$30 steals!

I've always believed that you need to put a money away for yourself first and foremost, before shelling out for any non-essentials, fashion included (gasp!). The current economic situation has certainly forced many to finally realize the value of saving. Times are tough and thrift has become a badge of honor, which is not necessarily a bad thing. That being said, this is ironically a great time to pick up some fabulous deals on those wants-but-don't-needs. Two amazing sales I've spotted lately are on the websites of French Connection and Calvin Klein, more so the latter ($14.99 silk tops anyone?). For the price of a couple of cocktails (okay, uber trendy cocktails), I chose four fashion-forward items that won't be leaving you with a spending hangover. Sixty dollars gets you almost the whole look found on the model wearing the Calvin Klein flower print dress (1). Grab a pair of black tights from Target to pull it all together and you're all set. I'm still marvelling that the Jennie platform boots (2) alone are only $30, down from $190. The French Connection sale is also offering modern, I-am-a-contemporary-art-lover-can't-you-tell-by-how-I-dress pieces at modest prices. Being a sucker for little details, I naturally gravitated toward the cowl neck silk shirt with button trim up the sleeves (3) and the Rina ruffle scarf (4) with rows of teeny-tiny frills. Hey, in this kind of weather, you can't keep your neck covered up enough. Perhaps we can now apply some of the rules of buying stocks to fashion - buy low and pump up your wardroble portfolio now and enjoy phenomenal cost per wear value for years to come (and to avoid temptation later when prices creep up again).

Over-the-knee boots - Not just for strippers anymore

Winter definitely brings about its own set of style challenges - there are those days when it's so cold out your eyelashes freeze in the corners and any thought of putting together a cute outfit is replaced by fear of death from frostbite. For the determined though, there are ways to stay warm and still look hot. One solution is via the plethora of over the knee leather boots hitting the stores this winter. I've picked three with varying heel types to navigate the different types of sidewalk conditions that you may encounter this season, as well as to accommodate various levels of physical coordination. I've skipped over the very popular Chinese Laundry flat bottom boots made known to the world by Blake Lively on Gossip Girl, deciding to focus on more dressy alternatives. Since these boots make a pretty bold statement by their height alone, I would keep things simple and avoid obvious embellishments, like big platforms or anything sparkly, unless of course you are competing in the Drag Queen America finals. I'd also steer clear of wearing these with super short mini-skirts for obvious reasons; I especially like them with fitted skirts that flare out a little on the bottom and cover the first couple inches of the top of the boot (not quite sure what the technical term is for that cut). Now, on to the boots. The Flobhum by Aldo (1) has a sturdy block heel and is something you could wear to the office without people thinking you have an after-hours job. If where you work is bit more style forward, you could also get away with the Rustica by Max Studio (2). This boot features some great seaming details on the side that add subtle interest, and a heel that hovers in between practical and sexy. Finally the Steve Madden Endear (3), with it's sky high stiletto, would be great for a rocker chic outfit. Balancing these out with more conservative pieces, such as a blazer or long chunky turtleneck sweater, would keep the boots from pushing your outfit into the hooker zone. All in all I love over-the-knee boots as a high-fashion alternative to the standard black knee-high riding boots with skirt combination.

Tweaking to perfection

Ever see an item of clothing and think, 'It'd be perfect if it didn't have that giant bow on the side' or 'I'd buy that in second if the shoulders weren't so poufy'. Instead of focusing on the obnoxious detail(s) that might be sabotaging an otherwise brilliant design, think about ways to work around them. Kind of like hitting the mute button when you see a cute guy on a TV reality show who loses all attractiveness when he talks. Suddenly, you can enjoy the positive and cancel out the negative! Chances are, by layering and mixing to hide the ugly and accentuate the pretty, you'll come up with an outfit that is uniquely gorgeous. Take for example the Twelve by Twelve dress from the Forever 21 website. The layered skirt is wonderful, the top of the dress and the belt should be melted down and re-fashioned into something more useful, like a seatbelt. It's hard to tell from the picture, but there are some racing stripes running down the sides of the top. What the...??? I'm not really into the aerobicizing party girl look, but think the individual leaves of the skirt are really something special. My solution - ditch the belt and cover up the top with another top. Not an earth shattering answer, but one that works. I would opt for a plain, sleeveless mock turtleneck (like the Revolver one show above), also in black, since the skirt is so detailed. Though, a cute jacket or cardigan could also camouflage the racing stripes just as well. A corset belt could also amp up the edginess. Since an all black dress makes a great backdrop to showcase stunning jewelry, I chose this extravagant necklace by Miriam Haskell. Never mind that it costs 10 times the other two pieces of the outfit put together, it's the idea of it that I am trying to convey. You could probably create something as bold with a trip to your local craft store and some epoxy. Shop with more than your eyes, look with creativity in mind and expand your options!

Basics of investment worthy fashion, part III

How to get the best deal now that you decided to buy it

1) Comparison shop through Google. Type in the brand and style name of the item and see which stores and boutiques have it in stock. Then Google the merchant’s name plus the word ‘coupon’ or ‘promotional code’ too see if you can get an extra percentage off. There are also tons of sites that collect internet coupons for your convenience, one of my favorites is retailmenot.com.

2) Get familiar with a retailer’s sale patterns. For example, I’ve noticed that Banana Republic tends to post its’ sales on Thursdays. Also, some websites, such as Shopbop.com, post their tiers of discounts (such as 30, 50 and 70% off). So if your item seems to be available in every size and is not really selling quickly, it might pay to wait a little longer until it reaches the next tier of discount.

3) Even after you buy, keep an eye on your item for the next couple weeks, and hang tight to the receipt. Many places will give you an adjustment if they offer a markdown within a certain period of time after purchase. Just ask!
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4) Finally, be patient! This holds especially true in today’s economic environment where retailers are slashing prices like crazy. And, if by some sad twist of fate you miss out on the piece you’ve been stalking, don’t despair. More than likely there is an excruciatingly beautiful alternative out there to take its place.

Basics of investment worthy fashion, part II

Hallmarks of a well made garment

(Part I posted on January 18). Now that you’ve found yourself completely infatuated with one of the most gorgeous pieces of clothing you’ve ever laid your eyes on, it’s time to turn it inside out to make sure that this will be a lasting relationship and not just a one night stand. Fashion is obviously something that appeals to our emotions, but attention also needs to be paid to the engineering behind that stunning exterior. Those who overcharge for shoddily constructed garments should be ashamed of themselves, and unfortunately, it occurs frequently. Here are a few tips to ensure that the cost and value of your object of desire are not two separate things:

1) Check out how the garment hangs – make sure it lays straight and that the seams don’t pucker (something you can’t fix with ironing). If there is a pattern, see that it is matched up properly at the seams. See that the collars and cuffs crisp and sturdy, and that all the hems lay flat. Then examine the inside – look at the lining (that there is one and it’s not super flimsy), check for finished seams and make sure there is adequate fabric allowance in case the garment has to be let out. Many of these traits also apply to quality footwear, such as even, reinforced stitching and a fully lined interior. More great tips can be found on Fabrics.net (http://www.fabrics.net/amyquality.asp).


2) Is the material luxe or chintzy? Does it look like it would go up in flames if it came within 2 feet of a 4th of July sparkler? I hugely dislike shiny satin polyester and overly clingy nylon knits. I’ve also had bad luck with acrylic sweaters – they seem to pill horribly after a couple washes – so now I avoid even acrylic blends. One exception might be if the sweater has a nubby texture as part of its design, the wear may be much less noticeable. For the most part, I prefer woven fabrics for dressier apparel, but knits can look great depending on the weight of the fabric and shape of the piece of clothing. A fabric comparison chart can be found on the Fabric Manufacturers website (http://www.fabrics-manufacturers.com/fabric-comparison-chart.html), and a more in-depth explanation of fabric types is summarized nicely on the Fabrics and Buttons website (http://www.fabricsandbuttons.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Store_Code=WSS&Screen=Choosing-Fabrics).

3) Do the details match the overall quality of the garment? Needless to say – no glued on glitter or sequins! Appliqués should be sewn on securely. Some things are easy to swap out, such as cheap plastic buttons. Little details can also boost a piece of clothing from ‘eh’ to ‘ooh!’, and set it apart from majorly mass-merchandized items.

4) It should be comfortable! A piece of clothing is not an entity unto itself. You are also part of the equation, if not 90% of it. If you are going to be spending all day tugging, scratching or trying to pick a wedge with your dream outfit on, it is not going to serve the purpose of making you look fabulous.

One step back

Forgive me, instead of working on Part II of 'Basics of investment worthy fashion', I'm digressing a bit after finding a doppelganger of the Treejse bag featured in my January 9th post. This was inspired today when I walked past Coldwater Creek and spotted this handbag in the window. I saw the pleated leather and the braided handle and thought 'It's the sister of my dream handbag!.' Except a slightly less cute one, kind of like some pairs of siblings found in Hollywood. You know who I'm talking about. Normally, Coldwater Creek is where I find things from my mom, not for myself. But, all preconceived notions aside, this bag is not a bad stand in for about, oh, 1/10th of the price. Unfortunately, it only comes in tan and teal, though those are pretty versatile colors. Goes to show you never know where you'll find a good deal as long as you keep your eyes and mind open.

Basics of investment worthy fashion, part I

Thinking about splurging on something that could rival your car payment? I don’t advocate sacrificing food or shelter for clothing. But if you can afford it, here are some things to look for and questions to ask yourself before indulging.

1) FIT! FIT! FIT! Proper fit is the one thing that can single-handedly ruin or elevate a piece of clothing. You may have spent a fortune on a gorgeous suit, but that doesn’t mean a thing if the sleeves are gaping under the arms and the pants give you pancake butt. Same thing the other way around, the gem from the consignment shop can suddenly look like something off the runway with a little nip here and a tuck there. Check out the Calvin Klein coat on the left (www.calvinklein.com). The fit makes it sleek and modern, and makes the relatively simple design something special. Either make sure it fits off the rack or find a good tailor – do not estimate the transformative power of a good seamstress. Make sure the underarms don’t sag (unless it’s a kimono sleeve or something of the like of course), the shoulders are in the right place, the waist it where it ought to be and the hem lengths are properly proportioned for your figure. Proper fit is important for shoes and boots too. This can be especially important for those super high stilettos. The heel is placed in a certain area for balance, and if your foot isn’t properly in the shoe, it could make the difference between pretty bearable and making you the bitch of the party. As for boots, I personally think they are much more flattering when they fit your calves. Check out your local shoe repair, they can often tailor the calf width for you. Or check out the UK store Duo, which sells boots in a variety of calf sizes (http://www.duoboots.com/). Brilliant! Thanks to my lovely cousin Elizabeth for calling this one to my attention.

2) Do you really love it? Would you still think it was fabulous if you spotted it on a Target run where your original intent was to just get some contact lens solution? Imagine the item apart from its designer label and away from the perfectly constructed glossy store display. Does is still have the same appeal and style to stand on its own? Don’t get sucked into the forbidden fruit syndrome either. We all know that not having something can add loads of artificial allure. I like to try to think about something for a least a couple weeks if it’s especially extravagant. Half the time, I’ve forgotten about it by then. And get familiar with the return policy juuuust in case you change your mind.

3) Can you see yourself wearing it for the next few years, at least, if not longer? I wish someone had asked me that about my hot pink stirrup pants, but at least I have the excuse I was only in 6th grade back then. Now that I’m a bit older and my parents aren’t buying my clothes, I want to make sure my wardrobe investments are nothing that will make me question my sanity 5 -10 years from now. Staples, like a black suit, are usually safe bets. But things also do come around every few years, so don’t totally count out that darling dress with the brocade print if you are losing sleep over it. Study some fashion trend history and see what’s come gone over the years. Who would say a Jackie-O inspired coat wasn’t worth a little extra because of the mileage you would get from it? Classic shapes, like straight leg pants and shift dresses, can give more longevity to an item. Great fit is never goes out of style. More points if the item under consideration can be styled for multiple seasons. A pricey sleeveless blouse could be more justifiable of it can stand alone in summer and liven up a cardigan in the winter.

4) Are you sure you can’t find a reasonable facsimile or modify a less expensive piece to mimic the item you are yearning for? Sometimes switching out buttons on a cheaper version or adding a cute belt can do wonders. Use your imagination as part of your intelligent monetary allocation strategy. There was once a BCBG coat that I fell head over heels with, but the $750 price tag really put a damper on the love affair. It was an earthy brown felt swing coat with a guinea hen feather trim. I’ll admit, the feathers got me, but still weren’t enough to rationalize the expenditure. So I got creative, bought some feathers from M&J Trimming (http://www.mjtrim.com), found a brown tweed coat from Target and put them together (see above). In some ways, I actually liked my homemade version better than the real thing. The tweed and feathers really complemented each other, and the overall look was a tad more casual and fit my lifestyle better (i.e. I’d get more wear out of it).

5 ) Does the item fit your style or the image you want to project? This might take a little realistic self assessment. Since I am petite with a disproportionate backside and very square shoulders, I know there are certain things that just do not look good on me, no matter how much tailoring I try to throw into it, nor could I get away with only wearing it in poorly lit restaurants. I also generally aim for 'sleek professional', though occasionally am taken by ultra-romantic dresses and hoochie studded jeans. As fun as the latter can be, they are not things I can justify shelling out a lot of money for because they are never going to be part of a power ensemble that suits the overall look I am going for.

Stay tuned for Part II where I’ll be discussing the hallmarks of a well constructed garment…

Heralding high-low

Status labels bug me. Plunking down your hard earned cash on something because of the logo more so than the overall design of an item doesn't make sense. C'mon, we're all smarter than that. If you want people to think you are rich, might as well use a Ziploc baggie lined with $100 bills as a purse - maybe a gallon size one for daytime, and a sandwich bag for evening. In this day and age of mass production, you can find excellent quality and design at every pricepoint and there is no reason to be a snob about it. Here I've got a cheapie little frock from Forever 21 (1: http://www.forever21.com/) and upgraded it with some luxe looking accessories. The thing I liked about the dress is the bold, asymmetrical print, which continues on the back. It's like body paint, only not gross and slutty. Since the dress is bold and flowy, I paired it with more structured accouterments. I'm not a big fan of loosey goosey wear all over. Balance, people, balance! The belt that comes with it looks a bit chintzy, so I would discreetly ditch it in the store's dressing room and get something a little nicer. This waist-cincher from Anthropologie (http://www.anthropologie.com/) blends into the print of the dress well, and the wood buckle complements, but doesn't compete with, the Biviel tan boots (3: http://www.endless.com/). I think the mid-calf length of the boots works great with the dress. I like the pop of the tan leather, but I think full on knee-highs in this color would have your eyes going from your boots to your dress to your boots. Which works if you are trying to distract from a bad hair day, but I'm guessing you would rather people think 'Wow, that's a hot girl in a great outfit' rather than 'Look at those knees, in between the bottom of that dress and the tops of those boots'. For a little bling, I chose these simple square bangles (4: http://www.bluefly.com/) that contrast with the flowiness of the dress. And to top it all off, I chose this Frye hobo in black (5: http://www.endless.com/) that is seriously well constructed but not overly structured. Now the Frye bag is quite pricey, but something worth keeping an eye on for a recession fire-sale price. Frye is one brand I absolutely love and the quality is usually so superb that you could confidently put your Frye purchases into your will now to be passed on to your unborn grandchildren. This whole ensemble could be winterized by throwing a black long sleeve t-shirt or turtleneck underneath the dress and some black tights. I guess you could winterize a lot of outfits that way, but just thought I'd mention it in case it didn't cross your mind.

Two maybes and one hell to the no!

Every once in awhile I run across something that I find borderline repulsive/appealing, and can't decide whether it's artsy or just plain ugly. Please see Exhibit 1 on the left featuring a Cate Adair clutch and a very busy dress presented by Twelve by Twelve via Forever 21. The clutch comes in various colors, but the black leather version struck me as slightly goth, with the pointy ends reminding me of a tattoo or burnt angel wings. Or a Transformer. Now that I think about it, it mostly does look like the head of a Transformer, except I don't think there is more than meets the eye here. The dress on the other hand struck me as something that you might find at a high end boutique and would look great with a pair of white sandals. Though it also made me think that if Bill Cosby turned one of his 'Cosby Show' sweaters into a dress, this is exactly what it would look like. There's that whole pattern mixing thing going on, which continues on the back. At $39 and made of 100% silk, it's on the higher end of Forever 21 offerings, which I've found to be of actually decent quality. If I were bolder, I might go for these items, but for now, I'll just blog about them.

Now, for my no, no NO!, please shield your eyes from Exhibit 3. These are some odd hybrid of parachute pants and leggings and I've seen them in more than one place. If you spread your legs just right on a windy day, maybe you'll get lucky and the crotch of the pants will get you airborne and drop you off into a store that sells better looking pants. Normally I think Urban Outfitters is a terrific resource for well-priced, uniquely (in a good way) styled pieces. These pants are worse than the the rompers and jumpsuits of 2008, and hopefully will be about as (not) popular.

Inspiring weather

I go through color phases and lately I've been a on a gray kick. Perhaps because I live in the Midwest and I can't get away from the gray skies and gray slush on the ground. Nonetheless, I've found a few artfully designed pieces that turn this potentially dreary color into something to get excited about. (1) this Mackage leather jacket is both sleek and cozy, featuring a great pleated leather bib and cozy cuffs and collars to keep you warm. (2) Adam Lippes' top with metallic accents would look great with jeans or a skirt. I especially love the subtle tiered sleeves. (3) Okay, so I like pleating details (see also items #1 and 4) and gray leather (see items #1, 3, and 4). Treejse designs beautiful, healthy looking handbags and this tote is no exception. I think I could even fit my laptop in this one. A standout alternative for the office. (4) Can you believe these are Hush Puppies? Any heel this stylish and comfortable is worth it's weight in platinum.

Introduction

Welcome to Style and Conquer! Being a new site, I thought it would be appropriate to give a little intro on what to expect on this blog. As the name suggests, most of the posts will be centered on fashion, though posts on random interesting items like unique household items or cocktail recipes may find their way in occasionally. I would say my preferred style is ‘restrained runway’, that is clothing that has an edgy, artistic feel, yet doesn’t have people wondering if you are headed to a costume party. Using some well-known retailers as examples, I’d say my favorite styles are a mishmash of BCBG and Anthropologie, tempered with a dash of Banana Republic (love their petites) and JCrew. Being a career girl myself, I’m always on the lookout for office acceptable wear that doesn’t bore me to death. Since I’m working so hard to earn the money I spend, I also want to make sure that what I’m buying is worthwhile. I really believe that great quality and style can be found at any price point, but don’t mind spending a little extra on something that I feel is extra-special and timeless. Comparison shopping and patience are key. Thanks for looking! I hope you enjoy Style and Conquer as much as I enjoy putting it together.