Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Today is Earth Day, and while I'm tempted to tout all the eco-friendly beauty products I've been reading about this week (it seems all the fashion blogs have gone green this week), my Earth Day fashion message is a simple one: reduce, reuse, recycle. If you grew up in a public school system like mine, then you probably learned about the "three Rs" in second grade, but who knew there was a fashion lesson therein? Indeed, one of the most eco-friendly moves you can make is to enjoy AND share fashion that's already right there.

Truly, there is nothing greener that reducing your carbon footprint by indulging in pre-existing clothing and accessories (think: vintage, consignment shops, Ebay!). Not only is it the "green" thing to do, but the pre-owned route can save you a pretty penny. In fact, in celebration of Earth Day, my favorite consignment chain, Second Time Around, is having a special sale this weekend. Between now and Sunday, you can save 20% on all new arrivals--and if you're not familiar with Second Time Around's process, anything that isn't a "new arrival" is marked down even more, depending on how long it's been in the store. Yay savings!

Yet, even more important than indulging ourselves is the fact that we can reduce waste by recycling our cast-offs. Now, I'm entirely sure that I'm preaching to the choir on this one, but that sweater that looked so great in the catalogue but is still hanging in the back of your closet a year later (ring a bell?) could go a long ways towards helping someone. If you're not yet familiar with Dress For Success, it's an amazing organization whose mission is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. We all know what a tough economy it is out there and just how important it is to make a powerful first impression. Now you can help a woman land that job and start a new career by donating a suit or other business-appropriate clothing.

These are just a few ideas on how to make your Earth Day--and all your days--happier and perhaps more meaningful. But as an added bonus, now they can be more stylish too! Happy Earth Day, dearest fashionista friends.

Psst... To learn more about Dress For Success and how you can help, visit their website by clicking here.

Image: Yes, that's me, sitting in an absolutely enormous Burberry bag. And yes, I'm trying to be metaphorical or something. ;)

Manolo Comes to Saks!

It's official: Manolo Blahnik has arrived at Saks! This is a day many faithful Manolo-loving-Saks-Fifth-Avenuers have likely been waiting for, though I must confess that when I received the email announcing said arrival, my first thought was, Did Saks not have Manolos? I suppose a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do to her shoes, allegiances or not. Nonetheless, I was excited to shop Saks' online Manolo Blahnik Event to see what styles might end up on my wish list...













The BB Studded Leather and Python Pumps are it. Featuring an intricate pattern of studs, a pointed toe, and a metallic python heel, this shoe is undoubtedly edgy, particularly by Manolo standards. Nonetheless, the gunmetal-toned studs are tiny and bead-shaped, maintaining an air of sophistication that might even be considered demure amongst those who have a penchant for studs and spikes. It's currently available on pre-order so if you're in the market for something to look forward to you, it's here--studs and all. Welcome to Saks, Manolo Blahnik.





Images, in order of appearance: (1) Manolo Blahnik for Saks Fifth Avenue, ad campaign (www.saksfifthavenue.com); (2) and (3) BB Studded Leather and Python Pumps by Manolo Blahnik $765, available on pre-order from Saks Fifth Avenue (www.saksfifthavenue.com).

Princess Pucker

I have a confession to make: I just don't care about the Royal Wedding (gasp, I know). Sure, Kate Middleton seems like a lovely young woman--and how exciting to be a real live Princess--but what's it to me, really? Nevertheless, when I received an email from butter London, the name of the shade of their NEW lippy No More Waity, Katie was just too cute and clever to resist.

Lippy is apparently what we "Yanks" know as lipgloss, and it is butter's first--and long awaited--departure from their line of amazing nail lacquer. The soft, sheer lavender gloss with tiny flecks of lilac glitter promises to help you land a prince of your very own. But don't feel that you have to pass on No More Waity, Katie if you're already living happily ever after with your Prince Charming! The light-reflective glitter will supposedly make your lips look fuller and more snog-worthy, and what girl (regardless of her bloodline) can pass on a claim to fame like that? So the truth is, while I could care less about the upcoming Royal Wedding, a princess pucker is definitely something I can get on board with.

Image: No More Waity, Katie Lippy $18 by butter London, available online (www.butterlondon.com).

Pretty In Pink

A cocktail ring is like a handshake, a first impression that speaks volumes about the fashionista within. As a ring, even the largest and flashiest of cocktail rings is still, compared to your overall look, rather small in size so I feel that if you're going to wear one, you had better make it count. Now that spring is here, this task is far from challenging; like spring flowers, pretty rings in bright colors are everywhere for the picking. And my pick is pretty in pink.

I am obsessed. There is no other way to describe how I feel about the Lollie Ring by Kate Spade. Aside from the fact that it seems to be named for me (shame that they opted for the "ie"--Lolly packs so much more punch), it is the most amazing ring I have seen in quite some time. Made of 12-karat gold plated metal, the Lollie features a brilliant beacon of color in the form of a hot pink enamel bauble (I think my heart just skipped a beat), surrounded by clusters of multi-colored rhinestones. Kate Spade calls it a top-shelf cocktail ring--and I couldn't agree more. I want, want, WANT it.

So who wants to buy it for me? Any takers? It would fit so nicely in an itty bitty Easter basket. Just saying.

Psst... If you love Kate Spade as much as I do, then you should know that their friends and family sale is going on between now and tomorrow (April 8-9). Use code "FFSPR11" to receive 25% off at check-out! Happy shopping!

Image: Lollie Ring by Kate Spade $95, available online (www.katespade.com).

Flair For Your Flats

We all love flats--often for their ballerina cuteness, always for their comfort. But do you ever feel like your flats are looking , well, a little flat? No longer.

Thanks to the uber stylish gals at ban.do (best known for headbands that even Blair Waldorf could appreciate), now you can add a little pep to your step with their new shoe clips. Clip 'em on to your flats for instant pop!--and of course they'll also jazz your sneakers, flip flops, and even your heels. For the gal on the go, I feel this concept is pretty genius. Some of us working girls are constrained by the dreaded office dress code, but of course our lives don't stop when the clock strikes 5pm (or 6, or 7...). Just keep your shoe clips in whatever fabulous handbag you happen to be carrying on a given day, and then you can dash from work to play--without having to stop at home to freshen up, or (shudder) to sacrifice your style.

ban.do's shoe clips come in six equally fun and flirty styles--and infinitely more colors--but my favorites have to be the ban.do heart shoe clips and the crystal bowtie shoe clips. I guess this means my secret is out: I have a weakness for sparkle. Perhaps the best part is that your look will be instantly transformed, without having to splurge. In the words of ban.do, they are indeed the perfect little party for your feet.

Psst... Click here to join the ban.do mailing list and receive 15% off your next order!

Images, in order of appearance: (1) crystal bowtie shoe clips $55 by ban.do, available online; (2) heart shoe clips in red $25 by ban.do, also available online; and (3) pom pom shoe clips in bright blue $25 by ban.do, also available online.

Pants That Pop!

Warning: this post is not for the faint of heart--or at the very least, if you're afraid of color, consider yourself warned. In past posts, I've raved about the glories of color, suggesting a little pop(!) of color for your nails or perhaps your shoes. But today is different; today we're going all out with pants that really pop!

Isn't color exactly what you need on this snowy APRIL day? J Brand to the rescue. Their new line of Haute Hues is where bold color meets go-to classic. Made of Japanese luxe twill and fitted from hip to ankle with a slightly higher-rise, the 811 Mid-Rise Skinny Leg is available in pretty much every color of the rainbow. My favorites have to be the "brights"--bright red, bright royal, bright yellow, and bright fuchsia. I mean, go bold or go home. However, if you're a more delicate flower who prefers pastels for spring, you can always opt for far less hue with the "pales"--pale pink, pale yellow, and pale blue. Now you can have your color--and wear it too!

Images, in order of appearance: (1) J Brand ad campaign, featuring their 811 Mid-Rise Skinny Leg jeans in bright red; (2) J Brand ad campaign, featuring their 811 Mid-Rise Skinny Leg jeans in bright blue, bright fuchsia, bright yellow, and bright red; (3) 811 Mid-Rise Skinny Leg jeans in pale yellow, $176 by J Brand, available online (http://www.jbrand.com/).