Death of the "It" Jean? Seven for all Mankind 10th Year Anniversary

The year is 2002 and Seven for all Mankind jeans have reached a feveristic pitch...suddenly the thought of paying $150 plus for jeans doesn't seem so crazy, and people are reaching deep into their pockets to pay for premium denim.  Seven for all Mankind revolutionized the denim market by convincing the masses that they needed and wanted premium denim...at premium prices.

Fast forward to present day, and Seven for all Mankind is celebrating its 10th year anniversary.  Are Sevens still popular?  I suppose...but they definitely aren't as popular as they once were.  Since Seven was founded, we've seen a ton of competitors emerge from the fold, the more recent being J Brand Jeans, Paige Premium Denim, Current/Elliott, Joe's Jeans...you get the picture.

But the other day I was talking with a friend, and I asked her...what are the popular "It" jeans that everyone just has to have now?  The best we could come up with was J Brand...or Current/Elliott among the fashionistas.  But beyond that we were stumped.  An "It" jean brand would scream at you walking down the street...suddenly everyone would be clamoring for their perfect pair of the brand.  But I don't see much clamoring going on these days....maybe its the recession. Or maybe I missed it...but if you know what the "It" brand of jeans is to be had, please fill me in...because I'm not sure that they exist at the moment.  Could it be? The death of the "It" jean?

Be a Handbag Designer: Rebecca Minkoff Design Challenge

Rebecca Minkoff Runway Design Challenge by Polyvore

Today Polyvore announced a design challenge to redesign the popular Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Clutch.  I am super-psyched for this challenge -- I would love to add "handbag designer" to my resume...but the challenge is suprisingly hard given the tools at a person's disposal.  Plus, if you aren't a huge clutch person (I'm not) then it makes the contest that much more challenging.  I am going to consider this a good Thanksgiving project.  If I decide to enter, I'll post my entry here...stay tuned!

Which Came First? The Mulberry Alexa Bag or the Proenza Schouler PS1 Bag?

Mulberry Oversized Alexa - $1,250

Proenza Schouler PS1 - $1,825

It is so funny how two premier designers can churn out bags that are so incredibly similar.  I would argue that as of late, the Mulberry Alexa bag has been a bit more popular than the Proenza Schouler PS1 bag (but then again, it probably depends on who you are asking).  It isn't as though one is the exact copy of the other, but they are just so darn close on so many levels -- shape, silhouette and really almost down to the choice of hardware -- that you have to wonder which one was born first . . . and whether one really inspired the other.  Mulberry is definitely more well-known for bags, while Proenza Schouler is definitely more well-known for clothes. The Mulberry is a bit cheaper than the Proenza . . . but all of that being said, which one would you pick?

Love both of the above, but don't want to spring for either one? Try this Topshop pick, the Leather Piped Satchel for $100:

Why on Earth did Kate Middleton's Issa London Royal Engagement Dress Sell out in 24 Hours?

Photo: Getty Images/Frazier Harrison 

Don't get me wrong...I am just as excited about the impending royal wedding as the next person, but for some reason I am just not on board with the excitement over this blue dress.  The ring, of course...this dress...no.  The Examiner is reporting that Kate's navy blue Issa dress that she wore for the royal engagement announcement sold out in 24 hours.  The dress retails for about  $615..but I just don't see why people love this dress so darn much. 

I mean, yes...is it is a nice, classic, navy dress.  Is it the most flattering dress?  No.  Is it a good value?  No.  First, the silhouette is all wrong...the girl doesn't really have hips, but that flared skirt makes me think there might be something to hide under there.  The way the flared skirt hangs from her waist to her knees just isn't a flattering shape. Plus, the long sleeves and knee-length just look more dowdy than the age-appropriate twenty-something that  she is.  The plunging neckline, probably one of the few things I like about this dress, does little to save it or make it exciting.  

A few more things -- the sheen in the fabric didn't really photograph all that well, and the fitted wrap around bodice looks more samurai than sophisticated.  And finally, Kate:  you are the likely future Queen of England!!! Couldn't you have worn something by an indigenous British designer?  I mean, seriously?  Show some U.K. love!

At half the price, here is my pick for Kate -- Vivienne Westwood Draped Jersey Dress:

This dress is so similar, and yet so different from the one Kate chose.  It has the sleeves, and it is a similar length.  But the length here is actually perfect - it hits at the smallest part of the knee, which is gives the illusion of a long and lean silhouette (or, in Kate's case, flatters her already long and lean silhouette).  Plus, the shape of the skirt is sleek and sophisticated.  The dress as a whole flatters, but it is isn't overly sexy for the occasion -- an announcement by the likely future King and Queen of England.  The fabric doesn't have the sheen to it either, therefore it isn't a photographic no-no. This dress just exudes elegance -- there is a uniqueness to it that would give her that slight fashion edge.  This dress says, "I'm here, I mean business, I'm classy and sophisticated, and I look great.  Photograph me."

Finally, the color of this dress complements William's suit wayyyy better, it is by a British designer, and at $300 it is less than half the price of the Issa London dress.  England is in a recession!  Buy the Vivienne, not the Issa!

But this is just a humble commoner's opinion.  Its not that her choice was wrong...I'm just saying that it could have been better . . .

*UPDATE: Looks like another person in the blogosphere agrees with me on most points: http://www.celebitchy.com/127135/would_you_like_to_buy_kate_middletons_issa_engagement_dress_too_bad/

Another J. Crew Hot Mess: The Disco Tartan Top

Photo Source: J. Crew.com

What my friend at work said about this top was absolutely hilarious, so I am just going to quote her verbatim -- this post goes out to her:

This is god awful and there is a reason why preppy and disco DO NOT MIX . . . I wouldn't buy this for $0.65 let alone $650! Even Lady Gaga wouldn't touch this and the woman wears meat! I don't know who is buying this, but apparently someone is . . . because they only have a size 4 and a size 6 left?! Who are these crazy people and let me show them better ways to spend their money!

But seriously, if you are looking for a cute sequin top, maybe try the the Sequin Slub Tee from Ann Taylor Loft (pictured below) instead -- at $36.50 (without a coupon) it is a major bargain!

 

Black and Gold Re-Imagined: Affordable Holiday Look

Black and Gold Re-Imagined: Affordable Holiday Look by nycandparis

Nothing over $275!

	Women's dresses - evening & dinner - Silk organza starburst dress - J.Crew $275 - jcrew.com J crew dresses »
	Metal Shell Gold Clutch Bag $52 - monsoon.co.uk Metal handbag »
	Kendra Scott - Gartha Earrings (Midnight) - Jewelry $69 - zappos.com Kendra Scott earrings »
	Giles & Brother 10-karat gold-plated multi-chain bracelet $175 - net-a-porter.com Gold plated bangles »
	Kendra Scott - Bryce Ring (Black) - Jewelry $64 - zappos.com Black jewelry »
	Chiffon ruffle high heel | Banana Republic $150 - bananarepublic.gap.com

Another J. Crew Hot Mess: J. Crew Ombré Mohair Coat

Photo Source: JCrew.com

Late last week J. Crew rolled out their new holiday arrivals, and the coat above caught my eye, but not in a good way.  Priced at $495, you too can look like your lumberjack coat sprouted fur!  J. Crew touts it as "A showstopper poised to become your next wardrobe star."  Its a showstopper alright...it looks like something that might have been given to you by an elderly relative, and that you begrudgingly pull out on holidays to keep up the ruse that you actually wear said article of clothing.

I'm not saying that all non-solid coats are horrendous, but there are reasons why certain coats are classics.  If you are looking for a pop of color in a more casual coat, try the J. Crew Ever Peacoat instead. At $225, less than half of the Ombré Mohair Coat, you'll actually wear this coat season after season, rather than wake up next fall and wonder what the heck you were thinking:

Photo Source: J.Crew.com

Reality TV Gone Too Far: BridalPlasty

 

Photosource: Starcasm.com

I was flipping through my People magazine last night, and I came across this ad for a new E! reality show called "BridalPlasty". I was first horrified by the ad itself, showing a picture of a perfect bride with a bouquet of syringes and medical instruments.  Next, I was even more horrified by the tagline in the ad which reads, "The only competition where the winner gets cut."  I was, frankly, shocked and appalled that society has progressed to the point where it will accept and encourage plastic surgery a norm for bridal beauty perfection. 

Apparently, according to the The Huffington Post:

On each episode, a group of brides-to-be will compete in wedding-themed challenges like writing vows and planning honeymoons to be awarded different cosmetic surgeries. The week’s winner gets her procedure done and the results are shown at the beginning of the following week’s episode.

I mean, seriously?  I can't believe this is real!  I won't be watching, but I hope that we can all encourage any future brides we know that they are beautiful just the way they are...plastic surgery not required.

J. Crew Hot Messes: Crystal Bloom Necklace and Feather Duster Necklace

J. Crew Crystal Bloom Necklace

Every season there are items that J. Crew puts in its line up that just make you wonder what the heck their designers were thinking.  This season, I would like to nominate the J. Crew Crystal Bloom Necklace.  It frankly looks like an arts and crafts class gone horribly wrong. The necklace might have been saved if they hadn't added the chiffon petals to the crystal flowers.  And the funniest part about it is that J. Crew touts it as a "designer favorite"!!!

While we are at it, I just have to nominate the Feather Duster Necklace as well:

J. Crew Feather Duster Necklace

I think the name speaks for itself....it isn't as though I woke up today and said, "hmmmmmmm...I would like to wear a feather duster around my neck!!" Unless your significant other has some sort of french maid fetish, I think this is another piece I'll skip.

A piece I like?  The Apogee Necklace:

 J. Crew Apogee Necklace

Simple, architectural beauty defined -- and it would pretty much go with anything. It would dress up a day outfit, or make an evening outfit elegant.

 

Through the Looking Glass

Through the Looking Glass by nycandparis featuring a party dress

Black, White and Sequins all Over

Black, White and Sequins all Over by nycandparis featuring a tapered ring

Ann Taylor as Fashion Inspiration: Ann Taylor Illustrations

 

Photos Courtesy of Ann Taylor's Facebook Fan Page 

Yesterday Ann Taylor released the illustrations its creative team used while designing the new holiday collection.  More than allowing us a glimpse into Ann Taylor's creative process, I just love the beauty of the sketches and watercolors -- they make me want to run right out and buy some frames so I can use them to decorate my office.  I think releasing these was a great move on Ann Taylor's part to drum up increased interest in the new holiday collection.  Below each of the sketches is a link to the item that was inspired by the sketch.

I just wish I could say the clothes turned out as beautiful as the drawings.  I think the red dress is so beautiful in the watercolor, but a hot mess in reality.  And while the first black dress pictured above looks so luxe in the drawing, in reality it is a basic black jersey dress.  Finally, the last drawing looks like a dress, but it was apparently translated into a sweater paired with a feathered skirt...a skirt that Ann Taylor doesn't even sell (at least not yet).

The drawings really evoke a sense of texture that was simply lost in translation during the production process.  Kudos to Ann Taylor for allowing us a glimpse of their incredible inspiration...and letting us imagine for a moment how beautiful these clothes could have looked in person.

 For a peek at the clothes inspired by each of the above sketches, click on the following links:

Illustration #1: Winter Rose Strapless Dress
Illustration #2: One Shoulder Cascade Dress
Illustration #3: According to Ann Taylor: "Pair this feathered skirt with our off-the-shoulder sweater for a perfect party outfit."

 

Happy Friday Night!!! Dreaming in Black and Gold

Dreaming in Black and Gold by nycandparis featuring black bracelets

So Sweet You'll Give Him a Toothache

So Sweet You'll Give Him a Toothache by nycandparis featuring pearls jewelry

Love Me Some Whiskey: My Favorite Whiskey-Colored Bags

There is just something about the richness of whiskey-colored leather that I absolutely adore.  It has a seasonless quality -- usually we start seeing more of the color once the cool weather sets in, but I argue that the color just looks as supple with white as it does with black.  That is the beauty of this neutral -- it adds an effortless luxe element that I just can't get enough of, and you can literally wear it with just about anything.  Most women have a favorite color handbag that they keep buying over and over again.  For me, it is this whiskey colored camel -- every time I go to buy a handbag I find myself buying this color over and over again.  It is just so good, I can't get enough. 

Here are my all-time favorite whiskey colored handbags in no particular order, as pictured above (many are no longer sold, but you can definitely scoop them up on eBay) :

1) Chloé Heloise in Nutmeg 

2) Chloé Edith in whiskey (no longer available)

3) Mulberry Alexa in Oak

4) Mulberry Roxanne in Oak (no longer available)

5) Chloé Marcie in Nut - Find it here in Honey - or the hobo here in nut

6) Chloé Paddington in whiskey - find it here in brown

7) Balenciaga Weekender in Camel (no longer available)

8) Balenciaga City in Camel (no longer available)

Winter Tights Solution: Assets vs. Spanx

Photo Source: Her Room.com

If you are like me, you love wearing tights in the winter, but finding the perfect pair at the right price can be a bit cumbersome.  I have gone through many brands that I didn't love: J. Crew and Banana Republic tights, while fashionable, are always too thin and lack support (and unless they are purchased with a coupon, can be a bit on the pricey side too).  And while I love Wolford tights (who doesn't!) I just can't bring myself to drop $50 on a piece of clothing that will be destroyed by the slightest snag. I have always loved Spanx too (specifically, Spanx Tight End Tights), and I thought there was nothing out there that really compared.  But at more than $30 per pair, again, I just couldn't see investing that kind of money in something that I couldn't count on to last forever. (**Update -- I was able to score several pairs of Spanx Tight End Tights at Filene's Basement today for $16/pair...at that price, I say stock up while you can!)

But then, a couple of winters ago, I was perusing the tights aisle at Target and I stumbled upon Assets by Sarah Blakely.  Admittedly, Assets is the lower-end line of Spanx, but at about half the price of Spanx, I think your dollar goes a bit further with Assets.  Tights only last so long, no matter how well you take care of them and avoid sharp objects.  Assets tights are just the right price point and quality that they last through wearings and washings, while keeping their shape and keeping you warm.  But at around $15 per pair, your heart doesn't fall out of your chest at the sign of a snag.

The Assets Terrific Tights are my absolute favorites.  Like normal tights, however, the solid tights last longer than those with texture or a pattern (like those pictured above).  I don't think any of my textured or patterned tights survived the winter, but at least they survived through several wearings.  Here are some of my faves:

1) Terrific Textured Tuxedo Stripe Tights (pictured above) - $16 - Buy Them Here

2) Solid Terrific Tights - $14 - My absolute faves!!! They last forever, hold you in, and come in a range of sizes.  For a super-secret tip, size up one size for added opacity and comfort. Buy Them Here

3) Pucker Terrific Textured Tights - For a bit of vertical texture to lengthen your legs - $18 - Buy Them Here

Banana Republic Holiday 2010 Arrives: Love The {Lackluster} Present

Banana Republic posted its new holiday video to You Tube today announcing that its holiday collection has arrived.  Are we alone in thinking this is a lackluster collection?  We were hard-pressed to find any items in the video that would make us rush out to Banana. The plaid ties seemed like a J. Crew rip-off, and all of the sweaters "inspired by the Himalayas" landed us right smack in the middle of a Sundance Catalog. 

To Keep or Note to Keep: That is the Question - Kate Spade Sally Boots

Photo Source: Kate Spade.com

I ordered these boots a couple of weeks ago when Kate Spade had their 20% off Friends and Family coupon.  They came, they fit, and they look the best of any boots that I own.  I have calves on the wider side, so finding actual boots that fit can be really difficult. Believe me, I was thrilled that these fit around my calves! So why am I fretting about whether or not to keep them?  Well, for one the sole is really, really, thin...and walking in the, I feel as though I could feel the ground...and one sharp pebble just might penetrate through to my foot.  But on the other hand, these boots aren't meant to be rugged, they are meant to by stylish . . .

Which got me thinking about another one of my work colleagues...she will wear wellies, or some other expendable boot to work, and upon arriving, dutifully changes into her "stylish" boots, the soles of which won't grace the outdoors.  Call me crazy, but if I spend this much on boots, they sure as hell better go anywhere and everywhere...and look great doing it.  I'm not sure if these boots are up to the challenge, though.  Stylish, yes . . . expendable, no.

Which brings me back to the boots.  I try to live by the rule that you should only keep it if you love it, and if you love it, keep it.  Do these boots fill a hole in my closet?  Yes.  Do I "kind of" need them? Yes. But I think my misgivings about them might be that wearing them takes me a bit out of my comfort zone.  Because of the wide calf issue, I have never been one that consciously reaches for the knee-high boots without painstakingly planning my outfit, only to abandon the boots at the last minute in favor of some other go-to shoe. I admire the girls sashaying down the street that look like so carefree in their glamorous boots.  Will I keep these and become a card-carrying member of the club?  The jury's still out . . .