A company’s price-earnings (P/E) ratio is a valuation measurement of a company’s current share price compared to its earnings per share (EPS). While EPS is generally calculated from the last four quarters (trailing P/E), for the purposes of this post we are using expected earnings to determine a forward (projected) P/E. Think about earnings as = how many times you are going to wear an item. Therefore, the P/E ratio is:
___________Price of an Item____________
Est. Number of Times You are Going to Wear It
So why is this useful? It’s a quick and easy way to determine if a purchase is worth it. For example, a $300 pair of riding boots that you will wear, say 50 times, has a P/E of 6. Can you justify paying $6 each time you wear them? (Yes, so buy them already!) What about that gorgeous $150 pair of 5-inch ankle-wrap python platform stilettos that you find on sale and try to convince yourself that you “might wear, some day.” Yeah, a year later they’re still sitting in my closet with the price tag on the bottom. They may have been on sale, but not wearing them makes them a bad investment.
What determines a good/bad P/E? Aside from the obvious never wearing them = bad, you have to decide what’s appropriate for your financial goals (budget). Note, a lower P/E is not necessarily a better investment, it just means you’re getting more for your money based on a specific value meaurement. On that note, eDressme is having an amaaazing Labor Day Sale (up to 90% off!!!) and after some intense financial analysis, I’m concluding there are definitely a good number of dresses worth the investment. To make things easier, eDressme has organized the sale by price points ($20, $40, $50, $75, $99, and $149) so pick the one(s) that work for you but before you buy, make sure the P/E is worth it!
Black Boat Neck Synergy Organic Sundress (Reg: $97, Sale: $20)
Short Sleeved Yellow Casual Dress by Josh Brody (Reg: $110, Sale: $40)
Button Front Shirt Dress by ecoSkin (Reg: $190, Sale: $50)
Fuchsia Party Dress by Kirribilla (Reg $440, Sale: $75)
Double Breasted Coat by Tara Jarmon (Reg: $592, Sale: $99)
Silver Sweetheart Cocktail Dress by Badgley Mischka (Reg: $520, Sale: $149)
Filed under: blazers, dresses, heels, lbd, necklace, rings, romper, skirts
Every wardrobe should have a wide variety of investments (see Investment Basics). In finance, diversification is important to reducing portfolio risk by spreading your investments across various asset classes as well as market capitalizations, countries, and industries. Similarly, in fashion, your closet should be diversified so that any one investment does not cause a significant decline in the portfolio as a whole. For example, if your closet with only t-shirts and pairs of jeans, or you’ll have nothing (appropriate) to wear to a cocktail party. Alternatively, if your closet is appropriately diversified, people are less likely to notice that you are wearing the same black skirt to work every single week, because you look fabulously different every time. What’s in my portfolio today:
Cole Haan Carma Air Patent Pump, Black ($275)
Why it’s like an institutional money market fund: for anyone with an office job (or really anyone who owns a single pair of heels) a black pump is essential. NIKE Air technology gives this pair more wearability (a higher interest rate, if you will) but at a price. Hey, you gotta pay for what you get.
Asos Roll Sleeve Boyfriend Blazer (£50.00)
Why it’s like an international junk bond: A good boyfriend blazer is definitely a wardrobe staple and this one from a UK online fashion store is worth the buy (maybe not the highest quality, but if you play it right you’ll get great use out of it).
Anthropologie Sunlit Angles Sheath ($120)
Why it’s like a value stock: This timeless shiny sheath is perfect for teatime or an afternoon wedding –and it’s marked down from $228!
BCBG Sheri High-Waisted Skirt ($148)
Why it’s like a high quality bond: A great high-waisted skirt that works for day or night and won’t go out of style. Guaranteed to be super cute by BCBG, made with spandex for extra insurance.
Ayala Bar Timeless Beauty Necklace In Twilight Blues ($139)
Why it’s like an international value stock: This stunning number from Israeli designer Ayala Bar is a statement necklace at its best, and truly a value at 50% of its original cost.
Victoria’s Secret Satin Romper ($58)
Why it’s like a growth stock: You know what you’re getting with Victoria’s Secret and this romper is a new addition to the line you know is only continuing to grow as long as women are wearing underwear.
Cluce Pleat Bust Brocade Dress ($89)
Why it’s like a convertible bond: A LBD might be considered a staple, but this probably isn’t going to be the go-to black dress in your closet. More likely an on-a-whim purchase, but at this price it’s worth the investment.
Blu Bijoux Turquoise Oval Cocktail Ring ($20)
Why it’s like a high yield bond: A great cocktail ring won’t go out of style, but this isn’t the high quality turquoise that will last forever. Still, at $20 the return on this investment is certainly going to be positive.
Anne Michelle Foxy86 Platform Pumps ($21)
Why it’s like a value stock: Adorable peep-toe ankle booties with bow details aren’t exactly a necessity, but these are seriously undervalued compared to the similar Valentino Nappa Bow Booties I’ve been drooling over.
Banana Republic Multi-Chain and Locket Necklace ($60)
Why it’s like a corporate bond: Backed by the guarantee of the Gap Inc. brand, this pretty gold locket necklace is a staple that can be worn until it falls apart.
So you’re buying something online and right at the end of the checkout they ask you to check a box if you want to be the first to receive emails about the retailer’s special promotions or next big sale… and of course you don’t want to miss out, so you check it, right? Anyone else with an online shopping obsession must get a ton of emails a day from retailers alerting you of upcoming sale events. It can be a hassle to sort through your 20 new messages when that email from the friend you haven’t heard from in awhile gets buried between your Shop It to Me daily update and the email alerting you about the 30% off friends and family sale at Banana Republic. Eventually… you want to unsubscribe from all the retail emails or at least trim them down to the shopping essentials (but how do you decide???).
Solution? A few months ago I created a separate e-mail account for all shopping related e-mails… Seriously, try it. It keeps my regular inbox free of clutter and makes it easier to see all the sales in one place. (And when your budget is telling you to stay away from the shopping, just don’t check your shopping email account!)
On that note, if you haven’t already, you should use that shopping email account and sign up for online sample sales from Rue La La, Gilt Groupe, ideeli, HauteLook, Billion Dollar Babes, One Kings Lane, and Editors Closet -or atleast couple of them- right now. Some of these sites are invite only, but for you, my wonderfelle readers, the links above include invitations. Yes there are others, but I think these are pretty much the best ones out there. Just beware – because if you wait too long after a sale starts, that too-good-to-be-true 75% off perfect knee-length trench coat will definitely be gone) and make sure you like it too, because a number of these sites don’t accept returns. If you’re not signed up, here’s a peek at what you might be missing:
Stella McCartney Crochet Peeptoe Pump (Gilt Price $168, Originally $595)
Identify Leather Motorcross Jacket (ideeli Price $215, Originally $494)
Catherine Malandrino Black Wool Jewel Neck Dress (Rue La La Price $199, Originally $670)
Not able to shop at work (ughh, I understand) or just can’t deal with the anxiety of trying to get to the sample sale right when it opens? Try Shop It To Me. You get to pick from a long list of retailers, then what types of items you want to see (shoes, bags, dresses, you get it…), what size(s) you want to see, and how often you want to see it. Result: a daily/weekly/monthly summary email with all of the things that have gone on sale in your size from all your favorite retailers.
Otherwise, there are always sites like Bluefly or the Outnet that only carry discounted designer items (and haves sales on top of the already discounted price! Want to show off that designer dress or fabulous bag for your high school reunion/ ex-boyfriend’s wedding/ fancyshmancy black tie soiree… but will never wear it again and thus can’t justify the purchase? Wear Today Gone Tomorrow (membership is free) or Bag Borrow or Steal might be for you – they’re like Netflix for fashion!
Jimmy Choo Erica Ankle Boots (Outnet Price $419, Originally $1,395)
Carolina Herrera Strapless Corset Gathered Dress (Borrow for $299, Retail Value $2,990)
Filed under: features | Tags: Elements of Style, Fashion Toast, Outblush, Sartorialist
For some reason, it seems that that everyone in the finance world is on vacation this time of year (which thankfully included myself) and I’ve had more time to explore the fashion blogging world in search of an appropriate niche. Apparently, everyone and their mother has a blog, so I’m actually surprised that more than 5 people read mine (but yaayy that you do!). I’m more than just a bit jealous that my 9-5er doesn’t allow me to the time, energy, or creative inspiration to post more substantively at the moment, but for the time being I’m sharing some of my blogging likes and gripes:
While I have a great appreciation for the Sartorialist, it seems that there are a whole ton of people with blogs of pictures of themselves displaying their own personal street style (and obsessions with Kate Moss).
Admittedly, some do it quite well – Fashion Toast’s Rumi (pictured) can wear anything (love to hate her) and look amazing. But really, there is only so much DIY, deconstructed vintage, and homeless chic I can look at before it all starts to look the same – and really, I can’t wear this stuff on daily basis (Swiss banking does not approve of leatherwear, overalls, or tights worn as pants) .
Outblush (along with companion sites Uncrate for the guys, and the Bargainist for sale alerts) is my go-to shopping guide -saved to my bookmark toolbar along with gmail, fb, twitter, etc- the product descriptions are as witty and descriptive as I aspire to be, but while I’m extremely thankful for the daily variety of shopping ideas, I do wish they were a wee bit more streamlined in terms of styling (these peep-toe wedges are adorable, but what would I wear with them), and retailers (this floaty blouse is gorgeous, what else does fill-in-the-blank-store sell).
Elements of Style (something like a home catalogue, photo album, and fashion blog all in one) makes me want to do some serious $$$ damage in redecorating my apartment (also have a wedding as pretty as this, and go here). Erin has an amazing eye and shares a ton of images, (something I’m wishing I did more of) so the blog itself is visually stimulating. I’m guilty of developing more than one “design crush” from some of her blog posts and apparently we share a similar obsession with things wedding related (my excuse being, I’m southern born and bred). Alas, her blog is closer to 80% home and 20% fashion, while I’d prefer the opposite.
On that note, I’m still working on finding my way in the blog world so thanks for visiting the wonderfelle part of it and please continue to give me feedback on what you liked (or didn’t). Leave a comment or drop a line at wonderfelle@gmail.com.
I was thinking about posting about some of the dresses from the Miss Universe pageant last night but honestly I was underwhelmed and the most noteworthy (awful) thing about the show was probably Heidi Montag’s performance.
So changing gears…since I’m busy salivating over everything in Rachel Zoe’s studio (love, love, loved this dress) and catching up on my HBO tonight, I’m taking the easy road and posting about Etsy again. I’ve already mentioned several times that I’m addicted to Etsy and am often overwhelmed by the plethora of pretty pretty things on the site. On a hunt for a fun and interesting cocktail dress, I recently came across the following:
Sarah Seven Tulip Dress ($475)
Oh Sarah Seven… The lightness of her dresses, precision of the feminine details, sigh… I’m officially obsessed with pretty much everything in her store. Her wedding dresses are perfect for an outdoor garden wedding and her cocktail dresses are perfect bridesmaids dresses that can actually be worn again. I’m especially in love the Tulip Dress above and the way the lacey slip liner peeks out through the sheer overlay.
Nicole Gade Striped and Pleated Dress ($599)
I’m crazy about the way the lightweight fabric is draped on this dress and the way the irregular stripes create depth and texture. Plus it could work year round and even for work if you threw on a blazer and black pumps right? Or at least that’s what I like to tell myself when contemplating like 90% of dress purchases.
Attila Design Doctor Who Strapped Convertible Dress ($305)
This shimmering, textured taffeta dress from a Helsinki-based designer kinda confuses me but amazes me at the same time. Described as “avant garde luxury art wear” this dress is apparently a dress, tunic, and blouse all in one. Very much a conversation starter dress…
Liza Rietz Asymmetrical Tiered Dress ($315)
If I were half a foot taller and leggy this would be on my to-buy list. It’s elegant and modern (and would look great with my tan). Another designer out of Portland – like Sarah Seven – perhaps they should follow in Leanne Marshall’s footsteps and pursue Runway fame? I’d definitely watch to see their designs.
Z and I had a bit of a Mad Men marathon this weekend to catch up since neither of us have really watched religiously since mid last season. I’d almost forgotten how great the show is but the recently the styling from the show has been everyyywhere. You might have noticed the Mad Men displays in Banana Republic or the new Brooks Brothers suits for Fall inspired by classic retro style like this Fitzgerald Plaid number.
There are a ton of really great vintage shops on Etsy with dresses from the 1960’s like the yellow chiffon Jerry Marsch for Mardi Gras dress pictured above from Some Like it Vintage. I’m also crazy about this Kent Originals cream and gold brocade coat from Return to Glamour and this Ruben Panis Couture metallic leaves strapless party dress from Timeless Vixen Vintage.
Anyway, while watching the marathon, I attempted to create a few polyvore sets with a modern take on the show’s leading ladies’ looks:
According to the show’s stylist Janie Bryant, Betty’s full, ladylike hostess skirts are starting to slim down this season to reflect a more grown-up look. I love the polished look of a classic sheath and pearls and how incredibly put together she looks in her riding attire.
Pictured are: Lanvin Two-Strand Pearl Necklace ($825) / Dolce & Gabbana Silk Puffed Sleeved Dress ($1,057) / Polo Ralph Lauren Notch Wool Jacket ($475) / Helen Kaminski Zatana Fur Felt Riding Cap (NA) / Gucci Horsebit Bracelet ($350) / Talbots Riding Pants ($79) / Ralph Lauren Buckle Riding Boot ($1,256) /
/ Moschino Cheap & Chic Floral Silk Dress ($361) / 1066 Gold Belt ($18) / STACI Crossbody Platinum Tejus Lizard ($258)
With Peggy’s new position in the Steling Cooper office, her wardrobe is also a bit more serious and a little less schoolgirl – although still in plaids and pleated skirts. For an updated look, I’ve styled these looks with patent mary-janes from heels.com.
Pictured are: Luella Pussyboy Silk Blouse ($356) / Jewel Changes Vest ($202) / Next Pleated Skirt ($62) / Laura Brandon Beige Patek Heel ($65) / Borsalino Trilby Felt Hat ($279) / Alice Temperly for Target ($30) / Forever21 Pleated Skirt ($18) / Pink Monroe Raffeta Belted Dress by Vivienne Westwood ($543) / Charles David Patent Mary-Jane ($200)
Joan’s character doesn’t hesitate to accentuate her hourglass shape with snug pencil skirts and fitted dresses that accentuate her waistline. I love the way this picture highlights her “yes, I know you’re looking at me and I like it” attitude.
Pictured are: D&G Dolce & Gabanna Bow Embellished Silk Blouse ($295) / Bottega Veneta Felt Wool Pencil Skirt ($602) /
/
/ Oscar de la Renta Wool Scarf Embellished Dress ($1,790) / LaLucca Printed Clutch ($580)
On a completely different style note, I’m excited for the new season of The Rachel Zoe Project tonight! Love her or hate her (I love her), you can’t deny that some of the celebrities she has styled have looked simply BANANAS (amaaazing). In the Zoe Report’s recent feature Metal Geometry, she gave props to Alexis Bittar’s jewelry that I featured last month in Covered in Coral. This stuff is seriously stunning. I’m adding these Alexis Bittar pieces to my wish list:
Gold Klimt Wood Cuff ($255): Hello statement cuff! I can’t even begin to the think of all the things you could wear with this.
Gold Triple Link Pearl Drop Necklace ($145): Like a good southern girl, I’m always a fan of pearls but these are an interesting twist.
Also, check out Rachel Zoe’s picks on Piperlime.
Belle by Sigerson Morrison Boot ($495): This may quite possibly be the perfect neutral flat boot I’ve been searching for Fall.
Giuseppe Zanotti Peep-Toe Bootie ($650): OMG I promise I will wear these (almost) every day in the Fall if someone buys them for me. In Zoe’s words “I sort of die for these.”
Filed under: Comfy, Leggings, Sandals, Vest, cardigan, dresses, skirts | Tags: Cardigans, Comfy, Leggings, Sandals, skirts, Vest
I don’t usually post on Fridays because by Thursday night I’m burnt out and/or in weekend mode already, but with the return of Project Runway (and the absence of tivo) I might be spending more Thursday nights in front of the TV. Therefore I’m trying out the Friday series “10 Things I love because …” as an easy way to share some wonderfelle things, just because… As I lounge on my super comfy couch (thanks to my sister!), I decided my first attempt would be “10 Things I love because they are super comfy (and cute too).” Enjoy your (hopefully) casual Friday, and have a good weekend!
J. Crew Cashmere V-Neck Cardigan ($168)
A classic piece for work or play, available in a variety of colors.
Maria Sharapova for Cole Haan Air Milano Sandal ($198)
4 1/3” heel that’s comfy?? Yes, thanks to NIKE AIR technology!
Uniqlo W’s Knit Stole Vest ($20)
Supersoft (and affordable) knit perfect for a light outer later.
Rag and Bone Layered Orion Skirt ($295)
Form-fitting but fabulous in a silk/cashmere blend – the legging of skirts.
Design History Cascade Front Dress ($80)
Stretchy viscose rayon makes this pretty dress kinda cozy too.
Loro Piana Stola Opposite Wrap ($1,125)
No doubt an investment piece, but ridiculously touchable.
American Apparel Unisex Tri-Blend Short Sleeve Deep V-Neck ($22)
If you’re going to wear a basic tee, this is one of the softest options.
Taryn by Taryn Rose Ding Kid ($195)
From a line started by an orthopedic surgeon, these feature a perfectly padded footbed.
T-Bags Classic Halter Maxi Dress ($165)
A jersey maxi that works as a cover-up or for a night out.
VS Cotton & Cashmere Sweater Legging ($38) and Long Cardigan Sweater ($58)
Because casual comfort doesn’t have to be sweatpants and a hoodie…
Is anyone else really excited for the new season of Project Runway tonight??? Well I am and I’ve already been checking out some of the new contestants’ work. The look above was designed by contestant Carol Hannah from South Carolina – one of a number of 24 year old designers this season! – you can buy some of her fresh and modern pieces on Etsy here. Also on Etsy is contestant Louise Black whose work is darker and more avant garde. With Runway on my mind, I took some time to see what a few of the previous contestants have been doing…
Leanne Marshall
I’m a little upset that Leanne Marshall’s Etsy shop is down, but you can still buy a few of her pieces on Bluefly here. She’s been one of my favorite Runway contestants to date, and I would seriously wear everything in her final collection including the wedding dress. Her fall 2009 collection continues to be intricately structural, feminine, and fashion forward.
Christian V. Siriano
I follow @csiriano on twitter because he’s amazingly entertaining (plus thinks asians are fierce!) and his Fall 2009 collection is amazing as well. He’s also recently launched the limited edition Christian Siriano Collection for Victoria Secret Makeup which interprets themes from his collection with soft, luxurious textures and strong, rich colors.
Korto Momolu
Who knew she accessorizes too? It’s no surprise that Korto’s vibrant, natural aesthetic inspired by life in Africa transcends into her jewelry line as well. Like her clothing designs, each of her necklaces are colorful and striking.
Kara Janx
Sale alert! Kara Janx’s Spring 2009 Collection is currently discounted 50% meaning these dresses are all under $200. I love that her designs are colorful and whimsical yet extremely wearable too. Her background in architecture is apparent in her pieces, but she also creates pieces that are really flattering to the feminine figure.
Filed under: Uncategorized
My inner Emelda is jumping for joy, theOutnet.com is having an INCREDIBLE!!!! sale (50%-70% off) on Christian Louboutin shoes that is distracting me from blogging tonight.
Seriously, check it out.
I’m a sucker for a great little black dress and could probably go 3 weeks wearing a different one to work everyday, but that would be boring, right? Thus the evolution of the new LBD – the little bright dress – that is in-your-face attention grabbing and soo right now. I love that the new LBD works for showing off that sun-kissed summer glow, and paired with the right layers and accessories, it transitions seamlessly into fall. Glamour’s “How to Wear Neon (And Not Look Like a Glo-Stick)” does a great job at combining bright pieces with black staples for looks that really work. In Style also featured the little bright dress in it’s piece on how to “ease into autumn by reworking your summer favorites.” One of my favorite examples of this trend, Michael Kors “neon lights” pieces in his fall 2009 collection perfectly combine his luxurious but simple jet-set sportswear with a sly wink to the 80’s. These dresses also do the trick:
Black Halo Jackie O Mini Dress ($345)
You won’t feel blue in this classic silhouette featured in a vibrant Capri cerulean. It has an asymmetrical neckline and is fitted in all the right places. Styled here with Joie’s My Boyfriend’s Back Wedge in Caviar, it could also work with a lace-up ankle boot or snakeskin pump for fall.
Myne Maddy Dress ($275)
This 100% silk dress in bright yellow features a v-neck and v-back along with contrast gathered waistband. Airy enough for summer heat but would also look great paired with one of Topshop’s great structured blazers like this.
Rebecca Taylor “Tie Me Up” Hammered Satin Dress ($295)
A girlie cocktail number in royal purple satin, this dress is trimmed with a delicate braided detail along the neckline and cascading ruffles down the enter. It’s perfect for that end of summer soire but also works when paired with black tights and a suede peep-toe pump.
BCBG Strapless Dress with Beaded Belt ($195)
This mandarin silk strapless number is urban-chic… assuming you can get away with wearing orange (and if you can’t, please don’t try). A waist-cinching elastic belt with bead embellishments adds a bit of edge – why not try it with a shrunken biker jacket or studded ballet flats like these for a fall look.
