If you haven’t noticed, I’m a sucker for Bravo reality TV, and I might have squealed out loud and spilled my coffee this morning when I read on theCut that Marc Jacobs might star in a gay version of Real Housewives (potentially called Kept). I won’t go on about it, but I will mention that I just found another sample sale site called Row Nine and it so happens that Marc Jacobs sunglasses are on sale this Friday, Oct 2nd (anyone else wondering how October came so fast???) – you’re invited here.
And while I’m on the subject, I’m having a bit of yellow fever over the Marc Jacobs patent ballet flats above… they’re 50% off on theOutnet right now and bright ballet flats might just distract me from the fact that it’s getting COLD in DC. For more thoughts on shoes for the fall, see this week’s Ask Wonderfelle response here. And feel free to email me at wonderfelle@gmail.com with your questions!
So I went to see Fame with my Z this past weekend… Does anyone else have the overwhelming desire for life to be like a musical where people randomly break into song (and perfectly choreographed dance) while you’re just walking down the street?!? Or at least like Glee where football players bust out Beyonce moves on the field and the attractive professor forms his own a cappella group (swwooon). Anyway, I’ve been on a bit of a search for tights like the ones Alice (Kherington Payne from SYTYCD) wears in the hot dance number pictured above (or like the ones from Chanel Fall 2008). Since I pretty much exclusively wear dresses and skirts in the winter, I’m on the look out for interesting tights to spice up my cold weather wardrobe. I can’t seem to find ones that are as sheer as the ones Kherington wears, so if you happen to know of any lemme know, pretty please? In the mean time, I might settle for some of these…
ModCloth Flipside Tights in Similars ($40)
ASOS Two Tone Tights ($16)
DKNY Color Block Tights ($20)
Admittedly, my train of thought for this post was pretty much… I need more tights… I really liked the ones that blonde girl was wearing in the movie… they were in a movie so they must be cool, right?… and they look like the Chanel ones, so they’re definitely cool… I must buy some nowww. So I got to thinking about how often movies/TV shows influence beauty and fashion. I mean really, who doesn’t know someone who at some point bought something because it was on SATC? I’ve already written about Mad Men and Gossip Girl style fashion, but what I’m really getting to is the idea of a movie truly becoming a brand…
Enter Twilight Beauty. You can now pre-order products that will give you a shimmering glow like Edward or get a “just bitten” lip stain look. Seriously. The line officially launches in conjunction with the release of New Moon (November 20th) but I’m sure there are thousands of females who aren’t going to wait that long. My Twilight Beauty pick? Twilight Venom ($16, and yes, venom as in DuWop) – it’s “a shimmering crimson lip stain suspended in a venom-laced lip conditioner with an intensely potent bite.” Yum.
Also pictured are: Moonshadows Eyeshadow in Snowstorm, and Honey/Wine ($20) / Mortal Glow Blushing Creme in Swoon ($22) / Labyrinth Loose Shadow in Myth and Dusk ($9)
Filed under: blazers, dresses, suit | Tags: Ann Taylor, blazer, dress, lbd, suit, Warren Buffett
You’ve probably already heard about/seen the stylish re-branding of Ann Taylor that hit stores in time for fall shopping. But just in case… new Senior Vice President of Design, Lisa Axelson (formerly behind the designs at Club Monaco), has delivered a chic fall lineup that’s still work appropriate but in a much better way (no more boxy suits or shapeless tea-length skirts, thankfully). But what you may not know is Ann Taylor’s stock is up 90% since being added to the “Americas Buy” list on July 22 according to Goldman Sachs analyst Michelle Tan (Crain’s New York). The stylish finance nerd in me is excited to see what happens next… will the new Ann Taylor continue to shock and awe, or is this simply a momentary (albeit, noteworthy) glimpse at what might be a worthwhile investment? While Ann Taylor’s not usually part of my fashion portfolio, I’ve got my eye on these potential additions:
Textured Sleeve Sweater Dress ($155)
I love the detailing on the sleeves and I’m pretty sure I wore last year’s black sweater dress to death… It’s an easily justifiable purchase – seamlessly goes from day-to-night and the accessory options are endless.
Bisto Jacket ($260), Houndstooth Tweed Skirt ($120)
I can’t stand boring (read plain, black) suits, but this look definitely has some character – the styling is great and the shorter length on the skirt really works for my vertically challenged stature.
Petite Kate Wool Two-Button Jacket ($230)
Because I’m kinda going through a “I’m gonna wear a boyfriend blazer over everything” phase… I’m a fan of the pinstripe lining on this dark charcoal number and the fact that it comes in petite sizes!
In other fashion meets finance news, already legendary Warren Buffett, Berkshire Hathaway’s chairman and chief executive, recently gave props to the relatively unknown menswear label Trands (of the Dayang Group) appearing in a promotional video on the company’s website on September 10th… and of course their stock’s up more than 70% since then (WSJ). Buffett claims he went 78 years without getting a compliment on his appearance (until he started wearing Tands suits, of course) but currently has no ownership in the the company. Buffett’s been called the “Oracle of Oklahoma” but could he be an oracle of style?
I just stumbled upon this hanky and had to share… It’s a graph of the Dow from 2004 – 2009 on a hanky – the best part is – for another $95 they’ll embroider your portfolio performance on a hanky too. Ok, its 5pm on a Friday, I’ll stop being entirely too nerdy now. Have a Wonderfelle weekend!
Filed under: Uncategorized
Hellllo my Wonderfelle readers! Since I’ve started this blog I’ve gotten some great feedback about what yall might want to see, so one of the things I’m doing is adding an “Ask Wonderfelle” section. Have a fashion dilemma/ want shopping advice/ looking for the perfect whatever-it-is and don’t feel like spending hours searching for it? Send me an email at wonderfelle@gmail.com and I’ll do more than just give you an answer – I’ll give you an in depth, comprehensive analysis that hopefully leads you to make the right investment decision. For me it’s not about selling a product or making a commission, its about giving you the unbiased (well, maybe slightly biased) information you need to look and feel fabulous. Check out my first Wonderfelle response in the Ask Wonderfelle section here.
Filed under: Shoes, Studs, Vest, bags, dresses, heels, necklace, polyvore, skirts | Tags: bags, denim, dress, fur, heels, polyvore, skirts, Studs
The weather in DC tonight was absolutely perfect for a little stroll after a long and deliciously satisfying anniversary dinner with Z 
Now it’s time for some quality Bravo TV, and I’m back to analyzing Elle magazine’s investment picks for fall. If you missed part I, check it out here.
Elle’s Pick: Bebe Rhinestone & Fabric Necklace (at left, $49)
Wonderfelle’s Evaluation: Is it just me or does this statement necklace look a little cheap? If you’re going to wear something this big and bold, it should really be beautiful too. I’m a little bit obsessed with Assad Mounser’s statement necklaces like the Regal Necklace in Gunmetal ($425), and of course I’ve already mentioned more than once that I love Alexis Bittar’s work and the Extra Large Gunmetal Silver Black Cage Shell Pearl 3 Strand number ($545) is no exception.
Elle’s Pick: Proenza Schouler Studded Ankle Boot (at right, $1,055)
Wonderfelle’s Evaluation:I’m actually in search of the perfect studded ankle boots, but it seems like all of the options I’m drooling over are currently not in my budget. However, if I were to spend over $1000 on some studded kicks, they would definitely be fiercer than the Proenza Schouler pair (a little too Doc Marten-goes-to-the-disco for my taste). The other options aren’t exactly perfect, but they are, without a doubt, better looking and less expensive: Panthea Studded Suede Cuff Bootie ($380), Betty Jackson Studded Ankle Boot ($417), French Connection Layla Boot ($212).
Elle’s Pick: Acne Who Denim Strapless Dress (at right, $790 at my-wardrobe)
Wonderfelle’s Evaluation: I live, almost exclusively, in dresses and I rarely ever wear jeans (perhaps the result of 15 years at an all-girls school and a dress code…), yet for some reason the idea of a denim dress doesn’t sit well with me. Not to mention, paying almost $800 for said dress (with an unflattering hip panel?), actually makes my stomach hurt a little. At least the Current/Elliot Cotton-Blend Denim Dress ($228) has a little more of a hipster cool vibe and the Lanvin Denim Bustier Dress ($399) is a darker denim and has a more tailored silhouette.
Elle’s Pick: Malene Birger Cornflower Blue Joseph Deco Flower Top (center, $248 at my-wardrobe)
Wonderfelle’s Evaluation:There’s something subtly appealing about a silky, draped ruffle blouse, and I must agree that the Malene Birger option transitions extremely well from summer to fall and the floral detail is quite lovely. For the gals on a budget, the Miss Selfridge Lilac Trapeze Bow Detail Cami ($41) is a delightful option, while the Stella McCartney Silk Draped Top($615) has that waist-cinching shape that’s oh-so-appealing.
Elle’s Pick: Forever 21 Cage Peep-Toe Pump ($21, No longer available online)
Wonderfelle’s Evaluation:After spending a bit of time looking at other caged bootie options, my feet are almost begging to be locked up in a pair. I get that the Forever 21 pair is almost painfully affordable but I’m guessing the quality will be painfully not worth the investment. While I’m not recommending the YSL cage boots (that are practically iconic and completely impractical), I would advise getting a little more for your money and maybe trying the N.Y.L.A Isabel Bootie ($110) or surprisingly even the Steve Madden Caged Pump ($130).
Elle’s Pick: Jimmy Choo Small Sky Patent Leopard Shoulder Bag(at right, $909 at luisaroma)
Wonderfelle’s Evaluation: Generally speaking, I’m an advocate of a quality bag as an investment piece, but personally, if I were dropping a grand on a bag I’d look for something a little less… green. (isn’t this about versatility?) If you’re going to go the animal print route and aren’t actually investing in the exotic skin, don’t waste your money. For a similar feel, try: Aldo VASIA Bag ($15), Fiorele Snake Bag($98) or Melie Bianco Snake Bag ($80, no longer available online).
Elle’s Pick: Lanvin Tiered T-Shirt Dress(at left, $1,049 at kirnazabete)
Wonderfelle’s Evaluation: The tiered Lanvin dress gives an interesting twist to the t-shirt dress, but I’m not sure that interesting = versatile or practical. Two options that are considerably more wearable (not to mention half the price) are Gilles Dufour Two Tone Knit Dress ($596) and Lanvin’s Tulle T-Shirt Dress ($531).
Elle’s Pick: Nine West Zelman Ankle Boot (center, $119)
Wonderfelle’s Evaluation: I’m defaulting to the style bible on this one because honestly, I’m not a leopard lover in general. $119 seems like a fair price for the investment, but the Charles by Charles David Women’s Saturn Bootie(on sale for $78) is a worthy haircalf version, while the Christian Louboutin Leopard Lined Charme Suede Ankle Boots ($923) is polished luxe at its best.
Elle’s Pick: BCBG Bandage Graduated High Waisted Skirt (center, $210 at my-wardrobe)
Wonderfelle’s Evaluation: A curve-hugging bandage skirt is a worthy investment piece, and the BCBG number is definitely versatile enough to warrant it’s price… but if you’re timid about the more fitted silhouette, you might be more inclined to try the Dorothy Perkins Black Bandage Skirt ($33). If you’re willing to make a more significant investment, the American Retro Panel Leather Suede Mini Skirt ($547) is like luxury wrapped around your legs.
Elle’s Pick: RIKA Tanya Vest(right, $1055 from La Garconne)
Wonderfelle’s Evaluation: Faux fur’s not just for PETA fanatics, it’s also the more practical way to look like a ski bunny and still afford tix to the ski lift too. The Forever 21 Belted Faux Fur Vest ($28) or Topshop Faux Fur Gilet ($98) won’t make you regret indulging in the trend, but if you want to stick to real fur, Antik Batik’s Hima Mongolian Vest ($665) is at least a more affordable option (plus I’m a big fan of the ribbon detailing at the waistline).
By no means do I want to be irreverent to the style bible that is Elle magazine, but I recently came across a piece on Day to Night Styling that really made me take issue with some of the fall tenants of style that they seemed to be preaching. Perhaps what originally grabbed my attention was the byline, “Get the most from your fall investments with these versatile pieces” – after all, this is where finance meets fashion, right? In analysis of Elle’s proposed investments, I found that while I agreed with the diversification of options, I had a hard time accepting that some of them were truly worth the investment. So over the next couple of posts, I’m presenting my Wonderfelle evaluation of these 20 investment pieces – what’s undervalued, what’s overvalued, and what’s priced just right – and like any good fashion advisor, I’m giving you other options to consider.
Elle’s Pick: 3.1 Phillip Lim Sequined Silk T-Shirt (at right, $525 at net-a-porter)
Wonderfelle’s Evaluation: I’m not afraid of sequins but I’m certainly not going to wear them often enough to justify this investment. For a less disco-ball inspired look, try the Calypso St. Barth Sequin Jersey Tank ($150) or go all out in sparkles with the Antik Batik Sequin Chiffon T-shirt ($246) and have more money left to spend on cocktails.
Elle’s Pick: Milly Lamé Silk-Blend Dress (center, $415 at net-a-porter)
Wonderfelle’s Evaluation: A metallic dress that works for both day and night definitely has to be right on target (too revealing and it’s clubwear, not form fitting enough and it’s a metallic mess). The Milly dress is pretty much on point, but the DVF Gold Lame Kaftan Dress ($242) has a more airy feel and is lighter on your wallet, while the Michael Kors Metallic Bateau Tunic ($648) is a more timeless, structured look.
Elle’s Pick: American Eagle Cotton Fleece Jacket (at left, $90)
Wonderfelle’s Evaluation: To be honest I’m not sure why you would invest in a motorcycle jacket that’s not leather. It’s a great wardrobe staple and should last you for years, so quality is important and worth paying a higher price. I like Topshop’s Leather Mix Biker Jacket ($204) but I’m really loving All Saints Mohan Leather Jacket ($645).
Elle’s Pick: Luella Layered Polka-Dot Dress (at right, $915 at mytheresa)
Wonderfelle’s Evaluation: The Luella dress is a stunning mix of girlish whimsy and rocker edge (Jenny Humphrey meets Taylor Momsen?) but my fiscal diet prevents me from being able to stomach the price. These other options easily transition from day to night and combine feminine details like draping and ruffles with leather and exposed zippers: Proenza Schouler Leather Bustier Downtown Dress ($584), Helmut Lang Sleeveless Twill Dress ($470),
Bamford Silk Embellished Tank Dress ($599).
Elle’s Pick: Milly Ruched Wool-Blend Pencil Skirt (center, $339 at mytheresa)
Wonderfelle’s Evaluation: I like the idea of a pencil skirt that looks equally chic with a button-down or a more revealing night-out top, but the Milly option leaves me wanting more. For a more versatile look I’d pick a black version – the Warehouse Zip Detail Ponti Roma Skirt ($74) gets the job done at a great price, while the Phi Paneled Silk Miniskirt ($1,195) is seriously just perfection.
Elle’s Pick: DKNY Jersey Wrap Jumpsuit (at right, $375 at net-a-porter)
Wonderfelle’s Evaluation: If you’re going to try to pull off a jumpsuit, you better know what you’re doing because the look can go so wrong, so fast. Stick to darker, neutral colors and look for details that accentuate your waistline. With that said, I think the DKNY version is overvalued and would look to these other options to get the look: Warehouse Jumpsuit ($131), Tibi Ny Silk Jumpsuit with Belt ($150), Miss Selfridge Black Sleeveless Jumpsuit ($90).
Elle’s Pick: Jason Wu Cropped Tweed Jacket (at right, $2,530 at net-a-porter)
Wonderfelle’s Evaluation: Oh Jason Wu, I love you, but this price is more than a little hard to swallow for a tweed blazer when there are so many more affordable options. The Phase Eight Tweed Jacket ($229) has lovely ladylike details, while the Precis Petite Evita Tweed Jacket ($260) has a more traditional structure, and the Red Valentino Cropped Tweed Jacket with Bow ($929) is just delightful (because as you may know, I love bows).
Elle’s Pick: DVF Wool-Blend Dress (center, $425 at net-a-porter)
Wonderfelle’s Evaluation: A simple sheath is the easiest way to go from day to night with minimal effort, and the DVF number is a great color for fall and fitted in all the right places. I think Elle’s right on point with this one, so I’m just offering other simple sheaths at different price points to demonstrate that you can look chic on any budget: New Look Pleated Shift Dress ($33), Moschino Cheap and Chic Ruffle-Front Crepe Dress ($695).
Elle’s Pick: Philippe Audibert Gold-Plated Elastic Bracelet (at right, $190 at net-a-porter)
Wonderfelle’s Evaluation: When it comes to jewelry, save your money for investments that are solid metals and not just gold-plated. Get similar looks for a mere fraction of the price with these options: Peacocks Gold Stud Bracelet ($8), Monsoon Chunky Wide Link Cuff ($26), Glamorous Stretch Bracelet ($8).
Elle’s Pick: Balmain Leather-and-Chain Belt (at right, $770 at kirna zabete)
Wonderfelle’s Evaluation: I really just don’t get spending $770 on a belt unless its made of gold and semi-precious stones and in that case I’d probably still spend my money on something else. I agree the right belt can completely change a look, but I think these alternatives would do just fine: Asos Skinny Chain Detail Belt ($18), Dorothy Perkins Black/Gold Chunky Waist Belt ($20), Miss Selfridge 4 Strand Chain Strand Belt ($29), Givenchy Chain Belt ($585 – if you really need a label, at least this one’s on sale).
Filed under: Shoes, bags, dresses, hoodie, necklace | Tags: Eco-friendly Fashion, NYFW, vegan leather
Who knew Ashley Dupré is a runway model now? More importantly, who really cares?! (but good for her) Well it seems that Bahar Shahpar may have done something right, because I didn’t know anything about this Brooklyn-based designer until I saw this post on nymag.com’s the Cut blog about Dupré’s runway debut. Of course I proceeded to google the designer and discovered her sustainable designs are actually pretty cute. I’ll admit I’m not particularly well versed in eco-friendly style (I have 2 oversized vegan bags, those count… right?), but apparently socially responsible fashion is just as trendy as socially responsible investing. So I took some time to find some things that were super cute and eco-friendly too… because sustainability and style shouldn’t be mutually exclusive. So check it:
Bourgeois Boheme BoBo Isis Bootie ($145)
These vegan patent booties are a great fall staple and would look just lovely with skirts or skinny jeans (not sure what’s up with these tights though?)
Stewart + Brown Drape Dress ($174)
I love the bright blueberry color on this classic slinky dress and it’s made from hemp (for my sis B, this would look perfect on you!)
Black Soiree Necklace from Blue Moon ($32)
Really great eco-friendly and fair trade finds at worldofgood.ebay.com like this statement necklace made from faux pearls and beads.
Envi Miro Jacket ($268)
In case you haven’t noticed, I’ve definitely had fall weather on my mind… and this looks seriously comfy – the hood unzips too!
Hoakon/Helga RAVINE Upcycled Blue Leather Bag ($90)
This great day bag was made by Andi of Hoakon/Helga (found on Etsy!) using high quality leather jackets found at thrift stores.
Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you’ve probably noticed the whole slew of designers doing collaborations with mass retailers to create more affordable lines (Lela Rose, Alice + Olivia, and Christian Siriano for Payless, I Heart Ronson and Nicole by Nicole Miller for JCPenny, RACHEL Rachel Roy for Macy’s, etc). In general, I think this is pretty great, but I’m not going to go out and buy a $345 over-the-knee boot just because Jimmy Choo’s designing shoes for H&M. I got into a pretty interesting discussion with a friend regarding designers’ reasons behind launching lower priced lines – yes, the obvious reason is to appeal to a wider range of people, but it seems like most of these lower priced lines have launched in response to the economic crisis. Would there be as many lower-priced designer lines if more people were still willing to buy the regular designer lines? Does a lower-priced line mean sacrificing design quality as well as material quality? Does that mean the brand is more important than the designs or vice versa? What do you think?
I was pretty excited for Anna Sui for Target’s Gossip Girl inspired collection (um, season 3, so great already!) – until I really saw the dresses at the pop-up store fashion week launch, and I was considerably underwhelmed… Serena’s outfits aren’t provocative enough, Blair’s outfits are too school-girl and lack the subtle maturity of her style, Vanessa’s outfits are all orange (why???), and Jenny’s outfits just seem confused. This realization lead to my own search for gossip girl looks for less inspired by some of Blair’s outfits from the season 3 – not gonna lie, I could live very happily in her closet. Costume designer Eric Daman notes in this video that as Blair transitions into college, her style becomes more structured, with architectural detailing and a sense of refinement (but she’s keeping the headbands).
Alice + Olivia Belted Floral Dress ($308)
MINKPINK Shannon Dress in Floral ($99)
Burberry Belted Brocade Dress ($2,595)
See by Chloe Metallic Shift Dress ($105)
Victoria Beckham Briseux Silk Mini Dress ($1,795)
Searle. Fitted V Neck Pleated Dress ($298)
Victoria Beckham Carmontelle Dress ($Inquire)
Alice + Olivia Multi Gather Peplum Dress ($440)
Filed under: Coat, Vest, bags, hoodie, jackets | Tags: Fashion Night Out, fur, leather, Muleh, NYFW, Redeem
The other night Z and I checked out the Fashion’s Night Out festivities in our neighborhood because what better way to spend a night stimulating the economy than while having free wine, champagne, and hors d’oeuvres! First of all, I love, love, love my neighborhood – I really wouldn’t want to live anywhere else in DC. Besides having all the essentials (Whole Foods, CVS, 711, Starbucks, dry cleaners, liquor store…) within a block of my front door, there are also a number of yummy restaurants and boutiques that give it character. First stop was Redeem, a great little store filled with clothing and accessories characterized by “elegance mixed with grit – a touch of royalty and a tinge of rock star swagger.” We perused the store over a couple of glasses of red wine and came across the following:
Gentle Fawn Hepburn Coat ($189)
I immediately fell in love with this ¾ length gray wool coat with white contrast piping that they just got in. It doesn’t look like it’s available on their site yet, but I tracked it down on Chosen Stock.
George Gina & Lucy Nouvelle Gardine Bag ($225)
At first I wasn’t sure how I felt about this German line of bags, but the utilitarian aesthetic combined with the signature carabiner definitely grew on me. They have a ton of zippered pockets and are functional yet stylish at the same time.
Apolis Activism Noman Pullover ($219)
This one’s for the guys, but I wouldn’t hesitate to get it in an extra small and wear it myself. Very “urban casual” and it’s a super soft summer knit/cashmere blend with great front and elbow patch detailing.
A bit further down the street, past other delightful stores like rue 14 (which just got in this adorable Free People Military Ruffle Jacket) and go mama go! (one of the best places to get unique gifts and interesting home goods), we spent most of the night at Muléh. I have serious, serious lifestyle lust every time I walk in this place. Muléh (meaning “to come home” in Javanese) is part modern interiors and part designer apparel –so it’s like being invited into someone’s gorgeous living space that is a truly harmonious blend of southeast-Asian organic simplicity and urban luxury… and then being able to shop in their closet (filled with an eclectic mix of pieces hand-picked from some of the world’s best designers, of course)! I might have to post in more detail about this place at a later date, because it’s seriously stylegasmic. So I drooled (almost literally) over this really, really perfect lightweight black cardi-wrap-like open tunic with leather detailing from A Common Thread that I now feel like I can’t like without, and of course now can’t find anyyyywhere online to share with you. Some other things I fell in love with that I did find online (for those of you not lucky enough to visit Muléh in person) are:
A Common thread Reversible Faux Fur Vest ($294 at Bloomingdales)
I’ve all but completely convinced myself that I NEED a faux fur vest right about now and I’m kinda obsessed with this reversible version. Plus the crossed back makes the look less bulky which is usually what worries me about the whole fuzzy vest look. (On a related note, in case you haven’t heard, Rachel Zoe’s faux fur vests are available already on waitlist at QVC now!)
Rozae by Rozae Nichols Black Leather and Knit Jacket ($582 at Bloomingdales)
I actually spotted an adorable Muléh employee wearing this one and she showed my how it wearing it open and completely zipped up were two completely different yet really chic looks. I’m currently calculating the P/E of this purchase in my head right now… analysis is looking good.
Anyway, I’m currently feeling under the weather and experiencing NYFW from bed through all the bloggers on Inside the Tents – which is pretty amazing in terms of getting minute by minute coverage of the shows. This is really the first time I’ve sorta been in awe of the whole Twitter concept – I’m guilty of pretty much just using it to follow celebs, a few friends, and food (@SweetflowMobile, @fojolbros) – but thanks to all the bloggers tweets/pics it’s almost like being there…
