So, I feel like my face has been smacked with a 2 x 4 and I have officially run out of Vicodin. Please, all gods whether you consider yourself real or mythological let my dentist approve my refill.
My computer also had an accident and it looks like the monitor is about to break off. So, I am so not a happy camper right now. Like, I am even ignoring my dog because I seriously do not want to be bothered.
I do, however, have a question for you guys. I have to buy a new pair of knock-a-round shoes since my cat vomited on and ruined my favorite pair. (Seriously, what is up with my luck lately?) It is between a pair of Keds and Toms Shoes this time.
I normally do not wear sneakers. You all know that, but my feet have been killing me since I fell in that pot hole. They need a bit more support, so I have been seeking out sneakers that fit my long list of requirements. These ones somehow managed that. Now, how in the hell am I going to chose between them?
Keds - Champion Spectator ($60.00): I have a serious soft spot for Keds. I always will until the end of time or I die, whichever comes first. (I'm keeping my fingers crossed on the whole immortality thing via cyborg technology.) My grandmother loved them and wore them all the time when I was young. So, I mean how could I not be a little in love with the brand as well?
The shoes themselves are pretty interesting as they are a hybrid of an Oxford and a Ked. I love the leather accents, but cannot decide whether to go with black or red. I think the black ones look better, but the red ones are more interesting?
Toms - Aira Women's Cordones ($79.00): The reason I love this brand is that it all started with trying to find a way to put shoes the feet of the underprivileged. It works like this: the price of one shoe pays for the construction of two. Simple and effective - right?
I have, unfortunately, never really been a fan of their actual shoes. What can I say? I'm not a fan of the Espadrille. They have though recently introduced a style that has caught my eye - the Cordones. My favorite being the Aira Women's Cordones as I love the way the leather accents offset the shoe.
Trouble is I cannot for the life of me decide between the two styles. Also, I need shoes now! Well, not exactly at this moment as I've been home bound due to my extraction. I need them more so for when I heal up and join the human race once again.
Showing posts with label red. Show all posts
Showing posts with label red. Show all posts
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
What to Wear: Couture for the Everyman
Ah the 4th of July sales in NYC. It is the one time of year that the stores are almost empty and yet you can still nab a good deal. Imagine my surprise as well as intense frustration then when I simply could not find anything to buy.
My first and last stop was Bloomingdales. I excitedly headed straight to the plus size section and nothing fit right! The merchandise assortment was all sorts of terrible - even more so than usual. The Amanda Uprichard pieces they had even manged to disappoint. So, I made my way to the "straight" section as I have been able to make it work for me from time to time. Unfortunately, all of the sale items were for the most part in XS - M thus making it a no go. Feeling overall defeated, I decided to give up shopping for the rest of the day.
I was just so worn out by the fact that I can never seem to find something that fits me in a store. Being plus sized makes it hard enough already, and then throwing being short into the mix just makes it damn near impossible. I was wallowing in the fact that mass fashion let me down, until it hit me - why not have something made just for me. Granted I knew there was no way I could afford couture, but you know what I can afford - ETSY!
So, I hopped on the computer and spent the rest of my July 4th browsing Etsy hardcore. Here is a roundup of the best designs I was able to find. All of these items can be tailored to your measurements for the most part (plus or straight), and more likely than not be altered to suit your needs.
1. Sweet Shirt ($79.90) + (2.) Full Circle Skirt ($169.80): I absolutely love this take on Audrey Hepburn's wardrobe in Roman Holiday. It also has a perfect blend of whimsy and maturity which makes it wearable for a breadth of age ranges. The other plus is that this outfit will look amazing on anyone. Be you: short/tall and plus/straight!
3. Tulip Dress ($199.80): Surprise, another retro inspired piece. Yet, it still manages to be modern with the updates made to the silhouette. Even better, this shape is currently trending! Though this dress will still au courant even when the fad is over due to its superior design.
4. Winter Fashion Vest Dress ($179.80): Just to be clear, I believe what is on sale is just the white dress. It is meant to be worn layered, but as this designer is open to alterations I'm sure you can add some short sleeves to this dress. Either way, it is the collar that makes this dress for me. What can I say - I'm a sucker for a dainty collar?
5. Wool Trench Coat ($199.80): If you are in NYC right now, I know the last thing you want to see is a coat. Still, fall is around the corner and down a really loooooooooooooong hallway. Also, even though I think this coat is amazing - I know it may be not for everyone. Those who do like this sort of blend of modern and vintage styling will find it to die for!
6. Grace Flare Dress (Plus Only, $230.00): Personally, I can really can take or leave JIBRI. They are a company that makes plus sized clothing that sometimes does not justify its price point. I am still actually on the fence about this piece, but I just loved the design so much I had to include it. I know it is once again a retro inspired piece, but seriously if the sleeves did not sell you on it I do not know what will.
7. Chelsea Graduation Dress ($118.00) + (8.) Red Lolita Petticoat (Price Not Available): See I do know that colors other than black, grey, white, and beige exist! The blue material is amazing and pairing it with a red petticoat was a brilliant idea. The belt sadly is not included, but I'm sure you could easily find another one.
9. Mandy Dress ($139.00): You know what else I am a sucker for - tulle! The fact that it is on the outside of this dress makes me swoon. Also, I love the ballerina vibe this piece gives off and it is also a super simple as well as elegant in its design. Overall, this is a fun and youthful piece that is a must for my wardrobe at least.
10. Mambo Dress (Straight, Plus; $85.00, $105.00): I may be in love with vintage inspirations, but that does not mean modern design does not spike my interest every now and again. I love the asymmetrical waist and raw hem of this piece. It gives an edge to the piece that is lacking in the category of "laid back" or "casual" fashion.
A word to the wise, do not fudge your measurements if you decide to purchase any of these pieces. It will result in the garment not fitting right, and that is the whole point of this whole endeavor is it not? Your best bet is to visit a seamstress to get a professional fitting, and you can find one in your local area in this national directory. If you prefer to do it yourself (not recommended), BurdaStyle has a great instructional post.
Know any other places to get items tailor made? Or some amazing Etsy designers? Leave it in the comments.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Painted Lady: In Pursuit of Glossy Perfection
Lately, a strange obsession has been creeping up on me. It all started when I began testing out various shades in Sephora to come up with a wet look red lipstick/gloss combo that I liked. I normally skew to more of the lighter shades of pinks when it comes to lip gloss as I am so absurdly pale, but the red look was trending and I wanted in on it.
I kid you not this little adventure made me fall in love with lipsticks/gloss all over again. It was fun discovering what combos worked and when I finally found the right combo it was like a choir of angels began singing. Okay, not really but I deal instantly feel a lot more confident breaking out of the light pink gloss ghetto.
This obsession with the red look, furthermore, has now blossomed into an affection for those stand out colors that people cry out "I love it, but I could never". Today, in fact, I just spent 45 minutes picking out the perfect combo to share with you all in this post in addiction to my famed red wet look. As Mikey said, try it you will like it!
After all, there aren't many obsessions that cap at around $40.00 that do not require rehab down the line.
1. Rouge Dior: Creme De Gloss - Rouge Nectar #845 ($29.75)
2. Dior Kiss: Lip Gloss - Strawberry Smoothie #851 ($21.00)
1. Rouge Dior: Lipstick - Pink Preview #475 ($29.00)
2. Givenchy: Pop Gloss - Pop Rose #403 ($24.50)
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