My Boyfriend's Back

My boyfriend's back, and you're gonna be in trouble--hey la, hey la my boyfriend's back! Okay, not really. But boyfriend style? Definitely. The boyfriend blazer is everywhere, bringing with it a flirty fusion of prep-school-meets-power-suit. However, wearing it properly can be tricky; as my adorable friend, Kate, pointed out, you don't want to look like a boy. But never fear, Lolly's "how to" guide is here.

Given its name, it should come as no surprise that this wardrobe piece brings a certain amount of androgyny to the table. This means that, in the event that you opt for the boyfriend blazer look, you must create an overall balance with a feminine pairing. Don't be intimidated; this is probably what you would be inclined to do anyway. For example, notice the way Kate Bosworth complimented her loose-fitting Chloé blazer with a sequined tank and fluttery shorts. The effect is one of casual elegance; thank you, boyfriend blazer.

If your inclination is not to show legs for days, you can achieve the same balance in a number of ways. Another option is to match your blazer with a chic dress for a sort of boy-meets-girl appeal. Lauren Conrad perfected this look, wearing her blazer over a dainty yellow mini dress; the dark blazer gives the butter yellow more pop!, and the way she has rolled her cuffs adds a nice twist to the traditional lines of the blazer.

Just remember: balance is the name of the game. Yet another boyfriend blazer strategy is what I fondly think of as "the skinny." This is my personal favorite, as it works well for the predictably unpredictable New England weather. Demonstrated by fashion-savvy supermodel, Agyness Deyn, an over-sized blazer worn with dark leggings (or ultra-skinny dark wash jeans, as I prefer) puts the rock! back in rock star. Seriously. Here, Miss Deyn has opted for some industrial-style ankle boots, but as summer turns to fall, adding a pair of killer knee-high boots is a great way to look uber-chic, while also staying warm (albeit rare, there ain't nothing wrong with practical fashion!).

However you choose to wear yours, boyfriend blazers are definitely a fashion DO. Currently, I have my eye on the Lacey Boyfriend Blazer from Free People, which has that essential "balance" built in (quite literally), given its lace detailing. Plus, the corsett-esque lace-up feature is just too punk rock for me to resist--I don't have the willpower.

Ultimately, sheer versatility is the boyfriend blazer's main appeal. Like boyfriends, with so many styles to choose from, you're bound to find a keeper. So go ahead, give the boyfriend a chance. It might be love.

Psst: This post was inspired by and thus dedicated to the lovely Kate Watts.

Images, in order of appearance: (1) Kate Bosworth, wearing Chloé, photo from In Style (www.instyle.com); (2) Lauren Conrad, wearing Alice & Olivia's Cotton Sateen Rolled Sleeve Blazer $385, photo thanks to Steal the Style (www.stealthestyle.com); (3) Agyness Deyn, photo courtesy of the Daily Mail (www.dailymail.co.uk); (4) Lacey Boyfriend Blazer $168, from Free People ( http://www.freepeople.com/).

Nevermind Plaid

A perhaps little-known fact about me is that my childhood bedroom resembled a quasi-shrine to Nirvana and, more specifically, Kurt Cobain. Though my teenage angst has paid off well, I still rock Nirvana on my iPod and probably always will. And this is how I found myself driving to work on (yet another) rainy day, listening to "Heart Shaped Box" and thinking about grunge rock.

If your musical tastes don't include Nirvana, I'm not sure we can be friends anymore--but I can at least share a little trivia. The grunge movement was born of punk, heavy metal, and indie rock in the late 80s and generally credited to the Seattle area of Washington. However, grunge rock didn't really see commercial success until the early 90s, marked by the release of Nirvana's Nevermind (hollerrr) and Pearl Jam's Ten (a little shout out to Lizzie) in 1991. It was at this time that Nirvana skyrocketed to success, surprising the music industry, the band, and Kurt--who never intended to be the voice of his generation.

It's been fifteen years since the death of Kurt Cobain, but the music and the movement still live--on my iPod and in my wardrobe, where plaid and destroyed denim are worth their weight in gold. Since we're all friends here (pending taste in music), I'll let you in on a little secret: there's no cure for the rainy day blues like angsty rock and a plaid shirt. Trust me, I would know.

The key to wearing plaid is looking more like a rock star and less like a farmer. This can be accomplished in a number of ways:
1.) Choose a fitted plaid shirt to maintain a more feminine silhouette.
2.) If your plaid shirt is loose, cinch it at the waist with a skinny belt and add a pair of skinny jeans underneath.
3.) If your plaid shirt is loose and/or long, wear it as a dress with leggings underneath.

Of course, no grunge look is complete without destroyed denim. For those faithful blog-reading fashionistas out there, I know you're all pros when it comes to DIY denim destruction. However, if you have yet to take the destructive plunge, know this: you get to channel all of your angst into ripping, bleaching, fading--and the result is the ultimate in grunge fashion.



Somehow I doubt that Kurt Cobain would approve of my grunge a la Bergdorf's, but it was Kurt himself who once said, "I'd rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I am not." So love me or hate me, but give grunge a chance. It's nothing if not totally fierce. You know I'm right.






Images, in order of appearance: (1) Kurt Cobain, photo courtesy of Pretty In Black (www.realprettyinblack.blogspot.com); (2) Joie Gemni Belted Plaid Shirt Dress $244, available at Bergdorf Goodman (www.bergdorfgoodman.com); (3) Kurt Cobain, photo courtesy of www.thehundreds.com; (4) J. Brand 12" Pencil Leg Ripped Tie Dye Skinny Jeans in Thrasher $218, image from Denimology (www.denimology.co.uk); Kurt Cobain, photo courtesy of Pretty In Black.

The Neon Experiment, Phase 1

If you want to get scientific about it (don't worry, I promise there is no quiz), neon is the chemical element that has the symbol Ne and atomic number 10. Although a very common element in the universe, it is rare on Earth. Rare, that is, until recently, when neon became all the rage.

Don't tell me you haven't noticed. In homage to the 80s, neon (referred to interchangeably with "fluorescent," though they're really not synonymous) has moved far beyond highlighters--and is absolutely dominating apparel and accessories. A sucker for any and every item that can be ordered in hot pink, I have been thrilled with this trend. Particularly when it comes to nail polish; as you may know, I've raved again and again of Essie's Punchy Pink.

However, in the interest of not being too predictable, when my sister and I went to have our nails done last week, I decided to broaden my horizons. And thus began the neon experiment. Sure, hot pink falls in the "neon" category, but it's still playing it rather safe. I mean, there are a million shades of pink out there, and practically anyone--fashionista or not--considers pink an acceptable and perhaps even an ordinary color. And I am so not ordinary.

This is how I found myself in the spa chair at Lauren's Nails, having my toes painted with Essie's Funky Limelight, which I fondly refer to as "highlighter yellow." This color, part of Essie's Neon Collection for 2009, is like caution tape for your nails. Ordinary? I think not! But as for successful, that's another story.

Though my toes look absolutely stunning--and, in fact, bring new meaning to this word--in the natural light, when I'm in doors and under artificial light, they look a bit toxic (and unfortunately not in the super hot Britney Spears way). It appears that the artificial light drains the neon pop!, leaving behind a sickly yellow-green.

Being the self-absorbed fashionista that I am, I shared my nail color woes with my father--since he cares so much about these sort of things (umm, no). While he doesn't speak (nail)Polish, as an artist, he understands color--and so told me, "You should have put a white base coat underneath the yellow." Apparently, this white primer would have enabled the perpetual zing! that my nails are so desperately lacking. Live and learn.

So, while Phase 1 of the Neon Experiment fell somewhat short of fabulous, I'm happy to report that there are two more Essie neons that I have yet to try: Flirty Fuschia and Perky Purple. I'm not usually one to embrace purple (I have this theory in life: you're either a pink or a purple, but you can't be both), a fashionista will not rest until her work is done. So, for Phase 2, I will boldly go where no Lolly has ever gone before. Stay tuned for the next episode.

Credits: Neon "Ne" image and definition from Wikipedia; Essie Funky Limelight polish $8, from Essie (www.essie.com).

You Spin Me Right Round, Baby

Of all my many talents, I am a particular expert when it comes to resale shopping--which I consider treasure hunting for the fashion minded. Of course, timing is everything when it comes to second-hand clothes, shoes, and accessories; it's completely hit-or-miss. But it's safe to say that I am always lucky at Second Time Around, a consignment shop that I fondly consider my personal treasure chest. Where else can you find Chanel flats for $25?--true story. That said, allow me to detail my most recent conquests...

About two weeks ago, in desperate need of a girls' night out, my mother and I sought refuge in dinner and retail therapy, a behavioral pattern that I have happily inherited from her. While waiting for a table, we snuck into STA to take a quick look. Of course, it was a matter of seconds before a gorgeous paisley shift from See by Chloé caught my eye. My mother and I agreed that the dress was absolutely made for me. It seems that now I can join the ranks of Britney and Sienna in a style battle of "Who Wore It [Best]?" I've always thought that brunettes do it better, and this Chloe number is no exception. Am I right?

Oh, Second Time Around, you spin me right round--right into my next apparel adventure, which happened just last week. En route to an evening of mani/pedis, my sister and I couldn't help but stop by my favorite STA location at 99 Charles for a quick inventory of potentially irresistible purchases. I don't mean to brag, but it seems I have an internal radar for this sort of thing! How else can you explain the Reno Gold Mint Dress by Diane von Furstenberg that was just waiting for me?

While some may scoff at the thought of "used" clothing, the budget-conscious fashionistas out there are striking fashion gold. There is a widespread misconception that you can't be a patron of fashion and style unless your dollars are going directly to the source, but in this day and age of department stores, "off price" stores like TJ Maxx, and independent boutiques, it's hard to say exactly where your money is going. In my humble opinion, fashion is fashion--and high fashion at a discount is the cherry on top.

So give your wallet a break and give your wardrobe a punch--and spin yourself right round, baby...and straight to Second Time Around.



Images, in order of appearance: (1) "Frugal," courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/; (2) Britney Spears and Sienna Miller, both wearing See by Chloe, photo from Fashionista (one of my faves!) at http://www.fashionista.com/; (3) Me! wearing See by Chloe; (4) Reno Gold Mint Dress by Diane von Furstenberg, photo from Shop Bop, online at http://www.shopbop.com/; (5) Me! (again) wearing Diane von Furstenberg.

Seeing Red

Please tell me I'm not the only one out there who feels like I always want what I can't have. I mean, I spend half the year itching for summer, and when it arrives--along with the stifling humidity--I can't help but yearn for those cool, autumnal days. Conveniently, that's what trend forecasting is all about (I should know--I did take the class): predicting what's up-and-coming, what will be hot hot hot.

Speaking of hot, my fashion-savvy crystal ball is seeing red. Not just any red, but the rich ruby red of the new Victorio Dress by Diane von Furstenberg. Made of felted wool jersey, this stunning dress features an asymmetrical neckline and ruching at the sides, hitting just above the knee. While fall may be a good two months away, it never hurts to plan ahead, especially when you can pre-order this dress for shipment later this month.

This dress was a serious case of love at first sight for me, as it epitomizes a classic, understated elegance. The unique contouring of the neckline and the jewel-red tone adds a hint of edge to the more traditional a-line silhouette. Even if you're typically one to balk at color (hello, New England!), red is a wardrobe staple that you just can't shy away from. While you may chide me for this, I truly think of red in almost the same way that I consider black: it is a fashion "DO," as it can be paired with practically anything and works for almost everyone. Especially brunettes--don't hate me because I'm lucky.

While I sincerely hope this horrifying humidity finds you at the beach and not running errands about town, if you find yourself in the latter category, rest assured that you can find solace in pre-fall wardrobe planning--especially if such planning takes you straight to DvF. For if it does, seeing red may very well keep you from seeing red.

Victorio Dress by Diane von Furstenberg $398, available online at www.dvf.com.

Wayfarer-Girl

It was my grandfather who first exposed me to Ugg boots, albeit they were the generic L.L. Bean version. Years later, dozens of girls in my high school were wearing the very same style. I'm not getting a pair, I said to myself, trying to resist the trend bandwagon. But I caved. Or, should I say, my momma made me--she made me an Ugg convert.

It was the same story with Ray Bans. The Wayfarer started popping up on faces everywhere--from Kate Moss to Lauren Conrad, and even President Obama! Then a few days ago, they appeared on my pillow. What a lucky girl I am to get "pillow packages" from my mom. In fact, my sister, Lolly, is probably seeing green right now!

I was admittedly skeptical when I opened the sunglasses case to find a pair of red-framed Wayfarers with tortoise shell arms. But moms know best... right? After deciding I'd give the glasses a try, I took a peek in the mirror. They're fun! I realized. I think they're going to work...

In the past few days, sporting my new sunglasses has been a blast. The bold red color is fun, bringing a smile to my face and not allowing me to take myself too seriously. While the color is not one I would have chosen for myself, like the clothes that I steal from my sister, things that aren't the "typical YOU" often earn the most compliments. The tortoise shell sides balance the candy apple red, blending preppy with punk. And although, I don't feel that I have to necessarily match my sunglasses to my outfit, the tortoise shell provides for some flexibility in this area.

Raymond Stegeman, one of the founders of Ray Ban, first introduced the wayfarer in 1952. The unique plastic frames made the glasses an instant hit among celebrities. Perhaps one of their most memorable appearances was with Audrey Hepburn herself, in 1961's classic Breakfast at Tiffany's. During the 90s, the popularity of the glasses waned. But now they're baaaack!--obviously. And how appropriate that my mom, born the same year the Wayfarer was first introduced (shhh, don't tell her I told you), made me a Wayfarer-girl.

Sources: (1) celeb sunglasses photo and Audrey Hepburn, photo courtesy of www.cromoda.com; (2) Lauren Conrad wearing Ray Bans, photo courtesy of Celebrity Sunglasses Finder, online at http://www.celebrity-sunglasses-finder.com/; (3) Ray Ban history, thanks to www.classicsunglasses.net/ray-ban/a-history-of-ray-ban-wayfarers.

My Sister's Closet: Proenza Schouler

One thing you should know about me is that I take much fashion guidance from my sister, Annie, who covets designer duds as much as I do. It is for this reason that I have decided to implement a regular series of posts on My Sister's Closet so that the rest of you fashionistas out there can benefit from her infinite fashion-forward wisdom. So, welcome to the first episode.

This week, what my sister wants in her closet is the Proenza Schouler leather halter dress worn by Emma Watson at the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince New York Premiere last week. Heralding from Proenza Schouler's Pre-Spring 2010 collection, this dress defines "mixed aesthetic," featuring an intricate leather halter top with a fluid, silky off-white skirt.

Proenza Schouler is a relatively young luxury label, created in 2002 by the design team of Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough. The two met in design school, and after working with fashion greats like Michael Kors and Marc Jacobs (respectively), they joined forces for their graduation project. Clearly a creative match made en vogue, the two went on to craft the name of their label from their mothers' maiden names--and to becoming the darling duo of the fashion industry. According to New York Magazine's profile, "This modern luxury label offers an edgy, youthful take on upscale dressing."

Were this PS dress to find its way to my sister's closet (and I'm sure she would be able to find a hanger for it), she could easily rock this look. The dress speaks for itself, as any design should--and also speaks volumes about Miss Watson's taste (either in designers or stylists). The dress, combined with Emma's sleek, understated hair and make-up creates an overall look of effortless class, allowing her to look simultaneously elegant and youthful.

As usual, my sister's eye for fashion is spot-on. In the words of Jeffrey Kalinsky, Executive Vice President of Designer Merchandising for Nordstrom, “A lot of the clothing today that gets very hyped, I go see it and I’m like, 'The emperor has no clothes!' But this is clothing fit for royalty.” What can I say?--sister knows best.

Images: (1) My sister, Annie, photographed by me; (2) Emma Watson wearing Proenza Schouler at the NY Premiere of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, photo courtesy of http://www.mirror.co.uk/; (3) Look #12 from Proenza Schouler's Pre-Spring 2010 Collection, photo courtesy of Proenza Schouler, online at http://proenzaschouler.com/.