The Luxe Mix

Another reason to hate the depressing economic times we’re in… I have no where to wear a fancy schmancy dress like this Handkerchief Gown from Jenni Kayne. Nor should I even pretend I could afford it btw… The cut is flattering with just the right touch of flirtiness to offset the gun metal greys of this floor length dress. The daintiness of the chiffon also strikes an interesting and unexpected balance to the dramatically gaunt colors. Perhaps I love this dress even more because it reminds me of an old dress I once had.. a beautiful rich pink chiffon dress (if I remember correctly it was from Laundry). But this Kayne dress has an interesting, more updated detailing to the waist. Damn this economy!

Available at Shopbop.com.

It’s always a challenge to create a layered look without adding bulk or getting misaligned layers… so when designers provide the short-cuts for you.. one must take advantage of it. This Alexander Wang Vest Shirtdress pushes the envelope in terms of faux layers but he’s done a good job and I’m (almost) sold on it. I love the idea of a faux vest.. just not lovin the $481 price tag. Not quite sure if this piece really constitutes itself as a dress that can stand on its own as shown in the picture here… personally I think it would look nice over dirty denim pants or over my tuxedo striped velvet pants. I’m considering hard whether a belt would work here. Prob. not but something tells me this shirt might make me look a little short without a belt. Sigh. You tall girls can have it… can’t afford it anyway!

Available at shopbop.com.

Coats have been boring to the bone the past 10+ years so I’m welcoming Leoffler Randall with open arms as she expands her mine to more than the wedge boots that put her on the map. Like her Studded Coat, this cropped piece is elegant but different. This model is not doing it any justice though… so just ignore her butter face and imagine how cute you’d look in this. I love the way Loeffler Randall breaks the rules or more so deviates from expected shapes and lines.

Available for $545 at eluxury.com.

The Spy Bag was lost on me… but this Secret Code Bag has found me!!! Only problem is I’m disgusted by the fur skins they’ve chosen to make these bags with. On a handbag (that is worn off the body) why does this require the dismal death of a sweet furry critter to adorn the bag? To be honest no (normal) human being would be able to tell the difference if Fendi used a good quality substitute for this mink or the snakeskin. I’m all for the substitute fur skins!! Just don’t skin the cute little mink Ok so I’m a hypocrite for buying and wearing leather but I’ve told myself unless I’m willing to go vegetarian I’ve got to hold on to something on this slippery slope..

I hope Fendi wakes up one day and starts making these beautiful bags with faux whatever so I can floss one these bad girls (and possibly afford it!).

Available for $2210.00 at eluxury.com

It’s about that time! Here are my carefully selected selections for the It Bag line-up for Fall 2008. Kinda depressing though since most of us are too poor or too scared to buy anything nice for ourselves these days. Let’s stare at the pictures!

Katherine Kwei Donna Knotted Lambskin Tote

I’m in awe a million times over. I can’t get over how crazy good this bag looks. Ok so I have yet to see and touch the bag in person but this photo is enough. I’ll hang it on my bedroom walls tonight and drift off to handbag heaven.

Available for $1150 at Neimanmarcus.com.

Bulga Tasia Bag

The color. The shape. I’d wear it with stuff that didn’t match just to show it off!

Available for $763 at Revolveclothing.com.

Carlos Falchi Flat Multicolor Python Clutch

If you eat Saba (sushi) you might get a fishy flavor in your mouth like I did when looking at this bag. It’s a crazy design but I guarantee this one will go with everything, especially those pjs you wore to Blockbuster last night

Available for $815 at Neimanmarcus.com

Nancy Gonzalez Croc Tote

It’s powerful in every way. Perfect for the working ball-crusher at the office.

Available for $3650 at Neimanmarcus.com.

Cole Haan Aerin NS Tote

Here’s one for you simple and natural girls. No frills. Classic. Wear it forever, pass it down to your daughters. At this price you may just be able to fly under the radar!

Available for $425 at Neimanmarcus.com.

Miu Miu Nappa Patch Tote

Texture is the new black this Fall. This bag offers a very unique texture at that. While it may seem trendy it does have a classic appeal to it. It could work for at least a couple years. Hope the flaps don’t fall off..

Available for $1240 at Neimanmarcus.com.

D&G by Dolce & Gabbana Victoria Tote in Grey

Versatile, muted, soft & comfy… A friend for life!

Available for $1324 at RevolveClothing.com.

Juicy Couture Velour Too Cool Smocked Bag

A luxe-for-less textured option.

Available for $250 at eLuxury.com.

Ferragamo Banshee Metallic Tote

This bag reminds me of my Silver YSL Downtown Bag (that I live and die by). Get this if you want an everything everyday bag!

Available for $1550 at Neimanmarcus.com.

Christian Louboutin Braided Clutch

It’s intense and dramatic.. but Louboutin always manages to find balance. This bag screams hotness and intensity but whispers sophistication and luxe-ness.

Available for $1655 at Neimanmarcus.com.

I’m nervous posting about this jacket lest too many of you go out and buy it and leave me high and dry… but sharing is caring so here goes

This coat from Loeffler Randall is elegant with that touch of sass that most boring black coats fail to provide. The coat stands alone on its own. No need for high fashion accessories with this one. OK OK, maybe just some knee high black leather boots (patent or not would be gravy). The modified mandarin collar would be flattering for a lot of face shapes — especially round ones like mine! The versatility is there as well. Worn over a dress, this could make the wedding-attire cut, and thrown over some jeans it could pass for a causal day-out-look too no questions asked.

It was confirmed when I saw it on my friend’s arm… the Day Tripper bag from See by Chloe looks as good as the pictures. I’m usually 5-10% disappointed by the in-person experience from the glossy online photo experience when it comes to bags.

It’s nice to see that luxury brands are playing fair and offering comparable bags at the mid-ranges. Gives me hope that I can someday afford all the bags that I’ll ever want (ok maybe not).

The bag comes in 3 sizes as far as I’m aware, a tote, a satchel, and a clutch. I’m all about the big bad bags so would go for the tote myself.

Happy birthday to me.. Happy birthday to me… I’m a year older this week! That makes me a Virgo in case you didn’t know. A perfectionistic, obsessive, and sometimes overly emotional Virgo that is. I had a wonderful birthday this year with the people I love most. I also realize how great taking the day off on your birthday actually is. It’s a crime that we don’t automatically get the day off on our birthdays.

Now that I’m a year older, I’m challenging myself to add a new accessory to my repertoire. I think every woman should break the ice of some kind of accessory every few years and eventually they will master the art of it. I’ve dabbled with belts over the last couple years, handbags and shoes
don’t even count, sunglass shapes these days haven’t been doing much
for my rounded face, and jewelery is always there –but challenging
nonetheless. So what’s next on my list? Scarves! Summer scarves that is.

Over the past few years I’ve let a lot/more than enough black creep into my wardrobe so I’m hoping my whole scarf movement will bring back some color to the darkness. Also, summer scarves were so big this summer I’m hoping to catch some of the action before it cools down. I love that the summer scarf dresses you up and dresses you down all in one. It adds interest and an edgy not snobbish sophistication to your look. And lastly, it can be so versatile since there’s endless colors, patterns, shapes, sizes, and textures to choose from.

If you’re interested in a summer scarf for yourself, here’s a few places to try…

BUT FIRST a quick video on a few ways of tying the scarf.

Shopbop

Madison Los Angeles

Anthropologie

Luxe for Less Options

Urban Outfitters

Forever21

Look Book

EMO POSTER
by

JoJy45

Get this custom print
at Zazzle

I can’t recall the last time I browsed through $5 posters at Poster Prints in the mall. It was the thing to do back in high school "when I was a kid". It seems since the good old days the poster business has moved online and I’m not sure it’s ever coming back. I can’t say that seems to be the best thing for business though because out of sight out of mind. When’s the last time you thought about buying a poster?

It wasn’t until an interesting late night visit I made to Zazzle’s corporate building with LL and T-mon that I realized there’s some wall-worthy art out there. There were eclectic posters strewn about the building, all prints from Zazzle.com. If you’ve never heard of Zazzle it’s a website that sells things like hats, tees, mugs, and posters that are designed with either liscened designs (Disney, Star Wars, etc) or designs submitted by individuals artists. Even you can submit a design to zazzle and print your own tee.

After my visit to Zazzle I couldn’t help myself but get lost in the endless pages of products across the site. At last I came upon this EMO poster (above) created by a user named JoJy45. Not knowing what emo was I looked it up. and learned it’s a kind of "emotional" punk expression or music. In any case I think this poster captures some emotions I identify with and I’d just love! to have this in my house somewhere. It’s kind of crude, raw, yet innocent.. and speaks to the inner emotional child I can’t seem to leave behind.

I thought Victoria had mastered the art of seamless but hello the search for a panty-line-less look is now officially over. Daily Candy broke the news today… women can now rest assured their thong-tha-thong won’t be hanging out over their jeans (unless strategically planned that way) because here comes a truly strapless g-string from Shibue. Apparently these stick-on undies are reusable. Just wash ‘em and re-apply with new adhesive. But ranging from $32-$34 they’re on the I’ll Have to Think About That price range… I mean on closer examination I could recreate these with my existing underwear and some sharp scissors. Just add some of my scrapbook adhesive and… voila!

Well if any of you go out and try these do share your feedback!

The Before and After photos are pretty compelling.

Available at www.shibuecouture.com