Stud Finder

I love a good chandelier earring statement as much as the next girl, but recently I have become obsessed with cute studs. I know, I know, I know. . .I am a bit behind on this “trend.” People wear studs more than they do chandelier earrings. . .

That being said, I have gone on a recent shopping EXTRAVAGANA (note extravagana was said in circus tent master of ceremonies voice, complete with jazz hands) for studs. Some of the items listed below have been purchased and some are on the MUST BUY ASAP list. All are completely charming and utterly perfect.

Let me know what you think poodles!! Comment away, cause these earrings are worth talking about.

Enjoy!

D.~

Stud Earring Link List

1. Gucci, $165 (Butterflies and Gucci. . .what could be better?!)

2. David Yurman, $275 (Not too highschool or overly sweet hearts that I can get behind wearing.)

3. Marc Jacobs, $68 (A designer's name that I adore, written in gold childlike cursive. Utterly charming!)

4. Juicy Couture, $42 (Pretzel's on your ear, in gold. Just darling.)

5. Giles & Brother, $64 (Tough girl studs, but still appropriate for the office.)

6. Jules Smith, $115 (Kissy lips in gold. Funny, slightly subversive, and small enough that your boss won't give you the stink eye for wearing them to work.)

7. Betsey Johnson, $55 (Miniture, very girly, colored fireworks for your earlobes.)

8. Anthropologie, $24 (The world's smallest elephant's...with strangley long trunks.)

9. Anthropologie, $28 (Flesh eating beatles in a colorful and non-scary way.)

10. Juicy Couture, $48 (I hate the buzzing sound flying insects make when they get near your ear. These dragonfly studs are fun, don't make that high pitched buzz, and might keep other bugs away.)

11. Juicy Couture, $52 (Summertime starfish studs. . .the alliteration alone makes me want to buy them.)

12. Alkemie Jewelry, $132 (Spiders that can be worn with anything. Don't be overly literal and wear it with black, you don't want to look like Elvira.)

13. Juicy Couture, $42 (Teensy, tiny birds with twinkling eyes. I love them.)

Maxed Out

(And no, sweetums, the title of this post does NOT refer to credit cards…)

Recently I attended a dining/tasting event called 555 Cochon with one of The Chicks. The food was amazing. As I am NOT a wine aficionado (hey, I just drink the stuff cheap or expensive; it is all the same to my uneducated palate), I can state if the wine was good…all I can say is it worked for me.

But this isn’t about the food or the wine, this is about the clothes.

Streamlined and Sophisticated Maxi Dress by DC Style Blender featuring maje

At the event, 80% of the women there were wearing Maxi Dresses. Even I was wearing one. Some of them were super cute, some of them were eye clashing prints, and some of them were just plain, yet appropriate. I believe I fell into the Super Cute Maxi Dress Category…at least that is what my girl R told me.

Flowered and Fun Maxi Dresses by DC Style Blender featuring Forever21

Which brings me to the following. . .

Usually on this blog I am all preachy teachy (“wear this with that”… “do this with these”…etc.), but today I am going to ask you, kittens, what do you think of the Maxi Dress? In or out? Played and Overused? Or Classic and Reliable? Whatcha think??

Cheap and Charming Maxi Dresses by DC Style Blender featuring Old Navy

I've included photos throughout of Maxi dresses I approve of. For those of you who don't click on the Polyvore collages, below is the list of links to the items shown. Shop till you drop poodles!!

X to the O!!

D.

Effortless and Exotic Maxi Dresses by DC Style Blender featuring Tibi

Maxi Dress Links and Price List

1. Forever 21, Maxi Dress, $24.80

2.Forever 21, Heritage Maxi Dress, $22.80

3. Maje, Maxi Dress, $430.00

4. Forever 21, Blossom Maxi Dress, $27.80

5. Delias, Maxi Dress, $49

6. Forever 21, Paisley Maxi Dress, $27.80

7. Old Navy, Striped Maxi Dress, $29.50

8. Forever 21, Crochet Back Maxi Dress, $22.80

9. Tibi, Monarch Dress, $425

10. Splendid, Gauze Maxi Dress, $155

11. DVF, Leticia Maxi Dress, $245

12. Catherine Malandrino, Deep V Maxi Dress, $625

Damn Swedes!

I mean seriously, how DOES Ikea do it? I keep wanting to hate that place, but they keep supplying classic items at a recession proof price. Damn Swedes and their letter O's with the line through them (what the hell is that letter that Danish countries use and how do they say it. . .you know which one I mean!)

Now, now poodles, don't get all snippy and snappy on me. Admittedly, any room that has more than three Ikea furniture items tips dangerously towards college apartment home decor, but used judiciously with a focus on clean edge design. . .well you just can't beat good old Ikea.
Like this seriously stupidly awesome couch. It is a sofa bed, with storage, and it is UNDER $1000! I defy you to find anything like it that isn't $1700 and above. And with storage? Forget about it! Even old Potty Barns can't give you storage in a sofa bed.

I hear ya kittens. . . . ."it doesn't last, it isn't doesn't survive a move to another place." To that sad lament I say two things. . .

1. Only SOME items from Ikea will survive a move. Those items being a couch, perhaps a bed, maybe a table, possibly a chair. Noticing the theme? Only upholstered or flat furniture can move from one place to another.

Classic Ikea Items by DC Style Blender on Polyvore.com

2. Get over it. Ikea is the Forever 21 of home decor. Wear it a few times, love its trends, but don't expect it to last ten years. I mean for real. . .how much can you expect from an $800 couch. The thing about both Forever 21 and Ikea is that sometimes they surprise you. If you treat them well and buy with a clear eye for a classic mixed with trend and semi-decent quality, it might just last you longer than you think. I still have a pair of black linen pants from Forever 21 that I got four years ago. They are awesome, fit me perfectly, and have survived beach trips and bar crawls. As for my Ikea item, The Kramfor sofa, year two and it's looking GRAND! Hear's hoping it makes it to year five.

Holla!

D~

The Times They Are A Changing

Hello kittens! Long time no see!

We are under construction!!!

I know, I know. . .I've been totally missing in action. But I SWEAR I am going to do better. I've got a new partner to post with (the last one kinda flaked on me.)

The site is going to be prettied up a bit and changed around. . .soooooooo stay tuned.

Holla!

D.~

Magpie Dressing

Hi kiddos. . .

I like shiny, glowing, metallic things. Not just on clothes, but on furniture, bedding, and walls ( but that is for another post). Like a magpie, I am drawn to shiny objects, or more particularly shiny clothes.

Shiney Bits by DC Style Blender featuring J Crew Tops

Not in the woman-of-a-certain-age-shopping-at-Cache-sequined-spangly-clothes way, but more in the opalescent-daytime-shine way.

It is like the difference between shimmer body powder (fantastic! I love it! I die!) and body glitter (stripperish twee that leaves a trail of bright flecks on the people you touch, yuck!)

So let's focus on gleaming clothes. Like this A-MA-ZING daytime shiny outfit I saw on TV the other evening. I have no idea who the designers are or where you could buy it, but I swear this fall/winter I will be totally emulating this look for the office holiday party. My sad little screen shot doesn't do it justice, but I hope you can get the idea.

Thoughts darlings?. . .

XoXo

~D.

(Silly blogger. . .won't let me post my pityful screen shot of the perfect daytime shine. Will try to post image later. Stay tuned kiddos!!)

Hello Lover, The House Edition

Due to my husbands hatred of color in any form, I am currently greig-ing my house. Gotta keep the Hubs happy, so neutral grays, beige's, whites, and creams are my inspiration and color pallate of choice.

Cream Beige Gray Room by DC Style Blender on Polyvore.com

The key with this look is to control the types of materials used, mix modern with antique, look for sensual forms made of natural products like driftwood, keep accessories either personalized or totally funny kitch, and add texture with nuetral colored pillows and fabric choices.

I personally love color, so to keep me happy I have chosen artwork that is oversized, colorful, and bold. So far I am super pleased with the mix. Will post photos of the house eventually, so stay tuned.

Meanwhile, I have mentioned before how inspired I am by the mother-daughter team at the great blog Sea of Shoes. Not only is their personal style interesting and detailed, but the house they live in is . . .A-MAY-ZING. I die!

Their living room has inspired some of my recent purchases for my now neutral home. Enjoy!

Stay safe out there kittens and let go of that tired out over stuffed Pottery Barn couch from circa 1998. Time to get sleek and greiged!

My Secret Shame. . .

I have a dirty style secret. Like all good secrets, it is both embarrassing and addictive. I am coming out of the style closet here folks so be prepared.

Ahem. . .

Hello, My name is D~ and I wear Jessica Simpson shoes.

The woman who gave our generation the sartorial splendor of Daisy Duke shorts worn with cowboy boots makes shoes I crave. They are priced just right, trend perfect, and surprisingly comfortable. J.Simpy you do good shoe.

And now she is branching out into bathing suits and dresses. . .sigh. I see another addiction coming on.



J.Simpy by DC Style Blender featuring Jessica Simpson shoes


Since our blog of the week, The Vintage Society, is all about boho chic with modern sexy elements, I have used that as an inspiration for my spring J.Simpy items picks.

Enjoy kittens!

D~

Blog Plug of The Week - The Vintage Society

Hi there poodles! It is time for our blog of the week pick. Get excited cause she is the coolest chick since Woodstock! Let us know your thoughts by email or comment cause we love to hear from you!!

Holla!
D~

Blog Name: The Vintage Society
Blog Writer: Beth Jones
Nickname: For Reals Boho Chic Chick

Content: As I have mentioned before, I am sick of certain terms that are misapplied and overused in the fashion world. . .Fashionista is one of them, another one is Boho Chic. So often this phrase covers a sad mix of flower prints, moccasin shoes, and patchouli smelling fringed leather bags. Rarely is it truly chic. But on the blog Vintage Society, the blogger Beth Jones is the perfect person for the term Boho Chic. She combs flea markets, thrift stores, the mall, and the internet for the best mix of vintage and classic options I have ever seen. Her style is a little bit country, a dab of rock and roll, and a ton of sexy heels. Which is why I call her my For Reals Boho Chic Chick. She deserves the title and she is the queen vintage treasures.

A Leg Up

Leggings…Ah yes, it is the age old question, well at least a year or two old, but back to the question: Can we still rock 'em and be a star? Or has Lindsay Lohan killed the concept of leggings for everyone?

We'll leave Lindsay for another post and just focus on the leggings. . .for now.

First and foremost everything in moderation and worn the right way can be stylish. It has to be done correctly and with good style. Notice I did not say good taste, because good style in not always in good taste…wink wink!

There are a few common sense rules that apply. But since common sense is clearly not so common, I will list them briefly. . .

1. Ladies, please keep them tight and immaculate. No bagging, sagging, fading or lint pills. They must be fresh, crisp, and clean.

2. No kooky colors por favor. Orange, red, brown, blue…or god help us pattern is SO not done.

3. No lace at the bottom a-la Madonna circa 1983. We are no longer desperate and I was never sure who Susan was anyway.

4. Or my personal favorite: Leggings as pants? With a short or tucked in shirt???? I don’t care how thin you think you are (and you are clearly proud and trying to show the rest of the world), this is ridiculous and juvenile…not to mention slightly disturbing, a totally contrived and WAY too much Camel Toe for me to be comfortable.

Now how to do it right. . .

Black or charcoal grey leggings paired with a slouchy, printed, button down shirt, perhaps a belt and a pair of sky high ankle booties? Perfection.

Or a long jersey tank/cami (note the word LONG), under a lightweight thin boyfriend cardigan and knee high stiletto boots? Nothing but heaven girls! Simply fabulous…and so comfortable…just like our old faithful: the Velour Jumpsuit (also another post for another day, so stay tuned).

Running daytime errands or shopping in Georgetown. . . I swear leggings, a great patterned boyfriend cardigan sweater, and cute comfy flats are the best!

Personally? I pretty much swap my leggings out for opaque tights, reserving the leggings mostly for the gym. Opaque tights are considerably more sophisticated and in some cases way more appropriate for grown up situations. But leggings or tights….it’s all the same in theory, you can go JUST as wrong with tights. Keep it simple and chic. We ALL know my mantra: “Less is more…more or less…”

And honestly speaking? Leggings deserve a lot of credit. They have been the gateway to some really great fashion trends: past, present and emerging. Leggings are giving way to skinny jeans, which are giving way to skinny pants, which are resulting in skin tight leather pants (purrrrrrrrr….I likey).

Casual Day Time Leggings by DC Style Blender featuring Helmut Lang tights

Opinion: In short, if you can manage to make them stylish, not trashy, or even simple and classic then I am all in! I say go for it (sorry LaLohan)!

But more factually: Black leggings, in some form or fashion, are here to stay. They’re like UGGS: they are a main stay.

So wiggle your self into a pair, slide on some high heels and rock ‘em like a rock star! You know you want to…
M~

"Clutch in the Can"

Alright party people gather 'round. Here it is, one of my favorite parts of the game...the fashion game that is. This is the time when we get to ban together and poke fun at the not so stylish and the fashionaby unfortunate. You know those people you see on the street, on tv, the red carpet...the cube next to you. And you think: "How did this happen? Is there a mirror in that home? How did her/his friends allow this to go down?? WHAT WAS SHE/HE THINKING?"
We know! We feel your pain (it's good for us to come together and share...it is healing).
D and I have coined these occurences "Random Acts of Style-ss". You know, like a Random Act of Violence...where perfectly innocent by-standers (that would be us) have to suffer for someone else's sins (that would be them, the style-ss). The post can be a story, a photo, you name it. Only qualification being the obvious void of all things chic.
So here it is, the kick-off to our regular feature: RANDOM ACTS OF STYLE-SS.
Now i'm going to have to warn you, it can and will get really U.G.L.Y (you will understand after you read below).
So brace yourselves, get your finger ready....point...then laugh...cuz this is a good one!
M~

Today at work, a girl in my department sent out an email to all of the women on our floor. The email read: “FYI: someone left a green clutch in the ladies room”.

Of course, MY brain immediately fires off a random sequence of: “OOOOhhhh, I wonder what color green it is? Maybe Kelly? WOW if it is Kelly Green, it would totally match my Sky High Kelly Green Velvet Stilettos that I just bought! Man, I should sneak to the bathroom and look at it…If I like it, I will ask who ever owns it, where they got it and then maybe, just maybe my search for the perfect bag to match my perfect shoes will be OVER! Hooray!!! But wait! What if the owner never comes forward? The "clutch" will probably go to lost and found and then what will I do? How will I convince the lost and found attendant to let ME have the bag??? MAN! It would probably take about 3 weeks for that to happen and by then, I would have already missed my friend’s art opening in the city where I HAVE to wear my FAB new SKY HIGH KELLY GREEN VELVET STILETTOS!!!!!!!” by this time I was screaming in my head.

Green Shoes by DC Style Blender featuring KORS Michael Kors heels & wedges

In the middle of my extreme highs and lows surrounding the mysterious green clutch, please note that I still had not laid eyes on this bag yet, my friend, we will call her ‘MEL' turned to me, very annoyed and VERY indignant, ‘MEL' says “Why would someone leave their clutch in the bathroom?? I mean COME ON, how D.U.M.B (and yes she did spell it) is that??”

I was a bit perplexed about why she was so upset by this…I mean it is pretty common place to haul your purse into the bathroom, touch up your make up and then forget it on the counter. I have done it a dozen times AT LEAST! But I brushed her off; somewhat annoyed that she had jolted me out my plans for “Operation Clutch in the Can”. I had to get my hands on this purse ASAP.

The Green Clutch Hold by DC Style Blender featuring Forever21 hair accessories

Here is how it went down. I relay the following conversation to you, verbatim:

Mel: “M (that’s me)” she says to me, “what do you think? HOW (please put the emphasis on the HOW) did that happen”

Me (still annoyed): “I don’t know Mel, and who really cares?”

Mel: “I mean, WHO would be carrying around their car parts in the middle of the day and LEAVING them in the bathroom?? How DUMB (she didn’t spell it this time…thank G.O.D)!!!

I just looked at her….trying to process…trying to understand…I just kept looking at her…speechless as it finally started to become clear…and then very VERY sad as it finally dawned on me. But by then, it was too late, she has already started talking again:

Mel: “Oh my God! That is incredible, how did they even get it OUT of the car?”

Me (very slowly and very deliberately): “Mel, a clutch is a purse…a HAND HELD PURSE. Not a “clutch” from a stick shift car”

Mel: “What?!?! No it’s not! They are talking about a “clutch” from a car! A PURSE?? Who the hell has heard of that?”

Me:“Everyone Mel…at least most people”

Mel: “NO! NO they have NOT! I bet you that no one has heard of that except you M and that is because you are all “fashiony” See watch, I’m gonna ask”

Me: “NO MEL DON’T!!”
But before I could stop her, she set off, walking briskly and with purpose. All I could do was watch…I sat at my desk, head hung low, peering at her through the window in my cubicle while: One by one, she went, from cube to cube (including the men and “old people” as she would relay to me later)

And One By One they struck her down…

Each time, taking a bit of her pep and a bit of her pride ‘til finally, she slunk back to me in our corner…defeated, she flopped in her chair and sighed…. “I SWEAR I have NEVER heard of that IN MY LIFE” she says.

I went to her, my cute little STYLE-SS friend, putting my hand on her shoulder I looked her deep in her eyes and said “Melly, the problem is I believe you. I KNOW you have never heard that before…and now everyone else knows too. Mel, they call it a “clutch” because you “clutch” the bag, you know, in your hand” I say this while demonstrating with my hand the “clutching” motion.

She looked up at me, big eyes…so Hazel and so confused.“But M” she says softly “you hold a bag, why don’t they call it a HOLD???”

Truth is stranger than fiction my friends…. M~

Hello Lover

Balmain, Style.com, Fall 2009 Runway, Price Unknown

Another regular feature here at DSB is going to be us finding striking items we love online and sharing them with you, our little darlings.

I've been obsessed with this website poshvintage.com for YEARS. I have secretly, lovingly, and obsessively stalked amazing vintage Pucci dresses, one of a kind Organically Grown sweaters, and fantastic little tye dyed slip dresses. Their stock is ever changing and their items are totally drool worthy. I've never actually purchased anything but this amazing 70's leather jacket might be my first purchase from them.

Balmain did a strong shoulder for Fall 09 and everyone is trying to knock them off, well this is the original that probably inspired Balmain. . .and I MUST OWN IT!

Sigh. Hello Lover. . .

70's Leather Jacket, poshvintage.com, $225

Baubles and Trinkets

I am obsessed with the idea of raw, edgy, yet still feminine rings. Don't get me wrong, I love a simple band just as much as the next girl, but something draws me to statement rings with a natural rough-hewn twist. Like something Janis Joplin would wear if she shopped at Anthropologie.

Girly Godess Rings by DC Style Blender featuring Alex Monroe rings

I wouldn't wear these rings every day, but when I needed them they would be there and they would be fabulous.

The Style Mullet, Business and Then The Party

Sheath Dress Business/Party by DC Style Blender on Polyvore.com


Everyone in DC has a sheath dress. We wear them to work, dinners, events, and even the grocery store. Unfortunately most of the time the dress is worn with clunky heels, old lady pearl jewelry, or a sad sack little cardigan.

I'm here to answer the age old question. . .how to make your sheath dress the clothing equivalent of a mullet, business in the front, party in the back, or day appropriate, night time ready. The key is color, accessories, and COURAGE.

Enjoy kittens.

Start with this great sheath dress in jersey in a teal color. The color alone makes it more bold then the usual gray or black sheath dress. Pair the dress with this charming red belt and fun red shoes for the office.

Teal Sheath Dress Day by DC Style Blender on Polyvore.com

Keep the jewelery simple wear only this chunky bracelet. And carry this conservative handbag in a structured ladylike shape. Keep your make up neutral and simple. I dare say you could wear this to work at any non-profit on K Street.

Teal Sheath Dress Evening by DC Style Blender on Polyvore.com

Now to head out for the evening keep the shoes and the belt, add this darling clutch, pump up your jewelery with this AMAZING ring and bracelet. Layers are key here, so make sure to keep the bracelet on you wore for daytime. Add some depth to your make up with eyeliner, heavy mascara, and a warm blush. Fluff up your hair and sally forth.

Champagne Dreams, Box Wine Budget (2)

Hey kiddos! It's time for our weekly Champagne Dream Items mixed with Box Wine Budget Realities.

Spring is here, sort of, so I am thinking of fun flat sandals to pair with jeans and simple tee shirt dresses. Tribal influence is on trend and headed our way for both Spring 08 and Fall 09.

Below my picks for high and low end flat tribal sandals.

Holla!



This mid-priced DVF beaded flats fall in the bottle of wine for the table category, neither high enough for champagne, but not low enough to be box wine at home. . .either way I love them.
Diane Van Furstenburg, Diana Thong, $210

These low priced, trend right tribal flats by Sam Edelman are fantastic. I wear a lot of black, cream, and beige these would be great with my wardrobe.

Sam Edelman, Gisela Thong, $93

Beaded, tribal, cute. Perfect and priced just right for ANYONE'S budget.

Sam Edelman, Gerry Thong, $99

I don't think I have ever worn Report shoes, but these would be the perfect way to start. I like the multi colors in the beads, that way they can be worn with ANYTHING.

Report, Redding Thong, $68

Ahhhhh. . .yum. The perfect ethnic inspired flat sandal, by the designer of my dreams. High price point, but you can wear these long after the tribal trend expires.
Giuseppe Zanotti, Ethinic Flat, $650

Sometimes true flats make me feel short so the slight wedge gives these Jimmy Choo's a leg up on the competition.

Jimmy Choo, Wedge Sandal, $895

Yet another designer I haven't worn called Dolce Vita, the price is low and the studs make it almost more rocker then tribal. . .either way they are cute.

DV by Dolce Vita, Oliver Thong, $62

Let's end on a high note. Zanotti beaded flat thongs. AH-MAY-ZING. . .

Giuseppe Zanotti, Beaded Metalic Thong, $595

Sick and Tired

Hi Kittens. . .

This is a random post, about nothing really style related, but important to me. This post is about etymology and pop culture trends. Small quiz to follow.

I might be the only one who thinks this, and let me know if you disagree, but I am SICK and TIRED of the word fashionista. Let me rephrase. . . I am tired of the OVER USE of the word fashionista.

Wikitionary says the word started showing up as early as 1993. I say even in the early 2000's fashionista was still cool and humorous to use. But now fashionista is trite, trendy, and silly. It is a trend that has peaked, been knocked off, and worn by the wrong people.

It is passe.

Recessionista though, now that one still has charm and meaning.

Nothing else to report.

As you were. . .

Neighboorhood Watch. . .Coming Soon

Yet another feature we will be doing here at DSB. . .how to find, which one to shop, and of course how to support our local boutiques.

Not only are Washingtonians dressing better, but they also have more interesting places to shop. Our local boutiques are full of designer items, fashionable finds, and stylish options. We can always go to Saks and Bloomies, but finding it at our local shops is even better!

We will interview the shop owner, take pictures of the space and pick a few must haves. So tune in this week for our very first Neighborhood Watch. Your gonna love it!

Kisses and Huggies!

Image courtesy of Nubbytwiglet.com.

I Know What Boys Like, I Know What Guys Want. . .On The Hill

Hello kittens! Here at DSB we find out what boys like and we share it with you, dear readers. For this feature we interviewed an anonymous young male Hill Staffer and showed him photos of three Hollywood starlets, the latest "it" shoe, a fun handbag, and one fashion editor. Good times! Write in and let me know if you agree with him. Enjoy!



Hot off the runway the Louis Vuttion "Spicy" sandal. Dubbed by fashion editors as the shoe of the season and worn by everyone from Posh to Carine Roitfeld. I say this will be the most knocked off shoe of the year. Bebe all ready has a knockoff in their catalog. Not a fan of knock offs, but it does indicate popularity with the ladies. Let's see what our boy on the Hill thought. . .
"That shoe is crazy! And not cool crazy, just nutty weird crazy. When it is on her feet it looks like the shoe is decorated with some sort of hard candy food item. Which is gross and slightly nauseating. Food and feet not a good combo. . .On the other hand, alone it looks kind of like a work of art, folk art or something. . .remarkable and interesting. But on the feet its just nasty gross."

Actress Kristen Bell from Forgetting Sara Marshal and Veronica Mars wearing a super cute party frock. Totally on trend with the girly details, red lip, and pockets. What did the boy have to say. . .

"Now who is this?! Nice. . .oh yeah right the clothes. Umm. . .oh she is cute. Ok, right focusing now on the dress. Don't. Like. It. Not at all. I guess I would say an open back should be more traditional, WAY too much going on. All the that stuff, the bow, the pockets, and the straps. That's it! The straps remind me of a velcro strap from flag football! Not good. I know I would look at her, she would draw attention to herself, but I don't know if it really works. I think I see all these girls in these outfits like this and I think oh bless her heart she is somehow just trying to hard."

French Vouge Fashion Director Emmanuelle Alt, one of my favorites. She does everything in this tough, easy, sexy, and totally french way. And the guy from the Hill thinks. . .

"I am actually speechless. I mean, wow that is just cool and amazing and hot! I am Midwestern guy and that is CLEARLY exotic and foreign, but somehow it is really cool and I like it. She looks like she knows her shit and knows how to dress and take a risk and that is sexy! She looks very European. Plus even though I find her sexy, she really isn't showing any skin."

The boyfriend sweater has been a hugely popular trend. I personally wear it frequently. So let's see what guys think about their sweater on you. . .

"Liv Tyler. . .Oh My God and that is not in a good way!! Mr. Rogers sweater/dress. . .boobs peeking out?! Not endearing. Very pretty lady, made to look really silly and that is bad. Maybe sitting down it would look better? Liv is hot but still. . ."

We discussed ruffles and charming details a few weeks ago. This over sized ruffle/flower purse by Valentino is the epitome of ladylike charm and tongue in cheek humour. Our intrepid Hill Staffer says. . .

"Hate it. To cutesy for me. Way to sweet and prim...trying to hard to be cute. Old lady cute, but with a preppy southern belle like thing going on. It would be annoying if like someone I was taking to dinner or on a date wore that."

Up and coming starlet Elizabeth Banks in a Roberto Cavali dress. I feel like I have seen any number of Georgetown girls and DC women wearing something very similar to this. I would have sexed it up a bit with peep toe red high heels instead of a round toe black pump, but all in all I like it. Cut to the guy. . .
"I don't know. . she is pretty. I like her hair. But the pattern or whatever is weird. . don't know how many people could carry it off. Classy old Hollywood mixed with borderline way too Plain Jane. The hair and the body save the Plain Jane look, but not by much."

So there you have it folks, what a guy thinks of things we love. I guess we've learned why we dress for other women. But let's try to keep the men's thoughts in mind, because they are thinking SOMETHING about how you dress.

X to the O!!

Images courtsey of Garance Dore, I Love LV, InStyle Magazine, and Bergdorf Goodman.

Abandonment Issues

Hi Kittens. My apologies for being MIA for a bit on the blog. I have been super busy recently!!! For starters, I found a new job and had the 8th anniversary with the Hubs. Fun times!

But I am back and I have some wonderful things to share and show you.

So sit back, relax, and enjoy the blog. I promise never to abandon you again.


See you soon!

Watch This Space . . .I Know What Boys Like, I Know What Guys Want

They say women dress to impress other women because men don't really understand or care about fashion. I disagree, I think MOST men don't put as much energy into it as your average woman does, but that doesn't mean men can't appreciate fashion or have an objective/subjective response to it.

Whether you agree with that statement or not, I happen to think men's opinions of fashion are usually funny, irreverent, and sometimes spot on. Ever want to make a decision on the latest coolest trendiest item, I say ask a guy. A man will usually give a succinct statement that will possibly make you laugh and more then likely clarify your stance of yay or nay on said item.

So if your dressing for yourself, or to impress the Mean Girls at the local club, or even to catch a guy check back here for a monthly feature where the men of Washington tell you what they think.

Because men may not be able to spot the difference between Prada and Forever 21, but they know what they like and now we can know as well.


See you soon kittens. . .

P.S.
Want a taste of what they think about high end edgy runway shoes? I asked a Hill Staffer what he thought of the Nicholas Kirkwood shoes pictured below. He said "they look like Alice in Wonderland got caught up with that guy in the basement from Silence of the Lambs. . .and Alice isn't having a good time."

Image courtesy of jakandjill.com

Champagne Dreams, Box Wine Budget

Another regular feature here at DCSB is going to be the champagne dreamy items, followed by the more realistic box wine budget possibilities. Because in these harsh economic times cheapie budget style is no longer just an option, it is a must.

One of The Chicks has never met a ruffle she doesn't love. She is drawn to ruffles on shirts, sweaters, and the edges of ladylike skirts. I believe the ruffly aesthetic of anthropologie was made just for her. If it is prim, slightly sweet, and of course ruffled you can count on it being in her closet.

So in her honor below are the high and the low priced ruffle handbags out there, because a bit of girly ruffles always adds a touch of charm to any outfit. Keep them from being ridiculously girly by sticking to a darker color palliate of grays, blacks, and an unexpected teal.

Now kittens got get your glass of boxed wine and enjoy the list.

x to the o!

Offically the champagne dream, and in champagne leather as well. Sigh...drool...ahhhhh....
Prada, $2450 bergdorfgoodman.com

I LOVE this bag. I LOVE this bag. I absolutely LOVE this bag. Perfect price, perfect size, perfect shape, and the ruffles look architectural and interesting instead of overly sweet and delicate. Perfecto!!

Steve Madden, $66, stevemadden.com

A softly seductive beauty from Dolce and Gabanna. Obviously the champagne splurge, but god it is gorgeous and will last forever.

Dolce & Gabanna, $1950 bergdorfgoodman.com

I usually stay away from Prada's nylon bags, there is something so. . .just-trying-to-pay-the-bills-at-Prada-so-charging-the-customers-way-more-then-nylon-is-worth about their nylon line. But this one is just too perfect and dreamy to say no to.

Prada, $1295 bergdorfgoodman.com

Tucked, gathered, smocked, and ruffled to the utmost. . .in the perfect teal color for any wardrobe.

Anthropologie, $88 anthropologie.com

The basic black clutch with a dainty ruffle trim and a hardcore silver lock. Sublime!

Lucky Brand Jeans, $131, zappos.com

Rocker chick mixed with anthropologie girly girl. Fantastic.

Betsey Johnson, $395 nordstrom.com