Classic Twists.

Designer label, Milly has teamed up with Sperry to create a fun and vibrant twist on the classic prepster brand. I stopped by their Flatiron NYC location this past Saturday and was immediately drawn to the new line that consumed the window merchandise. Window shoppers everywhere can't help but stop in and try on the Milly collection. The location itself is a Top-Sider lovers dream with aisles and aisles of different patterns and styles. 

Check out the Milly/Sperry collaborative shoes that are on my radar:

I love the "M" insignia and really like the lime patent color. 

Which is your favorite?

Get on Your Dancin' Shoes...

...IT'S FRIDAY!

...and here I am thinking you can only get a personalized shoe via Nike ID or Mi Adidas!

Kyle sent me a photo of Adidas' latest collaboration with American designer, Jeremy Scott who designed a more rhythmical take on your everyday walking shoe. Of course "BOP" is what initially grabbed my attention but I had to do a little bit of research to understand the depiction that Scott had in mind. Working closely with the foundation for the late artist Keith Haring, Scott wanted to create a shoe (and tracksuit) that honored Haring's graphic art.

If you don't quite know Haring's work by his name, I'm sure you've seen his graffiti-esque type style of work:

How's that for a tidbit of an unexpected art history lesson?

..but seriously, it's Friday- go enjoy this (hopefully for most) 3 day weekend!

P.S. Thanks Kyle for the shoutout!

iGift

Plum Street Prints iPhone Case

Is it just me or have there been a lot of birthdays lately and even more coming up within the next couple of months?

I am one of those people who tends to go for the monogramming option whenever it is offered. I like the innate personalization effect it has and when it is a gift it makes it seem even more personalized. This iPhone case by Plum Street Prints is a relatively inexpensive and special gift that I thought I would share. Really liking the nautical/patriotic theme going on here but they have a bunch of different designs and colors with monogram included in the set price. You also get to approve your design before it goes into production!

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Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

Aside from the movie, I've never really seen anything like it until I tried on DL1961's. Rarely do my sister, Samantha and I look good in the same styles or brands. We have completely different body types; Sam is 5'7" and I'm 5'5" (and that's when I round up!). So when we decided to go to Denim Habit in Meatpacking to find a pair, I was amazed how good DL1961's looked on both of us! Watch out America Ferrera and Blake Lively pre-Gossip Girl, there's a new pair of pants in town!

With 4-way stretch that molds to your body, they will still look great after the fourth wear. Unlike my typical jeans that lose their stretch within the first couple of hours of wearing them.

Even the curvy Kardashian clan are choosing DL1961's as their comfortable go-to jeans!

I already own three pairs, two of which are the Ultra High Rise Nina and the third a more casual blue jean that goes by the name of Emma. Get your pair here.

Helping the world of fashionistas one good-fitting pair of jeans at a time...

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Winter Shorts

The night before Santacon as I perused Urban Outfitters looking for some festive pieces to sport while I apartment and bar hopped my way through lower Manahattan, I stumbled upon a pair of velvet shorts and a pair of bottoms that could best be described as a "flappers paradise" with 360 degree fringe detail. Full on pants party, to say the least. Read: I got the black velvet instead.

It got me thinking that we shouldn't only save these fun festive shorts to match your ugly Christmas sweater-vest, but instead we should most definitely wear them to carry us through these cold winter months we have ahead. You can get a lot more mileage out of these than you think!

Tip: Pair with tights, oversized button-down, and mary jane pumps.

Editor's Picks: Winter Shorts

 1. Velvet Shorts



Frenchi Pleat Velvet Shorts



Slip into a pair of soft velvet shorts and you will immediately dress up any shirt. Unfortunately the pair I got from Urban Outfitters is sold out, but these pair found in the Nordstrom Juniors section are inexpensive and pull off the same look.

2. Leather Shorts



Free People Leather Shorts 

You Miss, are one badass. With diagonal zipper detail, these shorts can be worn all-year round. Wear with a concert tee and sport in the summer.

3. Sweater Shorts



Free People Sweater Shorts



Perfect for lounging or a casual daytime look. The colorful band detail is like a built in belt, but a lot more attractive!

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Yosef H.

Hope everyone had a great Christmas! I finally got an iPhone and therefore will be downloading the Fashion Assistant App I praised about a month or so ago.

While I'm sure Santa may have brought you everything on your Christmas List (perhaps it was the Holiday Armadillo that treated you well a la Ross Gellar) I thought I'd share this story with you about a designer I recently met at Bloomingdale's while I was scoping out some leather goods in the Jewelry department.

As I approached a row of leather and gold bracelets (two textures that make for a fantastic casual bracelet) I was simultaneously approached by the designer, Jared Handler and learned a bit more about the new brand that is starting to capture the eyes and wrists of celebrities at a universally agreeable price point.

Back in 2003, Jared began making his line of bracelets from raw materials he found in local NYC markets, inspired by the notion that fashion should only be found, not forced. Less than 10 years later, Yosef H., the line named after Jared's own middle name and last initial, has made its way to major retailers such as Henri Bendel and Bloomingdale's. How is that for a dose of inspiration? 


Today, Jared still hand makes each of his bracelets in his Chelsea studio (which he nicely invited me to) such that each bracelet is unique to the person who wears it.

Hmm...maybe Santa didn't get you everything you wanted after all....

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A Lesson in Shopping.

Fur you, J.

On a crisp Saturday afternoon shopping in Westport, my good friend Jill fell in love with a Theory fur vest. Although it was beautiful, it was also $875. While fur might never be considered "out of style," fur vests might at some point be, in which case it's tough to validate spending close to a grand for something that you might not get a whole lot of use out of.

This little scenario made me determined to find a vest that would not only sufficiently fulfill J's need for a fur vest but would keep her bank account a tad happier during this season of holiday spending.

1. One thing I always like to do is research the product before making an impulsive expensive purchase.

Let's see this token of knowledge put into action:

A. Theory vest directly from Theory website:



$875



B. Oh, and I forgot to mention it is reversible. Okay, so here is the EXACT same vest at Nordstrom on the fur side of the vest:



$598



Would you look at that!? Just a little bit of research and you have saved yourself $277. I'm not trying to preach about saving money, but who wouldn't want to save that much on the exact same thing?

2. Now, if finding a less expensive version of your coveted piece doesn't work, it is time to do some more research on pieces that could pass as your beloved's twin (or at least one of its siblings).

Fur vests are everywhere this season. Finding three that were each at relatively different price points was a piece of cake. From highest to lowest here are my Theory fur vest makeshifts:





This MICHAEL Michael Kors vest has a buckle front, but just as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde spritzed her law school resume with perfume, I think it gives it a little something extra, don't you think? ($195)

 DKNY's black faux fur vest is 7 times less expensive and very cute, need I say more? ($120) A similar one was featured here.

Heritage by Forever21 allows you to get the look for under $40, I don't know how they do it. This one comes with a belt- but relax, it's removable!

So what we have learned here today is to do your research people! Put a little extra time in and you'll save big. If you have a smartphone you can do your research while your still at the store! Outsmart those betches, betch.

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Cyber Monday.

Black Friday was so last year. Actually, I can't say I have ever partaken in the mob-infested Friday they call Black. What is so appealing about fighting over a parking spot only to realize the moment you give up on particular aisle of cars that one is pulling out right behind you? Then there are the lines. And the people in these lines can't be totally normal so you have to understand you might run into some early AM tiffs with an angry shopper who just watched you grab the last faux fur vest 50% off. Regardless of the alluring sales, you have to be slightly off your rocker to lug yourself out of your Thanksgiving food coma.

That being said, Cyber Monday is what the cool kids are up to (among the money savers of the holiday shoppers). You not only avoid lines but you can visit as many stores as your little shopaholic heart desires while making deadline. Talk about multitasking!

Get your fix on practically any site through midnight...and hey! I've already done some of the sifting for you!

A slightly alternative twist on the classics, but these comfortable shorties are now 33% off and your next go-to to pair with skinny jeans.

Sperry-Topsider Ladyfish Boot

Get festive in this sequin jacket by Oliver now 50% off! I just bought one from Forever21 for practically the same price. No doubt, this little gem (or bundle of sequins) is higher quality. Do it. It's just a click away!

Oliver Sequin Jacket

Loving the 50% off on this faux fur vest. Hating her stance. It's just awkward.  However, take her advice on the vest and pair it with jeans and a top (and every other outfit you might consider, because it just works!)

Sanctuary Faux Fur Vest

 The best part about CM? You can snag some essential pieces that you can actually wear this holiday season. Unlike those end of summer sales that conveniently occur as we head into fall.

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TB.

No! Not tuberculosis! Tory Burch! And I went a little crazy at Bloomingdale's the other day when I met Mrs. Robinson...the Robinson collection that is...



Robinson Shoulder Bag

Since they were having their "Friends and Family" promotion, I clearly couldn't stop there and obviously got a matching wallet...

Robinson Double Zip Wallet

While I was in the market for a black bag, I wasn't able to stray from brown! However, this hue puts the outdated "never wear black with brown" clichè to rest once and for all. The two actually go together quite nicely.

On another note, there are a few key pieces that I feel are worth spending a bit more money on. Bags are one of them. I think of it as an investment. You are bound to not only wear it everyday (were talking everyday bags here) but you will use it for more than just a couple of seasons. If you keep good enough care of it, who knows, maybe one day you will be able to pass it down to your kids- and they will thank you for it!

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Veteran.

With patriotic floats, leather jacket clad NYPD, and good spirits ringing throughout the streets of a blocked off 5th Ave, Veteran's Day (also 11.11.11!) is here and to salute our troops check out these military-inspired pieces:

Military Fleece,  Denim & Supply

Cargo Jacket with pyramid studs, Forever21.com

Double Breasted Jacket, Zara

Military-Inspired button down, Top Shop

Cap-toe Leather boot, Steve Madden

as for the accessories.....bullets, bullets, bullets.

Michelle Lane's Military Inspired Spring 2012 Jewelery Collection

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inVEST.

Scenario 1: You walk into a store, let's say, J.Crew for the sake of argument. Okay, so in the store you spot a piece that has just come in, and instead of waiting for it to go on sale (which, let's be honest, most items do before they are out of season) you buy it right then and there, full price. You love it. You can't wait to wear it even though you know you will inevitably be slightly pissed when you go back in a month only to see someone buying that same item for a hell-of-a-lot less than you did.

Yes, I have definitely fallen victim to this exact situation (and have also been on the other side of this exact situation) and knew what I must be getting myself into when I bought a twill utility vest this past May. It was green, a bit masculine and had Cargo pockets and a hood to boot! But I loved it!

Scenario 2: (personal experience) Flash forward 4 months later and guess what? I walk into J.Crew just the other day and BOOM: Same twill utility vest, same price! I knew it was a great purchase and was one of those items that completes an outfit. I tried to find it online to share with you, however, it is unfortunately sold out for the time being. To take J.Crew's words verbatim, "This item has been so popular, it has sold out."

In the case of scenario 2, I love when that happens!

Lesson Learned
The next time you are in a debate as to whether or not to get something because it may be on the pricier side think about:

1. The amount you will wear it
2. How it will complement or perfect the pieces and outfits you already own
3. If it is considered classic or super trendy (trendier items tend to be omnipresent and replicated in stores like Forever21 for a fraction of the price)

As for an inVESTment
Vests in general can act as an accessory to an outfit or as a light jacket, so there are tons of ways they can be worn and thrown on to an outfit. If it is a bit more masculine, add it to a feminine dress to create a casual look.

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Be Not Afraid...

Of greatness; (for it was thrust upon me).

I might mention Madewell too often, but no matter what piece I get each season, that piece always becomes a staple in my wardrobe. This past weekend, I purchased something that can only be described as part cardigan, part poncho and part sweatshirt — A hybrid if you will. What happens when you are dealing with a hybrid? Sheer greatness.

Now, although I'm not a fan of how the model sports this hybrid, I promise I will find endless cool and interesting ways to wear this piece.

Face-Off.

High End Vs. Normal
What if I claimed one of these heels was five times more expensive than the other, would you believe me?

As mentioned earlier, Mary Janes are a great way to spice up your shoe collection and are very versatile. But you don't need to splurge to get the look. A couple of minor differences separate the two heels below but one huge difference stands out: The pair on the right is by Vince Camuto and at $119, is 1/5 the price of the almost identical Miu Miu's at the left! Steal? I think so.