was a full moon.  The last time it was a full moon, I accidentally signed up for a 3-year membership at Bally’s.

ROSS find

I managed to slip a pair of jeans and 2 dresses into the cart before I made my escape (or, as I like to pronounce it “es-cah-pay”).  One of the dresses by Roulette retails for around $79 and I got it for $15.99.  It’s similar to one pictured at left, but with a leopard print top and I wear it with a wider belt and a pair of black BCBG Grido platform pumps that I got at DSW.  I don’t know where I’ll venture to next, but I’m really close to the grand opening of my online “store”, so be on the lookout for ShopFiend Shop!

I have this in black - $69.50 at DSW!

If there was a reality show or awards ceremony for Top MOH (kind of like Top Chef or Top Model), that’s translated as Maid of Honour, I would unabashedly say the contest would end with me pinned with a bright, cobalt blue ribbon.  Among my closest friends, I have had been selected as MOH quite frequently in the past year and a half.  So much so, that I have gathered my key learnings to share with friends of the LC.  Here is what it takes to exceed the bride’s expectations and to avoid the common ’Bridezilla.’ 

• Set realistic expectations – Have a candid conversation with your bride friend.  While the goal is to be an anchor of support, there are limitations to what an MOH can do.  Talk about timing of social dates early and begin planning a few months in advance to avoid last-minute problems.
• Consider your audience – What does the bride love doing for fun?  Does she love to shop or dine out? What do her friends consider equally exciting?  Having a few drinks and giggles?  Finding the right combination of activities will keep everyone in great spirits as no one wants to find themselves at a yawn-fest.  That my dear, does not a party make.
• Great invites set the tone & mood – Imagine receiving a pearlized card in matching enveloppe swagged in embroidered organza.  “Um, of course I’m coming!”  Sending out creative and beautiful cards is a lost art.  Receiving an invitation in the mail is exciting and guests will look forward to your party.  Mail out at least a month in advance or two months for busy summer months.  Early birds get the confirmed rsvp’s.
• Organization is HOTTT – I said it before, I will say it again.  Good party planners plan.  Great party planners plan way ahead and roll with the punches.  This way everyone can relax and enjoy the party.  Even if the orchids don’t come in the exact shade of the ribbon, it won’t matter after a few glasses of champie.  Chill out!
• Live up to the Hype – The only way to do this is to deliver results.  Plan sentimental and thoughtful surprises for your bride.  Fill her bouquets with her favourite flowers from her fiance.  Stuff bonbonierre with her ultimate chocolate bars.  Create a scrapbook for friends to write love advice or pen memories.  It’s the stuff Colin Cowie dreams are made of.  Works like a charm.  Cue the waterworks.

You know how they say, “Always the bridesmaid, never the bride.”  Well, this one is muchx3 better: “Always the MOH, next to get married!”

Don't be lame. Dress your bridesmaids in BCBG, ABS or Laundry by Shelli Segal. All over hottt wedding parties.