Links à la Mode ****for week of December 31st, 2009****

Links à la Mode

****for week of December 31st, 2009****

Evolve

Edited by Sandra/Debutante Clothing

It’s over kids – 2009 is done. Everyone is probably completing their resolutions list, which we never keep past March. This year, I have no list. I have just promised myself to evolve – learn something new, try new products, evolve in my style. Making yourself better, not different, seems to be on many bloggers’ minds. Fasshonaburu evolves by discovering her style, Fashion Cents helps us shop for designer while feeling great about our budget, and Hello Beauty teaches us how to finally do a smoky eye, quickly and simply. We don’t need to spend a lot, try too hard, or even shop a lot to start anew – we can make 2010 the year we get one year better than the last. Happy New Year – Cheers!

Links à la Mode : December 31st

• British Style Bloggers – positive body image campaign for 2010 needs your help!


• Daily Diva Dish – Urban Decay Giveaway – Book of Shadows, Volume 2


• Debutante Clothing – ‘Couture’, 1990s – Trends in Vintage To Keep and Say Buh Bye To


• Dedicated Follower of Fashion – Style Soundtrack: A Winter Wonderland. Plan a pretty outfit, listen to a pretty song


• El Fashionista – did an illustration for a 2010 Shoe Calendar (and there’s a high-res download!)


• Fashion Cents – gives you 3 tips for successfully shopping online sample sales


• Fashion Pulse Daily – snags an interview with the woman behind the lovely Love Rocks NY jewelry line, Limor Ratzabi Zenker


• fasshonaburu – surprising revelations about her personal style


• Fine Social – editorial – Color Theory


• grit and glamour – 2009 Fashion MVP – Which fashionista has transformed herself from LA-skanky to uber-swanky?


• Hello Beauty – Review of new Urban Decay Smoke Out Kits that make it really easy to do smoky eyes


• House in Tillford – A look back at the trends of 2009


• Ideefixemon – styles Rodarte for Target


• Idiosyncratic Style – Who do you think rocks the leopard spotted coat?


• Intrinsically Florrie – interviews the talented young fashion illustrator Derek Cardigan


• Retro Chick – :Ethical Design Spotlight – Cruelty free shoes from Beyond Skin


• Style On a String – The New Age of Sexy


• the3st – A conversation with Mei Mei Ding of the revived Central European brand Alter & Kiss, about the firm’s rich history and commitment to cultivating top fashion talent globally


• twentyteneightyfour – ‘One Size Fits All’ editorial in V Magazine – not convinved


• Unfunded – Christmas Detox, Coset Peekage and Secrets to Successful Thrift Shopping

YSL Ankle Strap Amaziness! Mine All Mine!

I fell in love with these YSL shoes somewhere around late Summer/ early Autumn. But didn't have the $ to pay full price. So I stalked. And kept stalking everywhere looking for a sale. Finally the Black Friday sales came up, but they were still out of reach. Suddenly on Xmas eve, I got an email from Saks saying further reductions had been made. I quickly clicked and found them in my size (praying they fit!) and got them for a song. Seriously, I've paid the same price at Top Shop for a pair, and these are YSL's! So they became a last minute gift from my husband! My only worry is that they say they run small and to size up half a size, so I hope this is true! I'm waiting with bated breath for them to arrive...

I love the brick colour, and the heel shape with the addition of the ankle strap give such a great silhouette on your legs making them look miles long! (I tried some on at Saks that were waaay too big but still gave a good idea of how they'll look.)

Cheers!
Suzanne

Birthday Bellini's w Wendy Brandes and a Troll!

A few pics of some of NY's holiday decor -- the tree at Roc Center, the light show on the ceiling at Grand Central. And of course celebrating Wendy Brandes' birthday with some Bellini's at Cipriani's. The mini troll is the Punk Glam Princess who insisted on wearing the wig ALL day long! BTW, she adores Wendy, but who wouldn't?

The tree at Roc Ctr, with the angels in the foreground.

Look at that amazing Sprouse Jacket -- so jealous!

Can't make it out too well but they had a lovely light show on the amazing ceiling at Grand Central Station.

A sleepy Punk Glam Princes on the train ride home.

Had a fab day spending time with my UK friend Barbara and her gorgeous daughter Lily. All around it was a lovely day to wander around the city (with me cussing out a perfume counter B*tch! Hey, its me and my mouth after all!!)

Cheers!
Suzanne

How I Styled Rodarte for Xmas Eve

I didn't think I would, but I caved when I saw some of the Rodarte pieces. I was not that thrilled with the leaked images, and other than the slip dress (which had to be returned -- not made for women with "ladies") I thought I'd pass on all of it. But in store I found a few things I fell in love with, and more importantly fit and looked great. Here's a few pics of how I styled the mustard lace skirt with peach tulle overlay.

Since the collection is quite picked over, I was unable to get pieces that matched. But Target didn't let me down as I found a cardigan that matched perfectly and was on sale! What to wear as a top seemed problematic at first, then I tried my vintage Kamali leopard top and voila! My fishnets matched the tulle on the skirt, and I finished off with leopard shoes (yea I'm a leopard ho.)

Trying to look glamourous helping to make our traditional Italian fish dinner on Xmas Eve.

Slightly better pic showing the outfit. (And trying desperately to pose as well as my daughter -- FAIL!) BTW, those paintings in the background as well as the sculpture on the coffee table, and the coffee table were all made by my great grandfather who was an artist. I was trying to get a pic of the amazing mirror he made, but alas that will be for another time. (BTW so obvs not my house, the pristine quality screams "mom"!)



I topped the outfit with my reversible vintage reversible wool cape. Its one of the warmest coats I own, double layers of wool. The other side is red.

No pics of the other pieces yet, but I'll try to get some later this week. I think I need the week to recover... one more birthday this week and we're done for the season!

I hope your holidays were great and Santa brought you goodies you adore!

Cheers!
Suzanne

Links à la Mode ****for week of December 25th, 2009****

Links à la Mode : Code

****for week of December 24th, 2009****

Links a la Mode : The IFB Weekly Roundup

Posted by retrochick • December 24th, 2009 • Printer-friendly

The Happy Holidays Edition

Edited by Retrochick

Well, I suppose I shall start this weeks Links à la Mode with this:

HAPPY CHRISTMAS!

It’s Christmas Eve and I’m sure visions of sugar plums are dancing in everyone’s heads as they trim the tree and sup mulled wine in preparation for tomorrows frivolities. All too soon it’ll all be over and brain power sapped from too many TV Christmas Specials you’ll be wanting some mental sustenance, and that’s where we come in.

Essentially that’s a long winded way of me saying that what follows are some lovely links to keep you busy over the Christmas period.

M.I.S.S and JeweleryWhore have D.IY ideas to keep your mind and body occupied, ID Style and Little Miss Make Up show you how to ramp up the glamour in your make up bag, whilst Daily Diva Dish and The Working Wardrobe will help you plan what to wear for New Years Eve and that dreaded day you return to work.

If you run out of entertainment here then you should always check out the full Links à la Mode thread for more yummy fashion goodness.

I hope you all have a fantastic holiday and that Santa brings you everything you asked for!

Links à la Mode : December 24th

• Alice in Stilettos – Don’t Be Victimized By Fashion
• DailyDivaDish – New Year’s Eve Fashion: Make an entrance without breaking the bank. Includes 2 looks + DIY ideas.
• Fashion X K8 – Bringing attention to an essay of literary criticism that provides the proper vocabulary with which we can converse about a new fashion paradigm.
• Fasshonaburu – An interview with Liu Wen, the first Asian model to strut her stuff on the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show catwalk.
• Idiosyncratic Style – Wham GLAM Thank You Ma’am – Indulge in a little glamour for the holidays.
• Jewelry Whore – HUGE Roundup of DIY Christmas Present Ideas! It’s not too late to make some fabulous jewelry for Christmas presents!
• kaKofonie Of si(gh)lenS – You’re only a couple clicks and a few stitches away from owning your own one-of-a-kind designer piece with free patterns from SHOWstudio
• La Société de Mode – A scream of an interview with stylist Brett Bailey
• Little Miss Makeup – Bold lips: This season’s hottest makeup trend.
• M.I.S.S. – Another simple yet attractive necklace by Pandora from Acessory Source in this week’s She’s Crafty.
• Previously Owned – To celebrate the [almost there] opening of the ONLINE store Previously Owned BLOG is giving away a Royal Blue hobo!
• Retro Chick – Vintage Hair Styling with Flamingo Amy
• Style on a String – Harem Pants: Yay or Nay? And some quick tips on how to buy and wear them.
• Sugar and spice and all things nice – 10 things I like…. no, LOVE… about FANTASY SHOPPING!!
• sweetarchivia – Review of the much anticipated launch of the Rodarte for Target line by the Mulleavy sisters.
• THE COVETED – Versace Pre-Fall returns to color
• The Demoiselles – Wing Tips: Your First Time…at the Tailor
• The Fashion Planner – The Fashion Planner is excited to announce the publication of The Fashion Planner’s Guide!
• The Style PA – I review the comfy, Cable Cosy by Isabella Oliver
• The Working Wardrobe – Learning the art of layering that is both fashion-forward and office-appropriate

Tattoos and Swearing, Perfect Combo!

Yesterday was such a crazy day -- blizzard in NYC (which didn't deter us in the least -- hell we're New Yorkers and TOUGH!) but earlier in the day I finally got my new tattoo. Been wanting it for about 20-25 years, and finally took the plunge. First tattoo was at the age of 25, next at the age of 50! The fabulous Queen Michelle did some designs which I incorporated into the final tattoo. Its still healing so bear with the kinda icky pic:

The chartreuse squiggle was Queen Michelle's input and I adore it!

Its on my wrist and I stipulated that it must be soaring upward. I seem to have an affinity for ravens, they come and sit a mere foot or two away from me and carry on a conversation with me! So its meaningful for me.

Of course Wendy Brandes' Swear Rings could find no better home then on the old foul mouthed me! Got to meet with Wendy and her lovely husband during the blizzard last night, and had a great time! I hope we can do it again soon!

The rings were a total hit, everyone adored them! I plan on MAKING people buy them, HA!

Cheers!
Suzanne

Mon Idee Fixe: Rings!

I've had an obsession with rings since I was a little girl. I still remember my very first "real" ring, a golden topaz set in gold. When I lost it I was heartbroken. But that didn't stop me wanting more. And lately there are so many amazing custom jewelers doing beautiful designs (and some a bit risque... ahem Miss Wendy Brandes, no worry, you're my kind of gal!)

I recently purchased a few custom rings from the lovely Etsy seller, Renee Andriole. She hand makes the rings to fit your whichever finger you like and the designs are simple and elegant with a definitely tough-girl edge! Right up my alley. Queen Michelle turned me on to her and we both purchased the "sickle" ring. J'adore!

Photo by Rene Andriole in sterling silver Sickle Ring

My past life as a lingerie designer as well as "exotic wear" (we joke that since I'm a direct descendant of Betsy Ross, she's probably rolling in her grave -- the flag to g-strings? heehee!) her other design entitled "corset" really appealed as well. Renee is great to work with, as I didn't care for either the silver or gold lacing, and asked if she could do a gunmetal lacing. It came out not only unique, but totally me.

Photo by Renee Andriole, Corset Ring in sterling silver with Silver Lacing

A little about Renee in her own words "A little about me, originally from NY, then Miami, and now in Los Angeles. I'm a jewelry designer and artist. I studied fine art in Miami with a focus in small metal work. My medium is metal and I work mostly with sterling silver and create unique edgy designs that are as ever-changing as my mood. Everything is handcrafted by me from my studio here in Los Angeles California.
Life is a constant ebb and flow of contradictions and juxtapositions and living is riding it all out without going crazy. What do you do with all the crazy? I let it all out in the creation of things, with no rules, just crazy.....I get to just make it all up. And the design changes constantly like life, it's never what you expect..."

Wendy Brandes does what I would consider slightly more high-end jewelry with a definite sense of humour! A brief piece from her bio says "Wendy Brandes is strongly influenced by the stories of fascinating women, whether they lived in the 16th century or the Swinging '60s. She creates pieces that are bold and eye-catching, yet feminine and organic. Mechanical pieces that open and close, unscrew or twist are her specialties."

I'm completely enamoured of her "swear" rings. My potty mouth is enough to make a sailor blush, so perhaps I could just flash those rings instead?

Photo From Wendy Brandes, Swear Ring Set of Four, in sterling silver by Wendy Brandes for Christian Francis Roth

I'm also drooling (seriously) over her Onyx skull ring. That is one of the most unique designs I have ever seen. Made from 18K gold, onyx, tsavorites, diamonds. Um won't be purchasing anytime soon, in spite of the fact that I think Wendy used me as inspiration. (only half kidding!)

Photo by Wendy Brandes Onyx Skull Ring (oh please don't make me repeat the glorious that is this ring!)

"Santa Baby, I've been an awful good girl" Screw all that other shit Eartha Kitt asks for, just this will do me fine!

And since this is my damn blog and I'll blog whatever the hell I want in spite of the fact that the title is rings.... Here are two more of Wendy's divine, and humourous designs.

I LOVE Bats! Yes, I'm a bat-shit old lady, and have always loved bats! Lookie here a bat necklace!

Photo by Wendy Brandes Bat Necklace in sterling silver

I told you Wendy had a sense of humour (and an amazing sense of style, sigh.) Here is her "Virginia Wolf Whistle"! Made in gold, it opens to reveal a little wolf with diamond eyes. Best part the whistle really works!

Photo by Wendy Brandes Virginia Wolf Whistle in gold

And lastly one more "what the hell I can do what I want" a gorgeous chain mail bracelet from Renee Andriole. Tough, but something very delicate about it.

Photo by Renee Andriole Silver Chainmaille Bracelet in silver

I do apologize for the lack of photos of my actual Renee Andriole pieces. Camera went on the fritz and I'm waiting with bated breath for the new one to come! Once it comes I think I'll do a little collection post of all my crazy rings!

Links: Renee Andriole: http://www.etsy.com/shop/reneeandriole
Wendy Brandes Queen of the Potty Mouth (I don't care what any asswipe award says): http://www.wendybrandes.com/

If you're looking for unique pieces that will not only illicit compliments but bring great joy to those you gift them to (even yourself!) these fabulous jewelry artists will not disappoint!

Cheers!
Suzanne

Links à la Mode ****for week of December 17th, 2009****

Links à la Mode

****for week of December 17th, 2009****

The Countdown Begins

Edited by Dramatis Personae

The countdown has begun–not only until the end of the year–but until the end of the first decade in the 21st century. That’s kind of amazing to think about. Styletastic and Sway, Sway, Away! both look at fashion from the Oughts with two distinctly different visions. [the3st] interviews the founder of ModCloth, while Wicked & Whimsy reviews Closet Confidential (by the hilarious Winona of DaddyLikey fame!).

Since this will be my last edit of links a la mode for this year, see you all in 2010!

Links à la Mode : December 17th

• 39thandbroadway.com: – How Brands Get Burned By Celebs


• A Typical Atypical: – Suffering from Buyers Remorse: The Real Deal


• Brunette and Pink: – Makeup Tutorial: Leighton Meester Inspired Winged-out Smoky Eye Look


• DailyDivaDish – Create a sparkling New Year’s look with the Tarte Treasure Chest Giveaway. Enter to this limited edition kit.


• Friend in Fashion – Sugar and spice and all things nice – Unearthing the unique designs of the fabulous, Arizona based designer Monique Martinez, through the captive lense of Galaxie Andrews.


• Grit and Glamour: – The Trend Conundrum–rends are a tricky thing; what makes some women look so pulled together is not a wardrobe full of the latest styles and trends, but the ability to know which ones to avoid.


• i'm the it girl: – My Love Affair With Hermes and the Great Debate: Kelly or Birkin?


• Idiosyncratic Style: – 12 Great Holiday DIY Projects – give something special this year (even if you are short on time and money)


• kaKofonie Of si(gh)lenS: – My most amazing (and green!) find this year: Denim Therapy, a company who will restore your tattered favorite jeans to like-new condition. Seriously.


• La Société de Mode | The Fashion Society: – Combats are stomping their way back into style


• Pursed Lips: – Thoughts/quotes on Lady Gaga as a powerful tool, if a difficult one to reach, for designers.


• Style on a String – Getting down to the wire: Gifts for the Stylish Geek who is kind of Girly too


• Styletastic: – As the 00’s are coming to en end, we look back at the fashion memories that will define the decade. Ah the memories!


• Sway Sway Away!: – Sway Sway Away! presents Caitie’s bitching and moaning on the worst trends of the Aughts.


• THE COVETED – Love it or Leave it : Rodarte for Target


• The Fashion Planner: – The Fashion Planner shows you how to make a jaunty beret.


• The Working Wardrobe: – Beware of “business casual” being too casual for the workplace.


• tick tick heart: – A focus on the varying fashions of some of our quirkier leading ladies in film.


• White Rabbit: – Pros and Contras of Artificial Nails


• Wicked Whimsy: – Closet Confidential: A Review


• [the3st]: – Success & Getting There: Interview with Susan of ModCloth.com

Target To-Go Demystified

Thursday I had the chance to pop by the Target To-Go shop to preview how it works. One bonus of shopping the Target To-Go shop is that they have four pieces from the upcoming Rodarte collection which won't drop in stores and online until 20 Dec! I must tell you if you are planning to go, make sure to bundle up! Being near the river you get those brisk, cold gusts that will make shopping outdoors uncomfortable if you aren't properly dressed. Other than that, its a really quick, fun way to pick up some gifts quickly and already wrapped and ready to give. Here's the low-down.

When you arrive, you will get a clipboard with pen. On the clipboard there is a numbered list with small pics of each of the items available for sale. The top part is where you mark off your choices, and add your name for pick-up. The number in the right hand corner is the number you will use for pick-up.

Clipboard with order form at top.

Next you move to the windows, where each item is displayed, with its number. Gifts include electronics (a video camera and Wii Fit were two things of note), clothing (four pieces from the Rodarte for Target collection), beauty (Burt's Bee's), and more. If you're unsure of sizing on the Rodarte dresses, you won't be able to try them on but they can be exchanged in any Target store. (You'll probably hit the store when the rest of the collection drops anyway!) The windows show gifts by prices, under $25, under $50 and more.








Now you move on to the registers where you pay and your order is put in to be pulled. After paying, you'll move down to the pick-up area where you give them the number on your order form and are then handed a reusable Target shopping bag that contains your order. Each item is wrapped in a reusable gift bag, and tied up with a bow and a gift card for you to fill out! (Seriously, I want more of these, will have to stalk Target to see if they have them for sale!) Voila! You're done! If there isn't a long line, the whole process takes less than five minutes. Thursday they had the waffle truck outside (thank goodness, the hot chocolate did a good job of warming me up, and the waffles are pure heavenly indulgence -- follow their twitter here) so hopefully they or another truck will be available to warm cold toes!

The line of registers and pick-up area at the very end.

Behind the registers.

My Target To-Go purchase: reusable tote, reusable gift bag, catalog.

Also, if you spend $100 and over, Target will offer FREE same-day delivery to your door between Battery Park and 99th Street! Shop, then relax that you don't have to lug your purchases around!

There are promotions going on such as Rachel Bilson kicking off the official opening at 9.30 on Friday morning. Also sign up for their twitter (http://twitter.com/TargetToGoNY) to find gift tags scattered around the city. Bring the tag to the Target To-Go shop for a gift card worth anywhere from $10-$500! The bonus is that for every gift card redeemed in the Target To-Go store, Target will donate $100 to the Salvation Army to benefit families in need. Target will also be giving out $100 gift cards to families in need on opening day so that they can do some holiday shopping (sadly I know for many this will be the only holiday shopping they do, damn this economy!)

Edited to add: Here is a twitpic of what the tags look like: http://twitpic.com/t1x2p

I caved in and purchased the peach Rodarte dress. The vintage-y style appealed to me, and it was a decent price. Granted, I have many vintage slips in a similar style, however at this point they've become too precious for me to wear out so this will be a great alternative. I also see it as a great piece for layering (I'm constantly cold, so layering is my life!)

Rodarte Peach Dress, $39.99

Target To-Go is located at the entrance to the High Line, on Washington St. corner of Gansevoort St. in the West Village. Its open Friday 11 through Sunday 13 December, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

So are you planning to hit the Target To-Go shop this weekend? What did you buy?

Cheers!
Suzanne