The Verdict, Episode 2: Loathe It

Giorgio Armani once said, "Jeans represent democracy in fashion." You're not going to get an argument from me on that one. Living in LA for four years changed my whole concept of jeans, which accordingly changed my life. For real. Actually, I think I may have heard a heavenly chorus when I purchased my first pair of A-pocket Sevens (or maybe it was the frantic beeping of cars on Melrose?) all those years ago--and I've been a jeans girl ever since.

My complete and utter adoration for denim, in all cuts and washes, is what leaves me loathing this Rock & Republic runway impostor (insert ominous music here): faux denim leggings. Ick. More like faux pas. Apparently, I'm not the only one who feels this way. According to your feedback, 58% of you loathe this look, while only 17% love it. The remaining 25% feel like it would depend on the style and the occasion. How democratic of you.

Since I'm proving to be more and more bias with every word I type, I'll open it up to your fabulous commentary to keep things cool:

• I am on the fence about them. A cute dark denim pair might be ok.
• Ick. Not jumping on this trend as: 1.) I am not a supermodel and pair my leggings with long tees or tunics so no need for faux pocket detail. 2.) I can't help but think about those t-shirts screen printed with bikinis. 3.) I saw that R&R also made a version for men. No thank you.
• I looooooooooooove them. Those non-denim wonders are a work of art!
• NO WAY! Jeans are jeans, a part of our American past. Don't try to change them into something they aren't. They are too great the way they are....in denim!
• I talked it over with some friends and we've decided it depends on the occasion that you rock them at. Wearing them to class or out to lunch--loathe it. Wearing them on a fun night out, paired with a top that only Lolly could recommend--love it.
• I think of Madonna, or Agyness Deyn--you have to be pretty rock and roll to pull it off.
• LOATHE! Ain't nothin' like the real thing, baby. Jeans are so wonderful as they are, and spandies are also fabu as they are--so never cross the two! This has reached the boundaries of identity confusion.
• Perhaps these faux denim leggings by Rock & Republic are very close to the real deal, but I'm already cringing when I envision the $10 knock-offs they will inspire. Also, a girl (or boy for that matter) has to get their fitness on if s/he wants to look rockin' in some skin-tight jeans. The extra effort of getting those pants up makes it worth the missed donut. These faux denim leggings are too easy.
• Paired with the right top/jewelry, and the appropriate occasion, like a trendy art opening, I think it would be a fun, Madonna-infused, pop art kind of outfit that could turn some heads.

I'll admit, the lovers out there make some good points...but as for me, I will forever choose to the live in the United States of Denim, wearing R&Rs made of the real thing. In denim I trust.

Kiedis Skull Jeans by Rock & Republic. Visit Rock & Republic online at www.rockandrepublic.com.

Calling All Fairy Godmothers!

Once upon a time, in a faraway land, there lived a fierce and fabulous fashionista with a closet full of dresses. While she yearned for more closet space, she couldn't help but think to herself, but what if I decide I want to wear this dress again? Yet, as the days passed, her closet grew more and more cramped until one day she decided: enough is enough!--and proceeded with her spring cleaning.

Ringing any bells? If, like our fairytale fashionista, you are thinking of cleaning out your closet, there couldn't be a better time! Not only can you make room for new spring and summer apparel, but you can also play fairy godmother to a Cinderella in need!--minus the blue hooded cloak and magic wand.

The Fairy Godmother Project of Massachusetts is a charitable organization that collects both new and gently worn dresses and accessories for financially disadvantaged students so that they can attend their school formal occasions, dressed to impress. They accept donations of formal dresses, shoes, handbags, and accessories at a number of drop-off locations located conveniently throughout the state.

If you're anything like me, I bet you can remember watching Cinderella as a little girl, wishing for your own fairy godmother to transform you into a beautiful soon-to-be princess with glass slippers and a horse-drawn carriage. Now you have the opportunity to actually BE that fairy godmother to a lovely young girl in need of a dress for a night almost as magical as the royal ball--PROM.

Don't wait until the clock strikes midnight! Log on to the Fairy Godmother Project's website, www.fairygodmotherprojectofma.org/, to locate the drop-off location nearest to you. After all, fierce and fabulous fashionistas can be fairy godmothers too!


For more information on the organization, donations, and volunteer opportunities, you can visit the Fairy Godmother Project of Massachusetts, Inc. at www.fairygodmotherprojectofma.org/.

Cinderella image by Disney.

Love It or Loathe It? Episode 2: Too Faux?

From the Rock & Republic runway comes faux denim leggings. Some styles are even embellished with pockets, buttons, and seams to make them look like the real deal. The question remains: has R&R gone too faux?

Love it or loathe it? It's your call. To be continued...

Extra, Extra--Get Your Vintage!

Do you ever have one of those days when life is even worse than a waste of make-up-- it's a complete and utter catastrophe? On one such day last summer, I tearfully dialed Lizzyh113, who loyally put on her Super Girl cape with promises of the only possible thing that could have saved me: vanilla fro-yo with nonpareils from J.P. Licks.

Minutes later, we were en route to Davis Square in Lizzyh113's eco-friendly electric car. All of the usual parking spots were occupied so we found ourselves taking an unfamiliar right turn onto College Avenue, where the parking gods saw fit to grace us with a spot right across the street from the amazingly eccentric Artifaktori.

I had never heard of Artifaktori before that evening, but being well acquainted with the pacifying effects of retail therapy, we ventured inside--and thank goodness! This itty-bitty gem on the outskirts of Davis Square is now one of my favorite haunts, boasting everything from vintage clothing and accessories to art and antiques. Truly, there is something for everyone. I don't think I have ever left Artifaktori empty handed. With an irresistibly unique inventory and reasonable prices, there's just no excuse.

Some of my favorite Artifaktori treasures to date:
1. vintage tee advertising Georgia peaches (yummm)--purchased pour moi by the lovely Lizzyh113 to raise my spirits (yes, my friends are the best)
2. light blue vintage aviators by Foster Grant (who is now making a comeback--hello!)
3. feathered hair piece for when I'm feeling swanky
4. enormous crystal cocktail ring--bling bling!

Whether you have or have not paid a visit to Artifaktori, this weekend is the ideal opportunity to do so. Starting this Friday, March 27, Artifaktori will be holdings its "Farewell to Winter Vintage Sale." The sale extends through next Sunday, April 6, and during this time, select items will be 15-35% off, as the store clears out to make room for fresh Spring merchandise. Don't miss the kick-off party on Friday night, from 7-10pm for fabulous deals on vintage. It's an event NOT to be missed. See you there, darlings!




For more information on Artifaktori, visit the store's website at http://www.artifaktori.com/ and sign up to receive their email newsletter for insider information on sales and special events.

Silly Rabbit, Coco Is For Kids!

Once upon a time, there was a girl named Lolly. Lolly's legs were too long for her pants, her glasses were too big for her face, her hair was frizzy, and her smile was marred by braces. Lolly was no homecoming queen, nor did she want to be. She loved dark poetry, Nirvana, tie-dye shirts, and her bffs--who loved her just the way she was. Lolly was different. Just like Coco.

These days, Lolly is all grown up. Thanks to Rock & Republic, her jeans are plenty long enough. With the help of a Chi flat iron, her hair is tame. On the days she chooses to rock glasses instead of contacts, her Burberry Buddy-Holly-style black frames are fiercer than fierce. Not to mention, her orthodontist did one heck of a job! Lolly is a fashionista, just as she wanted to be. She loves dark memoirs, underground hip-hop, Chanel, and her bffs--who love her just the way she is. Lolly is still different. Just like Coco.

How far children's books have come since Lolly was a little girl! Elizabeth Matthews' story, Different Like Coco, is a charming depiction of the life and style of Mademoiselle Chanel that is suitable for both budding fashionistas and their fashionista mummies alike. The truth is, just because girls like Lolly covet all that is Chanel, it wasn't always that way for Coco. When she was starting out, "Coco couldn't afford to dress like the corseted ladies of high society and she was never going to be shapely. There was no point in trying to be like them. Instead, she tried to be different."

I am thrilled that Elizabeth Matthews and her publishers were able to bring this fabulous book to life, for now children are privy to the story of Chanel and how she was able to triumph against all odds to ultimately become one of the best fashion designers in history. Even if Chanel isn't your favorite flavor (though I shudder to think of such a person!), Different Like Coco is a classic rags-to-riches tale, encouraging readers of all ages to follow their dreams--even if they are different from the norm.

The moral of the story, boys and girls, is that it's okay to be different. In fact, difference (which sometimes means writing in the third person) is what makes us beautiful. Viva la Chanel!

Excerpt from Different Like Coco by Elizabeth Matthews, from Candlewick, 2007. Available online at http://www.amazon.com/.

Gowns Fit for the Queen Mum

Gone are the days of bridal party blahs. Today's bride is confident enough not to dress her ladies in brightly colored taffeta nightmares just to be sure she is the fairest of them all. Instead, brides now make the effort to cloth their nearest and dearest in classic elegance, with special attention to the mother-of-the-bride. After all, where would a blushing bride be in this world without mommy dearest?

A dear friend of mine, whose wedding will be all the rage this summer, recently found herself on the quest for the perfect gown for her mother. The trouble is, many clothiers missed the memo that "mother-of-the-bride gown" is NOT synonymous with "shapeless/tasteless/two-piece/disaster." This is the part where I poke my little nose all up in her business--and begin my own personal cyber quest to see what's out there.

This particular flavor of MOTB is très chic--partial to boutique shopping above all. Both mother and daughter were inspired by Diane von Furstenberg's new maxi dresses for spring, and so I focused my search accordingly: long, flowing dresses in varied palettes.

The Outcome? Below are a few of my favorite styles, offering a range of aesthetic and price. While each gown is certainly different, they share an ethereal Grecian goddess sensibility without being too literal in their translation--or overly youthful.

As for my own mother, her look was entirely different when it came to my wedding--a country celebration that would have made the likes of Martha Stewart proud. My mother opted for a sleeveless navy sheath, with clean simple lines. The result was an understated elegance that made her shine like a queen--which is appropriate, since she is my Queen Mum.

My family, photographed by Ross Jacob Photographers: http://www.rossjacob.com/.

Gowns, from left to right: 1) Ombre Swiss Jacquard Gown in plum by Nicole Miller, available online at http://www.nicolemiller.com/; 2) BR Monogram Racerback Gown in gray, available online at http://bananarepublic.gap.com/; 3) Vera Wang Lavender LabelSilk Chiffon Gown, available online at Saks Fifth Avenue: http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/.

The Verdict, Episode 1: Loathe It

Ladies of the jury, let me first commend you for your fashion diplomacy! Had Madame Antoinette's fate been in your merciful hands, perhaps she wouldn't have lost her pretty little head.

The intended vision of this footwear fiasco? From the Absolute Madness collection, "Entirely embroidered in the Indian manufacture of Jean-Francois Lesage, this shoe is a tribute to Marie Antoinette: delicate ribbons, embroidery, and these incredible hairdressings. Sold exclusively in Paris boutiques."

That said, the queen's skilled attorney, Monsieur Louboutin, didn't quite do her feet--or ours--justice. And who am I to argue with the democratic process? The ballots are in:

33% love
40% loathe

27% undecided

To be fair, Christian Louboutin's efforts to pay homage to the queen's signature style is evident from toe to heel. Marie Antoinette was known for her indulgent lifestyle, replacing a lack of affection from her husband and mother with excessive spending on gambling and clothing. The fashionista of her time, Marie Antoinette was expected by tradition to be the leading example of fashion at court and relished trips to the city for apparel, shoes, and cosmetics. The lovely young queen did not disappoint--until her execution for treason at the age of 37, during the Reign of Terror.

In the above portrait, her heavy headpiece bears a striking resemblance to the ornamental headpiece on the Marie Antoinette shoe. Genius? Maybe. In my view, the headpiece is the singular saving grace of this shoe. In its entirety, though I appreciate the Louboutin's purpose and intentions, I feel that this shoe is simply too much--even for HRH.

But enough about me! Your feedback was fabulous, and I wanted to share a few of my favorites from the lovers and the loathers:

• I know, fashion wasn't meant to be practical or comfortable, but wouldn't it be nice if it was...at least some of the time??


• I think if you consider fashion and design as fitting two niches--namely, clothing some of us and teasing the imagination of others--there exists space for incredibly fanciful, incredibly unwearable items like these particular Louboutins. As art, I think they are cheeky and clever, with a nod to history in their concept and execution. As quotidian attire, I think they could be rather garish. Although, contrast against head to toe black, they could be pretty jazzy. You'd have to rock them with confidence.


• I would probably like stationary note cards with pictures of bizarre Louboutin shoes on them, but definitely wouldn't put these on my feet.


• Don’t get me wrong, I’d love me some Loubies, but nothing makes sense with this pair. The bottom looks like a bedazzled Easter egg, and the ankle straps are nautical and Victorian? Clearly Absolute Madness!!! AHHH!


• Despite their craftsmanship and admirable eccentricity, these shoes should suffer Marie's fate. Like her desire for luxe, both suffer from BAD TIMING!


• I would say love...but the head and hair of her majesty is a bit too much. Living in NYC, I see a lot of ridiculous, but this kind of freaks me out to actually imagine someone walking with two of her majesty's heads bobbing back and worth. Ha.


• I love it in the sense that I love John Galliano couture...wonderful to look at, not quite ready to live in.


• Picturing a foot in the shoe I am seeing a head of hair and a bodice...that's pretty clever.


• Love! I think it's an "outfit shoe," meaning it has enough character to make a simple form fitting dress complete.


• I think they are a perfect representation of Marie, as we know she was quite over the top! My verdict is that they are fierce!


• Is it just me or do you want to shout... emperor you are NAKED!

And so concludes our first episode. Thank you all for your amazing feedback! Your prize? Let us eat cake!--or couture. After all, it's what Marie Antoinette would have wanted.

Marie Antoinette picture from http://thequeenofthenight.files.wordpress.com/2007/06/marie-antoinette-ship.jpg.