Help Me Decide: DIY Fendi, Hot or Not?

Don't get me wrong...I love a DIY project as much as the next gal but something just doesn't sit right with me on this one.

Behold, the Paint Your Own Fendi Baguette from eLuxury. Yes folks, for $1300 smackers you too can get a coated canvas bag and a set of 10 Pantone Universe markers to scribble your way for all fashionable posterity.

$1300 bucks really? Are there socialites out there who become so unhinged by the thought of setting foot in a craft or thrift store that they need to spring for a homemade Fendi to flaunt their mad art skills?

Actually, the funniest part about this is the disclaimer on the ad: "only returnable in original condition." Yeah, I suppose "I Heart Dexter" in scripty curly-que font and glitter accents has a very limited audience.

Please help me decide, the DIY Fendi Baguette, hot or not?

I'm A Lumberjack And I'm Okay...

Major cuteness alert folks:

One of my fave trends this season is plaid. There are so many ways to "make it work" from English countryside chic, à la Ralph Lauren, or retro fabulous com'e Dolce and Gabbana per esempio.

Another chic alternative? This buffalo plaid check in a bright cobalt. It's like something I would've worn circa 1990 curled up in front of the tube for my beloved Northern Exposure.

Though I can't bring back the highly missed series, I can channel Maggie O'Connell's outdoorsy girl look with this sweet jacket from Le Robo.

Shake Them Bones

In the spirit of Halloween I couldn't resist this skeleton necklace by Christian Lacroix -- leave it to the master of the ab fab to create such a unique piece.

On a side note, does anyone smell the irony of an anorexic model rocking a rib cage bib?

I'm just sayin'.

Photos via Style.com

Style Facelift...And I Like It

This post is going to embarrass me for a multitude of reasons. Not the least of which involves a reference to an obscure quote from, of all things, The O.C..

If you were a fan of the show, and are a die-hard fashionista (god, how I hate that term), you may remember the scene where Kiki's ne'er do well sister comes back into her life to wreak a little havoc. There's a point where she goes through big sis' closet and pulls out a very plain looking piece and says, "Talbots? Really Kirstin?" to which K responds, "It was a gift."

Most folks would've missed this subtle jab, but fashion insiders heard loud and clear: the words Talbots and style didn't belong in the same sentence, much less some rich Orange County housewife's wardrobe.

After stumbling upon Talbots newly redesigned website I was surprised to find that the purveyor of classic, sensible ladylike clothing has gone all hip. Well, maybe not in the Williamsburg or Newport Beach sense of the word, but the upgrade is pretty stylish:





Which brings me to embarrassing admission #2: I want it. All.

Anyone with me on this?

Plaid's So Rad...

...and on eBay right now.

From one of my fave vintage sellers Lullie Vintage Clothing, this sweet li'l 80s plaid jumper has my name all over it.

Literally.

I swear this is the exact one I owned back in the day. Click here for more pics or to bid right now.

Yeah, I'm Obsessed.

Though I've yet to reveal my fabulous new winter coat on this blog I continue to sniff out the deals...remember this Nanette Lepore one that I drooled over?

Well, it's on sale for a cool $200 bucks off at Bloomies.

Want more? Enter SHIPOCT at checkout for FREE shipping.

Rebecca Minkoff 30% Off - Hurry!

Thank heaven for small favors there is an upside to our sliding economy. Choose from a wide selection of yummy Fall collection bags at Rebecca Minkoff for a not too shabby 30% off plus free shipping (use code habit at checkout).

But don't thank me, thank Shopping's My Cardio for sniffing out the deal.

Go, do me (us) proud.

Trends Report: Pretty Tight

Let’s face it; most of us have pretty tight clothing budgets lately. Fortunately, a quick and easy way to update your wardrobe this Fall is with, pardon the pun, pretty tights.

Hosiery is hot, and the more unusual the better. Colorful opaques, wild patterns, lace, and interesting weaves can make your go-to silhouettes look like they came straight off the runway. This season’s tights also complement trendy shoe options like peep toe booties which are all the rage.

A quick tip with these nouveau hose is to keep it tonal. Skirts and dresses should be in the same color family as your tights and shoes – it will create a long slimming effect. If you haven’t already, complete your Color Profile to find your most flattering colors.

DKNY Opaque Control Top Tights Saks Fifth Avenue	Givenchy Modal Fishbone Sweater Tights Bare Necessities	Shape fx® Caffeine-Infused Floral Tights Shop.com

Marc Jacobs Bag Lust

This post writes itself.

The Marc Jacobs Mercer Owen bag in an irresistible shade of cobalt blue.

Get it at Shop Twigs.

Look Like Rihanna For 30% Off

Aye carumba - my eyes did one of those roll around cartoony spins when I saw this Joie blouse from the good folks at Lindsay Lou.

I told you about this little number before when it was seen gracing the back of the always lovely Rihanna.

I'm super excited to report that you can get it, along with tons of other pretty things, for 30% off TODAY ONLY.
Designers like Black Halo, Yaya Aflalo, Milly, Alice + Olivia and James Perse to name a few.

Visit LindsayLou.com and use promo code 30Fall at checkout.

Winter Coats: Save or Steal?

As I've mentioned before on this blog I am completely obsessed with finding a new winter coat. Not just because I feel like it because I don't have one.

Realistically I know that a well made coat is worth investing in but the simple truth is I am broke. And cold. So in my search for cheapie outerwear I dug up the following "Save or Steal" options:





I told you about this J. Crew coat (left) before and I still think it's pretty neato but it's still near the $400 range. The Delia's coat (right)is $69.50 as is or $89.50 with thinsulate.





I love the idea of a bright magenta wool coat in a season where things get to get cold, dark, and drab. The Anne Klein coat on the left is so fab - to the tune of $350. Its Delia's counterpart is only $79.50.





I love the chic detailing of the Mackage on the left - sadly I don't have $600 burning a hole in my pocket. Enter Delia's once again. This Tristan Peacoat rings in at $89.50 leaving plenty of spare change left over for a cute hat and gloves.

Trends Report: Winter Florals

Keeping up with the break-neck speed of seasonal transitions just got a little easier – that’s because one of Fall’s hottest looks happen to be a warm-weather staple: florals. Get more mileage from your Spring purchases with only some minor adjustments and come up smelling like a rose (I know, it’s a bad pun).

Let your face and body shape be your guide. If you haven’t already, complete your Bodyline Profile to learn which posies are your best picks (there I go again).

If your face is Angular, go for graphic florals in striking shapes that will highlight your chiseled features; if your face is Curved, opt for softer, watercolor florals…think flowy and romantic swirls of color to play up your feminine curves. Don’t forget scale: if you are petite, stick with medium size prints that won’t look precious, while taller gals can opt for larger prints…with “no bigger than your palm” a good rule to follow.

Transition summery pieces by adding opaque tights, chunky knits, slim jackets and boots in ankle or knee lengths. Consider layering a filmy frock over a fine gauge wool turtleneck for an eclectic look that is subtle and sophisticated. Mix things up by pairing florals with tweeds and plaids for a unique personal style statement.

And whatever you do, don’t limit yourself. There will be tons of great accessories that flaunt floral style. What about a delicate ring or snazzy umbrella? Both are sure to keep warm weather memories close.

Zimmermann Divinity Floral Tie Front Dress shop bop	Rozae Nichols Cusp	Richard Rodriguez Nordstrom
Roberto Cavalli Floral Print Mini Dress Net-a-Porter	Milly Geometric Floral Wool Coat Bloomingdales	Printed Floral Tote Urban Outfitters