Leifsdottir Fall 2010 Preview

Leifsdottir just announced an online preview of it's Fall 2010 Collection. The items can be seen here.

My favorites thus far are the the skirts!

Paseo Ruffled Skirt in Black, $448

Laser cut leather lace mini - this piece is pretty unique. 

Salida de Gran Skirt, $850

It's harder and harder to find ballroom skirts which are not in some shiny taffeta. This one in understated wool crepe with ruffles has big impact.

Going on Vacation

I'm going on vacation tomorrow - will have one more scheduled post tomorrow morning and then we'll see if I have any internet access afterwards ;)

Here's a hint on where I'm going. Can you guess which 3 cities I'll be visiting based on the photos below?

What I love now! - June Summer Edition

Here are some of my faves for June:

1) Blue Moisturizer - and no it doesn't turn you into an Avatar!


Chanel Hydramax - I've officially started my conversion over from being a loyal Fresh user for the past 2 years or so. Sitting in air conditioned cubicles daily had a tendancy to dry out my normal/combo skin. Thanks to a recommendation from my cousin - this cream really does change the way my skin feels. Definitely pricey - but you only need a little and unlike with Fresh I'm not using this + a toner + serum etc.

Chanel Hydramax Gel Cream, $72

2) Summer Sales

Caved in a bit to the Anthro sales going on. I picked up these 2 pieces because they had fantastic fit:

Mermaid Lore Cardigan

style #013279

$49.95...was $98

The scales are just unique and make this cardigan so much more interesting. I thought it might be overwhelming for my petite frame, but actually found it very flattering overall. Also the buttons have a great nautical detail on them - all around fun.

Verdict: I bought this in a S.  The nice thing about this cardigan is that I could throw it over shirts with slightly puffy sleeves. I saw that there were only a few left in the store.

Walkabout Shorts in Yellow

style #020018

$39.95...was $78

I had been holding out on these Cartonnier shorts - in general I prefer skirts to shorts. But the fantastic material (linen, cotton and silk blend), pretty colour, as well as the dressy flare made me convert. Beware, for some reason under the lighting in the dressing rooms these shorts can appear greenish - so try to walk over towards a window to see what the real colour is in daylight.

Verdict: A bit pricey for shorts - but the fantastic materials and flattering cut were worth it.

3) Summer trip planning 

These sites have been ultra-helpful in planning my summer vacation (I'll reveal the location in a separate post!): 

Kayak - Yes besides the price comparison, love how you can build an itinerary with the email receipts from your bookings.

Yelp - Good for figuring out if tourist destinations are worth it (not just restaurants).

Tripadvisor - My favorite site for scoping out if the hotel is fabulous or just a night of poor sleep.

Time for Peach Champagne Sorbetto!

It's been pretty hot these days in California around the San Francisco Bay Area - hence I haven't been spending as much time cozying up with my mac. However, this weekend I did come across some fantastic sorbet to take the heat off - Hill Country Peach Champagne Talenti Sorbetto.

Here's all the pics from the website so you know how good it is. Supposedly the label tells me I can also feed it to vegans and folks who are allergic to dairy (I'm neither) but good to know!

It is a bit pricey at $7+ but you're paying for real fruit as opposed to the fake stuff - got mine at Draeger's. Looks like Whole Foods carries it as well.

Links a la Mode: You, Only Better

You, Only Better

Edited by: Ann Colville Somma of Holier than Now

It's a strange culture we live in: we're always told Just be yourself!, yet the bestseller list is chock-full of self-help books and memoirs depicting radical change. Finding the balance between total transformation and chilling in our pajamas is difficult, but that's why I love the blogosphere. Here, inspiration is served up one manageable bite at a time. Want to save the world? Start with vintage beachwear - the purchase benefits disaster victims. Hoping your man evolves into a sharp-dressed diaper-changer? Let's begin with a chic- and sustainable- Dad's day gift. Looking for your dream job? Take baby steps by revamping your work wardrobe and taking notes from inspiring entrepreneurs.

Links à la Mode: June 17th

• A la Modest A Uniform Response to Chaos: Janelle Monáe
• Amateur Couture Art-inspired looks
• Awakened Aesthetic Men are notoriously hard to shop for... these gifts are all sustainable.
• Despising Life is So Passe A reminder that no gain is found without work put forth
• Dramatis Personae 10 Things Carrie Bradshaw Taught Me About Fashion
• Fabulous Finds Karl Lagerfeld says the crowd at AMfar is real and Oscar fashion is fake
• Fassonaburu Vyque looks back at five months of trying to follow strict fashion rules
• Grit and Glamour Meet Amanda of Amanda Deer Jewelry
• Holier than Now Rethinking a previously rejected look
• Hundy & Undy Casual doesn't have to be so casual
• Market Publique Market Publique & ModCloth auction vintage beachwear to benefit disaster victims
• M.I.S.S. Interview with IFB founder Jennine Jacob
• On the Racks Finding summer outfit inspiration in the strangest of places
• Style with Benefits Father's Day stylish gift guide by Esquire's Best Dressed Real Man in America
• Stylish Thought How to ban boring business attire from your work wardrobe
• Tale Teller What famous designers said about fashion
• The Greyest Ghost Art meets fashion at the Whitney's 2010 Art Party
• The Seventeen Magazine Project One high school senior lives by the dictates of Seventeen Magazine for 30 days
• Tog and Trappings Les flâneurie: How observation of life can inspire creativity

A Map to the Sale!

Anthropologie just sent out a sale email today with an adorable map graphic above. I don't see any particularly new cuts or items beyond what they released Tuesday, but I believe this is the 2nd time where I've seen the sale email release after the items get discounted online (not sure what the point of waiting a day is...?)

Mizrahi 24.18 - Style Inspiration

This is the 18th in a series of questions from Isaac Mizrahi's fantastic book How to Have Style with my personal answers below.

Describing Your Style, Question #18: Who is your style inspiration?

I have a many sources of style inspiration. However, if I were to pick one style icon to take after, it would be Audrey Hepburn. Her grace and elegance aside, watching her in Sabrina wearing Givenchy was such an amazing fashion moment:

Review: Le Caprice de Marie

Balconette Demi

style #S953825

$29.95...was $52.00

Convertible Strapless

style #S953826

$29.95...was $52.00

Thanks to Anthro's free shipping policy, I decided to order Le Caprice de Marie underwear which is currently on sale on Anthro's website - a French brand which seemed quite luxurious given that everything was lined in silk. Not to mention the beautiful peachy nude colour seemed perfect - very wearable, but also feminine.

Unfortunately I found the fit to be lacking despite the luxurious materials and nice touch of throwing in extra set of straps. For some reason for both the Balconette and Strapless styles above the underwires tend to dig (unlike tried and true stalwart Wacoal). Even going up a cup size didn't help solve the problem. Also, I think other online reviewers have commented on the generally thin padding.

Verdict: Everybody is shaped differently, so you may want to try for yourself, but I didn't think this brand had a great fit - which is a bit shocking given the original prices on these items. Would rather spend my money on Wacoal.

Solid Brief

style #S953828

$9.95...was $22.00

The briefs were a better choice, and definitely made of lovely comfy, silk blend materials. I sized up to an S.

Verdict: Try the briefs - they are great! They are cut in a modern way - no granny pants here.

Finding a New Hairdo

Finding a great new haircut has always been a bit of a challenge for me. Being Miss Prepared, I prefer to have a picture in hand before entering a salon.

I was very surprised at how difficult it seems to be to find great sites with hairstyles which are modern, unique and young, but also wearable. Many sites often have pages of cuts which are rather ho hum or dare I say it, look like SuperCuts ads, for my personal tastes.

Here were some of my favorites:

Modern Salon - Features a really wide variety of contemporary to avante garde styles and colour coming out of top hairdressers and salons today.

Gianpolo Colombo, Hairafter Salon and Spa

Photocredit: Richard Dubois and Giancarlo Intini
Couldn't wear this every day but I love this fantastic up-do....

Photo credit; Hair Design: Luis Alvarez of Aquage
A great evening look...

Haircut by Ken Picton

Photocredit: Andrew O’Toole
I can't really wear short blunt hair, but I love the angles on this one...

Hairdressers Journal - A UK site with a gallery of hairstyles from UK and International stylists. The really nice thing is you can filter by style, colour, length and decade.

Below is the cut I ultimately went with. So far I've really enjoyed it because hair looks long, but because there enough shorter layers, it doesn't need as much maintenance as a blunt long cut would. Also remember you don't need to pout and put your arms on your hips like model does in real life haha:

Haircut by Mark Leeson
Photocredit: Kevin Douglas

Rasysa - a Japanese site with a ton of layered styles. Really great when you want to see what a cut looks like on Asian hair (which tends to be coarser in texture). I thought this one below was super-cute and was pretty close to choosing it:

Photocredit: UNREVE

Well readers, where do you find new cuts? If you have tips, please share in the comments!

Kate Spade Sample Sale Begins!

Just wanted to pass on a deal I got in my inbox: Kate Spade has started its sample sale online here with $5 shipping on all orders.

Review: Ruffian Mise en Scene Aristocratic Leanings Blouse

Hello sweet reader! Sorry things have been so crazy at work that I haven't posted any reviews for a while. Here we go:

Ruffian Aristocratic Leanings Blouse in Navy
style #013233
$79.95...was $148

I thought the material (all silk) on this blouse looked and felt absolutely amazing in person. I'm also one to like big ruffle-y collars. However, I don't think that it was cut for petites as I found the armholes to be cut rather low. The buttons were also quite delicate if you're not one for fidgeting with little buttons.

Verdict: Not for petites, but if you're tall and can handle a fairly substantial ruffle collar this blouse is pretty nice.

Secret Sale Item - Sleeping on Snow Pullover

For those of you who have this in your wishlist, an XS of the Sleeping on Snow Pullover is now available for purchase for $29.95 (orig. $118).

Below is a screenshot:

I haven't yet figured out a hack link that I can post which will directly add it to your cart besides the wishlist method.

My original review of the item is here.

Mizrahi 24.16 - Fave Painting or Photo?

This is the 17th in a series of questions from Isaac Mizrahi's fantastic book How to Have Style with my personal answers below.

Describing your Style, Question #17:

Why does your favorite painting or photograph appeal to you?

My favorite painting for a long time has been Caillebotte's Rainy Day. I suppose I always loved the romantic notion of Paris (a city I've never been to) and found something appealing about the moodiness of a rainy day. I also love vintage dress and cobblestones...

 

Would you rock these false eyelashes?

Shu Uemura Tokyo Lash Bar eyelash line varies from subtle to high fashion. One of their latest releases are the super futuristic "neo reflector" lashes you see on the model in the above picture. The photo looks amazing from a high fashion perspective - but besides the runway and Halloween, would you rock these elsewhere?

Links a la Mode: Fashion Blogger's Delight

Fashion Blogger’s Delight

Edited by Jennine/IFB After a small hiatus of Links à la Mode it was great to revisit all  the wonderful links submitted to the community each week. As bloggers  grow, so do concerns about growing pains. Sugar & Spice talks about  bridging the gap between her online identity and real life one, Retro  Chick ponders the pros and cons of niche blogging and Miss Vinyl  Ahoy shares tips protecting your content with a Creative Commons  license. But that’s not all… there are loads of interviews from Fasshionaburu meets Rachel Roy and M.I.S.S. interviews a vintage vixen for a  stunning video (try saying that 3x). All a great mix, so grab a cuppa  tea and enjoy!
Images via Poetic & Chic,  Confessions of a Fashion Editor, Parker + Muse, and M.I.S.S.

Links à la Mode : June 10th

    
• 365 Fashion Rehab – Lookbook #1-White Blouse 4 Ways    
• a la Modest – The Invisibility Cloak: The Desire to  Be Noticed    
• c u f f i n g t o n – Easy, inexpensive tricks in  wearing your chic flats without socks and not succumbing to blisters and  calluses    
• Confessions of a Fashion Editor – Playing ‘Dress’  Up    
• Dedicated  Follower of Fashion – Prized! – Win a T-Minx Cropped Tee!    
• Fasshonaburu – Interviews the glamorous, yet down  to Earth, Rachel Roy!    
• Fete a Fete – iPad Leather Covers from April in  Paris    
• For Those About To Shop – Plus-size Fashion Good  For Business    
• Holier Than Now – Shoes You Can Use    
• Independent Fashion Bloggers – Are Bloggers Getting  Stressed?    
• kaKofonie Of si(gh)lenS – Interview with Heather  Martin of mono    
• M.I.S.S. – Follow the Leader, Episode #1–Vintage  Vandalizm    
• mimosas in bed – SF indie mart    
• Miss Vinyl Ahoy – Protecting your blog and  copyright    
• Parker  Muse – Interview with Felice Lee’s Wabi Sabi    
• Poetic & Chic – The Great Shoe Wake    
• Retro Chick – Don’t Box Me In    
• Return to Sender: A Fat Girl's Letters to the World – Urban Outfitters: Eat Less. Actually, just Shut up.    
• Style Eyes Fashion Blog –  Age Appropriate Dress    
• Stylish Distractions – Ring Toss    
• Sugar  and spice and all things nice: – I write a fashion blog… And I’m  proud of it.    
• the  Citizen Rosebud – the Bobby Burns    
• The Coveted – Late Night Drugstore Haul

B.P. Frankie's are Fab

As I've mentioned in a prior post, I really like Nordstrom's B.P. Frankie flats. They are so comfortable, light, and fit petite feet perfectly. Won't gap around the back of your feet or end up wearing like flip flops.

I've already bought a pair in patent red and have also recently bought the Purple/Fuschia Multi below. Basically it's a snakeskin print on leather. Plus they come in smaller sizes for girls with little feet like me! I bought the 5 and thought it was pretty true to size.

'
B.P. Frankie Flat in Purple/Fuschia Multi, $29
Style 245786

Aqua Swimsuit Styled

I put together the following Polyvore set as part of WWEPW's Fashion Challenge for swimsuits. I was really inspired by the fantastic colors and pattern on the Buried Treasure One Piece swimsuit from Anthropologie.

If I actually managed to learn how to swim - I would totally rock this swimsuit. Unfortunately I seem to only do better with frozen water, as in ice skating. Hope you enjoy!

Emma of the Aqua Sea 

Items used:

Buried Treasure One-Piece, $248
Turquoise Stone Leather Sandals, $180
Mar y Sol 'Guadalupe' Straw Shopper, $88
Check Straw Envelope Clutch, $50
Gold Sea Fan Earrings, $1,530
Sundried Hat, $128
Circo sea life Soap Pump : Target, $9.99
Henri Bendel - Pretty Bendel Things - Disturbed Stripe Beach Towel, $78
Sea Star

Video Review: Anthro Spring Sale Dresses and Maybe I Should Stop Shopping?

I've been changing out my closets from fall/winter to spring/summer clothes. The ensuing general crazy amount of clothing has resulted in a very clear dictate for me to "STOP BUYING NEW CLOTHES!" Note that every time I reorganize my closets I do give some of my clothes to charity - so this is not merely an issue of editing! Hence I'm no longer sure I can get away with being on a first name basis with local Anthropologie sales girls anymore. I think my mom wants me to buy a house so I can move all my stuff out of her closets lol ;)

I've been toying around with the idea that instead of buying new clothes perhaps I will try to just put together new and imaginative outfits, potentially use some of the items I never seem to wear? Outfit of the day videos instead of dressing room videos? Bribe friends to allow me to pick out clothes for them?? Readers, if you have ideas send them my way via the comments!

In any case, below are my reviews on the dresses I tried on as well during my last trip. First the fit video and next the quick reviews:

Floreat Castle Lake Dress 

$89.95, orig $168

style #030032

I was surprised that this dress was actually more flattering on than I thought it would be. What I wasn't terribly fond of was the elastic waistband. The overall pattern was not as overwhelming and the length was actually not bad. I wore the XS and it fit quite well.


Verdict: Hrmmm....hold on for 2nd cuts perhaps?

Floreat Anchors Aweigh Dress

$79.95, orig $148

style #17916891

When I saw this in the catalog and on the mannequin in stores I thought that it would be fantastic for petite girls! But in reality this dress runs a bit roomy on top and rather long. I even tried it in a 0 and thought it really wasn't as nice as I thought it would be.

Verdict: Maybe if you're taller or willing to get it shortened. A bit roomy for petite girls...

Girls from Savoy - Rhomboid Rush Dress

$69.95 orig. $148

Style# 033019

I was surprised at how flattering this dress was on even though I didn't think it was that great on the hangar. Creates a tiny waist and great hourglass shape with all the pleating. I also love the nice thick cotton. Very petite friendly, the one in the video is a 0 on me.


Verdict: Would probably buy if I had a legit excuse.

Review: Online Anthro Sale buys

Well my package arrived and much like my other online orders there were definite hits and misses:

1) Bougainvillea Cardigan, $69.96 orig $128 (style # 010009) - Ultimately went for the S and was very pleased! Verdict: Definite keeper! Btw this item is still available in stores although it's sold out online.

2) Widest Leg Pants, $49.95 orig $88, (style #020007) -  Rather overwhelming for petites and unfortunately the front pleats seem to start at the widest part of my thigh. Verdict: Returned all! However, if I were to choose, I would've gone with the 2 (1 size up).

3) Dive and Flow Jacket - $69.95, orig $128 (style #013189) - Colour didn't work on me, but the cut was beautiful and the design was very unique. The interior lining is a pretty watercolour pattern! Verdict: Not for me - but if grey works with your colouring it would be beautiful.

4) Maru Sash - $19.95 orig $38, (Style #043274) - A surprising hit, this was actually quite flattering on me. The leather is very thin and pliable, almost like fabric. Verdict: Keeper! I bought the S/M

5) Trompe L'oeil Tassell Tote, $19.95 orig $28, (Style # 043116) - Overwhelmingly large in person on me. Good for big girls though! Verdict: Pass if you're petite

6) From Rothko Sweater ($29.95 orig $128) - The arms were okay but the body was huge. Though the fabric was soft merino wool - there were a lot of knots which made me question how long it would last. Verdict: Returned to store

7) Mirasol Wingtips ($49.95, orig $98), style #940180 - BIGGEST surprise. I usually wear a size 5 to 5.5 shoes and this was a 6. I totally gambled on the fact that these were rather narrow and it worked! The ties are far too long so you will need to double up or find new ones. Verdict: Keeper!

Video Review: Anthro Spring Sale Tops

Yay! A below is a video and comments on various Spring Sale Tops I tried on over the weekend:

Raveneli Blouse

$29.95, orig $128

style #013001

Managed to find one that someone had returned in a 0 at my local store - absolutely gorgeous silk! and very pretty tie. What's also very nice is the underarms are not cut very low, which is great for petite gals who often have that problem of er too much side reveal-age from arm holes cut far too large.

Ruffian - Eyelet Dahlia Blouse

$79.95, orig $148

style #013309

Looks great on the hangar, but not really remarkable when you put it on. Also seemed to run a bit on the roomy side.

Blue Tassel - Floating Fronds Blouse

$49.95 orig $98

style #010061

As you can see from the video this one was way too big even at an S on me. The embroidery work was quite pretty along the bottom though.

Monogram - Kerchief Cardi

style #010025

$69.95, orig $128

I thought the colour was pretty but the overall shape was definitely a bit too boxy for my personal liking. Also for some reason the kerchief looked a lot large on me than in the online photo. This could be potentially resolved by retying it folded.