Etsy Pick: Three Horses Fringe Necklaces

I'm feeling this fringe necklace from Three Horses on Etsy. I've been thinking about crafting a fringe necklace myself for awhile now, but I'm sure many of you can relate when I say there simply aren't enough hours in the day!

This necklace caught my attention with its fun colors and gradient. I'm a sucker for dip dye, and at $36 for a handcrafted piece, it may find its way into my collection soon.

Now Wearing...

Denim Romper - Charlotte Ronson
Rib Tank Top - SEED, Walmart's organic line
Star Necklace - Topshop
Ballet Flats - Studio 9, Nine West

Trends: Would You Wear No Pants?

They do it on the runway at Pucci Spring 2009 and Prada Fall 2009.

They do it on the subway (for NYC's Annual Pants Free Subway Ride)

Lady Gaga is doing it.

And now Chanel Iman at the Matthew Williamson for H&M Party

But just because you can doesn't mean it's a good idea. Pants exist for a reason, but for some reason they seem to be cause for a minor fashion rebellion lately. This look might work on the runway, but in real life I think people need pants, leggings or a the least opaque tights! Cause no matter how skinny you are (look at Chanel) it looks like you forgot something at home....sorry to say it but, ahem! Fashion Victim anyone?

Now Wearing...

Star Necklace - Topshop
Ruched Sleeve Top - Vintage
Patent Bow Belt - No Name, via Clothing Swap
Jewel Flats - Nine West
Rolled Cuff Shorts - Club Monacon

More Sample Sales

You might remember my Delman product recommendation back in November, well excited to let you know that they are having another Sample Sale, plus there's a couple more that will make you smile :)

Who: Delman
What: Flat Sandals, Gladiators. Metallics, Ballets and Much More! - ALL SHOES $89 to $109 up to 75% off Retail Prices
When: May 6-8. Wed, Thurs 10am-7pm, Fri 10am-3pm
Where: 145 W 18th St b/n 6th & 7th Ave

Who: Proenza Schouler
What: Can you believe these prices? Clothes, shoes and accessories from $30 - $200
When: Wednesday, April 29th to Friday, May 1st - noon to 6pm
Where: 495 Broadway, 8th Floor

Who: Jimmy Choo
What: Up to 70% Off Shoes, bags, and accessories
Where: The Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 West 18th Street at 6th Avenue
When: Thursday April 30th from 1 to 7pm

Macy's Friends & Family

Who: Macy's
What: Friends & Family Discount means an Extra 25% Off
When: April 29-May4, 2009
Where: In Stores or Online

Now Wearing...

Gray tee - American Apparel
Scarf - Mathew Williamson for H&M
Brown double buckle belt - Ann Taylor Loft
Navy skirt - H&M
Brown flats - Palladium (so comfy)
Black sunglasses - Hoven
Black bag - Gryson for Target
Headphones - WeSC, Bloomingdale's Edition

iWant 80%20 Melody Ankle Booties

Aren't these ankle booties adorable? They're so perfect for summer. Imagine these shoes with your favorite summer dress - or even better with a romper. Too cute! Perforated leather and 80%20's signature hidden wedge, I'm sold.

This style also comes in brown and black. I'm so klutzy I'm not sure white would be a smart choice for me, but in my opinion, they're definitely the cutest.

They're available at 80's Purple for $143. Enter "freeship09" at checkout for free shipping.

Now Wearing...

Not used to the summer heat that's been building up lately!

Wide Leg Jeans - Miss Sixty
Applique Babydoll Top - Cynthia Steffe
Chunky Necklace - Twinkle By Wenlan Oz Necklace
Cropped Leather Jacket - Cynthia Steffe
Woven Leather Purse - Botkier
Octagonal Heel Shoes - Stella McCartney (Oh How I love these!)

Launching Today: Barbara Hulanicki for Topshop

Barbara Hulanicki of Biba fame's collection for Topshop launches today! Checkout the collection online. I like the illustrated tees, bustier top and the dot print dresses.

Interview: Rich & Skinny Designer Joie Rucker

Previously you might remember me raving about the amazing comfort of Rich & Skinny denim. They are seriously one of the most comfortable pairs of jeans I have ever owned! I can't speak highly enough about the satin waistband and almost no abrasion seaming!!!

So I was super excited when I had the chance to catch up with Joie Rucker, denim designer extraordinaire who is now working with Michael Glaser on the Rich & Skinny line. Between the two of them they have over 50 years of experience working in denim...so serious Cred!!! Her jeans are available for purchase on the Rich & Skinny Website, Revolve Clothing and Nordstrom.com.

Joie tells us about her "secret" denim care trick and what types of jeans work best for curvy women, her design philosophy and what's in work for Fall 2009. Plus we have Fall 2009 preview images from the Rich & Skinny lookbook! Enjoy :)

xoxo

SRC: Hi Joie! We are so glad that you could take the time to do this interview with us. I’ve always been a fan of the high quality, amazing comfort and great fit of your designs!

SRC: Was it a difficult to leave Joie, the namesake company you founded?
Joie Rucker : Yes- it was very difficult and no bueno. However, we all have lessons in life and that was one of mine.
However, Serge Azria, the current owner of Joie Jeans, has done a good job with the brand.
I am happy to see that he has continued the "Joie" vibe and been successful with it.

SRC: Who doesn’t want to look rich and skinny? Is that always in the front ground of your designs?
JR: Whenever I am designing, my primary focus is how my customers will look and feel in the clothes. I want them to feel "rich and skinny"... Another not-so-controversial way of saying it, would be that I want them to feel the luxury of the garments in terms of quality and I want the garment to compliment their shape- no matter what the size or curves.

SRC: I love your philosophy that people should wear the jeans that they feel most comfortable in; it’s not a matter of just following the trends. Do you have any tips for cuts that our readers should buy to flatter their different body types? Ie. curvy, boyish figure, shorter ladies etc?
JR: Yes, I hate seeing "fashion victims" (people that wear something only because of trend).
Trends are great and fun, but not every trend works for every person.
There are general rules of proportion that apply to different body types, i.e.. curvy bodies look better in slightly higher waisted boot cut jeans than in skinnies because the boot leg will balance the hip curve in the eye of the observer.
A higher waist will accentuate the positive curve above the hip.
That said, Curvy women can look good in the right skinny, it all comes down to fit.
Fit in a jean is everything and I pride myself in making fits that can compensate for figure "flaws" and allow more women to wear various style options and still look good.

SRC: Joie, I know that you must love denim more than anyone with a collection of 400 pairs of vintage denim plus denim you wear on an everyday basis! Where do you keep them all?
JR: If I told you and would have to kill you :)!

SRC: Do you remember the moment that you first fell in love with denim?
JR: I first fell in love with denim when I bought and started wearing my shrink-to-fit button fly red tab 501 Levis jeans (this was before "premium" or E). As they started to wear in, each rip, tear and scuff became a memory and the jeans started to take on the feel of being a diary of my life. I know, sounds strange, but the magic and allure of indigo is thousands of years old.

I'm just one of the latest indigo "kooks" and my love affair continues...

SRC: Any denim crimes our readers should be avoid? Or is all fair in love and denim?
JR: All's Fair... except I really hate it when people brag about buying a pair of jeans cheap and I look at the quality of the jean and where they were made and it's not the USA.

People don't realize that when they brag about a good price, there's a reason, either the quality, the treatment of the workers, or the designs are compromised. To a trained eye, you can see them coming down the block, but your average customer won't know the difference until they have owned the jean for a while and it starts falling apart. I try to make jeans that will someday be bought in second hand boutiques, I want our jeans to last...All of our denim is made in Los Angeles.

SRC: What’s the best way to care for your denim? I heard you have a special freezer trick ;)
JR: The best way to keep denim looking great and if you are a denim aficionado, build the best broken-in finish, is not wash them as much as possible.

One way to keep from having to wash is to put the jean in a freezer bag and freeze for a few hours. The freezing process kills any bacteria that can cause odor, however it won't help remove dirt or stains.

If you must wash, cold water with the least amount of detergent is best. Low heat dryer if necessary.

But don't make yourself crazy...nothing is "wrong" with washing when needed...

SRC: Are there any washes or detailing that you think will really take off in 2009? I was personally admiring the neon denim in your Spring 09 lookbook, super fun!
JR: I love the neons too- especially neon pink which we did as a special color for Intermix storeas in NYC.
We also have some amazing "destroyed" finishes that are fun for summer and my favorite wash for Fall is our "Mended Heart" wash in my Skinny Boyfriend fit. Mended heart is a vintage wash and I added small details of iron-on patches over small holes. I love it and think it looks very authentic.

SRC: Aside from denim, what’s your guilty pleasure?
JR: I have sooo many!!! Aside from being a surfer and a read-a-holic... it's Shoes and Lingerie - just like every other girl!

SRC: What are three things you can’t live without?
JR: Things? Ok- My Wayne Rich 9'6" tri-fin (long board), my hanky panky's and my grandmother's cowboy boots! I know, strange combo...

SRC: You just launched your men’s line Rich by Rich and Skinny earlier this year, do you have any plans for future expansion?
JR: I love the men's line and it's still just developing... we have a small fan base building. We have kept the distribution very limited but the need for great fitting, comfortable Men's denim is definitely there. We have some really great fits and finishes and I have been getting really good feedback from all of my guy friends... I am currently focused on expanding Rich and Rich & Skinny, but you never know what the future holds.... I will keep you posted!!!

SRC: Thank you so much Joie for joining us!
JR: Thanks for having me and for helping to get the word out!! You guys rock! Love Joie

Now Wearing...

Sheer green black leopard print blouse - thrifted, it's a plus size women's shirt, but I loved the print so much I bought it and wear it was a long tunic/short dress
Leather belt - a sample/scrap from unknown designer at Vivienne Westwood showroom
Black skirt - Xhileration, Target
Bag - Gryson for Target
Fringe studded suede flats - Zara

Headphones - Panasonic

dupli-CAUGHT: Topshop vrs Dries Van Noten

Remember back in October when I was raving about Dries Van Noten's lust worthy statement jewelry for Spring 09? Well guess it was only a matter of time before the Mass market steped in with their "interpretation". I stopped by Topshop and discovered that obviously someone "designing for them" felt the same way. The Topshop version costs $40 and is conveniently left off their website and instead of the ingenious rows of rings, left in their stead was rows of plastic beads strung on elastic. There may be slight differences but the inspiration is pretty clear.

Don't Forget About: NYC Sample Sales

Posted the other week but reminder :)

Who: Vivienne Tam Sample & Stock Sale
What: Up to 75% Off Retail
When: April 29-30, 2009. Wed. 9am-8pm, Thurs 10am-7pm
Where: 260 West 39th St., 11th Fl., NYC

Who: MaxMara, Max&Co., Sportmax, Marina Rinaldi and Weekend
What: Up to 80% Off
When: April 26-29, 2009.Sun 12pm-5pm. Mon 10am-8pm, Tues 10am-7pm Wed 9am-4pm
Where: Metropolitan Pavillion, 123 W. 18th St.

Who: French Connection and other brands*
What: Discounts on Men's and Women's Fashions. Separates from $15 - $35 dresses, blazers & outerwear from $45 - $60
Where: 261 West 36th Street, between 7th and 8th Avenues, 2nd Floor
When: Monday, April 27 - Thursday, April 30: 10am - 7pm (but closes at 6PM on WED)
*Also will have Repetto, samples & stock flats, sandals, boots & more from $50 - $75
*Free People tanks, blouses, sweatshirts, pants, skirts, dresses & more 65% off retail prices
*Lewis Cho & Mara Hoffman for wholesale & Below

What: Miguelina
Why: Breezy floral dresses, camisoles, and silk chiffon blouses are up to 50 percent off wholesale prices.
When: Apr. 30 & May 1. Thurs. & Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: 20 W. 36th St., b/t Fifth & Sixth Aves., 6th flr.

What: Ted Rossi
Why: Save up to 75 percent on bangles, cuffs, clutches, and more.
When: Apr. 30 & May 1. Thurs. & Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: 15 E. 30th St., b/t Madison & Fifth Aves., ste. 300. (212-683-1726).

Clear Bra Straps Are a No-No

Clear bra straps are so 90's. I didn't think anyone still wore them, but this weekend proved me wrong. I saw a handful of offenses. Tube tops with clear bra straps... shudder.

Public service announcement. Clear bra straps are in fact visible, and they look worse than a regular bra strap would. Invest in a good strapless that fits well. And if you insist on sharing a glimpse of your bra, at least pick one that looks like cami-like straps.

Now Wearing...

Black crop jacket - BB Dakota
Multi-color tiger print scarf - Mathew Williamson for H&M
Lace dress - H&M, worn over a tank dress from American Apparel
Black tights - Uniqlo
Tan loafer flats - Jeffrey Campbell x Shoe Market
Handbag - Gryson for Target
Eyeglasses - Alain Milki

The Day After: Matthew Williamson for H&M

According to WWD within 11 minutes half the stock of Matthew Williamson's H&M Line was already sold. Although this collection garnered considerably less hype and was more of an orderly rush to get merch, there is not much left. The only items left standing at the 51st & 5th Ave NYC location were the Pink & Teal Feather Cardigan, a Silk Butterfly Wing Print Dress that seemed slightly flimsy, pink patent Barbie studded belts and Butterfly print graphic tee. Nothing particularly awe inspiring and unfortunately not a Blue suit in sight! The only merch left I wanted was left in the Window display that had me wishing I could tear it off the manequins :) Guess I'll have to wait til May 14th for round 2, although it's supposed to be less special pieces and more mass merch at that point.

Updated: Last Chance to Buy Mayle

Who: Mayle
What: Your last chance to buy Mayle before it leaves Nolita completely - rompers, dresses, and coats below wholesale prices
When: Friday, April 24th and Saturday, April 25th. Daily 11am—7pm.
Where: 242 Elizabeth St between Houston and Prince Sts (212-625-0406).

Failed Sample Sale Report:
Tried to stop by Mayle after work but the line at 4:30 pm was beyond ridiculous. I always knew Jane Mayle had a cult following but I heard that the line was 2-3 hours long throughout the day. And although it was a beautiful day, I didn't want to spend my Friday night in line!

According the Racked:
Dresses from past seasons were $100-175; tops generally under $100, pants around $100, coats for $225-325. There were a lot of the re-editions as well, with a few still at full price ($300-400) and some marked down to around $200....Merch from fall 08, spring 08, and resort 09

Now Wearing...

Don't feel like this look is perfected, so I'll have to play a bit more :)

Bubble Hem Skirt - Club Monaco
Lace Tights - Sparkle & Fade, Urban Outfitters
Ruffle Front Blouse - DKNY
Patent Mary Janes - Delman
Bow Headband - DIY project :)

Manhattan Vintage Clothing & Antique Textile Show

Who: Manhattan Vintage Clothing & Antique Textile Show & Sale
What: Vintage/Antique Merch from the 18th, 19th & 20t Century from over 90 dealers
When: April 24th - 1pm-8pm, April 25 11am-6pm
Where: Metropolitan Pavilion.125 W 18th Street(B/n 6th & 7th Aves)
Join the VIP List to save $5 Off Admission.

Now Wearing...

Wow, I just realized my outfit is super simlar to Lani's :)! I love pieces that are versatile, which is why you always see me rocking this Armani Exchage Belt as a necklace in multiple ways! Which is why I was thrilled to find this Norma Kamali for Walmart top that can be worn in so many different ways! I posted earlier today to show you some of the ways I've discovered :)

Convertible Top - Norma Kamali for Walmart
Acid Wash Jeans - Habitual
Multi-strand Necklace - Actually an Armani Exchange belt that I wear as a necklace
Buckle Boots - Palladium via Solestruck