Stylish with Substance

The VMAs and More Things You (May Have) Missed During NY Fashion Week

Ella M — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 10:55:41 EDT

Alexander Wang / Amber Notebook Clutch $625 - La Garçonne

Valentino Jeweled Peep Toe d'Orsay Pump $995 - Nordstrom

Braided chain-and-pearl bracelet $78 - J.Crew

Paper chain bracelet $78 - J.Crew

Rachel Leigh Gatsby Tiara Necklace/Bracelet $98 - Charm & Chain

Kenneth Jay Lane Black and Gold Chain Necklace $162 - Charm & Chain

Sequin Nancy Necklace, Gunmetal $105 - Charm & Chain

Shoshanna Sleeveless Seamed Leather Dress $698 - Neiman Marcus

Emails and tweets. I know this is true for people I contacted! Get thee to those reply buttons, sisters!
Grandparents' Day. Sorry, Nana, your card is will be in the mail, on a plane, I promise!
The VMAs. While many didn't miss it, I was sure late to ponder it's white carpet, let alone watch it on my DVR.

What's most fun for me, and possibly many, is to ponder myself on that carpet. What would I have worn?

*diddley oop, diddley oop* ...

Depending on my budget, of course. What would you, or did you, wear?

Dress Of ... Boy, It's Worth a Long Time (& Cheap, Too!)

Ella M — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 15:31:57 EDT

Ever since I discovered Arden B. it seemed a little out of my reach. I loved its styles, but many were just a little more than I could afford back then. And I'm not even doing as well currently.

But this dress has a high style look for a great price, relatively; $69!

It reminds me of this Valentino dress I blogged about a while back, which went for over $500. Sure, they're different, but that makes this even better. We don't need to be copycats of catwalk pieces.

If you're in need of a Little Black Dress, this coral number comes in both colors, plus turquoise. You might want to check out the store's other offerings, as well.

Bow Tube Dress $69 - Arden B

Real Woman, Christina Hendricks, on Cover of GQ - Healthy Body Image(s) #2.5

Ella M — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 11:08:13 EDT

It's far from surprising (why should it be?), but it's huge for female self-esteem, for an actress like Hendricks to grace the cover of a male's magazine. Thanks, GQ.

View our Healthy Body Image(s) Campaign

Number 2 in the series, ok 2.5 if you count my butt---actually my thighs. (Here I was wearing shorts - for the Internet, go me!)

On the cover of men's mag, GQ (right), is a sexily*-curvy woman; Christina Hendricks. It is not about curves or a round figure, it is about sex appeal - this is a body men love and women admire and even relate to!

(*And, yes, made-up words are awesome.)

Mag Layout: "Retro Sophistication" Dressing Inspiration

Ella M — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 07:00:00 EDT

50s are long ... back!

Louis Vuitton

helped inspire a new hemline, with the past being au courant.

A short-sleeved jacket keeps it professional in the sun.

Summer Breeze:

A single-layer of

a float-away top

is oft so required

when the tough gets

hooooooot.

Jennifer Ouellette Bow Ponytail Holder $26 - Barneys New York

Larok "Vintage Lace Love" Babydoll Top $198 - Bloomingdale's

Chloé Oversized Saskia Sunglasses $355 - La Garçonne

Marc Jacobs Rio Bag - Beige $1295 - Barneys New York

Valentino Bow Trim d'Orsay Pump $645 - Nordstrom

Short-sleeved jacket $625 - Emporio Armani

Chaus printed flared skirt $59 - Dillard's

Inspired by a stylist prompt post on FabSugar. This will be my ensemble goal as soon as I have somewhere to go once I'm all dressed up. It's not going to be receiving the cable guy (modern housepersons just don't dress as nicely!), nor the casualness of purchasing a new car this weekend. I will make this work by next week though ... or by grocery shopping tonight. Since "retro sophistication" is a huge part of my personal style, I can re-create many inspired outfits from the feel. Like I will, you should make it work for you, your locale, and your lifestyle.

Cole Haan bag beauties - from funky to femme

Ella M — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 07:00:00 EDT

Cole Haan has a current web ad campaign with large purses that appear to be luxe quilted suede (note to self) but when seeing the bags (The Sloane collection) upclose, the disappointment that they are different quickly dissapates.

I don't know quite how to explain the look (at least I can't be sure without an in-person examination) but it's new & fresh, girly & intricate - and totally covetable and admirable in design.

Go Cole!

(Also since I've been out of the shoppers' market, it seems one old style (something about "lunch"?) has transformed into the new "Denney" - still cute.)

Cole Haan Sloane Leather-Trim Small Suede Satchel $448 - Lord & Taylor

Cole Haan Handbag, Sloane Single Shoulder Bag $348 - Macy's

Cole Haan Phoebe Zip Satchel $498 - Neiman Marcus

Inspirations: #081809 ; Unique "Buckles", "Tassels" & Pockets, too!

Ella M — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 11:55:13 EDT

Bags both by Sharif. Shop Sharif bags at HSN.

New Quirky Limited Line from Forever 21: Twist presents Cirque 21 - What to Buy, How to Wear

Ella M — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 15:12:27 EDT

(These are not necessarily the items going in my "bag" - no stealing, natch. ;-))

Mesh Ankle Bow Tunic $12

Basic Nylon Knee High Socks $1.99

Rose Polka Dot Top $19

Ruffled Tulle Petticoat $22

FOREVER 21 TWIST presents CIRQUE 21

I'm confused. There are too many names n there. Maybe I'm just too tired.

But the story is: trendy discount fashion shop, Forever21, debuted a new collection yesterday. It's apparently limited, but perhaps that's a good thing, since the styles are pretty quirky. But actually, a big part of me loves a lot of this stuff.

Perhaps a response to crazy rock star style. With its multiple names, that's certainly fitting. (Is this 80s junctioned-a-posed-with petticoats "rock" style in now? I must be so naturally trendy as I've been feeling it for a while for sure, not to "Lady" GaGa extremes, but something much more like this Forever21 range, what kismet.) Like the ballet-inspired skirts and fingerless gloves my imaginary-rockstar-alter-ego would love for the stage. But since I'm in fashion, and want to dress for these jobs I want, how to fit the zanier pieces into my (or your) style?

To be fair, a lot of these items - on their own - are the ever present taste-of-fashionista always at Forever 21 - but some others, need some working into our wardrobe.

What we should do is pick and choose, when in real life. And not just by putting only 1 piece in 1 ensemble, but shop scrutinously and think things over before you press that final purchase button. So recessionista, too.

And it's the affordability of Forever 21! So for that and the exclusive, limited quantities - don't forget that! - I think I must go for it!

Not to be impulsive, but I think some of this is just a fun part of me that I could otherwise just skip and personally I don't want to miss out on broadening to all of my fantasy styles. Also since I might be impuslive often, and I am so tired, too much to use that discerning shopping eye, I will sleep on it.

Actually due to the recession, I should wait 'til my next paycheck tomorrow (and not just after nap) in order to fill my cart up right. I hope quantities last! (What? Some things are unavailable already. Actually, even yeterday. Eep!)

Or maybe I'm crazy and will wake up - saner with clearer eyes. Hm.*

*I drafted parts of this yesterday. And the stuff's even cuter today! Oh and I need a lot more from the rest of the Forever 21 range. Budget-planning time!

Amusing Graphic: His & Hers Closets? Big & Tiny.

Ella M — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 07:00:00 EDT

Hers

His

Well in the "world" of closets, whose would be bigger? Hers, of course. She can fit a whole collection, whereas his might be more (jokingly) for one pair of pants. He he.

The New "Pleated" Short, A Ruffley Look.

Ella M — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 18:21:56 EDT

It's like the cheerleader skirt has hit today's fashion scene, sculpted and sewn into a short.

And I'm loving this look. Since the style is not so much a trend yet, and not even common amongst stores, I've even schemed about how to convert a pleated skirt into these shorts look.

Warning: I've seen this done with too much booty, so beware, especially if you do your own DIY. Make sure it'll cover your bottom! (I mean I think we agree on not desiring that out to the grocery store or a dog walk or ... anywhere not a glittery club.)

... And in athletics:

Fila Sport® Skort $36 - Kohl's

Shona Joy Only Yesterday Mini Shorts $165 - Revolve Clothing

Loving Michelle Obama's Funky Necklace

Ella M — Mon, 11 May 2009 14:45:44 EDT

On my craft/fashion brand's blog (link below) I also posted this pondering about whether or not it's cool for the indie school to be inspired by the likes of Michelle Obama and her funky-chic statement necklace here.

It's so bold, there are so many options to take different roads with this inspiration. And I see stuff I could totally do, but is that crafty kosher?

For you crafters and designers, would you take inspiration from the celeb scene? Would you buy something like that?

Also seen on the Ella Mode indie fashion brand blog

Photos from Huffington Post & WWD