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.