The Girl Who Cried Wolf

East Village boutique, Cry Wolf, to the relief and joy of those of us who live outside Manhattan's parameters, has just launched online shopping! Opened by husband and wife team Abiri Ward and Nina Wolff in 2008, who happen to reside blocks away from their clothing and accessories outpost, the boutique offers hand-selected items for men and women from labels like Acne, Cutler & Cross, Wood Wood, Angela Barrow, Quail, Best Behavior, Creative Recreation and Whitley Kros. This is truly a hands-on affair and a labor of love - architect Wolff even designed the clean lined yet cozy retail space.

Needless to say, thrilled to be able to peruse through the couple's well-edited selections online. They are currently even offering some large discounts on a wide array of merchandise. Things just keep getting better!

Here are some of my favorite picks:

Eryn Brinie Woven Jacket, now $85.

Pleat Camisole Tank by Quail, now $68; Wood Wood Comet Sanremo Pants, now $87.

Whitley Kros Spring Tank, now $98.

Wood Wood Mrs. Shime Dress, now $88; Riviera Sandal by Acne, now $263.

Rope Necklace by Angela Barrow, now $56.

My Favorite Aliens

Siri, Natalia and Gemma.



Photos courtesy of tFS, Natalia-V and Frillr.

Style Source: Annabelle Dexter-Jones

Who is Annabelle Dexter-Jones? She is the adorable and super-stylish half-sister of Samantha, Charlotte and Mark Ronson (by way of her mother Ann Dexter-Jones' marriage to Mick Jones, after divorcing first husband, real estate entrepreneur Laurence Ronson). Got that? Phew.

The New Yorker loves to mix feminine clothing with more tomboyish elements - think red lipstick and dresses worn with red lipstick and dresses. She prefers a fresh face and a messy bun, only sometimes wearing a made up face or letting her hair down. According to Teen Vogue, her oft-photographed face will be the star of Hogan's upcoming Fall 09 campaign (she has also walked for her half-sister).

We are sure that will be the first of many things to come for the 21-year old model.

Here's how to make some of her spirited, carefree looks your own.

Look 1:

This is one of my favorite AD-J looks. I love the topknot worn with tough black with bits of bright color, like red lips and clothing details. Unfortunately, this Kate Moss for Topshop black minidress is no longer available, but this slash-detail version has the same spirit. We couldn't find a great facsimile of her rad yellow trimmed leather jacket, but try wearing your favorite black version with a skinny yellow scarf draped around the collar loosely to create the same look. Add a union jack handheld bag and some black cutout peep toes and there you have it!

Clockwise from top left: Women's Fringed Gauze Scarf, $12.50 (available at Old Navy); Leather Mix Biker Jacket, $260 (available at Topshop); Silence & Noise Side Slash Dress, $48 (available at Urban Outfitters); Max C London Union Jack Bowling Bag, $47.88 (available at ASOS); FRYE Women's Ada Pleats Peep Toe Pump, $177.95 (available at Endless).

Look 2:

Just like middle school days, Doc Marten's are a must again. Pair with some similarly on-trend bleached denim short-shorts, a worn-in tee (printed or not, that's up to you) and a great, tough, wear with everything black leather bag.

Clockwise from top left: Alena Bleached Denim Short, $19.80 (available at Forever 21); 1460 Women's Boots, $115 (available at Dr. Martens); Lucky Brand "The Wanderer" Leather Hobo Bag, $199 (available at Dillard's); Garden Skull Tee, $26.50 (available at dELiA's).

Look 3:

One part messy bun, one part sparkly tank mixed with one part electric blue mini for a pop of color, toned down by black tights and more shine added with black patent mary janes. Tip: size up for a slouchier, more modern fit on the tank.

Clockwise from top left: Signature Sequined Cashmere Collection: Tank Sweater, $49 (available at Spiegel); BDG Brights Convertible Knit Skirt, $38 (available at Urban Outfitters); Charnos Hosiery 40 Denier Opaque Tights, $8 (available at Figleaves); GUESS Borda Mary Jane, now $84.50 (available at Zappos); Disney Couture Princesses Wrap Bracelet by Kidada Jones, $112.95 (available at N.V. Fine Jewelry).

Look 4:

We rarely see Miss Jones with her hair down and we think she should try this wavy, mussy look more often (though we love a messy bun!). Just as Annabelle did, you can recycle the same peep toes and clutch from Look 1 (stars: oh, they really are just like us), and swap the leather and mini for a black short romper and cropped gray blazer. Complete with a silver cross and silver chain, et voila.

Clockwise from top left: Max C London Union Jack Bowling Bag, $47.88 (available at ASOS); Long Cross Charm Necklace, $39.50 (available at Express); Silver Rhinestone Filigree Cross Necklace, $12 (available at Torrid); FRYE Women's Ada Pleats Peep Toe Pump, $177.95 (available at Endless); Aerie Summer Romper, now $24.95 (available at AE); Loeffler Randall Little Boy Knit Blazer, now $243.60 (available at Shopbop).

Photos courtesy of Zimbio, Park Avenue Peerage and Adorables Panoplies.

Thinking About

Photos courtesy of The Fashion Spot, ILOVEFAKE, prim., The Nicks Fix and Victoria's.

Ghost

I love this ghostly image from ILOVEFAKE. So dark, but in a feminine sort of 1930s way.

Desperate For...

...Anything and everything by jewelry designer Natali Brilli.

I love the Belgian designer's jewelry designs. Playing on classic gold chains and even Rolex watches, her leather creations are so cheeky and subversive, yet totally wearable and stylish.

And lord knows I have a thing for faux watches...I would be more than happy to add one more to my collection.

Natalia Brilli Long Leather Chain Necklace, $390 (available at dresscode).

Natalia Brilli Nolex, $340 (available at dresscode).

Natalia Brilli Chain Bracelet, $330 (available at dresscode).

Welcome to the Maison

I feel like a kid on Christmas Eve, waiting for tomorrow to come - to walk down the hallway and see a glittering tree surrounded by presents, delightful tunes and smells filling the air.

Or the modern day version. Waiting for a package from Saks to arrive, holding precious Margielas inside. Purchased not only majorly on sale, but using generously gifted gift cards received at Christmastime (to me, gift cards are precious...it takes me forever to use them, because I want to make sure to use them at exactly the right time, exactly the right way...hell, I have some that I've lost or have expired in the course of my weird holding pattern, you'd think I'd learn...) and only at minor cost to my Mastercard.

I just clicked 'Submit Order' and am all a-twitter.

Behold, the shoes:

Maison Martin Margiela Ovine Sandals, now $370.79 (available at Saks).

Jane Says

Jane Aldridge, of the lovely blog Sea of Shoes is launching a line of shoes in conjunction with Urban Outfitters due out next month. Readers know she's had a secret shoe project in the works, so it is thrilling to see the results - and be able to scoop them up soon!

The line takes inspiration from some of her favorite pairs - echoes of her favorite Ann D's and Prada peeptoe boots can be found (and that's not a bad thing).

Click here to read more and check out a few styles.

This proves good things do happen to good people - not only is Miss Aldridge ceaselessly stylish and original, she also seems like one kind and gracious gal.

Congratulations, Jane!

Today's Inspiration

Photos courtesy of Anouck Bertin.

Buy the Stones

Clockwise from top left: Brass Discs MOP Necklace, $245; Double Petal Earrings, $163; Large Agate Necklace, $295; Sabina Bracelet, $95 (all available at Citrine by the Stones).

I've been a fan of this line for a handful of years now, since they debuted their celebrity-favorite Rain earrings. I was recently roaming around looking for jewelry online and stumbled across their website for the first time in a quite a bit of time.

They still have the same earthy yet delicate classic metal wire and stone pieces but have also introduced bolder and stronger elements into the line. This season's darling, agate, is featured prominently in Citrine's Boho collection, in the form of statement necklaces and long pendants. Another standout is the Golden Petal collection, creating an Ancient Grecian sensibility with its use of coins, chains and goddess shapes.

Other favorites have a tougher feeling, rendered in thicker, wrapped wire, with a handmade quality. These pieces have a bit of an edge to them, a certain appealing ruggedness.

Whether your taste skews modern-day celeb or you're more of an Aphrodite, enticements abound.

Long Drop Earrings, $95; Double Agate Pendant, $160.

Wire Nugget Bangles, $225.

Wire Ring, $145.

Fringe Benefits

Posse Anissa Metallic Leather Fringe Clutch, $285 (available at Intermix).

This future-meets-past clutch is amazing. It's fabrication and metallic shades seem are so space-age, while the long fringe feels fantastically flower child. I absolutely adore it. I think it would go so well with rich shades of purple this fall or more optimistic blues this summer.

I think it will be the gunmetal gray that makes it home with me. Though $300 isn't exactly the blink of an eye for me these days, it is certainly far more attainable than its $1,000+ sisters (and most importantly, far less guilt-inducing).

Chic of the Week

Who: Aussie up-and-comer Isabel Lucas.

What: Eggplant Giambattista Valli dress with velvet top and ruching and silver accessories, including a clutch by VBH, Boucheron baubles and Jimmy Choos.

When: Wednesday, June 24, 2009.

Where: The Los Angeles premiere of 500 Days of Summer.

Why: I am a sucker for this beachy hair color - light on the ends and darker at the top - so she had me at her hair. I also am a fool for velvet, so there was really no way she could lose at this point. This rich color is gorgeous, works perfectly with her skin tone and is such an unexpected choice for summer. The silver is a great foil for this deep hue - a shade not everyone would go for off the bat. This is such a fantastic, sultry look.





Photo courtesy of Just Jared.

CHOOse Your Own Adventure

Styles from the upcoming collection.

We just got word from H&M that the newest addition to their high fashion roster will be the over a decade old British accessories purveyor Jimmy Choo. Founder and President, Tamara Mellon, will be bringing her highly glam line to the masses this fall to select stores all over the world starting November 14. I predict long lines and a sold out collection.

This sure to be successful partnership marks the first time the international chain will be collaborating with an accessories brand, and to celebrate Jimmy Choo will extend its design vision for this collection to women's clothing designs to complement the existing accessories.

Good news for gentlemen with and eye for style (and a mind for budgeting): the Choo collaboration will also include a men’s collection of shoes, bags and accessories.

Tamara Mellon and Margareta van den Bosch, with a model wearing designs from the upcoming collection.

About the partnership and wallet-friendly line, Mellon has said, “We are privileged to be among the fashion greats who have been affiliated with H&M so far, and to be designing a collection appealing to fashion savvy, street smart women, and to be including some great pieces for men, too. Jimmy Choo will bring to H&M a sophisticated, fashion forward, accessible and glamorous collection – the perfect party pieces to buy now and then wear out that night!”

Margareta van den Bosch, creative advisor for H&M, has equally enthusiastic words about working with Mellon: “We adore Jimmy Choo’s shoes and bags. They are glamorous and sexy, and they add instant style to the simplest of outfits. I like the way we have worked with clothes to accessorize the shoes and bags rather than the other way around. This collaboration is particularly exciting because it’s our first shoe designer collection. It’s a joy to be able to offer top end designer shoes and bags of excellent quality to our customers.”

Photos courtesy of H&M.

Chic of the Week

Who: Gilmore Girl and Pants Sister, Alexis Bledel.

What: A plunging, patterned Hervé Léger dress with a Judith Leiber clutch, jewelry by Judith Ripka and intricate Giuseppe Zanottis.

When: Wednesday, June 17, 2009.

Where: The Whitney Art Party in New York, hosted by Maz Azria.

Why: I love Alexis Bledel - I think she seems smart and down to earth and nice and normal. So I love seeing her out and about and getting it so right. I'm a little over the Hervé Léger by Max Azria dresses - they are everywhere. Every single red carpet. But this one is interesting and a bit of a departure from the usual bodycon styles. The color is different and really flattering on the brunette and the choice of metallic accessories are spot on. And her hair, as always, looks shiny and lovely. Which, okay, maybe makes me hate her a little. Give me your hair secrets, little Gilmore!


Photo courtesy of Fashion Week Daily.

She's On

Have you been watching It's On with Alexa Chung? I stumbled onto this new MTV show (sort of a TRL-replacement minus the video countdown) by accident on Monday, which happened to be the premiere and I was quite "chuffed." Why? Not so much for the stars or "hot" new bands. Mostly because I adore Alexa Chung.

But first, about the show. It's still in that finding its place and kind of awkward phrase and maybe all the Facebook-Twitter stuff is trying a little too hard (but I doubt that was her pushing the connecting with the youth technology, so I don't know how much I can hold that against her). Regardless, I might have watched it every day this week and may even be watching it at this very moment. Not afraid to own up to that.



MTV was certainly on to something when they chose to import Miss Chung to the US. She is a Brit-It for some very good reasons: she's destined to become very, very famous, is dating an oh-so-cute Arctic Monkey and has style in spades. Her look always appears effortless. Totally thrown on and slightly mussed. Feminine meets masculine.

And here's how to get it.

The Splurge: Mabel Bag, now $699 (available at Mulberry).

Alexa is very loyal to British leather goods emporium Mulberry. More often than not, you can find a Mulberry bag slung around her shoulder. She owns several different styles, even men's briefcases, often in this rich brown shade. This newer style from the label has that perfect blend of function meets sumptuousness, toughness and pure luxury.

Clockwise from top left: Breton Stripe Crop, $32 (available at Topshop); Navy Thigh High Stockings, $7.99 (available at BrandsonSale); Jeffrey Campbell Metropolitan, $144.95 (available at solestruck); Delainey Denim Short, $15.80 (available at Forever 21).

'Lex loves stripes. Black and white, navy, dresses, tops, any incarnation of the classic nautical pattern. I love this cropped 80s style paired with dark denim cutoffs and another Alexa favorite, over the knee socks. A masculine touch comes in these lace up oxford ankle boots, because Alexa always has an element of menswear to her ensembles, be it a shoe or a bag or a blazer.

Clockwise from top left: Beach Dress, $200 (available at A.P.C.); Motorcycle Jacket, $95 (available at Bona Drag); Charnos Hosiery 40 Denier Opaque Tights, $8 (available at figleaves); Patent Wide Strap Pumps, $26.99 (available at Charlotte Russe).

The MTV host has admitted to a love of French label A.P.C., and this simple blue dress seems like one she'd opt for. Paired with black tights, grey heels and a black motorcycle jacket the look is lent a bit of edge and casualness.

Clockwise from top left: Stacked Sequin Mini Skirt, $59 (available at bebe); Buckled Zipper Booties, $39.99 (available at Charlotte Russe); T by Alexander Wang Basic Pocket Tank Top, $74 (available at REVOLVEclothing); Fallon Etiquette Circle Square Bangle, now $70 and Fallon After Hours Bangle, now $82 (both available at Rilee and Lo); B.ella Joni Sock, $10 (available at Lori's Shoes); 14k Gold Filled Engraved Oval 4-Picture Locket, 18", $79 (available at Amazon).

Though the Brit loves simple pieces and masculine touches, she also picks a little sparkly something from time to time. This mini is fun and evening-ready, but gets toned down and personalized with a slouchy tank, black buckled ankle boots worn with socks, a long gold locket and some subtly punky bracelets.

Marais USA Mulberry Ballet, $68 (available at Urban Outfitters).

Finally, I think these flats are quite Chung-esque. She often chooses a flat over sky-high heels and I think these sort of 60s ballets would suit her style quite nicely and look as great with cutoffs as they do with a little A.P.C. frock.

Photos courtesy of MTV, Denimology.co.uk, Zimbio and AlexaChung.co.uk.

Let's go for a Sale

Need I say more?

Click here to visit A.P.C. - although remember, no savings until tomorrow! It's going to be like Christmas morning!

[Another Belated] Chic of the Week

Who: Wonderful model Amber Valetta.

What: A glittering Proenza Schouler Pre-Fall 2009 frock and black YSL platforms.

When: Friday, June 12, 2009.

Where: The Women in Film 2009 Crystal and Lucy Awards in Los Angeles.

Why: Valetta and Shalom Harlow are some of my all time favorites mannequins. They had such a profound influence on my love of fashion and really made the world of clothing and style seem so accessible and fun and full of humor. So I have a bit of a bias, I will admit. But I love this color and the cut-outs and think this look is so glam. But it's also not revealing or over the top. And she just wears it in such a modern, easy way. Which is what takes any outfit to the next level.





Photo courtesy of MarieClaire.co.uk.

CFDA Fashion Roundup

Last night's CFDA Awards, held outside Alice Tulley Hall in Manhattan, not only celebrated the best of the best in the fashion world but also put on display to the world watching with bated breath to see what we should be wearing.

Certain trends came out in full force. In other words, the message was clear. Stylish ladies from Diane Kruger and Ashley Olsen to Behati Prinsloo and even the formidable Fern Mallis came out in warm, firey shades of red and orange. These bright colors most definitely took home MVP (Most Visable Player).

We also saw lots of crisp whites and shimmery silvers - marking the much cooler other end of the spectrum. One-shouldered looks led the way in these icy hues.

Of course black will never die. It's flattering. It's a bit mysterious. It's the old go-to. Lots of chic ladies last night, however, opted to take the standard up a notch with interesting plays on volume, texture and embellishment.

Finally, we were met with an abundance of prints, especially those on the smaller scale. Lots of flowers. Amy Astley, Mamie Gummer, Ms. Wintour and Style.com's Nicole Phelps were among the many who donned these lovely looks.

What was your favorite trend last night?

Fire...

Diane Kruger in Jason Wu (photo courtesy of Fabsugar); Doutzen Kroes in Zac Posen; Ashley Olsen in vintage; Behati Prinsloo in Yigal Azrouel (photos courtesy of Style.com).

...And Ice

Lauren Santo Domingo in Michael Kors (photo courtesy of Style.com); Kirsten Dunst in Rodarte (photo courtesy of Fametastic.co.uk); Rachel Roy in her own design (photo courtesy of Zimbio).

Not-so-Basic Black

Lake Bell in Louis Vuitton; Lonneke Engel in Marchesa (photos courtesy of Style.com).

Small Prints

Nicole Phelps in Akris; Amanda Brooks in Diane von Furstenberg (photos courtesy of Style.com).