Fashion For A Cause

Rachel Zoe is spotlighting this….and so are we…how could we not? The Wayuú Tayá Foundation has teamed up with board member and jeweler Judith Kupperman to special design an “H” piece of jewelry that is not only a worthwhile cause…but a pretty cool addition to your accessory collection.

I rarely will quote directly from a site...but their description is too perfect:

“The Help Haiti Hope symbol has been specially designed by Wayuú Tayá board member and jeweler Judith Kupperman and features the letter "H" in a gold finish with a green silk band or a silver finish with a brown band that can be worn around the neck or wrist. It can be either worn as a bracelet or a necklace. They are available for $10 through this website.

Aside from production, shipping and handling costs (approximately 20 percent), all proceeds raised will go directly to help the most vulnerable victims of this terrible disaster: the children. Along with veteran relief workers, The Wayuú Tayá Foundation will channel the money from the sales of "H" necklaces and bracelets to the building and long term operation of an orphanage and school in Haiti. Similar to their own hugely successful “Tepichi Talashi” schools in Venezuela, Tepichi Talashi literally means “Happy Child” in the indigenous Wayuú language. With your help and our efforts, hundreds of Haiti’s new orphans will have a place of safety and love - and the chance of a healthier childhood and brighter future.”

Available in Gold or Silver…and only $10...think of that as two cups of coffee at Starbucks...pocket change to us...and means the world to the earthquake victims...Every little bit helps…so do your part and order one of these pieces today! I just ordered mine!

GO NUDE

As understated as a nude shoe can be, this Spring it is an essential element when it comes to maintaining your fashion-forward status. Nude pumps and wedges are being shown with everything from a great trouser jean to black skinny “jeggings.” Being neutral, they go with everything and with the right pair, they will easily transition into next Fall when the leaves begin to fall. The nude pumps ability to transform makes it worth your money to invest in a pair that will last you through a season or two…without looking like they have taken a tumble down a flight of dirty, concrete stairs. Rachel Zoe states, “When it comes to footwear, a nude shoe is just as crucial for your collection as an amazing black pump,” and who are we to doubt The Zoe?

A dear friend of mine has a great pair of Jimmy Choos, actually a lot of great pairs of Jimmy Choos (which I lust over each time I set foot in her home), but the ones I will highlight now are the classic nude JCs, pointed toe, beautiful shape….one of her favs. The pointed toe never seems to look quite right on me…but on the right person (like the before-mentioned friend)…they are amazing. So just because something doesn’t look great on me, who am I to deny you from taking a peek at something that may look fabulous on you? Worn correctly (as she always does), these are the perfect pair for transitioning from Spring through Summer and on into Fall. They look fantastic with jeans, black pants, and of course cute little dresses. They work for dressing up and dressing down. They are perfect essentials…an investment worth making.

Jimmy Choo Lilac Point-Toe Pumps $495-

And what would a shoe post be without mentioning Christian Louboutins? If you are an avid reader of Golden Zipper…then by now you know that I am completely head over heels (pun intended) for the red-soled pumps. I mean, it goes without saying that if you can handle the price tag, a great nude platform pump from Louboutin would undoubtedly be a major staple piece in seasons to come. Personally, I am in love with the closed-toe leather platform pumps…classic Louboutin, but since they are more “tan” than nude….we will focus on this incredible pair that more so meets the requirements of this post. Quoted from Bergdorf Goodman’s website, “elongate your legs with this classic, low-vamp pump-with a twist.” Ok…SOLD! well, if the bank account would allow! Just to throw on a great pair of skinnys, an oversized boyfriend blazer, and slide into a pair of these red-soled beauties would have me on top of the world! Every now and then you can hit a great sale online or in high-end department store and find some Louboutins marked down…and if so…BUY THEM…do yourself the favor…even though for most, it is still a splurge when marked 50% off, I promise you that the addition of these shoes to your wardrobe will be more than satisfying. And if you hate them…and you are a size 9…you send them right this way!

Christian Louboutin Knotted Pumps $895-

A great wedge is beautiful when paired correctly…if paired wrong…it can be a major fashion faux pas. So do your research because a great nude wedge this Spring is the perfect way to show that you know your fashion. These Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent wedge sandals are just the right shoe to show off some great stems and prove to the fashion community that you know what’s up. The hardware and height are essential elements that take the shoes a step up from those 2’’ clunky wedges that I “rocked” in 9th grade with a flowy babydoll dress. The zipper and multiple buckles will perfectly coordinate with a great trouser jean, or if you have a great thin frame…go with the skinnys. Either way, you are bound to get a few looks…and from those who know their fashion…the looks will be of approval!

Twelfth by Cynthia Vincent Daryl Zip Wedge Sandals $375-

Regardless of which look you prefer…it is hard to go wrong…so make an investment on a great pair of nude shoes and I promise it will be worth every penny.

Just The Two Of Us...

Remember that first time your mom insisted that you HAD to get a bra? How traumatizing it was to go pick out your "trainer" with sales associates peering over your shoulder...you were sure that they were secretly peeking a look at your budding breasts so that they could laugh with their coworkers. And the worst was when mom would have to ask a question. "Do you have this in a 32AA?" Your face was immediately red and all you longed for was to hide behind the racks of undergarments that surrounded you....taunting you. I recall not wanting to wear my "trainer" or even a "sports bra" when I had to wear a white shirt cause someone would see the lines and know that I wore a bra...how embarassing! And of course I didn't understand that with the white shirt, it was the MOST important time to wear it!

Well, thank goodness those days are over. Eventually we embraced our growing assets and eventually many of us even longed for them to grow more. Who ever would have thought? Now we long for beautiful lingerie. The proper push-up or the intricate lace panty that will help to give us the self-confidence that a woman must possess to take on the world is something we love to add to our wardrobe. The proper undergarments kind of make or break not only your outfit...but your general mood. The perfect bra makes you feel like you are "put in place." all together and ready for the day. An ill-fitting bra or ugly underwear will do just the opposite....making you feel self-conscious, uncomfortable, and quite frankily unattractive....don't agree? Ok, well take yourself back to one of those days when your laundry has piled up and all that is left is a massive pair of plain white, cotton granny panties...I mean BAD granny panties...the kind that have the potential to peek out of your MID-rise jeans...how hot did you feel that day? Exactly....the right bra and panty are ultra important when it comes to getting into the right mindset.


There is a large range of prices when it comes to the lingerie world....personally, when it comes to bras and panties, I like to find a steal on the sale rack. But every now and then I will come across a beautiful bra for a ridiculous price that I simply must have. I mean, only one (or two) will actually see the bra...but it is the way the bra makes us feel that makes it such an important possession. The closer we can get to looking like Marisa Miller, the better....right?

So here we go...I am giving you women and maybe a few men (sorry fiance) a peek through the shirt and unveiling to you what I find to be beautiful must-have lingerie....enjoy...

Victoria's Secret Nude/Black Demi Bra $48, Felina Harlow Full Busted Demi Bra $32, Victoria's Secret Corset Demi Bra $42, Felina Emily Full Busted Underwire Bra $38, Betsey Johnson "Rebel Rose" Demi Bra $42, Chantelle Intimates 'Africa 3695' Underwire Demi Bra $98, Elle MacPherson "Artistry" Contour Bra $65

It's Always In Style to Help Others...

You would have to be living in a hole to not be aware of the massive natural disaster that occured last week in Haiti. Some are predicting the death toll to reach hundreds of thousands. And it is without a doubt that hundreds of thousands that are still living are in a huge need of help and support. Millions of Americans are doing their part. Many organizations have immediately come to the rescue with aid and donations of all shapes and sizes. Being a fashion blog, I felt that I would focus on one group in particular that is doing more than their fair share to help relieve some of the burdens that the Haitians are facing.

Fashion Delivers, a relatively new organization with only 4 years under their belt, distributes excess clothing to those in need all around the world. Their site states "Fashion Delivers is mobilizing to provide immediate assistance" and they are asking for your help. There is a gigantic need for lightweight apparel, including everything down to socks, hats, t-shirts, and underwear. Whether you are able to donate specific clothing items, or a monetary donation...you are guaranteed that your donation will reach those that have been affected by January 12th's earthquake. The organization is teaming up with boutiques, department stores, and have even called upon the help of people like Sean Combs and Russell Simmonsm, just to name a few. Brooklyn based boutique, Bird, donated 10% of all of their sales from this past weekend directly to benefit Haitian victims. Encourage your local department stores to donate their excess items to those in need.

Hundreds of thousands are without basic needs...no clean water, no roof over their heads, no clothing to wear, no food to eat. For years, most Hatiians have been without the basic essentials that we as priveledged Americans don't think twice about, but what little they had has been stripped away. Often times we don't realize how lucky we are. We don't appreciate the lives that we live. This is a time when we need to put all selfishness aside and do what we can to help those in need. Please do what you can to help, whether it is through Fashion Delivers, the American Red Cross, or any organization that is working to help the Haitian victims. Remember, it is always in style to help those in need.

A Not-So Fab Collab

A unexpected pair usually results in something new and invigorating...a Fab Collab provides us with a breath of fresh air. Right? Jimmy Choo = incredibly beautiful, amazingly flattering, perfectly sculpted, the must-have luxury footwear. Ugg= shockingly comfortable, a "trend that will not die" (unfortunately), perfect for cold, blustery days, and relatively affordable. When you think of shoes, Jimmy Choo and Ugg seem to be at opposite ends of the footwear spectrum....YET, when you think of the two combining to form one, it seems rather ingenious....OR an idea that actually succeeds at insulting the shoe-loving, fashion-conscious members of society. Either way, this fantasy/nightmare is soon to become a reality.

Personally, for me, the Ugg phenomena is over...but I do understand others' love for the Australian kicks. They are amazingly comfortable, slip on and go boots....and sometimes (rarely) they are rather cute. I do own a pair, that I have had for at least 4 years, and from time to time I will sport them....when it actually makes it below 40 degrees on North Carolina's coast. When you head to class, sure, throw on the Uggs...got to run to the grocery store, sure, no big deal...wear the Uggs. Still in college..rock the Uggs....I did. But when you are a college-grad, or at least of that age and going out or on a date...leave those damn things at home! I guess for me, I find it frustrating when people slip on this fuzzy boots and think they are fashion-forward. They are cold-weather, comfy boots that serve a purpose, which is not to be marking themselves as a great addition to the fashion world. Or perhaps it is just my love of the high heel, the perfect stiletto, that keeps me from remaining in the herd of Ugg-loving "fashionistas." I prefer to wear a flawlessly sculpted heel, and not clop around in an oversized, round-toe fuzzy boot. I am more than happy to give this collaboration a shot, but I am hesitant of what is to come.

If one could combine the elegance of a Jimmy Choo with the comfort of an Ugg, the end result would be mind-blowing. Unfortunately, it has been reported that the new shoe line, Jimmy Choo & Ugg, will continue with the basic Ugg shape and incorporate "design details that embody the spirit of the Jimmy Choo brand." Honestly, what the hell does that mean? To me, Jimmy Choo incorporates all that is fabulous IN A PAIR OF HIGH HEELS....or a pair of HIGH HEEL BOOTS....or even a gorgeous pair of PERFECTLY SHAPED FLATS. Not once does an image of a clunky, shapeless, soft-textured boot come into my mind.

I have my doubts about this line. I DON'T doubt that it will be successful, because with the large following of both of these lines, there is bound to be enough eager shoppers to make this a successful collaboration. I DO doubt, however, that this will be a gorgeous line of shoes. I DO doubt that the fashion world will be shaken up by this mesh of designers. I DO doubt that I will lust over a single pair that hits the high-end department stores, that I am sure are already anxiously awaiting their arrival so they can hear the "ca-ching" of their cash registers. Perhaps I will be wrong, and I will love them...and if so, I will retract this post....but I wouldn't hold your breath.

What one can not doubt/deny are the talents in the areas of marketing within both of these companies, so they have to know what they are doing....right? We'll see. If the goal for Jimmy Choo is to make more money....this will most likely be a success, but for those of us that look at the Choos as one of the most fantastic lines of Sexy, Stunning, and Flawless Luxury footwear...we are most likely bound to be disappointed. And for those that look at Uggs as a way to consider yourself "fashion-forward" (chuckle) when wearing your AFFORDABLE boots, you are bound to be bummed as well. Why? Because they will have to be "wow-able" enough to justify the mighty hefty price tag, ranging from $595 to $795. We don't even get the "Choo" name with an "Ugg" price? Really? So pretty much they are Uggs with some added details, the most important detail being the "Jimmy Choo" name, so that the cost can triple? While I have my doubts, I am hoping for a Brad and Angelena, while predicting a Britney and K-fed.

H&M was one of my staple shopping spots during my days in NYC...however, after reading this article on New York's The Cut I became immediately disgusted by the discount clothing store. Throwing out unworn, unpurchased clothing? Not donating it? Are you kidding me? Actually going to the extreme of making sure a homeless person couldn't find the clothing in your dumpster...all in one piece and stay warm for a night...or a season? There are people sleeping on the streets....in the cold...and H&M is trashing their unbought items? I am sorry but this is beyond NOT ok, and particularly when our country is in such a time of need. I felt this article was valuable enough to share so please read the following that I took from The Cut and decide for yourself...personally, it will be a LONG TIME before I will ever purchase (if ever) an H&M piece of clothing.

H&M Destroys and Throws Out Perfectly Good Unworn Clothing

Have you ever wondered what happens to clothes that large chain retailers don't sell? Not boutiques like Oak or stores like Barneys or other designers that can send things to sample sales, but huge stores full of stuff that's too cheap to resell, like H&M or Wal-Mart. The New York Times reports that both H&M and Wal-Mart throw out unused clothing people don't buy. But they want to make sure that, after they throw stuff out, people can't wear or resell the clothes. So they destroy the items by cutting holes in them with machines. If they're dealing with a pair of shoes, they go to the trouble of cutting the insoles so you can't wear them. Puffy jackets are slashed across the body and the arms are cut off. The 34th Street H&M discards the destroyed but otherwise perfectly good merchandise in trash bags behind the building. Wal-Mart has a contractor that dumps their destroyed unworn clothes in a space on 35th Street. Poor people who need clothes are freezing all over the city, but rather than donate unused goods, these stores are destroying them and treating them like garbage.

People who know about the loot go to scavenge for goods that aren't destroyed since whole, wearable items make it through sometimes. Wouldn't it be easier to simply donate the stuff so they don't have to bother with cutting everything? A New York Cares that holds an annual coat drive and would be happy to have H&M's unwanted goods is located just around the corner from its 34th Street location.

A spokesperson for Wal-Mart told the Times that the store normally donates unused items to charities, and needed to investigate the 35th Street situation. H&M did not respond to ten requests for comment from the Times yesterday. The store also throws out plastic hangers in perfectly good condition, which is ridiculous, because clothes may go out of style, but those certainly do not. The Times reports:

H & M, which is based in Sweden, has an executive in charge of corporate responsibility who leads the company’s sustainability efforts. On its Web site, H&M reports that to save paper, it has shrunk its shipping labels.

Maybe they donated $5 to save the polar bears last year, too.

NOTE:
As of today (1/7), H&M has stated that they will no longer allow this act to happen, but for me...it is simply going to take more. The fact that this EVER happened is disgusting and unacceptable.

For more on H&M's "Promise to Stop Destroying and Throwing Out Clothing"
Click Here