Fashion's Love Child

I worked my part-time styling job yesterday and wore my White sheer v-neck tee by BDG from Urban Outfitters (www.urbanoutfitters.com), with my Black Ann Taylor high-waist skirt (www.anntaylor.com), accented with a wide stretch belt, a pair of textured nylons and my favorite newly purchased patent leather boots by Lacoste (www.lacoste.com), that are just the thing for rainy days as I experienced in Boston yesterday and to brighten up my look I wore my soft yellow jersey knit scarf from the Gap (www.gap.com).  I have re-created my outfit with similar pieces below; the boots shown are my new love love love Lacoste boots!

                        

 

Yellow also looks fresh and intriguing on its own in this light and airy Embossed Cotton Aubrey Halter Dress on sale now for $39.99 at www.jcrew.com:

 

 

If just thinking about wearing the color yellow is bold enough for you, then use it as a spring forward pop to liven up a neutral dress like this Dark Grey BDG Pleated Frock at Urban Outfitters with a pair of subtle yellow heels like these Ann Taylor Perfect Kitten Peeptoe Slingbacks in Lemon Twist or accessorize it with this Colorblocked Striped scarf in Meteor Yellow at Gap:

 

                                    

 

 

 

I decided it was time for a change, so I cut my hair! As soon as my stylist turned my chair to face the mirror and the new Fashion’s Lovechild stared back at me, I realized that my current jewelry and eyebrows for that matter would need some re-vamping stat! My new hair gives me an edgy little pixie look which demands statement pieces that are bold, bright and most of all unique!

A great new website, VanillaWaferBrown.com houses an online jewelry collection of which 98% is handmade, vintage, recycled or re-purposed jewelry that not only ensures uniqueness because some are hand crafted and no two pieces look exactly alike, but have a guiltless appeal to them since a lot of the pieces were made in the spirit of being green!

If I haven’t given you enough reasons to get your mouth watering, as a special offer for Fashion’s Love Child readers you will receive 15% off your total purchase by entering the promotion code “LOVECHILD” prior to making your online purchase at vanillawaferbrown.com, this code will only be valid from today February 9, 2010 thru February 28, 2010.

The following pieces are just as sweet and tasty as the cookie the site is named after, anyone else craving a glass of milk?

I adore the stacked look of the “Vintage Gold Nugget Bracelet”, and the texture adds an edgy feel to it!  I’d wear it casual with a white ribbed knit tank and jeans by day or create a hint of allure to my little black wrap dress for a night out. The chunky and beautifully colored “Vintage Resin Bracelet” is a definite statement piece that could not compliment my new look better. Both of these bracelets are handmade and versatile at $35 each.

 

My pointer finger has been missing this season’s must have big ring, I was immediately drawn to this handmade “Recycled Aluminum Swirl Ring” for $25, I love its molded look and smooth matte finish!

I’ve always been a fan of an exaggerated earring, some things never change I guess! These handcrafted “X-Large Oval Sterling Silver Earrings” are perfect for my new hair since more of my neck is exposed, the elongated shape of this earring would be amazing on, and they’re just $18!

To learn more about the individual designers of these pieces, browse more products or to take advantage of the 15% off your entire purchase “LOVECHILD” promotion code valid thru February 28, 2010 please visit: www.vanillawaferbrown.com

 

Today a friend and I treated ourselves to a manicure, a feel good necessity for any lover of fashion! It can also be a very fun and easy way to accessorize your outfit, which is why I love an unexpected color. I cannot stop staring at my beautifully polished nails, so glossy, so milky, and oh so matte! I usually play with shades of Pink, but this is the most intriguing and relatable shade of purple that I could not resist. I’m wearing Lilacism by Essie, try it on:

 

$8.00 by Essie at Ulta

 

It all began while waiting for the elevator at work; I glanced over at a bag seemingly winking at me while hanging from the shoulder of a co-worker. I blushed, it was a Navy, beige-trimmed LeSportsac bag that was crush at first sight and lead to an extremely intensive series of Google searches, LeSportsac website searches, department store visits and I have yet to find that bag!

Heartbroken, I switched gears and set my sights on any fun, canvas, nylon, jersey or practical fabric tote bag to replace my poor tote I’d been carrying for some time. I love my old tote bag from Victoria Secret’s Pink collection which is Navy, with Hot Pink and Ivory accents made of a sturdy acrylic knit and holds everything, including my laptop! It has the perfect rectangular shape and the straps are just the right length, which is why it’s been so difficult to replace.

 

But alas I found my new soul-mate tote thanks to the colorful Betsey Johnson and her Betseyville collection! Large enough to hold everything with a zipper so nothing falls out, in a soft nylon with a great print.

 

Here are a few fun, practical fabric totes for you to flirt with:

 

           

                  

 

             

 

Be sure to click on the images to learn more or visit these websites:

www.victoriassecret.com

www.lesportsac.com

www.betseyjohnson.com

www.juicycouture.com

www.marcjacobs.com

I am an eighties baby, so it seems fitting that I am currently in search of the perfect snood, the scarf that can double as a hood! There are a few names for these items that all serve similar purposes: neck warmer, infinity scarf, circle scarf, gaitor…whatever you chose to call it I’m obsessed and have to have one, maybe two!

I am always in search of items that speak to my personal style and can make me look polished in a simple, fuss-free way. These snoods are being offered in various prices, lengths and fabrics. I am on the hunt for the shorter lengthed, single-looped versions, in mid-weight fabrics.

Ladies, if you are on a budget like me, head to Forever 21 for either of these mouth-watering options. I adore the endless sweater scarf for just $8.80, it allows you to play with a bold color and can be worn to liven up a basic top. The cowl turtleneck for $5.80, will be perfect for staying warm and in style once the snow is here! For those of you men on a budget, check out their sweater turtleneck warmer for $13.90 found within Forever 21's Heritage 1981 brand:

WWW.FOREVER21.COM

             

 

For those of you who can afford to spend a little bit more, then you will absolutely want to feed your sweet tooth with these options at Urban Outfitters, American Apparel and Ann Taylor. In fact, if I was not allergic to the Alpaca listed in the fabric contents, I’d already own this chunky knit gaitor from Ann Taylor, which after trying it on launched my relentless quest for the perfect snood!

                         

 

Descriptions listed in order shown:

Chunky Knit Gator $65.00 at  Ann Taylor

The Unisex Circle Scarf $28.00 at American Apparel

Staring At Stars Open Knit Snood $34.00 at Urban Outfitters

XL Knit Eternity Scarf  $28.00 at Urban Outfitters

 

 

                                                                                  

          

During a recent shopping excursion I found myself in the outerwear department of Filene’s Basement where I swooned over the incredible selection of menswear inspired wool coats. Options of big and bold houndstooths, bring me back to the seventies plaids, hot herringbones, and tried and true tweeds were offered in silhouettes both short and long! These jackets ranged from being accented with military inspired collars, large buttons, belts, and some skirted all made me excited once again for the remaining days of the Fall season!

 

I left the store with a long, belted, double breasted Black and Ivory tweed jacket by Guess with a collar that can be worn flat as shown or buttoned up into a funnel neck collar, I’m so in love!

 

 

Here are some of other great menswear inpired wool jackets similar to the ones I tried on for you to check out ( I actually found the Brown plaid DKNY jacket at Filene's Basement!) - Be sure to click on the image for greater detail!

 

               

      

Find the Filene's Basement nearest you to check out their outerwear offerings in person, happy hunting! www.filenesbasement.com

 

 

Have you ever seen an item of clothing, footwear, or accessory and instantly been carried off into a daydream of the outfit, that it will undoubtedly complete? No? Well I do, often right there in the middle of the sales floor I lose myself, just gazing ever so lovingly at the mannequin or fixture it’s merchandised on. The item that has sparked the most recent series of these moments for me is the ankle boot, but not just any ankle boot… This object of my desires is the perfect shade of Gray that can make all of my Black boots lower their heads in shame!

The first ankle boot to draw me into this obsession was the Slouchy Margo Bootie at Ann Taylor, in Gray leather and if worn slouched down reveals its Gray suede lining – delectable! It called to me, and a very quick slide show of all the items in my closet it could be styled with played through my head and I had to have it!

 That is until I tried it on and realized I could never walk in its 4 inch heel. Please don’t get me wrong, I have had many a sweet daydream about high heels but I just can’t walk (comfortably that is) in anything past 2-2.5 inches! I know what you’re thinking…Fashion’s Love Child can’t walk in a high heel?! Yes it’s true, but no worries I can work a flat and make my parent, Fashion proud! So, for those of you who rely on Boston’s public transit system and need to wear flats when you are running for the commuter rail like me, here are some ankle boots for you to crush on in this season’s Grays (please click on the image or follow the links below to see the Gray verisons!):

                                                                    

 And for you ladies who can gracefully wear a high heel over the brick paved sidewalks of Downtown Boston check these out:

                                                          

 

Flat Ankle Boot Links:

I love this girly but edgy pleated detail bootie: Kimchi Blue Suede Pleated Bootie:

http://search.urbanoutfitters.com/c=Grey&i=1&q=kimchi+blue+suede+pleated+bootie&u1=q&u2=c

The jersey fabric creates a unique option for this fall style: BDG Jersey Zip Bootie: 

http://search.urbanoutfitters.com/c=Grey&i=1&q=bdg+jersey+zip+bootie&u1=q&u2=c 

I adore the slouchy feel and the ankle straps on these: Aldo "Jestes":

http://www.aldoshoes.com/us/women/boots/casual-boots/76359300-jestes/12

High Heeled Ankle Boot Links:

The feminine shirring detail on the back of these boots is amazing: Nine West "Ignatious":

http://www.ninewest.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-ninewest-Site/default/Search-Show?q=ignatious

Not only the perfect shade of gray but the perfect price as well: Forever 21 "Abbey" bootie:

http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=Color%5FBLACK&product%5Fid=2066284080&showBACK=OK

Versatile bootie, I'd pair it with skinny jeans, a dress or a skirt: Kimchi Blue Suede Bootie:

http://search.urbanoutfitters.com/?c=Grey&i=1&q=kimchi+blue+suede+bootie&u1=q&u2=c

 

 

 

Fall in Boston often brings on the excitement of wearing a new, trend right wardrobe! This season I am inspired by the textures and colors of the city in the Fall. Just as the leaves turn amazing shades of deep red, vibrant orange and warm yellows my fashion desires follow suit.

Shades of deep red evoke my obsession with leg wear – tights and nylons and leggings oh my! Let's begin with boldly colored opaque tights, in particular shades of maroon and mauve which play nicely with a dark colored pencil skirt and a pair of this season's tall boots, or provide a great contrast next to a tweed or menswear inspired mini skirt with a pair of ballet flats!

 

HUE Palm Springs Block Control Top Tights Panty Hose

$20.00 by Hue at Bare Necessities

Let's not forget the texture that these leaves offer, veins down the middle, rippled edges from being wind blown around the streets of Boston, make me ever so grateful for the herringbone, cable knit and faux fishnet tights in my own collection of leg wear. If you are afraid to try out this season's bold colors in leg wear or not sure you can pull them off, then dare to be subtle and play with texture!

Mini Rib Tight

$14.00 at Urban Outfitters

Now onto the vibrant orange and warm yellow leaves that make me want to run to the GAP for a pair of their straight leg cords in mustard yellow and burnt orange. Both of these shades play well with neutrals like white, black, grey and beige, and of course the never out of style denim jacket which seems to reinvent itself every season! You can try layering a pair of these rich fall colored cords with a white blouse, cropped grey cardigan and a dark denim jacket allowing these yellow and oranges to speak for themselves.

     

Check out these links to get inspired like me!

 

Bold or Textured Leg wear:

 

Hue has a great selection you can find on this link or in several major department stores their homepage gives you a few styling ideas:

http://www.hue.com/default.aspx

 

Urban Outfitters is always on or ahead of trends check out this mini rib tight for $14:

http://search.urbanoutfitters.com/?q=mini+rib+tight

 

Bold Cords:

 

Gap Cords, Gap Cords and more Gap cords!!!

http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=49932&vid=1&pid=676874&scid=676874042