Fall Wardrobe ala APC

I know I just declared my undying love for and unhealthy crush on Urban Outfitters' fall offerings. But I find myself having a bit of a wandering eye. An eye that's wandering right over to APC.

LEFT: I love the sweater vest (Sleeveless Pullover, $240) that is just the right touch of nerd, worn with a classic plaid scarf (Scottish Plaid Scarf, $120) and uber-chic ankles (High-heel Boots, $630), to dress up (and sex up) this buttoned-up look. RIGHT: So french. So perfect. A slim trench (Classic Trench Coat, $440) over a feminine but understated cotton dress (Bow Dress, $280), given a masculine and casual touch of flat lace-up boots (Lace-Up Ankle Boots, $480) is such a romantic look for walking around on a rainy fall day - all while looking unbelievably cool.

LEFT: I am having great daydreams of myself living a very cool life in this plaid cape (Cape with Diagonal Buttoning, $440), maybe paired with my obsession-worthy tassel loafers courtesy of Bass and maybe a skirt, to keep things semi-girly. RIGHT: Same vest, same boots, yet now paired with a parka (Parka with Removable Lining, $550) and printed peter pan collar dress ('Girl' Dress, $230). Such a great juxtaposition of feminine and masculine, day and night.

I am drowning in my own love for this nautical-inspired jacket. Lord knows I love the nautical look, and always will, and I am dying to play dress up in this short jacket (Sailor Coat, $540). I think I would instead pair it with a frilly dress and clunky heels for evening and throw on some beat up ballets for day.

Fall Wardrobe ala Urban Outfitters

BOOT UP!

From left: Fornarina Nico Boot, $328; Dressage Riding Boot, $158; Wool Riding Cap, $28; Bass Tassel Loafer, $98.

WAIST NOT, WANT NOT.

From left: Lux Knit Pencil Skirt, $28; Lark & Wolff by Steven Alan Seersucker Blouse, $48; Lark & Wolff by Steven Alan Highwaist Short, $68.

BUCKLE, PLEAT AND TIE.

From left: Frye Engineer Boot, $188; Dru NY Carolyn Oxford Heel, $150; Kimchi Blue Pleated Chiffon Mini, $58.

I'm loving the current look at Urban Outfitters for fall - somewhere in between horseback rider, The Preppy Handbook and the Lower East Side. I want to make wool tights, loafers and these Lark & Wolff shorts into my unofficial uniform. I love the idea of pairing this mini-pleated with black tights and these peep-toe oxfords or bare legs and clunky Frye boots. A boxy top, like this Lark & Wolff seersucker version, thrown on with this pencil skirt by Lux will be a great play on shape and volume.

Anyone looking for the perfect gift for my looming half-birthday? I think any of these items will do. Thank you for asking.

Chic of the Week

Who: Actress Maggie Gyllenhaal.

What: A midnight blue and black Zac Posen gown.

When: Wednesday, July 23, 2008.

Where: The Barcelona premiere of her movie, The Dark Knight.

Why: Miss Maggie looks totally glam, but with the right dose of goth, for this dark movie's red carpet step and repeat. The dress manages to be both sleek and curve-hugging, making up for her previous questionable jumpsuit wearing on the red carpet.

Photo courtesy of People.com.

Tre Te

From top left: Di by Gaetano Perrone, $162.50; Mare by Manuela Filipovic, $153.50; Fun by Kay Baldock, $153.50.

Clockwise, from top left: Gladys by Gianluca Soldi, $195.50; Plath by Natalie Portman, $395; Genevieve by Gianluca Soldi, $237.50; Lennor by Zoe Lee, $177.50.
Te Casan, meaning a woman's path in Gaelic, describes itself as "a universal identity with all women but belonging to no one particular country, place or person. The name embraces the legacy and strength of all women; of women, for women." Located in New York and founded in 2006, this ingenious footwear label recruits a laundry list of designers who have worked at fashion houses ranging from Vivienne Westwood to Dries Van Noten to design shoes for limited edition capsule collections. Founder Yaron Kopel views each shoe as it's own work of art, but tries to keep each of these meticulously crafted artisan designs at prices that are attainable for those of us who find $700 shoes to be a little...overwhelming.

Current designers include Natalie Portman, who creates vegan footwear for Te Casan, keeping true to her cruelty free beliefs, even went it comes to chaussures. Others currently working under the label include Gaetano Perrone, who has designed for McQueen and Gianluca Soldi, who has created footwear for both Dolce & Gabbana and Versace.

Chic of the Week

Who: Model Coco Rocha.

What: A satin Chanel dress and super-high Louboutins.

When: Monday, July 14, 2008.

Where: Longchamp's 60th Anniversary bash at its Soho outpost in Manhattan.

Why: Everything about this look has a sheen and polish, from the navy satin of her party frock and her black patent oversized Longchamp clutch to her sleek, stick-straight locks and glowing, translucent skin.







Photo courtesy of ICelebShot.com.

Yes, Yes, Yes!

Praise be. Vogue is launching a Reality TV series next month with modeling agency IMG about the life of three models as they go on castings and learn the ins and outs of the biz.

Voguettes across the land, get ready to use your computer for more than just online shopping and Style.com.

Visit NY Mag's fabulous blog In the Cut for more info or to WSJ to learn more - and see a clip!

The Return of Austin Scarlett

WHERE are they getting these models? ROUGH.

So...the newest season of Project Runway aired last night. Kelli was our winner, while Jerry was out (But couldn't we tell that coming with the early-in-the-episode foreshadowing of him talking about how great and successful he was? He was priming himself for a fall). I loved Kelli's innovation and how she not only rose to the challenge, but went beyond. Using the spiral notebook binding as hook and eyes, dyeing the vaccuum bags...she actually really listened to what the judges (and Austin, welcome back!) were asking for.

Kelli, Episode One's Winner - a really good designer, even though she is wearing paint-splattered ripped jeans in this picture

Also promising? Daniel with his structured Solo-cup dress (pictured above) and Wesley's vibrant yellow minidress with bits of matching flyswatters working their way around the strap and bust. Which somehow worked. And god bless Suede - not only does he call himself Suede but he actually refers to himself in the third person. The world needs more people like that.

What are your thoughts, dear readers?


Photo courtesy of NYMag.com and Bravo.

Up, Up and Away!

Attendees of the Met's Costume Institute gala (clockwise from top left): Kate Bosworth in 1992 Chanel Haute Couture; Lake Bell in Balmain; Naomi Watts in Thierry Mugler; Caroline Trentini in 1984 Thierry Mugler.

A Wonder Woman costume worn by the original well-accessorized superheroine, played by Lynda Carter, from 1976.

From Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy at the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Adam West as Batman, in the wonderful Batman TV series of the mid-to-late 60s.

Pow! Blam! Zow! Bang! The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute has started a new trend faster than a speeding bullet. The museum's current exhibit, Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy, takes its inspiration from comic books, TV, movies and athletic wear. It is all about the body in motion and how fashion relates to movement and imagination, as seen through elaborate and iconic costuming and apparel.

Many top designers have copped to reading comics as youngins' (Mr. Giorgio Armani among them) and have let this influence creep in every season or so (spiderweb-like creations inspired by Your Friendly Neighborhood Spiderman and skintight, goth numbers ala Catwoman). As this exhibit shows past examples of fashion and fantasy, it has in turn inspired new looks playing on this very theme. From Topshop's glimmering lightning bolt skirt (very Storm of the X-Men) to Kova and T's latex skirts and leggings that scream Michelle Pfeiffer in Batman Returns, it is easier than ever this season to let your inner superhero soar. At any price.

Be bold. Be daring. And let fashion let you save the day.

American Apparel Shiny Bodysuit, $34.

Topshop Sequin Lightning Strike Skirt, approx. $108.93.

Clockwise from top left: Elsa Peretti small sterling silver Bone cuff, $650; Frank Gehry Torque bangle, $495; Frank Gehry Flux cuff, $850; Frank Gehry medium Torque bangle in sterling silver, $475 (all available at Tiffany).

Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman in 1992's Batman Returns.

Natasha Poly walking Balenciaga's F/W 2008 runway.

Linda Farrow for Luella Batman sunglasses, approx. $397.82 (Visit Linda Farrow for stockists).

Kova and T Latex High Waist Skirt, $209 (available at Shopbop); Kova and T Oxy Leggings, $110 (available at Tobi).

Photos courtesy of Features.ElleUK.com, Style.com, Flickr, Fabsugar, Samantha-I-am, BFI and The Fashion Spot.

S-E-X is Spelled S-H-O-E

Glenys Python Sandal, $1,550.

Gwyneth Paltrow in Cannes wearing Balmains back in May.

Julia Restoin-Roitfeld at a Cinema Society Screening this month, wearing Givenchy heels.

Bebe Venetian Zipper Strappy Sandal, $169.

Steve Madden Ginn ($199.95) and Maddiee ($109.95) styles.

Nine West Dasolina, $99.
Jeffrey Campbell Lala Heels, $94 (available at Lori's Shoes).

Analisa Heel by Marciano, $189.99 (available at Heels.com).

There is something seriously sexy going on south of the ankle this season. Equipped with the highest of high heels and zippers, straps, fringe, twists and ties, the best footwear out there right now has more than a little cheek--it's downright naughty.

Whether you can afford to splurge on skin and zipper Choos or your budget only allows Jeffrey Campbell's seriously fringed numbers to come home with you, let your shoes show off that dirty, dirty mind all their own.

Gwyneth photo courtesy of StyleItLess. Julia photo courtesy of From the Desk of Phyllis.

Summer Island Style in an FB&F Price Range

If you are having a slow work day today, head over to Style.com and check out their slide show on Ibiza style. When I imagine what people visiting Ibiza this summer might wear (not going to Ibiza when I lived in Barcelona is still my biggest regret!), I assumed it would echo the high-end designer styles one might encounter in St. Barths, Monaco, and the like.

However, according to this slide show I could hang with the jet set Ibiza crowd (Elle Macpherson, Jade Jagger, etc...) in my Topshop and H&M duds. These three were my favorite looks from the slide show, and they are all vintage, Topshop, or something of a similar price point. Enjoy!

Can You Keep a Secret?

Ethched Locket $34 from Urban Outfitters

Don't tell anyone, but I am currently obsessed with MySpace. I have found that I can save a few dollars here and there by listening to MySpace all day instead of downloading songs to iTunes......I know, I know this is a horrible habit, but I can't help it!

If you want to get in on my dirty little secret, check out some of my favorite new profiles that I have been listening to lately

Sister duo The Pierces - http://www.myspace.com/thepierces
Soulful Bon Iver - http://www.myspace.com/boniver
New Wave-ish VHS or BETA - http://www.myspace.com/vhsorbeta
Crazy mixers Girl Talk - http://www.myspace.com/girltalk
Denmark pop group Alphabeat - http://www.myspace.com/thisisalphabeat
Folk singer Meander - http://www.myspace.com/meandermeander

Celeb Style for...The Same Price?!

Not very often can we FB&F girls afford the clothes that celebs wear (see "Celeb Style for Less," "Looks We Wish We Could Afford," etc...), but thanks to Jennifer Hudson and her stylist now we can. On her new album cover Jennifer is wearing a dress that retails for $36!

The cotton/spandex dress that Jennifer is rocking is the "Nightlife Dress" which is $36 at American Apparel. We like that Jennifer's stylist (or maybe her good friend Andre) highlighted Jennifer's waist with a wide patent leather belt, so we suggest you do the same.

Stick with the budget-friendly theme and pair the dress with:
Patent Croc Belt $6.80 from Forever 21

Or use the funds you saved by spending $36 on the dress and splurge with this belt:

D&G Dolce & Gabbana Patent Belt $460 at Neiman Marcus

Are you Ready?

Season 5 of the much-adored (and I mean by me!) series Project Runway debuts this Wednesday night! Thank God because I have been in style-tv withdrawal with no Project Runway or Gossip Girl. In anticipation of seeing how Project Runway can top their amazing last season, I have spent the afternoon perusing the new designers bios online.

So far I think I have it narrowed down to two designers I will most likely be rooting for (Jerell and Wesley) and two designers who look like they will cause some major drama this season (Joe "I've been in this industry for 18 years" and Stella - just because she looks a little too intense on her bio photo).

Interesting how almost every designer listed Vivenne Westwood and/or Alexander McQueen as their Favorite Designers.....I hope that means we will be seeing a lot of avant-garde designs this season (a la last season fave, Christian). Although I don't think we will be seeing those from Jennifer, who in her designer bio seems to be a bit boring and a carbon copy of Laura from Season 3, but with Project Runway you never can tell who will be in and who will be out (sorry, but I couldn't resist!).

Can't wait for Wednesday!

Rock the Vote

Visit ELLE.com to select your top choice for the gal with the best personal style right now. Choices include Agyness Deyn, Posh, Amy Winehouse and Angelina Jolie. The winner will be #25 in the magazine's October issue's first annual Personal Style Awards feature (they already picked numbers 1 through 24). It's up to us to make our mark!

Click the image below to visit the site and vote - remember: voting ends July 18, so hurry, hurry!

Chic of the Week

Who: Claire Danes, actress and two-time Chic of the Weeker.

What: A silver v-neck Gucci dress with fringed sash and criss-crossed metallic sandals.

When: Tuesday, July 8, 2008.

Where: A celebration of Gucci's 70 year anniversary with a presentation of the Cruise 2009 collection and special dinner at the Villa Aurelia in Rome, Italy.

Why: As always, Miss Danes looks totally classic, cool and simple. Potsitively glowing and sparkling and radiant - making it clear what a no-brainer it was for Gucci to select the actress as the new face of their fine jewelry line.

Claire Danes, with Hugh Dancy, taking in the Cruise 2009 show front the front row.

A boho-chic runway look from the show.

Photo courtesy of Daily Celebrities and Gossip Girls.

A Thin Line Between Love and Hate

I love Chloe Sevigny. I think she is a very stylish gal. That's not to say that sometimes her ensembles don't make my eyeballs jump out of their sockets and my jaw literally drop to the ground like Bugs Bunny, out of utter shock and surprise. Because they do. Some things just. Don't. Work. So when I came across this picture of her at the premiere of HBO's Generation Kill I had to sit and think for a moment. Was this ones of those times?

In theory, I love this look. A black, baggy, menswear-inspired trouser paired with an undeniably feminine top. A red lip with an otherwise basically bare face. A high, slick bun that looks like it was put up in just a few minutes, not slaved over by a stylist. Almost no accessories - just strappy black heels and a tiny purse thrown across the body.

That brings up the question, then, of why doesn't this work? Why is the sum of the parts better than the whole? I think the answer lies in the fit. The pants should be a tad higher in the waist to accent it. And just in general, they do nothing for her. The bustier should nip her in a little more, again to flatter the waist. Together, the both just look dumpy, not quirky and definitely not her usual level of chicness.

What do you think? Do you love it? Do you hate it? Or do you agree that it is successful, but only hypothetically?


Photo courtesy of Daily Celebrities.

Really? REALLY?!

Am I to believe my eyes? Is that Heidi Montag carrying a Birkin? A gleaming white Hermes Birkin with Palladium hardware?

Her? Really? REALLY?!

I think I just threw up a little.

THIS is the correct version of picture-of-famous-woman-with-Birkin:

Aerin Lauder, with Birkin, from February of this year.

Okay, phew. That cleansed the palette a little bit.

Photos courtesy of Celeb Slam, Meandsis.com and Park Avenue Peerage.

Still Feeling: The Fashion as Art (Or is it Art as Fashion?) Trend

Call me dated, but I'm still really diggin' Spring/Summer 2008's painterly trend. Maybe it's the Art History major in me or maybe it's because I'm a sucker for color, but this is a look I have plans to embrace for a while to come. I think these bold, bright pieces are pitch perfect for the remaining summer months and will even look fantastic paired with sweaters, tights and loony layers once temperatures drop. Once the weather becomes especially bleak, won't these sunny yellows and electric blues help to add a little cheer back into the equation?

Clockwise from top left: YSL Raspail Cascade-Print Tote, was $995, now $560 (available at Saks); Brushstroke Print Dress, approx. $99 (available at Topshop); Alexandra Cassaniti Brushstroke Pattern Tote Bag, $220 (available at AlexandraCassaniti.com); See by Chloe Color Block Dress, was $590, now $295; Alice + Olivia Applique Dress, was $396, now $277.20 (available at Shopbop).

The trend's Abstract Expressionist roots:

Robert Motherwell's Elegy to the Spanish Republic, No. 57 (1957-60)

Franz Kline's Untitled (1957)

Photos courtesy of Abstract-Art.com and SuitcasePaintings.com.