There is no excuse to not look somewhat fashionable on Halloween. For those of us that are fashion-obsessed, it is vital that we maintain somewhat of a style reputation even on this night of fright. Celebrities have been doing this for years, rocking costumes ranging from Alice in Wonderland to a Blue Indian Goddess, and still maintaining an ultra-chic look. No one does Halloween like Heidi Klum.Year after year her costumes are unbeatable and simply amazing. Regardless of the genre, her look is guaranteed to be sexy, but never slutty.
With current trends including everything from hotpants, fur, and corsets to funky tights, feathers, and over-the-top accessories, if you play your cards right, you are bound to end up with a Halloween look, worthy of Page Six!This year, I have yet to decide what my theme will be.In high school I was Christina Aguilera, a couple of years ago I went as Margot Tenenbaum, and in college one year I was a White Russian (just to name a few).This year I have been toying with playing the role of Betty Boop, or Madonna, complete with a cone bra.Whatever I decide, I need to make my decision quick cause my costume is required to be fabulous and will take some time to prepare!
Halloween is a great excuse to pull out all the stops.The biggest flaw you can make is playing it too safe! Being too cool to dress up is completely lame.Having been to school in Chapel Hill, THE place to be on October 31st, I have seen my fair share of amazing costumes…therefore making sure that my costume is completely Wowable is high on my priority list! A simple store-bought costume is never the way to go. You don’t want to see yourself in the same room! Hitting up a fabulous vintage store for a funky frock to make your ensemble complete is a great way to ensure that you will end up completely unique.
How about sharing some of your favorite Halloween costumes?Comment below or feel free to email me pics of you or your friend’s great costume creations and I will share them on GOLDEN ZIPPER (you permitting of course!)Most importantly, please be safe this Halloween….it can get pretty scary out there!
Wilmington fashionistas gathered at Beanie + Cecil this past Thursday for the highly anticipated Troubadour Trunk Show. Designer Lindsey Moley Carter was there to personally talk to each and every person that attended this fantastic event. The mood was lively, the wine was flowing, and the collection was exquisite. If you ask me, Lindsey Moley Carter has got what it takes to hit it big time…and she is well on her way. WWD has named her one of the “designers to watch.” Her clothing has the perfect amount of femininity contrasted with a hint of punk.
“Troubadours would get their inspiration from their travels,” says Carter of the label’s name. “I took that meaning and used it in fashion — I could get my inspiration from any place, period, person or movement.”* It has been noted that Troubadour’s Spring 2010 Collection was inspired by three major influences in her life; “the South, the City, and the Sea.”** These influences were undoubtedly present in this collection of great cocktail dresses and super hot jumpsuits. If you are a “reckless preppy with a twist of edge” (quoting Carter) this is right up your alley. The designer rocked an unbelievable piece from her new collection…An electric blue, one-shouldered romper. Belted at the waist, and ruched mid-calf, this piece has an ultra-flattering fit and is most definitely on my wish list for this upcoming spring. My favorite piece, which you can see peaking out the racks of clothing, was a white, one-shouldered dress, piped in blue. The single, long, belled sleeve has two large holes which give this garment unique character. It is a must have! Watch out for Troubadour’s strapless pleated mini on Ugly Betty this season as they have acquired this piece in the wardrobe department. Clearly this cocktail dress is way too chic for Betty herself, but it most definitely fits the part of Amanda, the super stylish secretary! (my personal favorite character!) “Carter uses a bright, saturated palette on spare, simple silhouettes: easy cocktail dresses and jumpsuits. And though she plans on eventually expanding into separates, the designer is content to keep her collection frock-centric for now. ‘I mainly wear dresses,’ she says. ‘They’re so easy to throw on and all-encompassing. They’re a complete look in themselves.’”*
Carter’s line is already making massive waves in the fashion world, and I am proud to say that I was there to experience her break through collection first-hand! Troubadour’s Spring 2010 Collection will be on sale at high-end boutiques very soon! Pre-order your favorite pieces through Beanie + Cecil today!
This fall, it is time to embrace your inner plaid side. Plaids are being used on nearly everything. From dresses and blazers, to bracelets and shoes, this Scottish fabric is all over the fashion scene. Flash back to The Limited Too, Circa 1990.Plaid was everywhere.I think I had about ten pair of plaid leggings in a variety of colors. Even the LTD logo on the over-sized sweatshirts was plaid.And boy did we think that we were looking good….well, as you can see above on the runways of Lela Rose, DVF, and DKNY plaid has officially made its comeback!
The great thing about comebacks in fabric is that if you are a clothes hoarder like me, then you are most likely able to round up a few pieces from years past that are somehow back with the current trends. This past weekend, I was able to locate an awesome plaid blazer that I undoubtedly snatched from my grandmother’s house years ago.In perfect condition, you would never know that it was a hand-me-down, and the best part is…since it is vintage…no one else will have it!I love it!Last year we saw the beginning of the emergence of plaid’s comeback so hopefully you have at least a few pieces that will roll over into this season.The only difference is that this fall, the plaid fad is totally amped up!
For the fashion-conscious it is always important to not look like you are trying too hard. Plaid is perfect for accomplishing this goal.Its laid back aesthetic feel makes you look effortlessly chic, which is the ultra-compliment…. A.K.A. being able to look super hip while still maintaining the “oh, this old thing” sentiment.So get on with your plaid self, and sport this current trend!
There are only about ten days left in Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so if you need an excuse to shop, how about SHOPPING FOR A CURE! Purchase of the following items will help us women fight for the cure, and hopefully breast cancer will eventually become a thing of the past! You are just a click away from great fashion and supporting a very important cause!
White + Warren Ruffled Cashmere Scarf $150 Also available in black and white, this scarf provides 50% of the proceeds to Women At Risk, an organization at New York Presbyterian Hospital Focused on supporting women with and at risk for breast cancer. Such a great accessory for this winter! Ann Taylor Breast Cancer Ribbon Bracelet $24.50 Purchase this super cute, vintage-inspired, gold chain bracelet with wine colored ribbon and know that $5 is on its way to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Nicky Hilton Bop Basics Tee $18 Designed by Nicky Hilton, this pink jersey burnout tee sends 50% of the proceeds to the Breast Cancer Network of Strength (and it would look great under a fitted blazer!) Smashbox Photo Finish Pink Lipstick $22 This lipstick is offered in Smashbox’s babydoll pink shade. The limited-edition sleeve was designed by none other than Diane von Furstenberg! A generous 40% of the proceeds goes directly to the Los Angeles County Affiliate of Susan G. Komen For The Cure. Pucker up and fight for the cure! BCRF Leather Coach Bag $358 If you are in need of a new handbag this fall, scoop up this ultra chic soft pebbled cowhide purse by Coach and 20% of the proceeds will go to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Tory Burch Pink Colin Puffer Vest $295 During October, 15% of the proceeds from the purchase of this quilted, gold logo button vest goes to benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Great for Fall and Winter!!!
Seriously Barbie and Louboutin all in ONE package??? Two of my favorites have collaborated in a business deal that literally gives me chills.Barbie’s 50th birthday is being celebrated with style.Over the past five decades, Barbie has accumulated over a billion pairs of shoes…that’s right ladies…a BILLION.So who better than to break the mold (pun intended) when it comes to Barbie’s new heel design than Christian Louboutin?
So what all is entailed?Firstly, for the fifty year mark, Louboutin (dubbed Barbie’s Godfather for the year) will be creating three head-to-toe looks for Barbie, sold exclusively at Net-A-Porter and Barbie Collector for $150.His inspiration behind these creations?Nefertiti and Marilyn Monroe…what a combination…bound to be fantastic!Each doll will come with four different pairs of the famous red soled pumps, packaged in tiny Christian Louboutin shoe boxes…(are you getting as excited as I am?)The three dolls will be released over the next 7 months, starting with Louboutin’s “Jewel Thief Barbie” in December.In February, Barbie will unveil look #2 with the designer’s take on a “Safari Themed Barbie,” because everyone wears designer platform heels when on safari, right?Amazing!Lastly, in May, Barbie will grace us with a look for none other than the Cannes Film Festival!Inspirational!Again, each Barbie will be sold EXCULSIVELY at the before mentioned sites for $150 each.
The collaboration continues in September with a shoe collection…for Barbie of course!12 pairs of Christian Louboutins for only $40!What a steal!If only they feet your feet and not your pinky toe.Regardless, if you can’t afford the $150 Barbies, the shoe collection is more than a great option #2. Even if you don’t share my affection for the hourglassed doll, how amazing to have 12 pairs of mini Christian Louboutin heels IN their tiny designer boxes!It is a MUST HAVE!
Barbie is also coming out with a diary entitled, My Year In Paris With Christian Louboutin.You can get this diary in two ways, #1 it comes with the "Jewel Thief Barbie," or #2 it is sold separately for $40.This diary features photos of Barbie shopping with Louboutin in his boutique, traveling down the Nile (naturally sporting Louboutins), and performing in Moulin Rouge with a male companion…not Ken…but another man!Senior VP of Mattel comments on the seemingly adulterous situation, “I will have to go with no comment.He is a boy who is a friend and not necessarily a boyfriend.As a rule, we don’t comment on Barbie and Ken’s personal life, but I can tell you that they are definitely talking and they are friendly.”Typical celebrity skirting around the issue if you ask me…
Lastly, which really was firstly, Louboutin designed a pair of pink, red soled pumps that made their debut at Barbie’s 50th Anniversary Fashion Show last February (part one of show is featured below). Fifty designers dressed Barbie for this star-studded event, each with their own take on the proper “Barbie Look," however these pink metal patent leather heels were worn by all 50 models in the runway extravaganza) The shoes are being sold at My Theresa and Saks for $835. I don’t own a pair of Louboutins (YET) but these are most definitely on my wish list. They are beyond fun!
To me this collaboration is one for the books. Barbie isn’t just a doll; she is what most little girls grow up aspiring to be. With looks from 50 of the world’s hottest designers and 12 pairs of Christian Louboutins specifically designed for Barbie, she is now what every woman wants to be as well. My hat goes off to Barbie…she looks damn good for fifty. Here’s to fifty more!
Those who know me know that I have a slight issue with getting rid of things. I am learning to weed out the clutter and this weekend was a huge milestone in this endeavor. Over the past few days I have taken yet another full carload to consignment stores and to donate. I sorted through nearly every nook and granny of my house, as well as my storage unit. While I am enjoying simplifying my life, there is one thing of which I will never part…Vintage Clothing. This weekend I uncovered a few of these period tokens while sorting through the piles of boxes.
Since I was very young, I have always loved dressing in vintage clothing…my cousins and I used to spend hours in the large attics at my grandmother’s house fighting over who got to keep what. Most of the time, we would have to opt for leaving the treasures behind in order to end the debate. The piles of hot-pants, bell-bottoms, 1970s chiffon bridesmaid dresses (see right-I'm far right), and Nantucket button-downs would remain in our special place at Gmama’s where we would come back to rediscover them all over again. There is no doubt in my mind that this is where my love for vintage pieces began!
For years I have collected vintage pieces from a large variety of places. Growing up I would do my best to sneak a few pieces from my grandmother’s when my competitors, I mean cousins, weren’t around. In high school I would rummage through my mother’s closet stealing random things here and there that she would find “outdated” and I would insist were still “fantastic.” It continued in college where I would repeatedly visit a vintage store on Franklin Street called Time After Time. Most people only shopped there for costumes or themed sorority parties, but to me, this little hole in the wall was full of fascinating possessions that were calling my name. Since back in Wilmington, I have found a few special places around town that have provided me with amazing vintage trinkets. These places will remain nameless…because if you know anything about shopping vintage, you know that there is usually only one of everything and I don’t want any more competition!
Vintage pieces can be mixed in with more modern items, giving yourself a unique look, and the satisfaction of knowing that you will never see yourself twice. My vintage collection will continue to grow, never shrink, as these pieces can’t be replaced. My grandmother says that “they just don’t make things like they used to” and she is right. The fabrics of decades past will never be properly replicated…which is why it is vital to save the last survivors from these times of exquisiteness. I will continue to showcase some of my vintage pieces, but the ones pictured here are just to give you a taste from my collection that I hold close to my heart. Remember, “one man’s trash is another person’s treasure.”
First of all, I have no clue why this pic won't get bigger...something is up with blogger, so click on pic for a larger view!
The October issue of InStyle featured a spread entitled “Aspen Chic: Cozy knits and soft textures at the ski resort and beyond.” It was a combination of my dear friend living in Aspen, this great cold front we are experiencing, and this magazine spread that inspired this post...but ultimately dedicated to Julie, as this may be one of the only posts that will actually feature clothing that she would consider wearing! While InStyle editors focused on great looks at different ages, I decided to scrap that idea and just pull a variety of items with Aspen as my muse. Comfy sweaters, fuzzy fur, plaids, and great boots…doesn’t this post just make you want to cuddle under a blanket with a warm cup of hot cocoa?
I can not begin to comment on every piece pictured above, so I am going to highlight a few. If you haven’t heard of J. Brand jeans, you need to check them out ASAP. They have a great fit, flattering stretchy denim, and a bazillion great styles, all which are coinciding with the current trends.
Leggings are everywhere. Some prefer the basic cotton, others desire detailing like GOLDEN ZIPPERS or equestrian-inspired knee patches. If you are digging the current horse-lovers look…go straight to the source. Another great friend of mine works for the company, Kerrits Performance Equestrian Apparel and she turned me on to their flow rise performance tights. You could go and purchase a pair of these kneepatched pants at Ralph Lauren for three times the price, but why not save your dough for a rainy or snowy day. For a fraction of the cost, head to Kerrits for the real deal!
Personally I love fur. But I also love animals. So I REALLY love this Juicy Couture Belted Cardigan with faux fur trim. I get so annoyed with tie cardigans that always seems to have one side out of place, but with the 6-snap closure added to this jacket, you are guaranteed a good fit!
Seriously are you not all completely head over heels for these Chinese Laundry "Trust Me" Boots? They are H-O-T, hot! Over-the-knee boots are vital to your fall and winter wardrobe. Available in black, gray, and cognac…I would love to have them in all three! These boots are so versatile…worn with a sexy mini or paired with leggings and a tunic; these are a great statement piece that will drive the boys (cough! cough!...MEN) wild!
The best part is, all these pieces go together…brown and black, plaids and fur, any combination seems to create an award winning combination! Pull your favorite pieces from above and throw them together in what is bound to be one of your favorite looks for the season!
Ok, I PLAN for this to be my last post commenting on something that I have recently purchased…it has to be…until I find new employment. Hopefully my shopping fever has been cured through this recent finding and I will be able to restrain myself from my continuing desire for new closet additions, at least temporarily.
Last night I attended a Genetic Denim trunk show at one of my favorite boutiques in Wilmington, Oliver. Oliver is yet another hot spot on my fashion radar; a place that seems to suck me in and forget all the worries of the outside world. I ventured to Oliver in the cold rain in order to attend this event. Over a Pacifico, my fiancé and I scoured the endless racks of clothing. My dear friend Billy was also in attendance, and asked me if I saw anything that I liked…my response? “I see TONS of stuff that I want but until I find a new job I HAVE to restrain myself.” Yep, that didn’t happen.
I have been searching for a new, great purse that would go with nearly everything. I have a massive collection of clutches, but contrary to others’ opinions, I never seem to have a great everyday purse. Others would see my handbag collection and laugh at this statement, but honestly I have been in dire need of a classic, good quality handbag. With my budget currently on the tight end, I knew that if I purchased a NICE purse, it needed to be one that could be used for a few seasons, not the neon pink one that I saw a few weeks ago and is still haunting my brain. Then I spotted it…in the SALE section, (so at least I get props for that!) a brown leather Kooba. Classic, beautiful, and ultra chic. With its soft brown leather, five small gold buckles, and amazing lines, I knew this was the one…the purse that I could justify swiping my debit card for. Nothing is as classic as a brown leather handbag, and if you find the right shade, it can go with everything…even black. This purse is the perfect shade. I had full intention of attending this event and simply blogging about my experience of the trunk show, not on a new purchase, but once again my lust for great fashion pieces took over.
While still a large purchase, the purse had been marked 50% off, which ultimately makes it a complete steal, right? How this purse landed on the sale table is beyond me, but it stared at me like a big eyed teddy bear longing to be taken home. And I couldn’t leave a purse in such misery….so it now has a new home….my arm.
The moral of this story is one that was taught to me by the owner of Oliver. I sat and debated on whether or not I could justify this purchase…again that temporary shopper’s anxiety. I told her I longed for this bag. I turned to my fiancé and asked if it would be ok if I got it. He looked at me, but before he could answer, Kelly Oliver stated, “Emily, when it is marked 50% off, it’s a rule, you don’t have to ask.” So ladies, married, engaged, or still on the parents’ tab, here is your new rule…if it is marked 50% off, you don’t have to ask. It automatically makes it a bargain and is completely justifiable!
Ok, while I was supposed to be job hunting, I decided that I would take a break and go shopping…yep, I have lost all self-control when it comes to shopping…yet again! Honestly it isn’t my fault. The 80’s inspired looks for fall are just too damn good to pass up. Had designers chosen an era that screams boredom…like the 1890’s or something, I would be much more capable of restraining myself from the racks of clothing at my favorite boutiques. But, they didn’t…they chose the 80’s…and I have always loved the 80’s. Everything about it screams fun…from the music to the clothes to the make-up...it is nothing short of FANTASTIC. My mother always hoped that 80’s fashion would never rear its ugly head….but luckily for all of us; my mother’s wishes did not come true. (Luckily I saved a few of her pieces)
Today I headed to Hallelu, a great boutique in the heart of Wrightsville Beach. They are known for fun and flirty pieces with more than reasonable price tags. My favorite brand there, Collective Collections seems to always have a great piece that is just begging to come home with me. Today was no different. I left the tiny shop with a black, long sleeve top, with 80’s inspired detailing….SEQUINS AND SHOULDER PADS...AAA-MAZING! What originated as a simple black tee (cinched at the waist) transpired into a fun and sassy top with the addition of sequins and shoulder pads. My only complaint? I would have preferred a slightly more exaggerated shoulder. The shoulder pads are great, but I would have gone bigger…but it’s a start! Regardless, this super cute top is very R. Zoe-esque, especially when worn with a relaxed pair of black trousers and a great pair of heels. My mother’s circular brass earrings straight from the 80’s aren’t too shabby either!
Seen throughout the runways of Marc Jacobs, Balmain, Balenciaga, shoulder pads are again marking power and confidence in today’s women. They are a great way to demand attention and be noticed. They also do a incredible job of framing your face. I recall reading an article that stated something like this, “If you are young and hip, try some extreme shoulders or shoulder pads in a jacket or great top, but be prepared for those not so fashion-forward to think you have some sort of a deformity.” Well, they can think what they want because this is one style that makes me proud to be mistaken as abnormal.
Here are a few shoulder pad pieces that anyone could pull off! Click on the links below!
I DIE for large gaudy accessories, and with big cuffs having a huge “it” factor the fall…I have been on the prowl.Last week I had a great find…for a measly $16 at Forever 21, an extraordinary black cuff with gold trim and rhinestones galore, learned to call my wrist “home.”Today during my daily dose of The Cut, I came across an article highlighting a bracelet from the Juniper Rose for Donna Kara jewelry line (hitting stores later this month). Although different from my recent purchase, I was more than pleased to see the remarkable similarities between my F21 piece and Donna Karan’s $595 bracelet. It is most satisfying when you are able to accomplish a designer look for a small fraction of the cost.
In 1937 Coco Chanel began wearing Vendura’s version of the cuff, dubbing her as the woman behind the curtain when it comes to this vision...and ultimately debunking my theory that we owed it all to the fearless Wonder Woman! Regardless of who ignited this trend, it is one that I simply adore!Anything oversized Gives Us Something to Talk About….and clearly that is what I am all about. I can’t get enough of this stuff.With a wide variety of cuffs available, you are bound to find one that suits your style and price point…the only thing missing are the powers of the DC Comic Superhero. Even if we can't save the universe, at least we can look good trying!
While I appreciate the outrageousness of designer Betsey Johnson, normally her clothing line does not seem to suit my style. So the mere fact that I have not stopped thinking about this Betsey Johnson Charmed Necklace for over two weeks proves that it is nothing short of fabulous. Pictures simply don’t do it justice. While it would be hard for one to pinpoint an overall theme for the choice of charms, Johnson has taken these randomly unique items, and combined them in a way that somehow makes sense.
I stood and debated in the department store on whether or not this was a necessary purchase, as my shopper’s anxiety began to kick in. Moping, I left the store without the necklace in hand while my mind raced with all the images of this necklace as decoration on many of my outfits this fall. “What a great necklace to wear to parties,” I thought. “And for the Holiday Season….it would be perfect,” my mind continued. “Honestly Emily, this necklace would go with so many things in your closet and is a great transitional piece.” Lastly, “the addition of this statement piece would undoubtedly be the most important purchase of the season.” I began to notice a trend…and not a fashion trend…a trend in my thought process. The process that began nearly every time I fell in love with a piece of clothing, a great pair of shoes, or a stunning piece of jewelry. My “Justification for Purchasing.” Perhaps that is why my father, a financial advisor, sat me down months ago for a slight shopper/spender intervention…showing me the amount of money that has “disappeared” from my account over the years. Although this intervention has helped me to grow miles as far as my financial maturity is concerned….I can’t help but think that I am somehow missing out on MASSIVELY IMPORTANT ITEMS such as this necklace. I sit here now, picturing myself with a fantastic blazer and a simple white tank, neck adorned with this Betsey Johnson creation.
I write this post with hope that the mere discussion of this remarkable piece of jewelry will somehow curb my constant thoughts of justifying the purchase of this necklace. It is haunting me day and night. Fun and flirty, with a little bit of edge…this charmed masterpiece has it all. If unsuccessful in this endeavor to alleviate my brain from visions of this necklace, perhaps my adoring fiancé will read this post and commit an action that will undoubtedly cure my obsession (hint! hint!)...and just make the purchase. I do hope it is the latter.
