I'm pleasantly excited and surprised by today's epiphany. All summer I've been undecided on the romper. To romp or not to romp I've said to myself. Over and over again. It's quite literally consumed me. That's a lot of self consumption. The definition alone is dubious -- "a one-piece garment for children to wear at play; the lower part is shaped like bloomers". Uh huh, riiight. Which leads me to the garment itself. The only one-piece anything that feels adult-age-appropriate is a bathing suit. And maybe certain lovelies for your boudoir business, but shhh, that's your business. The romper is a national affair, and one on which I now have a firm stance. Enter my aha! moment. The only way to do this trend is to have it appear to be separates but conveniently one-piece. Instead of looking like you stepped out in your lovelies or worse, your big girl onesie, select a romper that is two-tone. I've fallen in love with this one from Marc by Marc. See ... it looks like shorts and a top. Sneaky. And the buckled strap belt pluses up the disguise. An aside, MJ did a lot of this belt this season and I'm glad to see it's made its way to this piece as well. And now I'm making my way to the cash wrap with this new-found fashion fabulousness. Are you with me? I'm ready to romp.
LC Shop-It Reco:Shopbop * Marc by Marc Jacobs * Buckled Up Romper * S,M,L *$248
There's a couple of times a year when I look into the deep abyss that is my closet, lock eyes with an item and gasp, "Mon Dieu!". Yes, it's true, even I experience fashion fowl purchase. And my victims are usually the result of impulse or over consumption. Neither of which ever produce long-term likeable items. Both of which are easily correctable with consignment. So while someone becomes the new owner of my Summer '08 Marc Jacobs pool tote (you know, the nylon one that came in black and hot pink with the big MJ initials?), I'll be investing in a Summer '09 correctional purchase. If you own said tote, or other such "Mon Dieu's" like LL Bean (double "MD" for monogram), HervéChapelier, Longchamps or OrlaKiely, let me introduce my new bag crush. The Chichi. From the mountains of Central America, Maggie Dunn brings us these beautiful, artful, and functional style statements. I'm in love with the color choices, the soft leather, the handles (lotta' love!), and perfectly oversized proportions. Which is an easy bag screw up, but the Chichi is true to the right oversize. I'm totally feeling Kate Moss goes Ibiza, Jessica Alba pilates, Kate Hudson play date with Ryder and Nicole Richie Santa Monica shopping. These bags are all about what's next and are on the fast track from the hands of their authentic craftsmen to the hands of those who put the hot, in hot. Get in on it first. And order up, one Chichi! LC Shop-It Reco: Chichi Bags * Canvas $150 * Leather: $170 * Multiple Colors
You know what's like a good old dose of Prozac? Aqua. It's true. That color can pack a mean Rx punch. Today I wore some. And today there was no downer too down for my aqua upper. The Dodge mini-van driver who added 1.5 minutes to my already late arrival by doing the back-up, back-in park job, the cold, dry grilled cheese for lunch equaling no lunch, the cookie that came with the GC that has now made weekend bikini wearing daunting, the rain coming down that might negate the need for bikini wearing this weekend -- all, not a problem. And I'm convinced it was due to my color choice for the day. Aqua is a happy color. A calming color. An uplifting color. Its Caribbean water roots can bring warmth and brightness to your skin, spirits and style. It's a mood and wardrobe enhancer essential to your fashion arsenal. And all you really need is two to three pieces to create eye-catching looks. I recommend the following: a piece of jewelry, a handbag or scarf, and a catching top like this one by Alexander Wang. Its silk loose fitting cut and pocket detail is timeless and can be worn chic or casual. Try it chic tucked in to a black high-wasted full and fun mini skirt, skinny belt, long chain necklace, and flirty sandals. In fact, that was my aqua Rx today. I think it worked. Go aqua!
LC Shop-It Reco: Shopbop * Alexander Wang Silk Pocket Tank * XS,S,M,L * $235
Monday's are pretty rude. Herve Leger wearing is rude too. I mean Heidi, Kim, Denise, what is your point? I'm personally not a fan of seeing all of your bits and parts wrapped in assorted colors of duct tape all across the pages of UsWeekly. Thank you, but no thank you. So while I am quite confident Mr. Leger's intent was sexy, I for one have seen enough. And I'm willing to bet my favorite Manolos that the male consensus on the sexiness of overt B&P is a unamimous not-so-much too. Now if the Mars/Venus folks want to challenge me on this, fair game. But dare I go further, I bet men would also say that what leaves more to the imagination versus less is in fact the sexiest of all sexy. So if you want to create some intrigue, yet the Leger design technique is of intrigue, I recommend something more suitably sexy like this MiuMiu. The jersey fabric adds form, the belt, shape, the pleating, movement, and legs, the rest. Add a cropped leather jacket, bootlets, and eat your heart out Mars.
Pink speaks volumes. And today I coincidentally saw and heard a lotta' pink talking to me. There was pretty pink, aka Vera Wang china, roses and tea parties, Park Avenue. There was party pink, aka Cyndi Lauper, limos and bubbly, girls night out. There was preppy pink, aka sweater around the neck with a pony on it, Sea Island vacation, goes with green. There was Pepto pink, aka I have no business on your body, my stomach hurts, CVS aisle 5. And there is, and has been for a week now, the suspect pink on my pedicure that’s screaming “Paint me!!” One wrong polish choice and I'm living with Frenchie, the beauty school drop out, the Pink lady herself. Ugh. All this talking can become a bit overwhelming. And all from one color. So I say forget all the others, make it simple, go with one pink. The properly fitting pink to you, aka Proper pink. My Proper pink is the flowers in my Abusson rug, the label on my Calbrea lotion, my first Prada dress. It’s romantic, it’s French couture, it’s ethereal, and it’s the pink I love. And I'm loving the idea of this simple Calypso skirt in blush, paired with a white tank, bare feet (new polish), and a hammock, all weekend. I'm off. LC Shop-It Reco: Calypso * Gypsy Skirt * Blush, Coconu, Coral * XS,S,M,L * $250
Nuggy nuggalicous. That's all I have to say about Crembebé. This children's boutique is a treasure to be treasured for sure. And also proof that no matter how much time you spend in New York, there's always something new just around the corner. Which is exactly what keeps me coming back for more. I'm staying in the East Village now-a-days, where today I found this little haven of heaven. Granted I wasn't actively seeking out cutting edge "0-12" attire when I lived in the city, now an Aunt of two, I have a new found appreciation for la crème de la crème in nugget fashion. (New to my world? Nugget translates baby). Whether you have your own or just ook and gook over the general lot, Crembebé is a must-shop hot spot for tots. You'll die for collections like the "Sassy", plus many more looks from hip European designers. Seriously? Seriously. You'll want to play dress up too. Dedicated to SMB and HCB -- you're nug-out! Love you so so much.
Requests have come in to address another over done trend from the local inhabitants. This particular trend casualty however is universal. So listen up world. Too many times now and for too many summers now I have witnessed the onslaught of white jeans and color-a-plenty silk halters. Let me paint the visual: bold, shiny, jewel tones, bow around the neck, thingy. (Shivers). My dish on white is that it's pure, clean, and simple, and should be worn as such. Think about white as a fresh palette and let's paint a different and less predictable picture. Instead of that pop art up top, pair your white jeans with more white. A white out if you will. To still add visual interest, experiment with different hues and shades, textures, layering, and my personal pick for this look, accessories. Check out this necklace by Fiona Paxtonwith beaded fabric and silver accents. An appropriate hue for our white on white palette. So come on, throw your thingy away. And replace it with a whole lotta' bleach.
Sigh. All this MJ is making me vaclempt. So I guess it's only appropriate that I should honor our beloved pop legend today. But while other fashion blogs might be talking about Michael's iconic style, I'm channeling a different homage. Don't get me wrong, I will forever miss the white socks and penny loafers, the red "Beat It" jacket, the fedora, the aviator glasses and the never to be out done, rhinestone glove. Even Madonna's lace gloves don't compare. Sorry "Madge", but they were kind-of trashy. So my homage. Dance. I want to get dressed up, put on all of Michael's best hits and dance! What better frock to shake your girl-thing in than this Strata dress from ModCloth. It's fun, flirty, sexy and yeah, out of this stratosphere. Add a knock-out red beaded necklace and matching pumps, or even some gold lace ups, and ... Mama se Mama sa, yes please. RIP MJ.
LC Shop-It Reco: ModCloth * Strata Dress * S, M, L * $199
Meet (hold please) -- my Einstein invention for expressing random thoughts on other things that give me pause. Don't be surprised to see a few from time to time. Today's pause came about when my bestie asked if I'd seen Cobra Starship's new video for "Good Girls Go Bad." She loves Leighton Meester and really wanted to know where to find her dress. As we all know, Leighton stands for mad-crazy style on GG, but a songstress? Dubious. Song bird or not, she indeed looks fierce in this video. Styled by Logan Horne, Leighton is wearing a good girl-go bad-beaded lace mini dress from Bally's Spring/Summer collection. Sadly bestie, and for the rest of you feeling the Leighton-love, I regret to report that this moment is sold out. Alas, we still have our air mics.
LC Shop-It Reco:Itunes* Cobra Starship * "Good Girls Go Bad"
Today was rainy. A welcome excuse to do nothing. So I enjoyed some lounging, a little gab on the tele, mindless TV escapism, and ... the occasional brownie. And ... therein lied the end to my nothing. Maybe for the rest of you it was seconds and thirds from yesterday's picnic table. I'm just saying. Either way, when it's high time to kick that brownie's butt, I've spied just the line of modern active wear in which to do it. LIVGRN is a relatively new collection of organic tees, tanks, shorts, hoodies and sweats that allow you to look uber-stylish while working it (ps, "working out" has officially been replaced) and also to make a difference in eco-awareness. All of LIVGRN's garments and labels use 100% fine organic cotton yarns and their hangtags are made of 100% recycled paper. Plus, 10% of every sale goes to Global Green, one of the world’s largest and most recognized green charities. This is the real deal carbon fashion footprint ladies. Granted giving back is probably the last thing on your mind when mounting that spin bike, I say, "Bye bye brown(ie), hello Green".
LC Shop-It Reco:Bettina Duncan * LIVGRN Sweat Shorts * Grey and Purple * XS, S, M, L * $44
Options, options, options. And I don't mean the many different ones you have for celebrating Independence Day. How about the ones you have for celebrating your style independence?! Just think, if it wasn't for the American Revolution, would we even be blogging about this? Would I even be able to express my point of view on what your Holiday attire should be? Mon dieu! So thank you George Washington, thank you Thomas Jefferson, thank you Paul Revere, thank you to all our men and women of uniform for all you did and do for the Red, White and Blue. Speaking of uniforms, my vote (because I can) is this raffia cowboy hat from Melissa Odabash. I like that it's a less expected nod to our American heritage and American spirit. So hats on to America! This one will work perfectly with any outfit and for all of your patriotic activities. Some quick thoughts on compliments: distressed white jeans and a hobo blouse, cut jean shorts and a boyfriend button down, a simple maxie dress, or hey, your new Raj tunic. Happy style celebrating, and Happy 4th of July. LC Shop-It Reco:Net-a-Porter * Melissa Odabash * Raffia cowboy hat with braided leather band and wood beads * 4 inch brim and 4.5 inch crown * $120
Today I enjoyed an afternoon of sun at the pool, apparently otherwise known as the "Tory Sea". I realize that I may risk offending some of my potential followers with this post. But I'll take that risk at the off chance I might actually open some of your minds and inspire your inner goddess. So here I was watching woman after woman prance by in their Tory Burch pool tunic. Now I love a good tunic like the next woman, but let's show a little individuality, shall we? If for any reason, to honor the Ancient Greeks who put the tunic on the fashion map. I'm loving the Raj tunics right now. Their beautiful Indian craftsmanship and bold colors and prints really make a statement. And if you want to add a little shape and dress one up, throw a low slung belt around it and you'll really rule your country, club. Just like Helen of Troy. Not Helen of Tory.
LC Shop-It Reco: Gomattagirls * Raj Tunic * S - XL * On sale for $19.80, 75% off $78.00 * Red or Yellow
This summer I've found myself living for, and quite literally living in, my boyfriend vneck tees. For short, the BFT. (I like acronyms, btw). After much shopping around for this must have staple, I've found my favorite version at JCrew. It's the right price, the right feel, and the right fit. I have 6 of them and wear them with everything. Loose, belted, layered or tied in a knot. My favorite look is my BFT paired with a sexy pencil skirt. Instead of taking my pencil too seriously, I belt my vneck which adds some personality or tuck it in for definition. All of which puts a new twist on what otherwise might be an expected work ensemble. And hey, in that look, you might just snag a boyfriend. Though truthfully, who really needs a boyfriend when you can have a BFT.
LC Shop-It Reco:JCrew * Tissue boyfriend V-neck * was $29.50, now $9.99 * item 11657
Ok, I know you're thinking "Is this going to be some jewelry blog?". No, it's not. But it just so happens I've had two bouts with jewelry break ups this past week. And that's one "two" many break ups in a week. In addition to my Harlow, I had a bangle go bust on me. This time admittedly my own fault. So I'm going through airport security at a reckless (not record) speed, stripping off the essentials and off flies my favorite aquamarine bangle with gold leaf detail. Landing, cracked, in two, at my feet. I've been truly upset because this piece was vintage. And the thing about vintage is you can never find it again. You know, it's that whole one of a kind thing. But instead of letting my cracked out bangle get me down, I've decided to find a suitable replacement. Though this is no one of a kind, I'll try it. Thank you Kep Design NYC. Note to self, be on time to airport.
LC Shop-It Reco:Kep Designs NYC * 1 1/2 inch dome bangle * Aquamarine * $55
My friend gave me this House of Harlow 1960 cuff for Christmas. Though it's from Nicole Richie's collection (who we all know I adore), I questioned the quality. After a few wears, I decided it was fabulous and the things I wore it with made it look three times the price. So we were having a love affair ... until this past week. I was in LA rocking it out with a precious mini bubble skirt and boyfriend v-neck, when it slipped off my wrist. And just like that, there I was ... cuff crisis! So I guess I may have been right about the quality, though it was cuff meets concrete. Did my Harlow really stand a chance? Either way, I'm giving it another chance and now am in line with all the others who have discovered this little gem. That's right, backordered on Kitson. So hurry up and get in line! This cuff is worth the wait.
LC Shop-It Reco:Kitson* House of Harlow 1960 by Nicole Richie * Black Leather Cuff * Sku :HOHBC * Gold with black leather backing * 2 1/16" wide * $125
I'm pleasantly excited and surprised by today's epiphany. All summer I've been undecided on the romper. To romp or not to romp I've said to myself. Over and over again. It's quite literally consumed me. That's a lot of self consumption. The definition alone is dubious -- "a one-piece garment for children to wear at play; the lower part is shaped like bloomers". Uh huh, riiight. Which leads me to the garment itself. The only one-piece anything that feels adult-age-appropriate is a bathing suit. And maybe certain lovelies for your boudoir business, but shhh, that's your business. The romper is a national affair, and one on which I now have a firm stance. Enter my aha! moment. The only way to do this trend is to have it appear to be separates but conveniently one-piece. Instead of looking like you stepped out in your lovelies or worse, your big girl onesie, select a romper that is two-tone. I've fallen in love with this one from Marc by Marc. See ... it looks like shorts and a top. Sneaky. And the buckled strap belt pluses up the disguise. An aside, MJ did a lot of this belt this season and I'm glad to see it's made its way to this piece as well. And now I'm making my way to the cash wrap with this new-found fashion fabulousness. Are you with me? I'm ready to romp. 
