Saturday, October 18, 2008

Y + Y + Y

While browsing eluxury's extensive sale, I was able to find a new appreciation for Y-3, a sportswear line that I usually glazed over in my perennial quest for neutral, girlie basics. I'm really not into sportswear, and just grab the cheapest exercise clothes I can for track. Sometimes I'll grab a fun pair of neon shorts or something, but usually I don't get into coordinating my sportswear or wearing glammed-up sportswear on an everyday basis. Maybe the occasional cardigan with arm stripes, but nothing beyond.

This knit dress is kind of like a chic-ified sportswear look. Out of the three items here, this is my least favourite, but that's not to say I don't like it. I think that it's a really fun, mod take on a sheath, and it's almost like they took the adidas logo and glammed it up. I don't think I have the right look to pull it off, but this dress is perfect for sportswear lovers looking to branch out into more fanciful wear. One thing that I do like about this dress is the addition of a hood, which takes it from a simple spandex tennis-type dress to a cute, flirty sporty dress.


This red cardigan is a great way to be relaxed while also looking put together. I could see this with jeans and a tank for a casual day out, with sweatpants when hanging out with the girls at home, or even with a simple black tank dress for a relaxed cardigan alternative.


I am in love with these shoes. Now, keep in mind that I am totally anti sneakers. I love seeing my friends wear fun pairs of Converse with shorts and skirts, but somehow I've never really gotten into sneakers. I don't own a pair of Converse myself, and I've been debating whether to spend money on a pair (note that they're only about $40), but for some reason this $89 pair of sneakers really spoke to me. I love the colour and I love the shape. I could totally see myself wearing these on a casual day out with skinnies and a cardigan. Alas, like all other things in my life, it just wasn't meant to be...these shoes are out in size 6.

Dukes, but not Daisy

Just a quick post -- I found this mesh bodysuit by Maison Martin Margiela that made me think immediately of Kristopher Dukes.


For those daring enough, it's $219.00

Promenade Attire, Part Two

While browsing eluxury's amazing sale, I came upon a beautiful Robert Rodriguez frock. It's probably a bit over-the-top, but it comes in size 0, it's only $189, and it's totally high fashion. Yeah, the ruffles are a bit crazy, and the white + chiffon + flowery stuff might make it a bit too frou-frou and girlie, but this one's definitely going on my list.

S & B: The Anti-Recession

While browsing Saks Fifth Avenue for potential prom gear, I came upon two high-fashion (and by high fashion, I mean high priced) dresses that were polar opposites in pure Serena and Blair fashion.

Serena


vs.

Blair


I'm a little dubious about both...the Blair dress has sequins on it, and I know that sequins might not be high class enough for Ms. Waldorf. But I'm even more unsure about the Serena dress -- at first glance it seemed to be a "sexy Serena" sort of thing, kind of like a slight hearkening back to the days of badly behaved Serena. But now that I look at it, it's veering into Baby Phat territory. Hmm....

Promenade Attire

So, as you may know, this year is my senior year in high school. Which, to a fashion-loving gal, means one thing: prom.

I've been browsing quite a few sites lately, in search of the perfect prom frock. I'm trying not to go overboard on the cost, while still looking for a dress that isn't typical. Because of my height (a meager 5"2'), I'm going to aim for a cocktail dress, especially because it'll be much easier to wear later on in life.

My first stop was Saks Fifth Avenue, where I sadly was only able to find one dress that truly captivated me. Sure, there were many pretty ones, but I wasn't truly taken by many of them. I'm sure if I look again in a few weeks I'll have a change of heart, but for now, here is prom pick number 1.


Personally, I'm all about the neutral colours, so this white and black combination is great. The bodice works well with a strapless bra, and would probably flatter a small figure. I'm a little worried about two things: first, since the dress is split up into two colours, it might make me look shorter than I am, and second, the skirt might be a little overwhelmingly poufy. However, this dress is still staying on my list, especially since it reminds of my favourite Project Runway contestant ever: Leanne Marshall!

By Francine

I was browsing through Maneater Threads' selection one day when I happened upon this gorgeous line called By Francine. I'd urge you all to check it out, as the pieces are relatively reasonably priced and it isn't a huge brand, so you won't have to worry about someone else wearing what you are.

The first thing that caught my eye was this pleated one-strap dress. Unfortunately, Maneater Threads is all sold out of this one. I suppose it isn't a surprise, because the dress is so gorgeous, but they still use it as the icon for their "Cocktail Dresses" section, which is why I was originally drawn to it.


But fear not! Maneater Threads still carries the skirt version of it, which is probably better for me as it has a lot more practical use. I could see this being worn to both an elegant soiree and a work day, depending on what the top is. Plus, it's on sale for only $199...but hurry, I checked it recently and it seems like the sizes seem to be going quickly!


This lace-sleeve dress isn't something I would wear, but it's definitely a dress that follows my personal aesthetic -- simple clothing with a little "oomph." I think it would be great for anyone that loved lace detailing, especially since it's in an unexpected place that's as far from "grandma" as possible.


This layered dress is definitely one of the more out-there pieces of the collection, but I love it anyway! It's perfect for someone that's looking to make an impact walking out, as the front of the dress is a simple grey. Personally, I think it's totally on-trend, and I love how it echoes both the stiff, structural trends as well as the soft, chiffon trends.


This black diamond-pleat top is another piece, like the skirt, that I think could be worn seamlessly to both a party and work. Of course, the layer underneath and the bottom would have to be changed, but in uncertain economic climates like these, it's often hard to find multi-purpose items. I love sheer clothes, but I feel like this is one of those things that would have to be worn first before buying, because of the impact a layer underneath could have.


This rose pink pleated dress is just absolutely gorgeous. I love dresses like these, that are simple but have a detail that makes people take a second glance. The peachy colour is fantastic, and the pleating pulls the body in and creates a slim silhouette. I think that this piece is something that Michelle Obama should consider, especially since she seems to favour short-sleeved dresses. Granted, it is a bit soft for her (as she tends to favour structured pieces), but she might want to give it a shot! Plus, it's on sale, and I'm sure that Mrs. Obama (like the rest of us) is lowering down on her wardrobe spending.

P What? P Run!!

Leanne won!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have no idea why anyone could ever think her line was boring. It was well-crafted, showed something that had really never been shown before, and didn't rely on anything but itself to stand out.

I'm just hoping for a miraculous turnaround time so that I can buy a Leanimal dress for prom (sigh...I wish...)