Fashion Blog

Not that I am super into leopard print or anything like that, but I do always like to check out what kind of designs are getting made out of the stuff to see whether I approve or not. Most of the time, I don’t. Leopard print is just one of those tough things that gets played out, or over done really quickly. And sometimes, I’ll even look at some cheap top made out of leopard and just sigh a sigh of, “oh no…if only this would’ve been done in another pattern…” But now I’m just starting to sound like a snob. I had some leopard pieces–several actually–because during my time at Betsey Johnson, it’s all I would ever seem to see gracing the racks. I’ve sold it all since and don’t really have any regrets about it, only because I have so many other clothes to replace it with and it was something that I had really loved at the time, but eventually outgrew. I know we all have those pieces–time to part with them you guys! Say farewell and re-sell or pass on down. Here’s a compromise, by getting rid of items like that (animal print pieces included!) you are only making room for newer, better things, or you can go out and find a more modern version of an animal print piece, and trust me, there’s a lot to choose from. One of them includes this new MICHAEL Michael Kors ‘Ocelot’ Pencil Skirt: $99.50

A leopard print pencil skirt combines a bit of retro with rockabilly, yet seems refined and modern because it’s a simple cut that can be made office appropriate very easily. If you want to get “Cry-Baby” and wear this skirt with red lipstick, pumps and a pompadour–go for it.

But I would suggest pairing it with black or gold toned ballet flats and a simple crew neck tee in a solid color, a cardigan would be cute, but a cropped blazer would be better. I would wear this skirt with open toe brown strappy sandals until the weather changes, a cropped blazer, and some long gold earrings. Maybe hair back in a bun and nude lips. The trick with animal print is not to go overboard, but to compliment it with neutral shades that keep you looking chic, not oversexed and flashy. Also, pay close attention to the fabrics being used with animal print, try to go with something durable that won’t fade if you put it into the dryer.

Image Source: thevine.com, tinypic.com

I am very happy to see that one of my favorite trends is back. I am talking about big, face obscuring, horn rimmed, old-school glasses. A friend of mine from college used to call them “pretty people ugly” glasses; meaning of course, that pretty people wore them to get others to take them more seriously. Think Clark Kent, think Scarlett Jo on the awards show podium, think Grace Kelley reading scripts.

The beauty of these little darlings, in addition to allowing those of us who need it to see a bit more clearly, is that they really do give that pretty/ugly effect. Anyone brave enough to wear the self-consciously geeky frames shows the world they secretly know they are cute enough to pull them off.

I first noticed the trend last fall on the Michael Kors runway (pictured). Two parts chic, one part geek: what could be better? I know that talking about a trend from about 6 months ago is like digging up a relic from the Paleolithic period in fashion time, but the trend is still alive. Flipping through newest J. Crew catalog this month, I saw the same look. Geek is the new black!

Find at Smarter.com: Shop for more Michael Kors eyeglasses.

MICHAEL Michael Kors Astor Plastic Large Tote: $165.90 (Was: $278.00)

Since a couple of our lovely guest bloggers featured swimsuits this week, I thought I’d show you beauties a great tote you can sport at the beach or pool.  This tote comes in a variety of colors.  I personally love the gold color as it is the most versatile.  Smart Bargains has black, white, orange & lime for $129.99.

Shop for more totes. 

It’s been a while since I did a top 5, but by popular demand I’ve got one for you today. The subject: handbags. It’s the end of the season, and stores are dying to get rid of last season’s must-haves. Why not help them out? You can find some of the chicest bags around in the sale section of almost every store right now.

Here are my faves:

La Gioe di Toscana “Sophia” Satchel, $299 (old price=$500)

I find this bag absolutely delicious! Imagine what you can do with it–it has brown and black in it! It’s also very structured with eye-popping details.

Nordstrom Animal Print Portfolio Clutch, $46.90 (old price= $158)

Generally speaking, animal prints are best in small doses. And isn’t this zebra print clutch the cutest small dose? An evening bag like this is a great way to add personality to a little black dress, and a just-wild-enough way to punch up an ensemble with color.

JCrew Panama Bag in Suede, $49 (old price= $98)

The color combination is what makes this classic bag so eye-catching and sumptuous. This is the perfect way to liven up a monochromatic outfit or perk up a dark ensemble. It also looks like it would work for day or night.

Michael by Michael Kors Chestertown Satchel, $149 (old price= $298)

Simple and chic. This is a great bag that’ll always be in season. The details are fantastic, and it falls into that special not-to-big-not-too-small category. I have a black patent leather bag, and it’s definitely earned it’s keep.

Urban Outfitters Leather Patchwork Slouch Bag, $54.99 (old price=$78)

Patchwork! It’s time to bring this style back. I think if I had this, it would become my permanent day bag–it’s so cool, calm and collected.

It’s party season, and dressing for all of your invitations can be stressful and expensive. That’s why I’ve gathered up some great party shoes for under $150.

Nine West Revengez, $82.95

Sam Edleman Holly Embossed Snake Ballet Shoe, $70

Franco Sarto Canton patent leather pump, $89.95

MICHAEL Michael Kors Oliva Peep Toe, $132.95

BCBGirls Norris slingback pump, $97.95

I did the unthinkable this Thanksgiving weekend: I missed Project Runway. I was busy traveling across the country and indulging in family fun, what do you want from me? I will of course catch it when they rerun it a million times this week–it’s all TiVo-ed up and ready to go.

I did find out that Sarah Jessica Parker was the guest judge instead of Jon Bon Jovi like everyone thought.  That’s what I call a trade up.  The winning look belonged to Victorya Hong, whose full and vested dress landed a place in SJP’s Bitten line.

The dress is available in a couple of colors at the Steve & Barry’s flagship Manhattan store and will hang around on the discount retailer’s racks for several weeks.

On the flipside, the very confident Marion from Texas was out as a result of what Michael Kors dubbed the “Pocahontas outfit.”

I know these shoes, I love these shoes, I own these shoes. And now they’re on sale. These ‘Belinda’ sandals from the Michael Kors’ MICHAEL line are so amazingly cute and comfy, that I’m not even sad that I bought them at full price. I can’t even imagine what my summer wardrobe would have been without them.

I walked in those things for hours when I was in Mexico City, and I swear on my luggage that they did not hurt a bit. The thick ankle straps keep your foot in place, so there’s no embarrassing mishaps that platform are wont to cause. They’re very Dr. Scholls only sexier, and if you get them you’ll wish you had a dollar for every compliment you get. They look especially good with shorts.

Old Price= $122.95, New Price= $110.66 at Zappos, and you get free overnight shipping to boot.