STYLE FILE: Teal Appeal

 I confess - this outfit was actually from several months ago (hence the shorts).  But I just found it in my archives, somehow skipped over along the way, and figured it deserved a turn...

For a friend's house party in early September, I paired a ladylike blouse with short shorts and sky high heels.  The blouse itself is an Andy Warhol skull print which offers an interesting contrast to it's conservative cut.  And the 5 inch suede Loubs really "pumped" up the look. (I really can't help myself with the puns -- nerd alert!)

TEAL SILK CHIFFON BLOUSE WITH SKULL PRINT: Andy Warhol collection by Hysteric Glamour

BLACK SHORTS: Express

GREY/BLACK GLASS CHANDELIER EARRINGS: JCrew

BELT: BCBG

BAGUETTE BAG: Fendi

SUEDE PUMPS: Christian Louboutin

xx Natty

LITTLE LUXURIES: Lux Gifts at Little Prices

Who says a nice gift has to cost a fortune?  Check out the list below for some super chic gifts at a price point that will make you as happy as the recipient...

FOR HIM:

Stylish and Slim Ties  

Barney's Co-op $55

Tarpaulin Dry Dopp Kit

Jack Spade $95

Maxx & Unicorn Handmade Leather Wallet

JCrew $95

Berkshire Gifts Watch Box

Dillards $40

Leather ID Bracelet

JCrew $16.50

FOR HER:

Fragrance Sampler (includes 1 full sized fragrance of your choice, FREE!) 

Sephora $75

Joe Malone Cologne Collection

Saks Fifth Ave $95 

Stackable Monogram Rings 

Henri Bendel $88 (Each)

Chunky Link Bracelet

Henri Bendel $48

iPhone Hard Cover

$40

Creative Passport Holder

Kate Spade $85

Travel Trio Pouch Set

Henri Bendel $38

LAST BUT NOT LEAST:

Puppy Dog Bowl with Dipped Paw Treats

Henri Bendel $40

xx

Natty

STYLE FILE: The Caftan That Can

The title of this post is credited to this uber versatile caftan I picked up from H&M ages ago.  When left unbelted, it's a huge sheer caftan - perfect for throwing on over a bikini.  Add a slip, some massive wedges and layered necklaces and it's a boho explosion.  Or - as seen here, a wide belt and sky high boots plus red lips and it's a sleek fall look -- perfect for an Interview Magazine shindig in MePa a few weeks ago.

xx
Natty

DEAL OF THE DAY: Here You Go, A-was-SALE-ing...

BRIAN ATWOOD Sample Sale
*30-60 percent off.
*Dec. 6. Mon., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
*Three Squares Studio, 444 W. 17th St., b/t Ninth & Tenth Aves. 

*AUTUMN CASMERE Sample Sale

*Up to 75 percent off cashmere clothing and accessories for men and women.
*Today & Dec. 6-10. Today, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
* 231 W. 39th St., b/t Seventh & Eighth Aves., ste. 924. 

THREAD SOCIAL
*Flirty, fun, and deeply discounted (up to 80 percent off) frocks for your holiday needs. Plus, spring and summer clothing on the cheap.
*Dec. 7 & 8. Tues. & Wed., 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
*26 W. 17th St., b/t Fifth & Sixth Aves., ste. 301

DIANE VON FURSTENBERG Sample Sale
*Amazing deals on wrap dresses, printed tunics, sweaters, accessories - you name it.
*Dec. 7-10. Tues., 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m.; Wed., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Thurs., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
*260 Fifth Ave., b/t 28th & 29th Sts.

NATORI
* Lingerie, sleepwear, ready-to-wear, and more nearly all ringing in under $50.
*Dec. 8 & 9. Wed., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Thurs., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
*102 Madison Ave., b/t 29th & 30th Sts., 3rd flr.

MADE HER THINK
* Take 20-60 percent off handbags and jewelry
* Dec. 10 & 11. Fri., noon-8 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
* 195 Chrystie St., b/t Rivington & Stanton Sts., ste. 301-7. 

HELMUT LANG Sample Sale
*Women’s clothing and accessories are up to 70 percent off
* Dec. 10-12. Fri., 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
*139 Fifth Ave., b/t 20th & 21st Sts., 2nd flr. 

EUGENA KIM
*Up to 75 percent off hats hats and more hats
*Dec. 14-18. Tues.-Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., noon-6 p.m.
*347 W. 36th St., b/t Eighth & Ninth Aves., ste. 501

RACHEL COMEY
*Sample Sale - boots, clothing, and other accessories are up to 60 percent off.
* Dec. 15. Wed., noon-8 p.m.
* 335 W. 35th St., b/t Eighth & Ninth Aves., 11th flr. 

KIEHLS

*To save $20 off orders over $50
*December 31, 2010

*Online Only - 

Enter code MERRY at checkout

HAPPY SHOPPING!

XX

NATTY

STYLE FILE: I Dream of Silk...IE

Forgive my cheesy play on words for this posting, but these billowy silk pants do kind of conjure thoughts of Barbara Eden's magical wardrobe circa 1965!  For a dinner party with friends, I kept the look free flowing with a long embellished tunic and cropped silk jacket.  

SILK SATIN PANTS: Kiki de Montparnasse

EMBELLISHED SILK TUNIC: 12th Street by Cynthia Vincent

SILK CROPPED JACKET: H&M

PLATFORM PEEP-TOE HEELS: Lanvin

EEL SKIN/STINGRAY CLUTCH: R&Y Augusti

xx

Natty

NATTY NEWS: Surgery Chic?

Like so many fashionphiles out there, to call myself a "fan" of Tom Ford would be putting it mildly.  When I snagged my Tom Ford era Gucci clutch at a DecadesTwo pop up shop last year, I nearly passed out with excitement.  The same might happen when I finally make it to the magazine store to pick up my copy of French Vogue's December issue - guest edited by none other than the fashion phenom himself.

Not only does he rock an Native American headdress for the cover - but together with Carine Roitfeld and Crystal Renn they created a full spread dedicated to the dangers of plastic surgery.  The spread is shocking to say the least, and coupled with Renn's outspoken reputation regarding size and image in the fashion industry - the spread makes quite a statement.  Wearing terrifyingly realistic plastic surgery bandages, along with the latest in fall fashion of course - Renn appears emotionless and almost brainwashed in the images.  Seemingly seeking male approval (she's photographed in the arms of at least 3 different men) Renn appears to win her prize at the end, landing in the lap of a dapper but equally emotionless WASP.

To look the part - the once anorexic, later plus-size model donned a prosthetic mask to augment her cheekbones and lips to that of a surgery addict.  Here's what she had to say about the whole ordeal:

“What I enjoy most about my job is the opportunity to express myself, often doing this by becoming a sort of character on the shoots that I do, and every time I work with Carine I feel the character approach is emphasized,” Renn told us. “When they were taking the cast of my face, fitting me for prosthetic cheeks and lips, I remember thinking this is why I do my job, for moments like this. After the shoot I took that very mask and asked Tom to sign it, it sits in my living room as we speak.”

Well it's certainly more personalized than a pair of shoes...

xx
Natty

BOUTIQUE OF THE WEEK: Sugar Cookies

SUGAR COOKIES

203 WEST 19TH ST NEW YORK, NY 10011

212.242.6963

                             

        

Tucked away on a sleepy residential block in the heart of Chelsea, lies one of my favorite undiscovered gems.  Though the name implies otherwise, Sugar Cookies is actually a boutique filled with treats of another sort, though every bit as sweet.

Lace, silk and cotton line the walls of the petite space in the form of undergarments and pjs.  A surprisingly wide array of intimates, both practical and delicate, mingle seamlessly with a small selection of RTW.  Whether you need to stock up on your fave Cosabella Cutie thongs, snuggle up in some luxurious Skin pj pants or find a bridal garter or gift set - Sugar Cookies will (have what it takes) to satisfy your craving.

Recently, I caught up with one of Sugar Cookie's owners, Susanne Alvarado, to find out a little more about this unique boutique.

Natty Style: What's the story behind the name, and who are the head "bakers?"

Susanne Alvarado: Sugar Cookies has evolved from the new boudoir on the block to a downtown destination with a loyal following. Often confused for a bakery, "cookie" is a cheeky way of referring to a woman's most intimate part. Corrie Lynn Broderick and Susanne Alvarado are the brains and the bodies of the shop.

NS: Why did you open Sugar Cookies and how did you get started? 

SA: After several years of working for prestigious companies in the intimate apparel industry and recognizing a lack of upscale lingerie boutiques in Chelsea, I decided to take the proverbial leap and open Sugar Cookies with Corrie, who's worked for Christie's and other New York galleries. I got to the point where I was frustrated with my superior's who refused to listen to what the customers wanted and I knew I could do it better. Instead, of continuing to complain about it, I decided to make the change. It's such a pleasure coming going to work every day and helping woman feel comfortable, confident and beautiful about the selection they've chosen. Seeing a repeat customer... and we have many is "priceless" reward for us. 

NS: What makes Sugar Cookies unique/special? 

SA: We strive to distinguish our boutique from lingerie stores by providing our customers with discrete, personalized service. We are your very own personal shopper. We truly listen to our clients wants and wishes and cater to their needs. We're not intimidating... we are dedicated to finding our customers the perfect items for their bra wardrobe. 

NS: What's your favorite piece or collection in the shop right now? 

SA: We can't seem to get enough of Mimi Holliday's fall collection. Every style is exquisite but if we had to pick one, it would be Etoile De Nuit balcony bra and classic knicker. It's a midnight blue silk satin and french lace collection... it's sophisticated & sexy!

NS: Any special tidbits you'd like readers to know? 

SA: We received 2010 Best Personal Touch Award from Intima Magazine. It was such an honor receiving that award which consisted of 151 nominees. Our award was given to us because of category our uniqueness, customer service and vision. Well known brands such as Wacoal, Hanky Panky, Cosabella, Panache, Claire Pettibone, Natori, Empreinte, Carol Malony, La Perla, and Chantelle, comprise the Best Shop Awards jury. 

Inviting, chic, and elegant with a splash of sexy... that's Sugar Cookies!

xx
Natty