CFDA Barbies

Mattel is celebrating their new launch of the new Barbie Basics™ Collection by collaborating with the 12 members of the Council of Fashion Designers of America. Each designer has Barbie in their own creations of a little black dress. The Barbies are up for bid on EBay with all proceeds going to CFDA's educational initiatives and scholarship program.

Designers include: Kate Spade, Tory Burch, Alexis Bittar, Betsy Johnson, Devi Kroell, Issac Mizrahi, Lorriane Schwartz, Philip Crangi, Subversive Jewerly, Monica Botkier, and Albertus Swanepoel.

http://www.luxist.com/photos/cfda-barbie-auction/

Winter Doldrums

Look how effortless and chic her winter wear is! How come when I leave my house in all my winter gear I look like a hobo? (photo via facehunter.com)

Wow, I have neglected to write about any purchases, fashion dreams, frankly anything interesting. These winter months have unfortunately zapped any motivation to be stylish. I mean, I purchased a fun winter coat, I have an endless supply of new boots that I seem to always get good use of within days of purchase (i.e. already scuff up) but I guess I just do not have much of an interest in winter wear.

Firstly, I find dressing for winter is expensive! Heavier materials and the use of more fabric only seems to jack up the cost. I would die for a chunky knit cardigan from Chloe, but that price tag is not justifiable especially during short winters we have here in Charleston. Many fashionistas in colder cities have effortless winter looks that I would love to duplicate in my own wardrobe. The warmer climate finds me complaining about 50 degree weather, wishing it was warmer, yet I throw on a down jacket.

Secondly, my efforts to dress have become very uninspired. From throwing on my jeans, long sleeve shirt, Patagonia fleece vest, thick chenille socks, and my knee-high Dani black boots to my black blazer, two pairs of black tights, a fun dress, and suede heels as my going-out attire. Sounds reasonable, right? Not until you realize that only the dress changes each night I go out, and only the long sleeve shirt changes during the day. I know, this is far from exciting. I am stuck in a winter outfit rut!

So with this negative, cold fashion energy, I'm ready to be optimistic awaiting the arrival of warm weather, bright colors and prints. Hopefully from this cold February day on out, I will gradually break out of the winter browns, blacks, grays, and blues, replacing them with yellows, reds, oranges, purples and greens. (Somehow) I'll manage what is in my closet and subsequently incorporate some spring wear into the mix thus making my wardrobe more transition-friendly.

I only dream of the warm Spring when shorter dresses and skirts can come out to play in bare legs and fun sandals. Until then, layer on and stay warm.

Ski Bunny

How fabulous would it be to glide down a mountain side with some Chanel boarding gear?

Resurrection

After a ridiculous, inexcusable hiatus from this wonderful page, I, or better yet, WE are back. Back from wherever it was we lazily disappeared to. To every one's benefit I'm sure, I will skip all the niceties, apologies, and New Years resolutions in favor of an actual mini-editorial to kick start the week.

In Washington, D.C. it has been beyond tolerably cold. And it pains my poor fingers and toes each time I have to step out in the early morning hours to haul it to the Metro. Thus I cannot imagine the pains people must have been experiencing yesterday for the "No Pants Day" on the subway. I was fairly unfamiliar with this event but saw a link to the BBCNews website today with a little blurb about it and found it to be quite an ingenious idea. I love the fact that it has such a global following, no matter how small in some places. From New York City to apparently Australia groups were organizing pantless transit exploits.

I have no shame in admitting that I am curious to participate next year for not only does it sound silly and liberating, but it gives me an excellent opportunity to show off what's not normally advertised: underwear. Ivy knows how much I love Cosabella lingerie but I may have to find something a bit more modest. Adorable cotton boy shorts should suffice.

Only Hearts Leopard Print Hipster v. Calvin Klein Steel Boy Shorts - Shopbop

Bottom line: this small global craze to apparently "lighten the mood" seems a bit extreme, but who says it's not worth a giggle or two.

Stress Relief

During an emotionally high stress point, I find much relief in purchasing items. I think the fact that you know something good is about to arrive in the mail is always a mood booster.

Rue La La has a dangerous winter multi-brand sale of handbags, outerwear, clothes, denim, and shoes right now. I dabbled in the outerwear and handbag sales and found myself purchasing this lovely wool Laundry belted coat (originally $350, purchased for $129)

and this beautiful black suede Gustto Crossbody hobo bag (which reminds me of the Gucci Hysteria cross body bag that I die for, originally $675, purchased $169).

Plus I had $20 in credits at Rue LaLa. So retail value spent $995. Saved $708!! Can't wait for the packages in the mail! I surely keep the UPS employees busy. Ha.

UPDATE: Just bought an Ali Ro dress... Thanks Gilt... ($108, was $206, I should feel amazing right now.. hah)

Under $25 Gift Ideas

Just rummaging through websites and looking at the merchandise, I have decided to pick and choose some things that caught my eye as a cute gifts for this holiday season.

Tulle Short Key Hole Gloves, $17.

Forever 21 Studded Links Necklace, $23.

Alloy Zoey Clutch, $25.

Sephora Color Play Palette II, $24.

The Sartorialist by Scott Schuman, $18.

Anthropologie Extra Ingredients Measuring Spoons, $18.

Cozy

3.1 Phillip Lim Belted Shawl Lapel Coat, $750.

Perfect winter top for my new boots. Very homey, log cabin feeling with the fireplace burning.

Spike

EUGENIE NIARCHOS wearing Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci Leather and Metal Studded Hairband!!! Image from Jak and Jil Blog

Winter Boots Found

Purchased! Dani Black Reaper Boot, on sale $234 from $325. I had been searching for the perfect pair of riding boots. I was set on finding a pair of the Sam Edelman Phallon Boots, but I have had no luck in finding my size. With my determination in dressing my lovely feet in some polished boots, I came across these motorcycle/riding boots that have a classy edge to them. Good purchase? Or should I wait to find those Phallon boots still?

Everybody's Fine Premiere

Absolutely loving Drew Barrymore's Pucci ensemble at last night's Everybody's Fine movie premiere.