Chic of the Week

Who: Margherita Missoni, Brand Ambassador for Missoni and heiress to the Missoni throne

What: Missoni, natch.

When: Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Where: The Cinema Society Screening of the Bob Dylan biopic I'm Not There in Manhattan

Why: She makes a straight of the runway dress look both polished and bohemian by pairing it with a simple, crisp blazer and long, flowing hair.

Photo by Billy Farell of Patrick McMullan, courtesy of Style.com

EccentriChic

Edith "Little Edie" Bouvier Beale (Photo courtesy of Getty Images)

During a recent conversation with one of my favorite Chicago editrixes, the topic was broached of what we wanted to be when we grow up. Astronauts? No. Firefighters? No. We both want to become Grand Dames. Eccentric, mismatched Lilly Pulitzer, Stole, and Needlepoint-wearing Grand Dames, butlers, coiffs and all. I particularly want to become a British Grand Dame who lives in the English countryside, drives an old, old car, wears Wellies, and is very sporting in my tweeds on my rambling estate that's seen better days. And I hope I'm just completely batty and crazy and wear inappropiately large jewels (most of which are fakes--the real stuff stays in the safe, of course). Kind of like a British version of Edith "Little Edie Bouvier Beale (pictured above).

This all started when I was little, watching the wonderful, glorious Auntie Mame with my family. For those of you who have not seen this 1958 film starring Rosalind Russell, you must Netflix it this very instant. Auntie Mame is the grandest dame of them all--wildly eccentric and, to use a phrase I normally never utter, completely marvelous. Or should I say maahhvelous? For every one of her different fashion "rebirths" there is an apartment redecoration to match. As quickly as she adopts the rich colors and saris of India into her wardrobe, her Manhattan pad is transformed into an opulent temple filled with Hindu sculpture and vibrant metallic murals after ancient Indian art. I only hope I can ever possess the kind of innate style that goes well beyond the clothes on my back.

The colors and fashions in this movie are as exquisite and larger than life as the character of Mame herself and have become my inspiration for this season. I love the idea of combining the full out 1950s glam of Auntie Mame, with the shabby-chic quirkiness of Little Edie for something that's part posh, part mess, and completely of the moment.

This look is all about layering. Tights, gloves, long-sleeves, scarves, hats, dresses and lots of baubles. All at once. Think Miuccia Prada's collections for both Miu Miu and Prada for Fall 2007--full of layers, textures, and quirky color combinations.

Key accessories include large faux jewels (you can't go wrong with KJL, a master at classic glamour on a budget--even Jackie O was a fan), bags in bright, colored satin for night or structured mid-century styles for day, embroidered velvet slippers or modest heels, leather gloves (to the wrist or elbow), knee socks and silk scarves.

As far as wardrobe, match dresses with long sleeved shirts or turtlenecks underneath. Throw on tights (a thick-ribbed winter tight is perfect for the colder weather and very in sync with this look) and either a great (faux) fur, like the one below from Mango or short sleeved cardigan, like the black h&m version I've pictured. Swap the dress for a turtleneck sweater or prim blouse and skirt or add a cozy cocoon sweater (like the below Twelve by Twelve style) in place of the fur. Mixing and matching is key and will help you get a lot of wear out of each purchase. This look is based on creativity and innovation, so there are no missteps. Anything goes!

Hopefully these style suggestions with give you a jump start on emulating your favorite dame, maybe becoming your own favorite in the process.

The Jewelry

Clockwise from top left: Kenneth Jay Lane Snake Cuff ($300, available at www.maxandchloe.com), Banana Republic Pansy Pearl Necklace ($88, available at www.bananarepublic.com), Kenneth Jay Lane Topaz Royal Necklace ($285, available at www.maxandchloe.com), Kenneth Jay Lane Jade Quilted Earrings ($88, available at www.electricladyland.com), Kenneth Jay Lane Tiger Shell and Gold Turtle Pin ($88, available at www.electricladyland.com), Kenneth Jay Lane Simulated Pearl Necklace ($69, available at www.qvc.com), Banana Republic Encrusted Bib Necklace ($52, available at www.bananarepublic.com)

Dream ItemVerdura Maltese Cuff, starting at $14,000, go to www.verdura.com for more information

The Bags From left: Agent Velvet Frame Satchel by Betsey Johnson ($325, available at Nordstrom), Silk-satin Josephine Clutch ($98, available at J. Crew)

Dream Item

Marc Jacobs Stones Paloma Handle Bag, $1,875, available at Barney's New York

The Shoes

From left: Stubbs & Wootton velvet slipper ($325, at Stubbs & Wootton), Salvatore Ferragamo Vara pump ($290, at Neiman Marcus), New York T-Strap Character show by Leo’s ($32.65 at Discount Dance Supply)

Dream Item
Miu Miu Patch Spectator Pump, $575, available at Neiman Marcus

The Hats, Scarves, Gloves and Socks

Clockwise from top left: Sutton Studio Driving Gloves ($38, available at Bloomingdales), Long Silk Scenic Scarf ($45, available at J. Crew), Argyle Socks ($4.80, available at Forever 21), Portolano Cashmere Cable Hood ($125, available at Saks Fifth Avenue), Thigh High Socks ($5.80, available at Forever 21), Portolano Ribbed Fingerless Gloves ($88, available at Saks Fifth Avenue), Wide Ribbed Beret ($24, available at Urban Outfitters), Faux Fur Scarf ($28, available at Urban Outfitters).

Dream ItemPrada Knee-Highs (around $100, available at Prada)

The Clothes

Clockwise from top left: H&M Cardigan ($59.90, go to H&M to locate a store near you), Twilight Blues Ombre Cardigan ($62, available at Urban Outfitters), Dressage Plaid Swingcoat ($89, available at Twelve by Twelve), Penelope & Monica Cruz for MNG Zhivago Jacket ($219, available at Mango), Lux Liquid Turtleneck ($62, available at Urban Outfitters), Tie Neck Pintuck Top (was $88, now $44.99, available at The Gap), Penelope & Monica Cruz for MNG Hepburn Dress ($149, available at Mango), Heirloom Cropped Houndstooth Jacket ($69, available at Twelve by Twelve), Pleat Shift Dress ($19.80, available at Forever 21), Lux House of Yes Dress ($88, available at Urban Outfitters), Cottswald Cocoon Sweatercoat ($48, available at Twelve by Twelve)

Dream Item

From Vera Wang's F/W 2007 Collection (visit www.verawang.com for more information)

Check out Harper's Bazaar's take on eccentric style in their October 2007 issue:

Harper's Bazaar's send-up of Grey Gardens style with Mary Kate as "Little Edie" and Lauren Hutton as "Big Edie," from the October issue.

Sale Roundup...Yeehaw!

Here are a few sales we thought you'd like to know about to help you put these high-end retailers in reach.

Also check out Hollywould for their 40% off dress sale, Urban Outfitters' 25% everything holiday sale and J. Crew's Fall Sale on a mix of warm-weather and current styles.

Click on below images to head on over to shop the sales!

Sale Reminder!

For those of you who forgot, today is the start of the 7th on Sale Sample Sale and the rumored $60 Tory Burch flats mentioned in the October FB&F story. This sale, made possible by the CFDA, Ralph Lauren, Marc Jacobs, TopShop, AIDSFund, and more is an online 3-week sample sale where 100% of the proceeds will go to HIV/AIDS education and awareness. A good cause and cheap designer clothing.....is there anything better?

Click here to read a great article about the 400 or so desingers and stars who attended the sample sale opening and gala. Shopping in black tie....very fabulous

Savvy Circle

This may possibly be the best invention of all time, and that is not an overstatement. Savvy Circle is a plug-in that you install on your computer (or your work computer if, like me, that's where you do most of your online shopping) and then it tells you when your favorite items go on sale! I'll give you a minute to soak in how amazing that is.....

To get Savvy Circle for yourself visit their website and download the plug-in. This is super easy, even for someone who is not tech savvy. Their icon will appear on top of your browser page from now on. All you do now is online shop (their shopping sites include Kitson, J. Crew, Barney's, Shopbop, Net-a-Porter, and many more) and click it when you find something that you want to buy on sale. Savvy Circle will then watch your selected items and email you when they go on sale. To see the whole list of shopping sites click here.

For example, I am loving this L.A.M.B. clutch/slim tote from Intermix, but with my tight budget cannot even think of spending $525 even if it is really two purses in one. With Savvy Circle now installed on my computer though, they will email me when the price drops so that I don't have to check back on Intermix everyday (although I'm sure I will be there for some reason or another). Hopefully the price will drop ridiculously low in time for holiday parties, but even if it's not until after New Year's I will be the first to know thanks to Savvy Circle.

Hats for Beginners

As I walked in the door my heart was pounding. I knew it was ridiculous since it was Urban Outfitters, a place that I know and love, but this time was different because I had a purpose......I was going to buy a hat. Laugh all you want because I agree it sounds slightly crazy that I was this nervous about buying a hat, but I felt like everyone in the store knew I had walked in for that purpose and was thinking to themselves, "there's no way she can pull off a hat."

Hats have been everywhere for quite some time now. There is actually an entire website devoted to hats in fashion throughout history (click to read) dating back to 1700, but in more contemporary news we are seeing hats all over the runway and on celebs these days. So I wanted a piece of the action, but had a serious fear that I would look like an imposter. As they say, the best way to overcome a fear is to face it and that is how I ended up in Urban Outfitters awkwardly trying on hats.

There are many different styles of hats (see hat glossary here), but the five top styles for this winter are the beret, trapper, cloche, fedora, and the newsboy.

From top left: Anna Kula Beret ($170), Helen Kaminski Cloche ($185), Eddie Bauer Faux-Fur Bomber($39.50), Bloomingdale's Fedora ($65), and Target Newsboy ($9.99).

After sneaking four or five hats into the dressing room with me and sheepishly trying them on, I decided I would go with (what I thought was) a newsboy hat. I bought the hat pictured below ($28 at Urban) and decided the first time I would wear it would be on a trip to visit some girlfriends in Los Angeles. I was slightly embarrassed when I pulled it out that first morning, but knew that it was time to face my fear....plus I could get out of washing my hair until that night (you know you've thought the same thing)!

I paired my black and white newsboy hat with gray shorts, black flats, a white t-shirt, some gold jewelry, and I tried to look as confident as possible. Apparently faking confidence is the best way to pull off a look that is slightly out of your normal style because every one of my friends was commenting on my hat! They all loved it and we ended up going shopping that afternoon for one of them to pick up a hat of their own.

The only person who teased me about my hat was my boyfriend with some silly remark about how I looked like a train conductor and of course some "toot toot" noises to follow. Well, it turns out that his fashion sense is more keen than mine because when I logged onto Urban Outfitters today to find a picture of my hat, it turns out that it is actually called a conductor hat! Other than realizing my boyfriend has better fashion sense than me, my hat wearing experiences have all been positive and so I have since branched out from the newsboy/conductor style.

There is a whole world of hats out there, especially on the web (thefedorastore.com, thevillagehatshop.com, hats.com, and hatagories.com just to name a few), and now that I realize that hats are one of the least expensive ways to update my wardrobe. My hat wearing has already inspired others, but I hope it inspires you too! Both the styles above and below are adorable and affordable, so make sure to try one this winter.

From top left: Forever 21 Beret ($6.90), Betmar Cable Newsboy ($28), Banana Republic Cloche ($78), Rabbit Fur Bomber ($29.95), and Urban Outfitters Fedora ($28).

Chic of the Week

Who: Elletra Wiedemann, daughter of Isabella Rossellini and Lancome spokesmodel

What: A white and navy shift from Paulo Melim Andersson's Spring 2008 RTW collection for Chloé

When: Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Where: The newly renovated Chloé boutique on Madison Avenue in Manhattan

Why: Elletra shines in this simple dress, with her glowing skin as her only accessory

Photo by Steve Eichner, courtesy of WWD Online

For our New York readers who are a little more fabulous than flat broke...

Shopping emails....hazardous or helpful?

If you are still reading this post after seeing the notice above that Neiman Marcus (who I certainly can not afford lately) is having a one-day only (TODAY!) sale, I am flattered.

Neiman Marcus' email could not have landed in my mailbox at a worse time as I am completely broke and promised myself that I would not do any shopping (except for a little Cavalli something from H&M tomorrow) for a few weeks. However, since it was in my mailbox I couldn't just delete it and felt the need to spend quite a bit of time on the Neiman Marcus site today fawning over things I am not be able to buy even with the sale. However, this brings up a good question: fashion e-blasts, are they helpful or hazardous?

Most of the time I find them to be helpful because I will take note of the looks or designers they are selling and try to find a similar style at a cheaper price point. For example, I love this Chloe dress (on left) from Neiman Marcus, but for $2,425 I will look to find another short-sleeved mod dress with a black and white print.....

for example, this BCBG dress (on right) from Bloomingdales for $180. Granted it is not exactly like the Chloe, but it is close enough that I can emulate the style without spending that kind of cash.

I would love these Nanette Lepore red peep-toe shoes (on left) from Neiman's sale event to wear with my black and white mod dress and maybe some black tights, but for $350 (even on sale) I think I will be headed to Nine West for these (on right) red peep-toes on sale for $39.99! With the money I have left over I can buy myself some new tights and a cute clutch (like a black ruffle Hollywood for Target one) without feeling guilty.
I am the queen of fashion eblasts. Every morning I sit down to emails from Neimans, Shopbop, Bloomingdales, J.Crew, Banana Republic, Daily Candy, and lots of boutiques in my area. Most of the time I find them so helpful in keeping up with trends and new designers that I cannot unsubscribe. However, sometimes they are very hazardous because I fall in love with something and the click-to-buy feature makes it all too easy to spend money I don't have. It is definitely a personal choice for all FB&F girls that I battle with daily (to subscribe or not to subscribe), so I ask you.....can you handle the temptation?

Hooray for Hollywould

Yes, this is probably the 203rd article about Holly Dunlap's Hollywould label entitled "Hooray for Hollywould." Is that stopping me from using it? No. I'm celebrating, so I get to say hooray.

Why am I celebrating? Last month, Hollywould launched its new line in conjuction with Target, Hollywould for Target. Holly is the first ever featured shoe designer the national chain has ever presented and this pairing does not disappoint. The unapologetically feminine collection is full of sparkly heels, satin and patent peep-toes, pumps and mules adorned with bows and perfect evening clutches. The line is fun and young and just in time for the holiday soirees already filling up your calendar.

The best part, however, is not that Hollywould for Target's shoes are perfectly girly and party-ready. The best part is that every shoe in the line is only $29.99 and each clutch costs only $19.99. The line never sacrifices quality or style--these shoes truly are as "scene-stealing" as the website describes and certainly live up to their glam monikers (select styles are named after bombshells from the Golden Age of Hollywood, such as the Monroe, as in Marilyn, and the Mansfield, as in Jayne).

Clockwise from top left: Kelly Bow Slides in pink, $29.99; Peep Toe Pumps in black, $29.99; Lauren Glitter Lace Pumps in silver, $29.99; Monroe Satin Clutch in black, $19.99; Mansfield Satin Clutch in red, $19.99; Patent Pumps in black, $29.99.

Oh and if you're craving something a little more posh (but are still on a bit of a budget), Hollywould is currently having a major sale on their website. Everything from their signature ballets and gorgeous fall shoe line to ready to wear and the new line of belts is up to 40% off. Click on the picture below to head there right now or go to www.ilovehollywould.com to start shopping!

Enjoy!

xoxo,

Marilla and Alice

Pop that bottle of champers, it's time to party!

The holiday season is fast approaching. Yes, that means good cheer, hot chocolate, mistletoe, and so on. I love Christmas, don't get me wrong. I happen to possess a slightly inappropriate number of Christmas carols on my iTunes. But the holidays are not all fun and reindeer games (yes I just referenced reindeer in a fashion blog). Holiday parties mean holiday dresses. Unfortunately--or fortunately, depending on how you view the matter--these parties often have overlapping guest lists. What this means is no repeats. You can't bank on that one dress in your closet from 5 years ago to get you through the season. Thankfully, this doesn't mean you have to break the bank. I've put together 5 different looks from 16 pieces, with each piece under $200 (!!). I hope these ensembles will inspire the fête fashionista in you.

Go ahead, have that cocktail and that mini quiche--you deserve it!

The Dresses

Top Row: Ali Ro Emerald Trapeze Dress ($186, www.nordstrom.com), Topshop Crinkle Dress in black (£45, www.topshop.com). Middle Row: Cream Lace Dress (£28, www.asos.com). Bottom Row: French Connection Georgette Abstract Print Dress (£90 , www.asos.com), Topshop Black Button Neck Dress (£55, www.topshop.com)

The Bags

From top: Nine West Pewter clutch (was $75, now $34.99; www.ninewest.com), Whiting & Davis Magazine clutch in black ($134.06, www.zappos.com)

The Shoes

From top: Hollywould for Target patent pump in black ($29.99, www.target.com), Nine West Metropop heel (was $79, now $34.99; www.ninewest.com)

The Jewelry (and Hair Accessories)

Clockwise from top: Nine West small stones bangle (was $45, now $9.99; www.ninewest.com), Nine West large stone bangle (was $49.99, now $19.99; www.ninewest.com), Loop and Hoop Earrings (was $35, now $24.99; www.shopintuition.com)

The Tights

Clockwise from top: American Apparel opaque pantyhose in black ($14, store.americanapparel.net), Hue opaque tights in port ($11, www.hue.com), Spanx Tight End Footless Tights ($24, www.bloomingdales.com)

Look One

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Look Two


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Look Three

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Look Four

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Look Five

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