Party Cardi

You've seen the commercials: Old Navy mannequins conversing with each other while dressed in "party cardies" in various mannequin-ish poses.  I have to give it to those marketing princes and princesses over at Gap Inc. for coming up with the term that will forever be imprinted in my mind.  Who would've thought cardigans were hip enough to be considered party wear?  In a world of less-is-more, wearing a cleverly matched cardigan over a cleavage-revealing thinly-strapped or even strapless top and a mini with knee high boots actually looks....cute!  

Ok, maybe this particular outfit doesn't look hot but you get the idea.  Throw in some jewelry, a chic effortless hairdo, and a snazzy clutch = party time!


This, I covet...


- EYC

Nooka Watches

Some people have trouble reading clocks. But digital watches, cool in the first-grade (and maybe in the 80's) are so not anymore. But has anyone checked out these Nooka watches?

Now there's no excuse that you can't read time. These three different designs provide three different ways of telling time. Now you won't be late. Or maybe you will, because people will stop you on the streets admiring your watch...

Retails for $225, or available on sale at giltfuse.com for $125 until 10/29/2009.

The Statement Necklace

It's big and sometimes loud, but is the statement necklace here to stay? Or will it eventually be faux pas? I initially dismissed the trend when it first emerged, as I typically prefer small and dainty but quality pieces. After all, costume jewelry can be tricky. Big pieces of glass and crystal can cry out tacky if not styled correctly. But when even my sister (who's not the accessorizing type) confided she wanted a statement necklace for her birthday, I decided to pay attention.

With gift-shopping-list in hand, my first stop was Banana Republic.

It looked lovely online, but in person this necklace was more of a breastplate. Petite girls, beware.

My next stop was Anthropologie. I love the offbeat feel of this store, and some of their jewelry is lovely, like the one below. But like BR, their necklaces were beyond making a statement. Jewelry should be an accent, not an article of clothing (though I guess the director of Titanic would disagree).

I finally ended up going to JCrew. I hadn't planned on going there, but of recent seasons it's been maturing from a preppy college student to a reliable source of sweet yet fashionable clothing. After trying on a number of necklaces I found this:

JCrew Crystal thornbush necklace

I was attracted to the funky asymmetry, the elegant choice of colors for the crystal and it didn't stray away from the idea of a necklace. JCrew scores, and so does my sister!

Deals, Deals, Deals: Lucky Magazine's Deal of the Day

Hear Ye, Hear Ye! Lucky Magazine is offering an amazing 50% off deal every day, valid for 24 hours only. And today the gorgeous deal are these Melissa Joy Manning Herkimer diamond earrings:

Breathtaking, aren't they? They were $340, now on sale for $170. Early Christmas present for yourself, maybe?

Deals, Deals, Deals: Soda Blu dress from Tobi.com

Alright, I'm keeping an eye out for you fashionistas: if any of you are looking for an updated LBD and are a size M or L, check out this dress from tobi.com that was $150 marked down to a whopping $30!!!

Click here to buy! :)

I Heart MJ

No, not Michael Jackson. The other MJ--Marc Jacobs, the ever so stylish and whimsical fashion designer.

I first read about him many years ago as one of the up-and-coming creatives behind Louis Vuitton, and then quickly fell in love (along with the rest of the world) with his classic stam bags when he branched out into his own line. And then he gave me a case of the blahs, where nothing he introduced was very interesting.

Until now.

This past season, his talent for validating the kid-at-heart shone through once again and is going strong through Fall 09 and Spring 10. Bloomie's carries all the above and more, and if only I had a reason (and the money) to buy on impulse, I would give MJ his fair share.

Above (left to right, top to bottom): "Mini Miss Marc" Umbrella, Doodle Print Tote, "Day Lily" Eyelet Dress, Elizabeth by Marc Jacobs Waterford  

Rainboots for Fall 09

I've always hated rain. As a kid, rain usually meant wet socks, since galoshes were not the "cool" thing back then.

In the last few years, rainboots have made a comeback. The above pair by Tokidoki would bring a smile to anyone's face, including mine! These Tokidoki Discoteca Rainup Mid Rainboots are available at tobi.com for $96.

For those with more animalistic inclinations, there is also the Leopard Rainup Mid Rainboots version. Bring on the raindrops!

My Steal: Fendi Purse $120

I found love in Bloomingdale's a few months ago.

I'm normally not a fan of Fendi (a little dreary for my taste)--but I loved the punchy modern color and delicate gold chain strap of this pink ombré jacquard zip case. Plus it had a price tag of $120. It was a steal, and I knew it. But could I justify it? I didn't need it, and it certainly didn't need me. I knew once I hung it back on its display case it would be gone.

But no one said love ever had to make sense. Plus this one had a return receipt.

So I bought it, and it sat in my closet for awhile. It begged to be introduced at parties, but I wasn't sure if it was going to work out.

And then finally, I took the plunge. I cut off the price tag (gasp), and the Fendi tag (gasp), and all my return rights disappeared. I took it to a wedding, asked my husband to hold it for me while I carried out my bridesmaid duties, and the first thing the groom said was, "Wow, nice bag!"

Evidently my husband always gets the credit in this household.

I took it out the second time this past week to go shopping, and the first thing the salesgirl said to me was, "OMG! I love that bag! I love the size and the color! It's so perfect!"

After a lengthy pause, she asked my bag if it needed help finding anything.

-JK

Want it? Bluefly still carries it for $236.

Deals, Deals, Deals: Melissa Joy Manning Sample Sale

If you're in the area, check it out! Melissa Joy Manning has amazing stuff.

SAUSALITO // SEPTEMBER 27
FACTORY AND STORE
400 GATE 5 ROAD, CA 94965
415 332 3732 X13


HEATH CERAMICS samples and one-of-a-kind pieces — www.heathceramics.com
MELISSA JOY MANNING handmade gold and silver jewelry — www.melissajoymanning.com
ERICA TANOV clothing with enduring beauty — www.ericatanov.com
LEMON TWIST unique clothing designed and sewn locally — www.lemontwist.net
WALLTER modern and inventive mobiles, wall decor and bedding — www.foldbedding.com
BE SWEET creative products with a conscience — www.besweetproducts.com
RECCHIUTI CONFECTIONS artisan chocolates — www.recchiuti.com
MODERN KIDS PHOTOGRAPHY modern family photography — www.modernkidsphoto.com

NY Fashion Week: Carolina Herrera

She does it again. I don't know how Carolina Herrera does it, but time after time she manages to create ladylike pieces that exude elegance and glamour, not stiffnecked office yawns. She knows how to reveal enough skin to maintain interest without raising eyebrows, and her pieces can be worn by ladies of all ages.

Was never a fan of the pantsuit craze, but this one excites me. The sweetheart neckline coupled with the cropped hem hints girliness, while the auburn color and lush fabric defends the notion of maturity. The metallic wraparound belt completes the look.

Love love love the design of this dress. You've got the asymmetry on top while keeping both shoulders covered, and I'm a big fan of mixing fabric textures that stay in the same color scheme. I think the dress would have looked a little sexier with silk instead of chiffon, but then again who am I to question CH's talent?

-JK

Book Club

I don't like to read. I actually don't like it with a passion. After about two pages, you can find me dozing off and dreaming that osmosis will take over. Until I came across this book:

 

(photo courtesy of Louis Vuitton Lover)

This book has it all: art, architecture, design, and photography.  Basically, it's a picture book with a lovely Damier pattern slipcover.  Perfect!  You know the saying "action speaks louder than words"?  Well in this case, pictures speak louder than words.

This, I covet...

- EYC

My Steal: Christian Louboutins $90

I'm obsessed with deals. Almost to a fault, really. When I first started dating my husband, he (like everyone else) would be impressed with my bargain hunting skills. $3 Banana Republic tops and $10 Gap jeans were nothing new to me. But now that we're four years down the road, my giddy honey-I-just-scored excitement is greeted with nonchalant boredom.

Case in point: Jeremy's in SF was having their bimonthly additional 50% off all sale shoes sale (by the way, Jeremy's is the secret no Bay Area fashionista wants to share). And I found these gold leather Ecupli peep toe slingback Loubs marked down to $90!!! That's right, $595 shoes (that are still $495 at bluefly.com) for a whopping $90. My heart was beating as I brought them to the register (surely there was a mistake) but nope, it was $90+tax.

When I showed them to my husband later that night, he merely shrugged.

"So?" he asked. "You always buy stuff at 85% off."

Deals, Deals, Deals: Spa Week

It's Spa Week this week!

Click THIS LINK to view all the treatments you can get for only $50! Services range from 60 minute massages to organic facials and microdermabrasion.

NY Fashion Week: Derek Lam

Derek Lam has been such a hot name these past few years that it would be a shame not to mention him in NY Fashion Week. Personally I've never been a fan even though I desperately want to (he's from SF!). Perhaps I just don't understand the popular floral prints that are reminiscient of wallpaper. Perhaps it's because most of his experience was from working for Michael Kors of who's clothing line I am also not a fan. Or perhaps it's because I just don't understand when the heck I'm supposed to wear his clothes.

Case in point from Spring 2010:

What is this? A bathing suit? Or an evening gown where you're supposed to supply your own skirt?

However, I do love this:

The black graphics were strategically placed to wander the eye from shoulder to hem and back around again. Love the ruffle on the shoulder, the sway of the skirt (I know I know, I have a thing for swaying skirts) and the double belt pulls it all together. Perfection.

-JK

NY Fashion Week: Rebecca Taylor

Though I live in SF, part of me has always yearned for New York. I briefly lived there for several months back in 2002 and it's hard not to be swept up by the trendy fashionistas! NY Fashion Week just further proves to me why a little part of us always wants a bite out of the Big Apple.

I adore Rebecca Taylor. Funny enough, I first discovered her through a Japanese fashion mag and it wasn't until later I realized she was based in New York! Plus one for us to have such a talented designer that really addresses the everyday girly-girl who needs something that translates from work to evening.

A glimpse of Spring 2010:

The center pink floral is my personal favorite, and it can be played smart with a tailored jacket as it's shown here, or dressed down with a comfy cardigan. I love how that skirt sways--skip the Winter, I want Spring to be here already!

-JK

Why on earth is there yet another fashion blog?

It starts with two cousins. They seemingly had little in common until one day, they both realized there WAS something they had in common.

Louis Vuitton.

Don't misunderstand--we aren't label snobs. We don't max out our credit cards for the "It" bag. But we do appreciate, okay, covet, the finer things in life. And once in awhile, we'll give in.

And so it begins.