Ask Fashion Kitty

Summer Style Series at Les Deux- photos

2008-07-15T17:48:00.000-07:00

Reminder ... tomorrow we are partying at Les Deux again! This time with fashion label Junk Food. Join us if you can and if not, well, you will just have to live vicariously through the photos. Sucka!

Win a dress from Yoga Army!

2008-07-15T09:49:00.000-07:00

My post, republished from the ThisNext blog ...

This week's Designer of the Week is one of my longtime favorites, Yoga Army! Sebastian and Sandy were some of the first fashion-related people that I met when I first moved to Los Angeles.

I was impressed by their personable attitudes and their fabulous fashions. They can design comfortable clothes to hang out in, as well as dresses to dance the night away. We chatted with them to get their insight on fashion and to find out a few of their favorite things.

To win the dress pictured below tag your fashionable recommendations "TN Fashion". The winner will be chosen at random next Tuesday!

TN: What are the hottest trends for the season, and the easiest ways to work them into the everyday woman's wardrobe?

YA: 3 of the hottest trends – longer lengths, sheerness & ruffles. They can all be found in our Yoga Army crinkled silk chiffon dress sold at Fred Segal Santa Monica. It has a beautiful cascade of dip dyed ruffles in the front and is belted. Wear with a baby capsleeve Tee and you can where it in the daytime. Take off the tee at night and you’re ready for cocktails!

TN: What are some common mistakes that women (or men) make in fashion and how can they avoid them?

YA: If you have serious love handles – keep those private! We at one point Britney Spears half tops & low jeans were hot but look what happened to her!

TN: What’s an easy way for women (or men) to update their wardrobes?

YA: Try wearing a white boy-beater tank top under sexy dresses… you would be surprised how one dress can be worn both for the casual daytime or without the top for the sultry evening look!

TN: What is a product that every woman should own?

YA: This can come from your collection YOGA ARMY’S one shoulder sculptured origami satin dress – you always need an amazing stand out dress for that special occasion that suddenly pops up and you want be fabulously prepared!

TN: What product has had the biggest influence on your career?

YA: Fishnet stockings!!!

Sebastian and Sandy also shared with us a giant list of their favorite items. From their favorites movies, fashions, beauty products, music, and even kitchen gadgets ... we know what our favorite designers love. Enjoy!

Also, don't forget to tag your fashionable recommendations "TN Fashion" for a chance to win the fabulous dress pictured on the right.

Summer Style Series at Les Deux with Junk Food

2008-07-14T13:21:00.000-07:00

Mark your calendars because this Wednesday I will be back at Les Deux for more ThisNext Summer Style Series fun.

This week’s featured designer is Junk Food. I have been a huge fan of Junk Food tee shirts for sometime now. Ever since I bought one of their tees with an insane looking kitty on it — I have been hooked.

Come by ThisNext's table to say hello, have a cocktail, and grab one of our fun gift bags (before they run out). If you would like to be added to our guest list please email me at lauren@thisnext.com. Entry is not always guaranteed but I will do my best.

See more of my Summer Style Series presented by ThisNext list at ThisNext.

Miracle product by Too Faced

2008-07-13T22:24:00.000-07:00

I went to ULTA today (twice in one weekend, so sick) and thank goodness I did because I just met a miracle product ...

I was staring at the Urban Decay display, which had a model pictured with blue eyeliner. As I was lost in Urban Decay magic the sales associate came up to me and asked me if I was "having a fun time looking at the fun products" -- that chick sure liked saying fun.

Anyways, I told her I was admiring the eyeliner on the model. Her eyes lit up like Amy Winehouse to crack and she told me I was about to be amazed.

She pulls this tube of magic out, swirls it around in an eyeshadow and swipes it on my hand.

The little tub of magic converts any shadow into a liquid liner. Brilliant! The formula also keeps it in place all day long. I love it. I bought and went home and played. Green, purple, blue ... you name it and I made it a liner.

The woman was right, best $17 I ever spent.

Dear Fashion Kitty, Fall boots

2008-07-13T11:27:00.000-07:00

My fiancee and I live in NNJ, right outside of Manhattan. I want to get a head start on where to purchase the must have boots for fall. Where is a great place to shop other than the usually suspects like: Barney's, Just Jeffrey, Bergdorf Goodman, Gucci, and Christian Louboutin

Mmmm ... nothing says fall fashion shopping like shopping for boots! I am a bargain shopper and of course an online shopper, so some these places might not be exactly for you but I will list them all the same.

And NYC readers, leave ideas in the comments section if you know retail shops. I am an LA girl so I don't know all the best stores in Manhattan (yet).

DSW- I always start my shoe shopping missions at DSW. You would be surprised at what you can find. I find things that are selling at full price elsewhere for half the price at DSW. If you are into looking for a deal, go here first.

Intermix- Amazing labels like Chloe and standard boot staples like Frye. You can shop here online and offline too.

Nordstrom's Boot Shop- Awesome selection and if the boots don't work out you can take them back to a Nordstrom store. Heck, they now have in store pick-up so you can order online and go there to try them on.

Net-a-Porter- Great selection of top designer boots and if you live in certain areas you can get same day delivery.

Shopbop- I have ordered quite a few things from ShopBop and have always been pleased with the results. They have contempory labels and now top designers as well, so there is a good chance there is a shoe for you in the mix.

Zappos- Inexpensive knock-offs to real-deal top designers. Easy return policy and speedy delilvery.

Dear Fashion Kitty, yellow jeans

2008-07-12T14:17:00.000-07:00

I own a pair of beyond fabulous lemon yellow super skinny jeans that I bought at my favorite boutique.

I really wanted to go for violet, deep red, or blue...kind of like Serena's look on Gossip Girl when she wore a gray scarf and tee shirt with a gold jacket, and blue Rich and Skinny jeans ("Blair Waldolf Must Pie"). However, I couldn't get those colors, because these yellows were the last ones they had...and in my size! What luck!

Well, that doesn't sound like much of a dilemma, but when I brought them home I struggled with what to wear them with. My first instinct was anything gray, and my friends backed up my assumption (gray and yellow are such a fantastic combo after all). But I wanted to go beyond the norm. White and gray would work, sure, but what ELSE? A muted purple maybe? A navy blue sweater with hints of red pipping?

I love these pants. They fit great and are definitely a fashion staple. My only question is, what should I wear them with? They're a bit, "look at me!" so I need something plain, but classic on top.

Sounds like you have your problem solved already ;) But here is a bit of advice. When I buy a crazy pair of pants or any article of clothing that isn't an "ordinary" color, I say to hell with it and call it a neutral.

Pair them up with anything give it a shot. I mean look at Kylie -- she has about every color of the rainbow in with those yellow pants.

If I owned these yellow jeans I would wear a loose fitting black and white animal print top with a shrunken deep purple leather jacket over top. Some bad ass ankle boots and a large black bag to top off the look.

I wouldn't go with anything too classic because you will look like a boring girl who tried to show her wild side with yellow pants. If you MUST go plain, wear a white wife-beater and carry a cute bag.

Hope that helps! Now go rock your yellow pants.

Marc Jacobs Fall 2008 Trunk Show

2008-07-11T18:23:00.000-07:00

This video is responsible for my sequins "cravings" yesterday. I love, love this fall collection from Marc by Marc Jacobs.

There are two things that I just HAVE to order and if you spend over $350 on the collection you get a free tote bag that has a sweet zebra head on it. Here are my favorites from the collection:

This sequin sweater made me cry a little ... little tears of joy. The picture of it here makes it look less special than it really is, you have to see it in the video to get the true effect.

It's $548, which will of course kill any imaginary fall shopping budget that I create. I say imaginary because the word budget has almost no meaning to me, even though it really should.

I wish this Off the Deep End shirt was short-sleeved because I want to wear it now, that's how much I love it. Someone might say that I have gone "off the deep end" myself but I can tell you that I have a bit more crazy in me to share before I officially crack. Start saving up for tickets now.

I am also a fan of this look because I love anything that has Miss Marc on it, plus the "leather" look jeans and blazer/vest combo are so versatile and can work season after season.

Ashley Paige swimwear

2008-07-10T17:36:00.000-07:00

Ashley Paige swimwear is harder to find online (to buy) than a needle in a freaking haystack but you can go to her website to check out her line. This is how swimwear should be done! Enjoy a few of my favorites.

I might be in love

2008-07-10T17:15:00.000-07:00

These D&G sunglasses aren't even out yet but when they are ... watch out world because FashionKitty is gonna look H-O-T!

Coming soon on Net-a-Porter.com

Locher's sale: 20% EVERYTHING in the store

2008-07-09T14:10:00.000-07:00

I am a huge fan of Locher's, they make the funniest shirts and accessories so I thought I would share this coupon code with you.

Here are some of my favorites to get an idea of the merchandise that they have. My personal favorite is the "Time to Fuck" shirt because isn't it always? Just sayin'.

There are other little gems like "Cute Little Fuckers", "Will Fuck for Shoes", and "Best Piece of Ass in Town".

ThisNext/ Les Deux Summer Style Series: Planet Funk

2008-07-09T12:08:00.000-07:00

This week the featured fashion label is Planet Funk. Planet Funk is a really cool store that sells their own label and also sells all of the coolest contemporary labels like True Religion, Juicy Couture, J Brand, Heatherette, and many more.

Come by Les Deux tonight to party with me and my ThisNext crew! We put together some sweet little gift bags so if you come in time be sure to grab one up. Hope to see you all later.

Planet Funk Face Key Hole Back $34.80

Dear Fashion Kitty, jeans help!

2008-07-08T12:54:00.000-07:00

I just came across your website and you seem like someone who could solve my problem! For the past two years or so I've noticed some jeans on women and loved them, but never been able to find them or what brand even. Let me describe:

Medium wash, boot cut/ slight flair, low rise, and the back pockets set them apart- in a darker blue- its resembles a gothic cross or "t".

It sounds like you are talking about Habitual Jeans based on the pocket design. I love their jeans! The fit is excellent but just know that you use vanity sizing, so I would suggest ordering a size smaller than usually wear.

You can find Habitual jeans at BlueFly and be sure to check back at their website, which will be updated soon.

"Black Rats" leggings, the new denim?

2008-07-08T11:40:00.000-07:00

Australian fashion brand sass & bide, debuted their “black rats” leggings during Fall/Winter 2008 New York fashion week. Deemed to be the “new denim” of the season, the “black rats” are being scooped up left and right by celebrities.

Will you be picking up a pair?

I have a sneaking suspicion that I will. Leggings won't die so I may as well get the hottest pair I can find.

Buy them while you can for $174 at MyCatwalk.com

Fashion Factoid: These leggings were not originally intended for public release though have caused such a sensation, from New York to Sydney, that production has commenced and they will be here soon. (via MyCatwalk.com)

Mara Hoffman makes my heart melt (a little)

2008-07-08T10:53:00.000-07:00

I tried this dress on at a store called Nicole while shopping in Larchmont this weekend and OMG did I fall in love or what?!

I have been obsessed with Mara Hoffman since I saw her runway show during New York Fashion Week. I love the fabrics she uses and the retro vibe all of her pieces have.

This sleeveless draped dress is so 1920's flapper but it that 1970's disco appeal as well. It's really unique and really, really sexy on. The fit of it is so unique that it's pretty much impossible to describe, so I suggest you find one and try it on.

The one I tried on was a small but I have to say it ran a little big around the bust, so you may want to try a size down. tje dress was the last one in the store and I damn near shed a tear because I didn't have $350 laying around to spend on a dress. Thank goodness I was able to find it on ShopBop! Once I get some extra cash I am definitely buying this dress.

Buy this dress at ShopBop for $352. Comes in size XS-L

Trend Alert: Fringe

2008-07-06T18:53:00.000-07:00

A hot new trend is hitting the streets for summer and will be in full force by fall ... fringe! From fringed boots to bags and even tee shirts -- you are bound to find a fringed piece to love.

I am have been loving fringe since last year when I picked up a pair of blue Minnetonka boots and today I purchased another pair! This time a shorter black pair, kinda like Lauren Conrad's (even though she drives me insane). I think I am going to wear mine with skinny jeans, short shorts, and maybe even a tie-dyed tunic.

What do you think of the fringe trend? Anyone out there have Minnetonkas, how do you wear them?

Celeb photos via People.com

Shop my favorites from Minnetonka, White Horse, Betsey Johnson and more via ThisNext.

See more of my Trend Alert: In the Fringe list at ThisNext.

Fall 2008 Fashion, Betsey Johnson interview

2008-07-04T09:50:00.000-07:00

For your visual pleasure on this fabulous 4th of July!

Fall 2008 Fashion Trend: Slouchy Trousers

2008-07-04T09:18:00.000-07:00

The skinny silhouette will still be hot for fall 2008 but for the days where you are not feeling like showing every curve of your leg, slouchy trousers are for you.

Fall 2008 runway image by Adam Lippes and Cheryl Cole in wide leg trousers (image via theskinnywebsite)

One of the hottest trends for fall 2008 is slouchy trousers. The wider silhouette emphasizes a tiny waist. I love this style of pants because you can take them from the office to cocktail hour and still look hot.

Here are some of my favorites! Oh and I think I need to buy this Ralph Lauren pair right now.

See more of my Fall 2008 Trend Alert: Slouchy Trousers list at ThisNext

Get drunk already ...

2008-07-03T19:27:00.000-07:00

It's the holiday weekend and my blogging might be slowed to a crawl or non-existent (my twitter will be popping off though so check in often). I will be hanging out with my best friend on the freaking planet! She is in town for the weekend and I must show her a good time.

Be safe. Party hard. Wrap it up. Don't get arrested.

Oh my UGG! UGG Australia Fall Fashion Preview

2008-07-01T18:32:00.000-07:00

I think we all know how I feel about UGG boots by now. I have written about them here, here, and here ... oh and here too. The relationship is complicated to say the least. I don't like them but I respect them. I hate the people who wear them with just about anything -- mini skirts and trucker hats being the dirtiest combination. I hate the fact that I own a pair. I hate the fact that they will never go out of style no matter how ugly they are. I respect the little devils because they are comfortable as all hell and man did that company rake in the cash.

Anyways ...

UGGs is attempting to branch out of their "UGGlyhood" with a new collection for Fall 2008. Be warned that you are about to see a flood of Uggs below. I am simply spreading the word because I know there are a lot of Ugg fans out there. Enjoy or totally hate me for the next ten minutes.

UGG® Australia 'Surfcat' Lace-Up Boot

Not a bad looking boot for something built for comfort. The lace-up detail on the side adds a little something-something to make these shoes a little more interesting. It also makes them more acceptable to wear out in public, much more acceptable than you basic Ugg boot.

UGG® Australia 'Classic Tall Snake' Boot (Nordstrom Exclusive)

Yep, Uggs went there. They went there with a snakeskin pair of original Uggs. It's actually ridiculous if I be can quite honest for a second. Snakeskin shoes usually equals luxury, discomfort ... a damn hot pair of stilettos. Uggs are not hot (well they arent), comfortable and should stick to being suede.

As insane as my distaste for these are, I am predicting that these shoes will be ridiculous popular and will probably sell out fast.

UGG® Australia 'Cargo III' Boot with Pocket

I am having a less than negative reaction to these boots. Not positive, let's not get crazy or anything but these boots do remind me of a pair of Camper boots that I love. My Camper boots looks like a cat; ears, tail and all. Anyways, back to the Uggs. These are more structured and less sloppy than your average Ugg and they have a sweet pocket.

UGG® Australia 'Endell' Short Harness Boot

This suede boot is quite a departure from standard Ugg style. It's kind of like a combination of a Frye boots and some shit-kicking boots that a cowboy would wear. Out of the new line of Uggs these have the most potential.

UGG® Australia 'Suburb Crochet' Boot

On to the first shoe ... This shoe combines a classic Ugg with the cardigan Ugg with a regular old boot. The end result? Well I could only imagine it is comfort. Style was clearly lost here. Sorry, just being honest. That's what I do.

Hands-free Hottie

2008-07-01T13:08:00.000-07:00

Today the new law in CA went into effect ... Hands-free phone use while driving.

This isn't going to be easy for me. I am a Blackberry addict and when that phone rings I am fast to pick it up no matter where I am! I dug out my old bluetooth headset from years past today and let's just say, it's busted. Not only is it busted looking I can't ever figure out how to turn the damn thing on. You have to hold the button down and wait for it to blink 4 times, put it on, then you can't hear anyone because you realize you turned it off instead of on.

The whole process is stressful to say the least so I am buying a new headset. The headset that I really want is the Jawbone but it's $129 and that is just too much to spend on something that isn't shoes :)

I ended up finding a really cool one on Amazon today. It's by Jabra and it comes with 33 interchangeable faceplates!

Fashion + Technology = I heart the Jabra hands free headset.

See more of my Hands-free Hottie: Bluetooth Headsets list at ThisNext.

Summer Style Series at Les Deux

2008-06-30T11:35:00.000-07:00

All summer long ThisNext will be hanging out at Hollywood hot-spot Les Deux! We are sponsoring the Summer Style Series every Wednesday night. Each week there will be a featured designer and plenty of fun. We will be there to soak in the style and perhaps soak in a few cocktails as well. Stop by our table to say hello (just look for me) and to learn more about ThisNext ... if for some insane reason you don't know about us.

Also be sure to check out my Summer Style Series list on ThisNext for updates and to shop the featured designers collection. This week's designer is LA based label Lipstick Bandits. Lipstick Bandits has a bunch of fun tee shirts and sweet looking hoodies.

Milly Fall 2008 Preview from Nordstrom

2008-06-29T23:13:00.000-07:00

I love Milly! Such cute pieces that are perfect for the office. Nordstrom has a preview of the collection. Here are some of my favorites.

Milly Ruffle Deco Floral Print Blouse & Box Pleat Skirt with Faux Mink Chubby Jacket

This look is amazing, I just want to eat it up with a GD spoon. I love how the faux mink jacket isn't the boldest piece in the ensemble. The coral skirt is bold and playful as well without competing with the bad ass jacket. I pretty much want to jump the model and take this whole entire outfit.

Milly Ribbon Bow Cardigan

This cardigan is a must have for my closet this fall. It is perfect to wear with trousers in the office and you can easily wear it on top of a dress to go on a date.

To see more looks from Milly head to Nordstrom.com

FashionKitty on Disney Family

2008-06-28T15:25:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that anything family-related would embrace such a terrible little hellion like myself. But for some reason Disney Family decided that they would take their chances and asked me for fashion advice. Check out this post from Family Disney's blog where I handed out advice on beauty and how to not look like a hot mess when you are a Mom.

I'm not cool. But I have cool friends. One of THE coolest people around is my friend Lauren Messiah. Lauren is the fashion and beauty expert also known as "Fashion Kitty". One of the reasons I listen to Lauren is because she gives me the scoop on the "hot" in fashion and beauty trends...and then she tells me how a 40-ish mom can adapt the latest trends in a realistic way. I asked Lauren for some of fashion and beauty tips for Spring.

Fashion Kitty's Advice for Quick and Easy Beauty Products

Benefit's Benetint
"This product isn't new but it's new to my beauty bag. You can use it as a cheek stain and lip stain. It looks scary being all red and liquidy in the bottle but it looks fabulous on, you just dab a little on your cheeks and rub lightly or sweep some on your lips and cover with a clear gloss."

Neutrogena's The Wave
"Another product that is actually for cleaning off your beautiful make up is Neutrogena's The Wave. I love this thing! It has seriously changed my face. This inexpensive little buzzing machine gets all of my make up off while busting through blemishes and blackheads. Great buy and a super-easy way to wash your face."

Fashion Kitty's Advice for Moms Who Aren't Quite Ready for Mom Jeans

Rachel Pally Sailor Pant
"Mom jeans" are often worn by mothers because they are comfortable. For a comfortable alternative to "mom jeans" let me suggest a nice knit pant from Rachel Pally. I really love the sailor pants that she offers (Oprah loves them too) and all of her pieces are really comfortable and well made options too."

Throw and Go Dresses

"I also suggest throwing on a nice jersey dress. I call them "throw and go" dresses -- they always look great and don't wrinkle. The best part about wearing a dress for a mom is that they are easy to wear and make you look fabulous. Perfect mom outfit ... jersey dress with a wide sleeve, ballet flats, a roomy tote, and a great pair of sunglasses."

If you want beauty and fashion tips that you can actually use, visit Lauren at her blog or over at This Next.

Dear Fashion Kitty, major makeup help!

2008-06-28T14:05:00.001-07:00

I know you're an expert on fashion but looks like u are on make up too!

I just have a couple of questions I never get pimples and this past month I have been getting a million zits out of nowhere! I drink a lot of water, I pin up my bangs when I sleep, I only use a little bit of moisturizer in the morning (Olay) but I was wondering if you could recommend any face creams nothing for aging I just turned 20.

I also stopped wearing foundation for a bit thinking my skin would clear up, now it's basically summer and I want to start using bronzer but something non oily, and no sparkles! and if I wear bronzer does that mean I can skip my foundation? (and just use Smashbox primer instead?) and can I/should I wear bronzer with blush? Or is it just pick one? Plus how do I do it?

Dang girl! You've got a lot of questions ;) Let me see if I can help ...

Pimples are a bitch, I too have pretty good skin overall but occasionally all hell breaks loose. Usually stress is to blame or the change in weather but having a great moisturizer that isn't full of oil is always a good idea.

Here are some of my favorite products for such a problem. Oh and don't be afraid of anti-aging stuff because it's never too early to start warding off wrinkles.

- To clear those pimples I use Neosporin, yep ... get the lotion and not the gel or else you will just make it worse.

- To moisturize (at night) I use Olay as well. The Olay Regenerist Night Time Recovery formula is my favorite.

- To keep my face moisturized during the day I add a little of Smashbox's Artificial Light Lotion. Not only does it scare off dry scaly skin, it adds a nice little summer glow.
Now onto your bronzer/ foundation issues. Personally, I like a little shimmer. My current routine combines Smashbox's liquid foundation mixed in with Smashbox's Artificial Light Lotion (I skip the primer when I do this combination). Then I use Hourglass brozer kit, which does have some shimmer in it.

For you I recommend:

- Since yo u are skipping foundation, I would go for a tinted moisturizer (this will also answer your first question). Stila makes a great one that I used to use, it even has SPF in it.

- For your bronzer I would suggest using Bobbi Brown's bronzing powder. I use this on days when I don't want any shimmer.

As for wearing blush with bronzer, it's a "no". I have tried it myself and it looks like hell.

Dear Fashion Kitty, Rachel Pally Backless Dress

2008-06-28T10:23:00.000-07:00

I am searching for the Rachel Pally Backless Dress. Any ideas where I might purchase for my daughter?

Ever since I posted the Rachel Pally backless dress on ThisNext I have gotten dozens of emails asking “Where can I get that?” Here is the thing, it’s unavailable. You just can’t have it :(

I actually spoke with Rachel herself about this gorgeous dress and asked if it will ever be put back into production.

The answer was pretty crazy ... Buyers didn’t love this dress, so she has no plans to bring this dress back.

Since boutiques and online retailers choose not to carry this particular dress Rachel stopped making it. I told her that people online absolutely LOVE this dress. So hopefully she will consider bringing it back.

If this dress does become available I will be sure to let everyone know.