Stylish with Substance

SatC's Michael Patrick King's New Sitcom, 2 Broke Girls; a fashionista's review

Ella M — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 18:16:20 EDT

Lately, I've been yearning for a new Sex and the City; well at least a show (scripted, please!) with women wearing the latest fashions who are likeable (no housewives, thanks) and maybe, only maybe a tad younger.

Michael Patrick King, the man who produced HBO's Sex and the City, has a new sitcom pitched to deliver some of what many women must be craving, but far from all of it. It has the city, the sex and the fashion ... with a cast from a *new-SAT-scoring* age. The set is Queens, the fashion isn't all high, and also unlike his older masterpiece, no one in this twosome is disproportionately wealthier - I guess that tastes quite savory after the unabashed overspending in Sex and the City 2, when Carrie joined the rest of the foursome in (matrimonial, for her, and even greater) fortune.

The series premiered last night on CBS (though it has the aura of The CW) at 9:30 p.m. Eastern Time, and like many pilots, it had jokes that fell flat and characters who were slow to bloom. The preview of next week also wasn't promising.

Still, there's good, even beyond the peeks at high fashion pieces (Chloé, Louboutin and Chanel [for the huge pearl necklace] made the accessories du nuit).

I can imagine myself commisserating and bonding over budget and style with Caroline, the former-heiress of a Madoff type; this rich "b*tch" and "dumb" blonde is actualy nice with a decent business mind and an SAT score in the 99.65 percentile.

The second broke girl is Max, the tough-talking hard worker who, I imagine, won't be keen on talking style with Caroline - which might mean this series is to leave us with a bad taste for fashion, but time will tell and I doubt that's desired by creators. What the girls can share is a business dream and at least some morality, with Max hopefully teaching Caroline to drop all of her inherited "shady business" instincts. Meanwhile, Caroline vowed to impose some self-esteem onto her cynical new friend.

It looks like the goal for this show's series finale, if these girls can make it there, is to strike it rich with a cupcake shop. While baked goods fare well today, the writing of this show threatens to not make anyone in its credits any richer.

Bottom line, if this series picks up, I may at least have some up-through-2011-fashion viewing pleasure met, but I doubt the substance of this show will ever have me addicted like King's queens of HBO. For now, I keep DVRing but I'm finicky, and not just with my own accessories.

Photo credit

Amy Winehouse: A Look Back in Style

Ella M — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 05:16:00 EDT

Amy Winehouse was a talented spirit troubled by addiction, an affliction some fashionistas can understand (those troubled by serious shopping addictions, like I am). She was also a free-spirited style star, a woman as 50s bouffant meets 60s go-go as she was a modern paparazzi-magnet. She will be missed, and so will her potential beyond her disease.

Here we look at some photos that represent her key looks in beauty and fashion. Enjoy with respect for her individualism and never forget the music above all else.

Start Gallery >

xx, Ella

Credits: View gallery of style & credit links after the jump!

Target To Revive Popular Designs from Old Big Name Lines

Ella M — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 06:54:54 EDT

Bummed you missed out on a certain dress or designer line from a big Target collaboration? You may soon be in luck; starting March 13 2011 through April 10, Target is set to bring back a couple dresses each from some of the more popular fast fashion mini collections.

The official list reads: Luella Bartley, Tara Jarmon, Paul & Joe, Behnaz Sarafpour, Proenza Schouler, Libertine, Alice Temperley, Erin Fetherston, Jovovich-Hawk, Rogan, Richard Chai, Jonathan Saunders, Thakoon, Tracy Feith, Rodarte, Zac Posen (pictured), and Tucker.

I think I'll want (another) something Luella Bartley, but I wish they were bringing back more than dresses. It seems a mystery to us why McQ Alexander Mcqueen is not involved. We'll follow the story to see if anything changes.

HQ (large) Previews of Lanvin for H&M with (USD) Prices

Ella M — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 06:28:30 EDT

Below are Hi-Res Previews of Lanvin <3 H&M

So the Lanvin for H&M previews have begun, and I'm continuing to worry that what I want will not show. It's this Amalia bag (preferably tote) I blogged about in 2009, pictured to the right. (This is Lanvin Paris, the full-priced line, for those who don't read blog words - oh wait, nevermind. ;-))

If I'm still left wondering if there's anything at all for me, at least there's FabSugar, with most of their wishlist satisfied already. Of course, they weren't yearning for a purse with a bow (/chain strap). (They probably also aren't restricted to one small buy. ;-))

I'm also not extremely thrilled with the prices and American exchange rate. The best dresses will run about $157 USD and for bags, $40 American for a clutch, on up.

At least the exchange rate isn't what it was a while back, with the U.S. dollar being double of the British Pound - if that were the case now I (and many) would be heartbroken.

By the way, no word on pricing for the fabulous pairs of shoes seen below.

On to the eye candy; it is so, so tasty.

Click (above the black) on the pictures for largest size.

2 Reasons, Beyond Price, Why TJ Maxx/Marshall's Are Better than 'Needless Markup' Stores

Ella M — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 14:08:22 EDT

I'm home from an event held by TJ Maxx (which is also the same company as Marshalls, they're both really similar, and together a huuuge "buyer" power).

Too aware of the tons of blog posts about this Behind the Seams event that go over all the lessons we learned (and I re-learned, but in a fun way) (search Google and see), I know while I'll be blogging about it, I'll be doing it my own way.

Nanette Lepore: a sample brand (an uber fave of mine!) at a TJ Maxx that has a higher-end section. Search the TJ Maxx website for what's near you.

More colors or even styles in those fashion items. Regular department store heads/buyers are too concerned with and worried over what might not sell. The TJ Maxx company posesses the knowledge that they fare better being fearless so they can better appeal to the designers, directly, which is just one small way they get those savings they pass on to "Maxxinista" customers.
While one is loading up on $17 jeans or up to %60 marked down items from designers that can range from Gucci to Nanette Lepore to Diesel to The Limited (wait, seriously? Yes, The Limited is at TJ Maxx and not just their own stores - get their great pants fits for less!) ....... annnnyway, while one is loading themselves with all this stuff to try on, she can do that shopping with a shopping cart, instead of a deadening arm. (It's a positive blend of high and low.)

Surely now, more than ever, I am a Maxxinista. Whether it's for those super affordable pants, or later when I have a little more in the budget, going nuts over any Nanette Lepore shipments. Le sighhhh.

There's a lot more to blog about, including, hopefully, what I wore, and even a giveaway or two. But not only am I currently exhausted, but I have a family emergency. I will get to as many posts as I can in the coming days!!! (And I should get to more details about my family plans.)

In the meantime, in between checking back here, of course; feel free to check out a few of the other bloggers who attended:

www.jewelsfablife.com
www.beautyandbedlam.com
www.vivafashionblog.com
www.coolmomscooltips.blogspot.com (note: plays auto sound/video) *update: Sorry I typed the wrong URL at first. :-)

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?

Out of My Closet - Getting the hang of this!

Ella M — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 17:10:43 EDT

Laced with Confidence...

Today's conditions weren't always perfect. I had to run inside out of the rain. Then I realized I forgot jewelry. Then a wasp scared me away from my usual safety spot of our terrace (I mean I hate people walking around while I photo, but whatevs!).

And then the photo that came after all that was so much better than ever before! I found this great spot, with this lamp post nearby around which I can wrap my cool wrappable tripod.

The one problem with this area (which obviously is not the light in the afternoon!) is the grass. Where be my shoes? Le Sigh.

I can always take separate shoe shots, but this really must be fixed, I say. Shoes make the outfit, after all; they shouldn't be separate.

Here they are:

Or even better:

*Insert Update Mid-Post* I forgot that this corset is totally still available online. Complete brain meltdown. Not only that, but I should have grabbed this better photo for you! D'oh. Here she is:

Vintage Lace Corset $24.00 at Charlotte Russe

(Ooh and I believe that's my new beige rosette bolero but in black!)

Oh, she so does not have the curves to pull off a corset like I!!! ;-)

See how my confidence has grown?!??!

*/endupdate*

So thanks, wasp! Never thought I'd say that. I think I'm going to love continuing to do these shoots and posts. I feel like I might get over coming out of my big closet ;-) and can turn into a regular wearrier! Haha. Go me.

And now for the best part:

Credits:

Lace Top: Charlotte Rusee (available now:) Short Sleeve All-Over Lace Top $15.00 at Charlotte Russe
Corset under-top: Charlotte Russe (might still be in some stores *update*: duh me! Look above $24)
Skirt: Dots (unsure of availability) (locate a store)
Belt: Fendi B belt (ELuxury R.I.P.)
Shoes: Payless/American Eagle (might still be in some stores)
Bag: Dior Saddle bag (regular size)
Necklace: Local crafter
Earrings: Triple Drop Pearl Earrings, Made by Me

Friend Friday - Questions on Copying in Fashion #fbff

Ella M — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 09:16:59 EDT

This week, Fashion/Beauty Friend Friday is about copying and knockoffs in fashion. If you've read my blogs for a long time, you may know that I am dead set against illegal counterfeits. The gray area for many might come in the form of "fast fashion" and cheap thrill clothes, a la Forever 21 et al. I love a gorgeous-looking item that I can actually afford, so when there's no faux label or logo-esque detail, I'm happy to buy, yet I'm still shaky on lookalike purses and sometimes shoes. I think the styles can get too close to that line that takes fashion from cheap price tag to cheap woman.

Anyway, on to the questions!

Q1. Which side do you take… Copycat designs are a way for the average consumer to stay current and wear runway styles without breaking the bank OR Copycat designs take business from the designer and cheapen the value of their work. Explain.

A: I love to be able to afford things (duh), and as long as that above-mentioned line is not crossed, I'm happy, so I'm mostly on the side of the first statement. Perhaps even "fast fashion" cheap "couture" takes money from designers, but also recessionistas probably can't afford designer clothes right now anyway. Some of it is about being able to look almost equally beautiful. Even with couture-inspired bargain pieces, when compared to things at, say, Neiman Marcus, there is a huge difference, so I wouldn't fret the "stealing" aspect with clothes. With bags, it's a cheaper look, and why go there when the pleather will just tear fast, anyway? Consumers there don't get a lot for their lesser bucks, and they may still turn into designer customers when they are able to. Buying into the plastic purses might even be an education, later allowing a more-endowed, more mature woman to become a great target for those life-lasting bags.

Q2. Sometimes we do things, even if they are unethical or illegal (downloading music for free, watching full movies on YouTube). Do you think it is unethical for a designer to copy a vintage piece, make it current and sell it?

A: It sounds like this is just inspiration and the designs are altered for today's woman, and I think that's great. How else can many of us find some great "Mad Men" inspiratons? For whatever reasons, many of us don't often or just don't buy vintage; so the existence of vintage-inspired, why not? Trends cycle anyway, and sometimes decades long ago come back. How else is this going to happen? It's natural and even desired; I think it should happen.

Q3. Would you buy an item that is a very well done copy of a runway garment if it fell within your budget?

A: Oh yeah, especially clothes. I'm sure I've done it. I just got this amazing bolero that is very "couture" and I'm sure it fits this category. (Left: Charlotte Russe, $40)

Q4. According to the fashion laws, at least in the US, apparel design is seen as too utilitarian to qualify for copyright protection. Would you think this is detrimental to the industry or beneficial?

A: I've already written about the possibility of a fashion copyright law in the US. Some in the small business side of the fashion industry are against it, but as one who would like to become a part of that, I'm all for it. Even though the copyright process takes money, we must consider how large companies (more like mass market companies, not high end) rip off independent / hand-making label designs. The consumer is rarely aware this is not original. I'm on the side thinking this should stop, and it doesn't necessarily have to come with prohibitive price tags.

Q5. Own up… share the things in your closet that are knock offs. You know those things you got in China Town, on the streets of New York, or where ever.

A: Real knock-offs? Don't have any. I've only mistakenly purchased two or maybe three from eBay, but I certainly didn't keep, carry or -god forbid- re-sell them. That's me. ;-)

Takeaway: Even though copying has a gray area, that does not mean that "Goach" bags, etc., are okay. Things near the borderline are tacky, and you should stay classy, and you'll be on the side of stylish.

Also remember that if you want to impress, cheap copies will not make you look rich to those in-the-know. Buy things you love and can afford, not cheap things that look like things you love but cannot afford. Try investing in your own career, and hope for the future!

Emmys Fashion 2010: The Good, The Bad & The Boring

Ella M — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 16:48:17 EDT

Emmy 2010 fashions were mostly, in a word, boring.

Somehow, for this year’s Emmy Awards’ fashions, safe seemed to rule the celebrity runway. The red carpet was littered with boring gowns either lacking detail (like poofs of ruffle) or shape. The always ubiquitous glitter ruled, as usual, and why am I supposed to care?

Ugly dresses were few and, as usual, often on wives; and they were tame. No one loves a bad dress, but we do love to spot them. A lot of the ugly dresses were ambiguous – “should I hate this or actually love it?”

While the ugly was tame, the fabulous was also safe. My favorite gown of the night, a trendy lace number that was much better on top than bottom, by Carolina Herrera on Dianna Agron, was actually hated by many in polls and thought to age the actress. Sure, I could give them that, but I didn’t see anything better or that I’d rather wear. Well I didn’t see those things on the stars although I had on the real runways.

On one of fashion’s most exciting nights to be home, in pajamas or whatever one wants, watching the action on television; there were few thrilling moments. There was the Agron gown, or at least the initial sighting of the bodice. There were Jane Krakowski’s blue teetering Ferragamo heels that were so high the tiny feet effect toppled the pair past sexy into adorable, but that’s right up my shoe alley. And there were Badgley Mischka shoes (worn by E!’s Giulianna Rancic) among some of their pairs I both cooed about in blogging and considered buying at Neiman Marcus Last Call. (Points off for accessibility?)

And there was of course McQueen, fabulous and questionable on Anna Paquin and carried as a clutch by Ricky Gervais’s date; one that I could barely make out on my medium “small screen”. Underwhelmed by the iffiness? Actually no, my current favorite show’s star in a dress immediately recognizable got me audibly excited; but how often did that happen?

Seeing the stars walk the red carpet even made me want to go watch the stars' series and not the awards show, but later I came to find that I enjoyed the event; but did I enjoy it even more than the fashion?

I feel so blah about it all that I can’t muster the emotion to tell.

Bonus photo: The worst:

FriendFriday: Fall Fashion, I mean FL-all FL-ashion #FBFF

Ella M — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 07:50:03 EDT

I only recently discovered Friend Friday, a blogging weekly questions group, by Modly Chic. I soon applied, and here I am in the group! I'm very happy to begin and start answering some heavy questions. This week is light and fun though; and about fall. Fall is tricky for me here in Florida, but this year I'm determined to make the looks work in our sunshine.

1. What new fashion trend are you looking forward to sporting this fall?

Ladylike, that sums me up, any year.

I don't like a lot of them (my wallet and sense of personal style is thankful!), but I love 2.

#1 - 60s.

I love modest pieces; 40s, 50s and 60s, and I love circle skirts. I can't own enough of big, flowy, knee-length skirts! But right now "the" hemline hits just below the calf, so I am trying to avoid buying the knee-length kind and will for a time only go for that lower-calf length unless the piece is really special. Honestly, I'm on the hunt for the perfect-something similar to the beige skirt from Louis Vuitton's runway (which I've blogged about already).

I already have one dress that fits the length bill, but that's not enough of course! Hence the strict shopping diet to help focus my direction for my wardrobe collecting.

The beau and I just started watching Mad Men on DVD, and we're not hooked yet, but if we continue, it could be a great source of inspiration.

As for other pieces, like jackets and such, I will work on incorporating these pieces more, too!

#2 - Lingerie as outerwear

If I can find a corset/bustier top that looks right (black/nude lace) and fits my tummy; oh I want it badly! But I vow to keep it classy.

2. Which item in your closet is most likely to be your go-to transition piece?

I hadn't really had one for Florida weather yet, so I bought these new booties that are pretty open and with open toes. Many hate that look, but they're almost essential down here in order to participate in boot-wearing as early as everyone else. Besides, they're open in general and are actually that new thang called "shooties". I hadn't known how I really felt about them until August came, and now I know how helpful this style is for a FLashionista! ;-) I've included their picture. Buy them yourself from Zappos.

Vigotti - Paquita

$79.00 at Zappos

I'm also going to incorporate different scarves in all-weather materials, asap.

3. What item from last year are you looking forward to reinventing this fall?

I didn't buy new clothes at all over 2008 and 2009 (nor shoes and nary a bag), but I'm looking forward to bringing back lightweight non-full-sleeve sweaters and even warm-weather/short-sleeve jackets for early fall. It's hard to wear those little boleros and things in summer, surprisingly, due to the hard-blasting AC that starts on Memorial Day. I'm just not that comfortable with throwing a sweater over a bolero and of course never over a short-sleeved blazer. I'm hoping the ACs will be adjusted after Labor Day weekend, and thick sweaters can again wait until "winter".

As for re-inventing, I'm not sure I do that with old-old pieces much, but this past year I've picked up a lot of ruffley or couture-looking pieces to blend in with my other favorites, which are modest skirts and such. I'm still in need of building my perfect wardrobe and perfecting my ensembles for who I am now and ... where I am now.

I am, however, re-inventing things that are new. I'm going to wear all-year scarves, which is rarely-if-ever done here, and I will soon be wearing a "six-way" scarf a lot more ways than that!

4. What is your favorite part about this time of the year?

I hate August, wherever I am, but that's not what the question asked. I guess I like this time of year for the easing temperatures, even though it's still the rainy season until late Autumn. I can't wait for Florida winter, actually.

My favorite aspect of Fall is the fashion, which I need to struggle to use. But I will! And I will feel proud of that accomplishment, so there is that.

5. Will you be attending any fashion events this fall?

Sadly, that's not likely; it's about the money situation in this household. I will be come February March though, and I'll be prepared!