Wierdo with a Beardo

This beard and mustache trend just won't quit.  Here's two ridiculously awesome items from Beardo on Fab.com:

"the Beardo bearded beanie was created to keep your head and face warm under the coldest conditions without making you look like a bank robber"

These are some smart dudes.  They also invented a mustache that sits atop your beer bottle, so you can drink in gentlemanly style without the actual mustache commitment.  BeerMo 6 pack is just $6.95

Fun for the whole family:

Circle Scarf- its a style no-brainer

Ah-mah-zing concept for those who are "scarf styling impaired."  All you do is throw it on like a soft knit necklace.  What a great accessory!

I like the way Chictopia styled this circle scarf look:

American Apparel takes it about 20 steps further with a convertible circle scarf than can be worn in a mind-boggling number of ways (from eyecandybuycandy):

The real question is: how will you wear it? 

Pleats Please!

My co-workers are an endless source of inspiration to me that is difficult to dePLEAT. 

Speaking of pleats, oh are they back in a big way! Stacey wears a sleek and understated jersey dress with tailored pleats at the waist.  The pleats nip in at the waist in a very flattering manner and the a-line skirt balances out the proportion nicely.  This style would flatter anyone looking to define their waist or to add more curve to their shape.  Stacey paired the dress with a scarf to add a layer of print and color interest.  

Stacey got her dress at H&M, but their website does not show it, so I snooped online to find other pleated dresses.  I use Shopstyle.com because it is an amazing fashion search engine where you type in a type of garment, and it brings up various choices across the internet with direct links to where to buy online.  It searches for various price ranges, so no matter what your budget, you can get the look you crave!

  This Bailey 44 one is a little pricey but when it goes on sale, I'm so there!

This Camilla and Marc pleated dress from ASOS is a super splurge, but its drool-worthy at any rate.  I hope someone knocks it off soon.

Wowser Trouser: Milituxedo Pants!

My co-worker Natalie is best-dressed on a daily basis, but today's pants stole the show:

A combo of military (gold snaps), tuxedo (piping at side seams) and pleated slouchy trouser goodness, these pants just work so so well.

Natalie wisely paired her pants with a plain black tee and a smartly tailored fitted blazer.  She topped it off with some nice Chanel ice.

Now how to replicate this look? 

Although Natalie's pants are unique, you can pick up a pair of pleated trousers at Forever 21 for $19.80 

To punch up this less decorative pant, add a cropped blazer in poppin' Papaya ($49.95 at H&M)

Then Bling it On with this multi-strand sparkly necklace ($9.50 at Charlotte Russe)

Shop Toko: Emerging Designers merchandise

A fashionable acquaintance told me about a website called "Shop Toko."  This is an online store for emerging designers merchandise.

I checked out the site and found an assortment of accessories, clothing and home goods for men and women.  Very unique things, but what was most astonishing is that my friend Rachel Sax was on the site! her Nona E. Rose belts are e-tailing there right now.  You go girl!

And now that I know this site is legit, I will be browsing it frequently.

Like right NOW:
Kind of obsessed with these drapey knits from BHON:

RCRD LBL: free music downloads

Was reading Nylon mag's blog and stumbled across a free download of a remixed Florence and the Machines song.  I clicked the link and it took me to RCRD LBL.com.  Took 30 seconds to sign up for free downloads, and another 10 seconds to download this sweet new song.  Check it out and also see many other fun new free songs to download.

Sale: Denim Habit

Denim Habit is a store that quietly replaced National Jean Company's presence in Murray Hill.  I have not checked them out yet, but this "Cure For The Winter Blues Sale" flyer I received in the mail is clever and enticing.

20%-30% off? Worth a look.  Check it out and let me know if you find anything awesome.

Style File: Rooney Mara

On screen, Rooney Mara plays Lisbeth Salander in the American re-make of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo.  Her piercings, severe haircut and punk styling could make most people look lost underneath all of the layers, but Rooney carries herself with such confidence that she shines through and her accessories only act to add strength to her armor.

Off the screen, Rooney is a smash hit at award shows. Here are pics of my favorite looks she has worn so far.  Can't wait to see what she wears to 

the Oscars!

How can you not be romantic about denim?

Taking a cue from Brad Pitt's character in Moneyball who described baseball with a romantic flair, I have fallen in love... with denim.

If you are still reading this, indulge me.  Denim fabric is unique because color purposely fades as you wear it.  Your natural wear creates patterns over time that are signature to your lifestyle.  Denim truly becomes a part of your essence.

By purchasing a pair of dark, untreated denim jeans and wearing them over time, you can create a wash that would make designer denim brands weep with pride and bow in envy.

A site called Denimarchive.com allows users to upload photos of their worn in denims, describing how many washings and duration of wearing that it took to achieve the look.  This one is pretty:

Iron Heart- IH-301s. Washed Never. Worn 10 months.

But don't take my word for it.  Watch "For the Love of Denim," a short video narrated by Donwan Harell, founder and designer of denim brand: PRPS. (posted on denimology.com)

GREEN with envy over Emma Stone

Emma Stone is absolutely fabulous.  She is a hilarious actress with great comedic timing.  She is also a chameleon.  Her fashion choices seem to change as often as her mood and hair color, but whether blonde, brunette, or as a redhead, her looks are almost always hits.

Emma has been photographed at two recent events looking stunning in green.  Keep it up girl!

Shop Brandymelvilleusa.com

My favorite brand is now available for purchase online. Brandymelvilleusa.com

Shop this brand. You won't be sorry.  These ultra soft, drapey, oversized knit tops are so versatile! The prices will make your heart sing. Style them to suit your personality.

My picks:


Nikki Top ($19.00)

Anita Top ($27.00)

Cameron Skirt ($26.00)

Anita Sweater ($32.00)

Coachella- Wish I could be a California girl

Coachella Music Festival.  Oh how I want to go.  Cali + fashion + music = life changing music experience (Woodstock of this generation)  Was looking the sick video on their website from last year. Can't wait to see what this year will hold.  The looks alone are so entertaining and inspiring.  Here are some great ones:

Scent-sational! Soap and Paper Factory candles!

At the Grand Central Station Holiday Market, I visited the Soap and Paper Factory booth.  Unlike many cheesy holiday candle booths,  this shop sold sophisticated candles/ soaps/ and lotions that smelled delicious and were decorated beautifully.  All items are made locally in New York with natural ingredients and earth-friendly packaging, and of course, can be purchased online.

The floral collection featured hand-drawn wall-paperesque packaging designs.
My two favorite scents were Gardenia and Jasmine. I purchased a candle of each scent, and I burn them at the same time for a sultry and fresh custom blend. Other products in the "collection" include solid perfume, hand cream, room diffusers, room spray and shea butter soaps.

The most intriguing products were of the Patch NYC collection.  "A vintage-inspired collection of artisan scented soy candles crafted by hand."

The scents come in names such as Fedora and Pipe.  The saleswoman recommended to burn these two together.  Combining witty wordplay with seductive scents- how can you lose?

Fedora: (citrus, vetiver, nutmeg, patchouli) circa 1920's debonair gent strolling the countryside, a most stylish fragrance

Pipe: (vanilla, bourbon, cognac, tobacco & patchouli) soft and mellow like a worn leather chair, smooth as a snifter of brandy

Candles are $36.00 and burn for 75 hours. Completely justified splurge to turn your home into an exotic land of scentsations...

Nike Dunks: Super Femme: Sparkle, Print and Pop!

Nike Dunks that sparkle...because sneakers can be dressy, and glitz doesn't end when the holidays do!

Can't wait to wear them! 

And for the more ambitious baller, here's some more sweet kicks:

These remind me of candy necklaces.

These have a Saved by the Bell feel:

If you are getting inspired, create your own using Nike Id:

Little Miss Matched- rock your socks

Socks mismatch on purpose. What the? Saweeettt!  Little Miss Matched is your source for funky socks that miss match on purpose.  Suddenly, you don't have to blame the dryer.  Just rock your socks with pride!

Come one, come all and socksperiment today!

Tights of Fancy at Charlotte Russe

My stylish co-worker, Laura, was wearing awesome tights today: sheer with metallic silver stars embroidered in.  When I asked where she got em, she said Charlotte Russe.

Since tights don't last more than a few wears anyway, why not drop $7.50 on a stunningly unique pair that is sure to turn heads?

These are my faves that are available online:

Kiss Print

Paisley Crochet

Zig Zag