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Archive for February, 2007

Short and Mid Length Boots: Flattering for the Calves… or just an excuse for my new Frye Boots?

Wednesday, February 28th, 2007

I don’t know whether it was the oversatisfactory Zappos customer service or the fact that I really love these boots (see yesterday’s post) but I was so inspired by new Frye Boots that I have to talk about them some more (I also loved the Cognac Nappa Boots from RSVP but first things first).

Zappos should have provided a picture of what these boots look like when they are unfolded. I will defn. wear these with anything that exposes the leg lines. If you didn’t know, slouchy mid-calf length boots are really flattering to the leg — See graphic below. Cowboy boots, slouchy leather or suede boots, even Uggs actually especially Uggs, these all help to create more shape around the calf and minimize the midth of your legs.

Mid_calf_boots_1 

The boots in this picture are actually a slightly different boot from Frye but when mine are unfolded they are comparabe, prob. even better since they are wider at the top — more calf-enhancing-gap!

I also wanted to treat myself to picking out a cute outfit to wear with my new boots. I’m all ready for the Sharks game with my hubby tomorrow.

Feb26_lights

Where to Shop:

Splendid Sky Heather Mini Dress

Juicy Couture White Track Jacket 

Marc Jacobs Collection Christy Hobo 

Be & D Ruffled Bag w/Chains

Zappos.com Gives us a New Reason To Shop for Shoes Online

Tuesday, February 27th, 2007

Keeping an Open Mind
I had sworn off Zappos.com years ago. I was brunching, well more like ravenously porking out, at Cafe De La Presse in San Francisco this weekend, when "Grunchkin", "Friend" (yes that’s really her nickname) and I started discussing our search for the perfect shoes. I started raving on about Piperlime.com which I frequent these days and then Friend said she mostly shops at Zappos.com so I started going off about how much I despised the zappos site. I thought to myself later that night that it had actually been awhile since I tried visiting zappos. Many years back I had bought a pair of shoes from there and was so miserably disappointed with the product and ordering experience I never went back. The site itself is disdainful to look at — that hasn’t changed much… but what has changed is that the zappozians have totally clued into a Shoe Alcoholics behavior and have taken some serious steps forward in improving the online shopping experience.

Free Shipping (both ways) + 365 Day Return Policy + Inventory Alerts!!! + Customer Reviews
I fell out of my chair when I saw this. I have wished for years that online stores would show us how many of an item were in stock. I have fallen into mild depression after finding my perfect shoe to check back the next day to find them sold out. Sometimes a girls got to sit on her buying decision. But this was a brilliant move for zappos. Women are competitive beasts. If we knew there was only 1 left of that shoe, it’s ours.

Zappos_cart

When I saw zappos actually offers us this functionality I could actually overlook the ugly pages and poor photo quality.

Free shipping both ways. Enough said. No more excuses for not buying shoes online. I bought 2 pairs of boots today. Compare the two and send one back. I feel like I am suddenly a new person.

365 Day Return Policy. What I love about this is that I can buy a shoe and let it sit there for as long as I want, wait for shopper’s high to wear off and send them back after I realize I’ll won’t wear tham more than a few times.

The customer reviews were totally helpful. I passed on a few boots that sounded like they might not be compatible with me after hearing what others had to say. You can tell most of these customers are savvy shoe shoppers as well which is helpful. The ratings are also a good way to quickly assess how comfortable the boots are and what size you should order as sizes tend to vary across designers.

I must add this disclaimer — they clearly have work left to do in improving their Search, product photo quality, and their navigation is challenging at times.

Thanks Friend!
Thanks to Friend for opening my eyes and heart back up to Zappos.

Here’s the boots I ended up getting.

Rijeca

RSVP Rijeca Cognac Nappa Boots
I’ve been searching for some tan boots all winter. It seems this was the best I could find. I’m hoping they have a better color in person. Will keep you posted.

Frye_boot

Frye Sunny Short Vintage Boot
I missed ordering another pair of Frye boots in time on Shop Bop last week. I’m still not over it. I’m hoping these ease the pain a little.

International Style: Korean Fashion Designer vack yuunzung

Friday, February 23rd, 2007

I just saw my cousin’s new line called "White". It’s a perfect name because her designs certainly are heavenly. Props to my Cousin!! Her name is actually Yoonjung Park and she is an extremely talented fashion designer who lives in Seoul, Korea. Her mother (my aunt) is also a very well known fashion designer known as Icinoo. Perhaps being around all these fashionable women while growing up is what continues to fuel my fashion obsessions today. I was the luckiest bride in the world last year because Yoonjung designed my wedding dress for me. Imagine.. having a famous fashion designer create your dream wedding dress!

Below are some of my favorite pieces from her "White" collection. She also has a more high-end line called "vack yuunzung". I couldn’t get the url’s to go directly to the product pages but you can go to the website www.wizwid.com to see her designs by searching for "white" or "vack" in the top search bar. Sorry you might have a hard time navigating since the entire site is in Korean.

White4

White by vack yuunzung Printed Ruffle Silk Blouse

My cousin actually game me this blouse the last time I visited Korea!!! I love it! You can’t see very well in the photo but there is this beautiful typography across the blouse that is so cutting edge, yet the cut of the blouse itself is flowy and romantic.

White1

White by vack yuunzung Stiped Hooded Long Vest

I love all things hooded. I also love all things layered. I could have so much fun with this piece! The possibilities…

White2

White by vack yuunzung Printed Jersey Wrap Dress

Diane vonF you ain’t got nothin on my cousin.

White3

White by vack yuuzung Kimono Sleeve Printed Silk Blouse

The colors woven through this blouse intrique me. The rustic amber tones work well on yellow skin tones while the muted pinks and earthy tones provide the perfect blend to the warmer hues.

White_ob1White_ob2

White by vack yuunzung Open Back Hooded Long Zip Vest

More hoodies. This one pushes the limits if you dare to go bare. I think it’s pretty hot. I’d wear this out at night with friends for sure.

White5White6

White by vack yuunzung Open Back Puff Sleeve Dress

Hot. For you boys out there imagine the female CEO of your company walking into a conference room with this on. Yeah!

These are just a few of her best pieces. I’m so proud of my cousin and wish her the best of luck with her upcoming shows.

Greys and Blacks from Day to Evening

Thursday, February 22nd, 2007

The look below was inspired from the KA7 Sweater. I’m trying to be good and not get it but I feel very weak. This is what I’m imagining I’d assemble it with. The sweater is perfect for those evenings to meet up with friends for drinks after work, with the bolero you’re covered for work.

Feb20daytonite

Where to Get It

VPL Hemisphere Jacket

KA7 Sweater w/Strap

Alvin Valley Pant

Jimmy Choo Flats

Kenneth Jay Lane Octopus Ring

Gucci Romy Tote

Be&D Rffled Bag

Kooba Bag

Luxe for Less

Here’s a similar look I put together for considerably less $$$. This look is much more casual as you can see. Probably not suitable for work but more like a day out furniture shopping :) Also, I would not recommend going LB (low-budget) on EVERYTHING in your outfit. It’s really more preferable to mix in some luxe with the cheaper pieces. Use discretion!

Feb20daytonite_less

Where to Get It

Welch Top

Manolin Cardigan

Alannis Sunglasses

Express Editor Pants (available in store)

Heart Pendant Necklace

Mia Hepburn Flats

Detective Bag $49.99

Sabina Hobo

Tano Miss Understood Bag

Dwelling on Dwell Shop

Tuesday, February 20th, 2007

If you can excuse gratuitous navigation and have patience to wait for a really slow site to load www.dwellshop.com has some decent linens (duvets, bed sheets, table coverings, etc). They have a super cute line for the lil ones too — dwellbaby. This bed crib set is almost cute enough to make me want to have a baby myself.

Dwell2

Dots Chocolate Crib Set (couldn’t link directly to the item due to the site’s use of Flash. When will they ever learn?)

Dwellshop_1

Sketch Natural Placemats

I’ve got my eye on these placemats for my dining room table.

Floss a Tee and Still Look Hot

Monday, February 19th, 2007

It took me many many years to figure this out or to at least understand why some of my tees got all the love while the rest lay lonely at the bottom of my drawers. The important thing about a tee is it’s neckline. Most tees are cut really high up right around the neckline. This is so not cute. When you’re wearing a tee you’re already dressing yourself down… why would you want to add to the unsexiness of your total look? So my secret to tees is I only buy tees with scooped or vneck lines. I also am fanatic about the perfect amount of stretchiness to the tee (it’s got to cling in the right places) as well as the material has got to be soft (none of that tough thick cotton). My most sacred and cherished tee is actually one that i got from Abercrombie waaay back. The only problem with it is that after one wear the shape gets a little distorted and I have to wash it and dry it to pull it back into the right shape.

What prompted all this tee talk? I was happily shopping away and found this tee on Gap’s site. I’d need to try it on to test it out in person but from the looks of it, this could be rated a high 9 on my tee scale.

Gap (Product) Red TM word T

Gaptee

What’s Luxe at Target Today

Monday, February 19th, 2007

I thought I’d check out what Target sells online. Ever since Luella launched her "Design for All" line there, I’ve popped in the stores to check it out but have never found much more than a few leftover items amongt the desolate racks. I guess you gotta get there early. It doesn’t look like they are selling her stuff on the website but I still found a couple cute numbers from Mossimo and Mizrahi  — dirt cheap.

The following 5 items are all must-have-basics - perfect for layering.

"Mossimo Black" Tube Top in Ebony for $8.99

Moss2

"Mossimo Black" Sheer-Puff Sleeve Top in Ebony for $9.99

Moss1

"Mossimo Black" Sheer-Puff Sleeve Top in True White for $9.99

Moss3

Mossimo Cami Top in Beach House Tan for $12.99

Moss4_1

Mossimo Tube Top in Bramble Berry for $12.99

Moss5

Mossimo Black Sleeveless Woven Dress with Knit Waistband in Bittersweet for $16.09

Throw on a braided belt, flats, some hoops, you’re ready to go.

Moss6

Isaac Mizrahi Long Sleeve Sheer Pintuck Blouse in Ebony for $29.99

This would look great with black tights, and black or white skirt.

Isaac1

What’s Luxe at Target Today

Monday, February 19th, 2007

I thought I’d check out what Target sells online. Ever since Luella launched her "Design for All" line there, I’ve popped in the stores to check it out but have never found much more than a few leftover items amongt the desolate racks. I guess you gotta get there early. It doesn’t look like they are selling her stuff on the website but I still found a couple cute numbers from Mossimo and Mizrahi  — dirt cheap.

The following 5 items are all must-have-basics - perfect for layering.

"Mossimo Black" Tube Top in Ebony for $8.99

Moss2

"Mossimo Black" Sheer-Puff Sleeve Top in Ebony for $9.99

Moss1

"Mossimo Black" Sheer-Puff Sleeve Top in True White for $9.99

Moss3

Mossimo Cami Top in Beach House Tan for $12.99

Moss4_1

Mossimo Tube Top in Bramble Berry for $12.99

Moss5

Mossimo Black Sleeveless Woven Dress with Knit Waistband in Bittersweet for $16.09

Throw on a braided belt, flats, some hoops, you’re ready to go.

Moss6

Isaac Mizrahi Long Sleeve Sheer Pintuck Blouse in Ebony for $29.99

This would look great with black tights, and black or white skirt.

Isaac1

Best of Shop Bop Sale

Saturday, February 17th, 2007

Shop Bop has some dope threads on sale. Here are my top picks below. Inventory seems to be going fast. How nice would that be when one day you can check inventory on retail sites? That would be such a motivating force to get girls like me to buy. If I saw "Only 1 left!" my conversion rate would go nuts.

Marie Marie Whisper Tunic $164.50 from 235.00

Mmari1000110212_347x683f_1

Rachel Roy Silva Tux Cami $172.50 from $345.00

Raroy1003112867_347x683f

Catherine Malandrino Deep V Taffeta Dress $262.50 from $525.00

Cathe1038911005_347x683f

LOVE from Ya-Ya Player Cardigan $101.50 from $145.00

Yaya_cardl1013012867_347x683f

LOVE from Ya-Ya "The X Sweatshirt" $110.60 from $158.00

Yayal1012913171_347x683f

Karoo Mark Eisen Cashmere Bell Sleeve Deep V Neck Dress $176.00 from $352.00

Karoo1000812966_347x683f_2

Frye Dorado Low Boot $200 from $400

Fryeb1003411841_347x683f_1

Rachel Leigh Skull Necklace $62.00 from $124.00

Leigh1010112867_347x683d

Rachel Leigh Point Gold Necklace $68.00 from $136.00

Leigh1013411739_347x683b

Outfit Composition 101

Friday, February 16th, 2007

Snoopy this is for you. A process for picking out your outfit. Try this out and let me know how it goes.

Outfit Composition

Step 1: Lay the foundation. You’ll need a good area to lay things out — like your bed or floor around your closet. This is your work area.

Step 2: Pick a centerpiece for your outfit. This could be anything out of your closet that attracts your interest at that moment. It could be a new pair of shoes you just bought, a warm cardigan that makes you feel cozy, or a bright tee or tank that catches your eye that morning. Whatever it is just pick it out of your closet and commit to it for the timebeing. Lay the item you have selected on the work area.

Step 3: Survey your centerpiece carefully and start visioning what would look good with it. As colors or textures come to mind start pulling out items from your closet that match. Lay each of these new items next to the centerpiece. Once you have articles of clothing laying next to eachother it should start to become more clear what items work with eachother and which don’t. Be daring and pick out things that you normally don’t wear with the centerpiece item. You’ll be surprised that oftentimes things that don’t seem to coodinate actually can make a really stylish look when all pulled together. Your outfit is what grows organically from your starting piece.

Step 4: Continue mixing and matching. It may take some time to get to the point where you have a complete outfit. For myself this can take as long as 30-40 minutes if I’m really picky that day. The important thing here is to experiment. Don’t just grab the same old things you put together normally. Step out of your comfort zone. It is also important you have a solid wardrobe foundation with all the basic items required for layering such as a wide range of neutral colored tops (long and short, various necklines, etc), various black articles (such as black leggings, black pants, black cardigans, etc). We will work on this.

Step 5: Try things on. You may need to try various things on with your centerpiece as you are working through steps 3 and 4. This is where silhouette analysis skills come in. You need to get accustomed to judging whether your look is balanced or not. Your body shape and even face composition is important to pay close attention to.

Step 6: Accessorize. Accessories complete the look. Don’t forget to add earrings, a necklace, a belt, a hat, a bag, and shoes to the outfit. I also count hair as an accessory. Don’t overdo it though. Sometimes you may just need a simple pair of hoops to complete an outfit, and if your outfit is on the busier side you may not need any jewelery at all and you may want to stick to a more streamlined bag.

Step 6: Document. Once you have everything all picked out and you are satisfied with the final outfit take a picture. You can either take a picture of the items laid out on the workspace or one of you wearing them, either way just a way of noting what you put together. You can keep these photos somewhere to refer to if you don’t have time to run through all the steps another day.

Step 7: Put some back into it. Wear your new outfit with confidence. There’s nothing that looks better on you than the right attitude.

StyleFeeder

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