Fashion Center Walking Tour

Yesterday, I took advantage of the beautiful weather in New York and took a walking tour of the Fashion/Garment District hosted by Mike's Tours NYC.

We started at the corner of 39th and 7th which is the heart of the district...across the street from the famed Parsons The New School (made even more famous by Project Runway). We walked the Fashion Walk of Fame, which was started by the Business Improvement District as a way to recognize designers.

Here's where I won my prize, at Diane von Furstenberg's spot on the Walk of Fame. It was, according to Mike, a "one-of-a-kind" tape measure from the Fashion District. Mike gave us an opportunity to guess the answer before the question was even asked. And of course my answer was "Wrap Dress"...which was the correct answer. DVF is known for making the wrap dress a must-have clothing item for women in the early 1970's through today.  (Hello leopard flats and mint green jeans!)

The Fashion/Garment District used to be the Theater District, so a lot of the buildings where clothing manufacturers and designers house their offices and showrooms were formerly theaters. At 1407 Broadway there's a "Gallery of Distingushed Designers". As Mike pointed out, most of these sculptures may not look like the person they are supposed to be. He was right...does this look like Marc Jacobs to you?? Nevertheless, an interesting thing to see in the lobby of an office building.

Mike, having worked in the Garment District for over 40 years, was very knowledgable about the history and was full of ancedotes. Mike does tours throughout the week as well. The best part is that this tour is FREE! Thanks Mike!

Brooch The Subject

*couldn't resist on the corny title* Anyway, Happy Friday! I figured I'd post a few fun brooches, inspired by my Instagram post earlier.  Wear them on your blazer, your favorite dress or collect them on that jean jacket you love. Have fun!

Lipstick, Teapot, Bumble Bee, Cupid's Bow, Security Tag, Perfume Bottle, Lips, Bonjour

Lucky 13: Jewelry on Sale for Under $50

Everyone loves a good sale and a jewelry sale is even better!  Here are 13 of my picks for fabulous jewelry at fabulous prices. Get them before someone else does! 

Two-Tone Earrings $19.99

Leather Drop Earrings $23.19

 

Double Triangle Earrings $13.99

Sher Blue Agate Earrings $47.60

Freeform Graffiti Cuff $46.99

Peacock Cuff $49.99



Turquoise Oval Ring $17.50

Wing Ring $18.99

Tobin Ring $39.99

Ladder Necklace $30.00

Swordplay of Saints Necklace $22.50

Hammered Metal Necklace $11.00

Chain Drape Collar $30.00







Carry It Well!

One of my stylish friends inquired about a tote that she could take to and from work that would hold all over her various items and still look great in the process. In my opinion, a tote should be three things: functional, sturdy and stylish (of course!). They are great for work and travel so make sure you pick one that you wouldn't be ashamed to carry.  Here are a few of my suggestions...most under $150. 

Top Row: Black w/ Leopard Stripe, Neon Stripe, Black & White Check, Geometric Patchwork

Middle Row: Burgundy, Sea Green, Printed, Pale Blue

Bottom Row: Black & White w/ Neon Accent, Nude w/ Neon, Polka Dot, Camel & Orange

Today I Love....

These fun My Case Couture x OPI iPhone cases. What I love even more is that they come with a free OPI mini and they have my favorite color, You Don't Know Jacques! Perfect for the nail polish junkie, like me. Get yours here!

PLS Picks

[Photo: fortheloveofblog.com]

Here are some of my favorite posts from the past few days! 

I've had the privilege of working a few Alice + Olivia fashion presentations so I was enamored by Cheetah is the New Black's visit to the showroom.

Lucky Mag highlights some interesting color combinations that we all can pull off.

I came across a new blog this week. Here's a post by Nichole Alabi in an all leather look that caught my eye.

[Photo:huffingtonpost.com]

Cravate Noire does an excellent recap of Monday's Little Black Dress event with a special surprise. (Well, it was definitely a special surprise to me!)

As I anxiously await the next installment of the Hunger Games, Fashionista keeps me at bay with some of the fashion highlights...and a teaser trailer!

Bright crossbody bags...love! Check them out at She Finds.

Finally! Racked solves the mystery of the correct way to say Asos.

The Power of Style...and Andre Leon Talley

Tonight I had the wonderful opportunity of attending an event at the French Institute Alliance Francaise where the fabulous Andre Leon Talley discussed his latest book Little Black Dress. Mr. Talley discussed why he selected some of the dresses in the book and read a few of his favorite quotes on the Little Black Dress and it's significance to women and the fashion world. This discussion was followed by a question and answer session and a book signing. My question: What is your favorite silhouette for a dress? His answer: He loves the sheath dress like the one on the cover of the book (which is a Chanel owned by Anna Wintour) and enjoys a dramatic full ball gown (there's another dress by Lagerfeld featured in the book). He also noted that he likes hot pants! The book is definitely a great addition to any fashionista's collection.

Although this was an event about the LBD, I didn't feel pressured to wear one. I fell in love with this floral blouse at Forever 21 and decided I wanted to mix it up a little with these Kate Spade polka dot tights. I paired the blouse with an Aqua skirt from Bloomingdale's, added some royal blue suede shoes (that were almost free) and I was ready to go! 

"Read more" to see the book signing...

The Hunt: Oranges to Oranges

I enjoy looking at make-up...but that's about it. I see all the great colorful trends and find them to be beautiful; but the sad truth is that when it comes time to put on my own make-up I stick with the basics. However, I do have one make-up obsession: lipstick. I'm sure I have at least 20 tubes of color and gloss in my purse alone (thanks Mom). Lately, I've been lusting after an orange lipstick shade. I've tried on a couple to no avail (read: I looked like a clown). So I utilized the trusted advice of my friend and make-up artist (follow her on Instagram @makeupbylysi) and the talents of another friend and make-up artist (also on Instagram @bundleofjoi) to go on the hunt.

I picked a few shades that I liked and were recommended by Lysi, then left the rest up to Joi. She used Bobbi Brown makeup to start my look. Eyes: Shell and Toast with Vanilla Cream Stick as a base, Liner: Black Ink Gel, Blush: Nectar. We started with the colors I picked and then branched out to other variations of oranges. There were quite a few that looked exactly alike, some that showed up red, and some that didn't show up at all! I probably tried on about 12 shades but the three runner-ups are below.

Bobbl Brown Jenna is a creamy matte. I've never worn matte lipstick and I loved the way it looked but it had a hint of red.
MAC Saigon Summer was a soft orange, but it wasn't peachy...I really liked that. Still not the "POW!" that I was looking for.
Shiseido Tiger was another great contender but a little too sheer. 

Read more to see the winner! 

Shop The Trend: Borrowed from the Boys

Our guest blogger showed us that its great to wear pieces inspired by the guys, but its even better to put a feminine twist on it. Here are a few pieces under $100 that will help you to do just that. 

Shirts: Chambray Shirt, Olive Shirt, Striped Shirt

Blazers: Navy Diamond Print, Small Houndstooth Print, Camel 

Ties: Peacock Print, Zebra Print, Geometric Print, Fuschia & Navy Stripe

Oxfords: Royal Blue, Leopard, Floral Print

Guest Post: Borrowed from the Boys

I've always liked the look of certain menswear on women. So I decided to consult one of my friends who knows and loves menswear to have him share his tips on how to make it work for you. Terrance Brewer is the Creative Director for Yunes Swathe, a New York based luxury bag brand. I hope you enjoy it! 

Recently, I was having a discussion with a great friend about how she can incorporate some of her husband’s clothes into her own wardrobe. Putting our stylish heads together we came up with these ideas for you to try out.  (Make sure the items you use aren’t your significant other's favorite items, I will not be held responsible)

Neck Ties
Every man knows that the perfect necktie can enhance a business suit or it can make you the laughing stock of the Board Room. Ladies, I don’t want you to use these ties as they were meant to be worn. Instead, picture taking a colorful paisley necktie and turning into an awesome belt. All you need are three items: D rings from any craft store, a hot glue gun or needle and thread, and a necktie.  Take the skinny end of the necktie, loop it through the D rings about an inch through (make sure you use two rings), sew or glue that little piece to the rest of your tie. You’re done. You can also just tie the necktie into a bow and let the excess hang.
 

               
Men’s Button Up/Dress Shirt
For some reason Hollywood has put it in our heads that after a night a passion, the lady wakes up and reaches for a men’s button up shirt to lounge around the house. My shirts cost too much for you to lounge in, that’s why we have T-shirts. Nevertheless, it’s very sexy to see a woman in a men’s button up shirt.  Let’s make this a little more feminine for you ladies.  If you want to wear a men’s shirt pick something with color, checks, patterns, stripes. Of course, the sleeves will be too long so cuff the sleeves; do this before you put the shirt on so that the sleeves are the same length. Instead of using a belt to cinch the waistline of the shirt, try a brooch. Gather the excess from the back of the shirt and add the brooch to the middle of your back. Now you can show off your figure and that nice vintage brooch your grandmother gave you...the one you had no idea what to do with.
  

Kim K pulling off the oversized button up trend

Second option, you can wear the shirt as is, but wear it with a nice pencil skirt. Just make sure you blouse the top.  I promise you will not look like Julia Roberts on Rodeo Drive in the movie “Pretty Woman”. Unless that’s the look you are going for.
















Men’s Blazer
If you are a woman and love men’s blazers find a great tailor. (Everyone needs a great tailor) If you see a blazer that you must have, take it to your tailor and have him/her add darts and boning so your figure will shine through. Also you must get the buttons adjusted, a lot of women forget this step when shopping for a blazer. If the buttons are in the middle of your bust don’t wear it without having those buttons moved to accommodate your golden globes.


Oxford Shoes
Last but not least, ladies invest in a pair of Oxford style shoes. With a full day of errands ahead of you don’t wear sneakers or ballet flats. Throw on your oxfords with your button up, your new tie belt and that custom fitted blazer with a pair of dark straight leg jeans (cuffed at the bottom). Add accessories like oversized sunglasses and a great handbag. I promise you will turn heads because you will be rocking your own style with a hint of European class.


Katie Holmes is rocking the Oxford trend, so can you!

Thanks Terrance! Now ladies, go raid those closets! 

One Shoe, Four Ways

I've been obsessed with these Jimmy Choo Lola Floral Python Pumps for a while so I've decided to use them as my muse. Here's four easy ways to get some use out of these beauties.

Edgy: Toughen these floral sandals up with ripped jeans and a leather shirt. Add a box clutch and a chunky statement piece to complete this look.

Flirty: Mix patterns with a fun A-line dress and pull one of the colors from the shoe for your bag.

Classic: An updated pencil skirt, crisp white blouse and a berry colored tote make these perfect for the office or a lunch meeting. Finalize this ensemble with a bold cuff.

Chic: A sleek jumpsuit in a rich hue will give these shoes all the attention they need. Have a little fun with complimentary colors for your bag and jewelry.

And you thought your shoes were hard to walk in...

Take a look at these rounded platform shoes by Masaya Kushino. Definitely a work of art...practical, not so much. But that's the beauty of fashion!