One of my favoritestest blogs (besides this new one about CAKES! Yay cakes!) is Fashionista, and my favoritestest parts about their blog is when they point out the blatant copyright infringements that run rampant in the fashion industry. Most of their posts deal with Forever 21 but I just found my own on ModCloth.

I present you with the "Dreamsicle" dress by a clothing brand named Shulima. Never heard of it, but the dress looks mighty familiar.

Oh, I know why. Because it's a super popular dress by Marc by Marc Jacobs.

If there's a plus side to fashion copycats, all the cheap material will drive smart consumers to purchase the real version with better quality. Note to self: if I ever try to sell a cheap dress online, make sure to iron it well first.

Anyway...what else is going on? Oh yeah. Did anyone else notice how much eyeliner the mayor (played by Nestor Campbell) was wearing in Dark Knight? What the hell was up with that?

Marc by Marc Jacobs aw 08/09

         Negro, negro, negro. Hebillas, cremalleras metálicas, mitones, uñas negras, cadenas y el (ya casi) sempiterno fantasma de la crisis, que siempre hace que el punk, sea más punk que de costumbre.

        Y en todas partes la misma historia, el mismo tema de conversación; mil frases y cuentos (o no) que derivan del There's no future punk por excelencia y que hacen que en este momento la repesca punki sea menos gratuita que en otras ocasiones.

        Lo dicho, Punk is in the air... y por eso yo, ya me he hecho con éstos...

I'm usually hesitant to buy entire runway looks, but this just screams 'me', so why not? I'm a little shy about buying high waisted pieces, but the fabric holds the A-line shape so well that it looks absolutely adorable and quite flattering.

Want to buy more vintage and secondhand clothing and homewares from Ebay, but don’t have the time to find the best pieces amidst the...ahem…drossy stuff? Don’t fear! Help is at hand. Every day, in the spirit of re-using and recycling, I’ll bring you one gorgeous item.

Today's Daily Ebay is chosen by my super stylist friend Aimee Watkins. It's this fantastically cute Marc by Marc Jacobs dress, from the Spring /Summer '08 collection, says the seller. It's a US size 4, which I think is a UK 12. It's a custard and red silk shantung dress with faux waistcoat top and a large self-tie bow at the neck. It's fully lined.

The price right now is £49.95 with £4 postage, and the bidding closes at 18.58pm on July 23 (Wednesday).

See this Marc by Marc Jacobs dress on eBay.

If I could just be clothed in Marc Jacobs for the rest of my life, I’d be a pretty happy girl. This is not to say I don’t love other designers, but MJ is truly my fave. His ready to wear line, Marc by Marc Jacobs is pretty adorable every season, and I have yet to see something I don’t like. If your lucky, you have a Marc by Marc store in your ‘hood.

Sumber : http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/07/16/personal-pick-of-the-week-i-heart-marc/

buy my stuff!

So, there were several items that piqued my interest:

I know, I know. They can't exactly be called exciting, but I was looking for something ordinary, but not too ordinary, though. The above one is the Totally Turnlock Teri bag. It's not fab or anything, it just looks okay. And since I saw the bag on the Internet the day before, I was kind of expecting it would be bigger than it is. But since it's not, I lost my interest. The second one is a Dr. Q Fraser bag, which is fab, plus when I tried it on it looked good on me. It has the perfect size and shape. Unfortunately, the fabric is not as good as the Teri one, it also has that 'flashy' impression that I'm not really fond of, and this is the worst part for me.. the interior color of the bag is this green black tiger-like print! My heart dropped when I saw it. I mean I know it's only the inside part. When I whined about it, my boyfriend (who was there with me) commented: "What's the problem? Who's gonna see it anyway?" Well, I will! I'm gonna see it every time I open the bag. I just couldn't stand the thought of it, so I passed on the Fraser.

And after what felt like forever of looking, holding, and trying bags on, I finally settled on this one right here:

And I swear you'll laugh when I tell you what it is. It's a Totally Turnlock Diaper bag. DIAPER, for crying out loud! It even includes a baby changing pad in it. Lol. But I thought, what the hell, it still looks chic (I swear the bag is way better than how it looks on that picture. That picture really doesn't do the bag any justice). Plus, I can use the baby changing pad pocket for, umm, I don't know, mineral water bottle or something. Oh my, it's really funny when I think about it, but at the same time I also love this bag! So what the hell, right? Oh, and I really love the interior, it's vinyl-lined, which looks like this:

Yeah, so that's that. Oh, and I also fell in love with this MbMJ weekender bag (couldn't seem to find any picture of the bag on the net). It's black leather, big enough for a laptop plus other stuff.. perfect for a weekend getaway. But since I'm 5ft 2in, mind you, it's too big for me to use as an everyday bag. But I still want that bag, and have made a mental note to buy it once I can, hopefully in the near future :)

Laptop bag that is a compliment with your laptop sometimes make us thinking that they can come with the latest computer technology but why they just can design a stylish laptop bag? Plus it is NO WAY we going to carry the same bag just like another officemate who proudly declare bulky Croc shoes is the trend of the moment. No way .. No way…

For years I have used my so called version of Laptop bag. Actually it is a documents bag where I also kept my personal files, stationeries, and note book (as the one with papers). I took it to work, meeting or sometimes when I meeting my client. After years of abusively using it, it can take it anymore. I really need a real lap top bag to carry my Dell.

The solutions come in Marc Jacob Sloane bag. How come one simple laptop bag can make all the different? Because Sloane is the simple and minimal yet with a strong dash of elegant. The simple, leather with contrast metallic trim is your answer to trendy classic bag. Versatile, quite unisex and not only suitable for laptop, files but also to show off at company site meeting.

It is design for work and almost perfect with any type of office wear. Well.. It doesn’t take a fashion consultant to let us know that this bag is design for work. Just read what is on the label. It stated

Marc by Marc Jacobs

Standard Supply

Model #...................

Type: Workwear

I don’t know why they stamped the above on the bag. But for sure that is what it means ‘the bag will speak for itself!

visit www.net-a-porter.com

]]> http://izznit.wordpress.com/?p=15 Mon, 14 Jul 2008 09:31:04 +0000 izznit http://izznit.wordpress.com/?p=15 I am perhaps the worst blogger in the world. Yes. I know. Sorry. Anyway, last Wednesday was my birthday. It was cool. I went to school, nearly fell asleep, and then went out to Dim Sum with Mum and Phillip. He brought along some of his friends. It was...not something I'm used to. I don't usually converse when I eat, as I'm usually shoveling food down my throat. [good stuff]. Went home, did a little posting on thepurseforum, by far my most favorite forum in the history of Izabelle. Later on we went to Happy House--it seems to be THEE place to go when we celebrate for any occasion--Birthdays, etsy 500, 1000, etc...

Hmm...I still haven't received my Married to the MOB shirt yet. I'm pretty sad about that, as he said he would ship it out on July 4th, but of course being a holiday, I figured July 5th...Well...It's July 14, and I don't have my shirt. well, it's 2:07 in the morning, but still. I want my friggin shirt.

What else...I'll just post pics of my recent purchases. Not recent, actually, a lot of this stuff I got a while back, but since I'm needing to post stuff with pictures, here we go.

My MBMJ Kingpin Strike Bag! Been wanting this bag since it came out, just got it like two months ago. WOOH. Wasn't even searching for it. Honestly, totally forgot about it. Just popped up on EvilBay, and i got it right away. Reeked of smoke, though it claimed to come from a smoke free home. But being the person I am, I left positive feedback. Not necessary to rock the boat!

My stunna shades arrived, too! But no way in hell am I about to take a picture of me wearing them. I believe everybody has the right to see [for you slow folks, i don't want to blind you, yes?]

I also have a mbmj groovee...I got that a while back, but never posted about it. Without further ado, my baby from SS08! [mine has gold hardware, and got QUITE the discount]

And following the whole 'gladiator sandal' trend, I really wanted a pair. Like. REALLY. I was looking at street style blogs, and came across a picture of someone with a LOVELY pair of gladiator sandals. After questioning on the purse forum, someone informed me they were by Cynthia Vincent, pictured here:

Well, after seeing the price of $405, and they were sold out anyway, I figured I'd look around. And what better place than forever21.com? I figured [i do a lot of figuring haha] that this is a trend. It probably won't last that long, just like the whole legging trend, and by the time my $24.80 'blanea wedges' wear out, the trend will be over. A small price to pay for being fashionable, right? These are mine:

And as you can see, were 'inspired' by Balenciaga! All the more reason! Another little sidenote--been wanting an 06 grenat city. Showed the bags to 'my people' (mum, aunt, sister) and the first two said ew, 'i don't like it' and 'for that price you could get an LV or something'. The latter just said, 'eh'. So... begins my journey..to save and save and save. I could get the LV mahina, or about two chanel flaps. Of course I won't get TWO, but, just for an idea of price....haha When I can afford ONE chanel, I'll decide whether I want to buy one, or wait a little A LOT longer to get the MAHINA... Mum doesn't believe I can wait that long, as I just bought $60 something dollars worth of clothes from american apparel...I'll post those when I get them. This is a pretty lengthy post. haha. I shall close this post with pictures of the Mahina and chanel Jumbo Flap. Goodnight!

Good night lovelies!

USD288.20

Jul 08

eBay

This season prepare for a journey into the magical world of the fairytale.... 

Yes, its that time of year yet again! In the fast paced world of fashion the Autumn/Winter pre-collections are slowly trickling into the shops and the summer sales are starting. So, it is inevitably time for the bi-annual trend forecast! There is always an enormous buzz at this time of year, a great anticipation over what the next season has in store. And let me tell you, you won't be disappointed! This year, we are taken on a voyage through a magical fairytale world. From dark gothic femme fatales and pagans to royal princesses there is sure to be something to melt your heart this coming season.

It seemed designers were inspired by the world of fiction, allowing them free-reign to create an intricate and beautiful fashion story. Veronica Etro said she was inspired by Narnia and Giles Deacon was heard stating, 'I was inspired by a Roger Corman film, Masque of the Red Death, which is a gothic femme fatale sort of film where these really decadent people live in this castle while outside lots of people are dying.' (source: Vogue.com) Alexander McQueen said his collection was inspired by a 600 year-old elm tree in his garden. He added, 'I made up this story of a girl who lives in it and comes out of the darkness to meet a prince and become queen.' (source: Vogue.com)

So, what does all this mean for us fashionistas? Well, let me tell you in my run-down of the key trends that will make a splash this season...

This autumn/winter the gothic femme fatale makes a big impact. Channelled by Alexander McQueen, Gareth Pugh, Prada and Giles this look is all about drama. Giles' collection featured slashed strapless gowns (in rich colours such as blue and green) all adding to the ill fated gothic heroine feel. 'Tough love' was a term he used to describe his collection. This trend is all about texture (think lace, leather, silky fabrics and as seen on the McQueen catwalk appliqué detailing) and volume (McQueen's show featured a strong silhouette with fitted dresses that billowed out from the waist).

The staple and classic military trend makes a welcome return this season but it will have a much more regal feel. The military jacket of last year will prove a big hit but it has been updated with richer colours and embellishments. Take your cue from Alexander McQueen who featured strong colours such as royal blue and red with gold piping.  This year it can be dressed up with full, swishy skirts and dresses giving a nod to the princess theme which featured strongly on the catwalks. It can also be dressed down and given a less romantic feel with skinny trousers and heels á la Temperley London. As well as the classic military jacket the trend diversifies this season spawning military-esque dresses, waistcoats and skirt suits (see Temperley London for inspiration).

Another trend which came through in the major shows of fashion week was a relaxed 70s bohemian look. A clear homage to the success of the globe trotter trend of spring/summer. Channelled by Etro this trend is all about layering. Think brown leather and sheep skin coats over long flowing 70s-esque maxi dresses cinched in with a belt. Texture is also a key component of this look (feathers, fringing, leather and chiffon are all big news when teamed together). Luella also gave a nod to this look but in the usual quirky way. A little bit Pagan and a little bit Wednesday Adams. Luella's show featured a strong palette of earthy colours such as orange, brown and green (which had a distinctly pagan feel, especially as some models completed the look with a witches hat!) Dolce and Gabanna, in an unusual yet highly successful departure from their signature look, also embraced the bohemian trend. The highlight of the collection included an effortless but oh-so-cool tartan shirt layered over a David Bowie t-shirt. You can be assured that Tartan and plaid will be everywhere this season! From coats to skirts.

For those of you who loved spring/summer's penchant for all things art print fear not for Christian Lacroix updates it for autumn (so no need to say goodbye to your favourite paint splattered tee just yet!) However, it is given a much hipper edge. Voluminous ladylike cocktail dresses featured oil paint brush strokes.

Of course autumn/winter wouldn't be the same without classic tailoring. And this is where Chanel always comes to the forefront. Karl Lagerfeld wanted to give Chanel a more 'grown-up feel' which was refreshing after a summer of Americana inspired stars and stripes. There was the trademark tweed tailoring but also edgy oversized knits teamed with sexy lace tights (which are going to be big, especially when teamed with full, swishy skirts and ankle boots.) Sheer blouses and high-waisted trousers were also a hit. Lagerfeld also embraced victoriana (which again will be big news this forthcoming season) with ruffle neck blouses and  vintage inspired dresses in nude, pastel green and royal blue.  And as Lagerfeld wanted, the basis is still very French, very chic.

And for those who have a more rebellious approach to fashion there is plenty to play around with. Offering a more tongue-in-cheek approach was Marc by Marc Jacobs, which is welcome after the darker, gothic collections of this season. If the collection were a person it would be the tear away daughter of a prim and proper wealthy family who own a country estate (Boy, will she rock the manor?) Think along the lines of punky dog tooth. Say goodbye to the traditional black and white and hello to mint-choc-chip green and shocking pink! Leather dresses, trapeze shapes and oversized jumpers worn a few sizes too big with black opaque tights all add to the defiant attitude. So feel free to shake it all up but just make sure whatever you do, you wear with attitude!

As well as Jacobs, Eley Kishimoto have also come up with a playful collection. Theatrical circus inspired ruffles and harlequin prints ensure you stand out. Rabbit print t-shirts and slouchy trousers also ensured this design duo are way out in front when it comes to fresh and eye catching fashion. And true to form directional high-street favourite TopShop are working some Eley Kishimoto inspired harlequin and ruffle collars into their new collection (source: Drapers Online).

Vivienne Westwood who made a welcome return to London Fashion Week after a ten-year abscence, previewed her Red Label, which embraces the rebellious side of fashion. And for those who want to mix fashion and politics she's your woman! One model carried the banner 'Fair trial my arse! Justice for Guantanamo Bay Prisoners.' Westwood's rebellious, creative and politically active streak comes through in the collection. Think tailoring with an edge. Slouchy trousers and punky dog tooth. Eccentrically English and totally Westwood. Wear with passion...vive la revolution!

In terms of coats the big news this year is the cocoon. The catwalks were awash with this shape, from Pringle to Viktor & Rolf. Sleeves are also important this season, with oversized being the order of the day.

In terms of key colours this season, metallics (such as olive green, bronze and gold) and rich, regal colours such as (royal blues, reds and forest greens) are bound to be a hit on the high-street. More sombre palettes are also central to this seasons main trends (blacks, browns, pastel colours and greys). Strong hues such as orange will also be pivotal to next season.

This season is theatrical and dramatic. It reminds me of a library in the sense there are so many genres and characters to choose. There is the gothic femme fatale, the fairytale princess, military heroine, the rock star, the bohemian, the revolutionary and the classic! The only problem is deciding who you want to be! And with a nod to the Viktor & Rolf show, this season our imaginations are given free reign, in this fashion fairytale, to 'dream on'. And dream we shall!

Pictures courtesy of Vogue.com

With thanks to Drapers Online

Written by Gemma Douthwaite Ó

Coming Soon: Swimwear Special, The Edge of Love fashion feature, Footwear and accessories trends for Autumn/Winter and much, much more!

Patent peeptoes. Oh how I adore them. On top of the classic style, I really can't get enough of the Marc by Marc Jacobs line. Everything he makes, including the $350 pair above, I just seem to fall in love with. Unfortunately, most of my finds by him are when I hit a great Barney's sale or better yet warehouse sale (love them!) when I'm in NY. As much as I crave a good shoe, I just can't seem to make myself fork over the extra dough for a pair that costs more than $100. Just how do girls spend hundreds of dollars on their Choos (pun intended)?

Gray. Patent. Heels. Lovely! I would wear these with (a) a little black dress (obvious choice), (b) short, shorts (in red!), or (c) a white denim pencil skirt. And if I wore the color yellow, anything yellow. Because gray looks extra-chic next to it.

That begs the question: what would you wear with these? Comment and let me know!

Fashion Drama "NO Fashion Drama:" Shopping online in hopes of getting an over night delivery cross your fingers. I wish these came with a matching Jacket! Choosing beige or a black suit just got harder. Marc why can't you make suits!

MARC BY MARC JACOBS Shantung Waistcoat Vest- $148 at Nordstrom

Purchased on 6/20/08 from shopbop $208

La nueva colección de Marc by Marc Jacobs acaba de presentarse y aquí tenéis las bailarinas más exclusivas, urbanas, divertidas, tratadas a mano en cuero, con procedencia italiana y con un diseño de lo más original.

Pequeños ratoncitos van a vestir vuestros pies desde esta semana, porque esta novedad está recién salida del horno. Desde 250 euros podéis haceros con estas bailarinas que se presentan en tres colores, blanco impoluto, rojo y negro.

Ha sido la casa Piperlime, especializada en un calzado exclusivo por su calidad y diseños, quienes han conseguido la exclusiva.

Online Only, Ending Sunday June 8 (until they extend it again...or not) markdowns to 60% Off, somewhat unusual for Brooks, LOADS of Father's Day specials and Women's Shoes & Handbags are 25% off.

One quick little promotional announcement from The Preppy Princess that is also of the saving variety, a reminder to use the code BLOGDEAL to receive 10% off the PreppyPrincess.com site until June 30, including these fab aprons (can you say great hostess gift?):

Over at Vera Bradley, that Sale continues as well, with 25% off Retiring Colors, and you know how quickly these can fly out the door. (Or off the site, so to speak.)

The Princess has always been partial to Capri Blue, and may snap up this little cosmetic case in that pattern. Or the Mesa Red eyeglass case? There are oodles of other sale items, including decorative accessories, lamps, and more soft goods like the microfiber lightweight luggage pieces, including this Garment Bag. There's also tableware and stationery items, like the Citrus Loose Notes shown below.

One of the more unusual sales is found at Nordstrom, where there are two oddities from TP's perspective. The first is that the Shoe Sale and Apparel Sale do not cross paths. As of now however, they do, which brings us to oddity number two, the amount of the discount or markdown: it is generally no more than 40%, but now it is 50% online & in store on select women's apparel & shoes. More power to them. (In reality it would seem that it is more power to you and your Nordstrom card.)

The J Crew Sale continues apace with one addition: selected summer shorts are 25% off, please note this is online only. Now we thought we might take this opportunity to remind everyone the J Crew sale includes their absolutely to-die-for Crewcuts line for children and the Boys and Girls sizes as well.

Speaking about children's clothing reminds TP that one of our favorites, Garnet Hill, is having their incredible Semi-Annual Kids' Sale and Clearance. If you have shopped this before, then you already know. If not, then stop reading and get going, because the merchandise is better than top notch, the styles are beyond delightful and the prices are killer. There are several pages of Kids' items below $10, always helpful for the pocketbook. Of course, The Princess is always helpless before a bucket hat, especially when it's for a child and on sale for $6, and Alligator Sandals for Toddlers and Little Boys from ECCO are just too cute, not to mention good for their feet.

Moving away from the 'standard' or annual/semi-annual type sale to the rather unexpected, we move to the Neiman Marcus situation. Mind you, as we write this we are not complaining whatsoever about the opportunity to save a few pennies whilst making our contribution to the bigger economic picture, not at all. We just dislike an unhealthy economic outlook from a global perspective.

In a story published in yesterday's Dallas Morning News, CEO Burt Tansky said that business was so rough last quarter Neiman's did some unusual things, like extending markdowns from a "One Day Only" Men's Sale into a second day. Ouch. And he also told the paper the company is buying less Fall merchandise, somewhat unusual in and of itself. But here's what shoppers want to know: he also told the newspaper the store will be adding more sales in upcoming months, and they are going to have to be more promotional. "More Promotional" is code for sales, or more aggressive markdowns, or both and this is sounding like both to us. At any rate, their Designer Sale is in its 'Final Days' at 35% off, and at the Last Call Online Clearance the bargains continue with discounts up to 65%.

While we're talking upper end department stores, how about Barneys? Yikes! This is unheard of!

Really. This just doesn't happen. The Princess realizes that if you don't have cause to follow the retail scene or shop here, this truly is one big yawn. Understood. However, it ceases to be a yawner when one gazes upon that hideous orange and realizes that Barneys is doing 40% markdowns, and then furthers gasps, saying, oh my, they're including Men's, Baby, Shoes, and Home! I mean, look at this darling little Malina dress for Infant Girls of some of the softest 100% cotton you will ever (I mean, ever) feel. There are some good to great deals on Men's Zegna dress shirt, A couple of FYIs on the online sale: There is a lot of men's merchandise, including a lot of Prada, Zegna, while we would recommend skipping the Home Gift section unless desperate as it is slim pickings - in store offerings are much better on that front from what we are hearing.

Additionally, there is a significant group of Women's Sale Shoes, with something for everyone (trust The Princess on this), with a good number of Christian Louboutin, Manolo Blahnik, Prada, Miu Miu, Lanvin (including the Satin and Flower Ballet Flat!), Marc by Marc Jacobs, CO-OP by Barneys New York, Robert Clergerie, Fendi, Chloe, Jil Sander, Derek Lam, Yves Saint Laurent, Jean-Michel Cazabat, Sigerson Morrison, and Henry Cuir. We show the Prada Degrade Ballet Flat way above on top, and the Sigerson Morrison Mirror Metallic Sandal, way above on bottom. Now here is what's known as a tease: you may want to make particular note of the Sigerson Morrison sandal, as our next post will involve Sigerson Morrison and your favorite discount store. Yep. Promise. Cross my heart and hope to die, stick a needle...um, never mind.

Essentially, everyone is having a sale, including Chanel, with their private sale running through tonight, and then their one-day public sale running tomorrow. Talbots has taken an additional 20% off their clearance merchandise online only, so click here if it tickles your fancy, although TP has found very little there of late to get excited about. Net-a-Porter continues their Spring '08 Sale, with new reductions taken.

We start to wrap up with J. Press, continuing with their sale both online and in their stores, always worth a stop, and then we have Ann Taylor with a Deal of the Week with 25% off Select Pants & Capris Online Only, as well as their ongoing Clearance with prices starting at 19.99. Ann Taylor Loft is offering 30% off select dresses & skirts online only and also 25% off maternity + free returns; use code JUNEMOM for the free returns. Also at Ann Taylor Loft their Clearance continues with new markdowns as well as other deals too numerous to mention.

That is as many as we have time for...happy hunting!

***

Cette information va paraître si anodine pour le lectorat parisien... C'est un fait ! Mais c'est une grande nouvelle pour nous, "les pôv provinciales" : les Galeries Lafayettes testent la vente en ligne, avec une large sélection de marques distribuées par le magasin : Et vous, Great by Sandie, Fendi, Erotokrytos, Katherine E Hammet, La Boutique du Cachemire, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Maje, Repetto, Sandro, Rue Princesse, Red Ligne, Zadig & Voltaire, Naturapura, Diesel, Minority, Zoé Bonbon, et j'en passe !!... dont certaines qui n'ont absolument pas de vente de collections ou d'autres distributeurs en ligne comme notamment le Comptoir des Cotonniers.

Bon, je ne vais pas faire "ma pôv provinciale de base", puisque ma ville est pourvue d'un Galeries Farfouillettes et d'un Printemps... mais je pense aux oubliées, qui n'ont même pas un suédois ou un espagnol à portée de main et encore moins le big corner des galeries Farfouillettes dans leur ville ! Mes galeries chez moi sont à taille humaine, par rapport au grand frère de la Capitale où faire du shopping y est presque aussi éprouvant que d'essayer de faire le Louvre en une seule journée !

Je vous avouerais que je n'ai pas eu le loisir de parcourir l'intégralité du site, qui s'avère au premier abord relativement bien achalandé même si la sélection peut paraître réduite en rapport avec le magasin...

Mais il était temps au final, non ?

]]> http://awear.wordpress.com/?p=31 Sat, 24 May 2008 11:58:31 +0000 fashaholic http://awear.wordpress.com/?p=31

Nothing like a good knockoff at 3% of the price, eh? I couldn't but notice these Forever New bags with a suspicious similarity to Burberry's recent A/W collection. (For the foreigners, I suppose you could equate Forever New with Forever 21, although not quite as cheap or well-known for ripping off other people's designs. It's the only store in Australia that stocks Lipsy.) I'm not particularly fond of the bag on the far left, although the one on the far right is nice. It doesn't quite compare to the Knight, however; all the knockoffs seem to lack the beauty of the small, close-together (there has to be a better way of putting that!) studs.

I bought the gold studded headband today from Equip on sale for $3 from $10! I can't wait to wear it! And as much as I love Marc Jacobs, there is no way I'll ever pay $82 for a headband. Okay, maybe a very special headband, but definitely not that one.

On another note, the best thing about Adelaideans being unfashionable is that because nobody knows who Zac Posen is, his collection is barely selling in Target and it's already half price!!!

Ok, so yesterday I was up super early so I could make my entrance into Nordstrom's sale at the Grove before the masses. I didn't go at 7am, but managed to make it there a little before 10am.

I made a b-line for the bags. While I love the idea of saving a bundle, I just forked over a fair sum for my Marc Jacobs bag and knew I had to steer clear of the designer bags, which went on pre-sale last week. Today was the designer bag sale and I stayed away. Anyway, I immediately spotted a red patentHobo wristlet in red that I'd been eyeing for the last month. It was marked half off!!! Score. I honestly snap up any cool wristlets I can find since they are great to hit the town with (especially the Hobo's since they actually accomodate all I need to take with me...like my Blackberry, lipstick, etc...) There was already quite a crowd milling about, so i held onto anything that caught my eye.

I was also in the market for a royal blue bag. I got an incredible large red patent tote (Nordstrom brand, even!) last year and I have received more compliments on that bag than any true designer bag I have. It's definitely a statement piece, without being over the top. So a blue bag was a logical follow-up....though I would have settled for a yellow one. Once I ambled over to the bigger bags, I immediately spotted a mid-sized Maxx satchel in bright royal blue. It was a great price and I made it mine.

Following the damage I did (which could have been worse since I had been lusting after a Chloe bag, though held strong and just walked away,) I went over to grab a watch. The only real watch I have is an oversized and adorable Marc Jacobs watch, but it is black patent and a bit too trendy/casual for some situations. There wasn't a whole lot on sale over in the watches, but I did spot a very classy looking Skagen watch with a mother of pearl face.

After that I headed upstairs to check out the clothes, however I was really disappointed with the overall selection. I did spot a pair of Paige jeans, but they didn't have my size :( 

Now I was off to the shoes. I quickly scanned the designer section, but wasn't blown away by any of the prices...so I went ahead and went back to the non-designer area. I found a pair of Nordstrom label yellow peep toes that were cheap enough to buy. Yellow???? Yes, yellow. Bright yellow. I'm sure I'll pair them with plenty of things.

I looked at the accessories and again, wasn't blown away by the selection....but as I was headed out of the doors with my pocketbook suffering less damage than I'd expected, I saw the designer shades section. There sitting on a table with a hoard of people around them, were about 50 pairs of Dior and Fendi sunglasses and two remaining Marc Jacobs shades. I grabbed one (since I'm in LOVE with the pair I have....I also have Gucci's, Coach and a few others.) They looked great and were $200 off, so I bought the bullet and bought them.

After I'd seen the Paige jeans upstairs, it struck me that I might check out the Nordstrom's in Westwood....so off I went. By this time, it was approaching noon and that Nordstrom was packed. I was disappointed to find that they did not have my size either. Oh well.

Since I was already at the mall, I walked down to Nine West and picked up some gladiator sandals that were on sale. Great find.

All in all, a great shopping day....though I still can't get that Chloe bag out of my head. Grrrr.

Navy is definitely this season's 'it' colour. It's classic but not boring, trendy but not faddish, everywhere but not common. It comes on everything from mascara to shoes, and looks fabulous in patent leather. It's great for office wear as it's stylish without being flippant or too in-your-face.

However, it generally doesn't go well with bright colours; remember Katie Holmes' red dress and navy shoes at the Met Gala? If it hadn't been a superhero night, she never would have gotten away with that. It looks best with metallics, black or white. Follow the catwalk looks and pair a navy dress with sheer black or navy stockings.

If you don't have anything navy and can't afford much else, just go for some navy nail polish: Chanel's has risen to cult status already, but a cheaper option would be the OPI Russian Navy shade (it isn't as purple as it looks in the photo).

Is it just me or does that Vivienne Tam dress look like a high-end readier-to-wear knock-off of Balenciaga?

Photos courtesy of Style.com, Fendi, Chanel, OPI and Dior

Gwenyth Paltrow and Adriana Lima bustedd in Zac Posen.

same dress, but Lima looks better in it, i must admit. Her body looks great, and those pumps with the dress...to die for.

Lauren Conrad and Anne Hathaway bustedd in a Marc by Marc Jacobs cardigan

Anne wins, without a doubt, her simply chic blue dress under looks fresh. L.Cs look, seems like its been done before. sigh. dont cry about it L.C.

Victoria "Posh" Beckham and Fergie busted in Dolce & Gabbana

Fergie wins, the matching shoes arent working Mrs. Beckham, maybe if you wouldve had Hollywood's hottest accessory, Mr. Beckham, you definately wouldve had my vote!

Vanessa Hudgens and Kourtney Kardashian and Adrienne Bailon in Sass & Bide

Oh dear, im seeing 3. no winner, the same dress, same color shoes, whats to vote on?

Till next time,         

       Aanisah <3

photos: People.com

This Marc by Marc Jacobs lace dress in gold has 3/4 length sleeves, with soft black and cream silk pleats, finished with caramel lace. Wear it like Blair, or dress it down to create your own look.....maybe with black flats, a cardigan and plain tights?

Oh and wear to buy it? Head to Flannels Fashion, where you can pick it up for £160 (was £325).

Note: I really wanted to post pictures of the dress itself, but Flannels don't seem to let bloggers borrow their images....ah well it's still a beautiful dress so go check it out for yourself :)

Indian Rose x

Source

They're so old you could borrow your mum's, but the bow-tie blouse has never looked better. Without detracting from this season's masculine feel, this shirt adds a pretty touch to any outfit. They've appeared everywhere from Anna Sui to Marc by Marc Jacobs (pictured, left) to Zac Posen (pictured, middle) in numerous shapes and sizes for both the latest A/W 08/09 and the previous S/S 08 collections. Zac Posen's look is the easiest to pull off with the miniature bow, skirt and stockings; I think it would look great undone for a bit of edge. At Marc by Marc Jacobs, the bow was found on a vested dress for summer, but without a collar the bow looks a little out of place (it also comes in a cream vest and bow with a plain red skirt). Favourite look? Definitely Proenza Schouler's (pictured, right) over-sized, off-centre bow in navy - it looks stunning tucked into those wide-leg trousers. And if navy's not your thing, Proenza Schouler liked the shirt so much they made it in three colours!

The best thing about this trend is that it's totally wearable. Dress it down with jeans or up by tucking it into a skirt. Don't forget that if you want to look smaller, wear a bigger bow. And if you just can't find one you like? Pretend! Tie a scarf under the collar of a plain white shirt - not only will it be unique, but the pattern of the scarf will add a nice twist.

Photos courtesy of Vogue Australia.