The NYTimes Make Me Laugh Harder Than Any Man Could

The NYTimes had a snarky little article about how we (the people addicted to fashion that aren't celebs/royals/trust fund babies) are getting priced out of today's fashion. The result: restricted shopping to a few purchases from the labels and styles we crave.

Here are some helpful tips... read them carefully, it's bound to put a smile on your face.Do you have any other tricks you use?

++
SB

Beat of my Heart

The past week was uber busy, sorry for the lax posting! I lost my voice, had lots of classwork, AND I had to dance on a couple of tables(shout out to AA).

Yes I know, its tough being SB.

Anyways, I have 2 great looks left over from ny/london fashion week before I start going on and on about the beauty and splendor of the true fashion week: MILANO baby.

Vena Cava has one of the best names in fashion! I am a science nerd (don't judge, even Balenciaga is all about space/future and Marc has always been about geekchic) and Vena Cava (technically a vein to the heart) makes me chuckle.

I'm not particularly impressed by the black shift, eh I could pick something like that from Nordstrom BP.

What I love is the lush zigzag patterned scarf engulfing the model. It verges on decadence with the excess material spilling over her torso but it is still manageable. This look is more stylish than the pashmina we all rock by default.

This look is definitely wearable unlike the look from Giles Deacon's show below.
This looks like some borderline senile woman was over enthusiastic with her knitting and color choice. Unless you live in Siberia, this look is NOT acceptable. I am not even in the mood to get started on the feathered shoes accompanying this get-up.



++
SB

"Sex is Overexposed" - Cornejo

Sex bores me.
It's fun to wear the micromini and itty bitty tops but a little decolletage or a hint of ankle is far more intriguing for the people checking you out. Discretion in terms of your clothes is more interesting than pulling out the cheap trick of flesh.

Zero Maria Cornejo's collection was anti sex. It doesn't mean there wasn't any sex appeal in her clothes, it just wasn't as blatant as some other collections that substituted pants for tights.
The red sweater's first layer hugs the body so the ogler can admire the waist and graceful vneck. The second layer balloons outward and creates the illusion that the model is wearing something more formal than a sweater.
I can imagine throwing this sweater over skinny jeans and flats on a quick run to the city for dinner.


British designers Michael Herz and Graeme Fidler are the brains behind Aquascutum. Their fall 07 collection followed a similar vein as Cornejo's.
I love the narrow tailored capris with the voluminous cape. The brooch adds enough feminine detail to the ensemble to dispel yet another androgynous look.




++
SB

Celeb Stylin

I am so in love with the turban Prada headbands and the Wayfarer Ray Ban sunglasses.
Ashley Olsen sports both these looks pursing her lips in the appropriate celeb style.

Nicole Richie is also wearing the platform wedges I am dying for! She is super chic in a peter pan collar tweed jacket and black mini dress. And of course, the Balenciaga motorcycle bag (isn't that a bit tired dear?)
++
SB

A Return to Prep School

As a prep school grad I have to pay homage to Ralph Lauren, the epitome of all that is preppy glamorous. His fall 2007 collection was delightful.
He played with volume which has been huge on the runways, but he used traditional fabric like tweed, keeping the preppy WASP feel strong in his clothes.

I love how this coat poufs slightly after the tight fit on the torso. It looks like a modern version of the ballgown so any woman in black jeans and an RL cashmere turtleneck can throw it on and instantly feel like a debutante. This coat is more than just a layer between you and the elements.
First off, Cecilia Mendez was one of my favorite models to admire on style.com. Her mod haircut and pixie face made her stand out in a sea of faceless clothes hangers.
RL brought bling back! But those spurts of gold, like this skirt, were paired with refined tops. The cardigan Cecilia wears frames her face with a ruffled neck that reminds me of an age when men wore tights. I LOVE it.
The showstopper of the RL show was this stunning gown. The cowl neck offsets the shoulders of the model and I love the the angular shape the top half of her body forms.

The delicate ruffles on lining the back of the dress made this piece a necessity for the red carpet. The zigzag shape snakes down her back so seductively. A peek of skin here and there make the dress less of a cheap thrill. I am willing to bet the audience of the RL show stared at her winding up and down the runway.



++
SB

New Blood

I am a huge fan of up and coming designer Doo-Ri Chung who won the coveted CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund. The Doo.Ri fall 2007 collection had some interesting details added to otherwise normal jersey dresses like extra gathered material, creating a cocoon like bunching of the bottom of the dress.

I love the simple elegance of this Doo.Ri blouse from Neimans. The material drapes beautifully and the bottom straps are the extra touch of intrigue to the shirt. I loved the new options that Doo.Ri presented in terms of bunching and gathering jersey and gauze. There's no need for trinkets if the clothes are carved with care and finesse.

However, she had a few looks in her show that showed off the tried and tired "bubble skirt" style already popularized for the masses. Nothing is wrong with the masses, I happen to own a bubble skirt and rock it, however she is supposed to be fashions next new voice! Some of her looks were the bubble skirt for 2007, more material here a little less there and a new style was born! however, some were just boring. She's supposed to be the proenzaschouler, the zac posen, the new driving force and she's using the bubble skirt that every 8th grader in suburbia owns c/o forever 21!!

So Doo.Ri. I adore you and if I could afford your clothes I would wear them...often. But I was underwhelmed with your efforts this fashion week.
Please don't let me down!

++
SB

Simply Gorgeous

Yet again, one of my fashionista friends have impressed me with their look, meriting a post on her good taste.

SG shows off her svelte shape in a jumper and ruffled shirt which is flattering yet appropriate for these frightfully cold days.
1. The white front ruffled shirt: anyone can layer under a jumper, but with this ruffled piece SG adds a little bit of the naughty secretary to an otherwise staple look for winter06/07.
2. The brown jumper: super flattering, observe the teeny-tiny waist that stands out c/o the fit.
3. The skirt under the jumper: It adds length, warmth, and an interesting pattern peeking out from her ladylike jumper. The hint of flower from the skirt gives us, SG's audience, yet another layer to explore in this thoughtful and collected ensemble.
4. Flat suede boots: Her boots make this outfit appropriate for many occasions, she can go from class to work to post work mocktails and mingling with the girls.
The pièce de résistance is the attitude of the young lady. In order to wear an outfit with so many things going on it requires an'I dont give a damn' air.
SG is the queen of this "yeah I'm wearing navy blue and black, i saw it in Vogue, take it up with wintour, not me, you peon" demeanor which translates to her picture.
So, my dears, don't think that you can throw pieces on haphazardly without confidence. You must think you are worthy of wearing a distinctly different look and then those watching you will agree.
It all starts at home baby.

++
SB

ps. upcoming posts include: fashion week updates, i've been lax but no worries, i've been keeping up religiously on style.com
and a special mens section by my partner in crime AJ.
keep commenting and keep reading!

What Aphrodite Would Wear

This is my favorite look from the Derek Lam show.

The one arm style is popping up EVERYWHERE but the dark grey strap hanging off the arm is just so sexy. It makes an otherwise safe cocktail number look slightly badass.
"Yeah i have this piece of material on my arm, what of it, betch?" thinks the emaciated model.

The volume on the bottom is controlled enough that you are not overtaken by the dress. I love outlandish dresses as well, but this is really wearable The belt also strengthens the silhouette of the dress.
She's dressed to kill! Any woman at a party with her would cower in fear in their boring lbd and drink yet another cocktail, hoping to become as stunning.


expect more posts within the next few hours

++
SB

Time goes by...so slowly

SO if you're like me and you're late to class on a regular basis (salut to anyone in 9am intro to *****, you know you saw me 15 minutes late in my maroon beret) you're in desperate need of a timepiece to keep you on point.

Here are some non-traditional choices.
I'm not talking Timex but I'm still not talking Cartier, these babies range from cheap to close your eyes and type in your credit card number.
At least you wont look like an uninteresting 20 yr old still rockin that antiquated Fossil watch.

My favorite is this metallic Moschino watch from Bloomies. I love the bow detail which makes the masculine material look delicate. I especially like being able to see the links in the metal, like a modern day chain of armor. The gold watch is $210 while the silver is $175. I'd go for the silver personally, the gold could seem too costume jewlery'esque.
For a fun take on the leather watch, Tokyo bay is your source. This watch has so many quirks. The twisted orange and white leather is another option for those bored with the black double strap leather watch. The font of the 12 and 6 seem trippy and (along with the oval shape) remind me of Dali. I also adore the hour and minute hands.
You can tell a lot of time and thought was put into this timepiece and is well worth its price of $75 .
Those who want a bracelet watch should turn to this Marc by Marc Jacobs creation. from eluxury.com. For $175 you get a chain link bracelet AND a watch. (i'm trying to convince you that its a deal, but lets be honest, wait til your birthday or any other occasion to justify this watch).
Swatch has tons of adorable watches starting at the reasonable price of $50. One great watch is this mod dot watch. If you look closely (or on the website with their zoom) you can see that the dots even pass past the wristband. This watch can liven up any outfit!
And so, use your watch as more than a timepiece.
Any fashionista worth her Vogue subscription knows not to take herself (or her accessories) too seriously. Have fun! Enjoy being young and beautiful.

and take it easy,
SB

Willfully delicious

Matthew Williamson, British designer darling, has a very pretty fall 2007 collection.

Layering is one of his key styles: a shiny turtleneck under a floating frock. I love the chunky bracelets at the end of the tight turtleneck. yay for tights as well! I'm so glad they're such a huge presence on the runway.

My favorite look is this jewel toned blue dress. For reader SM, the mussy but collected look of this dress invokes memories of tousling in the sheets then hastily adjusting your top . The slightly off kilter strap is the result of this experience. The gem encrusted top looks like delicious candy bits. And eat it up I did, staring at this.

will YOU be my valentine?

The most beautiful look from the Valentino spring 2007 couture collection.
Enjoy.the grecian lace up heels, polka dot detail (youthful without minnie-mouse cutesy quality) and lovely neckline unhindered by bling or unnecessary baubles, a woman's chest is the most beautiful accessory.
The details on the skirt and jacket are what really get to my heart. and that belt... stunning.

xoxo
SB

A Trip East

I've been obsessed with this accessory for well over a year.
Memoirs of a Geisha (excellent book, subpar movie with amazing scenes and set...I still don't understand why the actresses were all Chinese though...but i digress),

Anyways, Memoirs of a Geisha inspired this look for people who want to emulate the kimono's elegant style without wearing a kimono.

This style that has been around for centuries: the obi belt.

For an authentic look check out cherryblossomgardens.com where they sell wide sashes for $28 that are meant for the kimono but can be worn over a loose blouse or trapeze dress. This style can be done simply with taking a wide fabric and looping it around in the styles seen online
A nice option for spring is the obi belt with a cut out circular pattern. This style is delicate with a smaller bow than the other styles below. I'd wear this belt on a first lunch date, it sends the signal that you're sweet but still a little bit tough since the high waist belt look has a bit of an edge to it anyways. This Echo belt comes in brown, white and black from Nordstrom for $58.
The trendiest obi belt is from Arden B. It's silver leather which explains the $78 price tag.
Lolli by reincarnation has the most fun with their obi belts with over a hundred color choices like "warm red" and "british tan". For all these options this belt is the priciest thus far at $120. but trust me, all these colors and the option to get this belt in either lambskin or suede is worth the investment.
So wear this daring style and I assure you heads will turn.
Sayonara,
SB

My fave BonBon

Hello dears! I hope that i wasn't missed the past two days. Unfortunately school gets in the way of my blogging.
Anyways,
I wanted to feature a reader whose fashion I find to be uber chic. She just returned from a study abroad program in Paris (yes the home to all that is delectable). ah. Now that she's stateside she has been blessing us with days filled with knee-high leather boots, paul&joe parfum, and accessories "she picked up in montpellier".

LOVE it. (and her)
Observe:
1. double wrap white leather watch. it adds the bit of light color for necessary contrast
2. plaid (not the played out school-girl plaid) dress with black ribbon belt (excellent chanel-esque detail, check out style.com for verification, but just trust me...i know these things)
3. layering with a black shirt, making a summery dress appropriate for wintry days.
3. skinny jeans that ARENT black. don't get me wrong, i adore the black skinny jean but with an outfit that is based in black, the skinny jean in black would be a tad to angsty for my dear reader. good call baby:)
4. the final detail is the black mary jane flats. very unique choice not the standard black ballerina flat.












So readers, if you take note of this lovely young lady i assure you that you will 1. get better grades 2. become skinner 3. get hit on more often.

seriously.

;-)

keep hope alive,
sb