Sick of looking like everyone else? Looking for a new way to express yourself with your wardrobe? Then invest some time in vintage shopping. And when I say invest, I mean it. Vintage shopping takes a lot of patience, profound editing skills, and beneath it all a great eye and innate sense of style. Scared yet?
A plethora of websites these days are dedicated to all things vintage – clothing, accessories, shoes – etc… the great thing though is that these sites have all been edited by a pristine eye leaving only the creme de la creme to choose from as opposed to digging through dusty piles at your local goodwill.
Of course there is a price to pay for this service – garments are typically a little pricier than the $.25 find at the Village Thrift but you will be guaranteed an ensemble that will be hard to duplicate. Take this beaded frock from the 80’s for instance that has loads of appeal and ‘tude… If it was my size I would snatch it up (psst… $225.00)!
My favorite site for the old and the new these days is 
www.nastygalvintage.com. The site is chock full of the sweetest threads vintage and new (but with a vintage feel). I am partial to these fabulous buckled up beauties featured right, that have a distinct Tory 
Burch feel without the sting of the pricetag.
Sunglasses and other accessories are fab on this site as well and won’t rob your bank account. Since the flat top sunglasses of the 80’s are hot to trot right now try out a pair yourself to really get the edge going! I am dying over these gold edged pretties featured left that would be great all year round.
Tagged as:
nastgalvintage.com,
vintageshopping,
vintageshoppingonline
It’s tim
e to begin thinking about what to wear for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday! As most of you know, I am a big proponent of dressing up for any sort of occassion and find the holidays the perfect time glam it up. Why don sweats and tee’s over to Gram’s house when you can feel pretty in a warm autumnal hued short dress with a pretty beaded cardigan OR feel trendy chic in a pair of sequins leggins with a draped tunic. When you dress up you not only feel better about yourself, you are also respecting your host/hostess who has gone to a lot of trouble creating a wonderful get together for you. The images featured left are some inspirational pieces to think about before next Thursday! Gobble gobble!
Dresses: Try a pretty frock in a deeper shade like magenta, goldenrod, or navy and don’t forget to perk it up with textured tights, booties, and some fabulous accessories. Think clanky bangles, oversized button earrings, or a huge statement necklace in burnished bronze. (all dresses available at Lulus.com
Skirts: I am totally digging skirts at the moment and LOVE pairing something really frou with a basic tee or tank finished with a fem fleur at the neck. Finish the look with a sweet leather jacket or denim fitted number. For more comfort finish the look with a rounded ballet flat or don a pretty high heeled sandal with bow or sequins embellishment. (Cage skirt: asos.com, gold wrap: lulus.com, tiered mesh: forever21.com)
Cardigans: It’s chilly out for heaven’s sake and not everyone will have their heat jacked up! Invest in a sequins cardi that will liven up a dress, skirt or pants! (gold: forever21.com, black: asos.com)
Tagged as:
holidaydressing,
thanksgivinginspiration
I am not a country music kind of gal, but I don’t mind checking out the fashions worn by some of the industry’s brightest stars and making my comments on their choices of course!
The days of atrocious and excessive fringes and sequins are pretty much long gone and instead, the country stars of today are donning glam and tasteful frocks that exude stylish confidence and appeal. While there were some misses, the majority of the ladies looked great – even though the styling could have been tweaked a bit with a few…
Taylor Swift was very prim and fem in a frothy and tastefully sequins gown in glittering gold and champagne. Experts say that nominees who pretty much think that they have it in the bag usually don a more conservative “pretty” look as opposed to selecting an edgy/fashion-forward piece. I’d say that Taylor definitely planned ahead with this one. I am also loving her retro-romantic hair that falls softly around her face and prettily finishes the look.
STYLE TIP: when donning sequins keep accessories at bay. The sparkle of the dress is first and foremost. Bling isn’t necessary nor apropos with a look such as this.
Pretty girl Carrie Underwood did another metallic just right choosing an icey platinum rather than glittering gold like Swift. The form fitting gown perfectly accentuated the singer’s petite frame and the intricate and unique beading was quite current and a change from standard sequins. Underwood too got her hair dead-on – full bouncy curls and easy upswept sides break up the severity of the structured embellishment and enhance the overall look.
STYLE TIP: Over-the-top dresses with excesive bling or exaggerated anything are best suited with a more fem approach to hair and make-up, while a more conservative frock lends a plain canvas for artisic cosmetics and coifs.
Gunmetal was the shade of choice for Kellie Pickler who donned this season’s popular one-shoulder look for the evening. While I like the shape of the gown and the interesting color, I find it to be utterly unflattering on Pickler who recently changed her more complimenary blonde locks for a blah auburn that does nothing for her. While I agree that an asymetrical look is best with an updo this one was a tad messy and did nothing to perk up the look… ALSO, Pickler’s jewelry is all wrong too. A better choice when wearing a non-traditional neckline would be oversized chandelier earrings. NOT a short collar necklace that competes with the single strap.
Kim Williams-Paisely in one word looked AWFUL. The autumnal colors that made up her chiffon frock did little to make Kimmy a standout and the simple design was a snoozefest. HAIR? Terrible too. The half-up, half-down look is sophisticated when done right, but in a case like this appears more juvenille than jazzy. Quite honestly, a dress like this is entirely too casual for a red-carpet event and certainly not suitable for an actress in the public eye. Kim has a great figure and she could have really done it up!
STYLE TIP: Short dresses can be just as elegant, if not more, than a long droopy look like Williams-Paisley’s. An abbreviated style with a fitted bodice and full circle skirt would have been far more festive AND flattering.
Tagged as:
bestdressedcma2009,
carrieunderwoodcma2009,
cmaawards2009,
kelliepicklercma2009,
kimwilliamspaisleycma2009,
taylorswiftcma2009,
worstdressedcma2009
And so it goes my friends… The cooler breezes of autumn are blowing the 
leaves off the trees and forcing us into warmer attire. In order to keep away the biting winds, many of us turn to the tried and true: A scarf. But, what seriously befuddles me is the notion that a colored skinny rat’s tail-like fluff of fabric is any means to keep the breeze at bay… Perhaps many of you are fa
miliar with the scarf I am describing – to label it a chic accessory is serious oversight, however to perhaps equate it to a dead muppet is more apropos and entirely accurate. I see women all over town donning these flimsy polyester fuzz tails around thier necks and I have to tell you that it absolutely horrifies me. A scarf does two things: 1. keeps you warm – (therefore cashmere and wool make sense where as poly-whatever does not) and 2. Brings an outfit together/adds interest to a heavy woolen coat. The barfy boa accessory I am discussing does none of the above.
So, what shall we replace these atrocious gnarled nooses with? Pashminas are fabulous investments and come in a plethora of colors that will suit a variety of skin tones and compliment many-a-jacket or coat. Pashminas are wonderful because they are large enough to not only swath around your neck, but also to throw over your shoulders once the jacket has come off. Stick with cashmere since it will keep you the warmest.
While it may seem unlikely silk scarves are 
quite warm as well despite their thin-ness. Try this season’s hottest look – a pattern – paisley is nice – and don’t be afaid of wrapping it in BIG loose bundle around your neck as Nicole is pictured right - The bigger the better with these babies! The best part? They make a basic tee and jeans look fab once the outwear gets tossed.
Tagged as:
boascarves,
hownottowearascarf,
nicolerichieinascarf,
pashminas,
rachelbilsoninascarf
Last Thursday our favorite Atlanta Housewives on Bravo bid us all adieu as 
they ended another season. Along with all the catfighting and major ‘tude Sheree also debuted her highly anticipated (?) line “She By Sheree” fashion collection. The real question is, who did the better fashion line this season – Sheree or Lisa? My rants were evident in a past posting when I clearly admitted my dismay after viewing the cheap, unstylish looks presented at Lias’s unprofessional show. So, I was a little curious as to how Sheree’s final show would come together…. And, I was pleasantly surprised. The collection was a cohesive grouping of lush platinum silks and fabulously chunky accessories. My personal favorite was the nickel jumpsuit with pretty pleating and an easy flow to the leg. A piece such as that would be appropriate throughout the year and could be dressed up or down with a swap of accessories. Where can I buy one?!
What else was great about the show? The styling. Thanks to buddy Dwight – hair and make-up was not only pretty and edgy it was also the perfect compliment to the pretty clothes that featured the very current structured shoulder. What’s more is that Sheree’s show was a true “Fashion Show” my girl didn’t clutter the stage with inappropriate furniture but instead kept it professional and chic with a long runway and her logo subtly lit up in the back.
Tagged as:
realhousewivesofatlantafashionline,
shebysheree,
shereejumpsuit
Tsk! Tsk! What a bad blogger I am! I will not provide excuses… Even though I have some good ones… and will instead cut to the chase and chat about my favorite subject – CLOTHES!
If following the fashion trends isn’t your “thing” you may not realize that fur is a big-time must have this season. Never fear though, you don’t have to worry about spending $1000’s on the real McCoy – faux pieces are wonderful alternatives and when choosen with a discriminating eye look quite good and add just the right oomph to your fall skinnies or black legging staples.
There are BAD faux fur pieces out there though – in fact, stylist to the stars
Rachel Zoe designed her own line for QVC which in one word can be described as “awful”. Rachel is known for her love of fur – if you watch her show, you’ll see her swinging around the studio of fashion great J. Mendel in some fab-o coat or jacket that she just “dies” over. However her line does not reflect the fine craftmanship nor the stylish structure of any new or vintage fuzzie she dons on the show.
So where can you find a more natural looking fur vest that won’t leave you in the poor house?! Hop on over to Summit Mall or the nearest Express to you! This brown zip up is super cute and will be cozy too and costs a mere $98.00. Wear your’s with a 
black cashmere turtleneck, leggings, and to-the-knee equestrian boots or try with a boho paisley dress and thick brown tights. Need some extra warmth and a stylish new layer to your favorite coat? Don the vest
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3034061?cm_cat=datafeed&cm_pla=outerwear:women:vest&cm_ite=damselle_faux_lynx_fur_vest:264289&cm_ven=Linkshare&siteId=J84DHJLQkR4-RdE8tXH5Hfa_EFAnfrTmFQ
under a puffer coat or even your favorite woolen peacoat. Finish with hair in a pony and some vintage-y looking earrings. Skip the way they styled it to the right – a gray crew neck and jeans is WAY boring and doesn’t make a style statement at all. Stick to all one color underneath or a cool solid tunic with a pretty ruffled collar instead – Cream might be a nice option as well! Need another idea? Hit up
Nordstrom! This feisty animal print vest is chic and fun – but better suited for the more adventurous. This particular look is styled up nicely and would also be fabulous (and stand out more) with all black beneath! Price? A sweet $98 too! Can’t beat it!
Olivia Palermo
Ok, I have never been a huge fan of “The Hills” and when Whitney branched out with her new show “The City” I was not thrilled, especially since I never found her to be particularly fashionable. So, needless to say, I didn’t tune in last season, BUT last night when flighting to find sleep I happened upon the first “The City” episode of the season where former DVF intern (?) Olivia has now “POOF” become accessories Editor of one of my favorite glossies Elle Magazine. (A rather plum job if I do say so myself). Anyway I was thoroughly engrossed whenever Olivia hit the screen as I pretended to live vicariously through her as she scampered across the streets of NYC trying to find some cheap chic looks for an upcoming Today Show segment. But it wasn’t just what she was doing that had me jealous, it was her FABULOUS wardrobe! My goodness can this girl dress (It helps that she’s a stick and gorgeous).
Oversized Scarf
So, I have now found a new style muse and will definitely be tuning in week after week to acquire a bit of inspiration. What did I love last night? Fabulous paper-bag like shorts with an oversized psuedo safari like loose tunic finished with an AWESOMELY gigantic subtly printed scarf in the same putty like shade swathed generously around her tiny neck. Please note though, her look is not for everyone. While I LOVE her flowy tunics, they aren’t meant for non-willowy creatures like myself (and the vast majority)… Sometimes too much flow creates a non-shape and the illusion of extra bulk. So, never forget proportion rules… While Olivia’s tall lanky frame can handle billowy shorts and shirts worn together the average Joe should try one larger shape with something more fitted. Try a tunic for instance with skinny jeans or leggings. Or wide leg pants/shorts with a fitted tank worn under a cardigan sweater that hits a few inches below the “bottom line” and add a waist line with a mid-width belt.
Tagged as:
billowclothing,
oliviaonthecity,
oversizedscarf,
proportion,
thecityonmtv,
tunic
by Jane on September 23, 2009 · 0 comments
in Accessories, Coats/Jackets, Cold Weather Options, Fashion Essentials, Jewelry, Platforms, boots, cheap chic, handbags, shoes
I read recently, that a stylish gal opted to wear the same dress for ONE full year but switched things up a bit by layering jackets, sweaters, turtlenecks, belts, and other accessories to change the look up COMPLETELY! I must say, after viewing her “diary” of looks it was hard to recognize her LBD as the same in most of the pics! While I am certainly not insinuating to wear the same exact dress every single day, I do want to share some different ways of styling up a basic so that you can get extra mileage out of it during the work week when that dreaded “I have nothing to wear” hits you square in the face.
I have selected a very plain but full of style black tunic dress that would work on just about every body type but can be changed up easily with the swapping of a flat to a heel and a slouchy sweater to a fuzzy faux fur vest. All items featured can be found at www.revolveclothing.com
Tagged as:
booties,
clutch,
fauxfurvest,
furvest,
hobobag,
littleblackdress,
overthekneeboots,
revolveclothing.com,
slouchysweater
What is the deal with EVERYONE thinking that they are capable of designing a fashionable, stylish, and en pointe clothing line!? It started with the “singers” of the world – Jessica Simpson, JLo, The Duff Girls, etc… Then, the celebutantes stepped up to the plate with Paris designing (ugly) shoes, Nicky Hilton doing a full line (hideous), Nicole Ritchie with (cool) jewelry, and Lindsay Lohen with her line of leggings. So, now who’s left? Why the 
reality TV stars of course who think that their ranting, backstabbing, and drama filled lives make them acceptable fashion designers. Who am I speaking of? My favorite gals on the Real Housewives of Atlanta of course. For those of you who haven’t tuned in this season, the lovely Lisa has added designer to her resume and just organized her first show a couple of weeks ago. My opinion? The collection was BEYOND awful. The color selection was all off, the excessive ruffs, ruching, and fabric were all 
unattractive, not to mention, unflattering, the hems weren’t finished, and bottom line? Everything looked completely cheap and dated. While I realize Lisa is trying to keep her line reasonably priced, the present price point she is offering is entirely too high for the low quality products she has on the market. While I like Lisa on the show, I must admit her sense of style is a bit off. I can’t honestly say that I am ever envious of her ensembles BUT, I would mind borrowing one of her oversized designer handbags.
One other side note… It doesn’t take a fashion show first row’er to know that a runway should be void of furniture or other in-the-way decor. Lisa exemplified her unsophisticated eye yet again when she cluttered the “stage” with couches, chairs, and tables. The point of a fashion show people is to SHOW THE FASHIONS, not get a sneak peek of the latest in home furnishings.
Hopefully Sheree will get her butt in gear this season and show us what she’s made of. I will be tuning in!
Tagged as:
celbrityfashionline,
lisawuhartwellfashionline,
realhousewivesofatlanta,
realityshowfashionline
toryburch
I knew the second I saw Miley Cyrus rocking out buckled black Tory Burch Biker boots that this was a must have for the season. While I don’t find much fashion inspiration in the wardrobe of Ms. Cyrus, I did LOVE those boots though, and still do in fact and now have this item on my fall shopping list. The buckled variety aren’t the only pair that will work this season.
Perhaps a suede pair with subtle silver grommets or rivets is more you
r speed than a sturdy biker babe look – well that will work too! How to wear ‘em? I love these cuties with leggings and a long tunic, or with a fabulously flirty ruffled skirt and basic ribbed tank – don’t forget the shrunken leather biker jacket to keep it all together.
Where to buy? Steven Madden has some affordable pairs (an example is the shoe featured right) that will help you to achieve this rough/tough look for less ($150) while you can find the real McCoy (AKA Tory Burch’s masterpiece) on shirise.com for $550.00
Tagged as:
bikerbooties,
bootieswithgrommets,
toryburchbikerboots
