So Close Yet So Far

With temperature in Ithaca in the single digits (or below), it is easy to forgot all about fashion and focus solely on getting to class without frostbite. Outside of this little niche there are some wonderful fashion shows happening. I wish I could simply skip town except I am sure my professors would not be too happy. (Unless I lied and said I was interviewing or something more practical.) Anyway, here are just a few of my favorite outfits.

I love this Matthew Williamson look because I can take pieces I already own. All I really need is a light turtleneck and some big wood bangles.

Okay, this one is a long, long way down the road but this Lela Rose gown would make such a pretty wedding dress. Who knows what the style will be by the time that happens though!

The tights in the Tracy Reese collection just made the outfits. Both the polka dot and striped versions somehow need to become part of my wardrobe.

I can actually imagine wearing this Tuleh suit to work... although I dislike the front pant zipper being so easily seen.

Finally, while most of the Lacoste collection reminded me of things my mother wore while she was on campus, these sleek rain boots stole my heart. They can replace my galoshes any day!

Back to the tundra for now...

Make Me Up

I wonder if I can hire these people to come to my house every morning.

I will pay in pancakes... deal?

Talk is Cheap

I admit I have a weakness for nice things. I really dislike buying clothes that do not fit well, fall apart within a month, or are made of horrible feeling fabric. Sometimes it is just plain easier to find clothes that are more expensive. (The difference between walking into TJ Maxx versus Barney’s.) One of my good friends is the master of finding designer things for 10 dollars, but I think her skill comes more from having a good eye and an afternoon to blow than anything else. Still, this is a skill I need to learn… I am sure my “income” from unpaid internships (what, you pay me in experience?) is not going to bring me above the poverty level.

So I decided to challenge myself to find ten items that cost less than one hundred dollars. I also added the caveat that I had to actually like the items and not just be filling space. The whole thing made me feel like a contestant on a game show. Sort of like that show where they run around a grocery store trying to find a can of tomato paste. So here they are, ranked from most to least expensive…

Number Ten:

This printed dress comes in right under the wire at 98 dollars. There is a version in black as well, but I find this one so much more interesting. I would pair it with black tights and boots until the weather is better. Date night anyone?

Number Nine:

This Tocca skirt is more of a "wishing for spring" find. (It is on sale for about 69 dollars at Bluefly.) I guess looking at this may brighten your days until the crocuses pop up.

Number Eight:
Because everyone needs fun accessories, here is a pretty gold and stone bracelet on sale for 50 dollars. Just think, if you get attacked by someone you could use this instead of brass knuckles. Watch out muggers.

Number Seven:

For 50 dollars this black asymmetric jacket can be a new addition to your wardrobe. It is a great cover-up for the bar on these cold nights. I always feel bad when I see girls dashing around wearing a tiny mini skirt or tank top. Alcohol does not protect against frostbite!

Number Six:

Next up, some grey trousers for only 47 dollars. According to one of my professors, people who shop at Nordstrom do not care about prices. I think this is a tad misguided. There are some great deals if you look. That store rocks my world, if only there was one closer.

Number Five:

Good old American Apparel is a great place to find inexpensive basics like this 32-dollar scoop neck tee. At that price you can feel free to stock up on as many of the colors as you please. Add a wide belt or interesting necklace if a plain tee does not do it for you.

Number Four:

I was super excited about this lime Rebecca Beason top for 25 dollars. Heck, dinner costs more than that at a lot of restaurants! Although the flutter sleeves may not be the best choice for people with broader shoulders.

Number Three:

This lacy Forever 21 blouse will set you back a mere 23 dollars. Add a bright cami and you are set to roll. Just make sure to check the seams and fabric, the quality can be sketchy at Forever 21.

Number Two:
This adorable printed headband that will only set you back 15 dollars. It will come in handy when you wake up late for class and have to deal with slightly dirty locks. Believe me, it is a vast improvement over a boring ponytail. And did I mention it is fuchsia? No one says no to fuchsia.

Number One:

This why Target is wonderful, you can get this Benhaz embellished tee for 8 dollars! Living in Ithaca would be difficult without Target. Browsing the rest of the stores like Bon-Ton or American Eagle can be awfully depressing. At least I can still try on cute shirts like this here. (Added bonus: no need for a necklace.)

Whew, it is nice to know I can bargain shop too. I will just have to start collecting my savings for a ski trip in the Alps...

Probably Smarter than Dr. Phil

Get excited, it is Groundhog Day (again?). That means that everyone wants to see what this fatty will do. Punxsutawney Phil, pictured here, is the most famous of the once-a-year weathermen. (I am not even going to get into his over-dressed tux wearing entourage.) This cold morning he rolled out of his den and did not see his shadow… so apparently there will be an early spring.

But what about the New Yorkers? There are two groundhogs on Long Island and one on Staten Island that all claim to know what the rest of winter will bring. Staten Island Chuck and Malverne Mel agreed with Phil about the early winter. Holtsville Hal was the only defector and decided to see his shadow. (He was probably under pressure from the Long Island salt and shove sellers.) This Hal had better straighten out his act. I am in desperate need of an early spring.

And for the record, I did not see my shadow this morning either. Then again, I am blind without my glasses... and am not round and covered in fur.

I just hope this “early spring” kicks in before this Sunday when the high is forecasted as 6 degrees. My jeans cannot take being tortured to death by salt for very much longer!

Live and Learn

It is easy to go through life without any real feedback. Too often constructive criticism is stymied by a mandate for diplomacy and tact in everyday conversation. Nevertheless, it is actually refreshing to be the focus of brutally honest analysis once in a while. So I would like to thank Ivy Gate for taking the time to evaluate my little blog.

The reviewer is correct; I am not looking to boast about my education or somehow give profound philosophical meaning to fashion. Most of all I do not take myself too seriously… an affliction from which some of my peers suffer.

So in the words of Erica Jong: "No one ever found wisdom without also being a fool. Writers, alas, have to be fools in public, while the rest of the human race can cover its tracks."

Thanks to every person who indulges my foolishness.

Ride Into the Sunset

One of my good friends is taking an equestrian class this semester and I am so jealous. If my schedule was not already full of non-horsey classes I would be saddling up as I write. I think this stems from childhood when I would ride all the time. As time has worn on the memories of having to clean hooves (ick!) and being stepped on by large horses (oww!) have faded into the background. So when I think about riding only happy memories of cantering around the yard are left. Well, even if I am not destined to professionally ride I still like the style associated with riding horses.

Western Style

Without getting into the boring nitty gitty like saddle and riding difference, let's just say Western is a more casual approach. When I think of Western riding I think of the whole cowgirl look.

A cute pair of boots is a great way to use the Western inspiration. You do not need to literally buy a pair of Justin boots. Instead stick with a more modern take like these Anna Sui ones. I especially like the embossed sides and taller heels. The neutral color also ensures you can get lots of use out of them... unlike my old roommate's hot pink cowboy boots which were a tad hard to miss.

An updated version of the classic button-up can snazz up the old wardrobe. It has been a couple of years since these were everywhere, so it seems like a great time to trot them out again. If you have long since donated your cowgirl shirts, this Diesel shirt may be just what you are looking for. The built-in belt is a nice addition since it will help to give more shape.

Unless you have a Western themed party to attend, forget the fringe and cowboy hat. The key here is to blend the pieces with regular items in your closet... not to look like an extra in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

English Style

Compared to Western, English style is more formal and fitted. There are no crazy cowboy prints here... but still some fun jumping.

A good blazer fits into this look perfectly. My Mom always tried to harass me into buying blazers when I was younger but I never listened. Now I finally see the wisdom of her advice and have about seven blazers in my closet.

They are great for those weird months in spring and fall when it is still cool but not cold enough to warrant a coat. This J. Crew one is nice enough that it can be worn for work or play. Plus the bigger buttons and pocket details give it a tad more personality.


You may also think about a turtleneck. I know that the mention of the word can scare many fashionable girls but there are a few cute ones out there. (Here's a hint, do not shop in the old ladies department or at LL Bean for this item.) A modern fitting turtleneck can do wonders whereas a poorly fitted one will make you look dowdy. Both Michael Stars and James Perse have some options to consider. The James Perse turtleneck even comes in a shade called "saddle." Imagine that!


Tucking those skinny jeans into tall boots is yet another nod to this style. Or even go all out and buy some jodhpurs-type pants. Hey, they are designed to be tucked in! (Unlike most pants that create that random bulge of material at the ankle.)

Even if you do not plan on honing your equestrian skills any time soon, it is always nice to be inspired. And a fashion habit will be cheaper than buying a horse; paying for gear, lessons, and boarding; and of course, some nice entrance fees for dressage. It is always nice to rationalize why fashion is the right hobby, right?

Defining Your Icy Existence

When waking up with a horrible cold and snow piled high outside your apartment, my first instinct is always to roll over and hibernate the rest of winter. Fortunately, I usually have a little treat from Daily Candy to make my morning better. (This is especially true now since I cannot taste real candy. Boo.) Today they had the cutest feature on winter words. (They create slang words/terms and define them.) Here are some that I plan on using… or at least thinking them, since my cold has compromised my ability to speak!

freezie freakies
n. Those prone to wearing full-on Siberian outfits, lumber jackets, fur hats, or snowshoes when the temperature drops below 40 degrees.

(Hello to any southern on campus. Although I do not think I have yet to see snowshoes.)

wishful drinking
v. To drink excessively on a Tuesday night based on the desire for work to be called off due to snow.

(Give it up, you know that schools almost never give days off. It would take about two feet plus ice up here. In warmer parts of the country this term applies since y'all get days off when there is ice on the road. Wusses.)

mitten kitten
n. The evil fairy who steals one mitten or glove from your coat pocket every winter.

(Where is my black glove? And my lavender leather one? This must be the explanation.)

resortwear
n. Old, tattered, or unfashionable clothing worn simply because it’s too cold to care.

(Oh yes, people in sweatpants this one is for you!)

snow flake
n. A person who cancels plans at the slightest mention of precipitation.

(I am very guilty of this one. In my defense, sometimes the snow is a good excuse not to go to a crappy restaurant.)

Oh winter. While I gorge myself on Vitamin C Drops I hope the rest of you wishfully drink the vision of those freezie freakies and resortwear addicts away.

Haute to Everyday: My Favorite

Although I find many runway collections interesting, Elie Saab won my heart for the best Couture Collection this spring. I suppose I am not a lone wolf, it seems every well-dressed star parades around in his gowns. This collection was amazingly beautiful.

From the rich fabrics to the diaphanous hues, the details were elegant and flattering. A close look at one of the dresses reveals the details of the bead work, draping of the bow, and pleating on the bottom half.

There also some bolder looks like this black and striped gown. I like the asymmetrical top in particular… always more interesting in my opinion. Plus who wouldn’t look tall with those long, thin vertical stripes?

And if someone does not pick this glamorous number for a red carpet event, they are clearly blind. Although as a blonde, I would personally look for a different tone.

Think of Elie Saab as your guardian angel for that next formal event you have… spring formal, swanky benefit, whatever. This cream Laundry gown evokes the same feel. While it is obviously not the same standard, it still has some of the details and pale color.

This Moschino Cheap & Chic dress is another option. The fabric is actually striped silk of cream, white, and grey. Plus the sweet bow and draped neckline adds to the overall effect.

Saving the best for last, I just love, love, love this gown. It captures the spirit of Elie Saab with the tiny pleat details on the bust and waist. Plus the iridescent grey shade is reminiscent of those featured in the collection.

While there are always alternatives, Elie can dress me any day!

Haute to Everyday

Having a couture outfit is a luxury most of us, especially college kids, just cannot splurge on. Plus is it really practical to wear an item that expensive and special to a lecture, grimy bar, or even grimier party? Until the day when we have a special couture piece, we can still take away some key elements from the spring shows.

Chanel

The Chanel Couture collection was filled with shades of black, white, and red. There was a big emphasis on an hourglass shape. Wide belt and fitted styles were used to show case the waist. In addition, black tights were everywhere.

Takeaways for the real world: Don’t put away those popular wide belts and tights just yet. Look for fitted styles that skim and show off your shape. Keep any eye out for simple black and white pieces like this Pink Tartan dress.

Christian Lacroix

The Christian Lacroix collection was the complete opposite of Chanel’s. Instead of simple and elegant, the collection was composed of loud and exaggerated fashions. Bold prints, ruffles, bright colors, and floral details were all mashed into outfits. The outfits seemed to create unique shapes and personalities for themselves.

Real world takeaways: If you have a strong enough personality to carry colors and patterns like this, go for it. However, I would pick one of the ideas to use in an outfit instead of all of them. Pairing a bright, printed top with jeans is a good way to pull it off. This Tocca top features a simpler circle print with colorful teal, red, and amethyst details. Another variation is to use a patterned tote or vivid shoes with a streamlined outfit.

Valentino

The Valentino Couture Collection can be summed up with one word: white. Literally, almost every look was purely white. (There was one dress of a pale yellow hue and one with a floral print.) That made the looks different was the use of various textures, fabrics, and shapes. The key was an uncomplicated yet feminine look.

In the real world: Do not shy away from white. Yes, it can get dirty easily but so can most colors. I know people also avoid white because it supposedly makes them look fat. Remember if the garment is fitted correctly it will be flattering. A fitted white dress like this Rachel Roy one is a wonderful way to start your foray into the world of white.

And just think of all the other Couture Collections out there...