This is pretty much the exact opposite of yesterday's gift guide. It's for your friend that loves old Audrey Hepburn, Hitchcock, and Fellini films, pretty much lives at J. Crew, and has a very classic, slightly '50s/'60s-influenced sense of style (Holly, this one's for you!).
Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner in Black Ink, $21 at bobbibrown.com, Sephora Angled Liner Brush, D & G 10 La Roue De La Fortune EDT, $65 for 3.3 oz. at sephora.com, Tocca Crema da Sogno body Cream in Stella, $45 for 6 oz. at sephora.com: I know an intense black liner seems out place of for the classic ingenue look, but really, just a thin line of this stuff along the upper lashline is the best no-makeup makeup. It makes your lashes look so full, defines the eye subtly, and you can flick it out at the end for a little extra drama. It's very Audrey Hepburn/Hitchcock heroine/Fellini bombshell-inspired. I love this perfume. It's got pink pepper, pineapple, tuberose, jasmine, gardenia, vanilla, orris, benzoin, and patchouli. Since it's an EDT, it's very light, but all those strong notes make from a warm scent that stays very close to the body with just a hint of sweetness. It's very sexy in a soft, refined, slightly mysterious way, and that bottle would look great on anyone's dresser. The same goes for this Tocca body cream. First off, the packaging is so drop-dead Italian chic, and it just looks expensive (it's not cheap, but that tub has serious heft). The cream itself is extremely luxurious, so it's somewhat practical, and the smell--well, the smell is seriously divine. It's blood oranges, but it's not overwhelmingly sweet. There's a bit of tartness in there that rounds it out and keeps it from being too foody. Aside from using it as a lotion, it would also be great layered under a lot of perfumes for depth and lasting power.
J. Crew Icon Trench, $298 at jcrew.com, J. Crew Cashmere V-Neck Cardigan, $168 at jcrew.com, J. Crew Vintage Pajama Set, $69.50 at jcrew.com: This trench doesn't really need any explaining. It's such a versatile, classic piece, and the price is pretty reasonable. You could rock it with a pencil skirt and some heels for a very old-school, polished look, or throw it on over a pair of jeans and a drapey white tee for a chic, modern ensemble. Every Audrey Hepburn/Grace Kelly worshiping girl needs a cashmere cardigan, and J. Crew does them so perfectly. I like this incarnation because it comes in a Skittles-worthy rainbow of colors, and the two pockets and contrast buttons give it a bit of a His Girl Friday vibe. And who doesn't love getting cashmere for Christmas, really? These pajamas are simply fantastic. They're pitch perfect '50s guy pajamas. You could wear them together for a more retro vibe, or separate them (wear the bottoms with a basic tee or tank and the top with a little pair of shorts) for a younger take on the same look.
Anthropologie Peony Pave Posts, $28 at anthropologie.com, Tory Burch French Zip-Around Wallet, $155 at shopbop.com, Restoration Hardware Cashmere Souffle Scarf, $78 down from $98 at restorationhardware.com: How adorably chic are these earrings? The glitzyness of them makes them very on-trend, but the sweet peony shape is so Betty Draper (Mad Men!) early '60s amazingness. They would be equally amazing peeking out from loose hair or sparkling with a twist updo. I love this wallet. The square shape is so old-school European, but the patent leather and cutout logo are so of the moment. I think every girl needs a nice wallet. It can double as a clutch in a pinch, and you'll feel infinitely chicer pulling out something like this at Starbucks or Vons than a ratty old wallet you've had since middle school. Those are the kinds of details that really make an outfit. I had no idea Restoration Hardware sold scarves (random much?) but these are fantastic. Aside from the range of colors--I'm loving the ivory--they're a cashmere-silk blend, so they're lightweight but warm, and they're gigantic (about 2.5 by 6.5 feet). $78 is a really great deal here, because you can wear them as a scarf like shown, but they'd also work as a shawl or a blanket on a long plane ride.
Ray-Ban Aviators, $129 at shopbop.com, J. Crew Abbey Top Cap Ballet Flats, $128 at jcrew.com, Mad Men Season 1 on DVD, $26.49 at amazon.com: I can't think of a more classic or iconic pair of sunglasses than these. I know I've posted them 100 times, but I've looked at 1000 sunglasses and really, these are king. They worked 50 years ago, they work now, and their slightly masculine, aviator-pilot vibe makes them even more appealing on a girl, if that makes any sense. These shoes are 100% Audrey. The black and white palette with that toe cap is really similar to the Chanel Ballet flats, but I actually like these better. They're simpler, which I think makes them more versatile, and there's just something so iconic about that look. Plus they're J. Crew, so they're well-made. I know Mad Men is a really obvious gift here, but I'm going to plug it anyways. It's SO GOOD. I resisted watching it for so long because it sounded like just another boring, overrated historical drama, and testosterone-filled ad agencies didn't seem that interesting. Of course, I was wrong. The fashion alone is worth buying it. The girls on this show are FIERCE. And you know, it's well-acted and well-written and all that jazz.
Image Sources:
Bobbi Brown eyeliner: bobbibrown.com, D & G EDT: sephora.com, Tocca body cream: sephora.com, J. Crew trench: jcrew.com, J. Crew sweater: jcrew.com, J. Crew pajamas: jcrew.com, Anthropologie earrings: anthropologie.com, Tory Burch wallet: shopbop.com, Restoration Hardware scarf: restorationhardware.com, Ray-Ban sunglasses: shopbop.com, J. Crew ballet flats: jcrew.com, Mad Men on DVD: amazon.com.
Alrighty, it's time for gift guide #1. Get excited! For these gift guides I'm going to try to round up a nice variety of items, from clothes to jewelry to makeup to totally random things, and they're meant to be holiday presents so they won't all be that cheap, but I'm trying to keep it under $500 (and I'll be doing an under $25 gift guide later). This collection of gifts is for your slightly edgy, rock and roll, even gothic friend who loves True Blood, quirky accessories, and things with an off-beat twist, and has a dark sense of humor (yeah, this one's basically for me).
Haute Hippie Feather Necklace Tee, $52.50 down from $75 at shopbop.com, Jamison Zipper Motorcycle Sweater, $300 at shopbop.com, YARNZ Scallop Lace Scarf, $165 at shopbop.com: Christmas isn't a time for basic gifts, but I think this tee definitely qualifies as something special. The cut makes it really versatile, but the burnout feather faux-necklace print is a little twisted. There's something almost ferocious about it--it's a darker take on the necklace print trend, and it's pretty well-priced. I think the motorcycle jacket fits into the edgy/rock and roll category pretty obviously, but leather motorcycle jackets can be pretty pricey. I like this option because the wool/cashmere fabric is offbeat, all the zipper trims add even more edgy, and it's affordable but very fashion-forward. There's something so Victorian-Gothic about this trompe l'oeil scarf. Lace in itself is very feminine and dainty, but done as a black and white print it has a totally different vibe. A huge scarf is a chic and practical gift, and this would complement of variety of looks so well. In fact, I'd wear all three of these pieces together.
Giles & Brother Tiny Spider Stud Earrings, $78 at shopbop.com, Viv & Ingrid Pyramid Posts in Gold Vermeil, $65 at vivandingrid.com, Verameat Pintsize Cosmonaut, $100 in silver on an 18" chain at verameat.com: I love these earrings. I've posted them before, but I had to bring them back because they're so perfectly odd. I mean, they're small gold studs, which makes them seem sweet and conservative, but if you get really close you can see that they're actually tiny spiders, which is so offbeat and weird and yet totally amazing (and this coming from someone who hates spiders). The same goes for these pyramid studs. They look like just plain old gold squares, but up close you can see that they're really pyramid studs. It's a very polished way to do rock and roll, and would add an interesting edge to any outfit. This tiny astronaut necklace makes me so happy. It's such a weird thing to put on a necklace, which obviously makes it ideal for anyone with a quirky sense of humor. You could wear it alone with a plain white tee to make a serious statement, or pile it on with a bunch of other chain necklaces and just leave the little astronaut pendant poking out for an interesting surprise. And there's something so oddly endearing about--it's almost childish in a way (what little kid doesn't want to be an astronaut?) which makes it a very appropriate holiday gift.
Beetle and Flor Porcelain Beaver Skull, $110 at etsy.com, Matt and Nat Hendrix Clutch, $145 at revolveclothing.com, Pelle Moda Jaron Platform Sandals, $75 down from $180 at shopbop.com: Okay, I realize that this porcelain (not real!) beaver skull is weird. But it's weird in a really cool way. I'd use this as a paperweight or just leave it sitting on a table or a bookshelf. It's such a statement all on its own. The gold teeth make it look like this beaver was a little pirate--or maybe that's just me--and give this traditional, Gothic motif a very modern twist. It would definitely make for a memorable, unique gift. I know that chain-accented bag is a really ubiquitous choice, but I think this one is has an interesting twist. Here the chain strap is actually practical, because it takes this bag from a punky clutch to a party-ready shoulder bag, and it parallels the zipper-esque detailing on the edge of the envelope flap. I love taking a very classic shape, like the envelope clutch, and adding edgy, modern trims and details to it. Right off the bat this shoe isn't that exciting, but I think that's a good thing. Even the edgiest girl needs a versatile, go-to pair of pumps. Of course, they have to have a little twist to them, like the mixture of textures between the suede and snakeskin-embossed heel, the bondage straps, and the sizeable platform. Plus, using a dove gray as a neutral is definitely quirky and unexpected.
Lanvin Pilot Sunglasses, $350 at lagarconne.com, Thierry Mugler Alien Perfume, $105 for 2 oz. at sephora.com, Dior 5-Color Eyeshadow Palette in Night Butterfly, $56 at sephora.com: These Lanvin sunglasses are so hardcore. The shape is a very '80s-inspired twist on the classic aviator style, but the taupe and gray color palette and stud accents make these shades very, very modern. These would add an interesting edge to any outfit, and they're actually a practical gift! (I try). I think everyone can tell just from looking at it that this perfume is quirky. I mean, it's called Alien for crying out loud. It's a really unique perfume. The notes are Solar Accord, Jasmine Sambac, Green Notes, Cashmere, Vanilla, and Transparent Amber. To me it's a very warm and inviting perfume, sweet and approachable without being foody or child-like. But once you get closer you realize that there's something just slightly off about it, something dark and seductive under that innocent exterior. It's not a heavy perfume, but it's long-lasting and definitely not girly. Plus, how awesome would that bottle look on anyone's night stand? Heavy black liner or shadow seems like the usual choice for a rock and roll eyeshadow look, but I think doing a smokey eye with hints of gray and purple is a much more interesting solution. It still says dark and sultry, but the purple and gray give it a mysterious twist, and are more flattering than just black. Plus, you could also pull together fab daytime looks with this palette, the palette itself is gorgeous, and Dior shadows are definitely worth the extra cash.
Image Sources:
Haute Hippie tee: shopbop.com, Jamison sweater: shopbop.com, YARNZ scarf: shopbop.com, Giles & Brother earrings: shopbop.com, Viv & Ingrid earrings: vivandingrid.com, Verameat necklace: verameat.com, Beetle and Flor skull: etsy.com, Matt and Nat clutch: revolveclothing.com, Pelle Moda heels: shopbop.com, Lanvin sunglasses: lagarconne.com, Thierry Mugler Alien: sephora.com, Dior palette: sephora.com.
There's just a little more Pre-Fall, and then six very covetable bags for less than $500. Just in time for Christmas. What about that? Crazy coincidences, people.
Jason Wu: This collection is more Gossip Girl than Michelle Obama, but I still love it. Jason Wu has managed to make the oversized plaid shirt look chic, found a way to make a sequined mini-skirt into part of a casual but glam ensemble, and concocted a seriously gorgeously black lace cocktail dress. I love the skirt on this last dress--it's very Fall 2009 Balenciaga and builds off the tulip-esque skirts he did for Spring 2010 nicely.
Donna Karan: Donna Karan is the master of draping. That is all. Okay, not really. I want that blue dress. It's insanely flattering. The ombre-ish pattern on this second dress is absolutely stunning, and I don't think I need to explain why this last gown is drool-worthy.
Bags are my favorite things to shop for, hands down. It's so much fun to look for something that's well-made and practical, but that also has a lot of your personality in it. I like to see it as a challenge, finding something that says 'ME' but that works with the majority of my closet and will keep me organized. The only downside is that bags can be expensive. A nice Chanel or YSL bag can run you upwards of $2,000. So, I decided to round up a few bags that are full of style but won't bleed your wallet dry. I realize that $500 is still a lot of money for an accessory, but think about it in terms of cost per wear (I think I say this every time in the exact same words, so I'm sorry if you've already heard it). A Forever 21 bag will cost you $30-$40, and since they're trendy and not that well made, you'll go through about 3 a year. That averages to about $110. A nice bag that costs about $400 will last you at least three or four years years. Three years of Forever 21 bags costs $330. Four years costs $440. The cost per wear of a nicer bag is lower (and I thought I'd never use math), and so it's really saving you money in the long run.
Coach Metallic Cracked Brooke, $498 at coach.com, Be & D Bond Street Leather Tote, $415.99 down from $595 at saks.com, Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Dr. Q Groovee Satchel, $498 at shopbop.com: I have to say, Coach has really stepped up their game in the last few years. They're churning out some pretty craveable styles (aside from that logo-plastered stuff). Before anyone gets scared off by the Metallic in the name of this first bag, they do make it in neutral colors (and even purple) for less, I just like the texture of this version, which is really more of a textured patent gray than a metallic anyways. The shape is very classic and clean, not trendy, and the hue and chain details give a little bit of a modern edge without taking it over the top. The combination of the industrial extras and the more elegant shape actually makes this look much more expensive than it actually is. The Be & D bag is kind of cheating because it's on sale, but I love Be & D, and this is a gorgeous tote. It's not too big, there's a convenient shoulder strap, and the juxtaposition of the studs and crinkled leather against the very traditional shape works perfectly. I could see this bag on so many different people, worn so many different ways. I've plugged this Marc by Marc Dr. bag before, and there's a reason. It's a very cute, very basic bag. I think it would be a really good first bag for someone, because the style is pretty timeless, it has just enough modern detailing, and it would last you a long, long time.
Foley + Corinna Mid City Tote in Charcoal, $407 at revolveclothing.com, Olivia Harris by Joy Gryson Studded Ball Leather Hobo, $495 at saks.com, Olivia Harris by Joy Gryson Zip Pocket Round Sack, $395 at shopoliviaharris.com: Do some of these look familiar? This Foley + Corinna bag is one of my favorite styles of all time. These bags are well-made and well-priced, the style is a nice mix of '70s retro and modern architectural, and they're the perfect size. They come in a whole rainbow of colors, but I really love the mixture of shiny black leather and matte gray suede here. The combination of textures livens up the basic shape, and is very on-trend for the next few seasons. I know I just blogged about this first Olivia Harris bag, but I couldn't leave it out. I heart it. It's practical, it's edgy and yet refined, it's crazy-versatile, and again, it looks so much more expensive than it is. Olivia Harris makes a whole slew of other covetable bags, including this Round Sack (it's sold out in gray and dark brown, which are even hotter). I love the way the shape at the top would hug your arm perfectly. It's a nice mix of slouchy and structured, and the adjustable, zippered pocket on the front gives it a hip, downtown edge (plus the flash of suede lining is a cute textural contrast). Did I mention that it's less than $400? I know.
Image Sources:
Donna Karan: style.com, Jason Wu: style.com, Coach bag: coach.com, Be & D bag: saks.com, Marc by Marc Jacobs bag: shopbop.com, Foley Corrina bag: revolveclothing.com, Olivia Harris stud bag: saks.com, Olivia Harris round sac: shopoliviaharris.com.
Is it just me, or are the Pre-Fall collections particularly awesome this year? It feels like we're coming out of a period of seriously somber and heading towards an Argentinean tango party with nomadic influences. It sounds absolutely ridiculous but it's happening, I swear.
Carolina Herrera, Carolina Herrera, Oscar de la Renta: I'm not generally a big Carolina Herrera or Oscar de la Renta fan. I mean, they usually have one or two gowns that make me drool, but overall I generally find them both a little prim and stodgy. This year, however, they both seemed inspired by a '50s era Cuba or again, the Argentine tango. If that's any indication of where Fall 2010 is going, I want to go with them. This Carolina Herrera cocktail dress is like a grown-up, streamlined take on Marchesa's draped Grecian gowns. The color palette is very Caroline Herrera, with the bordeaux red and flash of brightness at the waist, but the cut is surprisingly modern. It's on-trend without being trendy. The second gown is just gorgeous. I love the juxtaposition of the very simple, timeless cut against the deconstructed geometric pattern, and the navy is so crisp against the white. This would be a fantastic red carpet dress--it pushes the envelope just a little, and wouldn't land anyone on a worst-dressed list. How adorable is this Oscar dress? It's almost plain, but the sweetness of the '50s swing-dance silhouette is perfectly balanced by the black. The cut is insanely flattering, and you would style this so many different ways: glam, retro, edgy, a little boho. It's really a perfect LBD, and I really like what he's doing with the sheer black tights.
All Oscar de la Renta: I have to be honest, I hate yellow. It's not a generally flattering or easy to wear color. That being said, I love this first look. It's equal parts aristocratic, in the Chanel-esque jacket, and peasant-inspired, with that lovely dress. The urban scarf ties together both halves of the outfit nicely, and have I mentioned how much I love the hair and makeup? The hair is so modern Brigitte Bardot, and the eyes are insanely glamorous, and almost a little deathly. It's a really interesting contrast. This second look reminds me of that Jackie O DVF look from yesterday, but in a younger way. The circle scarf seems to be sticking around for at least another season, and here it's all dressed up and ready for work or cocktails. The print on the coat is divine, and the stiff nature of the pattern works perfectly with the fluidity of the scarf. The teal dress reveals that there's actually a waist under the boxy coat, and the red flower is the finishing touch of contrast. This last dress kills me. Oscar takes the sheer/nude trend that's been circulating for a few seasons now, and simultaneously makes it tasteful and yet infinitely more sexy. The scattered flowers are a fantastic, organic transition into the sheerness at the bodice, the seaming reminds you that it's lingerie-inspired, and the grayish tint of the sheer panel makes it so much more intriguing than if it had been nude. The necklace (if that's attached to the dress it's really genius) and the belt add the glam factor, which contrasts nicely with the softness of the flowers.
Oscar de la Renta, Oscar de la Renta, Thakoon: I realize that this coat is absolutely ridiculous. But I want to throw this outfit on and wear it around my non-existent boudoir right now. It's just so frivolous and pink, and fluffy that it actually works. It's not ashamed of being absurdly feminine and campy. And can we just talk about how cute that scarf is? It ties together all the colors in the outfit perfectly. This Oscar gown is my favorite look of the day. I mean, one, it deserves to be worn to the Oscars, and two, it's like Glinda the Good Witch got a little bit of an attitude and decided that she wanted to be the center of attention for once. If it didn't turn to dark red at the bodice it would be over-the-top, but that depth at the neckline anchors the rest of the sparkly pinkness. You can just look at this dress and see the hours of work that went into it. They don't make a lot of dresses like this anymore. Thakoon went in a completely different direction, but it was just as interesting, if a little simpler and sportier. There's something very appealing about the minimalism of this outfit. Yes, the top is a little nautical and the skirt has some trailing fringe, but overall it's just skirt and a tee in black and white. And yet it's interesting, very casual but very chic.
All Thakoon: I really like the cut of these dresses. Really, really like it. The mullet hemline is very on-trend, as is the exaggerated shoulder, but here it feels fresh. Thakoon's managed to call attention to the shoulder without adding volume to it, and managed to channel the spontaneity and uniqueness of the the half-gown cut without actually going down the Balmain/Versace/Gucci route and making a half-gown. This cut is edgy and sporty, but also flattering and even a little feminine (see how well it highlights the collar-bone?). On top of that, it works in different fabrics and patterns for completely different moods. This first dress is definitely a little day dress, and the second is very much a cocktail dress. I bet you could belt them for even more versatility. Props to Thakoon. He also tapped into the nomadic, oversized and open cardigan trend that's been building. I love the drama of the collar here, and how he compensated for the extra length by adding a strong belt. I think this sweater-coat would actually be a really great investment. Wear it open, and it's a sweater, closed, and it's a coat. It's a twofer!
Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent Oversized Navajo Sweater, $350 at shopbop.com, Frye Engineer Boots in Gaucho Tan, $198 at shopbop.com: Continuing on that open cardigan trend, I love this Cynthia Vincent version. It would look equally good belted or open, the folksy print is very on-trend but also very classic, and it's a blend of wool and cashmere and other warm things, so it's actually practical! I'd pair it with a drapey white tank, a pair of straight leg jeans, and these Frye boots. The visual weight of the boots would ground the cardigan without distracting from it, and they have a similar organic but practical feel to them.
Image Sources:
Caroline Herrera: style.com, Oscar de la Renta: style.com, Thakoon: style.com, Cynthia Vincent sweater: shopbop.com, Frye boots: shopbop.com.
