…man, the idea is appealing sometimes.

Like those times when you wake up, look around, see that no, you didn’t magically do laundry without your own knowledge the day before, and yes, there are only four clean items of clothing for you today.

These are the times that my fashion morals are challenged. How easy it must be for Queen Michelle to look amazing every morning, with those 600 mile long legs all a-slick with PVC. Top it with… well, whatever! She’ll look ridiculously good no matter what.

But for me? Can I walk around looking like I just left the Liquid Latex Wrestling tournament, and found a baggy t-shirt on the way home? I don’t know. I think I’m back on the “they’re not pants” bandwagon.

…Then I go to Black Milk. Then I realize it was a mistake, and my morals are aflutter with one hell of a dilemma.

The Phoenix Leggings $80

Much in the way I view Bebaroque as the Queen of Tights, I view Black Milk as the God of Leggings. The designer, James Lillis, knows what he’s doing when it comes to spandex + footless leg coverings.

Wet Look Leggings $40

The ever-popular, highly-appealing leather-esque leggings. I’ve been warming up to the idea of these over the many months that they’ve been… well, everywhere. Maybe someday soon, I’ll pick some up right after no one cares anymore.

Candy Candy, You Are The One And Only! Leggings $80

The beautiful print is by Machiko Satonaka. These are nowhere near my style, but I like them.

Resurrection $80

I love a good understated creepy vibe, and that’s totally these. They come in black with white bones, too – equally as cool looking.

Gold Spartans $90

These are fascinating. I almost wish I had the aesthetic preference to pair them with something really exorbitant and busy… But I think I would feel the most comfortable pairing them with something solid and architectural. Let ‘em shine, right?

Lace Spartans $90

These are… borderline too-”80s” for me. I love a good lace panel, but I’m not sure if I’d feel totally comfortable in these.

These are definitely leggings that you need to take care of. The higher prices are in line with the quality, to be sure, so if you get a pair – REALLY make them last!

Which are your favorites?

Technorati Tags: black milk, bones, leggings, liquid, patterned, pvc

Revenge?! So close to True Romance?

Yes. Why? Because I’m self-centered. I’m self-centered to the point that everything on this website revolves around me, and where my head is in the world of fashion.

Well, my head just ended a three year relationship, so guess what… Now my head likes the idea of taking revenge on the universe that just turned her life upside down. My head is also a “her”, apparently.

So, I hopped on the “revenge” train, initially, by facing the world in the morning. That was tough. So tough, in fact, that I needed some assistance.

…So I stole his sunglasses.

Yep. Those monster, gold specs are those of my ex-lover, and guess what – he’s not getting them back – sorry, darling!

Sunglasses. Think Lady Gaga, think Anna Wintour, and – oh, every other celebrity in a 500 mile radius of Earth. On days like today, I can’t help but relate to the women who never take their glasses off. I don’t want to look at anyone, catch their eye, get caught staring off, longingly… Nope, just leave me behind my slightly amber wall of anonymity, and my repairs can begin to take place.

I, personally, like aviator glasses mixed with a playlist of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, DJ Shadow, and Mos Def.

If I didn’t have an ex-boyfriend from whom I was able to steal sunglasses, I might reach for these…

Chinese Laundry Aviators $15

Hot Kiss Pewter Aviators $15

80’s Purple Yanki II Vintage Aviator Sunglasses $10

Tell me stories about how you overcame heartbreak.

Technorati Tags: aviators, breakups, fashion, sunglasses

I was browsing last month’s Lucky Magazine this morning, and came across the most beautiful, delicate necklace on one of the “I’m Loving This” pages. It was almost a broken tulip shape, with the bud at the chain, and a very elegant, curvy stem.

I discovered that it came from Demitasse Jewelry, who I’d never heard of, previously. I love finding beautiful, interesting jewelry because I know nothing about it. I always crave it, but my passion lays in the garments of the world. I’m a buffoon when it comes to accessories.

Anyway, back to the necklace. Point is:

It’s beautiful.

I’m in love with it.

I need it.

Oh yeah, and it’s not a tulip after all…

IT’S A FREAKIN’ MUSTACHE.

You heard. I’m in love with a golden mustache.

This particular model, shown above, is Salvador Dali’s (or The Dali’la Stashe) mustache. Turns out I’m not so shocked about my own adoration – Salvador Dali & I have always had a strong connection. We share birthdays, and a total adoration for surrealism. Being that this necklace is only $65, I may just have to save a couple weeks of coffee money to snag one for myself! What’s two weeks of home-brewed coffee when you could have Salvador Dali’s Mustache immortalized around your neck forever? If you want to up the cute-factor, I’ll tell you that this mustache is only 1 1/2″ long.

And yes, Birdie, you may use it as your own mustache. It’s even encouraged.

Beautiful.

Also, if you’re not really into Dali, don’t fret – there are others….

This is the Georgina Demistache, modeled after King George, available for $115.

Perhaps you need a Demistashe Rosary to help clear yourself from the great sin of shaving. Available for $98

I know you didn’t think it could get better, but let me drop a little note about the designer…

LA-based designer Rachael White established her fine jewelry line, Demitasse, in 2006. Demitasse reinvents the opulence of antique tableware and serving pieces into fine gourmet jewelry of gold, sterling, diamonds and sapphires.

True love. It’s here.

Technorati Tags: artists, creative, dali, facial hair, jewelry, mustache, mustache finger, stache

It’s been over a year since I moved to Chicago, and I’m finally starting to feel some roots forming.

That means, of course, I now feel entitled to want better amenities. While I was still in the honeymoon phase of this big, new move – everything was magic. My tiny apartment was perfect and quaint, my biiig windows were beautiful – who cares that they face a brick wall and my kitchen – it’s adorable, with its 64 sq. inches of counter space.

Well… Now that I’m actually living here, I’m itching for an upgrade.

I can’t stop fantasizing about parties, gatherings and soirees… Beautiful music, beautiful people, beautiful clothes, and beautiful food. Don’t worry – I’m not going yuppie on you. We might be drinking Two-Buck-Chuck, Ak-Mak tapas, and grilled cheese petit fours, but it’s going to look and feel much fancier.

Exchange by Charles David – Adept $24.75 (were $99)
See by Chloe Draped Silk Dress $156.25 (was $625)
Blu Bijoux Black Cougar Bangle $54
Charlotte Russe Ribbed Knit Tights $8.99

The dress: it’s easy, it’s pretty, and it’s really, really on sale. I love the shoes for a) the ridiculous price and b) the extreme versatility that comes from such a unique shoe. It’s not just a black pump – it’s unusual, it’s got an element of design to it.

Some of you know about my other projects – obviously there’s The Demoiselles and there’s Getting Healthy – but a lesser-known side project, only visible via BlogRoll, is Ghetto Galley – my sweety’s and my food blog. It started with an obsession with (prepare for shock) making really high-quality food for a very small price, but it bloomed into a full-throttle obsession with everything kitchen.

…Making my lust for entertaining even stronger.

cb2 Dandelion Square Platter $12.95

cb2 Marble Cheese Trays $16.95 – 19.95

cb2 Arc Stemware $3.50 – $3.95

And, what of the music, you ask? Here’s a sample of my winter playlist (view the whole playlist here!):

Goldfrapp – Black Cherry
Yonderboi – Ohne Chanteuse
Ella Fitzgerald – Angel Eyes (Layo & Bushwacka Remix)
Deer Tick – Baltimore Blues No. 1
Thievery Corporation – Lebanese Blonde

Do you entertain in a small area? What are your tips and tricks?

Technorati Tags: budget, cb2, charles david, chloe, crate & barrel, dress, entertaining, party

If you’ve been reading this blog for a while, you know that I’ve been steadily progressing through what I call a “Grey Movement”. Many a shapeless-this, a monochromatic-that… Little did I know that this phase was just that – a phase. One morning, I woke up, looked in my closet and said…

“Where the F%*2 are all the colors?”

So, naturally, I’ve turned to my main addiction: memorizing store inventory via the internet. I’m not even exaggerating. Ask my friends and they’ll tell you that my photographic memory is 96% full of past and present season inventory from at least 15 stores. It’s a sickness.

Interestingly enough, while I’m less attracted to a color-less palette, I’m still highly interested in the shapes that I was previously coveting – the loose draping, the voluminous pleating – it all still appeals.

I wanted to call this post “The |Color| & The Movement”, or “The Absolute Value of Color & The Movement”, but a color really can’t be appraised simply by whatever color it is – it has to be adjudicated for it’s compatibility with the shape, the material, the cut, the seaming, the body… There are too many components of an article of clothing to deem it positive or negative simply by the color, which is why I can never say “I’ll wear anything [insert color here]“.  So I’ve collected a rainbow’s worth of garments that I’m currently infatuated with simply because of the relationship between all of these different aspects of clothing.

Hazel Dress with Brouche (Rose) $87.20 (was $109)

I adore this dress because it’s not really “on-trend” at all. It’s baby pink, which is terribly sweet, and short – a little innocent-style sexiness – and then the details of the dress are very raw and unfinished.  Very unique.

Poleci Asymmetrical Tank $92.25 (was $205)

Coincidentally, I just learned about this brand today, because they had a sale on Gilt Fuse!  I really love the crisp line of color – I’m fascinated by the choice to put the break slicing right through the cowl.

Cheap Monday Pencil Skirt $66 (was $110)

Admittedly, I’ve never worn something so… lederhoseny, but this doesn’t look so bad.  I like the soft grey instead of black or blue or khaki, which is how I’ve usually seen this style. PS – Pockets.

Paul & Joe for TheOutnet Silk Blouse $135

I love that these kinds of drape-y, roomy tops are being done in these great patterns.  I’m kind of “over” them in solid colors.

BB Dakota Chatterton Coat $63.95 (was $125)

I’m not sure if I like this because I like the plaid, or because it reminds me of Jeffrey Sebelia’s final dress on Project Runway…

Could be either, really!

Charlotte Ronson – Womens Audrey Dress (Black) $90.40 (was $226)

I’ve been fawning over this dress for weeks…  I love the cut, I love the subtle glamour, the sheen…  IT IS SO GOOD.  (And so very on sale.)

Postella Silk Lima Dress $55 (from $220)

This dress actually kind of shocked me when I realized I liked it…  There are a virtual rainbow of colors in this dress.  Yet – it’s not overkill, it’s not obnoxious, or flashy, or tacky.  A Christmas miracle?  The cut is basic enough to carry the heavy pattern and array of colors.

The times, they are a-changin’!

Technorati Tags: color, color theory, draping, fabric, fashion, independent designer, pattern

Sometimes, I’ll glance at a new “trend” and grimace. Occasionally, I’ll raise an eyebrow… But usually, my head and my heart match up as far as opinion.

…But sometimes, they don’t. I’m experiencing some inner conflict over my desire to sport lace leggings. As someone who is vehemently against the return of the 1980s, this bothers me. Lace… footless… leggings? Seriously? This feels wrong.

But alas, I still need them. Colors – don’t care. All of them. None – all back. Whatever. JUST GIVE ME SOME, PLEASE.

It’s the styling on these first pair that expedite my pulmonary functions about lace leggings in general:

Future Classic Lace Leggings from Forward by Revolve $45 (were $112)

Everything about it is so good. They also come in olive, but I’m Ehhh on those. I like the pink-y salmon color. I need those shoes, too.

Costume Dept Gardenia Flower Lace Leggings from Revolve $26 (were $37)

These are excellent, as well. I kind of like the stirrup-action on the previous ones (Did I really just say that?), but the ivory, as opposed to stark white, is really nice with basic, dark dresses.

Kova & T Lace Leggings in Navy from Revolve $83 (were $165)

Kova & T had a sample sale today at Gilt Fuse, and that’s really where this obsession started. The ones I was coveting where ivory with a pink sheen to them – these are black with blue sheen. I like it less, but they’d definitely be striking, and I like that.

6126 “Gladys” Leggings $58.50 from Bloomingdale’s (were $84)

Lindsay Lohan makes her debut on B&B. I know, momentous. However, that doesn’t mean I’m paying $60 for leggings with millions of tiny holes in them.

Moa Moa Lace Leggings from Dillard’s $19

These… are good. Good price, good length, good seams (I like the seams). Definitely a good option – but wish they came in more colors.

Maybe it’s just a phase, or maybe it really is true love… But for now, all I know is: WANT.

Technorati Tags: accessories, hosiery, lace leggings, leggings, tights, trends

Often times, the subway not only provides adequate transportation, but it also leaves me coveting someone else’s belongings.

This time, it was a handbag. This is interesting because, not only do I rarely pay attention to handbags, but I don’t really use one. I have a HOBO Int’l Rachel Wallet that Cleary gave me, and that’s pretty much it. I own three handbags – one from Mapel (seen here), my NOVICA satchel, and an old crappy one. I have a ton of clutches, but those aren’t really daily objects.

So after my eyes were locked on this bag, my logic flipped 180, and determined that not only did I love this bag, but…

I REALLY NEEDED IT BECAUSE, OMG, I ONLY HAVE THREE HANDBAGS, AND I DON’T REALLY LIKE USE ANY OF THEM.

It’s funny how the mind works sometimes, isn’t it?

So this bag on the arm of this girl – well, it wasn’t just grey – it was dove grey. If you’re unfamiliar, dove grey is the grey that is so light, and so delicate that it’s almost white. Side by side, dove grey and white are obviously different, but put two feet between them, and they look nearly identical. I adore it.

Her bag was so buttery and soft-looking… She kept books in it, her phone, her wallet, mp3 player, daytimer… It was big, but it wasn’t obnoxious big – just utilitarian big.

Also, eBags tells me that they’ve having a 20% off sale just for today, which is chance, as this draft has been sitting in my post editor for a week! But since this will likely post Monday (and today is Friday!), it may not be there any longer. So, in the style of consolation, here is a meager 10% off link: Save 10% Now at eBags.com

Large Hobo $64.20 (was $84)

This is a little too mushroom-y for me, but the color is close. Too warm still!

Big Buddha Monterey $68 (was $85)

Brick Pattern Faux Leather Zip-Top Satchel $59.20 (was $74)

Perfect color! But the texture? Ehhh…

Siza $170.99 (was $296)

Ultra discount and the perfect shade of dove grey.

LaCroix Colette $251.99 (was $330)

I only included this one because it’s PERFECT, and I need to commiserate with someone, so now that you’ve seen it, call me and we’ll cry about how expensive it is.

Nine West Kelly Satchel $59.99

Too brown!

Chinese Laundry Emma Small Bucket $74

Nice. But eh.

Big Buddha Jimi $90

Move over, Colette. There’s a new favorite in town.

Technorati Tags: accessories, dive grey, el train, gray, handbags, leather, purses

Some call it “inspired by”, some call it “copycat”… I call it “What I’m Wearing”.

Months ago, I fell deeply in love with lack of color. I don’t know how it happened. My closet slowly started to grow pale with creams and ivory whites, and deep with black and graphite. The brightly colored tops and dresses slowly moved to the wall-end of the closet bar – you know, where all the crap you don’t wear lives. I was questioning my newfound passion for a while… Is it okay to be a fashion blogger who never wears color? Is it a sign? Am I fashion depressed?

Maybe.

With all the spandex mini-dresses, ultra-80s styles, and the ever-present homeless chic… Who wouldn’t be depressed? We’ve hit a strange, anachronistic period of fashion that doesn’t know if it’s going foward, or sticking around to appreciate the past. Are we going modern, or vintage? Daring, or conservative? Americana, or international eclectic? In no way is this a new discussion… Fashion is cyclical and, hey – bad decades are inevitable. If anything, naysayers of certain trends are almost forced to explore their own personal style. If all the inventory in the stores blows, what are you going to do – run around naked? No, make the best of it, and the best of this crap fashion period we’ve hit, for me, is returning to my monochromatic roots.

Realizing this, I returned to the world of “fashion inspiration”, and the 700 blogs that live there. With my newfound quest for personal style in hand, and a magnetic draw to high contrast, I happened to come upon this photograph:

My love was solidified on the spot. So perfect, so easy, so absolutely chic. 3-4 garments of utter simplicity – colorless, highlighting the textures and shapes… Zero distractions.

I had to have it.

I know. Here, after my gigantic diatribe about boring, useless, full length outfit photos… I post one. But it’s not bad comparatively, right? It’s actually really, really comfortable to wear a trench coat and leggings and nude pumps… all. day. long. In fact, I’m still wearing it right now at 1:43am after a full day of working, dining, and socializing.

This trench coat (aww, remember when it was a new toy?) is on its last legs. I need to invest in one… As much as I love Old Navy wares, I need longevity. Also, because leggings are not pants, I threw on an old, gold dress I had sitting in the back of my closet. It was five dollars (and actually, also from Old Navy – I swear I don’t shop there as much as it seems like I do…) and extremely long and loose, so I tied a ribbon around my lower waist, and bloused (word?) the top a little, creating a really relaxed, but structured feel.

Back to your regularly scheduled program.

Trench, Old Navy, $50
Dress, Old Navy, $5
Leggings, Torrid, $25
Slingbacks, Anne Klein via Marshalls, $15

Technorati Tags: monochromatic, nude, outfit, street style, trench

There’s something classy, sly, and a little offensive about a beautiful woman in a flowing dress wearing a tuxedo jacket. Whether it’s the nonchalance of the single button, or the gender-bending idea of a tuxedo jacket over a woman’s form… But there’s something really sexy and cautioning about it.

Which, of course, means I need one.

Fortunately, tuxedo jackets are starting to pop up here and there as a result of their being “trendy” right now. I’d love to find one that had a little bit of sheen on the lapels, some understated tails, and clean, straight lines.

Tiffany Diane @ Lookbook.nu

Martin + Osa Tuxedo Jacket – $44.95 (was $170)

MM Couture Tuxedo Jacket in Black – $98

Charlotte Russe Cropped Tuxedo Jacket – $32.99

Necessary Objects Juniors’ One Button Tuxedo Jacket – $34

Leave it open or button it – either way, it looks amazing.

What do you think of this androgynous look? Too much, or just right?

Technorati Tags: autumn, coats, cropped, fall, fashion, jacket, trends, tux, tuxedo

Because of my literal obsession with the Devil in the Hamptons look (wide leg linen pants with a fitted, dark top and black heels), I had to give it a shot.

I, unfortunately, don’t have all the clothes I post at my disposal, so I had to modify the look a little bit. I have white pants, but they’re not wide leg and, frankly, this is the first time I’ve fit into them since they were gifted to me by my Mom when I was 15 or 16! Good news in terms of my Getting Healthy plan, and also for my wardrobe!

I also realized I don’t have many structural, dark tops. That will need to be remedied. Instead, I wore a slate-grey tank with brushed bronze sequins, and my cropped, nylon motorcycle jacket.

The heels are… too big. I admit it. I didn’t actually wear these out of the house. They’re stunning, though, so I keep them. Grey suede, big platforms, and pleating at the toe – so delicious.

Sequin Top, Old Navy , $5
Pants, Ann Taylor, gift.
Shoes, Nine West, $15
Motorcycle Jacket, Torrid , $17

Technorati Tags: gray, motorcycle jacket, sequins, white pants