Saturday, June 30, 2007

I'm Gettin' Lucky Tonight (Not in *That* Way)


I've been wanting a pair of metallic leggings for a while now. I know that you can get them at American Apparel, but I refuse to spend $40 for a pair of leggings. It's just too much. Anyway, when I was browsing the Mango sale today (which, by the way, is pretty damn good), I stumbled across metallic leggings! They come in silver and gold, although the only picture shown is copper, and they're on sale for only $13.99! There are also some leggings that look like the PVC leggings we've been seeing around on sale for $16.99. I just ordered the silver leggings and the black shiny ones. I feel amazingly lucky. Now, if only the gladiator sandals were reduced a bit more (I'm still looking for those).

Fashionably Excited

I've been wanting to go to Teen Vogue Fashion University since some time last year, and finally (FINALLY!) there are only three more days 'til they start accepting applications. I am so psyched! There will be a Target Go: International fashion show debuting the newest line (and since Fashion U is in October, I'm guessing they'll be debuting Erin Fetherston's line - eeee!), a Locksley concert (are they any good?), and tons of seminars with people like Doo.Ri Chung, the Teen Vogue editors, Vera Wang, Phillip Lim, Tim Gunn (!), Vena Cava, etc. How amazing is that? Oh, and my sources tell me (and by sources I mean the Fashion U website) that participants will recieve a Dooney and Bourke bag filled with goodies and an extra concert and fashion show ticket for a friend. I'm seriously getting ahead of myself here and planning my outfits for each day of the program, but that's how excited I am! If I get in (Puh-lease, Teen Vogue people, do NOT let me down), I will of course take tons of photos and share them with you all. And I'm sure I'll have plenty of stories to tell you too, probably ones that include "...and then Tim Gunn said....and then I said....".

See? I told you I was getting ahead of myself.

But it's just...an amazing opportunity. And I really want to go.

If you are between the ages of 16 and 22, you should go too! And then we can hang out and form a fashion cult and befriend Vera Wang.

Don't deny it. You want to go too.

Friday, June 29, 2007

Hooray!

YAAAAAAAAY! Fashionista just posted preview pics of Erin Fetherston's line for Target, and, of course, I'm extremely excited! I love the collection, and I can't wait til I can finally buy it in the fall. The pictures below are my favorites, but check Fashionista for the full round of pics.

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This one is my favorite! That dress is amazing, no? I want it.

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This one's a close second. What a cute jumper!

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A cute top.

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Either a cute coat or sweater. I'm not sure. Looks comfy, though.

Anyway, the bottom line is that I'm extremely thrilled with the preview photos. I'm so glad that Fetherston's Target line doesn't deviate that much from her usual line the way that some other Go: International designers' did. The clothes are utterly sweet, girly, and generally cute. They have retained that little-girl-at-a-tea-party charm with the babydoll dresses, bibs, and Peter Pan collars. Now we just have to hope the fit is nice.

Hot Topic Makes Me Happy


I want these gold jeans! Aren't they fantastic? $39 at Hot Topic.
Also, check out the amazing Hot Topic clearance sale. All clearance items are 50% off! We're talking almost everything in the clearance section - shoes, tops, pants, dresses - for under $10. There are so many cute, cheap things I can't even decide what to buy. Oh, my life is so hard.

A Bit More Linkage

Some fellow bloggers have been pumping out such great articles today! It seems like a crime not to share the links.

The Vintage Society gets inspired by Carrie Bradshaw's buns (as in the ones on her head...get your mind out of the gutter). And yes, if you hadn't noticed, I'm totally obsessed with that show.

The Coveted gives some tips on how to walk in high heels. Make sure to read the comments, because there was one comment involving a grocery store that I thought was a very good idea.

Facehunter's most recent set of photos is even better than usual. I know - I didn't think it was possible either.

Thursday, June 28, 2007

Some Linkage

Usually I do a post of links once a month and call it "Why don't you...", but I'm too lazy to make the picture that goes along with it.

Gala Darling posted about how EFT can help get rid of all kinds of ailments. I'm trying to use it to get rid of my 10-month-long illness (undiagnosed ailments are a bitch). I don't know if it's working, but I find the fact that I feel extremely thirsty every time I do it very encouraging, since it's a sign that EFT is affecting my body.

Fashionista posted a guide to pronouncing designer names. I'm thrilled because I've always wished one of those existed.

Urban Outfitters is having a sale on clearance! Check out the floral umbrellas on sale for under $10 - I think they're adorable.

Susie Bubble made it to the Topshop Charity Fashion Sale that I've been desperately wishing I could go to.

The Bra / Heat Dilemma



If you live anywhere near New England right now, then you are probably aware (I say probably because I suppose it's possible you are stuck in one of those utility refrigerators or something) that we are in the midst of a major heat wave. It's pretty miserable, I think, with all that hot, humid air sort of rising off the ground and smacking you in the face. The only way I can think to deal with it (besides staying inside an air-conditioned room all day) is to wear tanks and short shorts or skirts, or maybe a sleeveless mini dress. It's just waaay too hot for me to want to be covered by even an extra inch of fabric. However, this tendency to wear tanks during the hot weather brings up The Question. You know what I'm talking about. The Bra Strap Question. To show, or not to show?

It's pretty much impossible to wear a tank without flashing your bra straps, unless you are a) not wearing a bra, or b) wearing a strapless one. As a larger-chested girl, I am infinitely jealous of those girls who can get away with not wearing a bra. Those lucky chicks have it made in the summer, at least regarding The Question. And as for strapless bras... Let's face it- They are no fun. Unless you find an absolutely perfect one (There is a legend that they exist, but I wouldn't know), they ride down and are generally annoying. So I have resigned myself to showing my straps, even though it kills any chic or classy outfit vibes. But what do you think? Is is acceptable to show bra straps? If so, when?

I have come to the conclusion that it is acceptable in a casual setting, but in a dressier setting it probably makes sense to suck it up and wear a strapless bra or (gasp!) something with sleeves. But today a new idea occurred to me. Instead of flashing your bra in a way that is clearly accidental, why not do it on purpose? Why not show it in a way that is bold enough to let people know the flashing is no accident? After all, Carrie Bradshaw did it frequently and looked fabulous. In real life, it would have to be done carefully to avoid giving off the "slut vibe," but I decided I was up to the challenge. I put my idea to the test in today's summer heat, and I was pretty pleased with the result. The look wasn't chic or well-suited for anything but the most casual settings, but it fit my mood perfectly, was comfortable, and kept me cool. Which is what I was going for. So I'd say Mission Bra Strap was a success! I also paired grey and brown, which is something I'd never done before. Not bad.

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Hooray for Erin Fetherston for Target!


YAY- I'm getting even more psyched for Erin Fetherston for Target in October! Dress & Primp previewed the line, and treated readers to a pic of heart bags (right), which remind me of the Moschino bag on the left. Except, to be honest, not as nice. Still, I love them! So fun, right? And the D&P crew promises that the Erin Fetherston clothes "are full of everything you already love about Erin's line—they are totally girly and totally cute." I can't wait til the line hits stores! Erin Fetherston is seriously one of my favorite designers, and I am convinced her Target line will be fantastic.

Dear by Amanda


A while ago, I mentioned that Amanda Bynes would be designing a line for Steve & Barry's, and that I didn't have very high expectations. My reasoning was that, while Sarah Jessica Parker is known as a sort of fashion icon (at least as Carrie Bradshaw...meaning that SJP doesn't really deserve credit for that), Amanda Bynes is not exactly known for her trendsetting. However, SJP set the tone for all the Steve & Barry's celebrity-designed lines when she opted for function and wearability over ground-breaking design. So while Amanda Bynes may not be a design star, I think she'll be very capable of helping to create a line that is fun and functional. Her line, which is called Dear, has a website that will soon boast preview photos, but the Dear MySpace gives us a better idea of what the line will look like through a short video. The clothes seem simple, but not neccessarilly boring. And if those shoes Amanda is wearing in the above promotional photo (far left) are part of the collection, I will be more than thrilled. I'm not a big heel person, mostly because my natural clumsiness triples the further my heels are from the ground, but if those pretty things are anywhere near as cheap as SJP's shoes ($10), I will name my first child Amanda Bynes. As long as the shoes fit, I guess, and are remotely comfortable. But you get the idea.

Translation: I Want This Top



I think you're rad. Let's make babies.

Love, love, love,
Kori

P.S. If you love me too, please go on sale. As a very wise woman once said (or at least JLo), love don't cost a thing. So I figure you should at least be under $25. Thanks, babydoll.

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Motorcycle Boots!


I got my motorcycle boots on saturday, and I am totally thrilled. I spent the whole day stomping around the house in them and feeling like a badass. They hurt a bit because they're pretty stiff, but once I break them in they should be fine. Today I decided to try them on with a bunch of dresses and marvel at how they toughened up the look. You too can marvel, because I took some pics. And if you like the look, maybe you should scoop them up for yourself 'cause they're a damn good deal. Somewhere around $20 including shipping at Alloy. We can be the Order of the Motorcycle Boots and tramp around town looking fierce (that's a shout-out to my girl Tyra haha). Woohoo!

Oh, and just so you know, the reason my hair looks so strange is because I'm growing it out and it's at this awkward length that makes me look like a member of The Beatles. I love them, but that doesn't mean I want their hairstyle.


Sunday, June 24, 2007

The Lion, the Witch, and the High School Wardrobe

I recently recieved an email from a reader who is entering her freshman year of high school. She wanted to know which wardrobe staples would help her make a successful start in high school, at least in terms of her fashion choices. I told her I would help her out.

Before I list the wardrobe staples I have relied on throughout my high school career (I'm a senior now), I would like to stress that my wardrobe choices are based on the fact that a) My high school has an outdoor campus, b) I live in New England, so I have to be prepared for all kinds of weather, and c) My morning brain makes very different clothing choices than my afternoon/evening brain. To explain the last point, I give you A Typical Morning with Kori. Scene: Alarm goes off at 6:20 am. Girl hurls it against the wall before finally waking up. Girl looks groggily at the outfit she laid out the night, which consists of a cute skirt and tights, a t-shirt, and a sweater. Girl sighs and reaches for sweat pants. End scene. Basically, my point is that comfort is very important to me in the morning. Tights are usually out of the question, as are pinchy shoes or anything in which I would be too hot or cold. I have learned to lay out comfy and cute outfits so that I can avoid wearing sweats, but that's just me. A lot of girls can make themselves wear heels and short skirts. I'd also like to suggest that, when going back-to-school shopping before entering a new school, you try not to buy your entire wardrobe at once. Go to your school for a week, get the feel for what is acceptable (unless you don't care), and then buy what you need.

And now for my list of staples:

Jeans are a must. You don't need to buy expensive ones, but buy a couple pairs that fit you nicely. You will wear them a lot...I promise!

Sweatshirts/light jackets are another good thing to have. Because most high schools are quite large, the temperature tends to vary depending on which part of the school you are in. To deal with this, removable layers are a good idea. I like sweatshirts or jackets that button or zip in the front, because that way you can wear them open so that your shirt still shows. I have only three sweatshirts/light jackets that I wear on a regular basis, but my outfit always looks different because I have plenty of tops to wear underneath them. So make sure you have a good variety of tops. I personally favor vintage or vintage-look t-shirts for a typical day, because they are comfy and versatile, but really you should wear whatever you like.

Dresses are a great thing to have on hand, because it's the easiest thing to do to just slip on a dress, and you don't even have to worry about finding pants (although I would wear the dress over jeans, tights, or leggings in the winter). Also, you will always look like you made an effort when wearing a dress, even if you didn't (It will be our little secret). I'd suggest buying dresses that hit somewhere from just above your knees to your ankles, because wearing a short dress isn't so comfortable when you're spending hours sitting in class, and you don't want to be worrying about whether someone can see up your skirt while you're trying to learn. Or pass notes. Or sleep. Whatever floats your boat.

Make sure you have comfy shoes, because you'll be walking to and from classes all day. I live in my black Chuck Taylor All Stars during the school year because they are nice to my feet, go with everything, and can be worn in gym class. If you don't like Chucks, any cute pair of sneakers will do. Flats are another option for days when you want to look especially nice. And a great pair of leather boots will really get you through the winter. There's nothing worse than spending all day with wet feet and pant hems because you accidentally stepped in snow on the way to school, and boots will definitely help you avoid that discomfort. Boots are usually pretty expensive, but Delia*s and Alloy (and I think Urban Outfitters) currently have some on sale in their clearance sections. I would go for those. Actually, I did go for those, since I just bought a pair of motorcyle boots from Alloy, but that's beside the point.

If you have some money left over after buying your staples, it might be nice to buy some fun accessories and less practical clothing. The great thing about high school is that people are a lot more open to dressing differently than they were in middle school or junior high, so embrace it! Also, you should know that I tend to save my more unique/fun pieces of clothing for going out with my friends. It's fun to dress up for school every now and then, but I am just not enough of a morning person to deal with it on a regular basis. Oh, and I didn't include shorts or winter coats or backpacks in my list of staples, because I figured those were kind of a given.

I hope that helped! Good luck with high school!

P.S. If anyone else wants a long, rambling (but well thought out) response to their question, comment with it or email me.

P.P.S. Witty title, eh? I thought so. Oh, I am full of bad puns and tweaked book/movie titles. Just watch me go!

Saturday, June 23, 2007

An Interview with Kelly of I'm Your Present



I've decided to introduce a new kind of post. From now on, I'll interview Etsy clothing/accessory sellers, other bloggers...whoever I want, really....and feature the interviews on my blog every now and then so you can all join me in admiring their fabulousness. First up is the lovely Kelly, with her Etsy shop I'm Your Present. I always stop by to admire the wonderful things that she designs, makes, and sells - frilled playsuits, cupcake-printed babydoll dresses, blinged out fannypacks, kitten earrings, Barbie tote bags - generally everything cute. And as if I wasn't already convinced I wanted her for my best friend (C'mon...how could someone who makes dresses with cupcakes on them not be awesome), she was a total sweetheart to deal with. And, not to give anything away, she listed Francesca Lia Block's books as one of her inspirations. How fantastic is that? I've always thought that the Weetzie Bat books would make great inspiration for clothing, and I guess I was right. I think I'll stop gushing embarrassingly and just post the interview. Enjoy!


Do you do the clothing thing fulltime, or do you have a day job? FULLTIME! Lucky me.

What is your inspiration? Lots of things... I'm often inspired by weird things I find, like kitschy things from the dollar store or vintage toys. Lately it has been overly decorated frilly things, like valentines and cakes. Also... my friends because they are all hot and awesome and all have unique styles. Cute girls I see and want to dress... vintage dresses... childrens dresses... Female icons like Brigitte Bardot and Courtney Love... books by Poppy Z Brite and Francesca Lia Block... Designers like Heatherette, Anna Sui, Betsey Johnson, & L.A.M.B.

What kind of girls do you see wearing your clothing and accessories? Who do you make your clothes for? I mostly just make clothes that I would love to wear... which is really the only thing that makes sense to me. I think its bizarre when people make clothing or jewelry that they personally wouldn't wear. And it's nice being on Etsy because I can actually see the girls that buy my stuff! They are like how I thought they would be.... like me! They want to find things that are different, and fun and special... they are young, cute, have their own senses of style and a lot of the time are creative and make stuff of their own.

Is there anywhere people can buy your clothing and accessories besides Etsy? Right now you can buy my stuff at a place in Philly called the Conspiracy Showroom, and I sell a ton of stuff to Alley Antique in Korea (its a little out of the way, i know). I have a few other places in the works right now too, so by the end of the summer there should be at least 3 or 4 more.

I noticed you have a few fanny packs in the shop (which I love, by the way). Do you think fanny packs are making a comeback? Thanks! Fannypacks are the hottest. Actually one of the places I am in the process of making stuff for is
thepaperdoll.net, I have 4 in the works for her. I absolutely love making fannypacks, and would make millions except each one is so time consuming to make because of the way I have to sew them and the lining and everything. I think they are definitely making a comeback, which is great because you can't really find awesome ones around (as soon as i say this they'll probably be at Urban Outfitters) so I feel really cool when I rock mine and everyone else around me just has a subpar one from the Salvation army.

Anything else we should know about you or your Etsy shop? Let’s see.... not really. I did just open another Etsy shop though, which is a project my boyfriend and I started. We sell supplies... I think this is just an excuse to do more thrift shopping and to buy more wholesale vintage jewerly parts. But its fun to work on something together... We only have a few things listed so far but if you want to check it out:
http://www.fancyfeast.etsy.com/

Well, that's it for the interview. If you're not excitedly plotting outfits around one of those fanny packs, then clearly we can't be friends. It may seem shallow, but it's a rough 'n tumble world out there, and I just can't be too picky about who my friends are.

Okay, I'm kidding.

But I want a fanny pack! And a cupcake dress. I need to stop my random cheap purchasing long enough to save up for one of these handmade lovelies.
P.S. Is it just me, or is the formatting on this post weird? I can't figure out how to fix it...

Friday, June 22, 2007

The Ultimate Cool Dork T


How supremely dorky is that? I love it. What could be better than a Japanese Star Wars T-shirt?

If you love it like I do, then you'll be pleased to know it's $25 at Fred Flare.

I have something to post that I'm very excited about, but I can't do it until I get home from my trip tonight. And depending on how late it is, I won't get to it until tomorrow. Also, if Julianne is reading this...Sorry I haven't gotten to answering your question yet. I have the post ready, but it also has to wait til I get home.

Thursday, June 21, 2007

A Shopping Excursion

As hinted at, I did make it to Steve & Barry's (and H&M!) today. I didn't take any pictures, though. And Sarah Jessica Parker's line was...exactly what I expected. It wasn't awful or loathsome. It wasn't exciting. It was perfectly nice, extremely cheap, and worth buying if you wanted a basic piece for very little money. I didn't try very much on- just a pair of jeans, a pair of round-toe flats, a pair of pointy-toe flats, and a cowboy hat (that one was just for fun). The jeans were a great deal, but just not tight enough. The pointy flats hurt a lot. The round-toe ones were comfy. And that pretty much sums up Bitten. End of story.

Now for the more exciting aspects of my shopping trip:

1) I bought a very cute dress at H&M

2) I saw this adorably fashionable little girl in the parking lot. She was maybe 7 or 8 years old, and she was wearing an over sized t-shirt as a dress and combat boots. Her hair was loose with a headband. I was really impressed, because she somehow managed to make the outfit look very funky. I usually hate seeing little kids looking stylish, because it tends to seem like their parents stuffed them in these tight little outfits that are too uncomfortable to play in, but this girl could - and did - run and shout. Yay for the next generation of fashionistas!

Emaciated Models (What Else is New?)

Okay, so I was hunting for photos to use in my next post, when all of the sudden I noticed the models at La Redoute.

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They look so unhealthy! They remind me a bit of Jaslene from America's Next Top Model because they are so skinny and angular, except they look even skinnier, and their faces look hollow. I know it's not exactly shocking to see unhealthy-looking models, but I don't usually notice it to this extent. In fact, I'm usually annoyed at myself for thinking that certain models look good, when I know that I should be thinking that they are unnaturally thin.

I don't like to openly judge people's body types. Maybe the La Redoute models have trouble putting on weight. Maybe the dark circles under their eyes (Why isn't an airbrusher on top of this?) have always been like that, or they're just not getting enough sleep.

Maybe.

But somehow I doubt it.

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Vacation = Inspiration (heck yes, I can rhyme)

Hello, grasshoppers.
I've been having a pretty good time on vacation, I guess. I wish I had brought the cord that I need to download pictures from my camera to the computer, because the two houses I've stayed at are so tremendously inspiring and aesthetically pleasing. House A is beautiful, with millions of flowers and an ocean beach on the outside, and all these fanciful and creative things inside. I especially like this live potted tree growing in the living room, because it has several sparkling ornaments of butterflies and birds and it looks amazing. And I get a kick out of the fact that there are escaped parrots that have been nesting in trees outdoors for about 20 years, since House A is in Connecticut. House B is my grandma's house, and every surface and wall is covered with treasures from everywhere imaginable, as well as family pictures. It's this very organized jumble of antique English furniture, Persian rugs, Japanese theater masks, Buddha statues, paintings of Indian women collecting water, and the cutest collection of mushrooms ever. And about a million other things. The computer I'm sitting at looks totally out of place. I love it.

These houses make me want to dress to match them. House A's outfit would involve a long, flowy skirt, bikini top, and crystal flowers in my hair. House B's outfit would involve...well....anything international. A kimono. A sari. Turkish slippers. A sarong. A belly dancing top. Anything beautiful and intricate or with family memories attached.

I love being surrounded by things that inspire me. Do your surroundings inspire your fashion choices?

Oh, and a head's up- I might get to H&M and Steve & Barry's tomorrow, so if I do, I'll probably do a post on that. I'll try and take pictures of SJP's line for S&B, and of course I'll give you my opinion, but the photos will have to wait til I get home where that stupid cord is.

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

The Masked Theory


Doesn't this girl (from Facehunter, which is capturing my attention more and more lately) make you want to wear a mask? I think she looks fantastic! There's something about the idea of wearing masks that is totally enticing. The part of me that likes to get into character when getting dressed and read fantasy novels is so drawn to it. I remember this scene in The Man in the Iron Mask (it's a three musketeers movie) where the evil king's twin brother is switched with him during a masked ball. Everyone has these glittering masks on, and the flash of their eyes behind the masks is thrilling and mysterious. If you haven't seen that movie, you can compare it to the masked ball in Marie Antoinette, except more exciting, suspenseful, and electrically charged.

If you're wondering where I'm going with this, I don't really have a point yet. I'm just rambling on about masks and seeing if it takes me somewhere. It's a lazy approach to posting, but also kind of fun.

So, can masks be interpreted into your daily fashion choices? You'd have to be utterly fearless to pull off the look during the day, although you would earn my eternal love and admiration, but I think a mask would be fantastic for a night out. I love how the Facehunter girl matched hers to her outfit, but I also think a bold-colored mask with a black or white outfit would look amazing. Just picture it... The mysterious masked stranger (you) enters the room. The crowd stares, and you stare back at them, eyes blazing through the slits in your mask. And then, if you're Cinderella, the prince will ask you to dance.

That's my kind of fairytale.

Okay, so maybe that won't happen. But maybe it will. My theory is that the bolder you are with your fashion choices, the bolder and more exciting your lifestyle will be. If you add some mystery to your look with a mask, then maybe some mystery will find you. If your outfit says, "That's right- I have the confidence and creativity to pull off a mask," then it would take a pretty confident, quirky person to approach you, don't you think? Who knows what would happen next!

Cinderella (in my favorite version of the story) wore a mask to hide herself. As did Kirsten Dunst as Marie Antoinette. But fashion is about breaking the rules, right?

In my mind, an enthusiastic crowd is screaming, "Right!!!" I am a terribly good imaginary speaker. But I probably shouldn't have interrupted my stirring rant with the contents of my imagination, especially since I was about to make a climactic point. End of digression.

Why not wear a mask to show your personality?

If that's not revolutionary (and fun!), I don't know what is.

...And in my imagination, I take a bow. The crowd goes wild. I'd like to assure you that I'm mentally stable. Just kind of, you know, weird. Don't pretend you don't like it.

Monday, June 18, 2007

Addicted to Blogging?



So much for posting infrequently this week. What can I say...I'm addicted to my blog. There are worse addictions, though, that's for sure. If I was in Aruba, you would not be hearing from me (as much as I love you), but I'm only a 2 hour drive from home.

Anyway, I just wanted to say that:

a) If any of you have questions you want me to answer (fashion-related or otherwise), I would be happy to use my shockingly abnormal, musical-loving, fantasizing mind to take a shot at them. Also, if there are any topics you'd like me to post about, let me know. Bring 'em on!!! Email me or comment. I promise I don't bite. Well, not unless you take the last doughnut. Then I get vicious.

b) Did any of you participate in IDUD over at iCiNG? I finally did, and it was so much fun. If you were wondering about the picture above, that's my alter ego Glitter in all her glory. An explanation of her disco-dancing, sparkle-loving, kiss-giving fabulousness can be found here.

Sunday, June 17, 2007

Adios

Well, I'm off to visit family for the week. I can probably still post while I'm away, but maybe not as frequently. It depends on how much there is to do and how many hot guys are at the beach (Haha).

Saturday, June 16, 2007

Twinkle Toes



Aren't these shoes kind of wonderful? They're not the most practical ones in the world, but they're so darned beautiful! They make me think of Middle Eastern belly dancers and Gypsies (as in the Gypsies you read about in story books...I don't know much about the actual Roma) and all kinds of wonderful things. And I'll bet all that bling jingles wondefully when you walk.

The best part? They're all on sale. Every last glittering one of them.

Get them at Victoria's Secret and Newport News before it's too late, and wear them with a long skirt, chandelier earrings, and some bangles. Beautiful.

Friday, June 15, 2007

Gone Fishing (For Swimwear)

The one thing I dread most about summer (apart from the mosquitos) is bathing suit shopping. I've been told countless times that the "ideal" body type is skinny with a large chest. Well, as a skinny, large-chested girl, I can assure you that it's not all it's cracked up to be. When it comes to swimwear, I am always forced to mournfully pass over all the cute string bikinis for a plain halter-style one that provides more coverage and support. It's a tragedy.

This year, however, things will be different. I have scoured the web for suits that meet my criteria. I want a suit that is cute (NOT boring), flattering, provides enough coverage so that my beach look doesn't scream, "Hey boys- I'm easy!", supportive, and doesn't look like something that a) my mom, or b) an old lady, would wear. This also means no obvious underwires or anything that would give me the dreaded "uniboob" look. Also, my swimsuit has to be fairly cheap. To summarize: I am one tough customer.

You wanna see the best swimwear I found? You got it. And for all you girls with smaller chests, I'm not leaving you out. I think that my four best swimsuit finds will work for all women, regardless of chest size.

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Backless halter suit, Newport News
This is my favorite find. And it's only $20! SCORE!!!

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Le Mystere Polka Printed Swimsuit, Smart Bargains
This plays a close second in my affections. And while I think my mom might actually wear this one, I can't help but like it. Only $23.39, too.

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Red & White Retro Bikini, Miss Brache Etsy Shop
Okay, so this one's more pricey. But it's custom-made according to your specifications, so it's actually a great deal. Plus, it's thrillingly adorable. $72.

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Ruched underwire top with skirted bottom, Victoria's Secret
Also slightly pricey, but very cute. Lots of color options. $71 total, but the top and bottoms are sold separately.

Happy beach-going!

Thursday, June 14, 2007

Whoops

Okay, to those who read my post on Planet Lulu...Sorry. I got confused. It wasn't tonight. I have to buy something though, since I got all pumped for it. So I'm buying those motorcycle boots I wasn't sure about.

Two Trendy Shoes

I am not a trend whore, fashion victim, or copycat. I wear what I like. I chose my outfits based on personal taste, and not on what's in style. Lately, I've been slightly disoriented by the fact that the current trends really appeal to me, especially when it comes to shoes. I live in the suburbs, a dull and fashionably un-enlightened place where the uniform seems to be flared jeans and t-shirts. This means that the jazz shoes and gladiator sandals I've been coveting would elicit a lot of stares in my town, regardless of the fact that they are actually "in." In fact, I can guarantee that my footwear would seem totally unique. Or at least that's what I tell myself as I spend hours searching for the cheapest versions of my desired shoe styles. Repeat after me. "I am not a trend whore. I am not a trend whore. I am not a trend whore..."

Gladiator sandals:
Inspiration:
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Photo courtesy of Facehunter.
I actual find gladiators extremely ugly, but for some reason the ugliness actually appeals to me. They add edge and quirkiness to an otherwise normal outfit. I want them desperately.

My pick:
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$44.99 from La Redoute, but you can get 25% off with the code LRVOTE.
These look pretty much the same as the sandals in the inspiration picture, which is good because this is the only kind of gladiators I actually like. Alloy has a nice, similar pair in gold or beige, but sadly they don't have my size in the gold, and I hate the beige.

Jazz Shoes:
Inspiration:
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Photo courtesy of Facehunter.
For some reason I only like jazz shoes in gold or silver, especially silver. I love how they are totally unexpected (unless you're wearing a jazzy ensemble or top hat) and sleek.

My pick:
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$28 at Urban Outfitters.
These babies just arrived at Urban, and come in red, black, teal, and silver. I am psyched about the $28 price tag! There were already some jazz shoes on the site, but none of them were in my price range. Until now. Hooray!

Other cheap things I'm digging: This jacket, these shoes, this bag. Oh and stock up on these t-shirt dresses (Marked from $45.99 to $9.99!).

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

To Buy, or Not to Buy

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I can't decide whether or not to get these Charles Albert motorcycle boots, and it's driving me crazy. They've been marked down to $19.99 at Alloy, and now I even have a 20% off code. For new leather boots, that's a complete steal. And while they're not the world's most attractive boots, I can totally picture them toughening up girly skirts and dresses, like in that Vogue editorial with Keira Knightley. The thing is, how can I know if I'll still like them in the fall? Who's to say I won't regret buying them? Ughh I wish I didn't make myself feel guilty for spending money, even when it's only a little. What do you think? Should I go for it?

Monday, June 11, 2007

A Revelation on Accessories

Sooo...guess what? I took the night off from working on my novel, and now my fashion blog inspiration is back! I think I'll be alternating from now on to keep both projects going.

Speaking of inspiration, I always take a lot of inspiration from street style blogs - in particular, Facehunter and the Sartorialist. This morning I was browsing through the photos that the street style fairy miraculously posts every night while I'm asleep, and I noticed a common thread between most of the outfits. Most people probably noticed this long ago, but I gasped in shock at the sudden realization that the accessories made the outfit. My favorite photos would have been slightly quirky, but not particularly notable, had it not been for a main, eye-catching accessory. For example:

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The parasol is key to this look...it catches the eye, provides contrast against the yellow, and adds a certain "fullness" to the woman's appearance. (photo courtesy of The Sartorialist)

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This woman would look amazing even if she had to give up an accessory, but I think that the little veil across her face takes the outfit to an entirely different level of fabulousness. On a side note, I love how she took all these pieces with a sort of "old glamour" and updated them with her edgy hair and things. (Photo courtesy of Facehunter)

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The shoes and the shades are both vital components of this look, but I think losing either one of them would detract greatly from the outfit. (Photo courtesy of Facehunter)

It seems I should take a cue from these fashionable ladies and stock up on eye-catching, slightly out-of-the-ordinary accessories to make my outfits really pop.

And there you have it...my revelation for the day. On a somewhat related digression, does any one else wonder about the outrageous outfits that sometimes appear on Facehunter? Like, do these people see a Native American headdress in a store, think "Wow, that'll look amazing," and wear it to their next party, or are they just trying to get attention by wearing something outrageous? Is it a joke? Is it a statement? I can never tell. It makes me want to march off to one of those parties and demand to know the meaning/reason behind peoples' clothing choices. If you are ever at a party like that, please think of me and ask them! And then shoot me an email. My curiosity is at an extremely high level.

Sunday, June 10, 2007

A Letter to Wet Seal

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Dear Wet Seal,

I am sorry to inform you that your dress seems to have sprouted a pineapple.

Sincerely,

A girl without fruit attatched to her stomach

Inspiration?

Lately I've gotten into the habit of posting at least once every day, and it's a habit I'd really like to keep up. It's really incredibly easy for me to come up with a post each day, because usually I'll come across something fashion-related that I'm dying to tell someone about, and I write it here so that I can share it with people who appreciate fashion (unlike most of my friends and family). But for two days, I've found myself uninspired when it comes to writing posts. I've failed to find anything that I truly wanted to share. Two days may not seem like a lot, but for a girl who is usually excited about fashion several times a day, it is. Yes, I posted the day before yesterday, but it wasn't a post I was too happy with, and I couldn't bring myself to post again yesterday.

I bet you're wondering why I'm telling you this.

Well, here's the point. I have finally found the reason for my seeming lack of inspiration, and it is strongly linked to the fact that I've been working a whole lot on the novel I'm writing. I've been pouring all my appreciation for asthetics into the descriptive passages of my story. My characters aren't very concerned with fashion, although their clothing definitely mirrors their personalities, but the setting is very wild and beautiful.

Ok, I still haven't gotten to the point. I realize that. Sorry if I'm boring you.

It's just that, rather than post something uninspired, I'd prefer to post something inspired that isn't quite related to fashion, but is related to design. I'm not designing clothes, but I am designing another world. So I thought I'd give you a short descriptive passage from my story:

I stole across the lawn, bare feet padding steadily against the ground. My nose filled with the sweet smell of freshly-mown grass, and the trembling orbs of dew that adorned each slender blade flickered like a thousand stars as they reflected the glow of the full moon. I paid them no mind, treading gingerly while I approached the place where the plants grew wild, eyeing the chaos of twisted leaves and branches and feeling that trickster excitement grow in the pit of my stomach.

My main character is actually in her pajamas for this scene, but if I could be there, I'd be in a frothy white dress with bare feet and flowers in my hair. There's something about grass and dew and full moons that screams "white dress" to me. I believe I even made a post on the topic not so long ago.

Fashionable posts resume tomorrow, or today if inspiration strikes.

I hope you guys like what you read, because I loved writing it. And now I'm totally nervous about your reactions. It's way more nerve-racking to post my dreams than my thoughts. You can read the beginning of my novel here, although you won't find the passage I just shared. That passage was from the middle of the story, and since I'm writing out of order, it would be difficult for you to understand the rest of the scene.

Friday, June 8, 2007

Is This Some Kind of Cruel Joke?

The fashion gods have been having some laughs at my expense. I'm starting to wonder if they feel cheated by the fact that I got such a great deal on my romper, or maybe they're just sick of my shopping spree and want it to end before I'm broke. Whatever the reason, the fashion gods have played some cruel tricks on me.

Trick #1 - Plasticland is having a huge blowout sale. No, that's not the evil trick. The evil trick is that when I went to check what was included in the sale, I saw that the most beautiful shoes ever were on sale. I had been coveting them for months, and now they were only $24.65. Score, right? Wrong. They only had one pair left, and it was a size 5 1/2. Since I wear a size 7 1/2 or 8, this left me screaming, "Nooooooooo!!!" and shaking my fist at the sky.

Trick #2 - Uniqlo has finally opened an online store! When I heard the news, I did my signature happy dance and rushed to the Uniqlo website to buy some goodies. Only then did I find out that the online store only ships to the UK. I'm starting to think that someone is trying to tell me to move to the UK, what with this and the Topshop Charity Fashion sale. Well you know what, sneaky person who wants me to move, that's not an option right now. So back off!!! (Do not mess with the wrath of an angry fashionista)

Trick #3 - I have excitedly waited for reviews of Bitten by SJP, especially since it would be a big production for me to get to a Steve & Barry's. I mean, I know I want to get that houndstooth coat when the fall line is released, but should I brave the summer selection? Well, I have officially read two reviews. This one made Bitten sound fabulous, and this one made it sound like a waste of time and money. I feel like I'm talking to the scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz and he's telling me to go both directions. Any thoughts on Bitten that will help me decide? Be a doll and help a girl out.

So far that's it for cruel tricks, but this has all happened in the last two hours, so who knows what's next. C'mon, fashion gods, where is the love?

Thursday, June 7, 2007

How to be Glamorous

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Hello, dahlings. I don't know about you, but as summer approaches, I'm feeling the need to be seriously glamorous. I'm not talking fur coats, cigarette holders, and a hoity-toity accent (although you can't deny that Cruella deVille and Holly Golightly are dripping with glamorosity), but I do want to exude that air of fabulousness. Yes, the price of glam can be quite high. Yes, I don't have that kind of money. But I won't let that deter me! Glam can and will be done on a budget! Here's how I intend to do it:

1) Paint your nails and lips a bright cherry red! This is the cheapest way to appear glamorous, and boy does it work! Marilyn Monroe and Jerry Hall knew (and know) what they were doing!

2) Frost yourself! Okay, so the term "frost yourself" came from that timeless chick flick How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days, during which it referred to diamonds, but I'm on a roll with movie references and needed to slip that in here. After all, what's more glamorous than Hollywood? Movie references aside, I suggest wearing large fake jewels. A glamorous woman is a woman whose very presence demands attention. And how could you possibly be ignored if you are glimmering with gems? You will be the talk of the town!

3) Dress it up! A glamorous woman is always looking her best when out in public. Wear clothes that flatter you, and opt for dressy over casual whenever possible. When you take your fabulous self to the pool, wear retro-style swimsuits that positively ooze glam. (May I suggest this or this?) Also, big shades will really pump up your look.

4) Treat yourself! To appear glamorous, you should feel glamorous. It's important to recognize that you are beautiful and successful in your own way, and to treat yourself accordingly. I'm not suggesting blowing out your credit card on all those pairs of designer shoes you've been coveting (A huge debt is not so glamorous), but give yourself the occasional gifts. Whether it's buying a facial kit and some nail polish to have a girls' night with your friends, eating a second slice of cake every so often, or taking a long, luxorious bubble bath, it will do wonders for your mood and confidence.

5) Be a Lady! Now that you're treating yourself nicely, it's time to be nice to others. (Hopefully you already do this.) After all, a glamorous lady needs friends to keep her grounded, and no one will want to be friends with you if you are overly snooty. Manners are key!

These are just a few ways to join me on my journey toward glam. Of course, I won't be sparkling and impeccably dressed every day, but I'd like to think that my self confidence and good manners will mantain an aura of fabulousness even when I'm slumming (Oh c'mon...I know I'm not the only one who resorts to cut-offs and a cropped tank when it's 90 degrees out). And the red nails? I think I can rock those all summer long.

For more inspiration:
-Watch Sex and the City. Samantha and Carrie are always glamorous.
-Look at this editorial for some pool-side glam.
-Watch movies featuring Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Jane Mansfield, and other actresses of old Hollywood. My favorites are Some Like it Hot and Breakfast at Tiffany's.

Wednesday, June 6, 2007

The World's Most Fashionable Slippers

Yesterday I was walking back to my car after a doctor's appointment, when I noticed a cute little store called Monroe Salt Works. It was full of kitschy things- paper lanterns, pottery, table linens, handmade soaps and beauty products, jewelry, asian-inspired purses, pajamas, etc. But its crowning items were these amazing slippers spilling from a big wicker basket. They were extremely soft and shaped like cowboy boots with embroidered flowers. Now I know that for most of us, summer is practically here, but these slippers were wonderful and on sale and I just couldn't help myself. You know how it is. I have been on a week-long shopping spree that really needs to end (in case you were wondering, I've recently bought/ordered: a skirt, my romper, neon hairclips, 2 shirts, a hair product from Cake - more on that later, a sequined headband, and my slippers). Anyway, I am now hopelessly in love with my new, incredibly comfortable slippers, and I feel that it is my duty to share them with you. Wonderful person that I am, I have scoped out a website where a few styles of the slippers are on sale for $23.50, which is even less than I paid for them. I urge you to scoop them up here before you have to pay full price again! A greater selection of styles can be found by clicking on the links found here. And now for some pictures:

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These are the ones I bought. Hooray!

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Sleepwear with a sense of humor. These make me giggle.

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Punked out slippers. Need I say more?

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Pretty slippers for extra-sweet dreams.

Now my feet will always be cozy and fashionable. No buyer's remorse here.

Tuesday, June 5, 2007

My New Romper

Not too long ago, I was going on and on (and on...) about the LBR I was interested in buying. I finally got around to purchasing it online on Thursday, and it arrived in the mail today. When I opened the package, I was very suspicious because the romper looked tiny, but when I put it on, I was in awe (and not the bad kind). Not only was it supremely comfortable, but it looked amazing! Sure, it was a bit tighter and clingier than it looked on the model, seeing as I haven't worn a size zero since I was around 12 years old, but it was very flattering that way. You may remember that my last post on the LBR focused on how versatile I suspected it was. Now that I have a LBR of my very own, I intend to prove it. (Just so you know, the quality is bad and the color is slightly off because it was kind of dark and my self-timer is not kind to my photos. Boo.)
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See? See? I knew it! I will sooo wear this everywhere. I am practically jumping up and down with delight.

Isn't it wonderful when something you buy is even greater than you hoped it would be? Have you made any great buys lately?

Sunday, June 3, 2007

Yet Another Reason Why I Should Move to the UK

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Like giving money to charity? Like shopping? Like good bargains? If you didn't answer yes to one of those questions, then clearly you are not a member of the human race. (Maybe you are an extraterrestrial?) If you are, in fact, a human, and you are lucky enough to live near London Manchester, Brighton, or York, then head over to the Topshop Charity Fashion Sale. You won't regret it. There will be heaps of used clothing for a fraction of their original price, as well as "music, tea, cakes, pampering and Topshop Style Advisors to help you shop the stalls." If you want to sell your old clothes, then book a stall and recieve a goody bag, a 20% off discount at Topshop, and you'll be entered to win several fabulous prizes. And to make it even better, all the money from the the sales will go to National Domestic Violence Helplines across the UK & Ireland run by Women's Aid and Refuge.

Lucky human British people. I wish I was one of you.

Saturday, June 2, 2007

DIY Runway Accessories

A few days ago, I was browsing through all the old DIY posts on Style Bytes, and was inspired by the way Agathe found ways to recreate certain runway accessories on her own for a fraction of the price. So, I headed to style.com, determined to find my own DIY projects, and here's a few of the things I came up with:

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The Carolina Herrera sunglasses on the left aren't very practical, but I think they look amazing perched on that model's updo. And I think they could be easily made with a pair of old sunglasses and some lace or even a paper doiley. Just glue on the lace or doiley with modge podge or some other gloss, cut off the excess, and add an extra coat to seal it. I also like the Karl Lagerfeld lace arm warmers on the right. I plan to look for an old lace shirt and cut the sleeves off to make some of my own. Both the sunglasses and the arm warmers would look fantastic with a black leather jacket or vest, no?

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If you look at the Anna Sui fall collection, it's bursting with DIY projects. I especially like the necklace on the left, which could be made with a small picture frame. Cut a piece of construction paper to fit the frame, cut some aluminum foil or gold paper to make letters, and glue them to the paper. Put it in the frame, and glue a wire loop on the back. Use the loop to attatch the frame to a necklace. I also like the waist pouch on the right, which could be created by sewing a piece of fabric to act as a belt loop on the back of a pouch and threading a chain (which you can get at the hardware store for very cheap) through it.

Let me know if any of you attempt these projects, or if you come up with some of your own. I'd love to see pictures! Email me! If I manage to find time to get the supplies I need, I'll post photos of my own projects. I'm not very crafty, but I did recently sew sequins on a somewhat drab trapeze tank and add a ribbon around the waist. I was very proud, since it turned out pretty well. You can see it here.

Friday, June 1, 2007

Shopping for Guys

Shopping for guys can be extremely hard.

Today my brother asked me to pick out some (relatively cheap) new shirts and sweatshirts for him online. At first I was at a loss for where to go, because most of my prefered shopping websites are targeted at women. When I finally settled on Forever 21, it was a complete bust. I was shocked to find a meager selection of ugly, vaguely hipster clothing was all that was available for men, and my brother was shocked to find that I would consider shopping for him at such a terrible store. Of course, I immediately showed him the beautifully abundant womens' selection so that he could see why I had thought to shop there, but the damage was done. My wonderful twin brother has a bad opinion of my favorite store, and I can no longer speak to him. I wonder if Forever 21 realizes that their tiny mens' selection is causing rifts within families?

Only slightly discouraged, I continued on my valiant quest for decent mens' clothing. I logged onto the Urban Outfitters website and headed straight for the clearance section. I thought I was having better luck there, but my brother didn't like almost anything I picked out. And the things that he did like, he was too embarassed to wear to school. I needed to try a different store.

Okay, I told myself, it's time to pull out the big guns. Third time's the charm, right? I gritted my teeth and went to ASOS. And you know what? The sale section was chock full of things my brother wanted for his wardrobe. Mission complete!

I have often wondered why most guys fear to take any kind of fashion risks, and always end up acrediting it to general laziness and a lack of interest. It turns out that the reason my brother won't abandon his uniform of baggy jeans and plain t's is because (according to him) his friends would laugh. I think that any guy can come up with interesting and unique outfits, given access to a thrift store or ample amounts of money, but many fear the reaction of others or don't know where to look. To make matters worse, there are few stores that cater to men interested in expanding the limits of their wardrobe. I don't know what can be done about this, but I do think it's unfair.

The bottom line? I'm glad I was born a girl.