Marc Jacobs Spring 2009

Much as I hate talking about spring/summer fashion before fall has even begun, we are in the midst of New York Fashion Week so I felt compelled to make at least one comment.

Rumor has it that Marc Jacobs has hit yet another home-run with his Spring Collection, which debuted on Monday. I think Vogue best summarized his 53 looks as "a mash-up to end all mash-ups" and they meant that in a good way, of course.

Personally, I like the cinched waists and chunky jewelry. And, I like the way he managed to work in a little tribute to his grunge roots here and there with the plaids. And, layers always make me happy so that works for me, too.

Whether you love it, hate it or just need to study it for a bit, one must admit it's fresh and provocative just like the skirt-wearing man himself.

Take a look for yourself...

Baker's Shoes

Sorry for the long hiatus! Gustav threw me off schedule!

A quick one today to get back on track...


I came across these adorable shoes in a magazine recently and was surprised to see that such Chanel-esque shoes were actually from Baker's (and, guess what, they're now on sale for $59.99!). I've always had Baker's mentally filed away under super-vampy and impossibly inappropriate. For the most part, that categorization is still pretty accurate, but I was pleasantly surprised to see some really office-appropriate and fashionable options on their site, as well.

Of course, my bargain-loving heart (and feet) will always belong to DSW, but here are a few that caught my eye...

IVY - $49.99
At 4 1/2", these shoes aren't for everyone but I liked the unique cut.

GABRIEL - $49.99
Love the color, the platform heel, the stitchwork - really fun shoe!


ZEN - $159.95
Love this version of the sloucy boot for fall.


STRIKER - $89.95
For those having trouble letting go of the gladiator trend, these are a good in-between-seasons fix. These are actually by Jessica Simpson which merits its own post later - who knew she had such great shoes in her collection??

IVANKA - $79.95
I love the bootie shoe - it's been around for a few seasons but it's taken me this long to accept them. They are so unique and, when worn right, so chic. Not sure these are for everyone either but I loved the button detail on the side. Nice touch.

Project Runway: Car Challenge

So far this season, I haven't been moved by any Project Runway episode enough to post about it. But, I was pleasantly surprised by last night's final runway outfits, especially after last week's boring drag queen challenge. (If a room full of drag queens can't make for a good time, then there's a problem, right?) My favorite by far was Korto's coat dress (above center) made entirely of seat belts. I felt exactly like the judges - I would love to wear this! But I have to admit that Leanne's little number (above left) was really different and fun and so she probably deserved the win...and, she really needed a win. My new favorite character though may just be Jerell - he's funny and seems nice and I like his work most of the time. His dress last night (above right), while not quite as interesting as Leanne's, was fun nonetheless and I loved the futuristic Jeston's vibe.

Just had to devote at least one post to the Runway while I'm feeling inspired....

In Defense of Fast Fashion

As someone who plans entire vacations around visiting H&M, it's safe to say that I'm an avid consumer of "fast-fashion". Fast-fashion outlets such as H&M, Zara and Forever21, have long irritated the world of high fashion with their manufacturing agility. With in-house design teams and tightly controlled factory and distribution networks, these companies can take a design from drawing board to store shelf in as little time as two weeks. Which means they can "knock off" high-end designers faster than they can get their own products in stores.

This recent article in the Financial Times details how designers are going to great lengths to create pieces from highly unusual or intricate materials that simply can't be duplicated. I guess I understand their artistic dilemma, but it leaves me feeling uneasy about my Forever 21 routine....

Then came this Fashionista post - Would you wear a knockoff? - and suddenly I'm feeling a familiar twinge of shame - Is my fast-fashion past time going the way of my tabloid habit? Will I have to now stuff my H&M finds in a Saks bag like I tuck my US Magazines into The New York Times? The whole thing can really deflate a fashion enthusiast who carries the utmost respect for high fashion, but who does not carry the wallet to match. Ugh.

So, today's post is a tribute to egalitarian fashion, as always! Forever 21, god love em', has some fun stuff for fall. Here are some favorites:

Striped SS Turtleneck Top $14.80


Eliza Cowl Neck Sweater $22.80

Double-Breasted Houndstooth Coat $54.80

Graciana 3Q Faux Leather Jacket $32.80

Monochrome Plaid Pencil Skirt $22.80

Herringbone Scarf $9.80


Emily Pump $24.80

Faux Croc Satchel $29.80

Belted Looks for Fall

As previously discussed, the statement necklace was definitely the most ubiquitous trend of fall fashion week spanning one end of the designer spectrum to the other. Another trend that was nearly as pervasive was the belted ensemble. Personally, I love this look in all its incarnations. There are the obvious benefits (finally, a waist!), but it can also add a touch of elegance or a touch of edge, depending on your mood, to any old outfit.

For example, Diane von Furstenberg (above photo) used her belts to accentuate her ultra-girly looks and feminine frocks. While, Brian Reyes (below photos) stuck to his uptown-luxe roots and pulled off a preppier look.

And, my favorite by far, was at BCBG Max Azria (below photos) - every look that came down the runway was cinched with a rugged brown leather belt which added a bit of an edge to a his super-toned down palette.

This look isn't hard to pull off - just take any old stand-by, cinch it with a belt and create a new look for fall. Lots of mid-level retailers have zeroed in on this trend, as well, so expect to find any variety that suits you out there.

Banana Republic Leather Clasp Belt $59

I couldn't resist all the great belts from Urban Outfitters! Shown here: Labyrinth Leather Belt ($48), Croco Waist Belt ($28), Skinny Studded Belt ($24).

Of course, a couple of cute ones from Target: Yellow Skinny Patent Belt ($9.99), Silver 3-Stone Belt Buckle ($12.99).

A few more for good measure, from Spiegel: Leather Belt ($19.99), Versatile Patent Belt ($49), Stretch Croco Belt ($19.99).

The "Network" Blouse

I couldn't resist throwing in this snippet from The New York Times titled "The Network Blouse". First of all, how cool and current does Faye Dunaway look in this still from the 1976 film, Network. She would look just as chic in any modern day office environment as she did back then. Isn't fashion funny?

Check out my old post Tie-Front Blouses for some Network blouses of your own...

Sweater Dresses - An Ode to Banana Republic

Unless you've been living under a magazine-deprived rock, you've probably noticed the major push Banana Republic has put behind their 30 year anniversary celebration. I, myself, have a special place in my heart for BR- it was the first "grown up" place I was able to shop where I didn't feel like a kid. I got my first suit there and it's where a sales associate many years ago opened my eyes to the possibility (and necessity) of a good alteration....The best part is that it's always been consistent - in a pinch you can always find something at "The Banana" (thank you, Jack McFarland!) and it won't be so overly expensive as to result in serious buyers' remorse.

All nostalgia aside, my current obsession with finding the perfect sweater dress for fall took me to the Banana Republic site where I found not one, not two, but FOUR really cute versions. See? This is what I love about The Banana.....

Striped Sweater Dress - $98.00
I love this dress, but I'm under no illusions that I can pull off all these horizontal stripes, but I really hope someone reading will buy this dress!



Shawl-collar belted sweater dress - $130
This is probably my favorite because the layering possibilities are endless! Love the cap sleeves and shawl collar - definitely looks more expensive than $130. Also, comes in black and teal but I'm sold on the grey.



Button Dress Sweater - $120
This is a little too 70's housewife for me, but apparently all things mod are back for fall. I do like the little details though - the buttons, the shoulder epaulets, etc...



Long-Sleeve Belted Sweater Dress - $120
Also a very good option...Classic crew neck and long sleeves make this just a really solid go-to option on days when you can't pull it together. You can't tell in this picture, but the color is a nice dark purple - something different and fun.