Now Wearing...

Sometimes my look is a bit bubble gum ;) I have never stopped loving neons it's just about balancing the brights with some neutrals.

Denim Romper - Charlotte Ronson
Cuff Bracelet - Marc Jacobs Special Item
Plastic & Metal Trim Sunglasses - Versace
Tank Top - SEED Organic
Knotted Necklaces - DIY (I looked up some sailor knots!)
Jelly Shoes - Target (they were in the $2.50 bin a couple years ago)

Sales This Week: NYC - Updated

Who: Oak
What: end of season merchandise & samples from Oak's line
Where: 208 N. 8th St, Williamsburg, Brooklyn
When: Friday Sept 4 - Sunday Sep 6, 11am - 8pm

Who: Otte
What: Moving sale; everything under $80 from Current Elliot jeans to Comme Des Garcons wallets.including Earnest Sewn and Current Elliot jeans for under $50. Prices range from $10 to $80.
Where: 132 N 5th Street at Bedford Ave., Williamsburg, Brooklyn; 718.302.3007
When: August 29-Sept 6, 2009. Sat-Sun noon to 8pm.

Who: Vera Wang
What: 30% to 70% off bridal gowns
Where: 980 Madison Ave b/n 76th & 77th St, 3rd floor; 212.628.9898
When: August 31, 2009. Monday 10am-6pm

Who: Azaleas Summer Sale
What: 70% Off lingerie, loungewear, clothing, swimwear, and accessories. The Vix reversible floral-print bikini $45 (was $145), Splendid jersey rompers $55 (was $115)
Where: 223 E 10th St nr 1st Ave (212-253-5484)
When: Now through September 6, 2009. Mon–Sat noon–8pm, Sun noon–6pm

Who: Terra Plana Pop-Up Outlet
What: 50-70% off men's and women's eco-friendly/ethical shoes
Where: 111 Thompson St nr Prince St (212-219-3641)
When: Now through October 31, 2009. Mon–Sat 11am-7pm, Sun noon–6pm

Still Ongoing:

Who: Havaianas Sample Sale

What: 3 pairs of flip-flops for $20!
When: August 17- September 17, 2009. 11am–6pm
Where: Spring St, (at Wooster St). No address but on the corner in a market.

Who: Freemans Sporting Club Office Moving Sale
What: The stylings of the original (preboutique) — including antiques, clothing samples, stock, and more — are up for grabs.
Why: Buy the pool table (as an impetus to start your own company).
When: Now-Sept 7, 2009. Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun., noon-6 p.m.
Where: 8 Rivington St., b/t Bowery & Chrystie St. (212-673-3209)

Who: Bird (One of my fave boutiques!)
What: Final Clearance Sale, 75% off. Merchandise will include women’s, men’s and baby clothing, jewelry, shoes, accessories and home goods. Including James Perse mens and womens tees for $15, and Stella McCartney pumps for $159
When: August 28-31, 2009. Fri noon-8pm, Sat & Sun noon-7pm, Mon noon-8pm
Where: The Park Slope location only, 316 5th Avenue (b/n 2nd and 3rd St) Brooklyn

James Yuill

Artist: James Yuill
Recommended If You Like: Miike Snow, The Whitest Boy Alive, Faded Paper Figures, Passion Pit

As Lani was saying on her Little post, I do have a tendency to go for Super Girly Music! I won't deny it, I love the sound of female vocals. But I do appreciate the sound of a talented male artist.

James Yuill the self-taught Brit musician makes modern folk songs with an electronica heart. My personal fave has got to be the track No Pins Allowed. But you can check out more of his sound on myspace.com/James Yuill or download some free tracks/re-mixes. He just launched his debut album Turning Down Water for Air in the US on iTunes.

No Pins Allowed

Now Wearing...

Reversible indigo & green silk blouse - 1980s vintage
Gold chain belt - Urban Outfitters
Black trouser shorts - Alexander McQueen McQ for Target
Black & white cutout flats - Jeffrey Campbell Saraid 2
Eyeglasses - Alain Milki
Peacock cuff - dirtystory

Do you ever buy the same item in two different colors? And then end up wearing one way more than the other? This vintage top is one of my favorite pieces because it's a 4-in-1 (purple & green on one side, pink & black on the other), but I've noticed that lately I've been gravitating towards purple in front. Pink and black always feels too Hot Topic or teen girl for me, and purple always feels more right than green.

In other news, Erin and I took the train out to Kensington, Brooklyn today and met a bunch of lovely young ladies who work in fashion. All talented and on the cusp of something great! The name of the group of TBD, but one thing is certain, these fashionistas are all ones to watch.

Now Wearing...

Asymmetrical Pleated Skirt - DIY, using fabric I picked up a few years ago at a fabric/textile museum
One Shoulder Top - Norma Kamali for Walmart Convertible Top
Stacked Platform Sandals - Delman

Party in the USA

A bunch of flamboyant gay boys dancing around Fire Island and lip syncing to Miley Cyrus' "Party in the USA", amazing.

Uploaded just Monday, it's already been tweeted by Miley Cyrus and covered by a handful of media blogs including the New York Times. I think the most noteworthy (and slightly surprising) part of the story is that the President of the Disney Channel, Rich Ross, called to tell the boys he loved it. Would Disney support a super gay video? If it can help album sales, oh hell yes.

Miley Cyrus and cute boys, happy Friday!

Now Wearing...

Love love love this Wang top I picked up hat his sample sale...I never had a chance to wear it yet because it was in need of some minor alterations. There was a super similar pleated top that I was in love with at my first Alexander Wang Sample sale back in 2006, but unfortunately I couldn't afford it so it was always a bit of a shopping regret of things loved and lost. Fortunately I was able to find this top for a great deal^^

Metallic Striped Pleated Top - Alexander Wang
Cuffed Shorts - Club Monaco
Jewel Headband - DIY
Gunmetal Bead Necklace - Dominique Cohen for Target (I love this necklace but it weighs me down it's heavy!)
Lucite and Silver Wedges - Stuart Weitzman

Now Wearing...

White tunic dress - noblita
Distressed "denim" vest - Forever 21
Eyeglasses - Alain Milki
Ring - no name
Peacock cuff - dirtystory
Fringe studded suede flats - Zara
Green woven bag - Gryson for Target

I think I control the weather. I must because every time I wear suede shoes, regardless of the weather forecast, it rains!

Deal of the Day : Faryl Robin Booties

I saw these booties on Gilt Fuse earlier this week, and I was about to get them since they felt perfect for fall. But they sold out almost instantly! Not a surprise seeing as how they were selling for $78 compared to $250 retail.

With a little Google action, I found them on Overstock.com of all places for $79.99, and Overstock has cheaper shipping than Gilt! Sweet!

I'm moving next month, so I might hold off on buying them now...

Mackage Pop-Up Shop NYC

One of my fave outerwear companies, Mackage, is hosting a Pop-Up shop in NYC though the month of September!

Who: Mackage Pop Up Shop
What: Stylishly cut wool & leather outerwear made by Canadians for both men and women! Seriously Canadians understand cold weather, so the coats are fashionable and functional!
When:Entire month of September, 2009. Mon-Sat 11am-7pm. Sun 12-6pm
Where: 829 Washington St b/n Little West 12th & Gansevoort.

Now Wearing...

Gray tee - American Apparel
Yellow skirt - American Apparel, dress folded down to be worn as a high-waisted skirt
Caramel platform wedges -Tashkent by Cheyenne
Beaded necklace - Forever 21
Assorted bangles - from India

I noticed that I've been wearing a lot of yellow this week. My friend Joanna always says that she can't wear it because she's Asian. "I'm yellow, so I can't wear yellow!" False, Asians can wear yellow.

It's just a matter of which yellow; it's like picking a red lipstick. There's no universal shade for everyone, so you just have to find a shade that's right for your skin tone. In general I like more golden yellows (marigold, mustard, etc), and I tend to stay away from pale and pastel yellows.

Now Wearing...

Feeling Nautical today and wanted a chance to rock the $5 necklace I picked up at the Lee Angel Sale.

Striped Dress - Primark
Grey Skinny Belt - No Name
Chain & Bead Long Necklace - French Connection
Chain Bracelet - DIY
Ballet Flats - Delman

More Sales This Week: NYC

Who: David Yurman Friends & Family Sale
What: Discounts on Men’s and women’s jewelry, timepieces and eyewear.
Where: The Altman Building, 135 West 18th St
When: August 27-30, 2009. Thurs-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat-Sun 9am-5pm.

Who: Sophomore Sample Sale
What: The sale features Spring'09 merch for both both Men and Women including the Twist tank (now $30), Double Zipper skirt (now $50), graphic T-shirts (now $20)
When: Thursday, August 27, through Sunday, August 30, from noon to 8 p.m.
Where: Circa Now, 238 East 6th St (b/n Bowery and 2nd avenues); 212-254-2555.

Who: Morgane Le Fay
What: 50-90% Off on spring/summer looks, including party dresses, ready-to-wear and samples.
When: August 25-30, 2009. 11am-7pm.
Where: 83 Wooster St. 212.219.7672

Wish You Were Here: London, New York Swap

Not sure if you've heard but this fall 30 boutiques in the Lower East Side, NYC will be trading places with boutiques from Newburgh Quarter, London for a limited time. Participants in NYC include brands Blaqua, Beyond the Valley, Chateau Roux, Concrete, The Face, Cowshed, Fred Perry, The Great Frog, Twenty8Twelve, Savage London, Social Suicide, Dolly Dare and more. If you're a bit of an Anglophile like me this could be dangerous :).

This Saturday (Aug 29) between 2-6pm, there will also be a London/LES Fashion Show + Ladies Lotto Block Party featuring designs in three categories: Eco & Vintage, London Looks from the ‘Wish You Were Here’ pop-up, and looks from multi-generational boutiques & new designers. The event will also include live sets from London DJs, Local Business Discount Day, and events from the Ladies Lotto Block Party. The Fashion Show will be held in the Municipal Parking Lot – Broome St. between Ludlow St. and Essex St.

I haven't been yet, but if any of you have leave a comment to let me know what you think!

Who: Wish You Were Here, International Shop Swap
When: Now through September 13, 2009.
Where: 186 Orchard Street, (b/n Houston and Stanton St).
For more info, click here.

UPDATE: Free Accesories at Martin+Osa

*Update* Dear Readers just wanted to let you know that the dates have changed for this promotion giving you more time to shop :)

Who said there's no such thing as a free lunch? Or in this case a silk scarf or belt! This Labor day weekend if you purchase a pair of jeans at Martin+Osa you can get some free accessories to boot! My personal fave pair of jeans are the Motocross, the zips & slim fit give denim some attitude. For men I like the Vintage Slim or Straight.

Who: Martin+Osa

What: Free woman’s silk scarf or men’s woven belt with the purchase of any denim
When: September 2-7, 2009
Where: The giveaway will be available at all Martin + Osa store locations.

Trends: Gladiator Mandals

Kris Van Assche Spring 2010, Neil Barrett Spring 2010, Givenchy Spring 2010

Have you noticed that often times trends from women's wear will somehow evolve and end up in menswear a couple seasons later? Well lo and behold the Gladiator Mandal has hit multiple shows this Spring 2010. While some are lace up, others feature strappy buckles. All are flat bootie shaped, coming just above the ankle and in black leather to add some edge.

I don't often see men wearing sandals aside from Birks or athletic sandals. These are a much more refined look. Would you wear Gladiator Mandals?

Emporio Armani Spring 2010

Now Wearing...

Yellow navy color block jacket - vintage
Gray tank - Park Vogal
Acid wash jeans - byCorpus, Urban Outfitters
Yellow jelly sandal wedges - Alexandre Herchcovitch x Melissa
Black bangle - H&M

I bought these jacket from Etsy almost three month ago, but I never wore it because it absolutely wrecked of moth balls. I took it to the dry cleaners too! After months of airing it out, it's finally wearable just in time for the end of summer. I don't think this piece will transition well into fall, so I'm going to try and squeeze in as many wears before it starts to cool down.

By the way, if any of you work downtown, please hit up the Lee Angel sample sale for me! Erin showed me her awesome $5 finds, and I'm dying to go but work is too insane for me to step out.

I Love This Little Lady

Artist: Little
Recommended If You Like: Regina Spektor, Corinne Bailey Rae, Keren Ann, The Bird & The Bee

The other day I was talking to Erin about how she listens to super girly music. Yes, I listen to chick tunes too, but I think Erin's taste is heavier on the cutesy side (e.g., Lisa Mitchell, Polly Scatterwood). This conversation reminded me of an artist that I found a couple years ago.

The artist I was thinking of was Little, born Aurelie Nguyen. It took me a some time to find her because her name is not search engine-friendly! Perhaps because I can't read French, but I can't really find any information on her. I vaguely remember reading about her when I first found her music; my French was better then. If my memory serves me correctly, she's Parisian and of Vietnamese descent. She is (or was) signed to Source etc; her YouTube channel says she's independent.

Little's songs are melodic and charming; her voice adorable. And it certainly doesn't hurt that she sings entirely in French! I have a weakness for anything French. Listening to her music again just reminded me how much I love her and how badly I need to get my hands on her album! It's only available on the French iTunes and Amazon.

You can stream songs from her debut album on her website, littlemusic.fr, and a couple demos on her MySpace. And below, a cute little promo from 2008.

Online Sample Sale: Kate Spade

Who: Kate Spade
What: Up to 75% off on Handbags, Shoes and Small Goods.
When: August 25-28, 2009.
Where: Online

Now Wearing...

Got totally caught in a downpour on my way home without an umbrella :(

Metallic Fringe Top - Topshop
Multi Strand Pearl Necklace - Dominique Cohen for Target
Cuffed Shorts - Club Monaco
Rhinestone Hairpin - J.Crew
Patent Pumps - Enzo Angolioni (Totally Drenched!)

Preview: Aldo x Swarovski Elements

Images via Refinery29

In other sparkly news, Aldo (Yes the Footwear retailer!) has partnered with Crystallized-Swarovski Elements to bring you a sparkling collection in time for the literally icy season of winter '09. The Collection will retail for between $40 and $180. If you are a fan of the rock chic fun aesthetic of Tom Binns, didn't want to DIY and have never been able to afford it this might be a great alternative. While most of the pieces are Black and clear crystal, one necklace features neon cording looping through.

Images via Refinery29

Images via Refinery29

Now Wearing...

Black & cream print jacket - 1980s vintage
Black tank - H&M
Marigold yellow pants - BDG, Urban Outfitters
Gold & turquoise bangles - from India
Eyeglasses - Alain Milki
Caramel platform wedges - Tashkent by Cheyenne
I scored these wedges a couple weeks ago at Clarabella's store closing in Lower East Side. I went the first day of the "closing sale", and it was already pretty picked over otherwise I would have written a sale report.

These wedges were literally the first thing I saw when I stepped in the store and they were the last pair! They usually retail for $500+; I got them for $75! Such a dream! Especially since I have been eyeing these wedges since they came out seasons ago. They're marked down on a lot of sites right now like Revolve, Funky Lala and Bluefly, but nowhere near what I paid for them.

I noticed something over the weekend while cleaning my closet. All of my shoes are either completely flat flats or ridiculous 3.5+ inch heels and wedges. I guess I'm a bit extreme like that.

Trends: Embellished Tights, The New Legging

Zac Posen Fall 2009, Cynthia Rowley Fall 2009

One of my fave things in the world is sparkle, so this Fall are you ready for the new shine. It's a much more refined and fresher alternative to liquid leggings. From Cynthia Rowley to Doo.Ri these embellished tights are taking center stage. To note, all options are sheer on lace or fishnet base. I love them all but they are pricey... I believe the Cynthia Rowley's are $250! So perhaps it's time to get started on a DIY...

Doo.Ri Fall 2009, Miu Miu Fall 2009