saving the world, one purchase at a time

In an attempt to do my part to save the faltering economy, I've spent just about all of my hard earned summer job cash on the Fall Sale at Revolve Clothing, among other sales.

Every cloud has a silver lining - the recession is forcing retailers to slash prices to attract customers who are hoarding cash away for a rainy day. Silly Plumber Joes - don't they know the best way to get through this crisis is to spend and invest?

my new style icon: vanessa hudgens

So, after a three-day Family Channel binge, I consider myself an expert on the Disney girls (Ashley, Miley, Jamie, Vanessa, etc.) I am now absolutely in love with Vanessa's style.

I don't know if it's her or her stylist, but Vanessa pulls together some really cute outfits. Not groundbreaking by any standards, but... cute. Much better than what the other girls her (our) age are wearing.

Photo credit: Vanessastyle.org

shopbop's annual winter clearance is wrapping up

and it is seriously testing my willpower. A lot of the good stuff is gone (SWORD leather jackets at 30% off!) but you should be able to cheaply stock up on some cute winter basics for next year and some pieces that can transfer to the spring.

Among my favourites:

I love this James Perse tee. At $45.00, I would definitely get this in preparation for next fall. Seems like it would be super easy to accessorize (black pashmina and skinnies for instant chic) and James Perse is COMFY!

Charlotte Ronson, arguably the lesser-known of the Ronson twins designed this Western-inspired frock for Fall. What was she thinking? The periwinkle blue screams Spring.

Photo credit: Shopbop.com

who knew paisley high-waisted shorts could be so versatile?

Seriously, who knew?

I just bought these pretty little shorts from Forever 21 for a whopping $25.44 and I could not be more happy with them.

I foresee some pretty chic clubbing outfits starring these shorts in the near future, starting with the one above (top also from Forever 21). And to think I almost wrote the store off previously - what a loss that would have been.

Photo credit: Forever21.com

SCORE! mike & chris leather hoodie

Soo, I have issues. Instead of doing the sensible thing and putting in another chunk toward my condo fund, I am now the proud owner of a Mike & Chris Bryant Leather Hoodie in Whiskey.


The best part? I saved 62.5%. Keep in mind, these hoodies are difficult to find even at regular price, especially in XS. Active Endeavors is the best.

Even though I just spent a considerable chunk of change, I feel like I hit the jackpot.

Photo Credit: Activeendeavors.com

jovovich-hawk for target

I don't like it. Then again, I'm not really a fan of most designer diffusion lines - Cavalli for H&M was disgustingly gaudy, topping my list of disdain.

See nitrolicious.com for pictures of the entire collection. It's just so... happy. And summery. What I love about Jovovich-Hawk is its edginess and funky cuts. The collection for Target reminds me of a sunny day. Maybe I'm still stuck in Fall mode, or maybe I'm just developing a resistance to anti-depressants.

Photo credit: San Diego Union Tribune

trend alert: sir alistair rai scarves

I, along with most young, hip and in-the-spotlight celebrities, am obsessed with Sir Alistair Rai scarves. They are Indian inspired and great to throw on top of a casual outfit. They represent the mantras of Hinduism (Love, Peace, Karma, etc.) and are backordered everywhere. A tad pricey for cotton at $108, I still have to have one.

Photo credit: Siralistairrai.com

Fall 2008 RTW: Proenza Schouler

Lazaro and Jack are still my boys. Their collection did not disappoint one bit.

Only they can make a dress so fabulous that accessories are unnecessary.

Only they can make it okay for you to throw on your dad's jacket and still look chic.

And only they can coerce the fashion world into thinking that shiny green pants look cool.

Photo Credit: Style.com

Fall 2008 RTW: Marc Jacobs

He started on time this year, but Fall 2008 RTW was lacking a certain something. Perhaps inspiration?

It's as if he were purposely trying to pick the most unflattering shapes known to mankind, and then topping them off with ridiculous hats.

Very disappointing.

Photo Credit: Style.com

the illustrious christian louboutin bridal shoe

The man knows the way to a woman's heart.

The urban shoe myth of the Tiffany-blue soled Christian Louboutin bridal shoe has captivated many a shoe lover in the past few years. They are meant to represent your "something blue" on your wedding day.

I still can't find a picture but supposedly, you may special order a pair from any CL boutique.

Can you imagine the Mouche with a baby blue sole as your wedding shoe?

To die for.

Update: Found 'em, thanks to the PF girls!

Beautiful!

Photo Credit: The Purse Forum, InsideWeddings.com

aloha, adasa

Sadly, one of my absolute favourite online boutiques has gone out of business and/or has been taken over by a rival boutique which I absolutely despise.

I blame the state of the economy coupled with the counterfeits running rampant on eBay, CraigsList and the like.

In any case, thank you for the first pair of True Religions I actually liked among other purchases and awesome customer service all day, everyday!

"fakes are never in fashion"

T'is true. See link below to learn more about the Anticounterfeiting Alliance led by Harper's Bazaar.

http://www.bazaarelite.com/fakes_more.asp

No, dear, the $20 LV you got on the street in New York City is NOT just as good as the real thing and yes, dear, people can tell.

armani dresses the wife and versace the mistress

Thanks for reaffirming this, Donatella.


This is a toughie - sophisticated skirt suit with elegant clutch or hot pink trenchcoat with clear hooker slides?

I'll take the former.

Pictures (respectfully) stolen from: NeimanMarcus.com

opi: holiday in hollywood

Double-you tee eff OPI. Why must you keep coming out with these fantabulous new polish colours when I still have not finished my bottles from your equally fantabulous previous collection!

And I do my nails every week.

There is a solution for those of with nail polish A.D.D. - the mini-collections. For every collection, OPI does a sample of four polishes in bottles 1/4 of the size of normal bottles. I've been lucky enough to find one for the Russian collection and Holiday in Hollywood collection. Granted, they do not contain every single colour but I'd like to believe that they choose the prettiest ones.

Picture (respectfully) stolen from: OPI.com

happy black friday!

This would be my favourite holiday of the year if I were not Canadian. For my Canadian friends, Black Friday is the day after American Thanksgiving where stores have the most amazing deals of life, ever. People literally start lining up the night before the electronics stores and Woodbury Commons. It's the equivalent of our Boxing Day.

Thank goodness for online shopping - $250 Christian Louboutins are not worth my sanity.

RevolveClothing.com launched the 2nd round of its massive Thanksgiving sale. I snagged the Diesel belt and Keds I've been eyeing for a little while, along with this gorgeous Da-Nang shirt with a ridiculous markdown!

Pictures (respectfully) stolen from: RevolveClothing.com

i'm such a tool

I realized this amidst my weekly dorm room 'inventory' check to make sure I had enough clothing to last me the next few weeks at school.

I do, and it's mostly Abercrombie. And I'm actually really embarassed.

Their t-shirts and sweatshirts are extremely comfortable and cheap and amazing campus wear. The sweaters they make have gotten a little bit better in terms of quality (the cashmere is actually decent - still scratchy after some wear though) and the cuts are fairly up-to-date. I wouldn't touch their denim with a 3 meter pole, but I do have an Abercrombie winter jacket.

This sweater, for example. I love it. You can't even tell there's an Abercrombie logo on it.

Allegra - $89.50

I can see a concentrated effort to revamp their image, especially from some minor changes on their website. They actually have a lookbook now. Granted, said lookbook is not really groundbreaking in any way, shape or form, but it's a start. They've also introduced a section called 'Fashion Fleece.' While I can't really deduce how 'Fashion Fleece' is different from 'Classic Fleece,' again, it's a start.

Fashion Fleece vs. Classic Fleece: Can you tell which is which?

The best part about Abercrombie? Their clearance section is constantly being updated! Since their styles never really change from year to year, you can always stock up for the following year cheaply at the end of the season.

So yeah, I guess I'm a tool. I just can't stay away!

Pictures (respectfully) stolen from: Abercrombie.com

i wish karl lagerfeld were my friend

Between he and Pierre Bergé, I don't know who would be more fun to gossip with.

The latest and greatest on Balenciaga:

"Prints are for middle-aged women with weight problems."

It's funny because it's true.

twenty8twelve by sienna miller

I absolutely adore this collection.

I am not by any means a Sienna Miller fan. I've been told she is a style icon and while I don't disagree, I am not a fan of her style. I prefer structure and simplicity while she is more boho and crazy. She takes risks that I never would.

When I heard she had a line out, I dismissed it almost immediately. Actually, I'm pretty sure I have never seen anything from it until today after browsing the Neiman Marcus Private Sale.

And now, I absolutely adore this collection.

Twenty8Twelve Jacket $430, Bow-tie Dress $460

This outfit has a very romantic feel to it. The dress is a stunning colour and the bow is a fantastic accent. The tuxedo jacket is the perfect accessory.

Twenty8Twelve Cropped Leather Jacket $550, Tank $230, Skinny Jeans $260

These pieces are a bit edgier. The detailing at the back of the jacket is very pretty. I'm not sure I'd pay $230 for a tank, especially one as unappealing as this, but it complements the jacket nicely.

Sienna Miller, not that you care, but you have my eternal respect for designing such gorgeous clothing. Even if you do wear pantyhose alone in public.

Pictures respectfully stolen from: NeimanMarcus.com

on the fence: AE Cable Knit Slipper

So how do these work exactly?

American Eagle AE Cable Knit Slipper in 'Grey' $34.5o

Do you wear them with socks? Because then the socks would show from the back. But it's too cold to wear them without socks.

I kinda like them though. Cable knit is hot.

Picture (respectfully) stolen from: AE.com

tis the season to be jolly

Sale season has arrived. Neiman Marcus has their 30% Private Sale today only, Nordstrom just began their Half-Yearly sale and Saks' Preview ends today.

Time to get your shop on!