Fashion Blog

It’s Valentine’s Day this weekend, people. Find some sexy way to enjoy it: chocolates and flowers are traditional, but sweet. Think exotic locations, foods, or impersonations. Maybe a hot night on the town with your favorite man or lady? There’s nothing like that sexy dress to wear on Valentine’s Day to make you feel like the fates are on your side. But what about the disguise? After all, the perfect look is all about being a little demure, a little mysterious, always leaving them begging for more…

The Culprits:

Vivienne Vegan Jacket: $25 Etsy.com

80’s Raincoat: $26 Etsy.com

50’s Wool Coat: $69, Etsy.com

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more wool coats.
Discounts on raincoats and jackets.

Swishing is the new shopping, namely because you can pick up amazing bargains to update your wardrobe absolutely free!

It’s a shopping revolution and a great way to swish through the economic downturn.

Swishing simply involves swapping clothing/jewellery/accessories at swishing parties organized with your friends. Now ladies, we all know have those items in our wardrobe that we haven’t worn in ages - but someone else will! Organize your own swishing party and display everything on hangers/ladders/shelves, etc. When selecting an item to swish, make sure it’s of an acceptable quality. The host of the party opens the event with a countdown and then swish away. At a recent swish party an original Jean Paul Gaultier Jacket was picked up as well as some other fashion treasures. Check out this swishing site for more info:  http://www.swishing.org/

Whilst your waiting to organize or attend your first swishing party, visit Fashionspace.com. 

It’s a fantastic fashion website where you can purchase new and used bargains,vintage and accessories. Most importantly it also has it’s own ’swapshop’, the same principle as swishing but online!

I love this amazing silver metallic coat from The Vintage Wardrobe. It’s only $15.70!!! And it’s only still there because it’s not my size!! Hurry up!

This is a beautiful gold plated waist belt from Crimson Fashion on Fashionspace.com, only $7.84,brand new.

I had to include this stunning 1950’s little black dress finished in lace and satin,$47.00. Find it at the aptly titled shop

Little Black Vintage Dress on Fashionspace!

Mixing old and new is usually a winner when it comes to wearing vintage. Jeans are always a good core fashion item to work around. Take a look at these ‘Havana 2′, 7 For All Mankind jeans from Designs By Stephene on Smarter.com.

Happy Swishing!

Find on Smarter.com:  Shop for more Seven jeans.
                                         Discounts on vintage dresses.
                                         Buy waist belts.

When I was a little girl, my mother used to wrap me in layers, and layers, and layers of warm clothes in the winter. I would walk around all day with my arms stuck out either side of my body at right angles. Even after I’d taken off the clothes, they would stay like that for ages. One year I even thought about getting a part time job as a scarecrow on a farm, but winter wasn’t the best time for a stint like that.

Hence from my scarecrow days, I vowed that I would always look hot in the winter. I would be nice and warm, but stylish.

This winter coat from Spiga will give you a classy profile without letting in the winter chills - Via Spiga Cashmere Blend Womens Coat, $129.99

I also love this winter jacket from North Face, it’s so chic! North Face Women’s Atlantic Jacket, $278.95

Look cute and cosy in this Betmar Waffle Cap. Betmar Women’s Waffle Cap - $78.45

Finish off your winter out fit with one of these amazing Jumper Bags by Karen Meyers. Karen Meyers, a finalist in the Independant Handbag Designer Awards, takes oridinary jumpers and transforms them into extraodinary handbags. Find her wonderful creations at www.karenmeyers.etsy.com

Large Ivory Cable Bag, $98.00

Stripey Daisy Purse, $35.00

None the less, thanks Mom for keeping me warm in the winter.

Find at Smarter.com: Shop for more women’s hats.
                                       Buy North Face jackets.
                                       Discounts on Via Spiga coats.

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.

The cape.  It’s a controversial piece of clothing, and many are scared to even consider it, but look how cute this one is from Nordstrom. It’s not frightening at all. The dark colors keep it subtle, and the shape–with the cinched waist–is so flattering.  It looks very professional and put-together with the pencil skirt here, but could also prove its point with some jeans on the weekend.

It’s very Tippy Hedren in The Birds, and how can that be a bad thing?

Nordstrom Wool Cape, $129 (was $189)

Adding a double breasted coat to your wardrobe is a savvy fashion move since the style brings a touch of polish to most ensembles. I’m especially fond of the shorter varieties with feminine detailing (like the Juicy Couture 3/4 Puffed Sleeve Jacket, $158 above), which take jeans and skirts to a whole new, more put together, level. Also cute is the pairing of a double breasted jacket with tweed or wool shorts or mini skirt with tights and flats. Layer with tees and up the chic factor.

Armani Exchange Crop Double Breasted Jacket, $89.99 (was $120)

Bloomingdales Peacoat Sweater, $64.99

Soia & Kyo Candy Plaid Coat, $315

Urban Outfitters Alpha Cropped Peacoat, $150

Double Breasted Jackets Tip: Always choose your best fit. If there is any pulling across the chest, go up a size because if its too tight, the look is no good.