Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Sailor Moon

Japanese bookseller Kinokuniya is one of my favorite places to shop for paper goods; so I was surprised to find they now carry a small selection of clothing from Beth by Victorian Maiden. Never heard of it? Me neither, so I did a bit of research on Harajuku girls and contemporary Japanese fashion. This sailor collar coat is in the "Lolita" style, for the young lady with a disposable income and penchant for girly Victorian clothing. Sweeten the deal with red patent mary janes, patterned hosiery and white gloves . ($388)

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Beachy-Keen

Despite the fact that it's 32 degrees ouside, swimsuits are already on display in the stores. Not particularly exciting for a woman who hasn't worked out since November, so a lovely cover up is at the top of my resortwear shopping list. Simple and chic, the classic stripes, remindful of Michael Kors, are perfect beach to yacht gear. ($40)

Monday, January 28, 2008

Appealing to the Base

This classic gold bangle bracelet is polished 24K perfection, a great addition for any serious jewelry collection. Like the basic tanktop, the gold bracelet is the base to your jewelry wardrobe. Lovely on it's own, but best worn in pairs, the silky smooth gold looks great stacked in combination with the same. A great investment piece which will retain it's value despite the tanking dollar. ($1,700)

Sunday, January 27, 2008

Slopes To The Streets

Unimpressed by the original snowjogger design, I dismissed the marriage between sneaker and snowboot as offensive to my sensibilities. What a pleasant surprise to find that an updated snowjogger 2.0 is now available. Improving on the shortcomings of its predecessor by: swapping out nylon for shiny patent leather, adding an extra thick tread for better grip in the snow, and snazzed-up suede detailing on the heel and vamp. Dontcha love that fresh 1990s shiny-suit vibe? ($100)

Saturday, January 26, 2008

Desk Set

turquoise desk and chair setSadly, Pier 1 Imports does not offer merchandise for sale through their website — in fact, the only useful webpage is buried in the Pressroom. Merchandise Previews is your sneak peak at future hot items along with their arrival dates. Make out with something swell by planning in advance, this shabby chic, possibly hand-painted, turquoise desk and chair set hits the stores in April. ($330)

Friday, January 25, 2008

Biker Babe

Sharp, and vintage inspired, this leather biker jacket has all of the accutrements of a future and valued addition to your wardrobe. Ridiculous zipper action at the cuff, breast and pocket include tiny studd details on each. The asymmetrical ziper track from the collar to the hip and buckle self-belt are the icing on the cake. Match with a denim pencil skirt, pink patent leather heels, and frilly silk blouse for kicks. (£80/$157)

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Heart Breaker

Betsey Johnson Cozy Hearts Crochet TightsAdd a dramatic punch to an ordinary ensemble with a pair of textured tights. Crochet from a warm and sturdy cashmere/wool mix, charming little hearts line up and down the leg in alternating patterns. A tiny black bow has been placed behind each heel, a wonderful yet subtle embellishment on an already alluring accessory. ($50)

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Adelaide Hall

Before Ella and Billie, there was Adelaide Hall, one of the best-kept secrets of the Harlem Renaissance — to many Americans that is. Embraced in Paris and London, the Brooklyn born entertainer began in Harlem as performer and Jazz singer; sharing the stage and recording with greats like Josephine Baker, Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington. Over the span of her 80-year career, she recorded 70 albums as well as acted in popular plays. This lady definitely had style, I'm loving the semi-transparent silk gown!
AUDIO: I Must Have That Man (1928)

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Emerald City

David Szeto emerald green leopard wrap dressFollow the yellow brick road — or the red carpet for that matter — in a sexy emerald green wrap dress by Canadian designer David Szeto. Often inspired by vintage designs, Szeto's tailored frock hits the mark on Fifties glamour. Sophisticated and feminine with a heavy dose of sensuality, this dress deserves a fire engine red lip, black kid gloves, and killer stilettos. You'll look "every inch the lady." (£680/$1,325)

Monday, January 21, 2008

Play Misty for Me

Venta VS350 Maintenance Free Manual Humidifier Having been raised in a warm and humid tropical climate, I never look forward to dry winters like this one. Skin, hair, eyes, and even nasal passages become irritated — sometimes painfully so — the only way to bear it all is with a humidifier. This model from Venta can output 3.5 gallons per day and boasts a whisper quiet motor. A special demineralization cartridge prohibits the growth of microorganisms, and the best part is that you only have to change it once a year. ($160)

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Razzle Dazzle

Temperley black and pink patterned day dressCeleb favorite Alice Temperley keeps cranking out the hits, it's difficult to believe the designer is only 32! Perhaps that youthful aesthetic is why I'm really digging this easy breezy silk patterned dress. Appropriate attire for any razzy event, pair with hot pink stilettos and jewelry in geometric shapes to match the psychedelic patterns in the dress. Fabu-u-lous! (£594/$1,158)

Saturday, January 19, 2008

Mahogany

The color "nude" has always been a bone of contention for me because firstly it's not just one color, and two, it never matches my "nude". Until now that is, the lingerie companies are finally wising up and stocking lingerie in tones complimentary to many shades like this perfect-for-me chocolate soire molded bra and g-string from Cosabella at a lovely price. ($61)

Friday, January 18, 2008

Brooklyn Boho

Ahoy There Dress by Little Potty Red ShoesNo need to raid the vintage boutiques for a Julie Brown-type 80s cotton stripe tank dress. With fancy gold buttons and contrasting teal fabric, the nautical stripes make for a superb summer dress. Perfect for first Saturdays at the Brooklyn Museum, the eye-catching graphic print has mesmerizing qualities. ($125AUD/$110USD)

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Bananarama

Daniella Cap Toe Hidden Platform PumpShe's got it, yeah baby she's got it! Only the strong and steady need apply to wear this stunning platform pump from L.A.M.B. Tower 4" above your natural atmosphere in two-tone contrast yellow and tan stilettos. I especially love how the rounded patent leather cap toe slopes upward for a chic bubble effect. ($295)

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Melodrama

Sweden Contrast DressAlready dreaming of picnics in the park this summer, I've decided a lovely spaghetti strap dress is perfect for the occasion. Made from heavy-weight silk with Victorian black lace detailing at the neck and hem, the dress could double as a nightie, or tennis whites. Couldn't you imagine Venus hoisting a trophy in this number? Excellent. ($462AUD/$405USD)

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Sneaker Primp

Karhu Originals After a long affair with several pair of shell top Adidas, black Converse ruled my basic summer sneaker wardrobe. Now it's time to upgrade to a proper pair of old-school imported trainers with a logo I can agree with. Finland's Karhu Originals Champions fit the bill, great with a white tennis skirt or shorts and a tank. (€115/$170)

Monday, January 14, 2008

Launch-Plaid

Vivienne Westwood Plaid Wool CoatThinking about investing in your wardrobe? Well you might want to put some stock in this Vivienne Westwood Coat, a most excellent aquisition. The superior craftsmanship and classic, yet edgy full-scale plaid designate its future heirloom status. Cut from yards of virgin wool, the drapey coat has a malleable quality favoring volume, the extra long belt serves as the ceinture. ($678)

Sunday, January 13, 2008

Pink Panther

Rebecca Taylor panther scoop neck dressSilk and cashmere, two of the softest and most decadent natural textiles on Earth have been combined to create a scoop neck sweaterdress fit for a princess. The jeweled neckline and princess puff sleeves make it perfect wardrobe for a scene in the next Legally Blond sequel. Pair it with delicate gold chains and earrings, piecy hair, t-strap pumps and flesh-colored fishnets or satin corset boots for the cheekiness factor. ($315)

Saturday, January 12, 2008

Pretty in Pink

Victorian Corset BootsMy search for Victorian style boots led me to luxury lingerie purveyor Gentry de Paris, who has gone a step beyond the usual and created foot lingerie. The most intimate of intimates for your feet in the form of satin corset boots. Lined in Italian leather and handstitched by skilled craftsmen in the most romantic shade of pale pink. Details like ribbon laces make these the perfect winter wedding boots. (€375/$558)

Friday, January 11, 2008

Romancing The Stone

Jade Stone BeltBreak out the gypsy skirts, lace, Victorian boots, and wild hair to achieve that Frida Khalo meets Stevie Nicks bohemian look this Spring. Top it all off with sumptuous accessories like chunky necklaces, bracelets, and this luxurious brown leather belt with a brass and jade stone buckle. ($403)

Thursday, January 10, 2008

You Got Served

L-O-V-E PlatesThe local Duane Reade is a constant reminder of what holiday season is currently upon us. But instead of gorging on discounted bags of what passes for Valentine's chocolate, gift yourself with some girly goodness like this set of decoupaged L-O-V-E plates. Serve up a special surprise for favored guests by displaying mounds of sweet good things with cheeky elegance. Da Butts! ($200)

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Boot Camp

Dr. Martens Jenna High Leg BootDr. Martens shoes and boots were all the rage when I was in high school. Today the good doctor's wares are a bit more stylish than the clunky men's-wear inspired shoes of yore. One of their best examples is this glossy red boot with the signature rubber sole and a 2" leather-covered heel. Both sturdy and versatile, the sweetly feminine details like tassel zipper pulls and thin straps with snaps at the top and middle of the shaft make for a fantastic all-around boot. ($150)

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Woman in Red

Yansi Fugel Short Sleeved Wrap DressFlashback... 1984, Kelly LeBrok dancing about in her fabulous red dress. Remember that "Don't hate me because I'm beautiful..." Pantene commercial — also in a red dress. Which made me realize that a crucial aspect of my wardrobe is missing... the little red dress. Without the help of a good seamstress, an exact duplicate is impossible, but a near match is this classic wrap dress. From the boardroom to the afterparty, you'll be simply smashing dahling! ($242)