NYE in NYC means 2°F

Good morning! It's New Year's Eve, and I'm in New York. Everyone tells me it's the best place to bring in the new year. Is it? I just looked up the weather forecast, and it'll be snowing during the day and crazy windy at night.

"Feels like 2°F"?! I had an outfit in mind for tonight, but looks like I'm going to have to make some changes so I don't freeze to death.

Happy New Year! Cheers!

Now Wearing...

Tie Front Top - Cynthia Steffe
Necklace - French Connection, that I doubled for a shorter necklace
Splatter Jeans - Killah
Cardigan - H&M
Patent Mary Janes - Delman

United State of Pop 2008 (Viva La Pop)

The mashup of all mashups, DJ Earworm took the Top 25 Hits of 2008, according to Billboard and threw them over Coldplay's instrumentals to make an epic pop masterpiece. You can download the track at his website djearworm.com, but more amazing than the track itself is the music video. Check it out!

Product Recommendation: Preserve Toothbrush

Hopefully on your list of new year's resolutions is a line about being more eco-friendly and green. You're in luck because my latest obsession is recycled plastic. Read that recycled, not recyclable. Recycled is better than recyclable because it's using material that has already been produced and would have otherwise ended up in a landfill.

The next time you need to grab a toothbrush, consider Preserve. The toothbrush is made from Stonyfield Farm yogurt cups and the packaging is printed on recycled paper with soy-based inks. And the eco-friendliness doesn't stop there. Once you're done with your toothbrush, you can mail it in using a postage-paid label to be re-processed into plastic lumber for picnic tables, boardwalks and decks.

Don't worry, Preserve toothbrushes aren't one of those hippy products where you feel like you're sacrificing something. The curved handle and soft bristles are awesome! Preserve is also affordable. You can find them at Target or your local drugstore for just a couple bucks!

Stay cute. Stay fresh and remember to replace your toothbrush every three months.

Just in Case You Forgot...

Hayden-Harnett officially hit Target stores yesterday. Although I've been hearing that both Brooklyn Target's true to form don't have the bags in store yet (they have been behind on the last few Go collaborations). You can also buy online, if you can wait for it to ship!
*Be warned, the black canvas material apparently is a dust magnet.

I See London I See France I See...

Left to Right: VPL, Thakoon, Prada

Left to Right: Antonio Berardi, Alexander Wang

Underwear as outerwear is no new concept. Ever since the Material Girl wore that iconic pointy bra it's been in and out of fashion over the years. I was even watching some old Sex and the City episodes (from Season 3) the other day and my roommate pointed out that the entire time that Carrie first started dating Aiden she went through a phase of see through shirts.

The bra top and visible underwear were strongly shown throughout the Spring 2009 collections but I wasn't sure if this trend would actually become a reality until I saw this photo of Gwyneth Paltrow wearing Antonio Berardi's dress that offers X-Ray vision into the world of her skivvies.

What Gwyneth does the rest of the world seems to soon follow. Remember her Gladiator sandals and other fierce footwear last year?

I don't think this trend is for everyone, there is a good reason we all embraced the babydoll and trapeze silhouettes a while back. But just be on the lookout as it could soon be hitting the streets around you come warmer weather 2009.

Now Wearing...

Floral Cami - Rebecca Taylor
Tulip Skirt - Cynthia Steffe
Bow Necklace - Dominique Cohen for Target
Gold Purse - Botkier Bianca
Cardigan - H&M
Lace Tights - DKNY
Boots - Marc by Marc Jacobs

I went by the Swarovski Tree today in Toronto Eaton Centre. And as you probably know I love looking at sparkly things.

PS. Here are some detail shots as requested...My Marc Boots are looking a little beat up, salt & snow from the Canadian Winter days have taken it's toll.

Steven Alan Housing Works Sale Report

Picture courtesy of The Choosy Beggar

I stopped by the Steven Alan sale at Housing Works in Chelsea around 11 this morning, and there was a lot of women's wear stock. Most shirts and tops were $25-$35, pants and skirts for $30-35, dresses were $60-65, and hot shorts for $15. There were a few special items like cashmere sweaters and dresses for $66-$80. There were only a few fashionistas around while I was there, but I think a lot of girls were there early because the fitting rooms were filled with stuff that had been tried on.

There was a lot of menswear as well, but unfortunately, all of the mens shirts were XL or XXL! There were some coats and jackets in Medium and a few in Small for $125 or so.

The sale lukewarm in my opinion, but it is for a great charity so if you find yourself in the area take a look!

Now Wearing...

Floral Dress - Street Vendor, Up Market (UK)
Shiny Leggings - Target
Boots - Marc by Marc Jacobs
Pom Pom Cardigan - Esprit
Hat - H&M
Necklace - Subversive for Target

I'm in Toronto and have a limited wardrobe. I just packed whatever needed to be washed so we'll see what outfits I can come up with from what I packed and what I own here.

Thakoon for Target

Thakoon for Target which was previously set to debut December 28th, has already made it's way online now...so buy your musts before they're sold out! P.S. Jonathan Saunders for Target is now 75% Off

Now Wearing...

Forrest green & maroon print dress - Rachel Pally
Gold pendant - vintage, etsy.com
Black tank - H&M
Black leggings - Uniqlo
Maroon suede boots - Urban Outfitters
Eyeglasses - Alain Milki

Featured Friend - Allyson

Though her collection of J.Crew sweaters and collared shirts might lead you to believe otherwise, Allyson lives in southern California. I love her style because she does classic and fun well. She mixes a lot of preppy staples like collar shirts and non-skinny pants with fun sneakers and menswear.

This outfit in particular caught my attention because it was festive and fun without falling back on the cliche Christmas sweater. Plus I am a sucker for menswear accessories like suspenders and the bow tie. While the thought of green pants with a red shirt might seem a bit crazy, she made it work by pairing her outfit with white sneakers that had matching colored piping and balanced out the white shoes with white suspenders on top. Well done, Allyson!

Now Wearing...

Turtleneck - C&C California
Necklace - 1ofmykind jewels on Etsy
Embroidered Dress - Tocca
Boots - Delman

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays

Wishing you a safe warm and happy time spent with family, friends
and the ones you love. May peace, joy and laughter fill your homes.

For Those Slushy & Slippery Days

New York's weather has been awful the past couple of weeks. Over the weekend it was both rainy and snowy. Ick! In the city, most of the snow has been cleared, but in my neighborhood, there are still stretches of snow and slippery, slippery ice.

Every girl who deals with the harsh winter should have a pair of weatherproof shoes to protect her feet. Suede boots look great, but they can't take on any sort of rain or snow. Look cute and stay warm, what is a girl to do? Here are a few ideas.

1. Patent leather boots such as this pair of London Fog Wales $99.99 are great for wet days. Patent leather isn't officially waterproof, but for the most part they will keep your feet dry and if you wipe them off once you get inside, they'll stay shiny and new. Also consider pleather boots. They can be a cheap and less water-sensitive alternative to leather boots.
Try with: just about anything, slim pants, leggings/tights and dresses/skirts

2. Classic rain boots are obvious option. They're waterproof and have some grip, but sometimes they can feel and look a bit bulky. Consider looking for riding boot inspired rainboots such as these Chooka Signature Croco Rain Boots $64.95. If you're not into the texture, Urban Outfitters has a similar smoother pair.
Try with: skinny or straight leg jeans

3. I never thought I would consider anything remotely similar to duck boots until I saw this pair from KORS Michael Kors $147.50. The serious rubber sole will keep you dry and keep you from falling your face. And if you're wearing a puffy coat, the heel can help you feel less frumpy.
Try with: thick leggings or super skinny jeans

Stay warm and dry! Cheers!

Now Wearing...

Crochet Rose - My mom made it
Extra Long Striped Cardigan - Uniqlo
Art Nouveau Print Tee - Talulah
Splatter Jeanse - Killah
Leaf Pave Necklace - Rachel Leigh

Steven Alan + Housing Works = Deals

Housing Works always has some great merchandise at reasonable prices, but lately they've been having some great fashion events too. Following in the footsteps of the YSL event, Housing Works will be hosting a Steven Alan event as they have just received a 1000 item donation from Steven Alan.

Who: Steven Alan + Housing Works
What: 70% Off Retail on brands like Lulu, Willa, Sophie, Sea, Reve Seam, and the signature Steven Alan Label. Jackets are $150 (originally $450), peacoats are $83 (originally $249), and men's shirts are $56 (originally $168).
When: 12/27 10am-6pm
Where: Housing Works Thrift Shop, 143 W 17th St (nr 6th Ave) 718-838-5050

Get Dolled Up

I've always had somewhat of a fascination with Matryoshka dolls, the Russian nesting dolls. The beauty of bright colors and high shine glaze and layer upon layer of the perfect miniature of the previous creation always made me stare and want. Now these dolls have been taken to the next level by getting a whole new designer wardrobe in honor of Russian Vogue's tenth anniversary. Vogue Russia commissioned some of the world's best fashion designers to create their own unique versions of the Matryoskha. The above represent some of my favorite dolls for their ability to best represent the designer's previous work. Can you guess who made who? If not click here to see them all and for the answers.

As much as I love them...they are only to be sold through an auction house for 5000 Euro each!!! Talk about Luxe beyone Luxe!

Now Wearing...

Ruffle Birdseye Jacket - BCBG Max Azria
Turtleneck - Theory
Vest - Charlotte Ronson
Skinny Jeans - Superfine
Buckle Boots - Cole Haan w/ Nike Air Technology
Necklace - Subversive for Target
Nails - Teal the Cows Come Home

Now Wearing...

White sweater - Bershka, European mass market brand
Black tank - H&M
Turquoise jeans - Uniqlo
Scarf - 1980's vintage, found in New York
Black boots - 1980's vintage, found in New York

And yes, that is a lime green Christmas tree.

Runway Review - Alexander Wang

The premise of Alexander Wang's Pre-Fall 2009 Presentation was to create the look of questionable morality, disreputably sexy. Wang told Style.com,"It's time to bring sexy back...A louche kind of sexy". I think that despite the inspiration, this collection is less sporty and more pulled together and refined than his Spring 2009 effort. The color palette for most part was black and white, save for some coral and shades of blue.

Wang's Dresses all had an asymetrical aspect, from the one shoulder to the with the mini staying important.

Aside from the crossword print, the collection was more about the play on opacity with solids. The second look above with the sheer cocoon wrap is reminiscent of an idea he started in Fall 2008. Perhaps he's bringing back a popular style for Wang fans.

As for pants, 3 options were given. The super wide leg, the skinny and the newer carrot leg. Super wide & skinny have been around for a while, but look like they are here to stay.

Oversize Blazers & Vests continue to be throughout his collection while he added something new with a more fitted Tuxedo. As with many designers, Wang showed inner wear as outerwear. New to note, I don't think I've seen anyone show sheer bicycle shorts yet and I am quite intrigued by the look. It's a casual reference to the early 90's but made new by the sheerness.

Last but not least the designer showed some onesies including one with an expose zip. Onesies aren't for everyone but I have to admit I personally find them adorable.

Since becoming the CDFA Fashion Fund recipient in November, I was curious what Wang would do with the financial backing. I'm not disappointed; effortless downtown cool that for most part is very wearable and now a little more grown up.