Low-cut v-neck must have for guys?
uh, sorry Daily Mail, but only if the guy in question wants to look like a D-bag. Cases in point:
Feeling empty? How about a $615 “paper” bag?
I’m not sure why you’d want a leather bag that is “paper thin” and “crinkles” just like a paper bag, but if you do, here’s your chance!
For only $615 — which would buy hundreds of perfectly fine canvas bags (and a bajillion paper ones, you know, if you wanted to go for the authentic paper bag look as opposed to the designer poseur deal) with the same look — you can have Proenza Schouler’s latest offering. BTW, it also comes in black, in case you want the, um, rock’n’roll paper bag look.
If it seems over-priced for an unlined basic, hey, just look at it this way: It has a designer label and an interior pocket.
Such luxury!
Cool Kenneth Cole shirt dress: $58.90
If the weather is getting warmer where you are, then you’re probably thinking about ways to dress a little cooler, a little lighter, while maintaining your dignity (seriously, I have an almost pathological dislike of most floraly, printy summer clothes. Blech).
The first few weeks of spring/summer are the worst in terms of accepting that yes, that muggy feeling isn’t the flu, and that no, your boots, leggings and snug sweaters (or baggy, however you roll) just won’t cut it anymore.
Enter the perfect cross-over dress, like the Kenneth Cole New York number from Nordstrom.com. The price is great (half off!), and if you get cool in the evenings, you can still get away with tights or leggings — even boots.
But on its own, it’s cool, short-sleeved and yet, tailored enough for the warmer days. I also like that it’s a shirt dress that doesn’t make you look like you’re heading out on a safari or something. Kind of a more urban version. Also, check out the detail shot below – sweet, right?
Victoria’s Secret Yoga pants, 2 for $50
I have no idea why they say “NEW!” on the site — they’ve had the item forever — but these Victoria’s Secret yoga pants still rock. And at 2 for $50, well, that’s a good deal (although, it was just a couple of years ago that you could get the same pants at 2 for $40 during their sales, but we’ll let that go).
They have a great fit — quite flattering, given how snug they are (and no, I’m not a toothpick). What I like best about them is the fold-over feature. So, if you want them to sit low, as you probably normally would, then you flip the band down. And then if you end up doing stuff that requires you to bend and maybe you’re not entirely comfortable with flashing your midriff or your panties, then you flip the flap up, creating more of a high-waistdeal. That’s what I do when I’m on the rowing machine — I’m sure no one at the gym needs to see my undies.
One thing to be aware of, though, is that Victoria’s Secret actually taxes their postage. So if they charge you $10 for shipping, for example, they’re charge a tax on top of that. I called and asked why they did that, and the reason was pretty chintzy: “It’s a service, so we can charge you tax on it.” As the sales tax on the product is what’s required by law — as far as I know, no state requires that you charge tax on, say, UPS postage — I’m guessing that they pocket that tax. Lame.
J.Crew military cardi, $89.99
Ah, see, this piece is so perfect for that in-between winter and spring weather. It’s still too cool to go without a jacket, but too warm to slap on a thick wool coat or a down item
I love, love, love the military details, which make it perfect as a topper over jeans or a dress.
It adds structure by virtue of its lines, but remains soft and cozy because, after all, it is a cardigan. It also satisfies any need to check out the military trend that continues into spring without spending an arm and a leg on a designer brand. And yet, it’s a classic enough piece — it should work in your wardrobe for seasons to come.
Marked down from the original $128, this Chevalier cardi is still available in black and in several sizes online at jcrew.com
H&M batwing/sheer sleeved top, ~ $40
Not sure if this looks like much in this photo, but trust me, this top/tunic is ridiculously flattering and yes, a little sexy.
I was somewhat sceptical as I took a couple in different sizes with me into the changing room, but man was I pleasantly surprised when I tried them on. By the way, they run a little large, so go down a size from what you’d usually wear at H&M or similar lines.
The sheer sleeves start at the shoulder, so a hint of bra is seen, but the thing is so perfectly designed that you don’t see much else of the bra (ie, the cups, the back, etc.).
Of course, you could always just wear something under it, if that’s what works for you — nothing chunky though, natch. Note that despite the fact that the photo makes the hem look asymmetrical, it’s not.
The fact that the top is high-necked means you won’t look like you’re trying too hard. Plus, it’s cut so that doesn’t do what other batwing tops do — get way too tight on the hips, which is fine if you have a narrow build, but tragic if you don’t (why have the tightest part of the garment accentuating the widest part of one’s body?).
It’s a pretty sweet top to have for a night out — or a day, depending on what kind of day you’re having — and for the price, well, you can’t beat it.
Generra drape-front skirt, $92.50
I have no idea why they’ve neglected to put a top on this model or why she’s kinda standing like a hooker in those booties, but hey, the skirt, it’s solid.
The ruching means you won’t have to fret going totally wrinkle-free, while the top-stitching makes it look tailored. It reminds me a little of a Nanette Leopore jacket I have. It’s cropped, belted and very similar in fabric and color to this baby. And, unlike its owner, it’s a workhorse.
And at 17 inches long, it’s not that short (unless you have really long legs).
Originally $185 (and available in sizes 0 – 10 at shopbop.com), this skirt can certainly go out for dinner and drinks, but what I like about it is that it’s a very cool alternative to the suit skirt, and a nice go-to piece for work or meetings for which you can’t show up in just anything.
I also like that the waist isn’t all high and fussy, like most suit skirts.
It’s navy and black, which means you can top it up with a jacket — or whatever your work topper of choice is — in those colors, charcoal, red, white, camel, etc.
Plus, the shape is so much more interesting and flattering than the standard pencil or A-line skirt.
Reason to go blind: Lady Gaga driving style trends
Yes, it’s true. The performer, who dresses for stage, not life, is upping sales of “party frocks” at Brit online retailer Asos.
The Guardian reports:
Trends such as Lady Gaga’s “underwear-as-outerwear” and lace party frocks contributed to a 30% rise in sales at Asos, the internet fashion retailer, over Christmas.
Whoa. Sounds like something out of the archives. Or just Madonna’s closet, 1985-1990.
So. This Gaga.
She’s fun to look at on stage.
She might not have a neck, but she can move. And her songs? Good to run to. Or something.
But style icon? This?!?
C’mon. This chicky wears an origami of disco horror and desperation. And a dated combination of the two, at best. Kinda makes me want to stay away from Asos.
New Balance Gym Tote < $25
Don’t even pretend that at some point over the holidays, you didn’t think of starting a new health regimen.
Maybe you’ve got an event coming up and you want to look your slammin’est for it. Or maybe you’re not trying to lose weight, but just want to, oh, live longer and feel better. Whatever.
If your plans include joining a gym — or actually going to the one you joined last year — here’s a little something to get you on the way: A shiny new gym bag to handle all your gear from Endless.com. Because getting motivated to go to the gym — pretty much the dullest place in the world — is hard enough. No sense in making yourself schlep your stuff there in ratty shopping bags (as I’ve seen people do) and what have you.
I dig the retro look of it, plus, it comes in three colors, has pockets on the inside and outside and isn’t so gymmy looking that you can’t use it as a carry-on or a weekend bag some other time.
Calvin Klein tux for about a Benjamin
Bond. Jane Bond.
I know. You might think that the last thing you need is a tux.
You figure that it’ll hang next to the bridesmaid dress you’ll never wear again (heck, wearing it but once was a testament to how much you love your friend/sister/cousin), maybe your prom dress and that velvet holiday dress you bought when you went drunk-shopping — too drunk to realize it makes you look like you got lost on your way to the Renaissance fair.
But you’re wrong about the tux.
Hush. Listen.
This jacket, which is going for a whopping $59.99 along with its matching trousers sold separately for $44.99 (at Macy’s.com) will serve you well. They’re not top quality, but given that you won’t be wearing them every day, they’ll do.
Aside from being able to wear each piece individually (duh), combined, the two will save your fine can just about every time an invitation says “blacktie.” Don’t feel like fretting over tights, shaving your legs and doing endless tricep dips in order to feel good in a strapless number? No problem. And yes, you can pull it off. Think of YSL’s “Le Smoking.” You’ll be sorted for those evening wedding receptions, award/commemoration dinners, a swanky fundraiser or whatever event some dress-code Nazi has hooked you into you into.
I speak from experience. I bought a vintage tux a few years ago for a song, had it altered and it’s there, in my closet, like an insurance policy. Blacktie event? BAM! On it goes, with a cami, sweet earrings, heels, a smudge of eyeliner and slick of gloss. Killer.
Dope style + Big heart = (PRODUCT) RED
Companies participating in the The (PRODUCT) RED campaign donate 50 percent of proceeds to fighting AIDS.
And that, right there, is a great way of putting your money where your mouth is (unless you’re pro-AIDS, in which case, you’re a raging moron) while putting your shopping dollars at work.
The GAP currently has a bunch of cool stuff in that campaign, including a nice Stella McCartney piece, but what I’m loving right now is the T you see to the left.
Designed by multimedia Greek artist (though he lives in London) Miltos Manetas, it’s gorgeous and cool without trying too hard. Love how he’s drawn the cords and wires like flowing hair. At $28, it’s a pretty reasonable buy. And, again, you’re donating to a good cause. In fact, in case you’re interested to learn more about the fight against AIDS, here’s a vid, lifted right of the (PRODUCT) RED site:
Give love. Give compassion. Give hope. Give.
Making the most of Gifts with Purchase
Getting a gift with a beauty or fragrance purchase is the sort of thing that usually gets most to buy products they’ll never use, all for that cool makeup bag or that tiny little lipstick. Well, the holiday season offers should put an end to that.
There are so damn many lines offering very nice gifts that you’re bound to only buy what you need and would be using anyway (as opposed to that glitter scrub/blue mascara/face cream you’ve buried somewhere in the back of a drawer) and get rewarded for it. Hell, most Web sites have a “gift” or “bonus” link, and I must say, I’ve never seen as many offers as I’ve seen this year Chanel, Creme de la Mer, Clarins, Clinique — whatever your price point, you should be able to come away with a little something extra from your counter of choice. Neiman Marcus has a crazy number of bonuses, like this one…
The Laura Mercier offer at Nieman Marcus
Also big? Saks. They have scarves and books and more. But remember: Buy only what you’d ordinarily use. Otherwise, you’re the one giving cosmetics companies the bonus, not the other way around.
Deals of the Day: (US-only) Net-a-Porter sale
Note: Sales only apply to US site (hey, don't shoot the messenger).
A deal is certainly in the eye of the (bank account) beholder, but this sale, which just started today, still offers some chic options, maybe for a gift or for yourself, at a pretty good discount.
If your idea of affordable isn’t getting an Alexander Wang bag for for $553 (instead of $790) then perhaps you’ll be charmed by the very cute Marc Jacobs shopper at $49.
Check it out… Not bad, right?
They also have these cool Giles & Brothers earrings which are studded and actually, a nice edgy take on a classic, but without the massive studs we’ve been seeing on other accessories for the past year or two.
Plus, they’re pretty pocket-friendly at $48.
Also, if you’re the kind of girl who doesn’t give a rip about whether flats are trendy (they’ll have to pry them from your dead, cold, bunion-free feet!) then check out these gold DKNY flats for all of $90 — that’s 50% off, pretty babies.
So see, you just dig around a bit and find your own treats and your price…unless of course $553 for a Wang bag is a deal to you in which case, Mazel Tov. You just scored.
Now don’t go saying I never do nuthin’ for ya.
Deal of the Day: Zappos Carry-On, $101.50
Going anywhere for the holidays? Pack light, baby! (From Zappos.com)
True, true. This case isn’t a Tumi number, but it’s a heck of a lot more affordable and a good buy at that. The build is solid, and, let’s face it, little sucks as much as travelling with poorly-made luggage. I once had a zipper blow on a suitcase in a Tokyo airport (hey, I was a college student). I’ll never forge the withering look the Japanese customs official gave me as he taped up my suitcase and pointed me in the direction of a shop selling luggage straps.
So this baby is on sale (down from $135) and has all the features you could want in a travel companion:
- Interior mesh pockets
- Exterior pockets (one for a laptop)
- Sturdy wheels
- Made of stain and water resistant ballistic nylon (which is more than I could say for the suitcase Stella McCartney designed for LeSportsac. Flimsy, flimsy, flimsy).
Also, it’s has an interior strap to hold things in place and actually carry-on size (20″ high x 14″ wide x 7″ deep) so you won’t have to sweat actually getting it on the plane.
Bonus: Here are a couple of videos from Times Online and Howcast with packing tips (the former deals more with technique, the latter with content). They’re both pretty cheesy too, so, you know it’s okay to just ignore the advice. Bon Voyage!
Deal of the day: Horseshoe ring (and luck!) $80
Even if you never wanted a pony....from Early Jewelry
Do you believe in luck?
I’m not sure that I do, but these days, I feel like most of us want to surround ourselves with our little talismans, no matter what shape they take — an old key chain, an evil eye pendant, or maybe something a bit more obvious, like this horseshoe ring. Maybe it’s a piece you wore when something great happened, or maybe it’s just that when things are kind of rough, we need a cheery reminder of good fortune. Just looking at these things might make us feel a bit more positive.
From indie line Early Jewelry, this ring is silver, simple and not at all cheap-looking, like those rhinestone ones you see around.
Plus, I love the line’s mission statement.
Truestylista -- Style over Fashion 
