Feb10
You know all those hours we spend lusting after designer apparel in small boutiques, scratching our heads at the price tag and attempting to remember the designer's name, only to be unable to find them on-line? Ah, the problems of smaller designers...and their exuberant prices. Yes, we know they are probably starving...but so are us consumers! Well, today I found the solution: BadJoan, a newly launched site that gives members 80% prices of up-and-coming new designers such as Jenny Han and Lizzie Parker. Yes, seriously! They are still reaching fame, so catch the wave before all their inventory gets gobbled up. They have great customer service--very speedy; I would know, since I've been bothering them for measurements. Before you even ask: shipping is 4.99 for orders under $150, so they you really are getting a deal. Personally, I'm debating between these two Jenny Han silk dresses:
[ Tie Dress, originally $290 now $58] [Peter Pan Dress, originally $315 now $63]
The first one is so...boring. But it's simple and can be dressed up or down to go with all occasions. In this economy isn't that what we all want? Think pearls and black pumps, or edgy scarf and suede booties (did I mention I got real leather boots from Goodwill for $6 recently?), or a belt and bright neon flats. The second one is so adorable with the silk ivory bow...very gamine, very Blair Waldorf. I can see it with white opaque tights, pointy pumps or oxfords, and a cloche. I love the mid-length sleeves--my upper arm fat is always bothering me when exposed, plus you can wear it to work without any dirty looks. What do you say?
Feb01
In the wake of my boyfriend having a ton of his stuff stolen from his room while he was sleeping (school books, wallet, shoes, clothes, cell phone, etc.) I wanted to remind all those online shoppers out there to be CAREFUL and keep their personal information safe.
Before ordering anything online make sure it is an https:// address (and if using Google Chrome, it will tell you if it reads https:// but is not secure with a big SLASH through it), and be very aware if it asks you for something iffy (especially shopping on an unknown website). You are NOT obligated to give out your SSN to a private company for normal business transactions. So first brush up on your rights. If you're ordering from a company for the first time, just google them or look them up in the Better Business Bureau to make sure they are legitimate.
If you are solicited for information in your email please DO NOT RESPOND.
I was almost scammed into giving my credit card information to a Secret Shopper service once. When I was prompted for my credit card I immediately hung up and looked up the company. It was a scam.
Make sure to check your credit card accounts thoroughly with a service such as Mint. Even the smallest transaction such as a .25 charge from an unknown company should prompt you to call your bank--seriously. A scam was charging a large pool of people .25 and making millions. Somehow they got access to your credit card account so you need to make sure you are safe!! Also obtain annual credit reports to make sure there are nothing suspicious on your personal information: www.annualcreditreport.com.
If something is too good to be real, it probably is fake!
When the worst of the worst happens you can reapply for a new SSN: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/ss5doc/
Have a happy week and please be safe!
Jan28
I love Seattle for its flair, its diversity, its fantastic Chinese food, and how can I forget the 6AM joggers who inspire me to be more active out of fencing? Yet the thing I truly admire Seattle for is its forward-looking thinking about sustainability. I was lucky enough to help the Zella Company put on the 1st Green Fashion Week in 2007 (huge success!!), and the other day I came across a boutique which exemplified everything that is so lush and green about Seattle. Let me introduce...Rose la biche a.k.a. "Rose the doe"!
This is a designer all about designing in tune with the environment. All her clothes are from American Apparel--fair trade cotton--but made with a whimsical twist. I can just see myself wearing the "SOL" tee into the ground; it is so pretty, dainty and amazingly comfortable. In a time where runway-only couture is slowly moving towards ready to wear collections, Rose la biche exemplifies the reason we are in fashion in the first place. We aren't looking to wear the oddly shaped, ripped up designs from Gareth Pugh--unless you're Beyonce of course--we are trying to find something to express our personalities in a confident and sustainable way! Talk about a win-win situation here. So, all those men looking for Valentine's gifts or those ladies looking to treat themselves I say go ahead and do it!
Jan20
Any given day you're going to catch me reminiscing about my Roma study abroad last summer. Freaking amazing. Great food, great friends, great professors, beautiful (beautiful!!) scenery...what else can you ask for? Unfortunately I couldn't stuff my suitcase full enough of good Italian eats and gifts or I would've gone over by MORE than the 10lbs I was already over. Well lucky me just as I was starting to crave some of that yummy gluten-free Italian pasta with vodka sauce or the cherry flavored balsamic vinegar I taste tested in Florence I stumbled upon my new favorite site (and store!)
Poggi Bonsi: Burien, WA
Nestled in the 'old Burien' downtown strip, this little place has granted all my Italian-flavored wishes. They have foodstuffs, ceramics, kitchenware (bunny salt/pepper shakers!), gifts (I got my Dad a pillow which read: "Bank of Dad: the lending institution since I can remember"), holiday gifts, etc. Prices range from $5--the hundreds, so there's a good finding for everyone. The atmosphere is whimsical and very much Italiano. Love.
Jan16
I consider myself lucky since I didn't have to search for the perfect leather jacket this season. I got mine in Florence, Italy--a fireproof cognac-colored leather blazer. For those who are still looking (and for good reason, they are comfy, fashionable, and warm!) I've found the perfect investment piece.
[William Rast. Nordstrom. $350.]
Okay, it's a bit pricey, but look at all the perfect details! The delicate ruffle cleverly hides the zipper and draws attention to the face. The leather is buttery and the black color is creamy. The sleeve zipper adds a bit of interest and can be opened up to make way for accessories. There are no big buttons, one of my big pet peeves of the season, so this jacket will transition effortlessly into the next couple years. The epaulets at the shoulders aren't my favorite, but they are small enough to be (useless) undistracting. I'm not digging the outfit the model is wearing; I'd layer this over a floral dress and some brown rugged boots or keep it simple with some skinny jeans and booties. Yum.
Jan11
Okay, perhaps the weather is kicking our butts in Seattle, but we can still look forward to spring right? After a hard day of fencing I came home to a pretty awesome find in my Nordstrom catalog and a great coupon for GAP in my inbox. Neat. I found a 2 trench substitutes of the same color, and I thought to let you decide which you like more for your Spring wardrobe.
[Asymmetrical zip trench. Calvin Klein, Nordstrom. $148.]
I really like this trench. Not only has it replaced the annoying buttons of regular trenches, it has a modern twist with the asymmetrical zipper. The color is bright and fun, plus the material is mostly cotton so it's breathable. Just throw this on over a summery dress, with a skirt, or even over some khakis for a casual but fashionable day in spring. Only drawback besides price? Epaulets on the sleeves add bulk.
[Gap. Cotton. $78]
Here's the more price conscious option -- and it's on sale for $54 right now with coupon! However, this one strikes me as 'plain old, plain old' with the pastely color (out) and the traditional buttons and epaulets. I do like the cropped sleeves for spring, but I hate the strange patchy things at the chest--what's up with those GAP? However, this is a good update on the trench for spring, but you do have to forego a bit of fashion.
What's your choice?
Jan10
Happy New Year's, everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful and fashionable beginning of the new year. As I finally came 'home' home to visit my parents, I got to get my fashion mag fix of the month. Talk about an hour sitdown with Harper's, Lucky, Glamour, and all the catalogs that came in. As I felt inspiration running through my veins again, I saw the most amazingly unique piece of jewelry in Lucky. It's stunning.
[Cotton-blend and gold vermeil necklace. Aplusrstore.com. $130.]
Okay, it's pricey for just one necklace. But honestly, this one piece has changed how I view the powerful effect of accessories. Can you imagine this with a black turtleneck in the winter, or over a summery chiffon blouse in the summer? Yes, it's absolutely elaborate and will draw plenty of attention (the good kind) but it's 1) not ridiculous -- those baubles and huge beaded necklaces are so impracticable and 2) it's lightweight, so you don't look like a slumpy log. Of course this statement piece shouldn't have to compete with the rest of the outfit, so the complete ensemble should be simple (I'm seeing black shift dress with nude pumps) and this can just come in to WOW the crowd. Love.
Dec27
I know, it's the season to be merry. But today I was browsing through Target's website (since Thakoon just arrived...and quickly disappointed) when I came across this:
[Kaela boots. Target. $34.99.] [Intyce. Steve by Steve Madden. $119.95.]
Now you see why I'm a bit irritated? This is a complete RIPOFF of Steve by Steve Madden's boot--which is gorgeous, and I proudly have in my closet. Of course the fakie isn't trying to "Steven by Steve Madden" but instead is called "Kaela" and is pleather but we all see what's happening here. Even the color is called "Cognac" and there's the little X at the buckle...jebus. There is a difference, Target, between bringing high fashion to the masses with GO: International collections and blatantly just making something so similiar to another product as so most consumers can't tell the difference. Why do I care? Well, first of all I think it's bull****. Second of all, I think it's pathetic. Some people may think it's noble for Target to copycat an originally $200 boot and offer it for $35 but I think it's just rude. Just like how Anne Klein ripped off Jalda only this time Steven by Steve Madden is pretty established. But that doesn't excuse Target for this total low blow. Target, aren't you supposed to be some sort of a socially responsible company? What kind of model are you setting for all those fakers out in 3rd world countries exploiting child labor to make "Prada fakes"? You're telling them faking is profitable--and that's not okay.
Now my big issues with Target have grown to two: 1) complete vanity sizing (hello, XS is not a 4!) and 2) some sort of legal design stealing.
Makes me sad. Shame on Target.
Dec12
I'm a little behind on christmas shopping. I already got my mom a pair of crocs (yes, shoot me...but she wanted them) and an Aksesare scarf, my dad a Husky Pride teeshirt, my boyfriend a grey cardigan, Munny toy, and Perfect Pushups, and my roommate convertible gloves. But what about Secret Santa on the 29th and numerous friends who deserve little trinkets? Usually I try to get all my purchases in one place (preferably online) but Urban Outfitters is just too expensive for "small shopping" so I've been looking at Goodwill / consignment stores for headbands/hats and things. Today at Goodwill I found a Weisfield Jewelers 10K gold/amethyst ring for $39.99! Great value, still not in my price range. So lo and behold my solution to all my (and possibly your) problems!
Yes, I conveniently even linked to the under $30 price range. I'm a huge fan of their pearl bracelets and a sucker for this sapphire baby. Their designs are unique, from all over the world, priced reasonably, and high quality. I'm loving the huge range of different gemstones and metals to choose from too. The best part? Zavida's mission. They stive to give back 25% of profits to assist the regions where these beautiful art pieces came from. A good price for a good cause--for a good gift. What's more to ask?
Dec06
Oh, it's been a while. Finals are kicking in next week and then it's off to Mexico aboard the Norwegian Cruiselines. However, I received by Nordstrom Dec. Accessories 2008 catalog and I was completely smitten with this little rose belt.
[Satin rose belt. Cara Accessories. $48.]
Talk about adding a little cheer to your holiday outfit. This belt has just the right amount of "oomph" without looking too busy (or, even worse, like you tried too hard). I like the asymmetry of the petals and the color of that deep purple. Especially since Pantone has selected "mimosa" for the color of 2009, this belt in black or purple will compliment the bright yellow apparel of next year. I know it's a bit pricey, but it's a great 'little' splurge for the holidays (better $50 than the $400 Elliot Lucca it's pictured with, right?) and looks dashing on any ensemble. Mmm. I'm just imagining this peeking underneath the tuxedo cardigan my boyfriend got my for Xmas.
