Are You A Poppy Girl?

With the exception of my amazing Whitney Watch, I've never been much of a Coach girl. This is a judgment-free zone so I'll just say it: if I'm going to have an item covered in the letter C, I want nothing less than Chanel. That said, I was pleasantly surprised to learn of Coach's new Poppy line.

Adapting to the times just like the rest of us, Poppy's price point is a little more manageable than your traditional Coach item. But even better is that Poppy embraces a fresh, youthful style--full of bright colors, metallics, and fun patterns. The overall look is so irresistible that I'm wondering why Coach didn't do this earlier!

In an interview in the July issue of In Style, president and executive creative director, Reed Krakoff, discussed the inspiration behind Poppy: Poppy has a preppy vibe, but with a kind of punky sensibility that comes through in the details. We mixed sequins and patent touches with Pop Art-inspired prints, for example. And there's quirky hardware and retro shapes for bags and jewelry.

Krakoff's description justly identifies the appeal of Poppy: the fusion of the preppy and punk; naughty and nice; and princess and rebel. What girl can't relate to that?

I immediately fell in love with the New Poppy Jacket, a navy wool blend jacket with oversized gold button details and a funky zebra print lining (for an added pop! to the Poppy style). While adhering to a traditional blazer aesthetic, this jacket adds just enough irreverent spirit to make the Blair Waldorfs of the world shake their heads. It's a great statement piece, complimenting a pair of faded skinny jeans and gold flip-flops just as well as it would a white pleated skirt and navy espadrille wedges.

I'm also loving the Skyla Flats in a bold hot pink, which make me think of a little-school-girl-all-grown-up. I just adore the flirty resin bow with gold detail at the toe, which makes this flat stand out from the standard line-up of ballet flats.

The cherry on top? The baubles and bangles from this collection may be the most tempting array of sparkles I've seen in some time. Just try to say "no" to the New Poppy Flower Necklace, a bib-style necklace of blooming flowers in an array of boldly colored stones with an unusual copper finish.

Are you a Poppy girl? With the same ease that Dorothy felt in an ocean of poppies, I have fallen in love with this collection. So go ahead: have your Poppy and wear it too!




Images in order of appearance: (1) Coach's Poppy Slogan, photo courtesy of Coach (http://www.coach.com/); (2) New Poppy Jacket, $398, also available at Coach; (3) Skyla Flats, $158, also available at Coach; (4) New Poppy Flower Necklace, $248, also from Coach.

Sew Cool

On my list of things I wish I could do, you will find sewing somewhere close to the top. I envision myself in a small but chic workspace, buzzing away on my Singer machine, creating some elaborate couture dress that will dazzle all of the fashion world. I'll admit, this fantasy reads a little bit like the fashionista's version of Cinderella.

The truth of the matter is that I actually do own a sewing machine--and it lives comfortably in the trunk of my car since my apartment is too small to fit the machine anywhere. One of these days I fully intend to take lessons, but until then, what's a girl to do? If you're a wannabe seamstress like me, read on.

This weekend, the Somerville Arts Council and Fusion Ethos Fashion presents Sew What?!, an event dedicated to fashion, art, shopping, and even a Swap-o-Rama. Swap-o-Rama? Sounds fancy, right?--like the Lollapalooza of shopping and/or swapping--which actually isn't too far from the truth. At the Swap-o-Rama, attendees can explore creative re-purposing (so hot right now--and eco-friendly to boot!) through the recycling of used clothing as part of a community clothing swap and do-it-yourself workshop. And you know how I loooove DIY!

If you are an inventive fashionista who finds herself with a free Saturday, look no further--this is THE event. Bring your unwanted clothing for the ultimate in fashion DIY:
Who? you
What? Sew, What?!
Where? Central Plaza in Somerville's Union Square
When? Saturday (June 27, 2009) from 3-7 pm--rain date is Sunday 6/28
Why? because true fashion is worth a little elbow grease!

So mark your calendar for an event that is just SEW cool--you wouldn't want to miss it.

Image from Sew, What's New?, a blog devoted to sewing: http://sewwhatsnew.ning.com/.

Lolly Loves Leather

When Kate Beckinsale appeared for the 2009 Calvin Klein Womenswear Fall Fashion Show during New York Fashion Week in February, it seemed that everyone was shaking their finger at her little leather dress. A little too reminiscent of Underworld, perhaps? I couldn't disagree more. I loved the fact that Miss Kate--who typically embraces a sweet, demure image when it comes to dressing for red carpet events--found her inner fierceness.

I had almost forgotten about this luscious leather look when the image jumped out at me again from the pages of June's In Style, in an article on "Hot Weather Leather." The concept is certainly an intriguing one. I can't help but have flashbacks to my trip to Paris at age 15 when I toured the Palace of Versailles in August wearing my dad's vintage leather pants (can you say rock star?!). A fabulous 15 year-old to be sure, but definitely HOT in the sweaty, uncomfortable definition of the word. This memory makes me question the logic of "hot weather leather." Nonetheless, it is a fabulous look. It's bold and different, while also being timeless in a rocker/biker sort of way since there will always be a place in the fashion world for the rebel.

In order to make it a successful summer look, however, a fashionista needs to get a little bit creative to avoid melting. Personally, I love the way glamorous Gossip Girl, Taylor Momsen (another 15 year-old who loves leather!), mixed aesthetics by pairing her cropped leather jacket with an intricately embroidered ivory bubble dress--pulling the look together with black leather shooties. Conveniently, if the temperature rises too much, off comes the jacket--problem solved.

Another lovely leather look was Kate Hudson's high-waisted leather pencil skirt, which she rocked at a Berlin press event for Bride Wars. The fact that her skirt was leather added a bit of pow! to the sleek, feminine silhouette of her pencil skirt. On the practical side, even a leather skirt is still a skirt--allowing for much-needed air circulation during those hot summer months. For this look, she upped the ante with her black ruffled blouse, for nothing screams "glam" like black on black. Of course, the dark lips and bedroom hair don't hurt either.

Amazing but true: hot weather leather is totally possible--and completely fashionable. Move over little black dress! Next on my to-buy list is a little leather dress just like Kate Beckinsale.







Images: (1) Kate Beckinsale from the 2009 Calvin Klein Womenswear Fall Fashion Show during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York in February, courtesy of Reuters (http://www.blogs.reuters.com/); (2) Taylor Momsen, also photographed at New York Fashion Week, photo courtesy of fellow blogger, Style Maven (http://www.stylemaven.typepad.com/); (3) Kate Hudson in Berlin for a Bride Wars press event, photo courtesy www.catwalkqueen.tv

Catch the Wave: Island Chic

In preparation for our family trip to Block Island this past weekend, I had--as any beach-going fashionista would--ordered a new bathing suit.

In the days leading up to the arrival of my new swimwear, I envisioned myself wearing the black, strapless one-piece with my favorite Chloé sunglasses and perhaps a cowboy hat, while lounging on the beach, or reading on the deck. When it arrived, I anxiously ripped open the package to try it on.

Hmmm...I had remembered the suit was supposed to be strapless, but not topless. Was I really so tall that my torso was too long for a one-piece? Apparently so. I sadly resigned myself to the fact that a new bathing suit was not in the cards for this particular island-bound fashionista.

After my swimwear fiasco, fashion was--as it usually is--very much on my mind when I boarded the Block Island ferry. In typical Lolly fashion, I couldn't help but observe my fellow island-goers, curious about this summer's dominant trends. After all, island wear tends to follow certain patterns. For instance, if you're bound for Nantucket, I would be willing to wager that your Vera Bradley duffel contains at least one Vineyard Vines item and perhaps a pair of Jack Rogers sandals. No, no, rest assured that I do not have ESP; these are just the rules of island fashion.

However, Block Island is somewhat of an anomaly in this way. Sure, you have your trend groups. There are the surfers who faithfully rock Billabong and Quiksilver; the beach hippies with their faded cut-offs flip flops; the outdoorsy types with their Northface and Life Is Good gear; the Vineyard Viners; and the Juicy Couturers--but not one of these groups is more represented than the other. Whatever you find yourself wearing and wherever you find yourself wearing it, you can simply be as you are. The lack of a defined "island fashion" is, in itself, the Block Island style.

This is not to say that my island adventures were uninspired--very much the opposite. Thursday afternoon, my sister and I decided upon a very ambitious 10 mile run around the island. As we ran, we had the opportunity to watch the passers-by: on their bikes or mopeds, in cars, and sometimes on foot.

As one rather elegant woman peddled past on her bicycle with a man who I can only assume was her equally dapper husband, her look caught my attention. With her sun tanned glow and yellow windbreaker, she wore a pair of sturdy yet handsome white sneakers, cropped pants, and a functional yet delicate white tunic. She fit right into the backdrop of weathered shingle homes, green hills, and salty ocean air, and she was a complete fashion plate.

This nameless cyclist is, in my mind, the emblem of the Block Island look: fresh, clean, and classic. The best part about this style is that it is attainable to absolutely everyone with just a bit of wardrobe consideration.

Wanna know how? Start with those irresistible cut-off denim shorts you made using your very handy Lolly guide. If you opted for knee-length as I did, then cuff them at the bottom (I suggest a 1-2 inch cuff) to add a bit of polish to your carefree look. If you went mini, then I'm guessing no cuffing is possible... Next, throw on a brightly colored tank top for a little pop of color beneath a white tunic. No tunic? For a quick, wallet-friendly substitute, borrow a white oxford from your boyfriend or husband. Keeping it feminine, top off your look with a skinny belt at your natural waist. Viola!--island chic. It's as easy as 1, 2, 3. And now, fearless fashionista friends, it's time to catch the wave.




Images: (1) photo of Block Island, courtesy of Kwaree Blog (www.kwaree.com/); (2) Jack Purcell Distressed Sneakers in white $65, from J. Crew (www.jcrew.com/); (3) Lighweight Oxford Tunic in white $59.50, alson from J. Crew.

Fashion At Home

After spending the last three years living in a charming little carriage house that amazingly fits two very tall individuals, my husband and I have started thinking about spreading our wings-- and have thus begun the dreaded...apartment hunt.

On the one hand, the very thought of moving causes panic and dread to wash over me: all the boxes, how to fit the furniture back down that tiny staircase, getting to know a new place...

Yet, on the other hand, I can't help smile as I imagine how every little inch of our yet-to-be-discovered new home (albeit, rental) will come together. So I was relieved to be nudged away from dread--and towards excitement--when I received an email from Sarah B, one of my favorite NYC fashion insiders who, despite the demands of her busy high-power-business-woman life, somehow finds the time to stay on the up-and-up when it comes to fashion forward styles and home interior fabulousity.

Sarah's email highlighted the posh pad of London stylist and interior designer Abigail Ahern--as in Atelier Abigail Ahern, which is "one of the most definitive, hottest places to shop in the UK," according to Elle Decoration magazine. Located 40 miles outside London, Abigail's home is actually owned by her sister, Gemma, and the Ahern sisters recently joined forces to give the space a total makeover. The result, clearly, is nothing short of amazing.

I love the way the space pairs down a more traditional style (cool gray walls and floor, overstuffed bookshelves, bead boarding, pristine crown molding) and then infuses the classic look with contemporary pops of color and funky decor (hot pink coffee table, low-hanging yellow lamp, furry and metallic throw pillows). The effect is a home that looks completely livable while remaining positively chic.

The aesthetic of this space inspires the home decor diva that I never knew was inside of me! Fashionista? Yes.... So why not bring my work home with me? The fact that I'm still in the rental stage of life slightly limits my options; I mean, I can't go knocking down walls or anything craaaazy. But the possibilities really are endless, and can be accomplished through the details--colorful home furnishings and accessories to contrast yet accentuate the clean, simple structure of any rental.

Coco Chanel once said, "Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” Mademoiselle Chanel had it exactly right (do I sound surprised?): fashion is the way we live. The moral of the story? If you put your mind to it, you can have fashion at home.

Images and inspiration from Sneak Peek: Gemma Ahern, article from Design Sponge, www.designspongeonline.com.

Black Tie: Fashion Etiquette Not Optional

While we live in an era touting inner beauty, it would be a lie to say that appearance doesn't matter--and what would that mean for a fashionista anyway? I mean, don't rob a girl of her whole raison être! In the immortal words of Mark Twain, "Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society."

Speaking of society, let's talk artsy elite, shall we? This past Saturday marked the date for the Museum of Fine Arts' Summer Party, and in true artsy fashion was themed as a masquerade ball, a black-tie fundraiser featuring fine art, music and dancing, and a silent art auction. Proceeds from this annual gala benefit the Museum Council Artist-in-Residency Program and also provide operating support for the MFA and its collections. As if we could say no to a masquerade, India and I were in attendance at this fabulous, sold-out event (obvi)...

Of course, as a black tie event, this gala merited a very specific dress code that we spent months preparing for--as well as all of Saturday afternoon in hair and make-up. Etiquette goddess Emily Post dictates the following for black tie attire:

• For men, black tuxedo jacket and matching trousers; with a formal (piqué or pleated front) white shirt; a black bow tie (silk, shiny satin or twill); a black cummerbund to match tie, or a vest; dressy suspenders to ensure a good fit (optional); black patent shoes and black dress socks; no gloves.
  
• For women, formal (floor length) evening gown or short, dressy cocktail dress.

I have to admit, I was surprised that Miss Post actually allowed the short cocktail dress faction into the black tie fold. I was sure she was a traditionalist! But, long or short, there is a certain degree of formality that is required of any black tie attire, and we were a little bit shocked to notice the number gala-goers who didn't understand this concept.

While I can concede that the short dress was not the black tie fashion faux pas I originally thought it to be, there were numerous other fashion etiquette violations. Since I'm such a blatant mean girl, it's worth noting that you can do all sorts of watching and judging from safely behind a mask when you're at a masquerade ball (added bonus!), which is precisely how we observed the following black tie DON'Ts:

-short to the extent that underwear was visible (don't you feel the breeze?)

-too short for your age (if you have grandchildren, I shouldn't be able to see your thighs)

-long dresses wrapped around the neck for some scandalous dance-floor grinding (why this is wrong should be self-explanatory)

-opaque black tights with mini-skirts (not only is it not winter, but let's be real about the definition of "formal")

-wedding gowns (if you could wear it to your wedding, then save it)

To be fair, I too harbored some misconceptions about black tie etiquette. Though the Milla gown was spot on, who knew that I could have rocked my black on black floral Marc Jacobs cocktail dress? But there is just no excuse for these other offenses--especially when it comes to a museum gala. Did the guilty parties not get the memo that this was a classy event?

Regardless, it was a masquerade for the ages, and there were just as many--if not more--gorgeous gowns and well-executed ensembles than there were fashion fiascoes. Perhaps my favorite look was actually one of the short, formal cocktail dresses (yes, I did learn my lesson). This fashion-forward masquerader wore a more formal amalgamation of a trench dress, made of brushed silk in a light champagne color, with delicate cap sleeves and a flirty bubble skirt. If I only knew the designer I would snatch one up for myself! As it is, I have already spent too much time searching Google Images...

Then, at the stroke of midnight our horse-drawn carriage turned back into a Volvo, and two tired masqueraders took off their masks (and shoes) and made their way home. However, I'm already thinking about next year--and who knows? Maybe I'll give a shortie a chance, something you might never have expected to hear from a tall girl. More attention on the shoes, right?

PS. Looks like we played our fashion cards right! Check out the event coverage from Boston's own Stuff Magazine at http://stuffboston.com/photos/partypics/category11454/picture399296.aspx and fellow blogger Finance Foodie at http://www.financefoodie.com/2009/06/mfa-summer-masquerade-party-boston.html!

Images in order of appearance: (1/2) Laura and India--with masks and without; (3) Mary-Kate Olsen wearing a white bubble dress and platforms with hot pink accents, image from http://www.styletips101.com/; (4) Lauren Conrad wearing a black and crimson floral-inspired bubble dress, image from http://meshandlace.typepad.com/.

Diary of a Mad Masquerader

Dear Diary,

The wait is over. Tomorrow marks the date for the Museum of Fine Arts Boston's Summer Party Masquerade, and my wardrobe is finally ready. It hasn't been an easy task, let me tell you...

First and most importantly, there was the question of the dress. My infuriating quest for a dress ultimately became a battle of Milla vs. Palma. Last Saturday, I held both dresses in my possession and weighed my options. It is worth noting here that both J. Crew and Diane von Furstenberg seem to favor models measuring under 5'11". I know this to be true, for these two gorgeous, floor-length gowns transformed before my very mirror into ankle-length dresses. Even without shoes on.

I settled on Milla, whose straight silhouette is far better suited for an ankle-length fit--which brought me to my next hurdle: the shoes. Such is the life of a fashionista. You should know that I don't mess around when it comes to shoes for formal occasions (just ask Kristen Stewart), but my gown brought me to a tricky crossroads:

On the one hand, I could go with flats so as to avoid calling attention to the fact that my gown fell a bit short (literally). This would mean playing it safe--something in the gold Tory Burch Reva Ballet Flats genre.

On the other hand, I could embrace my height and crank up the dial a bit with a pair of killer heels. This would mean taking a risk, which is the responsibility of every self-proclaimed fashionista. Do you even have to ask what I decided? As a wise friend reminded me, the dress is too short, regardless, so buy a pair of fabulous shoes and let 'em show! Obvi.

With this in mind, Lizzie and I hit the Burlington mall on the hunt for a pair of outrageous gold heels. With metallic being so hot right now, you would think this would be a snap. Not so much. I was forced to admit that a girl should never call Nordstrom for a Bloomingdale's job. Empty-handed, we headed towards the light (or, in this case, the black-and-white-tiled glory of Bloomie's).

What you might not realize is that "gold" is not as straightforward as it would seem. Shiny gold, matte gold, warm gold, cold gold--and nothing quite right. Feeling a little like Goldilocks, all grown up and shopping for shoes instead of porridge, the "It" shoe was just beyond my reach...

On the verge of hyperventilation came Lizzie's epiphany: why not choose something totally outrageous and actually earn my fashionista title? YES. And this is how I fell in love with Tory Burch's Anamarte Strappy Wedges. These industrial chic wedges feature dark pebbled leather the color of a coconut shell, criss-crossing every which way across the foot, and closing with a sturdy buckle at the ankle. And if you thought 5'11" was tall, just add the 4.75" cork wedge! Who needs floor-length gowns anyway?

Oh, Diary, it's amazing that, with just a simple shoe purchase, my masquerade look was completely transformed! While I was originally channeling demure elegance, now I'm all about blending aesthetics. My statement shoes will just the right amount of edge to my look, and my accessories will--of course--bring it all together: gold heirloom bangles a la Lizzie, a vintage-inspired charm necklace handmade by Talyn, simple hammered gold hoop earrings from Belmont's Bessie Blue, and my grandmother's vintage beaded clutch. Absolute perfection.

XOXO,
Lolly

Images: (1) Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) Boston, photo from www.mfa.org; (2) Tory Burch Anamarte Strappy Wedges $310 (on sale now!), available at Bloomingdale's (www.bloomingdales.com).

Trendless at Twilight

Edward Cullen? Yes, please. Kristen Stewart? Stay off the red carpet! Or at least change your shoes first...

If you have spoken to me in the last month, then you know that I have officially left reality and have settled on semi-permanent hiatus in the world of Edward Cullen, Bella Swan, and the gloriously beautiful yet tortured vampires and wolves dominating the Twilight saga. Hello, my name is Lolly, and I am a Twilight addict. Yes, it's sad but true; I am 25 going on 13.

Now that my disclosure is out of the way, even if you're NOT a Twilight fan, chances are you tuned into the MTV Video Awards on May 31 and were just as horrified by Kristen Stewart's appearance as I was. No exaggerating, she looked like she spent some time smoking crack and/or getting hit by a Mac truck prior to her arrival on the red carpet. Do I own a pair of black Converse? Yes. Do I adore them? Yes. Would I wear them on the red carpet? Hellllll, NO!

The frustrating part is that Kristen Stewart is a beautiful girl, and I have to believe that she is fully capable of either a) dressing herself appropriately (if not well), or b) hiring a stylist to do the work for her (Do Converse match this dress?). After all, witness exhibit A (left), where Miss Kristen looked totally vamp-chic in a black one-shoulder bubble mini-dress and black heels, with her better half at her side for the Twilight premiere in London last year. So I have to wonder, what was she thinking with the Converse look?

To give her the benefit of the doubt, there is something to be said for punk rock. New designers like Alexander Wang fuse classic lines with punk rock detailing for an edgy modern look, while seasoned veterans like Dame Vivienne Westwood have been credited for bringing modern punk to high fashion since the 70s.

Over the past several years, the punk look has gone progressively mainstream--making the real punk rockers question the authenticity of this new wave, singers like Avril Lavigne, who are just a little to princessy to be punk. Nonetheless, there is certainly a place for punk on the runway and--by default--the red carpet.

That said, err we stray too far from the Twilight faction, let's get back to the subject at hand. My lovely sister, perpetually dialed in, found the fabulous blog, Go Fug Yourself, that shares a penchance for the fashion/Twilight overlap (there are others out there--whew). I am SO on the same page as featured blogger, Heather, who furiously writes:

REALLY? Because the dress actually works a bit with the punk-princess sensibility she tries to work sometimes, but wouldn't this be a hundred times hotter -- yet STILL edgy -- with, say, Ashley Tisdale's shoes here? And did I really just tell Kristen Stewart to learn something from one of the stars of High School Musical? YES. I DID. Do you see what the lazy Converse have done to me?

Heather is right; Kristen's Yigal Azrouël embroidered taffeta dress is both totally acceptable AND totally appropriate for a lovely and rebellious starlet such as herself. But I don't think it would kill her to embrace fame and fabulousness with a bit more graciousness, a bit more reverence for all the devoted fans and fortune that brought her to that precise red carpet moment. I'm all for personal style, but sneakers have a time and place--and that place should never include the red carpet.

If it seems like I'm bashing poor Kristen, that was never my intent. I just find it utterly maddening that someone with so many resources at hand and (I'm guessing) so many designers and stylists clamoring to dress the new "It Girl," that Converse are what she resorts to when it comes to footwear. At the end of the day, you can make all of the rebellious, punk rock, shocking statements in the world--but you can absolutely do it fashionably.

My advice for Kristen? Two words: Christian Louboutin. Ever classy, Christian Louboutin also revels in edgy fashion to the very core. In fact, the Mad Mary Suede Mary Janes are just what the doctor ordered for a high fashion moment like the red carpet. Just the shoes would make all the difference--and perhaps let us overlook the unwashed, untamed hair and the social awkwardness, instead chalking it all up to charm.

Unfortunately, there is so much more to be said about the trendlessness of the Twilight elite, but I'm running out of room, and I'm guessing that you're probably running out of patience too. So, in conclusion, let's revisit one of the most crucial rules of fashion: it's all about the shoes. While the shoes can make the outfit, they can just as easily break the outfit into a million little pieces. So keep things simple--just leave the Converse at home.

Images: (1) Kristen Stewart at the MTV Video Awards, photo posted on the fabulously Twilight-obsessed blog, Go Fug Yourself (http://http://http//gofugyourself.celebuzz.com/); (2) Kristen Stewart and Rob Pattinson in London, photo from Reel Movie News at http://www.reelmovienews.com/; (3) looks from Vivienne Westwood's Red Label autumn/winter 09/10 collection at London Fashion Week, photo by Philip Hollis, courtesy of the Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/); (4) Mad Mary Suede Mary Janes by Christian Louboutin $860, available online at www.christianlouboutin.com.

The Verdict: Monokini Madness

To monokini or not to monokini? That is the question. Whether 'tis nobler to wear a one-piece suit or a bikini--or to embrace the hybrid of the two?...

This issue is nothing if not a beachwear conundrum, which is why I presented the debate to you, my fierce and faithful fashionista friends. However, I was rather surprised to discover that, while some feel passionate about it, many neither love nor loathe the monokini. But before we come to any hasty conclusions, let's hear the pros and cons, shall we?

MUST HAVE:
-Absolutely love it and will be purchasing one in the near future.
-Love it-but you gotta have Giselles abs...
-A stay-put version of the bikini but still shows off one's beach bod.

MUST NOT:
-I've only seen tiny model body types wearing them and am guessing that the monokini is not the most flattering design for regular ladies. They look kind of uncomfortable and cause some bizarre tan lines.
-Loathe it. Weird.
-I think these are at best just blah.

Perhaps my favorites from the "loathe it" faction is Miss Rebecca Newman, one of my fashion insiders on the college scene. Becca convincingly argues the following:

The monokini, how I loathe you, let me count the ways. Have you noticed, that even on that waif of a lady, her hips look enormous? That's because this garment is not made to flatter. Nope, not even a little bit. There are so many flattering and sexy ways to wear a one-piece, and the same is true for a bikini, so why mix the two worlds into something so unflattering? The especially low-cut bottom section is really not working for the hip situation, and honestly, there are few women in this world who can really pull it off.

In my opinion, swimwear should follow the rules of formal wear: simple and elegant. No one cares how fantastic your dress is if it's cut down to your bellybutton and with a slit up to your see you next Tuesday. Simple and elegant are always the key, and the monokini does not follow. Sure, designers need something with which to keep the racks busy and something for the spring lines, but is the monokini the answer? Not in this fashionista's humble opinion.

That said, I fall somewhere in the middle--perhaps in the "to be determined" category. As with any fashion trend, there are infinite amalgamations of this style, some of which I LOVE and others that I positively LOATHE. When it comes to swimwear, there is a fine line between sexy and scandalous that must be respected, and the monokinis that I adore fall within the "sexy" demarcation.

For instance, I'm loving Rugby's Sash Stripe Halter Monokini. It adheres to the basic design principles of the monokini, but the portion of the suit connecting the top and bottom is more substantial than you see elsewhere, with the side cut-outs present but more subtle. This is a monokini that I would definitely wear.

Another favorite is Billabong's Striped Athletic One Piece, available from Urban Outfitters. This design is more traditionally one-piece, but it borrows from the monokini's characteristic "cut-out" look in a fun and flirty way, with the added bonus of its zippy, youthful print.

At the end of the day, I'm more of a traditionalist when it comes to bathing suits. I'm partial to halter tankini tops and boy-short bottoms. The "wow!" factor for my bathing suits are typically present in the details: a fabulously preppy monogram or grommet-ties on my boy-short bottoms.

I tend to love the idea of bold prints or unusual styles, but can't quite seem to take the plunge in reality. This may be what's truly standing between the monokini and me. However, I am presently considering the Rugby suit for my trip to Block Island in a couple of weeks, and if I am able to pull it off (that's the other problem--I am not Gisele Bündchen), I will most certainly report back.

Enough talk! You want the verdict, right? Looks like the jury is out on this one. Somewhere between love and loathe is like, and you can find the monokini resting there--most likely tanning on a beach somewhere.



Swimwear in order of appearance: (1) Victoria's Secret Color-Block Monokini, photo courtesy of the Shoe Tube Blog: http://shoetube.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/v283531.jpg; (2) Rugby Sash Stripe Halter Monokini $112, from http://www.rugby.com/; (3) Billabong Striped Athletic One Piece $59.99 (marked down from $88!), available from Urban Outfitters, online at http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/.

Love It or Loathe It? Episode 4

Happy Friday, fashionistas! With summer just around the corner, I've been giving some thought to beach chic. If you've been doing any swimwear shopping, then you have likely seen the monokini gracing both store racks and catalog pages. So, the question of the day is...

the monokini: love it or loathe it?

Send me an email or a post a comment, and then stay tuned for the verdict on Monday!

The lovable and/or loathe-able Paris Hilton, donning a monokini; photo courtesy of www.peoplestylewatch.com.

Peace, Love, & Tee-Shirts

So far, this week has been all about tee-shirts, and why wreck a good thing, right? So let's elaborate on our theme a bit, and throw a little peace, love, and rock & roll into the mix. After all, if you didn't know already, this year marks the 40th anniversary of Woodstock.

What you might not know about me is that my wonderful and amazing father was present at the original Woodstock in August 1969. In fact, my most cherished possession is his original ticket, still intact since the gates had been broken down by the time he actually arrived and tickets were no longer necessary. So, needless to say, I've always had a special place in my heart for Woodstock, the talented musicians who performed there, and tales of the counter-culture during that period. What can I say?--I'm such a daddy's girl.

So I was appropriately thrilled when rumors began of a 40th anniversary Woodstock tribute, to be held this summer as a one-day festival in Brooklyn. As far as I know, nothing has been etched in stone, but I remain hopeful. I feel like it's part of my DNA to attend some sort of Woodstock tribute!

In the meantime, however, I have been delighted by Woodstock tribute items cropping up everywhere--even at Target, of all places! It's true. While shopping for a picture frame last Friday, I came across a tee in the style of the original red festival poster in all of its dove/guitar glory for the uber reasonable price of $9.99! Sold (obvi!). There were other tee-shirt styles too, including a brown tee featuring a photo of the mud-covered festival attendees of 1969, appropriately titled, "Mud People." But red is such a better color for me.

Also, on sale at Delia's, teen mecca extraordinaire, is a cute reinterpretation of the original Woodstock poster, featuring the dove and festival slogan, with an appropriately added peace sign. Peace, of course, is always in style--as are love and rock & roll, to be clear.

With our Woodstock fashion needs adequately covered, all we need is a date and a location for Woodstock 2009. Otherwise, you might just find me in the back yard with the concert CD playing, frolicking in a self-made mud pit. Let's hope it doesn't come to that, but never say never--tribute shall be paid!

Images in order of appearance: (1) original concert poster from www.joanharvest.wordpress.com; (2) Woodstock tee from Target $9.99, online at www.target.com; (3) Woodstock tee from Delias $26.50, online at www.delias.com.

Let's Hear It For the Boys!

It's here!!!---lolly.brand has gone live at http://www.lollybrand.net! That said, you must be curious about why such an adorable boy is gracing the pages of your favorite blog. The truth is, lolly.brand totally hearts boys just as much as lolly.brand hearts fashion. After all, as a daughter, a sister, and a wife, would you expect anything less from me?

Such are the origins of brand.L from lolly.brand, no frills fashion for him. The debut black-and-white tee features the brand.L logo on left front chest, with the signature skateboarder boy on the back.

For those of you who grew up in New England, you might remember reading Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey (also the author of Make Way For Ducklings, a Boston fave) during your childhood. My father--the artistic genius behind brand.L's premiere tee--was inspired by the simplistic elegance of the illustrations in this story about little Sal's adventures picking blueberries on Blueberry Hill. The brand.L skater is reminiscent of Sal's youthful curiosity--coupled with a bit of skater rebel that all boys (and girls!) can relate to.

So, lollygirls, when you're shopping for yourself, lose the guilt and add a little something for the "him" in your life--brother, father, boyfriend, or husby. Visit the wonderful world of www.lollybrand.net for the deets, and let's hear it for the boys! See you there...

Images from brand.L from lolly.brand, online at www.lollybrand.net. Cover of Blueberries for Sal (1976) by Robert McCloskey, from Puffin Books; available online at www.amazon.com.

Hello, Lolly!

Lance: I've got a question for you. No, I've got something to say. I'm going to do something with my life. Yeah, man.

Sean: Good.

Lance: Dude, I got these ideas. I got so many ideas burning through my skull. I don't know, like hats and shirts, hats and shirts--like Stussy. Stussy got started making hats and shirts for surfers in Hawaii. Now he's, like, a millionaire--he parties in Hawaii!!! Couldn't I do something like that?

Sean: Yeah.

Lance: Like a shirt that says "Loser" or, I don't know...like..."Talk to the hand" or something like that--those would sell!

Oh, sweet little Jack Black--who doesn't love him? Especially as Lance Brumder in 2002's Orange County, one of the most underrated comedies of all time (and also filmed during my stint at Occidental College). But I digress...

If you're questioning the purpose of this poignant dialogue, I must confess there seemed no better way to introduce the subject of TEE-SHIRTS. However, I'm partial to tees that are slightly more...sweet and sophisticated, shall we say?

That said, the time has come to officially announce my very own line of tees, lolly.brand!

What is lolly.brand, you ask? Created by your very own blogging royalty (me!), lolly.brand is a place where fashion is sweet. As you already know, I treasure all things fashion: sky-high heels, flowing dresses, fierce jackets, designer jeans, etc. But I'm also a working girl, and when the end of the day rolls around, all I really want to do is change into some comfy lounge-wear (don't we all?), crack open a Diet Coke, and relaxxxx. And so lolly.brand was born--casual chic for the off-duty fashionista. Hello, Lolly!

The lolly.brand premiere tee-shirt features the signature cupcake design in baby pink with aqua frosting and a hot pink cherry, complete with the lolly.brand logo printed in aqua--and all of this on a navy American Apparel tee. Yummm...

This week marks an exciting milestone for lolly.brand, as the countdown is on for the launch of the lolly.brand website, created by the amazingly talented illustration and design pro, Miss Aimee Wang. So stayed tuned for more information on the lolly.brand, coming soon to a fashionably sweet website near you!...

Images from lolly.brand, photographed by Laura Wilson. Dialogue from Orange County (2002), written by Mike White and directed by Jake Kasdan.