These Boots Are Made for Bloggin'

Oh, hi! I've been laying low lately, did anyone notice? I'm yawning back into the binge zone because I need to know: WHICH BOOTS TO BUY?? So many, many, many lovelies. Help me decide, won't you?

I've been dying for a pair of off-white boots since Aiken was a boy. These might be the Ones! Seychelles "Dirty Laundry" boots, $179.95. They also come in tan and black. Which brings me to my next hmmmm:

BCBGirls "Petler" boots, $178.95 with an instant $25 off = $153.95. A reader tipped me to these as a nice alternative to Loeffler Randall (aka $750) boots. These look mighty fine to me.

Steve Madden also has some tempting boots this season, and after getting so much mileage out of the pair of his I got last year, I'd gladly sign up for another pair. Such as these "Intyce" boots, $199.95. Comes in black too...which to buy?? I might have to boycott, however, based on the ridiculous spelling. Seriously, there's no call for that.

Then we have this funky number: the 80%20 "Jackie" hidden-wedge boot, $188. Don't know why, but I'm just drawn to these.

And obviously, these Frye "Sam" boots, $398, are just f'ing awesome. Someone buy for me? Perhaps with the thousand bucks I was just overhearing we should all be stuffing under our mattresses for when the world ends? Just a thought.

Bruno Strikes Again!

(Credit: Popeater)

Speaking of Fashion Week, Milan Fashion Week got a little more fabulous, chocolate and brunch lovers/ Will & Grace fans! Check out photos of Sasha Baron Cohen as Bruno crashing the runway in Milan, and then check out video footage of the stunt.

Fashion Week Color Palette!

The stylish smartypants over at Refinery29 did a de-gorgeous jobber culling together some of the most lovely color trends seen on the runways during New York, London and Milan's Fashion Weeks. Here are a few of my favorites: mustard, plum, and red (like the wine), respectively.




+ Plus: check out Refinery29's Fashion Week trend report.

My Friend Neil Gets Street Spotted On Racked

This is my always-impeccably-dressed (and highly talented!) friend Neil, who was captured on Racked and braved many of their readers' absurd comments. Neil is ALWAYS dressed like this -- retro social club-chic dude -- in an unironic way, and it's always great. He's got his own haberdasher and has perfect suits. Yay, Neil!

Okay, Sorry. Even More Peacock Accessories

Actually, fuck it. No apologies. An obsession's an obsession. More peacock and peacock-inspired jewelry and accessories:

($62, Listitcafe.com)

Pretty peacock vintage cloisonne bracelet with two purdy green glass bangles, all for $62. Good deal, no?

($26, Naughty Secretary Club)

A little literal, but fun in a bubbe way.

($75, Leila, Hautestar.com)

Absolutely love these (they're referred to as "peacock," for some reason, not sure why, but I'll take 'em!), and I wish I had a big-ass house with a whole room with wallpaper in this pattern.

And I'll take these:

($75, Leila, JacquelineJarrot.com)

I'd wear all six together. Well, at least four.

($110, Vita, JacquelineJarrot.com)

I'd definitely wear the peacock-blue and the yellow studded bracelets together.

($18, Elizabeth Normand, Etsy)

Cute, sweet little peacock feather hair clip. It'd look so sweet with your hair sort-of messy and half-up, you know? Just pluck it in there and go go go.

($465, Shultz, Morninggloryjewelry.com)

This Shultz Bakelite bangle is driving me up a wall with ravenous envy. Too bad it's bonkers expensive (though it looks like it's almost on the cheaper end for Shultz Bakelite). I still say you guys OWE IT TO ME for all that $ I'm saving you, right? Sigh. This is so the kind of bracelet I WISH I could find at a flea market for like $8. Swoonfromafar!

+ More peacock fashions aqui!

I Really Feel Okay About The Patricia Field For Home Shopping Network Collection!

I really really am. No irony, no shame. Now, I'll be honest, I watched like four total episodes of Sex and the City. Couldn't stand the show, had no patience for it. Thought they were obnoxious trannies perpetuating obnoxious myths about city dwelling (though Friends did a good job of that too with that 24,000-square-foot apartment and mouse-free coffee shop), and their version of being in control of their lives was acting like men with inverted penises. And they looked like trannies.

But I DID like the Patricia Field element of the show, though I do absolutely realize she was single-handledly responsible for trannifying the ladies. Regardless, Patricia Field has always been a style hero of mine, and I truly love the funners that is her Destination Style New York collection for Home Shopping Network:

($149, Patricia Field, Home Shopping Network)

Yes, it's THE SARAH-JESSICA PARKER SEX AND THE CITY FLOWER SHOULDER CORSAGE dress, but in black, and I think I like it better in black, actually. Especially if you're not Sarah Jessica Parker-weensy:
Also, the HSN version isn't AS intense -- doesn't look like an entire garden is blossoming upon your shoulder and rising up to eat your face. And that's a good thing. Granted, the model is a WEEEE bit too '80s-ed up AND like an underaged Balkan prostie, but it'd be super fun to wear the black version to a party, no? I sorta wanna have it just so I can look at it in what's referred to as a closet, but is really just a small crack in my wall that I've shoved clothing into.

($149, Patricia Field, Home Shopping Network)

Sequins are HAWT now, y'all. If this were red or white or silver or something, that'd be bad bad bad, but I love it in black. Very Dynasty. Makes me wish I were Joan Collins and I could rip Linda Evans' head off.

($49, Patricia Field, Home Shopping Network)

Love these black skinny jeans the F on the butt. Hee! Great deal too, and they go up to size 32. Which is nice!

More Patricia Field FashionBinge lurves here.

Now, two pieces from Patricia Field's online shop...

($88, Andrew Hamilton Crawford, Patricia Field)

Again, last thing I need is more chunky rings, but I love this Buddha ring!

($98, Patricia Field)

I didn't see the Sex and the City movie, but apparently trannyboy SaMANtha wore this, which wouldn't actually stop me from wearing it. It'd look so smooth with a little fitted blazer and tank.

Also, on a side note, I'm watching The Rachel Zoe Project right now. The episode where her studio floods. I love that she refers to that as a disaster. Um, now I'm not meteorologist, but wasn't Katrina a bit more of a disaster than a few couture gowns that need to be hung out to dry? Also, I love how, at Fashion Week, her token gay boy refers to the second row as "right behind the front row." Yes! Very good! And the alphabet consists of letters! Also, Rachel Zoe is like drowning is her own fat.

Finally, check out this amazing clip from Dynasty. By the time Joan Collins takes a spill down the stairs, you can TOTALLY tell it's a stunt woman in a wig. Classic.

Lindsay Lohan's Lips Belt Buckle

(Credit: Revolution Pix/Fame Pictures/ People magazine)

Uh, that almost sounded bad... anyway, Lindsey's lips belt is really cute. (BTdubs, she looks like Blake Lively in this photo.) I'm sure it's like a bazillion-dollar vintage Vivienne Westwood piece, but here's a more affordable down-market version:

($14.99, Bucklecity.com)

Bucklecity -- city of buckles!

($16.95, Amazon)

Token sparkly lips.

(14.99, Catacombscds.com)

From deep within the catacombs of this rando website comes a very mod lips belt buckle I'd totally wear under the right circumstances.


... Also, feel free to track down Lala (of Lala The Art Geek), who MADE this belt HERSELF!!!!
Maybe she'll sell it to you!

($83, Golden-charms.com)

I would wear these fun dangly lips earrings under ANY circumstances.

($40, Dimoutshoes.com)

Um, so yeah. The platform of these shoes also pull double duty as a TIP JAR! For PUTTING COINS INTO! For when you work EXTRA HARD at work... and earn... CHANGE! For working REALLY REALLY HARD. On a POLE! With NO PANTS ON!

($199, Myfreakyfamily.com)

And a lips chair -- in red or pink! -- for when you've tired yourself out collectin' pennies in your platforms all night, gurlz!

Oh yeah, lest we forget, the inimitable Lipps Inc's "Funkytown" video! Classic!

Quickie Jewelry Binge: Patricia Field For HSN (Seriously), All The Way Up to Vivre!

Jewelry I really really want, in order of expensieness!

($36, Alex + Chloe)

OK, this I already own, but this and a handful of other Alex + Chloe pieces are now on sale. So you can own 'em! For less!

($39.95, Patricia Field for HSN)

It's probably for the best that the black version of this is sold out, because I'd have definitely bought it, and the last thing I need is more costume jewelry. And seriously, I would've bought it. It's glass and it's gorgeous. And seriously, I LOVE Patricia Field's HSN collection!

($39.95, Patricia Field for HSN)

Combining my love of pyramid studs with my love for orange things!

($48.75, Kiel Mead, Delight.com)

The reminder ringer = simple, refined, elegant, AND practical! AND crafty-cool sewing blogger Shira (aka In the Sky & On the Road) has one too!

($650, Patricia von Musulin, Vivre.com)

Hand-carved Lucite. Dying...

'Life & Style' Mag's See By Chloe Day Tripper Bag Giveaway

WHY WHY WHY am I SO unselfish so as to SHARE a See By Chloe bag giveaway that I SO. OBVIOUSLY. DESERVE. TO WIN!?!?? WHY do I have to be SUCH an incredibly WARM AND GIVING human being? Ugh. Sometimes I just can't STAND how charitable I am.

Enter to win this AMAZORZ See By Chloe Day Tripper shoulder bag from Life & Style. It's worth a breezy seven fiddy if you wanna spring for it (for me) at Nordstrom! (And honestly, may I win the celeb-wuved bag, and you win, like, a free magazine subscription or something.)

Oh yeah, or you could just flat out BUY me this slightly similar CC Skye "Lucy" bag. It's $700 and it's TDF (TO DIE FOR), kittens! Plus, SEVERAL of didn't even THINK to get me a birthday present last month, and it was a big one, so here's your shot at redemption, mmmmkays?

($700, CC Skye, Active Endeavors)

Sorta-Dirty But Sorta-SFW Diesel Ad!

This makes me like Diesel a whole lot more. If this gets pulled down, watch the Dirty 30 party video here.


And thanks to my friend witz.org for sending me this.

Richard Ruiz's Peacock Frock And Naomi Campbell In Feathery Zac Posen

I SWEAR TO ADONOI, this will TOTALLY be my last peacock post (at least for this week), but I had to throw in these two...

Naomi Campbell in this feathered Zac Posen dress, which was auctioned off to the tune of $50,000 at the Fashion For Relief Charity Auction last week:



Stunning.

And... not nearly as stunning but FAR more affordable: Richard Ruiz's sheath dress, which Lauren Conrad wore to the Nylon mag 90210 party:
Which is the SAME one that SHANNON DOHERTY (speak of the dee-veeyl) wore on Letterman, sparking a WHO WORE IT BETTER of the ages! To answer that question: I WOULD! Or you: Get it for $289 at Singer22.com.

Two Things You Can Feel Free To Buy Me: Embroidered Chloe Bag, Lanvin Heels, 'Kay?

Are you feeling charitable? Did you perhaps steal tons of money from your place of business and are looking for a place to get rid of it?? Yes? Good then! Because I'm in the market for the following:

($490, Lanvin, Browns)

You'll sleep better knowing that:
a.) They're on sale
b.) I'll look smashing in them!
and c.) They're real real real!

($2064, Chloe, Browns)

We'll all sleep better at night knowing that I'm fashionably satisfied by this black leather Chloe bag with an embroidered base. And you? You'll be all comfy in your plush bed knowing you done a good good thing!

(Inquiries? Interested? Yah? Email me!)

The Highs And Very Low Lows Of Cut-Out Heels

I'm truly not the biggest fan of cut-out shoes, especially when they're not sandals; the exception, however, would be Loeffler Randall's cut-out pumps, platforms, booties, and various iterations:

($575, Loeffler Randall, Active Endeavors)

These I can basically deal with. Loeffler Randall, they seem to know what they doing!

Therefore I was glad to see these far-more-affordable knock-knock-knock-offs at Victoria's Secret:

($150, Victoria's Secret)

At those prices, it's like two Loeffler Randalls for the price of one! And I really like the grey and black onesies. They're like the Herve Leger bandage dress of shoes!

($129, Michael Kors, Amazon)

Also okay!

($775, Chloe, Intermix)

Lurves the heel detailing, but OY VA VOY, too much patent. Heidi Montag also favors these, so that'll tell you something right there:


More bad cut-out heels and shoes:

(Giuseppe Zanotti, Intermix)

More like Giuseppe Za-not-ti. OH SHIT! Like something Christina Aguilera picked up at J.Lo's garage sale. Horbs.

($925, Dior, Neiman Marcus)

These Dior heels are either tragically melded together like couture conjoined twins, or else we caught them in the act of copulation. And I didn't know shoes could have sex.

($48, Jeffrey Campbell, 6pm.com)

The exact wrong way to do animal prints. Shudder!!


Um, perhaps the less said about these horrific Pierre Hardy cut-out shoes the better.

(Apprx $120, Topshop)

It's a sandal AND a boot! Rrr... remind me why again?

(Sold out, Chloe, Saks)

That these are sold out suggests to me that there are hundreds, nay THOUSANDS of women out there with equally horbs taste. The horror!

($160, HedoFashions.com)

Thankfully there are several of these disturbing stripper shoes left in all sizes!

($47, Pleaser, Amazon)

Perhaps unsurprisingly, these are mainly available in men's sizes.

($149, John Fluevog)

Marked down from $239. Priced to move. Quickly, one would hope. Gahr.

($48, Urban Outfitters)

The paperbag as shoe! Recyclable footwear, folks!

More Quick 'Mad Men'-Inspired Fashions: Michael Kors Pencil Skirt , Sexy Dolce Vita Heels, Plus-Sized 'Mad Men' Dresses Too!

For the few of you out there who AREN'T watching Mad Men, I KNOW I need to chill on all the late-50s, early-60s-inspired Mad Men fashions, but also, on the other hand, WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU WAITING FOR? IT'S THE GREATEST SHOW IN THE HISTORY OF TELEVISION! FOR REAL! I've been super sick, and the one redeeming thing about that has been that at least I've been able to catch up on all of the Mad Men I've missed.

Okay, lemme back up right quick, by the way.

If you haven't seen the show, here's what you need to do. It's what I did.
1.) Buy the Season 1 DVD, Netflix it, or borrow it from a friend.
2.) Download the first few eps on iTunes = WORTH it.
3.) Watch the rest of Season 2 on on-demand; in Brooklyn and parts of Manhattan, it's on "Entertainment on Demand," channel 1012.
4.) Watch all the video extras on AMCTV.com
5.) Feel your life INSTANTLY improving!!!!

Oh yeah, there's also a Mad Men marathon on AMC starting tomorrow (Thursday, Sept 25), but it's only the first eight episodes of Season 2.

And no, I DON'T work for AMC, but I kinda almost wish I did.

Okay, onto the fashions, in petites and plus sizes too!!

($89.50, MICHAEL Michael Kors)

Is there ANYTHING more Joan Holloway than a cheetah-print pencil skirt? I think not! Also, here's how to spend almost $900 more on an almost identical skirt by the same designer.

($89.99, Dolce Vita, Piperlime)

Super sexy. Love the the curl detail.

($89, OneStopPlus.com)

Super elegant, and the dark shades and high waist makes this super Mad Men. In sizes 14 - 26.

($69, OneStopPlus.com)

Love this pleated crepe dress. AND it comes in black, purple, blue, and red, all in sizes 14-26. Check Chadwick's for the exact same pleated crepe dress in sizes 4 -18.

($79, OneStopPlus.com)

All you need's a small little patent handbag hanging over your forearm, a pillbox hat, and a three-martini lunch, and you're good! (Same dress in smaller sizes here at Chadwick's.)

+ More obsessive Mad Men fashions!

The Motorcycle Boots Diaries: Also Doc Martens Are Back In!

Though I'm not sure I agree. I had my love affair with them -- specifically between the years of 1991 - 1996. I remember going to the Lynnhaven Mall in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and "visiting" the Doc Marten black lace-ups that'd soon become mine once I'd saved enough babysitting money to pay for half of the $80 price, which I thought was SOOOOOOOOO much for a pair of shoes. My mom was reluctant to help me pay for the other half of what she alternatingly referred to as "shitkickers," and "Nazi boots." I remember going to the counter and her saying "these better last til you're in college." I was in eigth grade then, and they definitely did. After years of moving with my dusty black Docs (they barely looked like I'd worn them after all those years), in plastic Rubbermaid bins, I finally got rid of them a year or so ago. It was really time. BUT, all sentimentality for the fashions of the early '90s aside, I'm not really that pleased to see should I see DOC MARTENS creeping back into my inbox and onto the pages of catalogs and magazines this fall.

The first time I saw them -- in mainstream fashion -- was a few months back in their Benneton iteration -- half Docs, half motorcycle boots, all patent leather:

Benetton

I think they run a little under $200. They're fun but in bright red, they're a little too Ronald McAdoodly, you know?

($88, Urban Outfitters)

I liked Urban Outfitters' lace-up oxford version much better.

($110, Doc Martens, Delia's)

Whoop there they are! At DELIA'S. So you KNOW they're back.

($110, Doc Martens, Delia's)

My love of leopard-printed fashions is well documented. Even leopard-print shoes. (Or cheetah-print. Whatever. Tomato/ tomahto.) But not boots. Ack.

Anyway, so back to motorcycle/engineer boots -- they're HUGE for fall, and they're everywhere -- Michael Kors, Aldo, Steve Madden, Guess, Frye (of course), but the best ones I've seen -- and probably the most expensive ones are these:

($1143, Golden Goose, eLuxury)

Golden Goose is a line of luxury riding-inspired boots designed by Italian designers Francesca and Alessandro Gallo. They ain't cheap, but they sure are purdy. Each limited-edition pair of boots are marked with a serial number, and they come pre-distressed and destroyed. WANT!

+ More Golden Goose here.

Mad For This Cropped Leopard Jacket Because It's Sooooo Mad Men!

I LOVE me a sweet little leopard-print cropped jacket. There are about a million things it looks great with, and now that I've developed a full-blown addiction to Mad Men, I see little reason why Matthew Weiner shouldn't reward my enthusiasm and evangelism of his show with this very relevant cropped leopard-print jacket by What Comes Around Goes Around. Because Lawd knows, I can't afford its $495 price taggity tag. Bew.

($495, What Comes Around Goes Around, Active Endeavors)

Sure, this is an investment piece, but the price ain't exactly recession-friendly. Here are a few pieces that are:

($49, Newport News)

Only thing I'm not down with is the single-button enclosure. Creates a nightmare boob-tent situation for larger-chested ladies. But you C-cups on down, have at it.

($49, INC International, The Uber Shop)

Yay zebra prints!

($49, QVC)

I have a vintage Stuart Lang satin animal print top like this that I LOVE and wear all the time in the coldy months. Because it's so thin, it's perfect for wearing under cropped jackets (that aren't leopard-print, obvs). I like the side-tie here, and the shape of the top -- billowy, loose but feminine -- is so flattering. I'd give it a shot.

+ More of my Mad Men obsession in the form of Joan Holloway and Calvin Klein's Secret Obsession.

Even More Peacock Pretties: Dresses, Hair Pieces & More Peacock Plumed And Feathery Accessories I Crave (Including a Peacock Lamp, Even!)

I continue to adore these feathery treasures derived, inspired and sometimes taken directly from the lovely peacock -- and even a few from pheasants! Read on, won't you?

($128, Orion, Asos)

So sweet. Orion's a British label, and Modcloth sells a lot of their fun, flirty retro-inspired dresses, so go do that.

($398, Hayden-Harnett)

Oh Hayden-Harnett. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. This ikat print dress isn't peacocky per se, but the colors are right there. And looooooky close -- leather trim says "Why yes, I will make charming conversation with you at this cocktail party, but I will also swear like a cot-damt sailor once I get a few old fashioneds in me!"

($29, Look From London, Asos)

Bold but would look really cute with like a dark denim mini and maybe a slender black cardi? Because sometimes you CAN mix brown and black!

($39, Bakers)

The "Reese" sandal from Bakers is a leeeeetle much of a much, but I still really like 'em. I saw a girl wearing them and they're MUCH cuter "in action," if you will. Also, this COULD be the world's FIRST gladiator peacock sandal!!!

($12.99, Honeydew, Modcloth)

If it seems like I have a serious bone for Modcloth, it's because I do. And it's so hard to find undies that straddle the fine line between boyshorts and bikinis. These seem to do the trick!

($225, Dangerous Mathematicians)

Brown's usually one of my least favorite colors, but the real peacock feathers on this brown satin clutch have me rethinking that.

($48, Pluma)

This headpiece is made of PHEASANT feathers, which totally flips the script on peacock feathers, changes the game, and takes this shit to a whole new level, to use three cliches in ONE sentence. I don't know that I can pull off headpieces -- actually wait. I KNOW I can, I just basically lack the hairstyling skills. But if I DID have those skills, I THINK I could rock this. I'd love to buy it, but I also know my cat would probably discover it and rekill it. That dick. Anyway, check out the rest of Pluma's gorgeous handmade feather headbands. They're all pheasant (I think), and they're all quite reasonably priced for such prettiness.

($25, Portobello, Etsy)

Love this little peacock headpiece too. A little more subtle.

($48, Urban Outfitters)

Y'all, I even found peacock housewares, like this circle rug. I did, y'all! I really truly dit!

($302, Oasis, Neiman Marcus)

Someday, I will have an entire house filled with nothing but peacock lamps with orange lamp shades.

($16.90, Tracy Porter, Neiman Marcus)

One of my other MANY houses will be filled with obscenely affordable handpainted peacock salt and pepper shakers, like so.

+ The evolution of my rich peacock fashion lust...

Okay. I'm flying back from Vegas ANY minute now. I've survived nearly four hours and several crappy sandwiches. Gah! Can't wait to get back to the BK! And I DO NOT mean Burger King, people! (Though I would rip off someone's press-on nails right now for some Taco Bell.)

Dream, Reality, Nightmare Shoes: YSL, Keds, Converse...

You can decide which is which.

($295, YSL, Marissa Collections)

I'd get down on one knee and propose to these beauties. That painted wooden heel!!?!? I GOTS THA VAPORS!

($60, Keds)

You can customize yo own-ass Keds, or get some cute slip-ons like these, with the New York skyline on 'em! So cute with jeans a T, right? RIGHT!


I saw these in one of those giiiiito sneaker shops on Broadway near the Village, and they're proof positive that God may in fact be dead after all. Now if you'll excuse me, I've got some Nietzsche in which I will drown my sorrows and the multitude of sufferings these tripping bear Converse have inflicted upon me and other innocent passersby.

I'm Off To Have a World Of Fun At Blog World!

Anyone else going to Blog (Bolg) World Expo tomorrow?

No? 'M I the only nurd reading this here thing?

Payless Fall 2008 Designer Collection: Payless Gets Sluttttay!

The Payless designer collections aren't really me, but I applaud their step in the va-va-va VAMPY direction.

($38, Lela Rose for Payless)

That bow at the heel says "I won't NOW, but ask me later, and I MIGHT."

($48, alice + olivia for Payless)

4.5 inches of trannylicious, open-toe (of course), patent leather fun. Also see: Fergie!

($48, alice + olivia for Payless)

A little less daunting at 3" high. I like the '80s-inspired back zip. Ankle boots are, in the words of the Pussycat Dolls, hot hot hot for fall, y'awl. And yes I DID just quote PCD.

($30, Lela Rose for Payless)

I'm not huge into clutches, but I do love the tortiseshell action and big stitching here! Yay!

DAMN YOU TOPSHOP! NYC Opening Delayed! Sad Face!

BLAST AND FUCKING DAMN! Per Racked, the Topshop opening has been pushed back from this fall to SPRING 2009! I guess it gives me more time to save my money, and by "save," I mean "spend." Opposite day.

Racked delivers more of the bad news.

My Pretty Princess A.P.C. Apple Necklace

Totally unexpectedly, one of my most bestely fwends gave me the most gorgeous necklaces for my birthday. Observe:
It's A.P.C., and because I don't wanna be tacky, I won't list the price, but you can also get it at La Garconne.

Speaking of which, here are two pieces I REALLY would like to get myself... as a belated birthday present... to myself...

($60, A.P.C., La Garconne)

So Grey Gardens. So tempting, but $60 for plastic? Nah brah.

($350, Lizzie Fortunado, La Garconne)

This would go PERFECTLY with all that Abaete that I... don't own... yet...

Giorgio Armani's Face Fabric Is The Best Thing I've Ever Put On My Face

I mean this truly, and I have even been to the Dead Sea. Honestly, I've generally skeeved out by foundation. I think of cakey-to-flaky, scooped-and-glooped-on thick-ass make-up with the consistency of cake batter. I've steered clear of it for YEARS, only recently dipping my toe into the thin, trouble-free, cool waters of tinted moisturizers. Until I was sent Giorgio Armani's Face Fabric. I didn't think much of it at first and pretty much wrote it off, though I did note its gorgeous packaging -- a ribboned box that looked like a sunglasses case. Nice! But I thought why not and tested it out. Best. Beauty Decision. In Weeks.

Face Fabric is a semi-matte, almost traceless form of foundation that goes on smoothly and easily, doesn't get all over your hands, and blends into your face like a silky, soft little miracle, lovingly erasing any hangover, drama, or distress without screaming I'M OLLLLLLLD LIKE A LITTLE OLD LADY BEFORE MY TIME!


No lie, I got off a cross-country flight (I'd slept about three hours before getting on and didn't sleep at all during), washed my face, put this on, and when I got to work, a co-worker was like "did you really just get off a plane?? Really?" (Without me even prompting her!) My face just looked all refreshed and clear and lovely but not clogged and patchy and yucko. And, since we're sharing secrets, I sweat. A lot. And somehow, despite the fact that this stuff isn't thick at all, I don't sweat this off. MIRRRRACLE.

Now at $45, Face Fabric ain't recession-friendly. But I absolutely buy it when I run out, and I will cut back on toilet paper or something if need be. Especially with pretty-face fall coming, it'll be worth it.

And in other Armani Beauty news, I also tried out Giorgio Armani new Lip Wax in #5. Another product I thought I'd never end up using, and again, I was totally wrong. It's a lush, waxy (uh, hence the name), heavily pigmented (but not over the top), gorgeous lip stain, and I must agree with Musing of a Muse's expert assessment -- it's like MAC's Mattene but MUCH easier to use (I used Mattene once and once only and was like um nooo. I just couldn't work with it). I don't love applying with my finger (it's in a compact, no brush), but the it makes for better control. The result feels weightless but with powerful, obvious color. I've got really full lips, so I try to stay away from reds ("Here come Julie's lips!") but because this is so feathery with just a hint of shine, it's highly visible, but not red light district levels of obviousness. The #5, in "Cardinal Red," has a gorgeous screen siren effect, doesn't smear (!!!) and it stays on all day. Bonus heat!

They're $26 each -- again, not cheap, but for all the cash I've plunked down on on lip colors I've worn once or twice and then never again, it's fully worth it. Now I just wish I had every color. Le sigh!

+ More on Face Fabric at BellaSugar
+ Makeup Alley's Face Fabric reviews
+ Makeup and Beauty Blog's Lip Wax review (and kitty pic!)

Go Go Gadget Glam Eyes: Rimmel Glam Eyes Mascara

I feel a bit Oprah-giving-away-new-cars about Rimmel's Glam' Eyes mascara. Shit. Works. WELL. The pliant brush does its job, and after a few coats, it hits every lash and lengthens and volumizes. And, like I said, after a few coats, you've got decent volume. Not the most extreme volume ever, like with the Napoleon Perdis Madame Curl Curl mascara I'd be buried with if I could request such things ahead of time, but it definitely does the job in a pinch. And I like the high-end, low-rent packaging. Great for a drugstore product since it looks like Too Faced but at half the price -- it's $7.25. By the way, after a cursory search, I could only find this for purchase on Asos.com, but Rimmel's also sold at CVS, Target and Walgreens. Yay.

More Vintage Hollywood Glasses!

(Apprx $14 USD, eBay)

OMG! Someone bid on these Hollywood-esque vintage '80s glasses! NOW! Or, cough up $545 for these Alain Mikli glasses.

LeSportsac Sample Sale -- Apparently Sucky, Target Bodegas, Not Much Better, IMO

Hi guys. I'm back! Still recovering from my LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG-ass trip to L.A. for the MTV VMAs, chasing Jonas Brothers and Tokio Hotel. It was an amazing and TIRING experience (like three - four hours of sleep per night but worth all the exhaustion), and I missed almost every second of Fashion Week. And seriously, it was SO hard for me to tell Marc Jacobs that I couldn't make it to his show. He almost cancelled it on my account, but I was like NO! Marc, girl, you look AMAZING, you're in LOVE, you're all fin de siècle ON DAT ASS with the elevated runway... you PULL YOURSELF UP BY THE GRUNGEY DOC BOOTSTRAPS AND YOU GET OUT THERE AND YOU SHOW THE WORLD YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BREAK THROUGH, MARC JACOBS! So he did it! I was stayed at the Roosevelt Hotel -- by the way I NO LONGER recommend that place because they're phasing out their Fresh products!!!!! I know! And their customer service is pretty crappy, and the carpets are dirty, and they have that dumb thing where the showers only have half a glass wall instead of a whole wall or at least a fucking shower curtain, so the entire bathroom floor gets soaked. And I assure you, I'm not even a hotel snob. Or at least I wasn't until I stayed there.

But speaking of Fresh, their Sugar Lemon Body Lotion, which I use as a facial moisturizier because it's too dear to use all over, is the best thing that's ever happened to my face:

($28, Fresh, Sephora)

Anyway, I did get back to NYC in time to attend the Target Bodega launch -- Target's popped up four Bullseye Bodega stores from September 13 - 15, packed with products that won't hit regular Target stores for another 45 days. (Locations here.)

I gotta be honest -- the design was the coolest part of it:Target wallpaper...

But the products were meh. With the exception, however, of the beauty products -- The 'Jay's totes stepped it up, and their new capsule beauty products have more of a Sephora feel. Napoleon Perdis products -- I freaked the fuck out over their mascara last month, and my love has only increased -- are there as are Jemma Kidd. However the Jonathan Saunders clothing felt and looked really cheap to me. More Jonathan Martin than Jonathan Saunders. Like they'd already been washed. Yuks. The Converse stuff was zzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

And some of the seasonal housewares felt like dollar store crap (roosters and turkeys? really?). The Michael Graves housewares and kitchen gear was nice, but nothing out of the ordinary there.

But by far the best thing going at the Target bodega was the Sigerson Morrison shoes -- real suede for under $40. Observe:

(Photo: Nitrolicious)

Great, great fun holiday shoes that remind me of the fun embellished "9 West" (from back when they were "9" and not "Nine") pumps my mom had from the early '80s. I also loved these:



Yet I bought none because I've bought about 432 pairs of shoes lately. Must show SOME restraint, people! Apparently the Sigerson Morrison shoes will be in select Targets October 12 and online around then too.

Oh yeah, we also saw Jerry Seinfeld and wifey at the party! Random! And I ran into an old friend, Mark Van Holden, who was shooting the event, which is the only reason me and my boyfriend got our photo snapped:

You know, because paps just follow us EVERYWHERE! I'd also like to point out the sad irony of popping up a store made to look like a bodega in areas of New York where bodegas can't even afford to stay in business. But, I love Target, and I'm a fucking hippocrite. Anyway, point is, the party was fun, but I really don't think that you need to rush out and hit up the Bullseye Bodegas. Seriously. If you miss it, you miss it. And that's coming from someone who lurves Target.

Anyway, I almost hit up the LeSportsac sample sale, but Racked's report that it was Le Sucksack prevented me from a'wastin' my times yesterday on my quasi-day-off. Thanks, guys! I'd just as soon stay home and buy this cuters mcghee bag off Karmaloop:

($88, LeSportsac, Karmaloop)

Tons of promo codes here. Also, that model's eyes are bugging me out.

Here's a photo of some Hollywood Boulevard "fashions" for you to consider. Bye for now! Much more to come but I gotta go to the gym and read about Obama to undo all the hurt I did from filling my body with avocado and bacon cheeseburgers (like the good Jewish girl I am) and time spent away from the CNN.

I Can't See New York

It felt sorta shitty and wrong to post about anything over-the-top fashiony today. Instead, I passed this display on 34th Street today, and I figured this was as good as anything. New York, you strong, stinky paper tiger you, I still love you, your rough, gruff beauty, and everything you have to offer, including your $3 "leggins."

And speaking of New York-esssspensive, check out New York magazine's article about people leaving "The City" for cheaper, green pastures (I know, groundbreaking, right?). Still sucks nonetheless. And check out HeadHoods' "I Can't Afford to Love New York" shirt for -- wait for it -- just $14.99, so designer Clinton Van Gemert can keep on making his rad HeadHoods shirts. And living here.


Or, just be directly depressed with these:

Asos Mesh Mess

($65.10, Asos.com)

Asos attempts to redo Sarah Jessica Parker's Dior mesh heels for the masses. I think we've seen time and time again that just because SJ does doesn't mean we (or even she) should. And the wretched patent leather? Oy va voy. Just... no.

Laboring To Find You Cheap Shoes Today!

I've been cooped up in the house for much of this weekend, working and watching Mad Men. And when I haven't been engaging in the latter, I've been scoping out the shittons of sale emails I've been receiving. Lots of cute fall shoes on sale this Labor Day, or so my inbox thinks. Observe:

($15.50, Miss Me, Lulus)

Promo code "LABOR DAY" gets you 15% off the already ridiculously low price.

($19.99, Payless)

These aren't really me, but I love the heels and stitching.

($19, Delicious, Cutesygirl.com)

15% off with promo code "FRESH15."

($9.99, Cutesygirl.com)

Also 15% off with promo code "FRESH15." I'd totes wear these fall Oxfords, but they don't gots my size. Boo.

($34, Newportnews.com)

20% off these really cute holiday shoes with promo code "514." I bought 'em. Tee!

($29, Newportnews.com)

... And/or these!

($24.99, Modcloth.com)

Also bought these. Whoopsers! Check out promo codes here.

(Apprx $162 USD, Poste Mistress, Office.co.uk)

If you need something a little more high-end.

Happy Labor Day, y'all.