Cruise/Resort 2009: Hits and Misses

Normally for Spring and Summer, I focus more on the swimwear aspect, because frankly, it is my favorite. However, this season I'm actually going to be perusing some of the top designer's collections (especially regarding accessories and shoes) and letting you know what to spend your hard-earned (and these days, quite stretched) dollars on.

First up, Bottega Veneta. I will have to start out by saying, I was not impressed with their handbag collection this year. There was something like 38 pieces on the online catalog (not including wallets, mind you) and they all looked basically the same, structurally and aesthetically. Of course, their running theme this season is woven leather, but they did very little else as far as details to set their bags off from the rest. And honestly, it takes a lot to make me want to spend $700 on a wallet anyway, let alone one that doesn't look or feel like it will last me more than a couple seasons.

However, there was one item which definitely caught my eye, but not because of a crazy print or kooky design. Bottega's cruise season version of the leather bootie, which is cut a little lower as well as possesses some great cutouts and lace-up detail, as well as a sturdy heel and slight platform. I think one could wear these with absolutely anything for instant sophistication. Now this is what I fell in love with about Bottega in the first place.

Bottega Veneta Lace Up Leather Platforms, $920, BottegaVeneta.com

Now for another rave: I am totally digging the direction that Louis Vuitton has taken since Marc Jacobs took the helm. He definitely brings more of a young, feel-good vibe to the brand. Two of my favorite handbags from the new collection are below:

I've never seen the use of a print like this on a Louis Vuitton bag, but this is definitely the first piece that caught my eye. The print is meant to invoke the French Riviera. (How do you say "beautiful" in French? haha.)

Louis Vuitton Galliera Riviera, $1,940, eLuxury

Another unusual take on this classic brand is this traveler tote with (of course, more French) lettering on the side. I don't think this is a part of the Resort collection simply because it doesn't feel very summery to me, but eLuxury had a lot of different pieces lumped together in one category. Either way, it's definitely worth mentioning.

Louis Vuitton Travel Shopper Traveller, $2,420, eLuxury

Now, I'm going to deviate from my handbag path for a moment, because these Vuitton shades are amazing! They have photochromic lenses, so when you are in sunlight, the lenses darken and you can see the monogram print on the outside of the lens. Snazzy!

Louis Vuitton Conspiration Pilote Sunglasses, $530, eLuxury

More Spring/Summer '09 trends to come! Stay tuned!

Fashion Tidbits: Round 2!

Here are just a few little things I've stumbled upon in my travels here in the great, wide world of the Internet, that I thought I would pass on to my loyal (at least I hope you are) readers!!

1) So, I've been out of high school for a while, but for some reason I still love looking at formal dresses. So if you have high-school-aged girls, or are one yourself, I wanted to direct you to GoJane.com. They have alot of great new styles for prom (if you're doing the early shopping thing) and at great prices! And it beats rifling through department store racks at the last second trying to find something that twelve of your other classmates aren't already wearing. (Sound like a flashback? haha.)

2) Something I noticed while Christmas shopping this year: Ed Hardy is now at the Buckle! Now, being as I am a part (however small) of the tattoo culture in this country, I love it when designs like this start to become more widely accepted as everyday apparel. Now, I would argue that the prices of the particular pieces are a little steep for what they are, and I personally haven't had the best luck with anything from the Buckle that isn't jeans, but you may have better luck with the selection of Ed Hardy at Dillard's as well. I think I may have even seen Ed Hardy baby apparel there! How cute! (Can't you tell my kid's going to be one of those with crazy colored hair and mohawks and stuff? haha.)

3) Now, I'm not saying the election of the first Black President isn't a big deal, but jeans?!? Denimology covers the label Red Monkey Company and their new jeans design for President-Elect Obama. As far as I can tell, they don't have a ladies line, but I think overall their designs are pretty snazzy.

Until next time!!

Hot Item of the Season!

Hey Ladies! (and Gentlemen, we don't discriminate here. haha.)

As you may or may not know, I'm spending my winter perusing Maternity fashions, because I honestly don't want to resort to lounging around for the next three months in sweatpants (i know, gasp!). And I just found the cutest dress on SALE at tobi.com (the link should be updated on my little sidebar over there.) and there's just enough time left in winter to get some good wear out of it! And it won't just look good on my steadily ballooning frame. I honestly think it's the perfect piece to use as a base for a simple, cute outfit this winter!

Left on Houston Landmark Sweater Dress, $125, Tobi

And honestly, can you believe its already time for Resort season? I'll be posting my picks for this summer's hot swimwear here soon! (And if anyone can give me some tips on getting my figure back for swimsuit season I would greatly appreciate it! haha.)

The Search for the Perfect Summer Dress!!

It's that time again, ladies! Summer's about to hit, and every fashionista is in the throes of a wardrobe re-vamp. What a better place to start than with the perfect summer dress? Whether your style is flirty, swingy, short, long, printed, striped, or strapless, all the best brands are introducing fresh new picks for the season. Below are just a few examples from my favorite sites:

Ella Moss Yasemin Strapless Maxi Dress, $191, Shopbop

Light, bright, and strapless! Perfect as a coverup or for a casual outdoor lunch.

Karen Zambos Vintage Couture St. Barts Dress, $175 (On Sale!!), Shopbop

This one just SCREAMS yacht party, doesn't it? (Or maybe just some shopping in the Art District with the girls)

Mara Hoffman Print Sleeveless Draped Dress, $352, shopbop

Just the right length, with great visual interest in both the shape and print. I could see myself out clubbing in this!

And for more modest price ranges...

Three-Tone Silk Dress, $40, Forever21

Luxurious silk-chiffon dip dyed and banded to create a bit darker take on the sundress- but still just as fun!

Lux Braidstrap Print Dress, $58, Urban Outfitters

A bit more casual, with an interesting pattern...perfect with a pair of ballet flats or this summer's "it" shoe- the gladiator!!

Tuck Jersey Dress, $58, Urban Outfitters

Another multi-functional number: by day, a coverup; by night, club attire! Cut in a super-flirty length and style. Not to mention an eye-catching color! Rock on!!

Just think - I found all of these wonderful pieces (and so many more that it would take days to post them all) in just about an hour or so of surfing. If you're still searching, as I am, for that perfect summer dress, please share your amazing finds with me as well!

sweet summer footwear: the gladiator

So I was browsing through my usual websites, and I found the most AMAZING treasure trove of summer footwear at reasonable prices!

Can you guess where?

That's right, one of my absolute favorite shopping sites: Urban Outfitters.

So, we all remember the boom of gladiator sandals last year, and it looks like that trend's here to stay (at least for a while.) Here are some of my choice favorite styles from UO:

Leather Circle Gladiator, $38, Urban Outfitters

Helena Gladiator Sandal, $34, Urban Outfitters

We Who See Petticoat Sandal, $58, Urban Outfitters

The first of these styles is a bit simpler version of your basic gladiator sandal, with a bit of visual interest in the form of the leather circle connecting the straps.

The second, a simpler version with a modern twist- metallic material.

The third and final, is technically not a gladiator at all, but a cute, somewhat strange interpretation of the summer classic - a thong sandal.

What I love the most about these styles is not only the variety, but the value for the price.

But my one question to all you loyal readers out there is: how best to wear these cute summer essentials? All thoughts and opinions greatly appreciated!

Till next time!!

375 Person Photo Shoot by Daslu

So how awesome does this sound: your favorite store (if you have one), where you and your family have been shopping for years, surprises you with your very own personal, professional photo shoot. And not only that, but your photo gets published on the cover of your very own personal copy of that store's monthly publication?

Too good to be true? Well that dream (or, rather, the surprise of their lives) came true for 375 of the Brazilian department store Daslu's most loyal clients. And then all of the covers were shared in a large, greatly admired, exhibit.

Wow. Why don't stores in the U.S. treat its customers so well?
[if they did, Rue 21 would have my face plastered on their windows for sure.]

(get the full story on the JC Report)

Happy Black Friday!!!

Well, everyone, the time has come for one of the best shopping days of the year! That's right, Black Friday!

Unfortunately, I'm not taking part in the shopping festivities right now. I just got in a car accident on Sunday, so I'm wiped out until I get a new car. bleh. To be young and poor.

Anyways, my inbox this morning was filled with not only several Black Friday shopping offers, but also many Holiday shopping ideas. So, I decided that instead of cataloguing my Day-After-Thanksgiving shopping conquests, I'm going to share some great gift ideas with you! Stay tuned!

Fashion Tidbits: My thoughts about everything from Shopping to Shoes

Honestly, I haven't had anything very interesting to write about lately, so I've decided to share with you my innermost fashion thoughts, and pose a couple of burning questions for your feedback.

1) Okay, so we've been hearing alot about color lately. Everything from colored jeans to 1960's-and-70's-inspired prints, to brightly colored shoes and accessories. But what about monochrome? Is it completely out this spring? I certainly hope not, because I've seen some people pull of some fabulous all-white and tan-and-white ensembles so far this spring.

So, what do you guys think? Is monochrome always in? Or does it need to take a backseat to bright colors and prints this season?

2) After several years of almost completely ignoring the UK's existance on the fashion horizon (I know, what a shame), I've stumbled upon the most wonderful web store: Office.

Simply put, this may be my one-stop shop for shoes online from now on. They have sooo many cute styles, my lack of a debit card balance was the only think keeping me from clicking "buy now."

Their vast selection of heels contains not only the cutest, trendiest styles, but many can be easily translated from work (I was going to make a pun on the word "Office" but decided against it) to evening. They even have last fall's oh-so-chic ankle boots that I couldn't seem to get my hands on because most stores discontinued them before winter was even over.

And, of course, for those of us who are currency challenged (AKA from the Midwestern United States), they have a handy link to a currency converter that changes amounts from pounds to dollars.

3) I've come across two very strange types of shoe lately, and they've puzzled me to the point where I don't know whether to like them or file them away in my brain alongside Jellies and Crocs.

The first one has been seen all across the fashion blogosphere since last fall.

Tretorn Ballena Lace-up Rubber Boots, $130, Shopbop

Wellingtons, galoshes, rainboots, whatever you want to call them, they're the ultimate in functional footwear - that is, if you're a fisherman. However, that didn't keep fashion's elite from adapting them to be paired with ultra-feminine dresses, jackets, leggings, you name it.

Now, I've never seen anyone actually wearing these outside of a fashion editorial, so please, if anyone can link me to a picture, or describe for me how these can be worn fashionably while not looking like you're about to throw on your hip weighters and catch some salmon or something, let me know.

The second, I actually saw in one of those ad banner things on myspace (fancy that). They remind me alot of Birkenstocks, and according to their website, they're the ultimate in warmth and comfort. Basically, it's a leather flip-flop with sheepskin covering the sole, and they are called Bonsai Sandals.

Bonsai Sheepskin Sandals Model 07 in Pink, $35, BonsaiSandals.com

These pink ones are actually cute, and I love how they coordinate the color of the sheepskin to the color of the sandal. Now, I understand why flip-flop enthusiasts would like a winter version of this footwear, but I'm wondering exactly how long they would last. I mean, they look sturdy enough, but I'm thinking that with that sheepskin being constantly mashed up and trampled by dirty, sweaty feet, they're going to need some kind of regular maintanance.

However, if these sandals seem perfect for you, by all means, hit up the website. They're available in Black, Brown, Blue, and Pink.

(As a sidenote, if anyone actually does buy them (or already has), let me know in a couple months how well they hold up. I have a couple friends who may get some use out of them.)

Bright Eyes: Edgy or Just Plain Trashy?

Okay, before we get into the actual meat of this post, I would like to share with you the spoils of my first shopping spree in two whole months. [Aren't you proud of me?] Since I started my new job, I've been trying to save more money than I spend [Which gets difficult at times, but it's worth it], which means that I've had to forgo many opportunities to splurge. Well, I finally decided that enough is enough and that I can't keep myself from the mall for much longer, so I did some serious shopping the other day - but still managed to come away with some seriously fab steals.

My favorite? This great summery bag from Rue21. [on SALE, can you believe it? It's quickly becoming my favorite poor, yet fashionable college kid store] I've already found several uses for it. It makes the perfect pick-me-up for those lazy days [which, for me, is 4 or 5 days a week], and it makes me feel totally fabulous in my jeans-and-college-t-shirt ensemble while doing the "holy crap I'm going to be late for class" powerwalk.

I'm in love.

Now for the trend. Glamour really got a jump on this one back in March, as it's now late April and we're just now beginning to (sortof) see it on the streets. Basically what this entails is simple, bright, cheery colors that bring the focus straight to your eyes. You can do a single color (yellow seems to be all the rage at the moment) and blend it out, or mix it up with two, even three! You can wing it out at the edges, put it on the top lids only, or line top and bottom lids with different colors, and set it all off perfectly with simple black mascara and understated cheeks and lips.

Here's a photo I snagged from one of Glamour's blogs of Perez Hilton rocking this look. [He went a bit overboard if you ask me.]

The only place I've seen this done in a somewhat cute matter was, surprisingly, at my old high school's prom, where my friend Megan [on the left] set off her springy dress with yellow eyeliner and shadow! [I hope she doesn't hate me for using this picture here]

If you're into this look, you can get the products in several shades and price ranges. For the makeup conisseur [sp? I'm having some serious issues today] with a few extra dollars to spend, try Givenchy Prisme Again! Eyeshadow Quartet, $50, which comes in seven different color combos [Brown Caress Pictured] ranging from mild to intense and are great for experimenting with the technicolor look. Available at Sephora.

A bit more "wallet friendly" solution is MAC Cosmetics. They have not only the Pandamonium Eyes Quad, $36, with beautifully matched colors, but they also have a wide range of single shadows (162 shades, to be exact) at $14 each, which allows you to experiment even more freely for less cost.

So, what do you think of this trend? Edgy or Trashy? You be the judge.