A New Discovery

Note to self: Do not go into Barneys CO-OP after a three-hour lunch with as many glasses of wine, you will undoubtedly make yet another discovery that cannot be passed up.

However, considering I am just as giddy with my discovery today as I was the day of the Pinot Noir lunch,  I clearly make good decisions in all mental states (insert pat on back).

This particular discovery was IOSSELLIANI.

IOSSELLIANI was born in Rome in 1997 with the meeting of designers Roberta Paolucci and Paolo Giacomelli. According to the website, the two are “strongly influenced by Italian classic jewelry … [and] combine their love for vivid materials crafted  into modern shapes with the enormous heritage of tradition. Traditional icons, classic ornaments and modern symbols are then bravely read and translated into a new perception of  details, creating a transversal, contemporary jewelry.”

This description is 100 percent accurate. I was transfixed with the visionary shapes, colors, designs and attention to detail contained in the necklace that caught my eye.

This is the kind of necklace that can transform an entire outfit.  The black J. Crew shift dress I wear all the time has now become a perfect frame for this showstopper. And that jeans + white t-shirt combo just got a face-lift.

While I am not in a place where  Paolucci and Giacomell will be sending me a Christmas card thanking me for my loyal business, I am more than thrilled just to be acquainted with their creations.

And when there is a sale, as there was at CO-OP when I was co-opted by this beauty, their jewelry does hover in the investment range.

When Ugly Clothes Are Acceptable

There are a few occasions in life when ugly clothes are not only acceptable, but encouraged. Let’s be clear: this is not often and should pretty much end when “Spirit Week” in high school comes to a close. But there is one annual festive occasion where ugly attire is considered a plus: the Ugly Christmas Sweater Party.

The worst part is that there are people out there who actually wear these in real life, and if you are one of them, I am not sorry for calling you out on it. Put it in your costume box and bring it out once per year, for a theme party, and nothing else. Think of it as doing your part to make this world a little bit better.

This year, I attempted to talk my friends into a black tie cocktail party. Only because I have the most amazing dress (see Vintage Finds) that I am dying to wear, but unfortunately, having such a selfish motive seldom brings fulfillment, so my friend Confetti’s Tacky Xmas Sweater party won out.

Not one to wallow too long in defeat, I quickly embraced the ugly theme, although not nearly as much as my friends Confetti, Firebolt and Lightning, each of whom went above and beyond the call to festive. Lightning swaddled herself in battery-powered Christmas lights, Firebolt knitted her own sweater and Confetti not only provided me with a matching sweater, she even crafted a jingle bell belt (which she thankfully forgot).

And my favorite part about this was that when we all went out later that night in fully tacky Christmas attire – we helped others get into the Christmas spirit. There were several people who saw us and promptly put on the ugly sweaters they had brought but were previously too embarrassed to wear. Now that’s inspiration.

A Few Of My Favorite Things …

I may or may not sing that song I first heard sung by Julie Andrews in the Sound of Music in the shower quite often, but that’s a different issue.

While raindrops on roses, whiskers on kittens and cream colored ponys are all very nice, the lyrics to my song would go a bit differently, and likely just include a list of fashion labels. Oh, and short men with good scruff, but again, a different issue. So, I am going to share a few of my favorite things currently sitting in my closet:

Favorite Jeans: J. Crew Toothpick Skinnys.

These are hands down my favorite  pair of jeans. I actually bought my particular pair at a thrift store in Sacramento for $60 earlier this year. They were brand new. In general, I am a fan of J. Crew denim. It fits pretty true to size, they stretch but not too bad, and every pair I own (including the pair I bought three sizes too big to laze around my apartment in) are well-made.

 

 

 

 

 

Favorite Bag: Kate Spade Head In The Sand Quinn Bag

My whole life (okay, since I was probably 20) I have dreamed of owning a version of this bag. I had visions of myself toting it down the street wearing big tortise shell sunglasses on my way to a mimosa-laden brunch. Well, I’m here to tell you that every now and then your dreams can come true. Because that has happened, several times in fact.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Favorite Party Dress: Mason

From Barney’s Co-Op. My mother was actually visiting me in D.C. when I stumbled upon this stunning creation.  I probably never would have even tried it on if my sister hadn’t insisted. She did, so I did. And when I stepped out of the fitting room, I expected my mother to make me march right back in there with a command to put something more appropriate on. I was wrong. She fully supported the purchase.

 

 

 

 

 

Favorite Work Dress: Black Halo Cotton Twill Jackie O Dress

This is what I call a power dress. When I wear it, I do everything a little bit better. So clearly I only wear it on days I’ve got a lot on my plate. I believe everyone should own something that makes them feel like a badass at work.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Favorite Blazer: J. Crew Schoolboy Wool Blazer

There isn’t too much to say except this blazer is amazing. J. Crew does a version annually, and it’s an investment piece that will last you.

Inspiration & Long-Term Investments

I love getting inspired. Different things can set it off. But when it happens, I get in a zone and good things happen. For instance, I write my best first paragraphs at the gym on my blackberry. I actually think I got that from Goldie Hawn in the First Wives Club. Unfortunately, it can be hard to find inspiration sometimes. That’s what Halloween was shaping up to be. Sure, there were ideas: channeling Black Swan, dressing as one of the four seasons, even Where’s Waldo. None of them really did it for me, which was why on the  day before Halloween celebrations were set to commence, I was still without a costume. My friend Amanda agreed to trek to the Halloween store in Georgetown with me, but the massive line made me wish Halloween didn’t exist.  Being the patient, positive friend she is, Amanda remained optimistic. She continued to offer ideas until she finally hit the nail on the head. There was a faux fur stole at H&M, and where I saw an unfortunate production decision, Amanda saw inspiration. She said it would go perfectly with the sea foam green dress I wore to a cocktail party our freshman year of college. (Yes, she know my wardrobe that well) As soon as she said it, inspiration took hold. Soon, I was envisioning myself as Daisy Buchanan (F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby).

Other than a cigarette holder (which I found at Annie’s Cream Cheese ), I knew I needed jewels. And this is where the investment side comes in. In theory, a Halloween costume should not be costly, but if you can incorporate parts of your costume into your every day wardrobe, then sometimes spending a little extra makes sense.  I could have purchased a crop of sub par plastic jewels, but that’s the equivalent of throwing money away. By seeking out accessories that would serve me for this specific night and beyond, I was spending my money far more wisely. And in my mind, an ‘investment’ is synonymous with ‘Cusp.’ As always, the offspring of Neiman Marcus came through.

The Moyna evening bag is actually one I’ve had my eye on for a while. In fact, when my best friends from college came to visit back in June, my friend Jennifer fell in love and subsequently purchased one.  I resisted this beaded beauty for four months. However, it doesn’t take a genius to recognize that this clutch was not just perfect for my costume, but a good investment for my life. Therefore, it came home with me.

Another Cusp find was this set of Chamak by Priya Kakkar bangles. I came across these over a month ago and walked away. But when you literally have vivid dreams about a bracelet, you should probably own it, right? Well, this was the last set in stock. I calculated my opportunity costs and found that being in permanent possession of these bangles would bring me far more utility than not. Oh, and they would prove a perfect addition to my costume.

These investments also provided further inspiration. I finally braved the Halloween store in search of a head piece, but didn’t find any of the pre-designed ones to my liking. So I purchased one intending to destroy and recreate it. And recreate it I did. At a nearby fabric store, I found lose jewels, peacock feathers and a glue gun. I then made the trek home and got to work on my arts and crafts project. It felt  amazing to watch the head piece transform into my vision, and it was the perfect topper (no pun intended) to what I thought was a truly fantastic Halloween costume:

So Good You Buy It Twice

Have you ever worn a pair of shoes, a shirt or jeans to their absolute death and thought ‘wow, I really wish I had had the foresight to buy another’? I have that thought often, and it is really something that should be fleshed out. But that is not what this post is about. This post is about a pair of earrings.

A few months back, I was searching for my 4th of July outfit. Which, I am happy to report was bought in pieces so each individual piece is wearable year-round. The outfit was nearly completed at Urban Outfitters.  The only thing missing was an accessory. The top was a sleevless, high-necked red crop top, paired with a high-waisted blue-and-white-striped pencil skirt, so deciding how to accessorize was a challenge. I didn’t want to make the outfit too busy, and with a crop top, necklaces can hang oddly. Later that day, I stumbled into Wink, an adorable little shop in Georgetown located under Steve Madden, where I found my answer: statement earrings.

As you can see, there is only one earring in this photo. That is because I lost one! Not on the 4th, but on just the second night I wore them out! Somewhere between Smithpoint (I know) and my apartment, an earring went missing! I was devestated. You see, I’m a collector of pretty, sparkly things so I feel like I’m losing a treasured friend. I tried to brush it off, but I couldn’t stop thinking about how they would go well with so many items in my closet.

S0 …

I returned to Wink about three weeks ago with the vision of replacement earrings in my head. And, they had them! Albeit, in a smaller version but I actually think I like them more. I have been wearing them nonstop (constantly checking my ears of course).

Vintage Finds

I have an unhealthy affinity for shopping, I think that has been established. One of my favorite types is vintage shopping. There is nothing like the thrill of finding a Chanel scarf, a black linen Dolce & Gabanna dress or a sable stole among the racks that would fit perfectly in your wardrobe (and yes, each of the aforementioned items have found their way to me). Not only are you oftentimes paying hundreds of dollars less than the original price, you are getting something with a story. Someone owned this before you. Where did they wear it? What were they thinking and who were they with?

The most recent garment and new story to be added to my closet was found about three weeks ago in Georgetown. After struggling to find parking, Lightening finally flashed into a spot on Wisconsin and P, where my eyes fell on a vintage store I never knew existed. Just from a glance I knew it was easily on par with my California favorite ‘Labels,’ and when I walked in to Ella-Rue, I realized it was better.

Filled with designer baubles new and old, the store had me in an instant. From its selection of shoes and jewels to its well-organized racks, I immediately knew Ella-Rue and I would have a long and successful relationship. But I wasn’t expecting it to begin so soon. Within minutes, I saw a dress that took my breath away. Winter white and made of cotton, linen and silk, this Lela Rose confection with sparkling silver threading made me giddy. Then I looked at the price tag. Even used, some articles of clothing can still break the bank, and this was definitely one of them. I told myself to walk away, to not even try it on, but I found myself gingerly carrying it into the fitting room all the same. I was praying it would be too small.  It wasn’t. In fact, it fit as if someone had tailored it with me in mind. I had no choice. The dress was coming home with me.

It has only been worn once too, I was told. By a bride at her rehearsal dinner. I can’t imagine what possessed her to release it from her wardrobe, but I am grateful to her for allowing it to fall into my hands.

Now I just have to find a place worthy of this dress. I know I will find the opportunity soon – even if I can’t eat or drink colored liquids for fear of marring the dress’ beauty.

Armored

A couple weeks ago, I was wandering Georgetown after a fabulous morning of hot yoga at Down Dog and brunch at Cafe Bonaparte with friends, when the decision was made to locate skinny jeans for my friend K, who will henceforth be referred to by the alias ‘Lightening.’ I have posted before on my love for skinny jeans, and that has not changed, neither has my affinity for J. Crew. So, I drag her in, convinced that she, like many of my friends, will see the light. I go directly to a young male attendant and ask him where we can locate their skinny jeans in ‘long,’ because you see, Lightening has the legs of a model. He starts telling me how they only carry ‘long’ online and …. ….. …. I compeltely tuned him out. And why? Because my eyes were distracted by this most beautiful garment.

 

(Goldmine Sweater - A classic V-neck in shimmering gold—a very smart (and chic) investment, indeed.)

Let’s forget for a moment my obvious selfishness in completely abandoning the needs of my friend and focus on how beautiful this sweater is. And I’ll be honest, the photo does not do it justice. It looks like spun gold chain-mail. Like I’m going to the front lines of a sensual and romantic battle. This sweater is hands-down one of the most beautiful garments in my wardrobe. So, the moral of this post: when you see something (within reason) that takes your breath away, that makes you feel beautiful, powerful and womanly – buy it, wear it and enjoy it.

A New City, A Whole New Fashion World

I must be forgiven for my nearly year-long hiatus. I mean, I’ve moved across the country, got a new job, a new home, a new roommate, new friends and a new life. And I have loved every second of it. Washington D.C. is amazing. It’s vibrant and full of life and filled with young, intelligent and passionate people. Unfortunately, these people are not always among the fashion-adept. But these things can be changed. As my friend Jen often says, every man she has dated ended up better dressed. And since I’m in a burgeoning relationship with Washington D.C., my goal is to leave it better dressed than when I met it. Hence the revival of my blog.

I don’t even know where to begin here. Since summer is officially over I find that railing against Croakies (come on people, you’re not on a bloody speedboat. You’re sauntering down the cobblestones of Georgetown, at night. Your sunglasses will not fly off your head unawares) and Critter Pants (people really wear these! With crabs and anchors and all manner of sea creatures embroidered in) might border on unnecessary. However, that mini-rant was needed to set the stage for my California-based readers to gain an understanding of what I’m dealing with here. Furthermore, the young men who don such attire have provided me ample entertainment since my arrival, so I will go ahead and forgive them, until next summer.

Fall is here, and with it, many fabulous fashion accoutrements. Although I wish someone would tell female Hill staffers that wearing tights does not make a mini-skirt an acceptable length. No one, and I mean no one, should ever wear a skirt to the office that rises to mid-thigh – with tights or without. It is inappropriate and quite honestly hurts your credibility. I am a huge fan of mixing trends into office wear, but too short, too tight, (too anything) is a basic failure that will lead to preconceived notions about you and what you’re capable of. Now, I know people say ‘don’t judge a book by its cover,’ but if we’re honest, most people do and you don’t want your cover to scream “easy,” “frumpy,” or “dowdy.” Ever. Two of the most important basics of dressing yourself is proportion and fit, just ask Tim Gunn. Get them right, and the rest will come.

So, now that I’m back in the blogosphere, I’ll try to update a bit more. My goal is to share mostly what I wear and why I choose to wear it - although there will be times when others’ extremely questionable fashion choices will give me no choice but to rant – so fair warning.

A Little Black Dress by DVF

Diane von Furstenberg is an iconic designer. Her wrap dresses have been worn and loved by many – but unfortunately never me. I’ve searched and searched for a DVF wrap dress – on Ebay, at Nordstrom sales and at thrift stores. I have simply not allowed myself to consider paying full price just yet.

I am still without such a wonderful addition to my wardrobe, but I did take home my very first DVF dress just a few days ago – and it arguably kicks a wrap dress’ butt! It’s chic and and romantic and edgy. But it almost didn’t come home with me!

A couple weeks ago, I was shopping with my cousins and found this beauty at Nordstrom Rack for … wait for it … 60 percent off! I tried it on and fell in love. Okay, I admit, it was a little tight. And I am a firm believer in never buying something in the hope that you’ll fit into it. But that wasn’t the problem, it did fit, I just would have looked a heck of a lot better if I hadn’t been slacking off on my health/fitness regime over the past few months.

Considering that even with the massive discount it was still a sizable sum and it didn’t fit me with absolute perfection, I chose to walk away. And walk away I did. I was proud of myself up until the point I couldn’t stop thinking about that little black dress and all the places I could wear it!

I was determined to return and purchase the garment … until I was sidelined by a horrible cold, and work, and class and responsibilities. I wasn’t able to make it back for a full week. I searched and searched for the dress – but it was in vain. It was nowhere to be found. I implored the dressing room attendant to search through the piles of go-backs, to no avail.

It was gone.

Of course it was – I mean, how foolish of me to let go of something so fabulous that would certainly be snatched up by a more svelte, chicer and more well-off shopper.

Saddened, I trudged back toward the dress racks and there – hanging right in front of my eyes, out in the open was my dress! It materialized out of nowhere! It was meant to be.

I quickly snagged my find before anyone else could catch a glimpse and immediately returned to the fitting room just to make sure it wasn’t a fickle kind of love.

It wasn’t.  And I wore it out the first time to Saturday’s NeoCrocker event. It was perfect.

My first DVF was worth the wait!

Skinnys and Boots for Fall

Hello Fall. It’s so good to see your face again. What with your fluttering breeze and falling leaves; comforting Chais and beautiful skies – honestly, I just love you. If I had to go ten years into the future and envision my wedding, it would be in fall. Outside. With leaves on the ground and a beautiful sable stole around my shoulders … okay, moving on.

What is so exciting and a bit counter-intuitive is the fact that as the temperature drops and our layers of clothes increase – we females can look incredibly sexy in a whole new and arguably better way than summer!

First lets talk about skinny jeans. Because I took my lovely cousin shopping the other day for her new job and she was dead set on buying her FIRST pair of skinny jeans! Oh the shock. Here I was thinking that the allure of skinny jeans was universal. Let’s just say I got a wake up call and it made me wonder … are there still fabulous ladies out there afraid of the skinny jean phenomenon?

If you are among those who have shunned skinnys, trust me on this – the first time you try on skinnys you will think you look heinous. I thought I did. But then you get used to it. It’s honestly just a different look and once you find a pair that truly fits your body and is IN YOUR SIZE (please don’t buy too tight or too lose – you risk looking lumpy and frumpy when you choose either pole).

One of my new favorite jeans – and this may come as a surprise – is J. Crew skinnys. Okay, I swear this is not the only place I shop. But three of my dear friends who have all had trouble finding the right fit have found J. Crew jeans are the answer.

Specifically, I would suggest the Toothpick Skinny:

 

J. Crew Toothpick Jeans

 

At only $118 (and you can often find them on sale) they also ring it at a much better price than many other jeans.

If you’re concerned about looking heavy in your lower half – try buying a dark wash for your first jean and then once you become accustomed to the look, you can vary.

The main fabulous thing about skinny jeans is their ability to look AMAZING with boots. Boots, boots and more boots! Love boots. Tall boots, short boots, and if you’re super daring – thigh-high boots!

Let’s look at how Kate Moss does all three:

Let’s forget for a second that this is a supermodel (who reputably has a problem with a little white powder) and focus on the fact that she is simply a style maven who very clearly knows how to wear boots!

If you’re looking for boots I would suggest FIRST – Nordstrom Rack. Honestly, please go here. You can find such fabulous steals. But be prepared for a search. You’re not going to walk in to a boutique. It’s a little messy. But trust me. I got the most amazing LBD from DVF there the other day. And it was so meant to be – but that is for another post.

Second, if you don’t find something at Nordy’s Rack I would suggest Steve Madden. I don’t love the direction they’ve been going lately, but they’ve done pretty well on boots.

Also, if you’re looking to spend the big bucks – go with Frye boots. Also, Anthropologie has some very good options.

There is more fall fashion to come – so stay tuned …