These girls are always the hardest to shop for. They're always on top of each new trend, and their closets are stuffed to the brim with unique, covetable pieces. What to get for the girl that has everything? A mix of old classics and new staples. I feel like I'm somehow making all these gift guides aimed at myself, because I want all of these things. Again. Fail.
Karen Walker Pilgrim Sunglasses, $180 at shopbop.com, Top Shop Anya2 Chain Wrap Peep Toe Boot, $190 at topshop.com, Top Shop Bunny Ears Headband, $36 at topshop.com: This girl probably already has a pair of Ray-Ban Wayfarers, but she probably doesn't have Karen Walker's oversized, slightly '80s-inspired take on the style. It's reminiscent of the Wayfarer, so it has that iconic, instantly recognizable shape, but the oversized lenses are a refreshing take on the style that up the glam factor and add a bit of extra polish. What trendsetter doesn't love Top Shop? This girl can always use another pair of on-trend shoes, and is probably crazy about the peep toe booty trend. I love this version because they're pretty afforable, the tightly wrapped chains around the loose body have a bit of an Isabel Marant vibe (LOVE), and the peep toe/buckle strap combination gives these booties a bit of a Mary-Jane inspired twist that makes these totally unique. Any good trendsetter would recognize these bunny ears from the Louis Vuitton Fall '09 show, and only this girl would really be able to pull them off. They're attached to a headband already, which is super convenient, and they're decently priced for such a trendy piece. I'd rock these with a really simple outfit--a white tee and jeans or a pencil skirt--to let the ears stand out.
J. Crew Crystal Malibu Necklace, $68 at jcrew.com, Fiona Paxton Paris Earrings, $138 at shopbop.com, House of Harlow 6-Strand Bracelet, $75 at shopbop.com: This necklace is a great mix of trendy and glamorous. The combination of textures is very of the moment and Lanvin-inspired, but the use of crystal, ribbon, and rhinestones ups the luxe factor. You could get so much wear out of this necklace. It would look equally at home with a white v-neck or a cocktail dress. A Fiona Paxton necklace is an obvious (and still good) gift for this kind of girl, but I think a pair of Fiona Paxton earrings is a fresher take on the same idea. I heart these earrings. The chandelier-esque drape at the bottom is very casually sexy, and the geometric pattern on the top is a little bit folksy and a little bit Art Deco. They would make such a traffic-stopping statement. If my newly-pierced earrings could handle these I'd be all other them. This bracelet is another affordable and seriously versatile piece. The combination of humble and more industrial materials adds so much visual interest, and the tie-on, drapey shape is very modern and glamorous, but in a casual way.
J. Crew Crushed Glitter Minaudiere, $49.50 at jcrew.com, Yves Saint Laurent Opium EDT, $70 for 1.6 oz. at sephora.com, Nars Eyeshadow Duo in Eurydice, $32 at sephora.com: How adorable is this clutch? The petite size and delicate clasp almost push it over into girly territory, but I think the excessive amounts of bling bring it back into the trendy/glam category, especially if you wore it with a really basic outfit. But the best thing about it is that it looks much more expensive than its pricetag, which is really a fantastic quality for any gift. I know Opium doesn't seem a like a trendy perfume on first glance, but I really think it works. It has the nostalgia fact that makes it just barely recognizable, but since it's so old-school not many people in our generation know it, which kind of makes it old and new at the same time. The notes are tangerine, plum, cloves, coriander, carnation, lily of the valley, rose, myrrh, opoponax, castoreum, cedarwood, and sandalwood. This perfume is a powerhouse, which makes EDT formulation a blessing for all your neighbors, and it's sexy but refined and slightly mysterious nature makes it perfect for the modern it-girl. I love this NARS palette. The combination of vibrant eggplant and graphite grey is the perfect new smokey eye, dark but with a flash of jewel-toned color. It would also transition nicely from day to night. You could lightly line with purple and do a little grey in the crease for day, and then pack purple on to the lid and smoke out the grey for nighttime.
Love Quotes Hand Knotted Fringe Scarf in Mercury, $88 at revolveclothing.com, Wildfox Couture Born to be Wild Tee, $77 at singer22.com, Victoria's Secret Leather Asymmetric-zip Jacet, $218 at victoriassecret.com: I know a scarf seems like an obvious choice (they are the trendiest accessory of late), but I think these Love Quotes scarves are worth investing in. Their gigantic size and breezy linen construction give them a bit of a tropical-glam vibe, and they come in a rainbow of colors to match any girl's closet. They're the perfect thing to throw on to elevate an otherwise basic outfit. It's hard to see, but this Wildfox Couture tee says "Born to be Wild" in mismatched letters. Is it cheesy? Yes. But this kind of trendsetter can take something cheesy, give it an ironic spin, and make it drop-dead chic. Just look at the styling here. Tucked into a high-waisted skirt (maybe minus the crinoline and smeared lipstick) this totally works. I think a little leather jacket is pretty self-explanatory. It's really well-priced, and has just enough motorcycle-inspired styling in the asymmetrical collar and long, fitted sleeves. Any fashion forward girl would go insane for a leather biker jacket, and at this price, it's actually a realistic present. Win-win.
Image Sources:
Karen Walker sunglasses: shopbop.com, Top Shop heels: topshop.com, Top Shop headband: topshop.com, J. Crew necklace: jcrew.com, Fiona Paxton earrings: shopbop.com, House of Harlow bracelet: shopbop.com, J. Crew clutch: jcrew.com, YSL Opium: sephora.com, Nars Eyeshadow: misswhoeveryouare.com, Love Quotes scarf: revolveclothing.com, Wildfox Couture tee: singer22.com, Victoria's Secret jacket: victoriassecret.com.
I always keep my promises, and that means Gossip Girl-themed Halloween costumes. I rounded up looks for Blair and Serena, because Vanessa's outfits are just depressing and dressing up like Jenny is essentially like dressing up as a prostitute at this point. To pull off Serena's look, the easiest way is to track down a little evening mini-dress, preferably one with sequins, some tights, and some intense tranny shoes. For Blair, I'd go with something more prim and proper, like a pencil skirt, a cardigan, and of course, some colored tights and a headband. Here are a few pics from season 3 and season 4 to refresh your memory.
Blair: Forever 21 Cameo Lace Cardigan, $19.80 at forever21.com, Lace Bow Front Tank, $26 at forever21.com, American Apparel Interlock Pencil Skirt, $32 at americanapparelstore.com: Blair is always very classic and elegant, but in a young, interesting way. I'd layer this cardigan over this lace tank, and tuck the tank into the pencil skirt. The pencil skirt is refined retro chic, which is right up Blair's alley, it's the perfect palette for the textures in the rest of the look, and it's an affordable wardrobe staple that I now have a legitimate excuse to buy. The lace tank is very on-trend, and wouldn't be too exposing layered under the cardigan. The lace is the perfect mix of Victorian and sexy, and the oversized bow is insanely girly preppy. Layer a cami under that and you could wear it a million other times. The cardigan plays off the Victorian vibe with the cameo buttons and lace collar, and ties the whole outfit together.
Forever 21 Opaque Tights, $5.80 at forever21.com, Steve Madden Mirakle Bootie, on sale from $69.97 down from $129.95 at stevemadden.com, Forever 21 Pleather Bow Headband, $3.80 at forever21.com: Blair wears colored tights like her life depends on it. These blue tights add a punch of color to the outfit without being overwhelming, and the booties add visual weight to all the light textures on top. Plus, booties are super on-trend right now, and these are one of the most affordable options I've seen. I couldn't finish a Blair outfit without a headband. I like this one because the bow is very girly, Upper East Side, but the pleather texture gives it a bit more of an urban vibe (Blair is going to NYU). As for hair and makeup, do a classic red lip, a hint of liner, and use your curling iron to create a few ringlety-waves.
Serena: Aqua Sequin Mesh-Sleeved Dress, $98 at bloomingdales.com, Forever 21 Opaque Tights, $5.80 at forever21.com, Forever 21 Gladiator Heels, $26.80 at forever21.com: Serena's look is significantly simpler because, well, she wears less clothes. Her staple look is a party dress and killer heels. Long sleeve mini dresses are so hot right now, and this is a great excuse to buy one for less than $100! The mesh sleeves add a lot of visual interest and play into the sheer trend, the sequins are a Serena classic (that girl is attracted to sparkly objects like a magpie). The tights are practical for cold Halloween nights, and the heels are trannytastic amazingness. I would wear this outfit in a heart beat. The mix of textures makes the limited color palette so rich, and the whole ensemble clocks in at under $140. If you're not a natural blonde, I'd invest in a long, blonde wig, smoke out your eyeshadow, and go for a nude, glossy lip.
Image Sources:
All Gossip Girl Pics: facebook.com, Forever 21 tank: forever21.com, American Apparel skirt: americanapparelstore.com, Forever 21 cardigan: forever21.com, Forever 21 tights: forever21.com, Steve Madden booties: stevemadden.com, Forever 21 heels: forever21.com, Aqua Dress: bloomingdales.com, Forever 21 headband: forever.com.
So I've been shopping for college (still, I know), and one of the things that's been on my 'to buy' list forever is a pair of ballet flats. Since the only pairs of shoes I owned were 2 pairs of Uggs and about 6 pairs of sandals, I wanted a nice little pair of closed toe flats. But I kept putting it off and putting it off and I still don't have a pair of ballet flats. Which got me to thinking, really, what's the point? Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against ballet flats and if someone handed me a pair of J. Crew's version I'd gladly take them. But to be honest, I don't think I'll ever really wear them much because I'm just not that feminine. In the stereotypical sense, at least. I'd take a menswear button-down and jeans over a frilly sundress any day. And that led to the question (I'm getting to the point, I promise), what is feminine? When I think of it, the first thing that pops into my head is pink and lace and sparkles and flowers and all sorts of girly, non-threatening stuff like that.
Jill Stuart Iris Dress, $598 at shopbop.com, Maloles Cornelia Bow Back Flats, $170 down from $340 at shopbop.com, Deepa Gurnani Crystal Bead Headband, $36 at shopbop.com: We've got a white, lace accented dress, ballet flats with bows, and a crystal headband. It doesn't get girlier than that.
But wearing that wouldn't make me feel feminine at all. It would make me feel like a little girl playing dress up, not a (technically) adult woman. So that obviously isn't feminine, in my self at least. What I think a feminine outfit is an ensemble that makes you feel like a strong, confident woman, not like a precious little girl. It's sexy, but not skanky, it's bold, but refined, and it's chic, but modern. You need to take your own personal style, and then put that twist on it. Since my style is a little edgy/androgynous, I'd put together something like this:
Alexander Wang Fitted Combo Dress, $750 at shopbop.com, Diane von Furstenberg Hayworth Clutch, $450 at shopbop.com, Christian Louboutin Platform Pumps, $930 at saks.com: A LBD is definitely a classic, feminine staple. What makes this one more edgy and grown-up is the black tulle ruching over the nude body. It has the effect of sheer panelling without actually being sheer, so it's sexy without being too revealing, and the diagonal stripes that the ruching makes add a ton of visual interest. Now, when I think feminine I think strong, and nothing says strong to me like studs. I know studs and femininity don't really go together, but the chic grey on black color palette of this clutch and the nailhead size of the studs make a polished, if edgy statement with none of the in-your-face attitude you'd expect from a heavily studded piece. Pastels are always associated with girliness, so a pastel hued shoe is fitting, but when you spice them up with a red sole and a chain mail detail on the toe, they become all grown up. These are definitely girly shoes, but they're girly with an attitude, and that's the kind of feminine I'd rather be.
I'm going to sound so cliche right now, but I think being feminine, all stereotypical associations aside, is wearing what makes you feel self-confident and empowered. If you feel good about how you look and you feel comfortable in your own skin, then you're being feminine in the best sense of the word because you're being true to yourself as a woman. I'm going to go Dr. Laura another captive audience now.
Image Sources:
Jill Stuart dress: shopbop.com, Maloles flats: shopbop.com, Deepa Gurnani headband: shopbop.com, Alexander Wang dress: shopbop.com, DVF clutch: shopbop.com, Christian Louboutin pumps: saks.com.
Sorry for the short post today, but I'm packing for a trip, but I'll have lots of time to post while I'm on my trip. Confusing, I know. Humor me. To tide you over until them, I rounded up a few bits of pretty for you all.
Blooming Hot Pink, $36 at truebirds.com, Charming Escape, $28 at truebirds.com, Black Charm, $16 at truebirds.com: True Birds is a line of headbands/hair accessories that's Gossip Girl with a hippietastic twist at totally affordable prices. I love the drama of that giant pink flower. It works perfectly with the minimalist black band, and would totally punch up a neutral outfit or little white sundress. If you're like Maud and you're into the feathers, this clip is for you. The grey-on-grey color palette is subdued and the shape is compact, but the textural contrasts between the feathers and the stones are so luxurious. Plus it's got a bit of a retro vibe with none of the usual hipsterness of feather hair accessories. For simple chic, I like this stretchy, bejeweled headband. Since the band is so thin, it's a very girly, elegant accent, but the added sparkles make it anything but boring. And since the sparkles are only on the top, they'll peek through at the crown of your head so adorably. If that makes any sense at all.
Super Sunglasses Havana Glitter Sunglasses $161 at shopbop.com, Parker Snake Cami Dress, $187 at shopbop.com: I love my Wayfarers, but sometimes I wish they were bigger. I'm definitely an oversized sunglasses kind of girl. These are like oversized Wayfarers. It doesn't get better than that. And evidently they're sparkly too? I mean, really, I should just sign over my bank account to shopbop.com now and save myself the trouble. I love the cute on this slip dress, with the blouson top and cinched waist. It's the right balance between sexy and carefree, and the awesome snakeskin print is just the cherry on top.
Image Sources:
Pink headband: truebirds.com, Feather clip: truebirds.com, Black headband: truebirds.com, Sunglasses: shopbop.com, Parker dress: shopbop.com
This post makes me a little sad inside. It's entirely dedicated to Eugenia Kim and her awesome line of headware, all of which I find completely adorable and covetable. Here's the sad part. I have a big head. No, really, I have a BIG head. Hats don't fit me. Ever. And when they do, I look like a silly giant head monster. But, that doesn't keep me from wanted to share the hat love with you guys. Hats add such a spontaneous, cheeky vibe to an outfit, and Eugenia Kim's are some of the best. Enjoy!
Honey Sun Hat, $319 at shopbop.com, Max Ribbon Fedora, $286 at shopbop.com, Max Fedora, $275 at shopbop.com: If you have extremely pale skin, chances are you've worn a sun hat like this one. I've seen many iterations of this My Fair Lady style, and I have to say, this might be my favorite. The brim is the perfect size, dramatic but not inconviniently wide, the black straw adds a touch of chic, and I love the textural contrast of the chain and pattern against the woven hat. But if I could wear any type of hat, it would be a fedora. They're so cool in a throwback, '30s ganger kind of way, and would add great balance to a feminine outfit. These two versions are so fantastic. The one on the left is a little more polished and 'fancy' with the close weave and pleate ribbon, and the one on the right is a little more relaxed and easy-going. with the looser weave and patent trim. So cute.
Madison beret, $180 at eugeniakim.com, Violeta beret, $180 at eugneiakim.com, Nikki headband, $105 at eugeniakim.com: Eugenia Kim is no one-trick pony, however (good for her, bad for the wallet). I've obsessed over these sorts of loose, off to the side beanies. You see them jammed onto the heads of models and starlets everywhere. They're just so casually chic. And yet another thing I can't wear. Beanies give me mushroom head. Sob. But, if you have a normal sized head (so. jealous.) by all means, look into these adorable beanies. I love the big, textured cable knit and the saturated jewel tones. I can wear headbands though, and I'm seriously into this feathered Nikki headband. The feathers echo the curve of the head so gracefully, and manage not to look at all retro or old-fashioned, but chic and fresh.
Image Sources:
Honey Sun Hat: shopbop.com, Max Ribbon Fedora: shopbop.com, Max Fedora: shopbop.com, Berets and Headband: eugeniakim.com
Ever since Gossip Girl brought back the headband for good, I've been looking for some cute, more real-life wearable versions (somehow I don't think wearing a turban to school would go over well). Well, it turns out that two of the brands featured on Gossip Girl, Jennifer Behr and Jennifer Ouellette, are available for retail purchase and are semi-affordable.
Jennifer Behr makes precious headbands, using vintage materials and lots of Swarovski crystals.
Petite Vined Crystal Headwrap, $250 at jenniferbehr.com
Overlapping Crystal Twist Headband, $188 at jenniferbehr.com
Double Crystal Scallop Headband, $262 at jenniferbehr.com, Encrusted Crystals in Silk Chiffon, $595 at jenniferbehr.com
Allegra, $175 at jenniferbehr.com, Sophia, $185 at jenniferbehr.com
Jennifer Ouellette does a lot of Blair's headbands on Gossip Girl, and a lot of headbands with feathers (Maud!).
Curved Feather Headband, $125 at barneys.com, Vintage Daisies and Veil Headband, $60 at barneys.com
Coque Feather Headband, $65 at barneys.com, Narrow Feather Headband, on sale for $29 at barneys.com
Image Sources:
Vined Headwrap: jenniferbehr.com
Twist Headband: jenniferbehr.com
Scallop Headband: jenniferbehr.com
Silk Chiffon Headband: jenniferbehr.com
Allegra: jenniferbehr.com
Sophia: jenniferbehr.com
Curved Feather Headband: barneys.com
Vintage Daisies Headband: barneys.com
Coque Feather Headband: barneys.com
Narrow Feather Headband: barneys.com
