Last Friday I dared to venture where I have never ventured before: the Forever 21 store in Union Square. I had a rather enjoyable shopping experience once I adjusted to the horror of being surrounded by cheap tulle and obnoxious tweens, which is possibly because I forgot what it’s like to buy trendy clothes for CHEAP. Sure, the quality is questionable, but who can say no to a plaid cape for $16? Or platforms pumps for $19? Not me, sir. Call it lack of self control or whatever you will, but I walked out of that hot-sparkly mess of a store with quite a few proud purchases under my arm. One of those is this terrific military cardigan in light tan with gold buttons. When I saw this little number across the crowded aisle of chatting tourists I immediately thought of the “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” getups worn by The Beatles in their iconic album cover. These cheap Forever 21 versions may not be in the same cool psychedelic colors, but at least there are a few choices of hues in case you and your friends want to go as slightly-more neutral versions of The Beatles for Halloween. As for me, I’ll just keep the cardigan for walking around the streets of New York and giving unnecessary salutes to random strangers.
Military trim cardigan, $34, available at Forever 21.
Opps! Someone was missing…..
Cropped Military Jacket, $42, available at Forever 21.
It’s hard to believe that it’s been a whole year since Michael Jackson’s death. Even though he’s gone, there’s no doubt that his style will live forever. In honor of his love of all things shiney, sparkly, and avant-garde, I’ve put together a collection of items to mimic two of his iconic looks.
It also seems fitting to post famed photographer David LaChapelle’s epic tribute to the King of Pop, one in a series of religious-themed portraits of the artist. (I was recently surprised to find out that the MJ in these picture is just a look-a-like.) LaChapelle once told The Times:
“I don’t think he was capable of hurting anyone. I think there’s something really biblical about what happened. His lyrics are so naive and so beautiful. It’s one of the most epic stories of our time, to go from such heights to such depths. He’s a modern-day martyr.”
Just try to look at these adorable Vivienne Westwood for Melissa baby shoes and not die of a cuteness overload. I’ve always thought the regular-sized versions of this shoe collaboration were cute, but these itty-bitty plastic wonders are just painfully adorable. I want to time travel back to the 1980’s and place these suckers on my little baby feet. Any child who is lucky enough to start their young life wearing these is bound to be a fashion innovator for the rest of their plastic shoe-wearing years.
In other baby fashion related news, the JWT for Huggies commercial has glorified the trend of putting small children in jean cut-off shorts. Okay, they’re actually “jean” diapers, but it definitely looks like these children are destined to become never nudes. The commercial is hilarious, cute, and creepy, all at the same time. What do you think of these denim poop holders?
If only it was as easy to find an ATM machine or a bathroom at the Brooklyn Flea as it is to find stylish people. Actually, it’s hard not to notice all the well-dressed people while scavenging through endless amounts of vintage pieces and handmade baubles. Here are a few of my favorite looks from last Saturday:
This bodacious babe (and budding handbag designer!) caught my eye when I first walked in. Pulling off a look that’s totally fit for Aggy, she makes a denim vest adorned with knickknacks and a black slip look oh-so-cool instead of oh-so-trashy. Even more amazing, she manages to wear heels during a long day of outdoor shopping. Mad props for that.
I spotted this girl looking like a Greek goddess a few times before I got up the courage to snap a picture of her ensemble. Proving that comfort and style can coexist in one outfit, her casual yet elegant draping dress and sandals are the epitome of Greek chic, perfect for beating the heat while looking pretty as a picture.
I found these two lovely ladies while strolling through the park in search of an elusive bathroom. Their style was a mixture of 70’s fashion and modern hipster attire, which can be a very good thing in their case. Pretty cute, no?
The day ended successfully. Purchases were made, and bathroom accommodations were found (thanks to a nice coffee shop worker who took pity on me). If you can can stand the heat and have the patience to look through dozens of vendor areas, you will probably find something you like at the Brooklyn Flea. If not, you can always chow down on some of the flea’s amazing food choices, from artisan pickles to lobster rolls. Check out these pupusas… it’s like I died and went to corn cake heaven. Reason enough to visit again soon!
The ultra-hip New York shopping mecca Opening Ceremony is always full of creative and interesting fashion from around the world, but right now it looks like the store has enough animated-inspired items to fill an ABC Saturday morning cartoon schedule. Here are some of my favorite cartoony pieces that are sure to amuse the inner child in all of us. Enjoy with a Lunchable and juice box for maximum effect.
These Flintstones-inspired heels by Jeremy Scott are just sooo Wilma. If that’s your style, check out the matching glasses. Yabba-Dabba-Doo!
Now you can look just as maniacal as Dr. Finkelstein from The Night Before Christmas, but with an even greater advantage: these gloves zip off to provide variety of looks, all for a mere $540! Muwhahahah!
These animal print Keds remind me of one of my favorite childhood cartoons, Marsupilami. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, you are totally and irreversibly lame. Or at least my 6-year-old self thinks so.
You probably think the obvious correlation here is Spider Man, but no! I’m thinking of that lovable arthropod from Charlotte’s Web. You can honor her by wearing these spider web leggings, another steal at just $540!
When Winnie-the-Pooh wasn’t busy gorging or hanging with his depressed (Eeyore) and overly-anxious (Piglet) friends, you could find him with his bright yet dyslexic friend Owl. Channel his wisdom with this hooty dress.
This cuff bracelet seems very Sonic the Hedgehog to me. Now I just want to roll into a ball and go after some coins.
It’s not easy to look fashionable while the sky dumps inches of wet snow on our heads. The dreaded “wintry mix” forecast typically calls for humdrum waterproof boots and extreme puffy jackets that inevitably end up looking as dull and wet as the sky itself. I spotted this cheery girl walking near Bedford Avenue in Williamsburg last week and was immediately charmed by her vibrant ensemble in the midst of a white landscape. Instead of going the usual parka route, she was dressed in plenty of plaid with practical waterproof pieces, sort of like Braveheart meets Debbie Reynolds in Singing in the Rain. Later I found out that she is a fashion photographer who works for Market Publique. If you haven’t checked out the site yet, I highly suggest that you do. It’s a fantastically organized and diverse vintage shop online, always full of interesting treasures for vintage fanatics like myself.
Speaking of vintage shopping, I’m going to take a moment to shamelessly display these beautiful dresses that I picked up recently at a store called Odd Twin Trading Company in Park Slope. It’s a great shop that sells everything from wacky retro board games to elegant 40’s evening gowns. I can’t stop gushing about these fabrics! The one on the left is a psychedelic peacock print dress from the 70’s, and the one on the right is a coral drop waist SKORT dress from the 60’s. Now I can blend in at the zoo and ride a bike with ease.
Unfortunately these dresses must remain on hangers until spring comes and brings us some warm weather. Until then, enjoy this beautiful wintry view of Prospect Park. Perhaps snow isn’t always a bad thing after all.
Nothing is more terrifying than a bride on a mission. Every year thousands of bloodthirsty brides-to-be wait outside the doors of Filene’s Basement for the infamous “Running of the Brides”. The result is typically a stampede of bachelorettes and sidekick mothers ready to fight at all costs for the perfect wedding gown. This vicious tradition was started in 1947 at the Filene’s Basement store in downtown Boston and has since become a yearly tradition beloved by the media for its utter pandemonium. In case you’re wondering why any woman would subject herself to such torture, you probably haven’t had to cough up the money for a decent wedding dress. Gowns normally priced from $900-$9000 are discounted to $249-$699, and most dresses disappear off the rack in a matter of minutes. We’ve put together some helpful tips to put you ahead of the race:
1.) Wear comfortable running shoes.
2.) Listen “Eye of the Tiger” on repeat while you wait.
3). Brush up on your kickboxing moves.
4.) Practice trying on dresses until you can do it in 30 seconds or less.
5.) Find someone to marry.
Think you got what it takes? The first event kicks off at the Filene’s Basement location in Union Square this Friday. You can find the schedule for other major cities here. Let the force be with you.
Single-digit temperatures and slushy snow showers are enough to give anyone the winter blues. To make matters worse, many retail stores have already ditched their cold-weather items for cruise and springtime clothes. Unfortunately for many of us, this is how the fashion cycle works. We’re stuck drooling over floral frocks while scraping ice off our windshields. Le sigh.
Try not to fret if you’re still in need of warmer clothes to get you through the season. We’ve round up some stylish coats that are still available online to keep you cozy. Just remember…purchasing a cute nautical sundress may seem like a good idea now, but it won’t help you survive the frigid weather still to come. Be strong, winter warriors.
You could be a style sleuth in the Grey-t Cape-r Coat from Mod Cloth.
The Albuquerque coat, also from Mod Cloth, is perfect for dreaming of the warm desert.
Check out the Jersey Schoolgirl (not to be confused with Jersey Shore) coat from Top Shop.
One of a many coats on super clearance at Macy’s. This Tommy Hilfiger one is on sale for $80 from $380. Cha-ching!
Okay, so this North Face parka may not be super stylish or cheap, but it will keep you quite toasty. (trust me, I own it)
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Sep 06 2010
