Now Wearing...

Owl Sweater - Twinkle by Wenlan
Laser Cut Wool Coat - Liquid
Zip Front Skirt - Richard Chai for Target (I sewed it to better show off the zipper)
Leopard Tights - Rebecca Taylor
Woven Purse - Botkier
Leaf Pave Necklace - Rachel Leigh
Beanie - No Name
Leg Warmers - No Name
Lace Up Booties - Vintage

I bought this skirt on Target.com, because I thought it was an exposed zipper skirt and exactly what I was looking for (see picture above)! But when I got the skirt...the zipper was covered with a unfortunate flap! BOOO!

Did Target change the artistic integrity of Richard Chai's Design?

Sew what's a girl to do? Make it Work!

I Heart Ronson, Charlotte Ronson for JC Penney

When you think of JC Penney, you don't often think of it as your source for fashionable apparel! Well they are hoping to turn things around and make the Shopping Mall staple have a more fashion forward image.

Nylon magazine offers the first look at Charlotte Ronson's Diffusion line for JC Penney.

Items will retail for $15-65, while Ronson's namesake contemporary line wholesales for $70-130. I Heart Ronson will be available at JC Penney Stores starting this February.

I think the collection looks great! You get the casual girlish ease of Charlotte Ronson at a great price! Watch out Target, you may have some collaboration competition on your hands! I love the dark floral prints combined with stripes for fall! My personal fave piece has got to be the romper! CR always makes a great romper!!!


See More I Heart Ronson...



all images courtesy of Nylon Magazine

Sephora Friends & Family

Get Sephora's Friends and Family discount online between November 6-10, 2008. Shop on Sephora.com and receive a 20% discount at checkout by entering FF2008 in the promotion code box.

Now Wearing...

Black dress - Jonathan Saunders for Target
Purple scarf - is actually a jersey sash from a dress

Yesterday my office celebrated Halloween early with some candy and a costume contest. Guess who won Most Creative? That's right, I did!


Click for more robot rock!
I couldn't have done it without the help of my friend Chris, who is going to be Kirk Lazarus, Robert Downey Jr's character in Tropic Thunder. We custom made my costume from a heavy duty cardboard, measured every dimension, cut out ergonomic arm holes and spray mounted tin foil.

Cardboard box - off the street
Aluminum foil - Duane Reade
Computer mother board - roommate's dead computer
"Dancing Machine" and energy gauge - drawn in Adobe Illustrator

Headphones - Panasonic and actually connected to the mother board
Cream fingerless gloves - Urban Outfitters
Yellow bangle - no name
Gray Fleur-de-Lis leggings - Romeo & Juliet Couture
Sneakers - Creative Recreation

Trend Report: Fringe

Fringe is decorative edging made of hanging threads, strips of fabric, or tassels. It's a great way to add texture to an outfit, and it can add fluidity and movement. Fringe is one hot trend this fall, and below we've got three styles for you to try on.

Also, keep in mind that fringe is not new, so you can find most of these looks at vintage stores (or on eBay), which is more eco-friendly and can be more affordable.


Bohemian Fringe
Sam Edelman Ursula Short Boot $127
Aerosoles Linbo $67
Minnetonka Woodstock $78
For a bohemian look, try fringe made of wider strips, and to avoid looking sloppy, limit this style of fringe to your shoes and accessories. Nothing says hippie love child or Native American princess quite like suede fringe. Try this look with lighter or distressed jeans and a loose sweater. Complete the look with a long beaded necklace or large pendant.


Flapper Fringe
LaROK Cropped Fringe Tank $228
Silence & Noise Flapper Skirt $58
In my mind, the flapper look never went out of style - so chic, so playful, and so feminine. Flapper fringe can be figure flattering, hiding or adding curves if the tiers hit you in the right places.

When buying fringe pieces, examine the layers of fringe. Some cheaper mass market garments will skimp on the tassels, which will make the garment look obviously cheap by exposing the fabric behind the fringe even when the piece is not in motion.

To keep flapper fringe from looking like a Halloween costume, pair with simple, modern accessories such a metal necklace rather than a traditional pearl necklace or pair with contracts such as boots.


Menswear-Inspired Fringe
Perks and Mini Tassels Low Cut Boot $270
Manas Caramel Leather Loafers $65
I love this last look, menswear-inspired fringe on footwear. Pairing masculine and feminine is fun and funky. It's also a little librarian, which is perhaps why the trend hasn't hit mass market retailers just yet. The two links above were the only decent new examples I could find, but there are plenty of vintage options.

My favorites are the old boots that are similar to, but less chunky than Doc Martens with fringe on the toes. If anyone finds a good pair in size 7, holler!

For Lovely Lashes, shu uemura Wins

You've probably seen this $19 eyelash curler at Sephora and wondered, "Is it really any better than other curlers? Is it worth $19" The answer is yes and yes.

I can go without makeup, but it's sad day when I forget to curl my eyelashes. shu uemura's eyelash curler really works wonders. It gives my lashes the perfect curl, and unlike other curlers, it never nips my skin. I never wear mascara, and with shu uemura, my lashes stay curled for most of the day.

If you feel guilty about spending $19 on an eyelash curler when the one you have works perfectly fine, give your old one to a little sister or cousin or throw it in your on-the-go makeup bag. Plus, they last forever.

My best friend and college roommate bought me one for Christmas three years ago, and it's still going strong. Since then, shu uemura has updated their curler, so it's even better than the one I have! For more information, check out shuuemura-usa.com.

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XOXO

Erin & Lani

$25 Gift Certificate for $2 from Restaurant.com

For those of you who were bummed cause you missed the last round of discount on Restaurant.com now is the time to redeem yourself!

From today until tomorrow head over to Restaurant.com, type in your zip code and find a restaurant in your neighborhood. When you've selected the one you want, and purchasing the gift certificate make sure you enter the offer code TREATS to get the discount. I'm not sure what time it expires, but 10/31/08 is the expiry date for this offer. Go quickly!

Make sure you read the minimum purchase requirements carefully as they vary from restaurant to restaurant before deciding what you'd like to purchase.

For those of you in the NYC area, check out what's close by. I'm thinking Matador, Cafe Espanol, Porcao Churrascaria, Jeeb, Red Brick Curry House, Sushi 52 or Brawta myself =)

It's No Secret, Victoria

image courtesy of Bendon Lingerie

Is it just me or does it feel like there aren't that many options for affordable but pretty intimate apparel? I often admire Natori & Agent Provocateur, but usually most pieces are out of the stratosphere of making everyday purchases.

Sure there is Victoria Secret, but the quality isn't great. One time I had a coupon for a free pair of underwear and I washed them once and they started falling apart, before I even wore them a single time! I thought no wonder they were free, and the promotion had the opposite effect, instead of attracting customers it made me want to avoid buying from them!

Move over Victoria Secret, on November 3rd, 2008 The Limited will be bringing the Bend On. Actually Bendon Lingerie, a 60 year old New Zealand based lingerie company, in a joint partnership with The Limited, will launch Intimates by Bendon for The Limited.

While you may not have heard of Bendon Lingerie, I'm sure that you have heard of the 2 famous lincenses, Elle Macpherson Intimates and Stella McCartney Intimates. Intimates by Bendon for The Limited will retail between $35-38 for bras, and $14-16 for underwear, much cheaper than either of the licenses but hopefully the same quality and equally pretty!

Now Wearing...

Boots - Marc by Marc Jacobs
Shiny Leggings - Xhilaration at Target
Sweater Dress - Alice Temperley for Target
Turtleneck - Theory
Scarf - Picked up on Street at Camden Market
Stripe Beret - Alice Temperley for Target
Cameo Necklace - Dominique Cohen for Target

Now Wearing...

Cream blouse - (secondhand) Ulla Johnson
Brown tank - Mossimo, Target
Light blue jeans - Lux, Urban Outfitters
Black riding boots - vintage
Brown hoop earrings - no name

Laptop for Women?

Vivienne Tam in partnership with HP launches perhaps the first laptop geared at women today. The computer will have an interior & exterior designed by Tam to match her Spring 2009 Collection. The laptop will cost $700 and weighs only 2 lbs while still featuring a near full size keyboard (92%).

The top of the notebook is gleaming red and bursting with peony flowers. The peony design is also on the inside the notebook, under the keypad. The notebook also features a complementary embroidered storage sleeve that helps keep the exterior protected while being carried as a clutch.

The HP Mini Vivienne Tam Edition will be sold at the Vivienne Tam's SoHo Boutique in the spring but is currently available for pre-order through HP, and will ship in early December. A plain version in black, pink or silver will also be available in November, but why would you want a plain version?

See Vivienne Tam talk about the laptop here.
P.S. Did you notice that she's wearing the matching print dress to her laptop?

iWant Giles & Brother Jewelry

Giles & Brother is a diffusion line of the Philip Crangi jewelry collection. Named for the brother and sister team, Giles & Brother features some of the favorite motifs and icons of Philip Crangi, its designer. Conceived as a more affordable option to Philip's other collections, Giles & Brother is a charm-based line with finishes in sterling silver, vermeil (18k plating over sterling silver), and blackened sterling silver. They create jewelry for both men and women.

I love the industrial/organic look of these pieces. Particularly the Emerald Cage Necklace pictured above! The Emerald Cage & Pear Cage Earrings are also great, they shapes are that of gems, without the precious stone, they almost make me wish I had pierced ears. They also make a variety of tiny interesting earrings varying from muskets to safety pins. I had to include the bats in honor of Halloween!

The prices range from $64 for simpler earrings to $635 for the Emerald Cage Necklace.

More Sample Sales

Who: Kenneth Cole
What: Ready-to-wear, footwear, and accessories are priced at $10 to $85
Where: 261 W. 36th St., nr. Seventh Ave
When: Now through 10/31 Tues., Thurs. (10–7), Wed., Fri. (10–6).

Who: Bill Blass
What: Grab Peter Som's final collection of ladylike clothes for Bill Blass from 70-90% off. Pants, skirts, sweaters, tops, and dresses range from $100-$300. There is also a $30 rack.
When: Now through 10/29
Where: 550 Seventh Ave., nr. 39th St., twelfth fl.; Tues.–Wed. (10–5).

Below Sales via Daily Candy:

What: Vivienne Tam
Why: Save up to 75 percent. Silver metallic Aphrodite dress for $150 (reg. $795); taffeta rose applique dress for $120 (reg. $495).
When: Nov. 5-7. Wed., 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Thurs., 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: 260 W. 39th St., b/t Seventh & Eighth Aves., 3rd flr. (212-840-6470).

What: Hayden-Harnett
Why: Forty-70 percent off fall 2008 collections and accessories.
When: Nov. 5-8. Wed.-Sun., noon-6 p.m.
Where: Edgo Noho, 65 Bleecker St., b/t Broadway & Lafayette Sts. (718-383-4450).

What: Tibi
Why: Lambswool sweater cape for $104 (reg. $414); crepe long-sleeve gown for $200 (reg. $784); silk shift dress for $80 (reg. $320); belted cape jacket for $140 (reg. $559).
When: Nov. 5-7. Wed., 1-7 p.m.; Thurs., 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m.; Fri., 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Where: Penthouse 15, 336 W. 37th St., b/t Eighth & Ninth Aves., 15th flr. (212-966-3773).

What: Fred Perry
Why: Yuptastic shoes and accessories for guys and gals. Cash only.
When: Nov. 4-9. Thurs., Fri., Mon. & Tues., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., noon-6 p.m.
Where: 547 W. 27th St., b/t Tenth & Eleventh Aves. (212-736-3030).

What: Shoshanna & Anlo
Why: Seventy-five percent off fall 2008, swimwear, and denim.
When: Nov. 5 & 6. Wed., 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m.; Thurs., 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Where: 231 W. 39th St., b/t Seventh & Eighth Aves., ste. 422.

Now Wearing...

Laser Cut wool coat - Liquid
Pleat Front Shirt Dress - Victor & Rolf for H&M
Black Tights - H&M
Necklace - Dominique Cohen for Target
Riding Boots - Recycled Nine West
Woven Purse - Botkier
Umbrella - Marc Jacobs Special Item

Now Wearing...

Gray hat - August
Blue jacket - Merona, Target
Black & white zip up - H&M
Black long sleeve - American Apparel
Jeans - Uniqlo
Heart boots - Union Bay
Black bag - Gryson for Target

The box is part of my Halloween costume. What am I going to be? I'll have pictures for you this weekend.

Robyn Rhodes For Breast Cancer Awareness

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and Robyn Rhodes has created a collection dedicated to the cause. 20% of all proceeds from the sale of these pieces will go directly to The Young Survival Coalition. The Young Survival Coalition is dedicated to assisting women, their friends & families who are diagnosed with breast cancer and are under the age of 40.

I like the organic look and feel of Robyn Rhodes. When I look at Rhodes' collection, I can feel the love and energy that went into each of the pieces. I love the craftsmanship that goes into creating intricate coils and the warmth of the stones.

The Breast Cancer Awareness collection features pink Rose and Cherry Quartz. My personal favorite is Faith (pictured above in the center). Prices range from $66 to $144; most necklaces are a little over $100. To see the entire collection and more information on Robyn Rhodes, visit robynrhodes.com.

Mary-Kate & Ashely ‘Influence’ Book Signing Oct 28th & Nov 12th

Mary Kate & Ashley’s new book Influence consists of interviews conducted by the Olsens with the world's most famous designers, photographers, artists, and tastemakers including John Galliano, Christian Louboutin, Terry Richardson, Richard Prince and Karl Lagerfeld. To promote the book, the twins will be doing book signings in New York and Los Angeles.

October 28, 12:30 pm
Barnes & Noble Booksellers near Union Square
33 East 17th Street, New York, NY 10003
212-253-0810

November 12, 7:00 pm
Westwood Borders in Los Angeles
1360 Westwood Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90024

*Note: Book signing lasts for only an hour, so get there early. For more information on the book signings, click here.

Double click for an excerpt from the book. Excerpt from the book courtesy of NY Mag:

Where we see cupcakes, Karl sees plastic.

AO: What do you do now to stay in shape?
KL: Nothing … I have a doctor who I made a book with that sold five million copies all over the world. Every country bought one, I think, in Russia and Italy and everywhere. But I don't get it — I don't know what Japan is going to do with a European diet book … Since I started my diet, which was like eight years ago, I haven't touched what I'm not supposed to: sugar, cheese, nothing! I don't even look at it. It looks to me like plastic.

He hates tall, chatty models.

KL: [N]owadays you start to model because you're young. Now the girls are sixteen, seventeen, fifteen, and Russian. They are like from another planet
AO: They can look very bizarre!
KL: I hate all these tall women. They are all giants!
MKO: If only I were a little taller — that would make me happy!
KL: You are one meter fifty-one. You are taller than that?
AO: We're five feet and one inch.
KL: Oh, I thought my office told me that you were four-foot eight or something. Not that it matters. What you need is a face. If you have a face you don't need height or a voice. Models know this; that's why the good ones don't need to talk much.

And he hates working with male models.

KL: I like to work with models for a long time. Sometimes the girls change, but some girls I work with for years and years. With male models it is different. I hate working with male models.
AO: Ah, well boys come and go!
KL: And I hate doing castings and things like this. "oh no you're not right" — that's horrible to say to someone. I never do castings. Other people do them, and then I see the result of the casting. It's humiliating for the models.


Nor does he like to hear a man's opinion.

KL: I don't have people I don't like around me ever.
MKO: You don't have to.
KL: …I don't work with many men. I don't want to ask the men about the fashion. Their opinion doesn't interest me.

He gives the girls family-planning advice!

KL: I like more classic [shapes] now. Best thing to do for skinny people to wear tight dresses. Although jeans are becoming too tight.
AO: Ah! Yes, it's becoming a problem. It's the worst.
KL: You can kill yourself in these jeans.
MKO: Ha, I'd rather stay inside with my friends than limp out in tight trousers.
KL: Maybe you'll stay inside with a baby. Do you want to get married? Children? Two perfect mums, yes?
[Mary-Kate and Ashley look at each other]
KL: Ah! Don't worry, you have time. You're young. Don't you want to get married?
MKO: I don't feel the need to get married. But Ashley wants children. I'll be a great aunt or godmother.
AO: To my child.
KL: [To Ashley] Are you planning?
AO: No. I don't even have a boyfriend. You have to plan that first, right? Figure that out first?
KL: If you get a boyfriend it doesn't mean that! Today you can have a baby first. If you want. I never liked the idea of a family at all. If it's a woman — it's more fun for a woman.

Karl sheds light on why he's the face of that road-safety ad in France.

MKO: It can be dangerous when you're driving [in L.A.] particularly, because they follow you in cars and scooters. That's bad. That's not easy.
KL: I had two accidents where I fell asleep — after that I thought it was better that I don't drive. I'll get a driver. I'm a bad driver because I want to look there, there, and up there. I get bored easily — so twice I fall asleep and twice the car is destroyed … I had nothing [wrong] with me — but both cars were destroyed.

Excellent Customer Service from Bliss Lau

"I understand how incredibly important the right outfit to an event is..." - Bliss Lau

After reading a previous iWant post, our friend and reader Jeff purchased a piece from Bliss Lau to wear to an event. With the item shipping from New York to Canada and the event only a few days away, Jeff wasn't sure his order would make it in time. What would happen?


Read about Jeff's experience with Bliss Lau
I purchased the CRISSCROSS piece from www.blisslau.com after reading a posting on this blog for Bliss Lau and her body jewelry. After looking around the online store, I decided on getting the CRISSCROSS piece to wear at an event coming up. It took a while to decide on which piece to get since they are all unique in their own right.

After placing my order, I was getting a bit worried since my item had not arrived yet and my event was only a few days away - so I decided to email Bliss to see if she knew the status of my order. After finding out that my item was scheduled to arrive after the event I intended to wear the piece at, Bliss was amazing and offered to make me another item and express ship it (to Canada) so that I would receive it on time. She made the second order the same day, shipped it out and paid for all of the shipping, duties and custom charges in addition to confirming with the shipping company that the item would arrive to me in time. I was so grateful for her generosity and in the end was able to wear the piece to the event!

Part of the confusion with the order I placed was due to the shipping terms which I could not readily see on the website - and after notifying Bliss, she indicated that she would make the appropriate modifications to her website to avoid any future misunderstandings.

All in all, this is hands down the best retail experience I have ever had. Bliss was helpful from the moment I asked for her advise on which piece to order, to following through with my suggestion to have the shipping terms stated explicitly on her website. I would definitely recommend her product and especially her attention to customer satisfaction to anyone. The construction and craftsmanship of the piece I received was amazing and I will definitely order something else from her in the future!

-Jeff

A side note: A satisfied customer is the best showcase for a great product. After seeing Jeff rock this piece, another friend of ours is definitely planning on ordering from Bliss Lau soon.

Sample Sale Reminder

Who: Miss Sixty Sample Sale
What: Denim & Accessories 50-75% Off
Where:260 Fifth Ave., nr. 28th St. (212-725-5400)
When: Oct 27-Nov 1, Mon–Fri 10am–7, Sat 10am–6pm

Who: Kooba
What: Leather Handbags at 50-80% Off
Where: 141 W 36th St nr Broadway
When: Oct 28-Oct 30, 10am-8pm but closed from 2pm-3pm for lunch

Who: Dolce & Gabbana, D&G Sample Sale
What: Cocktail Dresses, Tailored Pants & Jackets, Bags, Shoes & Menswear will be up to 70% off
When: 10/27–10/31; Mon. (1–6), Tues.–Wed. (9–6), Thurs. (9–8), Fri. (9–5)
Where: Metropolitan Pavilion, 123 W. 18th St., nr. Sixth Ave., fourth and fifth fl. (877-703-4872)

Who: Lewis Cho Sample Sale
What: Up to 80 percent off. A rayon-jersey shift dress is now $50 from $209, and a wool-jersey belted dress is now $50 from $230
Where:225 W. 36th St., nr. Seventh Ave., Ste. 701 (212-629-9329); 11–8.
When: 10/28–10/30, 11–8.

Who: Max Mara Sample Sale
What: Dresses & Separates up to 70% Off
Where: 145W 18th St
When:10/27–10/31 Mon. (1–8), Tues.–Thurs. (10–8)

Free Phillip Lim Tote

Who: 3.1 Phillip Lim
What: Free Tote bags! During the month of December you can choose between two denim totes with purchase—one with embroidered P.L. initials, the other with a Dow Jones-defying happy face.
Where: Phillip Lim Retail Stores: 115 Mercer St (New York), 631 N. Robertson Blvd (West Hollywood)
When: The Month of December

What do you think of this tote??? Love it, Like it, Hate it, Whatever???

Now Wearing...

Gray hat - August
Cream blazer - The Limited
Gray tee - American Apparel
Green patterned scarf - no name
Bright blue cropped sweater - Casual Corner, a gift from a friend a few years ago, I'm pretty sure it's a brand for older women

Navy skirt - H&M, normally sits lower on my waist, but I made it high waisted by pulling and holding it up with a belt
Brown belt - Ann Taylor Loft
Blue tights - DKNY
Black & brown flats - Seychelles
Blue bag - Liz Claiborne
Obama pin - Obama Campaign trail in Philly

Looking through the list of brands, I sound like such a mom - Casual Corner, Ann Taylor Loft, Liz Claiborne. Wow, haha!