*provided it is not -14 degrees.
+ strawberry cheesecake truffles at Long Grove Confectionary
+ new lightweight black Ray-Ban sunglasses from Neiman Marcus, no nose hurt!!!
+ fun new Chanel lipgloss and nail polish, with tons of fun samples
- Ball And Chain now knows how much Chanel nail polish costs... uh oh
+ funny, funny people
+ saw Angels and Demons, it was better than The Da Vinci Code on the basis that you aren't forced to stare at Tom Hanks in a curly mullet for an hour and a half
+ the Chicago History Museum's Chic Chicago exhibit was so interesting, I think Ball And Chain enjoyed it (he doth protest too much)
+ found a great healthy sandwich place in Lincoln Park, next to Zanies... then went to the zoo!
- took two college-educated adults to find our hotel 8 minutes away by the Chicago River
+ upgraded to a GREAT suite: his and hers bathrooms, closets and two bars!
+ dinner at Ruth's Chris... nom nom nom
- took us an hour to find the restaurant, due to Ball And Chain looking at the gps wrong... all the
while, I was stumbling around in 5" cheetah print heels
+ caught Rod Blagovich Superstar, one of the funniest pieces to grace the theater stage
+ after-show drinks at Emerald Loop
+ morning of Starbucks, Millenium and Grant Park
- lines for all the museums were hundreds of feet long, booo
- it was way cold too, for walking around... I only packed an overnight bag with a mini dress for night and a denim mini skirt, tee shirt and scarf for day wear
+ successfully crashed the Mr. Leather pageant at the Hilton
+ walked the Mag Mile... more like Mag 5 Miles!
+ Memorial Day brunch with s'mores... yummy yummy s'mores
+ went to a Walgreens in Springfield, IL... bought a Smooth Away (as seen on TV), and you know what? It's awesome
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
There's Winnies... and there's losers...
A new jewelry designer is on the scene! You know how I love quality pieces that break out of the usual Tiffany & Co., Cartier, David Yurman mold... Winifred Grace's new website just launched, Winifred Grace .
My personal faves are the rhinestone cluster pieces, but she seems to have a coherent, yet diverse collection so there's a little something for everyone. Or anyone with good eyesight, at any rate.
My NYer friends get lucky again, because there's a trunk sale: Winifred Grace will be holding a trunkshow on June 4 & 5 from 11am-7pm at Steven Alan Brooklyn, 349 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11217
If you're not already in Brooklyn, it's definitely worth the trip given other great designers and boutiques across the bridge. Not to mention the very, very good yet so, so cheap mango salad at Joya in Cobble Hill!
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Chic Chicago
I must say that my boyfriend is a saint. This is a great accomplishment-- given that he is Jewish. But his mother can sleep well at night, knowing that his patience and willingness to put up with my passion for fashion is near godly.
I'm spending Memorial Day in Chicago(For those keeping track of my May travel schedule: Saint Louis, Nashville, Saint Louis, DC, Saint Louis, Chicago...)and I am planning on seeing all of the sights available this coming weekend: Rod Blagojevich Superstar, the Mr. Leatherman convention at the Hilton (talk about great people-watching... I can't wait to see the faces of Midwestern tourists that just happened to book at the Hilton), and the Chicago History Museum's Chic Chicago exhibit.
The exhibit boasts over 500 couture gowns from several decades. Being Chicago, I can look forward to seeing some Halston:
I cannot wait. My boyfriend, on the other hand, is probably not sweating with anticipation for the gown exhibit... Maybe I can make it more enjoyable for him with some Sasha Baron Cohen "Bruno" impersonations.
"I like how your designs are inspired by cardboard."
I'm spending Memorial Day in Chicago(For those keeping track of my May travel schedule: Saint Louis, Nashville, Saint Louis, DC, Saint Louis, Chicago...)and I am planning on seeing all of the sights available this coming weekend: Rod Blagojevich Superstar, the Mr. Leatherman convention at the Hilton (talk about great people-watching... I can't wait to see the faces of Midwestern tourists that just happened to book at the Hilton), and the Chicago History Museum's Chic Chicago exhibit.
The exhibit boasts over 500 couture gowns from several decades. Being Chicago, I can look forward to seeing some Halston:
I cannot wait. My boyfriend, on the other hand, is probably not sweating with anticipation for the gown exhibit... Maybe I can make it more enjoyable for him with some Sasha Baron Cohen "Bruno" impersonations.
"I like how your designs are inspired by cardboard."
How to shop-- for necklaces!
One of the strangest questions I've been asked as a stylist is how to pick out a necklace. Picking out a piece of jewelry seems simple enough: Is it pretty and would I wear it? Most people think jewelry is a no-brainer because it seemingly matches everything... Um, what does gold, silver, platinum and sparkly not match?
But it can be pretty panic-inducing if you aren't comfortable with your sense of style nor confident in your personal tastes. Not everyone is a fashion expert or a stylist... that's why some of us are paid to give advice, haha.
So, let's break it down and discuss the different styles of necklaces:
The Casual-Cool Charm Necklace
First, there's the casual-cool charm necklace. What's great about these necklaces (often featuring several pendants, charms and stones on a simple chain) is that they are so easy to throw on, they're distinctive and they pretty much match most casual outfits. The longer varieties are great paired with oversized tee shirts and sweaters, as they visually produce a long and lean line. They look great draped over the plunging neckline of a casual jersey day dress and you can also wear them with a simple v-neck tee shirt, skinny jeans and a ballet flat. One of my favorite ways to accessorize this style of necklace is I throw mine on with a plain tee shirt and then I tie a fringed cotton scarf higher on my neck and collarbone. The necklace dangles between both ends of the scarf and it gives a cool layered look. The necklace shown is by one of my favorite jewelry designers, Nicole Shumann.
Simple Styles
Next we have the more simple styles: clean chains, simple pendants and a classic strand of pearls or beads. These styles can dress up or down quite easily... they are the Little Black Dress of the jewelry world! I think every woman should own a well-designed (yet) simple piece, since they will match everything including other jewelry pieces. Longer chains can be worn single-strand for a casual look or to break up a blousy silhouette, or you can double strand your necklace for a dressier, closer to the collar-bone look. These are your go-to pieces if you want to wear clothing with any extreme detailing (ruffles, beading) or any loud prints. The gold necklace is available at Ylang-Ylang jewelers in Saint Louis, MO and the silver necklace is a super-bargain at Urban Outfitters!
The Statement Bib Necklace
Finally, we have what is so, so, so hot right now in fashion: the statement bib necklace. I'll admit, there's a specific way to wear these without looking like an idiot. These must be paired with either a fuller dress, a simple blouse that is tucked into a great skirt or with a simple shell paired with a well-fitting suit. Do not deviate from this formula or you will look emotionally deranged. You see, the necklace must be paired with a full enough dress in order for a balanced look. If paired with a Herve Leger-type sleek bandage dress, the necklace completely takes over... but when paired with a trapeze dress with a halter neckline, the necklace appears to be part of the outfit. With a blouse, the necklace is designed to look like a part of an elaborate blouse. I love the strong, geometric designs paired with a suit because it holds it's own against the strong tailored lines of a suit while also feminizing the look. It also covers the chest, which is always a good call in a professional work environment (barring stripping). I found the first bib necklace on one of my favorite sites, Net-A-Porter. The second necklace is a steal at Banana Republic!
But it can be pretty panic-inducing if you aren't comfortable with your sense of style nor confident in your personal tastes. Not everyone is a fashion expert or a stylist... that's why some of us are paid to give advice, haha.
So, let's break it down and discuss the different styles of necklaces:
The Casual-Cool Charm Necklace
First, there's the casual-cool charm necklace. What's great about these necklaces (often featuring several pendants, charms and stones on a simple chain) is that they are so easy to throw on, they're distinctive and they pretty much match most casual outfits. The longer varieties are great paired with oversized tee shirts and sweaters, as they visually produce a long and lean line. They look great draped over the plunging neckline of a casual jersey day dress and you can also wear them with a simple v-neck tee shirt, skinny jeans and a ballet flat. One of my favorite ways to accessorize this style of necklace is I throw mine on with a plain tee shirt and then I tie a fringed cotton scarf higher on my neck and collarbone. The necklace dangles between both ends of the scarf and it gives a cool layered look. The necklace shown is by one of my favorite jewelry designers, Nicole Shumann.
Simple Styles
Next we have the more simple styles: clean chains, simple pendants and a classic strand of pearls or beads. These styles can dress up or down quite easily... they are the Little Black Dress of the jewelry world! I think every woman should own a well-designed (yet) simple piece, since they will match everything including other jewelry pieces. Longer chains can be worn single-strand for a casual look or to break up a blousy silhouette, or you can double strand your necklace for a dressier, closer to the collar-bone look. These are your go-to pieces if you want to wear clothing with any extreme detailing (ruffles, beading) or any loud prints. The gold necklace is available at Ylang-Ylang jewelers in Saint Louis, MO and the silver necklace is a super-bargain at Urban Outfitters!
The Statement Bib Necklace
Finally, we have what is so, so, so hot right now in fashion: the statement bib necklace. I'll admit, there's a specific way to wear these without looking like an idiot. These must be paired with either a fuller dress, a simple blouse that is tucked into a great skirt or with a simple shell paired with a well-fitting suit. Do not deviate from this formula or you will look emotionally deranged. You see, the necklace must be paired with a full enough dress in order for a balanced look. If paired with a Herve Leger-type sleek bandage dress, the necklace completely takes over... but when paired with a trapeze dress with a halter neckline, the necklace appears to be part of the outfit. With a blouse, the necklace is designed to look like a part of an elaborate blouse. I love the strong, geometric designs paired with a suit because it holds it's own against the strong tailored lines of a suit while also feminizing the look. It also covers the chest, which is always a good call in a professional work environment (barring stripping). I found the first bib necklace on one of my favorite sites, Net-A-Porter. The second necklace is a steal at Banana Republic!
Some of my favorite retailers for jewelry (for something different than that Tiffany look) are: Barneys, ShopBop, Ylang-Ylang, Neiman Marcus, Anthropologie, J.Crew and Cusp.
Bring on the bling, lades!
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Let's talk fashion in DC
I'm finally back from my trip (physically AND mentally, the mental part has taken a couple of days...).
I was SO a tourist. I just looked at everything: museums, signage, cherry trees, parks, buildings... and OF COURSE what everyone around me was wearing! What people were wearing on the Metro... at museums... in the cafe... at Starbucks... in Whole Foods... shopping at Georgetown...
For the most part on the Hill, I noticed lots of boxy suits and separates on women. I have a feeling it's because most young professionals don't think they have the time or money to get their suiting tailored (um, a pet peeve of mine if you couldn't tell...). I felt a kind of stifling force, as though no one accessorized or worked within the professional dress code to express themselves. I didn't see very many blouses (just yaaaaaawn, a shell under a blazer) or accents really. Given my Southern roots, I was dying to put a hot pink blouse on someone or throw on a hammered gold cuff or something. Or throw a piece of paper with "barneys.com for shoes, please!" into someone's drab work bag...
That said, Georgetown and Dupont Circle showed me DC's more casual style. No one was rocking the boyfriend jeans, yet... but I noticed lots of pretty, easy jersey knit sundresses worn with gladiator and metallic sandals. I noticed lots of pretty colorful cotton scarves tossed casually around the neck and for going out, a floral print tank with bootcut jeans. At G&T, I noticed everything from denim cut-offs worn with cowboy boots to a pair of black leggings with a sorority tee shirt. Guys primarily were wearing a preppy, all American look... even the guys working at Barney's Co-op!
While DC has the reputation for being a very fashion-shy and conservative city, it definitely lacks the stuffiness that you would think goes with the stereotype. You don't have to wear a twin set and pearls, and you definitely can wear jeans most places. I like that you can wear the same outfit all night, whether you're hopping to G&T or Russia House or Dove and Hawk. Pretty much anything goes!
As far as cool, local labels... I really didn't find any in the boutiques I wondered into. I did find a great Marc by Marc Jacobs wallet that I snatched up on sale at Cusp in Georgetown... it's a very neon yellow! My only souvenir, but it definitely came in handy with me buying Metro cards left and right...
I was SO a tourist. I just looked at everything: museums, signage, cherry trees, parks, buildings... and OF COURSE what everyone around me was wearing! What people were wearing on the Metro... at museums... in the cafe... at Starbucks... in Whole Foods... shopping at Georgetown...
For the most part on the Hill, I noticed lots of boxy suits and separates on women. I have a feeling it's because most young professionals don't think they have the time or money to get their suiting tailored (um, a pet peeve of mine if you couldn't tell...). I felt a kind of stifling force, as though no one accessorized or worked within the professional dress code to express themselves. I didn't see very many blouses (just yaaaaaawn, a shell under a blazer) or accents really. Given my Southern roots, I was dying to put a hot pink blouse on someone or throw on a hammered gold cuff or something. Or throw a piece of paper with "barneys.com for shoes, please!" into someone's drab work bag...
That said, Georgetown and Dupont Circle showed me DC's more casual style. No one was rocking the boyfriend jeans, yet... but I noticed lots of pretty, easy jersey knit sundresses worn with gladiator and metallic sandals. I noticed lots of pretty colorful cotton scarves tossed casually around the neck and for going out, a floral print tank with bootcut jeans. At G&T, I noticed everything from denim cut-offs worn with cowboy boots to a pair of black leggings with a sorority tee shirt. Guys primarily were wearing a preppy, all American look... even the guys working at Barney's Co-op!
While DC has the reputation for being a very fashion-shy and conservative city, it definitely lacks the stuffiness that you would think goes with the stereotype. You don't have to wear a twin set and pearls, and you definitely can wear jeans most places. I like that you can wear the same outfit all night, whether you're hopping to G&T or Russia House or Dove and Hawk. Pretty much anything goes!
As far as cool, local labels... I really didn't find any in the boutiques I wondered into. I did find a great Marc by Marc Jacobs wallet that I snatched up on sale at Cusp in Georgetown... it's a very neon yellow! My only souvenir, but it definitely came in handy with me buying Metro cards left and right...
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Intermission, stay for the 2nd act
Sorry about the lack of articles and updates lately, guys.
I've been visiting Washington, D.C. and I've been pretty busy hanging out with friends and such. Though, I've been meeting a lot of people and lately, I've been getting a lot of style questions and ideas of articles people would like to read.
I promise when I get back, I'll do some features on D.C. shopping and style, men's fashion, work-appropriate clothing and how to accessorize. The people have spoken, but give me a couple of more days to bum around D.C. before I sit down and really turn out my fashion thoughts.
I promise, the wait will be worth it!
I've been visiting Washington, D.C. and I've been pretty busy hanging out with friends and such. Though, I've been meeting a lot of people and lately, I've been getting a lot of style questions and ideas of articles people would like to read.
I promise when I get back, I'll do some features on D.C. shopping and style, men's fashion, work-appropriate clothing and how to accessorize. The people have spoken, but give me a couple of more days to bum around D.C. before I sit down and really turn out my fashion thoughts.
I promise, the wait will be worth it!
New Yorkers get the best sample sales!
Be & D is having a sample sale in New York City... totally unfair for those of us in flyover country. Hopefully, some NYer friends can make it and make out like bandits. Well-heeled bandits... I not so secretly lust the Greta Clutch. It's a great classic!
30-75% off Shoes, Handbags, Belts and More including Iconic and Celeb Favorites including GARBOS and KAN KAN’S and some ONE-OF-A-KINDS!
Some examples:
Cosette: Was $995; now $325
Kan Kan Portfolio: Was $595; now $200
Greta Clutch: Was $595; now $125
Crawford: Was $995; now $200
Wednesday, May 13 – Thursday, May 14
9am – 7pm
Be & D
35 West 36th Street (between 5th/6th Avenue)
10th Floor
NYC 10018
Nearest Subway: B,D,F,V,N,R,Q,W @ 34th Street, Herald Square
Cash/Major Credit Cards Accepted.
For more information contact: 212 629 3242 or info@beandd.com
30-75% off Shoes, Handbags, Belts and More including Iconic and Celeb Favorites including GARBOS and KAN KAN’S and some ONE-OF-A-KINDS!
Some examples:
Cosette: Was $995; now $325
Kan Kan Portfolio: Was $595; now $200
Greta Clutch: Was $595; now $125
Crawford: Was $995; now $200
Wednesday, May 13 – Thursday, May 14
9am – 7pm
Be & D
35 West 36th Street (between 5th/6th Avenue)
10th Floor
NYC 10018
Nearest Subway: B,D,F,V,N,R,Q,W @ 34th Street, Herald Square
Cash/Major Credit Cards Accepted.
For more information contact: 212 629 3242 or info@beandd.com
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