Today (May 8th, 2009) I'm Wearing...

Saturday Night Sushi Dinner with friends :)

Did some day shopping today with my girls Chelsie and Emily and made two successful purchases at Forever 21. I opted to wear my new dress out to dinner. It was a little chilly out but (Pshawh) when has that ever stopped me :P

 

This Tye-Dye Zipper T-back dress was only $19.80 and these Linen shorts were only $15.80 and also came in khaki!

I'm sort of a fan of the new Tye-dye trend that's becoming huge this Spring and this pattern was so versatile that it could easily see it transitioning from office (picture it...with a crisp cardigan and a sassy pair of flats) to cocktail hour ( toss on a pair of nude heels and a blazer and voila!).

Shorts are an idea I am acclimating myself slowly to- I had made a previous vow to myself in years past that during the warm Spring/Summer months, I would enforce skirts and sundresses wholeheartedly. Yet, I have come to notice that my style has been changing in these past few months and that perhaps I was too hasty in dismissing shorts altogether. Plus, although them seem its-bitsy in the photo, they are surprisingly modest and fall at the perfect place without being too tight and or too short. I see endless possibilities before me.... ;)

The Ensemble:

• Black & White Tye-Dye Zipper T-Back Dress (Forever 21...$19.80)
• Cerulean Blue Skimmer Flats (Joyce Leslie...$15)
• Gold Cuff Neck Choker (Goodwill Thrift Shop...$4)
• 3/4 Length Jacket (Mr. Price in South Africa...less than $10 American)

  

Fashion Fix Friday- From Strangled to Untangled

Now, if you're an accessory junkie like I am, then your jewelry collection might look something like this. 

I have often been hounded by this mess of mangled rings, strings, necklaces and bracelets, until I could take it no longer. Something had to be done!

Yet, for those who reside in an apartment or just for those of you who live in Manhattan, then you fully understand that space can be incredibly limited and most jewelry organizers tend to be bulky, fan out, and often take up a considerable amount of surface space and or storage. 

So, I pondered this quandary for a spell until I came up with a simple yet satisfying solution. I went to my local hardware store and purchased some basic adhesive hooks to adhere to my bedroom walls. Not only are all my necklaces now completely organized and devoid of those pesky and unsightly tangles, but they are displayed in a way that lets me seek out exactly what I'm looking for without having to rifle through a bunch of other pieces to get to it :) It can actually double as wall art too!

The best part is that they come in a variety of styles, from plastic to clear to even a polished silver that will work with anyone's budget and decor.  Simple and easy!

Weekly Likes and Dislikes in Fashion

Like of the Week: The Uniform Project 

This 365 day project followed Sheena Matheiken, a woman who vowed to to wear a classic LBD all year long in order to raise money and awareness for the Akanksha Foundation, a campaign to better advance education within her native home of India, as well as promoting "sustainable fashion".

Sheena started out with 7 black identical dresses and with a pinch of creativity and a drive for her cause, she took a concept and an idea and made it into a one-woman revolution in fashion.

You can follow her year-long triumph by going to www.theuniformproject.com where you can learn more and even donate.

Up to date Sheena and the Uniform Project have raised a total of $80,523 dollars and as a result now there are 223 lucky kids who are receiving school uniforms and other school-based expenses within Indian slums to better further their education. You can even see all her daily fashions on her website. Most of her accessories were picked from local NYC thrift shops and flea markets and many items were even donated. Just goes to show what one woman with a vision and a Little Black Dress can achieve ;)

Dislike of the Week: Paperself Eyelashes

Popular fashion website Refinery 29 is already raving about this new trend in lash eye-wear but I have to say I'm not among the the masses that will embrace this trend anytime soon. (Honestly, as if false lashes aren't challenging enough!)

These paper lashes, which can be purchased at www.LunaandCurious.blogspot.com, are said to be "inspired by the traditional craft of Chinese paper cutting", and come in a variety of designs from horses to peach blossoms. 

I personally find this look, overall and in one word, frightening. Not only does it look unnatural, but I cannot help but wonder if the paper itself will get tangled up in the natural lashes or even restrict the line of vision. Think about it, how distracting must it be to have scraps of paper flapping against your eyelids everytime you blink?! 

Now I can see this look working on Lady Gaga, and I can even tolerate the idea of it on Halloween to be sure, but in an everyday (or even night) setting, this look has no business rearing it's shocking head...or, um... lashes. What do you think, readers?

Today (May 4th, 2009) I'm Wearing...

Tuesday and it's an absolutely gorgeous day in the Big Apple!!! :D

I was feeling a tad lady-like so I opted for soft, flowy fabrics and lines. I have fallen head over heels for this pleated knee-length skirt. In all honesty I have been on a silent search for something delicate and demure and when I laid eyes on this piece, I knew I had met my match :) - but the absolute best part of it was the fact that we met at the Goodwill and this divine item was mine for the low, low bargain price of $6 (sigh) - pure music to me ears!!! 

I was also trying to break in my brand new pair of brown wedge sandals that I picked up at the Target in TX this past weekend when I was visiting family. I Love, Love, Love them with a capital "L"... I have a feeling this will be the summer of espadrilles and wedges for me. The taller the better! I am only 5'2" after all, and don't us short girls deserve the chance to tower above the rest every once in a while ;)


The Ensemble:

• Black Cami Tank Top (Forever 21...$2.50)
• Black Pleated Knee-Length Skirt (Goodwill Thrift Store on 23rd St. btw 2nd & 3rd Ave...$6)
• Black Two-Prong Braided Belt with Stud Detailing (Forever 21....$7.80)
• Brown Sling-Back Wedge Sandals (Target in TX...$24.99)
• Blue Star Necklace (Tiffany's...Amaaaazing Birthday gift from my awesome 'rents)
• Sunglasses (Isaac Mizrahi-from the Cosmetics Market in midtown...like $2 or $3...can't beat that!)

April Showers Bring New Rain Boots...

Sorry readers, I took a mini writing vacay to regroup and plot out my next moves for 'Today I'm Wearing' and since Spring was approaching, I decided that it would be a good idea to do a piece on galoshes, wellies, rain boots and all the like to celebrate the coming of warmer weather, flowers blooming and all the other magical Spring-like occurances :)

I've been in search of the perfect rain boots (especially considering rain is such a prominent player of late in good old NYC ) in a variety of styles with prices that won't break the bank! I tried to find the cutest comparisons at the boldest and best prices ever, so I hope you enjoy them, readers!!!

I have to say that, hands down, I was most impressed with Target. Their selection and prices are some of the best around and a lot of their boots run for only $20!!! Whether your mood is classic, flashy, sassy or what have you- there's a good chance there is something for everyone here! (I'm loving the NYC 42nd Street-inspired pair on the bottom left too!)

(Clockwise from top right: Tattoo Roses Rain Boots $20; Nova Plaid Rain Boots $20; Capelli New York Graffiti Rain Boots $20; Florets Gradual-Fade Rain Boots $24.99)

These boots are from Kohl's are also pretty easy on the wallet, with a cluster of fun palettes to pick from.

(Clockwise from top right: Unionbay Splash Rain Boots in green solid $29.99; Totes Jackie Rain Boots in leopard print $39.99; Totes Cammie Rain Boots in mosaic print $39.99)

This is the "I'm-willing-to-spend-a-bit-more-on-comfort-and-style" section. Recently my good friend, Chelsie, just got her very first pair of Hunter boots and she has been raving about the quality and fit of them.They are a bit on the pricier side of life but they are certainly an investment piece for the inner fashionista.

(Starting from lower left and moving up and across: Hunter Lady N Boots in beige $140; Hunter Gloss Rain Boots in Teal $115; Hunter Metallic Silver Rain Boots $115)

With these fun fresh boots, you'll be wishing for a rainy day to show off your fancy new footwear!!! :D