4/26/2009

Tommy Hilfiger bags

Melody_2

  • Accessorize mini black umbrella
  • Karnca Design thermos bottle
  • Transparent makeup bag
  • Neutrogena lip moist
  • Nivea tinted lip balms (strawberry-grapefruit)
  • Blistex daily lip conditioner (it makes my lips shiny and smooth)
  • Mini Clinique high impact mascara
  • Korres natural lip gloss with cherry oil
  • Sephora Express toothbrush and mini toothpaste
  • Contact lens case (filled with its solution)
  • Watsons oil blotting paper
  • Clinique mirror
  • Mini comb
  • Tweezers
  • Antibiotics
  • Flosspick
  • Earbud
  • x2 necklaces
  • Silver anklet
  • A peach
  • Blue heartformed keychain with my homekeys, Sephora girl mini lipgloss keychain, some Sharpie pens, a torch and a Victorinox pocketknife
  • Some pens, pencils and higlighters
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Sun protection cream
  • Eastpack pencilcase
  • Moleskine red planner twin set
  • Some pearl and silver earrings
  • Eraser
  • Juice Beauty tinted moisturizer
  • Biafine wound dressing emulsion
  • Body Shop limited edition apple blossom
  • Long and thin silver necklace with pearls and semi-valuable stones.
  • Red Herring sequined bag (I bought it on sale just for $3)
  • i.d. Bare Minerals foundation blush
  • Concealer brush
  • Sephora Kabuki brush
  • Samsung red E250 phone (I really love my phone and I dont think I will change it.)
  • Man style black chrono Fosil watch from Chicago
  • Green tea with gingko
  • Wet tissues
  • iPod nano with very cute (karnca design)ladybird figured earphones.
  • Old jewels from my mom just for special days.
  • Bebe creme box (I use it as jewel box)
  • Silver bracelet with onyxstone, it has a kitten on it.
  • Almonds
  • sugarfree mints
  • Eastpack wallet
  • Claire’s bracelet with geninue crystalled butterfly (designed by Mariah Carey)
  • Sony Vaio laptop. It’s so thin and light.
  • My calculus book
  • 4/25/2009

    Dakine bags

    Amanda_4

    I really adore this bag, it has a really cute polka dot liner, and it's also roomy enough to fit all this stuff.

    • L'Occitane hand cream
    • Hair tie
    • Gum
    • Stereo faceplate (with pencil bag carrying case)
    • Blackberry Pearl
    • Benetint pocket pal: it's a nice pick me up
    • Clinique superbalm
    • Tarte lip sheers
    • Carmex
    • CO Bigelow spearmint lip gloss
    • Sun block powder
    • Coppertone and neutrogena blotting papers
    • Inhaler
    • iPod
    • Oakley sunglasses
    • My wallet

    4/24/2009

    Tulah Ray Bags

    Jeannine_bag

    I got this Tulah Ray bag this summer- I absolutely love it. It’s the perfect size for all my necessities.

    • Amazon Kindle- I don’t leave my house without it- you never know when you will find a few minutes of downtime
    • JJ Cole diaper pouch ( I have a two year old)
    • Gold wristlet (Express-free) with Vaseline, L.A.M.B, atomizer, and MAC lipgloss
    • Chocolate cell phone
    • Dior sunglasses
    • Tusk wallet
    • Canon Elf digital camera

    4/23/2009

    candy Balenciagas

    Balenciaga, known for their soft leathers, and who can resist an array of bright hues, especially as we just sense Spring coming soon to our airwaves & breezes ... Oh well, we do have Valentine's candy & chocolate!

    4/22/2009

    Coach Bags

    Donna_moody_bag_3

    Fremont, CA

    These are my daily essentials:

    • Pen
    • Small notebook
    • Dooney wallet
    • Comb
    • Inhaler, Zyrtec, Motrin, Anxiety meds
    • Tissues
    • Business card holder
    • Sephora powder
    • Aveno healing lip balm
    • In-between teeth cleaners
    • Breath freshener
    • Trident extra care gum (I don't feel like I’m not taking care of my teeth with this gum)
    • Magnifying glass (bought in Florida this summer)
    • Tweezers
    • Nail clippers
    • Mini nail files
    • Estee Lauder lip gloss in tea rose
    • Lip fusion lip gloss in beach baby
    • Sephora cutical pen
    • Atomizer with thebodyshop vanilla perfume inside
    • L'Occitane hand lotion
    • Caudalie lip conditioner
    • I also carry my blackberry curve (which is currently not shown)

    4/20/2009

    Purse Straps--Celeb/Marc Jacobs

    Hope Davis was spotted on Saturday, February 28th in NYC with a white leather Marc Jacobs tote with gold hardware. It appears to be an older style MJ (especially since a seasons back that strap connection detail was more common).

    When trying to identity a purse, especially in cases like these in which photos didn't display the entire bag, one can still zone in on some identification using details, such as that strap.

    This can be useful in shopping, blogging, or for fun (if you love bags like I). Or all three.

    4/19/2009

    Fossil Weekender Tote bags

    Michelle_bag

    My mom just bought me this new bag a couple of days ago & I love it!! I always carry my:

    • Dayplanner
    • Fossil wallet
    • Coach sunglasses & Coach eyeglasses
    • Sony Cybershot camera
    • Ipod video
    • Orbit white bubblegum
    • Lots of ink pens & pencils
    • LG Dare cell phone (which I'm sending back!)
    • Checkbook cover
    • Bedhead lipglosses
    • Benefit lip glosses
    • Bliss lip balm
    • Mac spice lip pencil
    • Neutrogena oil blotting papers
    • Immodium ad
    • American eagle perfume
    • Flossers
    • Keychain
    • Mirror
    • Hand sanitizer
    • Advil
    • Twilight teeth for tanning bed
    • Skull candy earphones

    4/18/2009

    Mulberry's 'Shimmy' Bag

    Mulberry Women's Shimmy Tumbled Sheep Tote

    $1,195.00 by Mulberry at Bloomingdale's

    "Mulberry shimmy tumbled sheep tote. Tumbled sheep leather. Silver hardware with shiny silver dog tag. Detachable sailing clips for extra strap. Interior zip pocket with a cell phone pocket. Fabric lining. Can be used as a tote or as a crossover.

    • 17.3"W x 11.4"H x 4.7"D
    • 8.7" drop from shoulderDetachable strap: 18.9" drop from shoulder"

    I love the ID-style tag (although it appears blank) in the center of this new bag, but is the rest a little, beige? Other styles are also on the plain-shape side.

    4/17/2009

    City Style Turquoise Satchel

    Devon

    · Hello Kitty and other key chains & keys

    · Hello Kitty business card case/cigarette case

    · Forever 21 nail file w/clear case

    · Bath & Body Works Cucumber Melon hand sanitizer

    · Nivea Smooth Sensation body lotion mini

    · Sephora oil blotting roll

    · Smashbox O-Gloss

    · Wet –n-Wild Pink Sugar lip gloss jewel

    · Victoria’s Secret Beauty Rush lip gloss in Fineapple

    · Vickie Mints and mini

    · Rohto eye drops

    · Gray mini mirror

    · Pen nail file

    · Calculator

    · Pink hair brush

    · Match book

    · Green Bic lighter

    · Dr. Pepper lip gloss silver tin

    · Lip brush

    · Extra Bubblemint gum

    4/16/2009

    City Style Turquoise Satchel

    Devon

    · Hello Kitty and other key chains & keys

    · Hello Kitty business card case/cigarette case

    · Forever 21 nail file w/clear case

    · Bath & Body Works Cucumber Melon hand sanitizer

    · Nivea Smooth Sensation body lotion mini

    · Sephora oil blotting roll

    · Smashbox O-Gloss

    · Wet –n-Wild Pink Sugar lip gloss jewel

    · Victoria’s Secret Beauty Rush lip gloss in Fineapple

    · Vickie Mints and mini

    · Rohto eye drops

    · Gray mini mirror

    · Pen nail file

    · Calculator

    · Pink hair brush

    · Match book

    · Green Bic lighter

    · Dr. Pepper lip gloss silver tin

    · Lip brush

    · Extra Bubblemint gum

    4/15/2009

    Go Online! (Cosmo Pick)

    Cosmo Radio is so fabulous but the ladies of "Wake up..." need to wake up to the new world we have (Earth 3.0?) and quit shopping in person when there's a must have list, and shop online instead!

    What the ladies on the show did was send the male co-host on a bag hunt for a black leather number with a gold chain strap (quilted preferred), "expensive look" but Chanel-inspired was a hope. The budget: max $200.

    What should be done is not to go to 5th Avenue, even if you're in the fabulous NYC, go to a computer and go to http://www.replicabagsmerchant.com.

    I found this bag by Guess by Marciano for about $85, and it's exactly what the host wants. I found this in under 3 minutes.

    4/14/2009

    Dior Denim Blue Bags

    Jo

    Miami. FL

    • Dior Cosmetic Pouch
    • Gold bound lotion
    • Dior wallet
    • Hair pin
    • Guerlain Lipstick
    • Stila Lip Gloss
    • Pens
    • spare eye liner for night out
    • Bang & Olufsen blue tooth( the best one I've ever have)

    4/13/2009

    Bag Candy Shop: Luxe Foldover Cutout-Handle Clutch by Jalda

    More Jalda...
    Jalda at ShopStyle
    Currently 995
    • Jalda
    • Currently $925
    • 8.75" x 5.5"

    Genuine crackled gunmetal leather in a rectangular foldover clutch with cutout handle lined in satin-finished hardware.

    4/12/2009

    Kim's Bags

    Kim_2

    Hopewell,Virginia

    I have a small handbag collection because I will use the same one forever. I always have a hard time finding one that I really like. I saw this one on the clearance shelf a couple weeks ago in Target. It's by Merona and it is so spacious and cute. While I own a handful of designer bags, it is this less expensive one that has grabbed my heart. I'm a bit of a pack rat so I keep a lot of stuff in my bag. You never know where you'll end up or what you'll need... LOL.

    • Day planner
    • Moleskin notebook for jotting down story ideas
    • Starbucks Coffee Passport and Tazo Tea Passport (I work at Starbucks and we have to taste all the coffees and teas we sell and fill these cute little passports out with our tasting experiences.)
    • Kashi Go Lean Crunch bar for healthy snacking
    • Nine West wallet (I swear I keep my whole life in this wallet but it has held up pretty nicely)
    • Little purple change purse filled with movie theater stubs (my friends and I loved movies in college and still do. This holder has nearly every movie ticket stub from the past 8 years. There's at least a couple hundred in there! Recent movie seen: Quarantine)
    • iPod with Phillips earphones
    • Tylenol sinus and cold meds
    • Altoids
    • Dior Addict perfume (the best ever)
    • Jergens Ultra Healing lotion
    • LOTS of pens in different colors
    • Post Its
    • Starbucks Certified Barista pin (yes, i have been a barista for over a year now)
    • LG enV cell phone and pink Motorola Bluetooth
    • Purel hand sanitizer
    • Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick Compact (great for adding a little shimmer anywhere on your face)
    • Comb and Estee Lauder face brush
    • Clarins Beauty Flash balm (for when your skin needs an extra radiance boost. Great stuff)
    • BCBG sunglasses, Body Shop makeup bag, Shu Uemura eyelash curler (the best invention ever), hair ties, brow brush, medicated Chapstick
    • Estee Lauder Ideal Light brush-on illuminator (it's their take on Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat, but I like Estee Lauder's best. I have a hard time matching my dark skin with concealer or foundation but this one is perfect.)
    • The Body Shop Super Volume Mascara
    • MAC Slimshine Lipsticks in Lovey-Dove and Assertive (nice color with lots of shine!)
    • CO Bigelow Ultra Mentha Lip Shine lip balm (i'm totally addicted plus it tastes pepperminty)
    • MAC Mineralize powder in Deep Dark (i have really dry skin but this is one powder that makes me look dewy and not dried out)
    • iTunes Pick of the Week cards from Starbucks
    • A business card for my friend Eric's band Nobel.

    4/11/2009

    The Walk of Shame Kit to Fit in your Morning After Bags

    B. Or you could try a few upgrades from that. We suggest if you can, bring your own car and stash a big overnight bag, Rebecca Minkoff's is perfect. Then you can fit a professional-looking blazer that will boost your evening ensemble to daytime status, and possibly anything else extra you need beyond the morning after essentials. If you must take public transit (always use caution!) then you could try her "Morning After Mini" Bag.

    We also suggest the product "brush-ups" and either your own makeup remover or your own big black Jackie O' shades. What fabulous lady shouldn't own such a pair?

    And we even found these cool foldable flip-flops in a totally chic print. Goh-geous!

    Now do note this post was all in fun.

    Remember to practice safe sex and safe dating, and this includes do get to know your match well before leaping into physical relations, don't get drunk on a first date, do bring your cell and I.D., etc. Know it's called the Walk of Shame for a reason, and what we really think esteemed ladies of today should do is wait until he makes you breakfast, buys you flowers, or the like, the morning after. We don't want to see you sneaking out of a dorm building, period. We want you walking out hand-in-hand with a new love, more like several mornings after. ;-)

    Last but not least, we also don't want you to yet need that Knocked Up bag!

    Fun New Sunglasses For Spring, Part Two




    Like Jen, I've been craving new glasses for spring, only sunglasses rather than ones for reading. I also want something vintage-inspired, except I'm taking my style cues from even further back—more '50s-ish. Something oversize and a little pointy at the corners, but not full-on cat-eye. I just discovered the Ray-Ban Wayfarer Skinnies, and I think they might be perfect. They're a twist on the brand's signature frames, only bigger, a little rounder, and with slim side bands. Still totally classic, only not so ubiquitous and more feminine. Less Buddy Holly, more Sophia Loren.

    3/31/2009

    Black Scale Season 6

    black-scale-season-6-1 Black Scale Season 6

    Black Sale has released their Season 6 goods. The latest collection of the San Francisco brand keeps it mostly simple and classic, using black/white graphics on t-shirts, hoodies and crewneck sweaters. The new Black Scale Season 6 Collection is now available at Purist.

    Check out the full collection after the jump.

    3/30/2009

    4 New Designers To Watch

    Remember these names : Patrik Ervell, Alejandro Ingelmo, Robert Geller, and Adam Kimmel. They are the 4 new designers on the verge of changing the face of Menswear in American Fashion.

    Designers On The Verge

    Designers On The Verge

    Gone are the days when American designers are known for polo shirts, khakis, navy blazers, and solid staples styles. DETAILS magazine considers these 4 new designers from New York as the vanguard of American Fashion.

    Patrick Ervell, 30, “My philosophy has never been about doing a major seasonal shift—it’s about gradually developing the collection.”

    Adam Kimmel, 29, “It’s good to have fun as long as the clothes are kept in a masculine context.”

    Robert Geller, 31, “I make clothes that have strength, which is very important for men.”

    Alejandro Ingelmo, 34, “When I can’t think, can’t design, I walk around the city. I see the people walking and I see all this movement and the traffic and I’m very influenced by it.”

    More information about Patrik Ervell, Alejandro Ingelmo, Robert Geller, and Adam Kimmel and their styles, respectively, can be found at DETAILS magazine. 

    Weekend Wear For Men

    Suppose you have a formal get together with friends and family, or just need something to wear for future affairs. Today I’ve picked out five items that are a combination of modern and classic.

    Finding suits at stores is one thing, but at a reasonable price is a whole another story. So I’ve taken two separate pieces and put them together. The Calvin Klein Black Blazer($178.00) and DKNY Black Braided Stripe Flat Front Slim Fit Wool Pant($125.00).

    Designer Marc Ecko has managed to create a showstopping piece. TheMarc Ecko Men’s E20033G3 Watch Box Set($225.00) is pricey, but worth the buck. Inside is a stainless steel bracelet and watch covered in crystal accents. You’re bound to get compliments while walking down the street.

    Colombo Slim Card Holder by Castello($14.99) is perfect for the everyday man, and one the reasons why I chose this, is because it reminds me so much of the leather wallets my grandfather would keep with him. The wallet has a rustic look to it, sort of classic in a way. Designer Castello crafted this wallet in grain Italian leather. You’ll be able to keep everything from cash to credit cards. Customers who purchase this item will also receive a very nice gift box to keep the wallet in.

    Never can you go wrong with a classic black shoe. Alfani Reserve Bike Toe Oxford shoe($99.00) is perfect for all ages young or old. The look of the shoe reeks of sophistication and style. This pointed shoe is avaliable in sizes in 9-13.

    3/29/2009

    Weekend Etsy picks

    The detail of today’s Etsy picks just amazes me!  These crane earrings have been folded out of a single piece of fine silver:

    origami-crane-earrings

    Don’t believe me?  Check out this photo of work in progress:

    origami-crane-earrings-2

    Hapa uses traditional Japanese origami (paper folding) techniques to create an entire collection of unique fine silver jewelry that you’re guaranteed not to see every day!

    Eyelet Top & Skirt

    I am wishing for warmer weather. This weekend is supposed to get warm yonder where I live. It makes me think of wearing a top, skirt and wedge outfit like the look for less ensemble below.

    Look For Less : Top, Skirt & Wedge

    Look For Less : Top, Skirt & Wedge

    Yellow Eyelet Trim Tunic, $19.80

    Dark denim skirt, $15.80

    Anne Michelle Rhinestone Wedge, $24.99

    Beaded bliss necklace, $5.80

    Prism elastic bracelet, $8.80

    Hoop earrings, $2.80

    Isn’t it cute? This outfit is cool and refreshing. A perfect look to welcome the warm weather. Whenever it shows up anyway. I hope it does because not only do my shoes, tops, shorts, skirt, and dresses, need airing out, my legs which have been covered in tights (and jeans) to keep warm are itching to go bare and feel the fresh air. That does sound really good, doesn’t it? 

    3/28/2009

    A DVF Wrap Dress

    Diane Von Furstenberg was my first glimpse into the world of fashion at a young age.  I saw a wrap dress on E! one weekend and her name was forever ingrained in my mind. But, why in the world do we love these dresses oh so much?

    10637PCN_DupreeDiane Von Furstenberg did a short interview for Saks Fifth Avenue recently and explained, “I didn’t know what I wanted to do…I became that woman [that we all LOVE!] through fashion.”

    Part of who so many women are is seen through what they wear, and women all over the world can, and do, wear DVF. A wrap dress is like that perfect pair of jeans, whether they are skinny, wide legged, boot cut, or even just straight, everyone has that one pair they would die without. A wrap dress, should be considered as one of those items.

    krtabacaphotoslive041788-elle-and

    Diane mentions a variety of women wear her designs.  The wrap dress “…gave women confidence.” Confidence that many women find in wearing something that you slip on, stare in the mirror and say “Dang, I look fabulous in that.” That’s exactly what a wrap dress does.  That feeling is not unique to any one style. A girl wearing camo boots and a mohawk can feel the same way as the girl who works on Wall Street. Women all have the same feelings, and that is something the wrap dress seems to understand.

    Those feelings are felt when women go to their closet and don’t quite know what to wear, Diane says, “when you don’t feel well and you don’t know what to wear…the wrap dress is your friend..your best friend ever.”

    So many women feel that way. From Kate Hudson, to Madonna, to myself. The feelings are mutual.

    Hot Spring Bracelets

    Kick your spring style up a notch with some arm candy.  Chunky cuff bracelets

    are one of the hottest accessory trends of the season, and the perfect way to jazz up a casual or dressy outfit.

    Taraji P. Henson wearing a cuff bracelet on the red carpet.

    Taraji P. Henson wearing a jeweled tight cuff bracelet on the red carpet.

    Taraji wearing an eye-catching gold cuff.

    Taraji wearing an eye-catching gold wide cuff bracelet.

    Celebs like Taraji P. Henson can afford bold, beautiful and most likely expensive cuff bracelets (see above photos), but we can get the look for less at retailers like Banana Republic and Forever 21.

    Insider bargain shopper  tip: If you’re in New York City, you can find the latest jewelry trends at wholesale prices at  Earrings Plaza.

    Style tip: Try doubling up your bracelets for a funky, bohemian look.  For instance, pair a chunky cuff with a big bangle.

    Banana Republic braided cuff, $34

    Banana Republic braided cuff, $34

    Henna Studded Cuff, $5.80

    Henna Studded Cuff, $5.80

    Amrita Singh's colorful enamel cuffs, $20

    3/27/2009

    Turquoise Necklaces

    Bold, colorful jewelry is hot for spring. If you are looking for a fantastic, eye-catching necklace, check out Abella Galleries.  This online shop features gorgeous pieces featuring howlite turquoise beads, sterling silver fittings and stainless steel nylon-coated wire. They offer four different sytles of these turquoise necklaces–Aegean Barrel, Blue Meadow Oval, Deep Sea Oval and Retro Round. The first three styles come in either short or long lengths, while the Retro Round is just short. You’ll just love this blue and green jewelry.

    Aegean Barrel Necklace - Image: Abella Galleries

    Aegean Barrel Necklace - Image: Abella Galleries

    Turquoise necklaces can work with almost any outfit, from a casual boho-chic look to something much more formal. Ranging from $25-$65, this jewelry is adorable and affordable.

    Blue Meadow Oval Necklace - Image: Abella Galleries

    Blue Meadow Oval Necklace - Image: Abella Galleries

    Abella Galleries offers free gift wrap and a customized gift note when requested in the Notes box on their checkout page. For a 15% discount, Shopaholics Daily readers can type SHOPDAILY in the special coupon box on the shopping cart page after selecting an item for purchase. Shipping is always free with purchases of $100 or more.

    Deep Sea Oval Necklace - Image: Abella Galleries

    Deep Sea Oval Necklace - Image: Abella Galleries

    I have a couple of these necklaces myself and they are quite stunning and versatile. Check out abellagalleries.com for more pictures, info and to order.

    Retro Round Necklace - Image: Abella Galleries

    Retro Round Necklace - Image: Abella Galleries

    Get Eva Mendes’ Floral Neckline Dress

    28807PCN_mendes04.jpg

    Eva Mendes makes an appearance on the popular Italian TV show “Quelli che il calcio e…” to promote her latest film Live!. Wearing her hair back in a loose knot, Eva looks elegant in a satin dress with a floral neckline.

    Eva kept her jewelry simple, opting for small earrings and some bangle bracelets, so as not to distract from the dress.  

    3/26/2009

    Dior Parisian Lights

    Dior Parisian Lights With Mini Mascara

    Dior lovers, here is a new Spring eyeshadow palette for us all to check out! Featuring 5 softest colors: neutral pink shimmer, peach shimmer, iridescent ivory beige, taupe gray shimmer, and white pearl shimmer, we can mix them up to create a delicate, natural, yet stunning Spring look. That’s fab, isn’t it?

    Paired with a mini Diorshow iconic mascara, you can claim this treat for US$56.

    3/25/2009

    Possibly Our Most Idiotic Hair Care Decision Ever

    200903042218.jpg

    So a few weeks ago we were in the Korres store in London, and the gave us all these amazing samples. Like Halloween candy, we have been hoarding them. Unlike Halloween candy, they are suitable for the hair. One of the samples was "conditioner acacia milk," which we recently wrote about here, because we love it. It says it is "for dry hair." Now. Apparently we have not been thinking straight lately. Because there is dry (opposite of oily) and there is dry (opposite of wet.) We chose to interpret "dry" as the latter. Now we are thinking this was an idiotic choice. Now that we're thinking about it, we have used plenty of regular conditioners, and a number of leave-in conditioners, and a few dry shampoos, like from Lush—but all the "for dry hair" conditioners we've ever used did not involve putting conditioner on dry hair.

    We think we might go to the Korres store and ask. And because we're almost out of sample—because, after all, this is the only product we've ever used that has actually dealt successfully with our frizzy hair.

    We just showed the acacia conditioner a few days ago, so the photo above is of the lip butter. We are obsessed with this—the wild rose is like Benetint, but without that slightly oily sheen you can sometimes get with Benetint. So it's better, and the perfect color. We would have bought it on the spot yesterday, but we left our Sephora gift card at home and—hey, recession. We'll get it tomorrow, though. And! Under $10! Wild Rose lip butter, $9.

    Today's Featured Subject


    There may be a post or two on another subject, but today is America's Next Top Model day. I do not love the show, but it is fantastic fodder for fashion talk and debate. Stay tuned.

    "Cycle" (instead of season) 12 began last night on the CW. I watched it, mostly. (It's a tough job, but somebody's got to watch TV for journalism.) And, well, if you know me, you know I'm brimming with lots to say (and show).

    Stay "tuned" (no, to me---who care if you watch that garbage---ha. ha.).

    SCROLL DOWN FOR STORIES...

    Originlly posted at 1:38 am EST (not server time).

    *Update* I had two stories I wanted to post, but I couldn't find the media to go with the comments, there may be one to a few more related posts today, Friday.

    3/24/2009

    Wear in Japan

    Q: I am traveling around Japan for 3 weeks beginning in late March. What do you suggest packing? I plan on dressing casually and packing as lightly as possible. We will be doing a lot of sightseeing and walking around. What shoes would be comfortable and would go with everything (I only want to pack one pair)?

    What to Wear in Japan
    Feeling the love for this set?  Here’s more information about it.


    by Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant

    A: How lovely—March is the most popular time of year to travel to Japan.  It’s the beginning of their Spring season, which means that their famous cherry blossoms will begin to bloom.

    Fashion wise, Japan is a fascinating country.  Fashion forward young people are so creative in dress—influences range from Harajuku (which encompasses a variety of styles, from gothic Lolita to cosplay) to Hime (a new princess craze).  But these edgy styles aside, Japan is a very conservative country when it comes to fashion.  You can get away with casual dress when you’re out seeing the sights, but remember that Japan is a place where attention to appearance is paramount (especially in business situations).  Japanese women have a penchant for meticulously tailored garments—and often wear heels even with casualwear.

    For sightseeing in Japan in late March, here’s what you need to bring:

    Tops: Bring an assortment of nice, relatively conservative shirts and blouses, both knits and wovens.  Sleeveless styles are OK, but nothing that shows cleavage, nothing tight or clingy.  For late March, long sleeved blouses and knits are going to be your best bet; it may be Spring, but the weather is still going to be a bit chilly. 

    Sweaters: Pack a couple of versatile sweaters to layer over your tops; this will allow you to dress in layers to adjust to the heat and cold. 

    Bottoms: Your bottoms wardrobe is going to center around long pants.  Pack a couple of pairs of casual pants, and one pair of dressier pants.  You can also bring jeans—tourists do wear jeans; however, they’re somewhat less common amongst the more formal Japanese women.  Skip the shorts, but cropped pants are do-able if they work with your figure. 

    Dresses:  If you’re going to be attending any more formal events, you can also pack a dress (knee-length or longer) for the occasion.

    Outerwear: For late March, a light jacket should suffice to keep you warm (especially if you’re layering with sweaters).

    Shoes:  If you’re planning on bringing only one pair of shoes, you will want a comfortable yet stylish flat that will work for sightseeing and dressier occasions.  I recommend a pair of Cole Haan flats with Nike Air technology or a pair of Softspots with a tempurpedic footbed. 

    Last thoughts?  Get a pedicure before your trip, and make sure to bring lots of pairs of socks.  As you sightsee, you’ll often be asked to remove your shoes when you visit temples and other buildings.

    Have a great tip about what to wear in Japan? Share it with us in the comments!

    The Francesca Gown

    As a bride-to-be (and wedding fashion writer), it seems to me that I have seen every wedding gown on the planet. I drift towards the vintage styles, which are, as a rule, somewhat less poufy and embellished as newer gowns, but every now and then, I find something new and fresh. Like the Francesca gown by Robert Bullock:

    09101francescaI love the absolutely classic silhouette of the gown, and the soft, romantic adornment. The beaded lace overlay on satin is subtle and elegant, and as always, I love a v-neck for elongating one of the most attractive features on a woman. (Her neck, of course).

    The Robert Bullock Collection is part of the Birnbaum & Bullock line. Mr. Bullock’s designs are inspired by the soft flowers of Monet, and I love the brand’s tagline, “No two flowers are alike”. Every bride should be lucky enough to find her own unique gown. And best of all, the line runs $600-$1,600 and comes in a wide variety of sizes. Available from Birnbaum & Bullock.

    3/23/2009

    Spring 2009 Collection | A Detailed Look

    stussy-deluxe-spring-2009-collection-front Stussy Deluxe Spring 2009 Collection | A Detailed Look

    Now that the Stussy Deluxe Spring 2009 Collection has released, we can take a more detailed look. The line certainly grown in size over time and now has a pretty good offering. The new collection consists of a lot of nice basics, especially in terms of t-shirts, polos and fleece hoodies and crewneck sweaters. Also the accessories and pants sections have grown, now offering bags, hats, caps of all kinds and more. For some strange reason shirts seem to be missing this season, or will come at a later time - we will keep you posted.

    The way the collection looks now, Stussy Deluxe offers premium basics in severl categories. We like the collection, yet we hope for a more distinguished look in the future and some more character.

    Take a look at the Stussy Deluxe Spring 2009 Collection after the jump.

    What a Chic Guitar! Merci, C'est Chanel.

    Chanel guitar spring 2009  
    For Spring 2009, Karl Lagerfeld was inspired by a painting by Marie Laurencin, a 20th century avant-garde artist who dated the poet Guillaume Apollinaire, was part of Pablo Picasso's circle, and once painted Coco Chanel in the 1920s (below...which a testy Mademoiselle apparently rejected because it didn't look enough like her).

    3/22/2009

    Black dress

     Gold cuff bracelet. Check. Tossled hair. Check. Staged sexy facial expression for the camera. Check. Ugly as sin red gladiator sandals?? What the heck, Fergie!

    Fergie - Image: Newscom

    Fergie - Image: Newscom

    My, oh my. The Snarkstress was hoping the gladiator sandals died at the end of last summer. But designers and tacky celebrities are insisting on shoving them down our throats once again. And the lovely Fergie takes it to the exteme with a pair of fire engine red gladiators teamed up with her black toenail polish. Fergie was at the launch of the VIVA GLAM VI Special Edition Lipstick at the M.A.C Cosmetics store in Los Angeles. She should have stuck with a pair of peep-toe pumps to go along with her new lipstick. Her sandals featured a closed back for a bootie-like look. But they were still ugly gladiators, nonetheless.

    Fashionistas–listen up! Just say no to gladiator sandals this season. If we stop buying them, hopefully by the grace of God, they’ll stop making them!

    Fergie's Ugly Red Gladiator Sandals

    Fergie's Ugly Red Gladiator Sandals - Image: Newscom

    Bad & Good Examples

    Tropical Print is one of those Spring and Summer prints that you really need to be careful of due to it’s boldness and color. Some designers go overboard with the combining the colors that some shirts end up looking like Grama’s couch from way back in the 60’s.

    Let me start with the bad examples of Tropical Print shirts.

    Orange Leaves-Floral Print

    Orange Leaves-Floral Print

    Paisley Print

    Paisley Print

    [1st] Bright orange is really not a good color on anyone. [2nd] Paisley print done excessively can be so traumatic on you and the ones who has no choice but to stand right next to you.