SavvyChic

Mad for Mad Men Fashion

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 14:55:33 GMT

I have found a new obsession: Mad Men. I know I'm late hopping on this train but I just started watching the first season and it was love at first sight... with the show's wardrobe!

The late 50's might have not been the best of times for a working woman or anyone who wanted to assert their female independence but they looked fabulous!

The structured dresses and skirts, the statement necklaces to make up for not showing any cleavage and the sexy pencil skirts... We still carry on a lot of the trends of the time of the show but it's still not the same.

Watching an episode will instantly make you feel frumpy for wearing jeans and a cardigan on a Saturday at home and while there are still plenty of wonderful clothes today, the show's wardrobe, which is mostly vintage finds, makes it clear how much more durable and high quality the clothes were back then.

Since there's no way we can go back to those more innocent and chic times, we can still try to bring a little bit of it onto our 21st century wardrobe.

From left: Black Navette Rhinestone Necklace ($26.00 yesterdayjewels.com); Melina Slub Texture Skirt ($19.80 Forever 21); Vintage Faux Pearl Earrings ($4.80 Forever 21); Isaac Mizrahi for Target� Party Dress - Ebony ($22.49 Target)

Something to think about...

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 04:08:18 GMT

The New Working Class

The fashion industry has been eternally glamorized. The couture, the styling, the trend setting and being surrounded by clothes all day sounds like a dream job to anyone who�s part of it. But before aspiring fashionistas can work their stilettos into the tents of Bryant Park, there�s a lot of work to be done. Working over time when photo shoots take longer than expected, working the coffee machine at the office and, of course, working for free in the form of an internship.

That is if you�re not a celebrity. After all, celebrities don�t wait in line, they don�t do their own groceries or drive themselves to their destinations but they certainly do get what they want. As of late, it seems that what they want most is not a table at the Ivy but a job in the fashion industry. Hockey star Sean Avery was the first celebrity to enter the fashion world by getting an internship with none other than Vogue Magazine.

�I wrote to the editor in chief of Vogue, Anna Wintour, and expressed my desire to intern for the magazine once my team won the Stanley Cup,� he explained in a four page essay published on the Men�s Vogue website. �After just a couple of days I got the answer I was looking for.�

One of the benefits of being a celebrity is not having to travel through the usual channels. While hundreds of students and recent grads have to rely on a resume and cover letter directed to the human resources department, Avery can simply ask La Wintour for a job.

But his start wasn�t the only thing that set Avery apart from Vogue�s other interns. While fashion design students held on to their degrees and qualifications while running around Manhattan running errands for their supervisors, steaming clothes and packing for photo shoots, Avery was styling them, sitting on meetings with the managing editor and getting his own company e-mail address and desk.

Also riding the internship-of-my-dreams train is NFL Eagles player Stewart Bradley who�s currently an intern for Elle Magazine. So far he�s been seen at Fashion Week events with executive editor Anna Pezik and guest blogging for their website about his experience.

In his first blog post, the linebacker explained just how football has made him qualified for the job. �During the �off� season each year I like to try to find an experience that will expand my horizons and take me out of my comfort zone. It�s a good way, I think, to grow as a person and learn new things,� he said. �What better way to do so than to intern at the world�s most circulated women�s fashion magazine?� So while most candidates looking for an internship at Elle are trying to follow a career path, Bradley is on a journey to self-discovery. It is another benefit of being a celebrity; getting something that everyone else wants just because you can. This benefit applies to the most famous of celebrity interns: Kanye West.

The rapper is currently an intern for the legendary Louis Vuitton. According to the fashion house�s website a candidate for an internship needs to be a fashion design major who can earn school credit and be proficient in Photoshop and Illustrator. While West�s incompetency in the first two is guaranteed and the latter ones are more than likely the same, that didn�t stop him from getting the job, starting his own line of sneakers and attending every Fashion Week show seated on the first row.

So if these �interns� obviously aren�t qualified for their positions, why are they being hired? Because all other qualified candidates can�t give these companies one valuable gift: publicity. Kanye West has mentioned Louis Vuitton in every interview he�s done since December. Vogue and subsequently Elle have gained notoriety for accepting their all-star interns. Diane von Furstenberg, perhaps, was the one with the biggest celebrity marketing plan by employing New York socialite Olivia Palermo.

Palermo�s biggest accomplishment may have been to climb the social ladder, she is also a part of the MTV reality show �The City� and is conveniently dressed in DVF for every scene she�s in. That allows DVF not only to have their name exposed to prospective buyers every Monday night, but to have a link on their website for the outfits featured on the show and it is no coincidence that they�re all sold out.

Every year, thousands of people graduate from colleges and universities around the country with majors in Communications, Journalism and Fashion Design with one goal in mind: to enter the fashion industry. They know it�s an uphill battle, that it is an exclusive place and only a selected few succeed and now they have to add the competition of every vapid celebrity who wishes to have a Devil Wears Prada moment. Since designers and editors could use any publicity they can get in this economy, those real aspiring professionals can only hope they at least get a letter of recommendation out of all of it.

Things to try out

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 21:11:05 GMT

This is the final stretch, people! Of winter that is. We must get through just a few more weeks and soon enough we'll be looking at nautical prints, pastel colors and many other spring trends we'll finally be able to show off without being burdened by a big thick coat over them. As we go through these weeks, however, here are a few things to try out with the now overused winter wardrobe before it gets locked away until next October.

*Wear shorts

With tights of course. The summer staple can look just as good with thick tights under them. Pair it with heels for a night out or flats for during the day. It is unexpected, yet totally chic and it will get you even more excited about the days you'll be wearing them with bare legs.

*Wear a silk scarf

Tightly, not flowing like last spring. Wrap it fully around you're neck and then tie it in the front. Yep, flight attendant style. May sound a little too put together but paired with a V-neck shirt, it won't look so demure. Make sure to leave your hair loose and the rest of the outfit casual for a nice balance.

*Wear sequin

Casually, without looking like a showgirl. Pair a top with dark denim or skinny black pants or a skirt with opaque tights and monochrome shirt. Finish the look with a boyfriend blazer and you have the perfect balance of business and fun.

Changing it Up

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 02:04:58 GMT

There's something in the air. I'm not sure if it's the fact that winter is finally running its course, leaving me anxious for warmer days without snow boots or that my favorite thrift store has been stripped of its usual goodies and its racks won't be full again until after spring cleaning or that I've been looking at pictures from fashion week and it seems like Fall 09 will look a whole lot like 08. It might just be a sum of all of the above that have got me feeling so blah about fashion these days.

Every store seems to have the same dresses, pants and shoes. Every celebrity and usual style icon has mastered the boyfriend jeans and the boho jewelry and no one really stands out or dares to take risks anymore. So I resorted to the internet to search for something new, exciting and affordable, of course.

Parisian ladies from StreetPeeper.com were a good start. A simple idea like cinching a belt over a pashmina or going for a Mad Men inspired pair of pants instead of the usual skinnies can really refresh a styling block. Then there were the items on sale that somehow slipped past the radar before like the Silence and Noise Fringe Cami ($9.99 Urban Outfitters), the cobalt blue Knot Front Crinkle Peep Toe Heel ($22.70 gojane.com) or Iam lace booties ($69.99 Nine West). They're all slightly different and offer a twist on the trends out there. My favorites, however, were the items that really stood out from everything in windows at the mall yet surprisingly were both from the biggest mall destination, Forever 21.

The Croc Heart Clutch with Chain ($19.80) looks so vintage and the Colorblock Dress ($29) looks like something out of Project Runway.

Despite these finds I'm still longing for new collections, colors and inspirations. Any tips on where I can find them?

Savvychic Destination: Style Detox

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 18:17:44 GMT

Did you ever wish you could clean up all the fashion pollution in the world? That you could take away the pair of Crocs from every buyer who ever thought that "they're so comfy" and make a huge bonfire or that you could strip the racks of Rave at the mall and replace them with clothes that have actual structure, color and seams? Meagan French decided to do something about these fashion crimes with Style Detox.

"I just wasn't satisfied with a lot of the other clothing and jewelry stores out there, so I thought Style Detox was like a cleansing from all the fashion pollution in the world," said French about why she started her online vintage boutique a year ago.

Style Detox is a mix of music and fashion. Based in the San Francisco Bay area, the web boutique sells vintage clothing and accessories that have an indie, rocker and retro look to them.

"I think the aspects of indie culture-wether it be fashion, music, film, or art- are closely tied together," explained French. "It's not uncommon to see Jenny Lewis up on stage in a vintage jumper, or to see indie actresses like Zooey Deschanel wearing retro brands like Stop Staring in Magazine spreads. For consumers, indie culture offers more interesting choices."

Perhaps that's the reason why vintage has become so high in demand over the past few years, although French points out environmental consciousness and the clothing's durability are also factors in this newfound trend.

"It wasn't so long ago that caring for the environment was considered a fringe thing that only hippies and liberals took part in. These days, its common place to recycle your soda cans, pick up your trash, and try to drive less. Recycling clothing and purchasing clothes that might have ended up in a landfill are other ways to reduce our impact on the environment without having to sacrifice style," she said. "Vintage clothes are also often constructed better and are more affordable than new ones."

The clothing on the site ranges from $9.99 to $88, with most pieces costing around the $25 mark. As for the accessories, all jewelry has a price tag under $10 and its handbags and belts cost under $30. Expect a lot of mod, some sequin and empire waists in these lightly used clothing and while on the site, check out the blog Vox Detox that centers around indie music and style.

For more information, visit www.styledetox.com

The best type of shopping: Closet Shopping

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 19:51:12 GMT

Some lessons are learned the hard way, like don't wear a new pair of heels to a party where you are unsure if there'll be seating available or don't wear a skirt under -20 degree weather. Then there are the ones you learn the hard way but don't quite register, leading you to review that lesson over and over. (Unfortunately) I've had one of those experiences as recently as last weekend. The lesson in question: don't go shopping if you don't have any money.

This Saturday, I told myself I'd go to a few vintage stores for researching purposes only. Oh, the things I don't do for my readers...Well, that excuse lasted about ten minutes before I felt completely miserable for not being able to buy anything, not even a 1940's blazer that fit me perfectly or a 50's dress that was a total find. I later rushed home and ate ice cream to soothe my pain -budget left unharmed, diet not so much.

So what to do exactly to cope with the inability to spend money and the depression that comes with it? I can't possibly encourage and follow through with... (gulp)...not shopping. So I have found a decent alternative: closet shopping.

Somewhere in the depths of the unknown corners of every closet (you know, that drawer of shelf you put everything you haven't worn in years but "could come in handy sometime") there are items that actually can make the transition to the well-lit and not dusty area in it. Which means that you were right in keeping them. You were right. There you go, those three words should make you feel better already. One of those items you are more than likely to find in your closet is florals.

They were all over the runways for Fall and the perfect intro to Spring. They're also one of those prints that are always there even if they're not really on the spotlight so you're bound to have purchased at one point or another a dress, shirt or skirt with this colorful pattern.

In my case, I found this H&M top I bought my sophomore year for $6. Feel free to share what you have uncovered.

Week Round Up: Intricate hats, ridiculously priced jeans, decadent tween and a modest non-designer

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 04:28:14 GMT

**Chanel's couture show featured baroque head pieces designed by hair stylist Katsuya Kamo. The over the top hats were made with two packages of 11X17 office paper. Now you know what to do at the office when Facebook isn't enough to keep you entertained. (WWD)

** Tom Ford launched a $990 pair of jeans. They're made of selvage pre-washed Japanese denim and won't shrink or shed indigo. For that price, here's a few more things it should be able to do: 1) fit perfectly no matter how much or little you've had to eat 2) walk itself to and fro the dry cleaners 3) talk. And while it's at it explain why exactly it costs so much money (The Cut)

**Mischa Barton has been out and about at the couture shows in Paris. After attending many of the shows and being photographed kissing a girl at an after party, the celebrity head band designer was photographed at Charles De Gaulle Airport strutting around in this outfit. I think we can all agree leaving the O.C. has done wonders for this one. (Slaves to Fashion)

** On other celebrity news, Taylor Swift has just released a line of $14 dresses with l.e.i. They're floral bohemian pieces that do have potential to not look cheap if worn with the right shoes and accessories. The most remarkable thing about this new endeavor is Swift's approach to it. "I don't look at it like I'm branching out as a designer. It's not the Taylor Swift designer line or whatever," she said. "I like people who have worked their entire lives to become designers. I think that they have their place as designers and I have my place as a musician, and I'm going to pretty much stick to that." I'm sorry but I don't even have a sarcastic comment for this one, I'm just shocked.

Something to think about...

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 18:38:45 GMT

Is Recessionista the new Fashionista?

For the past year, the fashion industry has changed drastically. A victim of the economy in recession, the world of runways, magazine covers and couture has taken a major hit and suffered losses that have left few striking a pose. The result: a newfound modesty and humility in an effort to connect with more consumers. Fashionistas are out, recessionistas are in. The true test of this new trend will be to see if it becomes a fashion classic or have the endurance of last year�s boot cut jeans.

The fashion industry has never been known for its consistency but the change it�s had for the past year was anything but welcome. It started with the pages of fashion publications. Week after week more cutbacks and downsizes were reported even for the ones that seemed to be untouchable such as Hearst and Conde Nast. Then it was the lavish stores in Manhattan that seemed to disappear one after another before the eyes of New Yorkers; first Sergio Rossi, followed by Bill Blass and even Russian prodigy Kira Plastinina. Then, finally it became official. Karl Lagerfeld, the man and living legend behind the designs of Chanel made a statement that declared that the fashion industry was entering a much more subdued era.

�There is no creative evolution if you don�t have dramatic moments like this. Bling is over. Red carpety [sic] covered with rhinestones is out. I call it �the new modesty,� � said the designer about the current economic situation.

While Lagerfeld�s words are true considering the crisis of the industry, they have to be held as hypocritical in the least and not by any means a sign that the industry is changing its elitist ways. Like Lagerfeld, the fashion industry seems to have no problem admitting that it is in a crisis yet it is too proud to adapt to it.

Perhaps the biggest effort the fashion world had made to stay in touch with its consumers in the midst of economic hardship was coming up with the term recessionista. The noun refers to a stylish woman who is also savvy in her buys. She is a fashionista on a budget. The industry had no problems accepting the term and even Vogue incorporated into its pages� on a section of the best buys for under $500.

Marc Jacobs� idea of adapting to the economy was to cancel its legendary after party for the upcoming fashion week season as well as designer Alexander Wang and runway veteran Calvin Klein. While the excesses of the industry may have been cut, its barebones are still overly expensive. To remedy this problem, designers and editors are trying to reach new customers. Elle�s idea was to hire a full time employee to explore opportunities in the television market to expand its readership. Miu Miu, Armani and Vivienne Westwood opted for the celebrity appeal on their campaigns. The only idea that doesn�t seem to have been explored is, dare I say it, the most obvious: to lower the price of merchandise.

A pair of peep toe sandals from Prada�s Fall collection costs $650. Helmut Lang leggings $920 and the latest Marc Jacobs tote bag $438. Not really what one would call recessionista prices.

While designers watch their sales go down and magazines watch their advertisers pull out as a consequence thereof, they are all struggling to bring in a new wave of consumers and trend followers. Their struggle will remain in vain, however, if they continue to disconsider the fact that the audience they�re targeting simply cannot afford their products.

It is a paradox that cannot exist but the fashion industry is trying desperately to make a reality: reaching for the masses while still staying exclusive. Like an old money bourgeois family, designers and editors are holding so tight to their elitism that they�re bringing about their own demise. The solution would be to truly appeal to the recessionistas and make them their target audience but that would require exchanging Louboutin for Aldo heels and what fashionista wants to do that?

Style Tips from The SAG Awards

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 03:16:48 GMT

Week Round up: In case you missed it, those were the highlights of the week

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 16:18:51 GMT

**Lady Gaga said on a recent interview about her clothing choices: "If I decide to make a coat red in the show, it's not just red. I think: is it communist red? Is it cherry cordial? Is it ruby red? Or is it apple red? Or the big red balloon red? I mean there's like so many fucking different kinds of red. And so you have to say, well, what are we trying to say in this scene? Is it a happy red? Or a sad red? Is it a lace red? Or a leather red? Or a wool red? It's like there are so many components to making a show and making art, and my school taught me how to think that way." Note to Gaga, instead of worrying your pretty little head with the philosophy behind your outfits, try to concentrate on putting on every piece of it. And yes, that does include pants. (The Cut)

**Kanye West's much talked about (on his part) sneakers contribution to Louis Vuitton has finally been released. They're monochromatic pairs that come in orange, red and blue. Can we say "stick to your day job" yet? (Fashionista)

**Jason Wu managed to suddenly become a household name this week. The 26-ear-old Korean-American designer who has only been around the fashion industry for three years became an overnight super celebrity as his dress was worn by first lady Michelle Obama on Tuesday's presidential inauguration. Now, the designer shared this piece of information about his highly anticipated Fashion Week show. "I'm doing a significant fur collection, and the message will be all about luxury," he said. "Fashion is also sort of escapism, and women need beautiful dresses to lose themselves in." Oh, so I see we're not aiming for PETA OR prospective consumers. Way to ruin your moment in the sun, J. (The Daily)

Will someone buy this? Because I can't

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 16:53:24 GMT

Unusual Source of Inspiration: Harry Potter

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 01:46:49 GMT

Oh, the fashion industry. The ever changing world of clothes and trendsetting has been the one to determine what should be worn by us simple consumers for the longest time. But while most times the world has watched and mimicked what they saw in Milan, Paris or New York, sometimes it seems like those hard working little elves in the couture showrooms (it's just much more entertaining to think of them that way) draw inspiration from the strangest of sources. Who knew that Harry Potter could be synonymous with anything relating to style? Emma Watson has recently been referred to as the next stylista but it seems that this season it is her Hogwarts uniform that's oh so in. Exhibit number one: the chunky striped scarves we've been wearing all season. If they weren't enough like the wizards in training, Urban Outfitters Lofty Rugby Scarf ($9.99) has the exact colors of the movie(yep, I passed on the books and took the lazy way to pop culture knowledge). Another prep school favorite and Harmoine staple: the button down cardigan. The H81 Cassidy 3Q Sweater Cardigan ($19.92) from Forever 21 even has an emblem of the side with contrasting striped on the sleeves and collar. Of course, no one can survive the English weather without a good pair of knee high socks. The Pretty Pointelle Knee Sock ($9.50) from Aerie matches the Hogwarts uniform exactly. Finally, a pair a flat mary janes is essential for creating some fashion magic and the Cuteone ($29.99) from Nine West do just that.

Boots Boots and more Boots

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 16:43:25 GMT

Back in October we were all dying to start wearing our Fall trends. We restlessly waited as the temperatures dropped daily because if there ever was a silver lining to winter, it is a brand new collection of trends and desirable items. We're in January now and that fresh anxiety is long gone. We've said so long to our tans about two months ago and wearing boots every day is getting real old, real fast. To our luck, there are plenty of looks to the must-have shoe style for the season. From preppy to boho, casual to chic and flats to skyhigh heels, there are so many types of boots to choose from this winter that we can almost not miss all the other shoes that we had to put away until March.

The first pair is the one that never really seems to go out of style: the knee high, high heeled leather boots. Over skinny jeans or with a sweater dress, this is a pair you can always rely on to finish off a winter look that is young and put together.

All over the runways this season were ankle boots. We'd seen them in previous years, and I'll admit, I never thought they looked quite right, but I've finally gave in this year. With a rounded toe and high heels these booties are funky and add a little spunk to jeans and a top and with tights and a dress � la Jenny Humphrey really make the outfit stand out from a crowd.

We can thank model Daisy Lowe for one of my favorites comebacks of the year: Birkenstocks. With leggings or skinny jeans, they make for a perfect casual look and with dark tights and a short skirt, they make for a wonderful flashback to the 90's.

The shoe trend that we saw flourish last year was the flat boots. As the love and obsession with Uggs (finally) dwindled, a pair of boots that is more feminine took its place. The one seen on the picture serves a double purpose. It can be worn slouched, as a bohemian staple, or thigh high for a more modern and daring look. The buckle, which is another accessory we found on boots very often this runway season, also adds a sixties mod aspect to them.

The best part of all of these trends is that they were all bought for under $50. While the pairs on the left I bought years and years ago in New York, the ankle boots are from Nine West on sale for $49.99 and the ones below are from Rainbow for $24.99, both bought in the last six months.

On a funny note...

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 15:06:56 GMT

Rumors are raging that Kevin Federline and Amy Winehouse are both planning to take a walk on the fashion side. While KFed would be supposedly working on a kids clothing line, Winehouse has already started sketching her ideas out. Seriously.

Free Styling Workshops: Sign me up!

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 14:56:38 GMT

There is a four letter word that every savvychic girl loves to hear: Free! And while I've been sharing all my tips with you for some time now, Anthropologie has decided to do the same starting this month.

The not-so-cheap store will be having free craft workshops to give women styling tips throughout 2009.

"We wanted to share something really personal, which is our creative side, on a one-on-one level,"�said Anthropologie's chief merchandising officer, Wendy Wurtzburger about the project.

The workshops will focus on how to make the best out of your wardrobe without having to spend a dime by reinventing old outfits and making your own accessories with things you already own.

For details, visit your local Anthropologie store.

Swide: The new DG endeavor

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 20:58:18 GMT

Remember how it was to straighten your hair in the 90's? The heavy blowdryer and holding the brush up over and over again to still not get the slick finish you wanted.

Now, remember the first time you used a straightening iron? How your hair was dry and all you had to do was run it through your strands to watch them come out pin straight? Remember how you looked in the mirror and thought to yourself "How have I ever lived without this until now? This is amazing!"

I had a similar moment today as I checked out swide.com, the new Dolce & Gabbana online magazine. Who knew these two designers had more than amazing clothes on their resume?

The magazine is a mix of fashion, pop culture and celebrity news. So pretty much all our favorite things! From style tips, to diets to one of a kind stories that will make great new year's eve party conversation starters, this mag has it all covered. Some of the articles are even written by Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabanna themselves.

This one just made the bookmarks list.

Pulling off the All Black Look

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 16:42:25 GMT

The all black look is a classic. Audrey Hepburn pulled it off years ago and Nicole Ritchie did the same just last week in L.A.

Head to toe in one color can be a little intimidating, speciall since you don't want to look like you're just coming from a funeral or, in my case as a brunette, like a hard-core goth.

The trick is to pick different pieces with different textures since their tone will be the same. Matching a satin skirt with opaque tights and suede shoes like Nicole did, for example, makes each part of the outfit stand out and not blend into one big piece.

Another key to this monochrome look are the details. The peep toe on the sandals, the flashy jewelry and the fun purse balance the seriousness of the rest of the outfit and are the ones that make the look chic. Finally, to lighten up the dark clothes, keep the rest bright. Steer away from black nail polish and if you have dark hair, keep away from your face. As for the make-up, go easy on the eyeliner and opt for a bare lip with gloss to keep the look young.

For Nicole's look for less, click here.

The Hills Finale Recap

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 16:16:16 GMT

I'm going to go ahead and make a wild assumption that you, like myself, and most females between the ages of 15 and 30, were watching The Hills Finale last night. If my assumption is wrong, I apologize but this is a vice that I just can't quit and I'll say "come back tomorrow because this post will make no sense to you." Now back to you, my fellow Hills addict reader, let;s just skip the never ending stare off between LC and Heidi and Audrina's inability to know how she feels about her own relationship and go straight to the real reason we watch this show, the fashion, of course! I have to admit, when MTV announced the finale was going to be broadcasted from New York I was mildly excited about seeing what winter outfits the girls would wear but it seems their cute bedazzled blackberries can't show them the weather forecast since all of them showed up in strappy dresses with no tights. The result was a bunch of jumping blondes complaining about how cold it was in New York. I guess they were trying to make the live show be just like the rest of the season, with us watching going "duh" at the television. The flashiest outfit of all on the red carpet was by far Whitney's which was the best evidence that not everything taken from the runway looks good in the real world. The flower headband was the key item for Diane von Furstenberg's Spring 09 collection and as a good employee Whitney just had to wear that to the biggest event of the season for young girls and DVF future customers. I loved the headband on the runway but a colorful flower headband just doesn't sound right in December when there's snow everywhere. I get that "the new Carrie Bradshaw" (really, Page 6?) wants to be fashion forward but that's just a little too early and in my book, more of a faux pas than a hit. On a good note from Whitney's upcoming The City series, I think it's pretty safe to expect great fashion from her buddy Olivia. I absolutely loved the statement jewelry and the blazer with the cocktail dress. My favorite look for the night I have to say were the suspenders LC wore on the final episode. With skinny jeans, black pumps and a loose fitting white tee, the old school accessory added a little spunk to the outfit. Well, that's my review. What did you guys think?

Accessories: make it your own

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 01:33:37 GMT

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Accessorizing is the best friend for every savvychic girl. Wearing a different piece of jewelry can totally reinvent an old look. Now, as the economy slumps deeper every day, the rest of the world seems to have discovered what we knew for a while. MarketWatch has reported that while the retail industry is on a sinking ship, the fashion-accessories market is expected to reach $20 billion by the end of 2012. Seems like Americans are passing on buying more clothes and reaching for the accessories rack to get more looks out of their wardrobe and that's amounting to a 24 percent sale increase from 2008. Of course that's not to say that all accessories are budget friendly. With that in mind, this weekend I decided to channel my inner Martha Stewart and make my own. I've been in love with the feather look since Alexander McQueen incorporated it into his runway collection. The look translated to real life in headbands and pins that are available online at Etsy.com and at Urban Outfitters for $38. So I headed to Michael's craft store and bought feathers, the large one for the headband for $2.99 and the ones for the clip for $1.99. The actual headband and the clip are from Wallgreens. A little hot glue and a few finger burns (note to self: Be careful when using hot glue!) and voila!

An open letter to Santa

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 05:44:31 GMT