I buy cool things to forget about the apocalypse.

So NYFW is dismal, and I'm just hoping London pulls something amazing out of it's ass so that I can have faith in the world again.
You know what did restore my faith, though. Finding these Lanvin sunglasses. True hata-blockas (if i ever use that phrase again you have permission to unfollow this blog).



Fashion Tip: Don't Wear Makeup, Just wear sunglasses.

RIP McQueen

I'm sure the news has reached mostly everyone, but if not, this morning, the fashion world suffered a terrible loss. After serving many years at Givenchy and then branching off on his own, Alexander McQueen took his own life. While this is an incredible tragedy, it's moved everyone from Anna Wintour to other bloggers just like me. While I'm not a great fan of Alexander McQueen, I do appreciate what he has done for fashion and design. McQueen was the avant garde designer of our time -- there are others, sure, but McQueen reached the mainstream and made that kind of over-the-top design accessible to the public.

With the passing of such a designer, it's interesting to see where New York Fashion Week will progress. Rumor has it most of the "importants" are going to leave NYFW early to ship off to London, pay respects to McQueen, and then stay for London Fashion Week. While that seems kind of harsh, it's apparent this season that NO ONE even shows in New York anymore (or at least this season). I'm just curious as to who's going to show up at Marc Jacobs & Ralph Lauren.

But not to overshadow, I do hope and pray that Alexander McQueen may rest in peace.

IT"S FASHION WEEK! (Collections to Watch)

First, I'd like to address, that Fashion Week is a little different this year. There's been a Mass Exodus from the tents, but not just to the Salon and the Promenade, but to Milk Studios and Exit Art (the Armory too, but I'm going to ignore Marc Jacobs, Y3 can come play, though!). The tents are showing some hideous Nonsense like QVC & Spanx (how does Spanx even have a fashion show, no one wants to see a bunch of models parading nude suits up and down a catwalk.) Anyway, let's check out some Designers to watch.

This is my list of Up&Coming or Sort-of Established & Completely New designers to look out for at NY Fashion Week!

Vena Cava

Why? Great, Wearable dresses & leather pieces for slightly irreverent young women.
Where & When? 1st Thurs, 12PM @ Milk


Daniel Vosovic

Why? Arguably the rightful winner of Proj Run: Season 2. This young man is showing his first collection and the above sketch interests me and shows some growth from his BravoTV days. Plus, He's cute.
When & Where? Thursday, 1 PM @ Exit Art

Preen

Why?I've been watching Preen for awhile, and I believe that the aesthetic Preen promotes translates really well in the real world, as well as flatters a lot of different young ladies.
When & Where? Friday, 12PM @ Milk

Ohne Titel

Why? This label first caught my eye during Fall 2009. The designers understand structure and mathermatics, and I think that translates interestingly in the clothes.
When & Where? Saturday, 1PM @ ExitArt


Zero + Maria Cornejo

Why? Conceptually, this label is a little hard to swallow, but I think they elevate American fashion just a bit, and are going to be in it for the long haul. Plus, they have a handle on shape and proportion.
When & Where? Monday, 11AM @ Hosfelt Gallery

Leifsdottir

Why?: I'm a HUGE fan of this label. I started spotting them sometime this winter after borrowing a beautiful dress of theirs from a friend. FALL 2010 is their first time showing at Fashion Week! & I see nothing but great things in their future.
Where & When? 2nd Thursday, 430 PM @ Prince George Ballroom


now, i'm off to ride into the snowy darkness.

Moby Dick

Just a quick update on the stuff I picked up at the Vineyard Vines Whale of a Sale right from the comfort of my own bed.


From L - R: Boys' Shep Shirt, Rope Plaid Tiller Skirt, & Boys' Globe Tee

I'm actually really excited about the skirt because I've been drooling over it since I got the FW 2009 Catalog. I'm also really excited for the Shep Shirt because I need something to wear over my gym clothes on the trek from my apartment to campus.

Move Ya Body like a Snake Charmer.

Last week, I had monday off (from work too! it's so rare to get a day off as a Nanny) -- So I went to the big Bloomingdale's sale. I got two really great things:

Roberto Cavalli Sunglasses
(The Case is Zebra Print, They're Leopard Inside, They have big gold snakes on them.... all of my dreams. They're tacky in the way that i always want Roberto Cavalli to be tacky. )


Aqua Multi-Strand Chain & Pearl Necklace
(i've been hearing a lot about the plain tshirt and glam necklace look, so I decided to give it a try. I kind of like it. here, I'm wearing the chain with a basic black Long Sleeve T from J.Crew)


Then I did some ebay magic and came back with these two beauties:

Gold-Tone 1970s Snake Arm Cuff
(I bought this on a whim. I've been into people wearing bracelets on their upper forearms, so i'm going to give it a try.)


Tiny 1940s Gold & Rhinestone Bow Scarf/Neckerchief Clip
(I'm really excited about this because I think it looks really fun. I might also make it into a necklace because it has a few places in the back where I can slide a Chain through.)




you'll have to excuse my robe & chipped nails in the last two photos. one of my kids got me sick, so i am in bed reading and enjoying the day in my fuzzy robe. though, i went shopping yesterday (after a great lunch at PingPong Dim Sum) and got a GREAT spring skirt. I can't wait to wear it once the weather gets warm.

also, i put up some composites of my favorite shows in Milan over at my tumblr: falseprophet.tumblr.com

I wish that I could embed this.

If you haven't already, check out the Dolce & Gabbana Menswear show from Milan Fashion Week. I can't embed the video in my blog (bummer) but it's really beautiful, and the casting is (as always) 100% on point. Also to be noted -- they showed 100 looks, on a myriad of models, and (much like they do for the lady shows) sent the models out in groups.

http://www.dolcegabbana.com/dg/fashion-show/man/video_runway?__utma=1.596409582.1263739920.1263739920.1263739920.1&__utmb=1.3.10.1263739920&__utmc=1&__utmx=-&__utmz=1.1263739920.1.1.utmcsr=%28direct%29%7Cutmccn=%28direct%29%7Cutmcmd=%28none%29&__utmv=-&__utmk=191516842

The whole vibe of this show is awesome. I'm so sad that I wasn't there to see it in person.

Double posts in the morning: Shopping & Menswear Top 10 (hopefully, the shows in Paris have been kind of boring, though).

I Wish....

Sorry, I've been holed up in a domestic wishlist world because I don't have enough hangers and my bedside table lamp is broken and my room is a zebra cave. Life is hard, you guys. it's real hard. But I figured I'd get into the art of active posting and show you the one thing on my wishlist currently:

by Carmen Marc Valvo, available at Neiman's

In other news, I applied for a Buying internship at Bloomingdale's .... so let's keep our fingers crossed!

Something Old, Something New.

I've been in search of a vintage fur vest, and although I haven't found one, I have gotten some other stuff.

Vintage Mahogany Leather Bomber.

My favorite parts of this jacket are the princess sleeves. I can't stop wearing this. I've worn it to everything from New year's Eve to out bowling. I actually found this at the Goodwill when my mother and I went to drop off some of our old clothes.


New Years Shoes & Givenchy Pret-A-Porter (FW 08) Tights.


The shoes are also thrifted. They were perfect with the beaded French Connection dress I wore, and the tights are GORGEOUS Givenchy lace tights. I found them in the corner of our Marshall's this morning for only $3. I couldn't say no.


& for good measure, here's a picture of the excellent sushi arranging i did at a family dinner party last week! everyone loved my work.

Tis the Season for Dinner Parties

I'm back from the nonsense eating holidays. here's a recap of what i wore.


Dinner Party at a Friend's House:

Aqua Studded Boyfriend Blazer, Jewel Graphic Racerback Tank, Black Cigarette Jeans.

Christmas Eve


Vintage Fox Fur Walking Coat, Pink Pashmina, Jeweled Tee, Black Pencil Skirt, Charcoal Tights, Oxford Heels

Christmas Day

I have no photos of my outfit, but look how cute my little cousin is in his sweater and oxford! He's only 2 and he's already more stylish than most boys my age!

Day After Christmas Lunch With High School Friends


Destroyed Studded Burn Out Tee, Cigarette Jeans, Turquoise Pashmina

Dinner Party at My House with Parents' Friends

Aqua Boyfriend Blazer & CAT SHIRT (look at it majestically gleaming) !



So now, the holiday craziness is over and I am heading out to New York for New Year's Eve. DEFINITELY an occasion for me to blog and post photos of my outfit (I'm wearing a wild French Connection dress, and I bought new shoes to go with it). Sorry I've been absent, but obviously, I've been busy, having a time, visiting and cooking! Thanks for sticking around! Hope everyone had a safe and wonderful holiday, no matter what they celebrate.

Air Travel - Dress for Your Flight

Yesterday, as I was in the airport, I was thinking about how I needed to update my blog. I kept thinking about what I would talk about when my mind started drifting and as I was people watching it hit me. Everyone seems really confused about how to dress for a flight (be it long or short). It's easy for dudes as most comfortable dude clothes are simple to travel in and look relatively put together, but as a lady, it's rough being in the airport. From picking the easiest shoes to wear through security to not looking like you just rolled out of bed, dressing for a day on a plane is as tough as picking out what to wear to dinner with the Ambassador of China. So, I put together some Tips & Tricks to dressing for the airport.


#1 - Comfortable Bottom
I'm personally a huge fan of wearing yoga pants. they're breathable and comfy and look a lot less sloppy than a velour sweatsuit or sweatpants and they breathe much more nicely than jeans (plus they don't wrinkle!)

Pictured - Lululemon Groove Pants

#2 - Comfy Socks
Cashmere Socks, Sport Socks, Weird Holiday Pattern Socks: You love it? Wear It.

Pictured - Nike Dri-fir Running socks


#3 - Easy On, Easy Off Shoe
I have a personal vendetta against Uggs. Please Stop Wearing Uggs to the Airport.
Pick a nice sneaker (I wore my Creative Recs yesterday, sometimes i wear Keds), Boat Shoes, Sanuks, Toms, Vans Slip Ons.
Zippy Boots, Rain Boots, Uggs, are all a pain when you're running and out of security.



Pictured (top to bottom) - Tom's, Creative Recreation Cesario Lo, Sperry Topsiders


#4 - Layer your tops for a Comfortable Flight
Let's face it, planes are never the right temperature. ever. So layering is important.
One second the Cabin is 5000 degrees and the next you feel as though you're outside of the plane.
Try a rugby shirt and a Racerback tank, a Vneck Sweater and a White Tee, A Cardigan and a Tee, etc.


Pictured - Rugbies for Layering, Layered Shawl Cardigan

#5 - Be Smart About Accessories
Don't wear too much jewelry, stick the important jewelry items in your carry on. Sometimes they set off the security sensor.
Wear a couple of hair ties on your wrist. I always find myself wanting to tie my hair into a loose bun on planes.
Wear a fun scarf that matches your ensemble. I am HUGE proponent of the pashmina, draped casually about the neck.
Don't Forget Sunglasses! Nothing is worse than the awful sun glare when you're above the clouds.


Pictured - Pashmina Scarves, Dolce & Gabbana Sunglasses


The rest is easy, pick a destination appropriate jacket, remember that any liquids (under 3.4 oz) that you carry on have to fit in ONE quart sized bag (it's awful, i know) & you'll be flying like a pro.

So, friends, I leave you with this advice. Take it for what you will, and remember to travel safely as you jet around this holiday season!

What I'm Wearing - Flat Booties

I originally purchased these shoes because I didn't want to wear heels to David Guetta, but they've so quickly become my favorite shoes. They're really easy to dress up or down and they can be worn with a variety of outfits - jeans, leggings, tights and a dress. Really, the only thing I wouldn't suggest pairing these with is Yoga Pants (my TRUE guilty pleasure).


V

In case you're wondering - they're the DV by Dolce Vita Brylee Ankle Boot. Retails at Bloomingdale's and also comes in a Grey & Silver Variety.

um, and in bonus news - Ian Mackaye gets tattooed at the same studio I do! WHAT JOY!!!

Review: Boutique by Forever 21

I was looking forward to the launch of this brand extension, after being pleased by the quality and depth of "Twelve by Twelve" (although some of the items are questionable). However, my optimism was quickly dashed when I realized that "feminine, romantic, vintage inspired" was a euphamism for excessive & inappropriate beading. Now some pieces from this collection:





EVERYTHING HAS SO MUCH BEADING FOR NO REASON. I'M SO UPSET BY THIS. I THOUGHT THEY WERE GOING TO BE WEIRD FLOWY SEE THROUGH SHIRTS AND THIS IS WHAT I GET. NO WONDER WHY I ALWAYS FEEL EMPTY WHENEVER I PURCHASE ANYTHING FROM FOREVER 21. DISAPPOINTMENT OF THE YEAR.

What I'm Wearing - The Yellow Scarf

Guilty Pleasure Item of the Season #2 -- Combat Boots

Now, lately, I'd been musing about the practicality of a pair of Combat Boots. Would it be more practical than Victorian style lace up boots? Would I look like Daria Morgendorffer? Is it just not my aesthetic? In my own mind, I had convinced myself that Combat boots were something every girl needed, but i refused to buy them until i found the RIGHT pair.






I am restraining myself from going back to Bloomingdale's tonight and trying them on. I feel like there should be some kind of censor in me that says "No." but there isn't and well, I know if I show up in CT with these at Thanksgiving my mother will ask herself where she went wrong.

Sale Calendar for the Week of 11/15

THIS WEEKS SAMPLE & REGULAR SALES!!!!

The Outnet
Going, Going, Gones
11/18 @ 12PM - Stella McCartney Clutch
11/20 @ 12 PM - Missoni Scarf

Featured Designer: Karl Lagerfeld

-----

Gilt Groupe
11/5 @PM: Chloe Sunglasses, James Perse, Shoshanna
11/16 @12 PM: Nanette Lepore, Johnstons Cashmere, Carolina Herrera
11/17 @12 PM: AG Jeans, Bric, Halston, Maurice Lacroix Watches, Airedelsur
11/18 @12PM: Baby Quasar, Just Cavalli (Accessories too), TSE, Oscar de la Renta
11/19 @12 PM: CNC Handbags, Trina Turk Gianfranco Ferre

Gilt Fuse
11/16 @12 PM: Daniblack, C&C California
11/17 @ 12PM: Orla Kiely, Ettika Jewelry
11/18 @ 12PM: Diesel Black Gold, Sparklin Sage, Invicta Watches, Plenty by Tracy Reese, Members Only
11/19 @12PM: Design History

Gilt Man
11/15 @ 9PM: Everday Essentials
11/16 @12PM: MB 999, J Brand, Clae, Johnstons Cashmere
11/17 @ 12PM: Ralph Lauren Accessories, Michael Kors, Maurice Lacroix Watches
11/18 @12PM: John Varvatos Shoes, Woolrich, Invicta Watches, James Perse
11/19 @12PM: Vilebrequin, Juma, Trafalgar, Calvin Klein Collection

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Rue La La
11/16 @ 11AM: BCBG Max Azria
11/17 @ 11AM: Final Sale (Act 1)
11/18 @ 11AM: Final Sale (Act 2)

AS ALWAYS, IF YOU NEED AN INVITATION TO ANY OF THESE SITES, DROP YOUR EMAIL IN THE COMMENTS.

Guilty Pleasure Item of the Season #1 -- Patterned Jeans

I first saw these gems on the runway during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: FW09. But last week I had the pleasure of being able to see them in the flesh at the Georgetown (DC) Miss Sixty Showroom. I fell in love (all over again) immediately.



Patterned jeans aren't really cool when you're older than 8 or younger than 55, but i'm not one to follow rules.
Real Talk - I'll probably buy these within the next month.

I'm Back & So Are Some Great Deals.

I've been really busy lately getting A's, traveling around the East Coast, Checking my SaleMail, Rearing My Kids, & Shopping. My life is thrilling and if you care to read about it in great length and detail. I can direct you to the correct outlet.

For those of you that don't know. This weekend marks TWO milestones in my shopping career. I found my favorite item ever (i think. i like it more than my white leather jacket) & I realized that in one realm of retail, i actually have NOTHING left to buy.

So let's start with the bad news. I was walking through Georgetown perusing the racks at Annie Creamcheese with my good friend Lauren when we started talking about where else we should stop in during our excursion. We both paused after I said Sephora and came to the simultaneous realization that we have nothing left to buy. There comes a point when your kit is full. you've found it all, and, well, At this point, I've got it all. It's sad really. I don't like going into a store and floundering, but whatever, for those of you that aren't gripping at desperate threads and really need new makeup, there's some really great promotions going on this week at Sephora.

#1 - Spend $50 and get a makeup bag filled with great samples.


#2 - VIBs Only! Go in stores this weekend and get 20% off your entire purchase and some great samples. On Thursday night from 4 - 9 PM bring a friend and you both get 20% off.



and last but not least the Sephora Weekly Specials (that's a link, click it. there's a big beauty sale!)!

NOW THE GOOD NEWS - I bought a bejeweled cat shirt at CUSP. I am obsessed with it. This shirt called to me from the rack and the rule was if i tried it on and it fit, it was meant to be. the fates aligned you guys:


A) this shirt is awesome. B) the line it comes from is awesome. It's a brand called "Torn by ronny kobo" and I'm really into the tops. It's a lot of more casual going out tops with cool embellishments and they're all really airy shapes. It's sold at Cusp, Intermix, ShopBop & Bloomingdale's.

So with that, I leave you. I need to finish my homework because 1) I am going to the grocery store & 2) Zac Efron is in DC tonight and I am going to find him and well... you know.

A Good Day on the Outnet

Even though they've turned the water off in my building AGAIN today (for maintenance. Please, i pay my bills), I've managed to find some solace in my favorite activity -- SHOPPING ONLINE SAMPLE SALES.

My favorite of all favorite sale sites - theOutnet.com (net-a-porter's outlet site) is having some great bargains today.

If you're a member, for the next 45 minutes you can participate with me in the Going,Going, Gone sale on this Jimmy Choo Clutch.

I want it and I will get it and I will pray it drops to below $1000. If I can score it for anywhere under $500, i know that I've got luck on my side.

In other news, there's a small sale on Marchesa dresses, and this dress that both Miley & Heidi Klum wore is about 75% off. It's fabulous and if there were a size that fit my boobs, you know that I'd be on it.


So, with that being said, I'll be on the outnet.com all day, while I try to pretend that I don't have to study for this Organizational Behaviour midterm.