Now Listening: Bat for Lashes - Daniel (Lo Fi)

Natasha Khan is the British singer/ songwriter, multi- instrumentalist and visual artist behind Bat for Lashes. Perhaps you've been obsessed since her first album Fur & Gold or you've already heard her sophomore album Two Suns? Thanks to my good friend ST, I was just gifted a copy of the Special Edition and have been listening to it pretty continously the last few weeks. The special edition is comprised of two discs and includes a documentary on the making of the album (Two + Two), a cover of the Kings of Leon song Use Somebody and several remixes including the lo-fi version of the track Daniel. I'm pretty obsessed with the song Daniel but this version with it's raw quality adds depth and honesty to the original version.

Check out her other songs on myspace.com/batforlashes or get a free MP3 of Daniel (Tara Busch's AnalogSuicide Mix) here.

Now Wearing...

I totally wanted to wear a bowtie initally, but struggled to tie it, so I threw on my school girl clip tie that I bought for my Gossip Girl birthday party a while back!

Printed Button Up Shirt - Proenza Schouler for Target
Wide Leg Jeans - Miss Sixty
Jacquard Blazer - McQ for Target
Lace up Boots - Marc by Marc Jacobs
Cross Tie - French Toast
Chain - DIY piece of chain tied with ribbon

Preview: Lauren Merkin Fall 2010 Collection

Last night I had the chance to stop by handbag designer Lauren Merkin's studio/showroom and preview the Fall 2010 collection and meet the lovely designer herself while snacking on some cupcakes and crostini over a glass of white wine. Interview coming soon but for now I just wanted to share some pictures of the collection.

Embossed stingray, snakeskin, croc, herringbone, calf and distressed leather make up this collection that is versatile and the rich jewel tones, soft naturals and greys are spot on trend and ready to pop any outfit. Love the variety of texture in the materials that add new life to favorites like the Lucy, Ava, Tess, Louise and Paige. Plus there are plenty of new styles joining the bunch. Love the ribbed clutch with the vintage looking hardware, the slouchy hobo and the studded large handbags. I also thought the stingray looked pretty hot. What are some of your faves?

Runway Review: Twinkle by Wenlan FW2010

(images courtesy of Elle)

During New York Fashion Week, Erin and I checked out Twinkle by Wenlan, a Sugar Rock Catwalk favorite and Fashion Week tradition! In fact, our first runway review was for Twinkle spring 2009. We've been covering show for quite a few seasons, and this season's show at the Bryant Park Promenade was the most crowded we'd ever seen.We were a little bummed about standing, but hey, we were just happy to be there.
Chunky, detailed knits are Wenlan's signature, and they were definitely my favorite looks from the collection. I especially loved the drama and coziness of the oversize collars.
In addition to knits, the collection also featured a lot of swingy jerseys and playful prints that we've come to love and expect from Twinkle. The palette consistent primarily of grays, black and muted neutrals with pops of gold and fuchsia.
This collection included a lot of the latest trends including: zippers, cutouts and geometric patterns. As with previous seasons, this collection was quirky, girly-cute and wearable! I'm adding the knits and a couple of the dresses to my fall wish list.

Now Wearing...

Gray oversized button down shirt dress - Oak NYC sample
Taupe scarf - H&M
Skinny tan belt - secondhand J.Crew
Cream wooly tights - Hue
Tan boots - secondhand Charlotte Ronson (Thanks, Karen!)

Earlier this week before the nasty rain-snow slush, I braved the cold for a hot second to take this Style Diary photo. My friend and I agreed felt warm, but the moment I took my coat off the sun went away!

When I put together this outfit, my goal was to wear the opposite of black, so I went with brighter neutral shades that reminded me of spring. And for a pop of color and shine, I accessorized with my gaudy, shiny ring and bangle, as seen in a previous post.

So funny thing about this belt, it's totally too big for me. I've been meaning to get a couple new holes punched, but haven't gotten around to it. So here's my quick fix trick for skinny belts that are too big, just push the metal piece in the middle to the side and ta da, it fits!

Meet Grace Coddington and Andre Leon Talley at B&N

Loved The September Issue? Barnes & Noble of Union Square will be hosting a discussion with Grace Coddington and Andre Leon Talley film director R.J. Cutler tonight! They will also be signing copies of the DVD.

Thursday February 25, 2010 7:00 PM
33 East 17th Street
New York, NY 10003
212-253-0810

Now Wearing...

It's the end of the day I'm a little tired from the week but what energized me tonight? Amanda Uprichard! I got home from the sample sale earlier today and decided to try it all on! Did I mention you should GO if you are in NYC? What do you think of my finds?

Button Front Dress - Amanda Uprichard
Racerback Dress with Leopard Skirt - Amanda Uprichard
White & Black Blouse - Amanda Uprichard
High Waist Pencil Skirt - Jonathan Saunders for Target
Leopard Tights - Rebecca Taylor
Patent Loafers - Cole Haan

H&M Launches Organic Skincare Line

Body Lotion $4.95, Body Scrub $4.95

H&M is making the leap from trendy clothier to the masses to becoming a beauty provider as well. H&M is launching an organic skincare line set to hit stores at the beginning of March that will include shower gel, body scrub, body lotion, hand cream and lip balm. The products include natural ingredients like apple juice, beeswax, jojoba and will be available in two scents including: raspberry/melon and lavender/mint. All of the products are certified by Ecocert which is Europe’s biggest certification body for organic and natural cosmetics. The line will also include recyclable packaging on all it's products.

As it's a product launch from H&M affordability is key. Prices range from $4.95 for Shower Gel to $7.95 for Toiletry Bags made from organic cotton.

Lip Balm $4.95, Hand Cream $4.95, Shower Gel $4.95

Toiletry Bag $7.95

Makeup Bag $4.95

NY Sample Sale Report: Amanda Uprichard

Stopped by the Amanda Uprichard sale over lunch and can I tell you that the prices are amazing? Silk dresses for unbeatable prices. Everything is priced to go and go quickly so I recommend running over as soon as you have a free moment. Not only is everything under $40 but the more you buy the more likely you will have a chance to be offered an additional discount at the cash. The lovely lady at the cash says everything is negotiable so the listed prices are only the starting point to already deep discounts that are seriously up to 90% off. Even if your bartering skills aren't the best, if you are buying multiple items and paying cash, you'll likely be offered a discount to start! This is the lowest prices that I've seen her merch, you can compare to last time around.

The sale wasn’t too crowded with about 10 or so other browsers in the 8-10 racks of merch and 2 boxes but be warned as there are no fitting rooms and only one mirror. I would recommend wearing a tank top and leggings and bringing a friend as the mirror was often blocked by fellow shoppers.Sizes range from P to L but have some degree of variance so try sizing up or down depending on the style.

Plenty of leopard, plaid and lovely florals in flattering silk tunics, blouses, jumpsuits and dresses. If you are a fan of silk or in need of some dresses this is your sale! So go now and show some blog love by mentioning us when you check out :)
Based on season the listed prices are:
2009
Silk Dress $40
Silk Tops $30
Jersey Dresses $30
Jersey Tops $20

2008
Silk Dress $30
Silk Tops $20
Jersey Dresses $20
Jersey Tops $15

2007
Silk Dress $20
Silk Tops $10
Jersey Dresses $15
Jersey Tops $10
Who: Amanda Uprichard
Midtown When/Where: Midtown, February 24-26, 2010 10am-6pm. 226 W 37th St (b/n Seventh and Eighth Ave), 3rd floor (212-719-0320)
Downtown When/Where: Downtown, February 27-28, noon-8pm. 5 Rivington St (b/n Bowery and Christie St) (212-925-2557)