Monday, March 3, 2008
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Saturday, March 1, 2008
What's old is new.
Every vintage lover knows that while there's nothing like a one-of-a-kind piece to kick-start the compliments and put a little spring in your step, scouring the racks for something that's stylish, inexpensive and a wearable size can be almost more trouble than it's worth. Fortunately, the Internet has taken a load off the shoulders of vintage shoppers everywhere - but even still, not all of us have the time to continuously refresh our screens until the bidding time is up on that perfect 1950s prom gown.
Red Dress Shoppe is an "indie web boutique" committed to bringing the stylings of the first half of the twentieth century to the modern woman in more reliable sizes and availabilities. Reproducing retro styles at relatively affordable prices, it's the perfect place to find a quirky blouse to wear to lecture...or a dress for that upcoming swing dance performance. Here are a few of my favorite pieces currently gracing its pages:
Ambrosia blouse, $29.
Cinnamon and spice skirt, $79.
Couture dress, $119.
Metroline stewardess dress, $76.
Stardust blouse, $38.
Velveteen candy skirt, $38.
Lovebirds cardigan, $32 (shown from back).
But that's just me - go check out everything else they've got in stock right now! Definitely one for the bookmarks, yes?
Love, Emma
Red Dress Shoppe is an "indie web boutique" committed to bringing the stylings of the first half of the twentieth century to the modern woman in more reliable sizes and availabilities. Reproducing retro styles at relatively affordable prices, it's the perfect place to find a quirky blouse to wear to lecture...or a dress for that upcoming swing dance performance. Here are a few of my favorite pieces currently gracing its pages:
Ambrosia blouse, $29.
Cinnamon and spice skirt, $79.
Couture dress, $119.
Metroline stewardess dress, $76.
Stardust blouse, $38.
Velveteen candy skirt, $38.
Lovebirds cardigan, $32 (shown from back).
But that's just me - go check out everything else they've got in stock right now! Definitely one for the bookmarks, yes?
Love, Emma
Thursday, February 28, 2008
And the winner is...
Sports fans drain kegs for the Super Bowl. Music lovers rock out with the Grammys. But for those bewitched by fashion and cinema alike, the only answer to a year of silver-screen opuses and lackluster celebrity spottings is Oscar Night. The apex of opportunity for Hollywood's hip and happening to strut their designer-clad stuff in front of an audience of millions, choosing a red carpet outfit is hardly a matter to be taken lightly - and while anything too out-of-the-box can be scoffed at for years to come, stars are often criticized for erring too far to the safe side of the spectrum as well.
This year's Academy Awards saw the incorporation of one-shoulder asymmetrics, sweeping trains, and many a jewel tone, but several icons bucked the obvious choices and still managed to come out on top. Here are my top picks for 2008's Academy Award appearances:
Marion Cotillard was a winner both on and off the red carpet that night -she took a risk with this mermaid-inspired gown by Jean Paul Gaultier and it paid off. The sweeping halter fit her like a glove, while the pale color stood out in a sea of red:
Katherine Heigl appears a bit over-rouged, but the Escada dress suits her figure terrifically and perpetuates her favored air of old Hollywood glamour. Helen Mirren is always gorgeous and age-appropriate at awards shows and looks fantastic in this custom design by Georges Chakra. As a huge Marchesa fan, I may be a bit biased - but all things considered, Anne Hathaway came out the favorite of the night for me. Not only was the color gorgeously striking against her pale skin and dark hair, but the dress was romantic and somehow managed to incorporate all of the season's red-carpet carpet trends without looking fashion victim-ey. I would have liked to see a few soft tendrils pulled out of her ponytail though - maybe something more like what Jennifer Garner had going on:
She and Penelope Cruz went the more traditional route in Oscar de la Renta and Chanel. Both women looked radiant in feminine, dark-hued confections that will undoubtedly stand the test of time and criticism.
Amy Adams was my other favorite. As a fellow redhead, I understand the challenge in hunting down a color that flatters, and this forest green Proenza Schouler fit the bill (and her body) amazingly.
The night was not free of disappointments, however:
Cameron Diaz may be a style icon, but this was not a good look for her. The dress is ruffled in all the wrong places, her cleavage is poised on the verge of a coup d'etat, the pale pink washes her out, and the ruching at her hips just makes it look as though she's been crammed into her limo seat too long. I know casual cool is kind of her thing, but the wrinkled dress coupled with the disheveled hair and lack of accesories is just too much. Get it together, Cam.
Not many people know this, but Tilda Swinton is secretly David Bowie.
I know J. Hud can rock a formal gown. This one isn't terrible. But the fabric looks cheap, especially paired with the reptile skin, and I fear for her boobs almost as much as Cameron Diaz's.
Viggo Mortensen, I know you are attractive. Stop hiding under that beard and Stalin's tuxedo jacket.
And the jury is still out on these two:
When I first saw this, I thought "Oh! Hilary Swank looks so lovely and feminine!" But the more I examine it, the less sure I become. The cut is fantastic, but the sheer thatching is almost too loosely knit to effectively disguise the nude-colored slip that I know is underneath it. And the close-up on those plastic flowers is not a pretty picture.
I have a major girl-crush on Cate Blanchett, and I think the color and floral embroidery on this dress are wonderful. The only place I have problems with it is at the neckline - the thick necklace looks like part of the gown, giving its actual straps the illusion that Cate accidentally left her bikini top on underneath her Oscar gown. Not cute.
I won't lie - I live for this stuff. I'd give an arm and a leg to be able to walk the red carpet myself someday. Until then, I leave you with a shot of the red carpet's classiest young veteran:
Saoirse Ronan in Alberta Ferretti. Brilliance.
Love, Emma
This year's Academy Awards saw the incorporation of one-shoulder asymmetrics, sweeping trains, and many a jewel tone, but several icons bucked the obvious choices and still managed to come out on top. Here are my top picks for 2008's Academy Award appearances:
Marion Cotillard was a winner both on and off the red carpet that night -she took a risk with this mermaid-inspired gown by Jean Paul Gaultier and it paid off. The sweeping halter fit her like a glove, while the pale color stood out in a sea of red:
Katherine Heigl appears a bit over-rouged, but the Escada dress suits her figure terrifically and perpetuates her favored air of old Hollywood glamour. Helen Mirren is always gorgeous and age-appropriate at awards shows and looks fantastic in this custom design by Georges Chakra. As a huge Marchesa fan, I may be a bit biased - but all things considered, Anne Hathaway came out the favorite of the night for me. Not only was the color gorgeously striking against her pale skin and dark hair, but the dress was romantic and somehow managed to incorporate all of the season's red-carpet carpet trends without looking fashion victim-ey. I would have liked to see a few soft tendrils pulled out of her ponytail though - maybe something more like what Jennifer Garner had going on:
She and Penelope Cruz went the more traditional route in Oscar de la Renta and Chanel. Both women looked radiant in feminine, dark-hued confections that will undoubtedly stand the test of time and criticism.
Amy Adams was my other favorite. As a fellow redhead, I understand the challenge in hunting down a color that flatters, and this forest green Proenza Schouler fit the bill (and her body) amazingly.
The night was not free of disappointments, however:
Cameron Diaz may be a style icon, but this was not a good look for her. The dress is ruffled in all the wrong places, her cleavage is poised on the verge of a coup d'etat, the pale pink washes her out, and the ruching at her hips just makes it look as though she's been crammed into her limo seat too long. I know casual cool is kind of her thing, but the wrinkled dress coupled with the disheveled hair and lack of accesories is just too much. Get it together, Cam.
Not many people know this, but Tilda Swinton is secretly David Bowie.
I know J. Hud can rock a formal gown. This one isn't terrible. But the fabric looks cheap, especially paired with the reptile skin, and I fear for her boobs almost as much as Cameron Diaz's.
Viggo Mortensen, I know you are attractive. Stop hiding under that beard and Stalin's tuxedo jacket.
And the jury is still out on these two:
When I first saw this, I thought "Oh! Hilary Swank looks so lovely and feminine!" But the more I examine it, the less sure I become. The cut is fantastic, but the sheer thatching is almost too loosely knit to effectively disguise the nude-colored slip that I know is underneath it. And the close-up on those plastic flowers is not a pretty picture.
I have a major girl-crush on Cate Blanchett, and I think the color and floral embroidery on this dress are wonderful. The only place I have problems with it is at the neckline - the thick necklace looks like part of the gown, giving its actual straps the illusion that Cate accidentally left her bikini top on underneath her Oscar gown. Not cute.
I won't lie - I live for this stuff. I'd give an arm and a leg to be able to walk the red carpet myself someday. Until then, I leave you with a shot of the red carpet's classiest young veteran:
Saoirse Ronan in Alberta Ferretti. Brilliance.
Love, Emma
Monday, February 18, 2008
Monday, February 11, 2008
dresses I'm desiring: cold Mondays edition.
Did anyone else think this miserable weather was behind us? I always get so hopeful that more mild weather is on the way, making the inevitable chill all the worse. To further punish myself, I procrastinate by looking at cute spring clothes. Here's a small section of the dresses with which I'm head-over-heels in love.
The "Angelette Dress Organza" from Lilly Pulitzer. It's ridiculously expensive, but hey, this is a wish list. I really like the fitted bodice/flowy skirt combination in dresses, and the bow at the side is a nice little detail. You can pair it with white for a more conservative look (cardigan and pearls, anyone?) or brighter accessories for some real pop!
Great for: Mother's Day brunch, a family reunion, the country club (if you're into that sort of thing)
The "Spin Art Dress" from C. Keer, available at Anthropologie. I love the pattern, colors, and cut of this dress. Anthropologie usually has amazing sales - probably just in time for Chicago weather to catch up!
Great for: Hanging out in the city, date night
The "Fine Jersey Leisure Dress" from American Apparel. I've returned to my preppy roots, so I'm starting to appreciate collars more. Plus American Apparel makes really great staple pieces, and I love how comfortable the cotton items are (this is 100% cotton).
Great for: Anything leisurely - of course!
The "Hazy Shade of Winter Sweater Dress" by Lux, available at Urban Outfitters. Because a good sweater tunic dress is crucial.
Great for: Chillier spring days, evening outings
The "Relaxed Stretch Shift Dress" from Ann Taylor. I think you should always have a dress with little bit of polish and class for "real world" occasions. This is cute and shapely enough for a younger woman, but still conservative enough to be taken seriously.
Good for: Interviews, "serious" jobs and internships
The "Angelette Dress Organza" from Lilly Pulitzer. It's ridiculously expensive, but hey, this is a wish list. I really like the fitted bodice/flowy skirt combination in dresses, and the bow at the side is a nice little detail. You can pair it with white for a more conservative look (cardigan and pearls, anyone?) or brighter accessories for some real pop!
Great for: Mother's Day brunch, a family reunion, the country club (if you're into that sort of thing)
The "Spin Art Dress" from C. Keer, available at Anthropologie. I love the pattern, colors, and cut of this dress. Anthropologie usually has amazing sales - probably just in time for Chicago weather to catch up!Great for: Hanging out in the city, date night
The "Fine Jersey Leisure Dress" from American Apparel. I've returned to my preppy roots, so I'm starting to appreciate collars more. Plus American Apparel makes really great staple pieces, and I love how comfortable the cotton items are (this is 100% cotton).Great for: Anything leisurely - of course!
The "Hazy Shade of Winter Sweater Dress" by Lux, available at Urban Outfitters. Because a good sweater tunic dress is crucial.Great for: Chillier spring days, evening outings
The "Relaxed Stretch Shift Dress" from Ann Taylor. I think you should always have a dress with little bit of polish and class for "real world" occasions. This is cute and shapely enough for a younger woman, but still conservative enough to be taken seriously.Good for: Interviews, "serious" jobs and internships
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
// sacrificed III
/ observations
Forgive me, anyone and everyone who has donned themselves in the particular pieces of clothing that shall follow this disclaimer of sorts. I have nothing in particular against the items, but as a Northwestern student, I'd like to share my observations on...
The Typical Winter Quarter Outfit for a Northwestern Student!
I know, DUHN! DUHN! DUHN!, right?
A non-descript T
PLUS
Medium-wash jeans
TUCKED INTO
Uggs
AND A...
Fucking North Face!
My sincerest apologies; I guess I got a little too biased on that last one.
Guys... are even worst.
Whatever smells best
AND
New Balances
Of course, these are gross, pun very much intended, overstatements. But, don't for one second try to trick yourself into believing you haven't seen these clothing combinations too many times walking along Sheridan Rd.
Thankfully, there's hope. Phew. And since winter is still among us, here are some suggestions (which can be found in Evanston or online) to finish out the quarter in style.
Fun, warm-colored sweater from Urban Outfitters, with a T or cami layered beneath
PLUS
Dark-wash jeans with a slimmer leg for warmth from Gap
WITH
Warm pair of boots from Gap's Piperlime.com... or Uggs, if you must :(
AND
A fashionable and funtional pseudo-trench coat from Gap
Guys, just try to wear something clean. But, if you're adventurous, try this.
A heather gray V-neck sweater from Gap
PLUS
A pop of color; a coral striped button-front shirt
WITH
Darker, slimmer jeans
AND
Opt for a nice and warm sneaker. It's a mix of styles and gives the outfit a laid-back, effortless look.
TAKE A RISK WITH
A bomber in plaid. It's very unexpected and therefore, fucking awesome.
And this is me peacing out!...
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