Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

So you’re running late for class and the weather is a little chilly…what to throw on with your skinny jeans and boots? A sweater is the perfect option since you’ll look more pulled together than wearing a hoody and you’ll still be warm and comfortable. Here are five of my favorite options.

 

Lauren Moshi at Revolve Clothing ($167)

Victoria’s Secret ($49)

Free People ($68)

Topshop ($75)

J. Crew ($78)

And just for fun…..since Christmas is coming….

Christmas Sweater ($49)

Style Mash-Ups

If you’ve ever taken a magazine quiz meant to determine whether your style is girly, boho, urban, etc. you may have shared my confusion at the lack of a clear conclusion. I tend to pull from pretty much every style category besides anything boho/Cali girl related. It seems to me I’m not alone in this. In fact, most people with great personal style have a wide range of looks they can pull off. Of course, you can achieve a nicely balanced personal style by switching up your look from day to day (cowboy boots one day, Nike dunks the next). However, there’s nothing like mixing and matching different styles within one ensemble to create quality fashion ironies and paradoxes. Below I’ve put together three outfits that are each a study in contrasting yet complementary looks.

Look #1: Biker Sorority Girl

If you at all keep up with this blog, you know that I’ve been obsessed with the “pretty tough” look. In my opinion this look is the easiest style mashup to pull off. All you need is a pretty dress, a structured jacket with a bit of an edge, serious heels, and a mix of good and bad girl accessories and make up (think pearl earrings paired with bright red lipstick)

Guess by Marciano (on sale for $99.99 originally $128)

Topshop ($110)

Alloy ($34.50)

Look #2: School of Kanye

Say what you will about Kanye, the man has great style. So, there’s no reason you too can’t pair classics like blazers and cardigans with a killer pair of Nikes.

Blazer by Silence & Noise at Urban Outfitters ($78)

Shirt by Express ($59.50)

ZCO Jeans at Macy’s ($39.99)

Nike ($79.99)

Look #3: Urban Cowgirl

It’s Nashville after all. Do you need more of an explanation than that?

BCBGeneration at Zappos ($128)

Belt by Topshop ($24)

Frye at Zappos ($302)

Balance Your Wardrobe and Your Budget

In a perfect world, we could all afford to wear Thakoon and Rodarte every day. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case for most of us. The challenge then is to know which pieces to splurge on and which ones to get on the cheap. The general rule of thumb is to bargain hunt for trendier pieces and be willing to invest in basics that will last for many years to come. Of course this rule is not written in stone. Cheaply purchased over-the-knee boots  are very obvious as the low quality leather or suede is extremely apparent. On the other hand, buying a cheaper pair of black or grey jeans that probably won’t be worn as often as your basic blues might be a good call as long as they fit well. Mixing and matching items from different price ranges is a great way to put together an outfit that is up to date without screaming that you shop only at Charlotte Russe. I’ve put together a day outfit and a night time ensemble made up of items ranging from $5 to $500. The day look features cheaper clothing with pricier accessories, and the night look with an expensive dress and budget friendly extras.

DAY:

Top by Free People at Shop Bop- $48

Bracelet by Kenneth Jay Lane at Shop Bop - $108

Bag by MICHAEL by Michael Kors at Bloomingdales – $448

Jeans by Forever 21 -$13.50

Frye at Shop Bop- $298

NIGHT:

Dress by Rebecca Minkoff at Shop Bop – $450

Miss Me at DSW - $34.95  (sale price, orginally were $50)

Bag by White House Black Market – $19.99 (on sale, originally $28)

Earrings by Charlotte Russe- $5.50

New York, New York

This past weekend was the first time I had been to New York City since I was six years old. This is probably something a fashion blogger should not admit, but it’s true. My first real impression of the city was taking the subway in from the airport. I don’t care what people say about the subway, it has the best people watching ever. On my fairly short ride, I sat next to a little old lady from Queens who was dressed from head to toe in every shade of pink imaginable: her earrings, lipstick, jacket, blouse, pants, shoes, socks- all pink. Then there was the homeless man with a walking stick (an actual stick- not a cane) and a blue Brooks Brothers shirt. He reminded me of this shot that appeard on the Sartorialist at the end of August: http://thesartorialist.blogspot.com/2009/08/not-giving-up-nyc.html. Then of course there were the requisite hipster kids (as in probably 11 or 12) on the way home from school looking cooler than most college kids I know.

One of the things that surprised me the most about New York was that food and basic items didn’t seem to be any more expensive than what I’m used to. (Heck, a pretzel from a streetcart is half the price it is at a Vandy football game- yes, I really really like soft pretzels.) I also had my first experience at a sample sale last Friday where I picked up a gorgeous Torn by Ronny Kobo top for a fraction of its original price.

Saturday and Sunday, I attended Teen Vogue Fashion University. I was definitely on the older end of the participants, but I still feel like I got a great deal out of the experience. I attended several seminars with my three favorites being presented by Thakoon, a panel of fashion bloggers, and the keynote speech by fashion icon Diane von Furstenberg. The seminar with Thakoon was very interesting as this rising star in the design world earned his bachelor’s in business from Boston University before becoming a designer. I asked him if his business sense influenced his design aesthetic because if you are familar with his work you know that while Thakoon puts out high end pieces they are extremely wearable and not too avant garde for the average woman. Thakoon responded that he does feel his business side and his design side do work together and in his mind it  is just common sense to create practical and functional clothing. The seminar given by three well known fashion bloggers was definitely insightful for me. I particularly connected with Julia Frakes of Bunny Bisou who also writes for Paper magazine. Julia attended an elite boarding school and faced a good deal of criticism for her choice to enter the fashion world. She talked about having to accept her own choices for herself which is definitely something I can relate to.

Finally, Diane von Furstenberg was brilliant and went above and  beyond all expectations I had for her as a public speaker. She was very blunt with her audience with comments such as “When you have children, and when they are teenagers, you will love them, but you will not like them. And they will not like you. This is why, when my children were teenagers they went to boarding school and I moved to Paris.” However, she was also very inspirational and was very honest about the struggles she had throughout her career. She is indeed the pinnacle of elegance and class, and I think this picture from the 1970s epitomizes everything that is DVF.

There is so much more I could write about my time in New York, but I’ll stop here and just say I can’t wait to get back to the city that never sleeps as soon as I can.

Favorite Places: Flashback Vintage

Halloween is nearly upon us, and if you’re not the type to buy a packaged ready made costume then vintage and thrift stores are your best friends. Of course, there’s always Goodwil and the like for cheap finds, but if you want to find great pieces to put together a fun costume there really is no place better than Flashback Vintage. Flashback is located at 2204 Elliston Pl. and open Tuesday-Saturday from 11am-6pm. The store is filled with both men and women’s apparel as well as plenty of costume jewelry, shoes, and ridiculous sunglasses. You’ll be able to find costumes for everything from a go-go dancer to a southern belle. But what makes Flashback so great is that it’s not just a costume store. There’s a whole rack of uber trendy (as they say everything comes back in style again) fur vests as well as plenty of other items that wouldn’t look strange outside of a fraternity party. Flashback’s prices aren’t bargain bin worthy, but you definitely don’t need to expect price gouging. So whether you’re pulling together a last minute Halloween costume, looking for another theme party, or just want some funky vintage pieces you should definitely walk a block off of West End to search the racks of Flashback.

Best of the Mags: November 2009

The cover of the November Vogue features Nicole Kidman, Marion Cotillard, Penelope Cruz, and Kate Hudson who are all starring in the upcoming movie musical Nine. The cover is certainly awash in beautiful fall hues; however, I’m not sold on the full body shot of all four women.

Fortunately, I was much more impressed by the feature inside the issue that covered both the movie and its stars which include the cover girls as well as Judi Dench, Fergie, and Sophia Loren. The piece was definitely a nice change from a typical interview with a covergirl, and the movie promises to be an exciting display of the talents of several female icons.

The November editorial spreads were neither breathtaking nor disappointing. “Top Ten” was definitely my favorite spread as it featured the designers in the running for the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund’s grand prize alongside models in their own designs. I also really enjoyed the “Playing the Field” editorial that featured Karen Elson, and I would have liked to have seen that spread towards the front of the magazine and with perhaps a few more pages and pictures.

Elle has been doing something interesting lately by releasing two covers each month. This month’s cover featured Katie Homes.

Neither of these covers blew me out of the water, but I was really impressed by the other covers they produced this month that featured some of their Women in Hollywood subjects: Emily Blunt, Julianne Moore, Renee Zellweger, and Zoe Saldana. Why, oh why, couldn’t one of these be the actual cover?

It’s no secret I’m a huge fan of Elle’s trend pages. This month was no exception. As it was the Hollywood issue, the trends pages were inspired by locales in SoCal including Malibu, Rodeo Drive, and Burbank. I also adore Joe Zee and his wonderfully blunt column that focused this month on what will and what will definitely not earn you a spot as an extra in Sex and the City 2. Here’s a hint: a tasteful ballerina-inspired skirt with pumps is great. A ridiculously huge tulle skirt paired with Doc Martens is not.

As for the editorial spreads in this month’s Elle “The Great Escape” feature with Amber Valleta was a fun diversion, but let’s be honest: pictorials are not Elle’s strong point.

My favorite cover of the month has to go to Teen Vogue which featured a beautiful shot of young models Jourdan Dunn and Chanel Iman.

This cover has drawn a lot of publicity because 19 year old Jourdan is pregnant. All sources seem to indicate Teen Vogue was not aware of her pregnancy at the time of the shoot. I think that the magazine made the right call by leaving her on the cover. Teen pregnancy is obviously a serious issue in our country, and I don’t think there’s any reason to avoid talking about it. Also, despite Jourdan’s supermodel status she is bound to have a hard time regaining popularity after having to take a break from modeling, so I think it’s great that Teen Vogue left the cover and editorial spread as it was.

Teen Vogue did a great job this month of balancing fashion that is exciting and fresh but also wearable. The intern style feature was a great example of this as it documented real girls with unique looks.

You may have noticed I haven’t talked about Nylon recently. Truth is, I’m a little fed up with the mag. On what planet does Megan Fox belong on the cover of the “It Girl” issue of a self-proclaimed quirky cool publication????

Nylon’s letters to the editor are almost entirely made up of fanatic fan mail and collages that praise the magazine’s awesomeness. It seems like there is less and less fashion in each issue, and the publication seems to be relying on its cool kid rep. So, I’m not ready to write off Nylon yet. I just hope they start backing up their attitude with great trend pages and fashion spreads.

 

 

 

 

Baby, It’s Cold Outside (or how not to die tailgating and fratting this weekend)

It’s rather unfortunate that this weekend at Vandy is so chilly. It’s homecoming after all which means plenty of parties plus the big game. Of course that means the goals for the weekend are 1) don’t die of hypthermia and 2) look cute. As a child of the Midwest, I think I’m qualified to offer advice on both. Here it goes.

Tailgating/Game Day:

I’m a firm believer in the wearing of dresses to football games. The colder weather just means that some clever use of layering is necessary. The first thing I recommend pulling on is a pair of black tights. If you’re really worried about being cold you can always wear more than one layer of tights. If you were a dancer growing up, you know how much thicker tan dance tights are than normal hose. The thicker material does really make a difference, so if you have a pair that can be your base layer under your black tights. If not, opt for some wooly black or grey tights. The footwear of choice for a chilly game is definitely black flat knee high or above the knee boots.

(Steve Madden- $89)

Keep your all black look for homecoming going with a cozy sweater dress- this turtleneck dress is perfect to keep you warm and cozy.

(Boden – $108)

Punch up your look with a vibrant yellow scarf like this one from American Eagle ($24).

Keep extra warm with some woolly gloves (yep, flashback to your playground days).

(Gap $16.50)

As for your accesories, keep it Vandy classy with a pair of pearl earrings or add a little more excitement with some dangly gold earrings.

(Charlotte Russe $4)

Parties:

The good thing about dressing for parties in cold weather is you won’t be outside for a sustained period of time. (Unless you live on the Commons or Kissam- but that’s what the Vandy Van is for.) You’re still going to want to dress warmly and if at all possible not bring along a coat or other extraneous items as places to store such items such at fraternity houses can be questionable. (Although you know where you frequent, so use your judgment.) If keeping warm with little fuss is your priority, opt for a cute long sleeved top paired with skinny jeans and closed toe heels.

(Express – $24.50)

For the brave of heart, this season’s long sleeve mini dress is your best friend. Sure, your legs are exposed but the top half of your body is completely covered. Although throwing on a pair of tights may not be a bad idea to complete your look.

(Love Yaya on Shopbop $180)

Favorite Frocks For Fall

Fall has definitely arrived in Nashville, and that means the carefree days of sundresses and Jack Rogers sandals are behind us. Fortunately, the ladylike punk look that is defining this season is a perfect match for fall dresses. We may not have to sit in an office all day, but there’s no reason you can’t zip into a flawlessly tailored frock for an interview, presentation, or just a normal day of class. As for those upcoming semiformals, there are plenty of options that are far from frilly. Here are some of my favorite looks for both day and night. I’ve picked two looks each from Alice & Olivia, Tophshop, Urban Outfitters, and Forever 21 to give you options at a variety of price points.

DAY DRESSES:

Alice and Olivia available on Chickdowntown ($330)

Topshop ($80)

Forever 21 ($19.80)

Silence & Noise at Urban Outfitters ($58)

EVENING LOOKS:

Alice & Olivia at Chickdowntown ($253)

Topshop ($90)

Silence & Noise at Urban Outfitters ($58)

Forever 21 ($29)

Top Vandy Fashion Faux Pas

So it’s been a month and a half since classes gotten underway here at Vanderbilt. It’s been great being back in Nashville, and overall I have to say people dress MUCH better here than they do in Des Moines. However, I have seen quite a few cringeworthy ensembles this fall and I just can’t keep quiet about anymore. I understand we all have different senses of style with some more preppy or edgy than others. Still, there are some things that are just never chic. So, here goes.

CAPRIS

Generally a good rule of thumb is if it was fashionable in junior high, you probably shouldn’t be wearing it now. Whether your capris are jean, khaki, or some kind of stretchy material, just pack them away. Because not even a cute belted tee and wedges can save this look:

JEAN SKIRTS

I get it. I really do. Having to wear a sorority t-shirt once or twice a week can make dressing fashionably a challenge. But pairing your screenprinted American Apparel v-neck with a jean mini skirt with a frayed hem and flip flops is not the way to go about it. I’m not going to call for an all out ban on jean skirts. They’re fantastic for Western themed parties. If you’re set on sporting a jean skirt for your day to day look, try something a little bit more tailored and perhaps with a darker wash. This skirt from Rag & Bone would look great paired with a fitted tee and cardigan.

LEGGINGS AND UGGS

Everything that there is to be said in defense or in disgust of this look has been said. So I’m simply going to say, if you’re one of those girls who will argue to the death of how comfortable and practical leggings and Uggs are (and my best friend is) please, pretty please limit this look to once a week. I know you have a packed closet. Explore it. And for everyone’s sakes don’t look this ridiculous: 

STRINGY, DIRTY HAIR

I know it’s midterms. But please wash your hair. Or at least brush it. This seems to be a big issue with girls on this campus with long straight hair. I used to be one of you. I know that it’s hard to roll out of bed with your hair looking its best. If you don’t want to go short (I highly recommend this), force yourself to wake up in time to look presentable. You’re not Britney.

Do you agree? Disagree? What did I miss?

Favorite Places: Smack Clothing

Upon wandering into Smack Clothing located at 2201 Elliston Pl. in Nashville don’t be surprised if your immediate thought is this must be mecca for Miley and Billy Ray Cyrus. Once you get over that shock, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by what Smack has to offer. On the accessories front, there is a great selection of $12 selection as well as reasonably priced dangly earrings that would probably be visible from space. The store’s style is definitely more gaudy rocker chic than refined prepster, but don’t we all need a little sparkle now and then? The downstairs of Smack is filled with plenty of going out tops that are priced somewhere in the neighborhood of $50. Upstairs, you’ll find a great selection of dresses that would be perfect for all those upcoming semiformals. Smack’s frocks are priced between $70-$125 which places them in a happy medium between Forever 21 and investment pieces. There is also a pretty full 50% off rack if you’re looking for even a better bargain. So when you’ve grown bored of what Green Hills and Hillsboro have to offer, head over to Elliston for a rhinestone and rocker look.  Smack is open Mondays- Wednesdays 11:30am- 6:30pm and Thursdays- Saturdays from 11:30a – 7pm.

Food and Fashion Friday: Ted’s Coney Island and Gingham

I love to eat. Almost as much as I like clothes. So, every Friday I will be discussing a restaurant or dish that I absolutely love as well as a trend that I’m not completely sold on. The idea being you can run off to grab a tasty lunch and then ponder whether you’ll need to hit the mall after.

Today’s lunch recommendation is Ted’s Coney Island at 3020 Ingersoll Ave. in Des Moines. The reason I love Ted’s so much is their gyros. When I was younger, I was under the impression the only place to get these tasty Greek sandwiches was at the Iowa State Fair (don’t worry I’ll be talking all about the fair in August), but alas, I was mistaken. Ted’s gyros are just as good as the ones at the Fair and made even better by the fact they’re available year round. I know Ted’s sells other kinds of food, but I’ll leave that to you to investigate. I’ll stick with my gyros.

Now onto the questionable trend of the day: gingham. Michael Kors showed it on the runway recently, but is that enough for you? 

The trend is very summery, I’ll give you that. My main hang up with it is that it looks very 1950s housewifey/like a tablecloth. If you’re headed to a BBQ, this dress could be perfect as long as you’re aware it’s a bit ironic. 

A lot of the gingham out this summer is in the way of tunics like this top from Kensie Girl that retails for $48.

It’s fun and flirty, but I already have trouble with people thinking I’m still in high school and wearing this wouldn’t really help that. But again, maybe the key to it is having a sense of humor. You certainly would never wear gingham to a formal event because it is a playful print and can be cool and breezy for summer. 

So my final verdict is while I won’t be wearing gingham this summer, I certainly won’t judge you if you do. Think it over…and grab a gyro in the meantime.

Online Shopping: chickdowntown.com

One of the problems with living in a small city like Des Moines is not having access to a wide range of designer labels. This is why online shopping is so handy. One of my favorite websites is Chick Downtown. The site is well organized and offers clothing, shoes, and accessories from approximately 200 designers. The designers represent a broad spectrum of both style and price points.

The reasonably priced BB Dakota line offers cute floral skirts and sundresses like this one that sells for $49.

Chick Downtown also offers dresses from Black Halo- an up and coming designer that specializes in slimming dresses that are very sophisticated like this one that retails for $345.

Chick Downtown also carries the secondary lines of major designers including Marc by Marc Jacobs, McQ by Alexander McQueen, and Vera Wang Lavender Label. The site has a selection of sandals in the $80-$100 range from Sam Edelman as well as heels that run from $500-$1000+ by Giuseppe Zanotti. Purses from CC Skye and Gwen Stefani’s L.A.M.B. label in addition to jewelry from Alexis Bittar and Racheil Leigh are available on Chick Downtown also.

One of the best things about the site is their sales. They often run promotions for discounts on everything on the site. For example, now through May 25, everything is 25% off in honor of Memorial Day. Chick Downtown also has a large sale section on the site with the designer pieces often marked down 50%. 

So check out chickdowntown.com if you’re looking for a particular designer item you can’t find in your hometown or just to browse their great selection of trendy apparel.

Let’s Talk About Bags

The bag you carry says (or should say) a lot about your personality. Sure, you may have a number of different colored clutches, but most of us have one or two bags that we prefer to carry on a regular basis. If you’re debating which items to splurge on, a well-crafted purse that will fit into your wardrobe should top the list.

What bag you choose should depend on a variety of factors. First, you need to decide what size of bag you’re looking for. This is mainly going to be determined by what you will be using it for. Do you need a bag large enough for your laptop or will one that fits just your phone, billfold, and a few other items suffice? You may also want to consider your size when deciding what size of bag to buy. If you’re petite consider a smaller bag that won’t drown you. If you’re quite tall make sure the bag doesn’t look miniscule compared to you.

Second, you should decide what brand or brands fit your personality. I highly recommend steering away from Coach, Dooney & Bourke, and other ubiquitous brands. You want your bag to make a statement, and usually that means having something a bit unique. My personal favorite purse brand is Marc by Marc Jacobs. For me, these bags are the perfect balance between fun and functional, traditional and trendy. This Classic Q Groovee bag that retails for $498 is a perfect example of Marc by Marc Jacobs style. 

 

If your style is a bit more preppy, check out Kate Spade bags. They have clean, classic lines but enough variety to still stand out from the crows. If you’re looking for a bold bag with a bit of rocker attitude, look no further than Gwen Stefani’s L.A.M.B. line. This bold red handbag that retails for $595 is plenty bold with the contrasting orange, black, and white stripes. 

No matter what brand you choose, make sure the bag reflects your personality and needs. Don’t be afraid to try out lesser known brands like Tracy Zych and CC Skye. These brands are just as well made and your chances of running into someone with the same bag are slim.

If the designer bags are too pricey for you: please, please DON’T buy a cheap knockoff. Many have incorrect detailing and the stitching is often off. If you want to go cheaper, check out places like Target and H&M. Target is currently selling the Felix Ray for Targe line which offers you updated shapes and styles at a fraction of the designer price. This cute blue straw tote only retails for $39. 

Favorite Places: Von Maur

By and large, I’m not a huge fan of department stores. All the JC Penney and Sears commercials in the world will never convince me they’re fashionable destinations. Here in Iowa, we aren’t fortunate enough to have better national department stores like Neiman Marcus and Saks. However, we are pretty lucky to have Von Maur. I know Jordan Creek has gotten a lot of hype in the past couple years, but in my book Valley West will always be the superior mall as long as they keep their monopoly on Des Moines area Von Maur. I’m sure plenty of you have experienced the wonder of Von Maur, but for you non-Iowans and those other crazies who haven’t made  it there here are some reasons why Von Maur is by far my favorite department store.

First, the ambience of the store is great. The lighting is bright without being overly fluorescent, and the racks are spaced far enough apart that you won’t have to be cramped while browsing them. You can often hear music throughout the store from the beautiful grand piano situated between the escalators, and unlike most mall restrooms, Von Maur’s are quite stately.

Second, the service is great. Von Maur offers free gift wrapping year round. They will also ship your purchases for free within the continental United States. The staff is always very attentive and knowledgeable. I was personally very impressed last summer when I purchased my Marc by Marc Jacobs laptop bag. The saleswoman forgot to give me my receipt, and she took the time to mail it to me along with a very nice handwritten note.

Lastly, the merchandise Von Maur carries is definitely above par for department stores. They have a fantastic purse department and carry many of the brands that I discussed yesterday. The shoe department is also great, and don’t forget to check out the Shoe Clearance Room for great deals. (Right now, I’m wearing a pair of adorable Sam Edelman heels I purchased there for $20 that were originally more than $100). Of course, the clothes are great and many of my favorite jackets and dresses came from there.

So, check the out if you’re in the area. If not, I hope you’re lucky enough to find a suitable alternative in your area.

Stuff I Like From the Web (Including a free 22 song download from Nylon/iTunes!!!)

So I’ve been writing this blog for a week and a half now, and I’m sure you’re wondering how you ever survived without it….kidding. Anyway, there are a LOT of  awesome fashion related sites on the web, and I’ve decided to give you a sampling of some of my favorites today.

First off: Nylon IS AMAZING. Ok, but really. Right now, you can hit up their website to get 22 free songs from awesome bands like the Plasticines and Of Montreal (also, Santigold, but let’s be honest, I already had that..ha). So check out this link for instant happiness.  http://www.nylonmag.com/?section=article&parid=3019

Second: The Sartorialist is fantastic. Plenty of other sites feature street fashion (hopefully I’ll get there eventually), but no one beats Scott Schuman when it comes to great lighting and all around quality photography as well as locations from around the globe. Scoping the site is a great way to see how real people interpret what they see in their fashion mags. This recent picture from Brazil is probably one of my favorites.

Third: WhoWhatWear has become my new favorite site. Probably because it’s run by two former fashion mag editors, and the site is laid out like a magazine page. The site has an entire “Under $100″ section which I don’t think anyone can argue with. It’s the next best thing to a living, breathing  (ok, not really) print magazine.

Des Moines Style???

Generally, when I meet new people, particularly at Vanderbilt, and tell them I’m from Des Moines or Iowa I get slightly confused or patronizing looks. Our little Midwestern city is certainly no New York or LA when it comes to sophistication. My recent trip to the Iowa Hall of Pride (a museum dedicated mainly to high school athletics) reminded me of how much Iowans like to self-promote as old-fashioned and strong in traditional values. These values don’t really emphasize having a closet full of Jimmy Choos and Dior. 

If you wander around downtown Des Moines, you’ll probably see two types of people: those that  look like they need an ambush makeover and the well dressed folks who are generally dressed very conservatively with very little trendiness sneaking in. I blame the lack of creative business dressing (and there is a way to look both professional and fashionable) on the kind of business Des Moines specializes in.

I recently met Mike Wagner who owns a branding consulting firm in Des Moines called the White Rabbit Group. His firm helps companies figure out unique strategies to set them apart from the competition. Mike mentioned that one of the reasons it is so hard for entrepreneurs to make it in Des Moines is because we are an insurance hub. The business of companies like Principal and Allied is to ensure security, safety, and business as usual. I think the difference in philosophies between entrepreneurs and established insurance business translates to the lack of desire for Des Moines business people to step outside their Younkers box.

I think the great news about Des Moines fashion is the young adults of my generation are pushing ahead and testing boundaries. Stores like SMASH, Vitae Design, and Dorothea’s Closet (which specializes in vintage) are defining the Des Moines style horizon. That style is eclectic and funky. Less Upper East Side, more Greenwich Village. This burgeoning fashion revolution seems to be the classic story of rebellion as we dress to the extreme opposite of our parents’ conservative style.

Des Moines is also becoming home to events that bring together every part of the Des Moines young adult culture. This Saturday, the Des Moines Art Center is hosting the Big Hair Ball which brings together art, hairstyling, fashion, music, and fun. Unfortunately for me, you have to be 21 to attend. If you are and also in the Des Moines area, I would highly suggest attending. Supporting events like the Big Hair Ball will bring together Des Moines area residents interested in a fresh take on what it means to be an Iowan.

Food and Fashion Friday: Noodle Zoo and Animal Print

For this week’s Food and Fashion Friday, I’m wholeheartedly recommending Noodle Zoo located in the East Village at 601 E. Locust St. The restaurant is brightly colored and has large windows looking out to street. Patrons order at the counter and have their meals brought to their table. The East Village location is open only for lunch, but there are two other Des Moines area locations at 6750 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines and 2785 N. Ankeny Blvd. in Ankeny that are open for both lunch and dinner.

Not surprisingly, Noodle Zoo offers several pasta dishes as well as soup, sandwiches, and salad. I ordered a pasta bowl topped with shrimp and vegetables. The shrimp were excellent, especially for a restaurant that doesn’t specialize in seafood. Ordering anything that comes with their fantastic focaccia bread is highly recommended. 

Now onto the questionable trend of the day: animal print. I’m not sure if animal print can actually be classified as a trend since it seems to be ever present; however, my friend Laura who knows how much I dislike animal print requested I write about how it can be properly worn. My first instinct is to recommend only accessorizing with animal print like wearing snakeskin shoes that add interesting texture to an outfit. However, designers like Zac Posen showed head to toe animal print looks this spring. 

As much as I hate to say it, I think this dress looks very wearable and not tacky in any way. This is due to the white shoes and purse which soften the look and make it look not overdone. When translating any look from the runway to the street, toning down is often necessary. This is definitely true for animal print. You don’t want to look like you just left a Halloween party dressed as a leopard. 

So, Laura- and everyone else, keep your animal print looking classy. Stay away from pairing it with anything velvet, stretchy, or sparkly. Keep it sophisticated by pairing a touch of animal print with khaki to create the trendy safari look like these from Milly, Gucci, Missoni, and Ralph Lauren.

As always, feel free to disagree and leave your comments about animal print and its appropriate use.

Online Shopping: ShopStyle

My online shopping recommendation for the week is both more and less than a traditional shopping website. That’s because ShopStyle is like a fantastic search engine for fashion related sites. You can’t buy anything on ShopStyle, instead it provides links to sites that have what you’re looking for. This is a fantastic tool if you know you’re looking for a specific item. Say for example, you want to purchase a pair of Ray-Ban Wayfarers. So, you type that into Shopstyle and several options pop up from sites including Lord & Taylor, Nordstrom, and Neiman Marcus. This pair of black Ray-Bans were listed anywhere from $109 to $175 on ShopStyle which proves the sites usefulness as a comparison shopping tool.

ShopStyle is also great if you’re looking for something like a black dress (preference night attire for sorority recruitment???). If that was the case, you would click on dresses and find that ShopStyle has 73,868 dresses currently archived. By selecting black as the color, the choices are narrowed down to 4337- which is still a lot to go through. You can then continue to trim your options by searching for black dresses that are available in your size, price range, and desired length. After performing my search, I found this adorable Black Halo dress on Couture Candy  priced at $161. 

So, check out ShopStyle whether your hunting for the best bargain or just need to get an idea of what’s out on the shopping sites. It’s also a great way to discover a new website like shopbop that could quickly become your new favorite.

Best of the Mags: June 2009

My pick for the month is actually the July issue of Nylon. Since they don’t have a June issue, and the July issue is already out and completely fantastic I’m going to let it slide. 

As always, the Music Issue of Nylon is fantastic. If you’re more a music lover than a fashion lover, this is definitely the issue to get your feet wet in. There are pages and pages of interviews with up and coming bands as well as a feature interview with the Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs. For us fashion enthusiasts, there’s still plenty of cute and for the most part very affordable clothing including a three page feature of fashion inspired by The Like, Lady Gaga, and Katy Perry. 

My second pick for the month is Elle. As far as fashion coverage goes, I don’t think any other magazine does it with equal thoroughness and accessibility. The Trends pages were spot on as always, and I particularly loved the four page Shopping section featuring dozens of cute and unique swimming suits like this one from Kymare that retails for $265. 

The “Double Take” editorial featuring the spring Louis Vuitton collection was also inspired showing the wearibility of the clothes originally designed for the catwalk. 

I do have one major bone to pick with the June Elle issue, and that would be the covergirl. Megan Fox????? really???? Who’s next?? Kim Kardashian??!! Despite my initial annoyance, I decided to read Fox’s interview with an open mind. However, I was further disappointed. The interview contained no interesting depth and mainly consisted of Fox discussing how she likes to toy with men and make up or exaggerate stories for men’s magazines to seem more intriguing. Sorry, Elle. I’m not buying the legitimacy of Megan Fox as a cover girl for a magazine that takes it fashion seriously.

Now, onto Vogue. While Cameron Diaz is not as inappropriate of a cover choice as Megan Fox, she certainly doesn’t measure up to last month’s fantastic cover. The rest of the magazine doesn’t measure up either. Vogue has decided to install a “Fashion Steal of the Month” due to our struggling economy. Unfortunately, the “Steal” consisted of a beach ensemble that boasted every item in the picture (swimsuit, bag, surboard, etc) were under $500 each. The swimsuit featured was priced at $300 which is more than several of the suits featured in the Elle spread (which by the way did not try to come off as some sort of “bargain” shopping feature). While I commend Vogue for trying to be practical with the economy, I might suggest that in the future they feature more than just one swimsuit (or dress, or whatever ensemble) as well as not making so much of a fuss about it being affordable. I don’t read Vogue to find things I would necessarily buy. It’s more of a tool to be inspired by the season’s trends, so I would be perfectly happy if they left out the lower priced items. 

I do have to commend the Vogue accessories department as well as the photographer Raymond Meier for the fantastic “brighten up” editorial spread. I love neons, and I was very happy to see such a beautiful spread that managed to make bags (like the Christian Dior purse pictured below) and shoes the feature by keeping the model in the piece in the background. Hopefully, the “bargain shopping” department can learn to master such subtlety.

Favorite Places: Vitae Design

Upon my return to Des Moines this summer, I was very pleasantly surprised to learn that the space next to Dorothea’s Closet (a fantastic vintage store), had been filled by another unique apparel store. Vitae Design sells clothing and accessories made by five local designers who each have a stake in the store and a unique style.

First, there is Acanthus Apparel which specializes in screenprinted t-shirts that are a bit more abstract than SMASH’s shirts.

When I was in the store recently, I also found an Acanthus Apparel black dress made out of t-shirt material with a nautical themed screenprint that I had to have.

There’s also Magpie which specializes in one of a kind gowns reminiscent of Project Runway.

The other three designers are Pink Revolver, Barbarella, and rok:her:roots, the last of which is  a line of rock and roll inspired frocks and embellished tanks.

I find all five lines fresh and exciting, but the best part of Vitae Design is that is an outlet for local designers to sell their clothes, accessories, and art. So, if you’re in the area make sure to stop by 1731 Grand Ave. in Des Moines. The store is open from 11am – 5:30pm Monday-Saturday and noon-4pm on Sundays.

Let’s Talk About Shoes

I’m not a shoe-aholic. Really. I’d rather buy a new dress than a new pair of shoes, but a fabulous pair of heels are often necessary in life. So, what should you be looking for in your new footwear? I mentioned that I think bags should be an investment. Shoes fall in the same category, but perhaps not to the same degree. I don’t think you need to spring for a pair of Manolo Blahniks to get a quality pair of shoes. Brands like BCBGirls, Nine West, Jessica Simpson, and Sam Edelman that are priced in the neighborhood of $100 a pair will work just fine, especially for us collegiates. 

So what are the essentials? I’ve pared it down to 8 varieties….feel free to have a much larger shoe closet….this is just the bare minimum.

1. The Black High Heel- a no-brainer…goes from day to night….I like this one from GUESS that retails for $90.

2. The Neutral Colored Heel- I would recommend a sandal style since the neutral heel is especially useful to pair with brightly colored summer dresses. I love this pair from Chinese Laundry  that sell for $109.95 on Zappos. 

3. Colored High Heels- Sometimes you just want the shoe to be the main event which is why having a great pair like these ones from Poetic Licence that retails for $149.95 is a fantastic idea.

4. “Fratting Heels”- Um, yeah. Sometimes floors at parties are kinda gross….or you have to walk a ways to get there. Either way it’s always good to have a designated pair of shoes that you won’t cry over. Either use an old pair that are starting to show some wear and tear or buy a cheap pair like these ones from Target that are only $26.99.

5. The Black Flat Shoe- Again a no-brainer…basic and easy….like these ones from Free People that retail for $118. 

6. Colored Flats- Same concept as colored high heels….these Harajuku Lovers flats that are only $69.95 on Endless.com and are super fun and flirty.

7. Sandal- In addition to casual flip flops, it’s always a good idea to have a dressier flat sandal like this gold Tory Burch  pair on sale for $150.

8. Tennis Shoe- Even if you’re not a work-out enthusiast, a pair of Nikes like these that retail for $62 are never a bad idea.

Alternatively, TOMS can be a great comfy shoe for running errands, etc. You’ll also feel good about wearing them because the company donates a pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair bought. Check out these cute anchored pair for only $48. (Especially if you’re a Delta Gamma!!!!)

My Most Wanted

I figured my birthday was a good time to make a list of all the things I’m dying to have for the rest of the summer and into the fall. So here goes. (As you can see my shoe entry made me realize where the holes are in my closet)

1. Hunter Rain Boots- I’m really not sure how I’ve survived two years at Vandy without them. But better late than never.

2. Nike IDs- Customized tennis shoes. I don’t know, it just seems like a good idea.

3. Medium wash, straight leg jeans- now to find a pair that fits properly….

4. Black Flats- I’m hijacking this straight from the shoe post. My current black flats have seen better days.

5. SMASH T-shirt: because you can never have too many…and I’m only in Des Moines for so long.

6. Romper- I already have a harem pant jumpsuit, but i think a shorts version is necessary. (T-Bags at Net-A-Porter)

7. Dressy shorts- because anything is better than wearing dress pants……shudder.(Stella McCartney at Net-A-Porter)

8. LBD- I have more than one black dress….but none of them fit what I have in mind for a Little Black Dress. ( Mink Pink at Chick Downtown)

            

9. A Brightly Colored and Well-Tailored Dress- I value both qualities in clothes. (Theory at Net-A-Porter)

10. Sophisticated Day-to-Night Top (Elizabeth and James at Chick Downtown)

  

Food and Fashion Friday: Woody’s Smoke Shack and Neons

My recommendation for dining this week is Woody’s Smoke Shack located at 2511 Cottage Grove Ave. in Des Moines. Woody’s recently appeared on Good Morning America as one of the top BBQ restaurants in America, and the honor is certainly deserved. Before my visit to Woody’s, I was skeptical it could outdo Mustard’s (my former Des Moines favorite). However, the flavor of the meat alone was enough to win me over. So, be sure to stop by as soon as you can for a hearty meal. Word to the wise, Woody’s is pretty much a hole-in-the-wall ( a very nice one though), so you may want to consider taking your food to go so you won’t be crowded by other diners.

Since it’s my birthday, I don’t want to talk about any trends I’m not a fan of. Instead, I’ll discuss a trend I love but may not be for the faint of heart. That trend is the generous use of  neon colors. The key with this trend is to not come off as too Eurotrashy. Marc Jacobs showed plenty of ensembles punctuated by bright colors.

As you can see from the picture, pairing all black with a pop of color in coat or dress can look fashion forward without being costumey. Those of us in the college age bracket can definitely get away with wearing a neon color or two since its the epitome of fun and fresh fashion. However, the trend may not be the best for an interview or presentation since your potential employer or professor may be more distracted than impressed with your fashion sense. So keep it bright for your personal life without looking like you walked out of Studio 54.

Forever (21) Fashion

Last Friday, I attended a Central Iowa Bloggers networking event. Someone suggested that I find a look I like, and then attempt to recreate for much cheaper. So, that is what I will be doing today.

The look I have chosen is from the Spring/Summer Marc by Marc Jacobs show. I don’t have an exact pricing on the look, but I would estimate the look is worth between $800-$1000.

The key elements of the outfit are the brightly printed blouse, full short skirt, and neutral colored sandals. 

I have recreated this look entirely from Forever 21’s website with the three main pieces coming to a total of less than $50.

First, this flirty printed top is only $17.80.

 

 

Next, this full skirt with a thick waistband is only $13.80.

These sandals ring up for only $16.80.

If you have a little more than $50 to spend, go ahead and add a belt like this one that’s only $11.80.

For the multiple headband look, try this stretchy one for only $1.50 and this double headband that’s also $1.50.

          

Well there’s the entire look. Even with the extras it’ll only cost you $63.20. Happy Bargain Hunting!

Favorite Places: Dorothea’s Closet

This week’s favorite place, Dorothea’s Closet, is next door to last week’s Vitae Design, so if you didn’t get a chance to stop into Vitae this past week make sure to swing by both stores at the corner of 18th and Grand in Des Moines. Dorothea’s has been around a bit longer than Vitae. In fact, one of my favorite memories from senior year was swinging in during my lunch break between classes at Central Academy.

While there are several second hand stores in the metro area, Dorothea’s is the only true vintage shop. The store’s websites lists several of their top offerings including this Lanvin dress from the 1980s that is reselling for $750.

If you’re not looking make such an investment, never fear. Dorothea’s is also full of bargain finds. I’ve purchased both a lime green short full skirt (quite similar to what I featured yesterday) for only $25 and a pair of fire engine red high waisted hot shorts for $20 that are perfect for theme parties.

Dorothea’s also offers vintage lingerie which may seem a bit strange. However, many of the pieces like this Katherine Hepburn inspired pajama set can translate into streetwear if worn with a certain panache.

Like all stores that only carry one-of-a-kind items, it’s important to stop in frequently to ensure you don’t miss any great finds. The shop is open Wednesday through Fridays from 10:00am – 5:30pm and Saturdays from 10:00am – 4:30pm.

Let’s Talk About Skirts

Ah skirts- sometimes it just seems like it would be easier if they didn’t exist and our only options were pants and dresses. It can be difficult to find one that fits properly, and then of course a top half of the outfit has to be picked out. However, the right skirt can be your best friend since they offer a pop of color and oftentimes a fun print to spice up your look. 

You’ve probably heard that A-line skirts are the most universally flattering shape. That may be true, but I’ve always found them a bit dull and uninspiring. That’s why I’m so excited about the high-waisted, full, short skirts that are so in for fall. They are flattering on most everyone. If you have a small waist, they will of course accentuate that. If you’re lacking in curves, the fullness of the skirt will create them. The length of most of these skirts is perfect since they hit a inch or two above the knee which allows you to show off your legs without being in fear of flashing anyone. The biggest note of caution I issue is to find an appropriate top to wear with these skirts as you will need to tuck it in. You don’t want unnecessarily bulky tops to squeeze into a tight waistband. So, here’s a sampling of the hottest skirt for now into the fall.

         

A related trend is the continuation of the tulip skirt which in many ways is similar to the aforementioned type of skirt with the exception of a band at the bottom of the skirt right above the knee. This can be problematic for those of us with wider hips since the tulip skirt only accentuates the hips in an unflattering manner. 

The structured look is very in for fall, so of course pencil skirts come along with that. While they may be the most feared style of skirt, they can be pulled off wonderfully by all body types. The key to wearing a pencil skirt is to remember it will accentuate whatever you have. So if you’re thin and have few curves, you’ll look modelesque. If you’re curvier the skirt is going to make that obvious. Just be comfortable with whatever body you’re in and you’ll be fine. However, finding a pencil skirt that fits your body correctly can be difficult. So don’t be afraid to shop around. Those with small waists in comparison to their body may find it very hard to find a high waisted skirt that fits in both the waist and hips and may need to consult a tailor. Here are two examples of how pencil skirts have been worn on the runway recently

          

So, don’t be discouraged by skirt shopping. It can be a fun experience if you go into it with plenty of patience and self confidence.

Personal Style Enhancement

One of the things I’m doing in this smorgashbord  of a summer is working with Mike Sansone who operates ConverStations which helps people use social media to their advantage. One thing that Mike thinks is really important for business people, bloggers, and probably everyone is to define their mission in three words. My three words I came up with are “Personal Style Enhancer.” I realize that’s saying a lot and might be awfully bold for someone who is just getting started. But personal style is really what I would like this blog to be about. Sure, what’s coming down the catwalks is important, but not nearly as much as how those looks are translated into real life.

I think one of the mistakes people make when it comes to defining their personal style is trying to pare it down to one word descriptions like bohemian or preppy. The fact of the matter is very few people can be pegged by just one of these titles. So, don’t bother getting hung up on giving your style a name. Instead focus on coming up with a signature look that is a mix of all the influences in your life.

Of course, personal styles morph over the years as we age. New life experiences are also bound to shift our style in one direction or the other. For example, I dress quite a bit more preppy when I’m at Vanderbilt then when I’m in Des Moines. However, I don’t wear my pearls nearly as much as I did in high school because a Vandy girl wearing pearls is much too believable to come off as ironic.

Maybe examining your wardrobe to create a signature look seems flaky or unimportant to you. However, it’s all a part of how you come off to everyone all around you, and it’s not as if defining a personal style will be an existential crisis. In all likelihood, you already dress in a manner that reflects your personality and position in life. So, examine what you own and why you like it. This will allow you to determine a set of guidelines for future reference. Don’t write these guidelines in stone, but let them be flexible for changes. This allows your clothes to reflect you rather than define you. Ok, that’s enough for me. I’ll leave with you some quotes on personal style from people much more knowledgeable than me.

“The best color in the whole world is the one that looks good on you” – Coco Chanel

“The goal I seek is to have people refine their style through my clothing without them becoming victims of fashion” – Giorgio Armani

“Style is primarily a matter of instinct”- Bill Blass

“A women’s dress should be like a barbwired fence: serving its purpose without obstructing its view”- Sophia Loren

Food and Fashion Friday: B-Bops and Crop Tops

B-Bops is a longstanding favorite in the Des Moines area, and as such I could hardly pass it up to join the Food and Fashion Friday Club. If you haven’t been, don’t go in hopes of finding a gourmet hamburger at a sit-down place. B-Bops is definitely an old fashioned joint with reasonably priced hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, and fries. Drive-thru is the most common option, although if you’re out for a walk, they do have a walk-up window and picnic tables outside to enjoy your quick bite. As such, B-Bops is a great place for a summer lunch; however, make sure to come back in the winter for their delicious chili at one of seven metro locations.

I thought the questionable trend of the day would go along with B-Bops since its also associated with summer (hopefully). Yes, crop tops seem to be making their way back. Now, I’m very pro 80s trends, but the 90s- well that’s a different story. That decade brings to mind tacky, and not in a good way.

Well apparently, I’ve been stuck in the Vandy Bubble and Des Moines for far too long because these tops are popping up everywhere from TopShop to Alexander Wang’s runway show. (see below). 

                    

So, what’s my take on this abbreviated trend? As you know, I love bright colors and shorts, so the Alexander Wang look is very appealing to me. It’s convinced me that crop tops can be pulled off effectively without looking like an extra in a 90s music video. Still this trend should be approached with EXTREME caution to avoid walking the wrong side of the line. So, here are my guidelines for wearing this trend in a (somewhat) proper manner: 

1. Wear with shorts, pants, skirts, whatever that have a high rise. Preferably these should cover your belly button as seen above.

2. Never, ever wear a crop top to class, work, the stock market, etc.

3. Bonus points for wearing a jacket

4. Use the crop top for your work out motivation

5. Never take yourself seriously while wearing a crop top

So, that’s what I think….feel free to disagree and post below.

A Week of Denim: Starting from the Top

So a couple weeks ago in my “Most Wanted” post, I mentioned I was looking for a pair of straight legged medium wash jeans. I was successful in finding such a pair this weekend, and in celebration I have decided to devote this entire week to denim. Don’t worry, I’ll get to my quest for the perfect pair in due time. However, for today I’m going to focus on the denim that came down the runway recently. 

A good deal of it was very rock-n-roll inspired. So much distressed denim and acid wash you would think it was the 80s again. But enough talk, here’s some photographic evidence of what’s hot in denim. 

Alexander Wang - The denim/leather jacket over a swimsuit with fierce heels might be a little much for streetwear, but the jacket of a floral dress could be just the answer to toughening up an otherwise sweet look.

Givenchy - There’s a lot going on here: the leather, the denim on denim look, etc. Approach with caution. Leather with denim can be effective, but I’d add a pop of color to avoid looking like a member of Hell’s Angels.

Meadham Kirchhoff - Again the denim on denim trend. Not sure how I feel about this. As much as I’d like to say I think it can be pulled off, I’m not sure the place for it is Iowa since people here have always worn the denim jacket with jeans look in a more hick than high fashion manner.

William Rast- Now here’s a denim look I can stand behind. The cozy cardigan looks great with the cutoff, cuffed jean shorts. I have my own pair I made from an old pair of Levi’s.

So, that’s it for today’s runway report. Check in for the rest of the week for more on denim for 2009.

Favorite Places: Fab’rik

Do you want a free top or dress? Then head to Fab’rik locted at 6925 Mills Civic Parkway near Jordan creek Town Center. There is a catch to the free item. You have to spend at least $100 to get a free sale item, but it’s totally worth it. I stopped by Fab’rik this past weekend in my search for the perfect pair of jeans. Not only was I successful in finding the perfect pair of 7’s, I also walked away with a free yellow ruffled top by Esley. (Although I would rather have had a coral BB Dakota dress that was unfortunately only in stock in sizes extra small and medium not the small I needed).

Fab’rik’s claim to fame is all their merchandise, with the exceptions of designer denim, is priced under $100. Right now they have a great selection of tops, skirts, dresses, and rompers. You’ll definitely want to check out Fab’rik’s selection of designer jeans since with Melrose gone and Sarto closing, the number of boutiques with denim in the metro are dwindling. In addition to 7 for All Mankind, the shop also carries Miss Me, William Rast, and Paige jeans. 

If you’re into maxi dresses, Fab’rik definitely has a great selection of those as well. 

So, go check them out if you’re in the Des Moines area. I can’t express how important it is to support our local boutiques since there are fewer than there should be to begin with.

Let’s Talk About Jeans

Jeans can either be your best friend or your worst enemy as they can be either extremely flattering or make you look stumpy and stout. Those of us in college have grown up in the era of the bootcut jean which has often been heralded as universally flattering. I’d have to agree with that assessment, and I don’t really see bootcut jeans going anywhere in the near future. However, I think it’s very important to be open minded to adding a pair of two of straight legged jeans like the ones below from Rag & Bone to your pile of denim.

Of course a proper fit is the number one concern when finding a great pair of jeans. This means a LOT of time in the fitting room. It’s all about trial and error. This is NOT an item you should be purchasing online unless you’ve tried on the brand before.However, be open minded to brands that haven’t worked for you in the past or ones you’ve been told won’t be good for your body type. For instance I’ve been told by several people that True Religions are bad for my shape; however, two of my favorite pairs are that brand. The thing to keep in mind is every brand has several cuts and those cuts work for different body types. Oftentimes, these cuts are named to help you remember what works and what doesn’t for future reference. (For instance, my True Religions are Bobby and Heidi, and my new pair of 7’s is Roxanne- pictured below).

           

You need to make your new chosen pair fits in the waist and thighs in addition to your hips. You don’t want the back to gap because the waist is too big. The fit in the thigh is also extremely important because if your jeans are too loose in this area you’re going to look like a soccer mom. If they’re too tight you’ll just look like a sausage.

Another thing to keep in mind is the wash of the jean. Generally, when you go into your jean shopping you should know whether you’re in search of darker or lighter jeans. Both are essential in any wardrobe as dark jeans are always flattering and light jeans are great for a fun, casual, and trendy look. Either way you can’t go wrong once you’ve made up your mind.

Once you’ve find a pair of jeans in your desired shade that fit your waist, hips, and thighs you will likely need to head to a tailor. Don’t be shocked by this suggestion. You’ve just made an investment. (Yes, I believe jeans are something that you should invest in and not buy cheaply. The more expensive brands really are made better and will wear much better in the wash). Your  jeans will need to be tailored different lengths depending on if they are straight legged or boot cut. If they’re boot cut you also need to decide if you want them tailored for flats or heels. Either way they should be tailored so they will just barely graze the floor. If you’re getting a pair of straight legged jeans tailored, I think the best place to have them tailored to is the bottom of your ankle. This allows you to show off whatever shoes you plan on wearing with them, and your jeans won’t bunch up this way. One more important note about tailoring: make sure to tell your tailor you want to keep the original hem. A talented tailor can do this very well, and it allows the jeans to keep their original look as certain brands have signature hems.

Well, that’s all for me today. Now go out and shop to your heart’s content.

My Jeans Journey

I’ve had an interesting relationship with denim over the years. When I was in elementary school, I rarely wore jeans. In fact, I’m not sure if I ever wore a pair to school until fourth or fifth grade. Instead I wore dresses pretty much every single day, and generally leggings otherwise. Hopefully, my mother will forgive me for saying that these days were not the most fashionable time in my life.  (Embroidered jumpers with matching hairbows really are not the fashion forward even for a nine year old). Anyway, by about the fifth or sixth grade I was wearing jeans quite a lot, but instead of the super cool flares I mostly had straight legged jeans (maybe I was just ahead of my time???). 

Eventually, I got some decently attractive jeans made by brands like Levi’s, Vigoss, and Hydraulic, but the makings of a future fashion blogger weren’t set until the summer before my senior year of high school when I went to Harvard’s Secondary Student Summer Program (say that five times fast). I know what you’re thinking- Harvard??? How could that make me be more style conscious? Nevertheless, it did. Maybe it was the freedom to explore the shops of Boston with my two roommates. (Especially, the fantastic Urban Outfitters a block away from our dorm with an amazing Bargain Basement.) Or maybe it was the two super cool girls in my class from New Jersey whose style I totally admired. (Sadly enough, that is not a joke.). Or maybe it was the hours I spent flipping through fashion magazines at Barnes & Noble to escape the heat of my un-air-conditioned dorm. Regardless, that summer made me sit up and take notice to the world of style and started my transformation into a fashion junkie. 

I finally got my first pair of designer jeans in the midst of senior year. Since then, I have always been on the lookout for a great pair that will fit into my wardrobe. As I started freshman year at Vanderbilt, I began to understand how jeans can be a great part of a going out look and not just for being paired with jeans and tennis shoes. I definitely wear a lot more skirts and dresses to class  at college then I did in high school, but I think I have reached a greater appreciation for the versatility that denim offers.

Food and Fashion Friday: Hong Kong and Denim on Denim

My recommendation for Des Moines area dining this week is Hong Kong- the delicious Chinese restaurant located in the Uptown Shopping Center at the corner of 42nd St. and University Ave. in Des Moines. The food is always delicious and fast, and Hong Kong is definitely on the top of my list of places I crave when I’m away at school. I particularly love their chicken lo mein and and fried dumplings. Hong Kong also has a cheap lunch and dinner buffet with Chinese food staples.

The questionable trend for the day is a continuation of something I touched on earlier in the week: denim on denim. In my head, this trend conjures up images of farmers and middle aged women who also think furry flip-flops are also fashionable. But, as always, I’m willing to give this trend a chance. So, I’ll evaluate a couple of all denim looks starting with this one.

To start with, the bottom half of the outfit is impeccable. Where it starts to get a little dicey is the jacket. The ruffles at the bottom of the jacket with the pink bow around the waist are a little ridiculous, but in a way that’s what makes this outfit work. The model’s glasses ramp up the quirky factor and tell onlookers that she’s not taking herself too seriously. Because of that this a look I could see working on the street, but it’s definitely not for everyone. This is definitely the kind of outfit you have to wear and not let it wear you otherwise you’ll just look silly (well sillier than if you have a great swagger and confidence). Now onto item #2.

Denim jackets can often be questionable, but I absolutely love this military style jacket. In fact, I think this look is the epitome of how to wear denim on denim. The super light colored jeans let the jacket be the main event, and the silver top doesn’t try to steal the spotlight either. So, maybe the key to wearing denim on denim is to have one statement piece and keep the rest of the look understated. That is if you choose to wear this style. I, myself, have not completely decided whether it’s for me or not. If you decide to hop on the denim on denim train just please make sure to look more like the picture above then this picture of Christina Ricci.

Best of the Mags: July 2009

Last month, Nylon’s combined June/July Music Issue was by far my favorite. This month, I’m giving another Music Issue the nod. That’s right, Elle, is my pick for the month which is great because despite what I’ve written about their last two issues I really do love that magazine. 

I knew the July issue was going to be far superior to recent issues when I saw Gwen Stefani on the cover looking every bit the rocking fashionista she is.

Gwen was the perfect pick for a covergirl since she epitomizes the close relationship music and fashion have. As a member of No Doubt, she made a fashion statement with punk influenced get-ups. Her solo career has featured even more outlandish get ups, and her two fashion and fragrance lines L.A.M.B. and Harajuku Lovers have made Gwen not only an icon but also a direct influencer of street fashion. While pretty much all celebrity interviews are about the same, I thought Gwen seemed open to discussing the problems No Doubt has had and how being a mother has changed her career.

The rest of the issue was also great with trends pages influenced by music styles ranging from folk to rock to opera as well as interesting profiles on influential women in the music industry such as the COO of Atlantic Records, Julie Greenwald. Like Nylon’s music issue, Elle also featured mini interviews with several musical acts. However, unlike Nylon’s features on bands like Passion Pit and the Plasticines that are just getting started, Elle went for an extremely mainstream approach with artists like Missy Elliot and Taylor Swift. 

This month’s Vogue was also enjoyable with covergirl Sienna Miller, who like Gwen, has her own fashion line and a very unique sense of style. I must say that if American fashion magazines continue to have celebrities on the cover they should strive to follow this month’s examples of celebrities who at least don’t look like a style clone.

This Vogue issue was a bit on the thin side, but that’s to be expected since we all have the tome sized September issue to look forward to. Despite, the size, Vogue was still able to deliver quality editorials. I particularly enjoyed the “City of Dreams” spread that looked so natural and not as contrived as many shoots. This picture of the model lounging on the park bench seemed especially genuine and I can’t wait to get it up on my dorm room wall in a couple months. (Yes, I do plaster my walls with magazine pages).

I also want to give an honorable mention to the June/July issue of Vogue’s little sister publication that featured rising star Selena Gomez on the cover.

I tend to overlook Teen Vogue more than I should. Even though the publication doesn’t feature as much high end design as more grown up mags, it’s a fantastic resource for successfully translating the trends into practical streetwear at an affordable price point. 

My only main magazine disappointment this month was Harper’s Bazaar. In case you haven’t read it elsewhere, the magazine has been heavily criticized for using a stock photo of Angelina Jolie on the cover and having an article about her rather than an interview with her. As if, having celebs on the cover isn’t bad enough to begin with.

Favorite Places: Aimee

One of the biggest problems with the Des Moines shopping scene besides the overall lack of boutiques is how the vast majority of these boutiques are either glorified juniors departments or filled with clothes that are far too matronly for college students. Fortunately, Aimee, located in the East Village, is neither. The merchandise is always sophisticated while remaining fashion forward.

The store has been open since 2004, and the owner has always prided her shop on unique labels and quick moving merchandise. This is not the sort of place you can come back to a week later expecting to find the dress you loved but didn’t buy right away. However, when you purchase something from Aimee you can be sure that you won’t run into someone wearing the same thing. Be forewarned, most items are well above $100 with several dresses in the $300-$400 range. This also is not the place to buy mainstream labels that will get you attention from the masses. In fact, the most well known brand carried by Aimee is Shoshanna. However, I think the beauty of Aimee is you can find quality clothing that is beautifully made while discovering great little brands like How & Wen and Bailey 44.

So, if you’re in the market for something unique be sure to stop by the shop located at 432 E. Locust St. in Des Moines. Aimee is open from 10am- 5pm Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays and 10am – 7pm on Thursdays and Fridays.

Let’s Talk About Swimsuits

Well, summer is finally in full swing, so it’s only necessary  to discuss attire for the beach and pool. Now, the first thing to remember about swimsuits is they’re a lot like pencil skirts: unforgiving. However, there are plenty of options that can accentuate parts of your body you like to draw attention away from the parts you don’t like.

Now, there are four main types of swimsuits: one piece, bikini, tankini, and monokini. Personally, I think tankinis should be banished. They’re kinda pointless especially for people who are trying to hide a belly because all a tankini does is create a little strip of skin stuck between two pieces of fabric which in the end can make your stomach look chunkier. If you do have more of a belly than you would like, I would definitely recommend a one piece. Many companies have realized that it’s not just grandmas who want to cover up, so they have begun to produce attractive one pieces like these. (All looks found on ShopStyle)

             

The shirring on these suits also helps create a waist and a nice streamlined figure. 

If you’re hips are more of a problem area than your belly, than I would definitely recommend going for a classic bikini. Halter bikini tops tend to be the most flattering as they are generally adjustable and create a broader looking shoulder to balance out your hips. A dark solid color can be great if you’re looking to be both sophisticated and to hide your flaws, but bright prints can also be fun and onlookers may be too caught up in how cute your suit is to notice any problems. Really, it’s hard to find an unflattering bikini. At the very worst, a bikini will make your body look how it really is and no worse. So, here are some of my favorite styles.

                  

The first swimsuit is great if you’re flat chested since the ruffles help add volume. The second is fantastic if you’re chestier and need support since it’s built like a bra, and the black swimsuit is great if you’re somewhere in between.

So finally, we have the monokini. Otherwise known as the “wear only if you are brave swimsuit.”  Monokinis can range from basically a one piece with a few small cut-outs to a deep plunging neckline with the sides and back also cut out. So obviously, your needed level of bravery will depend on how extreme your monokini is. I do think monokinis can be pulled off very well on the right person. You just need to make sure if you choose to wear one it fits well and doesn’t expose too much flesh. Here are some of my favorites.

            

And here is one monokini that is so unflattering the twiggy model almost looks like she has stomach rolls.

Dance Style

So, I’ve only been twenty for a couple weeks now, but I’m pretty sure tomorrow night I’m going to feel the oldest I ever will within the next year. That’s because I’ll be going to my old dance studio’s dance recital. Last year was my first year not actually being in a dance recital and sitting through the show was very entertaining but also bittersweet because my days of competition dance are over. Dance was a huge part of my life, and as such, it has definitely influenced my fashion sense. But before, I get all teary-eyed going down memory lane, I should encourage those of you in the Des Moines area to check out the recital at the Civic Center. It’s tonight and tomorrow at 7pm, and nobody puts on a better show than Becky  Nalevanko’s Dance and Tumbling Studio. (I’m not just saying that because I’m impartial. Really, it’s true.

Rhinestones and sparkles of all kinds definitely stand out the most from my days in dance competition. This has also carried over to my twirling costumes. (I’m pretty sure the cost of rhinestones for my Vandy feature twirler costume was higher than the price of the fabric.) In the dance world, there was never enough as too many rhinestones or sequins. When I was younger,  I think I also thought ALL my clothes would be better with rhinestones on them. However, I have been a bit skeptical of the recent popularity of sequined and metallic clothing. This is probably greatly due to sequins and sparkles being associated with performance not normal life in my mind.

Tights are also an essential part of dancewear. I loved wearing my black and fishnet tights with my street outfits, and maybe I was just ahead of my time since black tights under short dresses is now one of the hottest looks. Although one look that has never snuck into mainstream fashion is wearing a strip of cut-off tights as a choker. Yes, we did this for a while. I’m not really sure why.

However, I think the most important influence my hours in the dance studio and on the stage has had on my style is bigger than tights or rhinestones. Being a dancer made me very aware of my body and what type of clothes look best on it. The choreography, concepts, and costumes of competition routines were also often groundbreaking and maybe a little risky. But often, it was these quirky routines that would win a competition. The idea that risk equals reward is also true in fashion and helps encourage me to take risks. Sometimes, I think we could all stand to take a few more risks in how we live and dress. I’ll keep that in mind as I watch the show tomorrow night. And try not to feel too old.

Food and Fashion Friday: Snookies and Summer Scarves

It’s cooled down a few degrees today, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy a frozen treat. If you’re from Des Moines but not from the Beaverdale area, you may have missed out on the greatest little ice cream shop in the city. Snookies Malt Shop is located at 1810 Beaver Ave., and the store is open seasonally from 11:30am- 10pm Mondays – Saturdays and 1pm – 10pm on Sundays. My favorite thing to get is a Heath Arctic Blast which is a lot like a Blizzard from Dairy Queen with the exception that Snookies tops their creations with chocolate shell and leaves a few pieces of the Heath on top. Besides Arctic Blasts, Snookies of course has standard ice cream cones and sundaes. It’s always packed if you go at night when the hot summer sun has gone down and everyone can enjoy their ice cream outside.

The questionable trend of the day is summer scarves. I know this trend has been going on for quite some time now, but I’m still a little bit in awe everytime I see someone sporting one in the summer heat. I think the biggest problem I have with these scarves is they tend to turn normal girls into hipster posers. (I mean this girl is only a facial piercing and gangster hand sign away from being on latfh.com )

I am willing to consent to there being a proper way to wear a summer scarf. As seen below, the scarf is part of the entire ensemble instead of being the sole focal feature of an outfit otherwise comprised of jeans and a t-shirt.

The above look is pulled together and streamlined, and different from the way a host of LA celebs have been spotted wearing a summer scarf. So, if you’re a summer scarf wearer feel free to defend yourself below. I leave you with proof of why men should never ever sport this trend.

Music Fest Fashion From the Runway

In case you didn’t know, Des Moines’ Baby Bonnaroo, the 80/35 Music Festival is this weekend. While Girl Talk, the Tings Tings, and Santigold won’t be making it to Des Moines, Ben Harper and Relentless 7 (who also appeared at Bonnaroo this year) will be. They’ll also be joined by 40 other groups including Public Enemy, Broken Social Scene, and local favorite the Envy Corps. If  you’re in town for the 4th of July weekend, definitely make it a point to stop by. Of course, you may want to be looking your indie kid best. I’ll be featuring more practical and cost effective looks later in the week. But I’ll start the week off with some runway looks that are music fest ready with plenty of tie die, fur vests, and fringed boots. 

That last look may be a little extreme, but isn’t that what runway’s all about? If you love the pop of color from the last look but also love the shorts with boots look like I do then try either a colored jacket or boots with black, white, and denim basics for a laidback look.

Favorite Places: Things on 70th

I’m going to make a very rare exception today and not write about clothes. However, the Favorite Place for the week is a store that is all about personal style. Things on 70th has been open since last fall and specializes in new and consigned home decor and furniture. The merchandise is constantly changing because it is all priced to sell. This makes it the perfect place for us collegiates to find pictures, wall hangings, vases, and other decorative items to fill our dorm rooms with. If you’re in search of a desk, Things has (or at least had of as a Saturday) a white desk and chair set priced under $100 that would fit perfectly into a corner. 

The store is a great place to go with family or friends of all ages since the large pieces of furniture that are nicely priced will appeal to everyone who has a whole house to fill. (My two favorite large pieces right now are a bright red sideboard and a light green chair.) Those with homes already packed with furniture and decor will be glad to know that Things on 70th allows its customers to consign their belongings for a 50-50 split. The number of customers who consign is the reason the store is able to offer such a wide array of items that range in style from shabby chic to polished black and white to an occasional animal print vase or lamp. There is also a good deal of new merchandise including iron art perfect for a garden or other outdoor space.

Things on 70th is located at 3407 70th St. in Urbandale just south of Douglas. The shop is open Tuesdays – Fridays from 10am – 6pm and Saturdays from 10am – 5pm. If you stop by on Thursdays or Saturdays, I’ll be there working and would be happy to point you in the direction of pieces that might interest you. So, take a break from finding your personal wardrobe style and spend a little time personalizing your living space whether that’s a tiny dorm room or a large house.

Let’s Talk About Vests

Vests: they’re not just for your grandpa anymore. In fact, vests can be an incredibly versatile layering tool for the summer when it’s much too warm to throw on a jacket. Lately, there has been a resurgence of denim vests which if worn well can give off a laidback rocker chick vibe. There are also plenty of knit vests in a variety of colors that are casual, comfy, and cool and go great with a t- shirt and jeans. If you’re the adventurous type and feel confident in your ability to pull of the hippie chic look, you could try a furry or fringed vest. 

While vests probably won’t become a key element of your wardrobe, it’s nice to have one or two in your closet that you can throw on over an outfit that’s a little dull. Unless you’re completely in love with a certain vest, I wouldn’t recommend splurging on one. Below, you’ll find a list of some of my favorite vests this season for every budget. 

The Circle Vest from American Apparel ($25)

A vest worthy of the Olsen sisters (On Chickdowntown by Mink Pink for $225)

For the very confident vest-wearer. (Topshop for $180)

A very feminine approach to vests (Urban Outfitters on sale for $34.99)

Love this vest- if it was worn unbuttoned (Forever 21 for $22.80)

Men’s Fashion Advice from the Untrained Eye

I’ve had more than one request to blog about men’s fashion. First off, I have to say this is something I really am not knowledgeable about. I will not be offended if you hate everything I say on this subject. So for today, I will be making general comments and suggestions. If you feel strongly that I should make men’s fashion a regular part of my blog, please leave a comment below to that effect. If not, this entry on men’s fashion will be a one time event. 

The guys I went to high school with and the guys I go to college with could not dress more differently. Here in Iowa, an oversized polo shirt untucked over khaki cargos or baggy jeans with white Nikes is a common look. While at Vanderbilt, guys tend to wear their clothes tailored and often with a splash of pastels. I’m not saying one look is better than the other. Both can be carried off well. Although I do have to say I could die happy without ever seeing another Affliction shirt or a pair of seersucker pants with animals embroidered on them.

        

As with women’s fashion, I believe guys should seek a balance in their appearance by wearing clothes that reflect their personality and not scream it. That said, I’ll give a rundown of what I believe to be essentials for guy’s closets. I’m starting today with pants and shorts because it seems that’s where guys tend to go wrong most often. Perhaps, I’ll have another entry on shirts, but for now my main comment on that subject is too avoid the Goldilocks syndrome of having shirts that are either too big or too small. 

1. Jeans- It doesn’t matter what gender you are, jeans have the possibility to go incredibly wrong or incredibly right. 

The wrong ways:

   -Too tight jeans that only look good on the Marlboro man 

      -Too tight jeans that make you look like a member of Fall Out Boy

     – Jeans worn around your knees

The right way: not too loose, not too tight, and distressed just enough (By Diesel on Shopstyle)

2. Khakis- I absolutely hate khakis on women, but they are definitely a staple for guys 

The wrong way- anything with cargo pockets

The right way (Ralph Lauren on Shopstyle)

3. Shorts- Besides the requisite gym shorts, having a nice pair of shorts is always a good idea for the summer months

The wrong way- Jorts (obviously)

The right way-  these white shorts are classic without being too metrosexual for less preppy guys (Underhills on Shopstyle)

4. A suit- even if you’re still in college it’s a nice idea (I know there’s tons of things to be written about suits and tailoring so I’ll just put a picture of one I think looks nice)

Topshop Style: British Looks for Less

You may be aware that the British chain Topshop opened their first store this side of the Atlantic this spring in New York City. This clothing giant’s cult following in the UK is similar to the avid lovers of Forever 21 here in the states. However, Topshop’s clothes are priced more similarly to Urban Outfitters than Forever 21. Along with slightly higher prices comes a higher quality item, so Topshop is still a great value when you’re looking for stylish clothes on a budget. In addition to the NYC store, Topshop also has an Americanized website with prices in dollars instead of pounds. 

To get you better acquainted with Topshop, I’ve decided to re-create a look from British designer Luella’s spring 2009 line.

The key elements of this look are the trouser shorts, the tailored blazer, and the frilly top underneath with the gloves, heels, pearls, clutch, and veil adding charm to the look.

These linen shorts are breezy yet tailored enough to be perfect for this look. ($44)

This jackets strong shoulders and straight lines mimic the Luella look. ($110)

This gorgeous top softens up the texture of the look while throwing in a splash of color. ($55)

These pink and orange accented  heels add girlish charm to this soft but tough look. ($135)

  

Layer on two strands of pearls for a punky prep look. ( $25 each)

Throw your cell and your wallet in this faux snake skin clutch. ($65)

This veiled headband is as bold as they come. ($36)

Unfortunately, the US Topshop site doesn’t have any gloves currently, but check out this pair from  for only $6.99.

So, what’s the grand total for this Luella look redone in black, hot pink and orange? $502.  Not as cheap as Forever 21, but for recreating a look that featured a jacket that costs $1,099, $500 is not too shabby.

Favorite Places: Velvet Coat

If Aimee is the place to find one of a kind items from unheard of designers, then its neighbor Velvet Coat is definitely the place to pick up dresses, tops, and skirts from popular mid-level designers including Diane von Furstenberg, Tory Burch, and Trina Turk. Velvet Coat’s original location is in Iowa City, but the store in the East Village located at 500 E. Locust St. has been open since 2007. 

The shop’s pieces are mature and timeless. Velvet Coat is definitely a place to come for an investment piece not something super trendy. My favorite item in the store is definitely this DVF Marilyn Dress that is both timeless and flattering.

Velvet Coat is full of classic items like this dress which makes a great place to shop with your friends and family of all ages since the clothes are versatile enough for almost everyone to wear. Velvet Coat is open Monday- Friday 10am- 5:30pm and Saturdays from 10am- 5pm.

Let’s Talk About Sundresses

Sundresses. They’re basically the epitome of summer reflected in a piece of clothing. It’s pretty hard to go wrong with a sundress. They’re great for a number of occasions including church, tailgating, picnics, weddings, etc. Since most sundresses are free-flowing and flattering, I don’t have any words of caution on them. So, I’ll just get down to showing you some of my favorite for the rest of the summer and into the early fall.

I love this dress by Anna Sui because of the bright print and the flattering shape that shows off a toned upper body while keeping problem hip and thigh areas covered.

What’s not to love with this yellow printed dress with straps wide enough to cover your bra, a waist cinching belt, and a price of only $24.80 from Forever 21?

This dress by Catherine Malandrino  is the grown up approach to a sundress. The print is abstract rather than floral, and the cut is modest enough for workwear. The lightweight jersey makes it perfect for running around town in and out of air conditioning on a hot summer day.

This dress by the reigning queen of preppy chic, Tory Burch, is sophistication at its summer’s finest.

This halter sundress by D&G is an adorable example of a sundress that’s sweet but still plenty flirty.

Emergence Fashion Show

If you’re in Des Moines this Saturday, you should definitely try to attend the Emergence Fashion Show being held by the Des Moines Social Club. The show will feature the work of local designers and will have a 1940’s pin-up theme. Emergence will benefit the Ruth Harbor House  which supports single mothers facing unplanned pregnancies. Tickets for the show are $5 with VIP tickets that include an afterparty for $25. The show starts at 8. I hope to make it there myself, but it depends on if I get off work in time. For more information check out the Des Moines Social Club’s website: http://www.desmoinessocialclub.org.

Food and Fashion Friday: Lucca and Leggings

My apologies for getting this week’s Food and Fashion Friday out so late in the day, but I figured better late than never. My dining recommendation for the week is Lucca, a fabulous little restaurant that is the closest you’ll come to Soho while in Des Moines. Lucca offers a 3 course prix-fixe menu for $25. The menu changes nightly, and if you’re not used to the prix-fixe concept you’ll want to keep in mind that your choices for dinner will be limited. That being said, Lucca is definitely a dining experience that should not be passed up. The food is superb and the atmosphere is one of a kind in Des Moines. Lucca is located at 420 E. Locust St. and open for both lunch and dinner.

I’m certainly not the first person to call into question leggings as a legitimate article of clothing. There are several schools of thought on this issue. A good number of people believe that leggings are never appropriate past the age of 6 while there is a large camp that think leggings go with everything. (These are the same people who believe jean mini skirts paired with Uggs are a good idea.) I would place myself in the middle of these two extremes. I do think leggings can be great under dresses or long tunics (emphasis on the long). A good rule of thumb is when you put your ensemble together ask yourself if you would feel comfortable if you were wearing tights instead of leggings.

One benefit to popularity of leggings is that they now are available in a variety of fabrics and colors. These cotton/cashmere blend leggings from Victoria’s Secret are a great example of how leggings can be practical and keep you warmer than just a pair of tights.

If you’re looking for something a little bit more fun try a pair of either black shiny leggings for a rocker look or printed leggings under a dress for some bohemian charm. (Both looks from Topshop.)

            

Whatever pair you choose remember: leggings are a substitute for tights not pants.

The Secret to the Best Bargains of Your Life…..if You Can Handle It

I really should have written this post about a week ago, but I’ve been holding off as long as possible. Then, I snagged a $230 A.B.S. dress for only $20. How did I pull that off? I braved the shunned wilderness otherwise known as Burlington Coat Factory. My other top finds at Bloomington Coat Factory were a pair of Steve Madden gladiator sandals originally priced at $80 which I got for $30 as well as a pair of BCBGirls black pumps which I also only paid $30 for compared to their retail price of $95. In the past couple weeks, I’ve also picked up two Calvin Klein dresses at Marshall’s that were originally around $140 each for only $40 each. 

The biggest secret to snagging such great finds in the black hole of racks that fill stores like Burlington Coat Factory, Marshall’s, and TJ Maxx is patience- and a lot of it. If you want the bargain, you will have to dig while simultaneously controlling your gag reflex due to the plethora of South Pole hoodies and Kathy Van Zeeland bags that will come in your line of vision from every angle. How terrible most of these stores’ merchandise is will actually work to your advantage since the majority of the clientele will be scouring through piles of Sears and J.C. Penney rejects leaving the dress racks full of classic and flattering dresses abandoned. 

You can also always depend on finding a good number of Ralph Lauren polos for under $30 at any given time. Just make sure not to get wrapped up in your euphoria and end up with a pile of poly blend tops- just because something is half price does not automatically make it a good deal. I’m also not advocating making these discount chains your main shopping spots. Dropping in once a season to check up on the bargains will be just fine. It will also limit the amount of counseling you’ll need from being exposed to large quantities of clothes that really should never have been produced.

Favorite Places: Dornink

My favorite place for the week is once again in the East Village- what can I say the area is a fashion land mine in the best of ways. This week’s pick is Dornink located at 518 E. Grand Ave. in Des Moines. The second you walk into Dornink you realize this is far different than any other boutique in Des Moines. The long, narrow store has high ceilings that seem almost industrial, and there is one sole rack along one wall filled with dresses and a few skirts.

You’ll also quickly notice that each dress has a number of prices marked on it. That is because Dornink is also a couturier meaning they specialize in custom made dresses. 

The store is owned by a mother-daughter team who are both master seamstresses. The daughter, Sarah, was educated in New York and the style and taste executed through her dresses definitely reflects that. If you come to Dornink, you certainly won’t have to worry about unfinished edges or uneven hemlines. Everything is meticulously crafted. It’s just your choice if you’d rather pull a dress of the rack or have one made to your exact measurements. 

A dress from Dornink is perfect for any special occasion. Particularly if you’re planning a wedding you should definitely take a close look here as they create custom wedding dresses as well as bridesmaid dresses. The Dornink website has great pictures of their collections, but to fully appreciate the dresses I highly recommend stopping in the store.

Let’s Talk About Jackets

I only have a month left until I head back to Vanderbilt which means its time to start thinking about football season and a fall wardrobe. Nothing is more important to a fall wardrobe than layering, and jackets are always a crucial part of that. Particularly this fall, since there are so many adorable jackets on the runway and in the stores. 

With the 80’s trend in full force for fall, shoulder pads are back and along with them the military inspired jacket. I’m head over heels for this one by A.B.S. and available on Chick Downtown for $341.

I think this jacket thrown over a casual tee paired with skinny jeans and heels would absolutely be charming and classic.

An oversized boyfriend blazer is also a must for fall. This light pink blazer from Topshop ($100) would be equally effective to soften up an all black ensemble or to throw over a summer dress to transition it into a fall look.

Leather looks were in full force in the fall shows. Stay away from head-to-toe leather looks and get in on the trend by throwing on a jacket. I found my leather jacket on a vacation to South Dakota last summer. If you’re not planning travel to regions of the country where affordable leather without a name brand is easy to find, take a look at this Topshop biker jacket. ($260).

Or if you’re in the market for a total splurge, check out this gorgeous white Helmut Lang jacket available on Chick Downtown. ($1,095)

Since it’s difficult to find a cheap leather jacket, you can always pair black with denim for the same rocker chic look. However, one jacket I consider practically mandatory for the transition from summer to fall is the short sleeved jacket. You only need one of these since the point of a short sleeve jacket is it can be dressed up or down and go with almost all of your wardrobe. This yellow woven jacket by Forever 21 is only $22.80 and is lightweight enough to throw over any end of summer ensemble.

Zip-up hoodies are always a great choice for the first chilly nights of fall. If you’re looking for all the comfort of a hoodie but want to look a little bit more mature try this button up hoodie by Da-Nang available on Couture Candy for $95. 

The most important thing to keep in mind when buying any jacket is the fit. No matter how much you love a particular jacket, if it’s too tight in the shoulders. The jacket will pull, and you’ll have a limited range of motion. The length of a jacket is also important. This can depend on the type of jacket, but a general rule of thumb is your jacket should be able to at least graze the top of the waistband of your pants. If your jacket falls below the bottom of the waistband or below your hipbones it can create a tent effect that isn’t very flattering.

Food and Fashion Friday: Mars Cafe and Exposed Lingerie

My recommendation for the week is Mars Cafe located at 2318 University Ave. in the heart of the Drake neighborhood. Mars is everything a neighborhood coffee shop should be with a wide variety of coffee drinks as well as other tasty options like Yerba Mate Lemonade (half tea, half lemonade, pure amazingness) for those of us who aren’t fans of coffee. Mars also lives up to the Cafe part of their name with a great menu of paninis, soup, salads, and baked goods. I’m personally a fan of the Caprese panini (tomato, pesto, and mozzarella). Mars has free wireless and plenty of comfortable seating which make it the perfect place to spend a lazy afternoon with your Mac Book (PC users are few and far between here). In fact, Mars is where I write many of my blog posts because the atmosphere is relaxing without feeling too sterile. You may also want to check out Mars Cafe on Monday nights from 7pm-10pm for Scented Vinyl which features live music from local artists. Mars is open from 7am-11pm during the week and 8am-11pm on weekends.

The questionable trend of the week is exposed lingerie. I’m not talking bra straps poking out of your top. That really is never a good idea. (If you must wear a bra with thin strapped top make sure it’s nude colored.) However, I’m referring to the recent trend of wearing lacy undergarments under an unbuttoned top or dress as seen below. 

I really can’t decide how i feel about this look. My first thought is this combo would only work on someone who is fairly flat chested. The other main point about the above outfit is the rest of the dress is pretty modest with long sleeves and a hem at the knees. These two factors combined keep the look from becoming too vulgar. So if you’re going to explore this trend I would definitely keep the rest of your outfit tasteful. I’m not completely convinced that this look works anywhere but the red carpet, and it certainly has no place anywhere besides a party or a bar.

Best of the Mags: August

This month’s Vogue Age Issue was on par with May’s Model Issue. Christy Turlington graces the cover, and I don’t think there was a single Hollywood A-lister to be found inside this issue. 

Instead the pages are filled with profiles of women from every generation including tennis player Ana Ivanovic and artist Cindy Sherman. As always, the Vogue editorials are beautiful in particular the “No Limits” editorial which features how to wear a number of fall fashion trends such as velvet and leather in both classic and cool ways. Overall, this issue was fantastic because Vogue stuck to what Vogue is made for: fashion. 

My first honorable mention for the month goes to Teen Vogue which featured Emma Watson on the cover.

As far as celebrities go, Emma is a great choice because she looks like a real girl and not like an overprocessed Hollywood bimbo. Her style choices on the red carpet also reflect a mature appreciation for fashion. Teen Vogue carried the “celebrity but down to earth girl” theme on with a feature on young models wearing runway inspired looks on the streets. Of all the teen magazines, Teen Vogue is the only one who comes close to a serious take on fashion. However, the magazine consistently manages to do so with an approach that’s relatable to real life.

My second honorable mention of the month is Elle despite their once again heinous choice of a cover girl in Miley Cyrus.

I’m not even going to waste my time explaining why this is such a poor choice because I’m sure you already have it figured out. Once again, Elle does manage to make up for a bad cover with the rest of the issue. I was particularly fond of the Elle Shops Editors Picks which featured looks inspired by New York, LA, Paris, Milan, and London. The “Little Miss Precious” editorial which was a fanciful depiction of doll like fashion was a great addition to the issue as was the “Mad World” editorial which beautifully depicted Mad Men’s January Jones with slicked down hair wearing Versace’s fall collection.

Favorite Places: Worn

My pick for the week isn’t really a favorite place of mine yet, but that’s only because it just opened on Monday. Worn is a brand new resale boutique located in the Roosevelt Shopping Center at 835 42nd St. in Des Moines.

I’m really excited that clothing stores are returning to my area. (Dirty Denim will be opening a couple doors down in August.) On my first visit to Worn I was very impressed by the wide selection of used designer denim including brands such as William Rast, True Religion, and Paper Denim. The jeans are all in great condition, and generally they are marked at about half of their original retail price. There is also already a good selection of going out type tops from brands like BCBG, Bebe, and Kenneth Cole. You’ll be glad to know that Worn doesn’t carry goods from teenybopper stores like American Eagle and Aeropostale. (Since worn clothes from those stores generally show signs of usage.) 

If your closet is a little too full, Worn would be glad to consign your clothing from designers and upper crust mall stores like J. Crew. According to their website, sellers receive 40% of the sale price of their goods or can opt for 50% if they choose store credit. Worn is open Monday- Friday from 10am-6pm and Saturdays from 10am-4pm.

Let’s Talk About Hair

From time to time, I feel it’s necessary to write about something other than clothing. I just got my hair cut, so today is one of those days. Really, a hairstyle goes right along with your personal style especially because gone are the days where society mandates women sport long hair. Of course, long flowing styles are always considered attractive and feminine. But more often these days women are chopping their locks off in favor of trendy bobs and crops. Katie Holmes was one of the first celebrities to completely alter her look through a haircut.

I think Katie looks great in both pictures, but she definitely looks much edgier with the shorter cut. I had very long hair for the first 19 years of my life, but I’ve loved having an above the shoulder look for the past year. Of course, there are times when a short cut is really not flattering in a traditional sense. Take for example, Agyness Deyn who I think is one of the best models of her generation mainly due to her unique look and quirky personal style. Agyness has gone through a series of very short looks including this one.

Does anyone actually find this attractive? I’m not questioning this haircut being edgy or trendy, but does a haircut like this mean you are rebelling against the ideals of beauty? Ok, I’m going to stop that train of thought before I get into deep theories of feminism, but it is something to think about before your next haircut. Whether you choose a traditionally feminine cut or want to go for something edgier, your hair style should always mesh with how you present yourself to the world. I’ll leave you with some pictures of some of my favorite cuts for fall.

Traditional:

Long and straight

1940s inspired Wavy Bob

Trendy:

The Cropped Bob

The Pixie Crop (For the truly brave)

How to Look Like a Million Bucks for Under $20

Saving money is always a great thing particularly when we’re in a recession. However, saving money doesn’t have to mean giving up on looking fabulous and pulled together. There’s plenty of money saving ideas that will keep you looking sharp. Below, you’ll find my five favorites. 

1. Take your worn out heels to the shoe repair shop. 

This is totally worth the money especially for your favorite pairs, and it’s also way cheaper than buying new shoes. Shoe repair shops perform a multitude of services that can make your shoes look brand new including polishing them up and replacing the bottoms of the heels. My favorite repair shop in Des Moines is Blackford  Shoe Repair located at 6833 Douglas Ave. in Urbandale.

2. Buy leather belts and not ones with elastic

One of the problems with buying a cute dress at a place like Target or Forever 21 is that while the dress itself may look pricier than it is, the elasticized belt that comes along with it is a dead giveaway that you were bargain shopping. An easy and cheap solution to this problem is to buy a replacement belt at a secondhand store. Goodwill and Salvation Army always have tons of belts, and I recently found a very cute belt at Dorothea’s Closet  for only $12.

3. Don’t splurge on jewelry or accessories

Accessories and jewelry tend to be more faddish than clothes, so spending over $20 on an item is never necessary. When looking for jewelry on the cheap, Forever 21 has some great pieces. The most important thing to keep in mind when buying cheaper accessories is to pick out items that have some literal weight to them. Anything too light will just look flimsy and like it came off the clearance rack at Claire’s.

4. Consult a tailor.

I mentioned this one when I talked about jeans shopping a while ago, but I really can’t stress how important it is to make sure your clothes fit you properly. Of course, you should try to buy well tailored clothes to begin with, but sometimes having something custom fitted can’t be avoided. I was very impressed with Jordan Creek Tailors who hemmed by jeans and kept the original hem for under $15.

5. Paint your toenails and put on some mascara

There’s really no reason to spend money on pedicures when you can buy a bottle of nail polish at the drug store that will last you several months for under $10. Painting your toenails, especially in the summer months, is an easy way to look polished and put together. Your makeup also doesn’t need to be a huge expense. Just make sure to throw on at least mascara and probably some foundation or powder before you leave the house every day. 

Online Shopping: Net-A-Porter

If you’re looking for a luxury shopping site, look no further than Net-A-Porter. You’ll find pieces by dozens of designers including Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen, and Chloe. Of course with these big names come big price tags, but even if you’re not in the market for a big ticket item Net-A-Porter is a fun site to surf especially if you live in a city like Des Moines that has no Neiman Marcus or Barney’s to see those type of items in person. 

There are also plenty of items from more moderately priced designers like Splendid, Thread Social, and DKNY. Shoe enthusiasts will appreciate Net-A-Porter’s selection of heels, flats, and boots from top end brands like Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo, and Fendi. You’ll also find bags from Mulberry, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Judith Leiber and more.

Here are some of my favorite pieces on Net-A-Porter right now. 

Zac Posen ($1,300)

3.1 Phillip Lim ($450)

Marc Jacobs ($595)

Alexander McQueen ($1,155)

Balenciaga Inspired Look on a Budget

This look from Balenciaga’s Fall Collection has been seen in multiple magazines and online. It’s no wonder since it combines both the popular exposed lingerie and draping looks for fall. However, a similar look can be had for fractions of the cost. 

This origami pleated skirt by Topshop is a crucial piece of this look and rings up at only $50.

Throw on this lace bandeau bra from Urban Outfitters to get a hint of the exposed lingerie look. ($24)

Tuck in this button up by Express  and roll down the sleeves for a streamlined look. ($39.50)

Pull on a pair of black tights like these from Topshop ($12)

Finish off your look with a pair of ankle boots like these from BCBGirls ($128). They’ll look great with this ladylike look but will also fit right in with 80’s and rocker chic styles that are also hot this fall.

So, the grand total for this outfit is $254. Pretty good bargain for such a high fashion inspiration.

Favorite Places: Blond Genius

My initial thought on my first visit to Blond Genius (besides how ironic the store’s name is) was how much this shop reminds me of Vanderbilt area favorite Boutique Bella. With the wall of designer jeans and tops from designers like Michael Stars and Susan Monaco, the stores really are quite similar.

The staff at Blond Genius is extremely helpful and friendly, and they are eager to help customers find a pair of jeans that fit them perfectly. They carry a number of brands including William Rast, Hudson, People’s Liberation, and Rock & Republic. Blond Genius also carries a great selection of tunics and tops like these from their recently added Rory Beca line.

The hot pink top is one of the best examples of the neon trend I’ve seen while in Des Moines. Blond Genius also carries a great selection of Frye shoes and boots that rival Von Maur’s shoe department offerings. If you’re in a search of a great pair of designer sunglasses or a fantastic bag you should definitely check out Blond Genius as they have a huge display case of sunglasses from brands like Miu Miu and Marc by Marc Jacobs and carry trendy must have bags including Botkier’s Trigger and Rebecca Minkoff’s Morning After Bag.

              

Blond Genius is definitely worth a stop if you’re in the Des Moines area. It’s located just west of the Jordan Creek Town Center at 165 S. Jordan Creek Pkwy #130 in West Des Moines. The boutique is open from 10am- 8pm Monday- Thursday and 10am-6pm Friday-Saturday.

Let’s Talk About T-Shirts

I know you’re probably thinking….t-shirts? what do I need to know about that? it’s pretty common sense right? While donning a t-shirt certainly isn’t rocket science, take a minute to think when you’re getting dressed so you don’t end up looking like a seventh grader.

Screenprint tees tend to be the biggest offenders of good taste. Pretty much anything with Hollister, Abercrombie & Fitch, American Eagle, or Aeropostale logos shouldn’t be worn beyond high school. 

              

If you can’t let go of your old favorite stores, try a more sophisticated print sans writing like this one from Abercrombie & Fitch.

Of course, Des Moines kids know all about SMASH  and their local humor tees. I’m personally a huge fan of the store, but a word of caution: don’t wear a SMASH shirt to a big Des Moines event. You’ll probably see five other people wearing the same thing. (Anyone who was at 80/35 knows what I’m talking about.)

Plain t-shirts are an important part of any wardrobe. Fit is one of the most important things here. You definitely don’t want shirts as loose as the ones you get for free for random events. (Being a college freshmen, being on a sports team, volunteering somewhere, etc.) But, your t-shirt obviously needs to be loose enough for easy motion. I’m a big fan of American Apparel t’s. They are well made shirts and have a modern fit. A v-neck like this one is a great update and would look great paired with a necklace to help dress up the look.

What you wear with your t-shirt is just as important as the t-shirt itself. I do not recommend jeans and tennis shoes. It’s just waaaay too junior high. Instead, if you’re putting together a simple outfit of jeans and tees, put on a pair of cute sandals, flats, or Chucks depending on your style. 

I’m personally a fan of pairing a plain t-shirt with a cute skirt since the tension between the casual and the sophisticated is fantastic. (Take for example this girl from Lookbook.nu )

Wearing a t-shirt under a jacket, blazer, or cardigan is a fantastic alternative to wearing a button down or frilly blouse. The simplicity of a t-shirt will keep your entire look sophisticated and streamlined rather than stuffy.

My Favorite Little Brand: BB Dakota

Everybody loves to keep an eye on the visionary designers of our era like Marc Jacobs and Alexander McQueen. We also love hitting up stores like Forever 21 and Target for great bargains. But what about the brands that are caught somewhere between mass market mayhem and luxury appeal? There are plenty of them, but my favorite is BB Dakota.

BB Dakota is fantastic for a number of reasons. First, the prices are remarkably reasonable. I’ve never seen a piece over $100. Second, the quality of items is much better than you’re going to get at Forever 21 etc. Third, every article of clothing is fun, trendy, and anything but basic. Finally, BB Dakota is pretty easy to come by. In Des Moines, I’ve found the brand at Von Maur and Fab’rik. Vanderbilt area favorites Pangaea and Posh also carry the brand. Chick downtown has increased how much of the line they carry in recent months as well. Below, you’ll find what i consider to be the best of the best of this line’s imaginative and affordable clothing.

Battalion Jacket in Ivory- $79 (Very Michael Jackson)

Tangerine Laurie Skirt- $48 (Love the draping on this)

Purple Marilyn Dress- $71

Camel Watson Fleece Hoodie- $57

Food and Fashion Friday: Old Fashioned Food and Over-the-Knee Boots

Sorry, for this very belated Food and Fashion Friday. This past weekend, I was in the Amana Colonies- a historic settlement in Eastern Iowa that is home to a formerly communal society. In addition to learning a good deal of history this weekend, I ate an inordinate amount of food. There are several restaurants in Main Amana that serve up hearty food family style. Thursday night I enjoyed Amana ham at the Ronneberg. Friday night I ate some of the best fried chicken I’ve ever had at the Colony Inn and finished the weekend off with dinner at the Ox Yoke Inn where I had chicken schnitzel for the first time in my life.

The questionable trend of the week is over-the-knee boots. They were everywhere on the runway for fall. I also own a pair of brown suede Sam Edelman over-the-knee boots. So what’s my hang up on this trend? Mainly it’s how pricey some of these boots are. Take for example this pair by Chloe that are $1,300.

These are fantastic boots, but I’m not convinced they are $1,300 fantastic especially since the over-the-knee trend could be out by next fall. That’s why I suggest going with something a little bit more versatile and affordable. Take for example, these convertible boots by Free People that can be scrunched or cuffed and are $188. 

The cheapest pair of over-the-knee boots I’ve been able to find are these ones by Charlotte Russe for $44.99.

Besides high price points for many over-the-knee boots, my other qualm is how celebrities are translating the detailed boots shown on the runway by houses including Rodarte into streetwear. The original runway looks made this footwear trend look sleek and sophisticated.

Unfortunately, Rihanna wasn’t able to pull off such a polished look when she paired her boots with denim cut-offs. (Prime example of why combining two trends is not always wise.)

So if you choose to take part in this trend, tread with caution and don’t end up a fashion victim.

Adventures in Amana Colonies Shopping

Newsflash: The Amana Colonies is not the best place in Iowa to find trendy clothes. The two lone clothing stores are filled with lots of things your grandma would probably like. It’s ok, the Colonies make up for it with their bakeries and chocolate shops as well as some pretty good antique shops. As I learned this weekend, antique stores are a great place to go digging for affordable vintage.

Walking into an antique store doesn’t guarantee you’ll find something to wear, but I was fortunate enough to stumble across two great finds this weekend.

First, I found a emerald green metallic dress in mint condition marked at only $2!!! (That’s right $2 not $20 or $200.) That dress will definitely be making an appearance at a party this fall, so I won’t ruin the surprise with a picture.

My second find was a carved leather handbag from the 1940s priced at a very reasonable $20. The purse is in almost perfect condition, and I was very pleased with my find.

In addition to my antique store finds, I had a great time rummaging through the Ralph Lauren Outlet Store just 10 miles from the Colonies. I made it out with a great navy blazer, baby blue pencil skirt, and a timeless black dress. My time in the store reminded me why Ralph Lauren is such a great American design legend. Every piece put out by the company from the Collection on down to Ralph Lauren Sport is classic without being stodgy or behind the times.

Should it stay or should it go? Part 1

At the beginning of the summer, I wrote about the idea of a capsule wardrobe. While having to pick and choose between your clothes is never fun, it is necessary when packing to return to school in the fall. Dorm rooms are only so big, and you’ll want to leave room in your closet  for the clothes you’ll buy this fall. I’m a little OCD about the packing process and have actually compiled a list of all the clothes I’m taking back to Vandy. I’m not saying a list is necessary, but it is very helpful because it allows you to make sure you have a balanced wardrobe. During, the next few days I’ll be going through what items you’ll want to bring along and which ones you can leave behind. 

Today, I’ll be starting with dresses. I think they are some of the most important pieces a college student can buy. In addition to fun and flirty frocks you’ll wear out with your friends, you may want to start thinking about purchasing dresses that will be able to transition into your professional wardrobe in a few years. Below you’ll find my recommendations for what dresses you should be keeping and storing in some main categories.

PRINTS

Out: Fall Florals- this was one of the biggest trends last fall. I was a big fan of this trend because it was a great way to transition summer clothes. However, dresses like the one Leighton Meester is wearing below are a little too “pretty” for this fall.

In: Plaid- dress up this trend with a tailored dress like this one by Torn by Ronny Kobo on Shop Bop for $99.

SILHOUETTES

Out: Boho- flowy and free spirited aren’t really big keywords for fall. 

In: Structure- the fall looks are pulling from inspiration from both the 1940s and 1980s which were both eras of tailored precision. So try a Black Halo dress to get in on the trend.

COLORS

Out: Pastels- again fall is all about being both tough and feminine. Pastels are only one half of this equation. So, leave your pretty spring dresses behind.(Note: you can make an exception for tailgating, etc.)

In: Bright colors- pink and yellow are two of the biggest this fall. (Diane von Furstenberg $425)

In: Black- it’s hard to look tough without a dose of black. (Alice + Olivia $440)

In: Metallics- it’s all about the sparkle. You can make this a day look by covering it up with a tailored blazer. (Arden B. $79)

Should it stay or should it go? Part 2

Now that I’ve covered dresses, it’s time to move onto which jeans and shorts you should pack for your trip back to school.

The biggest thing to keep in mind when packing jeans is crowd control. Just because you  can still fit into your high school jeans doesn’t mean you should bring all twenty pairs with you to college. So which ones should you bring? Depending on how often you wear jeans to class I would go with 2-6 pairs that are comfortable but still flattering. (Vigoss available at Charlotte Russe $39.99)

 

In addition, you’ll want to have 2-3 pairs for going out. This should include a nice dark wash bootcut that you can wear out with heels. (Hudson jeans available at Saks $187)

A nice pair of skinny jeans is always good to have on hand. Anything with rips and tears (reminiscent of Hollister in our high school years) is very consistent with the “pretty tough” theme for fall. (Members Only available at Urban Outfitters for $165)

Colored jeans are definitely still a big trend, so you may want to grab a brightly colored pair. Layer over them to create the same look as wearing a brightly colored pair of leggings with the benefit of wearing actual pants. (Blank Denim available on Shop Bop $68)

Shorts layered over tights is going to be huge for fall. I’ve been a big fan of this trend ever since I spent May of 2008 in Melbourne where those fashion forward Aussies were already sporting this chic look. So you’ll definitely want to pack any shorts you have that are somewhat dressy. (Try a basic black like these from French Connection available on Zappos for $71)

Jean shorts are also making a comeback just make sure yours are not too short. (Your pockets should not be hanging out the bottom of your shorts- yes i have seen this more than once this summer.) (Black Orchid available on Chick Downtown $75)

You’re bound to want to pack a supply of comfy shorts for the gym and hanging around your dorm. Consider trading in your Soffes for these super flattering Nike shorts. ($35)

Should it stay or should it go? Part 3

Shoes are some of the bulkiest things you’ll be packing for your trek back to school, so make sure to weed out those outdated pairs from your collection. Also, there’s no reason to bring old, worn-out shoes to school no matter how much you love them. Take your old shoes to the shoe repairman to grant them a second life, but be willing to accept all the magic of the best repairman may not be enough to breath life into your favorite pair of pumps you bought sophomore year of high school. That being said, here’s a quick overview of what’s hot for fall footwear.

PLATFORM HEELS

The 2009 platform adds a bit of height without looking too Pretty Woman. Try out this trend with a fairly basic pump like this one by Nine West available on Piperlime for $79. 

PEEP-TOE HEELS

Peep-toe high heels have generally been a favorite for spring and summer, but they’ll also be hot this fall paired with tights. Try black tights with a brightly colored pair like these by Steve Madden for $99.95.

STUDS AND OTHER ROCKER CHIC DETAILS

After all, you’ll need something to pair with ripped jeans and a leather jacket. Try these ones by Dollhouse on sale at DSW for $59.95.

PURPLE VELVET

Purple and velvet are both huge trends for fall, so you’ll be golden with a pair like these Steve Madden ones available on Piperlime for $90.

ANKLE BOOTS

These are a returning trend from last fall, so hopefully you already own a pair. If not, check out these Charles by Charles David boots on Piperlime for $125. 

OVER THE KNEE BOOTS

One of the biggest trends on the runway, but one of the hardest to find affordably in stores. Try these purple suede Naughty Monkey boots available on Endless.com for $129.95.

FLATS

You’re probably thinking, hey what about shoes that are practical for class? Well, flats generally don’t make much of an appearance on the runway or in fashion spreads, but here are some of my favorites that incorporate the season’s trends.

(Free People $78)

(Bluefly $92)

(Sam Edelman at Bloomingdales $110)

 

Favorite Places: Dirty Denim

Once again, my favorite place for the week is a store so new it hasn’t really been able to earn the title of favorite. However, I’m sure if I was sticking around in Des Moines Dirty Denim would definitely become one of my favorite spots for find jeans in the city. The new boutique located in the Shops at Roosevelt on 42nd St. in Des Moines is all about bold rock and roll fashion. The red and black interior compliments the merchandise. 

Dirty Denim has an entire wall of both men and women’s jeans with pairs from up and coming brands like William Rast, Frankie B., and Siwy Denim.

I was particularly enamored by a pair of Frankie B. jeans that had heart shaped back pockets with a zippers splitting each heart.

Dirty Denim also carries a range of men and women’s tops. There’s a good deal of Ed Hardy t-shirts, so that can either be a positive or a negative depending on your opinion of those shirts. However, they also have plenty of going out type tops for girls that are in the $40-$100 range. So check out the west side of Des Moines’ only new clothing boutique when you’re shopping for your next pair of jeans or just browsing for a new top.

Should it stay or should it go? Part 4

This is the final installment of my packing for fall series. I am for all purposes packed and will be leaving to head back to Vandyland on Monday, but I’ll leave you with a few pointers regarding jackets and tops.

The number of jackets and coats you’ll need at school are obviously directly related to the climate. If you go to the University of Iowa for example, you’ll definitely want to have a substantial winter coat to keep you warm even in the most frigid temperatures. Leave your puffy ski jacket behind in exchange for a warm wool coat that is insulated like this colorful one from Delia’s. ($109.50)

If you go to school in a warmer climate like I do, you probably won’t need an actual winter coat. Instead opt for a cute wool jacket that can double as outerwear and part of an outfit like this wool bomber from Express. ($118)

Besides your main winter jacket, you’ll want to have a few additional jackets to throw on throughout the fall. You only need one or two zip up hoodies like this one from Roxy ($49.50) to wear around the dorm or on your way to the gym. 

As far as more dressy jackets go, the four big trends for fall are boyfriend blazers, military jackets, leather, and denim. There’s no reason to buy one of each. Just pick one or two that fit your personality and your wardrobe. 

That brings me to my final point about packing for fall. Keep the trends in mind, but don’t pack or wear something that you won’t be comfortable in. You know what you like, and in the end that’s really what you should bring along. Because there’s no point in having expensive and trendy clothes hanging in your closet that you’ll never wear.

Food and Fashion Friday: Fair Edition

I spent all day yesterday at the Iowa State Fair. If you’re not from Iowa, you probably don’t understand why our state fair is really the best state fair. It’s pretty simple really, where else can you buy anything and everything edible on a stick, plop down on a bench, and engage in some of the best people watching on the face of the planet? For today’s food and fashion Friday, I’ll list my five favorite food and drink items as well as the five most spotted questionable fashion trends seen at the fair. Unlike most questionable trends I feature, I won’t be attempting to defend these ones. There’s just really no excuse. 

THE FOOD

1. Gyros- I love gyros. I love gyros from Ted’s Coney Island. I love gyros from the state fair. Anytime gyros are on anyone’s menu, I will love them.

2. Pork Chop on a stick- probably one of the healthiest things you can eat at the fair and definitely one of the tastiest.

3. The Cup of Cookies- found in the Varied Industries Building. Yes, it’s just chocolate chip cookies. But they’re really fantastic chocolate chip cookies especially when served piping hot.

4. Lemonade- I’m a personal fan of Walt’s located on the Grand Concourse, the honey lemonade in the Ag building, and the lemonade in Pioneer Hall.

5. Strawberry smoothies- these are always fantastic when you’ve had one too many lemonades. Again, I always feel like I’m being halfway healthy when I’m drinking one.

THE QUESTIONABLE  (AND JUST PLAIN WRONG) TRENDS

1. Mullets

2. Fishnet Tops 

3. Tank Tops on Men

4. Cutoff Jean Shorts on Men (below picture displays both offenses)

5. Trucker Hats (particularly when worn off center in a faux gangster fashion)

Good-Bye Des Moines, Hello Nashville

Well, today is the day I leave behind the “moines” part of this blog and start focusing on the “nash” part. It’s been a fun summer, and I’ve been pleasantly surprised by some of the fashion finds in my hometown. I’m also really excited to head back to school. Be patient with me, if I’m a little slow getting posts up in the next few days. I’m off to band camp, otherwise known as 12 hours a day of sweat and hard work. But to fill the gap between now and when I get back into a regular routine, I’ll list my top five favorite places I’ve written about in Des Moines this summer as well as the top five places I’m looking forward to writing about in Nashville.

THE DES MOINES TOP 5

1. Dorothea’s Closet - affordable vintage finds just west of downtown (1733 Grand Ave., Des Moines)

2. Von Maur- best purse selection in Des Moines plus so much more including free shipping and gift wrapping (Valley West Mall)

3. Velvet Coat- timeless pieces from Diane von Furstenberg, Trina Turk, etc. located in the East Village (500 E. Locust St., Des Moines)

4. Dornink- custom made dresses with flawless construction (518 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines)

5. Blond Genius - a huge selection of designer  denim plus adorable tops and bags (165 S. Jordan Creek Pkwy #130, Des Moines)

NASHVILLE TOP 5

1. UAL- designer brands (as in D&G not Abercrombie) for 70-90% off (2918 West End Ave., Nashville)

2. Venus & Mars- vintage shop owned by former supermodel, Karen Elson (2009 Belmont Blvd., Nashville)

3. Clothing xchange- used clothing and new clothing remade from used clothing (1817 21st Ave. S, Nashville)

4. Pangaea- great dresses and super affordable jewelry (1721 21st Ave. S, Nashville)

5. Posh- color coordinated racks filled with trendy, mid-range items (Hillsboro Village and Green Hills)

Best of the Mags: September

September is traditionally the month fashion mags put out their biggest issues of the year. This September is no different despite the questionable economy. But which publications brought quality as well as quantity to the table this month? I’ll sort them out below.

First up is Vogue. The issue is a mere 584 pages compared to 2007’s 840. Granted, the only thing you’re missing out on is a couple hundred pages of ads. Vogue chose Charlize Theron for their cover girl which I would rate as a wise move since she has celebrity pull that can boost sales without adding the trashy tabloid star factor that so many magazine cover girls seem to possess.

 

I had mixed emotions flipping through this issue. Some of the editorials like the one inspired by Little Red Riding Hood and “In the Mood” (40’s inspired fashion) combined a great concept with fantastic clothes, models, and set. However, I felt the editorials that featured coats and suits for fall were neither original nor inspiring. There were some other bright spots in this month’s Vogue including a profile of Karlie Kloss, a rising young model from the heartland of America. So should you buy or pass on this issue? I’m going to go with buy just don’t expect to be blown away by genius.

 

Next up is W which featured Kate Moss on the cover.

I’m usually not the biggest fan of W’s fashion spreads because I tend to find them lacking color and variety. However, this month’s issue has changed my mind on all that. The “Sunday in the Park” spread is breathtaking and features lingerie inspired fashion in an outdoor setting. While I may have questioned W’s pictorials in the past, I’ve always found their written features to be a fresh and informative look into the fashion world. This month includes a profile on Alexander Wang as well as a piece entitled “Adult Content” which begins with how and why designers are starting to skew their collections towards middle age women who can afford pricey pieces and ends with a discussion of the idea of timeless fashion that can look appropriate on both 25 year old and a 50 year old. So, I would wholeheartedly recommend buying this month’s W to get a taste of the Vogue alternative.

Next up is Elle with Jennifer Aniston gracing the cover.

The only thing interesting or new surrounding Jen being on the cover is that her interview was conducted by an old friend who tried to give readers an inner glimpse into to the real Jen. At the same time, it seemed like she was protecting her old friend from getting into any unpleasant or uncomfortable subjects. Elle’s biggest strength, this month and always, are their trend pages. Every trend page is deliciously themed around the 80s tough chic aesthetic I’m absolutely loving this fall. The editorials weren’t any too shabby with “Some Kind of Wonderful” which featured a modern take on LA fashion as a definite stand out. So, yes, yes, yes buy this month’s Elle for the trend pages and have fun flipping through the rest of the mag.

My final commentary this month is for InStyle. I’m not a big fan of this publication, but it is their 15th anniversay issue so I decided to try and make an exception.

The cover seems like it could have been designed 15 years ago, and I wouldn’t exactly rate Jennifer Lopez as the best cover girl. However, this should come as no surprise from a magazine that strongly focuses on celebrity fashion. The issue had a lot of flashbacks from past issues which were somewhat amusing. Other than that, this issue just reminded me why I would take the most disappointing issue of Vogue anyday over InStyle. This publication’s greatest weakness is that it instructs readers how to dress rather than inspiring them to find their own personal style. So, I would have to recommend passing on this issue unless you’re already a fan of this magazine.

Favorite Places: Posh

In case you haven’t been down to Hillsboro Village lately, Posh has moved a block closer to campus and is now bigger and better than ever. The boutique is now located at 1801 21st Ave. South in Nashville, and the old location at 1831 21st now houses the Posh Home store (which will be getting its own blog entry soon I’m sure).

For those of you not familiar with Posh, the shop offers a great selection of tops, dresses, and skirts in wonderfully color coordinated displays. The new Hillsboro Village location also has a larger selection of designer denim from brands like G-Star and Diesel. Posh’s selection of heels, flats, and boots by designers including Sam Edelman and Marc by Marc Jacobs are now also under the same roof as all the clothes. Posh is home to a great selection of men’s clothing as well, but be forewarned Vandy boys, it may be a little too urban and metro for your preppy tastes.

The best part, hands down, of the new store is the giant sale room in back. The shop assistant ( who was from Des Moines!!!!! and graduated from Roosevelt!!!! – granted in ‘97) informed me that they will be bringing over items from the Green Hills location (which is a little bit more high end) to put in the sales room. This means really fantastic deals for you. So, check it out ASAP. Posh is open from Monday- Saturday from 10am-7pm and Sunday from noon-6pm.

Coming Soon to Vandy: Eco Fashion and Cole Haan (with Maria Sharapova?!?!)

So, I have three events to inform you about that are coming soon to Vandy.

The first you probably have heard about. It’s the “Gorgeous in Green” fashion show that will take place on the Commons Lawn on September 10 at 4pm. The show will feature clothes from local designers including Prophetik that create clothing with the environment in mind. Tickets are $7 and the show is being co-sponsored by the Vanderbilt Sierra Club and SPEAR (Students Promoting Environmental Awareness and Responsibility) .

The second event is an exhibition of designer L’Amour Ameer’s sustainable couture. You will be able to view the collection at the Bishop Joseph Johnson Black Cultural Center from September 11 through October 2 between the hours of 8am and 5pm. Admission is free.

I’m a little lacking on details at the moment for the final event, but I think it’s too exciting to not tell you about right away. You may be aware that Cole Haan has launched a new bag and shoe ad campaign featuring tennis star Maria Sharapova.

Well, you may think that’s all very nice for Maria, but what does this have to do with me. Well, according to September’s Marie Claire, Cole Haan will be hosting a college tour this fall to promote his new line to sorority girls at UVA, UNC, and you guessed it- Vanderbilt. Maria Sharapova will be making a guest appearance at one of the three schools. I haven’t been able to find any dates or details beyond this so far, but I will definitely keep you apprised as they become available.

Glamorous Eccentrics

I just finished a fantastic book that would greatly benefit the Vanderbilt population as well as the world at large. The book is entitled Eccentric Glamour: Creating An Insanely More Fabulous You and was written by Simon Doonan, the creative director at Barneys and a columnist for the New York Observer.  Simon begins his book with a rant against the stereotypical ideal of beauty in America that involves lots of bleach, fake sunlight, and silicon. In Simon’s opinion as well as mine the popularization of this look has overshadowed the importance of individual style and taste in our culutre. As Simon so eloquently states throughout the book ” Just Say No to Ho!” So then, what is the alternative? Simon proposes three archetypes which a personal style can be developed around. They are the Gypsy, the Socialite, and the Existentialist. The Gypsy of course is a Bohemian free thinker who scours flea markets for caftans and handmade jewlery. The Socialite is polished and put together with just a hint of eccentricism from a signature bag or oversized bangle. The Existentialist views fashion as an intellectual pursuit and can be wearing the most avant garde ensembles. 

The average Vandy girl falls into the Socialite category; however, that doesn’t mean we should all dress the same. In fact just the opposite. Simon strongly approves of mixing and matching styles to create a personal look. I, for example, am a Socialite with Existentialist overtones. What labels you come up with for your style is not nearly as important as creating a distinctive style. I love the idea of an eccentric style being glamorous because it means you don’t have to choose betwen being fun and appearing mature. Because, really, who wants to give either up? So, as this school year starts up make a style resolution to discover your inner eccentric. Check out some of my favorite glamorous eccentrics below for a little inspiration. 

Cory Kennedy

Agyness Deyn

Sienna Miller

Rihanna

Fashion: Coming to a Theater Near You

This fall, fashionistas everywhere will be flocking to movie theaters for the release of several motion pictures with ties to style and fashion. We can only hope this fall’s offerings on the big screen will be more akin to The Devil Wears Prada than to last year’s Confessions of a Shopholic which I found contrived and severely lacking in serious fashion (but what can you expect from Disney?)

First up is the critically acclaimed September Issue which documents the creation of the 2007 September issue of Vogue.  It has already been screened at numerous film festivals including Sundance, Galway, and Durban. The Issue is currently playing in New York City. As much as I want to hop on a plane to see the documentary, I’m restraining myself until the September 11th nationwide release date. Here’s the link to the trailer if you haven’t seen it already: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9-bAwz9uWk

The second exciting film this fall features the life of Coco Chanel before she became a style legend. Coco avant Chanel (Coco Before Chanel) stars the always refreshing Audrey Tatou (of Amelie) as Coco herself. The movie focuses more on Coco’s personal life than her designs, but I still think it promises to be a fascinating film. The movie was originally released on April 22 in Belgium and will be opening stateside on September 25. Here’s the official trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvDFPjx- .

The final movie I’m excited for this fall is Fame. Granted, it’s not about fashion, but its is about dance and performance art which are both intrinsically linked to street fashion and culture. Fans of So You Think You Can Dance Season 4 will be pleased to see fan favorite Kherington as one of the stars.  It is also being released on September 25th, so get ready to have that catchy theme song stuck in your head for weeks after that. Here’s a peek at this updated version of the 80s musical: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ua0iO-JQwAg

Favorite Places: Pangaea

Pangaea is one of those places I’ve deeply missed the past two summers when I haven’t been in Nashville. There really is no subsitute for their selection of floaty dresses and super affordable jewelry. Walking into Pangaea is akin to entering a gypsy’s treasure trove with the store’s deeply hued walls and quirky gift section that currently is featuring Day of the Dead items. However, you may be suprised to realize how mainstream most of the clothing really is.

Pangaea carries a great selection of dresses from well known brands such as Free People and BB Dakota as well as smaller lines including Double Zero and Fashion Spy. (The smaller lines also come with a smaller price tag- many dresses are under $50.) My favorite dress in store is an uber trendy one shoulder dress with exposed zippers by Free People.

 

On a recent visit, I was also happy to find a nice selection of lightweight winter coats in stock that are perfect for Nashville weather and also available in bright hues like red and blue.

For me though, Pangaea’s greatest attraction is its jewelry. I’m really not a big jewelry fan to begin with, but I think it’s because I’d rather spend my money on a dress than a necklace. Fortunately, almost all of Pangaea’s jewelry is under $20 but doesn’t look cheap or tacky. In the past, I’ve picked up fantastic silver and gold bangles as well as a watch necklace at the shop, and I know I can always count on finding a great bargain.

So if you’ve never been or it’s just been a while, stop by Pangaea located in Hillsboro Village at 1721 21st Ave. South. The store is open Monday-Thursday 10am-6pm, Friday-Saturday 10am-9pm, and Sundays from 1pm-5pm.

Food and Fashion Friday: Provence and Jean Leggings

Hillsboro Village is probably my favorite area of Nashville, and Provence is one of my favorite places to eat there. The atmosphere is charming and the food is always fresh and delicious. Their fantastic sandwiches make the perfect lunch, and why would you want to stand in line for an hour at Pancake Pantry when you can grab delicious stuffed French Toast at Provence for under $5. Provence also has a great selection of pastries and croissants that are just right for a post shopping trip snack. The Hillsboro Village location of Provence is located at 1705 21st Ave. S. The cafe is open Monday-Friday from 7am-7pm, Saturdays 8am-7pm, and Sundays 8am-6pm.

The questionable trend of the week is jean leggings or jeggings. This trend seems pretty inevitable considering the popularity of both leggings and skinny jeans. It was just a matter of time before some mastermind decided to put the two together. I’m of the opinion that this trend can go either very wrong or very right. Generally, the more jeggings look like skinny jeans the better.

THE GOOD

(Rich & Skinny, at Nordstroms, $145)

(Bebe, $69.30)

THE BAD

A word to the wise: like all leggings, this probably isn’t the best look for the pear shaped among us. 

So what’s your opinion on jeggings? Can they ever be appropriate?

New York Inspired Fashion on the Cheap

New York’s fashion week for the Spring 2010 collection is almost upon us with the first shows this Thursday, September 10. Expect lots of pictures from the runway especially from iconic American designers like Ralph Lauren and Diane Von Furstenberg as well as from newer favorites like Charlotte Ronson. In celebration of all that is New York fashion I’ll be featuring two looks from the Fall 2009 collections that epitomized the season as well as how you can get these looks on a dime.

First up, Derek Lam’s superb pairing of a sequin dress and boyfriend blazer.

For a more wallet friendly look, start off with this sequined dress from Arden B. ($78) 

For an awesome oversized blazer, I’d check out a vintage shop first. If that doesn’t work, try this boyfriend blazer from Forever 21. ($29.99)

To finish off your look, throw on a pair of black above the ankle boots like these ones from Michael Antonio available on Endless. ($76.99)

The next look comes from the fall 2009 Michael Kors collection.

This simple and beautiful dress was sported by Blake Lively at the CFDA Awards. Get a similarly tailored look with this Forever 21 dress that is a complete steal at $19.80.

Pair your dress with chic nude colored heels for a polished but edgy look. (Chinese Laundry $89)

So there you have it. A Derek Lam inspired look for under $200, and a Michael Kors inspired look for barely over $100. Look forward to the upcoming spring New York season and all the great looks that are sure to come with it. 

Favorite Places: UAL

U.A.L. is the most unique boutique in the Vandy area with its selection of clothing from high end designers like Balenciaga, Marc Jacobs, and Prada at prices that are 70-90% less than the original retail price. I know this may seem too good to be true, but just be prepared to be amazed as you walk into the store located at 2918 West End Ave. in Nashville. The store itself is nothing to gawk over with its cement floor and slightly crowded racks. However, the second you start thumbing through the racks you’ll agree U.A.L. has some absolutely fantastic finds.

One side of the store is filled with the higher end lines that were originally priced near or above $1,000 and are now in the hundreds. The other side of the store contains more  moderately priced items. U.A.L. has a great selection of shoes, purses, and jewelry with prices that are also greatly reduced. The biggest drawback of course of U.A.L. is you may find an item you completely love but it may not be in store in your size. Therefore, like vintage shopping, you must be patient when searching for the perfect item. 

Nevertheless, you should definitely stop by the boutique to browse a bit. You may be surprised by stumbling upon the perfect find. Don’t forget about U.A.L. when fraternity and sorority formal season rolls around since the shop has plenty of unique special occasion dresses. U.A.L.  is open Monday – Saturday from 10am -7pm and Sundays from noon-6pm.

New York Fashion Week

So New York Fashion Week for the Spring 2010 Collections has commenced. Last night, was the greatly publicized Fashion’s Night Out which was put on by Vogue and featured dozens of beautiful models- both legends and new fresh faces. As this week progresses, I’ll be showing you my favorite looks from the runway. Spring may seem a long ways off, but it’s still fun to have a glimpse of what you’ll be seeing in the magazines soon as well as what looks Forver 21 will be ripping off.

BCBG Max Azria was definitely the most commercial brand showing yesterday. The label’s retail stores are always filled with fashion forward yet fairly safe clothes. BCBG’s cocktail dresses are always a great choice for Vandy girls in search of a sorority or fraternity formal dress. I was really pleasantly surprised with the pieces shown yesterday which notably included lots of asymmetry, a combination of bright colors and black, and a softly bandage look reminiscent of Rodarte. Here are some of my favorite pieces.

Here are my favorite looks from other designers that have already shown their collections.

Monique Lhuiller:

Vena Cava:

Ports 1961:

Rosa Cha:

New York Fashion Week: The Weekend Shows Pt. 1

It was a busy weekend for both me here at Vandy and for all those lucky people at Fashion Week in NYC. Like Thursday, the past three days were filled with numerous shows from fashion visionaries with a scattering of more commercial designers. I’ll start with an overview of the three brands most likely to be seen in a department store near you: Nicole Miller, Lacoste, and DKNY.

 Nicole Miller presented a glamorous yet relaxed collection that featured sheer tops and dresses and skirts that paired patterns with solid colors.

Lacoste’s show on Saturday brought little surprises as this ultra preppy brand sent bright tennis white and crisply tailored pieces down the runway. While there was nothing mind-blowing at this show, there were plenty of fun and brightly colored looks. 

(love this look besides the head wrap) 

I also completely adored the men’s half of the Lacoste collection and could totally see plenty of Vandy boys pulling these looks off.

The DKNY collection was, as always, young and fresh. Donna Karan’s secondary line featured black, neutrals, and varying shades of pink to create a pleasing aesthetic that is extremely wearable.

New York Fashion Week: The Weekend Shows Pt. 2

I’ll focus this section on three designers who are well known by the media for more than their designs.

On Friday, Charlotte Ronson (twin sister of Lindsay Lohan’s tabloid cohort) sent a playful collection down the runway that was balanced by a palette of black and staid neutrals. One feature of note were the sheer hose scrunched above the knee in several looks.

There were also a few looks featuring what seems to be one of the standout colors for Spring 2010: periwinkle.

Saturday brought the collection of Christian Siriano from Project Runway fame. The first looks of the collection featured stark white ensembles topped with hats that would seem ridiculous in the real world with the possible exceptions of Easter Sunday and the Kentucky Derby. These looks were followed by beautiful pieces in all shades of blue including a bodysuit that although completely absurd remains somehow appealing. (I’ll blame the appeal on my years spent in dance competitions.)

Diane von Furstenberg has long been known to the fashion community for her bohemian chic aesthetic. However, her role in MTV’s The City has opened up a whole new audience for her designs. For the most part, the DVF Spring 2010 collection was far too “globetrotter” for my tastes.

 

However, this yellow dress worn by the always radiant Chanel Iman definitely caught my attention in the best of ways.

New York Fashion Week: The Weekend Shows Pt. 3

Alexander Wang’s Spring 2010 Show has been one of the most heavily covered. The young designer who was the recipient of a 2008 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award certainly presented a fun and fresh show that I can only describe as what Amelia Earhart would have worn if she had a football stud boyfriend to borrow from the closet of.

A year ago, Herve Leger made headlines for their body con bandage dresses. This season’s dresses were just as short and just as tight with a variation on the bandage theme.

Like Wang, Derek Lam was once honored by the CFDA and his collection this season demonstrates that his genius as a designer has definitely not waned. The collection featured a vintage beachy vibe in a variety of shades of blues and greens.

New York Fashion Week: The Monday Shows

The Zac Posen Spring 2010 Collection is probably my favorite of the season thus far. Nothing makes me happier than tailored pieces and bright colors. Posen’s brilliant selection has both.

Tracy Reese presented a similarly delightful collection with a first half filled with primary colors and a second half of much more muted tones.

Carolina Herrera has been a longstanding favorite in the American fashion scene. The Spring 2010 Collection’s biggest surprise came from a burst of orange pieces in the second half of the show.

New York Fashion Week: Marc Jacobs

In recent years, Marc Jacobs has come to be synonymous with commercial yet edgy fashion. Marc’s designs speak for themselves, so I’ll just stop talking and share my favorite looks from both the primary label and Marc by Marc Jacobs which as you will see are definitely two separate collections with distinct color palettes and structure.

Marc Jacobs:

Marc by Marc Jacobs:

New York Fashion Week: The Tuesday Shows

Badgley Mischka started the Tuesday shows off with a bang. As always, the designing duo’s collection was very commercial and not groundbreaking yet beautifully made and flattering.

Dennis Basso has long been a big name in fur coats for quite some time; however, he’s a bit of a newcomer to non-fur fashion. The Spring 2010 Collection was simply masterful with a beautiful balance between a floaty fairytale land and reality.

Narciso Rodriguez presented my final favorite show of the day. Like so many collections for Spring 2010, this show was filled with black and neutrals with a few welcome pops of color.

New York Fashion Week:The Wrap-Up

So I’m aware that New York Fashion Week has been over for almost a week and that the London shows are fully underway. Unfortunately, I’ve had a very hectic week so I never got to finish up my coverage of the New York shows. Therefore, here are my four favorite shows from the final two days of the Spring 2010 Collections shown in NYC.

Michael Kors: 

3.1 Phillip Lim:

Milly: 

Calvin Klein: 

London Fashion Week: Part One

They may be over the pond, but British designers know a thing or two about fashion. There are several talented designers who haven’t caught on on this side of the Atlantic, but I’ll be focusing on the British labels you may know of and can actually purchase in the States. 

Sass & Bide: It was nothing but black, white, and metallic embellishments at this contemporary show.

Matthew Williamson: Sparkle and sheen was the story here for this British designer whose name recognition has skyrocketed due to a partnership with H&M.

Vivienne Westwood Red Label: The Grand Dame of British fashion did not disappoint with a playful collection reminiscent of a proper young lady who was lost in the forest overnight.

Shut the Club Down: Fashion for Your Weekend

If you go to Vanderbilt, you already know this weekend is going to be ridiculous in the best of ways with Girl Talk playing tonight (Friday) and Super Mash Bros. Saturday night. If you don’t go to Vanderbilt, I’m sorry because there’s nothing like mash-up mixes to make upper middle class kids from the suburbs feel like the coolest club kids from Tokyo or Melbourne. If you’re not familiar with the work of Girl Talk and/or Super Mash Bros. check out their albums for free and get ready to take a trip down memory lane through every song that made it big in the past 20 years (as well as a few throwbacks….. Jackson 5’s “I Want You Back” anyone?). 

So what to wear this weekend? There’s a time and a place for everything. Pastels and Lilly are for tailgating. Neons and American Apparel are for raging. 

For the Ladies: This is the one time I’m ever going to advocate wearing leggings in public. You might as well go all out. That means no plain black. Go for shimmer, sparkle, a bright color, or all of the above. Here are my favorite pairs:

Forever 21 ($9.80!!!!!!)

American Apparel ($34)

Topshop ($40)

For up top, I’m gonna have to recommend just a plain v-neck.

American Apparel ($19)

Now, you have your basic uniform down make sure to punch up your look with plenty of bright accessories. Throw on your most ridiculous jewelry or your leather jacket if for no other reason than to help your friends not loose you in the sea of spandex. Whether you’re going for the just got out of bed look with chipped black nail polish, tousled hair, and no makeup or for the high glam tech girl with neon polish, bright eye shadow, and coordinated hair accessory make sure to stick with your look. Also, don’t forget to throw on your hottest pair of black or neon heels. This is definitely not the time for your Rainbows.

For the gentlemen: Your khakis are just not gonna cut it. There’s a few of you out there I can imagine being able to pull your pink or blue shorts into a club appropriate look, but for the rest of you just stick with the slimmest pair of jeans you own. Bonus points if your jeans are black. You can rock out in either your white tee or a button down. If you’re missing the club kid gene just pull whatever button down you have in your closet roll the sleeves, leave untucked, and unbutton those top two buttons. If you’re a little more adventurous, opt for a plaid button down. Sure you may look like a lumberjack, but I promise not to mock you.

Forever 21 ($22.90)

As for shoes, I would recommend a boot with a somewhat pointed toe like this one:

Barneys

If that’s a little much for you, go for a pair of Chuck’s or some brightly colored Nikes.

Remember kids, whatever you put on this weekend it’s not what you wear but how you wear it. I’ll see you out there.

Best of the Mags: October

Both my big two, Vogue and Elle, put forth aesthetically pleasing issues for the month of October. However, neither issue blew me over with groundbreaking or shocking fashion. I’ll start with Vogue. Their choice to use Michelle Williams as their covergirl was a pleasant surprise. This month’s cover was nothing short of breathtaking thanks to Williams’ edgy crop cut, beautifully distinctive features, and the brightly colored Louis Vuitton tunic she donned.

As for the rest of the issue, there was the requisite short features including a profile of It Girl Alexa Chung and a report on the new hot color: green (or jade to be exact). As far as the editorials went, nothing was horrendous but then again nothing was revolutionary. The most enjoyable pictorial featured model Karlie Kloss and French tennis player Gael Monfils. All in all, the October issue was nowhere in the league of last month’s giant issue, but it was a still a good showing of fall fashion.

As for Elle, I was so overjoyed that their cover didn’t consist of a straight on shot of the covergirl from the waist up that I couldn’t care less that they chose Posh Spice (er Victoria Beckham) for the October cover.

I was a bit surprised that in addition to Mrs. Beckham’s pictorial, the only other editorials featured actress Diane Kruger (granted she is quite the style maven), Kanye’s girlfriend Amber Rose, and model turned actress Jaime King. It was fairly disappointing that there was no room for up and coming models in these editorials and that the spreads seemed to focus more on their subjects than on the clothes they were wearing. 

The best option for an interesting editorial in the October issues is in W. The magazine featured a massive photo spread entitled “Art and Commerce”. 

W’s covergirl this month was Uma Thurman who sent out plenty of ice queen vibes in a full silver sequin dress.

Overall, the October issues were a bit of a letdown following the September triumphs. Oh well, there’s always next month.

Looks From Milan

If there’s one thing I love about Italian fashion, it’s definitely how dramatic and bold the designs coming out of Milan always are. Take a look for yourself at the highlights from the Spring/Summer 2010 Collections. I think you’ll agree.

Dolce & Gabbana

A fresh twist’s on the label’s requisite corsets and sexy body-con ensembles.

D&G

Americans are apparently not the only ones who can pull of denim with aplomb.

Moschino

Versace