4.30.2010

The Hills..thinspiration?


Last night when I could not sleep, I resorted to watching some television online. After all my options on hulu were a bust, I remembered seeing countless facebook statuses discussing the newest season of the hills. Took me a few minutes to give into the temptation. The episode was the typical mtv "reality" show that our culture has grown to love. I could not believe I was actually watching it, my biggest distraction(besides the obnoxious drama) was these girl's bodies! I was like wow, do I feel fat now. Even the prettiest girls I know are not to that level. The episode felt like a slap in the face and the most motivating thinspiration I have ever seen. Do they eat?? How much do they work out?? I am so curious now. Share your secrets with America!

I am going to watch it every time I do not feel like running.. this will get me moving.

One Shoulder Dolmen?

I really want to find a one shoulder dress for this summer. I found this Alice + Olivia one and I love the color! When I saw the name of the dress I was very confused because all my SAT prep had taught me dolmen meant a tomb or something. Dark name for a cute dress. The name kept bothering me and I figured I was wrong and eventually I googled the word(dolmen) and realized that the dress was a dolman, not dolmen. HUGE difference(good thing I am done with the SAT's), anyways the history of a dolman is interesting so I decided to share it from Wiki.

"A dolman is also an outer garment worn by ladies, with wide cape like arrangements instead of sleeves. It was a favourite style of mantle worn by fashionable women in the 1870s and 80's.

A dolman sleeve is a sleeve set into a very low armseye; in fact, the armseye may extend to the waistline, in which case there will be no underarm seam in the blouse. Dolman sleeves were very popular in ladies clothing during the Civil War. They had the effect of making the shoulders look sloped therefore minimizing the appearance of the waist."





$298.00

I liked the band around the waist, many of these dresses are straight down and sometimes not flattering for most girls. This little extra gives you shape. The blood orange color is fun and you will stand out. I was thinking you could even add a different color around the waist if you wanted to wear this multiple times and maybe get a different look.



So there you go, the history of the dolman, not be be confused with a dolmen. Appropriate name for this cute dress in the end!

4.29.2010

always love nyt

Why Does This Pair of Pants Cost $550?
By ERIC WILSON

EVEN in a season when designers made no secret about reining in prices to appeal to the newly chastened luxury consumer, it is still possible to walk into a store and wonder what exactly they were thinking when a pair of khaki cotton pants — right there on the hanger, no special packaging or 3G plan or anything — can cost as much as an iPad.

Never mind that classic button-fly chinos at Abercrombie & Fitch cost $70 or that Gap sells “original khakis” for $44.50. The fact that luxury chinos exist — and in surprising numbers — is another story, one that illustrates the challenge faced by designers to justify the still sky-high prices of their clothes. A distinctive design might strengthen the argument, but is $550 really a fair price for basic pants?

How about $480, for plain khakis from Michael Bastian? Or $495 for light cotton twill pants from Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen of The Row? Or $595 if they are by Giorgio Armani? Or $780 for ones with elasticized cuffs from Bottega Veneta? Or is $350, as Thom Browne charges for chinos, the right price? The range suggests that since the luxury bubble burst, designers have no clue what customers are willing to pay.

“The cost of creating those things has nothing to do with the price,” said David A. Aaker, the vice chairman of Prophet, a brand consulting firm. “It is all about who else is wearing them, who designed them and who is selling them.”

Yet, from the designers’ perspective, there is value to be found in pants that are thoughtfully designed with high-quality materials and labor. For new designers, like Scott Sternberg, whose Band of Outsiders label is largely defined by preppy basics that are studiously fitted and expensively priced, it costs more to make his clothes because they are often produced in small batches. His cotton gabardine khakis, sold at Bergdorf Goodman, cost $550.

“It sounds crazy to say this, I know, but our pants are a steal,” Mr. Sternberg said. To make his case, he gave a tour of the factory where they are made, Martin Greenfield in Bushwick, Brooklyn, where little has changed in the production of tailored clothing in a century.

A man was hovering over an 80-year-old contraption called a jump iron, hot enough to mold fabrics into shapes they will be unlikely to forget. Another man basted panels of suit fabric to springy canvas, which makes the garment more flexible. In a machine-made jacket, the canvas would be fused or glued into a suit.

Mr. Sternberg’s khakis are tailored like dress pants, and the details are largely sewn by hand, including buttonholes and split waistbands, which can be altered easily. The fabric, which costs $24 a yard, plus $3 a yard to import, is a cotton gabardine fine enough to withstand basting stitches. About two yards, counting for boo-boos and such, is used to make a pair of pants, so the fabric cost is $54.

At Martin Greenfield, a union shop where employees earn about $13 an hour, before benefits, it takes an average of four hours of labor to make a pair of pants. The pants pass through the hands of at least 20 people in the process of cutting fabric, adding pockets and building out a fly. So with labor and fabric, the cost to make Mr. Sternberg’s pants was about $110 — a fifth of what they cost in a store.

The final price reflects the markups of the designer and the retailer, what they charge to cover expenses, pay their employees and, with luck, make a profit on what sells to cover the losses on what does not. Mr. Sternberg doubles the cost to arrive at a wholesale price of $220. The retailer adds another markup, typically a factor of 2.5, which brings us to $550.

Is it too much?

Not if that’s what people are willing to pay, Mr. Aaker said. Jeffrey New York had some nice Gucci chinos with a tiny tab of red-and-green striped ribbon at the waistband for about $500. They sold out.

A machine might make pants more cheaply, Mr. Sternberg said, but for a designer who wants to be known for quality, what would be the value in that?

4.28.2010

If at first you don't succeed, try, try again!

Applying for an internship can be frustrating.  Especially when potential employers don't respond to queries ASAP.  How unprofessional!  As a future filer and phone answerer, I deserve their utmost attention and cannot be delayed in my quest for a career-determining internship!  Don't companies realize I'm a precious commodity..geez, I probably shouldn't even waste my time applying!

Hilarious example of how not to get an internship.

4.27.2010

Please hold, while your paper is graded.

At some colleges, professors who teach large classes are outsourcing paper grading to Asia.  I mean, who wants to read An Analysis of the Congressional Committee System or The Ethics of Business Law 500 times?!

See the article here.

4.26.2010

Dream Dorm Room Remodel

The average dorm room is about 250 square feet...what this Chinese architect did with his 330 square foot apartment is incredible! I would love to see what he would do for 2 people in a smaller living space.

Nixon Time Teller







I love watches and I think these Nixon watches are a great deal for an everyday fun watch in funky colors. Perfect for class! There are so many choices. I saw someone wearing one and it was a nice size and they do not look cheap on... the best part is they are only $60!

4.25.2010

Let's Open a Store on Capitol Hill

Check out Capitol Hill Barbie and Capitol Hill Style.

These women obviously have disposable money to spend on clothes and a desire to dress well.  They want to invest in quality, stylish work clothes.  Capitol Hill needs a store that staffers, lobbyists, and interns (the ones that are there on daddy's dime:) can stop into before their lunch at Tortilla Coast or the Rayburn cafeteria to check out some work-appropriate yet chic clothing.  We could sell suits, separates, and accessories that would elicit the second glance from the Chanel-toting Congresswoman Matsui...but still appropriate for the marble-floored Congressional offices.

4.20.2010

So move on up...

Target has GO International that showcases established designers at a cheaper and more masses-friendly level.  Wal-Mart features Miley and Max Azaria in its clothing section. K-Mart has Disney Channel what's-her-face designing for its junior clothing.  Kohl's has partnered with Vera Wang for all sorts of merchandise.  All these lower-rung stores are trying to transcend, or at least add to, their reputation for typical designs and non-fashion forwardness in their clothing departments.


It is odd to see J. Crew take a similar strategy.  The fairly new J. Crew Collection is the company's version of "couture."  There is even a new J. Crew store featuring these higher quality goods on Fifth Ave.  I can see certain consumers at stores like Target and Wal-Mart buying slightly more expensive clothes from a known name, but how about J. Crew customers...will they make they jump from $50 to $500?  On both levels, this strategy is an attempt to pull in new customers.  Will J. Crew be able to attract customers when they're competing with established and respected fashion houses that sell real couture?  I like some of the looks from the J. Crew collection, but could never see myself splurging on something with a J. Crew label.

      

4.18.2010

Hmmmm, why are we here?

More and more college grads are faced with unemployment due to the economy and declining worth of an undergrad degree.  So what are our other options?


Check out The Guardian's article "High-achieving students sailing through life without a degree."

Get me outta here!

College Lottery System

Read "Switch College Admissions to a Single Lottery."

After going through college admissions madness last year, the idea of using a single lottery system for college admissions really resonates with me.  The idea is that students rank their college preferences and colleges and do the same with students (or at least cut-off GPAs and SAT scores).  An outside organization then matches students with a college of their choice.  This system is used by medical schools and is similar to sorority/frat preffing.  I do have some qualms about such a system: certain schools do use different criteria when reading applications.  Also, I think that although a lottery system makes the most sense for the most competitive schools, which admit under 10% of all usually qualified applicants; these schools would typically eschew such a system because it would decrease the aura of uber selectivity and un-attainability (and maybe even anxiety!).

4.17.2010

white denim

I have been searching for the perfect pair of white jeans forever; every pair I try on is a failure. One thing I have noticed with any white pants/denim - what you may be able can pull off in a darker wash(that may be a little on the tight side; you CANNOT pull off in the white. It shows EVERYTHING!) So in that case, I have yet to find a pair I can call my own.

So today I tried on these Tory Burch pair. The buttons were amazing(still trying to find a picture) and I liked the crop look and the back pocket detail was great. I was soo excited to buy them, I had my heart set on them from the second I saw them....that is until the dressing room. AHHHHH the cut was soo wrong..my butt looked flat, my crotch was too big, it was tight around the thighs, waist was too big. Nothing worked, I thought it was just me, but the sale girl said the same thing has happened to everyone. Ohh well, my search continues....



4.14.2010

Want: Derek Lam Bucket Bag

This is my ultimate school bag.  It's simple but has the flyest details: asymmetrical pocket, tassel, gold hardware, and chain.  At 10" x 17" x 10," you could fit a laptop and a few notebooks in here.  Works for me!  The smaller version is also lovely, but I love the elongation of the nude-colored bag.  Although cheaper than my dream Bottega, this is still significantly more than my Jansport.
        

Tweed Time

Tweed is a rough, coarse, itchy, unfinished woolen fabric, of a soft, open, flexible texture resembling cheviot or homespun, but more closely woven. Tweed is HOT right now and I love it!! Time for Tweed!



Chanel tweed skirt


J. Crew has this cute jacket


I want this Tory Burch tweed suit! Love the red!

4.13.2010

These babies will fly onto your feet.

I want to be the girl who walks around campus this summer with beautiful feathered sandals.  My latest orgo test grade, indecisiveness about a major wouldn't matter Everything in my life would fall into place, if these Diane von Furstenberg sandals were on my feet.  Everything except the $200 missing from my bank account (that's $200 less than the fug Marc sandals!!), but of course with these sandals on my feet...intricately carved Agarwood doors would open for me and I would soon be rich: feathered sandals times a million!
                    

4.12.2010

Sandals Blergh! Pt. Ankle Cuffs

I don't understand why sandals would have ankle cuffs.  Keep your ankles warm during breezy summer nights?  Are these the wristbands for your ankles(maybe you have sweaty ankles)?

There are so many things that I don't like about these Marc sandals: the thin, horizontal vamp seems impractical, the buckles look like they came from a very average Coach bag, and of course the ankle cuff.  Between the thin vamp and chunky ankle cuff, the shoe looks extremely unbalanced.  These babies are yours for just 400!

I can tolerate the Tory Burch Stud T-strap flats.  Although the shape of the sandal still seems a bit silly, the zipper in the back is fitting for an ankle cuff.  As a whole, the design of this shoe flows.  And they're 100 cheaper than the Marc pair!

Vogue's Verdict: Camel


Totally agree! Time to go shopping for some camel.

Keyhole Sandals, Blergh!

These sandals, which have been termed keyhole sandals, are ubiquitous.  Most cheap brands sold them last year and so they are on the feets of everyone this season!  Here we have a pair by Steve Madden the King of the Cheaply Made Shoes:

They don't look horrible in the picture, but when worn these look clunky and the lines are oddly inorganic.  The patent ones are especially horrid because the shiny accentuates everything wrong about this sandal.   I much prefer a t-strap sandal.

4.08.2010

I spy... Jack Rogers Navajos!



Jack Rogers sandals are the classic preppy sandal, made popular by Jackie Kennedy. They are a classic sandal that everyone should have as a staple. The usually cost around $100 and up; yesterday while I was walking around Target I discovered the Target Jack Rogers. I was impressed, they were legit looking.

Can you spot the poser?






Top: Jack Rogers
Bottom: Target - Merona

Merona did an impressive job. I did not have time to try them on, I want to see how they feel and do another comparison. I plan on going back and possibly buying a pair to wear to class and around campus.

In the mean time, I really want to order these Jack Rogers...

love the cork!

4.07.2010

Kooky Chanel Shades!

Check out these Chanel aviators with wheat eyebrow detail.  They also did a similar detail on wayfarer, but I think the gold is more fitting, and the wayfarers look ridic.

Yellow Velour for Summer...

  grungy
   tank
  tucked
    into
gross yellow
velour mini
     b   l
     l    e
     a   g
     c   g
     k   ings

And flip flops. Oh hey, you of horrible skirt possession, it's summer outside!

Tory’s Tunics

One thing I am going to get before summer is one of her tunics. She has too many, lots of different colors, beading, shapes and lengths. I have been looking around for one and have decided after looking that hers are worth the price. Everywhere you go they are $200 and up. For me, why not pay the price for hers and not some rando brand? Next question, how do you wear a tunic, especially a beautiful one like hers? Leggings in the spring, commando in the summer, only to the beach or pool, white jeans?





I just had to include the picture of this little girl, she looks so adorable!

4.06.2010

Bottega Veneta, Pt. Ombre

I don't always love how Bottega updates their bags each season.  I'm not a fan of the current fringed look, but I'm digging the ombre leather weave.  Ombre was huge a few seasons ago and I think it is a great complement to the woven leather.



The Yolk Interccio Nuance Bag costs $1980.  

Bottega Veneta: Timeless Love

The woven leather handbags by Bottega Veneta are timeless, classy, and chic.  If I could only buy one handbag for the next 10 years, it would probably be a Bottega.  Woven leather is visually interesting and is a great pattern for leather, but one that won't go out of style.  They even do the woven bags in exotics....woven ostrich, anyone?


This is my ultimate school tote:
This orchid Large Nappa tote is 5800, about how much I spend on my Jansport :)

4.02.2010

Speaking of Tory Burch and Nautical Details...

Anchors and anything nautical-themed, I love you!  The secretary tie-front top is a timeless blouse and is very classy.   It can be dressed up - white linen suit - or dressed down - white jeans and flats.  Wearing timeless pieces can make you look fresh - instead of young - while looking chicly put-together.


4.01.2010

Spotted at Cornell: Males and umbrellas




Last night in my anthropology class discussion we were talking about gender roles in the sense of what men expect of women and women of men. Basically things we expect of the other gender. Everyone went around the table and said things like holding the door open, cooking, cleaning, fixing things, etc. You get the point. We were trying to define a "real" man. Well my turn came and my response was "it crosses gender lines when males use umbrellas. It has been raining a lot in Cornell and so there has been a plethora of boys carrying umbrellas while I trek past them in my raincoat and boots. This has been bothering me for awhile now, in my stubborn mind, why do guys need umbrellas? Girls need/use umbrellas. Of course, I was laughed at and ridiculed by giving this answer. There were also umbrella carrying boys in my discussion. I did not care because in the preceding comments I had convinced the class that it is unusual, dainty, childish and feminine to carry an umbrella. I won. I want to see guys hardcore into their boots and rain jackets...not umbrellas.

Daddy, all I want is a blue diamond...



Celebrities have made yellow, pink and various other color diamonds very popular in the past few years. Recently, I came across blue diamonds for the first time; I never knew they even existed. They are beautiful, and for the time being unique. The jewelers we talked to said they are the next big trend in diamonds. It is neat that they vary in the tones of blue so much, it makes shopping for them fun too. Some look like aqua, others more navy and some more teal. The quest to find a good quality diamond and it be the right color blue. Blue diamonds are very pretty, but they are still not dancing diamonds...