Brains are Sexy

High fashion comes at a high price, unless you’re one of the Hilton sisters that is. Sure, mooching off a significant other is easier than having to work for money but self-respect, dignity, and confidence are three accessories I never leave home without. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a die hard feminist i.e. chivalry is a quality that I expect in any man. However, I despise the incessant squeeling and begging of a “mature” woman for the latest Manolo’s. C’mon! Instead of investing in blonde highlights and extensions, how about you save some for college tuition? At the very least – buy a book.

Zac Posen Fall 2006

Alright, I’m biased. Zac Posen is a fashion guru and he’s cute to boot. Did I mention the celeb debutantes love him? Either way, you can’t fault him – he always pulls through with droolworthy and timeless sets. His fall line is no exception. Instead of following the herd with the plaids, the ruffles and the punk designs, Zac showcases a line of taupe and black satins with artistic flair. Missed the event? Dont fret – here are some highlights:

adore you.

Shopping on a Budget – Below the Waist

It’s easy to get the “in” looks when you have more than a little spare cash. For everyone else, fashion is achieved after hours of laborious bargain hunting and scavaging. For me, the fall shopping season has already begun. Featured below are some of my budget friendly finds.

Denim. Skinny is still in. I heard the whole Old Navy Skinny Jean craze and figured I’d save you the trip – it isn’t worth it. Yes, the jeans are $25, but they are also poor in quality and not very flattering. Instead, try these on for size.

Black Lux Tapered Jeans found at Urban Outfitters. For $48 you get both the cut and color of the season, as well as an extremely versatile pair of jeans. Pair with flats as shown here for everyday casual, or dress them up with a wedge, pump, or tucked into boots for your nights out.

Retailing for over $180, but now available for $91 at Shop Intuition, these Siwy Classics were spotted on more than a few celebs (apparently, Rachel Bilson is a huge fan). Anyway, for under $100 you can get the same look.

Pedal Pushers.

Alright so they aren’t exactly a “huge trend”. Whatever that means. But, if you want to spruce up your wardrobe this is the way to go. Pair these Alvin Valley’s, found on sale at Shop Bop for $82.50, with the Seychelle heels below and a basic top for a fun and classy outfit.

Tights. They’re back and they’re stronger than ever.

Add style and originality to any outfit (for just $28) with these tights by Free People. They’ve made a HUGE appearance on the runway and are rumored to be one of falls biggest trends.

Hold on to those footless tights of yours – they’re here to stay. Why not add another pair to your collection? On sale for $1.99 at Urban they’re more than worth the “investment”.

Shoes.

The first time I saw them, in late spring I fell in love with them. Now? My love has only grown. Priced at $28.99 at Macy’s these Rebels flats are a must have for fall and beyond.

Dying for a kitten heel? Invest $49.99 in these Seychelles found at Urban Outfitters. Wear them with your stovepipes, pencil skirt, balloon dress – they’re probably one of the most versatile shoes around.

Stay tuned for the next edition. I’ll try and tackle shirts, accessories and at some point (hopefully) boots.

adore you.

Best DRESSed

Lately, I’ve been substituting my signature denim style for dresses. Granted, this summer is all about the dress but it sure takes alot for me to bare my kneecaps (I have a sort of aversion to knees, for whatever reason). Anywho, take a look at some of the dresses that have my wishlist.

The Tocca Laura Manor Dress, with its dark green color and feather brooch has been a favorite of mine ever since it came out. The empire style waist and faintly bubble hem are obviously tailored straight to this season’s “in” style. However, this wouldn’t be a mindless investment of $415.00, I can honestly see myself wearing this next summer – it’s a sort of timeless dress, as long as you’re wearing the right shoes.

Time for work? No problem. Check out this Prince of Wales Vest Dress by Nanette Lepore. A new twist on an old favorite – a ruffled blouse paired with the low cut pinstriped jumper, this dress is bound to get more than a few double takes.

Embrace your feminine self with this Silk Jacquard Dress by Milly. A beautiful new age dress with old time appeal, this is at the top of my wish list for fall.

Get back to school with this cashmere sweater dress by Alice & Olivia. Oh and in case you love the shoes as much as I do, they’re Tara Subkoff for Easy spirit.

After looking at all those fall dresses you’re probably wallowing in self pity. No need to worry, summer is still here. To that effect, I’ve included this summer dress by Tricia Fix. Yes, it’s the same one as Jessica Simpson wore and no, it isn’t on sale yet. But that shouldn’t matter – appreciate the dress for what it is: a long ethnic inspired sundress.

adore you.

A Scent for Every Occasion

To impart some advice (passed on to me by my mother): Everybody has a different natural smell accordingly, certain perfumes are just made for you. How do you know? If you smell the perfume after the initial application, it wasn’t meant to be. The perfumes that fit you best, are those that you can’t smell on yourself.

That said, let’s jump right in.

The Day Scent

Feeling whimisical? Vera Wang’s newest scent is for the light at heart: the playful and adventurous girl in you. It’s a perfume made for summer.

If you’re a fan of something different you have to try Un Jardin Sur Le Nil, it will knock your socks off. It’s a perfume made for the adventurous, the ultra-feminine with a bit of spunk.

Going Clubbing

Playful yet elegant, Eau de Parfum II by Gucci is the perfect perfume to go clubbing with. It’s bitter, sweet, floral and smooth – a multifaceted perfume for a multifaceted night out.

A Dinner Date (and maybe more)

Seduce that special someone with your presence. Stella by Stella McCartney is an attack on the senses – a completely feminine and sensual scent. Make him crave for you.

An alternative to Stella is Narciso Rodriguez “For Here”. It’s soft, velvety, and intense. Simply irresistable.

adore you.