these boots are made for walkin'

My sister has been on the hunt for the perfect flat boot, and I think I've found it for her. Classically styled, in a rich, beautiful brown and for an oh-so-reasonable $180. After enduring four years of Chicago winters, I could espouse the practical and fashionable wonders of the riding boot forever. They're perfect with sweater dresses and tights, sophisticated with tucked-in skinny jeans, and above all else, exactly what you need to look pulled together in a foot of snow. My own Franco Sartos are over three years old and they're still gettin' the job done.

happy birthday!

Gift-giving is a tricky art. Not only are there a million variables to consider (your relationship to the person, their personal tastes, what they got you for your last birthday/holiday); you've also gotta work on a budget. And as much as I like receiving gift cards, I couldn't feel like more of a cop-out giving one. All things considered, this is going to be a tough one. She's been one of my best friends since kindergarten (yikes!), and the last two gifts she got me were a lovely bracelet from Paris and a framed print of one of her original designs (double yikes). So here's what I'm pondering:


Etsy is a wonderful little market of handmade treasures and trinkets, world wide web style. Jeanskipper creates some wonderful jewelry, including this handstamped pendant necklace. They can also be made to order; I'm thinking of getting one engraved with some silly inside joke from our elementary school days. It's just the sort of quirky, sentimental token she'd enjoy - and I'd love to give.

topshop usa

The Topshop US online store opens today! A few of my favorites:

Skinny Ankle Trousers

The season's ubiquitous legging and equestrian trend, all grown up in gray.








Fringe Tiered Tunic

Just do a little shimmy.








Snoopy Hoody

The cheek balances out the schlep factor, and I can already hear "Linus and Lucy" playing in my head.





IMAGE CREDIT: TOPSHOP

time after time

Ever since the menswear trend emerged, I've been hunting for the perfect watch: something luxe and elegantly bold. After all, doesn't a subtle flick of the wrist beat digging through a Mary Poppins bag for your cell? Everything I've come across so far has missed the mark somewhere, but with the Macy's sale and a gift card on my side, it may be just the right time to strike.

tgif: blog-roll

Fashionista

• Hits Fashion Week
• Nastia Liukin + Serena, Blair, Chuck and Dan = Our Idea of Must-See TV

Shopgirl

• Hits Fashion Week
• Because We're All Tired of Dry-Cleaning ...

The Moment

• In Case You Were Wondering How To Roll Up Your Sleeves
  

penguins, equestrians and butlers, unite!

As the quest for the perfect black blazer continues, the options only grow. Urban Outfitters offers seven quirky, modern takes on the classic jacket, including this crested, schoolgirl-esque version and this cute, tomboyish option from the retailer's popular "Urban Renewal" line. Shopbop came through in typical fashion, with at least two cruelly tantalizing options well out of my price range. I loved the length and austere aesthetics of this equestrian-inspired Elizabeth and James jacket, and have to admit this Rag and Bone number is cropped perfection. Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's and Anthropologie offered some other great options, but none seemed to channel the perfect paradox of careless, louche sophistication and glamour. This blazer had to drape perfectly (no heavy wools need apply), and look-like-you-borrowed-it-from-your-boyfriend, while still reminding the world that you are, in fact, a female. Undaunted, I foraged through all these retailers (and many more) to stumble upon this nearly-perfect find, in a most unlikely place. Ordered a size up, I'm convinced this one'll have the perfect slouch I'm after. Critics and naysayers be damned: if Patrick Robinson (the brand's current Head Designer) can keep this up, my wallet will be ready and waiting. Now, just pray the reality will live up to the dream when my package arrives next week.

it's pronounced targée

Nylon magazine has a first look at the new Jonathan Saunders collection for Target. Following Richard Chai's stab at fashion for the masses, Saunders' capsule collection remains faithful to the vivid color palette and waist-defining silhouettes of his recent resort '09 collection. While the designer's liberal use of prints is a bit heavy-handed for my own personal taste, I'm loving the collection's ribbon-like, obi-inspired belts: such a simple, elegant means of creating contrast and a beautiful, feminine silhouette.

For those of you questioning the quality of Target's capsule collection, I own an awesome floral chiffon dress designed by the in-house GO International team. I always get a million compliments whenever I wear it, and no one's the wiser. But, with high-end fashion at these prices, there's bound to be some losers among the winners, so choose carefully. The collection will debut online and in Target stores in October.

IMAGE CREDIT: NYLON MAGAZINE

scarlett (o'hara)

The perfect red lipstick, discovered. (For this girl, anyway.) The rich berry undertones of M.A.C.'s Dubonnet temper the would-be harshness of a true red: blot for a pop of demure color, line, brush and gloss it over to channel old Hollywood. Lined lids, lush lashes, and I was Chopstix ready last Saturday. Bring on the Elton John.

when the dnc meets fashion week

I'll be in Denver working at the DNC this week, so updates will be limited, if at all. So, in the spirit of things, here's Tracy Reese's take on the season's ultimate fashion statement: politics.

IMAGE CREDIT: TRACY REESE VIA WASHINGTON POST

a little jaunt to praha

New arrivals have hit j.crew!

Not quite the the fall collection I was hoping for, but there are still plenty of solid items among the lot. The retailer's trend towards luxury continues, with handbags reaching towards the $500 price point and collection dresses topping out at $3,500. As J.Crew continues to rely on more on silks and other high-end fabrics, I've been most impressed by the design team's interpretations of the season's latest trends. In an increasingly fashion-conscious culture, CEO Millard Drexler and creative director Jenna Lyons have done a wonderful job re-branding the khaki-cool of J.Crew past.

My picks?

The Lydia Solid Blouse
An awesome holdover from the Spring/Summer '08 collections, re-done in a delicate cotton/silk blend. Ruffles are big this season, and this top is a chic, easy way to wear the trend.

Sequined Chiffon-Ruffled Cardigan
A gorgeous, Chanel-esque blend of black and blue, sequins and chiffon. Slip it on and channel a little Jackie-O glamour. (I did on Friday and it's a wonderful feeling.)

when inspiration strikes

With Serena Van Der Woodsen as my latest muse, I stumbled across these stunning pieces while searching for my own Blake Lively worthy necklaces.  The entire Gemma Redux line is designed by Rachel Dooley, a self-taught designer with a background in mechanical engineering and industrial metals.  Most of the Winter '07 line features intricate twist and tangles, lending the metal a unique drape and the makings of a beautiful statement.  With the pictured 'Matty' piece ringing up at $225, my own neckline will have to wait.  Needless to say, I'll be stalking for the sales.  

IMAGE CREDIT: GEMMA REDUX

tgif: blog-roll

What I've been reading this week ...

Fashionista:

• Whitney Port of The Hills moves on to DVF PR?
• Target hits Manhattan for Fashion Week
• Fashion Week meets the DNC

Fashionologie:

• Teen Vogue: how to break into fashion

The Moment

• Fashion and the under 16 set

No Good For Me

• The Ultimate Fashion Challenge
• Some beautiful works by Helen Frankenthaler

Shopgirl

• Standarddeviationny.com: as if we needed another one

Enjoy the weekend!

xoxo

I've resisted as long as I could. But halfway through disc one of the inevitable Gossip Girl marathon, I think I'm in love. With Blake Lively, her hair and the sweetly vulnerable Penn Badgley. In the inability to claim any of these as myself or my own, I'll have to content myself with loving the show's wild, extravagant style. Bringing things back down to earth (e.g., anywhere outside Manhattan's Upper East Side), I'm loving Serena's pitch-perfect necklace collection and making a beeline to rediscover my own jewelry box. Still, the ultimate question is: how to I get my hair to look like this?

IMAGE CREDIT: CW

what goes around comes around

I'm a big believer in karma. After all, "give and ye shall receive" never seemed such a bad principle to live by. So when I realized my much-loved wrap sweater was missing after an especially sweaty, harried commute, I rationalized: someone far more in need of a pretty cream knit had picked it up, or I would find it waiting on the floor of my bedroom later that night. Although the latter wasn't meant to be, I did manage to snag three (almost-free) Milly samples later that summer. And, in a final stroke of karmic payback, I just ran across this exact replica, all done up in a soft peach and 50% off.

IMAGE CREDIT: BLUEFLY

gray skies and dusky manicures

With the weather still refusing to cooperate, I've turned elsewhere for my fall fashion fix. The Seattle-area's recent muggy days call for breezy summer clothing; the accompanying gray skies do not. A quick round of errands revealed the perfect answer, courtesy of Sephora's new store-side advertisements. The beauty mecca recently partnered with OPI to launch a new line of traditional and trendy nail colors - a quick peek in the store and a few test swipes revealed the same innovative hues and high-quality finish of OPI's standard fare. Their featured Metro Chic is the perfect smoky lavender I've been hunting for, striking just the right balance between dusky softness and unexpected edge. Wearing white to beat the heat, with a quick Metro Chic mani to meet the skies, is a little like having your cake and eating it, too.

IMAGE CREDIT: SEPHORA

swimsuits, sandals and ... sweaters? oh my!

After spending a wonderful weekend in Hood Canal with my girlfriends, I drove home plotting my use of the spring/summer seasons' best transitional pieces. The reason? 95 degrees of roasting under the sun one day followed by chilly breezes and evening thunderstorms the next. (While I will defend the beauty and character of this region until the day I die, the weather, sadly, does not always return the affection.)

Admittedly, the weekend's wardrobe was nothing beyond a swimsuit on Saturday and a full body sweat suit on Sunday (sexy, I know). But assuming I won't be spending the rest of the summer in near-isolation, I'd like to be better prepared next time around. Luckily, summer sales are just hitting their stride, making the transitions easy on our wallets, too.


American Eagle Short-Sleeve Layering Cardigan
$39.50 --> $29.95

A nearly perfect summer-to-fall piece, with just enough warmth and coverage to ward off an over-zealous air-conditioner or those first September chills. For now, wear it open over a tank and tailored, knee-length shorts. (Any shorter and the cardigan will cover your shorts completely and hang awkwardly off your rear.) Cinch it at the waist with a thin, brightly colored belt. As the weather turns, switch the tank top and shorts for a ruffly, feminine dress and a warm pair of tights.



French Connection Happy Talk Dress
$168 --> $149.99

Well, I can't take credit for the name, but the thought of this casual, summery piece paired with gladiator flats does make me happy. I'm happier still, to know that it will look equally chic and effortless come fall. Just keep it cozy with a black long-sleeve tee, matching tights and ankle boots. Use a belt or jewelry if things get too monochromatic for you.







Rory Beca Georgia Silk Dress
$308 --> $183.90

The easy, alluring drape makes it perfect for summer cocktails; the lush color palette carries it seamlessly into fall. When tights aren't enough, tuck the dress into a high-waisted pair of wide-leg trousers and throw on a warm, slouchy knit. Or keep things sleek and sexy with your best pair of skinny jeans and a close-cropped blazer.









Confident you've got this summer-fall transition thing down to a science? Put your money where your mouth is and check out the Net-A-Porter summer clearance sale. Enter SUMMER at check-out for an additional 20% off and let us know how it goes!

IMAGE CREDIT: AMERICAN EAGLE, FRENCH CONNECTION, NORDSTROM

fall lusting '08: part one

What you want and what you get are two different things. Or so my father still loves to tell me. And so be it. But in the spirit of our last post, here are the things I'm lusting over (and alas, budgeting for) this fall. Play my cards right and maybe what I want and what I get will inexplicably and delightfully turn out to be one and the same.



L.A.M.B. Yoyo Chain Mail T Strap Sandal

Throw these on with a simple black tunic and you've got sexy-chic down pat. Black riding pants, an oversize white shirt, black blazer and gratuitous amounts of delicate silver jewelry and you're channeling the Olsen twins, refined.

I have never, ever thought about paying this much for a pair of shoes, but I am dangerously close to breaking the $230 price barrier (and the bank along with it).



Speaking of black blazers. The jury's still out on the specifics: I can't decide whether to go slimming and cropped or je ne sais quoi -but-I-might-have-stolen-this- from-my-sexy-scruffy- boyfriend. (Though I am leaning towards the latter. Thoughts?) Both of these are well out of my personal price range, so the hunt is definitely still on. After all, fall styling is all about the layers and nothing pulls an outfit together quite like the tradition-evoking sophistication of a good jacket.


Tees

Because they're comfortable, (usually) relatively inexpensive, and because I'm lazy - and nothing radiates effortless, casual cool better than a t-shirt with the right fit, the right attitude, and the perfect pair of jeans. Since I just can't bring myself to spend $100 on a t-shirt, I'll be passing up this awesome Monrow number for something a little more like messy-chic of this American Apparel tee or the barely-there slouch (and gorgeous mossy green shade) of the J.Crew painter's tee. And then sweet-talking my talented designer friend into screen-printing something equally fabulous just for me.


I wish I could say the list ended here, but who are we kidding? Part two to follow ...

IMAGE CREDIT: NORDSTROM

falling leaves of red and gold

Whether it's all those years of back-to-school shopping or simply the siren song of sumptuous fabrics and rich color palettes, fall fashions will never lose their allure for the shopper and stylist at heart. Summer is for amateurs; fall is when the big girls come out to play. But for most of us, no work and all play equals an overflowing wardrobe, a maxed-out credit card and a future "what the hell was I thinking?" So before the games begin:

1. Clean out your closet. Be ruthless. You will not wear that top that you have not worn in the past three years and you will not fit into those jeans that looked so hot your freshman year of college. And that friend who always points out the lipstick on your teeth and hated your last haircut as much as you did? Invite her over for the fun.

2. Salvage what you can: finally take care of those alterations, handbag and jewelry repairs. We're talking buttons, hemming, snapped leather straps and broken chains. Polish your shoes and re-tap the soles if necessary. If you're willing to make the investment, take loved-but-outdated pieces to a good tailor for alterations. Hemlines can be shortened, and on skirts and dresses, transformed into bubble-hems; silhouettes can be taken in for a more modern finish. A good tailor can work wonders.

3, Take the rest to a consignment shop and add to your funds. Or, make a charitable donation to Goodwill or the Salvation Army.

4. Think about your needs and wants. Does your work wardrobe or weekend wardrobe need more expanding? Like every other woman on the planet, is your closet a sea of black? Consider adding some color, or, at the very least, expanding your neutral palette of creams, beiges, camels and chocolates. Are all of your handbag colors and sizes serving your current needs, or are you constantly cursing yourself for the brightly colored clutch you don't own? What are the trends you want to take on this season?

5. Set a budget. Tough, I know, but try.

6. Take a deep breath and arm yourself with the appropriate credit card. Click, thumb and peruse away.