Facelift

Dear Readers,

ABNI is on hiatus while the site gets a little facelift.  

Bigger better blogging will resume as soon as possible...

Thank you for your patience!

Vuitton 1, eBay 0

Louis Vuitton Thunder ($3,690) 

WWD is reporting eBay's big loss against fashion giants Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior today after a two year legal process.

So what does this mean for all you label whores?  Time to head over to Bag, Borrow or Steal for the real deal.  

PARIS — LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton today won a landmark victory against eBay for allowing the sale of counterfeit goods.

A French court ordered eBay to pay the luxury goods giant around 40 million euros, or $63.2 million at current exchange, for selling counterfeit items on its online auction site, and for selling genuine products outside their desired retail channel.

Read the full story here.

Photos: louisvuitton.com

Mr. Marciano at The Grove

If you enjoy Marciano's bold colors, wild prints and overall glam style, pop over to The Grove tomorrow, June 12, from 6-9 PM for "an exclusive chance to meet Marciano's Head Designer [Alejandro Blanco]."

If that doesn't interest you, perhaps champagne, hors d'oeuvres and double points on any purchase will.

Photos: marciano.com

Rest in Peace Yves Saint Laurent

Read the Women's Wear Daily article on the inspiring designer here.

Yves Saint-Laurent in 1966.

Photos: cinebeats.blogsome.com

Break out the bobbles!

When this image appeared in my inbox, I was reminded once again of how I have never felt comfortable wearing Tarina Tarantino jewelry.  Every item reminds me of the 75 cent bobbles I had as a child of the 80's (and not in a good way). 

But her jewelry has been spotted on people of all ages and demographics, so I dug around a bit and found some quintessentially Tarina items that I would be thrilled to wear!  (I am in love the with fleur-de-lis earrings.)  Enjoy: 

*Fleur-de-Lis drop earrings ($70)

*Bibarucci "tooth" earrings ($95)

*Elephant charm necklace ($163)

Photos: activeendeavors.com

Myster-y Abbott

Where did Mr. Abbott come from?  I guess I don't really care, as long as he keeps his unique new line of clothing coming!

Twist Dress ($253)

According to Active Endeavors, each piece mixes 100% knit jersey cotton with 100% silk to create these eye catching fashions.  What's even better is that the unexpected combo makes the back just as interesting as the front!

Sunny Tank ($253)

Apparently, the designer behind them is a (Mr.) James Abbot.  I am intrigued...

Photos: activeendeavors.com

Playing with Polyvore ...your thoughts?

If Polyvore.com is to grownups what playing dress-up is to kids, then it's good to be a grownup!

I fell in love with the Dior Blue Angel Stiletto Sandals over the weekend and decided to build an outfit around them.

*McQ moleskin pencil skirt

*Camilla and Marc Juliet silk blouse

*Stella McCartney metallic bag

*Evelyn Knit hammered cuff & enameled circles bracelet

Your thoughts?

Matt & Nat update

Hundreds of people showed up for the chance to catch one of 30 Matt & Nat bags thrown lovingly out of a 4th floor window.

I wish I could have been there! Check out this footage from the event (big thanks to Andrea from Matt & Nat for sending me the link!):

Video courtesy of Matt & Nat

Sample Sale Friday

For some people in my life, today was commencement.  For others, it was moving day.  For me, it was Sample Sale Friday!  

I spent a few short hours in the Fashion District of darling downtown Los Angeles hoping to find some bargains at the Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent and Myne sample sales.  After scoring free parking at a broken meter (which I called in, just to be sure I could park there.  Yay for good karma!), I wandered over to the Cynthia Vincent showroom where a dozen or so women were moving quickly through racks and racks of marked down designer duds.

My strategy at sample sales is always the same.  Walk into the room calmly, survey the situation, and then grab everything that might fit.  

After pushing aside hanger after hanger, I managed to accumulate quite a pile of clothes to try - silk sheath dresses and tops, linen pants, metallic shorts, slip dresses, cashmere sweaters and assorted other items.

Breaking my own sample sale rules, I wore a dress to the sale.  So, I had no choice but to strip down for the try-ons, attempting to be as discreet as possible in a room full of women wearing leotards and bodysuits.  (In my own defense, it was really hot out today!)

I was able to quickly eliminate some of the dresses, the metallic shorts and the cashmere sweater, but the linen trousers and one silk jersey top stood out as instant must-haves.  

Both pairs of white linen trousers I had grabbed fit me perfectly (miraculous, I know) - one was just the right length for flats, one was just the right length for heels.  I tried on each pair multiple times and finally decided, that for the bargain price of $50 each, I had to get both.  White linen trousers are a timeless summer staple that every woman needs, and finding two pairs of white linen trousers that fit can have no alternate explanation other than fate.  

After the success of the Cynthia Vincent sale, I was ready to call it a day.  But I dutifully hopped over to the Myne sample sale two blocks away.

Although the prices were extremely enticing, and most of the styles were up my usual alley, none of the silk dresses or tops truly caught my fancy.  But, for my readers, I tried a few of them on, and I can report that Myne items are well made and silky soft.  

Overall, a tremendously successful Sample Sale Friday.  

Photos: laist.com, ABNI

The Princess and the Pea

Have you ever heard the story of the Princess and the Pea?  

Basically, this princess has to prove she is actually a princess by sleeping atop dozens of mattresses with one pea underneath them all.  She can't sleep, because being on top of that pea is so unbearably uncomfortable.  This proves that she is indeed a princess, earning her the right to marry the prince and live happily ever after.

Well, my mother is that princess.  She is sensitive to lumpy pillows and bad fabric...and even some good fabric.  In fact, I have never known my mother to wear wool or unlined cashmere because, just like the princess, she finds them far too uncomfortable.

Until now.

The Tory Burch Simone Cardigan ($225) made of "fine wool" changed all that.  The yellow sweater looked so fun and sophisticated on my mom, she just had to buy it.  And somehow, magically, the wool doesn't bother her.  

Now that is a storybook ending.

Photo: toryburch.com

A Chat with Matt and Nat

This morning I had the pleasure of interviewing Inder Bedi, Founder and Creative Director of Matt and Nat. I gained a little insight into his background in fashion, the vegan line that continues to grow by leaps and bounds, and the unique kickoff planned for tomorrow's Matt and Nat sample sale.

Inder Bedi, Founder and Creative Director of Matt and Nat

ABNI: How did you get into designing bags?
Inder: I’ve been vegetarian since I was 18. When I was in University – I got my bachelor’s in marketing and a minor in corporate law – my last semester we had to come up with a business plan and [Matt and Nat] was my makeshift project. I’ve always had an interest and a knack for creativity. I thought about going into English Lit, but I went into business…(laughs) because that was what everyone else was doing. I wrote the plan in 1996, so 12 years ago. Originally it was jackets and bags. Bags always appealed to me. You’re not limited by women or men’s frames. They’re for anyone, as long as you put a handle on them.

ABNI: Coming from a business background, how did you get into fashion?
Inder: I actually worked for two handbag companies based out of Montreal. I really wanted to learn the trade and different aspects of the business. I worked for one year, did my first collection, drove down to New York and started pitching it. That’s where my first customers were, in New York.

ABNI: You said you’ve been vegetarian since you were 18. Why did you decide to carry that over into your fashion line?
Inder: My family is from East India and my parents are pretty liberal. A friend of my dad’s is a Hare Krishna priest and he asked me to go vegetarian for 30 days. After 30 days, I didn’t miss it. That’s when it ended up happening. I started researching animal rights and got into the whole, I don’t want to say movement, but I was curious about the vegetarian community. I was coming more from an ethical point of view than a health one.

ABNI: 12 years ago, I can’t imagine vegan materials were easy to come by. What were the biggest challenges in creating vegan products?
Inder: In the past it was basically sourcing materials that replicate leather. Going forward, we’re looking for more, not just leather, but interesting materials. In the past it was, “How can we get material to look like cowhide and calfskin?” Now, for fall, we used a nylon that was made entirely of recycled material. In terms of the company, we’re changing our focus and going for more unique materials.

ABNI: I'm a vegetarian, and growing up that was not a common thing. People didn’t get it. Now, being vegetarian, and even vegan, in really trendy and gaining popularity. How did you manage to establish Matt and Nat as more than just a fad?
Inder: Well I always say that we’re a fashion company that happens to be vegan. It’s important to make that distinction, otherwise I wouldn’t survive in this industry. Our customers buy for the design, and then when they find out about the company, it’s like a bonus. First and foremost, it has to look cool. It’s a really tricky balance. We have our positivity message, that’s our way of getting our message out there in a nice way. It’s something they can relate to whether they’re vegetarian or not. And the way I look at it, if I can get one customer who wears leather or fur to buy one of my bags, that’s one less leather or fur bag.

ABNI: Do your consumers respond differently to your collections in North America vs. Europe?
Inder: To a certain degree, yes. But the world has become such a small place, that you don’t know why things do well in certain places. In London people are more forward, in Tokyo people are more forward, especially in men’s fashion. Yellow sold more in London, but it’s hard for us to tell why. But our business is so vast, it appeals to such a broad range of customers, and we’re still building our brand.

ABNI: How do you reinvent your designs to keep them fresh and current?
Inder: We took a completely different focus for this fall. For the first time in 12 years, we decided to scrap the whole line and start over. It has been satisfying on a personal level. We went for a super specific, very particular look. This fall we got into Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale’s Men, Fred Segal, Kitson – getting into those stores was really exciting because it shows that a vegan line can go mainstream.

ABNI: Getting into boutiques like Fred Segal and Kitson in Los Angeles is a designer’s ticket into celebrity culture. Have you experienced that at all?
Inder: We have a bit of a celebrity following already. Natalie Portman, for her latest movie, pretty much had Matt and Nat bags throughout the whole film, My Blueberry Nights. We just got a thank you note from Eva Mendes for some bags we sent her. Gwyneth Paltrow, Kim Basinger regularly requests stuff from us for her projects, Heather Mills is a strong supporter of our stuff, Woody Harrelson, Woody Allen... In all honesty, the whole celebrity push is weird to me, but sometimes you have to use the tools available to you to get the product in the spotlight.

ABNI: Men’s Vogue just did a piece on designer’s inspirations. What are your inspirations?
Inder: We’ve really been inspired by architecture - steel and hardware - and having a raw look to things.  That’s been our biggest inspiration, just structure.

ABNI: Do you have a fashion must-have?
Inder: No. I do own a ton of jackets for some reason… (laughs) probably because we’re in Montreal. I love jackets. You can dress down and pretty much wear a nice jacket and change your whole look. And watches. You can wear jeans and a shitty t-shirt and a cool watch and look good. Besides that, I’m pretty much a slob. (laughs)

ABNI: Who are your favorite designers?
Inder: I’m not really loyal to any labels. In the last 12 months I have been disappointed with what’s out there, especially for men. There’s nothing really progressive.

ABNI: A Bag Named Isabella was inspired by my first designer item, what was the first thing that connected you to the fashion world?
Inder: We do a bag called the Buddha Bag. It was one of the first bags we did when we switched to overseas production eight years ago. It represented a significant balance for me at the time. The bag is still with us, which is weird, because most bags don’t last more than two or three seasons. It’s not one of the most innovative or forward bags we do, it’s basic, but for some reason it keeps hanging around. So when I think of when we first launched, I think of that bag. It’s been modified, it’s changed, but it’s one of the only styles we have from when we launched.

Buddha Bar

ABNI: It must be a popular bag!

Inder: It is very popular.

ABNI: A few weeks ago, I was startled by something I read on your blog. You said, “We're about to literally throw our bags out the window and start fresh.” Now I know what you were talking about. Tell us about tomorrow’s sample sale.
Inder: Fall was a new…it was a big change for us. We really cut down distribution, our price point is going up 30-50%, we did a whole men’s collection – it was a big change. Just going through all this, the bag throwing felt like the right thing to do. We’re located on the fourth floor on Chabanel St., which is the Mecca for fashion in Montreal. Our sample sales are pretty big, I think our last one had 11,000 people in two days -

ABNI: Eleven thousand people?
Inder: - yeah, so to kick it off tomorrow at noon, we’re going to open the windows and throw [bags] out into the parking lot.

ABNI: Eleven thousand people in your parking lot might be a little overwhelming.
Inder: (laughs) I’m hoping for three to four hundred. People usually start lining up a few hours before.

ABNI: I’ve read that we can expect Matt and Nat belts, shoes and clothing in the future. Is that in the works?
Inder: It’s always in the back of my mind. But things have changed so rapidly in the last five years. We had an amazing reaction to the men’s collection, so we want to keep pushing that and do more for spring next year. Kate Spade had a great line and she said unless she could bring something new to the marketplace, something fresh, she didn’t want to branch out, and I’d say the same thing. It takes time and it has to be done right…what we consider to be perfect.

ABNI: So you’ve got a new men’s collection, you’re going in a different direction for fall, what else is going on at Matt and Nat?
Inder: We work with a lot of different charities - 

ABNI: Which I think is great, by the way.
Inder: It’s very rewarding on a personal level. You know, when we go out for drinks after work, half the employees don’t or can’t come, but when we say we’re going on Saturday to feed the homeless, everyone, all the employees, show up.

ABNI: Thanks for taking the time to talk to me today. I can’t wait to see what you do next. There don’t seem to be any other companies really doing what you do - animal friendly bags that are still stylish.
Inder: Yeah, in 12 years, I haven’t seen much progress in vegan products that are fashionable and mainstream.

ABNI: Well, I’m really glad there is Matt and Nat.
Inder: Thank you so much.

photos: courtesy of Matt and Nat

Cute Ciuti

Last year, while working wardrobe for Judge Milian's People's Court photo shoot, I noticed one of the (several) executives running around in a beautiful pair of sandals. So beautiful, in fact, that almost every woman in the room asked about them.

Vite in Metallic Pewter ($322)

The sandals were by designer Claudia Ciuti and they were delicate, feminine and strong all at the same time.  I instantly wanted to know more about the designer and discovered that all her shoes have those traits and more.  They all manage to maintain a sexy feminine edge, whether they're strappy sandals, chunky wooden heels or colorful flats.  And, for those of us that ever saw a pair of flats and thought they would be better as heels, or vice versa, Ciuti actually has options - like her Sedge heels and Sage sandals.

For now, Ciuti only has store locations in New York and Italy, but we west coasters can peruse her online store.  

Sedge in Strawberry ($386)

Carolina in Amber ($414)

Photos: claudiaciuti.com

News Blues

Page Six is reporting that Nina Garcia, former editor of Elle magazine and judge of the awesomely addictive Project Runway, is heading over to Marie Claire.  

This news comes on the heels of news that Project Runway is leaving Bravo.  BUT, all the news stories credit other media as their source and say that reps for both Garcia and Marie Claire have no comment.  Oh, and neither does Lifetime, where Runway is allegedly moving...

WTF.  Will Nina Garcia be setting up camp at Marie Claire?  Is Project Runway moving to Lifetime??

Answers, people.  We need answers.  

Photo: lasplash.com

My traveling pants

Dear Readers,

I'm out of the country until next week.  Thanks for your patience as blogging is put on hold...

Check back soon for posts on international fashion!

Ahh, email.

This silk floral print dress just appeared in my inbox.  I love it.

Sapphire by Joie ($264)

Photo: activeendeavors.com

**Update:  I ended up buying this dress online.  I was so excited when it arrived, but the fit could not have been more wrong.  Although it was a great length for a mini dress, the sleeves were too tight and the empire waist was too loose.  The neckline didn't sit right and the body of the dress floated way too far about from my body.  Sad.  On the other hand, I am pleased to report that the customer service rep at Active Endeavors was nice and easy to work with.

Reiss' Pieces

I am a Reiss girl.  I have been ever since my cousin introduced me to its fabulousness in the U.K.

The summer I worked in London I OD'ed on Reiss, stocking up on a most perfect work shoe, a fool-proof black pencil skirt and a figure flattering summer dress.

A few months later I had a 4 hour layover at Heathrow (boo!), but thankfully it was at a terminal with a Reiss in it (yay!).  I scored a marked down L.A.-friendly "winter" coat.

So when Billion Dollar Babes announced their Reiss shopping event, I RSVPed immediately.

  

Well...I just got back from the event on Robertson and, sadly, I was underwhelmed.  The prices seemed marked up to compensate for the 20% discount on everything in the store, and the pressure to follow trends seemed to have taken their Spring/Summer collection away from their more signature wearable feminine designs.

They did, however, have some fantastic items in eye-catching blues, yellows and pinks...just a little out of my price range.

Photo: billiondollarbabes.com

Online Design

What girl doesn't dream of owning one show-stopping Oscar de la Renta item?  Well, I know I do. 

Without the funds to do so (yet!), I can still enjoy the fashion God's designs thanks to Google.  

iGoogle Artist Themes now allow you to personalize your Google homepage with art from designers including Oscar, D&G, Diane von Furstenberg and Tory Burch. 

Oscar de la Renta royal blue silk taffeta pleated gown (pre-fall 2008)

Photo: getmedressed.com

Project Runaway

I haven't bothered with Jordache since...oh say, 1987.  Something about the brand always screamed 80's to me.

Wait, what?  The 80's are back?

In celebration of this fashion reawakening, Jordache is launching Heidi Klum's Spring 2008 Collection at the Beverly Center Bloomingdale's.  Tomorrow (Wednesday), between 6:30 and 7:30 pm you can meet Heidi Klum and get a free t-shirt when you spend over $100.

Photo: msnbc.com

A Few of My Favorite Things

The more I write the more I discover I have a lot of  "favorite" things.  

Early in 2007 (a really long time ago in fashion years), I bought an adorable white Ella Moss mini dress.  It definitely had it's moment in the sun as one of my favs.  It was always too short for me to really wear as a dress, so I wore it over leggings or skinny jeans.  

One day, I wore it over a new pair of Citizens of Humanity skinny jeans.  Big mistake.  The dark blue denim and the white cotton lining battled it out all day and when I took the dress off at night, the inside was stained "Aw Shit Indigo"  (I might submit that color name to Crayola).  

Dry cleaning did nothing to fix the color transfer, so I resorted to laundering it myself.  In one wash the blue stain disappeared, but at a hefty cost.  My darling Ella Moss dress shrunk.  Now it was, without question, only a cute top.

I thought about replacing the damaged dress by purchasing another, but had a hard time finding it in stores.  Assuming I was meant to move on, I stopped searching for a replacement.  

Fast forward to last week.  While wandering aimlessly around Bloomingdale's, I came upon MY DRESS!  The exact same white Ella Moss dress-turned-shirt I so loved.  

This season, she is doing it in several colors - White, Black, Pomegranate, Lagoon (teal) and Chamomile (yellow)!

Ella Moss Corsica Dress ($162)

Photos: shopbop.com

Croc of $&!*

As if the originals were not bad enough, now Crocs are trying to be more fashionable??

At least I am not alone.

Photo: lasplash.com

Spring Cleaning

Ever wonder how you can clean out your closet and do a good deed at the same time?  Well it's your lucky day...

A Day of Beauty, part of Big Sunday 2008, has arrived.  Donate your gently used clothing to help women in need at the Good Shepherd Shelter for Battered Women with Children.

Donations can be dropped off at 1715 North Gower 90028 from 9am to 6pm on April 26th and 27th for the event on May 4th.  

Click on the above links for more information.

E.vil Excursion

An Earth Day field trip to Fred Segal in Santa Monica proved to be simply enlightening.  Not only did I score a great aubergine tent dress (to be belted, of course) and fiery red top by Frenzii, I also discovered a fantastic style of hat for we smaller-headed people, and stumbled upon a cheeky event celebrating eco-friendly fashion.

First up was the hat department.  Designer Odd Molly created an adorable 20's inspired crochet hat for their Summer 2008 collection.  I fell in love with the "Smallville Sunhat" in grey as soon as I saw it on the shelf.  Assuming it wouldn't fit me (my only baseball hat is size "youth"), I walked away until Lauri of Fred Segal Hats stopped me and insisted I try it on.  Not only did it fit, I learned that other hats inspired by 1920's style tended to fit me too!  So, proud owner of my first non-weather related hat, I am now transitioning into becoming a hat person.  I cannot tell you how excited I am to explore this whole new world.  (Note: The photo does not show the adorable and perfect purple bow on the back.)

Then came the clothing shopping, where I found two great summer pieces by Frenzii.  This was no small feat, mind you, amidst the dimmed lights, DJ-pumping music and groups of rhinestone-encrusted t-shirt wearing employees gathered around cocktail tables covered with pretty beverages.  Although it was a challenge, I was happy to shop during the set-up for a Heal the Bay benefit thrown by fashion line Queen of e.vil and Svedka Vodka.  

Photos: pictopia.com, oddmolly.com, bizbash.com

ESP

Active Endeavors just sent me an email boldly entitled, "Your New Favorite Kooba."  And I'll be darned if they weren't right!  I love the look of this python "Kerri" tote in teal ($625).

Photos: activeendeavors.com

Earthy Earth Day

Okay, let's face it.  Sometimes "green" clothing can look just a little too earthy.  We fashion lovers want more than message tee's about recycling plastic (even though some of them are pretty cute).

I love a bohemian look on some people, but is looking like an homage to the 1960's a prereq for dressing eco friendly?  Not anymore!

Designer Linda Loudermilk creates beautiful, strong, sophisticated designs from sustainable materials including sasawashi, bamboo, sea cell and soya.

Twilight Lightweight ($268)

Bella Dress ($290)

Photos: zappos.com

Item of the What?

Style.com is calling their Givenchy Jelly Gladiator ($165) Item of the Week a "nostalgic twist on the season's must-have sandal."

You have got to be kidding me.

Photo: style.com

Get Your Hair Did

At a recent hosting gig, I had a great hair and makeup artist getting me ready for the day.  

After my face was applied to my face, and my hair was curled into place, she whipped a green bottle out of her bag and spritzed me.  

It turns out she was using Frederic Fekkai Sheer Shine Mist and the results were fantastic.  The product did just what it promised to do - add shine and finish to my style.  It smelled great and left my hair feeling soft and smooth.

Just be careful to spritz in moderation - the product is "infused with olive oil" and overuse can leave you looking greasy.

Photo: fredericfekkai.com

Friendly Bags

Not long ago, I found out about an eco-friendly, 100% vegan, charitable line of bags called Matt and Nat.  I quickly became intrigued and excited because they seem to have something for everyone.

For the girl who wants a that 80's splash of color that is so hot this season, try the Mod or Japanese Paper collections.  

Women craving a rocker edge should browse the Metal collection.

Even everyday work bags can be both environmentally-aware and  fashion-forward with the Streamline and Bi-line collections.

Added incentive?  Online orders of $250 or more get a free, 100% recyclable and biodegradable "Enviro Tote," perfect for the beach...or more shopping.

Photos: mattandnat.com

Rosey Cheeks

The new clothing line Rose, fronted by Hollywood stylists Britt Bardo and Jewels Steger, is getting a lot of attention from the Los Angeles fashion and blogging scenes.  

But are they seriously trying to get grown women to wear bloomers?  

Like many of my estrogen-sporting friends, the upper thigh/bum area of my body is the cause of much introspection, frustration and despair.  That said, should I, or can I, bring myself to wear short shorts that highlight the balloonier aspects of this region?  

Without having tried them on, I must go with a resounding no.  However, never one to shy away from a challenge, I intend to go to Barneys, try these bloomers on, and report back to you, my readers, as soon and bloomenly possible.

Photo: revolveclothing.com

Order #357445552

I love shoes.  Not very original, I know.  But I do.

There is one pair of shoes in particular that I loved for years.  I wore them with everything.  I dressed them up, I dressed them down.  I walked, danced and even competed in them.  

After years of abuse, I took my shoes to Arturo's Shoe Fix in Beverly Hills, only to be told me that my shoes could not be salvaged.  Even though I could no longer wear them, I could never bring myself to throw them away.

 

Two weeks ago, I saw a woman wearing my shoes.  I was confused, dumbfounded - they looked pristine, brand new.  How could this be?!  I asked her where she got them. 

"Aren't they great?  They're my favorite," she said.  

No, they're my favorite.  "Where did you get them?" I asked again.

She proceeded to tell me that Victoria's Secret was selling the Colin Stuart shoes again, but that they were hard to find in the catalogue and that she had to convince the customer service person she called to locate them for her. 

They're selling my shoes again?  I didn't care that it might be a challenging to find them, I felt positively giddy.

That night I hopped on the internet and browsed away at the Victoria's Secret web site until finally, there they were.  My shoes.  Two clear straps and a cork bottom 3 3/4" heel.  Simple, beautiful, comfortable.  

I picked up the phone and dialed, grinning from ear to ear, only to be told that Victoria's Secret does not sell the version of my shoe that I so desired.  

"But I saw someone wearing them today, and she just ordered them from you," I said, more determined than ever.

The woman on the phone asked a question to someone nearby.  And then I heard it.  

"Oh."  The most brilliant sounding "Oh" I'd ever heard.  An "Oh" of realization.

"Huh, we do have them," she said.

The heavens opened and angels sang.  

I ordered four pairs.

Photo: victoriassecret.com

Heal the World

Just in time for Earth Day (April 22nd), I came across two happy little blogs dedicated to living green, with lovely sections on ECO FASHION.  Check them out at ecofabulous and Heart of Green.

Celebrate Earth Day all year round by remembering that little things you do can make a difference.  You can go green when you shop by asking the clerk not to wrap your clothes in tissue or forgoing a store bag altogether and carrying your purchases out in your own bag or purse.  They are easy ways to start showing some love for the Earth.

Photo: ecofabulous.blogs.com

Have Merci-er

Attention all product junkies (like myself):

Amazon.com is offering free shipping on all orders of Laura Mercier products during April.  

If you haven't tried Laura Mercier products yet, start with one of her foundation primers (Regular, Hydrating or Oil Free).  In addition to helping your foundation sit better, Laura Mercier offers this smart piece of advice for the coming hot summer months: "Cooling Foundation Primer in the refrigerator is refreshing for the skin & reduces puffiness."  I was introduced to it years ago and have been hooked ever since.

Photo:  amazon.com

What Not To Miss

Ah, Stacy London and Clinton Kelly. Need I say more?

Oh, okay.

The hosts of TLC's What Not To Wear are two of my style icons. They're not designers or models, they are stylists and journalists. My kind of people.

I've been told I resemble Stacy, and I take that as a compliment because she always looks perfectly on point. Although I think the resemblance comments are based on physical features, I do try to present myself in a strong yet feminine way like Ms. London.  I love every outfit that woman wears, on every episode of WNTW I watch (which is all of them thanks to DVR technology).  

Tune in for a little fashion inspiration of your own.

Photo: tvrage.com

Save the Music ... Shop!

Today, the usual barrage of useless coupons in my mailbox was replaced with this:

(like the quality of that scan?)

Intermix and VH1 Save The Music sent me a $50 gift card to use at any Intermix location until May 10th.  When the card is used, $5 will be donated to Save The Music, but the deal is only good on purchases of $300 or more.  

To save or not to save...that is the question.

Photo: ABNI

My Perfect Trench

In the summer of 2003, I scored a great bargain at a Bebe outlet store at Jersey Gardens Outlet Mall and almost missed my flight out of Newark. But my find was worth a run through the terminal. It was my perfect trench coat - white (classic tan looks awful against my skin...or my skin looks awful against classic tan), actually waterproof (yes, it rains in Southern California), long enough sleeves (finding them is a lifelong struggle), and fitted to a tee (no alterations necessary!). It was modern yet classic, fashionable yet practical...my perfect trench coat.

Almost two years ago, my perfect trench coat was lost, left or stolen in London (the mystery was never solved). Since then, I've decided to take the plunge and make an investment out of my next trench. My dream is to own a (perfect) Burberry trench coat.

I've worked hard, stopping in virtually every Burberry store I've passed in the last almost-two years, and having a constant presence on Burberry.com. I've come close to finding my perfect trench, but I have yet to hit the nail on the head. Once in a while, a non-Burberry trench-replacement will catch my eye, and I'm forced to remind myself to focus on my dream.

Today an email popped into my inbox as if to remind me of my quest. Active Endeavors is advertising the Phoebe Rain Jacket by Priorities ($225, ActiveEndeavors.com).

Although I like the flap front and big button details, it is not my Burberry dream. But until Burberry comes through for me, I hope designers will keep the options coming.

Keep hope alive.

Photo: activeendeavors.com

Oh Happy Day!

My laptop has made a full recovery and is back home where she belongs!  Thanks for all the well wishes.  We couldn't have made it through the difficult times without them.

Out Sick

Dear Readers,
I regret to inform you that my trusty laptop is ill. Please keep her in your thoughts. She hopes to make a full recovery...

Blogging will resume as soon as possible.

DVF ...your thoughts?

This it the Diane Von Furstenberg commercial for the American Express "Are You a Cardmember?" campaign, first aired during the 2008 Academy Awards on February 24th.

According to a press release issued by AmEx, "Diane Von Furstenberg is iconic and truly a timeless legend within the fashion industry. ...Diane enabled us to capture the things in her life that drive her creativity and passion. We know that her sense of individuality and empowerment will inspire and resonate with women everywhere -- and that confidence is the essence of what it means to be a Cardmember." AND, the spot was directed by Academy Award-nominated director, Bennett Miller.

So my question is this: What do you think of the spot, does it live up to the hype?

V.I.P. - Very Important Panties

The much anticipated Sassy City Chicks sample sale came and went on Sunday, March 16 at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel in Santa Monica with VIP ticket holders receiving a goody bag filled with essentials – Physicians Formula Shimmer Strip, Boscia Blotting Linens, Yelp lip balm and, of course, Frederick’s of Hollywood black and white polka dot lace panties.

Women (and some boyfriends who were making up for a forgotten birthday or anniversary) lined up before doors opened at 10am for early access to the sales 75+ designer booths, which, for those willing to dig, included finds like Ella Moss, Splendid, Marc Jacobs and Vivienne Tam. Distractible shoppers were enticed by free M&M’s at the Itty Bitty Bra booth and free facemasks at the Become Beauty booth, both popular rest stops in the crowded ballroom.

Photos: ABNI

tatTOO much for me

It is entirely possible that I don't belong in Los Angeles, because I don't get Ed Hardy. Last year I decided that to truly be an Angelino, I should invest in the trend sweeping across Southern California and purchase at least one Ed Hardy item. But I failed in my quest.

Two weeks ago, I popped into the Ed Hardy store at the Beverly Center, and what I had been feeling for a year came to a head. The tattoo art fashions looked costumey, un-wearable and un-me.

This week I was at The Grove while fashion show fairies were setting up for a big Christian Audigier (the designer behind Ed Hardy) LA Fashion Week show in the center of the mall.

I couldn't stay for the actual show, but my attendance didn't seem necessary. As I was leaving The Grove, throngs of people were arriving for the show, all wearing Ed Hardy fashions. And I do mean all - teens and seniors alike sporting tattooed trucker hats and Emo-esque hoodies. They looked like mannequins from the Ed Hardy store I had seen at the Bev Center - over-styled and trying just a little too hard.

Not that all fashion should be easy and effortless, but the Ed Hardy style is a lot of look.

I guess I will have to find another way to be a true Angelino.

Photos: ABNI, fashiondays.blogspot.com

Tom Binns' Safety Pinns

I just saw these earring featured in a collage on intermixonline,  but the boutique isn't actually selling them.  So after a little research, I learned that they are by jewelry designer Tom Binns.

These safety pin earrings from his Real Deal Collection make me nostalgic for junior high.  A rebellious girl in my 8th grade homeroom class was constantly piercing her ears with safety pins.  I always thought the look was cute, but I simply had no desire to wear jewelry I had to stab myself with to get on.  That, and my ears can be sensitive to fake metal...especially rusty safety pin metal.

Most of the Real Deal Collection appears to be done in 18 carat gold, and according to a blurb on Kaboodle, this Tom Binns pair is around 3" long.  I think they are punky yet elegant and would indulge my inner rebellious 8th grader, without the risk of an ear infection.

Photo: blog.kaboodle.com