A famous scene in the movie Gone with the Wind sees Scarlett O'Hara converting the drapes of Tara into a dress for a society event. Utilizing the only good fabric remaining after the pillaging of her home by solders. Though quirky in appearance, the dress does have a regal quality to it with its yards of emerald green velvet.

What if she had chosen her wallpaper instead? I know, I know, she would have had major logistics issues with the rigidity of the medium... but think of the originality. It seems like many designers have postulated similar questions this season--or maybe they have a newfound interest in Louis XVI period interior decor. Wallpaper prints are popping up everywhere and at a range of price points.

These dresses are perfect for a garden part or wedding and are incredibly feminine yet don't require many accessories for a summer appropriate look

The dresses below all range between 34.99 to 198.00 can you tell which is which? Or maybe you "don't give a damn".



From left to right:
V-Neck Smocked, Toile-Print Wrap, Florida Room Sheath, Cotton Silk Cap Sleeve, Medallion Print Babydoll.

Labels: Antropologie, dresses

These are the cutest underpants.

I loath thongs. I really don't understand how a string between your checks rubbing with each movement is comfortable or sexy. I have to admit that for a while, I too wore these little torture devices because the chaffing was better than the alternative granny panties that require a wear to scrunch them down to not show above low-rise jeans. Thongs also always looked a little trashy to me with their minuscule coverage and often tacky fabrics and colors.

After a search of probably every store that sells lingerie, I finally found the answer to my bottom's prayers; at a Gap of all places. The ultra-low pure cotton hipster is like a little hug for your rear. The soft cotton lifts and covers and is topped with a cute waste of inch thick lace. These hold their shape throughout the day and I guarantee that you will never have to... how do I say... "readjust" them. The price is great and they create new colors and prints for each season.

Labels: essentials, lingerie

I used to watch Inspector Gadget as a little girl and found his constantly goofy gadgets intriguing, even though they often caused him to get in more trouble. Maybe he thought he could just annoy Dr. Claw or distract him from his evil plans. I always liked that it was a little girl, Penny, who saved the day. Just the post-feminist hero for 80s girls.

I suppose my love of large man-sized watches kind of relates in a strange way. I like it when they look like they could do something other then tell the time (perhaps act as a walkie-talkie when I work on my side job as a spy, or teleport me out of the annoying situation that is the Manhattan subway commute.) but I don't necessarily want something sporty. Watches that are weighty and look like they could have belonged to some well-dressed man are always more fun then the dainty pink and diamond things many women crave. It needs to be sleek and large, but still streamlined as it falls on the wrist bone empowering the wearer much like the cartoons of 80s youth.

This all-black watch from Vestal can fufill my little girl dreams of secret adventures to stop the evil Dr. Claws of the world or simply tell me how late I am while I wait for the 6 train.

Labels: Watches

Most days at work are pretty slow, which allows for endless hours of style-searching on the Internet. One of my favorite sites to visit is Etsy. An online swap-meet of sorts where users post their--often hand-crafted--creations and vintage finds.

Its hard to sort through all the junk that people think they can sell just because they handmade it. I have found, however, a few incredibly talented designers that have listed their wares.

In particular the designer liinok caught my eye. Her simple cuts are well thought out, appear well made and are a bargain considering the price similar styles cost at Barneys. Her color pallet of rich jewel tones are fashion forward for spring with there heavy use employed in the looks of upcoming fall styles.

I love this silky blouse with a shirred detail. Of all the colors, I suggest the rich electric blue. This luminous stunner works equally well with a black pencil skirt for work as with some worn in jeans and flat sandals for play.

Labels: shirts

By best friend called me last night as she often does. Our conversations run the gamut--from work to the meaning of life--but always seem to involve a discussion about clothing. I like that my friends seek my advice on what to wear and how to wear it. Since we live a nation apart and I can no longer be her shopping companion, Ali-Marie this is for you.

Ali-Marie works in medical offices where she must look professional but doesn't want to be mistaken for old. How does a young 25 year old accomplish this? And on a budget of course. Well I've found some options for you, just for you and all of the internet if they by chance stumble upon my page.

Ali-Marie has a typical female body-type smaller on top with an athletic build. Keeping in mind her olive skin and brown hair along with the stifling 100 degree weather of California summers (the state is not one big beach as many that don't live there believe.) I have found these outfits.
Hope you like them! This navy shirt dress is a cool linen blend with a shirt collar that slightly unbuttoned will bring attention to you face. The carved earrings are lightweight and have a summery, Polynesian feel. Metallic flat sandals (though slightly toughened with studs) are comfortable and still dressy for a work environment. The whole outfit is $126 not bad for such easy versatile pieces.
I love the floral jacket with it's fun summer print and perfect for covering your shoulders at work or on a breezy night out. The rich wine color of the dress will accent a tan and is flattering on a smaller bust. Add the rose colored bangles and the bright blue flats for a touch of whimsy. This outfit comes to $ 144.

So I suggest both ensembles, you can mix the pieces back into your wardrobe for even more looks. Love you lots.

Labels: accessories, dress, Personal Shopper, shoes

...this purse from Botkier. I know the style has been around for a while now, but the incarnation for summer is uniquely different. It looks like something found in the back of an older, fashionable woman's closet. She being very much a "Jacky O" type carrying this lady-like bag for years and storing it waiting for the day when someone would discover it and appreciate it's the well-loved patina.

I've always liked items that aren't quite perfect. As if they have been cherished for years and only parted with out of deep love wanting the item to "live up" to its rightful purpose through continual use.

The color of the moment is silver but it's not the high gleam of the ugly mirrored Louis Vuitton bags or the repetitive body styles of Marc Jacobs offerings for spring. This is a bag you can't quite place. The shape is familiar, but not overly exposed through knock-offs. The wear patterns of the leather give a look of a vintage find.

I know with this bag, I might very well be the old lady with treasure tucked away for some lucky young explorer.

Labels: essentials, handbag

When I was young I wore "Bongo" shorts. I remember having two pairs specifically. One was a dusty mustard color the other a floral pattern covered in palm-sized red and pink roses. Like all Bongo shorts, they hit comfortably above my belly button and the three front pleats extend down toward a large, rolled cuff at mid-thigh. Always the fashionista I wore mine with t-shirts tucked in and then blousoned out... usually of the kitty face variety. Looking back at pictures, I question what was I thinking (side Scrunci pony aside)?

For many years I never wore shorts they were in the realm of the very young or middle aged. Suffering through California heat waves in jeans. But shorts have been back for several seasons now and I have to admit my fashion paradigm has shifted back to my Bongo days. I want pleated shorts, but I suppose I'll leave the kitty shirt out of the outfit equation. Now I'll wear them with a fitted tank low on my hips with a flat studded sandal, maybe some large earrings and of course an oversize bag on my shoulder. The look will be less Punky Brewster and probably a lot more faltering, the Liz Loop Short from Alice+Olivia is perfect.

Labels: shorts

I sold designer denim for five years and consider myself somewhat of a specialist in the field. Denim has permeated the California workplace but still remains taboo in the conservative, dressy New York world.

If you met me before my foray into Denim, I myself didn't own a pair of jeans. Why? They were sloppy, unflattering, and--try as you may--they couldn't replace requisite black pants as a uniform staple.

I've gone through my brand obsessions from Seven, Citizens, Joe's, James, to True Religion and Rock & Republic. My obsession always shifted to the newest that promised to keep their shape and have the hippest silhouette. There was always some areas these brand didn't measure up... so the stack of denim on my shelves grew.

I've found the perfect pair and I wear it even to work. Page jeans are the only brand I've ever found that keep their shape over multiple wears. The color doesn't fade, and the low, straight cut on the hip is universally flattering. It is further aided by small high pocket that make the rear look perky and shapely. I threw a black Page jean on with a blazer and blouse for a sophisticated, work-appropriate look that's California comfy.

Labels: denim