E.C.C. + A.L.C. = L.O.V.E.

You are bound to know fashion when you have been styling everyone from Jennifer Lopez to Gwen Stefani. Andrea Lieberman, stylist to the stars, puts chic into everyday, versatile pieces. And for this fall, A.L.C. is all about Parisian Chic. Since my recent elopement to Europe, "Parisian Chic" is right up my alley. Lieberman's perfectly crafted basics are pieces that easily transition from season to season. Their signature "Twisty T" dresses and surprisingly flattering horizontal stripes take simple cotton pieces to the next level. Currently the favorite dress in my closet, is my A.L.C. black Bandage Dress. Ultra sleek, can be worn to the knees for day time or business attire and scrunched up for a sexy look for a night out. These pieces are perfect for traveling. Even when pulled wrinkled out of a suitcase, the dress maintains its shape and the wrinkles only add to the expertly draped look.

The first A.L.C. fall shipment arrived at Beanie + Cecil right before I departed for NYC. As we unpacked the box, each piece caused the room to fill with "ooohs" and "ahhhs." Tapered Georgette Pants..."oooh"....French Lace Mini Dress... "ahhh"...Tie-Dye Wool Blend Sweater..."ohhh la la." Seriously. Each piece is beyond fabulous on its own and even more fabulous when pieced together with its equally magnificent counterparts. With the thoughts of my approaching (now current) move to NYC and lack of secured employment ahead, I did what any fashion loving gal would do...I bought a couple pieces before boarding my plane! The Tapered Georgette Pants and The Chloe Dress were not unnecessary splurges, more so needed investments to help sophisticate my look and ultimately help me secure a job....right? Justified.

If "sumptuously soft knits, romantic lace dresses and a selection of basics cut to perfection," sparks your interest, then A.L.C. is meant to meet your closet. Perhaps you are like me...you have a Kardashian guilty pleasure. If so, you may have seen those crazy sisters sporting not only the African Tweed Jacket, but also the black and nude Drape Dress from this past spring's collection. Which means ladies....these pieces are cut for some curves. No boyish stick figures used when creating these patterns. If the Kardashian rear works in these pieces, then clearly these pieces give you a little wiggle room! Lieberman undoubtedly had the "everyday woman" in mind when designing this line. Each piece is impeccably shaped, cut, and draped for THE ultimate flattering look. Currently my favorite line, I highly recommend the addition of some A.L.C. into your life. Your first purchase won't be your last.

Leather, Leather, Everywhere And Not A Drop To Drink...

My fellow blogger (of Savoir-Flair) and I are in love. In love with leather shorts. Although attempted, we have been unable to fully convince others as to how important it is to have a pair of rocking leather shorts in your closet. A few have claimed that they "understood our need" but for the most part, the understanding of our love has been "brutally rebuffed" (to quote the ultra fab Cher Horowitz). So, let's try to make you understand....

Yes, the shorts are ultra pricey. But here's the thing. You aren't having to pay for the full leather pant, just the shorts. And yes, even though they are just shorts, they are still going to put a dent in your wallet, ranging in price from $400 (Alice + Olivia) to $1100 (The Row) and on up. I get it...this isn't convincing you in the least. The thing is, these shorts aren't just shorts, and they are worth every penny. They must be thought of as an investment, like a leather jacket...or a car. Ok, I guess that is a little extreme...but seriously a pair of leather shorts must be thought of as a fabulous yet essential staple with ample show-stopping abilities. They go with everything. Right now, it is ALL ABOUT THE LEATHER. Leather jackets, leather skirts, leather shorts, leather trim on cardigans (thank you Phillip Lim). Leather is everywhere! Leather shorts are great now with a casual tee and funky heels, and will easily carry on into the fall with tights and booties. Think last season's jean shorts and tights, amped up rocker style! And if my fashion forecast proves to be accurate, you will be seeing them on the runways this September for the upcoming spring collections. Therefore, the price and style is justified.
Helmut Lang Cracked Leather Shorts, available at Beanie + Cecil of Wilmington

After a long discussion with my dear (and super stylish) friend Lindsey, we convinced each other, rather easily I might add, that leather shorts were quite frankly a necessity. We searched, and ultimately found two different pairs, that perfectly fit in with each other's taste and style. 3.1 Phillip Lim's Pleated Leather shorts were shortly added to Lindsey's closet...which were nearly identical to a photo she had found online of "the absolute most perfect outfit for (her)." And of course they looked amazing! There were a few pairs that caught my eye, but ultimately the Helmut Lang Cracked Leather Shorts stole my heart....and my money. Slightly oversized and slouchy, and most importantly they go with EVERYTHING. One would think that being in this North Carolina heat, one would not dare to add an extra layer of skin (pun intended), however the shorts are surprisingly more cool than even I had imagined. Lindsey was right....if we can wear black jean leggings in this hot and humid weather, why not a pair of leather shorts? SOLD.

These Boots Are Made For Walking...

So seriously I haven’t written on Golden Zipper since May….well I guess with all the “changes” that I have been going through…it kinda makes sense that I have not had much time for blogging. No worries, nothing too crazy. All changes for the positive. Since I got engaged last June (we’re talking 2009) things have been a little nuts to say the least. We planned the whole “big wedding shindig” and after months of planning I decided, “what the hell….this so SO not me.” Marriage is supposed to be just about the commitment that I am making to the love of my life, not about what color monogrammed napkins I would like to have at the bar. So, fiancé and I decided to elope. In August we are heading to Italy to be married in Florence. So much more me, more exciting, more spontaneous, and slightly out of my comfort zone, which of course makes it all the more fantastic. And just to add a little more spice to the pot…we’re relocating….and if you know me at all….you can probably guess where. Yes, I am heading back to my homeland…back to NYC. The greatest city in the world, the place where I feel alive, “the concrete jungle where dreams are made of”…yep I said it. So with all these changes, you can understand how blogging has fallen by the wayside. But baby, I’m back….So, make plans to be reading about my plans, my adventures, and of course the greatest and latest fashion trends. So buckle your motorcycle booties and get ready to ride!

Rag & Bone Motorcycle Booties, available this fall

Speaking of motorcycle booties….let’s chat. I mean seriously, the moto look is beyond in this fall. Everyone from Rag & Bone to Miu Miu are preparing for the motorcycle bootie craze. Something to spice up the plain flat black bootie from last fall…add that Harley-inspired hardware and you are ready to roll. Again, it’s all about the hard and the soft. Mixing the two. You can pair a feminine floral dress with tights and a pair of motorcycle booties and immediately turn the heads of the fashionably-inclined. It’s all about the contrast, unless you are heading straight into the ultra-hot menswear inspired trend, which seriously, I love….but that is a whole other post. For us 5-inch stiletto loving fools, rocking this often flat, clunky, hard motorcycle booties may feel a little unnatural, but what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger…..or at least we will look tougher!

Brighten Up Your Night...

Leave it to Jimmy Choo to embark on yet another untouched territory for the high heel....Who would have imagined that the combination of a 5'' platform and the concept of children's light-up sneakers would be such an amazing combination. Well, I guess if we REALLY thought about it....we would have known that this idea was bound to be a huge success.


"Think of it as Studio 54 at your feet. Instead of dancing under the infamous neon moon and spoon, the Jimmy Choo light-up Shoes have some glowing disco lights in their 5'' heels." Muscial artist, Katy Perry has already christened the Red Carpet with these L.A. Gear-inspired pumps at the ASCAP awards last month in L.A. Who even noticed her poor choice of gown when she was rocking these flashing heels? Without a doubt, these platform pumps are a show-stopping piece to any emsemble. No one can deny that these shoes are hot...but keep in mind..."price per wear" is an important factor in today's economy, so unless you are a professional party girl (not to read: escort), or Lady Gaga, you may want to steer clear of the nearly $2,500 price tag (I hope batteries and bulbs are included).

I Support My Nation...

So, I may not be talking about the nation that you were expecting....I am talking about Nation Ltd. tees. Before working at Beanie + Cecil, the mere thought of purchasing a $90 worn out tee was about the dumbest thing that I could possibly think of. Little did I know that within one week of working there I would be hooked. And at the rate I am wearing these tees, if I hadn't bought them worn out, they would have worn out on their own!

Creator Jen Mencher didn't always know that she would become a fashion designer. Her dad worked for NASA and hoped that Jen would follow in his footsteps....well, she didn't... and the main reason??? She would have to wear a spacesuit, of course! She "didn't have a huge interest in couture (she) just didn't want to look like a fool." Her dad would later become her career inspiration, just not in the way that he had planned.

Jen had always loved her dad's worn out tees. They were so incredibly soft, yet with the yellow discolorations and random paint stains, she knew that she should probably not wear them in public. As a result, the perfect vintage white v-neck t-shirt was born...and it was a hit! From that one vintage tee, Nation Ltd. has blossomed into a huge line of incredibly soft cotton pieces. From celebrity stylist, Rachel Zoe, to fashion icon Rachel Bilson everyone seems to be rocking these amazing tees....including me. There are tons of styles, snakeskin burnouts, little hoodies, oversized slouchy, fitted classic, fabulous long tanks...and the list continues....

What I originally thought was an absurd price for a t-shirt, is now my normality when it comes to these amazingly versatile tops. I wear them to work with skinnys and flats, as well as out with jeans or harem pants and a hot pair of heels. They also look great under the perfect boyfriend blazer. The fabric's softness is indescribable, and the cuts are perfectly precise for the ultimate flattering look. The price tag reflects the quality, and once you buy one, you will definitely get your money's worth. You won't want to wear anything else....and I pretty much don't.

Don't knock it until you try it. Some people may think that this obsession is downright absurd (like my finace) ....but I stand firm in strong support of my Nation.

The Daddy Mac Will Make You Jump! Jump!

Hell yes I listened to Kriss Kross! I think there were even times when I used to try on my overalls backwards, yet it never seemed to look quite right, let alone FEEL quite right. Quite frankily, Kriss Kross has nothing to do with this post except for the mere fact that when I hear the word JUMP, my mind immediately goes to that backassward duo! Well, this spring and summer is all about the jump....or at least the jumpERs! Jumpers and rompers are ALL the rav. While most of you feel looking like a 5 year old or just flat out say, "I can't pull that off," I am here to tell you that you are so far wrong. Rompers and jumpers of today are ultra-flattering. I mean, there are the BAD ones out there that make you look like you just stepped out of a bad episode of Blossom, but when you get a good one, you are making a fashion statement that screams that you know what you are working with!

I already have my list of pieces that I feel are vital to my spring/summer wardrobe and jumpers/rompers are definitely on the list. Loeffler Randall has made my favorite of the season. The "Balloon Jumpsuit" is so freaking cool. It is on my "must-have" list for this warm weather! The fit is amazing, the fabric choice is perfect for dressing up and dressing down, the neckline is ultra-chic, all while maintaining an element of a hip yet precious persona! Seriously it is to DIE FOR!

Loeffler Randall Balloon Jumpsuit $495-, Available at Beanie + Cecil of Wilmington

I am not normally a fan of Juicy Couture, but this romper was so damn hot that it immediately caught my eye. With this one you better hope you have Cher Horowitz stems (and a super toned back). But if you do, wearing this little number will make jaws drop!

Juicy Couture Luxe Fleece Draped-Back Romper $138-, Shopbop

In honor of the Spring Season, let's play with a little color. This inexpensive, easy little romper is perfect for looking chic while fighting off that brutal summer heat! Do like the model and throw your hair on top of your head, then add a little delicate necklace, a great pair of wedges, and you are ready for dinner, a party, a night out....further emphasizing the versatility of a great jumper!

Lucca Couture Silky Zip-Front Jumper $58-, Urban Outfitters

So regardless of which price-point you are shopping for, a great jumper is essential to stay on-trend this spring. So find the right one for your body shape and you have knocked one staple piece off of your list!

The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly

Oscar night is a night for the stars....some will win and some will lose...both during the award ceremony and on the Red Carpet. The Oscars brings out the best and the worst dressed, and last Sunday was no exception. Every year I snuggle up on my couch with a notebook and paper to write down my notes on "Who Wore What," usually just what pops into my head immediately...one word to spark my memory when I sit back down and rehash the night of glamor. I rarely tend to agree with E!'s Fashion Police...especially Mr. Jay whose own attire was one for the worst dress awards...Tom Ford...you are genius but this smoking jacket was a drastic mistake. Last night there were quit a few people that were in desperate need of a fashion fix....so straight from my notes, here are my comments on the fashion flaws that walked the red carpet.

Mo'nique: Aside from the fact that you don't shave your legs, you had a great look going til you stuck that damn flower in the side of your head. Really what were you thinking? This isn't a luau, it is the Oscars!

Mariah Carey: 90's Prom dress gone bad...but at least you covered more of your boobs this time...I just can't get over you lack of poor taste.

Zoe Saldana: I wanted to like it, I really did...and I am an ombre-loving gal...but this is just a hot mess. Too much going on. It looks like an 80s Barbie dress. The way if flowed when you walked on the stage was exquisite and if it weren't for that deep purple on the end, you would have been a top pick!

Tina Fey: Black again...wow....what a surprise....way to shake things up....and as far as your hair goes...you looked like a 1980's mom heading to an event at the Country Club.

Sigourney Weaver: You just gave yourself an extra 40 pounds. The dress just wasn't right for your body....great color...bad shape.

Faith Hill: Did you borrow this from Elvira's closet?

Miley Cyrus: Can't focus on anything but your hunched over shoulders. I just want to grab them and pull them back.

Charlize Theron: Cinnabon Boobs=Madonna circa 1990...and that is about all I can say.

Luckily....everyone wasn't poorly attired walking the Red Carpet...there were some major fashion moments on the Red Carpet...so let's talk about the best dressed gals of the night...

Maggie Gyllenhaal in Dries Van Noten... Stunning. Definitely fit your personality and up with the current trends of patterned fabric. The blue color was stunning with her complexion and the fit was flawless! Perfect amount of accessorizing so as to not compete with the dress. One of my favorites always, but last night you hit it out of the park!

Amanda Seyfried in Armani Prive Gorgeous, very classic gown that was stunning on her. With the straight bodice, this gown was able to achieve a classic look with a fashion-forward twist. The hair perfectly complimented the gown. She looked like a modern-day princess.

Sandra Bullock in Marchesa. You seriously were dressed to win in this shimmering, gold-beaded gown. The way in which the skirt puddled at your feet was fairytale-like and the addition of the red lips kept you popping and not getting lost in the neutral gown. Supposedly her stepdaughter helped her decide and she definitely made the right choice.

Cameron Diaz (in Oscar de la Renta) and Demi Moore (in Atelier Versace), You both looked stunning..hats off to Rachel Zoe for once again styling you to perfection. Perfect!

Rachel McAdams you looked amazing in Elie Saab Haute Couture. This dress is approachable and easily understood. The watercolored silk organza made a statement of beauty. Effortlessly chic. If I could turn your dress white, this would be my wedding gown. You were AMAZING! Love love love!

SJP...seriously? It almost isn't fair how much more ahead of the trends you are. This Chanel Couture gown was so fashion-forward that it evoked a sense of "was it good or bad?" This is a dress that will undoubtedly land you on the best AND the worst dressed lists...but sometimes that is a good thing...rocking the boat and going out on a limb to try new things is the way in which fashion is created. Many people will question this dress, but I have a hunch that this is just the beginning of something new and different...You are and will always be "Carrie Bradshaw." Thank you for taking a step towards forging yet another new path for us commoners on the fashion trail....beautiful.