Alice + Olivia + Foley + Corrina

I very rarely browse ShopBop, because everything is out of my price range and it's a bit depressing. But I got an email from them this morning advertising a Friends and Family discount code (use INTHEFAMILY15 to get 15% off), so I thought I might torture myself by looking at Alice + Olivia dresses.

The Lexis Strapless Ballerina Dress, $495, is so Charlotte York, am I right? At least in the earlier seasons of Sex and the City--it's a pretty youthful dress, so I doubt we'll be seeing it in the sequel. And yes, I will be seeing the movie opening weekend just to find out how Charlotte's perfect family is, and what adorable outfits she's wearing in Dubai, and also because Aiden looks better every time they bring him back, I mean seriously, goddamn. Anyway, the dress: the colors remind me of ice cream or cotton candy--it's like what the world's loveliest candy shop clerk would wear. I'd like to see it with a belt in a more contrasting color, like a deeper shade of purple or navy blue. A skinny black studded belt might even work, for a badass ballerina (like Zoe Saldana's character in Center Stage) look.

The Clara '20s Bugle Beaded Dress, $440, could so easily veer into costume territory, as it has a very distinct flapper vibe. But instead, the simple shape and art deco beading keep it from going over-the-top, and it looks like the model just threw it on, walked out the door, and was effortlessly stunning. No jewelry, just a little makeup, simple shoes; let the dress take the spotlight.

Foley + Corrina is another label that I like to browse on ShopBop--there must be something about that plus sign that draws me in.
The Origami Dress, $460, is in the same vein as a lot of gowns we saw at this past season's awards shows (someone with a better memory then me could supply some names--I'm thinking Anne Hathaway but could be wrong). But in many red carpet cases, I found those dresses to be so architectural/sculptural that they looked wrong on a human body. But this dress manages to put that very structured design on a dress that's flattering and looks fun to wear. The ruffle up the skirt is flirty and a bit bohemian, while the gathering on the bodice looks more deliberately shaped (it reminds me a bit of the tissue paper roses you made in kindergarten, but done in a high-fashion way)--no matter where you wear this, no girl in the room will be able to compare. I also adore the rose pink silk peeking out from the nude fabric, which prevents the dreaded washed effect that often happens with neutral colors.

Summer Shorts

I pretty much stopped wearing shorts when I stopped going to camp, but if there's any time to bring them back, it's summer 2009. The hideous romper trend is proof enough that shorts are replacing skirts and dresses as the preferred method of showing off your legs.

I love a pair of jean cut-offs as much as anyone (except when the pockets are longer than the hem, and poke out at the bottom--I think that is the tackiest of the tacky. Makes you look like a white-trash teen who took a pair of blunt scissors to her jeans and just cut them as high as possible in order to seduce pimply boys at the outlet mall), but right now I think different fabrics and styles are worth investigating. These Gap button-tab striped jeans, $24.99, are menswear-inspired but still playful enough for girly girls. I like how they're a little bit longer, so you don't have to feel overexposed when you're riding the subway.

On the other hand, if you're not afraid to flaunt your killer legs, there's the Zimmerman Jinx Chambray Short, $55.20. The light blue color matches the sky of a classic summer day, and beaded drawstring on the side adds a crafty spin. I'd want to wear this with a loose, billowy white top, and then maybe some black gladiator sandals with silver studs--you know, to add a little toughness so you don't look like a member of The Babysitter's Club (Dawn was the California hippie, right?).

If there's one thing I believe about shorts, it's that they should be cheap because they're not very versatile. You can't wear them to work (unless you're a classy man rocking a nice shorts suit), or nice restaurants, or any month in which the temperature dips under 60 degrees. A trend I hate almost as much as rompers? Wearing shorts over tights in the winter. On the other hand, I do prefer that wacked-out layering to just wearing tights and a shirt, which, ladies of New York, IS NOT APPROPRIATE FOR PUBLIC.

Where was I? Oh yeah, shorts could be dirt cheap. Enter Old Navy! Their always-reasonably priced shorts are now on sale, and I want to get the Low-Rise Perfect Khaki Shorts, $12.99 to $7.99, in every color. The bright white is perfect when I want to go all-out nautical (stripped navy blue boatneck top, a gold anchor necklace, some leather boat shoes, perhaps a scarf used as a headband), the classic khaki is good for hanging with the family, and the jalapeno green is perfect for drinking Coronas with friends at a patio bar.

I can't end this post without including denim. From American Eagle, the Tuxedo Short, $29.50, has a silly name but a great design. It's a bit distressed, so it has that lived-in look without being on the verge of falling apart. The waistband is cummerbund inspired, which distinguishes these shorts from other basic pairs, and you really can't go wrong with a dark wash and a 2-inch inseam.

Alice + Olivia Dresses

It's not summer without a new batch of Alice + Olivia dresses to lust over. Here are a few I'm thinking of buying (after I knock off an ATM or find a job, whichever happens first).

I think a peach-colored dress is the best possible way to celebrate the beginning of summer (and of summer fruits!). The Madison Dress, $444, makes me think of my favorite birthday party dresses from when I was a kid, but updated for a hot adult look. Sometimes I'm not a fan of giant bows, but I think the strapless top and voluminous silhouette gives this dress the right look for a nice big bow. I like how it kind of looks homemade, like you just wrapped some fabric around your body, grabbed a big ribbon from your craft closet, tied it all together and then went to brunch. But of course, since it's A+O, the bodice is impeccably pleated and the hem is double-layered to add some sexiness to a very sweet dress.


If that's a little too girly-girl for your taste, try the Cara Cocoon Dress, $440. From the front, it's a fairly boring colorblock dress (although I like the pockets, of course, and the white of the skirt makes it seem a little fresher than if the colors were reversed). But turn around, and helloooo Ms. Badass Babe. This takes the bandage dress to a whole other level--it's as if Herve Lager got into bondage. Incredibly sexy, but not at all trashy. Plus, when it's 90 degrees and humid in New York, you'll be the only one without beads of sweat running down your back.





Ok, I'm having a hard time deciding if I think this Draped V-Neck Dress, $165, is fantasic or if it's a mess. I know I love that color (although I'm not sure if I'm going to be wearing it as much now as I did during the winter), and I know I love that it's 50% off the original price. Soft jersey is good, deep V-necks in both front and back are good... but this might just be too much fabric, too haphazardly placed, for anyone but the most model-thin girl. And I'm worried that I would to dinner, and then go home and have to shake bread crumbs or whatever out of the folds of this dress (I'm a messy eater. Whatever, don't judge me!). I think this is the sort of dress you need to try on before making a decision, but that doesn't mean I don't want to hear your thoughts. Is this a fabric disaster or a masterwork of draping?

Mining the Shopbop Sale

So I mean to post about this two days ago, but I've been busy doing important spring break stuff like trying to convince my cat not to lie down on my feet while I'm trying to nap, and reading Young Adult books from the library (E. Lockhart, you guys. Seriously, she's the best. Get The Disreputable History of Frankie Landeau-Banks and prepare to be blown away at how far the YA genre has come since Judy Blume, or even since The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants). Shopbop has been an extra 20% off their 70% off sale section with the code 20OFF70, and it ends tonight at midnight Pacific time. It might be over by the time I finish this post, but hey-- the clothes will still be 70% off, so you'll be getting a major deal nonetheless. Here's what I want:

MLH Kiki Ruffle Tier Empire Tank, $88.50, and Dress, $118. I can't choose between these two fabulous pieces! The tank is the perfect compliment to your favorite pair of jeans, and I have a pair of purple shoes that might just match perfectly. The dress is shoulder-to-knee fun, the sort of dress you wear when you know that no matter what, at some point tonight you're going to end up in the very center of the dance floor. The colors are very fun and summer-y, too, and I think the navy blue bodice keeps it from being too in-your-face bright.





I love this top because it's undeniably something that could be in Charlotte York's (imaginary) closet. From Milly, the Clover Lace Bow Camisole, $85.80, is sweet and romantic and all-around lovely. I'd want to pair with with a black pencil skirt and buttoned-up blazer during the workday, and then ditch the jacket after 5, when I want nice guys to buy me drinks. It's only available in size 8, so if you want it and it'll fit, you better pounce fast.

These shoes are very, very far out of my price range, but they sort of go with the top, and they're darling, so: the Jean Paul Gaultier Pearl Mary Janes, $321.00, were originally over a thousand bucks, so you have to respect the deep discount (although they're only availabe in size 8.5, 9.5, and 10). If you think about it, it makes perfect sense to put pearls on Mary Janes, the most ladylike of all the shoes. I love the little detail of the pearls getting smaller on the sides, and the gaps between the pearl strands near the toe gives it a hint of sexiness. The velvet, I'm not so sure about (one little rain puddle and your shoes are done for), but if I had an extra $300 and someone I just had to impress, I would wear these shoes.


This dress has a definite autumn vibe, but cuteness is not seasonal, right? From Nieves Lavi, the Short Sleeve Dress with Belt, $115.50, has a whimsical all-over leaf print and some great tailoring on the bodice and sleeves. I love the fabric cross-over under the bust, and the tie in the back is a great way to define the shape of the dress. I also like how the skirt is split into panels, so the leaf print doesn't quite match up. Good dress for late lunches and other daytime meals.


This Karen Zambos Vintage Couture Rita Dress, $157.50, maybe looks like something you'd wear, ironically, to The Awesome 80's Prom. But, if I'm not mistaken, the name is a nod to the actress who played Anita in West Side Story, and we all know Anita was far superior to drippy, whiney Maria, so now I'm looking at this dress with more appreciative eyes. And, let's be honest, if you wore this to Awesome 80's Prom you'd totally be voted Prom Queen.

Whimsical Earrings and a Ring

A few quick pieces of jewelry that I have my eye on:

I saw these ring yesterday at Fash-on-Smash and immediately had to have it. From Banana Republic, the Knotted Ring, $24, is an ingenious twist on a classic ring band. It could be perfect for the single girl who isn't ready to metaphorically tie the knot yet, but wouldn't mind having a little something for her right ring finger. I want to buy this ring and wear it everyday-- and with the simple shape and subtle gold color, I really could.

These earrings would be perfect for Emily, I think, who swooned over a ring with a similar style back in January. Personally, I couldn't get on board with the tied bow ring because it seems like it would get caught on your hair, clothes, etc. These Rachel Leigh Olive Bow Studs, $50, on the other hand? An unqualified yes. There's nothing but girlish charm in these sweet little gold earrings-- wear them with a light blue dress and long, loose hair and you'll be the prettiest thing around.


You know those classic heart stickers with the bright red glitter flecks that were all the rage when making Valentine's for your classmates? Well, these earrings bring me back to those innocent days, when I once got a Valentine from a boy that declared I was his "heart and sole" (sic). That was in fifth grade, arguably the year that I peeked socially and romantically, but maybe I can recapture some of that charm with these Red Heart Earrings, $6.99. I'd love to rock these with a simple black dress on a Girl's Night Out, maybe with matching red lipstick and a super hot attitude.

Classic Black Dresses

If you need a bit of a palatte cleanser after all those crazy floral, geometric, and painterly prints, I have just the thing: the Classic Black Dress. I'm not really talking about the Little Black Dress, the one you wear on first dates and clubs with $18 cocktails. I'm thinking more like the dress you wear when you want to look chic, poised, and pulled together-- not just sexy.

I'm completely enamored of this Ports 1961 Stretch Sheath Dress, $381.50. It's the sort of dress that you'll wear again and again, for decades and maybe forever. It's the sort of dress you love so much, and feel so confident in, that you politely request to be buried in it. The little cap sleeves, knee-length skirt, and demure neckline make it appropriate for more formal occasions, but there's also nothing prudish or cold about this dress. The girlish bow will emphasis, or create, a tiny waist, and add a flirty, youthful touch. This is such a ladylike dress... and did I mention that it's 50% off?



If you're not ready for Ports 1961, try Bailey 44. This Clipper Dress, $78, is a simple shift dress with some sporty details-- like if Twiggy spent summers playing tennis in Maine. The little clips under the bust are subtle but very chic, and help avoid the straight-up-and-down look that sometimes comes with wearing shift dresses. I also like the sophisticated boatneck top-- pair it with a loose chignon and some dangly earrings, and you'll be the personification of effortless grace.


This Loeffler Randall Double Stud Belt Dress, $223, has a definite edge, perfect for the girl who can go straight from a four course dinner to a dive bar. The shape brings to mind a basic t-shirt dress, but the black wool gives it an upscale twist. The double belt is fierce but not in-your-face, and takes this dress from "nice, but forgettable" to "hotter than Hades."


One of the best things about a great black dress is how instantly it conjures up Old Hollywood glamour. It'd be impossible to wear this Modcloth Wishing on a Star Dress, $157.99, and not feel like Grace Kelly reincarnated. That butter-colored sash is the perfect compliment to the slightly shiny black fabric, and the faux-knot at the hip is a nice touch. This dress is so lovely that you might only be able to wear it once, because everyone will instantly remember the last time they gushed all over your timeless style.




This dress is so on sale it's sick: originally $625, and now $187.50! You can't afford not to buy the Barron Duquette Beatrice Dress! You will never go wrong with a Grecian-inspired dress, because a trend that predates modern civilization will always come back into style. 100% silk, this dress has some incredible draping on the top and pleating on the skirt, with a slightly-contrasting band at the waist. I love how the back is draped too, but just a few inches lower than the front: so sexy. The little subtitle Shopbop gave this dress is, "Yes, we'd love to dance," which I think sums it up nicely.

Shopbop Sale

Through today, you can get an extra 20% off already discounted items at Shopbop with the coupon code 20MORE. I love Shopbop, and I love coupon codes, so even though I'm on a shopping hiatus (I'm trying not to go broke so early in the year!), I'll participate vicariously by highlighting some of the sale items I wish I was buying.


I meant to include this Foley + Corinna Triangle Top Starburst Dress, $236.50, in my Dior Cherie post on pink dresses, but it somehow slipped through the cracks. This silk chiffon dress, in the lightest shade of blush, features tiny rhinestones on the empire waistband and around the skirt. I love how sweet and girly that combination is-- it's almost guileless, for a girl who is surprised to hear, at the end of the night, that every man in the room was enchanted with her.


This Abaete Abigail dress, $232.50, sends a totally different message. It's more, "I'm hot, but if I wanted to I could crush you." The strapless sheath dress is perfect for girls who don't need a lot of bows and whistles to feel fancy, but the metallic embellishments at the waist add just enough interest to set this dress apart. It's a little bit Art Deco, a little punk rock.


This dress would probably look ridiculous on me, but for some reason, I'm digging it. The Zimmermann Bo Feather Tiered Handkerchief Dress, $386.40, has a lot of names for such a small dress. The colorful feather pattern appeals to my latent hippie tendencies, and the tiered fabric (you can't really make it out in this photo) has a pleasingly early 60's vibe. Maybe I'm also digging it because I'm in denial about the fact that in a few days I'll have to leave Arizona's 72 degrees and sunny for New York's 21 degrees and miserable, and wearing this dress would make it feel like Indian summer all year long.


On the other hand, if I stayed here, I'd have no reason to wear these extremely fierce Diane von Furstenberg Pharaoh High Heel Boots, $192. I'm sure I say this every time I feature suede footwear, but I love it because it's so damn impractical. You think these boots could hold up to that scourge of February, the "wintery mix?" Obviously not. You wear these boots, and you better hope there's a personal car waiting right outside your door, and then a chivalrous gentlemen to lay his coat over a puddle the second you step outside. Such are the risks, and rewards, of red suede in winter.


Also from Diane von Furstenberg is this Smarty Jones Jacket, $212.50. It has a military feel while still being very feminine; the brass buttons are both blingy and classy, and the dark navy twill will match everything. I love how waist-conscious it is, too, since I tend to look like a walking refrigerator in coats that are too boxy.


I don't own anything with fringe, because it always had unpleasant Stevie Nicks connotations. But this Thayer Crete Fringe Miniskirt, $177.10, is so fantastic that I'm beginning to change my mind. This is a skirt to see and be seen in, to go fabulous places with interesting people and fast dancing in. I can't imagine wearing this skirt and having a boring night. I mean, just imagine the twirling you could do!

Brightly colored leather goods are one of the things that truly delight me. This Kooba Riley Bag, $416.50, is no exception, with its fun teal color and silver metal accents. I also like all the bands of leather on the side, even if they may be totally ornamental and purposeless.

New Year's Eve Dresses

I feel like I'm in a bit of a shopping funk lately, and I don't know what it is. I liked all the clothes I got for Christmas: some ridiculously comfortable So Low yoga pants and a really soft Gap reversible robe from my parents, and a Nike zip-up running jacket that makes me feel like a serious athlete and is the most incredible shade of blue. But I didn't get anything "wow!" that I could wear out of the house. Adding to my sadness, I tried to buy that Splendid cardigan from Barneys (remember? purple and black stripes, open with no buttons? $19?), but the day after ordering it I got an apologetic email from Barneys saying that it sold out. Boo. Then, the day after Christmas I went to the mall with my mom and sister, spent 30 minutes trying to find a parking spot, and then bought nothing. Frustrating! The next day I went outlet shopping and got some basic black workout capri's from the Gap (the pair I already own is literally coming apart at the seems, so it's time to trash it. I'm thinking that for New Year's I'm going to toss everything I own with holes. I convince myself that it's not a big deal to wear sweats with a little hole on the inner thigh, and that extra pair lets me put off doing laundry, but I'm trying to treat myself well by not wearing clothes that are falling apart), and then a rather adorable argyle cardigan from the Tommy Hilfiger outlet. I wish I could find a photo, but instead I'll have to paint a word picture: navy sleeves and back, with grey, white and yellow diamonds down the front, and a little ruffle around the crew-neck collar. Very preppy, but fun.

But I can't wear a sweater and jeans on New Year's Eve! I don't want a "cardigan" sort of year-- I want a drop dead gorgeous dress kind of year. I might wear this Splendid dress that I just bought off Shopbop a few minutes ago. It isn't blow-your-socks-off hot, but it's cute and comfortable and I think I could get a lot more wear out of it than any sequined halter minidress outfit. The Contrast Waist Tie Dress, $81, gets major points for the deep forest green color, a winter classic that never goes out of style. And Splendid's jersey pieces are always so soft, so I look forward to being cozy in this dress.

But there are some other dresses I'm eyeing that are more "special occasion." From Nordstrom, this Maggy London One Shoulder Dress with Beaded Waist, $94.90, is definitely not for everyday wear. You really can't dress down one-shoulder dresses, can you? Especially one with such gorgeous silver embroidery at the waist. Cobalt blue is a very hot color this year, and I think the goddess top and loose skirt would be very flattering.


Also from Maggy London, this One Shoulder Silk Dress, $81.90, is equally lovely. The charmeuse ruching at the waist gives it a bit of a bridesmaid vibe, although I don't know what sort of bride would let her friends look this hot.

This Adrianna Papell Sequin Grecian dress, $105, might be my favorite, and it seems a little bit less formal than the previous two. The gold sequins on bright teal silk chiffon is very fresh and fun-- it makes me think of Esmeralda or some other historically incorrect gypsy woman, the sort who is too busy with her forbidden love interest to worry about health care or ethnic cleansings. The full skirt is perfect for swishing around seductively; ditto for the plunging neckline on the halter top.

Here's another Adrianna Papell dress, but I'm not sure if it's cute or a bit weird. The Sequin Laser Cut dress, $94, has the refined color combination going for it, and the sequins on the straps and neckline are like a perfect frame for your face. But I'm not sure about the layers, or tiers, or whatever they're called. Everytime I see dresses like this I can't help being reminded of a worm. I think the diagonal layers on the bust help weaken that association, but I'm still not sure.

Here's a dress I have no reservations about, and it uses a similar color combo. From Abaete, the Charles Dress, on sale for $148.50, seems totally original and fresh to me. I love how the shoulder strap emerges effortlessly out of the woven bodice, and how easy I think it would be to wear despite being a bit high-fashion. I'm not a fan, however, of the big exposed zipper down the side, which you can't see here. Conceal that shit, Abaete! It's ruining the classy look of your dress! Ok, I guess I lied when I said I had no reservations.


If, however, my dress hunt fails, I might just hang out at home with a Young Adult novel from the library, wearing this Anthropologie Good Hours Robe, $128, and these Miu Miu Crystal-Heel Sandals, $695.