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.

Do you Dare?

The now-famous Balenciaga black and white, knee-high gladiators.

MK and Ashley in knee-high styles, ready for battle the red carpet.

Clockwise from top left: Fierro High Leg Sandal, approx. $99; Hackle High Leg Fringe, approx. $49.54; Frisky Link Chain Sandal, approx. $81.16; Frisky Link Chain Sandal, approx. $81.16; Hackle High Leg Fringe, approx. $49.54.

Now that Topshop is offering knee-grazing gladiator styles that are more in the FB&F girls' (ahem) modest price range, will you dare to wear your sandals up the there? Strap up the ankles and calves in braided, woven leather and fringe? This look is certainly not for the faint of heart (or large of calf, for that matter), but is one that has carried on for almost a year at this point. One can argue that it is a trend that certainly has legs (sorry, I had to do it)...

Will you be giving this look a whirl? Or did you take the plunge already with designer versions?

Photos courtesy of Style.com and People.com.

Paper or Plastic?

Neither. The latest in reusable, eco-chic bags are these brightly colored styles by What's Ur Bag. Called its-LaS-tik, thanks to their stretchy, shiny and bouncy material, these bags actually move and conform to practically anything you try to shove into them. For groceries and day-to-day, go for The Bag style ($12.99) and for toting smaller items or for a night out, try The Pouch ($11.99). Things get a little tougher when it comes to choosing color. There are plain solids in bright, summery shades, patterns (swirls, stripes and florals) and glittering metallics (my personal favorites--I just ordered The Bag in Midnight and Shiny Penny). One for nearly every outfit and every mood. I opted for The Bag in Midnight and in Shiny Penny--the metallics make me feel slightly 80s yet also like an American Apparel model. Two things I like.

These eco-friendly bags don't just give back to the environment through furthering the movement to forgo landfill-cramming plastic bags. Made in New Orleans, the company works to provide jobs for the city's residents and put desperately needed money into its economy. Its-LaS-tik bags are even made in a factory destroyed by Katrina, then rebuilt by the hurricane's survivors. Better yet? 5% of sales proceeds are donated to Hope House in New Orleans, a local charity dedicated to providing youth programs, adult learning programs and emergency rent, food and shelter.

Truly stylish and truly inspirational.

The Pouch in Bullion, Tinsel and Shiny Penny; The Bag in Bullion and Shiny Penny; The Bag in Tie Dye; The Bag in Midnight, Skyline, Tinsel and Midnight; The Bag in Salt & Pepper.

London Calling

Since all the cards are stacked against me (soaring ticket prices, never ending flight delays, and the current value of the US dollar), sadly a trip to London is not in my near future. However this no longer means that I can't buy the same styles as London ladies Kate Moss and Sienna Miller, because London shopping is coming to us!

London-based Topshop, a FB&F favorite thanks to it's wallet-conscious (but fashion forward) designs, is opening in New York's Soho neighborhood this September! This means we will be able to stock up on our favorite waistcoats, blazers, frilly dresses, and more on U.S soil. A trip to NY will cost you far less (if anything you lucky Manhattanittes) than a trip across the pond, so book your NY visit now for September 2008.

There is also good news for those of us who would rather spend our money on clothes than on plane fare to NY. The iconic Notting Hill Portobello Road Market sells almost everything under the sun, and now the website Pret a Portobello is bring us what we love best about Portobello....the great vintage finds and pieces from up and coming London-based designers. In the spirit of an open market, you can even haggle in the "Let's Trade" area if you wish. Visit today though since many of these items are one-of-a-kind and when they're gone, they're gone.

Some of my favorites from Pret a Portobello today:

Dahlia Double-Layer Waistcoat - £45 (pounds)

Belle du Jour Crystal Star Necklace - £18

Vintage 1970s Lanvin Shirt - £40

Emily & Fin Fushia Lulu Dress - £55

The Perfect Summer Tote - B. seems to think so, too

Tory Burch Lovebird Tote, $175 (available at Saks).

She wasn't named Accessories Designer of the Year for nothin'. Tory Burch's Lovebird tote is so far my favorite bag of the summer. Available in a multitude of colors, though I love the classic navy, and fabricated out of durable canvas, this is the perfect beach bag. Just the right height to stuff in an unnecessary amount of magazines, sunblock, water, the new David Sedaris (although in my case, something decidedly more low brow...or fashion-related), sunglasses (I seem to travel with two pairs these days-for what reason, I do not know) and whatever else you may need as you relax on the sand, by the pool or just walking around running errands.

The stylists on Gossip Girl and Miss Waldorf herself (well, Leighton Meester) seem to agree on the virtues of this simple tote. The actress has been spotted on set with this very model last Thursday and Friday, June 2nd and 3rd, respectively.

Apparently it also works well to ward off prying paparazzi...quite a multitasker!


Photos courtesy of GossipGirlFan.org.

An All Star Lineup

I've never been much of a Converse girl (I think they make my feet look like long, narrow boats), but I have always loved the look...on other people, that is. I must say, however, that my curiosity was piqued upon discovering the new Converse All Star Light, part of the brand's Fall 2008 lineup. This line celebrates 100 years of the label's now iconic footwear and its "indelible connection to music and culture."

This just released style, designed specifically for women, is described as "a new, clean, simple take on the Chuck Taylor All Star Shoe" featuring a "chic, slimmer construction with minimal detailing." In high top form, these shoes take on the appearance of old fashioned wrestling sneakers (in a good way). As low tops, they look like a traditional pair of Ked's hip younger sister - the one who moved to New York and dates mostly musicians.


The All Star Light is available in gold, silver, bright pink (not shown), black and milk, but I think it will be the metallics that I will be sporting come fall.

Available at converse.com or shoes.com. Only black and milk are on sale at the moment, but stay tuned this month and next for the unveiling of the other three shades. Retail price: around $40-62.

Photos courtesy of Complex.com, Shoes.com and mnr.onthescene.com/converse/fall2008.html.

Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star...

I am obsessed with accessories. This should be clear by now. The latest on my radar? Baubles by Twinkle by Wenlan. Since 2000, designer Wenlan Chai has built up a virtual empire that includes everything from ready to wear, interior items such as throw pillows, bedding and uber-cool hand-tufted wool rugs, jewelry and even yarn. Not to mention the two (soon to be three--the next knitting tome is out this September) books she has penned on how to create your very own knits after her own whimsical, feminine designs.

There is so much to discuss. But my current focus and object of my affection is Twinkle's brilliant collection of necklaces and pins fashioned out of mostly metal and plastic beads of all shapes and sizes. Some creations are comprised solely of a subtle and delicate pendant dangling on a superlong chain, while others are large, colorful and slightly madcap, writhing and twisting around each other. This fall I will be centering all outfits around these inventive and stylish creations.

Another gem? Basically all of TbW's delectable costume jewelry rings in at under $200. No longer do we have to wish upon a star for gorgeous, statement making jewelry that doesn't take up an entire paycheck.

Clockwise from top right: Lumber Jack Pin, $108; Starry Night Necklace, $123; Constellation Necklace, $99; Fox Pin, $108; Heavy Metal Necklace, $136; Rock Candy Necklace, $194 (as seen in August's Teen Vogue).

The Tops

A favorite of everyone from Kate Moss to...me, one of the UK's top imports is hands down the retail chain Topshop. Thankfully for those of us who want to scoop up everything they sell into her virtual shopping cart, but feel the sting of the weak dollar, Topshop is having a summer sale. Save up to 60% off on some of the hottest trends from across the pond, but go fast - favorites are already selling out!

Click here to save.

Shipping Sale!

J. Crew is having technical issues with their website today, and as a result we sensible shoppers can reap the benefits! Visit jcrew.com and use the promo code FREESHIP for free shipping. Use this opportunity to finally buy those sale items you have been eyeing all summer! See some of the ones I am picking up below.

Martine Clutch was $98, now $49.99

Kayla Dress was $58, now $39.99

Pastille Dress was $228, now $79.99

Antibes enamel-link banded tank was $94, now $59.99

Dress you up in my love

Is it possible to have a crush on an item of clothing? I'm thinking yes. Maybe that's just because I am currently stalking a particular dress online, casually flirting with the "Add to Cart" button. Coyly taking the credit card out of my wallet, only to get an attack of purchasing shyness, and promptly putting said card back into my white cobra Kingsley billfold.

The object of my affection? A charcoal colored silk number by Ted Baker. What makes this otherwise simple little number so crushworthy is not its length or its label, it is actually the substantial ruffle that extends from the middle of the neck to the middle of the back, creating an asymmetric, unexpected touch culminating in a cascading ribbon. It's slightly avant-garde and runway ready, but still exudes a certain sexiness and femininity that has me all a-twitter. I also sort of oddly love the unnecessarily long and complicated title given to the dress because, well, maybe I'm a little complicated too.

Ted Baker Silk Ruffle Detail One Shoulder Dress, $281.19 (available at ASOS).

Chaimping at the Bit

They say patience is a virtue. "They" clearly were not being forced to wait a month for designer Richard Chai's undeniably fantastic collection for Target, due online and in stores August 3rd. After a few, let's face it, disappointing partnerships (Rogan, anyone?), this new union is beyond welcome in this girl's eyes.

Chai's designs for the line fall somewhere in between relaxed and easy going and edgy and sharp, with particular focus on graphic prints, long cardigans, slouchy skirts and a fall palette of purples, grays and greens. I can't wait to snatch up the cream and purple colorblock dress, a thigh-grazing long sweater (or two), the sure to sell out embellished white tee and well, just about everything else in this just plain cool collection.

T-minus 28 days...

Looks from Richard Chai's Spring/Summer 2008 and Fall/Winter 2008 Collections.

Photos courtesy of Nylon and Style.com.

With Liberty...

Us FB&F girls will be celebrating in the Southwest this Fourth of July, but while we are away, surely consuming too much beer, too much food, and just too much in general, we wanted to leave you with a salute to all things American. Our wonderful American designers that is.

I pledge allegiance to Calvin, and to the republic of Donna, one nation under Ralph, indivisible, with liberty and Michael (and Marc) for all.

Spring/Summer 2008 runway looks and accessories from (clockwise from top left: Marc Jacobs, Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, Michael Kors, Donna Kara, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren and Marc Jacobs.

Have a happy (and fashionable) Fourth of July!
xo, The FB&F Girls

Runway photos courtesy of Style.com.

Chic of the Week

Who: Lauren Santo Domingo (nee Davis), socialite/Vogue Contributor, with Andre Leon Talley.

What: A tee by The Row paired with a Proenza Schouler feathered skirt.

When: Tuesday, July 1, 2008.

Where: The unveiling of "Couture Mascot" Daphne Guiness's The Phemonology of Body at the Crillon, Paris.

Why: The rumpled (yet somehow voluminous) icy blond hair. The slouchy (yet somehow form fitting) charcoal t-shirt, that you can tell is the softest of the soft. The risky (yet somehow refined) feathered skirt. All (somehow) perfection.






Photo courtesy of Fashion Week Daily.

Minnie Mouse

Devon Dress, $240

With the Fourth of July just a day away, the modern-Americana looks of Minnie Mortimer, socialite-cum-designer, feel just right. The collection is centered on crisp shirtdresses, red stripes, tailored shorts and gingham. Perfect with just a few gold bangles, a pair of espadrilles and fuss-free summer hair. Clambakes, outdoor cocktail parties and cookouts on the beach - here we come! Now if we had a sprawling estate in the Hamptons to call our own...

All styles available at Minnie Mortimer.

Georgia Dress, $200

Lilly Blouse, $185

Tatiana Dress, $240

I Can See Clearly Now...

From WWD:

PARIS — See by Chloé has created a bag line to be presented to buyers here starting today. Geared to the 18-to-30 age group, the line will hit stores at the end of May. Executives said the line will be distinctive for its graphic plays on the See by Chloé logo and quirky fabric and color combinations, with a strong focus on fabrics rather than only leather. "It's more playful, young and sporty — more cool," said Myriam Serrano, manager of accessories for Chloé and See by Chloé. Often playing on matte and shiny contrasts, coated cotton gabardine, nylon and plastic are among the fabrics in the collection, and leathers include calfskin and sheepskin. Styles from the eclectic line include shoulder bags that echo sports bags from the Seventies and glittery, soft clutches, as well as a range of vibrant, logo-splashed cotton canvas shoppers. Certain styles feature detachable straps, and highlights from the small leather goods include a dinky mouse purse and animal key chains. Prices range from around $300 to $470 at retail for fabric bags to $500 to $700 for leather styles. Small leather goods sell for $40 to $120.

UPDATE: Will now hit stores this August. Not too much longer, girls!

Photo courtesy of Style.com.

Bag Lady

I love me some Urban Outfitters, don't get me wrong. But while they are a go-to for sunglasses, hats and the occasional skinny jean (and yes, I'll admit, I definitely bought ironic t-shirts there during high school and college), they aren't my first or favorite destination for bags. I certainly own baubles, scarves and every other accessory under the sun from there, but never bags.

Visiting their website today, however, I received a pleasant surprise. They have some great bags! That aren't all made out of PVC!!! Standouts include the Folio Briefcase bag, that has a very vintage/Lanvin feel to it, the slouchy Sabina Leather Convertible satchel and the obsession-worthy Leather Tooled Doctor bag. These are definitely on my radar for fall, with their rich color palette and easy, throw-on-with-jeans-and-a-sweater shapes.

Clockwise from top left: Leather Tooled Doctor Bag, $98; Sabina Leather Convertible Satchel, $245; Folio Briefcase Bag, $58; Suede Tassel Hobo, $68; Coast to Coast Camera Bag, $34; Sabina Convertible Leather Bag, $245.

Come Fly With Me

Let's talk about Bird LA. This Los Angeles Boutique, opened by globe-trotter Wendy Vaughan in 2001, focuses on hand-selected merchandise that is more unique, less "It." No bags-of-the-moment or logos inside these doors. The result? Well-edited pieces from designers both unheard of and much buzzed about from magazine to magazine. Think VPL, B. Romanek, Repetto and Havaianas alongside Demitasse, Hanro and Gary Graham. A great collection of jewelry from multiple labels, underpinnings that are the right combination of soft and sexy and dresses, tops and jackets that would look at home in any of this world's hemispheres.

Some looks wind up more in the fabulous than the flat broke price range, but there are many deals to be found as well. And isn't it always worth spending a wee bit more for a look that is special and personal? Let's face it - we all deserve a little splurge every once in awhile (especially on ourselves).

Clockwise from top left: Bear Head Necklace by Disaya, $588; Elastic Sandal by VPL, $295; Green Round Star Ring by Luc Keifer, $185; Flash White Thong by Havaianas, $20; Sweet Valley Bikini by Kushcush, $210; Ultra Night Sky Jelly by Melissa, $325; Suede Necklace by Isabela Caputo, $275; Tiare Coconut Milk Candle by Burn Candles, $55; Brown Breaker Tank by VPL, $165.

To Love is Human...

From today (July 1) until Sunday (July 6), Pink Mascara is offering a buy one, get one at 50% off sale on their popular collection of Love Quotes scarves. These soft linen and viscose blend scarves (retail: $85), available in every shade of the rainbow and beyond, are favored by celebs from Cameron Diaz and Hilary Duff to Lauren Conrad, Jessica Alba and Rachel Bilson. Better yet? For every scarf sold, Love Quotes donates 10% of proceeds to international children's charities.

Just use quote LoveQuotes to receive the discount.

Clockwise from top left: Lindsay Lohan wearing her Love Quotes (in Cosmopolitan); Pearl Blue; Lime Ice.

Current Obsession: Alice + Olivia

Even though almost all of these would be considered binges by FB&F standards, and I hate to tempt you to shop even more than you probably are with all the summer sales going on, but I just needed to share my current obsession with Alice + Olivia summer dresses with someone so I'm no longer trolling Shopbop and Chick Downtown by myself......sorry!

But if anyone has a summer birthday check or a stimulus check burning a hole in their pocketbook, please indulge me and spend it on one of these gorgeous dresses.

Oh and I am almost 100% sure that Blair will wear the Garden Party Dress (bottom right) while in the Hamptons on an episode of Gossip Girl next season

From left to right: Pleated Puff Dress $495 at Shopbop, Tootsie Dress $198 at Shopbop, Sequin Ombre Dress $495 at Shopbop

From left to right: Deco Colorblock Dress $198 at Chick Downtown , Garden Party Dress $440 at Chick Downtown