Monday, June 30, 2008
Menswear Morts: The Scourge of DBag V-Necks
The always excellent Radar mag traces the deevolution of the men's t-shirt from crew to douchebag cuts. Unsurprisingly, they point the finger at American Apparel. Also unsurprising: when I searched for a photo of AA CEO/ serial sex offender Dov Charney in a V-neck shirt, I could hardly even find a photo of him in a shirt, let alone a V-neck! Go figs!
Monday Must-Reads
A bunch of blogs you should read today if, like me, you're having a hard time motivating to do much else besides glance at open browser windows:+ Fashion Architect: The 'Binge's Greek twin? Architecture student with a similar high-low aesthetic and schizo posting style to the 'Binge's. Love the post on hording!!
+ Super Kawaii Mama: Possibly the coolest mom on the planet. A Melbourne blogger, crafter and mom with the most amazing '40s hair ever. I look at her photos, and I want to fly to Oz and start a close-harmony group with her, a la the excellent Puppini Sisters. Check out her photos from the National Gallery of Victoria's Art Deco 1910 -1939 exhibition.
+ Unrealized Fish: I feel a little To Catch a Predator posting this one, because this Norwegian blogger is only 16, but I can't get over her punky-sweet style. Could she be the next Suzy Bubble? Also, she blogs in both Norwegian and English and often discusses pasta. She's like my long-lost little sister!
+ NY Post's PopWrap: I actually like Leona Lewis' cray-cray garden dress. Betsey Johnson maybe?
+ Fashion Toast: More of a look book. San Fran blogger Rumi Neely runs eBay store Treasure Chest Vintage and has style (and legs) for miles. Totally livin' the dream.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Big-Busted Bathing Suit Bonanza!
In real life, I'm pretty much a straightshooter. Online however, since we haven't exactly all met or anything, I tend to air on the more discreet side -- I'm just not the type of blogger who likes to blog about personal stuff like past sexual partners or number of weekly poos I take or that sort of thing. But, I'll be blunt about this because it's no big secret, it's something many of you readers out there can sympathize with, and because it's pretty obvious -- while I'm short (5'2") and small (around size 8), I ain't exactly wee on top. Like I said -- no big secret. They're quite real, and they're quite a hassle, especially when shopping for bras and bathing suits, and coincidentally I shopped for both this weekend. The former yielded more successful results. The latter, however... oy.
I tried on this lovely one-piece (it's gonna be a one-piece summer, my friends) at Bird:
Surprisingly the butt and tum looked great! The top, however, covered basically not a damn thing. It was like comically pornographic looking. Like Pam Anderson in Baywatch, minus the gravity-defying silicon. Not cute. Seriously, this suit is for AAAAAAAA cups. I seriously felt a bit like this:
... Minus the bulge. Use your imagination. It was ridiculous. So when I got home, I Googled, in a rather rudimentary fashion, "big-busted bathing suits." Again, slightly ridiculous, I know. To my surprise though, I found some really cute stuff for those of us out there who are a weeeee bit bigger than a C and can't exactly pop in and buy suits right off the rack at Target or Old Navy. And, because some of you can, I threw in some "regular lady" suits too, so everyone feels like they win.
($99, Fantasie of England, Biggerbras.com)
I tried on this lovely one-piece (it's gonna be a one-piece summer, my friends) at Bird:
Surprisingly the butt and tum looked great! The top, however, covered basically not a damn thing. It was like comically pornographic looking. Like Pam Anderson in Baywatch, minus the gravity-defying silicon. Not cute. Seriously, this suit is for AAAAAAAA cups. I seriously felt a bit like this:
... Minus the bulge. Use your imagination. It was ridiculous. So when I got home, I Googled, in a rather rudimentary fashion, "big-busted bathing suits." Again, slightly ridiculous, I know. To my surprise though, I found some really cute stuff for those of us out there who are a weeeee bit bigger than a C and can't exactly pop in and buy suits right off the rack at Target or Old Navy. And, because some of you can, I threw in some "regular lady" suits too, so everyone feels like they win.
($99, Fantasie of England, Biggerbras.com)I can't really tell if this is granny-ish or not, but I think it could actually be kinda cute. By the way, I'd never heard of Biggerbras.com, but it looks like most of the bathing suits start at D cups. Yay!
($75, Popina)
($75, Popina)Sweet, but if you're gonna do polka dots, I think it's best to keep them black-and-white.
($39, Shape fx, Carabella)
($39, Shape fx, Carabella)I'm a bigger fan of this turquoise shade than the robin's egg blue above. And while the jeweled strap is a weeee bit cheeze-say, you can't deny the awesome slimming powers of shirring. Plus, this suit's got a built-in shelf bra, which is a must, obviously. I might try this one out. And also, I must say, I'd never heard of Carabella, but I'm definitely glad I discovered in my "big booby bathing suit" search, because their selection, range of sizes, and prices are great.
($63, Rochford, Biggerbras.com)
It's a little '80s but still really cute. The tie = quite waist-enhancing, which is a good thing, especially if you've got lotsa business up top.
($39, Shoshanna, Bluefly)
($29, Shoshanna, Bluefly)
($39, Shoshanna, Bluefly)
($29, Shoshanna, Bluefly)Shoshanna makes some of my favorite bathing suits -- especially bikinis -- for the well-endowed lady, erm, even though this one's only available (or only in stock) in up to a C cup. But check out the cute treasure chest theme on the soft pink background! Cute cute cute!
Friday, June 27, 2008
Britain's Next Top What Now???
Wow. Just...wow. I have had a quite an Internet day. Earlier today I fell in utterly horrorstruck pity-laughing-love with Chase No Face, the sadly disfigured cat who has his own blog. And now...this.
I don't even know how to respond to this, but the British have created a new reality show: "Britain's Missing Top Model." Which might at first sound like a poor attempt at plagiarism. "Missing" as a synonym for "next"? Not very smooth. But what are they missing, in fact? Limbs, mostly. That's right: This is basically Britain's Next Top Disabled Model. I laughed in disbelief when I heard this, but it's TOTALLY REAL. Ugh. There's fun Tyra-enabled camp, and then there's the truly depraved, exploitative and icky, and this is the latter. Not that being disabled is gross or horrific or laughable or any of that, but do these people need to be wheeled down the catwalk? I'd say the answer is a pretty clear no. There are far better ways to humanize the disabled rather than, uh, "making it fashion." Who'da thunk America would come out looking like the tasteful one in the reality-TV game?
I don't even know how to respond to this, but the British have created a new reality show: "Britain's Missing Top Model." Which might at first sound like a poor attempt at plagiarism. "Missing" as a synonym for "next"? Not very smooth. But what are they missing, in fact? Limbs, mostly. That's right: This is basically Britain's Next Top Disabled Model. I laughed in disbelief when I heard this, but it's TOTALLY REAL. Ugh. There's fun Tyra-enabled camp, and then there's the truly depraved, exploitative and icky, and this is the latter. Not that being disabled is gross or horrific or laughable or any of that, but do these people need to be wheeled down the catwalk? I'd say the answer is a pretty clear no. There are far better ways to humanize the disabled rather than, uh, "making it fashion." Who'da thunk America would come out looking like the tasteful one in the reality-TV game?
MASH-ing Shoes: Nicholas Kirkwood Vs. Topshop
Remember that game MASH, where you could live in a mansion, apartment, shanty or house? These amazing, Bowie-esque (or Barbie and the Rockers, depending on your vantage point) criss-cross heels by British designer Nicholas Kirkwood are amazing, but at almost $537 USD, they're definitely not bear-market friendly. 
($537, Nicholas Kirkwood, Brownsfashion.com)
($537, Nicholas Kirkwood, Brownsfashion.com)
Anti Rubber Shoes
Touche, MK:
($165, Givenchy, Barneys)These totally remind me of those little-kid sandals that come zip-tied together in the metal shelving units at dollar stores and have, like, some untrademarked, bastardized version of Thomas the Tank or Dora the Explorer, but it's like Timmy the Tank or Nora the Explorer.
(And agreed: Epaulet is super cuters.)
In Praise of Rubber Shoes
I have a confession to make: I recently considered purchasing some Crocs ballet flats. I know. Please hold your tomatoes; I didn't do it. I wanted something easy to bike around in, wear to the beach, in the rain, whatever. I wanted comfort, and as we all know from all the Crocs lovers out there, comfort is Crocs. However, cuteness is decidedly NOT Crocs. Even these are just barely acceptable.
But then last night, on a lovely stroll around my neighborhood, I popped in to the new fashiony store Epaulet. Lured by the gorgeous iridescent shell trinket boxes, I stayed for the jelly shoes and, truthfully, the conversation. Owner Mike was just as nice as can be, genuine and helpful in a nonpushy way. I was drawn to these fuchsia jellies, and basically was cheered into purchasing them before I could stop to reconsider paying $55 for rubber shoes.
Melissa + Campana jelly ballet flats, $55. Much cuter than Marc Jacobs's! Made by the original Brazilian jelly-maker, for whatever that's worth. I can attest to their supreme comfort, thankfully, and utter cuteness.
Epaulet, by the way, is a very cute, well-curated shop, with a burgeoning men's section and cheap framed photos to go along with all the pretty dresses and little trinkets. And of course, the selection of rubber shoes. Check out more awesome Melissa varieties.
But then last night, on a lovely stroll around my neighborhood, I popped in to the new fashiony store Epaulet. Lured by the gorgeous iridescent shell trinket boxes, I stayed for the jelly shoes and, truthfully, the conversation. Owner Mike was just as nice as can be, genuine and helpful in a nonpushy way. I was drawn to these fuchsia jellies, and basically was cheered into purchasing them before I could stop to reconsider paying $55 for rubber shoes.
Melissa + Campana jelly ballet flats, $55. Much cuter than Marc Jacobs's! Made by the original Brazilian jelly-maker, for whatever that's worth. I can attest to their supreme comfort, thankfully, and utter cuteness.
Epaulet, by the way, is a very cute, well-curated shop, with a burgeoning men's section and cheap framed photos to go along with all the pretty dresses and little trinkets. And of course, the selection of rubber shoes. Check out more awesome Melissa varieties.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Things I Need to Own Right This Minute!!
Let's cut to the chase for lots of indie designers, cheap shoes, hot black jeans to make your ass look even hotter, and a classy one-piece bathing suit:
($44, Rotter and Friends, Bonadrag.com)
($44, Rotter and Friends, Bonadrag.com)Reminds me a little of Built By Wendy. I love the simple '70s-style line drawing on heather grey. More Rotter and Friends here.
($438, Knox, Bonadrag.com)
($216, Moss Mills)
($154, Hudson, CoutureCandy.com)
($438, Knox, Bonadrag.com)Nevermind the fact that this Knox bag, by Brooklyn designer Jessica Maxcy, looks like it weighs about 30 pounds alone. I still love it. Check out her Romanov bag too.
($216, Moss Mills)Horsey cuff by Moss Mills (really Korean designer Hae.) I can't decide if I like it better in brass (pictured above) or gold. It's pricey but use discount code "lucky" for a whopping 30% off! Woo!
($75, Whitehorse Couture, Singer22.com)
($75, Whitehorse Couture, Singer22.com)Speaking of horsies, this vintage-looking oversized neon tee by Whitehorse Couture looks like the type of top you won't want to take off for days.
($154, Hudson, CoutureCandy.com)Hudson Jeans' new Stella Skinny Poplin jean in black ties it all together. Bonus: they're STTTTRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEETCHY!
(Apprx $27 USD, Office.co.uk)
(Apprx $27 USD, Office.co.uk)Cutey cute cute little bowed flats from the UK's Office (the shoe store, not the show.)
(Apprx $29, Office.co.uk)
Ahoy, sailor! Cute little casual anchor-print espadrilles. Kinda Sanuk-meets-Toms, which is actually a good thing in this case.
($14, Fred Flare)
Forgive the fact that it's a knock-off of a suit seen on Paris Hilton -- I love the bright colors, simple style and dip dye.
($158, Carmen Marc Valvo, Bloomingdale's)
($14, Fred Flare)I personally can't sleep with a sleep mask on, but were that I could, I would so wear this. The gold piping and blue satin remind me of those creepy royal puppets who'd crawl out of Mr. Rogers' walls to visit him from the Neighborhood of Make-Believe.
Forgive the fact that it's a knock-off of a suit seen on Paris Hilton -- I love the bright colors, simple style and dip dye.
($158, Carmen Marc Valvo, Bloomingdale's)With all that kitsch, I had to throw in something classy and cool, like this Carmen Marc Valvo bandeau one-piece in lavender.
PLUS:
+ Check out newly overhauled site, The Vintage Society.
+ Shop for (some) cute stuff at Unique-Vintage.
+ Admire all the pretty pretty beauties at Grayburn.
+ Watch this crazy lady from Big Brother nearly unload one over the idea of eating a cookie.
PLUS:
+ Check out newly overhauled site, The Vintage Society.
+ Shop for (some) cute stuff at Unique-Vintage.
+ Admire all the pretty pretty beauties at Grayburn.
+ Watch this crazy lady from Big Brother nearly unload one over the idea of eating a cookie.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Old Navy Flip-Flops: $1 Per Pair This Saturday
OK, so not too long ago, I was positive I had some rare form of foot cancer and was going to die prematurely. Why? Because I was having terrible heel pain in my left foot, and also because I am a nutty, paranoid Jew. But, a quick check-up by Dr. Google assuaged my fears -- turns out I (probably) have plantar fasciitis (AKA: flip-flop disease!) which is often caused by wearing shoes that aren't supportive enough, obesity, or, in my case, from being overly awesome.Needless to say, I won't be indulging in Old Navy's $1 dollar flip-flop sale this Saturday, June 28, but, don't let that stop you, kay? What I would buy instead?
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Sales Sales Sales!
A few NYC sample sales, but a few onliners too!
1.) Nordstrom is holding her annual Anniversary Sale Beauty Exclusive with over 100 beauty brands participating. The sale lasts July 18th through August 3rd, but you can preorder -- check out all of the available items here. Items ship July 18. My faves? MAC's Colour Form sets in bold primary colors:
($49.50, MAC, Nordstrom)
1.) Nordstrom is holding her annual Anniversary Sale Beauty Exclusive with over 100 beauty brands participating. The sale lasts July 18th through August 3rd, but you can preorder -- check out all of the available items here. Items ship July 18. My faves? MAC's Colour Form sets in bold primary colors:
($49.50, MAC, Nordstrom)2.) eLuxury.com is also holding an anniversary sale -- take 15% off all sale items between June 25th through June 27th. What would I buy? Since you asked...
($239, 3.1 Phillip Lim, eLuxury.com)
($625, 3.1 Phillip Lim, eLuxury.com)
($475, 3.1 Phillip Lim, eLuxury.com)
($239, 3.1 Phillip Lim, eLuxury.com)
($625, 3.1 Phillip Lim, eLuxury.com)
($475, 3.1 Phillip Lim, eLuxury.com)3.) Piperlime is having a "tag sale," if you will, with savings of up to 40% off their summer styles. A few choice picks -- some of them aren't on sale, so, sorry for lying!
(Was $79, now $54, Nine West, Piperlime)
($450, Bettye Muller, Piperlime)
(Was $79, now $54, Nine West, Piperlime)So gorgeous and fun, and they look really sturdy and not painful either!
($450, Bettye Muller, Piperlime)These are actually from Piperlime's Fall preview. Normally I hate Mary Janes, but I'm all over these like Amy Winehouse on her first cigarette out of the hospital.
($335, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Piperlime)
4.) Nutty Rice Sample Sale:
Monday June 23rd - Thursday June 26th
10am - 6:30pm
530 7th Ave #1009
Between 38th and 39th
Brands: PF flyers, Sugar shoes and cosmetics, Alternative Apparel, Gravis, Five Crown, Bread & Butta, Mr. Chips
5.) Ethan James Group Pop-Up Sale
Wednesday June 25 - Sunday June 29
12pm to 8pm
New York, NY 10012
Brands: Love YaYa, Aflalo, Staerk, Moon Katz, Fluxus, and The Smooth Company
6.) Ananas Pop-Up Store
From the press release:
"Ananas Collection, the best selling line of handbags from New York, is opening a pop-up store at 52 Canal Street in New York’s Lower East Side (BAMBI) for 3 weeks only! From June 24th to July 15th, the space, called “Ananas at fifty-two”, will be open with exclusive, limited-edition products as well as offering select styles from the fall ’08 leather & eco collections- these styles won’t be available outside of the store until August! Jennifer Lagdameo, founder and designer of Ananas, is thrilled with the opportunity to present her loyal customers with an entire Ananas shopping experience."
($335, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Piperlime)I'm inexplicably drawn to the contrast of blue patent leather and burgundy suede. It's about as much patriotism as I can handle.
4.) Nutty Rice Sample Sale:
Monday June 23rd - Thursday June 26th
10am - 6:30pm
530 7th Ave #1009
Between 38th and 39th
Brands: PF flyers, Sugar shoes and cosmetics, Alternative Apparel, Gravis, Five Crown, Bread & Butta, Mr. Chips
5.) Ethan James Group Pop-Up Sale
Wednesday June 25 - Sunday June 29
12pm to 8pm
Openhouse Gallery
201 Mulberry St.New York, NY 10012
Brands: Love YaYa, Aflalo, Staerk, Moon Katz, Fluxus, and The Smooth Company
6.) Ananas Pop-Up Store
From the press release:
"Ananas Collection, the best selling line of handbags from New York, is opening a pop-up store at 52 Canal Street in New York’s Lower East Side (BAMBI) for 3 weeks only! From June 24th to July 15th, the space, called “Ananas at fifty-two”, will be open with exclusive, limited-edition products as well as offering select styles from the fall ’08 leather & eco collections- these styles won’t be available outside of the store until August! Jennifer Lagdameo, founder and designer of Ananas, is thrilled with the opportunity to present her loyal customers with an entire Ananas shopping experience."
212-219-7641
Monday -Wednesday, 12:00 -8:00, Thursday - Sat 1:00- 9:00, Sun 12:00-7:00pm
OKee! Now go forth and spend! Especially you, Europeans -- come over here and spend some cash! It's like everything's 50% off! Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to bed. I've got a big day of work and the premiere of The Baby Borrowers tomorrow!
Monday -Wednesday, 12:00 -8:00, Thursday - Sat 1:00- 9:00, Sun 12:00-7:00pm
OKee! Now go forth and spend! Especially you, Europeans -- come over here and spend some cash! It's like everything's 50% off! Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to bed. I've got a big day of work and the premiere of The Baby Borrowers tomorrow!
Friday, June 20, 2008
Escape to Cuters Beach
I'm headed out on a starter vacay tomorrow -- I really should be packing and not playing around. And while I'm not going to the beach (nay, definitely not -- I'm off to sandy Kalamazoo... jealous?), here's my fantasy packing list of stuff I'd like to be bringing with me were I off to a weeklong trip to the beach and not getting up at 5 a.m. for a three-day trip to the Midwest:
($168, Letarte, Canyonbeachwear.com)
($168, Letarte, Canyonbeachwear.com)Such a suit. Letarte makes great suits. This safari bikini is supercute and not too overkill with the jungle theme.
($187, Serfontaine, WinkNYC.com)
($187, Serfontaine, WinkNYC.com)These are sort of ridiculous, but they're so soft and comfy-looking and would be so cute with a beachy tank.
($30.50, Alloy)
($68, Brooklyn Industries)
($30.50, Alloy)So old-school they're almost great. Very Mary-Kate Olsen, according to Chicago JP. True!
($35, Alternative Apparel)
($35, Alternative Apparel)Buttery soft heather cropped pants, perfect for pulling on and lounging around after you've taken your post-beach shower. Also, I cannot say enough good things about Alternative Apparel -- their fit and feel are fantastic, and they're not headed by an evil, mustachioed porn-faced CEO! Yay!
($112, Peter Jensen, Gargyle)
($112, Peter Jensen, Gargyle)More Southampton than South Padre.
($595, Loeffler Randall, ActiveEndeavors.com)
($595, Loeffler Randall, ActiveEndeavors.com)I'm not the type to wear heels with shorts and a bikini top, but if I wear, these would be the perfect pair for that sort of ridiculous posturing that really only happens in movies and magazines, I hope.
($75, Shopintuition.com)
Super cute beachy-prep bowling bag.
($68, Brooklyn Industries)
Not beachy per se, but super fun. Brooklyn Industries has gotten cuter! The first one reminds me of Paul's Boutique.
($70, Boost, Urban Outfitters)
($1.29, Biocare Labs)
($70, Boost, Urban Outfitters)Suuuuuuuper fun, suuuuuper summery cute headphones... to go in your beach bag.
($1.29, Biocare Labs)The site is pure crap, but trust me -- this lip balm is the best. Doesn't do that gross thing where it makes you thirsty in the back of your throat. Okay -- time to pack my ACTUAL, real-life items. Nitey!
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