15 Years Later Clueless Dress Makes A Comeback

This morning I woke up to a little bit of excitement, well exciting for me. While reading my morning blogs and news I discovered a short article on InStyle.com. It immediately caught my eye because in the title it mentioned "Clueless". Clueless happens to be my favorite movie of all time and I'm pretty sure any girl who was my age when it was released probably holds it close to their heart as well. Now for those who don't share my enthusiasm, don't get worked up. I don't actually believe the movie deserves critical acclaim or was snubbed at the 1996 Oscar's. I just think it is the best movie of all time - in its genre (teen comedy). If you disagree, at least consider that it gave us Paul Rudd (yummy). So now that, coupled with my love for fashion is what got me really excited this morning. LA's Confederacy Boutique asked Calvin Klein director Francisco Costa to re-cut the iconic white dress (15 years later) from the film for their store. I'm sure you remember it, but if you need a refresher - Cher (Alicia Silverstone) greets her date, the Jason Priestly look-a-like Christian, in the family dining room. Her father asks her, "What are you wearing?" She replies, "A dress." He asks, "Says who?" and she chuckles and responds, "Calvin Klein". The dress makes its debut today on their website for $916.

Hermes too!

Hermes Spring Sample Sale

March 24-March 28th 9AM-6PM & Sunday 1PM-5PM

The Metropolitan Pavilion, 123 West 18th Street (between 6th & 7th AVE, NYC)

Etsy Love

I love Etsy - Is there anyone who doesn't? If I am having trouble finding a perfect gift for someone, I head over there and always wind up with more than just something for them! Here's some of my latest favorites:

2 Amazing Statement Necklaces

Fabulous Mirrored Lucite Chandelier

Stylish Imperial Trellis Pillow - Kelly Wearstler rocks my decor world, so it's a given .

Cute and modern "calling cards" - Great for playdate making Mommies and single ladies

Warm Weather Bound

When I pack to go to California, Florida or Vegas I find it totally stress free. There's nothing I could forget that I couldn't easily buy there. In fact, twice last year it was chilly when I got to LA. As soon as I figured out my sundresses weren't going to cut it, I went out and bought a leather jacket, jeans, closed toe heels and long sleeve tops. Unfortunately, it just isn't that easy in the Caribbean or Mexico. Right now I'm assessing clothes to decide what I want to take. I find the best way is to lay everything out, even some accessories and then pick shoes that will work for multiple outfits. Since heels just look silly when everyone else is casual, I've traded them in for flip flops, sandals and wedges. This makes taking some outfits a little challenging for me. Here's a glimpse at round one. I generally do this about 3 times with all different outfits (I know, I'm crazy). The last 5 in the 2nd photo didn't make the definite cut as of yet.

RTW Fashion Faves

I love picking up a few staple blazers or jackets each year and after seeing alice+olivia's fall 2010 collection, I know exactly where my next ones will come from . I also love the pretty purple and mauve layered dress, but I think it would be best suited on a girl 10 years my junior. I can totally picture my former self rocking it at a homecoming dance or prom.

As always, Lorick did not disappoint me! This time she went with a 1920s speakeasy theme for the show to match the style of the collection. I loved the styling with the statement necklaces (very happy to see the proof that they will still go strong!) and though the sparkly tights are beautiful, I think they may work best on the editorial side. I can't picture me wearing them, however, with fashion I never say never because I often change my mood and mind.

Fashionably McFancy

I love fashion. I really do. But, I don't love Fashion Week in NY this time of year. It's always so cold. There's dirty snow and ice on the streets making it impossible to successfully wear suede shoes. Most of all, it's hard to get cabs anywhere near the tents - forcing you to stand in the cold (see a theme here?). This year though I'm more excited than normal. Why? For McDonald's of course. Yes, you read that right. McDonald's is bringing us pop up locations with high-end style that I just can't wait to see!

Here's a description taken from the Access Agency's blog (the brains behind it).

"McFancy, an upmarket temporary McDonald’s store that launches at Fashion Weeks around the globe — London, New York, Paris, Milan, Sydney, Hong Kong. McFancy is part art installation, gathering spot and, of course, a restaurant that offers a traditional McDonald’s menu but packaged in a way that makes a playful yet stylish nod to the lifestyle of the highly desirable, influential consumers that attend Fashion Weeks. Waiters in tuxedos, silver service, private dining areas, and packaging co-created with the fashion brands that present at Fashion Week — Burberry burgers, Chanel fries on black packaging, Paul Smith Sundaes…A bit of fun among the serious business of fashion. A bite of comfort food among all the elaborate cocktail fare, Private dining rooms, a raised catwalk that winds around the perimeter of the space, and with a central bar area providing a dramatic focal point. The ceiling is constructed from stretched fabric, ribbed to provide articulation and define zones. The form of the ceiling is accentuated through the use of LED lighting."

Introducing Muubaa

One of the best parts of my job is that I get to see fashion collections long before the public does. In the last year I haven't gotten super excited about many new things in fashion, so this week was quite a treat. Muubaa is a London Based leather fashion brand that launched in September 2007. The prices are excellent for high-quality leather and the styles are a mix of urban meats fashionably functional. As soon as I received the photos, I wanted so many pieces - now! That's the problem, they won't be available until the end of July. So, I will patiently wait. Below is a handpicked selection of my faves. Some styles are offered in a 2nd color.

Stunt Biker $400

Daytona Drape Biker $350

Stitch Hooded Jacket $450

Smriti Scoop Bomber $400

Panavia Trench Coat $600

This is my absolute favorite jacket in the collection. The sleeves and bottom zip off to create a shorter jacket or a vest. 3 leather pieces for the price of 1!

Grammy Girls

After the huge fashion success of the women at AMAs and the Golden Globe's, last night definitely disappointed me a little. However, the men really stood out in my book. I loved the risks they took with patterns, textures and colors. I think it was fun and a little edgy. Nonetheless, here are my picks for the ladies of the night. Lea Michele from Glee has gotten it right at every event this season and her feather-skirted Romana Keveza cocktail dress, definitely added to her fashion success. Miley Cyrus unexpectedly wowed me in Herve Leger. Her makeup looked fantastic, the extra-long hair length totally worked on her and she was properly accessorized from head to toe. My favorite look of the night actually belonged to someone that I never would have guessed: Pink. I absolutely adored her gray scalloped Tony Ward gown in gray ombre. I love how Pink has this hard, slightly boyish personality, but girly glams is up with the best of them.

Inspirational Outfit

I recently discovered this photo of Olivia Palermo in NYC from last year and I immediately added it to my favorites. I love the stylish simplicity of her outfit and subtle the mix of the textures and patterns. Since it's way too cold to go bare legged in NY at the moment, it's definitely a look that would also work with black tights. Yummy boyfriend Ms Palermo's got too :-)

Alice & Olivia Invite

ALICE & OLIVIA INVITES YOU TO PREVIEW THE LAKE & STARS VALENTINE'S DAY COLLECTION!

Join Stacey Bendet and The Lake & Stars designers Nikki Dekker and Maayan Zilberman at the alice + olivia boutique in NYC! Stop by for sweets & champagne and pick up some sexy lingerie just in time for Valentine's Day!

Thursday, January 21, 2010
6:00pm - 8:00pm
alice + olivia
80 West 40th Street, NYC

rsvp@aliceandolivia.com

Golden Globes Best Dressed Fashion Round Up

Last year I wasn't so happy with the award season fashion, but this time around I have a top 7 and that's just from the Golden Globes! Though Olivia Wilde's Gucci dress is not something that my personal fashion sense would gravitate towards, I thought the fit, combined with her hair and makeup was just stunning. I only got a glimpse of Maria Menounos on the red carpet, but quickly fell in love with her bright red gown. Short in the front and long in the back it had a Barbie goes to Hollywood feel. Who didn't ooh and ahh over Emily Blunt's pastel perfection in Dolce & Gabbana? Drew Barrymore's Atelier Versace gown was perfectly Drew. Feminine and pretty with those quirky under the sea-esque poofs. I don't think any other gown could have been better suited for her. Glee's Lea Michele wowed me and the crowd in a Princess-style Oscar de la Renta. Zoe Saldana's jewel tone Louis Vuitton gown fit her statuesque frame like a dream and was complemented with soft hair and makeup. The gold shade of Mo'Nique's strapless Reem Acra gown made her complexion glow (or was that the win?) and the shape of the gown with the draping in the back was extremely complimentary. This year the overall jewelry trend was understated - all 7 of my picks happen to be necklace free!

Show & Tell - Purchase

This weekend a pair of black ballet flats that were reccomended to me by one of my best friend's went on sale + another 30% off (code MLKSALE) at Cole Haan. I've been in the market for a super comfy pair since mine have seen better days, so how could I refuse? They're supposed to be extra cushy with an air bubble inside (think Nike Air Max) so I'm hoping they're perfect for walking and walking and walking the tremendous trade shows. When they get here this week I will be sure to post my own review.

Cole Haan Air Jenni $76.26

I Love Lorick

When Abigail Lorick first debuted her collection 2years ago, I was in fashion heaven. The prints, colors, fabrics and silhouettes all reminded me of stylish girls attending high society tea parties in some imaginery other era. This spring's collection has a few stunning pieces that are a slight departure from the signature look, but it definitely doesn't disappoint. Those dresses make me long for days where I can wear what I want and not what doesn't make me freeze. Lorick, I will be seeing you in the spring!

I Love My...

I love my American Apparel white deep v-neck t-shirts. I have 6 XXS, 4 XS and 2 S. I work them into outfits ranging from casual to dressed up nights out. They're totally affordable, so once they get worn out, I'll just buy another dozen! Today I'm rocking an XS, tucked into a pair of cuffed boyfriend jeans, a skinny silver belt and a black corduroy blazer with rhinestone brooch on the lapel. The look is complete with my ballet flats that have unfortunately seen better days.

AMA's = Fashion Bust

I eagerly tuned in to the American Music Awards to check out what everyone was wearing. I should have just cleaned my house.

Nicole Kidman: Mermaid has never been a style. Not even when Donna Martin did it on Halloween.

Kate Hudson: I actually like silver on her, but otherwise NO NO NO.

Kelly Clarkson: If someone dressed her, they should be fired...from fashion forever. The dress, hair, tights and shoes? It all looks frumpy and like it was put together by a middle of the road department store salesperson. I often get emails asking me about tips for starting a career in personal styling. Kelly is an example of what not to do!

Leona Lewis: Futuristic cool...but why the clogs?Fergie: Not a total miss in my book, but nothing special either.
Kristen Bell: Skin tone is never an attractive color (in fabric or lack of).

Shakira: Had 2 outfits. Though I wasn't overly feeling the love for either, she still gets best dressed in my book. Both dresses aren't misses. They fit her great. The yellow is amazing on her. The giant platform shoes are questionable, but in a sea of the above - can't complain!

I Love My...

I love my new velvet leggings! I wore them for my husband's birthday dinner (first of 3) last night and they're going to be my new obsession. I'm already a legging freak (more about that later) so this is just encouragement. Here's an inexpensive pair to help get you in on the trend.

My Personal Style

A question I get asked so often is, "How would you describe your personal style?" The truth is, I don't find myself overly creative or extremely different. My wardrobe has a great mix of very trendy and very classic pieces that I mix and match depending on the day. I'm not afraid to layer, try new things and accessories are my best friend. I don't impulse buy. I hold on to items and am thrilled when they come back around in style. It's like a personal selection of vintage! My greatest fashion strength is my ability to mix high/mid and low end brands to complete a look. If I had to compare my style to celebrities (because that's how we all relate to anything these days!), I'd say a combo of Vanessa Hudgens and Olivia Palermo. Sounds strange, right? Well, I'll be posting photos of my own outfits, pieces I buy, style inspirations and anything in between that may or may not be fashion related so you can see. For now here's 2 very different outfits worn by both girls that are similar to me (Olivia's I'd choose for work or a night out / Vanessa's has comfy and casual airport written all over it).