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!