Recently in Fashion Category
August 2nd, 2008. These three pairs of shoes mark the day I should have realized that the economy was in the crapper. Because all three pairs were on serious, serious, serious sale at Jeffrey. Trendoid patent leather stilettos with hot pink heels in the shape of flowers, these are not. No, these are three of the most basic, elegant pairs of shoes a girl can hope to find marked 70% off. 250$ is not a crazy amount to spend on boots. But 1100$ is. And that was the original price of those boots. As Fred, my guy at Jeffrey said that day "You'll never see these on sale again." And reader, maybe he's right. But not for the reasons he thought.
I left the store that day, feeling ebullient- like I had gotten away with something. I couldn't believe my luck- three pairs of simple black shoes, for the price of, well, one pair of Louboutins? But looking back, I wonder if I should have guessed something was up. Because, at most points between 2005-2007, those three, basic pairs of shoes would have been long gone by week four of the sale. Heck, they probably never would have gone on sale at all. The fact that there they were, lingering (in my mind, waiting for me,) was perhaps a notice that a seismic shift was underway.
Now, seven months later, I don't regret anything, but times, they have, as they say, a-changed. Now, the stock market has followed the shoes to deep discount territory. The only thing is, I don't know what a deal on the stock market looks like. If only I knew my stocks like I know my shoes. And, as I walk to the subway in my favorite black boots, their red soles scraping off with wear, I wonder if the days of 1100$ plain black boots, like million dollar studios, and citibank stock at 51.80, are over?
Hey everyone,
I know I've been a BAD blogger this past month. I'll admit it- I've been seeing another blog. Yes,
that's right; I have been writing for Ralph Lauren's new Rugby website. It's pretty fun, but I do miss my shoes. and I have other things I want to talk about too....Inside Center is the blog...
So I'll be back posting more frequently! I promise.
I have a pair of Munoz Vrandaecics, and they are tearing me apart.
What are Munoz Vrandecics? At first glance you might believe I am suffereing from a rare eastern European disease. And you wouldn't be that wrong. Munoz Vrandecic is a shoe, furniture and bag label from Barcelona, Spain. Munoz, according to what may be misinformation dug up on the web, is an engraver who teaches college, and Vrandecic is his wife, an artist. Together they make a very limited number of shoes, bags, jewelry and furniture. The shoes are made by hand, of wood and leather with brass nails. They are basically works of art, and supposedly become more beautiful as you wear them.
I got mine about three years ago, at a Jeffrey sale, when they were marked down a lot. I believed, when I met them, that I had found a true sole mate (I am so sorry about that, I couldn't help it.) But it was not to be. I wore them exactly once, before relagating them to the bin under my bed. You know the story, girl meets shoe, girl loves shoe, girl buys shoe, shoe hurts girl. They had hurt me, hurt me bad, and like a spurned lover, I cast them aside. For, dear reader, they had given me the worst blisters I had ever had in my entire life, and as a flat footed person, I know blisters. They tore a hole in the top of my foot, and ripped my ankles to shreds. For a week I could only wear my Vans, with socks, which sucks in the middle of summer!
I get blisters a lot. Which sucks, because I get blisters and then I can barely wear ANY shoes, much less new shoes, or loved shoes. I've tried the socks around the house thing, and you know what? I still get blisters. But no more. The genius' (!!!) at Band Aid have invented my dream product.
Are you ready for it? Band Aid Blister Block is a little deodorant like stick that you apply to the areas where your shoes rub. You then put your shoes on, and walk. Viola, no blisters. I have been wearing my Munoz Vrandecics all day, and it ACTUALLY WORKS. I was skeptical, believe me, I was. But I am now devoted. My summer just got so much better.
So you've learned two things here today. One, Munoz Vrandecics are cool shoes, and two, Blister Block exists!
What goes around, comes around, right? It's a HUGE cliche, I know, and it was one even before JT sang it so nicely. But listen, this is my first real moment of seeing trends I wore as a young one coming back around. Let me take a moment to extoll, and sigh about my age.
I'm not against the leggings trend, like so many are. They're comfortable, and can be cute, if worn with good boots or flats, and a dash of prudence. In 1986, when we first dressed that way, we covered our tushes! Not only do I not want to see your panty line, or your thong, chances are, even if you are super skinny, leggings won't really do it for your ass. Cover that thing! I've mentioned my love of Steve Alan shirt dresses before, and I will add long sweatshirts, (loathe as I am to promote them) from American Apparel to my list of appropriate legging wear.
On that note, I noticed that Katayone Adeli is back, with a lovely little line called K.A.7. She has the perfect sweater dress for leggings; long, slightly shear, very flattering, palest pink merino wool. They also have her trousers, which were the best pair I ever owned. Welcome back!
But my real reason for this posting is in the name of revival! While at aforementioned American Apparel last week, I saw these head bands behind the counter. They were thing, and ribbon like, and came in lots of great jewel tones, for the bargain price of 3.50. I got two! One in red, and one in a lovely caramel. I have very dark hair, and I love them. But I have a tiny head, and they do tend to slip. Yet they remind me of a recent trend, that now seems never to have happened.
Do you remember the Bumble Band? For a moment in the late '90s, early aughts, it was THE hair accessory. I think, (though correct me if I am wrong) that SJP even wore them on Sex in the City. They were thin, satin, bra strap-like bands, complete with adjustable clasp. They came in very few colors; I had one in black, and a coveted lavender, from the Seventeen Magazine beauty closet. My friends in college where constantly trying to swipe them. Made by Bumble & Bumble, they dressed up a sloppy pony tail, and were pretty sexy for a headband. Bumble made limited batches, but the bands were quickly knocked off, and showed up at Ricky's, Urban Outfitters, and if memory serves correctly, maybe even the Gap! So out they went, with the black stack heeled boots!
Recently, Amanda Peet has been sporting on Studio Sixty. But a Google search returned no results. So for now I'll have to stick with my new, thicker, less elegant version.
There is an interesting character study in last week's issue of the New Yorker about Harley Lewin, an entertainment lawyer turned counterfeit hunter.
Many people feel counterfeiting, especially in fashion, is something of a victimless crime.
All I can say is this: I was the victim of a heinous counterfeiting scam. It is a day that will go down in infamy in my heart. Here's what happened.
For my graduate school graduation, a well meaning family member bought me a black nylon Prada bag. (Those of you that know me, know, that this family memeber could not have been my mother, who objects to expensive nylon, and knows her Prada from her Miu Miu.) It came wrapped in a box, in a clear plastic bag marked Prada, with tags on it.
I didn't give it a second thought. There was no way in the world I was going to carry the thing. A light went off in my head. I would return it to the Prada store, and get something ridiculous, like a cell phone case, or a coin purse. Fun!
One beautiful spring day I traipsed down to SoHo. I stopped to return some stuff to Bloomies, and to Coach. And then, with an air of frantic anticipation, I hopped into Prada. I flowed down the stairs to the returns department and waited my turn.
"I'd like to return this please. It was a gift, so I don't have the receipt." I said, sharing a knowing glance with the chic girl working behind the counter, one that said, I would never carry this, and of course, neither would you.
She picked it up gingerly, in her manicured hands, and took it out of it's plastic shell. She turned it up and down, and around. And then, oh the humiliation! She smiled gently at me. The Prada girl SMILED! I knew something was very wrong.
"I'm so sorry. This isn't one of our bags. They never come in plastic like this." She said in a gentle voice. She slid it back to me, politely.
"Oh my GOD! I'm so sorry!" Picking up the thing, I fled out of the store. They had killed me with kindness! I had tried to return a fake! How could I have been so foolish. The bag was a dull nylon, not a rich shiny satin nylon. It had a cheap, twisted, handle. The plate, seen against the gleaming real ones in the store, was large and vulgar. And it came in a plastic bag! Even bags from J.Crew have cloth bags!
I ran all the way the home, only stopping to call my mother for consolation. Had I been set up, made a fool of? My cheeks burned.
After I got home, had a glass of water, and settled down, I thought about the situation. I felt way worse for my FM then I did for myself. I am sure my poor family member had gotten the thing on ebay, and had been tricked. This person bought the bag on the good faith that it was real. (In fact the picture above is pretty similiar to the one I was given. I pulled it off ebay this morning.)
I stuffed the bag in the back of my closet. I thought about giving it to one of RC's niece's as a gift. Both are young girls, and they would probably love it. But then I didn't want to pass the taint along. What if someone called them out on it? If it was mortifying for me, what would it be like for a ten year old? I eventually threw it away. I didn't know what else to do.
Every third Saturday, Rosa, my saviour, my cleaning lady comes. Efficient and punctual, she's in and out, and when RC and I get home, our apartment smells like Meyers and Murphys. I love Rosa Saturdays.
Usually, to kill time while Rosa does her good work, RC and I take ourselves out to brunch, and to a movie, and run various errands. Last Saturday we got up early, ate a lovely brunch at 9th Street Market, and went to see Breach. (Not bad, not violent, not stupid but not "The Insider") Then because RC wanted to check out a jacket, we went to Marc.
In our travels around the city, I noticed a peculiar phenomenon. The day was lovely for recently, threatening to break freezing. But there were still moldy grey hills of snow all over the street and the curb. And running around, through and over these mounds, were lots of girls in dainty high heels. There they were in the East Village, tripping over huge deep puddles. There they were on the West Side, grimacing as they negotiated a snow hill, and the snow hill won.
Here's my question? WHY IN GOD'S NAME WOULD YOU TRAIPSE AROUND IN HIGH HEELS THROUGH THE WET AND THE SNOW ON A SATURDAY? I don't care how cute they are!!! You'll RUIN them!!!! And your feet will get wet! Girls!!! Some common sense please!!!!!!!! You actually look silly!!! (Saturday night, I understand, but just for shopping and walking around? Only if you are SJP or Mariah! Or have a car service trailing you!) Please go back to my earlier post about cute non -Ugg winter boots. They are probably all on sale now!
Later that evening, at a wretched bar on 9th street, I saw a girl wearing a really lovely navy and white blouse, very DVF. With white trousers. What is this? Palm Beach? Or am I just old fashioned in my adherence to the guideline of no white trousers between Labor and Memorial day?
Thoughts?
I am obsessed with Anna Wintour. I just love her! I even dressed as her once for Halloween. I think I looked ok too, except that my wig made me look a little hasidic...KT has a picture somewhere.
But back to Anna. Why is she so fascinating? Because she is a woman in power? Because she doesn't really give interviews? Because of the debate that swirls around her? Is she evil or is she just shy?
I love what the debate over Anna has become of late. It used to just be said that she was mean. But now it seems a new, more complex picture is emerging. This updated portrait is of a complicated and passionate woman, who wants to serve her business, but who also believes in helping up and coming designers. There is a really great article about Anna today in The New York Times by one of my favorite fashion writers, Cathy Horyn.
The article doesn't answer any questions, but it does shine a little light on what drives the mysterious Ms Wintour. I'll share a story about her from when I worked at Conde.
There was a great young stylist, who was the only person at the magazine perhaps lower then I was. She was the fashion closet bitch. And she was passionate about clothes, fashion people, and most of all, photography. She told me this story.
Before she got her job, she had sent Ms Wintour her portfolio, not really expecting to hear anything back ever. But she did. And rather quickly. In her portfolio, Anna had cirlced things and sent her a note, telling her to continue her good work, and to stay in touch. I wish I knew what happened to the girl, but I love the fact that she wrote back! A heartless queen doesn't do that.
So think what you like about her, but I admire her.
Oh what a busy two weeks for a clothes horse like me! First the Golden Globes, and now the fashion show known as the State of the Union.
Here are my impromptu thoughts:
1) George W Bush (President of the United States)- I think the tradition is a navy blazer with a white or blue shirt and a red tie. But here our conservative commander in chief goes for something a little different. A rather light navy blazer with a crisp white shirt and a french blue tie with a checker pattern. Tres avant garde! It makes me think Paris (Texas)!
2) Nancy Pelosi (Speaker of the House, D- Representative, California)- I am so pleased for Mrs Pelosi, but I wish she hadn't worn mint green. Period. Much less mint green on mint green. Red would have made a great strong statement, while mint is a little easter egg. Even worse, I think this might be a pantsuit! And dab that mascara! Love the lipstick though. For a similiar rosy hue try Clinique Colour Surge Lipstick in Metallic Finish Burgundy Bronze .
3) Dick Cheney (Vice President of the United States)- Quite the conservative presidential look from Mr Dick. Nice blue and red checkered tie, though it reads a little purple on TV. Wondering how the VP keeps his skin looking so smooth? Try Peter Thomas Roth Botanical Buffing Beads to get rid of dead skin cells. Follow with Skyn Iceland Stress Defense Cream With Biospheric Complex to soothe and moisturize. End with Benefit- Benefit You Rebel tinted moisturizer, for sun shielding SPF 15, and that baby's butt glow.
4) Charles Rangel (D- Representative, New York)- Mr Rangel is always dapper, and tonight is no exception. Insouciantly chic, he wears a black and white checkered suit with a white shirt and a playful navy and white polka dotted tie. He is a study in contrasts, and how to play with pattern. Rep Rangel also has some luxurious waves. Want your hair to look that glossy? Go for Frederic Fekkai's Glossing Shampoo and Conditioner. Both products contain shine boosting olive oil to keep hair healthy and strong.
5) John McCain (R-Senator Arizona)- An interesting and different look. I would say McCain is the Cate Blanchett of Congress, unafraid to speak his mind and be himself, while remaining dignified and elegant. This holds true for his taste in fashion as well. A powder blue shirt under a charcoal pinstipe blazer and a yellow tie with red dots. Very Milan 04.
6) Hilary Clinton (D- Senator New York)- Hilary has her bad moments; (those matchy-matchy pantsuits! Andre Leon Talley-get on that!) But if this is a skirt suit, I highly approve. (I haven't seen her standing yet.) A nice dusky grey blazer, fitted well, with a light pink tee underneath, for a hint of femininity. She accessorizes perfectly with modern red lipstick and a strand of large pearls, a la Coco. For classic red lips check out Sephora Plumping Lip Gloss in Red #5
7) Laura Bush (First Lady of the United States)- Hilary and Nancy should take a lesson from our chic first lady. She looks fab in her cowl necked red skirt suit. The neck is a little daring, but the hot red color is a classic. Well done!
8) Barak Obama (D- Senator, Illinois)- You won't find Mr Obama and Mr Bush in agreement on many things, but they must share a stylist, because their look tonight is rather similiar. A darker navy for a more classic, and ironically conservative, look for Barak Obama, paired with the classic white shirt/french blue tie combo.
