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8.25.2009

WORTH THE SPLURGE: Proenza Schouler PS1 Bag


Kirsten Dunst, Leighton Meester, Mary-Kate Olsen all carrying Large PS1 Bag

These days everyone is on a budget and it seems penny pinching has become a way of life. Gone are the days when discount shopping was taboo, and savvy saving has replaced conspicuous spending as means for bragging rights. It's rare that anyone opens their wallet without some sort of deal or incentive to convince them it's alright, and even adamant fashionphiles (myself included) are exercising retail restraint.


However, once in a while a piece comes along that is so delightful, it begs to be purchased despite a hefty price tag.

Proenza Schouler's PS1 bag is just such a piece: Available in 3 sizes as well as a clutch version, this utilitarian style is a unique combination of hip and classic. A top handle plus a long shoulder strap make it versatile and easy to carry, and the multitude of pockets are perfect for organizing essentials. Chic and logo-less in slouchy suede or lush leather, the PS1 bag embodies effortless luxury. This is one investment that promises a worthy return; to update your wardrobe, and last for seasons to come...the PS1 Bag is definitely Worth the Splurge!


8.19.2009

INSPIRATION STATION: Happy Hippies

In honor of the 40th Anniversary of Woodstock this week, I dedicate this post to the hippie movement: the original and the new wave, idealogical and fashionable, peace and LOVE.

HIPPIE THEN...

 


  HIPPIE NOW...

  HERMES S/S 2009
:

ERIN FETHERSTON S/S 2009:


DIANE VON FURSTENBERG S/S 2009:


ANNA SUI S/S 2009


  HOLLYWOOD HIPPIES:




TAYLOR MOMSEN, RACHEL ZOE, NICOLE RICHIE, NICOLE RICHIE

  SHOP THE LOOK:



(CLICK IMAGES FOR LINKS TO BUY)

WANT MORE? 
ADDITIONAL SOURCES FOR FAR OUT FASHION: 
 Elizabeth and James 
H&M 
Zara 
Haute Hippie 
Free People 
Joie 
Antik Batik 
Daughters of the Revolution 
Victorian Hippie 
Vintage: 
Ebay.com 
Chickdowntown.com/vintage 
http://marionmercer.com/index.php


-Natty

8.07.2009

BACK TO BASICS: Boyfriend Jeans


Ba·sic (bsk) adj.
1. An essential, fundamental element or entity
2.(Usually plural) a necessary commodity for which demand is constant



The Boyfriend Jean. No, I'm not talking about the bit of DNA that differentiates lifelong bachelors from guys actually capable of commitment. The Boyfriend Jean is a denim trend that has been lurking around in the closets of hipsters and the fashion forward for ages, and in 2009 has become a staple in mainstream fashion. DKNY, Dsquared² and Deisel were among many designers to showcase the style in their 2009 runways shows, and thanks to celebs like Katie Holmes, Victoria Beckam and Lindsay Lohan schlepping around Hollywood in saggy-baggy styles, the Boyfriend Jean is now essential for all fashion followers.

There is something super sexy about this low-riding fit and lived in feel, which suggests that you may, or may not have just rolled out of bed with your boyfriend, and simply slipped into a pair of his pants. The truth is - even if you have a boyfriend, the chances that you can actually share jeans are slimmer than his waistline would have to be to make that possible. Luckily everyone from brands like Current/Elliot and Genetic Denim down to American Eagle and the Gap have come up with versions designed to sit comfortably on ladies' little hips. Best paired with a simple but figure flattering t-shirt or tank, slouchy denim is a key ingredient in creating a style that is effortlessly chic.

-Natty

8.01.2009

BOUTIQUE OF THE WEEK: ZOE



Zoë DUMBO 68 Washington Street Brooklyn, NY 11201
718.237.4002


Ambling through the heart of DUMBO one Sunday afternoon, I accidentally happened upon Zoe for the first time while on a hunt for vintage treasures at the Brooklyn Flea. And what a happy accident...I found treasures alright, but not of the vintage variety. As I gazed around the 3,500 square foot space, I thought to myself "Natty, we're not in Kansas...er Brooklyn anymore."

Zoe's monochromatic concrete floors and walls combine with exposed pipes and metal details giving the loft-like feel you'd expect to see in DUMBO. What is not expected is the exceptional smorgasbord of clothing, shoes and accessories from an impressive variety of designers and brands. From couture to contemporary, Zoe's impeccably edited collection mixes fashion giants like Lanvin, Missoni, and Burberry (as well as Burberry Prorsom) with staples like Vince, Inhabit and Theory. But Zoe's fashion forward aesthetic caters to the savvy shopper, and beyond the big names also hosts harder to find labels like Isabel Marant, Vena Cava and Opening Ceremony.


Zoe's owner, Lisa Brock is an FIT graduate who navigates the big, bad world of fashion so that you don't have to. She carefully combs each season's collections for the highlights; pooling them into a medley of must-haves from cocktail dresses to cashmere scarves to trench coats. One carefully curated corner is dedicated to what can only be referred to as a "greatest hits" collection of footwear, where shoe-lovers will rejoice in the best of Sigerson Morrison, Marni and Jimmy Choo along with essentials like K Jaques sandals and Repetto ballet flats.

Rarely is one store able to offer such a wide variety of departments and labels without falling flat in one category or another. But Zoe gets it right, every time. Spacious, easy to shop racks seamlessly blend exaggerated shapes from Elizabeth and James with APC's quirky classics while Chloe totes and zippered leather satchels by Alexander Wang snake throughout the store, tempting shoppers from every ledge. A wall of perfectly distressed Current/Elliot denim and of-the-moment slouchy Clu t-shirts confirm the suspicion that you may never need to shop elsewhere to fill your closet.

Although its 110% worth the visit (they have a better selection and deeper discounts in-store) if you don't make it to DUMBO often - you can also shop online: http://shopzoeonline.com/

These goodies don't come cheap, but sales are generous and frequent AND they have a shopper rewards program! : http://shopzoeonline.com/shop/cart.php?target=main&page=membership

Zoe brings one-stop-shopping to a new level of accessible luxury. And the fact that this incredibly chic boutique's moniker is that of my eldest niece...well that just makes it a shoe-in (pun intended) for Boutique of the Week!

-Natty