Chic of the Week: Calvin Klein Edition

I could not decide this week between two different looks, both of which happen to be Calvin Klein. You tell me who you think rocks their CK the best!


Who: Kate Bosworth, actress.

What: A Calvin Klein jacket and strapless dress paired with a Van Clef necklace.

Where: The IFC Center in New York City.

When: Wednesday, March 26, 2008.

Why: I am a sucker for fuss free hair and makeup for evening. Kate looks sophisticated while still looking fresh-faced and casual. Though this may seem like your average black, the shapes of both the jacket and dress are stunning and visually captivating.

Who: Mary Kate Olsen, actress (?) and fashion icon.

What: A Calvin Klein one-piece, hot pink Chanel belt, Christian Louboutins and vintage Miu Miu oversized clutch.

Where: The IFC Center in New York City.

When: Wednesday, March 26, 2008.

Why: A romper for evening is genius. I love the splash of color with the belt and because the ensemble itself is so uncomplicated, her signature mish-mash of rings and bracelets look just right and not cluttered. Totally fun and casually sexy.








Kate Bosworth: Photo courtesy of Star Pulse
Mary Kate Olsen: Photo courtesy of Fashion Week Daily

Scuba Dooby Doo

AKA New York Racer Back Shift Dress, was $389, now $116.70.

Even if you aren't scuba certified, this deep sea inspired trend is worth the plunge. That being said, this look is certainly not for the faint of heart, with its bright colors, tight, body conscious fits and more than a whisper of 80s nostalgia (remember Body Glove? They're back: www.bodyglove.com). Ground these body-hugging dresses with a simple heel in a black or nude shade and keep any other accessories to a bare minimum (flashy bags and piles of jewelry are big no-no's).










Body Con Mini Skirt, approx. $44; Curved Mini Body Con Skirt, approx. $44 (available at Topshop).

When donning one of these slim, bold skirts think simple as well. Plain white tees, easy tanks and a flat sandal will make these skirts seem breezy and casual, not over the top.

Below: Privee Doubleknit Banded Skirt, $225.


Below: AKA New York Two Part Dress, was $429, now $128.70.





















For the more daring, think wetsuit-style leggings, like these below from American Apparel. These little numbers have been seen on celebs from SJP and Heidi Klum to MK and Ashley Olsen. These statement-making leggings might not fit seamlessly into most of our day-to-day lives (I think my boss might frown upon these as would my mother if I met her for lunch squeezed into a pair), they are wildly cool and fashion-forward. Victoria Beckham is a fan, and if it's good enough for Posh, it's certainly good enough for me.

American Apparel Lamé Legging, $40.

Total IROny

For those of you who have not yet heard of the French label, IRO, it's about time that you did.

Though this line (IRO is the Japanese word for 'color') has been around since about 2002, it has taken an agonizingly long time to make it across the Atlantic.

The aesthetic is a pleasant combination of understated pieces, made interesting with bold flashes of color and exquisite cuts. Even more pleasant are the price points--most items ring in for under $200.

Some of my favorite looks are the City of Lights Dress ($180) and the Silver Bikette Leather Jacket ($495). Though $495 may seem a little steep, considering most leather jackets from comparable labels retail for hundreds more, this is quite a bargain. The tailoring on both pieces is to die for and though they both are embracing the metallic and flashy, they somehow still manage to seem subtle and even slightly demure.


More styles and looks are available online at Pink Mascara.

Out With the Old, In With the New!

Even though the weather is still a little nippy where I reside, spring has sprung and with spring comes spring cleaning. Now is the time to purge out the old clothes gathering dust and taking up space in the closet and replace these old pieces with some new, more exciting threads. No better way to shop en masse than at a sale! Head here to save up to 50% (and if you're like me, probably end up conveniently falling in love with everything not on sale).

Tranny Hot Mess

Watching this video clip from Saturday Night Live (really funny again!) is the perfect way to spend your break this dreary Friday afternoon. Enjoy!

Ahoy, Ahoy

I think I first fell in love with nautical style at around age five or six, when I received my Samantha doll for my birthday. A Victorian girl, circa 1904, her summer outfit consisted of a white sailor dress, complete with a jaunty matching hat. I was hooked. I'm not ashamed to admit that I even had a matching dress, which became my Easter dress for that year (this was back when American Girl was Pleasant Company, not owned by Mattel, and everything was beautifully made).

Needless to say, I'm happy to see this trend has returned. Whether it's a little or a lot, there are a number of ways to add a little sailor style into the mix this season. From the smallest touches, like the anchor charm on the J. Crew tote pictured below or a couple rope bracelets casually pushed onto the wrist to larger statements like A.P.C.'s denim dress and Nantucket Knotworks' brightly colored belts, you will surely look ship-shape this spring.

Now, if only I could still fit into that sailor dress...

Matelot Front Indigo Short, approx. $55 (available at Topshop)

Alfonsina Espadrille Wedge, $70.50 (available at Espadrilles Etc.).

H81 Braided Bracelet, $6.90; H81 Braid Rope Bracelet, $6.90 (available at Forever 21)

Mayfair Magazine Tote, $150 (available at J. Crew).

A.P.C. Sailor Dress, $175.

Nantucket Knotworks Ring Belts, $36-42.

Chic of the Week

Who: Actress Leighton Meester from, our beloved and very-missed, Gossip Girl

What: A bright blue Versace cocktail dress with a gorgeous neckline and draping

When: Wednesday, March 19th

Where: The launch party for Donatella Versace's revitalized menswear line at Barney's in NY

Why: Leighton epitomizes spring chic with her bright blue dress, white hot clutch, shoes & cuff, simple fresh makeup, and loose hair. This look is put together but doesn't age our favorite high schooler.

Side note- How much do you love the red shoes on the girl in the background?

Oh my, while perusing Nordstrom.com, I found this great look for less!

Lauren by Ralph Lauren Jersey Dress $134, Jessica Simpson shoes $78, Steve Madden clutch $115

Express Train to My Heart

Express for me normally conjures up images of button-downs that gap across the boobs, sweaters in itchy fabrics, too tight stretch pants, and other fashion nightmares I am not interested in making (or repeating if I'm being honest). However, I have noticed that magazines lately seem to be throwing in an Express item where I'm expecting an H&M or Forever 21 piece, so I thought I would give them another look. I'm glad I did because I found quite a few pieces, all under $80 that I would love to have hanging in my closet. They don't sell online, major setback for this lazy girl, but from basics (a black shirtdress) to trends (a bright pink dip-dyed skirt) Express has me covered this season.

Herve Leger-inspired dress $79.50, Racerback Vest $69.50, Chiffon Bow Top $49.50, Tunic $59.50

Belted Shirtdress $74.50, Dip Dyed Skirt $69.50, High Waisted Skirt $69.50

$100 to Spend at The Gap

So let's say that you are in the mood to shop, but can't spend more than say $100. These days it seems like $100 can't buy anything besides a few t-shirts from American Apparel (4.5 to be exact) or something from H&M. Well if you visit www.Gap.com, you can buy a perfect spring outift for $100!!!

Color Block Dress $24.99

Waffle Cardigan $39.50

Skinny Belt $24.50

Is Fashion Art?

Whether you answered yes or no to that question, you cannot deny that designers were channeling their inner finger painter this season. Bold prints, Dip-dyeing, and floral patterns are everywhere this spring, but another artsy trend emerging is the splatter paint/painterly chic look. To incorporate this into your spring/summer wardrobe try one of the pieces below or visit TeenVogue online for step-by-step directions on how to turn a dress you already have into a painted work of art.

AKA New York dress $141.60 at Shopbop, Simply Vera by Vera Wang for Kohl's dress $57.99, Rebel Yell dress $102 at Shopbop, A-line skirt $79 at Liz Claiborne

Splatter Paint tee $28 at Urban Outfitters, Tyra shoe $69.95 at Bakers Shoes, Monrow Tank $84 at Shopbop, Tank $15 at Old Navy

Dreaming of Deco

I am a sucker for all things Deco and these clutches are no exception. I love the combination of the linear stitching with the lush curvy shapes of these Nine West bags. The pewter and gold will both pair perfectly with a great pair of white jeans or some of the season's bright, Crayola colored dresses. This will quickly become your go-to bag for everything evening (or even a brunch or two during the day).

Nine West Deco Quilted Clutch, $59; Deco Quilt Small Frame, $35.

You Can't Stop K.M.

The new Kate Moss for TopShop collection has landed! Click here to head on over to shop the line, inspired by the beaches of Miami and the exotic destinations of India and Ibiza. The Spring/Summer 2008 Collection is all about the gypsy traveler--floaty chiffons, beading and a wide array of prints and patterns.

Great Find: YSL Jewelry

The words inexpensive and Yves Saint Laurent don't often go together in the same sentence. So imagine my surprise when I stumbled onto the jewelry page on the YSL website, while I was pretending to shop for various shoes and bags. Every piece in the current jewelry range is interesting, some large, some delicate, and all surprisingly affordable. Here are some of my favorites.

First is the Art Deco-inspired Muse Collection, with earrings, bracelets, necklaces and rings based on the hardware on the now uber-famous YSL Muse bags. Every piece is fashioned out of sterling silver and black enamel, with several adorned in fine Swarovski crystals.

Clockwise from top left: Muse Earrings ($240); Muse Ring ($225); Muse Earrings ($245); Muse Bracelet ($240).

The Opium Collection is just like the label's signature fragrance: dark and dramatic. My favorite items from this line are the Opium Bracelet ($150), Opium Ring ($110) and Opium Necklace ($190), all in gold with black agate.


The Croc Collection is a study on the heavy and the light, the positive and the negative space. Try it out with the Croc Bangle ($390) or the safari-sexy Croc Earrings ($320).


A total standout? The Arty Ring ($195) is totally major and would look right at home on the bottom of the ocean, which makes it so unusual and just so cool.

Headgear.

No, not the type sported by the nerds and geeks (dweebs?) in 1980s high school movies featuring Molly Ringwald. I'm talking about hats, headbands, barrettes...you name it. Any kind of adornment north of the neck and I am on board.

I find this picture particularly inspiring (Sujean Rim illustration courtesy of the Los Angeles Times).

Whether it is a large, floppy number like the styles seen everywhere from Urban Oufitters to Jovovich-Hawk for Target or a bright, statement-making headband, it is easy to jump on board this major trend. Here are a couple of my favorite ways to get this look.

Urban Outfitters Setting Sun Hat, $34

Rachel Weissman Braided Headbands, $52 (available at Art Effect).

Five Under Two Hundred

Pucci, Gucci and Fendi for less than $200? Yes, it can be done. I've put together five great accessories from five big names all for $200 and less. From brightly colored cuffs to party-perfect wristlets, these little pieces will not only help move your wardrobe into spring, but won't break the bank either.

Gucci 'Etretat' Rubber Flat, $150 (exclusive to Gucci.com)

Fendi Project Plexi Logo Cuff in Lemon Yellow and Apple Green, $200 each (available at eLuxury).

Miu Miu St. Cocco Lux Wristlet, $190 (available at Saks)

Marc by Marc Jacobs Skinny Leather Belt, $128 (available at Shopbop).

Emilio Pucci Silk Diamond Scarf, $160 (available at Intermix).

Chic of the Week

Who: Handbag designer, Sang A Im-Propp.

What: A short, dark and frothy Miu Miu dress.

Where: The American Museum of Natural History's Annual Winter Dance in NYC

Why: I love that Im-Propp dared to go short in a sea of long gowns. I also love the brooding charcoal paired with nothing more than opaque black tights and that fabulous bright red clutch. Glamorous, effortless and a little edgy.

Photo courtesy of style.com.

Casual & Chic in Arizona (Jeans)

Arizona Jeans emailed FB&F to offer our readers (YOU!!) $10 off anything on their site! Before we offered this to you, we wanted to make sure that you could find Arizona Jeans pieces that would help you put together some great looks, so we went to do some reasearch on http://www.azjeans.com/ and were pleasantly surprised with what we found.

We found a ton of great items that when paired with cardigans, belts, bags, and layering t's already in our closets would make some very casual and chic outfits. Two of the three looks below cost less than $50 total! When you use the promo code AZJWM1 and get $10 off then all the outfits are only $40. Head to http://www.azjeans.com/ and use the promo code before it runs out April 15th.

T-shirts $7.99, Trouser Jean $40, Headbands $6.99 for set of three

Babydoll Top $13.99, Bootcut Jeans $34, Bright Yellow Skimmers $23.99

Basic Tank $7.99, Crop Shorts $22.99, 5 Row Bracelet $6.99

2008 CFDA Nominees

President of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, Diane vonFurstenberg, has announced the nominees for the 2008 CFDA Awards.

I have put my predictions in purple, but who do you think will win? And more importantly, which of these designers will have a collection at The Gap coming out soon like the Thakoon, Doo. Ri, and Rodarte white t-shirts from last year?

WOMENSWEAR DESIGNER OF THE YEAR: Francisco Costa for Calvin Klein, Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough for Proenza Schouler, Marc Jacobs for Marc Jacobs (because it's Marc)

MENSWEAR DESIGNER OF THE YEAR: Tom Ford, Thom Browne (for making capri pants on men something recognized as a fashionable look), and Michael Bastian

ACCESSORY DESIGNER OF THE YEAR: Marc Jacobs for Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors (I love his multi-colored snakeskin oversized clutch), and Tory Burch

THE SWARVOSKI AWARD: WOMENSWEAR Kate and Laura Mulleavy for Rodarte, Thakoon Panichgul for Thakoon, and Alexander Wang (the cool designer who understands how real women dress)

THE SWARVOSKI AWARD: MENSWEAR Patrik Ervell, Tim Hamilton, and Scott Sternberg for Band of Outsiders (collaborated with Sperry on boat shoes.....enough said)

THE SWARVOSKI AWARD: ACCESSORY DESIGN Justin Giunta for Subversive Jewelry (I am dying for one of his Sunken Treasure necklaces), Philip Crangi, and Joy Gryson

Winners will be announced June 2nd

I Finally Figured Out What BOGO Means...

While everyone focuses on who's coming to H&M and what's next at Target (Case in point, I was not the only one wearing her new Jovovich-Hawk for Target floral chiffon top on Friday-- my coworker donned the exact same floaty blouse), no one is paying attention to the great things happening at Payless.

Why Payless, you ask? The self-described Shoe Source has been ushering in established and up-and-coming designers to guest design for them for the past year or so, often to great results. Current players: Abaete, Lela Rose and alice + olivia. The alice + olivia styles are a little girly for my tastes and maybe a little young, but the Lela Rose and Abaete looks are right up my alley. My top two (pictured below) are the 'Anatole' and 'Hayworth' styles, by Rose and Abaete, respectively. The subdued tones of the 'Anatole' make the polka dots seem less whimsical and more wearable and the 'Hayworth' is the perfect shoe for work when temperatures begin to rise and closed toes seem like torture.

Lela Rose for Payless 'Anatole' Pump, $35.

Abaete for Payless 'Hayworth' Flat, $30.

A Butcher, a Baker, a Candlestick Maker

I know I have been shoe-heavy the past couple of weeks, but I am very excited about my new, uber-inexpensive find: Bakers Shoes. Now that a lot of my lower price range go-to shoe stores and designers have upped their prices by mind-blowing amounts (I'm looking at you, J. Crew, Charles David and Aldo), I have been on the prowl for some cheap but chic footwear. I also didn't want to stoop to the level of shoes so cheap they only come in whole sizes...fine for winter boots, not so fine for a peep toe.

In comes Bakers Shoes. Cute, on-trend styles that actually use leather and wood, not PVC and plastic (like certain companies I have come across). I love the double strap Mary Jane in a perfect shade somewhere between silver and gunmetal and the Prada S/S 2008-esque 'Reese' sandals, in dreamy purples, blues and greens.

Clockwise from top left: Mollie, $69.95; Beckie, $79.95; Savanna, $69.95; Fleur, now $49.99

Marissa, $79.95; Reese, $39.95

Make Time

Though I always forget to wear a watch and just find it too cumbersome in the winter (layers, coats, gloves...too much to deal with), I find myself intrigued and inspired by delicate vintage bracelet watches.

I'd love to wear this style, pictured below, from Satine with a simple black turtleneck and jeans for just a touch of subtle sparkle on the wrist. $300 seem a little steep? There are multiple versions on eBay selling for much less or you can try hoofing it to a local vintage store that carries a selection of jewelry--they always have at least one in the case. Telling time is beside the point, so if it's gorgeous but doesn't tick, I say not a problem!

Vintage Victorian Watch Bracelet by Lulu Frost, $300 (available at Satine).

It's Landed!

Chloe's Sevigny's much-anticipated line for Opening Ceremony has landed at Barneys, a huge relief for those of us who do not reside in downtown Manhattan.

They are so far only retailing a few pieces online, but hopefully this is just a preview of things to come. Click here to view the collection's look book and click on the image below to head right over to the Barneys website to shop.

Chic of the Week

Who: Actress Camilla Belle

What: A one-shouldered Gucci for Fall 2008

When: Wednesday, March 5th.

Where: The premiere of 10,000 BC at Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, CA.

Why: This favorite of Teen Vogue is the perfect blend of polished and gypsy, with her shiny, pin straight hair and paisley-adorned Gucci frock, complete with tassels and fringe.










Photo courtesy of Hollywood Tuna.

Drip Drop

Stubbs & Wootton 'Jackson' skimmer, $350

This Pollock-inspired piece of genius has me swooning. It's the same classic Stubbs & Wootton slipper shape, updated in black leather and drenched in splatter paint. Usually found in needlepoint and velvet, these shoes can often be staid, but not so with this style. It's completely tough and somehow totally wearable, thanks to its unassuming framework.

The $350 price tag is a little steep, I know, but these shoes last f-o-r-e-v-e-r. In other words, they are well worth it. Think of it as a solid investment.

Flora and Fauna

J. Crew crew cuts headband, $14.50

Hands down my most favorite purchase for the spring, this headband was actually spotted in the girl's clothing section at J. Crew as part of their crew cuts line. It is available in bright yellow, white and the rosy shade of pink pictured above (I bought the yellow). It brightens up a gloomy day and adds a little something to a drab, uninspired Monday outfit (such as what I wore this past Monday)--I got numerous comments from coworkers, despite my black leggings and gray/brown cardigan--saying I looked so "spring-y" and wondering where I found this...find.

My J. Crew was running low, so go fast or purchase online right now.

Obsessed with...Pour la Victoire

I'm dying over these shoes. Seen in Lucky's January issue, Pour la Victoire is quickly making a splash with their inventive color palette and wildly affordable price points. Zippers and double ankle straps give the shoes sex appeal, but never cross the line. Most of all, I love the pairing of shades that don't often find themselves as bedfellows, like red matched with pink or purple paired with sky blue.

For those who don't like to showcase R.O.Y.G.B.I.V. below their ankles, Pour la Victoire (which translates to For the Victory) also features tamer taupes and tans as well as your basic black.

Lourdes Heel, $208.99; Babette Heel, $187.99 (at Heels.com)

Prudence Pump, $164.95 (at Nordstrom)

2. (used with a plural verb) personal belongings.

To me, there is no better way to perk up a blah wardrobe (or just one that is maybe a little past its prime) than with statement-making accessories. Whether it is with a great hat or belt purchased at Urban Outfitters, the perfect headband from American Apparel or those old Chloes you found on eBay, it's the little things that make a difference.

As I've mentioned before, I love quirky little jewelry pieces, and some of the best come from Paraphernalia. Much has been written about their cut acrylic necklaces in shapes ranging from birds nests and binoculars to dresses, ribcages and skulls. I think the true standouts of the line, however, are the simple, oversized brooches. The two collections, Fauna and Portrait, feature whimsical wildlife illustrations and grand ladies with unique choices of chapeau, respectively. I've included my favorites below.

From left: Fauna Curious Deer Brooch, $23; Fauna Smug Giraffe Brooch, $23; Fauna Confused Owl Brooch, $23.

Portrait The Fisherman's Wife Brooch, $22; Portrait Ms. Oiseau Brooch, $22.

The Paraphernalia jewelry collection as a whole is inspired by vintages illustrations, taking cues from anatomical drawings, pattern books, storybook silhouettes and flora and fauna. It is about beauty found in the "odd, the unusual, the uncanny and the bizarre."

Each piece is handmade in the UK, rendered out of printed and cut plastic, which is extremely light and just slightly translucent, making these playful pieces that much more wearable.