Episode 3: My Husband Tests the Meaning of Fashion

Coco Chanel 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.”  Wise words indeed, but still, I often get caught up in the pages of my favorite catalogs, catchy window displays, runway looks, and impressive street style.  Fortunately, behind many a fashionista there is a supportive husband--and in my case, an adorable and style savvy one at that.  

I am thankful to my partner in crime, Dallin, for helping me keep my trend goggles on and to examine fashion in new and exciting ways.  On any given day, Dallin manages to discover the most interesting--and often shocking--fashion stories, and I often find links to these newsworthy stories in my email inbox.

Bulletproof Garment by Miguel Caballero
Image by J. Pat Carter/AP
from the NY Daily News

In fact, about a month ago, I was introduced to designer Miguel Caballero's line of bulletproof fashion.  I kid you not.  Apparently, Caballero first developed this concept in his native Colombia, where his wealthy clientele required protection from drug cartel hit men, but didn't like the bulky look of bulletproof vests.  Now that is what you can a design challenge.  Then, two years ago, the designer saw a market opportunity in the increase in gun violence in the US and took his work state-side.  He has since created bulletproof gear for celebrities like Diddy, the Wu Tang Clan, and Steven Seagal.  His looks include bulletproof trench coats, hoodies, polo shirts, and even dinner jackets.  Perhaps this isn't exactly what Madame Chanel intended in her definition of fashion, but there is clearly--and perhaps sadly--a market opportunity for Caballero's protective vision.

Roland Trettl's Creation of Seaweed and Octopus
Shown at the Communication Museum in Berlin, GermanyPhoto by Odd Andersen, AFP/Getty Images from Canada.com

While bulletproof style certainly pushes the boundaries of traditional fashion, I was even more surprised when Dallin shared an article on edible fashion with me earlier this week.  Believe me when I say that this is not the stuff of a Project Runway challenge.  Rather, The Fashion Food Exhibition at the Communication Museum in Berlin features the work of chef and food designer Roland Trettl, edible fashion made of pasta, fish skin, octopi and vegetables.  In addition to a live exhibition, photographer and collaborator Helge Kirschberger also captured Trettl's creations on camera, and the images depict show-stopping designs like a head scarf made from the fatty membrane of a calf's stomach.  Not exactly your typical runway look, but as Museum Director Lieselotte Kugler told the AFP, "The images are not salacious or pornographic but they are erotic and raise questions."  Indeed, as unappetizing as this all sounds to me, Trettl's work certainly captured my attention (and sort of turned my stomach, if we're being honest).

Roland Trettl Places a Fish Skin Mask on a model
Photo by Odd Andersen, AFP/Getty Images
from Canada.com

While I won't be in the market for a  bullet proof vest or a fish skin mask any time soon, I am grateful for these irreverent reminders of the meaning of fashion.  And I am thankful to my amazing husband for discovering and sharing such fashion oddities with me, helping to push my fashion sensibilities and expand my horizons.  But just so we're clear, if you're going to buy me a present, stick with Chanel instead of Caballero or Trettl, okay?

Click here to read the full article on Miguel Caballero's bulletproof fashion from the NY Daily News, "In the Trenchcoats," by Joanna Molloy.


Click here to read the full article on Roland Trettl's edible fashion, "Seaweed Skirts in Berlin Fashion Food Show" by Deborah Cole.

Savage Beauty--For Purchase

I couldn't be more excited to attend the Savage Beauty exhibit at the Met in just a couple of weeks with one of my dearest friends, India.  Since I've been thinking about Alexander McQueen and getting myself amped about his exhibit for some time now, it seemed appropriate when I received today's email from Saks Fifth Avenue, announcing the newest signature jewelry from the McQueen collection.



Double Wrap Charm Bracelet
by Alexander McQueen, $685
Available at Saks Fifth Avenue

 Sadly, the Alexander McQueen behind the Alexander McQueen brand passed away in early 2010, but his fashion house lives on, thanks to creative director Sarah Burton (whose current claims to fame include Kate Middleton's wedding gown).  The newest jewelry collection is as characteristically McQueen-macabre as ever, which speaks to my fashion sensibilities through and through.  In particular, the Double Wrap Charm Bracelet caught my eye.  Made of chunky brass chain links that wrap twice around the wrist, this bracelet features two oversized charms: a flower and a skull, equipped with Swarovski crystal studded eye sockets. 

With the balance between feminine and morbid tipping towards the latter, you have to be pretty rockstar to rock this style.  Of course, I'm thinking I have what it takes to wear this beautiful bracelet--just perhaps not the spending power to actually purchase it.  Sigh.  I suppose a girl can always dream, and some girls dream in Alexander McQueen. 

4 Gifts For Grads: The Guy Edition

Yes, guys graduate too--and after last week's graduation gift post, I promised that I'd follow up with the guy's gift edition.  So, without any fanfare or further ado, perhaps the following will help you decide what to give that adorable guy for graduation...


One Sketch a Day: A Visual Journal, $15.95
Available at Urban Outfitters

 If your grad is artsy-craftsy...then One Sketch a Day: A Visual Journal will give him a place to keep his daily inspirations.  This sketchbook includes space to draw each day for one year, and then one day--in a galaxy (or life stage) far, far away--he can look back and remember the year after he graduated, the bittersweet time when he (gulp) joined the working world.


Leather Railway Bag, $278 (on sale!)
by J. Crew

 If your grad already has a swanky office gig lined up...then it's high time he retire his college backpack or messenger bag.  Based on an old commuter's bag discovered at a London flea market, J. Crew's Leather Railway Bag is gentlemanly and corporate--without trying too hard.  With all sort of handy pockets, it's the ideal commuter bag and is sure to take your grad from mailroom to boardroom in no time.


Bacon Money Clip, $65
By Jack Spade

 If your grad is ready to bring home the bacon...then he's going to need a place to put it!  Made of stainless steel, Jack Spade's Bacon Money Clip is perfect for cash and cards.  Plus, it's clever inscription will keep your grad's eyes on the prize.  It's all about the Benjamins, baby.


Pocket Watch, $99.95
Available from Red Envelope

 If your grad prides himself on punctuality... then a personalized pocket watch ensures he make time for style too.  Made of brass with brushed chrome plating, the inside face reveals the watch's skeleton so you can--quite literally--see what makes it tick.  For a more personal touch, you can also choose to monogram the front, or add a message or date on the back.   So if you really, really feel the need to quote Oh! The Places You'll Go!, here's your chance.

So there you have it.  By now, you may be feeling a tad sentimental--and there's no shame in that.  But try to keep it together--if only for the sake of your grad--and, if at all possible, resist the urge to listen to Green Day's Time of Your Life.  Happy graduation, class of 2011!

Geek Your Geek On, Part 2

When the Kindle first came on the market, I was unsure how I felt about it--conceptually, I mean. As some might know, I tend to fear change, and the idea of an electronic device that replaced the books I have so lovingly collected over time... Well, let's just say I wasn't an immediate fan. However, I soon came to realize the value of such a device. For a speed reader like me (no brag, just fact) who travels with some regularity, books take up an awful lot of room in one's carry-on! Wouldn't it be fabulous to have a tiny little device on which one could store all her reading material? Lolly, meet Kindle. Kindle, meet Lolly.

I became the proud owner of my very own Kindle this past Christmas, and having just finished the mammoth-sized book I was working on for the last few weeks, I have finally begun my journey into the uncharted territory of electronic book reading. But like many fancy electronics, a Kindle ought not be left exposed, in case an unhappy accident might occur--perhaps a clumsy fashionista might accidentally drop it? So my first order of business was to find a case for my little K. Holy decisions! Like the iPad case quest of last post, it seems that Kindle/Nook cases are amongst the newest fashion accessories! In fact, just yesterday I received a Diane von Furstenberg email advertising DVF signature prints exclusively for Kindle. Like I said, geek is chic!

That said, my approach to a Kindle cover was this: If I'm going to have it for a long time, then it should be functional yet fashionable--just like a good handbag. With parameters such as those, let's be serious: Kate Spade is a no-brainer. While Kate Spade covers are actually made for Nooks rather than Kindles (gasp!), I can assure you that your own little K will indeed fit comfortably and securely. The only question is, which cover will it be???Yes, this is a test. And I'm simply dying to know which cover YOU think I picked! So leave your comments below or send me an email--and the result will soon be unveiled! Until then, stay geeky, dearest fashionista friends....

Option 1....

Option 2...

Option 3....

Images, in order of appearance: (1) Kayley Canvas Clutch by Diane von Furstenberg exclusively for Amazon Kindles, $85 each, available online (http://www.dvf.com/); (2) Canvas Bella Library Cover by Kate Spade $85, available from Barnes & Noble (www.barnesandnoble.com); (3) Jane Street Bella Cover in pink/marmalade by Kate Spade $125, also available from Barnes & Noble; (4) Bella Travels Cover by Kate Spade $85, also available from Barnes & Noble.

(If you like it, then you should have) Put A Ring On It

As Beyonce so eloquently phrases it, if you like it, then you should have put a ring on it! And, really now, who am I to argue with Beyonce? Rather, I'd like to add a bit of flair to her message--and to encourage all you fashionistas out there to put a statement ring on it. They are going to be (literally and figuratively) HUGE this season!

Fact: no matter what your fashion aesthetic is, every style savvy gal should have a statement ring (or three) in her jewelry box. In fact, they're one of the easiest accessories to work with, as you won't need to add much else to your look; instead, let your ring do all the talking. So, without further ado, here are my three favorites for three different--but equally fabulous--schools of style:

If you're a rock star... What better way to pay homage to the late and great Alexander McQueen than with one of his edgy statement rings? I'm basically obsessed with his Crystal Skull Four-Finger Ring, and I'm willing to venture that my obsession hardly needs explaining! You can pack a faaabulous punch with this macabre-chic ring, whose brass design wraps the fingers with a beautifully dark blend of glaring skulls, delicate flowers, and Swarovski crystals. Price tag: $550

If you're prim and proper... Well, even prim and proper girls know how to tie one on!--literally, I mean, with this pretty Bow Ring by Kate Spade. You'll love the preppy pop! of this fluted bow, which sits atop a smooth silvertone band. As if your mere presence wasn't gift enough! Price tag: $75

If you're a flower child... Well, then, it's all about the flowers, now isn't it? Especially when it comes to the YSL's Arty Glass Stone Ring! Talk about a bouquet that will last forever, this statement ring is a true piece of art. A jagged metal setting holds three colored glass stones, in what I can't help but view as a stunningly abstract floral arrangement. Price tag: $295

...And there are SO many more to choose from! You could have a ring for every day of the week. In fact, I amend: you SHOULD have a ring for every day of the week! And this isn't just for you single ladies--this is for all fashionistas out there: put your hands up!



Images, in order of appearance: Crystal Skull Four-Finger Ring by Alexander McQueen $550, available at Saks Fifth Avenue (www.saksfifthavenue.com); (2) Bow Ring by Kate Spade $75, also available at Saks Fifth Avenue; (3) Arty Glass Stone Ring by Yves Saint Laurent $295, also available at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Go Back To School In Style

Though I've been out of school for a few years now, I feel like the phrase "back to school" will forever conjure images of stately brick school buildings, teachers with horn-rimmed glasses, stacks of homework and books to read, and--perhaps my favorite--a few new additions to the wardrobe to start the school year right. You should know, I'm using the word "wardrobe" rather loosely here, so as to cover all manners of fashion. Including handbags.

As luck would have it, I popped into Kate Spade during a shopping trip this past weekend. My intention was to examine their selection of diaper bags, but I was almost immediately distracted by what looked like one of my favorite books, The Great Gatsby. As it turned out, it wasn't a copy of Gatsby but rather a clutch that resembled the book!

Indeed, Kate Spade's collection of "Book of the Month" clutches is a clever re-imagination of classic titles, also including Great Expectations and The Importance of Being Earnest. Their reasoning? Some books simply should not be left on the shelves! Each clutch is crafted from laminated silk twill with a metallic cowhide trim clasp closure. The interior--lined with custom woven pinstripe silk faille--features a handy zip pocket and six credit card slots, which means that fellow bookworms have more than enough room to tote a library card!

Once again, it just goes to show that reading can be fun AND educational. For this humble fashionista, the "back to school" season has never looked SO good!


Images, in order of appearance: (1) The Great Gatsby and (2) Great Expectations, both clutches from Kate Spade's "Book of the Month" line--$325 each, available from Kate Spade (http://www.katespade.com/).

In Remembrance of Summer Reading Lists

Remember summer reading lists? These days, my reading lists are mostly self-imposed or for the sake of my book group, but nothing compared to the pressure of finishing up a book just in time for the first day of school. My dear friend, Talyn, and I would often take snacks and camp out in Harvard Yard to try to get our reading done as summer vacation came to a close; the only trouble is, the squirrels are eerily tame there--and one of us reads much faster than the other... Still, I sort of miss the enforced academia, the tiny black and white print on countless pages of classic literature. Fortunately for me (and any other resident dorks out there), now you can wear the best and brightest of your summer reading list! I kid you not.

Established in 1984, Out of Print is a clothing company with a mission to celebrate the world's great stories through fashion. So there ARE other resident dorks out there in the world of fashion--hurray! Their line of tees feature iconic book covers, many of which are now out of print. Among other classic works, their collection includes The Catcher In the Rye, Moby Dick, and even The Hound of the Baskervilles. Okay, NOW do you remember summer reading lists? Even more fantastic is that they have a men's line and a women's line so if you're sweetie is as bookworm-ish as you are, you'll be in fashionable company. Plus, they're cozy too! According to the Out of Print website, each shirt is treated to feel soft and worn like a well-read book. And if you really want to feel good about your purchase, you should know that for every tee-shirt sold, Out of Print will donate one book to a community in need, thanks to their partnership with Books for Africa.

As the end of summer approaches, you may be lacking that looming deadline of "must reads," but you can easily fill that academic void with a few "must buy" tee-shirts instead. So go ahead, do it in remembrance of summer reading lists. It might just be a good story...



Images, in order of appearance: (1) Tales of the Jazz Age tee $28, available from Out of Print (http://www.outofprintclothing.com/); (2) Moby Dick tee $28, also from Out of Print.

More Fashion at Home: Upcycle Cool

Up until this past weekend, my husband and I have been madly searching for the perfect coffee table. Finally, we (okay, HE) got super crafty and constructed a fabulous table using an old door that we found inside my family's barn. He sanded it down, added wrought iron legs, and viola!--chic and eco-friendly.

While I am now the proud owner of the best coffee table a girl could ask for, I did stumble upon some other fabulous designs during our lengthy quest. In case you should find yourself in the same position, I wanted to share one of my discoveries: vintage luggage tables. Etsy seller LoveNostalgicWhimsy rescues vintage suitcases and converts them into coffee/side/end tables. The finished products are--like my barn door table--stylish and good for mother earth. After all, it doesn't get much more eco-friendly than a found object! And for a price that rivals the likes of Ikea or Target, it's really a no-brainer. The convenience factor of this design is another selling point, for you can open the suitcase/table to use it for storage. And not for nothing, as with most things vintage, your little table will truly be a one-of-a-kind (awww, just like YOU!).

So there you have it, fellow design stars; if you find yourself deciding upon or agonizing over home decor like I have been for the past two months and counting, try going upcycle cool. Remember your three Rs: reduce, reuse, and recycle! You know it's hip to be green.

Psst... To see more vintage suitcase tables from LoveNostalgic Whimsy, check out her Etsy shop by clicking here.

Image: Vintage Durabilt Luggage Table $80 by LoveNostalgic Whimsy (available online at www.etsy.com/listing/50754335/vintage-durabilt-luggage-table-satin).

Menswear: Get (Bow)Tied Up!

It isn't often that I discuss menswear, since--not being a man--I don't really consider it my area of expertise. Nonetheless, when my style-savvy sister shared the Boston Globe article covering a collection of fiercely fashionable bow ties made by two up-and-coming Boston designers, to say that I was intrigued was quite the understatement. I have always loved the look of bow ties, perhaps because my father occasionally wore them and always looked sooo dapper. Or maybe it's just because I love a pop! of preppy from time to time... Whatever the case, bow ties are undoubtedly "in" these days. So what's with everyone wanting to get tied up?

I have to agree with Globe Correspondent, Liza Weisstuch, who discusses the bow tie's fashion duality. On the one hand, bow ties simply continue to rest comfortably on their laurels, amongst academics and intellectuals who never think twice before they tie one on. Yet, more recently, bow ties have gained a cool factor, donned by both hipsters and hip celebs, who have added the bow tie to their arsenal of fashion accoutrements. Somewhere in between these two poles is where Bruce Franklin and Christopher Bennett, the designers behind Robot & Brucling, enter the scene. The two designers are locals, heralding from Mattapan and Roxbury respectively, and they began their journey into fashion when they grew tired of the standard fare and began designing for themselves.

In Weisstuch's coverage of the two, Bennett reflects on the gap in menswear, We’re at a point in the fashion cycle where gentlemen need more to express their style. He explains that the key is in the accessories, since you can’t have an outfit that says who you are until you accessorize. Well, accessorize they did! Yet, their approach is (refreshingly) anything but traditional. They work with more contemporary materials like denim and leather, further amping up the edge factor with embellishments from studs and spikes to brass skulls to Swarovski bling (now can you see why I love them?). The result is a brilliant hybrid of preppy/punk, a splendid middle ground where the school nerd and the school bad boy can fashionably--if not peacefully--coexist.

To state the obvious, I am not a man--and thus not the target demographic for the Robot & Brucling bow tie collection. However, I am still fully committed to their vision and utterly tempted to add bow ties to my accessories arsenal. I already love the necktie for the office so there is no reason why I can't rock The Phantom (you know I had to pick a design with skulls). Plus, as I'm currently sporting a baby bump, a necktie doesn't exactly lay flat like it's supposed to; fortunately, I can't think of a better solution than a spectacularly blinged out bow tie.

As a side note, my always fashionable sister and I were discussing Robot & Brucling just the other night and are hoping that they will eventually branch out to headbands. To tide me over, I suppose that I could make a DIY project out of it and physically attach one of their irresistibly irreverent styles to a basic headband. Really, it wouldn't get more fiercely fabulous than that. On that front, I suppose you'll just have to stay tuned... But in the meantime, whether you're a guy or a gal, I implore you to give bow ties a chance--especially when they come bearing skulls, studs, and lace. Sort of makes you want to get tied up, doesn't it?

Special thanks to my lovely sister, Annie, for sharing the good word of Robot & Brucling with me!

Psst... Check out the full article from the June 17, 2010 issue of the Boston Globe, Knots ready for prime time by Globe Correspondent Liza Weisstuch! Here's the link: Local designers reimagine the bow tie - The Boston Globe

Image: (1) bowtie collection by Robot & Brucling, as photographed by Essdras M. Suarez of the Globe Staff for the Boston Globe; (2) Bruce Franklin and Christopher Bennett, the designers behind Robot & Brucling, wearing their own bowtie fashions, also photographed by Essdras M. Suarez of the Globe Staff for the Boston Globe.; (3) The Chelsea, also by Robot & Brucling, as photographed by Michele McDonald for the Boston Globe--also available for purchase for $45 from Robot & Brucling (online at www.robotandbrucling.com).

Love It or Loathe It? Episode 8: Silly Bandz for Adults???

I simply had to laugh when I saw that Silly Bandz made the New York Times fashion headlines in my iGoogle today! For those unfamiliar with Silly Bandz, they are essentially rubber bands--in an array of bright colors--that are shaped like objects such as a peace sign, a guitar, or an animal. They are designed to be worn on the wrist, but they revert back to their original shape when taken off. Apparently, they have been the hot item amongst today's youth (much like I snap bracelets were in my day--can I get an Amen?) for some time now--and according to today's Times' article, Older Audience for Child’s Bracelet Is Not a Stretch, adults are now getting in on the silliness too! In fact, my adorable college-age sister told me that one of her friends wears a single silly band on her wrist--and that it serves as a fun conversation piece.

Anyway, with my love of bracelets no secret, I'm sort of intrigued by this still-rising trend that has taken over one demographic and moved right on to the next. But now I want to hear from YOU! The question for today's episode of Love It or Loathe It? is (appropriately) a bit silly: Silly Bandz for adults--love it or loathe it? And why? Send me an email or post your comments!



Image: an edgy adult wearing Silly Bandz just like the kids, photo from The New York Times article, Older Audience for Child’s Bracelet Is Not a Stretch by Kayleen Schaefer; full article available online by clicking here.

Another Installment of Fashion At Home: My Husband Is Sometimes Right

It's been a while since we last chatted about fashion at home, but you may remember that this topic is often the source of marital discord and/or compromise in my happy little family. Nonetheless, the result is always a good one, for Dallin and I eventually find a way to blend our decorating wants into a well balanced aesthetic, somewhere along the lines of "traditional with a twist." Having recently moved (once again), we are now (once again) facing the somewhat daunting task of decorating our new home, the place where we hope to stay put for a while--especially now that we have a little one of our own on the way...

That said, given my husband's penchant for interior design and his self-proclaimed "creative vision," we have found ourselves navigating the sometimes turbulent waters of creating a space that simultaneously reflects both our unique and combined tastes, doesn't break the bank, and looks absolutely impeccable without being overtly catalog. Perhaps for this reason, we are still unpacking, long after our May 1 move-in date. However, it apparently took Michelangelo four painstaking years to paint the Sistine Chapel, so sometimes good things come to those who wait.

With our living room nearing completion, we recently shifted our focus to the dining room. After nearly four years of marriage, I'm excited to report that we finally have a dining room, and so it's been exciting for us to venture into this uncharted territory. We were lucky to inherit the fabulous farm-style table that was a fixture in my dining room growing up, and we recently proved ourselves worthy of it, after lugging it home via Uhaul alllll the way back from my family's home in Western Massachusetts (NOT an easy task). However, the chairs were another matter entirely. Understandably, my mother is still using the dining room chairs that my father hand painted for her in the charming Quimper style years ago. So, we were left to our own devices as far as seating--and that's where things got...interesting.

My first thought was to find some rustic wooden chairs and perhaps a matching bench, and I even located a few contenders at Pottery Barn. However, my husband saw things differently, arguing that--if I had my way--our dining room would look like it came straight off the pages of the Pottery Barn catalog, devoid of character and originality. As it turns out, his vision was one of mixed media, pairing our wooden farmhouse table with steel chairs. At first, I balked at this suggestion: metal chairs with a wood table?! But then he actually showed me the chairs he has been obsessed with since practically forever, and I started to see the light. But not for nothing, I have to mention that the chairs in question hailed from the pages of my mother's Sundance catalog--so it seems you can never fully escape all things "catalog." Just saying.

Here's a fun fact: Dallin's beloved steel chairs actually have quite the history! Yes, they may have found their way onto the pages of Sundance, but their story neither starts nor stops there. Rather, it all began once upon a time (in the 1930s, to be precise) when Xavier Pauchard designed the iconic Chaise A as part of a collection of galvanized steel furniture under the Tolix brand. Given its inherent form and function, the Chaise A immediately took off, becoming a ubiquitously favored seating choice--from cafes and bistros to army barracks and hospitals. Then, in the early 1980s, the Tolix A Chair, also known as the Marais AC Chaise, was reissued. Again, it was well-received, this time by both the public and professional designers alike who also valued its chic design and durable structure. Now, you can find this fabulous chair (in its original burnished steel, as well as bright colors like blue, red, or yellow) everywhere from the furniture shops of France, to antique fairs and flea markets across our great nation, and even on the pages of Sundance, Pottery Barn, and Crate and Barrel. Imagine that!

So here's the truth: in this particular case, Dallin couldn't have been more right, or his creative vision more cool. Still, we have never been a couple that does things precisely by the book; believe it or not, we ultimately moved away from the Tolix design, in favor of another galvanized steel chair, whose design was slightly more worn and industrial--an ideal compliment to the deliciously distressed cracked white paint along the lip and legs of our table. The end product?--sheer perfection that is impeccably country chic without even a hint catalog. What else can I say? My husband is sometimes right.

Fun facts about Tolix chairs, thanks to Paris Parfait (http://parisparfait.typepad.com/). Images, in order of appearance: (1) 1934 Dining Chair from Sundance, as shown on the Sundance website (www.sundancecatalog.com); (2) Wynn Ladderback Chairs in french white $229-299 by Pottery Barn, available online (http://www.potterybarn.com/); (3) Another view of the 1934 Dining Chair $245, available from Sundance; (4) Lyle Side Chair $199 by Crate and Barrel, available online (http://www.crateandbarrel.com/); (5) Another view of the Lyle Side Chair, as shown on the Crate and Barrel website.

From The Great Gatsby to Cuchi Cuchi--Back to the Roaring Twenties

Last night, my husband and I had the opportunity to dine out with our great friends at Cambridge's Cuchi Cuchi. Having heard countless rave reviews of the Central Square spot, I was just waiting for an excuse to check it out for myself--and it was well worth the wait, both for the spicy and sophisticated cuisine and the inspiring fashion. The concept behind the chic hotspot is essentially an homage to la belle epoch and early Hollywood. The result is a glowing, lavishly furnished restaurant/bar, where Daisy Buchanan-esque waitresses serve small, "straight up" dishes (not to be mistaken for tapas!) and vintage cocktails. Feeling as though I had stepped into one of Jay Gatsby's infamous parties, I almost found myself looking for a single green light, minute and faraway, that might have been the end of a dock.

But I'm getting ahead of myself. While dressing for dinner earlier that evening, I lamented my lack of wardrobe options. My adorable husband, who always does his homework, reported that the Cuchi Cuchi website identified the dress code as one of casual elegance, which was further qualified as pearls and designer jeans. Although I was somewhat surprised by these specifics, it made dressing that much easier--and without further fuss and bother, I happily climbed into my black Rock & Republic skinny jeans, and we hit the road.

Yet, just thirty minutes later, surrounded by a glamorous waitstaff who captured the quintessential Gatsby look with unparalleled perfection, I was feeling much more like the unrefined Myrtle Wilson (was it because of our shared last name?) than the ravishing (albeit fickle) Daisy. It wasn't until later that I learned that Cuchi Cuchi actually has its own costume closet and vault library so that their staff can bedazzle themselves in vintage clothes and jewels like the roaring twenties never ended. From the glitz to the glam to the painted, ruby red lips, these lovely ladies glittered with finery that left me considering the ways that an everyday fashionista might incorporate a bit of old world beauty and excess into an everyday look.

As it turns out, the answer lies in Cuchi Cuchi's own brilliant dress code. By simply adding a few choice accessories to an otherwise streamlined look, you can infuse the everyday with a much-needed hint of drama. For example, a jeweled hair pin; dramatic faux lashes and red velvet lips; a glittering cocktail ring; a luxe silk blouse; or even a a simple headband, worn jazz-era style (across your forehead) can bring your pearls and designer jeans look back to the bygone age. Plus, there's a good chance you already have many--if not all--of these items in your closet. That means you get to be glamorous and frugal at precisely the same time--leaving your hard earned dollars for a night out at...Cuchi Cuchi! I mean, really now, where else would you go?

Quote from The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Images, in order of appearance: (1) "no. 100" rhinestone hair pin $130 by ban.do, available online (http://www.shopbando.com/); (2) Cuchi Cuchi girl, thanks to the Cuchi Cuchi website (http://www.cuchicuchi.com/); (3) "no. 113" beaded headband $130, also by ban.do.

On Coolhunting

True story: when I was little and my dad was a 27 year old single dad with no idea what to do with a two year old girl, he used to entertain me by taking me to jump on the beds at The Conran Shop on Beacon Street in Boston. Although some parents would have recommended the park (and to be fair, we did that too), this turned out to be an excellent way to occupy me. The Conran Shop was more than just an international furniture shop- it was one of Sir Terence Conran's fiefdom of leading boutiques selling cutting-edge furniture, a curated selection of books, and other lifestyle wares for selective consumers. Although a TGI Friday's has replaced Conran's on Newbury Street, the empire is flourishing in the UK and I have had the chance to confirm my memory of its awesomeness at the Marylebone branch in London several times.

A few years later, when I was a teenager, I remember reading a story in a fashion magazine about coolhunting, or the profession of basically having a nose for what's next. The idea that this was a career baffled me then, but as I've gotten older I've begun to notice that some people not only have a great eye and keep their ear to the trend ground- some people just seem to have a sixth sense about what's about to explode. Are they taste-makers or taste-sussers? Arguably, all magazine editors, store buyers, literary agents, and people in the advertising industry are to some extent coolhunters, but I'd say there are a few superlative arbitors lurking- Simon Doonan or Scott Schuman, for example (to be fair, I like Garance Dore much more). In a sort of ironic meta-michrochosm of this field, Malcom Gladwell, himself a sort of intellectual-pop culture coolhunter, wrote his breakout New Yorker article on this pseudo science, through the lens of sneaker culture and the footwear supernezes who find the most badass footwear around- and thus inform the preferences of the masses. For perhaps a more ubiquitous pop culture reference, I refer to the scene in The Devil Wears Prada in which Miranda Priestly schools Andie about the reasons for which her sweater is blue.

But I digress.

A few years ago, I was casually perusing some homewares blog and came across the first of what would be many references to Colette. This Parisian concept store has a mega cult following, and I was so excited when Laura came to visit that we had the opportunity to check out the hype. It was the sort of hybrid place I love- a tightly edited selection of merch, cool music, sick photography, awesome staff. We bought a pretty rad blue nail polish by new cult fave Uslu Airlines and promptly decked out our previously nude nails. While we were in Paris, we also checked out another amazing concept store Lex raved about over at dtangled, called Merci. I shared Lex's enthusiasm- it was the kind of place with which you can't help but fall in love. A multilevel emporium of impossibly chic Frenchness, Merci showcases an eclectic selection of clothing for the ladies and the gents (think mix-and-match bikinis for girls, updated workshirts for boys, etc), two floors of ubercool home goods, and various smaller areas dedicated to such goodies as neon Repetto flats, bespoke Annick Goutal fragrances, and a darling pick-your-own selection of Caran D'Ache colored pencils. On our visit, I fell head over heels for a long chain necklace with a small heart-shaped pendant proclaiming "Merci La Vie" and continued to long for it in the next several weeks. I had an unexpected chance to spend another night in Paris en route back to London from Istanbul last week (thank you, volcano Esfsofijgosifogidoifjgaoijweoria) and carped the diem to return and acquire it. I also enjoyed a lovely breakfast in Merci's enchanting book-lined cafe - baguette and apricot preserves, natch (I bootlegged the proffered Escrire butter and smuggled it back to London in my makeup bag). Merci also takes the idea of concept store to a new level, donating all its proceeds- once it breaks even- to a charitable organization in Madagascar. C'est tres chic et c'est tres bon. Or is it bien?

I have a smattering of other concept store faves scattered throughout my fave cities- Liberty in London, Takashimaya and Henry Bendel (to some extent) in New York, even Carly Simon's Midnight Farm on Martha's Vineyard. They are just the places you go when you need the perfect thing and you need to rely on someone else's critical eye. I'd argue Anthropologie, Barney's, and even J.Crew sister store Madewell are almost scaled up/mass retail concept stores, but I'm open to being challenged on that one. Regardless, I highly recommend checking out your local concept stores, or dropping into one of these finds when next you find yourself in New York, Paris, or London- they are well worth a visit, even if just to give you a little peek into what's looking hot- or maybe more accurately, cool.

If You Build It, They Will Come: Bring Fashion Home

It seems the New Year has--at least subconsciously--inspired me. This past weekend, without having made any resolutions (aside from the "work out more" promise I make to myself constantly), I finally grew tired of all the blank wall space in my new house and went to work on the stacks of framed photographs and paintings collecting dust in the corner. The result? Outstanding, of course! But more importantly, the process itself reignited my passion for interior design and commitment to making my home my own personal sanctuary. So for today's post, let this be a disclaimer: fashion has (re)entered the home, along with my purported DIY wisdom.

So now the real question is: how exactly does one build a sanctuary? For me, it's all about color and balance. You may recall the Tiffany debate, which was ultimately resolved using Tiffany-inspired accents (ie. a side table and wooden chest) to contrast and compliment a black four-poster bed and wall of black and white photographs in solid black frames of varying size. As you might have guessed, the photographs went up this weekend, adding the perfect polish to my desired aesthetic.

The trouble is, every room is a process, and it's all too easy to burn out. Hello, I moved in 5 months ago, and I'm still not done "settling." So I have decided (perhaps for reasons of self-preservation) that you can't rush the process. Sometimes it takes days, weeks, or even months to find/commit to a vision. From that point on, the room becomes a work-in-progress, until one day (breathe) it is finally complete. Do I sound like I've been doing too much yoga? Maybe. But not for nothing, this can work! Let me elaborate...

My new project is our guest room. I've been agonizing over it for a while now. The biggest challenge is the fact that we rent, not own, our home. This means that, as much as I want to get rid of the white wardrober that's waaaay too enormous for such a little space, or to fix the ridiculous electrical work (who puts light switches behind a door, really?), we have to work within the space that's there. Having finally accepted that, I can move forward.

First order of business: color scheme. My adorable sister recently shared her Serena & Lily obsession with me, and a visit to their website helped me find inspiration in their Citrine Collection, a delicately fresh take on lemon/lime. I had previously toyed with the idea of a bright lime palette in this room, but since my living room is all about lime accents, I threw in the towel. Thanks to Serena & Lily, however, I now find myself in a lighter, brighter place (in so many ways), having introduced lemony yellows and sage greens into the mix to add softness and balance.

The next step: make the inspiration a reality, and this means making it your own. After all, no one lives in a catalog so it's useless to try to replicate catalog look. For instance, the intricate white bed frame in this image is lovely, but the bed in my guestroom is black wrought-iron. While I'm not going to buy a new bed, I can still make this look work for me with citrusy bedding, accent pillows, maybe even a side table or chair. Another hiccup is the black dresser housing much of my husband's wardrobe. It's anything but light and airy, but I can pull in my color palette by switching out the hardware with a mismatched collection of yellows, whites, greens, and maybe even a splash of blue for good measure.

An important part of this personalization process is to add the finishing touches that make a room feel like "home" (or a home for guests, in my case). Whether you have a penchant for painting, photography, or prints, a room can never be a sanctuary unless it tells your story. Surprisingly, this is where my home decor project began so I can check it off my list. However, this can also serve as a fabulous chance to get creative if you don't already have a collection of art to display. Grab your camera and start snapping, or dust off your easel--the possibilities are endless...

As they say, if you build it, they will come. Well, dearest fashionista friends, the time has come: ready, set, build! This year, let's do our part to bring fashion home.

Images, in order of appearance: (1) One of my inspirations in the Tiffany saga, photo from Gaita Interiors (www.gaitainteriors.com/blog); (2) Citrine Dreams, a new inspiration for my guest room thanks to Serena & Lily (http://www.serenaandlily.com/); (3) Bubbled Glass Knob in olive $8, from Anthropologie (http://www.anthropologie.com/).

Matte Finish(ed)

Ever since the Boston Globe predicted matte finish nails as one of the season's hot new trends, I've been curious--and doubtful. Why matte finish? Isn't part of a manicure's allure that shiny, polished look? Take that away, and what's left? Well, last night I had the opportunity to find out...

Needing to replenish my supply of Black Satin Nail Colour, I detoured to the Chanel counter at Nordstrom on my ride home from work--to no avail (it was out). For the sake of free shipping, I ordered my polish then and there, but in the meantime, my nails needed a plan B. I headed towards Sephora, since I'm all about OPI for Sephora these days. Being mentally prepared for black nails, I was forced to choose my own adventure: (1) Go for another bottle of black, even though my favorite polish was already paid for and en route to my house; OR (2) Act like a grown-up and pick a different color. Fortunately for this indecisive fashionista, the choice was an easy one, thanks to Sephora by OPI's Matte Nail Colour Collection--and specifically What's A Tire Jack?, their limited edition shade of matte black. According to Sephora, matte polish is a nail-color trend for fashion-forward manicure mavens. Was I such a maven?--obviously a question that needed an answer.

If you're unfamiliar with matte polish, then you should know that it is not intended to be worn with either a base coat or a top coat (gasp!). Nor is it intended to last as long as your standard polish (eyebrow raise?). Nonetheless, I was willing to try it. And after an exhaustive DIY spa regime, ten fingers and ten toes were impeccably matted.

The verdict? Unless I'm the only weird, artsy, fashion freak in the room, then perhaps you remember painting your fingernails with actual paint when you were a child--you know, when you were distracted during art class or something? Shockingly, this has the same effect. All the shine and snap of your standard manicure is reduced to the look of gloss-less paint. Sephora's website claims that matte nail color is not for everyone--further explaining that it is for the woman who likes to lead instead of follow and who wants to make a daring fashion statement. I would agree, but only if your definition of daring is "I want my nails to look like I scraped paint off the wall."

Needless to say, I'm not loving it. I'm just hoping my Black Satin arrives with some serious quickness, before people start thinking the recession has me resorting to Crayola paint instead of grown-up polish. Consider this fashionista matte finish(ed).

Image: black matte nails, photo from the August 27, 2009 Boston Globe article, Four fall fashion trends you can live with by Hayley Kaufman. Information from Sephora, online at www.sephora.com.

Unheeled? Maybe Never...

A couple of weeks ago, I asked you, my lovely fashionista friends, to tell me your thoughts on heels. More specifically, to heel or not to heel?--that was my question. Given the name of this blog, it seems like an appropriate forum to discuss heels. But the more I think about it, the more I wonder when she/me will indeed "come unheeled?" Maybe never...

Last month, the New York Times' Room for Debate Blog addressed "Why We Love the Shoes That Hurt Us." Not surprisingly, that headline caught my eye immediately, as I ask myself that very question all the time. Why do I keep going back to my gorgeous black Christian Louboutin pumps when, after wearing them for a whole day, it feels as though my shoes are filling with blood? Is the fact that I constantly get paralyzing foot cramps any indication that maybe I should lay off the sky-high heels? Perhaps. Yet, I don't (or won't?). I like to consider myself an intelligent and fashion-forward individual, so what gives?

Some would suggest height as a motivation, but I can confidently reject that reason. I've been walking tall at 5'11" for as long as I can remember--yet, I still opt for death-defying footwear that places me around 6'3" on an almost daily basis. Plus, these days it seems that everyone is in heels. If we're all tacking on the inches, then the added height is essentially pointless. So if not height, then what?

We're so vain. The Times blog debate quoted Nancy Rexford, author of Women's Shoes In America: 1795 to 1930, who explained this seemingly inexplicable lust for heels: In an age of slovenliness and fat, simply being thin is a mark of status, and high heels emphasize the advantage by lengthening the leg. Add platform soles, and you rise superior to a wasteland of waddling sweatshirts and dumpy athletic shoes.

At least for me personally, it's difficult to deny Rexford's explanation. After all, I look much, much better in heels than I ever would in flats. If I'm wearing a skirt or a dress, my legs look longer and leaner with heels on. If I'm wearing pants, I prefer the way the fabric falls over heels. Though I might be more comfortable in a pair of flats or even low pumps, I am willing to pay quite a high premium for a confidence strictly available with a 4-inch boost.

So what do we heel-lovers sacrifice in the name of fashion? My sister is one of the few fashionistas I know who doesn't wear heels. When I asked her why, she quoted Agador from The Birdcage, saying with a smile, I do not wear the shoes... because... they make me fall down. Joking aside, I remember walking arm-in-arm with Daddy at my wedding, frantically whispering, "Don't let me fall, don't let me fall!" as we made our way across the sloping lawn. Wearing 4-inch wedges, I clutched his arm--delicately, of course--for dear life. But my shoes, like my wedding, were perfect. So it was worth it.

Yet, as far as health goes, Marlene Reid, the Naperville, Illinois podiatrist and spokeswoman for the American Podiatric Medical Association quoted in the Times blog piece, explains that many podiatric physicians are concerned about the future problems stemming from shoe choices. High-heels are an obvious target, causing pain in the ball of the foot and knees as early as one's 20's. More interesting is the fact that flats are not exempt. Rather, continuously wearing (unsupportive) flats can result in arch problems for both women and men. I'm no podiatrist, but it looks to me like we're damned if we do, damned if we don't--short of wearing running shoes all the time (gross).

The age-old expression, beauty is pain, seems appropriate for this footwear conundrum. Are sacrifices in the name of fashion simply inevitable? In a recent Washington Post article, shoe maestro Christian Louboutin confessed, I would hate for someone to look at my shoe and say, "Oh my God! That looks so comfortable!" That's not what I want to project. But I'm not a sadist. I don't believe suffering makes you beautiful. But comfort is not part of my creative process. The take-home message? Suffering, while not mandatory, may be unavoidable--at least as far as your L'Bouts go.

Reid, on the other hand, argues that healthy feet does not require sacrificing fashion. To keep your feet happy and healthy, she suggests dropping down half an inch in heel height for stability, selecting shoes with padding, and alternating your heel height daily. Never wear a shoe that doesn’t allow you to walk normally. Alternatively, if you're wedded to those gorgeous sky-high heels, you can cheat a bit. Remember that scene in The Devil Wears Prada when a faceless Runway employee quickly slips out of her clogs and into her pumps when word gets out that Miranda has entered the building? Similarly, I have a friend who keeps a pair of flats or flip-flops in her bag for commuting purposes. Another friend will only wear heels when there is no extensive walking involved.

We all have our reasons for loving heels: longer legs; better posture; feeling confident, powerful, sexy, etc.; that irresistible clicking sound they make against the floor. Or not: they hurt; they're bad for your feet/body; you can't walk properly; that annoying clicking sound they make against the floor. Heels or flats? Given the option, as Victoria Beckham once said, Heels! I just can't concentrate in flats. But that doesn't mean that a girl can't come unheeled every now and then. I mean, Chanel does make some darling ballet flats, and I lovelovelooove my Chucks with jeans when I'm bumming around! But at the end of the day, I'll side with Manolo Blahnik every time: You put high heels on and you change. End of story.

Sources: (1) "Why We Love the Shoes That Hurt Us" from the Editors of the The New York Times (click here to see the full text); (2) Christian Louboutin, quoted in The Washington Post (click here to see the full text); (3) Thanks also to all the fashionistas who shared their opinions on heels with me!

Images, in order of appearance: (1) Girl in heels, photo from FabSugarUK (http://www.fabsugar.co.uk/); (2) Me! putting my shoes on, photographed by Ross Jacob Photographers (online at http://www.rossjacob.com/); (3) Christian Louboutin, image thanks to http://www.panachereport.com/; (4) Victoria Beckham, photo from SoftPedia (www.news.softpedia.com).