weekly want: new years eve pumps

Whenever I think of New Years Eve the first thing that comes to mind are silver and gold sparkles. I recently picked up my New Years Eve dress, a black and white color blocked number from H&M and have been on the hunt for the perfect shoes to go with. After scoping out Urban Outfitters for Christmas gifts (& wishlist-able items) I stumbled upon these beauties by Kimchi Blue that are not too crazy on the sparkle and definitely New Years Eve-worthy. Hopefully I will be wearing these beauties when the ball drops in NYC in few weeks (so soon--eek)!

Miu Miu advertising controversy or advocacy against young models?

Hailee Steinfeld, the 14-year-old star of the blockbuster hit "True Grit" was named the face of Prada brand, Miu Miu, this year. However, her newest advertisement for the brand, depicting her in vintage-inspired garb sitting next to train tracks, is receiving serious backlash and has been banned in Britain.



According to theimproper.com, one of the main arguments is that the ad (shown above)promotes, "youth suicide." However, no train is in sight in the distance, she appears to be more tired than melancholy, and isn't even directly on the tracks. Is this really the main concern or is there another dislike that is fueling the controversy?

Others are not as angry about the ad as they are about its model. Many are generally and uproariously disturbed at the use of young models on the whole; numerous children, as young as 10 years old, are being used in major fashion magazines, in adult fashion advertising campaigns, and are even walking the runway. Liz Jones, style director London’s Daily Mail, compared the use of such models to something as bad as underage smoking and drinking.

Personally, I think that there are pros and cons to every story. First off, getting girls involved so young does, in a sense, take away their childhood. Society tends to see the bad effects of young Hollywood actors who make it big very young and then go into a downward spiral once puberty, and reality, hits (Lindsay Lohan, anyone?). But at the same time, numerous successful models and actresses have also come out of Hollywood. As far as the fashion world goes, Kate Moss, who started modeling at the age of 14, is one of the biggest models in the world--not to mention she is still walking the runway and as relevant as she was when she made it onto the scene. While I am not crazy about the idea of a girl 2 years older than my niece posing in major fashion magazines, as long as it is not pushing the line of provocative I think it is just as cute as a J. Crew for Kids or babyGap ad. If that is what the mini model or young actress wants to do (by her own free will & sans pressure from anyone) I see it as no harm, no foul. Some children are more mature than others, and if they are already acting I don't see a problem.

As for the Miu Miu ad, I think it is gorgeous. Would it have been prettier with a much older model? Appealed to me more? Undoubtedly, but kudos to Harriet for pulling it off with true class.

weekly want: kate spade new york case

I already have 2 silicone cases for my Blackberry, this clever & cute case by Kate Spade New York is so much more sophisticated! It's not only pretty but functional, with a hidden magnet to keep my Blackberry from slipping out of the tiny pouch. But most of all, I love the tiny reminder emblazoned on the front to look at your phone as something more--a gateway to adventure! For only $25 this cute find may just hold a spot on my Christmas wishlist to further breed amazing travel ideas!

Lady Gaga's coming to town!

Tomorrow, the entire 5th floor of Barney's Department Store in New York will be transformed, for the first time ever, into "Gaga's Workshop," where over 170 different products, designed by Mother Monster aka Lady Gaga herself, will be available--from hand carved chocolate skulls, to claw shaped stockings, and one pair of custom made $4,100 shoes. Leading up to the launch Barney's featured the 12 days of Gaga, with new surprise items each day--ranging from a Gaga cookie, all the way to spiked motorcycle gloves (which are still up on the site for purchase).

A giant Gaga installation will greet shoppers on entrance into the Madison Avenue store and the sculptures will continue upstairs where everything will be divided into eight sections, including a candy shop equipped with hair bow lollipops, and a boudoir. There will also be an entire section devoted to books, which will be housed inside a massive pop-up book, as well as a window that will feature a unicorn and Gaga as “Goddess of the Universe.”



"Partnering with her in this unprecedented collaborative way to create the largest and most all-encompassing holiday theme that Barneys has ever mounted is a thrill," said Mark Lee, Barneys New York CEO. "As a New York City landmark, we wanted to celebrate Lady Gaga as a fellow New Yorker and amazing talent.”

And don't feel guilty spending some cash at the Gaga Workshop for the holidays-- Barney's is donating 25% of sales to a charity of Lady Gaga's choice!



If you aren't lucky enough to live in NYC, the workshop also has it's own website & next to everything will be available online. Click here to check it out!

weekly want: versace for H&M

Although I'm more than positive that this dress is already sold out at every H&M in New York, I still could not resist putting it up here. I just love the intricate detail and vibrant color. It's a total summer party dress & with all this cold weather, I'm dreaming of 80 degree weather on a daily basis. But then again, Versace has no season (& neither do shift dresses!), so I can totally see this on New Years Eve or even just a fancy date with the boyfriend or a night out with the girls, just add some pumps & tights & you're set. Versace for $199? You simply cannot beat it (well, maybe you can with Chanel for that price, but I'll take what I can get)!

Versace for H&M.

My eyes literally BULGED out of my head in the middle of the library reading my Google Fashion Alert... VERSACE IS COMING TO H&M!



Set to launch November 17th, the brand's H&M Collaboration named after the designer, Gianni Versace SpA, includes "floor-length "goddess" gowns, dresses dotted with Grecian buttons and fluorescent micro-minis." The line will feature everything from cheap lingerie to an outerwear line ranging into the early hundreds. And for those of us who do not want to make the trip to the mobbed stores on the day of the release, no worries because the Versace has also designed a pre-spring line that will hit the online H&M shops in mid-January!

The Versace brand, founded by its namesake in 1987 & ruling the runway ever since, is using this collaborative opportunity to not only get their name out to buyers who may not know of the brand's legacy (according to associate editor retail at fashion forecaster WGSN Jayne Bibby,numerous H&M customers will experience Versace if they are not aware of its history and, in the future, "trade up" to the designer's collection), but to give the fashionista on a budget the opportunity to own something luxurious.


(Christmas gift, anyone?)


Personally, I am INSANELY excited for this collaboration! H&M, like Target, always team up with amazing designers (Lagerfeld & Choo, to name a few) & just the fact that I can own something designer on a reasonable college student budget is beyond fantastic. Hopefully this release will leave people with more than bedsheets (a la Missoni for Target) or size 12 Choo heels (circa summer 2009)! Check out the video for an inside look on the collection!

weekly want: adorable etsy find

After losing one of my beloved Isotoner gloves last winter, I have been on the hunt for a great, warm, interesting pair of gloves. Upon my window shopping for the perfect pair I stumbled upon these adorable Fox Mittens from a seller on Etsy. Not only do they look insanely warm & cozy but they each pair is hand made by the seller, not to mention can serve as a great gift under $50 for the holiday season. I will definitely be putting these on my wishlist next to my Shark Mittens! Who can resist something cute & functional for winter? I definitely can't!

live life without elephant feet this winter!

Now that the snow has fallen and the fast forward through fall has begun, Uggs are in abundance everywhere you turn (Iona being the prime example). However, WashingtonPost.com's Talking Fashion Live Q&A with Holly Thomas says that, "Uggs should be a last resort -- or better yet, reserved for the ski resort." Many people disagree, practically living in their Ugg boots, possibly all year long. But have these ugly, hoof-footed boots transcended trend to become a full, blown out epidemic? Do you find yourself wearing leggings for pants? Sportswear as full time clothing? If you think that any of these may apply to you, Uggcitrin, the Ugg boot vaccine, may be for you. Check out the inspirational video below for more information:

I myself am an owner of Ugg boots and find myself doing almost all of the things mentioned in the video. To those who have never owned a pair, get the vaccine, it may just save your winter-boot life, despite how cold your feet may be. I've made it my business to not have elephant feet this winter, have you? Make sure to click the link below for more information!

weekly want: hedgehogs in love sweater

As soon as the temperature drops I instantly become a sweater, boots, & jeans girl. No layering, no fancy dressing, and very rarely will I sacrifice my warmth to wear something cute. So my shopping quest for the season usually consists of finding cute sweaters with charm. This adorable hedgehog love sweater from Cooperative, a quirky modern knitwear brand, looks toasty, is adorable without being too cutesy, & acts as a total conversation piece. Come on, how many people do you know with a hedgehog sweater? Exactly!
You can buy this lovely Intarsia Sweater at Urban Outfitters!

white, frothy fashion.

One of the commonalities that struck me while perusing the fashions for next season was the frequent use of delicate, detailed white fabric. Whether it was Louis Vuitton's amazing 1960s flower ensembles or Elie Saab's gorgeous lace and chiffon dresses, many looks on the runway evoked a breezy spring day. While Women's Wear Daily stated that choosing white is "not the most surprising color choice for spring, ... what's impressive is how designers at Paris Fashion Week manipulated white into so many exceptional sculptural silhouettes."
Despite the fact that no white piece of clothing is ever safe on or around me, I can't help but want each & every one of these beauties in my Spring 2012 wardrobe.











Finding its transcendence into everyday fashion is not my want for white, either: Lady Gaga was seen out just recently rocking a similar style to the models above in her white, lacy frock :)



Click the pictures for their owners/designers!

weekly want: peter pan collars go for the gold.

While flipping through the latest Harper's Bazaar I stumbled upon this AMAZING Peter Pan collar necklace by Louis Vuitton. My first thoughts? How beautiful &, at the same time, completely intimidating. The simple use of the whimsical, quaint Peter Pan collar as something strong, industrial and drop dead gorgeous, as an accessory totally blew my mind. Now I can only imagine the fiercest of ladies hinging this bad boy around their necks (as opposed to my visions of school girls and jumpers from last week's post).

My final verdict? Want, need to have, immediately.

(& another week of Peter Pan collars turns into the weekly wish...)

If you're already convinced that in the fashion realm everyday is Halloween, you ain't seen nothin' yet!

In Fall/Winter of 2008/2009 the Halloween theme took the runway by storm-- cobweb tights, the Bride of Frankenstein's hair, and witch hats strutted down the runway and, of course, the fashion world welcomed it with open arms. According to British Vogue at the time, "Halloween has never been so stylish."


(Luella Bartley; Jaeger London; Alexander McQueen; Vivienne Westwood Red Label)

Lucky for us, certain aspects of these looks demonstrate a grown up, chic way to embrace the holiday without looking like the freak who came out way too early. The trick? Opt for colorful accessories to show your Halloween pride, such as orange tights Luella-style or the cute, festive flowery necklace that you can wear into Thanksgiving.

If you are too afraid you will look like a pumpkin, or simply want to mix it up, a fabulous alternative that looks good on everyone, & also doubles as the biggest color of Spring 2012, is any garment in a red-orange hue. The fabulous Minnie pant from J. Crew is a great piece to add to your closet's collection; it is rumored to look good on almost every figure, & is a staple of fashionista Joanna Hillman. Now pair it with a simple staple (don't go too crazy unless it will look costume-y!), such as a black & white striped tee & some plain flats & you will be fashionably festive until the day's end!

To all those not stuck in class until the late evening, unlike myself, Have a Happy Free Candy Day!

weekly want: round-collared blouse, where art thou?

As soon as the temperature hits under 74º I am freezing, and suddenly winter-wear is all that is on my mind. And, as of late, all I can think about are Peter Pan collared blouses peeking out from underneath warm, cozy sweaters. However, although I can imagine a million & one different outfits, that doesn't necessarily mean that the clothing involved actually exists! Unfortunately these round collared beauties have been quite a hassel to find and are either made for older, larger sized women or are so out of my price limit it hurts. Land's End has exactly what I'm looking for at a reasonable price, but I'm almost positive that their small size is not small enough. So I'm crossing my fingers that these lovely rounded neck beauties will show up on Forever 21's style deals before full-on winter actually hits, or on Old Navy... for 75% off. Yes, I know, but a girl can dream, right?

made in the spade.

Just last Tuesday, Deborah Lloyd, creative director of Kate Spade New York, held a fabulous press conference that presented their Spring 2012 collection, which featured prints by australian artist, Florence Broadhurst. Women's Wear Daily reported that Lloyd has acquired 12 of the motifs, three of which are featured in the spring lineup — a hexagon pattern and two black-and-white Japanese florals.

Spade totally aces it for next season-- classic pieces, A-line skirts, cleverly catchy phrases on shirts, pops of color, & everything being so simple yet so marvelously new & fresh & chic-- it's hard to not have an early case of spring fever just looking at the collection.

weekly want update: golden

After a long, tumultuous day at school last week, an uncomfortable, interrupted nap, and the inability to sleep at all, I'd just about had it. After deciding to go online at about 2am, I checked my mail and happened to JUST receive an email from kate spade new york a few minutes earlier for their flash sale where all items are up to 75% off. I always miss these sales so I was very excited, and browsing the tens of coveted items got my mind off of my bad day.
Now, I rarely give in to my shopping urges lately, especially not for kate spade products (as their price tags and my wallet never agree), but this necklace spoke to me, and made me laugh a little at the irony that I'd fell in love with something that had a message I'd almost forgotten. And with the sale price being over 50% off of the original, I simply had to get it. The clever, gilded 'hang in there binoculars necklace' I talked about in last week's post is mine and will, hopefully, help me 'hang in there' during the rest of my mid terms & tests this semester!

back to basics.

Coming back from what Style.com called "a misjudged effort to impress" with his circus/1970s/ball room/jumble, Gaytten went back to Dior's roots, impressed, & completely redeemed himself with this Spring 2012 collection that, as Fab Sugar puts it, "that stayed true to the classic Dior woman.” Simplicity ruled the runway with a-line skirts, chiffon button-ups, boatnecks, ankle pants, and shirtdresses any & every woman should have in their closet.



The soft mosaic fabrics in light blues and beiges, the fiery red grecian dresses, and the patterned wrap dresses and coats were simply to die for. And the red lips, metallic heels, cloches polished every look off impeccably. The entire show encompassed old fashioned grace, vintage fire, and all of the grace and beauty of yesterdays. Gaytten not only transcended Dior's beloved fans' expectations with this collection, but showed how an immaculate line, and show, is put together. Jaw-dropping does not even begin to cover it and I am coveting every single look.

weekly want: the future looks brighter!

With the bombardment of midterms, papers, tests, and all around discombobulation with life, sometimes we forget to just 'hang in there.' Ironically enough, a fantastic necklace by kate spade new york, reminded me of this in the middle of an online window shopping retail therapy meltdown. This gilded 'hang in there binoculars necklace' is not only adorable and clever (who can resist a tiny set of binoculars around your neck?), but the message it sends is something we need to be reminded of a lot! And with this lovely necklace hanging close to your heart, how can you forget?

This item is currently on a flash sale so get it while it lasts!

victor & rolf spring 2012

Victor and Rolf's shows are always a treat, and their Spring 2012 collection had everyone in stitches-- literally. Large lacy and silk garments were stitched together, as Style.com put it, "as if it had been done by seamstress giants," and notebook-sized clutches, ruffled or grommeted shoes, and pink eyelashes accessorized each Thumbelina-like model. The show progressively transitioned to more grown-up gowns and ended in puffy ballroom dresses out of a masquerade ball.


Some looks were rather pretty and interesting but very... unexpected. Compared to the usual craziness of a Victor and Rolf show, Spring 2012 evoked more of of a Betsey Johnson feel than that of their own; Heard on the Runway deemed it “by [V & R's] standards, ... positively tame.” For me, it's as if Lady Gaga showed up to an award show in a t-shirt and jeans, it's interesting, but also borderline disappointing.












What's your opinion on the collection? Check out the full show on Style.com & decide for yourself!

weekly want: the winning winter coat

As soon as the weather hits below 70º I am, literally, freezing. So, as the temperature has been progressively decreasing I've begun my hunt for an amazingly chic, yet extremely warm, coat that I can wear when I'm running to school, a holiday party, and even down the line for when I start my career. Unfortunately these days finding all of those specifications in one coat is not as easy as it seems-- actually, let me rephrase that, finding a decently priced coat that has those characteristics that we mere mortals can invest in without having to sell an organ, is hard to find! Although I'd fallen in love with this lovely Camel wool coat from J. Crew, I could not help but cringe at the price tag and force myself to put the credit card down & resist resist resist!

But, somewhere between online window shopping on Modcloth.com and losing all hope in staying toasty this winter I stumbled across this lovely coat, ironically enough entitled the Warm Greetings Coat, from the classic-vintage inspired brand BB Dakota. Although it is one of the 4 generic shades of winter coat-age, it pops out a lot more, appearing more hot pink than drab red- which I love! It has a hood (a necessity!) without looking childish, over sized gold buttons and adorable pocket accents (for gloves, Blistex, tissues), & a chic little halo/collar of faux fur (a la 1940s glamor)-- not to mention it under $150. Did I just win the winter coat lottery?

Unfortunately I will have to wait to redeem my amazing outerwear prize because for the second week in a row my wish listed want is SOLD OUT in my size!
However, once this find is back in stock, you can most definitely count on it being in my closet before the cold front hits!

red lips & raybans

Joanna Hillman is no stranger to fashion-- she is the Senior Fashion Market Editor of Harper's Bazaar, previously served as the editor to Teen Vogue, & is a frequent feature on Garance Dore & the Sartorialist's site for as far back as I've saved her picture to my lookbook folder (without knowing it, of course). She mixes things up and always keeps her appearance interesting; one can even say that she dons a little mystery behind that red pout and dark sunglasses that complete most, if not all, of her amazing looks.

Even though she's stated that in an interview that it is essential that she pre-plan her outfits, Hillman's style genius comes from the fact that all of her looks appear effortless, even when she's wearing crazy fur coats, mixing patterns, & donning leopard accessories. And anyone who pairs red lips & leopard print with an immaculate mix of classic and new age style is a gal after my own heart!

Pictures: Zimbio, Torontostyles, Harper's Bazaar, & Tumblr

weekly want.

Jeffrey Campbell, along with his wife Christine, created his own small L.A.-based line of shoes to reinvent old classics & put his own spin on today's biggest shoe trends. With a mix of music & street culture, city inspirations from NY, to London, & Hollywood, a hint of vintage fashion, & a love for pushing the bar, each one of his designs are both architecturally and cleverly constructed into jaw dropping footwear -- & Night Walk is no exception to being another amazing work of art. These sky high maryjanes are the perfect balance of sinister and sweet and are holding in the top spot on my Fall superduper-wishlist-- and not only because I'm curious about how the heck I would keep my balance in these things. I imagine myself partying late at night in the city my friends & singing through the streets & having an amazing time wearing these bad boys. And, let's be serious here, how many shoes make you imagine amazing nights?

All sizes are sold out on these Maryjane wonders so until size 6 comes back in stock I'm going to fawn over his other amazing styles (like the Lita I've also been coveting for quite some time)!

Grab your crazy shoes, red lipstick, and cat eye sunglasses, Anna Sui is in the building!

Said to be inspired by Club Sept in 1970s Paris, Anna Sui's Spring 2012 Ready-to-Wear collection is the retro spin on the 21st century woman. While keeping her usual m.o. of beautiful patterns and prints, her disco looks dominated the runway this season in purple, red, and black. Not one look was featured without a hat or head wrap (also seen in Karen Walker's runway show--possible accessory comeback?), red lipstick, crazy pumps or platform brogues. The show transitioned from badass to delicate darling, encompassing all takes on the modern 70s female flair.







Check out the complete collection on Style.com