Now Wearing...

So the basis of my entire outfit was to retain my hairstyle today. I had the chance to get my hair styled by Alla of Red Market Salon last night and since my straight hair managed to stay curly when I woke up despite the humidity last night, I knew I had to keep the curls for another day so I started with the head wrap and went from there.

Rosette Head Wrap - Eugenia Kim
High Waisted Skirt - Jonathan Saunders for Target
Pointelle Knee Highs - Pierre Mantoux
Snakeskin Booties - Rachel Rachel Roy
Tank Top - LNA
Leaf Pave Necklace - Rachel Leigh
Embroidered Blazer - Bebe (seriously years and years old!)
Leather Satchel - Botkier Vixen

Now Wearing...

Gray oversized button down shirt dress - Oak NYC sample
Black & gray sweater jacket - Tommy Hilfiger
Black knee high socks - H&M
White canvas oxfords - Marais USA
Rings & bangles - Forever 21 & secondhand via clothing swap
I'm so happy it stopped raining. I was starting to get seriously bummed out. Though I looked up the weather forecast and it looks like it's going to rain tomorrow? Rain on Halloween?! No...!

Daily Candy Launches Swirl

If you're a lover of Daily Candy, online sample sales or both, the world collide with the creation of Swirl Sample Sales. They will be offering wars that are hand picked by the editors at Daily Candy and for up to 80% Off!

I'm excited to see what they have because I think it may be merch that may be from up and coming designers like those often showcased on Daily Candy. Sign up before October 31, 2009 and you'll have the chance to

Now Wearing...

So it's funny that I am drawn sometimes to prep school styling considering that I did go to private school for a year in High School and dreaded every minute of it. But maybe something about the look has a classic versatility when not forced to wear it :)

Sweater - Twinkle by Wenlan
Romper - Charlotte Ronson
Double Fishnet Tights - Rebecca Taylor
Knee Highs - Borrowed from a co-worker b/c I didn't quite break in my shoes yet!
Patent Loafers - Cole Haan (Thanks to my friend Errol! so Fab!!!)

Now Wearing...

Black mesh covered cutout sweatshirt - Cool, Casual, by Slow and Steady Wins the Race, Urban Outfitters
Nylon tricot print leggings - Michael Angel
Purple ankle boots - Marc Jacobs
Multi-chain necklace - vintage
Oversized pyramid ring - CC Skye
I'm kind of obsessed with Michael Angel leggings. They're quite pricey retailing for $220, so I never thought I would own a pair. But I actually have two pairs and found them both at Buffalo Exchange! How could anyone ever let these go?

I found the leggings on separate trips. I think because they were so crazy and/or because the buyers weren't familiar with the label, they were priced at ridiculously low prices. Thank you, shopping gods.

Trick or Treat: Not just for Kids

Sure we all know that ubiquitous McQueen Skull Scarf that is everywhere and even at one point imitated by Topshop. But what about checking out other sources for your creepy fun fix?
Whether you dress up for Halloween or not, these pieces grab my attention no matter what time of year it is. Maybe it's the somewhat Gothic imagery, pieces that are not so obvious what they are, or tongue-in-cheek factor here are some of my picks that work for more than just Halloween.

Paraphernalia - Anatomica Red Heart Necklace $25

I've loved Paraphernelia ever since it first launched on Etsy, but this red heart is a great new twist on an old favourite piece.

Button Diva - Anatomy Bones and Brains 1" Pinback Buttons $6.85 on Etsy

These black and ivory illustrations of anatomy would look super fun pinned on the lapel of a jacket or tote bag.

Jessica Hicks Web Earrings $250

This is a bit more of a splurge item but there is always some sort of beauty and strength in spider webs. These web earrings would definitely make a statement with whatever they're paired with.

Giles & Brother - Hook-fastening leather bracelet $125 on Net-a-Porter
This bracelet is so simple, but the knots and the fun hardware look anything but grim.

Michelle Chang Jewelry - Baby Skull Earrings in Sterling Silver $44 on Etsy

I've admired these studs for sometime, but previously they only came in a diamond eye version. Fortunately for the more budget conscious these skulls are well within reach.

Neurotica Bat Drape Dress $135 on Pixie Market

Neurotica always has fun prints and silhouettes, this Bat Drape Dress is no exception. The bats are definitely bats up close but from a distance look almost abstract.

Now Wearing...

Patent Jacket - Walter
Skinny Zip Jeans - Rich & Skinny
Stripe Beret - Alice Temperley for Target
Spectator Shoes - Alexandre Herchcovitch for Melissa
John Keats Print Tank - Libertine
Tote Bag - Obey
Cardigan - Gap
Leather Satchel - Botkier Vixen

Question of the Week: Finding Nice Jeans at a Nice Price

"I need some new jeans. Any suggestions on where I can get some for a reasonable price?"
- Veronica, New York

Since you live in New York, my first suggestion would be Uniqlo. They have a variety of cuts and washes for $49.90, and there's almost always a few pairs on sale for $30-$40. For more information on the fit and quality, check my Uniqlo denim review.

Another option and great classic is Levi's. They're really expanded over the past few years and have jeans at every price point - some as high as $158.00 and some as low as $19.90. They have a great selection (and sale currently) on their website and in-stores for $40 or less.

If you live in California or New York, sample sales are another great place to look for affordable jeans. For sample sale listings, sign up for mailing lists or just keep reading Sugar Rock Catwalk! Erin always does a great job of updating our sample sales listing.

For those living in other parts of the country, check out The Warehouse Sale. They hold huge sales, and their prices are reasonable. You will have to sign up for their mailing list and RSVP to attend their events. They will often offer VIP admission the day before the sale for $5 or $10, but personally, I think they usually have enough stock to just go when it's general admission.

And finally, I would recommend Gilt Groupe, which I feel like you're all familiar with by now. They're a great resource for online shopping, especially for designer and high-end denim. Yes, online shopping for jeans can be difficult, but if you know what you like it's awesome, which brings me to my next and final point.

A shopping tip for jeans, know your brands and size in each brand. That might seem like a no brainer, but if you know your brand and your size, then you can nab them when they're on sale! So the next time you're out shopping at a department store or what have you, try everything on and make a mental note of your favorite lines and styles.

Stylish Chic Not for Beasts: Le Sang Des Bêtes

A couple weeks ago Lani and I had the chance to check out amazing clothing line Le Sang des Bêtes (which stands for Blood of the Beasts). This line is brought to us by Los Angeles based artist and designer, Trang Chau. Chau who's background includes film, architecture, sculture and costume design brings us quirky, playful and definitely sculptural designs. Her inspiration comes from Gothic and modern architecture and the films of David Cronenberg and Rainer Werner Fassbinder.

Lani and I got to try on a few pieces and were delighted at the whimsical nature, attention to detail and unusual use of fabric. Wish we could have tried on more but ran out of time that day :)

The outfit I'm wearing above is a soft jersey cowl back top that has sleeves that stand out thanks to the insertion of horsehair braid (not real horsehair ;)!) The bubble skirt is actually made of bright yellow burlap of all things with an elasticized waistband for comfort.

This denim dress that Lani tried had a super fun marbleized dyed effect that almost reminds me of lightening! Even though with it's stand away hem you would think it might be super stiff, it was actually very comfortable to wear.

Here are a few of our other faves! I loved this vest! I think it's a super cool wardrobe boosting piece that takes regular clothing to the next level.

I also thought that these high waisted shorts are so much fun! The oversized pocket flap add a subtle sculptural element while the pleating at the waist creates a built in cummerbund effect.

So simple but tres chic is this yellow blouse with the multple layered collars. I think it could be worn with anything from jeans to pencil skirts but it's a major style upgrade from a basic tee.

The line runs from between $100-400 (dresses being at the high end of the spectrum) please see www.lesangdesbetes.com for where to purchase.

*special thanks to David and Alison for patiently staying after hours so Lani and I could explore this line*

A Few More Sales this Week

Who: Yves Saint Laurent
What: Up to 80% off original retail prices. Including $10 Socks, $100 Cashmere Scarves, $300 Shoes, $650 Coats and $500 Muse Two Bags!
Where: 123 West 18th St b/n 6th and 7th Aves, 4th floor (212-463-0071)
When: October 28-30, 2009. Weds-Thurs 8am-8pm, Fri 8am-2pm

Who: Repetto Fall Sample Sale
What: 60-70% Off Footwear
Where: 84 Wooster St near Spring St, Suite 604
When: October 27-28, 2009. Tues-Wed 10am-6pm

Who:ERES Sample Sale
What: Bras $30. Panties $20. RTW $30. Swimsuits $30. Pareos $15. Cash only!
Where: 120 5th Avenue, 4th Floor
When: October 30, 2009, Thurs 10am-5:30pm

Who: Gant
What: 80% off preppy fall/winter gear
Where: 20 W. 55th St b/n 5th and 6th Aves, 11th Floor (212-230-1949.)
When: October 27-30, 2009. Tues noon-6:30pm, Wed & Thurs 8:30am-6:30pm, Fri 8:30am-5pm.

Menswear Collaboration: Ruffian for Macys

Our male readers no longer have to be jealous at all the collaborations that fall upon women. Macy’s has heard your cries and hired Ruffian designers, Brian Wolk and Claude Morais, to create a menswear line for Macy’s. The collection will be under the label Threads & Heirs. Wolk and Morais will design for Threads & Heirs Spring 2010 and Fall 2010 collections and another guest designer will take over in 2011. Affordability and designer looks can be yours for just $24-99.

So what can you expect from these womenswear designers best known for their understated glamour? The designers tell WWD that the collection will be inspired by Williamsburg, Brooklyn "a hotbed of art culture. It's very Americana, Fifties and Beat-inspired mixed with punk…blazers, short-sleeve plaid button-downs, and knit-woven combinations such as a classic knit polo with a plaid collar. There are also striped dress shirts with white collars, four-pocket cotton jackets with band collars and linen shirts with pocket details and pleating." So hopefully a far cry from the unfortunate and prevalent Hipster looks of the Burg.

Now Wearing...

I was recently gifted a very unusual pair of leggings by Anzevino and Florence. They are essentially bike shorts except they have these 2 long strips of fabric that hang down from the side for some wrap around ballerina action. Anyways determined to wear them while the weather is still somewhat warm, I based my outfit around them :) Well they definitely are so unique that they get people's attention but they aren't the most practical if you're planning on walking alot because they can't seem to stay in place. Multiple re-ties throughout the day required. What do you think? Worth the effort?

Ballerina Wrap Leggings - Anzevino and Florence
Animal Print Dress - Emma Cook for Topshop
Long Cardigan - Zara
Multi Strand Pocket Watch Necklace - Subversive for Target
Octagonal Heel Sandals - Stella McCartney

Now Wearing...

Black biker jacket - Walter
Gray blouse - Rachel Pally
Skinny jeans - Uniqlo
Black & white cutout flats - Jeffrey Campbell
Cream & gold chain necklace - Xhileration, Target
Lion's head ring - no name
Just threw this number together. I pulled out the jacket because it was cold, and to soften up my overall look, I paired it with a comfy blouse. And to make the look more playful and less dark, I added some shiny accessories and put on my black & white cutout flats.

dupli-Caught: Nine West vrs Camilla Skovgaard

Camilla Skovgaard Left, Nine West Right

I've recently been in love with shoes by Camilla Skovgaard, but apparently so is Nine West. These Nine West Abi shoes look surprisingly similar to these Camilla Skovgaard Open Toe Booties. The Nine West Version is retailing for $99 while the Camilla Skovgaard's are on sale for $536.99. They have near identical zip and cutout placement and buckle ankle strap but differences lie in the detail.

The Nine West version features a platform, a chunkier stacked heel that comes straight down which makes the shoe look less graceful. Also, the zipper flaps that don't lie flat, the ankle straps are shorter and the leather is a rougher textured leather. These are available in black only.

The Camilla Skovgaard's are a much more smooth and polished leather. The heels are higher, thinner, leather wrapped and have a delicate curve that flows into the shoe. The zipper closure is also much better constructed and lines cleanly flat against the shoe. In addition, the ankle strap is made slightly longer to create a gentle knot when worn. Camilla Skovgaards version comes in Black as well as the delicate Elephant shade pictured above.

Follow that Truck: Olsenboye in NYC

You've probably heard by now that the Olsen's are launching a juniors line for JC Penney Dubbed Olsenboye that's scheduled to hit select JC Penney Stores and online on November 6, 2009. Well New Yorkers if you're in a rush to see what all the fuss is about you can always check out the Olsenboye Brand Treat Trucks which are apparently giving out free cupcakes and discounted clothing. According to Racked,"The clothes, which will run to $50 in-store, are marked down to $10 (for flannel tops, tie-dyed bags, and loose tee-shirts) and $15 (for blazers, hoodies, hobos and jeggings.)". If you missed the truck in Union Sqare today check it out tomorrow or on Wednesday!

Watch the video to get an idea of the look.

Tuesday October 27, 2009 - Herald Square (2:30pm - 6:30pm)
Wednesday October 28, 2009 - Washington Square Park (2:30pm - 6:30pm)

Now Wearing...

Ruffle Tier Dress - Erin Fetherson for Target
Diamond Cutout Tights - DIY Rodarte (Check out how on SixSixSick)
Snake Bracelet - Marc Jacobs Special Item
Mesh Cardigan - McQ for Target
Ribbon Flower Belt - Trim piece tied around as a belt
Nails - OPI Lincoln Park After Dark
Toes - OPI Pamplona Purple (from the new España Collection)
Octagonal Heel Sandals - Stella McCartney

Now Wearing...

Brown shrug sweater - Ann Taylor Loft
Dark blue silk tank - Kenneth Cole
Black jersey harem pants - secondhand Forever 21 via clothing swap
Brown pleather backpack - secondhand, my mom was throwing it out
Chunky bead necklace - Ann Taylor loft
Rings - Forever 21 & no name
Nude leather wooden platform heels - Luxury Rebel sample

Over the weekend, my friend Karen organized a small clothing swap with a few friends. It was awesome! We cleaned out our closets and each took home a few "new" old gems. I took home a handful of pieces including these harem pants - thanks, Claudia!

Harem pants can be pretty great. They're so comfy and perfect for lazy Sundays, but they can be dangerous because they tend to make me look a little short and frumpy. To elongate my legs and add a little structure, I strapped on these nude heels and called it a day.

Sample Sales This Week: NYC

Who: WANT Agency Sample Sale
What: Acne, Nudie Jeans Co., and Filippa K. at deep discounts. NO CREDIT CARDS
Where: 267 Elizabeth St. (b/n Houston and Prince)
When: October 27-28, 2009, Tues-Wed 11am-8pm

Who: Carlos Falchi
What: Up to 70% off. Cash & credit cards accepted
Where: 260 W 39th Street, 7th floor
When: October 28-29, 2009, Wed-Thurs 10am-7pm

Who: Max Mara, Sportmax, Max & Co.
What: Up to 85% off handbags, coats, and dresses
Where: Chelsea Market, 75 9th Ave (b/n 15th & 16th St)
When: October 28-November 1, 2009, Wed-Sun 10:30am-7pm

Who: Clothingline Sale
What: Discounts on Chilewich, Jane Marvel, Free People and Design History etc.
Where: 261 W 36th St(b/n 7th & 8th Ave) 2nd Floor
When: October 27-29, 2009, Tues & Thurs 10am-7pm, Wed 10am-6pm

Now Wearing...

Another lazy Sunday afternoon, I just didn't really feel like getting out of bed today even though the weather was gorgeous! I just wanted to be comfortable and cozy if I had to leave the house. The video just explains some of the thought process behind the outfit.

Printed Sweater - Matthew Williamson for H&M (from the Men's Collection)
HeatherLeggings - French Connection
Destroyed Denim Cut Offs - DIY (was Blue Cult)
Necklace - Subversive for Target
Snake Bracelet - Marc Jacobs Special Item
Riding Boots - Nine West
Straw Bowler Hat - H&M (from the Men's Department)

DIY Instructions:

Put on your jeans that you don't really want anymore and place a pin at the length that you want to make them. Fold up the hem as a guide for you to cut straight and cut with sharp scissors.

Repeat on the other side. Using either an exacto knife or a seam ripper make horizontal cuts through one layer of the denim. Make sure you use a cutting mat so you don't ruin your tables :)
Repeat multiple times!

Using either your fingernail or the side of the blade scrape the fabric away horizontally so that you keep the white threads of the denim intact. Be gentle.

Repeat many many more times and voila!