Fashion Blog » 2008 » June

On a recent ravage through the sale section at the Gap, I scored a special design edition cotton blouse by Phillip Lim.   Apparently, Gap collaborated with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and Vogue and featured these limited edition cotton blouses.

As fate would have it, I managed to not only get my hands on one in my size, but for less than 15 bucks! My bargain isn’t part of this week’s look, but a 3.1 Phillip Lim 2008 Resort look is.

Initially, I was drawn to the color combo of this look (I’m a sucker for that camel brown), but it was tough finding a jacket that looked similar. Your best bet in finding one would probably be to go on a hunt and search at a couple of obscure vintage stores.            

H81 3Q Windbreaker in red: $24 - forever21.com

         Navy Stripe Fitted tie-neck shirt: $48 - gap.com

                       
Boxer Skirt: $39.99 - urbanoutfitters.com

Marc by Marc Jacobs Leather Platform Sandals in brown, $225 on sale!

Shop for more women’s jackets.

Shop for more women’s shirts & tops.

Shop for more women’s skirts.

Shop for more platform sandals.

SheFinds ditches last season’s sarong in favor of the chic Saress.

Helena de Natalio handbags have everything Girlawhirl looks for in a handbag. And now girlawhirl.com readers can take 30% off their orders!

I’m Not Obsessed shows you how to get Jessica Simpson’s real outfit for $2,556 or the steal for $165.

StyleBakery investigates cult beauty products: are they worth the hype?

The Beauty Brains reveal the real reason why women wear makeup.

Top Button knows the secret to the switchover from poker-straight locks to luscious curls, thanks to Ouidad Salon.

This week on Smarter Fashion we coved:

Versace’s Spring 2008 collection was inspired by Barak Obama.  Watch a video of her runway show.

Check out Desiree’s “American Gladiator” Personal Pick of the Week!

We showed you a floral dress deal….

…and a Cynthia Rowley handbag deal.

Check out an up and coming designer, Michelle Nguyen from Southern California who’s designs were inspired by Cali’s beautiful weather. 

This stylish bag has plenty of room to fit daily necessities plus a large sized wallet and/or day planner.  In order help to keep the soft distressed leather clean there are four brass feet at the bottom of the bag.  It’s on sale now for 25% off, but hurry….the sale ends today!

Cynthia Rowley Colleen Too Double Handle: $279.99 (Was: $375)

Shop for more Cynthia Rowley handbags.

Shop through all handbags.

Whew! Greetings fashion friends, I am finally back from my whirlwind trip to the East Coast with reports on a white-hot trend I spotted on almost every gal in the Big Apple: gladiator sandals!

Ok so, some of you may have cringed at the sound of that, and in all honesty, the bold look may not be for everyone, but I can’t help but think that glad sandals are still such a refreshing and daring take when compared to even the fanciest flip-flop.

Any fashion maven would know that these were pretty trendy last summer too, but this season I’m spotting some pretty interesting versions like the Dolce Vita Apollo. I’ve always been a fan of DV, and I think their selection of sandals is one of the best and most well rounded.

Take with you this tip though; these babies are not ideal for walking long distances, particularly in a concrete jungle such as Manhattan.

Dolce Vita Apollo Sandal: $139

Shop for more gladiator sandals here.

Growing up in Southern California has its perks; one of them being the weather!   Michelle Nguyen, who is 25-years-old, produced a line called Quail which is currently based in Long Beach.  Michelle has had her line going for four seasons, and recently graduated from L.A.’s Biola University. Under the lens of dark haired, tattooed models, vintage silhouettes and earthy palettes, Quail is a California girl at heart.

“I’ve never had to pack away my summer clothes or dress for the seasons,” Nguyen says. “When i was designing I definitely thought about how fantastic the weather is, and in California, my clothes are very wearable all year ’round! The colors transcend seasons.”

It’s true!  Quail shows a lot of leg, with pouffed mini skirts, high waisted bow shorts, and loose fitting, artist inspired dresses. She wanted the line to be masculine and feminine with oversized shirts and sweaters.  A very balanced look- not frail and lace. Quail is definitely a brand you’ll want to sport this year.

Click here for more information & to check out her Spring 2008 collection.

Floral patterns are in this season.  If you aren’t too thrilled about this because you feel that prints aren’t flattering on you, this dress has a stylish floral pattern that’s pretty subtle.  The white & yellow simply peek out of the dress, & the navy & black blend nicely together.  For under 100 bucks..it’s a great deal!

Semantiks Print Dress: $69.90 (Was: $118)

Shop for more women’s dresses here.

Obama’s charisma certainly helped him win the Democratic nomination for the 2008 presidential election, but apparently his fashion sense is also being recognized.  I read on ABCNews.com that Donatella Versace dedicated her Spring 2008 men’s collection to Obama:

‘Versace described the Obama-dedicated style as one designed for “a relaxed man who doesn’t need to flex muscles to show he has power.”‘

He doesn’t care much about fashion at all, but I’m sure he’s flattered that he’s “natural” fashion sense is pleasing to high end fashion designers. 

Check out the article here. 

Watch a clip of the Versace Spring Summer 2008 Men’s Fashion Show right here. 

                  
YouTube - Watch Versace Spring Summer 08 Men Fashion Show            

Top Button will give you an edgy look much less permanent than tattoo temptress Kat Von D, with her new makeup line at Sephora!

The Beauty Brains show us which is more irritating to skin: David Lee Roth’s Van Halen or Peter David Roth’s skin care line.

Wondering what to wear today? StyleBakery.com offers two flattering looks that go from lunch with friends to the office with ease SheFinds shows you how to kick that pay cut in the butt and be a Frugalista.

With summer officially here SeenON! shows you the must-have summer essentials that all the stars love!

I’m Not Obsessed shows you how to get Nicole Kidman’s Lady Like Style From Her Recent Vogue Shoot.

Everyone’s clamoring for sex and the city fashion, and Girlawhirl.com readers save 15% on the items available at patriciafield.com!

This week on Smarter Fashion we covered:              

Check out our picks for the top 5 oversized sunglasses at Smart Bargains.

We gave you some more great online coupons for well known clothing and accessories online stores that will expire soon!  

We showed you a handy clutch deal…..

…and a thick band watch deal.

I love watches with thick bands like this one.  They are very vintage & a great accessory to have in your wardrobe.  This style also comes in brown (looks like copper) & “silver stripe.”  Vestal makes another similar watch with a sleek all black look called Metal Montecarlo for $200 which is my next favorite.  

Vestal Metal Montecarlo: $162 (Was: $180)

Shop for more women’s watches here.

Horray for summer and all it brings! Even if while driving I almost crash because the sun is blinding me & you sometimes burn me, I still love you sun.  We all need to protect our beautiful peepers so check out my top 5 fave oversized sunglasses at SmartBargains.com:

Marc Jacobs MJ014 Oversized Glasses:
Bargain Price: $139.99 (Compare at $250)                

Gucci Oversized Wrap Sunglasses: Bargain Price: $149.99 (Compare at $310)  

Boss by Hugo Boss Womens Plastic Sunglasses: Bargain Price: $89.99 (Compare at $140)

Yves Saint Laurent Plastic Sunglasses:
Bargain Price: $139.99 (Compare at $260)

Marc Jacobs MJ080 Oversized Glasses:
Bargain Price: $149.99 (Compare at $310)

Shop here for more women’s sunglasses.