Posts tagged Fashion & Style
summertime sailor style
Who doesn’t like a good sailor striped tee? Nautical style and ocean-bound looks never seem to go out of fashion, and they’re most appropriate for summertime. Here are a few ways you can add some maritime splash to your wardrobe – whether or not you’re spending your summer on a boat.
stripes
A classic blue-and-white stripe immediately conjures up visions of a fancy yacht on the French Riviera. Get in the mood with a striped t-shirt, like this one from J.Crew.
boat shoes
The name says it all. Channel your inner sailor with the old-school canvas version from Sperry.
pops of coral-red
Accessorize your look with a splash of lobster red. Nothing looks fresher when paired with a nautical palette of blues and whites. Try a red belt or bag – or go the easiest, prettiest route with a bright coral-red lip, courtesy tarte’s LipSurgence lip tint in Spirited.
chain-link accessories
Gold chain jewelry is a mainstay among the yachting set. Regardless of your yacht-owning status, you can still dress the part! We love this simple bracelet from Michael Kors.
boat-worthy Bikini
No sailor-ette would be caught dead without a bikini on hand- like this sweet anchor-print one from Lilly Pulitzer. A well-chosen two-piece can add a little chic to any seafaring vessel, regardless of its size or capabilities.
May 24th
walk it off: the best winter footwear
tartelettes, just a few years ago, I wouldn’t have been caught dead in anything even resembling practical winter footwear. My cold-weather strategy was to sport the same ballet flats and heels I wore the rest of the year, in which I would step gingerly down my front walk before dashing into the warmth of my car.
Then, I moved to New York. Bye-bye, car. Hello, hikes across town, capricious weather, and snowboots.
But, because this is the Big Apple — the nation’s capital of the stylish yet practical shoe — a city girl’s winter gear has to protect her from the elements while still looking fabulous. You never know who might be just around the corner, even in a snowstorm.
Over the past few years, I’ve discovered a few cold-weather footwear options that are equal parts cute and practical.
Faux leather boots are possibly the easiest way to maintain a chic aesthetic while staying comfy and warm. You can’t go wrong with classic black or brown. Or, if you want to mix things up a little, opt for a pair of rock-and-roll-esque motorcycle boots. Brands like Diesel and Harley-Davidson offer non-leather boots that’ll add a bit of sass to any look. Find them at a vintage store, and they’ll be all broken in for you. Regardless of the style, layer up with thick socks (bonus points if you try a pair of patterned knee-highs that peek out over the top).
Throw old-school fashion rules out the window by keeping heels high and hemlines short this winter — there’s no need to keep those gorgeous gams covered up. Go for a high-heeled version of your daytime boot. Or stay warm with stockings and some fun, leg-defining booties. If it’s not wet out, sport your favorite peep-toe pumps with black tights. Even Rachel Zoe approves
On those rainy, cold days, rain boots with thick socks are the way to go. These aren’t the clunky rubber monstrosities of your youth; in recent years, shoe designers have begun churning out weather-proofed styles that are adorable and, above all, discreet. The best are those that look like boots you would wear anyways, rain or shine. My favorites are by Hunter, which have a slim shape and are super-durable. Classic black is a chic choice — but red and yellow are fun childhood throwbacks. Just try to resist stomping in puddles in these.
Of course, when it’s sleeting out, there are few other options than those dreaded snowboots. Never fear! Even these can be chic. I’m obsessed with this adorable style by Sorel — made with waxed canvas and detailed with faux fur — which I’d be hard-pressed not to wear, even on a clear day.
Jan 24th
best dressed at the People’s Choice Awards 2012
The red carpet was sizzling last night at the 2012 People’s Choice Awards. Celebs were dressed to the nines and wow factors were at an all time high - sheerness, outrageous cuts, and risky styles were abundant! It was hard to narrow it down, but here are a few of our favs!
The sheerness, the length, the neckline – we’re obsessed with everything about Vanessa Hudgen’s Jenny Packham gown.
We love the short and sweet style in which award winner Nina Dobrev opted to go green!
Miley Cyrus looked stunning in this sophisticated, yet edgy dress – sheer, deep necklines were the trend of the night!
Ooh la la! Juliana Hough fearlessly sauntered down the red carpet in this incredible, backless number.
Ginnifer Goodwin paired a retro fingerwave ‘do and with a thoroughly modern structured, hot pink dress .
The boldly peachy color and slight Grecian influence of Demi Lovato’s gown is genius. Oh, yeah, we’d also like to add, va va va-vooom!
Flirty and feminine, Ashley Benson hits a fashion home run with this black and white cocktail dress.
Honorable mention: Lucy Hale certainly took quite a risk with this gown . We applaud her fashion guts and think she pulled it off.
What were your favorite looks of the night?
Jan 12th
New York City Thrifting!
Being a fashion-obsessed, twenty-something definitely has its down side. During Fashion Week, I gush in front of the computer screen, mentally noting which designs I’d totally wear—if I could afford them. I’m sure many tartelettes can sympathize; I envy the college student who can afford to dish out hundreds of dollars on the latest and greatest in fashion without batting an eye. Thankfully for us frugal fashionistas all hope is not lost. Enter, the consignment shop. Thrift shopping requires a great deal of patience, but the end result is almost always worth it. Designer duds at a fraction of the cost? Count me in! Besides, your purchase is almost always more gratifying when you have to hunt—and sometimes dig—for it.
Growing up a few short miles from NYC, I’ve spent countless weekends scavenging Manhattan’s thrift stores in the hopes of finding my next big discovery. Here are a few of my faves:
- Buffalo Exchange (332 E. 11th Street): The selection is always as eclectic as its East Village patrons, and spans from little-known brands to high end designers such as Miu Miu. Best of all? The prices are extremely reasonable. Some recent finds include a Stella McCartney sweater for $15 and Earnest Sewn Jeans for $40. Insider tip: check out the menswear section. They have a great assortment of oversized sweaters.
- Fabulous Fanny’s (335 E 9th street): One accessory that I can’t imagine living without is sunglasses. Fabulous Fanny’s has the absolute greatest (and largest) selection of vintage eyewear. Fanny’s boasts frames from the eighteenth century (they carry the designer who made specs for George Washington and Thomas Jefferson) to the present. For truly unique sunglasses I’d browse their selection from the 60’s and 70’s; it’s unbeatable. Prices start at $60 and top off around $160.
- Beacon’s Closet (92 5th avenue. Brooklyn, NY): With two locations (Williamsburg and Park Slope) Beacon’s Closet is unsurpassed in providing the best in hipster fashion. Countless racks display bold colors and unique finds, both designer and not, which are completely affordable. Buyer beware: Beacon’s requires a bit of digging, but it’s always worth it. I never leave empty-handed. A friend of mine recently snatched up a pair of Frye boots for only $18.
- Tokio 7 (64 E. 7th street): If you have some extra cash to spare, I definitely wouldn’t miss Tokio 7. This designer-exclusive consignment shop is a little pricier, but offers an amazing selection. Village hipsters and fashion enthusiasts alike scavenge the racks of this tiny shop in the hopes of discovering a gently used designer gem. Recent discoveries include a Walter lace dress for $85, Chloe wedges for $250, Chanel round frame sunglasses for $75, and much more..
- Screaming Mimi’s (382 Lafayette Street): The store’s extensive vintage wardrobe is comprised of great contemporary pieces that are always unique. Screaming Mimi’s is also notorious for its following, which is often comprised of inspiration-seeking designers and trend-setting celebutantes (Mimi’s was a favorite of Mary-Kate Olsen’s when she attended NYU). Mimi’s self-proclaimed goal is to “mirror the fashion furor of tomorrow with the cutting-edge trends of yesterday.” How could you resist? Favorite finds include a black faux-fur vest à la Rachel Zoe, vintage “Clubmaster” Ray Bans, and a 60s Mod beaded mini dress.
Well, there you have it! The best—in my humble opinion—of what New York’s consignment has to offer. When thrift shopping just remember these simple tips: be prepared to spend some time in each store, know the general retail price of the garment before purchasing it to ensure the best deal, and always wash your pieces before wearing them!
Happy thrifting!
XO, Allie
Aug 18th
