Wardrobe Closet: Fashion Recommendations

What To Wear To Work: Michael Kors watch, Jimmy Choo Shoes, Stella McCartney Cardigan...?

2010-10-24T12:43:00.003-04:00

I've chosen a brown color scheme today. Check out the gallery and use any one of the inspirations for your work week this week. You can also create your own set using the selections below. Good Luck!

Get your own Mini Editor from Polyvore

Novel Concepts: Need a cocktail dress for one night only? Then why don't you Rent the Runway

2010-09-03T00:30:00.001-04:00

Have an evening gala to attend?
Or maybe you have a first or second date?
Perhaps you got invited to a fancy schmancy cocktail party...
or maybe you're just tired of window shopping outside of Saks Fifth for those dresses that you say you will never dare spend $2,000 on...can we say Hervé Legér anyone?

Well what ever the occasion or reason is, two entrepreneurs Jennifer and Jennifer came up with a solution that all women have urgently been waiting for: Rent-ing the Runway.

Co-founders Jennifer Hyman and Jennifer Fleiss came up with the idea for Rent the Runway after witnessing the happens-more-times-than-not 'closet full of clothes but nothing to wear' episodes that all women must go through in life!
Check out these two girl's-SLASH-saviors from fashion heaven's backstory and how Rent the Runway came about here.

Here's an example of how you shop:

Step 1: log onto www.renttherunway.com
Step 2: Create a membership
Step 3: You're ready to shop

After that, now you can start choosing from dresses of over 95 designers and counting, including yes Hervé Legér, Carlos Miele, Nicole Miller, Diane von Furstenberg and many more.

Dresses range in prices usually starting at $50 up to range of $250. Choose your size plus a back up size. Select the date that you'd like your dress to arrive. Wear it, then return it. It's all very simple.

Do you like? If so, check out Rent the Runway today and tell me what you think!

Favorite Stores: Beacon's Closet. What's in Your Closet?

2010-07-21T07:27:00.008-04:00

.... and what needs to be removed?

Beacon's Closet, a clothing exchange store where you can buy, sell, or trade your vintage and trendy clothing, has become a recent favorite of mine. I first discovered Beacon's while walking down what we, in the neighborhood of Park Slope, call our "shopping district," rightfully labeled by it's street name 5th avenue. 5th Avenue in Park Slope is home to several vintage clothing stores, 2nd-hand thrift exchange stores, and trendy boutiques native to Brooklyn. I find myself walking down to 5th Ave occasionally on any given weekend to check out what's new in the boutiques. And occasionally I will walk out with a good buy, and at times I will walk out with zilch. Beacon's Closet, however has given me a whole new purpose to shopping. I've made two mental notes to myself: 1) Never walk into Beacon's empty handed. 2) Never leave Beacon's empty handed.

How it works:

Beacon's closet is different from a consignment shop in that it doesn't require that your items sell in order to receive cash or store credit back. They are selective in what they choose. Usually the designer brands, the vintage wear, and the trendy items get first pick and also get priced at a higher value. Items that are not chosen can either be picked up or you can leave your unselected items with Beacon and they donate it to a selected charity of their choice. Pretty easy, right?

What's in it for you?:

Beacon offers 35% cash or 55% in store credit of the price tag placed on your item.

What to bring:

Designer or trendy clothing
Designer or trendy handbags
Designer or trendy shoes
Accessories
Hats

Icing on the cake:

What makes Beacon's Closet extra spectacular? Well, not only do they receive items from common shoppers like myself that have been worn and used before, but Beacon has also become the repository for stores and manufacturers who need to get rid of unwanted inventory. So yes, you can even stumble upon unused items at a nearly 80% markdown. And that, my friend, is when you've hit the jackpot at Beacon's.

My Recent Buys:

Madison Harding ankle wedge

Normal Price: $170

Beacon's Price (new, unworn): $24.00

Melissa Shoes

(the gray pair on 2nd rack from bottom)

Beacon's price (worn once/twice): $24.00

Other Recent Buys:

Kenneth Cole New York platform heels: $29

Storie di Scarpe kitten heels: $18

Locations:

Park Slope:

park slope store:
92 5th avenue
brooklyn, ny 11217
718.230.1630
park slope hours:
m-f noon-9pm
s+s 11am-8pm

Williamsburg:

williamsburg store:
88 n 11th street
brooklyn, ny 11211
718.486.0816
williamsburg hours:
m-f 11am-9pm
s+s 11am-8pm

Trends: Boots with the Dresses

2010-04-13T23:58:00.000-04:00

The big question lately and for the past couple of spring seasons has been "Can I wear boots with spring dresses?" Well the answer is a broad "yes" with a sometimes "no." To be clear, the answer is be cautious when picking your selections. The recent trend has been to wear boots with spring dresses, however, the selection of the dress and the boots are critical in the process. Here are some suggestions to start your boots and dress combinations.

Wardrobe Closet Recommends:

Find out where to get these items here.

Still feeling unsure about what to wear, send me an email with your dress or boots in question.

Occasion: SpringWear

2010-03-13T19:25:00.002-05:00

Photo Sessions: Amber Rose & Grace Jones?

2010-02-26T19:59:00.000-05:00

So I'm loving the art currently headlined on Kanye West's blog. The post takes you through a montage of intriguing photos that leads up to Kanye's video Coldest Winter.

I'll run you through some of my favorites, but I'll start this post with the photo of Kanye's right hand girl in an image that channels a pose done by Grace Jones. Does Amber compare?

Anyhoo....some images that I found fascinating:

Check out these pieces and more at www.kanyewest.com

Occasion: Night Out - Getting Ready for Spring Wear

2010-02-26T19:33:00.003-05:00

Get the look here.

Distinguished Fashion Item: Spats!

2010-02-16T22:30:00.000-05:00

The Issac Wrap Boot. www.dekkori.com

It's winter time, boots season-- so what better time to talk about and bring back a unique fashion item that can work for any style if you know how to make it work --Spats! The very old (19th century old) fashion accessory that has withstood the test of time, deserves a comeback. But I dare not to introduce these onto my readers without giving you proper advice on how to wear them stylishly.

So now there's a couple of reasons why I like Spats:

Ability to go from shoe to boots in 2 snaps
Mix and Match, this is a "one style fits many" accessory.
Tired of a pair of heels or ankle boots? Spat them up.

Spats are not very easy to find but the best way to go about looking for a style you like is to do a search by designer and find out if they distribute to any local stores in your area, or if they have an online shop, even better. Believe it or not, Spats are actually very easy to make, so if you have a bit of design skills, try designing your own and hiring a seamstress to make them for you.

Dekkori.com was created by attorney turn entrepreneur; check this site out for a variety of Spat styles, for the unique look the price point is pretty reasonable, average $151. See some of the styles below and links to purchase a pair of your own.

the defiance ankle boot. www.dekkori.com

Try on a pair of spats with a pair of heels from Aldo.com

Items in this set:
FAWSON, $90
FAWSON, $90
FRANCHETTE, $60
d e k k o r i
d e k k o r i

Purchase your very own pair by clicking on any of the links below:

Dekkori Allure Cuff,Black Leather,Size 3 (US Women's 9-11 M)
Dekkori Charisma Pull Up Boot,Metallic Copper,Size 1 (US Women's 5-7 M)
Dekkori Initiative T-Strap,Black/Vanilla Leather,Size 2 (US Women's 7-9 M)
Dekkori Intrigue T-Strap,Black Patent/Gold,Size 2 (US Women's 7-9 M)
Dekkori Mystique Criss Cross,Black Leather,Size 1 (US Women's 5-7 M)
Dekkori Innocence Ankle Piece,Black Satin,one size

Occasion: Superbowl XLIV Party - The Saints

2010-02-06T20:05:00.000-05:00

Going to a Superbowl Party on Sunday? Here are two ways to go in style, whether you're a Saints fan or Colts. And if you're just going for the commercials, then pick the team with the color that looks best on you!

Get the Saints look here.

Get the Colts look here.

Music Videos: Pink's Grammy Performance

2010-02-01T23:06:00.001-05:00

I had to repost this performance by Pink at the 52nd annual Grammy Awards on Sunday. This was a spectacular performance, just when you thought she couldn't top her MTV 2009 Awards performance.
No fashion tips here (there's not much clothing in here anyway), just watch.

Music Videos: Say Something - Keyshia Dior's Lipstick Shade

2010-02-01T00:01:00.001-05:00

Timbaland's new video "Say Something" features Drake and model/actress/stylist Keyshia Dior. If you didn't notice her in the Timbaland Video, then you should take a look now. Keyshia sports an edgy, sassy, stylish mohawk which is hard to not notice and hard to not want to imitate. Check out http://keyshiadior.com/ to view Keyshia's photo gallery and unique style.

A particular look that I liked and wanted to give my readers some tips on how to get the look is her blue shade of lipstick (see below).

Now I know, I know, many of you are thinking, "I could never wear that shade, it would never go with me." This is true, all shades are not created equal, and not everyone can wear any shade. You have to know the color that works for you, but you don't have to shy away from bold colors all together.

Take a read below for some suggestions on how to get Keyshia's blue shade and how to find the right shade for you.

Be bold with your shades in 2010...

Get the Shade:

1. First base your lips with your favorite gloss or lip balm to ensure smooth, moistened lips.
2. Next, prime your lips with a nude shade of your preferred brand of lipstick.
3. Then using your choice of blue eye shadow, (eye shadow will work best for a matte finish) take a small tip brush and contour your lips until you get to the look your are satisfied with.
4. Note that this shade is not for everyone or every outfit. If you're wearing this shade, you'll want a hairstyle that's fierce and an outfit that's fitting.

What's the right shade for you?
I've clipped some celebrity shades that work with varying skin complexions below. If all else fails go nude, with a hint of color and gloss to finish.

Celebrity Look: Rihanna - Backstage at the Grammy's 2010

2010-01-31T15:06:00.006-05:00

Rihanna was caught backstage at the Grammy's on Friday. Here we have a casual look, but none-the-less, one that I'd go out with on a casual afternoon.

Shop for the look above here.

Necklace: Find it at http://shop.nordstrom.com/

Movie Sneak Preview: Why Did I Get Married Too

2010-01-31T10:35:00.001-05:00

If you enjoyed Why Did I Get Married by Tyler Perry, you'll be sure to enjoy the sequel set to come out this April. Check out the trailer.

Gabourey Sidibe, Star of Hit Movie Precious, Embraces Cover of Ebony

2010-01-31T10:29:00.000-05:00

Source: Pumpsicle/Ebony

Our Star of Precious, Gabourey Sidibe will be featured on the cover of Ebony (March Issue). Be sure to check it out. Also in this issue, special tribute to Eunice Johnson, the woman who gave Ebony Magazine it's name.

What to Wear to Work Series: The Pencil Skirt

2010-01-24T23:16:00.003-05:00

Help Haiti: Donate to RedCross.Org

2010-01-24T22:30:00.004-05:00

Mixing & Matching: Arden B. Pintuck Ponte Mini Dress

2010-01-19T00:50:00.011-05:00

So Lori from Ontario sent me an email yesterday:

"I just purchased the perfect dress, it's a blue mini from Arden B., the Pintuck Ponte

(see picture below), I am having trouble trying to figure out what to wear with it, any suggestions?"

What should you wear with it? Blacks, Beiges, and Browns.

Below are a couple of Mixed & Matched ideas.

Let me know your thoughts.

Find this look and more here.

For A Good Cause: Helping Haiti at the Most Critical Moments

2010-01-17T11:32:00.002-05:00

What Can We Do?

Source: nytimes.com

On Tuesday, January 12, 2010 a 7.0 magnitude earthquake hit several surrounding areas of Port au Prince, the capital of Haiti. At most recent estimate, over 100,000 people were killed as a result of the quake. That number is presumed to increase as more rescue workers removing debris discover more bodies, not to say the number will increase exponentially as we begin to count those who will die as an post-result of the earthquake. One has to understand that the people of Haiti were already living under destitute conditions resulting from years of poor infrastructure and instability. Myself being second generation Haitian, it pains me to see people, struggle even more, when they couldn't have asked for anything more of a mere break. What more can this country take?

Rescue and aid has been flowing into the country at unprecedented levels. At no other time in history, can I honestly say that Haiti has received this much attention, Day 5 and Haiti is still and rightly so, the main topic of CNN News and on the front page of The New York Times. Disasters such as these bring out the humanitarian spirits in all of us. We all want to do more, we all want to help. 4 million Haitian diaspora live in the United States, Canada and all other parts of developed world today, how can anyone ignore this, even if they tried. If you live in the metropolitan areas of Miami, Boston, New York, or Orlando for example, I guarantee if you ask 5 people, one of them will be Haitian or of Haitian decent. And it goes without saying that Haiti IS a United States concern. If it wasn't for this country, I wouldn't be writing this blog. If it wasn't for this country, I wouldn't be an employee to one of America's top media publishers. If it wasn't for Haiti, the United States wouldn't have had a soldier to help serve during the Vietnam War, my father. If it wasn't for Haiti, my mother and step-father would not have been here providing all types of legal council for emigrants of all nations including Cuba, Haiti and various other countries. Haiti, this poor little country, IS a big deal and the people will prevail, it will thrive, it will survive, it will get stronger. So in this time of need, do not forget that your humanitarian efforts do count. $1, $10, every bit counts, prayer counts, HOPE counts. Do any and all that you can. Below I've listed some organizations that are trustworthy and allow you to help in the most efficient way that you can.

AMERICAN RED CROSS
www.RedCross.org
800-733-2767
800-842-2200

DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS
www.doctorswithoutborders.org
888-392-0392
212-679-6800

WORLD VISION
1-866-730-3919
www.WorldVision.org/Haiti

UNICEF
(305)662-7373
ww.unicefusa.org

TEXT DONATIONS
Yele Haiti: Text YELE to 501501 ($5 donation)
United Way: Text haiti to 864833 ($5 donation)
Intl Medical Corps: Text Haiti to 85944 ($10 donation)

Numbers:
American Embassy In Haiti
(011 509)22 22 02 00

Consulat General D'Haiti
259 SW 13th Street
Miami, FL 33131
305-859-2003 Tel
305-854-7441 Fax

Do We Like The Look?

2010-01-14T23:57:00.001-05:00

Angela Simmons at Toast in Toluca Lake, CA

Rihanna Embracing the Cover of W Magazine for February

2010-01-13T23:29:00.002-05:00

Source: w.magazine.com

Read more about Rihanna's February shoot on W's website.

The WC Takes a Moment of Silence: Devastation in Haiti - 7.0 Earthquake

2010-01-12T23:12:00.001-05:00

Thoughts and Prayers go out to those devastated by the 7.0 Earthquake that hit Haiti today.

Read more at any one of your valued news sources:

Miami Herald : http://www.miamiherald.com/582/story/1421692.html
New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/13/world/americas/13haiti.html?hp
CNN: http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/americas/01/12/haiti.earthquake/index.html

Celebrity Look: Beyonce - Top Hat + Red Lips

2010-01-12T00:39:00.000-05:00

So Beyonce was partying it up at Angie Martinez's birthday bash at Quo in NYC, get her look below and then go check out more of the pics at theybf.com. Enjoy!

Fashion TV: Keeping up with The Kardashians - Kim's Pink Blazer & Ripped Jeans

2010-01-11T21:12:00.012-05:00

So if you have been Keeping Up with the Kardashians on E!, then you've probably noticed that there's some style going around the Kardashian household. Most notably in Episode 6 of the 4th season, Kim's choice of dress to the nail salon is a pastel sophisticate pink blazer with ripped jeans and a stunning gold gladiator necklace to embellish the look. This style is one of my personal fav's on Kim. About 2 minutes into the episode, you'll see the look in reference. Take a peak, then flip the page to find tips on how to get the look.

Scroll to 1:58 to pinpoint the look --->

For the look and more, continue reading...

Here are some inspired looks from Kim's blazer and ripped jeans ensemble. When mixing sophisticate items (blazer) with ripped jeans, make sure you pay attention to color and material. Lighter tops work better with ripped jeans. You also want your blazer to be well tailored and fitted and your jeans to have the right fit, mid-waist jeans work better than low rise with this look.

Celebrity Look: Jennifer Lopez & Ciara Mix It Up- Baggy Beach Jumper & Red Boots

2010-01-10T20:31:00.001-05:00

Today, I figured I give you a little Celebrity Look fusion since I couldn't find just one look that captured my attention. I found these two outfits worn by JLo and Ciara. Neither of them wore a complete outfit that I agreed with, but parts of their looks inspired me. So here it is- JLo and Ciara, what do you think of this mix?

I like the Red Sparkle Heart- Baggy Beach Jumper that JLo rocks, and I like the red Christian Louboutin Supra Fifre Nappa Boots that Ciara sports (but not with that dress). Pair JLo's ensemble with Michael Antonio's Oliver version of these red boots and you've got yourself a hot look for an afternoon out in the city.

Trends: Bringing Sexy... No, Sequins Back - Another Look at Sequins, Shoes This Time

2010-01-08T02:21:00.015-05:00

So I've been speaking about sequins quite a lot lately in a few of my previous posts (Jan 4, 2010, December 30, 2009, and December 23, 2009), and honestly as I said before, it's a trending theme that's going to make its impact in 2010. Now whether you like the new sequins look or not, I can guarantee you that you're not going to be able to avoid it, and my theory on that is, don't try to -- unless you absolutely, definitively despise them and refuse to pick up the trend, and that's fine too. I just hope somewhere along the many different posts of this blog, I can find a sequin look that works for your personal style. I, myself, happen to LOVE LOVE LOVE them, as a matter of fact, I delved into my first pair of sequin shoes (or sequin anything for that matter) in December 2007. Check them out below:

More on my first encounter with sequins and more sequin shoe selections when you read the rest...

So as I was browsing across my favorite mall, (Aventura), in Miami, FL at a store called Koko & Palenki, I couldn't resist but to stop and walk in to take a look at one of the most noticeable, incredible, absolutely astonishing, pair of shiny shoes! They were by Report Signature, and at the time, to me, they were err..umm..expensive, but I knew if I didn't seize on the moment, I wouldn't find them anywhere else again. And the last pair that they had was in my size. If you're a shoe-holic, you know what that means----it was meant to for me, and I had to purchase them, and so I did. I call these shoes my Beyonce shoes, and yes I feel like a star when I walk in them (above picture: Report Signature Celine Sequin Pump). If this story couldn't inspire you to get on the sequin band wagon, I hope the looks below will. Trust me, walk a mile in some sequin pumps, wear them with the right outfit of course, and I promise you, you'll feel at a tad bit glamorous without a strenuous effort.

Items in this set:
Christian Louboutin Sequin Pumps,(blue) 275 EUR
Report Signature black sequin beaded 'Vanderbilt' sandals at Bluefly, $150
Dolce Vita Beam Pump - Gold Sequi n, $143
Dolce Vita Beam Pump - Black Sequi n, $143
Ravel Sequin Platform Court Shoe - Barratts Shoes,(pink) 59 GBP

Some of these are out of stock, but ladies, these days you can find anything on Google.