Don't Forget!

I think you might be limited to five pairs, but still--awesome deal!

Star Trek Fashion for Ladies

If I wanted to be Uhura from Star Trek for Halloween (I'm still hoping to pull off a Dolly Parton costume, but it never hurts to have back-up), this is what I would wear:From Victoria's Secret, the long v-neck tee is just $15 and comes in a bunch of colors, including a very Star Trek-ian red and yellow. And sure, it's called a shirt, but I think it's long enough to work as a dress, especially considering that the original Uhura liked to show a lot of leg. I tried to find a full-body shot of Zoe Saldana in the Uhura costume for comparison, but all the promo shots seemed to be close-ups. The best I could do was the Uhura Barbie doll, which actually looks a lot like Zoe. The Kirk and Spock dolls? Not so much.



So, to recap: next Halloween, get this VS shirt, stick a silver pin on it, put your hair in a super high ponytail, pull on some sexy black boots, and set phasers to stunning (I apologize for that awful, awful pun).

Gap Chevron-Striped A-line Dress

I'm sure you all have a mental Sale Watch List: you know, the list of things that you want to buy just as soon as they go on sale. While this list often turns into a Wait, It Sold Out That Fast? List, I still refuse to buy clothes from certain stores at full-price, because I'm sure if I just wait a month or so the piece will go on sale.

Take this Chevron-Striped A-line Dress, $59.50, from the Gap. It looks a little bunch-y and ill-fitting on this model, but I tried it on in person and found it very adorable (although it does seem to run pretty large, so if you buy it online get a size down). I've always been a fan of pinstripes, and this dress does an admirable job of taking a menswear trend and making it ladylike and fun. Oh, and bonus: the straps are removable, so you can wear this to the office with a cardigan and feel perfectly appropriate, then ditch the sweater and the straps for a hot little going-for-drinks dress after 5:30 rolls around. So there are plenty of reasons to buy it, but as an unemployed young person trying to scrape by in These Trying Economic Times, there are more reasons to wait for it to go on sale. So please, Gap, mark this baby down quickly so I can wear it to movie nights at Bryant Park!

It also comes in a white and grey striped version, which may be more fitting for summer but didn't have the "wow" factor that I saw in the grey pinstripes. Your mileage may vary, of course.


I really like the sandals on both these models, but unfortunately, Gap doesn't seem to be carrying them (are they Piperlime? Probably, and Gap is missing a big cross-promotional opportunity by not linking to the shoes right on the page). But they do have some very adorable sandals of their own: these metalllic floral t-straps, $39.50, are a lot like the Miss Trish lion sandals I posted about previously, except with lightly distressed suede instead of shiny leather, and a fabric flower instead of a metal lion. These are a little more classier, and I'd almost guarantee that they'd last longer (both in terms of not falling apart and not going out of style).

Miss Trish of Capri Lion Sandals

I'm horribly disappointed that Target isn't selling anything as adorable as the Isaac Mizrahi gladiator sandals from last summer. I wore these babies everyday, never got a blister, and got plenty of compliments. Unfortunately, at $25 they weren't made to last, and while I can still wear them and feel cute, the gold is all worn off the inside bed and it won't be too long before they fall apart completely. It is my greatest regret that I didn't buy three pairs when I had the chance.


But I should look at the bright side: now I have a reason to buy a new pair of gold sandals! Right now, the frontrunner for Sandal of the Summer is the Lion Sandal, $29.99, by Miss Trish of Capri for Target. The classic t-strap shape is accented by a glamorous gold lion medallion. Up close, you can see the lion's green eyes and fierce expression; it's the level of detail that make these shoes look much more expensive than they actually are. Oh, and I also like the little half-inch heel, since it forces you to put a little bit of swing in your step and not just stomp around like you would in totally flat flip-flops.

Converse One Star at Target

You know, I could do a whole post on Chris Pine's awesome sneakers. And you know, I just might write that. But for now, here are another pair of Converses that I want:

From the Target Converse One Star line, these Perforated Oxfords, $34.99, are unlike any other Converses I've ever seen. It's hard to tell how they'd look with a foot in them, though; up close, it looks a bit like this shoe has a rare skin disease. But in a cool, sporty, hip way, right? And you know what the weird thing about these shoes are? I would want to keep them pristine white, while if I got regular white Chucks I'd try to get them dirty as soon as possible. Maybe I should get a pair of each, and have one inside pair and one outside pair. Although then I'd be about five years away from those women who have all-white homes and make their toddlers drink their juice outside.

Also from Converse One Star, this Twisted Dress, $34.99, is incredibly adorable and fresh. You can't quite tell, but the fabric has an ivory and powder blue stripe print, which makes it even more charming and summer-appropriate. I'd want to wear this dress to the Brooklyn Botanical Garden or maybe lunch at the rooftop sculpture garden at the Met.

Peasant Dresses

When I was in high school, I had a peasant top that I wore constantly--it's cute cap sleeves and gathered keyhole neckline made me feel like the hottest babe. I grew out of that top, and that trend, but I think this summer might be the time to bring it back, in dress form, of course. What better outfit could there be fore sipping sangria at a sidewalk cafe?

My favorite is the Smocked Squarefront Dress, $69, from Ann Taylor Loft. The basic navy is livened up with light blue and white print, and I like how the top half is relatively simple (so it doesn't compete with your glowing face) while the bottom has more flair. The simple shape--just an A-line dress with a square neckline--is universally flattering and classic, but still very youthful and night-out ready.

Thisi next dress might be a bit too costume-y for me; I don't want to look like an extra in West Side Story (I want to look like Maria, obviously). From Modcloth, the appropriately named Chiquita Bonita Dress, $49.99, has the same keyhole neckline, smocked waist, and fresh white color as my favorite high school shirt. It's pretty much summer personified (or dressified?), and it looks perfect for hot, sweaty days in July, when all you can to do is eat Flavor Ices and catch a breeze.

You know, as I search for dresses to fill this post out, I'm having a heart time defining just what a peasant dress is. Anything with a vaguely Latin American influence would probably fit the bill; more specifically, some sort of ethnic print or embroidery, maybe some smocking at the waist or neckline, a fun, breezy shape and bonus points for cute little ties or bows. Any other qualifications you'd like to add?

This dress is solid-colored, but I think the details on the top half qualify it as a peasant dress. From Anthropologie, the Bungalow Gables Dress, $138, is lighter than air and comes in the freshest of summer colors. I love the little ruffles on the neckline, and the gathered waist would give you a killer hourglass figure. This is also a good dress if you have Michelle Obama-worthy arms, as everyone will want to reach out and touch your shoulders.

Here's a similar dress, also from Anthro. The California Iris Dress, $148, deftly avoids the black/yellow bumblebee connotations by embroidering black flowers along the outlines of the dress, and topping it all off with some statement-making thick black straps (which criss-cross in the back for extra cuteness). This dress embodies the bohemian spirit that Anthro often does so well, even if it's out of the price range of a real bohemian.


Ah, here's a dress that undoubtedly fits in the peasant category. From Victoria's Secret, the Embroidered Dress, $85, has a boring name but a really original look. The big blocks of blue floral embroidery look especially fresh against the loose white dress, and the open neckline is nicely contrasted by the voluminous sleeves. Accessorize this dress with a nice tan and you'll be good to go.

Converse Chuck Taylors

When I saw this photo, I had three thoughts in the following order:1. Goddamn, I would let Chris Pine do terrible things to me. Terrible, illegal things, if he asked nicely.

2. I need to go see Star Trek again, in Imax this time.

3. I want a pair of white Chuck Taylors.
I mean yes, obviously Zoe Saldana's red platform t-straps are to-die-for (although so intense that they scare me a little), and you know I'm a fan of all things girly and sexy and impractical. But Chris Pine's white Chucks are adorable and comfy, and I want a pair of my own to wear while bumming around the summer this city.

From Converse, Chuck Taylor All-Stars are $45 and will never go out of style. The only problem is that once I buy them, I'll have to get them dirty immediately because bright white Chucks are totally uncool.




I also like these seersucker print Jack Purcell Converses, $65. They remind me of something you'd find at J.Crew, so of course I'm into them.

Fossil Watch

I bought a new watch today! It was a bit of a pre-graduation present to myself, since I don't actually think I'll have time between finals, job searching, parties, and parents. And a watch is a much more practical gift than a dress, since I will undoubtedly wear it everyday, use it constantly, and never be late. It's also good for my self-image; I've worn a watch non-stop for years and years, but when my battery ran out on my old one last summer, I never replaced it. This whole year, I've felt like a formerly devout believer who had stopped going to church--I was a lapsed watch-wearer.

But now I can be the responsible, time-obsessed girl I really am. The Fossil blue analog watch, $65, is fairly simple but also has a bit of flair--the pale blue watchface is classy, and the layered leather strap looks sporty but not too manly. I know that big, oversized men's watches are sort of trendy right now, but I like something more delicate (this maybe looks a little butcher than it does in person, so you'll have to take my word for it). I was a little weary of the two studs on the band, because they're actually little rhinestones. Sounds sort of tacky, right? But when it's on my wrist the glittery bits are completely unnoticable.

But my favorite thing about it is that there's a little window on the bottom of the clockface that says the date. I forget the date embarassingly often, so this is very practical for me.

Graduation Dresses

Graduation is in (oh god) 9 days, and I need something pretty to wear under my robe. It has to be as cute as possible, since I'll probably get my picture taken by my parents and friends about 100 times; light and summer-y, since I expect it'll get rather warm on the field at Yankee Stadium; pretty in a classic way, since my kids are going to look at those pictures and say, "What the hell were you wearing?"; rather modest, because of the aforementioned parents; and grown-up, since I'm no longer a dumb college kid. That's a lot of pressure for one dress. Oh, and it needs to be cheap, since I'm still looking for a job.

I really like the cotton-silk Melody Dress, $79.99, from J.Crew. A little pricey, but the kind of dress I'll wear for years and years to come. The light, light grey color is very subdued but still a bit fun; I've been thinking I would try and wear a print, because I've been really into floral prints ever since the weather got warm, but a solid really might be wiser. Also, the empire waist is flattering but not too babydoll, and it has pockets to stick my camera and cell phone in. Oooh, and look at the knot detail on the cap sleeves-- that's a great extra touch.


If I wanted to splurge on a fabulous statement dress, I'd get this Marc by Marc Jacobs Star Blossom dress, $189. It's half off the original price at The Outnet-- have you guys checked out this site? It's Net-a-Porter's outlet site, and while most of the clothes are still too expensive for me, it's more fun to browse than the $3,000 dollar dresses at NaP. But back to the dress: sure, it's pretty trendy, with the ruffle and double neck halter and the tribal print. But the color alone would make me the best dressed person at NYU (no easy feat!), and I would feel way more special in this than any old H&M dress.

Oooh, I love this Cummberbund Halter Dress, $148, from Anthropologie, although it doesn't fit the "I am officially broke" criteria. It's jersey, which is my fabric of choice, but gathered in an interesting way that's sexy without being too sexual. It'd be comfortable enough for the ceremony, but definitely cute enough for the post-graduation dinners and parties.

This Banana Republic floral dress, $98, is very lovely and eye-catching, and undoubtedly something I could wear again. It's a little country-club for NYU, though, but maybe it's a good thing to distinguish myself from all the see-through t-shirt and shredded miniskirt outfits that my pseudo-hipster classmates will undoubtedly be wearing.

I'm going to need to do some more searching for the perfect grad dress, obviously. If any of you are graduating this year, what will you be wearing?

Colin Stuart shoes at Victoria's Secret

You may have noticed that I've been on an unofficial hiatus; it's been a crazy couple of weeks, and things probably won't calm down until after graduation in May. But I got an email from Victoria's Secret earlier in the week with a coupon for 25% off a single item (ends Sunday, code 25SAV), and after deciding that I really don't need any more bras, I checked out the shoes. I've never ordered shoes from VS, but the Colin Stuart-designed pumps have always impressed me. Here are a few of my faves:

The Colorblock pump, $60, is a flirty and whimsical take on one of spring's hottest trends, and I adore the reptile skin texture on the heel and toe. The heart-like shape on the front is very sweet, too. I would probably go for the yellow/blue combo, since it would stand out more with jeans or a denim skirt.


These peep-toe pumps, $56, are so ladylike I could die, but the ribbon casing around the edges gives them a hint of old-fashioned prostitute style (which is the only good kind of prostitute style). Or, if you're more clean of mind and spirit, you could say they have a bit of a ballet influence. For that reason, I'm more drawn to the pale pink version; it's the perfect dancer ingenue shoe.

In this satin pump, $65, the innocent pink is turned edgy by bands of black satin. These shoes would be perfect for a wedding in which you're sure the bride is going to run off with the best man within six months.


I love sandals with a lot of glitz; they're a nice counterbalance for the brown leather Rainbow flip flops that I wear most of the time once it gets warm. These Chandelier Thong Sandals, $49, are so fabulously over the top that you could wear them with just about anything--when something's that shiny, it almost becomes a neutral. I'd love to put these on with a simple summer dress for a concert or meal out, and then spend the rest of the night admiring my stylish feet.



Speaking of dresses, I really love this button-front dress, $98, also from Victoria's Secret. It looks so light and airy, and the stripes give it a fun, preppy Hamptons vibe.