Friday, July 29, 2011

Women Should Be Seen.

Recently I read a quote from the venerable Diane von Furstenberg. "I design for the woman who loves being a woman," she said. Yes! Yes! Ladies, there is a reason this woman is as successful as she is and has been so since she began her eponymous line in the early 70s.

Hear that pseudo-celebs who keep starting nonsense fashion lines? The ones who throw some oversized hipster t-shirts over skinny jeans and call it "design." Nicole Ritchie, I'm looking at you. Let's see where you are in 40 years.

Not surprisingly, the stunningly gorgeous Duchess Catherine (ok, I tried but I simply cannot call her that - she will always be Kate Middleton) recently wore an equally gorgeous DVF dress during her tour of "the colonies." Why? Not just because she's smart and wore an American designer while in America, but because she holds the same style morals as Ms. von Furstenberg.

She loves being a woman and looking like one. She accentuates her figure with feminine dresses that highlight her assets and help her remain classy and put-together at all times. I'm well aware that Kate has the funds and amenities at her disposal that the majority of us do not. The options below might not be cheap, but they're not Erdem or Jenny Packham prices.

I just want to show you the breathtaking Diane von Furstenberg dress.

It sold out in a matter of hours (possibly minutes) after her appearance.

A beautiful feminine alternative (though not as effortlessly chic as Kate's example):

Diane von Furstenberg Agata Dress

$345

Kate is wearing a gorgeous pale yellow Jenny Packham.

My option:

Nanette Lepore Jazzband Dress

Nordstrom sale: $119.97

(I know I don't usually use pictures of myself but I look goooood in this dress and the model shot is snoozeville.

Though I do not recommend my espadrilles. Go with Kate's nude pumps.)

Kate's perfect grey sheath is Catherine Walker.

Pauper option:

Calvin Klein Luxe Stretch Cap Sleeve Half Peplum Dress

sale: $99

Kate's neutral masterpiece is Roksanda Ilincic.

Want a new neutral option?

BCBG Briana Short Pleated Dress

$348

And her piece de resistance...

Her dress is Issa and it's affordable! But it's gone.

My available option:

Thread Social Sheer-Back Hammered-Silk Dress

$250

I dream that one day I will wake up and be her. It's hard to explain. I don't want to be a princess (my arm can't take all that waving and I would abjectly refuse to wear that ridiculous cowboy hat when my hair looks that good) and I don't want to be married to Wills (as kind and generous as he is, he seems a bit white bread for me. Do you think she falls asleep at dinner?).

But man. I. Want. Her. Closet. And her hair. Yes, yes. Her hair. Princess Prettyhair knows what she's doing.

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Getting back to my roots

I know I can be a bit snarky at times. A bit sassy. Maybe even a little, dare I say, bitchy? Yes, dare! Dare! But I started this blog because above all else, I'm an editor and stylist. This was supposed to be my way of helping you find pieces for your wardrobe that fit trends happening now. So today, I'm getting back to my roots.

I've been on this crazy citrus kick recently. Both in my wardrobe and my diet. I would seriously elbow an old lady out of the way these days for even a slice of an orange. So, in homage to my Vitamin C deficiency, I give you gorgeous yellows, corals and oranges that pair perfectly with all your summer whites. Oh, and they're all under $50 because let's be honest, next summer something else will come around that I'll tell you you just have to have.

Mossimo Supply Co.

Color Blocked Tank Dress

$18

J.Crew

3" Chino Short in Laquer Yellow

$32.50 each

Zara

Floral Scarf

$29.99

Tory Burch

Afrikan Beaded Bracelets

$34

essie

meet me at sunset

Zara

Ankle-Cropped Trousers

$19.99

Sonia Kashuk

Ultra Shine Sheer Lip Gloss in Cheerful

$8.99

Lands' End

Medium Natural Open Top Canvas Tote Bag

$16.99

I'm off to the Farmer's Market to pick up big bunches of sunflowers and granola. That's what people buy at Farmer's Markets, right?

Monday, July 4, 2011

USA! USA! USA!

Last year on or around the 4th of July, I went to an outdoor food festival (I know, me eating copious amounts of food? Shocking!) and simply marveled at the displays of patriotism shown in the women's clothing choices. Women who are so patriotic that they wanted to shout it from their hats, handbags, fingernails, shorts, even sneakers. Now those are some patriotic women!

Nay, I can't even pretend anymore. It was horrific. So much red, white and blue, it looked like Betsey Ross had thrown up on them. Believe me, I'm a big fan of the USA. I know and support many present and former military, I make sure my nieces are quiet during the singing of the national anthem at any sporting event and I yell extra loud during the Olympics. If that's not patriotism, I simply don't know what is.

That being said, I can certainly show it in my wardrobe without looking like I defaced the American flag by resewing it into too many kitschy pieces.

Behold the beauty of (just a bit) red, white and blue...