Fashion Blog

Vanity Fair has released their international Best Dressed List for 2009 and I’m sure no one was shocked to see that the country’s premier couple made the cut. Michelle has become a muse for many designers with her laid back sophistication and a rocking fit body that is totally believable and well in the realm of possibility for everyday women. Well, not entirely, to be honest if you also count those shapely arms chiseled to perfection, but you get the idea. She’s by no account a Hollywood siren sporting an unattainably Barbie like body armed with strategic enhancements. In total contrast to that “popular” look, Mrs. Obama represents an imperfect attractiveness. The statuesque first lady works out sensibly, has an instinctive nonchalant sense of style and does her clothes beautiful justice but all in a completely down to earth, accessible way. The rarity of that makes her a style icon in my book. I love too that she has introduced the world to lesser known designer names like Maria Pinto and Jason Wu.

While I like the elegance of her simple sheaths and the polished appeal of her pencil skirts (I sometimes don’t care for her cardigans I must admit, but you can’t please everyone all the time!), it is her jewelry that completely rocks my boat. The girl can certainly write a book on how to wear pearls without giving off that dreaded old lady vibe. I don’t know anyone other than Carrie in “Sex in the City” who gives pearls this much of love! I was so delighted to know BTW that many of her pearls are fakes—I dig grounded beauties!

Sometimes the pearls she wears are more conventional, white, short and oversized, which she craftily pairs with structured, more modern attire. The ones that I would probably go for myself are her quirky, whimsical, longer, multi colored ones that add glamour and razzle dazzle to an otherwise monotonous, simplistic clothing palette like a little black dress or a tailored blouse. A delightful pin that doesn’t take itself too seriously or some fanciful beads thrown in for attitude, but never all at the same time, lend a European edge to her modest outfits, a style she has made her own.

I went on a bid to check out some Michellesque treasures and look at what I came up with (below). I think I even found one of her original pieces! (the vintage inspired flower necklace with the pink dress). In fact I got so carried away that I even ordered myself a string of beads I just didn’t need! Tsk ,Tsk…

St Erasmus Long Pearl Necklace

Allie Braided Bead Necklace

St Erasmus Pink Flower Short Statement Necklace

Twisted Beaded Necklace

Pink Flower Pin

Maddy Emerson Freshwater Pearl and Agate Necklace

Nori’s Layered Lace & Faux Pearl Necklace

When I think of Marni, I like to recall a trip taken to Italy a few years back where I tracked down an enclave of high-end designer “outlets” located on the outskirts of Florence.  I had entered designer heaven, I’m talking Dolce & Gabbana bikinis, Prada bags, Pucci scarves…all under $100 bucks.  I, of course, snatched up a few goodies from the places I just mentioned, but it was at the Marni “outlet” that I found one of my favorite handbags of all time.  Words will not do it justice, but it was a butter soft leather rectangular clutch with oversized silver handles. It was a steal at $148 American dollars!  I still have it in its sweet little canvas dust bag, and on occasion of course I bring it out and let it dangle from my arm.  But what I love the most about it is that it screams Marni…the color and shape are an eclectic combination that just work.  And this is the element that embodies the attitude of the Italian fashion house.

The Spring 2009 Ready-to-Wear Collection is full of these combinations, and layering, layering, layering.  Shades of chartreuse, rust, reds and lavenders are seen throughout the collection with large, sheer dot textiles layered in between, on top, and on bottom.  There’s a lot going on in these runway looks, but it all somehow works without looking kooky.  It was tough choosing which ones I liked best, so below are my top three.

I absolutely love the first look…probably the most. The combination of muted earthtones and bright jeweltones is genius!  Sequins at the bottom?  Perfect.  The nude belt and dot strip in the middle balance everything out.

The second look is a perfect example of something to get an idea from and then re-create in your own variation.  Imagine the one-piece underneath wide leg pants or an a-line cotton skirt.

The last look makes great use of color and texture pairing white, orange and chunky necklaces.

My suggestion for achieving an outfit that is inspired by these looks is to aim for bright color that really pops, layer bright pieces with muted ones…and accessorize with belts, necklaces and maybe even some tights, thigh-highs, or knee-highs.

The Ecote Canvas Lace Booties below have a funky combination of patterns and I think go with the theme of this collection.  Plus they are probably really comfy. $28 UrbanOutfitters.com

Okay, so these are a bit scandalous…but spice things up a bit and wear them with tights!  Silence & Noise sequin shorts $14.99 UrbanOutfitters.com

Couture Couture by Juicy Couture Bead & Coin Necklace $268 Nordstrom.com

Geo Shapes Woven Tunic $15.80 forever21.com

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more women’s shoes and necklaces.
Discounts on women’s woven tunics and women’s tights.

Let’s go all the way back to ancient Rome or Greece, shall we? While I’m partial to the “futuristic” look, coming back to a thousand years of tradition is a breath of fresh air, even if just for a little while. Here’s how to become your very own, modern version of a Grecian princess:

Daywear: Short White Grecian Dress

Nightwear: Floor-length Coral Gown

To Complete the Look:

High-heeled Gladiator Shoes

Beaded Necklace

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more Grecian dresses.
Discounts on long gowns.
Buy high heeled gladiator shoes.
Deals on beaded necklaces.

Check out this jewelry, all handcrafted by Laurie at Ellebelle, just right for a princess in a winter wonderland.

I love the “berries” on these earrings…

Winter Berries Urban Luxe Earrings with White Moonstone, Red Garnet, Red Onyx and Grey Gunmetal

Then, for your wrist…

Ice Urban Luxe Bracelet handmade by Laurie at Ellebelle.

And more for your ears…

Ice Urban Luxe Earrings with White Coin Pearls and Grey Gunmetal also handmade by Laurie at Ellebelle.

Still not warm enough? Warm yourself up some more with this necklace…

Soleil Golden Citrine Green Amethyst Grey Topaz Sterling Silver Chain Bib Abacus Necklace

Laurie has many more handmade baubles and beauties for you to choose from, all available from her Etsy shop. Check it out!

The new Bond movie, Quantum of Solace, is not THAT bad! I highly recommend seeing it, if for no other reason than the exotic Olga Kurylenko, the newest Bond love interest. While she’s no Halle Berry, Olga plays a mean, troubled with a soft side lover, and sports some powerful looking shoulders. While the true Bond girl fashion of the pseudo-manly tank top and cargo pants is still featured in this film, Olga’s introductory look is quite a statement. It deserves an award, but unfortunately I couldn’t find a full on picture online. So here’s a description: orange tank top, short brown bulb skirt, heavy gold jewelry and silver roman sandals. While the weather may not be attune to this look for New Englanders like myself, maybe some of our other readers will be able to profit this look:

Orange Tank-Top from Old Navy

Skirt: Target

                                                                          
Necklace: Target

Sandals: Ami Club Wear

                                                                   

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                                       Discounts on necklaces.

Italian designed Malo is the opposite of bad this year. In fact, the collection was very, very good. Dark pewter and gunmetal jewels were infused in the collection’s cream, white and gray color palette. To the left are my two favorite looks.

I noticed inspiration taken from long, v-neck, button down sweaters…or as I like to call ‘grandpa’ sweaters, I found a couple at Uniqlo in NYC last fall and absolutely love them still. Just checked out a Barneys Co Op for the first time so I’m kind of hooked, the cotton tunic below is made from recycled cotton! So in the spirit of the grandpa sweater, Fall here we come!

Leroy & Perry by Lutz & Patmos for Barneys Green $109

Theory Ange Cardigan in Chartruese $345

Loomstate Shadow Stripe Cardigan $161

Vince Boyfriend Cardigan $325, all barneys.com

Nine West LoveNYC bootie $99 ninewest.com

Smokey Charm Necklace $49 bananarepublic.com

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more long cardigans.
                                        Shop for more Nine West ankle boots.
                                        Shop through all necklaces.

I love accessories just as much as the next girl, but in the last few years I’ve found that less is indeed more when it comes to gems and jewels. Although I have this sentiment when putting together an ensemble, I do know that accessories—whether you have them or not—can make or break an outfit. Signature, classic pieces are important—think of them as investments that you’ll wear over and over. But don’t get me wrong, inexpensive accessories are thrilling to find and even better when the price tag reads: $3.60

The cheap stuff is usually fashion jewelry…stuff you’d wear a few times before it starts turning your skin green, but the other jewels are worth paying a little more for, including timeless pieces, like the ones below that are sure to look fabulous with a work or date outfit. I’m personally an earrings OR necklace girl—you’ll rarely see me in both, and if I had to choose, I’d opt for a great ring and earrings and leave my neckline sexy and bare.

 Marc by Marc Jacobs Bow Ring $48

Mars & Valentine Bold Vintage Glass Rose Ring $395

Kendra Scott Teardrop Earrings $108

Juicy Couture Stone Drop Earrings $62

Juicy Couture ‘After Party’ Crescent Pendant $128

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I’m a huge fan of “The Look for Less” articles that take outrageous runway fashions (and prices) and make them reachable for the common shopper or mall crawler. I always wished, though, that writers would do it with something other than just the runway, like movie stills or posters, television shows, actors and actresses on their days off, etc. There’s so many more looks to aspire to than the levels of excess at the runway! What better place to start than the mother of all stiletto and sequins addictions, Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City?

Carrie’s fashion, throughout the television series, at times offended me by the excess of sequins, tweed, knits, bows and ribbons (it was a bit too runway for me) but the poster to the Sex and the City: The Movie was positively tantalizing. Sharp, sultry, sassy…there’s no better look to go for.

Standout blue dress, never to be outdone by it’s competitors. Perfect for a night at a trendy restaurant: Betsey Johnson, $325.00 (Also, comes in black here)

A faceted oval gem necklace will add a little glitz to your look, but not take away from the dress: Express, $19.50

Grab a pair of fishnet stockings to add a hard edge to your girlie chic dress: Galapagos Boutique, $14.00

Don’t forget your favorite blue eyeshadow, and you’re good to go!  Carrie would be proud to see you strut your stuff.                            

Sex in the City: The Movie Image Source: FirstShowing.net

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CD’s recent resort collection was a sight for sore eyes this year. John Galliano whipped up a bright, happy palette, sending his gals down the runway in corals, sunny yellows, pinks, and lime greens.

I’m a sucker for everything retro and this collection is what I like to think of as a Palm Springs dream in the swingin’ 60’s.

I found tons of cute stuff on Topshop.com that reminded me of the gloriously bold Dior looks, but everything is in pounds, so it’s a little pricier…definitely a well-kept secret though.

Floral One Shoulder Playsuit: approximately $120, topshop.com

    Castaner Peeptoe Slingback Espadrilles: $79.90, saksfifthavenue.com

Multi-Colored Geometric Necklace: $23.99,

Nars nail polish in Schlap: $18, narscosmetics.com

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more women’s espadrilles.
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Check out these handmade earrings from ShopTwinkle.com.  They are super cute & reasonably priced.  Here are some of my faves: 

             Cafe Con Leche Earrings: $18.00                           Espresso Earrings: $18.00

I love the earthy colors & the tear drop style of these earrings.  I also now have a craving for Cafe Con Leche Cheesecake!

              Flora Chandelier Earrings: $24.00                        Peacock Earrings: $25.00

I love chandelier earrings & these will bring color to a “boring” outfit.  These peacock earrings are pretty unique.  I’m sure you will get many compliments wearing these.

Some of the jewelry on ShopTwinkle.com is customizable. 

Take these Lily Earrings: $21.00

If you don’t like this color, but love the style you can pick from a variety of other colors like Amethyst, Blue Zircon or Sapphire.

Twinkle also carries equally stylish handmade necklaces & bracelets.  Check out their entire collection of jewelry here.

Find more earrings on Smarter.com here.