25 November 2008

'Tis the Season...

For spectacular window displays and holiday gift shopping that is. Black Friday anyone? I'm heading to Ohio today to visit the fam for Thanksgiving, but wanted to leave you with this fun image via Coutorture of the Saks holiday window display unveiling last night. Enjoy!


Happy Thanksgiving!

-B

21 November 2008

Anti-Fur Rages On...

So, I really can't say I have a very strong stance on fur. To wear it or not to wear it? Yes, my friends, that is the question. Honestly, I could care less what other people do. Whatever floats your boat I say. So if you love wearing fur (and can afford it) good for you. For me, personally, I've just never loved the look of it, on anything really so I choose not to wear it more for aesthetic reasons than moral concerns. Oh vanity...

However, since I'm a user of public transportation, I couldn't help but notice the new anti-fur ad campaign launched by Friends of Animals. Take a look though, and perhaps you'll notice what may have caught my eye:

Hmm, does that first photo look a tiny bit familiar? Maybe it's just me, but does anyone else think this is some sort of swipe at La Wintour herself? I mean, we all know she's not afraid to show off some fur.

Coincidence? I don't know, but the resemblance definitely grabbed my attention.

-B

18 November 2008

CFDA Congratulations are In Order...

For Mr. Alexander Wang that is, who took home the big prize, winning $200,000 to continue the development of his company and brand. That's a pretty hefty chunk of change, so I hope he's celebrating. Congrats to him and all of the other amazing designers that took home awards. Now, if only I could afford the clothes and accessories you all make...

-B

15 November 2008

Spotted...

Agyness Deyn walking into The Bean on 1st Ave. last night. Nice, she held the door open and waited as K and I were walking out. No Albert Hammond Jr. in sight.

-B

13 November 2008

A Festivus for the Rest of Us!

Okay, so not really, BUT I do have celebratory thoughts on my mind. I'm already counting down the days to Thanksgiving for which I'm planning some fab dishes to share with the fam back in Ohio. Can't wait!

And, not to sound selfish and self-centered...but as of yesterday my birthday (24!) was exactly one month away! So yeah, I kind of have ideas for that floating around my mind. Speaking of which, what should I wear?! I've been eying this Hanging Gardens dress from Anthropologie for a while.

I did try it on in the store, and it looked great and I completely loved the floaty, ruffleyness of it, but at the time didn't think I needed to spend the money even though it is on SALE for only $89.95 now, down from an original $178. I know, I know, I'm an idiot for not buying it when I had the chance and now I can't find it in a store in my size and online availability is basically non-existent now, not to mention that buying it online sadly means paying extra for shipping.

So, we shall see. Oh how I love dressing up! And then there's Christmas and New Year's! Ahhhhhhh.

Btw, spotted a VERY long line outside the 59th St. H&M this morning! Oh Rei...I'm sorry I don't have time to wait 14 hours for your beautiful, architecturally detailed clothing. Perhaps there will be still be some left for me?

P.S. I saw The Sartorialist himself last night! He came to speak at one of NYU's FBA events. Very cool. Also, I wish I'd come up with such a great idea myself first...

-B

11 November 2008

Spotted...

The Comme des Garcons line in the windows of the 59th Street (@ 5th Ave.) H&M!!!!!!! Hmm, what time does H&M open? MUST find out...if I have to wait until after work, my guess is most items will be as good as gone.

-B

07 November 2008

Le Week-end!

Ahhh, Friday! Things to check out (in NYC, sorry):


The Chocolate Show is this weekend! It kicked off with the usual chocolate fashion show (above photo not of this year's show). Not sure if I'll make it or not, mainly because I'm not sure I feel like spending the $28 for a ticket.

Also, LuckyShops is having its sale. Tomorrow is the last day! Labels such as Vena Cava, Geren Ford and See by Chloe will be there, will you? Items will be up to 70% off retail, so if you still want to shop in this recession, this might be the place to do it.

As for me, I must figure out what to wear to a friend's b-day dinner & drinks celebration...but I don't know where we're going yet! Also, found a great coffee table and two side tables, so I get to pick them up tomorrow (yay!) and hope they'll fit into a taxi.

Bon week-end!

-B

05 November 2008

Amendment: Michelle Obama's Election Night Attire

Since I posted this morning about Michelle Obama's election night dress and I've gotten some more info so I'm posting an update and sort of amendment.

Photos [The Cut, Papermag]

I've now seen other photos of the future First Lady in said dress, which as it turns out is actually straight off the Spring '09 Runway of Narciso Rodriguez, and I'm still conflicted. The photo on the right of Michelle with Jill Biden is probably the most flattering I've seen of her in the dress and cardigan/jacket. Perhaps it really depends on the angle? As I watched her walk onto the stage last night with Barack, my first thought was "omg, what was she thinking wearing that, it looks terrible on her!" and on TV, I really do think it didn't come across quite right. But obviously in a photograph you can better manipulate the angle at which you're taking it from and therefore can create a more flattering image.

Overall, I'm still not sure it was the best choice for her.
I'm all about equal opportunity when it comes to wearing what's fashionable, but I think we can all acknowledge that with different body types, shapes and sizes, everyone looks their best when dressing for their specific body type. Wearing what looks flattering on your figure is always going to make a person look and feel great, which Michelle usually does, but this dress really drew attention to areas that don't need it. However, I do applaud her choice of designers. She'll certainly be fun to watch over the course of Barack's term.

-B

Let's Get This Party Started

Feeling pretty good this morning, I must say, despite the lack of sleep. I was impressed with John McCain's speech, conceding his loss to Obama. Although he was obviously incredibly disappointed, I felt he dealt with it in a very gracious manner, and this in spite of being interrupted several times by the booing and shouting of equally disappointed Republican supporters. Both candidates definitely put up a hard fight, and the time leading up to last night's historic moment was long, but I think it's pretty clear that most Americans do believe the right man won.

As for Obama's speech, I was moved and found it very hopeful and inspirational. Some of my favorite moments:

"If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer."

"And to all those who have wondered if America’s beacon still burns as bright, tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from our the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity and unyielding hope."


"America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves: If our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made?
This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment. This is our time...Yes we can..."

Such an enormous victory. I'm sure for the next couple of days we'll hear from pundits on all sides about Obama's strategic campaign and what exactly caused McCain to fall short...by a lot. While I'm no political analyst, I think it's safe to say that the fact of the matter is that Americans want change and John McCain simply couldn't convince the people that he would bring it. I'm also certain that his loss has much to do with the current state of our country and the way Americans currently view Pres. Bush. With the Republican party having led this country for so many years and Bush's approval ratings now at an all-time low, this was never going to be easy.

Being in power can be a great thing, but with that also comes difficulties for it is always those in power who are credited with the greatest victories and blamed for any faults. Obama will have a tough time ahead for sure, and I hope that our overwhelming expectations of him will not lead to a backlash. I believe he can bring the change we need, but we should all realize that it can't happen overnight, and certainly not if our country doesn't come together and unite as one.


Eek, okay SORRY I got so politicky suddenly, but you know, this IS important stuff people! But, let's move on now to some fashion! Yay! Because isn't that what really matters? Not to diss our new First Lady, because I think she's just great, but I'm just going to put this out there...what was up with that dress last night? Anyone?


This isn't the best picture to really show it off, but really? That red on it just seems so odd and I'm just not sure it's the most flattering on her. Anyway, I just thought it was a strange choice considering how great she's always looked before.

-B


04 November 2008

OMG: History in the Making!

Well kids, I think it's fitting that on my 100th post (yay!) I am incredibly proud to be an American! BARACK OBAMA WILL BE THE NEXT PRESIDENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, I can't even begin to express my excitement, joy, relief and hope. Via CNN:


Looking forward to change and a great future!

Go Obama!

-B

Rock the Vote!

That's right kids, today is the all important ELECTION DAY - DECISION 2008! Come on America, don't f*** this up, GO VOTE NOW (if you haven't already of course). And if you have voted, then you will forever be in my good graces.

So, on this special day, I share a few fashion items with you so that you can express your enthusiasm for the Democratic process:

Photos [Dress, Karen Zambos Vintage Couture @ Shopbop, Ring @ Google, T-shirt @ Revolve Clothing]

I note that the Karen Zambos dress is also reversible, black on the other side, so it's still wearable even after the votes have been counted, and the shirt is just one of many available on Revolve and I'm sure other sites, most of which are on sale now.

And I'm sure everyone has heard about all sorts of freebie offerings today from Starbucks, Krispy Kreme, Ben & Jerry's...and in NYC, even Babeland is giving out a lil' somethin' somethin' for getting your vote on. So, of course, retailers don't want to be left out of the freebie fun.

Photo [Bluefly]

Bluefly is offering a 10% discount off of EVERYTHING, today ONLY.

Anyway, I won't tell you who to vote for, the point, and most important thing, is that you just get out and vote, because this is what makes our country so amazing. I for one was thrilled to cast my vote this morning (and I only had to wait in line 20 minutes!). Sadly, they did not give out the usual " I Voted Today" sticker, which I was kind of looking forward to because this is the first election I've actually gone to the polls for (when in school I voted absentee). Still, I feel really good about it. Needless to say I'm sure I'll be for a while tonight watching as votes are counted, results are tracked and winning predictions are made. Oh what a momentous occasion.

For a quick recap, check this out:


Happy Voting!

-B