Please hold

You guys, The Raleigh Fashionista has been thrown a serious curve ball and is going to take a little hiatus.  Not to worry – nothing is wrong.  I’ll spill details as soon as I can but for now, my lips are sealed (against my will, mind you).

The White House goes budget!

There was much speculation over the dress Michelle Obama was wearing when she stepped off the plane in Phoenix earlier this week:

Fashion blogs were buzzing:  ”It’s chic!” “The ethnic print is perfect!” “The silhouette is so flattering!” “She looks like a million bucks!” 

Or $39.99 as it were.  This gorgeous frock came from none other than Target.  I will say that it appears to have been ironed to within an inch of its life (and possibly tailored as well) and that probably goes a long way toward making it look much more expensive than it is.  You know, lest anyone think they can just run out to Target, grab a dress off the rack, throw it on and look as amazing as our First Lady…  Let this be a lesson girls!  Heat up your irons…or just take everything to the drycleaner like I do.

Piperlime sale!

This morning, I was snooping around on Piperlime looking for some shoe suggestions for a friend in need of advice and I saw that they had a ton of bags (and shoes) on sale.  Here’s my pick for best of the bunch:

Image courtesy of Piperlime

While it may be difficult to tell from this photo, the Bender bag by Foley + Corinna (on sale for $259.99, down from $485) is actually a chocolate color.  The leather is glazed to give it a glossy look – which I love for fall and winter.  And at 15″ x 16″, it’s plenty big.  

In my professional (Disclaimer: I use the term “professional” very loosely.) opinion, this is a steal considering we’re headed into the colder months.  Kind of like finding the perfect pair of riding boots on sale in July…

I need it: Marc by Marc Jacobs tee

Marc (by Marc) Jacobs has done it again.  Every season I covet at least one of his tees.  How amazing is this whimsical owl design?

Image courtesy of Net-A-Porter

 

 

This tee ($88) would look so cute paired with a military-inspired jacket for fall.  Or wear it alone with skinny jeans and flats…  Or just buy it and have it shipped directly to Raleigh Fashionista Corporate Headquarters so I can wear it with with a military-inspired jacket or skinny jeans and flats!

Fashionista, out.

I know I was just away a couple of weeks ago, but The Raleigh Fashionista is off on another vacay.  (Hey, work only to holiday.  Am I right?  That’s our philosophy anyway.)  Back in a week!

Thanks for letting me borrow your sign-off, Seacrest.

Gilt = Guilt free

Regular readers will know that I’m a big fan of Gilt Groupe for designer item at steep discounts.  Well, the discounts are about to get even better.  Hold on to your hats Tom Ford sunglasses, ladies…for Gilt Fuse is set to launch this fall.  It’s a bit of a mystery at the moment but Gilt Groupe had this to say in their email to subscribers yesterday:

Just like Gilt, there’ll be a whole new lineup of fashion, just for women. And here’s the difference: the prices will be much lower and we’ll feature a wider range of styles to mix and match. 

Well, color me excited!

Target and Rodarte are a Go

The next Target designer collaboration is officially on the books.  Beginning on December 20, Rodarte’s stab at the Go International line will be available at most Target stores and at Target.com.

A look from Rodarte's Spring 2009 show

 

This should be interesting since Rodarte is famous for a couple of things:  four-figure price tags and high concept designs.  So I’m curious to see how this translates to a budget conscious, mass market environment.

I’ve been disappointed in a couple of the past Target collaborations but there are some exciting ones on the horizon (Rodarte, Carlos Falchi) so I hope they’re able to deliver!

The beauty of the bottle

I admit it.  I’ve been known to buy a fragrance based more on how beautiful the bottle is rather than the scent inside it.  ”Hi, I’m Heather and I have a packaging fetish.”  Don’t get me wrong… I wouldn’t make a purchase if I disliked the smell of the actual product.  But given the choice between two equally appealing fragrances, I will definitely go for the cooler bottle.

Image courtesy of Bloomingdale's

Marc Jacobs has got me all a flutter over this one – Lola ($65 – $85).   This is one of the most gorgeous scent bottles I’ve seen in a long time.  I want it.  I need it.  I must have it.  No matter that I already have an entire dresser’s length of fragrances. I’m about to finish off my Gucci II (which was actually purchased based solely on the scent – go figure) so I’ll soon have an open spot to fill…

You can’t escape it

Despite the fact that temperatures are still in the 90′s, fall is on its way.   And the best evidence is hanging on the racks at just about every store in the mall.  So, today I bring you an excellent transition piece from Banana Republic.

Image courtesy of Banana Republic

 

 

This cotton/silk blend top ($60) is lightweight enough to be appropriate in warm weather but the rich color is great for fall.  

I like how they’ve styled it here – with a belt but if that’s not your thing, I think it would look equally excellent tucked into a pair of wide-leg trousers.

New season, new Reva colors

I’m a big, big fan of the Tory Burch Reva flat ($195).  And just in time for fall, a new color:

Image courtesy of Shopbop

 

Oh my.  I’m drooling a little bit.  Isn’t that just the most perfect shade of plum?  And though I love the original gold or silver medallion on the toe, the discreet leather one is gorgeous too.  (And nice because you don’t have to worry about coordinating your jewelry or the hardware on your bag to the hardware on your shoe.  What?  No one else worries about these sort of things?  Just me?  Really?)

And just in case you’re not already in the loop on this, let me fill you in.  Tory Burch Revas are, hands down, the most comfortable flat on the market.  And I mean that.  They are worth every penny.  They are divine.

 

And here’s a quick tip:  Order a half size down.  They’ll be a little tight at first but the leather will very soon stretch out and you’ll have the perfect fit.  I learned this the hard way with my first pair.  I got my regular size and they felt great at first but eventually the leather stretched and my heel kept coming out of them as I pounded the pavement all over Paris.

Back to reality

After yesterday’s expensive Miu Miu masterpiece, I bring you an equally lovely dress by Porridge ($148) that’s much more attainable.

Image courtesy of Anthropologie

 

 

Mixing patterns can be a challenge for even the most seasoned fashionista, but this is a perfect example of how to do it.  A small, repeating one on top and a larger, more abstract one on the bottom – broken up by a solid sash.  Gorgeous!

I need it: Miu Miu dress

Indulge me if you will and step back into fantasy-land for a moment.  

Image courtesy of Net-A-Porter

 

 

Everything about this Miu Miu dress ($2,075) is perfection.  The silhouette is basic, yet timeless and elegant.  The mosaic pattern is innovative and edgy.  The colors are bold but understated so as not to compete with the print.  

Perfection.

Buy now, wear later

If you’re looking to get a jump start on your fall shopping, you’d better get yourself over to Nordstrom for their Anniversary Sale.  They’ve got boots (and a host of other items) temporarily on sale. 

Image courtesy of Nordstrom

 

These Sam Edelman boots are regularly $300 but you can get them now for $200.

I know, I know.  I’m also finding it a bit difficult to think about boots when temps are still in the mid-90′s every day.  But I assure you, come October, your wallet will be thanking you!

Where am I again?

Well, I’m back.  Sort of.  My body is here but I left my heart and mind in Northern California.

If anyone is curious, I did manage to fit all my belongings into a carry-on.  And I was able to include my Mike and Chris heels and the most perfect matching Michael Kors clutch.  I even had room for a pair of Juicys and Tory Burch flip flops (all the better to lounge in, my dear).  Now that’s some smart packing.  

Hopefully I can get back into proper writing mode by tomorrow.  Till then, I’ll be California dreaming for another day…

Vacay melee

Here I am on the eve of our week-long trip to Northern California – San Francisco and Napa/Sonoma to be exact.  All week, I’ve been pulling pieces from my closet that I want to take and putting them all together in one spot in the middle of the rack.  

I’ve amassed quite a collection.

You guys want to hear the real bombshell?  I’m attempting to take only a 22″ carry on bag.  So now it’s time to edit.  You may ask yourself why I would attempt such a feat.  Here’s why:  if I take a large suitcase on a trip, I always – without fail – overpack.  By a lot.  No.  I mean really a lot.  

Now, I learned a thing or two about packing a carry on in my three years of weekend continent-hopping.  I had a tiny little wheelie bag and I could pack for a four day weekend, easy peasy.  So I got to thinking…  If I could pack my really small bag for four days, why couldn’t I pack a slightly larger one for seven days?  Why, that’s only three more days!  And thus, a challenge was born.

So tonight, I’ll be meticulously putting each outfit together.  I’ll be giving priority to pieces that can do double duty.  I’m even going to try and get my Mike and Chris heels and the most perfect matching Michael Kors clutch to fit.  It’s a fairly aggressive goal but I’m up for the challenge.  

I’ll see you guys in about a week!

Decisions, decisions…

Another contender for the summer wedding dress…  Evidently, I’m digging on purple lately.  

Image courtesy of Nordstrom

This Adrianna Papell silk halter-ish dress ($168) would definitely work to my figure’s advantage, playing up my best bits.  As I’ve said a hundred times, I have an excellent collar bone and shoulder area and a halter definitely accentuates that.  I also have a fairly small waist and any dress that has a band-type construction makes it look even smaller.  

Plus, the ruching over the bust will add some much-needed…um…well…size to that area.  I am not what one would call “blessed” in this regard.

Fashion’s Night Out

 WWD is reporting that Vogue editor Anna Wintour has taken our suffering economy under her fur-clad wing and is organizing Fashion’s Night Out.  On September 10, stores around the world will stay open late and attempt to lure shoppers with fizzy cocktails, in-store events and appearances, live music and freebies.  Of course, the epicenter of this event will be NYC, with both Rachel Roy and Alexander Wang showing up at Macy’s and Barneys, respectively.

 

Anna says the idea behind the event is to remind everyone “just how wonderful shopping can be”.

I’ll let you guys marinate on that for a second…

Oh, La Wintour.  So optimistic for someone who hasn’t had to purchase a scrap of clothing for at least 15 years, yet is draped in Oscar de la Renta 7 days a week.  So hopeful for a lady who shops from the racks upon racks of clothing sent by designers directly to her office and home.

Don’t get me wrong.  This event sounds like a lot of fun.  I used to frequently go to things like this at Harvey Nicks and Harrod’s when I lived in London. And they were fun!  Who doesn’t love to stroll around a store with a glass of champers in hand and leave with a little goodie bag?  Did it make me actually buy stuff?  Well, that depends.  If the event was for Chloe or Dior – not likely.  Those purchases are still few and far between for me.  If it was for something like Whistles (not cheap by any means, but attainable) – maybe so.

Karen Katz, president and ceo of Neiman Marcus Stores said “The idea is to make people not feel guilty about shopping”.  Right.  That’s all well and good…until your rent is overdue.  I hope you can fashion a dwelling out of that Balmain jacket you bought without a second thought that night!

Hey Clorox? You win.

Today I bring you another episode for the “Oh, honey…no” files.  There’s not much I can say to prepare thine eyes for this hot mess so here we go:

Image courtesy of Bloomingdale's

My retinae are burning as I type.  You could own this travesty of denim for a mere $196.  That’s $196 for a pair of skinny, crop jeans (which, may  I just say, are so tight they’re almost jeggings) that will make it look like you got in a fight with a jug of Clorox.

Shame on the designer.  Shame on the Bloomie’s buyer.  Shame on any woman that wears them.  A pox on all your houses!

Coco Avant Chanel

Image courtesy of British Vogue

 

 

 

I can’t quite convey how excited I am to see this movie.  Coco Chanel is one of (in my opinion) the most interesting figures in fashion’s long and colorful history.  And I think Audrey Tautou is an excellent choice for the lead role.  

 

 

 

 

Though it opened in France back in April, British Vogue lists a US release date of July 31 “in select cities” but somehow I’m doubtful that Raleigh will be on that list.  So I guess I’ll just have to wait for the DVD release.  In the meantime, I suppose this slideshow of the costumes will help to fill the void in my heart and the hearts of my fellow “small market”  fashionistas.

I’m verklempt

Image courtesy of Lifetime

 

The long-awaited, much-anticipated sixth season of Project Runway finally has a release date.  The premier will air on August 20 on the show’s new home – Lifetime.  (I just died a little on the inside.  I’ve managed to go my entire life without ever watching Lifetime.  Now, at 32, my streak is over.)  

 

Now, you’ll have to excuse me.  I’ve only got 41 days to figure out which channel Lifetime is.

Off-season colors FTW!

I’m kinda-sorta maybe a little in love with this Banana Republic dress ($98).

Image courtesy of Banana Republic

 

You don’t typically see a ton of purple going on in the summer, especially paired with grey.  But I think it definitely works here.

This dress most definitely requires a heel, since the length would be down around the knees on a mere (5′ 3″) mortal, but I feel like the shoes they’ve styled this with are a little too “matchy-matchy”.  (But I do love the color of them otherwise.)

Go ahead, have another dinner roll

I have a wedding to attend in August and I’ve been looking around for a new dress to wear.  I ran across this one from ABS by Allen Schwartz ($118) on Nordstrom’s website and it’s a major contender.

Image courtesy of Nordstrom

I’m in serious love with that cobalt color.  I’ve written before about my affinity for halter necklines.  It’s matte jersey and I’ve long sung that wondrous fabric’s praises.  (Just try and wrinkle it.  Just try!  You can’t!!!)

But you want to know what the real clincher is?  You see that twisty, knotty bit in the front there?  Well, that twisty, knotty bit is a work of sheer genius and a godsend for carb-loving girls everywhere.  That brilliant twisty, knotty bit creates some lovely draping.  Right over the tummy area.  

So I can literally have my cake and eat it too.

Be an animal

Intimidated by animal prints?   A lot of women are.  (And, if I’m honest, many of those who aren’t should be.)  Here’s a great way to do an animal print without it being quite so obvious:

Image courtesy of Shopbop

 

 

 

This Anna Sui dress ($106.80 on final sale at Shopbop) is a more subtle and stylized take on zebra.  In fact, it almost looks like a ribbon print.  

I also really like how the strappy shoes sort of mirror the zebra stripe.  Just remember to keep the jewelry simple!

“Really?!?” with The Raleigh Fashionista

Apparently, I’m in a bit of a cynical mood when it comes to fashion this morning.  Maybe it’s because I’m on my way to the coast this afternoon and I’m looking forward to a weekend of being the anti-fashionista.  Flip flops, cotton tanks, breezy skirts…  The only element of fashion I plan to introduce into my wardrobe will come in the form of my stellar jewelry collection.

But back to my original point.  This:

Allow me to rip a page from Seth and Amy’s book…  Really?!?  When I see stuff like this it makes me wonder why I’m so into fashion.  This is just utterly ridiculous.  Whomever styled this no doubt thought they were being very clever.  ”Okay.  Right.  Apart from the Pebbles top-of-the-head ponytail, the mismatched toy earrings, the stick-on black eyebrows, and the S&M bracelets, what is it that this model is missing?  I just can’t quite put my finger on it…  WAIT!  I’ve got it!!  A fly swatter!!!  It’s GENIUS!”

A fly swatter?  Really?  REALLY?!?  

And on that note, Happy Fourth everyone.  Back next week.

Hear ye, hear ye

Ok, sorry for this semi-copout post but it apparently cannot be said enough.  As a gal about town, I’m noticing some fairly disgusting feet sticking out of some positively lovely sandals and I simply won’t stand for it.  I wrote this post on my personal blog last summer, while we were still in London and felt I had to resurrect it:

Dear Women of London,

Far too many times I have been on the tube and had the misfortune of sitting near one of you sporting sandals or flip-flops of some variety with some of the mankiest looking feet I have ever seen. Truly revolting nasty cracked heels, funky yellow toenails, ashy flaking skin, etc. Ladies, this is no way to represent yourself. Drop by the salon for a pedicure once and a while. Or at the very least, put on some damn lotion and slap a coat of varnish on those vile looking nails. Some may protest “I don’t have enough money to waste on pedicures!” Fine. Take yourself to Boots {insert favorite American drugstore here} and buy a foot file, some hardcore foot balm, a pair of thin white socks and some polish. Blam! A cheap DIY pedicure that keeps on giving! It’s that easy. It is not okay to neglect this area of hygiene.

XOXO, 

Heather

And now, a mere year later, we have a great new product available that will go miles toward keeping your feet sandal-ready at all times.  Get thyself a Ped-Egg (or the Dr. Scholl’s For Her Smooth My Sole – a similar contraption) and attack those dry heels once a week.  On top of that, if you apply a good foot cream every night (I’m a big fan of Dr. Scholl’s For Her Ultra Overnight Foot Cream), you should be good to go.

And for those who think this topic isn’t fashion related, you have clearly never been subjected to looking at a gorgeous pair of Prada sandals wrapped around icky dry heels.

Good morning, Upper East Siders

The Cut has a first look at Anna Sui’s “Gossip Girl inspired” collection for Target.  Sigh.  I’m…underwhelmed.  I feel like it all looks really cheap.  And unflattering.

 

And before someone jumps in with the whole “Well, it’s Target.  It is cheap.” argument, I know these designer-discount collaborations can be done well (see: Thakoon for Target).  But if this stuff is flipping your switch, the collection hits stores on September 13.

P.S.  Sorry about yesterday’s glitch.  And special thanks to The Mister for taking time out of his work day to post my absentee message.

Back Tomorrow . . .

Due to unforseen technical issues there will be no post today. The Raleigh Fashionista will be back tomorrow.

A Fashionista’s Folly

I’ve sang the praises of Gilt Groupe before but today, it’s got me a little bummed.  You see, featured in the current Marc by Marc Jacobs sale is a top I bought just over a year ago when it was part of the current collection.  

Image courtesy of Gilt Groupe

See?  Here I am wearing it (con cardigan)  in Austria last May:

{Please ignore my clever handmade “No Smoking” sign.  Those Austrians are quite the nicotine fiends.}

And I have to say, seeing it offered up for the bargain basement price of $68 is slightly disheartening.

But!  Let my loss can be your gain if you happen to like this particular top, have an extra $68 in your pocket and are the proud owner of a Gilt Groupe membership.

The other side of the gladiator

If you’ve grown tired of the same ol’ gladiator sandal, here’s a different take on it by KORS Michael Kors ($133 on sale at Bloomie’s).  

Image courtesy of Bloomingdale's

 

I like the fact that the gladiator inspiration comes through in the ankle straps (instead of the more typical across-the-foot straps).  

I have a feeling the gladiator styles are going to continue to evolve and change because there’s no sign of this trend going to the wayside any time soon!

First in fashion

Michelle Obama is in San Francisco and yesterday, at a conference on volunteering and service, she continued her support of lesser-known designers.  Rachel Roy is the latest in a string of designers to be given a boost by the First Lady.  Thanks to her, names like Jason Wu and Isabel Toledo have become household staples.  I bet Rachel Roy isn’t far behind…

Image courtesy of Sassy Peach

At this point, do I really even need to say it?  (Fine.  I will…  Stunning!  Gorgeous!  Beautiful!  Insert superlative of your choice here!)  

Psst!  f you really like this dress and can pony up just under $600, it can be yours!