RUN DON'T WALK to Rue La La For Their Nicole Miller Bridal Sale! Seriously, GO!

So, despite my previous run-in with a HORBS Nicole Miller "special evening gown" that I thought might make a dece wedding dress (I thought wrong), I tried on several ACTUAL Nicole Miller wedding dresses this weekend at Michelle in Brooklyn Heights. My Michelle experience was great, and I really liked two of the Nicole Miller dresses I tried on. I'm not going to go with either dress because they're too "big" and "cupcakey" on me, but they did feel wonderful on, and if I wanted a big dress, I'd go that route for sure, and I'd be happy to buy from Michelle.

BUT, actually I probably wouldn't because RueLaLa.com is having a Nicole Miller bridal sale for like the next few MINUTES or something, and one of the very dresses I tried on -- the silk faille mermaid with beaded details -- on is available. Originally $2600, available at RueLaLa in sizes 0 - 16 for $650 (!!!!!!!!). SERIOUSLY! GO! GO NOW! (You need an invite to log in -- lemme know in the comments if you need me to invite you!)

($650, Nicole Miller Bridal, RueLaLa.com)

Brian Atwood Atrocity

I usually really like Brian Atwood heels (and will admit to ALMOST ALWAYS thinking of RYAN Atwood from The O.C. [RIP]), but these are both EVERY color too many and every shade of wrong:

(Apprx $574 USD, Brian Atwood, Net-a-porter.com)

I'm counting the SECONDS until they show up on Mariah Carey's feet.

Sad panda.

Bluefly Bridal Binge! Vera Wang, Bagdley Mischka And More! ROP!

I cannot even BELIEVE how many amazors potential wedding dresses Bluefly is STOCKED with right now. And by wedding dresses, I mean either non-traditional wedding dresses to wear AS your wedding dress or TO a wedding. Do BLUEFLY a favor and GET THEM OFF THEIR HANDS, okay? They're practically PAYING YOU to buy these gems! Also, apparently "just today," you can get 15% off dresses (discount taken at checkout), so DO IT!

($448, Badgley Mischka, Bluefly)

I am feeling SO many emotions about this dress, all of them POSITIVE and overwhelming. It's sorta what I was hoping for with my Nicole Miller fail, but this looks even more fantasticosa! I'm not a fan of the wrap, but no big whoop, right?

($402, Badgley Mischka, Bluefly)

Puh-retty!

($331, Badgley Mischka, Bluefly)

I'm not usually a fan of pleats like these, but I like the structured bib. Cool for alt-bridesmaids dresses!

($501, Amsale, Bluefly)

I mean, look me in the EYE and TELL me that Amsale's "Duet" gown isn't to DIE! It's simple but commanding and not overwhelming tacky. And that sexy back! LOVE! Also, short ladies, you CAN wear full gowns. And I love that this is full but not like the width of a sedan. This width is perfect for a shortie like myself.

($125, Vera Wang, Bluefly)

Definitely not for me, but if you're looking for a more traditional wedding gown, um, HI! This Vera Wang is like four cents, relatively speaking. I could see this being really purdy on a tall, thin type.

($331, Vera Wang, Bluefly)

Much better on shorties or tall types!

($400, Vera Wang, Bluefly)

Love the pretty stone color. Nice for a fall/ early winter wedding.

($324, Vera Wang, Bluefly)

I CANNOT SAY ENOUGH WONDERFUL THINGS ABOUT THIS DRESS! IT'S LIKE I MADE IT WITH MY OWN HANDS! SOMEONE BUY IT! PLEASE! LOOK HOW GORGEOUSLY EARLY '60S IT IS!!!!!!!!

($221, BCBG Max Azria, Bluefly)

EEE. Love the black-on-white detailing!

($301, Adam, Bluefly)

Wooden beads aren't so me, but this is still a super gorj beach wedding dress!

($169, BCGB Max Azria, Bluefly)

Not so me, but still really stunning -- especially that open back.

($220, BCBG Max Azria, Bluefly)

One of my favorite -- love the champagne-ness.

Hayden-Harnett Gets Ripped Off

Check it out: Copycats have discovered our fave local small fashion label. In a major, major way. Observe:



On the left you have Hayden-Harnett's extremely cute Iskia link wedge sandal; on the right you have Shoes for Lovely People's (admittedly, also cute) version. Hayden-Harnett is hoppin' mad, justifiably. The H-H originals are only $100 more though. I'd kinda rather spend the extra dough — or wait for one of 'em to go on sale.

Luckily, they have loyal eagle-eyed fashion fans, who also spotted this travesty:



On the left, H-H's awesome Havana hobo, of which I have one (which I LOVE). On the right, a crappy fake-leather version by Bandolino, available at Herzberger (whatever that is), identical down to the tiny studs on the zipper pull. Horbzburger. (Though I kinda dig the turquoise color.) One's $500; one's $66. The Havana is supersoft and lovely — if you don't have a spare $500 laying around, wait for a sample sale. It's worth it.

FashionBinge's MAJOR Ankle Boot Binge!

What with fuggo flip-flops and whatnot entering store windows for the summer season (even though I've been wearing my sleeping-bag-with-arms super-duper warm coat for the past week), it is time to STOCK UP on cute ankle boots or booties or whatever you want to call them to wear with skinny jeans, leggings, tights and skirts, or whatevs. Cheyck up on all of these great booties on SALE!

($148, Free People)

Don't LOVE the bow, but I don't hate it. Since it's monotone, it's still conspicuous enough.

($164, Jeffrey Campbell, Nordstrom)

Normally I'd say these are too too much, what with the cut-outs and the studs, but in black I think they work. I'd do it.

($200, Casadei, Footcandyshoes.com)

Everyone always freaks out over Louboutin, but PLEASE give Casadei some love, okay? They were all over the red carpet at the Oscars. They're usually three times as much, but these are just $200. Woot!

($135, Shane And Shawn, Endless.com)

These are KINDA bad but could work on the right girl... or guy.

($135, Helle Comfort, Zappos.com)

Kinda wack but they could be gorgeous on. And they've even got the word "comfort" built right in!

($184, Claudia Ciuti, Nordstrom)

Not a HUGE fan of open-toed shoes, but I do like these.

($152, Diesel, Yoox.com)

I have absolutely no use for a pair of white booties, but if I did need a pair, I'd get these.

($49, Newport News)

MADONNA PARTY!

($68, Arden B.)

Sorta springy.

($412, Casadei, Endless)

Two-tone patent leather, and suede on the vamp! Studs and metallics, blah blah, these are a few of my favorite things!! All at once! On ONE shoe! Woo!

Beautiful, Unattainable, Covetable, Nonsensical: Alexander McQueen Peacock Jacquard Dress

($3,191, Alexander McQueen, Saks)

The black and gold silk jacquard print is, of course, stunning, and OBVS I'm attracted to ANYTHING with peacock in the name, but WHO wants their ass to look like a hot air balloon:


Why wasn't this a straight A-line dress??? Why? WHY? ANSWER ME, SOMEONE!

Things that are black and gold and make more sense: Laura Mercier's Black Gold eye pencil and Sam Sparro's "Black And Gold" video:

Would You Mind If I Looked At You For A Moment? West/Feren Berkshire Hip Purse

($172, West/ Feren, Ravinstyle.com)

Two words: do me.

But before you start, save 15% with promo code “spring awakening” through March 22.

Bell Biv Devoe - New Music - More Music Videos

Newport News Shoes Take On Prada!

($39, Newport News)

A little too fairy-princessy for me, but, you know... if you're down with moonbeams and hula hoops stuff, have at it!

Here's the 2008 Spring / Summer Prada flower-heel Mary-Janes that clearly inspired them:

(Image via Shoewawa)

Vena Cava Siouxie Dress For The Non-Traditional Wedding Dress Win!

I was flipping through Anica Boutique's sale selection, marveling at how everything on sale fell under the category of either HORBSFEST (WHAT did these Mocium jeans do to deserve this???) or AWESOME SAUCE (Opening Ceremony silk bustier dress that's just $142), when I stumbled across this PORTRAIT OF PERFECTION:

($628, Vena Cava, AnicaBoutique.com)

Size 6 only. Now don't get me wrong -- $628 doesn't seem like much of a sale to me. But I've been dropping that bridal acid that has my brain tripping balls into believing that like, $3,000 is a somewhat reasonable price to pay for ONE item that you will wear exactly ONCE. Evar. So, relatively speaking, $628 is a STEAL. Isn't that funny how that works? In REAL FUCKING LIFE I'd NEVER EVER spend $628 on one dress, but in bizarro bridalville, I'm like OOH NO PROB! SO THAT'S A VISA, AND THE FIRST FOUR NUMBERS ARE... MKAY GREAT!

Anyway, this silk dress is so sweet my teeth fucking hurt. It's got such a perfect 1950s feel (while the detailing's a little '70s), and the shoe options blow my mind and then come back for seconds. I love how clean and crisp it is and how it flatters any figure. It's also a perfect dress if you're doing a tiny, private ceremony at a court house or city hall or something. Or a small beach or lakefront wedding. No reason you shouldn't have a great dress too. And pay a lot for it too! :P

BTW, oh HAI! Same dress, size 4 and 6, $300 at Basic Boutique! Also, check DressBoston.com -- they might have it.

FashionBinge Partially Retracts Its Previous Position On FRINGE Due To These Minnetonka Boots

Maybe it's because I've started smoking crack regularly now or because I'm a flagrant hypocrite or both, but not only do I love these black suede fringed (FRINGED!) Minnetonka boots, but I'm WEARING THEM RIGHT NOW. And guess what? They're comfy, and they REWL.

($83, Minnetonka, Tobi.com)

I saved 10% with coupon code "10GRECHEN," and I think because of where they come to on my leg -- just to the bottom of my calves -- they're super slimming with black skinny jeans. I know I've hated on fringe before, and um, I basically still stand by that -- especially brown fringe (shudder!), and any and all fringe jackets, I can pretty much patently, across the board say I reject. But these black fringe Minnetonka boots are the jumpoff. Act straight.

Size 2 Non-Traditional Wedding Dress? Done! (Also, Please Don't Starve Yourself Down To A Size 2, Okay?)

($270, Jay Godfrey, Bluefly.com)

Size 2? Sweet! Check this Jay Godfrey white silk dress that could easily double as a pretty little white dress (LWD) for you super teensy non-traditional wedding dress-seeking brides. (Only available in size 2, sadly.) Anyway, it's perfs for a beach wedding. The bow is like "Hi! I'm a bridaly present!" Oh, and speaking of brides and wedding dresses and being a size 2 -- I'm not a size 2! And it's ok! I'm not gonna be a size 2. Ever. Especially not for my wedding. So please, guys, don't hop on the bridal bulimia train or do some crazy juice fasts or whatever to slim down for four seconds only to gain it all back teh second a delicious crab cake touches your desperate lips. Lift some weights or whatever, but don't forget to eat food, okay? Otherwise you could pass out at best, get really fucking sick at worst. You kinda need to keep eating food! Bonus: It's delicious!


Better idea: The Garth Brooks Juice Diet!

Edressme's White Sale and Reception-Dress Dreams

So my dreams of a reception costume change continue to pop up, despite having The Dress. Perhaps I can change just prior to the afterparty? Not least because of edressme's Simply White sale, which knocks 20% off their white dresses, of which they have a bunch. Some of them unfortunately look like Mandee's rejects, the stuff of spandex nightmares, but here are my picks:


Kirribilla "Deirdre" minidress, on sale for $272. Those sleeves are amazing, and sharp shoulders are totally in!



Another cute offering from Kirribilla, the "Selene" dress, $316, with gorgeous ruffled collar, and bonus: pockets!



This ecoskin Ecoskin dress, $116, is floaty but fitted: a perfect combo. And while it's not much of a party dress, I suppose, it would be just so chic for a trip to the courthouse.


That's it for things I like from edressme, but look at what I found at asos:



Miss Milne Layered Frill Sleeve Dress, $91.22. I always LOVE tiered dresses and then they look like crap on me, though. Maybe this one would be different, because it has a waist tie??

Whaddaya think, peanut gallery?

Peacock Prom Dress DISASTER!

($500, Jovani, eDressme.com)

I've put it out there before that I LOVE peacock ANYTHING and EVERYTHING. Peacock dresses, earrings, tops, whatever. But this "peacock prom dress" is an egregious affront on my senses. If I were a peacock, I'd be highly offended. Also, I love how it's not returnable. Um, because clearly they DON'T want this piece of peacock shit back. Also, my prom was like a MILLION years ago, and also, I didn't go, but I'm PRETTY sure that while there had to have been some regrettable picks, NO ONE would've showed up in this overly literally interpretation of one of nature's most beautiful feathered creature.

+ More prom dress messes.
+ More PEACOCK FASHION!

Erin Fetherston Dream Dress + My Trip To Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier

Ok, sure, it's fucking see-through, but this Erin Fetherston Spring 2009 RTW dress is so floaty and ethereal that I can't help but fantasize about it as an amazing option for a non-traditional wedding dress, you know? Bonus: it looks like a wedding cake, AND it's the color of gay unicorns!

In other bridal news, after my Nicole Miller fail and my thanks-but-no-thanks trip to Kleinfeld, I MAY have found a wedding dress! It's, um, more costly than the Nicole Miller dress yet still "less" (and note: less is in quotes) than a lot of the wedding dresses I've seeing in bridal mags. It's at the Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier, where Kelsey, the manager, really really helped me out. It was just a MUCH more up-to-date experience than Kleinfeld. I didn't feel pressured, and the whole experience was a lot more inviting yet low-pressure at the same time. I don't know. If I'm gonna drop > 1 month's rent, I'd rather do it at Mark Ingram... We'll see!! 

I Think I Want Cork Wedge Shoes!

($98, 80%20, Urban Outfitters)

I do. I do want a pair of super '70s cork wedges. Sue me!

Bridal Binge, Shoe Edition, Vol. 2

As I look and look for the perfect weddin' shoe (see volume 1, wherein I bemoan the price of the perfect shoe), the shoe craving grows stronger.



Botkier "Elena" ruffle sandal, $445. This could've been a wedding contender (if not for the price): the perfect shade of teal! And yet maybe a little boxy...but LOVE that ruffle.

These are also possibly in my wedding colors, but possibly too wacky even for me:



Betseyville "Pabla" sandal, $114.95.

I'm sorta leaning toward agreeing with Tamar, who posted this one some time ago as a possible cute-ass wedding shoe:



Melissa Anglomania Plus Melissa Lady Dragon in Metallic White rubber slingback, $149. Nothing says "lifetime commitment" like technologically engineered thermoplastic, right?

I seem to have a hankering in my heart, when I look at wedding shoes, for red ones. But red isn't among my wedding colors. Maybe I can make it so? As an accent with teal and aqua? Say I can! Then I can get these, maybe:



Poetic Licence "Frills" sandal, $115.95. Check out the soles!

Or these:



Delman "Sema" sandal, $160.99 (and only in size 7).

Or these:





Nina "Camaren" knotted-toe slingback, $79.95.

Or these:



Luichiny "Duchess" sandal, $69.95, although I don't care for the mirrored heel.

Uh, you get the drift. And I haven't even *looked* at Zappos yet! Questions, advice, catty remarks?