STYLE FILE: Sparkle & Shine

For a date with my BF at tiny West Village bistro, Joseph Leonard, I chose an icy monochromatic look to combat the summer heat.  The long pendant and chunky heels work to dress down this sparkly number.

SHELL/BEADED DRESS: DVF

LEATHER/FISHSKIN CLUTCH: DVF

GEODE PENDANT: VINTAGE

CHUNKY NUDE LEATHER HEELS: CALVIN KLEIN

-NATTY

STYLE FILE: Sun Dress Fun Dress

SWISS DOT COTTEN SUNDRESS: DVF

LEATHER GLADIATOR SANDALS: Sigerson Morrison

ORANGE GLASS RING: Tre

STRAW FEDORA: Nor Cal festival find

-Natty

DEAL OF THE DAY: I Scream You Scream

SCOOP AND MATT BERNSON EVENT

*Thursday August 26th 6-8pm

GET A FREE PAIR OF LEVI'S® CURVE ID JEANS

*FRIDAY August 27th - starting at 10am while supplies last 

*Bryant Park NYC
*BRING SOMETHING IN THAT DOESN'T FIT...AND GET SOMETHING THAT DOES"

     New custom fits for women

    Because hotness really does come in all shapes and sizes

    One per customer

*Live performance by songstress JANELLE MONÁE and styling tips from style guide BOBBIE      THOMAS

SCREAMING MIMI'S VINTAGE SALE

*Up to 75% off vintage clothing including rayon dresses, crop tops, and shoes.

*Tuesday, August 24 through Monday, September 6. 

     (Look for a big blowout sidewalk sale Labor Day weekend.) 

     Mon—Wed noon—8pm, Thurs—Sat noon—9pm, Sun 1pm—7pm. 382 

*Lafayette St at East 4th St (212-677-6464)

-Natty

NATTY NEWS: Chewbacca by Chanel

Dear Karl -

I realize that Chanel has long ago established itself as a tenured fashion house.  It's true that you are capable of making ordinary and sometimes quirky designs appear covetable, simply by stamping on that uber recognizable double C logo.  But this season, you have officially taken that freedom just a little too fur ... I mean far.  

In your recent ad campaign for Chanel, you showcase what I affectionately call, "The Abominable Snowman Collection" on supermodels Freja Beha and Abby Lee.  The poor girls are photographed on NYC fire escapes, wearing some of the world's fugliest furry footwear on planet earth.  What I want to know, Karl, is for the love of Fashion, WHY?!?
In case you're still operating under the delusion that it is in-fact a brilliant concept to sell yeti-inspired fashion, let me help you out:

a) This collection isn't even fur, it's long, synthetic, hair-like material.  I mean, you could braid that stuff. I imagine stray cats springing from garbage cans to rub up against girl's legs -- licking the boots with their little sticky tongues...yuck.

b) Nobody wants to look like Chewbacca.  Ever.

c) A leg full of matted fur will not look good on anyone - not Freja, Abby, Kate or any other gorgeous model you convince to wear your embarrassing creations.  And if it don't look good on them, it sure as heck ain't gonna work on anyone else.  Like I said, NOBODY wants to look like Chewbacca. Ever.

d) And finally - do you not remember a few years ago when long haired moon boots almost EXACTLY like these flooded the market in an attempt to compete with Uggs?  They never took off because while Uggs are functional, these are just frightening.  So - not only is this hideous hair clog a mistake, but it's redundant.  Which means that you don't even get points for innovation, boo.

And don't even get me started on the men's head-to-toe ape suit, that's just a joke.  In fact - is the whole thing just an "screw you" to retail consumerism? Showing us all that you really can do whatever you darn well please and get away with it?  If so - you've got us laughing.  I'm just not so sure that we're laughing with you...

xx,
Natty

PS - For anyone who is drinking the Karl-ade and wants to get in on the look for less - just check out this budget version for the low, low price of $10.95;  plus your dignity.

Costumes For Less $10.95

BUY NOW WEAR NOW: Sail Away with Sea Bags

Well labor day is 2 weeks away, and fashionphiles everywhere will be heading to the coast for one last big beach blast before the season comes to a close.  You'll need the usual: a barely there sundress, your fave espadrilles - worn to shreds from a summer of fun, and a bikini or two.  But you'll also need something in which to tote these weekend essentials, PLUS a bag that'll work for dragging goodies onto the beach itself.  

Why not make them one and the same?  These adorable Sea Bags are made from recycled sails to create a charming nautical feel - on or off the sand.  Ahoy and enjoy! 

All styles and more available at www.seabags.com.

-Natty

A NATTY NUGGET: Friday Refreshment V

Let's toast to one final installment of the Friday Refreshment.  This week is the recently branded "classic" SkinnyGirl Margarita invented by Bethenny Frankel.  I can't believe I'm quoting one of the "Real Housewives" on this one - but hey, this thing is delish!  Enjoy this one while wearing a body hugging bandage dress, obvi.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz of Clear Premium Tequila (count 1, 2 while you pour, no need for measuring)
• Tiny splash of Orange Liquor (Triple Sec, Grand Marnier or Contreau will work)
• Juice of 4 Fresh Lime Wedges

* To serve on the rocks, combine all ingredients over a glass of ice and garnish with a lime wedge

Happy Summer Friday!
- Natty

DEAL OF THE DAY: Extra 10% off SALE at Piperlime

Check out Rachel Zoe's picks for the best stuff.

DEAL OF THE DAY: Barneys Warehouse Sale and MORE

BARNEYS WAREHOUSE SALE

*August 19 - September 6

    Aug 19-20 8am-9pm

    Weekends 10am-7pm

    Weekdays 10am-9pm

    Sep 6 - Labor Day - 10am - 7pm

*255 W 17th st between 7th and 8th ave (212-450-8400)

SAKS 5TH AVE 

*Online SALE - extra 25% off sale items (discount already taken)

*Now through Sunday 

*www.saks.com

JAMES PERSE
*Thursday, August 19 through Sunday, August 22. 
    Thurs 4am—9pm, 
    Fri—Sat 10am—8pm
    Sun 10am—4pm. 
*382 West Broadway between Spring and Broome Sts (no phone)


LF SALE OF THE SEASON
*Ongoing. Soho: 
    Mon—Sat 11am—8pm
    Sun noon—6pm. 
*149 Spring St between Wooster St and West Broadway (212-966-5889). 
*Cobble Hill: 
    Mon—Sat 11am—7pm
    Sun noon—5pm. 
*227 Court St between Baltic and Warren Sts (718-797-3626)


-Natty

DEAL OF THE DAY: Extra 50% off Sale at SCOOP NYC

STYLE FILE: Go Green!

LIME GREEN SILK CHIFFON BLOUSE: DVF

DENIM CUT-OFF SHORTS: James Jeans

GOLD WRAP AROUND SANDLES: Random boutique in Paris 7 years ago!

COBALT BLUE GLASS RING: Tre

GOLD BRACELETS: Misc

-Natty

CURRENTLY COVETING: Elizabeth & James "E Mason" - Pumped UP

Elizabeth & James E Mason Pump: $299 - $425

Round toe, pointy toe, almond toe, peep toe...chunky heel, cone heel, stilletto heel, cut out heel...

Just when you thought you'd seen every possible incarnation of a pump imaginable, along comes Elizabeth & James (aka Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen - the genius's behind the brand) to show you otherwise.  The "E Mason" is essentially just another pumped up pump on a platform. But somehow - they've managed to tweak this sexy silhouette by fitting the platform just a hair smaller than the shoe base itself, giving the illusion that it's literally a regular pump that's been pumped up by an added piece in the front.  The result?  A funky take on a classic - just in time for fall.

-Natty

A NATTY NUGGET: Friday Refreshment IV

Summer's hottest month is in full swing, and what better way to hydrate than with a coconut water cocktail?  Thanks to Megan Zimak for yet another healthy take on a summer classic, the Coconut Caipirinha.  Sip while wearing bright colors and big sunglasses.

*Coconut Caipirinha: 196 calories

1/2 lime, cut into wedges
2 tsp. superfine sugar
1 1/2 oz. Leblon Cachaça 
Vita Coco coconut water 

Muddle first 3 ingredients in a highball glass. Fill to the top with coconut water. Garnish with a lime wheel.

-Natty

STYLE FILE: Wrapped in Silk

SILK PLEATED WRAP DRESS: DVF

LIZARD SLINGBACK SANDALS: Christian Louboutin

LEATHER HORSE BIT CLUTCH: Gucci

-Natty

DEAL OF THE DAY: To Die for Tie Dye II

Eager to jump into the tie dye trend, but not sure you're ready for a head to toe look?  Try this super chic suede clutch from Tory Burch, it's just the perfect dose of dye.  

Tory Burch Clutch

SALE: $277

-Natty

DEAL OF THE DAY: Lauren Merkin Sample Sale / Kisan Sale

LAUREN MERKIN SAMPLE SALE
*Up to 70% off bags, clutches, and accessories. Check their Facebook for updates as the sale progresses.
*Tuesday, August 10 through Saturday, August 14. 
*Tues—Fri 11am—7pm, Sat 11am—4pm. 
*231 W. 29th St between Seventh and Eighth Aves, suite 201 (212-239-2459)


KISAN SALE
*50% to 70% off womenswear and accessories by labels like Vanessa Bruno, Tsumori Chisato, and Antik Batik. Shoes by Robert Clergerie are also 70 percent off.
*Through Wednesday, August 11.
*Mon—Wed 11am—7pm.
*125 Greene St between Prince and West Houston Sts (212-475-2470)

Happy Shopping!

-Natty

INSPIRATION STATION: To Die for Tie Dye

Tie dye is one of those styles that's been around for ages ... like literally since about 600 AD in China and Japan.  Of course it was those crafty hippies in the 60's who made it popular in mainstream culture - and while it disappeared temporarily from the fashion scene for a few years there, for several season's it's been back and better than ever.

The difference between our parent's tie-dye and our own - is that it's no longer limited to just t-shirts and psychedelic colors.  These days, we've seen tie dyed dresses, jackets, pants and even jeans spinning down the runways in colors ranging from the brightest brights to sleek and edgy blacks and grays.  

As for this California native, I think the tie die trend is pretty groovy.  So much so in fact, that I recently hosted a little tie-dying party for a couple of girlfriends!  For some DIY fashion fun, channel your inner flower child using a cool slouchy t-shirt or simple white cotton dress.  Pick up a basic tie-dye kit, and mix your own modern colors.  You'll feel like you're 11 years old again, but you'll wind up with some funky styles that are anything but faded...

-Natty

A NATTY NUGGET: Friday Refreshment III

It's time for your weekly Friday Refreshment courtesy of Megan Zimak.  This sangria packs a punch, and puts a healthy spin on a summertime fave.  To be enjoyed with some fresh fruit garnish and a bright sundress.

*Sangria Organica: 105 calories per serving

2 oz. cucumber-infused vodka, such as organic Crop Harvest Earth vodka
3 mint leaves
¾ oz. simple syrup
3 oz. white wine, such as Bonterra Viognier organic wine
4 oz. fresh pineapple juice
½ c. mix of red apple and cucumber, diced

Muddle vodka, mint and simple syrup in the bottom of a small pitcher. Fill pitcher with ice. Add wine and pineapple juice; mix. Add apples and cucumbers and serve.

-Natty

STYLE FILE: Sailing Style

I recently went sailing on the Hudson River with some friends, and played it low key on the wardrobe front.  But the prettiest thing we saw that day?  A rainbow arching over the city skyscrapers ... Mother Nature's version of her own fashion sense.

BIKINI: DVF

SHEER COTTON CAFTAN WITH EMBROIDERED TRIM: DVF

STRAW FEDORA: Street Vendor

GOLD FRAMED ROUND SUNGLASSES: Dolce & Gabanna

STRAW TOTE: Vintage find from the Brooklyn Flea

-Natty

DEAL OF THE DAY: Alexander Wang Sample Sale TOMORROW!!

ALEXANDER WANG*Up to 80% off the designer’s coveted apparel and handbags
*Thursday, August 5th 2pm—7pm, Fri and Sat 10am—7pm, Sunday, August 8th. Sun 10am—4pm. 
*93 Mercer St between Spring & Broome Sts (no phone)


-Natty

A NATTY NUGGET: Is Joe Faux Real?

There are many reasons why I love Elle's Creative Director - Joe Zee.  Besides his obvious talent for style - it's Joe's sense of humor that really sets him apart from the often too self serious fashion set.  Case in point - this hysterical video courtesy of Elle.com: 

A perfect example of why you should never wear something, just because of the label.  Even the best designers make huge mistakes.  (more on this topic later...)

-Natty

NATTY NEWS: Chanel Costs Climb

YIKES - forget the metro fair hikes - Chanel has just instated a major hike of their own...

Article courtesy of Racked.com

Image via Handbagcomment.com

Last month, Madison Avenue Spy gave us fair warning and predicted that Chanelwould raise prices from 20% to 30% on August 1 and she was indeed correct. Chanel is now even more unattainable than ever. A sampling of the hike:

Medium Classic: formerly $2600, now $3400
Jumbo Classic: formerly $2995, now $3795
Jumbo Reissue: formerly $3600, now $4200

It's not just the bags, either. The basic ballerina flat is now $685, from $585 and some flats are priced up to $895. Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman,Bloomingdales and Chanel itself have already updated their instore prices.Nordstrom seems to be the only holdout so far, but for for a few days only. Now is as good of a time as any to empty out the savings account.

(Racked.com)

-Natty