Obsessed with....the Calypso Pazzi Dress

Ladies this is it. This is the dress that everyone needs to own in as many colors as possible. The Pazzi Dress from CALYPSO is the perfect shift dress for the following reasons:

1) It is universally flattering

2) Works with tights and a belted cardigan in the winter

3) Works with a patent leather belt and heels for a dressy occassion

4) Works with a ponytail and gladiator sandals for a causal summer dinner/party

5) Has side pockets for lipgloss and a phone

6) Is made of silk, but is meant to look crushed so it is perfect for traveling

7) Retails for $195, and you will definitely wear it more than that $200 pair of shoes you have been thinking about

8) It comes in 21 colors, so take your pick!

From left: Azzur, White, Kumquat, Midnight, Emerald

From left: Black, Cajun, Aegean, Deep Pink, Slate

Recent (Re)Discovery

Aline W at ONE (photo courtesy of COACD)

COACD, aka Confessions of a Casting Director--especially major right now on the eve of NY Fashion Week.

I hadn't looked at this wonderful blog in awhile and just stumbled upon it again today. It's a really comprehensive site that features up and coming models, male and female--their cards, casting pics, videos...everything--from the most relevant agencies. These are really America's Next Top Models--the mannequins we will be seeing in the shows, in ads and in editorial for seasons to come, no offense Naima and Jaslene.

Especially fun right now: the casting shots for the Fall 08 shows. You can see some of the new faces that will be all over the runways and on style.com this week before the tents open up and the celebs and fash elite storm Bryant Park.

Some of the models have serious potential, others are a little baffling. Since I like to live in fantasy land, I am currently pretending that I'm casting a show and selecting my models out of the new crop (my lineup includes Aline W, pictured above). As well as plan who I would send back to Brazil/Croatia.

I highly recommend.

Style Source: Arden Wohl

There's something about socialite/filmmaker (filmmaker/socialite?) Arden Wohl that I kind of adore.

Left (At Center, with Holly Dunlap): I love the overt sexiness of the Herve Leger mixed with the marigold headband and long Stevie Nicks earrings. She wears the label so differently and in such a less obvious way than anyone else.

Below: First of all, the dove gray shade of this dress is incredible. I am a sucker for gray. The simple dress all of a sudden reads luxe and Mediterranean thanks to the headscarf and printed clutch. Very 1970s, somewhere like Cap D'Antibe with a strong drink.

Above: Somehow the vest, electric blue dress, sheer black tights, socks and neon green shoes work.

Below (With Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler): Same shoes, totally different look.

Above: Normally I am not one for animal print anything, but she's convinced me that leopard tights are the answer to all my questions. The look is exotic safari gone cocktail party, topped off with tan sandals, a blousy black dress and beige printed headscarf (if you hadn't already guessed, headwear is her thing).

Below (with Lazaro and Jack of Proenza): Roaring Twenties meets 80s Aerobics. Giving me new inspiration for how to wear my Erin Fetherston for Target.

The combination of this loose, rose-hued dress, thick chocolate colored tights and tan, lace-up peep-toe boots is genius. Crazy but totally spot on. I am dying over those boots. So wrong they're right.

Suggestions? Tights where you wouldn't expect to see them and in unexpected shades and textures. Think lace, floral, animal print, cableknit. Pinks with browns, grays and blues. A surprising bare leg. Shoes? Something strappy or peep-toed, no matter the season. On the body, it's all about blousy and loose mixed with tight--body conscious but never obvious. Always, always, always something on the head. A headband pushed down across the forehead in a bright or unusual color, a long silk ribbon, or a major scarf. Jewelry is irrelevant. It's all about your eyes being captured by combinations of color (and by what's going on above the neck), not by carats or cut.

Spring Trend #5 - Fifties Style Dressing

Ladylike style was already a big trend in 2007 - the popularity of tunics, cardigans, and straight leg jeans can show us that. And apparently in 2008 this trend is not going anywhere and seems to only be getting bigger (and fuller!). The designers that showed this style in their Ready to Wear S/S 2008 shows were designers who consistently show pieces that are feminine and sophisticated such as Bottega Veneta, Donna Karan, and Carolina Herrera.

From left: Bottega Veneta, Tory Burch, Marni, Tory Burch

From left: Donna Karan, Carolina Herrera, Bottega Veneta, Prada

The primary silhouette of the 50's inspired style is something that cinches at the waist and then has a full skirt. You can acheive this with buying dresses either that already have a full skirt or that are simple shifts you can add a belt to in order to create the silhouette. You can also buy fuller skirts (such as the bubble and tulip variety) and wear them with a body hugging top tucked in tightly. While shopping for this style think Elizabeth Taylor, Lucille Ball, and if you want to enhance the sex appeal, Marilyn Monroe.

From left: Silk Dress $150 at Banana Republic, Tunic Shift $19.99 at Arden B., Issac Mizrahi Belted Shirtdress $44.99 at Target, Jovovich-Hawk Halter Dress $273 at Saks

From left: Vince Bubble Skirt $185 at Bloomingdales, Belted Cardigan $59 at Ann Taylor LOFT, Patent Leather Belt $19.99 at Nine West, and Lux Bow Skirt $48 at Urban Outfitters

All Ready to Wear Spring 2008 Collection Photos from Style.com

Spring Trend #4- Sheer Style

This spring sheer clothing is back. The trend had a small spurt of popularity in the 90's, but from the looks of the S/S runways, sheer will be back in a big way in 2008. Although the look can be revealing if you wish, it is more about using sheer fabric in layers to create a sensual illusion while still being able to look like a lady. On the runways there were a lot of sheer jackets, skirts with layers of sheer tulle, dresses with sheer cutaways, and lingerie-inspired pieces poking out from under other layers.

From left: Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Alessandro Dell' Acqua, Marc Jacobs

From left: J. Mendel, Doo. Ri, Luca Luca, and Rodarte

While this look is very delicate and gorgeous, it can be difficult to pull off in real life without looking....shall we say inappropriate? The safest bets are to go with sheer blouses with a camisole underneath paired with dark jeans or a pencil skirt, camisole-like tops under a cardigan or blazer for a night out, sheer dresses with opaque tights for the day or time night, and (if you can rock a kids size XL) I love that sheer wrap.

From left: Chiffon Blouse $22.80 at Forever 21, Camisole $38 at Victoria's Secret, Chiffon Ruffle Top $25.20 at Wet Seal, Un Deux Trois Juniors Wrap $58 at Neiman Marcus

From left: Calvin Klein dress $178 at Nordstrom, Sequin Striped tunic $36 at Forever 21, Vanessa Bruno skirt $114.90 at Shopbop, Nanette Lepore dress $250 at Nordstrom

All Ready-to-Wear Spring 2008 Collection Photos from Style.com

Here's the Scoop

This is the last week--so for those of you in NY, Chicago, Vegas, Connecticut and Dallas--print and go!

Nominate FB&F for the 2008 Fashion Blogger Awards!

The 2008 Fashion Blogger Awards are coming up and Flat Broke and Fabulous needs your support to be nominated.

To enter our blog, copy and paste the five categories below into an email, nominate your favorite fashion blogs (FB&F included please) and include a link to the blog, and email it to Jen@mahalofashion.com.

1. Most informative blog Nominee 1:Nominee 2:
2. Best Content Nominee 1:Nominee 2:

3. Best celebrity fashion Nominee 1:Nominee 2:

4. Best fashion insider Nominee 1:Nominee 2:

5. Best Personal style Nominee1:Nominee 2:

6. Overall best fashion blog Nominee 1:Nominee 2:

These need to be sent by this Thursday (Jan. 31st). Thank you for your support!!

FB&F Is Moving!

Flat Broke and Fabulous has officially moved to it's own web address. Visit FB&F often at http://www.flatbrokeandfabulous.com/

28 (err... 29) Days

It is impossible to turn on the television or open a magazine today without seeing a show about going to rehab or reading about the latest celeb to check in or out of one. Now I'm not doing anything as intense as committing myself, but I am giving myself a test for the month of February that feels pretty extreme. I am giving up shopping for the 29 (damn you leap year) days of February 2008.

I have read quite a few articles lately about people doing this sort of test to save money, become greener, etc..., but I am conducting this test to (ironically) teach myself to be a better shopper. Everytime that I have a shopping craving, start to think that I need a piece of clothing, or find something that I just have to have I will write it down. Then after the 29 days of complete style deprivation - seriously what will I wear everyday?- I will be able to sort through what I actually "should" buy, what I "would" buy as either a binge or a budget buy, and what I "could" actually live without.

I will be keeping you up to date and posting picture of my outfits (sure to be repetitious) as well as my current shopping list. Keep your fingers crossed for me and wish me luck as I enter my self-induced shopping rehab.

Fafi? Oui.

I have been very disappointed in TV recently, and by TV, I mean Teen Vogue. No longer a teen, no, but since its inception, Teen Vogue has been the most of-the-minute, fun and relevant fashion magazine out there. The first to really mix high and low, launch the careers of models such as Chanel Iman (and one of the only mags to actually feature models on its cover these days) and has some of the freshest and most fashion forward, yet wearable, styling around.

But the past few months, I have not been feeling it. I would get giddy every time I saw it on the shelf, sometimes letting out an audible "Yes!" Then I would take the issue home and tear through it immediately, only to let out some form of "ehh" after finishing. Every month the same excitement then disappointment. The content just felt completely uninspired. Then along came the February issue, with not one but three models on the cover. Not only did they give me a great horoscope, but multiple pages of interest (Chloe Sevigny for Opening Ceremony, lust-inspiring faded denim and covetable headbands, before even hitting page 100).

The best feature? Eva Chen's Beauty Blogger on page 82, all about french artist Fafi collaborating with makeup mecca MAC.

The street artist from Toulouse, France is working with the cosmetic company to create limited edition blushes and lipsticks, all adorned with her Fafinette characters that are equally feminine, dreamlike and tough street chicks. I immediately wanted to move to Paris and start drawing hearts on my cheeks, so I rushed to the artist's website Fafi.net (which is totally clever in itself...get it? Fafi-net?).

There I found a plethora of her sketches, street art and even clothes and accessories for sale, all adorned with the cheeky Fafinette girls. I love her palette of pastels like pink and seafoam with bright reds and inky licorice shades. Completely girly but never saccharine.

The site also included a concise but informative bio on Fafi (in english and francais), exposing her wide array of fans--not only major makeup companies, but hip musicians, uber-chic boutiques (Colette) and corporate empires (Coca Cola). Check it out for yourself below.

From her website:

Born and raised in Toulouse France, Fafi's strong presence in the graffiti and fine arts scene was first witnessed on her hometown walls in 1994. Back then, as she was painting and hustling, her sexy, funny, and sometimes aggressive girl characters made the whole world look and help kick-start a whole new graphic language; by exploring feminity through stereotypes, and using it to her advantage, she drew enormous attention and thus started to travel the world with thousands of Fafinettes in her brushes and paint cans. Europe, USA, Japan, Hong-Kong, the planet is a playground. And it's only started.

Soon enough Sony would ask her to design a six-character toy set for the Time Capsules collection, an almost natural move for her three-dimensional measures. Other successful figurines would follow, as well as numerous expositions and collaborations with Colette, Adidas, LeSportSac, Coca-Cola and countless press stories in the most prestigious magazines (ie. Vogue, Elle, The Face, XLR8R, Yen etc...).

The animation world started to eyeblink her vision in Mark Ronson video featuring a Fafi-ed Lily Allen.

Her multi-faceted work was all documented in her books GIRLS ROCK (2003) and LOVE AND FAFINESS (2006), both being also succesful prints in museum libraries and selected shops.

As for 2007, Fafi entered a new phase. Having become a mother and moving to Paris made her introduce a new depth to her creations. Now not only the Fafinettes are fly girls, they also run a whole universe of creatures, homes and vehicles. It's called The Carmine Vault. It's a dreamy and peculiar place. Welcome in.


Pictures courtesy of http://www.fafi.net/.

Style Source: My Nalgene

Nalgene, $8 (available at Moosejaw)

Inspiration can come from unusual sources. My most recent, and most surprising, muse is the nalgene my boyfriend just ordered for me from Moosejaw to bring to work. Not only is it great because I am obsessed with drinking gallons of water during the day, but there is something about its perfect purple hue has me all a-twitter. I want to spend the rest of my days dressed in this, the preferred shade of Miss Violet Beauregarde. I don't care if people think I'm batty or acting on some type of dare, I am daydreaming of all things plum.

Wide Ribbed Beret, $24 (available at Urban Outfitters)

I want to pull this knit beret from Urban Outfitters onto my noggin right away, careful to give it that much needed push slightly to one side. I am quite serious about going purple head to toe.

Riley jumper, originally $410, now $205 (available at Shopbop)

I think this purple patterned jumper would look great layered over and under a million and one things. And will be a great winter-to-spring-to-summer-to-fall-to-winter...piece.

Tights by Hue, $6.99 (available at Nordstrom)

Purple tights? A necessity. This pair by hue is just right--not too light, not too dark. And Hue makes wonderful, long-lasting tights that are so budget friendly, it doesn't even matter if they have the lifespan of a Mayfly.

Made by Elves 1920 Oxford, $68 (available at Urban Outfitters)

Okay so they aren't purple, but I thought they'd look awfully fetching with my gloriously grape ensemble (I love the idea of the bright purple of the tights peeking through the cut-outs in the shoe).

Abaete for Payless Bing clutch, $24 (available at Payless).

I think this wallet/clutch will do a stand-up job holding my essentials (Jack Black lip balm, credit card, phone and ID), and providing that last, must needed touch of purp.

Chic of the Week

Who: Joanna Preiss, model.

What: A red Lanvin.

When: Thursday, January 24, at the Sideaction AIDS gala, sponsored by MAC.

Where: Paris

Why: I love the soft draping and avant garde rufflling combined with sharp black patent, black tights and the cropped black jacket. The graphic black and red combo mixed with the hair worn casually down is also killer. It's all very sexy matador/flamenco dancer.







Photo courtesy of Fashion Week Daily.

Spring Trend #3 - Steal Your Boyfriend's Clothes

So I don't know about you, but I get extremely jealous when in the morning my boyfriend only has to figure out if his tie matches his suit and then he is ready to leave for the day. While he is making breakfast and leaving early for work, I'm left in my closet half-dressed trying to decide if it's too cold for tights and if I would rather wear a hat then blow dry my hair dry. Well no longer because this spring ladies - feel free to steal your wardrobe right from your boyfriend's closet and get dressed with the same ease.

From left: Maison Martin Margiela, Yves Saint Laurent, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana

From left: Neil Barrett, Dior, Gucci, Todd Lynn

You can copy these styles by making sure that you have a few menswear basics in your wardrobe (or easily accessible in your boyfriend's closet). These should be a loose-fit white button-down shirt, a pair of wide leg pinstripe trousers, a fitted vest, and for fun some suspeners.

From left: Cutter & Buck button-down $58 at Nordstrom, Pinstripe Pants $108 at Banana Republic, Suspenders $22.95 at Suspenderstore.com, Lux Vest $48 at Urban Outfitters

If going the more formal menswear look doesn't appeal to you, then go for the bad boy look and get yourself a fitted and cropped leather jacket. Wearing this with skinny jeans will definitely give you a rebellious look (a la Johnny Depp in "Cry Baby"). If you are feeling adventurous stick some shoulder pads in there to simulate the looks from Yves Saint Laurent.

From left: Coffeeshop Blazer $131 at Nordstrom, Diane von Furstenberg Jacket $347 at Shopbop, L.A.M.B. Jacket $492 at Shopbop, Shoulder Pads $6 at shoulderpad.com

Up next Trend #4- Oh Lucy I'm Home!

All Ready-To-Wear Spring 2008 Collection Photos from style.com

The Guiltiest of Pleasures

I love a guilty pleasure. I find no shame in taking delight in things most people take desperate measures to keep private. I have no problem admitting that I get a lot of joy out of a Gin Blossoms tune. Or that I wish grunge was always in style.

My most sinful habit? I cannot get enough of reading about and looking at P. McMullan pics of Manhattan's PYTs (Pretty Young Things). Every scandal, every party, every hair change and shopping adventure--I love it. Tinsley, Fabiola, Amanda and Lydia...adore them all. The demise of Socialite Rank (click here to read a great NY Mag article on its rise and fall) left a gaping hole in its absence. Where would I get my fix of reading about the comings and goings of these professional party-goers (not to mention see the latest images of what they're wearing)?!

Thankfully, along came James Kurisunkal and his wonderful site Park Avenue Peerage. A college student in Illinois, James is somehow on the pulse of everything happening in NYC, and wherever else is, well, happening. Since starting his site, he has become a darling of this elite social circle, garnering smooches from Queen Bee Tinsley Mortimer and equally showy interest from the New York Times. He posts fantastic pictures and keeps us readers clued in about where in the world these jet-setters are and what fabulous soirees they are attending. It's all a girl could ever ask for. Go there NOW.

Photos courtesy of www.clearrockbrokers.com and www.thomashawk.com.

Spring Trend #2- Snakeskin Style

There are some people who think that animal prints are always in style (yes you Fred Flinstone and Sharon Stone), but even if you think animal prints are never in - you need to be wearing exotic animal prints this spring. Exotics were all over the runway from shoes and bags to hats and dresses, and no matter how bold you want to be there is an animal print out there for you.

From left: Proenza Schuler, Proenza Schuler, Alexander McQueen, Miu Miu

From left: Zac Posen, Alexander McQueen, Oscar de LaRenta

For spring the exotic trend is something extremely easy to incorporate into your day-to-day wardrobe because you should only wear AT MOST one piece of exotic clothing per outfit. If you are tentative to wear animal print, then buy a snakeskin clutch or a great pair of snakeskin shoes.

From top left clockwise: Anne Klein flats $82.95 Zappos.com, Kenneth Jay Lane belts $90 at Nordstrom, RSVP Shoes $69.95 Zappos.com

If you are ready to have an animal print be the main focus of your wardrobe then throw on a great printed trench or a shirt or tunic paired with jeans or black pants. Just make sure that you want to draw attention to the part of your body wearing an animal print. Someone's eyes will go to your cheetah-print top way before they look at your jeans, so make sure you look great up there!

From left: Zebra tunic $17.80 at Forever 21, Vita Bracelet $46 at Revolve Clothing, MICHAEL Michael Kors cheetah trench $199 at Nordstrom, Kors flats $195 at Neiman Marcus

Coming up Trend #3 Stealing Your Man's Clothes....

All Ready To Wear Spring 2008 Collection photos from style.com

Filling a Void

SWF desperately seeking an end to the writer's strike.

This has got to end. I feel adrift without my lovely TV shows to come home to after work. Keeping me semi-satiated while "30 Rock," "Gossip Girl" and whatever else it is that I watch are off the air, is ABC's newest, "Cashmere Mafia."


While I admit we've heard it before--4 girls, New York, fashion--I really enjoyed watching eps on the computer while I tubbed yestersay (I just discovered this new favorite pastime on Monday, watching TV on the computer while languidly lying in the bathtub). It is never dull watching people live glamorous, dramatic lives, no matter how many times it's all been shown before...and it makes me feel like a little bit less of a loser to watch a show about 30 + year olds than about 17 year olds.

Patricia Field has lent her expert eye to styling the show, made especially apparent in Mia's (played by Lucy Liu) wardrobe. Mia's look is equal parts Carrie Bradshaw and Samantha Jones--Miss Bradshaw's quirky, fashion forward looks mixed with the bright colors, 80s businesswoman style and brazenness of Samantha's ensembles.


In watching a brief video of the cast, Patricia and producer Darren Star (another Sex and the City alum) discuss the show's wardrobe, the words 'trust,' 'expert,' and 'fashion forward' come up again and again. Miss Field is certainly no slouch. Star says matter-of-factly that Pat really elevates the shows style and helps bring that all-important wish fulfillment factor to the show. Just like "Sex and the City," "The Fabulous Life of..." and "Gossip Girl," we love to watch things that have that It-Factor. And by "It," I mean Want-It, Need-It, Covet-It. Besides a juicy plot, these shows suck us in and generate buzz by showing us the careers and luxuries we never knew we so desperately wanted and needed.

Go to http://tv.yahoo.com/cashmere-mafia/show/41110/videos to watch the full video.

Like SATC, the clothes and setting (Manhattan) are whole other characters in the show. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't talk about the credited characters as well. These 4 successful broads, who met at business school, all lead very busy lives. Half are trying to juggle their messed up love lives with their demanding jobs, while the other are trying to figure out how to make their marriages and children factor into their equally demanding jobs. Mia Mason (Liu) is a recently promoted magazine publisher, trying to soften rumors spreading about her cutthroat tendencies--both personal and professional, Juliet Draper (Miranda Otto) is a hotel exec with a cheating hubs, Caitlin Dowd (Bonnie Sommerville) is a makeup exec and maybe lesbian and Zoe Burden (Frances O'Connor) tries her hardest to make her refreshingly happy marriage thrive while her career in investments sucks up all her time.

I think these gals have great chemistry and get a kick out of watching them conference call, lunch and sleep around the Upper East. I will be staying with this Mafia, already making an unwavering decision to boycott Lipstick Jungle, thank you very much.


Photos courtesy of the NY Daily News, The Purse Page and IMDB.

Spring Trend #1- Vegetation in Vogue

With Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week rapidly approaching (9 days away!), I thought that it might be an appropirate time to recap some trends from the spring shows before the fall 2008 trends debut on February 1st at Bryant Park. Until February 1st, I will post a new trend each day with examples how to incorporate this trend into your wardrobe on a budget, so that you can start saving for all the fabulous fall trend we are about to see. Click here to learn more about Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York and what designers are showing.

Trend #1 - Vegetation in Vogue
Now don't get nervous. It is not time to call that shapeless Laura Ashley dress a lustworthy piece of vintage, but yes florals are back in a big way this spring. They were everywhere on the runway and can be seen in all pieces of clothing (dresses, skirts, shorts, tops, jackets, and even shoes are floral-inspired) this spring. Below are some of the looks the designers showcased for spring.

From left: Dries Van Noten, Balenciaga, Peter Som, Ralph Lauren

From left: Duro Olowu, Rubin Stinger, Missoni, Gucci

There are many degrees to incorporating floral in to your wardrobe off the runway. So, if the thought of wearing a full floral dress makes you feel a little too "little girl," try incorporating floral accessories into your wardrobe. You can wear these with pieces already in your closet, and if you have kind of a tough look these will give it an ironic touch. Look for flowered earrings, rings, neckalces, scarves, ties, tights, hats and tote bags to mix with your already established "grown up" style.

From top left clock wise: Kenneth Jay Lane Flower Ring $77 at shopbop, Tulip Tights $22.99 at Stockin Girl, Malababa leather knot earrings $30 at shopbop, Silk Floral Scarf $28 at Urban Outfitters

Now if you are intrigued by florals, but think they are something best kept it storage until summer take a look at the separates below. These floral skirts would look amazing with opaque tights, layered tops, and knits. Plus the tiered floral skirt from Urban Outfitters takes care of two major spring trends (florals and tiered dresses and skirts) in one piece. Loose floral tops are normally reserved for warmer weather, but try them with a turtleneck underneath or a cardigan on top. Also look for floral printed or inspired vests, blazers, jackets, cardigans, and shorts to incorporate into your wardrobe with solid colored pieces.

From left: Floral skirt $88 from Anthropologie, Floral tiered skirt $58 from Urban Outfitters, Tibi silk top $250 from Nordstrom, Miss Davenporte top $225 from shopbop, Printed trench $148 at Nordstrom

If you are fully embracing the floral look and want to take it a step further try a floral dress. We all know a wrap dress is always perfect for rolling out of bed and heading to work, but a floral print also makes them a perfect option for a date or drinks out with friends, and a bonus is this floral print will travel much better than a silk top. Don't forget that layering with dresses is a great option as well. Put a shirt, turtleneck, or sweater underneath a dress, pair it with some colored tights or leggings and you have a winter look. There will also be some beautiful floral print cocktail dresses out for summer, so pick one that you love enough to wear to all those weddings you have to attend this summer.

From left: Floral wrap dress $24.99 at Target, Silk halter dress $268 at BCBG, MARC floral halter dress $258 at Nordstrom, Lotta Stetsson dress with belt $172 at Bluefly.com

Coming up tomorrow Trend #2- Snakeskin Style.....

All designer Ready To Wear Spring 2008 Collection photos from style.com

My New Toy

I think someone needs to invent a self-locking wallet, that only lets you in when you are purchasing something logical or within your means. It would automatically do a scan equal parts bank account and credit card debt, only allowing you access when appropriate (groceries, bills, etc.).

I bring this up, because this flat broke dame has been shopping a little too glamorously as of late. Without the glamorous salary to match, I should add. A leisurely visit to American Apparel a couple of weeks ago turned into popping into J. Crew, which led to my aforementioned trip to Intermix (see: "Winning is everything."). My most recent retail adventure? Prada. Yes, Prada. In my defense, let me clarify that I live about three blocks away from all four of those stores.


Let me also clarify that I wasn't going to Prada for any wardrobe purchasing or to "pick a few things up." I was not on a mission to snag one of Miuccia's full, watercolor skirts or madcap, growing garden heels (all well out of even my fantasy budget). All I wanted was one little trinket that I spotted about five pages in, while perusing through Feb.'s issue of Bazaar. What I am talking about, of course, is the Prada bracelet watch. Or watch bracelet?

I have zero interest in functionable fashion, apparently. Or wise investments. I just bought a faux watch. Yes, my friends, the watch face and hands are only for show. It is just a lovely little leather bracelet made to look like a watch. A clever ruse! And that is exactly what I love about my new toy. I just bought this one and already I really want to buy the one that is mauve (am I the only person under 80 that says mauve?) and yellow as well and wear it layered on one wrist with the black and purple beauty I just added to my collection, for a look that says, "Oh, you thought I'd be a good person to ask what time it was because I had not one, but two watches on? Gotcha!"

Oh and while my purchase, in my mind, is most certainly fabulous, it is also for the flat broke! I purchased this little piece of Prada's collection for under $300. Prada on a budget, without resorting to fragrance gift-set purchasing? Yes, yes, yes it can be done.

Photos courtesy of Style.com

Winning is everything.

Kooba "Heather" clutch, $465 (available at Intermix).

Being the fortunate recipient of a gift card to Intermix (thank you George and Charlotte) for Christmas, I had some money to burn, and burn I did. I finally made the trek across the street from my apartment to Intermix to redeem said gift certificate last Friday. I was kind of unimpressed with the selection they had in the store...well, let me clarify that. If my gift card was for $1,000, I would have had no problem in selecting a little Stella McCartney something or other. But, alas, that was not my budget. So, I scoured the racks and really there was nothing that inspiring. On my final scan through the accessories lining the back wall near the register, my eyes did spy something glorious. Now, normally I am not a Kooba fan. But this clutch (see above) was just so perfect and fun. Love at first sight. Oversized. Curvacious. Touches of neon. So I grabbed. I plunked down my gift card (along with my trusty debit) and bought.

Getting home and prancing in front of the mirror with my new purchase clutched in my paw, I was trying to figure out what this bag reminded me of. What I felt like carrying it. Then it dawned on me. My favorite show circa 1986: Jem and the Holograms! More specifically, I was feeling very much a missing member of The Misfits, The Holograms arch-nemeses. Led by green-haired Pizzazz, with Roxy on the bass and Stormer on the uber-80s "keytar," The Misfits took no prisoners. Their sound was a little harder, their message more about trouble-making and rabble-rousing than the romantic tunes sung by The Holograms. While The Misfits weren't afraid to tell it straight (see: "Winning is Everything"), Jem was busy daydreaming about amour ("Twilight in Paris").


The Misfits wore killer face paint and had huge hair and vivid, envy-inspiring fashion. Roxy combined her bright white locks with a very Prada A/W '07 shaggy purple sweater and they knew all too well that a little lamé never hurt anyone. Their look was all about graphic black and white combined with bold pinks, oranges and greens. Just like my new wonderful buy. If only I could pull off that one knee sock look...

Style Source: Agent 99

Oh, Saturday night. Time for revelry? Not so much for this gal. Where to find me? Considering the fact I'm 24 going on 84, I'm at home partaking in my absolute favorite show of all time, Get Smart. Thankfully, the most random channel on TV (aka MeTV, channel 14) plays two episodes of Get Smart every Saturday from midnight to 1 am.

For those of you who apparently did not enjoy a little thing call Nick at Nite when you were growing up, Get Smart is a little gem about spies in the 1960s starring Don Adams (as Maxwell Smart) and Barbara Feldon (as Agent 99). I'd be lying if I said I didn't love the show for its use of sight gags and prat falls, but what I truly adore are Get Smart's exquisite wardrobe and wild use of color--for example, Max's apartment is covered in royal blue carpeting throughout (heinous and genius!). And, let's face it, there are few things better than watching people smoke cigarettes in ridiculous and inappropriate situations on mid-20th century programming. But back to the wardrobe.

Every time I watch, I die a little inside thinking about how I will never attain the consistent chic-ness of Agent 99 (nor the tall model frame). Everything is just right. The thick bangs, the curls, the blunt bob (which have been taken over since the 60s by Anna Wintour and now Katie "Kate" Holmes). And only Agent 99 could make me seriously consider dressing like a technicolor chaffeur.

But I love the trench with the dramatic popped collar. The burgundy beret and jaunty scarf that look mysteriously sexy and dangerous ala Faye Dunaway in Bonnie and Clyde. And all I can think about these days is how I can get my hair to do that bouncy American Girl Samantha Doll half-up look (answer: I can't).

I am obsessed and you should be, too. Here are a few little ways to unleash your inner swingin' spy, all at prices you don't have to be covert about (a $33 trench coat makes me personally want to shout out from the roof of a high rise).

Clockwise from top left: J. Crew scarf, $38 (available at J. Crew); Black skinny tie, $12.95 (available at Today's Gentleman); Conair Satin Finish Ceramic Curling Iron, 1", $19.99 (available at CVS, Walgreens or Drugstore.com); Wool beret, $9.99 (at Berets.com); Mango trenchcoat, $33.99 (at mngshop.com).

Constant Craving

It's that dangerous time of day, mid-afternoon, when most people working in cubicles across the country start to crave sugar. Unfortunately for this flat broke girl a $1 Snickers bar is not what I'm craving, but rather every afternoon at this time I get a major shopping craving.

Similar to a sugar craving though it always starts innocently enough, but somehow ends up spiraling into something gluttonous like the whole box of MilkDuds or 1/2 pound of Starburst. I think to myself, "oh I'll just check and see what J.Crew (Banana, Neimans, Shopbop, any retailer will do) has on sale," but one thing leads to another and somehow before I know it I have a $400 cart at check out that doesn't contain a single sale item.

Why does this happen to me? Does this happen to anyone else? How do I cure this constant online shopping craving?

Fin.

I've had it. January 14th, 2008 I am officially calling a moratorium on the word "fierce." This is not a word I've ever welcomed into my own vocabulary, but I have decided that this juggernaut must be stopped.

I will not allow "fierce" to turn into another "bling." It has already overstayed its welcome and I will not let it hang around like the girl that just doesn't leave the slumber party.

In conclusion, RIP fierce.

That means you, Tyra Banks.


And don't think I'm forgetting about you, Christian from Project Runway.

24 Karat

One of my most favorite recent discoveries is The Gilt Groupe.


When you first log on to their website, you are greeted by their down to the point and quite apt motto, "Luxury Brands. Hand Selected Styles. Members Only Prices." That's exactly what Gilt Groupe does--provide the best of brands to those of us who count luxury as, well, a luxury, not a basic necessity.

What is Gilt Groupe, you ask? This ingenious service combines the fashion feeding frenzy of a sample sale with the convenience of sitting on your couch. How is this possible? This is where the ingenuity comes in--The Gilt Groupe is a virtual home to sample sales. For 24 hours, they feature either one designer or a selection of hot or up-and-coming labels on their website. Everything is marked down 50-75% off (yes, 50-75% off), making the most desirable of brands available to the masses. Best of all, you don't have to live in Chelsea or SoHo to have a chance to rummage the racks at this sale, you can click and buy from San Francisco to Ft. Lauderdale. It's online (www.gilt.com) so you can buy, buy, buy from anywhere you happen to reside, however unglamorous.

On tap for tomorrow: The Downtown Mix, featuring everything from 12th Street Cynthia Vincent and Twinkle by Wenlan to Rag and Bone and Vivienne Westwood. Sari Gueron (1/17) and Walter (1/22) are also on the way.


Sign up now--membership is free!

Binge vs. Budget: Shoes

We all fantasize about parading around in Blahniks, Louboutins and Choos like the Tinsley Mortimers, Amanda Hearsts, Lauren Davises and Arden Wohls of the world. Unfortunately for those of us lacking the all-important trust fund or mogul hubby, we must put our dreams of those Prada pumps aside. Being an FB&F girl, however, means we do not give up. No UGGs and Nikes here. We must do a little research and a little legwork to figure out how to emulate those high-fashion styles and look our best on our meager budgets.

To point you in the right direction, I've compiled some of the most luxurious brands and hottest spring trends with some dead-ringers for a fraction of the price.

We've seen these knotted peep-toes from Christian Louboutin on red-carpets and splashed all over the pages of the top fash magazines. Thankfully for those of us who do not have a spare $900 to spend on a pair of shoes, Steve Madden has released a look-alike style. Available in a rainbow of colors, these heels would add some excitement to an LBD or dress up a pair of wide leg jeans for a night out with friends.

Christian Louboutin Knotted Open-Toe Sandal, $865. Available at Neiman Marcus; Steve Madden Leilana, $89.95.

Pr