STYLE, SHE WROTE.

Fab Finds: New York & Company's $10 Pants!

2012-02-10T14:00:00.000-08:00

Chic dress pants are always a must for work or play, and now you can get a great pair from New York and Company for only $10! Pick up a copy of Glamour magazine's newly re-designed March 2012 issue (with the gorgeous Amanda Seyfried on the cover) and look for a coupon inside to get NY&Co.'s new Seventh Avenue City Pant for just $10! (Normally $54.95.) I picked up a pair of the super comfortable bootcut pants in so-hot-for-spring bright red today -- a color choice inspired by my good friend Eliza's recent red pants purchase -- and am very excited to wear them when the weather gets warmer.

S.S.W. Asks: Will you wear NY&Co.'s Seventh Avenue City Pants?

Jackie

"Romantic Lingerie for Valentine's Day (and Beyond)"

2012-02-09T20:53:00.000-08:00

Whether for Valentine's Day or your wedding night, my latest Bridal Guide magazine "Real Brides Speak Out" post will help you create the perfect late-night wardrobe for your sweetie. Click here to see more!

Lynnie

F4T: Designers Lose Themselves in Fashion

2012-02-08T16:29:00.000-08:00

Continuing our "Urban Camouflage" post from a few days ago, Chinese artist Liu Bolin -- who he specializes in blending himself into the background of different settings and situations -- blended fashion designers Jean Paul Gaultier, Alber Elbaz (above), and Angela Missoni into their designs for Harper's Bazaar's March 2012 issue. (Jean Paul Gaultier is an especially appropriate subject for Bolin, given the designer's recent brick-covered suit collection.) Learn more about the spread here and let us know what you think of Bolin's work!

Jackie

Celebrate Valentine's Day with JewelMint

2012-02-07T17:45:00.000-08:00

What better way to show someone you care this Valentine's Day than with this fabulous Hudson Heritage bracelet from JewelMint. This opulent yet playful gold-plated link bracelet with orange-red enamel half-circles exudes 1970s glamour, and is only $29.99. And don't forget -- use this exclusive code for S.S.W. readers -- NY1001 -- at checkout, and get half off your first item, courtesy of the Mint Brand Ambassador New York team. Offer expires 03/31/12.

Jackie

F4T: "Fashion and Appearance in Quebec Art" at the Musée National des Beaux-arts du Québec

2012-02-06T16:06:00.000-08:00

Marie Saint Pierre, Redingote de soirée, 2011.

If you're a Québécois, you're in luck! From February 9 to May 6, 2012, the Musée National des Beaux-arts du Québec will show "Fashion and Appearance in Quebec Art, 1880 - 1945," which explores the correlation between Quebec's men's and women's clothing styles and contemporary international fashion trends. On view are more than 100 works by Quebec artists from these years, as well as department store advertisements, catalogues, and photographs. To complement the exhibition, Quebec's leading fashion designers today -- Christian Chenail, Marie Dooley, Philippe Dubuc and Marie Saint Pierre, among others -- will display garments inspired by the works on view, illustrating "the great effervescence of this artistic milieu."

Jackie

Tried & Tested: Body Central's Jeweled Teardrop Chandelier Earrings

2012-02-05T17:33:00.001-08:00

Vogue's January 2012 issue included an amazing editorial called "Swing Time," which showcased big, bold chandelier earrings on today's top models. I, for one, was happy to read that chandelier earrings are back; I always found them fun to wear and very flattering. I was even more excited for the style's rebirth when I saw these Jeweled Teardrop Chandelier Earrings among the many fabulous items in our Body Central swag bag three weeks ago.

I finally had the opportunity to wear them this weekend for a night out with my girlfriends. (Hi, ladies!) I paired them with black tights, black booties, and my favorite faux-leather sheath. Like other Body Central earrings, these are very lightweight and easy to wear. My only gripe? During our night of revelry, I lost the back of my right earring. (Grrr...) Fortunately, the earring stayed in place for the duration of the evening, so I didn't notice the back was missing until I arrived home.

My pair is pewter-colored with black accents, but they are also available in solid black. Both colors are $6.00 (or less than the price of a cocktail). Another must-have item from Body Central!

S.S.W. Asks: Will you wear chandelier earrings this spring?

Jackie

P.S. To read more of our Body Central product reviews, click here and here.

Adventures: Jason Wu for Target

2012-02-05T11:26:00.000-08:00

It's finally here!! ("It" being the Jason Wu for Target collection, of course.) Kevin and I set out early this morning to check out the collection in our local Target stores. Thanks Kev for being a good sport!

Our first stop was the Target in South Philadelphia, where much of the apparel was still in stock. Unfortunately for me, most of it was not available in my size. That said, if you are 10-14 or L and XL and in the area, head there now!

I did manage to pick up this Sleeveless Top with Sheer Panel in Navy Floral, but couldn't find the matching skirt in my size.

Determined to find the skirt, we then headed to the Target store by the Cherry Hill Mall in New Jersey. Unfortunately, the racks were mostly empty, and what was left was again not in my size.

Rather than lament my skirt-less situation, we headed home to savor our limited success... and these wild blueberry scones!

S.S.W. Asks: Did you shop the Jason Wu for Target collection? Share your story with us!

Jackie

Look for Less: Prada's Pleated Silk Skirt

2012-02-04T10:50:00.001-08:00

I loved Prada's lady-like pleated skirts from their Spring 2012 Ready-to-Wear collection (left), but plan on getting the look for a fraction of Prada's price with Banana Republic's Silk Crystal Pleated Skirt (right). Originally priced at $98.00, the skirt is now 25% off with code BRSUPER through 2/5.

S.S.W. Asks: Which skirt would you choose?

Jackie

"Tasks You Can (and Can't!) Delegate to Bridesmaids"

2012-02-03T13:25:00.000-08:00

Photo Credit: JoPhoto

It's great to have a supportive bridal party during the days, weeks, and months leading up to your big day, but you may not know when you can ask them for help or when you should tackle a task solo (or with your groom). Get my advice in my latest Bridal Guide magazine "Real Brides Speak Out" post!

Lynnie

Chic on the Cheap: Doo.Ri and Alberta Ferretti for Macy's PLUS More Marni for H and M

2012-02-02T14:37:00.000-08:00

Mark your calendars, ladies! There are many more noteworthy designer collaborations on the horizon this spring.

On February 15th, Doo.Ri Chung's limited edition line arrives at Macy's. A favorite of Michelle Obama, the Doo.Ri for Macy's Impulse collection incorporates the designer's signature jewel tones, soft prints, and jersey draping. Said Chung, "I want to dress a modern woman, and if I can give them a different price point, then that's great." Check out the fabulous red dress above -- couldn't you see this on Michelle O.? -- and the rest of the collection before it hits stores here.

Next up at Macy's -- Alberta Ferretti. The Alberta Ferretti for Impulse collection will hit select Macy's stores on April 17. The collection is inspired by the beauty of the Amalfi Coast. Ferretti is known for her romantic designs made from layers of twisted, tucked, and draped silk chiffons and jerseys. We're curious to see how these luxurious looks translate at a lower price-point. (As you may recall, we thought the quality of the past few Macy's Impulse lines was poor.) Prices will range from $49.00 to $119.00, and will include some of the designs sketched below.

And last -- but certainly not least -- more images of the Marni for H&M collection (launching March 8th) have been published by Russian Vogue. Click here to see the full spread.

Jackie

Jackie's Picks: JewelMint's Best for February

2012-02-01T20:46:00.000-08:00

1. Bambina Cameo Ring 2. Carnaby Bangle 3. Mod Glam Earrings 4. Starburst Ring 5. Victorian Charmer Necklace

Have you joined JewelMint yet? Join today to access my favorite pieces for February (just in time for Valentine's Day). Each piece is $29.99 with free shipping. And don't forget -- use this exclusive code for S.S.W. readers -- NY1001 -- at checkout, and get half off your first item, courtesy of the Mint Brand Ambassador New York team. Offer expires 03/31/12.

Happy shopping!

Jackie

Hot or Not? Gaultier's Winehouse-Inspired Haute Couture Collection

2012-01-31T17:03:00.000-08:00

Last week, Jean Paul Gaultier debuted his spring/summer 2012 haute couture collection inspired by the style of the late Amy Winehouse, who died six months ago. Although loved by critics -- Vogue UK called it "a wonderful and loving tribute," while Style.com hailed it "a celebratory send-off for Winehouse" -- Winehouse's family was upset by the collection. Not only did they think it was in poor taste, but they were upset that it portrayed Amy during a point in her life when she "was not at her best." Moreover, the family was grieved "to see her image lifted wholesale to sell clothes."

Although haute couture collections are not as saleable as ready-to-wear lines -- they are extremely costly to produce, and are primarily intended to showcase a designer's creative genius and technical skill -- we do see the Winehouse family's point. But then again, Amy Winehouse was a stylesetter in life, and has continued to be in death; let's not forget her posthumous Fred Perry collection, whose proceeds benefitted the Amy Winehouse Foundation.

S.S.W. Asks: That said, what do you think of Gaultier's latest line?

Jackie

David Beckham Bodywear

2012-01-30T17:24:00.000-08:00

Time to get this week off to a steamy start! Here's a peek at David Beckham's sexy Superbowl commercial promoting his H&M Bodywear line from The Cut. Enjoy!

Jackie

"The Look" by JewelMint

2012-01-29T15:32:00.000-08:00

In honor of our ongoing JewelMint collaboration -- where you can get 50% off your first purchase with code NY1001 -- we're sharing this video from the company's new video series. Called "The Look," it stars actress and JewelMint co-founder Kate Bosworth and showcases some of JewelMint's best pieces. Learn more about the making of the video here.

Jackie

Tried & Tested: Body Central's Boyfriend Blazer & Gold Leaf Dangling Earrings

2012-01-26T16:59:00.000-08:00

I continued to rifle through our Body Central swag bag this week, and busted out their Boyfriend Blazer and Gold Leaf Dangling Earrings for work.

Body Central styled this blazer casually in their spring catalog -- pairing it with jeans and rolling the sleeves up to reveal contrasting striped lining -- but I chose to wear mine with a silk shell, velvet pants, and black pumps.

The well-cut blazer features a notch lapel, single-button front closure, and puffed shoulders (for a bit of femininity).

Later in the week, I paired the leaf earrings with my favorite orange shirtdress. The earrings are really lightweight, and didn't make my ears tender like large-ish earrings normally do. They also occasionally clinked together and chimed, creating soothing noises throughout the day.

The verdict? Both items are worthy style steals, with the blazer priced at $26.90 and the earrings costing just $6.00!

S.S.W. Asks: Have you shopped Body Central's spring collection?

Jackie

BELLA Makes a Move!

2012-01-26T16:12:00.000-08:00

As many of you know, Lynnie and I are Fashion Editors for BELLA, a New York-based beauty and wellness magazine, for whom we also author "The Style Report". As the magazine gears up for what will surely be an exciting second year, it has moved to a new website (http://www.bellanyc.com) and Facebook page. The magazine is also releasing a BELLA app that will allow you to read issues on your Apple iPad, Amazon Kindle Fire, and Android Devices. Update accordingly so you don't miss an issue!

Jackie

"Five Unique Wedding Rings"

2012-01-26T13:25:00.000-08:00

Tired of the same old, same old when it comes to wedding bands? Check out my most recent post for Bridal Guide magazine. You’ll find five unique wedding rings that will have you saying “I do!” Step out of your comfort zone and slip on a stunning band!

Lynnie

Gemstones… are a Girl’s Best Friend!

2012-01-25T18:03:00.000-08:00

To say, "I adore gemstones," would be an understatement. During college, I would kill several hours in between classes watching GemsTV, a live show (that ended in 2010) which featured stunning genuine gemstone jewelry (T.M.I.?). Thankfully, Anjolee, a high-end jewelry manufacturer dedicated to providing top level customer service, has filled this void.

I arrived home from work today to find an adorable red box waiting on my doorstep! Inside was the beautiful Perfect Gemstone Link Bracelet, featuring 2mm citrine gemstones (my birthstone!) in 10-karat yellow gold.

I immediately fastened the tennis bracelet on my wrist. So delicate and elegant, I loved how it complemented my white and yellow gold watch. This tennis bracelet has now become one of my wardrobe staples!

If you are searching for genuine gemstone tennis bracelets to call your very own, check out Anjolee’s website. All of their jewelry can be custom made according to favorite metal type, diamond quality, carat size, and bracelet length.

Jackie and I are also huge fans of their diamond tennis bracelets (I mean what girl doesn’t love diamonds…). Founded in 1977, Anjolee has the largest online collection of tennis bracelets in the U.S. They also offer 30 day returns, free shipping, free gift with purchase, free gift packaging, and they include a certificate of authenticity with every diamond purchase. Whether you are searching for a simple diamond tennis bracelet, a flashy, red carpet-worthy bracelet, or something else that sparkles (diamond necklace, anyone?), let Anjolee add some bling to your life.

Here are my top picks:

Stylish Circles Diamond Bracelet, starting at $4,018.61

Timeless Dreams Diamond Tennis Bracelet, starting at $1,486.17

Antique Oval Diamond Necklace, starting at $3,421.82

Lynnie

Chic on the Cheap: More Jason Wu and Dita Von Teese for Target

2012-01-24T18:59:00.000-08:00

More exciting Jason Wu for Target news! A commercial for the line was released this week, and it features some of the collection's best pieces as well as a super cute and very mischevious cartoon kitty. Check it out here:

And in other Target news, burlesque star Dita Von Teese has designed Von Follies, a limited-edition lingerie consisting of balconette bras, garters, and bustiers in silky satins. The collection hits Target stores in the U.S. and Australia on February 26th -- shortly after the Wu debut -- and is inspired by Von Teese's own lingerie collection. "I wanted to design pieces that are tributes to my vintage obsessions, to make them beautiful and functional, while modernizing them for everyday wear," said the starlet. Preview some looks from the collection on Von Teese below.

Jackie

P.S. Don't forget to check out our exclusive JewelMint offer and get 50% off your first order with code NY1001, courtesy of the Mint Brand Ambassador New York team. Offer expires 03/31/12.

Tried & Tested: JewelMint's Midnight Soiree Ring

2012-01-23T15:44:00.000-08:00

Now through March 31, 2012, enjoy 50% JewelMint jewelry with Style, She Wrote's exclusive discount code NY1001, courtesy of the Mint Brand Ambassador New York team.

I used our code last week to buy JewelMint's Midnight Soiree ring for just $14.99! (All JewelMint pieces are normally $29.99 each.)

The ring arrived this past Saturday in a super cute box with a description of the design inside.

I wore my new bling to dinner at Isabel BYOB with The Rescue Baker that night, and despite my new bauble's big-ish size, it didn't cramp my dining style. (Read: It stayed put while I scarfed down chips and guacamole. Yum!) I also thought the green gem paired well with my red-orange polish.

S.S.W. Asks: Have you shopped JewelMint yet?

Jackie

Fab Finds: Lela Rose for Payless Colorblock Booties

2012-01-22T12:00:00.000-08:00

Looking for a bootie that will match every outfit in your cold-weather closet? Lela Rose's colorblock booties for Payless are it! The multi-tone platform shoes are made from grey, tan, and black pebble faux leather with a 4-inch heel and lightly padded insole. On sale now for $38.99, they not only cost a fraction of the price of other colorblock booties, but they are a great buy in terms of cost-per-wear (the cost of item ÷ times you will wear it).

Jackie

Hot or Not? Urban Camouflage

2012-01-21T08:39:00.000-08:00

Yesterday The Cut reviewed these brick-patterned suits from Jean Paul Gaultier and Moschino's Fall 2012 menswear collections, writing, "masonry: not yet a trend, but definitely a thing." In fact, brick-patterned clothing has been "a thing" since the early twentieth century, perhaps because the pattern underscores the primary function of clothing -- namely, as shelter for the body.

In the late 1980s and 1990s, high-end fashion designers like Todd Oldham and Patrick Kelly used brick prints in their women's collections. In 1986, costume designer Adelle Lutz created "Urban Camouflage Clothing" (above) for the David Byrne comedy True Stories. As the late great costume curator Richard Martin wrote in his seminal work, Fashion and Surrealism, Lutz's designs sough to resolve the separation between clothing and the external world by making their wearer part of their environment.

In 1929, the Italian painter Giorgio de Chirico adapted this architectural element for costume and decor designs for the Ballets Russes' production Le Bal, covering the legs of female dancers with brick-printed hosiery, while Marcel Rochas used the design for this woman's trompe l'oeil jacket in the 1930s (above).

Brick clothing (and people) also appear in Surrealist artworks from the mid-twentieth century, perhaps most notably Man Ray's Imaginary Portrait of D. A. F. de Sade, II (above, 1940). Today, the Chinese artist Liu Bolin (below) camouflages his clothes and himself into his surroundings to protest artistic censorship by the Chinese government, who shut down his studio in 2005. (Because you can't suppress what you can't see, right?)

Now that we've had our history lesson, we want to know:

S.S.W. Asks: What are your thoughts on Gaultier's and Moschino's latest menswear designs? Would you wear brick-printed suits? Comment below or on Facebook or Twitter.

Jackie

F4T: "Youthquake!" at the Museum at FIT

2012-01-19T16:55:00.000-08:00

Giorgio di Sant’Angelo, ensemble, 1968

For one month only (March 6 – April 7) see, Youthquake! The 1960s Fashion Revolution at the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology. This exhibition examines the impact of youth culture on 1960s fashion through over thirty garments, accessories, videos, and other media from these years. During this decade, contemporary youth and street styles created by subcultures such as the Mods and the Hippies rose to prominence over designer fashions. The show explores this shift, beginning with the decade’s emerging designers and their pioneering boutiques, before examining how their youthful designs were interpreted for the mass market and high-fashion ready-to-wear, such as this luxe hippie look by Giorgio di Sant’Angelo. Not only will this show broaden your understanding of 1960s fashion, but your attendance will support emerging museum professionals, as the show is and curated by graduate students of FIT’s Fashion and Textiles: History, Theory, Museum Practice program.

Jackie

P.S. Don't forget to check out our exclusive JewelMint offer and get 50% off your first order now through 3/31/12.

Tried & Tested: Body Central's Floppy Wool Hat

2012-01-18T16:25:00.000-08:00

Happy Wednesday, S.S.W. fans! As you can tell by this early morning picture, I'm happy we're half-way through the work week. Not only does Wedneday bring us all one day closer to the weekend (wahoo!), but I got to wear my new Body Central Floppy Wool Hat from last week's swag bag for the first time on this particular Wednesday. Here's a clearer shot:

I paired my new chapeau with an H&M turtleneck, and a vintage skirt, belt, and cowboy boots. I've never really considered myself a hat person before, but I have to say this floppy hat was fun to wear and super warm -- definitely a plus in the cold Northeast. I was worried about my hat flying in the wind, but (thankfully) it stayed firmly planted on my head on my short walk to and from work.

Get your own on Body Central's website for just under $20.00 ($19.90), and keep an eye out for more Body Central product reviews in the coming weeks!

Jackie

"Aloha, Honeymoon: Real Bride's Guide to Hawaii"

2012-01-17T09:56:00.001-08:00

Photo Credit: Ko'a Kea Hotel & Resort, Hawaii

When Michael and I prepared our budget for our upcoming honeymoon in Hawaii, we tried to anticipate all possible costs, and not just account for the resort and airfare. Learn what costs you should anticipate, access our honeymoon budget guide, and get details about our trip in my latest "Real Brides" blog post for Bridal Guide magazine!

Lynnie