Flat Broke & Fabulous

Let's Hear it for the Boy

2009-07-12T17:18:00.001-05:00

I'm so inspired by this. Yes, it is a men's look, but so many elements are so right and so applicable to us ladies. I love the idea of a simple gray top and pants paired with this frayed brown blazer, brown leather belt, tucked just so, and weathered brown clutch. Don't forget the gold accessories - a classic watch like this or a charm bracelet or simple gold ring would do.

My mind is racing figuring out how I'd translate this look, with pieces taken from my own closet and also how I'd recreate this look for you, my dear readers. It's finally started to get hot here, so I can't really wrap my mind around a blazer, but a lightweight cardigan for when the air conditioner is on full blast sounds about right. Add a slouchy gray tee with equally slouchy tapered trousers to round out the clothing portion of this ensemble. For accessories, try this incredible briefcase-inspired clutch, Marni-esque platform sandals and a great gold watch, styled after a classic men's style. Et voila, a his and hers style look in classic somber shades done in summer-appropriate cuts and fabrications. How would you interpret this inspirational getup?

Clockwise from top left: Melina Drapey Cardigan, now $34.50 (available at dELiA's); T by Alexander Wang Mini Pocket Muscle Tee, $78 (available at La Garconne); Alexis Hudson Cortina Clutch, now $175 (available at Pink Mascara); Premium Tapered Leg Trousers, $80 (available at Topshop); BCBGirls Edmund Sandal, now $64.90 (available at Nordstrom); DKNY Women's Gold Ion-Plated Chronograph Bracelet Watch, $185 (available at Macy's).

Photo courtesy of Jak & Jil.

Oh, yes please.

2009-07-10T11:15:00.001-05:00

Strictly Multi Buckle Shoe, $135 (available at Topshop).

Chic of the Week

2009-07-10T11:08:00.001-05:00

Who: Hermione Granger...err...Emma Watson.

What: A pale nude dress with sheer and black overlay by Christopher Kane (Fall 2009) with Charlotte Olympia black and gold platforms.

When: Wednesday, July 08, 2009.

Where: At the David Letterman Show in New York to promote the latest installment in the Harry Potter series.

Why: The petite actress has quickly become an undeniable style maven, displaying these superb sartorial tastes on her current whirlwind tour promoting her upcoming film. From vintage Ossie Clark to current Proenza Schouler, the actress has been looking sharp, stylish and cutting age, while still age appropriate - keeping her hair and makeup simple and youthful does the trick. This dress manages to be both enviably cool and on-trend, while still sort of sweet and tasteful. Emma, let's maybe do a wardrobe swap. Just call me. Hope you love H&M!

Photo courtesy of Grazia/WireImage.

Gucci Ago

2009-07-09T13:00:00.001-05:00

Remember this collection? Tom Ford for Gucci Spring 1996. BRILLIANT. The lace, the vibrant colors juxtaposed with sexily severe black, the sandals, the patterns, the burnout velvet...insane.

Those pants on the right - the pink and orange striped numbers - I actually got those when the collection came out. And still have them. I also had an orange cashmere shell that went with them, but don't know where it went. Which is a total bummer. But I adore these crazy pants and finding them again on Mario Testino's incredible website was totally a nerdy, exciting moment for me!

Photo courtesy of Mariotestino.com.

Pretty Philosophical

2009-07-09T08:00:00.002-05:00

You can't turn a page without reading about one thing or another labeled as "eco-chic" or "green." The Green Issue. Green Fashion. Carbon Footprints. It's everywhere. It sometimes gives me the same feeling the Spice Girls did - loved that they were getting the message of "girl power" out there, but not sure if the sentiment or motives were genuine. What I'm saying is that I'm so thrilled people are starting to "go green," but it often seems like perhaps a company or writer is just jumping on a trend or relying on a gimmick.

Not so, Alex and Ani. You really get the feeling that designer Carolyn Rafaelian really is dedicated to doing right by the planet, simply focusing on making something beautiful that helps keep the earth beautiful. Her environmentally conscious, handcrafted designs are made from recycled metals, turning the proverbial lemons into lemonade. The line consists of bracelets, necklaces, earrings, rings and hair accessories which are favored by eco-minded celebs like Cameron Diaz as well as editors from InStyle and ELLE to OK! and Us. Clenching my endorsement? Pretty much all designs ring in at under $100, with those going over that still remaining under the very easy to swallow $200 mark.

Here are some of my favorite offerings -

Clockwise from top left: Eagle Cuff, $128; Rounded Edge Cross Expandable Wire Ring, $56; Love Expandable Wire Bangle Set, $168; Cabana Wood Earrings, $78 (all available at Alex and Ani).

Peacock Feather Earrings, $118.

From top: Quill Feather Hoops, $68; Halo Endless Cross Neckace, $98; Snake Expandable Wire Bangle, $158.

25Park

2009-07-08T11:29:00.002-05:00

Clockwise from top left: David Lerner Latex Matte Leggings, $78; Karta Lotus Land Dress, $312; Gryphon The Sequin Mini, $240; Kain Pocket Tank, $77 (all available at 25Park).

Right before heading out of town for the holiday weekend, I happened upon the fabulous online retailer, 25Park. The boutique carries a diverse group of labels including Kain, Mike & Chris, Elizabeth and James, Loeffler Randall, Brian Reyes, Vena Cava, Nina Ricci, Willow, Gryphon, Devi Kroell, Ports 1961, Calpyso, Tracy Feith, Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti, Maria Pinto, Yigal Azrouel, Larsen Gray, Thread Social, Behnaz Sarafpour, Antik Batik, Michael Kors, Marchesa, Giuseppe Zanotti and Missoni. In addition to its highly covetable offerings, 25Park also focuses on great services and perks - VIP Rewards (spend to save), VIP Dressing (25Park will come to you - just email themfor more information and to find out about availability) and Personal Shopping (need advice on a look for a particular event or for updating your wardrobe? A stylist will provide expert tips and suggestions).

Making my picks for this post was like a fashion blogger's Sophie's Choice - there are just so many wonderful things to choose from. It's an incredibly well-edited selection, really creatively and thoughtfully chosen. The vibe of the merchandise is an interesting, somehow-it-works mixed bag: luxe hippie meets on-trend chick with a dash of edge and a pinch of femininity thrown in. 25Park also offers kiddie clothing and accessories, for the very chic, very cool bambino (moreover, the store supports the R Baby Foundation, which fights against infant mortality).

As you have probably gathered from the laundry list provided above, the store definitely carries labels that take off at the $800 mark and go up, up, up from there. So my mission was to navigate the site for mostly under $300. Here are my finds.

Clockwise from top left: By Malene Birger Trici Necklace, $160; Missoni Stripe Scarf, now $205; Antik Batik Langoa Flat Sandal, $200.

Kettle Black Flannel Pirate Dress, $135, in red and blue.

Clockwise from left: AKA New York Batik Dress, $288; Loeffler Randall Full Skirt, $198; Ishii Basket Weave Blouse, $238.

Haleh Sequin Dress, $285; By Malene Birger Jiva Necklace, $285.

Shoe Giving

2009-07-08T08:48:00.001-05:00

TOMS, dedicated to the concept of 'One for One' (giving one pair of shoes to a child in need for every one pair of shoes you purchase), is hosting a major sample sale this weekend. Saturday to be exact. So, those of you in the Santa Monica area, mark your calendars now! Doing good things, saving money and listening to live music? That sounds like quite the Saturday to me.

[Slightly Belated...Sorry I'm on Vacation and Schedule Posts is Apparently Not Working] Chic of the Week

2009-07-05T11:01:00.000-05:00

Who: French actress, Marion Cotillard.

What: A knee-length deep red dress by Vivienne Westwood, an oversized black Stella McCartney clutch and funky Christian Dior shoes.

When: Monday, June 29, 2009.

Where: The UK premiere of Public Enemies, in London.

Why: The latest stop in her whirlwind premiere tour for her upcoming gangster flick with Johnny Depp (shot minutes away from yours truly's apartment), Mlle. Cotillard has made another very well shod step. So far, she's gone girly in a pastel Dior and elegant and modern in Elie Saab and now looks sultry and a bit edgy in Viv Westwood. This has been the perfect trifecta. I love the how slightly avant garde coif and interesting accessories make a cool counterpoint to this siren red dress.

Photo courtesy of Bastardly.

Go go, Coco

2009-07-01T12:15:00.000-05:00

Photo courtesy of CocoRochaFan.

Rad Plaid

2009-07-01T10:07:00.002-05:00

APC Madras is now on sale in stores and on their website. Click here to visit the sale right now.

Gorgeous Gorjana

2009-07-01T09:02:00.001-05:00

Clockwise from top left: Serenity Earrings, $65; Aster Studs, $120; Blossom Hoops, $115; Lotus Earrings, $85; Clyde Earrings, $120.

I'm always on the lookout for new jewelry labels, well at least new to me. New feelings, new aesthetics. I was so pleased to come across the serene, natural designs by Gorjana. The Yugoslavian-born designer was relocated to Canada and then the US at an early age, where she was discovered as a model in her teens. With her husband by her side, the designer Gorjana launched her jewelry line in 2004.

Loved the world over, the label has worked closely with numerous charities as well as many celebrities - the likes of Sophia Bush, Lindsay Lohan, Mandy Moore, Cindy Crawford and Claire Danes have all sported the designer's wares. Magazines like InStyle, Lucky, Marie Claire and WWD have also taken notice since the label's inception.

I love the handmade feeling each piece has, sort of natural and imperfect. Intricately cut circles, lotus shapes and other abstractions form the line as well as more recognizable shapes from nature like feathers, birds and stars. Emphasis is also placed on texture: hammered styles, faceted elements and raised details.

Here are some favorites.

All jewelry available at Gorjana.

Glacier Ring, $145.

From left: Oxford Charm Necklace, $155; Star Wrap, $185; Olive Necklace, $145.

Fringe Bangle, $58 and Kensington Cuff, $145.

The Girl Who Cried Wolf

2009-06-30T11:35:00.001-05:00

East Village boutique, Cry Wolf, to the relief and joy of those of us who live outside Manhattan's parameters, has just launched online shopping! Opened by husband and wife team Abiri Ward and Nina Wolff in 2008, who happen to reside blocks away from their clothing and accessories outpost, the boutique offers hand-selected items for men and women from labels like Acne, Cutler & Cross, Wood Wood, Angela Barrow, Quail, Best Behavior, Creative Recreation and Whitley Kros. This is truly a hands-on affair and a labor of love - architect Wolff even designed the clean lined yet cozy retail space.

Needless to say, thrilled to be able to peruse through the couple's well-edited selections online. They are currently even offering some large discounts on a wide array of merchandise. Things just keep getting better!

Here are some of my favorite picks:

Eryn Brinie Woven Jacket, now $85.

Pleat Camisole Tank by Quail, now $68; Wood Wood Comet Sanremo Pants, now $87.

Whitley Kros Spring Tank, now $98.

Wood Wood Mrs. Shime Dress, now $88; Riviera Sandal by Acne, now $263.

Rope Necklace by Angela Barrow, now $56.

My Favorite Aliens

2009-06-30T10:23:00.000-05:00

Siri, Natalia and Gemma.

Photos courtesy of tFS, Natalia-V and Frillr.

Style Source: Annabelle Dexter-Jones

2009-06-29T16:22:00.002-05:00

Who is Annabelle Dexter-Jones? She is the adorable and super-stylish half-sister of Samantha, Charlotte and Mark Ronson (by way of her mother Ann Dexter-Jones' marriage to Mick Jones, after divorcing first husband, real estate entrepreneur Laurence Ronson). Got that? Phew.

The New Yorker loves to mix feminine clothing with more tomboyish elements - think red lipstick and dresses worn with red lipstick and dresses. She prefers a fresh face and a messy bun, only sometimes wearing a made up face or letting her hair down. According to Teen Vogue, her oft-photographed face will be the star of Hogan's upcoming Fall 09 campaign (she has also walked for her half-sister).

We are sure that will be the first of many things to come for the 21-year old model.

Here's how to make some of her spirited, carefree looks your own.

Look 1:

This is one of my favorite AD-J looks. I love the topknot worn with tough black with bits of bright color, like red lips and clothing details. Unfortunately, this Kate Moss for Topshop black minidress is no longer available, but this slash-detail version has the same spirit. We couldn't find a great facsimile of her rad yellow trimmed leather jacket, but try wearing your favorite black version with a skinny yellow scarf draped around the collar loosely to create the same look. Add a union jack handheld bag and some black cutout peep toes and there you have it!

Clockwise from top left: Women's Fringed Gauze Scarf, $12.50 (available at Old Navy); Leather Mix Biker Jacket, $260 (available at Topshop); Silence & Noise Side Slash Dress, $48 (available at Urban Outfitters); Max C London Union Jack Bowling Bag, $47.88 (available at ASOS); FRYE Women's Ada Pleats Peep Toe Pump, $177.95 (available at Endless).

Look 2:

Just like middle school days, Doc Marten's are a must again. Pair with some similarly on-trend bleached denim short-shorts, a worn-in tee (printed or not, that's up to you) and a great, tough, wear with everything black leather bag.

Clockwise from top left: Alena Bleached Denim Short, $19.80 (available at Forever 21); 1460 Women's Boots, $115 (available at Dr. Martens); Lucky Brand "The Wanderer" Leather Hobo Bag, $199 (available at Dillard's); Garden Skull Tee, $26.50 (available at dELiA's).

Look 3:

One part messy bun, one part sparkly tank mixed with one part electric blue mini for a pop of color, toned down by black tights and more shine added with black patent mary janes. Tip: size up for a slouchier, more modern fit on the tank.

Clockwise from top left: Signature Sequined Cashmere Collection: Tank Sweater, $49 (available at Spiegel); BDG Brights Convertible Knit Skirt, $38 (available at Urban Outfitters); Charnos Hosiery 40 Denier Opaque Tights, $8 (available at Figleaves); GUESS Borda Mary Jane, now $84.50 (available at Zappos); Disney Couture Princesses Wrap Bracelet by Kidada Jones, $112.95 (available at N.V. Fine Jewelry).

Look 4:

We rarely see Miss Jones with her hair down and we think she should try this wavy, mussy look more often (though we love a messy bun!). Just as Annabelle did, you can recycle the same peep toes and clutch from Look 1 (stars: oh, they really are just like us), and swap the leather and mini for a black short romper and cropped gray blazer. Complete with a silver cross and silver chain, et voila.

Clockwise from top left: Max C London Union Jack Bowling Bag, $47.88 (available at ASOS); Long Cross Charm Necklace, $39.50 (available at Express); Silver Rhinestone Filigree Cross Necklace, $12 (available at Torrid); FRYE Women's Ada Pleats Peep Toe Pump, $177.95 (available at Endless); Aerie Summer Romper, now $24.95 (available at AE); Loeffler Randall Little Boy Knit Blazer, now $243.60 (available at Shopbop).

Photos courtesy of Zimbio, Park Avenue Peerage and Adorables Panoplies.

Thinking About

2009-06-29T13:31:00.001-05:00

Photos courtesy of The Fashion Spot, ILOVEFAKE, prim., The Nicks Fix and Victoria's.

Ghost

2009-06-28T18:16:00.004-05:00

I love this ghostly image from ILOVEFAKE. So dark, but in a feminine sort of 1930s way.

Desperate For...

2009-06-27T17:41:00.001-05:00

...Anything and everything by jewelry designer Natali Brilli.

I love the Belgian designer's jewelry designs. Playing on classic gold chains and even Rolex watches, her leather creations are so cheeky and subversive, yet totally wearable and stylish.

And lord knows I have a thing for faux watches...I would be more than happy to add one more to my collection.

Natalia Brilli Long Leather Chain Necklace, $390 (available at dresscode).

Natalia Brilli Nolex, $340 (available at dresscode).

Natalia Brilli Chain Bracelet, $330 (available at dresscode).

Welcome to the Maison

2009-06-27T17:27:00.001-05:00

I feel like a kid on Christmas Eve, waiting for tomorrow to come - to walk down the hallway and see a glittering tree surrounded by presents, delightful tunes and smells filling the air.

Or the modern day version. Waiting for a package from Saks to arrive, holding precious Margielas inside. Purchased not only majorly on sale, but using generously gifted gift cards received at Christmastime (to me, gift cards are precious...it takes me forever to use them, because I want to make sure to use them at exactly the right time, exactly the right way...hell, I have some that I've lost or have expired in the course of my weird holding pattern, you'd think I'd learn...) and only at minor cost to my Mastercard.

I just clicked 'Submit Order' and am all a-twitter.

Behold, the shoes:

Maison Martin Margiela Ovine Sandals, now $370.79 (available at Saks).

Jane Says

2009-06-27T15:41:00.001-05:00

Jane Aldridge, of the lovely blog Sea of Shoes is launching a line of shoes in conjunction with Urban Outfitters due out next month. Readers know she's had a secret shoe project in the works, so it is thrilling to see the results - and be able to scoop them up soon!

The line takes inspiration from some of her favorite pairs - echoes of her favorite Ann D's and Prada peeptoe boots can be found (and that's not a bad thing).

Click here to read more and check out a few styles.

This proves good things do happen to good people - not only is Miss Aldridge ceaselessly stylish and original, she also seems like one kind and gracious gal.

Congratulations, Jane!

Today's Inspiration

2009-06-27T14:01:00.002-05:00

Photos courtesy of Anouck Bertin.

Buy the Stones

2009-06-26T17:29:00.002-05:00

Clockwise from top left: Brass Discs MOP Necklace, $245; Double Petal Earrings, $163; Large Agate Necklace, $295; Sabina Bracelet, $95 (all available at Citrine by the Stones).

I've been a fan of this line for a handful of years now, since they debuted their celebrity-favorite Rain earrings. I was recently roaming around looking for jewelry online and stumbled across their website for the first time in a quite a bit of time.

They still have the same earthy yet delicate classic metal wire and stone pieces but have also introduced bolder and stronger elements into the line. This season's darling, agate, is featured prominently in Citrine's Boho collection, in the form of statement necklaces and long pendants. Another standout is the Golden Petal collection, creating an Ancient Grecian sensibility with its use of coins, chains and goddess shapes.

Other favorites have a tougher feeling, rendered in thicker, wrapped wire, with a handmade quality. These pieces have a bit of an edge to them, a certain appealing ruggedness.

Whether your taste skews modern-day celeb or you're more of an Aphrodite, enticements abound.

Long Drop Earrings, $95; Double Agate Pendant, $160.

Wire Nugget Bangles, $225.

Wire Ring, $145.

Fringe Benefits

2009-06-26T16:48:00.002-05:00

Posse Anissa Metallic Leather Fringe Clutch, $285 (available at Intermix).

This future-meets-past clutch is amazing. It's fabrication and metallic shades seem are so space-age, while the long fringe feels fantastically flower child. I absolutely adore it. I think it would go so well with rich shades of purple this fall or more optimistic blues this summer.

I think it will be the gunmetal gray that makes it home with me. Though $300 isn't exactly the blink of an eye for me these days, it is certainly far more attainable than its $1,000+ sisters (and most importantly, far less guilt-inducing).

Chic of the Week

2009-06-26T14:21:00.004-05:00

Who: Aussie up-and-comer Isabel Lucas.

What: Eggplant Giambattista Valli dress with velvet top and ruching and silver accessories, including a clutch by VBH, Boucheron baubles and Jimmy Choos.

When: Wednesday, June 24, 2009.

Where: The Los Angeles premiere of 500 Days of Summer.

Why: I am a sucker for this beachy hair color - light on the ends and darker at the top - so she had me at her hair. I also am a fool for velvet, so there was really no way she could lose at this point. This rich color is gorgeous, works perfectly with her skin tone and is such an unexpected choice for summer. The silver is a great foil for this deep hue - a shade not everyone would go for off the bat. This is such a fantastic, sultry look.

Photo courtesy of Just Jared.

CHOOse Your Own Adventure

2009-06-19T09:53:00.003-05:00

Styles from the upcoming collection.

We just got word from H&M that the newest addition to their high fashion roster will be the over a decade old British accessories purveyor Jimmy Choo. Founder and President, Tamara Mellon, will be bringing her highly glam line to the masses this fall to select stores all over the world starting November 14. I predict long lines and a sold out collection.

This sure to be successful partnership marks the first time the international chain will be collaborating with an accessories brand, and to celebrate Jimmy Choo will extend its design vision for this collection to women's clothing designs to complement the existing accessories.

Good news for gentlemen with and eye for style (and a mind for budgeting): the Choo collaboration will also include a men’s collection of shoes, bags and accessories.

Tamara Mellon and Margareta van den Bosch, with a model wearing designs from the upcoming collection.

About the partnership and wallet-friendly line, Mellon has said, “We are privileged to be among the fashion greats who have been affiliated with H&M so far, and to be designing a collection appealing to fashion savvy, street smart women, and to be including some great pieces for men, too. Jimmy Choo will bring to H&M a sophisticated, fashion forward, accessible and glamorous collection – the perfect party pieces to buy now and then wear out that night!”

Margareta van den Bosch, creative advisor for H&M, has equally enthusiastic words about working with Mellon: “We adore Jimmy Choo’s shoes and bags. They are glamorous and sexy, and they add instant style to the simplest of outfits. I like the way we have worked with clothes to accessorize the shoes and bags rather than the other way around. This collaboration is particularly exciting because it’s our first shoe designer collection. It’s a joy to be able to offer top end designer shoes and bags of excellent quality to our customers.”

Photos courtesy of H&M.

Chic of the Week

2009-06-19T09:27:00.002-05:00

Who: Gilmore Girl and Pants Sister, Alexis Bledel.

What: A plunging, patterned Hervé Léger dress with a Judith Leiber clutch, jewelry by Judith Ripka and intricate Giuseppe Zanottis.

When: Wednesday, June 17, 2009.

Where: The Whitney Art Party in New York, hosted by Maz Azria.

Why: I love Alexis Bledel - I think she seems smart and down to earth and nice and normal. So I love seeing her out and about and getting it so right. I'm a little over the Hervé Léger by Max Azria dresses - they are everywhere. Every single red carpet. But this one is interesting and a bit of a departure from the usual bodycon styles. The color is different and really flattering on the brunette and the choice of metallic accessories are spot on. And her hair, as always, looks shiny and lovely. Which, okay, maybe makes me hate her a little. Give me your hair secrets, little Gilmore!

Photo courtesy of Fashion Week Daily.