This week we're focusing on Time-Limit shoes, those heels you can wear for only about an hour or two but are too beautiful to get rid of. But what of those special spring sandals in your closet that are both stylish and comfy? Granted, these are the Holy Grail of footwear, as attractiveness and comfort rarely meet in one special shoe. (But when they do, you're guaranteed to wear them all season.) These lower-heeled pairs from Isaac Mizrahi, Dolce Vita, and Gucci are a good place to start.
Back in the day -- when I was 19 and cursing Giuliani's crackdown on underage clubbing -- I used to be able to cover miles of dance floor & NYC subway platform in shoes like these for hours. Now that I'm old enough to value my blood circulating throughout my body, I've arranged all the shoes in my closet based on time-limit. These 5" Balenciaga stilts were good for an hour and a half at last night's H&M fete on the Gramercy Park Hotel Roof Deck. With very limited movement. Do you have any time-limit shoes? E-me pics of your time-limit shoes at nana.brewhammond@bluefly.com and tell me how long you can go in 'em before you've gotta kick 'em off for those flip-flops you keep stashed in your oversized bag. I'll post the coolest shots right here on FlyPaper.
Related Links: ahhh, the highs and lows of fashion footwear
Like many of you, I've learned how to camouflage my "problem areas" and highlight my goodies. The tunic top has been the fastest, most stylish and easiest tummy toner ever invented. LOL. I'm digging this Romeo & Juliet Couture blue tie-dye jersey banded tunic, because the tank style will showcase my arms, neck and shoulders, while the waistband and blousy silhouette will hide my not-so-toned tummy.
When I was assigned to write a travel story about Jacksonville, OR - that tiny, quaint, impeccably preserved gold-rush town in the Southern part of the state - I did NOT expect to encounter gorgeous (and pricey!) French-made clothing (like that of the label Cop.Copine). I fell in love with a striped tunic-dress that, at $214.00, was sadly way outta my budget. But thankfully Parisian inspiration is everywhere these days: This striped jersey dress with lantern sleeves is not only a steal at $73.00, it's just as cute -- even more functional, actually -- than that sleeveless number I salivated over in J-ville. And this scoop-necked, very "Paris in the springtime" shirt by by Nanette Lepore is just as adorable as anything I saw down South. Who knew a trip to cowboy country would net me a case of French fever?
Nina Garcia says It's Cool to Be Gray, Chalky or Nude Too
So with the color obsession that has painted over spring '08 fashion, what's a Minimalist Girl to do? Why, what she wants, of course. Go ahead and glam up the bland the way Bottega Veneta and Calvin Klein did with stony grays, chilly chalks, and fleshy nudes. So are you gonna be rocking the acid colors, the minimalist cool tones -- or both? Personally, I plan to be a walking rainbow this spring & summer.
Last night at a local sports bar (yes, sometimes I want to be around manly men) a few of the patrons took notice of my make-up bag that I use as a change purse/wallet/cosmetics bag, and commented on how fun and tiny it looked (wait, maybe they aren't so manly?) which led me to thinking.....
As I prepare for my Miami birthday trip next month, I'm faced with the dilemma of finding a swimsuit that will maximize my hot spots and hide my oh-not-so-hot areas. My biggest issue? The bosoms, as in too much, which looks great in a cotton v-neck top, but becomes serious fashion drama when trying to find a sexy swimsuit. I'm thinking this Vitamin A tankini halter might be the solution to my problems.
Bangles show no signs of disappearing from our lovely arms anytime soon, and I'm okay with that. Warm weather, warmer breezes and icy mochas bring out the Bohemian in me; long, flowy skirts, funky sandals and of course the "it" wood bangle of the summer. In this case, three of them, as I'm digging this Kenneth Jay Lane set of 3 - wooden mixed bangles .
Nina Garcia on Spring's "Collectors' Item" Fashion
So by now you've seen the pics and trend watch pieces on spring's museum/gallery pieces. Personally, I'm digging every paint-splattered minute of it -- just stay AWAY from the jeans. Check out the surrealist chic Chloe, Dolce & Gabbana and others sent down the catwalk -- then let us know how you feel about the Art Basel-ification of spring fashion.
Ah, the LBD, a perfect classic that can do a fashionista no wrong. My personal belief is that a new LBD is needed on an annual basis with the intention of getting a piece with an updated silhouette and fabrication. This embroidered crepe mini dress by Twelfth St. By Cynthia Vincent is a great look for both those who have to be corporate chic by day and cool glam by night.
Okay, so prob'ly totally inappropriate, but I wore short shorts to work this past winter. (It was Fashion Week and I wanted to look haute.) While I was doing the rounds backstage at the ADAM by Adam Lippes show, I saw model Jill Bauwens in a pair too -- thereby making me feel even hauter and giving me the idea to smother the tiny shorts with big, loud accents. Take note of the fire engine-red scarf -- which you could easily exchange for a big chunky necklace -- and cropped print jacket. What do you think? What are your thoughts on short-shorts?
Every summer, I subconsciously decide whether I will lean toward bohemian, sultry or sporty with my basic summer wardrobe; especially when it comes to my basic cotton summer dress. I can totally see a funky pair of sneakers with the gray jersey by YAYA AFLALO, but on the other hand the tent dress by Joie would be oh so comfy with ballerina flats and help me cure my addiction to 80's style....options, options.
As the spring season approaches, I find myself with plunging necklines that are begging to be adorned with fun jewels. Besides shoes, necklaces tend to be the easiest accessory to be daring with. The CC Skye gold braid necklace though bold, is safe enough to wear to the office whereas the charm by A.V. Max screams late night flirting.
Do you have this problem every spring and summer? The weather warms up, you put on your cute tank top or spaghetti-strap dress, and then proceed to walk into a freezing-cold office? An office cover-up is required, but the twin-set cardigan option can get old (and paired with a higher-necked tee, it's 1950s housewife time). I've been trying to switch it up with a knit hoodie or the grandpa-style v-neck cardigan--and am finding some sweet options from Autumn Cashmere, Tocca, and Yaya Aflalo, above.
Lamenting the "slut trend" which is "so huge" people don't even see it anymore, Barneys' creative director Simon Doonan has written a style guide urging women to express their inner wack-job. Eccentric Glamour: Creating an Insanely More Fabulous You offers tips like, "Go gypsy” and "Seamed stockings, always” leading me to assume he means Courtney Love Insane, not Britney Spears Insane. They’re both nuts, but only Love would wear stockings.
Related Links: Wondering if that purple pavé cocktail ring is right for you? Ask Doonan when he signs copies of his new book at Barney's Madison Avenue store at 2:00 Saturday, April 12th.
...star-printed dresses by Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, star motifs by Stefano Pilati for Yves Saint Laurent, and more stars by -- I'll stop scooping the video so you can see for yourself. I'm totally digging the "baby, you're a star" message star prints convey, and I love stripes -- just not sure how I feel about wearing 'em together on any other day but July 4th. How do you feel about spring's "Americana the Beautiful" trend?
I have to give it to Rachel Roy, this decadent ivory draped jersey knit v-neck dress is nothing less than heaven sent! I know exactly where I would wear it (an awards ceremony, Beyonce & Jay-Z's wedding, etc)....
Just in time for spring coat season, Nina Garcia is all about the African safari-inspired khaki trenches, blazers & vests Donna Karan, Lanvin & Proenza Schouler sent down the runways, and the batik prints too. The jury's still out for me on animal prints, though. What say you?
Browsing through our Flypaper Closet this morning, I landed on these fun and funky tiger printed canvas 'Carina' sneakers by Michael for Michael Kors; like most fashionistas, it is super hard for me to really rock a pair of sneakers unless they are really stylish and of course look good with my skinny jeans!
This starlet inspired silver sateen strapless dress by A.B.S. is absolutely Red Carpet worthy! Take style note of the unusual combo of a belted waist and pleated stitching.
Rebecca Minkoff is not only one of my favorite indie designer made good -- sans Project Runway -- stories but she seriously sticks to her motto of making stylish, functional bags for everyday women on the go! This eggplant suede metallic leather trim 'Dream' tote, includes key features such as a compartment for your cell phone, keys and wallet!
It's spring coat time and I am absolutely loving the trenches that are starting to pop up. Check the candy striped number, fellow blogger, Marilyn Kirschner was wearing when I ran her down just outside the tents at this past Fashion Week. Alice Ritter's more muted transition trench (and matching skirt!) will be perf when it comes out in the fall.
At Tracy Reese's Secret Garden party last night, the champy was flowing and the prints were in full effect - of course! Reese being the Print-cess of Fashion, we got a lot of cool ideas on how to rock spring's latest craze. Basically, it's all about the accessories. Layers of necklaces like the ones Tracy herself is rocking, a beret or some other piece that picks up one of the print's colors, or a matching 'brelly like the one model, Hollis rocked the runway with at Tracy's Spring '08 show. In this video, Nina Garcia's got great advice on how to wear the season's floral prints in particular.
Ford Model, Alejandra let us in on her fave swimsuit looks and you can shop each "slink or swim" style straight off the video by clicking the "buy" button now. How fly is that?
This black patent leather short swing coat by Elie Tahari is fresh from our closet, and I must say quite a stylish look, especially with patent leather trending in full bloom for spring.
So You Can't Say 'You Don't Bring Me Flowers Anymore...'
I know the fact that Nina Garcia is co-signing the floral fixation currently taking over spring fashion is not sitting well with some of you who think flower prints are totally in the "What Would Grandma Wear?" category. But what I'm loving about spring's florals is designers like Vivienne Tam, Curtsey and Yoana Baraschi are turning out some funky acid flora, lacy buds, startling blossoms, and moody blooms. These are not your happy-happy joy-joy petals, cloying bridal bouquets, or your granny's cringe-inducing corsage prints. Peep the Yoana Baraschi pieces up top. The one in the middle's a sneak peek from her fall '08 collection -- a little hint that designers are keeping the trippy perennials coming.
Full skirts are in swing this spring and I think this Diane Von Furstenberg black silk 'Floella' bubble hem skirt is a great way to get in the groove. But I'm not quite sure of the type of top one should rock with this piece.
We've been hearing a lot about the waist as a focal point for designers this season, but Nina Garcia says we should add the shoulder to the list thanks to strong showings of spring power suits and jackets. (Between now & March 31st, if you splurge on a suit -- and you've never bought anyhting on Bluefly before -- you can save an extra $30 just by typing FLYPAPER30 at checkout!)
After much deliberation, I've decided that this spring I will unleash my inner diva or at the very least impersonate a celebrity by rocking oversized shades; but as a Styleaholic, I must stay left of fashion and will be rocking white frames only. These Fendi ones are a good place to start, no?
This black silk eyelet ruffle blouse by Robert Rodriguez is just begging for some skinny jeans! I just can't decide between the light grey ones by Habitual or the indigo, hi-rise pair by Rich & Skinny.
This spring it's all about powerful flower patterns, but how to wear 'em without looking like an overgrown garden? Watch Nina Garcia's latest vid to get her expert tips. And don't forget: Only for this month, if you're new to Bluefly and spend more than $150, you get $30 off just by typing FLYPAPER30 at checkout so watch -- then shop!
How psyched were we when our Project Runway BFF, Nina Garcia agreed to break down how and where to wear spring's biggest trends exclusively for Bluefly? Nina shot TEN vids for us -- this first installment is about spring's fling with electric color -- so check back next week and the weeks after that for Nina's newest style notes. And after you watch, make sure to shop the spring dresses, shoes, accessories and menswear that JUST arrived in our warehouse. Only for this month, if you're new to Bluefly and spend more than $150, you'll get $30 off just by typing FLYPAPER30 at checkout. Yay for spring hook-ups!
So, we got our bosses to let us hook you* up with $30 off ANY thing you order that's more than 150 bucks! That means this cool outfit Joy Bryant is rocking is all you when you enter code: FLYPAPER30 at checkout. Don't sleep on this -- today only, everything but the sequin cape is an extra 10% off so start browsing. The jig is up March 31st.
*Of course, there's a catch. This has to be the FIRST time you've bought anything on Bluefly -- so if you've already treated yourself to a pre-tax return goodie, tell a friend to buy it for you!!
I think we already know that most "effortless" looks actually require a lot of effort, but I couldn't help but have a giggle at the stylist crib notes backstage at Fashion Week. Below, a few I'll prolly be incorporating in my "easy" fall '08 style.
Amazing designer clothes are one thing, but off the runway and crowded on the rack in your closet is another. Aside from the obvious height and weight discrepancy most of us have with the models that troop down the catwalk, there's a question of how exactly to wear that gold sequin skirt, for instance, more than once. Backstage at Fashion Week I saw so many stylist notes next to the models' Polaroids that I realized the designers don't always know how to wear their pieces either.
[These pics are Abaete Fall '08]
What Do You Wear A High-Waisted Yellow Skirt With?
A high-waisted denim skirt the color of a canary is one of those things that sounds great in fashion theory -- but when it's the only thing not in your hamper, what do you wear it with? Our friends at Factory PR suggested going "sexy-tary" with it -- think cashmere cardigan, stilletos, and specs. What would you wear with this skirt? And speaking of, are you even into colored denim?
With so many "best of" lists floating around the web, we at Flypaper were inspired to share the best of our closets and a few ideas for what to get with all those gift cards you got this holiday season.
Oh, to be at the receiving end of Malcolm's cast-offs. From his suburban chic youth to his modern day luxe label addictions -- Gucci kicks and Marc by Marc Jacobs cardigans are on his list -- this lifelong trend fiend has yet to miss out on the latest must-have item.
Corinna on the other hand prefers the comfort of her worn-in, hand-dyed, belly-bulge friendly Salt Works jeans. During a scarf-down session of Buffalo Wings, she often fantasizes about her fashionable alter ego-Charlotte Gainsbourg receiving comped Balenciaga goodies from Nicolas Ghesquiere himself.
Cherrybomb, seamlessly plays the roles of dog lover, bodybuilder and fashion blogger with a mostly black wardrobe embellished with funky warm woolen gloves and bright copper Oliver Peoples shades.
Oregonian Stacey admits to being a fan of winter. All the boots, coats and cold-weather accessories gives her a warm, tingly sensation and a plausible excuse for her six fall/winter coats, 10 hats, 5 pairs of gloves and four pairs of knee high boots.
As for me, I believe "boring" is a choice—mom jeans and granny panties don't buy themselves. From my "I'm ready for the runway," Charles Nolan wedge-heel boots, to my chunky bold rings and Dolce & Gabbana clutch bag, every item in my wardrobe makes a stylish statement.
Flypaper, wishes all of our stylish readers a Happy New Year!
With holiday party season in full swing, am I the only one who feels like she's got a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear?
Help is a comment away.
Leave a comment on this post captioning the "Nothing to Wear" print ad below -- be as funny, sarcastic, or serious as you like! - and we'll award the one we love the most with this fabulous Gucci bag to strategically place over your parts.
Meeting the in-laws this Thanksgiving? Re-uniting with your family? Holidays are stressful, and so is finding the appropriate outfit to wear. That is why we put together a series of looks to inspire your Holiday attire. One for a casual fete, another for a more dress up dinner, and the final for a formal affair. Happy Thanksgiving.
It seems like a lot of designers were seeing red for our fall wardrobe. With neon colors blinding us at every turn it's nice to see a primary basic like red in the mix. We put together a few outfits that we think do red well, because no one wants to end up looking like leftover goods from a red-light district.