Fashion Blog

Missoni definitely knows how to do a Resort collection right.  The 2009 collection was full of great looks that make me want to go to an expensive champagne brunch in South Beach, Florida…or the Hamptons perhaps?  Well tailored, rich looking box coats, floral shift dresses, and crisp trousers in several different bold colors were the staple items in the collection. Here are a few of my favorite looks…

These girls look great!  The looks are chic, and well put together.  The bright color palette of pinks, teals and blues pop.  The colors are completely refreshing for a new season.  I love the idea of the teal trousers.  Missoni also did the trousers in khaki and a dark burgundy color complimented with one-shouldered tunics.  There was really only one look that had the signature zig zag print, something that’s been the Missoni trademark for years and always graced the designs on the runway.  But, just because the zig zags were missing definitely doesn’t mean the collection lacked anything.  If I were traveling to the South of France for the summer, I would pack all of it away in my expensive trunk and set sail.
Until then, I’ll hunt around for some like-minded looks and be sure not to wrinkle them as I pack it all away in my inexpensive red duffle bag.

These Joie Linen Pants ($198) aren’t quite as tailored as the Missoni trousers, but I chose them because nothing screams resort wear more than a pair of white linen pants.  These will always look great with a tank, or bold colored blouse.

The Brightened Deep Blouse ($148) has a nice contrast of striking pink floral against a black backdrop, a lovely top to pair with the pants.

Diane Von Furstenburg always does great resort wear too.  The bright orange ethnic print on this Jersey Band Dress reminds me a little of the florals from the Missoni looks, but yet is a completely different cut.  I prefer tunics when they are flowy and free looking like this one.

Diane Von Furstenburg Jersey Band Dress: $425

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for Missoni clothing.
Discounts on  jersey dresses and white linen pants.

Image Source:  Style.com

I just got back from a wonderfully relaxing trip to Montreal for Valentine’s Day. It was cold, just as Weather.com and every single person promised me, but my boyfriend and I enjoyed it to no end nevertheless. We even got in a full day of sightseeing, had a dinner and managed to have enough energy still to spend the night ice skating on a frozen pier on the waterfront! Before we took this little trip, all I could think about was how many layers and jackets I wish I had (besides the ones I already own). While jackets were absolutely necessary, the brute strength and resilience of the jacket was nothing without the necessary scarf to cinch up the top of my fleece, and the belt to pull up my pants and make sure no skin was exposed to the negative degree air. So I say, while thinking broad is a good way to start the travel fashion packing, don’t forget about the little details that are going to make your trip so much more pleasurable, and fashionable.

Item 1: Taking that cruise you always dreamed of? Want to avoid the hawaiian print T-shirt and cotton sundress syndrome? Pack yourself some classy bracelets or this nautical belt by Missoni.

Item 2: Hats are a necessity on any vacation. You’re going to be walking a lot, and you need something to keep the sun off your face and out of your eyes. But of course, you don’t want to be the dumbo in the visor: so keep it cool with the Emilio Pucci floppy sun hat.

Item 3: You need a pair of heels that make you look and feel dressy, but are still manageable in potentially long and uneven walking surfaces. My recommendation: Christian Louboutin’s gorgeous wedge heels.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more nautical belts.
Discounts on women’s wedge heels and sun hats.

Designer labels. Hmm. I have always had my reservations about the price of designer clothes. The designer label debate has been on going for years and always probably will. I myself own a few designer pieces. All of which I love. All of which whenever I wear them receive a lot of compliments. One of the favorite designer items I own is a pair of white flared denim jeans by Alexander McQueen. I bought them a few years ago from Selfridges on Oxford Street in London. They were a sale item reduced from over $350 t0 around $65. I love them. They still look brand new. However, I would not have paid $350 for them.

I love watching the stars on the red carpet in their dazzling gowns designed by Lagerfield, Chanel, Armani etc.  Yet it all seems to be part of the Hollywood fantasy, fantastic dresses and fantastic prices.

I also love watching  those individuals who smother themselves from head to foot in a whirlwind of various designer labels. A Gucci top with a Moschino belt, Versace jeans, Chanel pumps, Missoni Shades. As long as it has a label. Then off they go down the street, suffering from a chronic case of self delusion - believing that they actually look good. Some of them even feel superior to us, because we are label-less. Never mind that your Versace Jeans have ‘made in Taiwan’ on the label or your Chanel pumps actually say Channel.

I love them, they offer me free entertainment, you actually saved me money on some circus tickets.

Then there are my own handbag designs, which I sold in a few small boutiques in London. I was messing around at home with fabric, feathers,buttons, and whatever. People liked them, then I was asked to sell them. I had to price my creations. I didn’t have a clue. I was advised to consider the amount of time I had spent on making them, the cost of the materials. Then I had to consider the the percentage the boutique would take and figure that into the price. All of a sudden my ‘messing around at home bag’ was now a valued item. I sold to them to my friends for next to nothing and told them that they would be collectors items one day.

For all of you who would like to try your hand at designing, take a visit to Style Shake.

Style Shake allows you to design your own dresses, tops and skirts. Once you have put your design together online, you can then have it made up for you. It’s quite fun too. I designed the following shirt dress, finished in black cotton and lycra:

$45.90

Now you have created your first piece, how about designing something for a good cause. Fashion Favours allows you to do just that. Fashion Favours is a funky website that asks you to take an old garment and redesign it. You then send it in to them where it will be auctioned for charity.  You can also bid in anything available on the site.

This black see through dress has been redesigned from an old garment.

If you do have a penchant for designer clothing, but not the bank account,  take a look at Designer Sale UK.

You can find clothing from all the major designers at shocking discounts.

This Bronze Mesh Mini Dress from Biba was  $335.07 reduced to $38.25. You have to be quick on making your purchases as they sell fast. You can open an account with them and receive updates on new sales.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more mini dresses.

If you’re anything like me, you love Missoni and long for the day when one of the fashion house’s quintessential knits will grace your figure. You know, in the year never, ever gonna happen. Well, if that’s you, then you might be into some of the pieces from Laundry by Shelli Segal. They’re no Missoni, but they still have that great effortlessly sophisticated “sweater style” that the Italian label has made famous.

I’m partial to this pull-over dress.  I like the splashes of color,  the squiggly lines, and the scoop neck. The belt doesn’t hurt either. There are other Missoni-esque items in the collection.  I suggest you check them out.

Laundry by Shelli Segal Sweater Dress, $245