TFAS

For the next few months I'll be posting under my own little "Trend Report" section at The Fat and Skinny blog (thanks again Jai for giving me my own little corner).

I don't cover trends that often, or that officially, on this blog.
So for a weekly double dose of the biggest trends this season head on over on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Or, you know, just follow TFAS.

To see the posts that I've already written, check me out here.

Backlog

Here's a post from a while ago of my top five trend predictions for fall.
Who's excited for maxi skirts and fur coats?
This girl is!

Etsy

An ode to one of my favorite shopping destinations... pretty much ever. On par with Ebay even.
Side note: I've actually opened up an alchemy, so we'll see what the results look like when the package gets here. Sooooo excited.
But anyway, here's another post in my series of Vegan-friendly Fashion: Etsy.

Easy, Breezy Summer Style

 Summer vacation is almost here (finally!), and for at least a few short months we can forget about waking up early for class and instead focus on putting in quality time with a lounge chair by the pool.

So if you’re looking for an effortlessly fabulous summer, here are a few essentials you’ll need.

A Flattering Swimsuit

Swimsuits are not exactly a girl’s best friend. Granted, it can be difficult to feel self-confident when dressed in approximately four square inches of spandex. So give your body some love by putting it in the right bathing suit, and you’ll be surprised to find a more sassy and confident you.

If you are heavier on the bottom:
Avoid skimpy bottoms, boy shorts, or any bottoms with details. Instead try a patterned top and a plain bottom to attract attention upwards

If you are heavy around the middle:
Avoid bikinis and short or loose tankinis at all costs, and make sure to stay away from those metallic fabrics. Instead try a draped or ruched one piece, and add some flair with a fun pattern which will also camouflage any lumps and bumps.

If you are heavier on top:
Make sure to avoid strapless styles, as they can cause unsightly bulges and some seriously unwanted attention if they lose the fight with gravity. Instead try a bikini top with underwire support or try a double lined halter tops with a band support

That being said…
Do try some juicy colors for your swimsuit; the beach is no place for black.
Try this season’s fun cut out swimsuits or monokinis, but be serious about the sunscreen because they can leave some seriously kooky tan lines.

Serious Sun Protection

Sun protection is a necessity during the summer. Skin cancer, wrinkles, and sunspots… it’s been said again and again but let’s say it one more time. Make sure to protect your skin from the sun. It will thank you later.

Sun Hat

In addition to being a great accessory and a tangled hair concealer, a sunhat is also great sun protection for your face.
If you’re tall, try a big glamorous sun hat. Don’t worry, you have the stature to pull it off.
If you’re on the shorter side, try a jaunty fedora.
If you’ve got a round face a hat with a taller crown is the right pick for you.
If you’ve got a long rectangular face, try a hat with a deeper crown so you won’t add any more length to your face.

Sunscreen

Don’t forget the sunscreen! 30 SPF or higher is preferred, and remember to reapply every couple of hours.
If you simply must have a tan, skip the tanning bed (of course) and try Hawaiian Tropic Island Glow Daily moisturizer, Jergens Daily Glow Moisturizer, St. Tropez Self-Tan Bronze Mousse, or Sun Laboratories Dark Sunsation Self Tanning Lotion. They’ll give you that sun-kissed glow without the sun damage.

Sunglasses

The trick to picking the most flattering sunglasses for you is to pick a pair that are opposite in proportion to your face shape in order to create balance.

Is your face square? Check out the trendy round frames à la Proenza Schouler
Have a round face? A pair of classic square tortoise shell sunglasses are retro-cute.
Heart-shaped? Try a pair of flat topped ray bans or a rimless style.

Aviators are a classic and suitable for just about everyone, or try the new edgy cat eye sunglasses à la Alexander Wang which will highlight (or create) model worthy cheekbones.

Cute Cover-ups

You have to get off that beach chair sometime, so pack some cute sandals and a versatile sarong for easy breezy attire and head over to the nearest ice cream parlor looking summer chic.

Sandals

The huarache or the classic gladiator are perfect options for the city. They stay strapped to your feet and are comfortable to wear, as thongs on the subway are just plain unsanitary.
Of course, you can go with the ever classic Havaiana’s. They are not only waterproof and coming in a zillion different colors, but they’re cheap so you won’t be disappointed if you lose them.

Sarongs

Sarongs are available for cheap at most department stores. You can even make your own by using a large cheap scarf. But if you’re looking for something special check out Etsy.com for some fabulously dyed sarongs made of luxurious fabrics.

How do you wear a sarong?
It can be a shirt, a skirt, a bag, a head scarf, or even a blanket… just use your imagination.

Photo thanks to Linus_Lohoff

Classic

Check out my latest post for College Fashion, on four styles that I deem as "classic" (in my ever expert opinion of course)

Four Timeless Styles That Never Go Out of Fashion

Breakdown

Hey guys, I can't remember if I posted this yet (it may have slipped my mind. It happens) but here's my latest post for College Fashion, giving you my breakdown of  the Spring 2010 trends.

Addict

Confession time: I've been wearing my new joe's jeans for almost a week straight. I'm going to have to peel them off my body some time soon to wash them, and I will be very upset.
I've always bought my jeans from American Eagle at about $50 a pop, and I figured they were good jeans. I knew designer denim was supposed to be better, but I figured it couldn't be that much of a difference.

Boy, was I wrong. My joe's jeans are so comfy, make my ass look fantastic, are molded to my body and are basically made of unicorn hair and fairy dust dreams.

I just can't go back to $50 jeans, I'm sorry American Eagle.
I'm a designer denim addict now (blame my champagne tastes) and I need another pair, but I can't blow my bank account on them. I'm just praying Ebay will come through again.

In other, less depressing news, I have my latest article for College Fashion up about one of my favorite eco-friendly basics brands: Alternative Apparel. Check it out here.

Clean Sweep

* Editor's note: Yup, this is the article that started all of this wardrobe rehaul nonsense. After my editor got at it you don't hear as much of my bitching about my own closet :) but believe me, it was there.


New Year, new semester, new classes, and new books. With so much new clutter coming into our lives, who doesn’t like a clean slate? While there are some things we just have to deal with (parents, homework and dating anyone?) our closet is one area where we can all get a fresh start.

It’s a good idea to clean out your closet and take stock of your wardrobe at least twice a year, and what better time to revamp your wardrobe than at the start of a new semester?

If you spend most of your time thinking “I have absolutely nothing to wear!”, if you find yourself in a uniform of jeans, t-shirt, and tennis shoes, or if your roommates have taken to calling your closet “The Pit”, then this guide is for you.

1. Purge
You’re going to need an hour or two. Put on your favorite music and go through your closet, and yes, you must try everything on.
Divide everything into two piles: things you wear and things you don’t.
Be ruthless.
If it’s damaged, unflattering, too big, too small, or just strange it goes in the “don’t wear” pile.
If you can’t remember the last time you wore it, it goes in the “don’t wear” pile.
If you don’t absolutely love it, it also goes in the “don’t wear” pile.


2. Take Note
Now go through the “don’t wear” pile and ask yourself these questions:

Is it damaged beyond repair? Throw it out
Can a tailor or I fix it, hem it, or resize it? Put it in a pile to take to the tailors. A great, reasonably priced tailor is Laura & Melinda’s (137 Rivington street, (212) 228-4500).

Now for the stuff you never wear. Look at them closely; is it a certain color or cut that doesn’t flatter you? Are you just not a boho-chick? Do you have twenty pairs of sky high heels and can’t walk in any of them?
Note what’s wrong with them, put them in bags to donate, and next time you go shopping make sure to stay far away from these types of items.

3. Organize
Put everything you wear back in your closet, but don’t just shove it back in there!
You’re much more likely to wear something if it’s not lurking on the floor with the dust bunnies.
Invest in hangers, a shoe rack, and jewelry trees to organize and present your wardrobe. Great places for organizers on a budget are Bed, Bath & Beyond (1932 Broadway, (917) 441-9391) and The Container Store (629 Sixth Avenue, (212) 366-4200).

A general guideline for organizing:
Always hang wovens, it will keep them from wrinkling.
Fold knits. Hanging will cause the weave to stretch.
Never pile shoes on top of each other, it will scuff the leather.

Having everything organized not only allows you to see your full range of possibilities, but the better you take care of your clothes, the longer they’ll last.

4. Go Shopping
Now that you can actually see what you have, it’s time to fill out your wardrobe. Over the next couple days, compile a list of what your closet needs.
Needs are those things that will make it easier for you to get dressed in the morning or add to your style. (and let’s be honest, while a few dozen pairs of Louboutins would add to anybody’s style, it is certainly not a need.)
Make sure to consider your lifestyle, climate, personal style and budget.

Ten basics that every girl should own:

Versatile little black dress
Pair of flattering dress pants
Classic white shirt
Perfect pair of jeans
Tailored jacket or blazer
Basic cashmere/merino wool sweater
Great pair of party heels
A bring everywhere handbag
Classic trench coat
Great fitting bra
Lazy day flats

Now that you have a functioning and clean closet, let’s make sure to keep it that way. Do a closet clean out every once in a while and those “nothing to wear” days will be a thing of the past.

Places to Donate Clothing:

Operation Fairy Dust (formal dresses)
http://www.operationfairydust.org
Drop off donations at:
Jeeves of Belgravia
39 East 65th Street
(212) 570-9130

Dress for Success (professional attire)
http://www.dressforsuccess.org/
Mail donations to:
68 35th Street
Building 4, 6th Floor
(718) 832-6201

Goodwill
http://www.goodwill.org/
217 W 79th Street
(212) 874-5050

Salvation Army
http://www.salvationarmyusa.org
536 W 46th Street
(212) 757-2311

Places to Sell clothing:

Buffalo Exchange
http://www.buffaloexchange.com/
332 E. 11th Street
(212) 260-9340

Ebay
www.ebay.com

Almost Famous

Hey guys!

Just wanted to give you a heads up that my first two posts for College Fashion are out.

You can read them here and here.

Baby It's Cold Outside!

Before you know it we’ll be in the midst of finals and then off for winter vacation. But while the semester is coming to an end, winter is just getting started, and as anyone from the northeast knows, it isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
Sometimes it seems there are only two options when it comes to handling the chill: bundle up in layers of sweatpants and sweatshirts, or continue wearing your favorite clothes and watch your feet slowly turn blue.
Thankfully it is possible to be stylish and warm, with the right accessories of course.

While it is certainly possible to get winter accessories for dirt cheap (H&M, Forever 21, and Charlotte Russe are great for this) they tend to not last as long or keep you as warm as something a little pricier may. You can try out the latest trend for pennies, but if you are buying something classic or something you love, you may want to spend a little more for quality that will keep you warm all season long.
No matter what your budget, it is possible to invest in some stylish winter accessories to keep you warm when New York City weather has you shivering down the street.

Gloves
How many times have you left your gloves behind in a taxi or had one half of a pair just mysteriously disappear? H&M or Forever 21 will sell three packs of standard issue knit gloves for about $5, so losing a pair won’t be such a tragedy.
However, there are more adventurous options out there if you are willing to spend a bit more for something trendy. (Just make sure to double check before leaving the taxi!) Some of the big trends are leather, studded or ruffled gloves that come in long, wrist or driving glove lengths.

Steal:

Nordstrom Two Tone Knit Gloves $18
American Eagle Cable Knit Convertible Mittens $19.50

Splurge:
Spiegel Leather Bow Glove $29
Echo Ruffled Cuff Knit Gloves $28

Scarves
Scarves have become a wardrobe staple all year long. Throwing one on instantly adds a bit of je ne sais quoi to your look. For winter simply switch out your lighter summer scarves for a cuddly wool one.
Go classic in a cable or rugby striped scarf, or try out one of the new infinity scarves. If you want to splurge cashmere or merino wool will last longer and is more luxe than acrylic.

Steal:
American Eagle Circular Scarf $24.50
Urban Outfitters BDG Cable Knit Scarf $24

Splurge:
Michael Kors Black and White Rugby Cashmere (available at Bluefly.com) $47 (sold out)

Cheap Monday "Freja" Tube scarf $45

Boots
Those of us from New England (where the winters are harsh to say the least) know the merits of a great pair of Sorel boots. Sometimes in order to survive the snow you just have to embrace the ugly. However, winters are a bit milder down in NYC so feel free to experiment with some more aesthetic options, such as motorcycle boots, riding boots, or booties.
For shoes you should spend a bit more, because leather will stand up to being frozen, soaked, and encrusted in road salt better than pleather will. However, if you aren’t skeeved out by second-hand shoes, vintage and thrift stores are great places to look for quality boots for cheap since real leather just gets better with age.

Steal:

Blowfish "Willis" Booties $83 **
American Eagle Leather Motorcycle Boot $89.95 (sold out)

Splurge:
Etienne Aigner Vira Leather Riding Boot $139.95**

Sorel Caribou Boots $110**

Head Gear
While infinity scarves are great for their ability to transform into a hood when the Manhattan wind tunnels pick up, sometimes a girl needs something a bit warmer. A pair of retro faux fur earmuffs is a trendy way of keeping cozy and avoiding hat-hair. A wool fedora or cloche hat is another great winter option. To channel a more laid back vibe slouchy beanies or berets will keep your head warm and your style cool.

Steal:
American Apparel Unisex Ear Muffs $20

Express Striped Beanie Hat $14.70

Splurge Arden B Asymmetrical Wool Cloche Hat $28
Nine West Felt Small Fedora $26.99


Socks
Whether tucked into boots or just worn lounging around, a pair of luxe socks are great for keeping your feet toasty. Thigh high socks are cute layered over tights, while slouchy leg warmers are chic peeking over boot tops. However socks are just as practical hidden under jeans or in your slippers.

Steal:
Xhilaration Thigh High Socks (available at Target) $5.99
Hue Soft Opaque Knee High $4.50

Splurge:
Hue Mini Cable Leg Warmer $12
Sock Dreams Long Cuffable Scrunchable Socks $12 **

**They're so good that I own them.

Black Friday

Your Friendly Black Friday Survival Guide

Ah, Black Friday. Can’t you just hear your blood pressure rising? Some people love it, some people hate it, but this holiday created to put merchants “back in the black” is a great way to score Christmas presents on the cheap (and maybe a little something for yourself). If you are planning on braving the crowds on Friday, here are some tips to make the most of Black Friday and help you keep your cool in the craziness.

Do Your Homework

Research: Before you head into the fray, it’s best to be prepared. The week before Thanksgiving make sure to check out sites like Black Friday ads (http://bfads.net) that gather together and preview the advertisements for Black Friday specials. Especially note if a deal is time-sensitive. Oftentimes stores have time sensitive or limited-quantity sales earlier in the morning.

Some websites to check out:
Price Grabber (http://www.pricegrabber.com/) for comparing prices on an item
Retail Me Not (http://www.retailmenot.com/) for store coupons and discounts
Gift Card Rescue (http://www.giftcardrescue.com/) for discount gift cards.

Make A List

After you’ve checked out your options make a list of what you want or need. Although you might think those fluorescent orange camper shoes are a great deal at the time, by Saturday common sense will kick in and you might change your mind. The way to avoid buyer’s remorse is to have a list and stick to it, and remember that it’s not actually a deal if you don’t need it.

Of course, sometimes mistakes do happen, so be sure to know the store’s return policy and to get a receipt with your purchase to make those impulse-buys easier to return Monday morning.

After you’ve done all your homework, you’re ready to hit the sales. Here’s some do’s and don’t to remember while you’re out.

Do: Bring any ads, coupons or deals that you intend to use.
Don’t: Forget your shopping list. You might think you have it all in your head, but in the frenzy you just might “forget” and buy something unnecessary. To stay on budget, on task, and sane, if you can’t check it off your list don’t buy it.
Do: wear layers, with a base layer of a tank top and leggings. Are you really going to wait in line for that dressing room? Have no shame, save time by stripping down and trying it on in the aisle.
Don’t: Wear accessories. Necklaces, hats, headbands, heels, tote purses that can hold a small pony, anything with laces, ties, or zippers. If you do, you’re going to hate yourself after you have to re-dress for the umpteenth time.
Do: Bring water and snacks. If you intend to do a shopping marathon or are going to be waiting in line for the store to open, bring a snack. Shopping while hungry and dehydrated is never a good idea.
Don’t: Bring a bad shopping companion. This includes boyfriends and small children. Bring someone who can keep you company in line and appreciates scouring the Black Friday deals as much as you do.


Skip the Lines, Shop Online

There’s no rule that says you have to brave the crowds on Black Friday, oftentimes stores will have discounts and reduced shipping online (welcome to the 21st century). So if you choose to stay in:
- Look for “night owl” discounts. Stores will often mark down their wares late Thanksgiving evening.
- Have a shopping list and use it. Do we have to go over buyer’s remorse again? It’s much easier to make rash purchases when you can add a sofa to you cart with the click of a button.
- Know your measurements and sizes in the stores you are planning to shop. The sizing varies (sometimes dramatically) from store to store, and returns are a hassle.
- Wear your bathrobe, pjs and bring a cup of coffee. You might as well revel in the fact that you are not standing in line, freezing outside of Best Buy at 5 a.m.
- Check for additional online discount codes, oftentimes you can get free shipping, or some sites, like Nordstrom, offers in-store pick-up.

Celebrate Buy-Nothing Day Instead

You can skip the Black Friday madness, and instead choose to sleep off all that turkey you just ate and participate in Buy Nothing Day.
Remember, Black Friday is when stores initially drop their prices but merchants have to turn over their stock in January/February to make room for incoming spring and summer merchandise, and that’s when you can be certain you’re getting the best deal. So if you sit this one out, you’ll get another chance in a couple of months.

So whether you decide to brave the crowds (god bless you), to stay online in your bunny slippers, or to just keep hitting that snooze alarm until two in the afternoon, good luck and have a Happy Thanksgiving.

photo thanks to Croixboy

It's Here!

My first article was just published today! I figured I'd share it with all of you and of course any thoughts and criticisms are always welcome.

The Fall Remix

Are you tired of making trips to Manhattan Mini Storage every time the weather changes? Are you starting to think that switching your usual brown Uggs with a black pair is an exciting change? Do you wish that your gorgeous sundress saw the light of day more than once a year?
Apparently that’s what designers were thinking during the spring and summer 2010 shows, because for a warm weather season there was a surprising abundance of longer sleeves, layering pieces, black, and even suede and leather. Designers such as Alexander Wang and Jason Wu showed pieces that, although are meant for spring and summer, can easily be worn now for fall. This flexibility makes them versatile investment pieces, which is an important part of any wardrobe, especially when your budget is college-student tight.
For college girls who aren’t going to be running out to get the latest Alexander Wang dress, there is a less expensive way to get the most from your wardrobe.

“Seasonless” Fabrics

“Seasonless” means that the fabric will keep you cool in the heat and warm when it’s chilly. If you find that you’re sweating like a pig in August and can’t feel your feet all January, it might be time to look to Mother Nature for help. The best rule of thumb is to look for natural fabrics because they tend to breathe (meaning stay away from synthetics. There is no such thing as herds of polyesters or acetate trees). A good place to start is cotton, silk, cashmere, and jersey. Having a wardrobe made mainly of these fabrics will allow you to wear the majority of your clothes in all sorts of weather.

Add Heavier Pieces

A general guideline to extending the shelf life of your summer outfits is surround them with heavier and darker winter pieces in order to ground them, and let’s be practical for a moment, to keep yourself warm. A good pair of thick leggings (stirrup and printed leggings are a great alternative to basic black) and a cozy cardigan (a bright funky color is fresh this season) are essential for any winter wardrobe. Just throw these two items on with whatever summer clothes you have, and voila, instant fall chic.

Putting the Rules to Work

Let’s start with the airy summer dress for example. It’s a staple during the summer and nothing is easier and chicer to just throw on for a lazy August day. However, put through the no-stress formula of leggings + cardigan + winter shoes and it can easily be worn until Christmas. Just remember to play with the proportions and styles to make it work for you.

Another option is to layer it with a long sleeved shirt, a scarf and a pair of adorable oxfords, or switch out the casual flats for a pair of super trendy over the knee boots (which are everywhere this fall). Just remember that if your boots are knee high, keep the rest of your outfit somewhat conservative so you look haute not hooker.

Next we have your basic cut-off shorts, another easy summer staple. Yet paired with leggings (sensing a pattern?) and closed toe flats, it transitions well into fall. Adding a blazer or cardigan keeps the look pulled together and polished.

Don’t forget your strappy summer shoes. Normally those open toed shoes should be put away during cold weather (frost bite is not cute), but tights with open toed shoes is a continuing trend this year. Also, try wearing knee high socks with a knee-length skirt or dress (open toed shoes not required). For the more daring, ankle socks as seen on the 2008 and 2009 Burberry Prorsum runways are also very chic. The key to this look is to stay far away from plaids (too sexy school girl) and stick to darker colored socks to keep this look cheeky instead of childish.

All of the photographs are of me, taken by the lovely John from the photography/layout department of The Observer. Thanks Jon!