Dior Kicks...Creatures of Comfort

A new store opened this week called Creatures of Comfort that houses to die for designer collaborations on Mulberry just south of Spring Street. Lucky for me, I was invited to celebrate Jade Lai's opening hosted by Tiffany Tuttle (LD Tuttle) and Victoria Bartlett (VPL) with drinks, music, and of course racks of incredible clothes, shoes, and accessories.

Quick shot of the party happening in the back of the store...

I was accompanied to the party by a little cutie that arrived in some of the sickest kicks I've seen in a while. And wouldn't you know, Dior!! Love them, tempted to borrow them for a day just to see what it's like to be kicking ass and taking names in someone else's painfully chic-tastic shoes! The shoes were easily the piece de resistance for the outfit adding a swift kick (pun intended) of edge to an appropriately edited and stylized ensemble.

New Design Disposition...

Last week I went to the 44th floor in a building off Broadway to preview Talbots Winter 2010 collection. I heard they had a new team of designers that were changing things up a bit and I was eager to see what they had in store. I was stunned... The collection was not at all what I expected. Layers of fur, cashmere, sequins, plaid, even a pair of slim silhouetted cargo wool pants.

This was hands down my favorite outfit in the showroom. Sequins + Plaid + Short gloves = ADORABLE. An order will soon be placed to my mother for a buffalo plaid coat and then I'm hoping to snag this gunmetal sequin tank dress. I fell in love with the necklace adorning the mannequins neck and to my surprise, received my very own thanks to the lovely and generous team.

These looks are all appropriate and relevant for mi madre. I can totally see her in the white pants and gold sequin t-shirt. Slim fit cropped pants have always been her forte a la Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face... The white cardigan with gold metallic brocade pants is a must.

I'm not a huge proponent of suits, but this army green number is pretty cute. The ruffled skirt takes it out of the conventional, conservative, expected power suit realm.

This will be another go to winter ensemble for me. An adorable chunky sweater dress with tights, knee high riding boots, and a belt... and an occasional silk slip underneath to add some detail and texture.

Amazing accessories, ie fur, will be the perfect finish to any F/W ensemble!

AllSaints Clothing

I'm still trying to adjust to the fact that Becky is living in London for the next two years. She was my fashion police partner, and having my other half across the pond is proving to be quite the transition. However, there are a few upsides to her relocation. I talked to Becky today and she introduced me to a new brand that is becoming one of the fastest growing retailers in the UK and is using their European presence to expand into the US...And I'm welcoming them with open arms! The lines is a little reminiscent of Diesel, but it's not as distressed, battered, and beaten. Just really great shapes and silhouettes that are designed around structure, quality, and versatility.

Introducing ALLSAINTS CLOTHING

I'm not one to wear a suit. I fought college professors on career day proclaiming that I would never work at an office where I had to wear one. While I still stand firm in my proclamation, this is the perfect twist on a suit that is worth considering.

The combination of these jeans and boots just gets me. The best form of relaxed jeans in such a casual, didn't give it a second thought type of way. Never before have I advocated for double denim but it's not half bad here. Such a cool look!

The men's line is equally as chic and edgy.

For some reason I'm loving this more than any of the others. It reminds me of my stylish friend Zon over at Helmut Lang. The dark color palette, leather mixed with denim, and harem pants. Just so unbelievably cool! I'm at a loss for words! love love love!

You can visit the website to shop online, or if you're in NY, they line is sold at Bloomingdales (59th and Lex location).

Early Bird Shopping At H&M

My sleeping schedule is all sorts of messed up right now. So in my insomniatic state last night I decided to check out the H&M website. I rarely visit the site since shopping is limited. I scanned through their online magazine and fell in love with pretty much the entire fall collection. I attempted to narrow it down to some of my favorites, many of which seem to be inspired by Balmain...one of my favorite collections!

1: Crazy for this dress and the styling. I would love this dress, but I might have to pass this one to Ms. Becky! She would kill this look and I can only imagine the incredible shoes from her closet that she would pair with it. I'm itching for her to wear it with either her Loubitan purple leather ankle booties, or her Loubitan black suede thigh high boots (***hint hint***)

2: I took a break from tweed the last couple of seasons and I'm going to have to incorporate more of it this time around. This is as close to a suit as I get... Tweed jacket with matching retro-ish shorts. LOVE. I want to incorporate denim into this look...Maybe put a denim jacket underneath the tweed, or conjure up some denim trim in the form of cuffs to peek out of the sleeves!

3: All about texture here, and who doesn't long for luxurious velvet every once in a while. The shoulder detail again is exactly what I'm into.

4: Shine Shine Shine Shine On!!! What's cooler or more versatile then a sequin cardigan. Jeans, solid t-shirt, belted...not belted. This lends itself to unlimited options. Dying to pair this with the leggings from look no. 6.

5: The simplest silhouette gets a boost of fabulosity with a bold nondescript pattern. No accessories needed.

6: I don't think I can make it through another Fall/Winter in basic black leggings or tights. I love that these have some kind of detail and interest. Aside from my leather jacket, this can be another key "leather" piece to have for the season. Might have to get a couple pairs of these!

7: I don't think I can put into words what it is that I enjoy most about this dress. I just need to own this ASAP.

8: If I'm honest with myself I could probably DIY these jeans but someone else has already done all that work for me and I want to indulge in their handy work! Usually I'm not one for extremely distressed denim but this is more in line with something I would like. A little contradictory but... :) The top will be something I DIY. Trying to decide if I should use appliques, studs, beads (OH MY) for the shoulder detail.

I can only imagine how incredible the entire H&M showroom is. I'm not quite the early bird when it comes to shopping before I can actually wear but I can't miss out on any of these pieces. So for the next two months they will just have to hang nicely in my closet! And occasionally come out when I need to restyle my closet or want to play dress up!

American Apparel Excursion

I spent this evening in Chelsea and the Meatpacking District with a couple friends, grabbing a drink and some dessert. On our walk back to the apartment we made a quick trip into the American Apparel and immediately Becky and I both found our must have piece.

My pick is this chambray romper. Love love love! I want to wear it with my new elephant belt at the waist, my pair of Frye ankle strap wedges, and a floppy hat. This has potential to be the perfect all seasons uniform...Paired with a black fitted/studded blazer, sheer ankle length socks, and black peep toe booties or strappy heels with the hem pulled up to the calf!

YEP YEP YEP YEP!!!!

Becky's choice is this pair of black and white stripe biking shorts. Did a quick impromptu interview to pick her brain on why she loves the shorts.

What attracted you to the shorts: I love how skinny the shorts are as well as how skinny the stripes are...such a great proportion.

How would you style them: I would layer for sure...probably an oversize T, would love the Babooshka over sized T-shirt with chest pocket. Oooooo or with an 80's floral printed mini sundress!

Both of us are trying to figure out a way to wear these lace bodysuits. So far we've come up with under a blazer/jacket and under a cropped t-shirt...but the brainstorming is continuing!

Becky's Choice

My Choice

Trunk Space

I wanted to get a quick post in before I head to Liberty Island with the masses for All Point West for the weekend. I wasn't planning on going at all, but Monday afternoon I received a phone call saying I won a pair of 3 day passes for the weekend! Thank you Daily Candy! Yesterday I went thrift/vintage shopping with two friends and felt like I scored the mother load. I'll post my finds soon, but had to share with you the elephant belt I scored. I have been looking for something like this FOREVER! I think I squealed when I picked it out of the bin! The best part is the actual belt can be take off and replaced with a different color/fabric...the options are endless!

Will most likely be sporting this all weekend!!!!

Odd Twin Trading Company

Last weekend I went to brunch with my friends Ellen and Chinae and then we went strolling around Park Slope to do a little vintage shopping. Chinae took us to this amazing vintage store called Odd Twin. The interior decoration is cute, a little cheeky, and houses an expansive library of some of the best vintage pieces I've seen in a while, at phenomenal prices. The store has a breadth of options in apparel, shoes, and accessories. One piece that has continued to stick with me was a gold tie clip that had a screw on it, while another had a miniature hose clamp. The store has such a great collection of vintage pieces and also re-works and DIYs some of their own projects!...Finally a store that gets it!!!

display in the store

Saw this marching band hat and about DIED!!!! I'm in love, I have no idea what I would wear it with, or where, but can't stop thinking about it!!!

I'm in love with this top! It's textured silk and a crop top... my current obsession! I want to wear it with a pair of black high waist shorts to APW this weekend...and in the fall with my Babooshka harem jodphur leggings, cognac boots, and a grey cardigan!

If you are in Park Slope tomorrow, Thursday July 30th, I hope you can make it to the grand opening party for Odd Twin. Located at 164 Fifth Ave (at Degraw) The store is offering 10% all purchases!

Babooshka Boutique

Last night I was hanging out with my friend Becky doing some "fashion research" and stumbled upon some great websites, blogs, and shopping sites. Having another fashion addict definitely kept me up until early morning (At 3 am a DIY project was started!!!)! From one site we were linked to an Etsy boutique that we are both obsessed with. We were introduced to a Pittsburgh designer and store, Babooshka Boutique. The first thing we fell in love with, and immediately purchased were this pair of black harem jodphur leggings.

pictures courtesy of Babooshka Boutique on Etsy

I just kept looking at the picture of the pants and repeating to Becky, "these are just stupid they are so cool!" I love the idea of wearing them with slouchy boots. It will take 6-8 business days to receive my pants and I can't wait!!!! Another piece that I loved from the collection is this oversized cropped T with pocket. It is made out of light weight sweatshirt material but the boutique also offers a similar top in jersey (grey or black). I was thinking about this top today while walking around the city and how badly I do want it. For some reason I want to pair it with some oversized, slouch, deconstructed jean shorts and kick it old school with some Reebok pumps!!! So far from how I would ever normally dress, but something I am itching to try with the new hair!

picture courtesy of Babooshka Boutique on Etsy

Hope you'll check out the site and find something that you love and are inspired by!

French Garment Cleaners

Last summer I went out to lunch in Fort Greene with a couple of friends that work for fashion publications. We fueled up at Habana Outpost (PLEASE make a trip there if you haven't, amazing food and the best frozen mojitos) and then meandered around the neighborhood doing some market research. Down the street from Outpost we arrived at "French Garment Cleaners."

The brownstone storefront is too cute, and the inside is home to some of the best designers collections that have been so well edited and merchandised I didn't know what to do. The store is actually called Stuart and Wright, but the owners didn't want to remove the neon signage that had become so landmark to the neighborhood. The store carries independent designers like Acne, A.P.C., Rachel Comey, Band of Outsiders, and Isabel Marant. If you're in the neighborhood you have to go by the store...and in August they are having their sample sale (which is always a good deal, last year I scored an incredible pair of lavender Loeffler Randall sandals for $80). I promise you won't be disappointed!