Episode 5, The Verdict: Give Marilyn Manson and Faux Fur Vests A Chance

When a fabulous faux fur vest made an appearance in the window display of French Lessons, one of my favorite local boutiques, I immediately added it to my list of fall fashion "must buys." Chic yet functional, I could picture myself wearing it casually or out on the town; don't you just love versatility?


Feeling confident that faux fur vests will be all the rage this season, I had to know your thoughts. I mean, I couldn't be the only fashionista out there waiting for the temperature to drop, right? So I opened it up to Love It or Loathe It?, the fifth episode, starring (obvi) faux fur vests: hot or not?


I was surprised to discover that y'all are a bunch of haters! Truly. Either that or I'm losing my edge, a possibility that I simply cannot accept. But I did ask, so I have no one to blame but myself. That said, the nay-sayers all make solid points, and some even made me giggle:

• I personally don't like the way fur looks, real or fake. I prefer sleeker lines, tailored edges, and fur tends to be too blurry for me. However, fur lining is hella warm. Decisions, decisions.


• If I wanted to wear a rug, I would just lie down on the floor and roll myself up in a carpet.


• Faux fur vests and vests in general do not speak to me at all. If a gal needs a little extra cover-up in cool weather, I'm all for sleek, slinky, finely-knitted cardigans. Fits in with current "Mad Men" sartorial craze, don't you think? In matters of taste, always refer to Audrey Hepburn, the style queen of all ages.


• There is a certain je ne sais quoi about fur that makes me feel that only ladies who lunch can truly get away with wearing it... So for the everygirl like myself, this fur vest is a definite no. However, if fur is your thing, let it be fake or risk the wrath of angry Peta-filled mobs.


• To be worn only while wearing wide-leg denim and over-sized sunglasses while religiously sipping a grande nonfat latte. Also requisite: your name is Rachel Zoe.

Ahhh, who doesn't love a good Rachel Zoe joke? Of course, there are some on the fence, who appreciate the concept of faux fur vests but can't see it playing out in their own wardrobe. The neutral territory of Love It or Loathe It?, if you will:

• I think I would be a little overwhelmed wearing one myself, but I think it definitely looks good on some people in the right situation. I can only handle fur accessories or parts of an article being fur, like the hood on your Juicy sweatshirt.

Last but (absolutely) not least are the fabulously fierce few who like it HOT:

• Love it. Especially with dark skinnies and cute jewelry.

I place myself in this latter category for sure. I love the regal, timeless look of fur, and while I don't necessarily consider myself an animal activist, faux fur is both animal-friendly and budget-friendly--so it's a win/win in my book.

As far as the vest component is concerned, I have been a vest convert for many moons now, as they provide practically the same degree of warmth as a jacket, while letting you breathe a little too. Furthermore, as vests lack the utilitarian bulkiness of a jacket, the other elements of your carefully crafted outfit can see and be seen. Again, a win/win.

Do I sound defensive? How unbecoming... Let me say it this way instead: a faux fur vest is a fierce, contemporary reinterpretation of a the classically elegant fur coat or stole. Think of it as a cover, like when Marilyn Manson covered Screamin' Jay Hawkins' I Put A Spell On You for the soundtrack to David Lynch's 1997 Lost Highway. At first, it's borderline sacrilege--but then you realize that, as much as you want to hate it, you are totally and completely in love.

So, yes, that's my argument: give Marilyn Manson and faux fur vests a chance.

Images, in order of appearance: (1) "Mongola" Faux Fur Vest by Joie $318, available at Bloomingdale's (online at www.bloomingdales.com); (2) Hooded Faux Fur Vest by Juicy Couture $278, also from Bloomingdale's.

What Would Jackie Do?

The passing of Senator Kennedy has been all over the media this week, and it has me thinking of the Kennedy family. Of course, I wouldn't be much of a fashionista if my focus ended up on anyone else but Jackie! After all, she will always be the ultimate in fashion--at least in my book. Like the song goes, I want to be like Jackie Onassis--so it's only natural that I've been pondering what Jackie would be wearing these days. My bet is on Kate Spade.

Kate Spade's new looks for fall are so undeniably Jackie that I find myself practically salivating to own every last one of them (I wish I was exaggerating). Kate Spade apparel has always "combined utility, simple silhouettes and crisp palettes," and this collection is no exception. From dresses to jackets to cardigans, this collection features clean lines, retro-classic prints, and whimsically modern detailing for an overall effect of timeless elegance.

A few of my favorite statement pieces include the Madeleine Dot Ruffle Placket Dress and the Bisous Stella Chubby. True to the hallmarks of Kate Spade, these looks exude "utility, wit and playful sophistication." I haven't been around the block that long, but I would venture to say that this collection is definitely one of Kate Spade's most impressive to date.

So what would Jackie do? I'd venture to say she'd go shopping! In fact, I'm tempted to do so myself.




Images, in order of appearance: (1) Jacqueline Onassis, photo courtesy of LA City Zine (http://www.la.cityzine.com/); (2) Madeleine Dot Ruffle Placket Dress by Kate Spade $375, available online at http://www.katespade.com/; (3) Bisous Stella Chubby $695, also by Kate Spade.

Dress Me Up

Like most girls you know, I love dresses. According to my mother, I insisted on wearing a dress to school on almost every day in first grade. That should tell you something.

The thing is, I have a hard time finding dresses that work for me. I know you've heard it all before, but it's true!--which is why I was pleasantly surprised to shop Tory Burch's dress collection for fall, where I immediate fell in love with the Gracia Dress.

Gracia, Gracia, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways...
1.) The classic silhouette is enhanced by a bold floral print in an unexpected combination of colors.
2.) Falling just above the knee, it's long enough to be appropriate on a long legged girl--while maintaining requite levels of sass and sex appeal.
3.) For cute and demure, it can be worn as-is. For a bit of glamour, a chunky belt and a pair of boots up the ante.
4.) It's seasonally ambiguous, taking you for a smooth and utterly fashionable ride from late summer into fall.
5.) A girl has options! If floral isn't your thing, this dress is also available in a funky olive and black pattern.

Clearly, this dress has all the right things going for it--except that it doesn't live in my closet (yet). The price tag is on the higher side, but not outside the realm of possibility--and it's an investment, after all. Looks like it's time to dress me up!

Image: Tory Burch advertisement, featuring the Gracia Dress in red blue floret $395, available online at www.toryburch.com.

Happy 100th!: Top 10 Under $100

Happy 100th! 100 years of She's Come Unheeled? Not quite--but never say never. Rather, today marks a major milestone for She's Come Unheeled: our 100th post! To you faithful blog followers out there, merci beaucoup for your loyal following and fashion savvy. None of this would have been possible without you!

So, to say thank you and keep the fashion celebration rolling, I have searched far and wide for a few key items (appropriately priced under $100) to celebrate the ages, ready our wardrobes for fall, and ring in the century marker with style. Allow me to introduce the contenders...















1. Thigh-Highs: Girl, you've got legs for days--and the weather is about to get chilly (not to be the bearer of bad news or anything). My crystal ball predicts that thigh-highs worn over skinny jeans or leggings with a pair of boots will be all the rage this fall. So be prepared and get 'em now!

2. Wrap It Up: Sure, you could wear a sweater or a pashmina...but these days it's all about hybrids! This wrap embraces the best of both worlds, while also giving you that hippie chic(minus the "k") look. Ooh la la!

3. Bows and Bangles: Scoot from a day in front of the computer to a night on the town with a little black dress plus these bangles from Kate Spade. The gold and lacquer bow style is very old world, giving you a little kiss of glamour that no girl should be without.

4. Mad About Madmen: I don't think I'm the only one who loves seeing Madmen pop up in my DVR after a (waaaay too) long hiatus. To borrow my friend Suz's fashion icon, this dress is so very Joan that it's impossible to say no. Red hair dye anyone?














5. Sassy Skirts: A little bit rock 'n roll, a little bit country, this Harvest Hour Skirt from Anthropologie makes me dream of pumpkin patches and hot cider. Ugg boots optional.

6. You Say Cocktail, I Say Mocktail--Either way, nothing says happy hour quite like a chunky cocktail ring. How appropriate then that cocktail rings are better with age! This one is vintage, minus the one-of-a-kind pricetag (breathe a sigh of relief) from Oh Faro's shop on Etsy.

7. You're An Animal! Animal print is the new black. I mean, it works with anything and is uncomparably edgy. I'm obsessed with this J. Crew cheetah print belt; since it's a skinny one, it's subtle yet still fierce--just like me!















8. Dressy Denim: If autumn means dark denim, this pair from Anthropologie is absolute class. The trouser cut means "appropriate for the office" (unless denim is banned at your workplace, as it is mine--tear) or for a dinner date. As you well know, versatility is the budget fashionista's bff.

9. Mind Your Moccasins: Because I'm friends with Talyn, I can be absolutely sure that I'm not the only one who adores moccasins. This knee-high pair from Minnetonka is a worthy investment, as they can be worn over leggings, skinny jeans, or with a skirt.

10. Listen To Your Mother--especially when she tells you to be eco-friendly! Respect mother dearest and mother earth with this canvas shopping tote from Dogeared. As if the fun slogan and graphic didn't sell you on this bag already, it (and other styles) can currently be found on sale at Nordstrom. Get it while supplies last!

So there you have it: ten items under $100 that guarantee a fashionable fall. As for the seasons after that? Well, you'll have to tune in to the next 100 posts to find out! What your grade school teachers didn't tell you is that, not only is reading fun and educational, but it's fashionable too. Obviously.

Love and thanks!
Lolly




Images, in order of appearance: (1) Thigh Highs in heather graphite by J. Crew $18.50, online at www.jcrew.com; (2) Abundant Wrap $88, from Anthropologie (www.anthropologie.com); (3) Idiom Bangles by Kate Spade $42, available from Bloomingdale's, online at www.bloomingdales.com; (4) Bridgette Dress by BB Dakota $79, available at Shop Style (www.shopstyle.com); (5) Harvest Hour Skirt $88, from Anthropologie, online at www.anthropologie.com; (6) Ruby Red Vintage Cocktail Ring $20, from Oh Faro's Etsy Shop (www.etsy.com); (7) Skinny Cheetah Calf Hair Belt by J. Crew $55 (online at www.jcrew.com); (8) Daughers of the Liberation High Waist Trousers $98, also from Anthropologie; (9) Minnetonka Lace-Up Knee High in dusty brown $80, available at Piperlime (www.piperlime.com); (10) Dogeared "Listen To Your Mother" Canvas Tote, on sale for $17.90 at Nordstrom (www.nordstrom.com).

Love It or Loathe It? Episode 5

Mark my words:

When the temperatures plummet this fall/winter,

faux fur vests are going to be HOT HOT HOT!

So what do you think?

The Faux Fur Vest:

To love or loathe?--That is the question.

Send me an email or post your comments.

Until the verdict...

XOXO,

Lolly

Image: Faux Fur Vest by Juicy Couture $298, available at Saks Fifth Avenue (online at http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/).

Back to Black

Did you ever own a mood ring? I definitely had one back in my elementary and middle school days, and I loved the moments when the color of my ring actually did match my mood and not, say, my body temperature. These days, my mood ring is long gone, but there is still one fairly accurate way of gauging my temperament: my nail color.

I'm one of those girls who goes to the nail salon for one of two reasons. Either 1) I want and/or need to look effortlessly polished; or 2) I am hanging by a thread and desperately need some R&R. Let's just say yesterday found me in the latter category. Per usual, I sought refuge at Lauren's Nails on Charles Street, going straight for OPI's Black Onyx polish.

While it was my dark mood that motivated my color choice more than anything else, going back to black actually lifted my spirits. I mean, it looks faaabulous! For reasons of practicality, I tend to keep my nails short and square, making them ideal for dark polish. The glossy black looks especially fierce--yet sleek and sophisticated all at the same time. Of course, the chunky turquoise ring that a few of my amazing friends gave me for my birthday only adds to the allure.

So what do your nails say about you? While I don't suggest wearing your heart on your sleeve, I fully encourage wearing your emotions on your nails. You never know what will come of it. And when all else fails, go back to black; I promise you won't regret it!

Image: Mischa Barton in black polish, photo courtesy of Yahoo (www.astrology.yahoo.com).

Fashionable Philanthropy

Fact: 33 million people now live with HIV/AIDS. Clearly, this isn't what I like to call a "fun fact." Fortunately, we are not helpless in the fight against AIDS--and now we can fight fashionably, thanks to Bloomingdale's. Beginning next week, from August 27 until August 30, Bloomingdale's is holding its Fashionable Fundraiser In Black and White, benefitting amfAR, the Foundation for AIDS Research.

As the staggering statistics about AIDS are black and white, so too is the theme of the Black and White fundraiser: an homage to classic films. A special movie lounge will be set up in stores, where attendees can watch black and white films and play fashion-themed games for equally fashionable prizes. Of course, fundraising is the real name of the game, as Bloomies has pledged $75,000 to support amfAR.

Don't worry, you can get your philanthropy on during the event too. Test your knowledge by completing a movie trivia card; for each card completed, $1 will be donated to amfAR--up to $10,000. Plus, knowing how much we fashionistas love the word "exclusive," amfAR Chairman Kenneth Cole has designed a tee-shirt exclusively for this event. You can find yours at the "Good Deeds" wall (bet you've never seen one of those before!), and for every tee purchased, another $25 will go to amfAR.

It's all in the name of a good cause. Since 1985, amfAR has been committed to the fight against AIDS and has invested upwards of $290 million towards its mission. Through their research efforts, amfAR has contributed to major advances in the study and treatment of HIV/AIDS.

As if you needed another excuse to shop at Bloomingdale's, now you have one--and a very noble one at that. You can score 15% off a great selection in stores and make a difference while you're at it. Looking good and feeling good about it? I, for one, am sooo there. After all, philanthropy is always in fashion.

• Psst: For a VIP ticket entitling you to 15% in store and online, click here. For more information on amfAR, visit them online at www.amfar.org.

Credits: AIDS statistic and Bloomingdales fundraiser image from amfAR, online at www.amfar.org.

Knocking Boots

I don't mean to knock boots or anything, but hear me out: why should I have to trade comfort for fashion (or vice versa)?

Like any other weather-conscious fashionista, I have been contemplating fall footwear. After all, fall is practically nipping at our heels, and for this New England girl, boots are a cold weather MUST. The thing is, my most comfortable boots (Uggs) aren't what I would call "fierce," and my most fashion-forward boots (knee high with 4-inch heels) make my feet want to scream (if only they could) by the end of the day and/or night. So what's a girl to do? Suffer in the name of fashion? I will, of course, but only if I have to--and pleeease tell me that I don't have to!

Right about now, you're probably thinking: duh, flat boots! Believe me, I hear you, and as much as I want to comply, my wallet simply doesn't agree. I just can't find a pair for under $500 that I want to take home with me. If money were no object? Well, that's a different story; I would buy Prada's Tall Lug-Sole Boots in a second.

In the affordable category, I am able to find boots that I love. So what's my problem, you wonder? Well, they all have outstandingly sky-high heels. This isn't a bad thing, as I do loooove heels. It's just that high heels and comfort just can't seem to play nice together--and I desperately crave comfort. Don't we all?

I maintain that there must be some middle ground. Are there high-heeled boots that somehow make you feel like you're walking on air? Are there amazing leather riding boots that don't require me to sell my first-born to take ownership? Better yet, is there a fairy godmother specializing in boots that would just hook me up, already?! Someone help!--Pretty please?

To be continued...

Images, in order of appearance: (1) Rihanna, in heel and boot, image from www.celebrityshoesize.com; (2) Tall Lug-Sole Boots by Prada $750, available from Sak's Fifth Avenue (online at http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/).

Camouflage Your Chic

Growing up, I was lucky to have parents who allowed me to express myself through fashion without much fuss and bother. Never was I forced to leave the house wearing one thing, only to change en route to my destination or at school. In fact, shocking as this might seem, there were only a few times that my apparel earned a "You're wearing that?"

Yet, for whatever reason, my loving mother was/is so not into camo. She will deny it to this day, but I know that she was behind the laundry incident, when my camo shirt went in for a wash and mysteriously never returned. As if that would stop me! To this day, I have a weakness for all things camo. That said, you can understand why I'm thrilled with Tory Burch's fall collection, which features Tory's must have Super Skinny Camo Pants.

I first fell in love with these pants after reading the July issue of Marie Claire, when fashion plate Cameron Diaz rocked these pants with an equally cool pair of Tory biker boots and a leather jacket. It was love at first sight, and I immediately thought, that's how you do camo.

The truth is, you can easily go wrong with camo if you don't remember to maintain a balanced look. Since the camo pattern instantly creates a rough, industrial look, it must then be balanced by more feminine elements. The reason why these pants work so well is their ultra-skinny fit makes them simultaneously fierce, yet completely hot.

If you're doing your fashion due diligence and contemplating looks for fall, add these Tory pants to your "Must Buy" list. After appearing in Marie Claire in July, they have since popped up in the August issues of both Elle and Self. Though Mommy Dearest would fight me on this one, nothing is quite as edgy as camouflaging your chic.


Images, in order of appearance: (1) Tory Burch Super Skinny Camo Pants $245, available online (http://www.toryburch.com/); (2) Cameron Diaz, wearing her Super Skinny Camo Pants by Tory Burch, as featured in the July 2009 issue of Marie Claire magazine.

Eat Your Rice and Beans--Vintage, That Is

Friends tell secrets--and since we're friends and all, I'm willing to share one of the best kept secrets in designer deals. Forget Ebay! Rice and Beans Vintage is the online spot for both contemporary and vintage designer clothes, shoes, handbags, and jewelry--and at the most reasonable prices, to boot.

Each item is carefully selected by owner Sarah Korsiak Cellier, who understands that "vintage is all about fun and self expression, mixing the old with the new." Her understanding of classic styles and current trends is fully evident in the store inventory. And for those of you who stray from the world of PETA, there's even a fur salon--ooh la la!

To get the flavor of the site, allow me to give you a small serving of Rice and Beans: a dash of Chanel, a pinch of Vitadinni, and just the right amount of Gucci. Delicious is a total understatement, obviously.

So if you're in the mood to consignment shop but are stuck at the office (like too many fashionistas that I know), your luck is changing: handpicked designer bliss is now just a few mouse clicks away! The only downside is that items sell quickly, so you need to act fast. After all, no one likes cold rice and beans. Bon appétit, darlings!

Images, in order of appearance--all from Rice and Beans Vintage, online at http://www.riceandbeansvintage.com/: (1) Collector's Vintage 70's Chanel White Quilted Leather Box Handbag $700; (2) Vintage 80's Adrienne Vittadini Bold Floral Circle Skirt $50; (3) Vintage 80's Gucci Black Leather Riding Boots $400.

Covet It: Let Your Hair Down

My lovely and amazing mother was born with stick straight hair--the kind that I will never have, despite my best efforts with a flat iron. My sister has beautiful curls, which are a soft nutmeg color, flecked with gold. My hair is somewhere in between: not quite unruly enough to be curly or obedient enough to be straight. And so I covet, while alternating between a flat iron and a curling iron every morning. Do we all want what we can't have?

As for the fashionistas who were bold enough to take my survey, I was interested to note that there were absolutely no overlaps in your coveting. Clearly we are a different breed; like snowflakes, no two fashionistas are alike! Though your unique (hair)style sensibilities put the ix-nay on my plan to do a "top five" list, I did want to share some inspiration. So let's let our hair down, shall we? Without further a'do (pun totally intended, obvi!), allow me to introduce five from the coveted crowd:

1.) Victoria Beckham: Jen loves Victoria's oh-so-posh straight a-line bob. Of course, so does Katie Holmes.

2.) Mary Kate: Chloe hearts Mary Kate's hair--especially when wavy.

3.) Mad Men's Joan Holloway: Suz covets Joan's perfect hair/clothes/accessories. Oh, for a day in those power pumps!

4.) Gisele Bündchen: Annie is just a tad bitter about Gisele's perfect wave.

5.) Vanessa Hudgens: Annie Rose is all about Vanessa's fabulous hair, plus/minus the pricey extensions.

As for me, I've made it no secret that Jennifer Aniston's locks are the equivalent to a happily ever after (though a Chanel handbag wouldn't hurt either--and my birthday is just around the corner). I love her carefully crafted color and the way--whether straight, wavy, up, or down--her hair always looks perfectly polished. Over the weekend, I gave my best effort in trying to convince my husband that I should color my hair like Jen's, but he was able to convince me that he's all about the brunette. So for now I'll stick with what my mama gave me, at least in the color department. But perfect and polished style? That's on my "to do" list. Stay tuned.

Images, in order of appearance: (1) Victoria Beckham, photo from Make Me Heal (http://www.makemeheal.com/); (2) Mary Kate Olsen, photo thanks to another blogstar(http://luffisadrug.blogspot.com); (3) Joan Holloway on Mad Men, photo courtesy of the Budget Fashion Report (http://www.budgetfashionreport.com/); (4) Gisele Bündchen, photo courtesy of Celebrity Hair Fashion Blog (http://celebrity-hair-fashion.blogspot.com/); (5) Vanessa Hudgens, photo courtesy of Shopping Lifestyle (http://www.shoppinglifestyle.com/); (6) Jennifer Aniston, photo from Hollywood Crap (http://hollywoodcrap.com/).

Covet It(?)(!)

Covet It(?)(!)

Fierce fashionista friends, your opinions are needed!

The question for today is this:

Whose hair do you covet--and why?

Post a comment or send me an email.

XOXO Lolly

Image: Jennifer Anniston, from the Toni&Guy Hairdressing Blog, online at www.toniguyblog.com.

The Best Things In Life Are Free: An Ode to Sephora

True story: I paid a visit to Sephora about a week ago to get a refill on a few cosmetic staples. When I got to the register, I simply could not find my Beauty Insider card anywhere. Weirdly enough, they weren't able to "find me" in their system either (the nerve!). Fortunately, the fix was an easy one; I just signed up for a new card, problem solved. And I thought nothing more of it.

Then, a few days later, I received a welcome email from Sephora. Though I wasn't technically new to the program, this was great for two reasons. For one, they called me "gorgeous" (flattery will get you everywhere), but more importantly, they offered me a free Philosophy Miracle Worker Kit with my next purchase. How did they know that I looove Philosophy? Again, I didn't think much of it--having recently filled my Sephora needs and all. That is, until today, when I realized I needed a new bottle of Fekkai Coiff Perfecteur Anti-Frizz Silkening Creme.

With a mission to get online to place my order (so as to cash in on the Philsophy promotion, obvi), I decided to check my gmail first. Waiting in my inbox was another Sephora email, this time wishing me a happy birthday and offering me a free lip gloss tri-pack in honor of my birth month. More gifts? Needing no further motivation, I scurried off to Sephora.com to place my order.

Now, if you're a Sephora addict like me, then I don't need to tell you that you get three free samples with every online order. I opted for: Urban Decay lip stain in sellout (their products have the best color names, hands down); Bare Escentuals primer; and Hourglass tinted moisturizer. Never say no to free gifts, right? And this is how, for the total purchase price of one item, I walked away with more free make-up and samples than I even know what to do with!

The moral of the story is that I am loving Sephora right now, and loving the concept of free gifts more than ever. Hot tip for all the budget fashionistas out there: it (quite literally) pays to be a Sephora Beauty Insider. And as the saying goes, the best things in life are free!

Image: (1) Sephora ad, courtesy of Guest of a Guest (http://guestofaguest.com/).

Let's Get Nautical!

Though it's hard to believe that August is here, the calendar doesn't lie--and so I have to admit that the last days of summer are upon us. What does this mean for summer fashion? Well, we must embrace it while we can! After all, I don't have to remind you that we don't wear white after Labor Day, do I? Rules are rules!

Probably my favorite summer trend is nautical style. After conversing with my sister (who also happens to be preparing for a semester at sea--so she should know), we decided the key to nautical-done-right is that you shouldn't look like you belong on a boat--but definitely by the ocean. While I'm pretty much a sucker for anything with anchors, Annie leans more towards blue and white stripes and maritime-inspired jewelry pieces.

So, darling fashionista friends, the time has come: let's get nautical! The following are my top five nautical-inspired picks (in no particular order):

1.) Swimming Starfish Bikini Bottom: A summer fashion "must" is mismatched swimwear. I love swapping out bathing suit bottoms in different patterns, prints, and bold colors. You can pair them all with a solid color top and magically have a million different bathing suits!

2.) Nautical Espadrilles: If you don't have a pair of espadrilles, then now is the time to jump on the bandwagon. I love the Vanna Shoe from Kate Spade, which adds a maritime twist to the more traditional espadrille style. It's all in the details, which includes sailor stripe lining and rope lacing--because who doesn't want to take their espadrilles boating?

3.) Yacht Club Vintage Button Bobby Pins: Like I said, I'm a sucker for anything involving anchors so--obvi--I'm obsessed with these cute retro bobby pins. On a boat? Use these nautical-themed hairpins to avoid a hair crisis. On dry land? No worries, you can still be sailor chic.

4.) Recycled Sail Tote Bag: Though I love designer handbags as much as the next girl, sometimes utility comes first. This bag combines function with fashion, repurposing an actual sail into a tote bag. Feeling lucky? This one features lucky number seven in red.

5.) Wish on a Sand Dollar: Some people wish on stars, but fashionistas take no chances when it comes to wish-making. From Dogeared's Make a Wish collection comes this delicate bracelet, featuring a sterling silver sand dollar on turquoise thread.

You're smelling the ocean just looking at these maritime-inspired items, admit it! As with any easily-exploited trend, subtlety is the name of the game when it comes to the nautical look. As Annie so aptly put it, "It should be just enough so that when people see how relaxed--yet put together--you look, they want to go to the ocean!" So, how about it? Are you ready to get nautical?

Images, in order of appearance: (1) Photo of the Ocracoke Island Light House on Ocracoke Island, NC, taken by me; (2) Swimming Starfish Bikini Bottom, on sale for $29.99, from J. Crew (http://www.jcrew.com/); (3) Vanna Shoe, on sale for $146, by Kate Spade (http://www.katespade.com/); (4) Yacht Club Vintage Button Bobby Pins
$10, by Strungoutandwired, available online from Etsy (http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5409913); (5) "Red Number 7" $75 by Reiter8, also from Etsy (www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5074317); (6) Dogeared Make A Wish Bracelet
with sterling silver sand dollar on turquoise $26, by Dogeared (http://www.dogeared.com/); (7) Harbor of Dubrovnik, Croatia, photo also by me.

Did You Just Google "Finance?"

When Confessions of a Shopaholic first hit theatres, I joked that it was the ideal movie for me. The truth is, some might classify me as a "shopaholic" with a penchant for getting a bit credit card happy--and who also finds herself working for a finance company. Coincidence? Clearly, the Louboutin fit.

However, if you have actually seen the movie (or read the book, which I confess I have not), then you know there is a more serious subtext: debt. It's all fun and games until you're running from the debt-collector, wearing 4-inch stilettos. But joking aside, debt has driven the economy into troubled waters, taking many victims along with it.

Perhaps you read the recent New York Times coverage of Annie Leibovitz's financial woes? Frozen by the headline earlier this week, my first thought was: no, not Annie! My photographic hero (next to my amazingly talented Aunt Suzie, of course) on the brink of financial ruin? How could it be possible? Then I read the article and was sobered by the realization that success doesn't necessarily require financial smarts. Or, as my Daddy so bluntly put it, Amazing people can be so stupid with money. Truly amazing. And to think, he likes Annie as much as I do!

The moral of the story, darling fashionista friends, is this: there is nothing fierce about fiscal disaster. So we must smart and stylish, which is totally possible. Though the New Year has come and gone, it's never too late to make resolutions. Here are a few to consider:

1. When pondering your next purchase, be sure you can think of three things already in your closet that you can wear with that item.

2. How many pairs of [fill in the blank] does a girl really need? Sell your stuff on Ebay or at a consignment shop to make room in your closet--and your budget--for new items.

3. Shop resale! I've already bragged about my consignment conquests. Check out the consignment shops in your area to score designer duds at a fraction of the cost.

4. Don't charge it! Enough said. In fact, sometimes I have to leave my credit card at home to force good behavior. I wouldn't go so far as to freeze it in a block of ice, but do you what you have to do.

5. Mommy, can I have my allowance now? Put yourself on an allowance, allotting a certain amount each week/month/whatever for "extras," like clothes and beauty products. When the pot is empty, you just have to wait for the next installment. I know, I know; life can be so unfair.

All is never lost; let the financial plight of one Miss Leibovitz be a lesson for women everywhere. Did you just google "What is finance?" Cheers to fiscal fashion.




To read the full article, For Annie Liebovitz, A Fuzzy Financial Picture, click here.


Images, in order of appearance: (1) Isla Fisher, as Rebecca Bloomwood in Confessions of a Shopaholic; (2) Annie Liebovitz, photographed by Tony Cenicola for The New York Times, online at www.nytimes.com; (3) also from Confessions of a Shopaholic.

My Sister's Closet: Selvedge Chambray

In these lazy days of summer, I always admire my sister's casual elegance. Her style is one that vacillates between prep and boho without fully subscribing to either camp (after all, Warner girls refuse to be put in a box). Think: seersucker shorts with flowing tops and flat sandals. It is this very inclination towards beach chic made her latest fashion "must," the Selvedge Chambray Shirt from J. Crew, a rather natural selection.

Growing up, our mother always told us (as most do) to never to judge a book by its cover, and this shirt is no exception. What may look like rough denim is actually Japanese selvedge cotton(the crème de la crème), and J. Crew stonewashes theirs to add that coveted broken-in look and feel. If you've been into J. Crew lately, then you may be surprised that you somehow missed this gem. Don't be; it's a catalog/internet exclusive--and utterly irresistible. As Annie pointed out, this shirt definitely falls into the "boyfriend" category, plus classic J. Crew tailoring and fit.

For ideal impact, the J. Crew stylists were right on, pairing the soft coastal blue shirt with a bright pop! of color on the bottom. While they picked yellow, I think that nothing would be better than a bold, lobster orange. However, if subtlety is the name of your game, you could do white on the bottom and then add a skinny neon belt in orange or pink for the right amount of zing.

At the end of the day, however you match your colors, don't miss out to make your closet look like my sister's. Annie redefines classic in a way that could make any girl jealous. So don't hate her 'cause she's beautiful; steal her style instead!





Images, in order of appearance: (1) Selvedge Chambray Shirt $98, from J. Crew (www.jcrew.com); (2) Classic Belt in neon orange $29.50, also from J. Crew.

Better Than a Venti? This I Have To See

For once in my life, I actually arrived early to an appointment. It's true! This past weekend, I simply had to escape the post-moving chaos of my new house and sought refuge in a spa appointment at Bella Sante. With extra time on my hands and feeling very zen in the spa's serene waiting area, I cozied up with the latest issue of Glamour and prepared for enlightenment.

Skimming the pages, "10 Model Beauty Tricks That Work in Real Life" caught my eye. After all, my life is nothing if not real. Hello, I just spent the weekend packing and moving all my worldly possessions! Tip numero uno: how to look less tired. Were the experts at Glamour spying on me? I considered the dark circles that were undoubtedly lurking beneath my eyes and read on: At the 10 A.M. Tommy Hilfiger show (that’s the crack of dawn, fashion-people time), makeup artist Lisa Butler gave me a look-awake trick that’s better than a Venti. Better than a venti? This I had to see.

According to one Lisa Butler, a dusting of gold eye shadow (applied from lash lines to creases) opens up your eyes, making them at least look like you get a solid night's sleep on the regular. Popping into MAC later in the day, I decided to take this strategy for a test run and purchased Nylon, a pale gold shadow from MAC's frost collection.

The Nylon maiden voyage set sail at 7:30 the next morning, when an unfriendly alarm clock reminded me that my morning commute had just grown a little bit longer. It all paid off, though, when a friendly coworker told me that I looked "radiant" and was "truly blessed." I may not be rocking 8 hours of sleep, but I'll fake it until I make it any day. Better than a venti? That's my secret, and I'll never tell.

Credits: (1) Blake Lively, photo courtest of Beauty Mesh (www.beautymesh.com); (2) excerpts from Glamour's article "10 Model Beauty Tricks That Work in Real Life" by Suze Yalof Schwartz, online at http://www.glamour.com/; (3) Nylon Shadow by MAC $14.50, available online at http://www.maccosmetics.com/.