The Shoptometrist

About Your Crack Problem . . .

2009-11-13T10:59:00.002-05:00

Gone are the days of baggy jeans that hung dangerously low on the hips, drowning the wearer in their tent-like enormity. The fact that men’s denims are cut much slimmer these days is, in my opinion, a good thing, but as we’ve discussed before, it presents a young man with a new set of challenges . In response to the silhouette du jour, briefs (or “manties” as they are known in some circles) have made a major comeback. While this combination may work on a comfort level, a boy must always be aware of his behind when sitting, as it has a tendency to put one’s crack on view. A simple solution: cover your ass (pun intended) with shirts that are cut a bit longer than you'd normally wear.

Here’s a long hoodie that will do the trick. kr3w Men’s Tropez Hoodie in charcoal, $57 @ 80’s Purple.

See? So much coverage!

Photo credit: www.80spurple.com

Accessory Finds for Under $40

2009-11-12T01:46:00.001-05:00

Sometimes we don't have the funds to fork over for lusted-after dream dresses, splurge on a soothing spa day, or indulge our raging shoe fetish with reckless abandon. Instead, we must guard ourselves against ill-considered impulse buys, ponder the perils of the platinum card, and swear off the spree. But what to do when your wardrobe is in dire need of an update and you can't afford an overhaul? Sometimes all it takes is a bold new accessory to breathe some life back into your look. Here are four finds that won't tax your wallet:

I tend to shy away from rope necklaces, as they can be tricky to pull off, but this one isn't over the top. It would work beautifully with a plain white tee or tank, or as an accent against black. Thief and Bandit Fabric Necklace, $38 @ NeedSupply.

Large, irregularly shaped stones add interest to a décolletage. Big Stone Collar, $28 @ NeedSupply.

These playful little bow clips are more sophisticated than schoolgirl. Bow hair clip by In God We Trust, $10 @ Refinery29 Shops.

Or, just add a little something new to your look by way of a bold lip color. I bought Guerlain's Kiss Kiss lipstick in Exces de Rouge for my Halloween costume, thinking I'd never have occasion to wear an intensely bright cartoon red again, but I've been experimenting with it lately, dabbing on just a touch to brighten things up, rubbing it off to look like a stain, or glossing it over. The highly-pigmented, notice-me hue pairs well with a sweep of liquid liner and a black ensemble. After applying, smudge gently with a tissue until you tone it down to the desired effect. A little really goes a long way. $30 @ Sephora.

Photo credit:
1 & 2) www.needsupply.com
3) www.refinery29.com
4) www.sephora.com

Winter's Antidote: A Trip to Char No. 4

2009-11-11T23:45:00.002-05:00

My friend Pierre and I just had the coziest dinner at Char No. 4, where I discovered the secret to keeping the winter doldrums at bay, in three courses:

1. Though a drink is not considered an appetizer to most, I'll count a fiery bourbon cocktail that warms the insides as Course the First. The Louisville Sunset, a most magical blend of of Old Taylor, pineapple, cranberry, lime, and bitters, proved to be the perfect aperitif to prime the belly for comfort food.

2. Next, I dove into a plateful of crispy sweet potato gnocchi, nearly weeping with joy as I devoured every last ball of fried deliciousness. All was not perfect, however, as the tasty little dumplings were served on a bed of rubbery mushrooms that tasted a bit like rotten seafood. I ignored them and continued, undeterred, towards an epic food coma.

3. Finally, though my belly was nearly bursting, I couldn't leave without sampling the apple cranberry crumble topped with vanilla bean ice cream. We let it melt over the piping hot pie, and I barely let Pierre get a bite in as I stuffed my face with chunks of tart fruit wrapped in sweet crumbly goodness.

I somehow made my way home on the F, all the while eyeing fellow passengers to see if they were staring at me in fear/disgust/curiosity, because I imagined I'd ballooned into a blown-up version of myself, approaching the approximate volume and dimensions of a Stay Puft Marshmallow Woman. Once home, I was relieved to catch sight of myself in the mirror and see a normal, if slightly tipsy, version of myself staring back. I'm so stuffed I'm about to topple over onto my side at any moment, but first, I must blog. Please enjoy this photo of cranberry apple crumble while I whip up a post.

If you can't make it to Smith Street, get the recipe from Cooking Light.

Photo credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Home Obsession: Railroad Lanterns

2009-11-10T19:22:00.000-05:00

Oh, if only I had a yard or porch! I'd deck them out with lovely lanterns. A colorful vintage railroad lamp would look great as a centerpiece on a patio table, or left casually on a porch step. Until I find a home with such amenities, however, I'll have to figure out a way to work the look indoors.

Old Hollywood yellow lantern, $32.

Red lantern from GarageInc on Etsy, $30.

Blue lantern, $15.99 on iOffer.

Or perhaps I'll take a lesson from Curbly on how to make my own mason jar lanterns to string across the wooden fence I don't have, like so:

Photo credit:

1) www.shopoldhollywoodmoxie.com

2) www.etsy.com

3) www.ioffer.com
4) www.curbly.com

Splurge: Rachel Comey Promotion Dress

2009-11-10T11:35:00.000-05:00

Sigh. There are too many things I love about this floral Rachel Comey frock, but let's start with my favorite -- the adorable knotted keyhole at the back. The lovely, deep purple ground, shot through with bright blue and mossy green creates a perfect trifecta of my favorite hues. Oui, it's a print, and a floral at that. Thought I'd never, but I guess some things do change.

Rachel Comey Promotion Dress, $425 @ La Garconne. Iff'n I get a promotion, I'll treat myself to it.

Photo credit: www.lagarconne.com

Party-Perfect Looks from camilla and marc

2009-11-09T11:00:00.001-05:00

If you’re on the hunt for holiday gear, this label from a pair of Aussie siblings is a great go-to for feminine looks with all the right frills.

It’s the tutu, re-imagined for grown-ups. Be light on your toes in this delicate tulle skirt. Pair it with a bold-shouldered jacket to make it less frothy. Also available in black. camilla and marc Iris Skirt, $322 @ Shopbop.

A unique, wraparound peek-a-boo bodice rendered in vintage-inspired lace fuses old with new in the most delightful way. camilla and marc Eliza Dress, $550 @ Shopbop.

For an alternative to dresses and skirts, this slip of a silk cami would look great under a dressy blazer, cozy cardi, or on its own. Pair it with skinny black pants + skyscraper heels and you’ve got yourself an understated-but-glam party outfit. camilla and marc Thyme Camisole, $276 @ Shopbop.

Photo credit: www.shopbop.com

The Science of Sleep

2009-11-07T17:55:00.011-05:00

I normally take Saturdays off from the blog, but I'm here today to make up for shirking my duties over the past couple of days. This week, my body suddenly decided it was time to go into serious hibernation mode and I felt fatigued in a way I’ve never experienced. It got so bad that I even skipped my Thursday night gym class, a weekly ritual I approach with a quasi-religious devotion. As a result of this sudden bout of narcolepsy, I’ve got silky pajamas and fuzzy blankets on the brain.

Must have now:

Arlota cashmere eye mask, $30 @ Journelle.

Julianne Maria shorts, $64 @ Journelle.

Anthropologie Amid the Mystic Robe, $118.

My soft, chunky Twinkle throw is a mainstay on my bed in the winter, but how awesome would it be to have an enormous pile of them? $247 @ Design Public. More lovely colors available.

Oh, but then I saw this. Twinkle Living Handknit Popcorn Throw, $264 @ Design Public. More colors available.

Photo credit:
1 & 2)www.journelle.com
3) www.anthropologie.com
4 & 5) www.designpublic.com

My New Crush: Micaela Greg

2009-11-04T21:33:00.005-05:00

God bless Google Reader. I love that during a dull moment, I can turn to it and discover among my ever-multiplying subscriptions some treasure to stimulate, inspire, and entice. My big find this afternoon came courtesy of The Cut. SF-based sisters Marie and Karen Potesta are the talent behind promising new label Micaela Greg, and I am completely enamored of their gorgeous knits. I just paged through their Fall 2009 collection (which consists only of black and cream). Covetous thoughts ensued.

Some standouts:

An oversized canvas showcases their awe-inspiring skill. Oversized Optical Sweater, $300.

How amazing is this origami-inspired skirt? Trapezoid High Waist Skirt, $435.

Perfection in an eye-catching cardi. Geo Cardigan, $275.

Op Legging, $275. A tough price to swallow, but not so much when you consider that leggings are practically pants these days.

Photo credit: www.micaelagreg.com

From Grind to Play: Workday Dresses That Beg To Be Taken Out For Cocktails

2009-11-04T20:14:00.002-05:00

The dress code at my office is pretty lax -- leather pants are perfectly acceptable in our finance department (work it, Roberto), a bit of cleavage before noon won't raise any eyebrows, flannel shirts are commonplace, and if you're a creative, well, anything goes. I have to say that it's pretty convenient to be able to shift from daytime to evening without sacrificing too much style, and it allows me to scoff in disdain at the stuffy jackets and pantsuits I invariably encounter during happy hour. Your workplace may not be as ~~awesome~~ relaxed as mine, but here's my version of workwear that can be taken out for drinks without getting you labeled as a dull nine-to-fiver. I apologize in advance if any of these killer looks inspires a lecture from HR.

I just ordered Surface to Air's Rubin Dress, and if all goes well when I try on, I'll be strutting into the office with it on Monday, with patterned tights and loads of necklaces. $192 @ Oak.

Go ladylike with this Paul and Joe Sister Wool-blend mini dress, $180 @ Net-a-Porter.

Charlotte Ronson Lace Trimmed Suit Dress is hyper-femme with vintage-inspired lace details, dainty belt, and slim, pencil silhouette. $188 @ Candystore Collective.

Photo credit:
1) www.oaknyc.com
2) www.net-a-porter.com
3-4) www.candystorecollective.com

And They're Off: Zoe's 24-Hour Sprint Sale Is On Now

2009-11-04T11:11:00.001-05:00

While the NYC Marathon happened but a few days ago, my favorite DUMBO boutique Zoe is hosting a run of a different sort. Their 24-hour Sprint Sale on select fall merchandise is on now, both in store and online. Ladies can snag 30% off on goods from the likes of Rachel Comey, Loeffler Randall, and Elizabeth and James, while dudes can save on select John Varvatos pieces. For the complete list of sale items, click here. It ends at 9AM tomorrow morning, so hurry, hurry.

A sampling:

Sigerson Morrison Eel T-Strap Wedge in Black, $395 (was $565)

Loeffler Randall Ester Platform Pumps in Grey, $297 (was $425).

Giles and Brother Domed Spike Bangle in Brass Oxide, $140 (was $200).

John Varvatos Wide Trim V-Neck in Black, $186 (was ($265).

Photo credit: www.shopzoeonline.com

Smart Buy: Kova and T's Reversible Button Down

2009-11-02T00:34:00.003-05:00

The reversibility factor pretty much guarantees that I would live in this all winter. Gorgeous color, too. Kova and T Lee Reversible Plaid Shirt, $231 @ Catch Boutique.

Photo credit: www.catchboutique.com

Sunday Linkage: Tim Burton x Tim Walker, The Cloverdale Antique Mall, London Kitsch, and Phaidon Pops Up in SoHo

2009-11-01T23:51:00.088-05:00

In which we take a break to gaze at pretty pictures and read about things that caught my fancy this week.

Hope everyone had a lovely Halloween weekend. Despite the challenges of inter-borough transportation in the pouring rain, the tragic loss of a prop baby, and a broken pair of my aunt's vintage shoes (RIP), it was glorious. I played 60's housewife to my bf's milkman, complete with beehive, false lashes, Audrey-esque shift dress, pearls, apron, and biracial baby dolls to aid in interpretation. If any good pics turn up, I'll post them to my Flickr.

While pulling together the bits and pieces of my costume, I made an improptu stop at Journelle and struck up a convo with the girl helping me (who was dressed as Edward Scissorhands). She got me all excited about the upcoming Tim Burton exhibit at the MoMA, and now I’m counting down the days until I can walk through halls bedecked with his brand of dark, creepy wonder. It doesn’t open until Nov. 22, but in the meantime, whet your appetite at The Thinking Tank with images from the recent Harpers Bazaar editorial, shot by Tim Walker.

*By the by, after my last post about Journelle, purveyor of lovely lingerie, the CEO wrote me a sweet email. A shop that provides not only the prettiest of underthings but has warm, kind people behind it gives me all the reason to love it (and shop it) more. If you’re local and haven’t been, do stop by and check it out. They even have seating and treats for boyfriends in the decadent dressing rooms. You won’t want to leave, and I dare you to try walking out without at least a lacy thong or two.

Another reason to start plotting a trip to British Columbia: the Cloverdale Antique Mall. Feast your eyes on pics at To Be, Inspired.

Or, head to London to get your kitsch on at the Museum of Brands, Packaging, and Advertising, where you can view artifacts of consumer culture and get nostalgic for Horlicks, Heinz Ketchup, and Beer In a Can. The Dieline has photos. I’d love to see their museum shop, which sells replicas of some of the items on display.

The Phaidon Pop-up Shop Opens this week! Stop by Wooster Street between Prince and Spring (whoa, watch out, Taschen) to stock up on the latest coffee table tomes and gifts for friends. Racked has deets.

Photo credit:
1) Tim Walker for Harpers Bazaar - www.harpersbazaar.com
2) www.tobeinspired.com
3) www.thedieline.com
4) www.racked.com

Holiday Dress Find: Cynthia Vincent's One-Shoulder

2009-10-30T00:14:00.002-04:00

I love a good purple, but it's rare that I see one I love. When done right, it's my fave and works as a real mood lifter, becoming my go-to whenever I'm in need of a pick-me-up. Which brings us to Party Frock Find #2: a silky, off-the-shoulder number in a rich purple.

Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent One Shoulder Dress, $297 @ Catch Boutique. It'll work with black tights for winter, or bare legs for spring.

Photo credit: www.catchboutique.com

Black Blazers on a Budget

2009-10-29T12:27:00.000-04:00

I can't buy back my lost Theory blazer just yet, so I'm on the hunt for some more affordable options to tide me over in the meantime. Since I won't be investing too much in them, I'm thinking I'll go with something more trendy than classic. Some candidates:

Topshop Satin Waterfall Jacket, $90.

Myne Charlie Jacket Blazer, $220 @ Catch Boutique.

My search even took me to the Macy's Juniors Department, where I spied this cropped boucle style. As long as the lurex isn't too shiny, I think it would make for a nice addition to the 'drobe, and it's only $48.

Photo credit:
1) www.topshop.com
2) www.catchboutique.com
3) www.macys.com

Menswear Obsession: Perfect Striped Sweaters from Vince

2009-10-29T08:26:00.001-04:00

Whether it's thick, medium, or skinny stripes that strike your fancy, Vince has mastered the art of the striped sweater to perfection. Luxe knits, quality construction, and a clean aesthetic make them standouts, and the fact that they can be dressed up or down to suit the occasion pretty much guarantees heavy rotation.

Coincidentally, the prices among my selections seem to correspond to the size of the stripe.

Vince Stripe Crewneck Sweater, $245 @ Nordstrom.

Vince Striped Reverse Stitch Sweater, $195 @ Barneys.

Vince Double Layer Stripe Sweater, $175 @ Zoe.

Photo credit:
1) www.nordstrom.com
2-3) www.barneys.com
4-5) www.shopzoeonline.com

Sale Find: Sally Tseng Duke Jacket

2009-10-29T06:46:00.003-04:00

Oooh, this one is just too good. Sally Tseng's lovely, lumberjacky plaid topper is now just $128, down from $348. See? It pays to stalk past-season merch.

Where do I even begin? The Duke features leather buttons, pockets galore, and a removable belt. Sizes 2, 6, and 8 are left. Also available in brown.

Photo credit: www.sallytsengonline.com

Holy #%@$, My Friends Are Having Babies

2009-10-28T23:43:00.000-04:00

My friend Naveen just gave birth to a baby boy! She's the first of my inner circle to have a baby, and I think I might be more freaked out about it than she is. The next time I go to LA, there will be a brand new, tiny little person to meet, and since I want to make a good impression on him, I'd better come bearing a kick-ass gift. Some ideas:

This one is as much a decorative piece as it is a plaything. Scandinavian Rocking Horse, $190 @ Acorn.

Flensted Happy Whales Mobile, $29 @ Design Public.

Georgie Giraffe, $24 @ Anthropologie.

Polar bear suit, $24.50 @ Crazy 8.

Photo credit:

1) www.acorntoyshop.com

2) www.designpublic.com

3) www.anthropologie.com

4) www.crazy8.com

Two Strikes . . .

2009-10-28T21:30:00.003-04:00

It’s a week for losing things. Last Friday, someone walked off with my favorite Marimekko umbrella at Bunnychow, and this morning I left my black Theory blazer in the back of a cab en route to work. There goes my once-weekly uniform, which consisted of said blazer with sleeves rolled up, skinny jeans, a slouchy white u-neck, a tangle of necklaces, and turquoise Lanvin flats.

I know it’s silly to attach so much value to material things, but damn, two of my oft-worn staples in one week? Lesson learned: never step out of doors with valuables unless they are physically attached to your person.

I s’pose it’s time to shut up about it and move on, although “moving on” is going to cost me a pretty penny. I’ve already re-ordered the umbrella but figured I might as well investigate some other options, and I’m on a mission to replace the blazer (which you can read about it in the latter half of this two-part post).

I think I’ll revisit The Umbrellas of Cherbourg for some inspiration . . .

The most basic of the bunch. I love that the crook handle is also clear. Clear Bubble Stick Umbrella, $13.59 @ Target.

Or spice up your bubble with a bright pop of trim. Clear Bubble Umbrella, $18 @ Urban Outfitters.

Go folksy-floral with Cath Kidston's Tiny Mini Folding Umbrella, £ 20 @ Brollies Galore.

Portable sunshine on a cloudy day, via Romanelli's Essence Walking Umbrella, £ 19.99 @ Brollies Galore.

Rainy day lingerie. Fulton Eliza Devore Black Lace Umbrella, £ 22 @ Brollies Galore.

Photo credit:

1) www.target.com

2) www.urbanoutfitters.com

3-5) www.brolliesgalore.co.uk

Sitting Pretty: Plum Pretty Sugar's Covetable Loungewear

2009-10-27T23:26:00.000-04:00

I went through this seemingly endless day in a fog, dragging myself through the motions and quelling the urge to curl up into a ball under my desk for a nap. I've shared my hibernation fantasy with you before, but more and more, perhaps due to a recent bout of illness, I wish I could make it come to life. Cozied up in my apartment, away from winter's chill, I want to escape into a world of comfort, warmth, and color. I want the aroma of yummy treats emanating from the kitchen, tea to sip, soup to slurp, Wes Anderson's color palettes flitting across the TV, and a record player scratching my favorite tunes. Such an agenda needn't require getting dressed, so my outfit of choice for enjoying said activities would be one of these lovely kimono-style robes by Plum Pretty Sugar.

Knee-length Silk Habotai Robe, $124 on Etsy.

Knee-length Darling Jardin Bleu Robe, $62 on Etsy.

Photo credit: plum pretty sugar

Winter Obsession: K Karl Lagerfeld Gloves

2009-10-27T10:51:00.000-04:00

Craving Kaiser Karl's long black leather gloves:

K Karl Lagerfeld Chloe long leather gloves, $195 @ Net-a-Porter.

Photo credit: www.net-a-porter.com

Whiskey and Rum-Inspired Gift Ideas

2009-10-26T12:03:00.000-04:00

How to get a guy's guy to embrace scent in his home and on his person without inducing fear of a floral, feminine takeover? Just add alcohol. Two ideas:

Portland General Store is the great little Etsy shop of Lisa Brodar, and she has this whiskey-scented old-fashioned shaving jelly that sounds awesome. $8.95 on Etsy, but if you live in SF, you can pick it up at Rare Device.

If modern is more his style, this Rum Candle from Malin + Goetz has a rich (but not overpowering) and subtly masculine scent, inoffensive gender-neutral packaging, and lasts forever. $48 @ Barney's.

Photo credit:
1. www.raredevice.net
2. www.barneys.com

Sunday Linkage: Macaroons, Chandeliers, and Chairs

2009-10-25T23:41:00.007-04:00

In which we take a break to gaze at pretty pictures and read about things that caught my fancy this week.

Way late on this today, but it's been a busy weekend! Enjoy.

Love this beautiful image from Raychel (don't know her last name), who does these amazing, intimate self-portraits. For more, visit her blog, Mayhem is Beautiful, or her Flickr photostream.

I knew it was time to start planning my next Parisian adventure when I saw this flavor chart for Ladurée's yummy macaroons over at Happy Lady Eats. I kind of want to frame it and hang it in my house. Also want to keep the beautiful boxes (after devouring their delicious contents, of course).

I love chandeliers like this and aspire to own one (or even two) someday. It looks beautiful when seen from above as well, and I like the way it distributes light -- the effect is more candlelight than bulb. I found this Anna Wolf image on Dwellings and Decor. (via Apartment Therapy).

While the retractable, garage-door-style facade of this Bill Peterson-designed East Village townhouse is cool and all, what I'm really drooling over are those vintage bentwood Thonet chairs in the living room. The unique space was featured in New York Magazine's Home Design issue. If you didn't get a copy, Apartment Therapy has pics.

Dirty Sneaks

2009-10-22T22:07:00.002-04:00

My shoes have storied pasts. They've taken quite a beating from pounding the NYC pavements, scaling the vertiginous hills of San Francisco, and clomping through the cobblestone streets of Georgetown. My shoe guy always shakes his head in bewilderment every time I come in with yet another pair in sorry state, begging him to give them another chance at life. He's done countless heel transplants, painstakingly polished vintage leathers in hard-to-match hues, and performed emergency surgery on many a battered sole that had nearly danced itself to death. His greatest miracle was probably the readjustment of a pair of beloved Missoni wedges, when one shoe became inexplicably shorter than the other by a whole 3/4 of an inch.

Though I'm extremely grateful to him for resuscitating my most treasured footwear and will continue to run to him in a panic, there's also something I love about the look of a well-worn shoe. There's a certain richness and character in an old leather boot that's wrinkled with age and creased with wear at the instep. A flip flop with the grooves of a foot worn in conjures up a feeling of lived-in comfort. And most interesting of all are the sneakers, their skins faded and discolored with the passing of seasons, shoelaces frayed by the frazzle of life, treads worn down to smoothness.

The process of breaking in a pair may take several years, but if you like the look and are too impatient to do it the natural way, these come pre-dirtied for your convenience.

Diesel Men's Magnete Exposure Low in overdyed grey, $90 @ S|Sense.

Photo credit: www.ssense.com

Lunchtime Pick-Me-Up: Party (Dress) Time!

2009-10-22T12:57:00.002-04:00

It’s no secret that I’m not pleased about the imminent winter, but one thing that instantly perks me up is the prospect of shopping for holiday dresses. I usually have a party or six to attend (which is exactly how many a boyfriend dragged me to one year), where I can usually be found planted beside the dessert table, feigning interest in the idle chatter of fellow partygoers while furtively sneaking a third slice of pie onto my plate and chewing thoughtfully on chocolate-dipped fruit while pretending to contemplate the topic of discussion. I don’t mind if I don’t know a soul, really, so long as there is an assortment of canapés and ladyfingers to keep me comp’ny. I never go full glam at these things, preferring simple, unfussy looks so as not to court disaster in the form of errant chocolate sauce.

The first promising find of the party dress season is this sweet, silky number from Whitley Kros. As you can see, it has a drawstring waist that can be conveniently adjusted to accomodate the food baby I plan to acquire. It’s versatile enough to dress up for a fancy fete with tights, heels, and a fun updo, or dress down with a chunky oversized cardi and boots for an eggnog hangover brunch the next morn'.

Whitley Kros Chelsea Dress in navy, $225. Also available in magenta.

Photo credit: www.shopbop.com

How to Deal With Rain: A Little British Humor From London Undercover

2009-10-21T18:07:00.004-04:00

When it comes to rainy days, it’s always best to:
1) Trust a Londoner’s advice
2) Have a sense of humor
3) Treat the inclement weather as an opportunity to bust out your totally awesome umbrella.

Daily Candy’s London edition tipped me off to London Undercover, Jamie Milestone’s year-old umbrella company whose whimsical designs turn a wet day into puddle-hoppin’ fun. I’m a bit peeved that they’re not available outside the UK, and am fervently hoping that a US distributor will come along soon and make me a happy girl. In the meantime, if you happen to be in Londres and pick one up for me, I’d be ever so grateful.

You can still have a mouth-watering picnic in the park with the Slim Walker English Breakfast, £ 50.

Pretty florals are spliced with gingham on the Slim Walker Union Jack, £ 40.

Coming soon: Take some grub to go with the Slim Walker Fish & Chips, £ 50.

Photo credit: www.londonundercover.co.uk