Trend Alert

This past January I was taking a class entitled Fashion Presentation. One of the projects was to give a PowerPoint presentation to the class predicting a fashion trend that you thought would be coming in the next year. We were required to do some historical research since we all know that trends tend to recycle themselves about every 30 years or so. Well my prediction was that Fringe vests would make there way back into the spotlight… and guess what? I was right! We have been seeing fringe on many accessories the past few seasons and I knew it was only a matter of time before it started showing up on the clothes themselves, and what better place than the oh-so-popular vest! Also, with the 40th anniversary of the infamous Woodstock this year we were bound to see some of those fashion influences pop up somewhere. As the fringe vest is now in the current fashion spotlight there are tons of opportunities to jump on in from all price points. Target currently has an option that is offered at the wallet friendly price of $14.99 and it has good reviews… so go fringe yourself!

Kick Start

It’s that time of year again… Fall. Well it’s not really fall (and won’t be for a long time here in the south) but now is the time when all the fall merchandise is making its way into the stores and magazines. One trend that I am all about is the motorcycle boot. I love the tall shaft with a low, somewhat chunky heel and buckle details around the ankle and top look. Nordstrom featured a Steve Madden boot (the Frenchh) in their Anniversary sale that fit this description perfectly. I almost bought them as boots are the one exception to my (current) rule of not paying over $100 for a pair of shoes, but lucky for me I discovered a look-a-like pair at Endless for half the price! The Mia Liv boot is priced at $48.97 and you can barely tell the difference between the two. Hopefully the Liv will soon call my closet home ;)

Bringing Home the Blog

So I have been neglecting my blog… yes I know this, you don’t have to point it out to me, lol. Anyway, I am going to try to get back in the blog groove b/c I actually have a few things that I would like to share. I am going to start off with a book review of Bringing Home the Birkin by Michael Tonello. It is a memoir of his adventures as a reseller of all things Hermés, especially the infamous Birkin bag. I have to say that this was the book that I had been waiting to read all summer! Not that I really had to read this exact title, but in the sense that I wanted something intriguing, and funny, and intelligent all wrapped in one. I kept reading these titles that advertised all of this but totally fell flat for me so when I picked up this book I was pleasantly surprised. On top of the previously motioned qualities, it’s EXTREMELY interesting for any fashionista, or for that matter anyone who knows any of the rumors and tales of the exclusivity of the Birkin bag. Tonello effortless leads you through his life and Hermés learning curve with wit, humor, compassion, adventure, and tons of information. Seriously I can’t recommend it enough so just stop by your local library or bookstore and pick up a copy already!

Confessions of a ... Shopaholic?

I don’t consider myself a shopaholic. I mean we all have those few and far between impulse purchases but other than that I feel that I am more of a debater. Should I really buy this dress? When will I actually wear this? Is it going to go on sale next week? ... You get the idea. Well, sadly I have to say that all these preconceived notions of myself flew out the window with my discovery of a few websites that are along the lines of an online sample sale. These websites carry collections from fashion designers to luxury home goods for only a limited number of days at dramatically reduced prices. These sales “open” at 11:00am and then it’s every shopper (and their internet connection) for themselves! If that collection is popular you best be logged in early and ready to pounce because they fly off the shelves faster than surgical masks in Mexico City.
On Tuesday Lauren Conrad was featured and the prices were to DIE for! We are talking 80-90% off everything. Almost all the items were on hold or sold out with in 1 minute. This however did not detour me. I found the dress I wanted and, what can only be described as manically, hit the refresh button. Luck, and persistence, were on my side and I was able to snatch up the dress when it became available again (someone foolishly let it back into the wild)! YESSSS!!!! Pure euphoria!!! I bought a dress from LC collection for 84% off!!! Score!!!
The reflection came only after the elation subsided. Was that really me? Obsessively stalking a piece of clothing for almost an hour online just to say that I landed that elusive piece of fashion at a reduced price? Yes. And I would (and probably will) do it again. All I have to say is that I feel bad for you if I was to ever encounter you at a real sample sale and we were after that last pair of Prada boots in a size 9. Watch your back. I am not afraid to fight dirty!

The Infinity Dress

The infinity dress. The convertible dress. The 7-in-1 dress. Call it what you will but I love them. Victoria's Secret has had one listed for a couple of seasons and I have always wanted one, however not enough to spend over $100 on it. Recently, while I was in Mexico on vacation (no I do not have swine flu) I saw one in a little shop (almost $50 and not good quality). This did provide me with the opportunity to get my hands on one to see how it was made though. The design was so simple I knew that I could easily make this dress myself. Upon doing some research on the web I found a couple of sites that showed how to do it with one stitch! One! Thus began my adventure.
I went to a local fabric store and found some great turquoise jersey fabric on sale so I bought the needed amount and set off to make the dress... and many mistakes, lol. The first skirt I cut out I ended up making the waist about 2x too big (mistake in calculations due to excitement), thus leaving with me not enough fabric to make the straps once I cut out the second skirt. So I had to go back to the fabric store (about two weeks later) to get more fabric for the straps. Once I had those cut out and pinned the parts together I cranked up my sewing machine.... and about 20 min later I had a finished dress!!! Of course the first thing you do is try it on...... I guess I didn't really think about where the dress was going to sit on me and in the end the "waist" is still too large. And to top it off I didn't quite catch the ends of one of the straps in a seam so I have a little flap at the end.
Even with these problems I have to say that it actually looks okay :) Given the fact that it can be worn so many ways I can easily wrap the straps in ways to cover up my mistakes. So in the end I still ended up with my infinity dress and have learned from the mistakes and can now easily make another for me or my friends. So who wants one???

Surf's Up

The internet is the ultimate time wasting tool. From the great procrastination power of facebook to the mindless wanderings on Wikipedia, there is always something to do on the web. As I tend to spend way too much time wandering around websites I find “new” favorites all the time. In the last few weeks I have come across three websites that have easily made their way into my top slots… for now. Check them out. Hopefully you will love them as much as I do!

fmylife.com

I don’t really know how to describe this website besides hilarious and awesome. Just check it out :)

Polyvore

Lets you express your inner stylist/magazine editor! I put together a nice layout for a girlfriend to help give her ideas on a girls night outfit.

ModCloth

The newest of my favorites… it has really cute stuff at great prices (Check out the shoes!). I would say it has a similar style to Urban Outfitters but has a lot of other options as well.

Sex is coming back!

People Magazine has confirmed that there will be a sequel to the hit Sex and the City: The Movie! All the major players are signed on including writer/director Michael Patrick King. They are set to start shooting this summer with it being released in 2010.
I for one am super excited! I loved the series and own the collectors box DVD set. I hosted a 'Cosmos and Manolos' party for the first movie and now am definitely planning another in 2010 :)