...And I need you today, Oh Mandy!*

One of my new favorite labels for spring is, by far, Amanda Uprichard. The new collection is all about flimsy, feminine silks and jerseys in Lite-Brite shades. These brighter than bright tones are softened and downplayed with the soft shapes and easy, wearable cuts Uprichard has selected for every dress, tunic and blouse in the line. Making these pieces all the more wearable? Almost the entire collection retails for under $200.

Her clothing is available to view on her website and for purchase online at OTTE, Miostile, WiNK, Coco & Delilah, and Singer 22. In Chicago, the newly opened Guise|Chic in Lincoln Park (2128 N. Halsted, 773.929.6130) is carrying a wide array of her styles.

Two Tone Top, $181 (available at OTTE)

Double Ruffle Mini Dress, $184




*Yes, these are Barry Manilow lyrics

Chic of the Week: Oscar Edition

Who: Actress Rosamund Pike

What: A pale yellow Roland Mouret creation.

When: Sunday, February 24, 2008.

Where: The 80th Annual Academy Awards at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, CA.

Why: This Brit actress (you might know her from Pride & Prejudice) looks radiant in this simple yet architectural one-shoulder dress, featuring a small peplum at the hip. Her easy hair and limited jewelry add to the freshness of this look, while the classic makeup keep it from looking too modern.











Photo courtesy of In Style.

Kate Spade Event on Feb. 28th

If any FB&F girls live by a Kate Spade store, check out the event they are hosting this Thursday Feb 28th from 5-7pm . 20% of the evening's proceeds will be donated to Hope Shining, a charity to protect children and families from violence and abuse. It looks like all Kate Spade stores are participating, but call yours to make sure.

Shopping, Charity, Champagne, and Cupcakes......see you all there!

Must Have for Spring- Topshop Military Jacket

I love love love this jacket! At $120 this Topshop Military Jacket will be the perfect piece to help me transition into spring dressing. This would look perfect with jeans, flats, and a skily top underneath or open over one of the many floral dresses I can't wait to wear this spring. This style is not another version of the preppy blazer look that was everywhere last fall, but it does keep the put-together polish that I love.

Military Style Jacket $120 at Topshop

Chic of the Week

Who: Joanna Hillman, Teen Vogue's Senior Fashion Market Editor

What: Wayfarer-style shades, patterned scarf, J. Crew's now famous (or infamous) Lexington jacket, painted brocade skirt, black opaque tights and Chanel patent-leather strappies.

When: Monday, February 18, 2008.

Where: In Milano for the Fall 2008 shows.

Why: In theory, this mix of colors and textures shouldn't work. But it is precisely this madcap blending of shades and fabrics that make this so right. The combination of seasons past and present, worn with ease and simple, pin-straight hair, look fresh and have that perfect blend of dressy and casual that is so hard to attain.

Photo courtesy of The Sartorialist.

How Does Your Garden Grow?

I have recently become obsessed with jewelry. Oh, I've always swooned over Cartier, Garrard and the like (Talk to me, Harry Winston), for most of my life I have preferred a pared down look. Maybe an antique gold ring here or an flippy earring there, but otherwise I've always kept it kept it simple.

As of late, I find myself piling on two, three, even four necklaces at once (in addition to the delicate diamond pendant and Me & Ro gold star necklace, with the tiny padlock charm found on 7th Avenue I added, both of which I never take off) or adding brooches along the collar, to a scarf or sometimes to a fabric headband. The quirkier the better. That's why these garden-fresh pins have caught my eye. I think they would look great clustered together on a lapel or a low front-pocket on a blazer. Even as a fun adornment to a plain purse. There are no rules, which is half the fun!

Sparkling Radish Garden Brooch, $148 and Sparkling Carrot Garden Brooch, $158 (available at Anthropologie).

Extended Sex and The City Trailer

The perfect cure for your Friday-and-stuck-at-work-boredom is here - the brand new 3 minute trailer for the Sex and The City movie! I admit that I was hesitant about seeing this movie out of fear that they might ruin the incredible show, but this trailer was so good that I got goosebumps.

Warning: You learn a lot about the plot, cheating, weddings, Big's full name, babies, so don't watch if you want it all to be a surprise!

Le Danseur

Going through some old letters, photographs and other old papers (I am a notorious paper-goods pack-rat), I found a postcard I used to keep on my wall in my dorm at boarding school of the Egon Schiele work "Sitting Woman with Legs Drawn Up" from 1917 (sometimes known as "The Artist's Wife), pictured at the top. There has always been something in this pose and in the garments she is wearing that has always made me picture this subject as a dancer doing her stretches before class.

Seeing that picture made me remember how much I love that look of a ballerina getting ready for class. Digging into my closet, I found my own supersoft KD Dance ballerina sweaters--one in pale peach, one in lavender and one in army green. These weren't the original versions I had during my over a decade long time period spent in dance classes, but purchased later when I discovered this favorite brand during those days at the barre still existed. During my time living in New York I even stumbled upon their teeny boutique in the Village by accident and had so much fun pawing through everything.

KD Dance was founded on legwarmers, bodywarmers and sweaters in the coziest and most comfortable fabric. I would kill for the closet full of knits I used to own...the sweetest puff sleeve sweaters, knit shorts...all so cute. They've now branched into exercise and daywear, but I still think their original dance knits are the best. Now that I no longer do ballet, I want to incorporate these pieces into my everyday look to create a feminine, dancerly effect. Maybe by sliding a KD v-neck sweater (seen above righ) over a slim dress this spring or use it as a thin layering piece while the temperatures are still brisk. The legwarmers (also above) have the same flirtatious quality I find so inspiring, like the stockings in Schiele's "Reclining Woman with Green Stockings" (1917), pictured above right. I like the idea of the dark legwarmers paired with white on top, as seen in the Schiele. Very graphic and fresh.

Go ahead and unleash your inner dancer.

From top: KD Dance Mock Rib Knee Stirrup Legwarmer, $18.95 (at All About Dance); KD Dance Mock Rib V Neck Top, $46 (at KD Dance); KD Dance Knee Length Rib Legwarmers, $22 (at KD Dance).

Decoding the Discourse

Missoni, Fall 2008 (photo courtesy of the NY Times).

Every fashion season, editors from all across the globe start sounding in on the collections. Amidst all the adjectives, it can often be hard to decipher what all the chatter means. In comes The Cut, Amy Odell's blog on New York Magazine's website. Today's witty post focuses on "What the Critics Said About Milan Fashion Week, and What They Really Meant." It's a witty take on what writers from Cathy Horyn to Robin Givhan truly meant behind their praises and insights.

Click here to read.

Say Hello to Kira Plastinina

Kira Plastinina is coming to America and she is one designer FB&F girls can afford! Plastinina is a 15 year-old from Russia who designs denim, tops, dresses and more at prices to rival H&M with a typical price point of $48. Kira sells her clothes in Russia at approximately 30 stores under her name, and she has now announced plans to open 50 stores in the United States by 2010. She will be opening stores on both U.S. coasts simultaneously, so be on the look out.

You may ask yourself how a teenager is working as a designer and expanding from Russia to America, well apparently her dad is one of the wealthiest men in Russia - making her fabulous, but nowhere near flat broke - and so that probably helps with getting her designs out there and buying the real estate to open new stores.

We do have a few hesitations about supporting Kira's move to the states completely, even though we are always in favor of cute and inexpensive clothes. One, whether or not we need another "socialite/designer" a la Nicky Hilton or Tinsley Mortimer is definitely up for debate. And two, Kira has publicly stated that she loves Paris Hilton's style and flew Paris to Moscow for her fashion show.....not a good sign in our book as Paris Hilton is best known for juicy pants, hot pink, and DUIs. However, we have not seen any of Kira's designs so we will wait to pass judgement until we can actually see these $50 and under designs for ourselves.

Mark Your Calendars for Jovovich-Hawk at Target

In theory I loved Erin Fetherston's collection for Target. Browsing through the looks online I could definitely picture myself strolling the Seine carrying a giant heart bag. However, in real life I have no time for strolling and can't imagine putting down my giant carry-all in favor of a red vinyl heart bag.

The next Go International designer for Target will be Jovovich-Hawk, debuting March 2nd, and their line appears to have looks that could definitely fit into my life. The deliciate dresses, the vests, the floppy hat....these are all pieces that can be easily incorporated into my real life wardorbe, not just my imaginary online shopping wardrobe (don't we all have those?).

From left: Vest $29.99, Tee $14.99, Shorts $26.99, Hat $14.99; Dress $39.99; Top $24.99, Jeans $34.99; Dress $32.99


From left: One-piece top $24.99, Skirt $24.99; Dress $39.99l Dress $34.99; Top $26.99, Shorts $24.99

According to an interview with the LA Times last September, Jovovich said “Our Target line will have all our classic pieces: smock dresses, tunics, minis, all vintage-inspired, great prints. We took the things that sold the best for us but we’re doing it on a bigger scale."

I'm so excited for this collection! I'll see you all at Target on March 2nd for the debut of the Jovovich-Hawk Target collection! Also, where can I get those boots?!?

Images courtesy of Harper's BAZAAR and Target Press Room

Such a Stud

Burberry Prorsum, Spring 2008.

Studs were everywhere, from belts to shoulder bags, cuffs to clutches. Christopher Bailey's collection for Burberry was all about these medal adornments, towing the line between military and tribal chic. With, as always, that wink at British punk style that Bailey does so well.

Punk at decidedly non-punk prices, of course. How to recreate the look for less? Try Linea Pelle's Double Wrap Belt, dotted with the same style of highly detailed studs. This version's studs and overlapping shape maintain that all-important Burberry edge, while the smaller scale metalwork make this style a little more wearable and work-ready (not to mention far more feminine). Oh, and did I mention it's only $66?

Linea Pelle Double Wrap Belt, $66.99 (available at Bloomingdale's).

Burberry runway photos courtesy of Style.com.

Going the Distance

If you are anything like me you are already hitting the gym pretty hard in preparation for wearing your spring and summer dresses.....well pretty hard might be an overstatement, but you are definitely thinking about maybe going to the gym.

This year designers decided to have mercy on those of us who don't hit the gym on what you might call a regular basis. They are beginning to favor the maxi dress instead of the darling child of 2007 - the mini skirt. The only thing you need to do to get in shape to wear these dresses is maybe a tricep dip or two if you feel motivated, but if not then throw a cardigan on over these flowy dresses.

I'm looking forward to wearing mine to everything from running errands to summer cocktail parties with flip flops or gold gladiator sandals, lots of bracelets, and flowing hair. See three options below that might help you make the transition from mini to maxi, and if you are ready to go the distance check out four dresses that will keep you covered all the way down to your toes.

From left: Old Navy $34.50, Mossimo for Target $19.99, James Perse $92.50 at Shopbop (all three dresses come in a variety of colors)

From left: T-Bags $105 at Shopbop, MARC by Marc Jacobs $198 at Shopbop, Splendid $172 at Shopbop, and Victoria's Secret (catalog only) $98

YSL for UAH*

*Yves Saint Laurent for Under a Hundred

If you are like me, you have been dying over this strapless YSL gray jersey dress for the past5 months. Ah, if only I could afford it--and the star clustered necklace adorning Kate Moss's neck in this ad to go along with it(or the stunning Boucheron necklace Julianne Moore pairs it with). Unfortunately for me, Stefano Pilati's creations are a wee bit out of my budge.

In comes Topshop. One of the newest additions to their website is wonderful interpretation of the look--same shape, fabrication and folding. I would pair it with a chunky heel and a large necklace (ala the Kate Moss ad). I would recommend purchasing soon--I have a feeling this will be a quick sell.

Origami Sweat Skirt, approx. $40 (available at Topshop).

Style Source: Murder She Wrote

Anyone who knows me well, knows that this 1980s program is one of my favorites. I have spent many an hour figuring out how to get a Murder She Wrote ringtone onto my phone and many happy Super Bowls watching A&E's Murder Bowl (note to A&E: please bring that back).

Gotcha! Nice scarf, Jess.

Most recently, I had been getting my fix thanks to the Hallmark Channel, only to have the channel soon ripped away from my lineup by RCN. Not pleased. But during this small but beautiful window of time, I really started to take note of Jessica Fletcher's style while appreciating her mystery solving abilities.

Her casual style is all about a crisp but comfortable collared shirt, a great-fitting crewneck sweater, a jaunty scarf and slacks. Let's not forget the classic windbreaker (Land's End here I come), trench and gold button earrings.

I'm totally sold. Book me a ticket to Cabot Cove.

Looking sharp in a white trench and silk scarf

Very all-American in the Cabot Cove harbor

Finding clues in a very stately ensemble

Get the Lansbury look:

Go for broke: Hermes silk scarf, $355 at Hermes.com (aka where I pretend to buy various Hermes bracelets and beach towels).

Or save: Ann Taylor Silk scarf, $42.

LL Bean (Ladies Love Bean) Style--clockwise from top left: Bean Boots Rubber Moc, $59; Double L Cotton Sweater, $29.50; Boat and Tote, $17-30; Double L Cotton Sweater, $29.50.

Kenny Jay Lane Shell Earrings, $75.

Flip that collar up just slightly: Ralph Lauren Striped Parker Shirt, $79.50.

How to modernize and personalize the look? Belt the classic cotton sweater to update the shape or add an unusual brooch near the collar. Pair up the Bean Boots with some skinny jeans or an interesting skirt (Topshop has some fantastic styles right now) and American Apparel over the knee socks--I just picked up an amazing dark gray pair there last week. Use accessories your advantage to add a little quirkiness to this conservative yet oh so inspirational look.

If only we could all grow up to be like Jessica Fletcher.

Chic of the Week

Who: Rachel Bilson

What: Gorgeous one-shoulder Monique Lhuillier dress

Where: The NYC premiere of her new movie Jumper

When: Valentine's Day (how convenient since according to some sources she is dating her co-star)

Why: Somehow Rachel Bilson always seems to get it right. The right mix of glam and casual to make her, not just the dress, glow. Plus the length of the dress allows her to look like a lady while the draping, cinched waist, and bare shoulder give her sex appeal. I need this dress for every cocktail and black-tie event this winter!

My Valentine? The Daily

How do I love thee, Daily? Let me count the ways...
1. What other magazine exposes Anna Wintour repeating a Prada dress at the shows?
2. Your cheeky coverage of scandals, antics and interessant diets
3. You give the people (well, me) what they want--models, editors, socialites!
4. You scoop some of the best new talent before anyone else can ready their pens and paper
5. You provide me with The Daily Mini, which I love maybe more than a delicious bread pudding.

Please say you'll be my Valentine!

Check out their website: www.fashionweekdaily.com

Be Mine

If you haven't already sent your loved ones (and yes grandparents definitely count as Valentines!) a Valentine's Day Card, then get on it and send one of these precious e-cards from Kate Spade! There are 30 cards to choose from and it takes about 15 seconds to let someone know you are thinking of them (go with the version on the left) or just to make someone laugh (the card on the right).

xo,

FB&F Girls

Happy (almost) Valentine's Day

For those of you living in NYC...don't wait for your boyfriend to pony up this year--shower yourself with V-Day gifts at Scoop!

Be sure to RSVP to this fun event and receive your 15% discount (not to mention yummy drinks and snacks) by emailing rsvp@scoopnyc.com.

Style Source: Mogambo

A couple weekends ago, I watched the John Ford classic, Mogambo, starring Clark Gable, Ava Gardner and Grace Kelly. The film itself was phenomenal--love triangle, Africa, wild animals, great dialogue, Clark Gable's fantastic hair. Almost even better? The clothes.

The costume department for the film was headed by Helen Rose, who designed the wardrobes for fashionable films such as Butterfield 8, High Society and The Swan. So, clearly no slouch in the industry, working with the glammest of glam Liz Taylor and Grace Kelly.

The Mogambo look is all about a jacket with a nipped waist, a collar popped and skirts either full or pencil. In two words: easy elegance. I loved the impracticality and glamour of the flawless red lips and penciled brows while on safari in Kenya. Not to mention the strands of pearls, heels and perfect chunky gold link bracelets.

A rolled sleeve and perfectly popped collar has my name all over it.

Pearls in the wilds of Africa? Genius.

Beautiful, soft skirt suits with the teeniest waists.

From Oscar de la Renta's Spring 2008 Collection

From left: Skinny Lizard Belt, $24.50; Three-button Shrunken Blazer, $69.50; Striped Gored Skirt, $49.50.

Clockwise from top left: Old Navy Women's Button-Tab Safari Shirt, $24.50; Miss Sixty Logo Buckle Belt, $102.65 at Asos.com; Banana Republic Flat Link Bracelet, $28, Pinstripe Wooden Bangle, $24 and Narrow Wooden Square Bangle, $28; Ann Taylor Wool Melange Skirt, $108.

Oscar clearly fell in love with this flick when creating his Spring Collection. My interpretation? Add wood elements, pops of color and gold accents to the earth tones of this safari look for a more modern, updated feel.

Terrific Tote Bags

This morning on the bus I found myself feeling so bored with my ridiculously heavy large grey leather purse that the first thing I did when I got into the office (don't tell my boss) was look for great spring bags, and I think I foung the perfect spring tote bag.

This large print floral tote bag from The Gap would be perfect not only for lugging things to and from the office, but also for running errands and heading to the beach this spring and summer. Also this bag will fill your floral quotient for the spring floral trend for under $40.

However, if a large pink floral pattern just isn't your thing, The Gap also has plain canvas tote bags with bright accents in colors like kelly green and bright pink available for spring. I love these three below, also all under $40!

Style Survey

I heard that this trend was going to be big in Spring 2008, but even so I was still not prepared to see not one, but two models wearing socks with their high heels in this month's Teen Vogue.

Part of me thinks this is an ingenious way to save the $30 you might spend on a pedicure, but the other part of me thinks that this is never a good look (especially the black socks).

What do you think?

Chic of the Week

Who: Anne Hathaway

What: Phenomenal black leather, a frothy Marchesa Spring 2008 skirt, black Chanel classic quilted and black peep-toes.

When: February 6, 2008.

Where: At the Marchesa Fall 2008 show in Manhattan.

Why: I love the easy hair, drama-free makeup and the combination of the sweet, feminine skirt paired with the tough leather.


Photo courtesy of People.com.

My Favorite New Fashion Phrase

drumroll...

"Waist Glossing."

I LOVE this phrase! This little verbal gem comes to us from ELLE's Alia Ahmed-Yahia and one of my favorite blogs (visit Elle.com). What does Waist Glossing mean, you ask? Why, it is a glossy way of referencing that little special something that dresses up your waist--a belt. Oh, but it sounds so much more glamorous.

Photo: Catherine McNeil walking for Thakoon Fall 2008, courtesy of Style.com

I'm Joining the Navy. Old Navy, That is.

Old Navy. Normally not really a fan. Earlier this week, while researching for another post (see: Style Source: Chuck Bass), I was on the CW website. Up popped an Old Navy ad about their spring styles, so I decided, "Why not click?" I must say, I was pleasantly surprised. Their Spring Preview was filled with Safari-inspired accessories that I am dying to mix into my wardrobe this spring with some skinnies, shorts and simple jersey dresses.

The collection is all about African-inspired patterns, earth tones combined with reds, yellows and pinks and lots of canvas mixed with wood and leather. All at jaw-droppingly low prices (phew!). Though my closet is already a wee bit overpacked, I will make room for these bags, belts and sandals right away.

Women's Wooden-Handle Clutch, $19.50.

Women's Platform Sandals, $34.50.

Women's Slouchy Canvas Hobo, $19.50.

Women's Floral Tab Belt, $16.50.

Women's Suede Ankle-Strap Sandal, $19.50.

Style Source: Chuck Bass

While I love Blair's vast array of headbands and very serious lingerie (not to mention Mama Van der Woodsen's Birkins), I'm craving a different wardrobe altogether. I am having major wardrobe envy of Chuck Bass, everyone's favorite leering teenage millionaire on Gossip Girl.

There is something about Chuck's style that is completely inspiring and instilling a great deal of jealousy in yours truly.

Now, I'm not going to start wearing tux and tails or suits and ties, but Mr. Bass's ensembles are making me wish I could. Short of cross-dressing, we can all learn a thing or two from Chuck.


1. Boat shoes
I love a top sider, I can't deny it. Chuck's blue pair is just right--I love navy blue for spring and summer. I personally am a Sperry girl, but they only make their navy version for men. Plan B? Sebago also makes a great, classic boat shoe in an array of shades (navy included).

Women's Docksides, $80 (available at Sebago.com).

2. Burgundy-Pink-Pinstripe Combination
I'm not going to promote wearing a a full suit, pocket square, button-down and ascot ala Chuck, don't worry. But I do think we can take a cue from his look at Blair's birthday party, translating it into something wearable for us girls. I love the idea of wearing a great fitting white v-neck (Hanes for boys 3-packs are wonderful--not too tight, not too loose), some wide leg pinstripe pants and a pinstripe vest worn unbuttoned. I've put together a widely striped pant with a thin-striped vest, which I think is a little more interesting and less matchy. For accessories, I've added a pink patterned sash as a belt (complete with a cocktail shaker design that is very Chuck), burgundy patent peep-toe oxfords and some layered gold lockets.

Clockwise from top left: Forever 21 Pinstripe Career Vest, $19.80; American Apparel Unisex Fine Jersey Short Sleeve V-Neck, $15; Urban Outfitters Secret's Safe Locket, $18 and Toujours Locket, $24; Vince Camuto 'Maran' Peep Toe Lace-up Oxford in dark red, $129.95 (at Nordstrom); Victoria's Secret The Carmen Fit Wide Leg Pant in pinstripe, $39.50; Vineyard Vines Cocktail Shaker Sash in pink, $65.

3. The Khaki Raincoat
I adore Chuck's patterned cotton raincoat, but the large, boxy shape is definitely not right for the female figure. A way to grab this style, but still look feminine, is with a short trapeze version. The flared shape gives it interest and volume and I love the trench detailing. This is the perfect spring jacket--would look as fabulous thrown over a dress as it would some wide leg jeans and a tee.

Kenneth Cole Reaction Short Trapeze Jacket, $98 (available at Nordstrom).

4. The Patterned Silk Scarf
Chuck knows that there is nothing wrong with a man in a scarf. So I say, there is nothing wrong with a woman in a man's scarf. If there is one thing to take away from his wardrobe, it would most certainly be his silk patchwork scarf. It's so Jazz Era yet thoroughly modern. Try the Breuer scarf (I love the pattern and the extra warmth from the wool side) or the debonair McQueen style, adorned with yellow skulls. For a more exact version, Brooks Brothers has a patchwork tartan that is very sophisticated (and would look beautiful paired with a camel hair coat).

Breuer Wool/Silk Scarf, $225 at Saks.

From left: Alexander McQueen Fringed Skull Scarf, $185 at Barneys; Brooks Brothers Patchwork Double Faced Tartan Scarf, $223.50.

Spotlight on...Lara Kazan

Trolling around on the internet, as I tend to do, I came across some of the most incredible knitwear I have ever seen. I cannot get enough of Lara Kazan. Some pieces are undeniably cute (think bobbles and bright colors), others totally tough (moody shades and buckle detailing). Her knitwear is inspired, totally fresh and, best of all, mostly under $200.

Kazan, a born and bred New Yorker, started her company in 1999 with her brother Wayne serving as her business partner. In 2000, she launched "Lara Legs," a line featuring hand-crocheted legwear with a vintage feel. This line quickly gained popularity, finding a home at retailers such as Fred Segal and Bergdorf's.

Lara has since expanded into hats, belts, capes, sweaters, vests...basically everything short of pan