DUFRY = No Sales Tax!

Just got back from Puerto Rico...  I did some DAMAGE at DUFRY in El Aeropuerto.  Chanel No 5 tax free?  After smelling a leaf in the El Yunque Rain Forest that is a main ingredient in the stuff, I felt that it was a sign. Sigh.... I'm proud to stimulate the American economy!

Detachable Collars-glam up your look without bulky layers

Detachable collars are a brilliant way to dress up a drab sweater, or add a touch of crisp polish to a little black dress.  These practical, space-saving accessories can create endless wardrobe possibilities.  You don't even have to cut up a perfectly good shirt to make your own.  Just follow this great tutorial from ecouterre!

I want to make some beaded numbers to be a funky alternative to necklaces.  Here's some inspiration to create your own collar sensation.  Courtesy of B for Bel.

Heck yes!

Binge Shopping: when in doubt, shop it out

When I get stressed, I shop.  Luckily, I work next to an Old Navy, greatly limiting my damage factor.  If you are like me and like to relieve stress by shopping instead of binge eating, working out, drinking, or any other tride and true technique, you may actually want to swing into Old Navy soon.

The sweater selection is exquisite.  Sophisticated styles with looks for everyone and great design details.  Soft cotton machine-washable yarns to boot! 

In the store near Penn Station, they expanded their jewelry and nick nack sections.  They have some great throw-back candy that reminds me of sleepaway camp.  Space ice cream sandwiches anyone?

Tis the season to go shopping.

School Spirit! You Otto check this out!

Victoria's Secret has REALLY outdone themselves.  Tired of that scratchy college t-shirt?  Hit up the PINK section of your local Victoria's Secret store and prepare to be floored.  Bedazzled hoodies, foil printed yoga pants, and logo underwear are just some of the goodies you can expect to nab.  When visiting Syracuse this past weekend, my alma mater, I scored some sweet items.

Visit Vicky's online to find your school and show your school spirit in the most stylish of ways.

Sandra Baquero's Convertible Wrap Dress/Cape! Will wonders never cease?

While taking a leisurely stroll through the aromatic halls of the gourmet mecca that is the Chelsea Market, my sister and I stumbled upon an Independent Designer Pop Up Shop.  

There was a charming assortment of jewelry, clothing and soaps.  However, I was instantly drawn to a curious booth at the back corner, where Sandra Baquero was demonstrating her versatile one-size-fits-most Sleeveless Convertible Wrap Dresses.

These garments are:

Reversible!

Convertible!

Layer-able!

Light-weight!

Wrinkle-free!

Nylon blended to keep in warmth!

Perfect for travel!

Cape? Dress? Hood? Sleeves?  Just add a belt for instant outfit!  What variety! What value! 

 Click here to see her website's video for more styling ideas!

 

Water for Elephants Costume Designer- Jacqueline West- I'm obsessed

After reading Water for Elephants, a romantic, vivid story of a circus in 1931, I was enthralled by the gruesome glamour.  I finally saw the movie last night, and it was as beautiful and tragic as I had imagined it to be.  The costumes were dead on.  Jacqueline West's portrayal of the 1930's is breathtaking.  From the costumes of the "rubes" to the grand dresses made for Reese Witherspoon's character, Marlena, the characters' glamour and authenticity oozes off the screen.

Its no wonder that Jacqueline West has been nominated for Oscars for her costume design work, which ranges from The Curious Case of Benjamin Button to The Social Network.  Through years of experience, she has cultivated a network of sources of inspiration and an expertise for telling a story through clothing. She is truly my role model.  Two great articles about her are in WWD.com and Australian Vogue.

Just take a gander at all of her work.  And if you love clothing, watch Water for Elephants.

Reversible Tights? Its time to Love Your Assets!

My co-workers are an endless source of inspiration to me.  Krystal is practically a co-contributer to my blog.  She has brought several great concepts to my attention, from Rent the Runway, a site in which you can rent designer clothes for special events, to doggie fashion design books.

This time, however, she has struck gold!  Spanx has a new line of products called Love Your ASSETS. Soo cutesy/ clever. Their stand-out product is reversible tights!  For $18.00, you can purchase a super durable pair of tights with built in shapewear. Double the value since you turn it inside out to get a second colorway!  What a steal/ great space saver!  Cute packaging to boot!

  

I hope they come out with some funky colors and patterns!  Wouldn't it be cool if it was hot purple or shiny on one side?  Are you reading this Spanx? I'm telling you, there's so much potential!

Try to give me the "Slip"? Nuthin' comes between me and my Calvin's!

Be wary of dresses that come with slips.  Wassup with the slips being a size smaller than the dress and not having stretch?  

Luckily, Calvin Klein comes to the rescue with: Naked Glamour Convertible Full Slip

This slip is made of a lightweight stretchy fabric.  I like that it has some drape to it to give a gal breathing room.  No one wants to feel like a stuffed sausage.  This particular model is so popular, I searched 5 sites before I found a vendor with stock.  Surprisingly, Net-a-Porter, a high end designer clothing site, had just what I needed.  As for the rest of their merch, well its nice to look at.

Now I can finally wear all those new dresses sitting in my closet!