Stylish with Substance

Stylish or Vile Ish? Dior Victorian Thigh Highs

Ella M — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 13:17:37 EDT

These thigh high socks, or maybe actual thigh high stockings, with very feminine and Victorian detail, are by Christian Dior. They fit in with fabulous Dior and the fall ladylike trend, but they might be less lady and more trashy. Are these actually stylish or are they a big don't and reminiscent of Taylor Momsen and her "high class hooker" type of "chic"?

We know the sheer negligee they're posed with helps give the image of Lady Marmalade and the boudoir, but could these be paired up better for the everyday woman? Is the look salvageable?

Coming later; more trend polls.

*Update #2* There was an OnSugar bug for a large portion of today, 9/9/10, that may have caused more votes cast for "Vile Ish" than intended.

Chick Savvy: Louis Vuitton iPad Case; Is it for the Birds?

Ella M — Mon, 03 May 2010 16:47:52 EDT

*Update: Now with a poll!*

Louis Vuitton has produced a case for the new iPad

Want or Waste?

GQ.com got the exclusive preview of Louis Vuitton's to-be-released iPad cover, and we're unhappy it wasn't shipped to women! (Hence our photoshopping.) But that's not the real story, it's all about the LV! (Although you can see our vanity here, it's always about moimoimoi, natch.)

Despite the typical Apple buzz and obvious profitability, the upscale design hauses are increasingly showing their tardiness in producing iPad accessories, and even though Louis Vuitton is the first gal-beloved big brand to showcase a case, the actual product won't be available until 2011 (no word on month). Perhaps they can blame it on the time it takes time to craft high quality luxury - just think Hermès and the ladies will understand.

Even though it is Louis Vuitton and well-crafted, you may not care for the "exclusivity" pricetag of $366 when the most cost-effective version of the device itself runs little more than $100 more ($499).

A luxurious and secure home for your precious gadget

I do make this argument to you though, depending on how you treat your iPad (examples of use below), it may be the next important gadget down from your laptop. It might hold important or private files, photos, perhaps even your work. If you would not spend this kind of money on the look of LV alone, think of the durability of the materials and workmanship and how much those things mean it can protect this Comp Lite.

If you're not sold, that's great, and you can say you're not a fashion victim. However I do ask you not to knock it ... with all that knocking over you or your clumsy friend will inevitably do with the pad.

Buying it? May we suggest the Damier - subtle is classy.

[caption id="attachment_3230" align="alignnone" width="450" caption="We photoshopped a woman's hand onto the image to make it more girl-friendly than the GQ article/photos. ;-) Should we say you're welcome or just commit ourselves? ;-)"][/caption]

Or perhaps it's protection-schmotection, if your iPad has cat scratches anyway...

If you're wondering whether I would buy a luxury case from Louis Vuitton, or wait for a lower designer like Coach, or just go with something else that's nice and suits me but is likely more affordable ...

The answer is no, but partially because I don't even have any near-future plans to get the iPad, so that would surely be a waste of money.

You see, I see the iPad as really great for two things, one: a nice point-of-sale device, useful for craft shows (and I don't have real plans to do craft shows in the future). Two: an awesome but expensive cat toy, and I'm allergic to cats. Another waste.

Wait, a double waste. Darn my dweebish, allergic body. I'd love a cat and she'd love this cat toy - I mean iPad. Not a waste of $500 plus app costs at all, right?

Bonus! Poll!

The iPad itself, is it...

[polldaddy poll=3145809]

Design Du Jour - Miu Miu Retro/Cute/Kitsch Sparrow Pumps

Ella M — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 02:21:26 EDT

This is a new feature I'm vowing to keep up with, and yes, daily. Sometimes it might be designer dujour as well, and today's designer can pretty much fit the bill...

Usually I'm also going to focus on design details over just plain cute products, but today I've been bitten by a little bird...

I'm going totally nuttily lustful over these pumps by Miu Miu: it's not so much the sparrow (or sparrow vs. cat print, also popular), it's more the girly/retro/cute/kitsch feel that is boosted by nearly any print, but moreso by the kooky animals. Though yes, I do fancy a bird over a cat, at least in this case.

These shoes are so popular, and so sold out, that my hopes for scoring them sooo cheap are actually pipe dreams - but maybe I couldn't learn to walk in what feels like a 4.5 inch heel (atop a 1 inch platform). They're seriously high, but they've got me all drunk over them! (Why is that always the way? High heel, high price, high want.)

A girl can dream ... a crazy dream with little birdies. ;-)

P.S. Don't fail to notice our giveaway!

*Update: I forgot I wanted to post a runway shot:

[caption id="attachment_2936" align="alignnone" width="450" caption="On the runway"][/caption]

Like Garanimals for adults, but more literal.

Cindy Crawford, "One Kiss", Jewelry at JC Penney - Another Undesigner Celeb Line or More?

Ella M — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 17:20:57 EST

Cindy Crawford has an upcoming (April 2010) jewelry collection for JC Penney. She already has a home line for the chain mart and another furniture range at Rooms to Go, a discount furniture-collection store you may or may not even live near, and hence may not know. However in my being able to have viewed some of those RTG pieces, I'd critique them as usual albeit nice with fun colors.

Ella, I, was ready to pass judgment and pass this off as the usual boring, but I'm actually not so sure that is my opinion. The pieces are said to be inspired by Henna, and I do see that, in addition to an actual certain specialness. But what do you think?

"Dread (lock) Santa Hat" !?! - Dread is Right!

Ella M — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 14:05:58 EST

You too can have long white dreads under your Santa hat. Because nothing represents the North Pole like a Rastafarian, especially a really old one.

However if you love that rasta-aesthetic or just think this is too funny, it's available for purchase from Target.

Michelle Trachtenberg's Design for Coach. Yeah one. !?!

Ella M — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 22:23:22 EST

I was planning (and excited) to write about Michelle Trachtenberg's collection for COACH Poppy that debuted on December 1st - right after I moved in of course. Delay dispensed with, I'm really disappointed.

It's really just one design, a very simple bee in blue and yellow costume stones. It's sold in a necklace, a bracelet, earrings and a ring. But yeah that's just one small thing for Michelle. No giant shopping spree for fans.

Le sigh.

Shop

What To "Pair" with Sock Garters

Ella M — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:00:47 EST

The consensus is in: amongst a certain fashionable crowd, sock garters are in as well.

What can one wear with sock garters so they don't look odd or too masculine? Tips are to go vintage, classy, and ether feminine or tongue-in-chic masculine. (Vintage or menswear keep it all in a style family people can recognize and stylistas can admire.)

Don't forget if you want that lift without visible garters, a longer dress/skirt or pants can be worn (as seen in a few items).

What to "Pair" with Sock Garters by DesignerElla featuring American Apparel socks

Items in this set:
Dolce & Gabbana dress, 560 GBP
Odd Molly dress, 260 GBP
Ebay.com dress, $135
Modcloth.com dress, $70
PPQ dress, 65 GBP

What do you think of sock garters? How do you think they could/should be worn?

Attack of the Monster Pump! Another Horror Shoe...

Ella M — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:00:39 EST

[caption id="attachment_1677" align="alignnone" width="450" caption="Camilla Skovgaard fringe pumps"][/caption]

Camilla Skovgaard is an up-and-coming footwear designer. See this other shoe that got acclaim via FabSugar.

She's gotten a lot of attention already, but this shoe might horrify too much.

I know fringe is a big trend but it seems instead of designers inventing subtle variations they seem to go. all. out!

Out they are indeed, $h-t!

I mean this shoe looks like a mix of Native American moccasin and ... furry hoof.

Another scary shoe like the toeless boot. Gosh, which is worse?

Via another Fab Sugar post.

Sock Garters!?! IT or $h-t?

Ella M — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:29:36 EST

When one hears or reads about "sock garters", that guy, gal, doll or dame may think of any a number of thoughts. There's probably curiousity, intrigue or the quick urge to flag as fug.

But some fashionistas are already saying they can be at least kinda cute - so while I crave posting a photo of this odd hybrid-accessory (at least they don't have a weird smushed name like "sarters"), I also should leave this open to public opinion. After all, they're not necessarily forcing wearers into What Not to Wear-ers. (They can be hidden, but is that the intent?)

For your approval: A y (?) look from indie designer, SWAN clothing.

Key = visible, BUT with heels.

But - mm - I don't know. We don't see the whole picture.

Then there's a whole bunch of garter styles from Sock Dreams, including adjustable banded ones that can even match the knee socks themselves. Better? Worse? (I'm back and forth on those poofy-poodly/uggly ones.)

So this whole new sock-garters-for-women thing: IT or $h-t List?

*Update* The poll is closed. Stay tuned for more on this! Read my suggestions on what to pair/wear with these accessories.

[polldaddy poll=2269768]

To reiterate either way, just thank goodness our tween-zombied society hasn't come up with "sarters".

Or have they?

Dun dun dunnnnn.

"Product" Photo Essay: Inspiration Bleeds from Twilight

Ella M — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 13:26:08 EDT

Bb Dakota Twilight Bella Jacket - Sold Out	Luna Twilight DuWop Lip Venom® - Sold Out
Kiss Of The Vampire Tee - Sold Out	Gossip Girl tee - Sold Out
Transformers - Women's Team Decepticon Baseball Tee - Sold Out	Ruffle Lace Fingerless Glove - Sold Out
Vampire Love - Sold Out	G-Stud Black - Sold Out
Edun Comet T-Shirt - Sold Out	King Baby Studio Gothic Cross w/Crowned Leverback Earrings - Sold Out
Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick for Body - Sold Out	Candela Victorian Jacket - Sold Out
Lace Sleeve Corset Top - Sold Out	Black Lace Detail Corset Stretch Belt - Sold Out
Wildfox Vampire Love Baggy Beach Jumper - $108.00	Chrishabana Spike Aloha Lei - Sold Out
Horace Black Leather Vest Tank - Sold Out	Carolina Amato REVOLVE EXCLUSIVE French Lace Nylon Glove - Sold Out
Laced Corset Belt - Sold Out	Foley and Corinna Victorian Jacket - Sold Out
Aurelie Bidermann Small Vintage Lace Cuff - Sold Out	G-Stud Teal Fabric - Sold Out
Ruffle Lace Corset - Sold Out	Plain White Tees Tee - Sold Out
10k Gold 1/4-Ct. T.w. Diamond Gothic Cross Pendant - Sold Out	ELIZABETH AND JAMES corset top - Sold Out
Plaid Lace Corset - Sold Out	Lady Liberty Bustier - Sold Out
Lace Corset - Sold Out	Pippo Perez White Gold Gothic Cross with Black Diamonds on Nylon Cord Bracelet - Sold Out
Love Couture Goth Burnout Banded Waist Tee in White - Sold Out	Black Twilight Edward and Bella Tee - Sold Out
Benefit Cosmetics Moon Beam - $26.00	Chrissy Sublimation Tee - Sold Out
Diana Heimann 'Gothic' Earrings - Sold Out	Majestic® Boston Red Sox Tee - Sold Out
Trixxi Mock-Layer Plaid Top - Sold Out	Alexander McQueen Skull Box Clutch 208024F14HR - Sold Out

Above are products either actually related to the Twilight film(s) and novels, items that might appeal to fans, similar items from inspired products, or merely seemingly-unrelated wares that have become all-too related. (Including that sports fan t-shirt ["Team", geti t?].)

Scroll to the right to view more pages. Inspire thought? Leave a coment!

For more on the inspiration of this post, and how I gathered the theme to find these goods, read my article "Twilight Apparel a la Nordstrom more Teenybopper than Vampire".