Ladies, let's be honest.  When you're pretty like us, you don't need to schvitz - like, ever.  It's unattractive.  But, if you want to be toned, what are your options?! 

Fortunately, now there IS an option - namely, the FitFlop - finally here, direct from the UK. 

I have to admit, I was a little skeptical (as usual) - but after a glowing recommendation from my lovely cohort, LaDolceVita, I ran out and bought a pair (obviously, in black).  They come with a warning (!) about wearing them too much in the first few days, saying that they might cause soreness. 

Clearly, I took that warning as "optional", and wore them as much as possible under the guise of "testing" their "effectiveness". 

Let me say - that if soreness is a sign of them "working", then DAMN.   They WORK.  because I was one sore fashionista! 

I don't know if they will replace a gym membership as I truly hoped they would, but, they're clearly doing SOMETHING, which is kind of the point.  Check them out!

They're available online (google "fitflop", or at www.footlocker.com)


http://mybeautyberry.com/index.php?/mybeautyberry/body-article/flip_flops_that_keep_you_fit/

but woah - do they take some serious breaking in time.  I would highly recommend buying some moleskin, and using it right off the bat when wearing these suckers around the first few times.  The gashes on my heels will testify to the stiffness of the back heel support.

They may hurt ladies, but this tough love has an enormous payoff - these boots are - GORGEOUS.  I have nothing but *hearts* for the boots, despite my poor battered feet.

Enjoy!

Every year, I go through the same internal battle.

What boots will I get this year?  Will they be flat?  Will they be black or brown?  How tall should they be?  Are my calves still sinewy enough to look astonishingly hot while wearing them (the answer, btw - is yes)? 

Well - this year - I have found Dream Boot.  Courtesy of one of my favorite boot makers, Frye.  Knee high, buffed leather, with discreet (yet still "do what I want") buckles along the calf.

They're available on both of my favorite shoe sites: 
www.zappos.com
www.piperlime.com

here they are ladies - get em while they're hot!


they're worth the money - trust me.

my darling Dolcevita alerted me to this store, and I have to tell you - it's pretty fantastic!  Great basics with really good cuts - AND they'll hem pants for you for FREE!  check it out:

http://www.martinandosa.com/

I love it!

I'm so excited.  This is one of my favorite times of year!

Labor Day weekend brings some of the city's best events:

the US Open, Fashion Week, the Hampton Classic, and a monday off from work!

As always, I will be covering Fashion Week like the junkie that I am.... keep your lovely eyes peeled for a significant showing of dove grey ladies! 

You heard it here first..... or if not first, it was funnier than when you heard it the last time!

TO BRYANT PARK!

As the New York Times so aptly mentioned last Thursday in their Style section, GANT is making a bit of a comeback.  It's been around for ages and ages, quietly establishing itself as a maker of casual / chic nautically inspired weekend-wear. 

Recently however, it has become something of a dark horse in the race to become the new "it" brand for the 20 / 30 somethings with style and a bit of cash. 

I had the good fortune of checking out their latest development - a "limited-edition" streamlined, tailored - and yet somehow still edgy - collection of menswear designed by Richard Bengtsson.  It's the kind of collection that will make your favorite stylish NYC guy / effortlessly cool Italian guy weak in the knees.

The collection has a lot to look at - but each piece is mutable enough to be blended in with your standard working-guy closet, but is stand-alone enough to be eye-catching:  THAT is a feat!

Prices (for high-end labels anyway) are very reasonable, rarely entering four figures for a single item - making it easy, and even addictive to pick up impulse items.

And, I've got to tell you - even if you don't like the clothes (*gasp*) - check out the models wearing them - the words "eye candy" would be an understatement.  ;)  Check it out at http://www.gant.com

  Picture from August 2, 2007 NYT Article titled, "You Can Survive Polyester", by Eric Wilson. 

If any of my lovely readers are still searching for a vacation destination with style, let me strongly recommend my new-found favorite spot - Cape May NJ.

Ok, it's pretty far from new - I went there when I was but a wee tot, and now my friend Hoboken Hero has a place there himself!  A beautifully restored Victorian landmark, I couldn't have asked for a more hospitable host.

During my stay, we stopped into the updated Congress Hall - and holy moly - that must be the chicest place south of the hudson river!  Beautifully redesigned martini bar, an underground music venue, pool, gardens, and a restaurant in ADDITION to 4 star rooms make this place THE "see me" spot of Southern New Jersey.  Located directly across from the beach in the Historic district of Cape May (entrance on Perry Street), I strongly suggest a weekend away from my beloved Gotham, if this is your destination.

Here's a link - check it out!  You're likely to catch me there for at least another weekend or two in August!!

http://www.congresshall.com

enjoy!

Lovelies...

You may read by some less informed fashionistas that "beige is the new grey". 

DON'T BELIEVE THEIR LIES.

Dove Grey - the softest, richest looking Grey of them all - should be the mainstay of your closet this coming fall!  A soft warm grey gussied up in Patent Leather must make it's way into your closet - a muted dove color in Suede must adorn your foot as you prance down 7th avenue in pursuit of a cab - and a cowl neck cashmere belted sweater dress must lighten your wallet come September!

You WON'T regret it - trust me!  And if you don't trust me, trust Stella McCartney - Check out this dress!!!!  Don't be put off by the sleeves - I've tried it on, and there is little that is more beautiful - especially on us blondes!  ;)
buy it on http://netaporter.com

*hearts*

holy cow is it raining.  It's days like today that make you long for weather proof footwear!  So, let me offer my opinion -

try these on for size - Crocs "Prima" - in a variety of colors.  I have Gold (SO flattering on any skin tone), Silver (if you have gold, you have to have silver), and Bright Pink (why not). 

These cute little ballet-ish slip-ons are an absolute must have in rainy weather.  Light, waterproof, totally comfortable, adorable, and very inexpensive! 

I strongly recommend them.  Here's a pic, and a link for reference! 

Stay dry!


www.zappos.com

Out the door this morning, a block away from my apartment, and I dash into a bodega to pick up some OJ.  I trip, as I'm wont to do, and my left flip flop snaps.

The deli guy vows to move the doormat, but I know it wasn't their fault. It was either myself or the clunkiness of the shoes. I have a history of flopping over in my 'flops.

Anyway, the only thing I could do was hobble back to my apartment and switch out the shoes. To accomplish this, I had to wrap my toes around the front of the shoe to grip them and walk in a straight-leg as-if-I-had-a-cast-on fashion. I have to admit, there was that fleeting moment in which I thought to myself, "Could I get by doing this all day?" When it comes to fashion, women are highly illogical.

As you can see from the pic above, the middle thong ripped completely out. Sadly, there is no hope left for this shoe. 

From the very beginning, this day was a flop.

For my flipflop went kerplop.  

I'll stop.

I have a problem, dear readers - a very serious problem indeed....

Due to the fact that I failed to get my laundry done last weekend, I had to make due with "remnant" items, and a dress that I purchased out of utter desperation. 

I actually purchased 2 dresses so that I would have something to wear for the remainder of the week - at which point I could have my laundry picked up. 

Unfortunately, I don't ever try things on in the store.... so..... being in a rush, it appears that I accidentally bought the wrong size dress.  I knew it looked a little large... it doesn't fit.  It looks like I'm wearing a pleated sack, actually.  Bad news, all around.

SO...... while I do happen to have a gold lame disco dress, a fur caplet, moon shoes, a vintage Pucci empire dress - I do NOT have - A SINGLE THING - to wear to work tomorrow.

a;lsdkfja;lskdjf

someone send me a diane von furstenburg.  size little.  short sleeves preferred.  thnx.

Is there anything better than dresses?  They are an all in one outfit!  This summer I've invested in a few - worn with a tank underneath, they can be work appropriate, and without - you have yourself ready to go out.  The simplest black dress can go miles in your closet - get plenty of different cuts, and pick up a variety of accessories. 

If you change the accessories, the look always changes!  I have innumerable black dresses that never QUITE look the same, due to accessories. 

Follow my advice, and you'll never have to worry about your "glisten factor" - you'll always be chic and unruffled - even in this oppressive Manhattan heat! 

ladies, this is the time of year to break out those dresses.  Wear them - in cotton, in linen, silk, etc.  Avoid your man made materials - and despite popular opinion - stick to darker colors in the INTENSE heat - they don't show any "glisten" - if you get my drift. 

if you're like me, you'll wear these dresses with your favorite open toed flats in precocious colors. 

enjoy!

Well!  Having suddenly come into a whole new amount of storage, I have discovered that organizing one's closet in an effective manner is not as easy as just having space! 

How do you make that space work for you?  That - dearies - THAT is the new question!  I have a large bureau in my new bedroom that I've decided is for everyday rotation clothing.  New closet is exclusively for dresses and shirts that must be hung, and one (of three) shoe racks.  The rest of the space remains to be seen. 

Certainly (and sadly) I have more than enough "stuff" to make use of all this space, it's just how to do it and avoid clothing induced chaos that's the trick!

Advice?

So, on my list of things that are absolutely required, are the perfect pair of "wear-them-every-day" jeans. 

Some of you may already be aware of my obsession with finding the perfect pant, but for those who aren't let me tell you - it's a tough business! 

The closest pair I've found are True Religion Denim in the "Joey" fit - my only complaint is that they tend to stretch out throughout the day, forcing you to wash them after every wearing if you want them to fit correctly.  But - they DO look pretty good on practically every body type.  They tend to be pricey, but if you wear them a couple times a week, the investment is totally worth it.

If you're like me (petite), these are a good choice - I can wear them with flats and have minimal "leg wear" - unlike some brands (Citizens of Humanity, Paper Denim) that boast of an inseam of 34"+, which obviously just won't work for us smaller girls.  They also aren't cut to have lots of room at the hip, so if you're lacking in that department, these will look great. 

I'm on the prowl for a new brand to stalk now because I literally have a pair of the TR in every wash they make! 

suggestions?  Yes please!

There is no slip glory.  At least, none that I could find! 

What the hell?!  Don't girls wear slips anymore?  I can totally appreciate the subtly seductive nature of the almost opaque fabric, or the VERY occasional Marilyn Monroe moment with the wind (just had another one outside starbucks the other day!  grrrr!).  But ladies!

There ARE DAYS, when the world need not know it's granny panty day! 

I think we need to bring back the slip trend - but not in the granny way - in the "I like this dress too much to give away the farm while I'm wearing it" way.

I went to Macy's today on a literal quest to find an acceptable slip.  I searched.  I poured over sale racks.  I dug through countless "18 Hour" articles of clothing that baffeled me.  FINALLY - in the back, by the fire hoses, there were slips.  There were 2 sizes - large and larger, available in beige and black.  They also had a half slip available. 

unacceptable, I tell you!

Can we please get some slips that will serve the same purpose - but can they please fit your average / small girl?  And can they also not be made out of offensive materials, and meant to be worn under mumu's?

I think I need to make this into a video quest - but only if I can find some good ones first!  Harder than I thought it would be!

I need to learn more about this. 

I am aware that it's not exactly "en vogue" (you know, like the group?) to wear slips underneath dresses - some starlets barely consider undies a mandatory item of clothing...

but I bought a dress over the weekend, a silky graphic print dress, perfect for summer, and just aching to be worn - BUT - in all of it's silky goodness, it's rather sheer!  So, I'm on a quest to find a slip to wear underneath - should be light as a feather, and fall just above the knee (people who don't read this blog don't NEED TO KNOW that it's there!). 

Is anyone out there familiar with any good ones?  I have a feeling this could turn into a project - I can't remember the last time I saw one of these in a store!

Truly I did.  I went into your store with an "impulse-buy" attitude, and a wad of cash.

There were shoes on sale.

I bought nothing.

The only positive thing I can say about the whole scenario is that there was great use of color in all of their clothing for the current season - tomato red dresses (just an FYI - Tomato Red is universally flattering - you'd never think so, but I have yet to see it really look bad on ANYONE), great bright purples.... these are good things. 

Unfortunately this great use of color was on pieces that were utterly shapeless and unflattering.

meh....

Hey, style mavens, it's time for another demonstration! Ever wonder what eyebrow threading is? Never considered an alternative to waxing or tweezing? Well, read on!

We Fashionistas hit the pavement to take a field trip to Village Studio salon, 16 E. 8th Street, in the heart of NYU.

There we meet Minal, a sweet lady who offers the South Asian technique for a low low price! 

Threading is a hair removal technique that uses a cotton thread. The thread is anchored in the mouth and the other end is wrapped around the fingers, through which it's twisted and rolled along the surface of the skin entwining the hairs in the thread, which are then lifted out from the follicle. It's more precise than waxing.  

Our volunteer today is Fern. Here is her before pic.

The threading will clean up the stray hairs and give her arch a cleaner, more defined line.

So here's a demonstration. Threading only takes a few minutes and it's less painful than tweezers! The best part about it is that, unlike waxing, threading doesn't remove any of the skin layer, so there's no irritation other than a bit of redness that is similar to what you get after tweezing. (But that goes away within 20 minutes). Check out the video: 

After an initial pass, Minal asks each customer to assist her by using their hands to pull the skin taut:

And here's a better view:

The result? A shapely and defined brow that will last 2 weeks. With her nice new shape, Fern is a happy customer!

Thank you, Fern -- and thanks, Minal! Village Studio Salon -- no appointment needed! 212-473-1330.

they just won't stay on my feet!  I've purchased a pair every summer for the past few years - they're so cute and summery and light.

but, when you're running down the street, trying to get to work and they're flying off of your feet - they just don't cut the mustard.

I'm sorry to say it, but I'm giving up on them as a genre of shoe.

now, to be honest, I'm not much of an "athlete".  I smoke cigarettes and drink martinis - and I kind of dislike sweating as a general rule.

but, I do love tennis.  I'm not GOOD at tennis, but I love playing it because I'm a little more competitive than the average bear.  and it's a great way to let out aggression.

the added bonus of tennis is that you get to play while wearing a cute little skirt!  My personal favorites happen to be made by Puma and Stella McCartney's line for Adidas - and the ever popular, Lacoste.  Lacoste seems to have become a little more ghetto fabulous in the past couple years, but they still do make some wonderful tennis gear. 

My choice for this spring?  Crisp white and sky blue skirts while on the courts - they show off your newly tanned pins like no other!  And, sometimes it's really satisfying to get that crisp white a little schmutzy with clay court dust - you know you've played well when you get a little dirty doing it.

BTW - it also never hurts to have a brutally good looking tennis instructor.  ;)

time for a swim in the bathtub - have a great weekend everyone!  if you're ever up for a game, send me a note!