Obsessing over Hervé Léger by Max Azaria

I recently started seeing imitation bandage dresses popping up everywhere and then I went to the BCBG site for their sale only to find the most beautiful bandage dresses were being designed by Max Azaria.

I Believe in Brit-Brit

Britney's Back B*$#&! I used to be a so-so fan and then I'll admit, I thought she went a little nutty but she actually inspired me in her recent MTV special. In honor of Brit's "Circus," let's tip our top hats to her comeback. 

Counter-clockwise from bottom:

A. White Ichi Halter from asos.com

B. Tory Burch Leather Motorcycle Boots from bloomingdales.com

C. Leather Vest from mangoshop.com

D. Bow Tie Marc By Marc Jacobs Necklace from shopbop.com 

E. Diamond Guess Blazer from shop.guess.com

F. Derek Lam Metallic Tweed Hotpants from net-a-porter.com

G. 24K Max&Chloe Elephant Ring from maxandchloe.com

H. Black Stirrup Tights from hue.com 

My browsing history revealed

I spend so much time at my computer doing absolutely nothing productive but I do enjoy myself. Here are some stylin' sites that I check out daily.

Nasty Gal - A vintage website that has sweet eye wear, dresses, leather coats, leggings, etc. The turnover is really quick because quantities are low.

Sephora - Love ittttt! My top favorites include: bare minerals makeup, shu umera eyelash curler, DKNY Be Delicious perfume, and Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion.

Style.com - I spend so much time clicking through the party photo slideshows and reading the reviews of various designers runway collections. It is easy to navigate and serves as an extension of Vogue.

The Sartorialist - So inspiring. Asking yourself, "What should I wear today?" Look here for the latest streetstyle across the globe.

REAL SIMPLE - This magazine will help you become more organized, more polished, less cluttered, and much more. They put most of their features online so you don't even have to subscribe.

ABC.com - I watch Ugly Betty episodes online when I miss them. The Mode staffers have cool, unique style and the storylines are never stale.

StumbleUpon - Not one website... but many. You create your username, take a quick survey on your interests, and then start stumbling. The tool grabs sites you might like so you feel as if you are navigating the web with a purpose.

Image from The Sartorialist

First Andie, then Victory, who will Blane date next?

Actor Andrew McCarthy played "Blane" in one of my favorites, Pretty in Pink. His on screen girlfriend "Andie" played by Molly Ringwald, had her own sick style. McCarthy is now (or at least was until the show was just cancelled) a main character on Lipstick Jungle and was dating "Victory Ford" who has her own clothing line.

Blane isn't in my favorite Pretty in Pink scene. Right now I'm really feeling Duckie's shoes! Okay maybe I am a Duckie fan for life despite the title of this post. Sorry Blane.    

Want to score the chick version of Duckie's shoes? Try Tod's, Aerosoles, Unisa, or these adorable ones at Anthropologie. 

Tabloid Ladies Take Note: Camilla Belle

Camilla Belle is only 22 years old and she is way ahead of many of her Hollywood peers when it comes to personal style. This looks like a lady who never leaves the house without underwear. She knows how to wear bright colors too. Just stunning!

Brighten your bleak day like the Aran Islanders

The Aran Islands, off the coast of the mainland of Ireland, have received much attention (most of it probably unwanted) in years past thanks to J. M. Synge and Robert Flaherty. As Synge describes it, many days on the islands are more than bleak thanks to foul weather and a landscape primarily composed of rocks. One of the things he does enjoy is watching the red coats of the local women who go to and fro throughout the day (he is a bachelor, I don't blame him). 

Assuming your existence is less bleak, red can still be a great mood enhancer as the cold, grey weather develops. This beautiful Irish sweater can be purchased here.  

Lady GaGa Refuses to Take off her Dance Wear

She has been quoted multiple times saying, "I'm just trying to change the world one sequin at a time." She loves a unique pair of shades no matter the time-day or night, does not flinch at the thought of exposing her legs, and is willing to take chances in fashion. Lady GaGa may look like a mess to you, heck you might not even enjoy her single "Just Dance" (I do!), but she has some guts and she appears to be enjoying her 15 minutes. 

Achieve her look: Stand-out shades, loud leotard, sparkly sequins, high heels, and lovely lips. 

Thakoon for Target?!?

Why wouldn't you want to buy designer duds for less? By December, select Target stores will be selling Thakoon Panichgul's designs. This fun designer does not play it safe. Here is a look from his Resort 09 collection (left) and an ensemble from his line for Target (right).   

 

           

Flashing some leg for NYLON

Alison from Ford is a close family friend and she just landed a spread featuring minis in NYLON mag! Congrats lovely lady! To check it out: go to nylonmag.com and click "magazine" and then preview the November issue for guests. Go to page 124 (they only give you limited page views).

Seeking Vintage

Is your local second-hand scene so lacking that even Susie Bubble would have trouble creating an ensemble? No worries, more and more vintage sites are popping up! 

Check out Nasty Gal for cool pieces from all decades. The prices range from thrifty to a tad expensive.  

Scan through options on Ebay for a hit or miss. 

Adjust your eyes as you view items on the Rusty Zipper. The pics are slightly depressing but the price points are just lovely. 

Absorb a great array of items at Monster Vintage from women's leather coats to silver spurs. 

Pretend to purchase vintage (recently made look-a-likes) or actually buy it in the "One of a Kind" section at Mod Cloth. Blue clutch (right) $24.99.  

Can't you see SJP in this flirty

50's dress (left) from Rusty Zipper? 

Wherever you score great finds, don't forget to make sure the site is secure and you know what their return policy is! Happy hunting! 

Christina Ricci, No slave to trends

So many starlets have personal stylists that put them into the latest "it" item. Christina embraces her unique look by dressing herself in clean-lined, uncommon, and ethereal* clothing. Thrown into the equation is her height: she is only 5'1''! Dressing at that height can be very challenging. Kind of like "would you like more salad with your salad dressing/would you like more Christina with your huge dress?" is an easy snafu to commit but she does a great job.

Some designers she frequently wears are Louis Vuitton, Calvin Klein, and Givenchy.

Let's tip our hats to a few of Christina's looks.


*e-the-re-al: light, airy, or celestial

Embrace Mother Earth with your Buying Habits

Just like an old house tends to have more character than a newly built one, a second-hand piece of clothing can hold a similar charm. Celebrate Earth Day today by vowing to alter your buying habits (no, not the habit of buying the same shirt in all 4 colors- although that is a bit bland).

How is shopping earth-friendly? By purchasing clothing second-hand you are decreasing potential waste. Added bonus: that snotty girl who sits across from you on the subway who is always sporting the "latest trend" will be jealous that your look is not pre-fabricated.

There are a range of vendors and prices available, including some online options. Game plan....
1) Try to buy local by seeking out consignment and hospice shops in your area.

2) Have an annual Clothing Swap Party with friends and barter with your bff for that sweet H&M leather coat she wore this winter. How to: here. 

3) Visit here for a list of great online options.

Remember: Sometimes this kind of shopping takes patience and an open mind!!!

Above: Dolce and Gabbana dress from DecadesTwo

M.I.A.- M.y. W.a.y.

Nothing is supposed to match! That's why it's fun!

A. Sunglasses from FredFlare.com
B. Cons from Target.com
C. Mod Dress from ShopIntuition.com
D. Leggings from UrbanOutfitters.com
E. Bangle from Forever21.com
F. Necklace from Forever21.com

Inspired by...Tim Burton (Dylan Kawahara is)

In a recent issue of Elle magazine, Parsons student Dylan Kawahara's collection is featured. She claims she drew inspiration from Tim Burton. I would suggest looking to the Tim Burton films Big Fish and Edward Scissorhands to pull a look together. Some great places to start pulling pieces include Betsey Johnson, anthropologie, and littleoddforest.

New Talent... <3 Redheads

Young Ford model Alison Hamilton has a serious pout going on and it isn't because she missed a meal. This model eats and she is a redhead!!! Yay for breaking the mold.

Let's revisit... the beauty of the intense eyebrow

Brooke was pretty young and innocent in this picture but her defined brows give her an intense and fearless look. Forget the plumping and poking that goes into primping other areas, just buy a good pair of tweezers and brow pencil to achieve this fresh minimal look.