Greece is the Word: A Wedding OO

When your most formal friend is getting married, and in a formal evening setting none the less, it can really incite a wardrobe panic. I knew I needed long, I knew I likely wanted blue, but truly, as of two days prior to my flight to Athens, I was no closer to having a Yuli-worthy dress in hand - even after visits to Intermix, Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vinvent and DVF.

Enter my savior, Tadashi Shoji. The red carpet favorite, best known for making women of all shapes and sizes look glamorous, did me a solid, and loaned me the Paillette Lace and Tulle Gown in Marina, full-length, beautifully detailed and fitted.

Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on your POV), the lighting at dusk in Santorini can be a challenge, as can the high winds seaside (read: excuse the less-than-stellar snap above), but rest assured, this was my first real 'Princess moment' with a dress, and it would have been worth every penny of the almost-unbelievably-approachable price of $408.00.

If you're shopping for a special occasion, formal or not, visit Tadashi Shoji online to explore the collection.

In Which I Fail at a Project Runway Challenge IRL

Last night, my friends at Style Coalition hosted an Art of Fashion-themed viewing party for what remains one of TV's most stylish shows - Project Runway. Presented by PR sponsor HP, I was challenged to both color block myself (ahem, unsuccessful) AND to create a look inspired by last night's Project Runway episode, which centered around mid-century art at The Guggenheim.

While I was pretty proud of the Grecian-inspired dress I draped, unwearable as it may be (uh, there was only one arm hole), the best 'design' of the evening went to dastardly Jenni of I Spy DIY, who took hom the latest HP ENVY X2. You can't win 'em all, kids!

What I wore to fail:

• J.Crew Chambray Shirt (similar here)
• Three Dots Silk Cargo Pant (no longer available)
• Schutz Cap Toe Pump

OOTD: Screaming Neon Short Shorts

Neon's had a major moment for a couple of seasons now, and after seeing J.Crew's screaming pink shorts on a few of my fellow bloggers, I had to cave. The beauty of these shorts is that they complement almost any neutral perfectly - think black, navy, taupe, white or cream - adding a seriously fun pop moment. Last Friday, I picked myself up for a all-girl margaritas and guac happenstance, and here's what I wore:

• Oliver Peoples Benedict Aviators
• Express Graduated Antiqued Spike Necklace
• Vince silk blouse (past season, similar here)
• J.Crew leopard belt (similar here)
• J.Crew 3" Chino Short in Neon Pink
• Loeffler Randall Wood Heel Platform (no longer available)
• Tooled leather bag from the souk in Marrakech, Morocco

Have you experimented with neon outside of accessories? What works? What doesn't?

Photo snapped by Sarah Conley of Style It Online.

The Apple Doesn't Fall Far From the Tree: Leopard Print Love

'My Mom, The Style Icon'is one of my favorite pages in Lucky each month, and after perusing the August issue and reading Chynna Phillips take on her 'mama' Michelle Phillips style, I felt compelled to dig through some old photographs of my mom, who passed away a few years ago of lung cancer.

In those photos, I saw some surprising glimpses into my own style - most notably in my love of lots of leg (mama knew how to work her best assets) and an undying devotion to animal print. Apparently, a love of leopard, my friends, is HEREDITARY. Noted! Seen above is my latest leopard acquisition - a small and sequined pair of shorts from Forever 21. I paired them with an uber-soft, live-in worthy Not Photoshopped tee from Feel More Better, mega-sized House of Harlow Julie shades (alt color here) and my go-to studded and bedazzled Zara sandals.

Speaking of Feel More Better, it's an online women's magazine that encourages women to share and sound off about issues that affect us all. As an extension of the mag, they've created a 1-for-1 t-shirt collection dubbed "StoryTees." Each carry a positive and empowering message, and better yet, for each tee purchased, Feel More Better gives a new book to an underprivileged girl. The tee I'm wearing above clearly targets a major issue in media today, and one that affects the self-esteem of women worldwide. In an effort to take the message further, the team at Feel More Better has created the Media and Public Health Act, which aims to pass federal legislation requiring advertising and editorial that meaningfully change the human form through photoshopping or airbrushing to carry "Truth in Advertising" labels. Pretty powerful stuff, huh?

Learn more about Feel More Better, or better yet, purchase a Story Tee here. Oh, and by the by, I'm one of FIFTY women sharing Feel More Better's mission today. For a full gallery of participating bloggers, visit Stylecaster.

OOTD: Summer Denim

Despite the heat on days like today (we're looking at temps nearing triple digits), I have a hard time letting go of denim entirely. Thankfully, white denim is a summer PERENNIAL and this season, I found the perf pair of white jeans - chic, narrow and complete with snazzy zip pockets. Above:

• KamaliKulture Square Cat Eye Sunglasses
• Banana Republic scarf (no longer available)
• Vince Silk Blouse (similar here)
• J Brand Jeans Zoey Triple Zip Skinny Jeans in White
• Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Silver Wedges (no longer available)
• La Mer Collections Wrap Watch (similar here!)

How do you wear summer denim?

Photo snapped by Sarah Conley of Style It Online.

OOTD: Coney Island Fun

Oh SUMMER. As previously mentioned, I've got plans for you and high on the seasonal Bucket List was, OF COURSE, a trip to Coney Island. 

This New York necessity boasts more fun than a girl deserves - fried food galore, carnival rides, COTTON CANDY, a fully equipped freak show and, obvs, sand and surf. Last week, I grabbed the Q train with Sarah of Style It Online and headed out for a long day in the sun (slash rain...the weather was spotty at best!) with our friends Aly and Miss Marina (not a Miss for long!) Here's what I wore:

• Lands' End Canvas Rope Trim Fedora, so nautical!
• DVF Landy in Acid Green
• Zara Lace Shorts (no longer available, similar styles here!)
• Zara Studded Sandals (no longer available, other styles here!)
• KamaliKulture Square Cat Eye Sunglasses

Photo snapped by Sarah Conley of Style It Online. Check her post on Coney Island style -and must-do's! - here!

Beach Style with Alisha Trimble

Summer is a season that, as woman, I simultaneously long for yet also dread. Steamy temps mean smaller outfits and as much as I love beach time, each year I stress about finding a beach style that's still me. 

This season's take, seen above, is retro with a glam goth twist thanks to designer Alisha Trimble, whose creative mind created the retro style halter maillot style seen above. This impeccably constructed suit is embellished with a gloriously sequined skull. See more of Alisha Trimble's vintage-style swimswear online - the fully amazing details will win you over in a snap.

Complementing the swimsuit is a sweetly protective Hat Attack Fedora with Neon Trim and a cheery pedicure (the finishing touch for any summer look, in my book!)

Photo taken at Long Beach, and snapped by Yuli Ziv.

Saturday OOTD + A Sorrelli Jewelry Giveaway!

You guys, I'm famous! Okay, famous is a stretch, admittedly, but I'm thrilled to have partnered this week with my friends at Sorrelli Jewelry. This family-owned biz specializes in glittering gems of all varieties, and they have gorgeous collections that range from classic to edgy, girly to glam. Truly, regardless of your style, you'll be able to find Sorrelli jewels to perk even the most staid, boring or classic items in your wardrobe up.

Take, for example, a blouse that I have newly discovered that I hate (OH, the power of a photo) and a simple, yet perfect pair of Current-Elliott cut-off shorts (similar here) - the Lovely Luxury Cuff Bracelet adds a bit of glam, while the Single Pyramid Pendant Necklace and Pyramid Stud Earring play up the edge of my Loeffler Randall Lexi Safety Pin Sandals (no longer available).

Shop my blogger boutique online now at Sorrelli Jewelry, AND leave a comment below, sharing your favorite Sorrelli piece, to be entered to win the suite of pieces - a value of well over $200!

One winner will be selected at random on Friday, May 25 at Noon EST.

Good luck!

UPDATE: The winner, chosen at random, is hockiemack! Thanks for your entries!

 

Cheap Thrill: KamaliKulture Square Cat Eye Sunglasses

Fashion confession time. My name is Dina and I'm a sunglasses ADDICT. In fact, I've acquired no fewer than four pairs already this season, by Elizabeth and James, Oliver Peoples, House of Harlow and most recently, KamaliKulture (see the snazzy Square Cat Eye shades seen above!)

In case you're not familiar, KamaliKulture is a new collection of timeless, classic styles (think high-quality, smart suiting separates and versatile, wear EVERYWHERE jersey dresses), all under $100, from fashion industry icon and all-around power woman Norma Kamali. Now, Norma's created MANY a design signature in her day, from Farrah Fawcett's red swimsuit (now in the Smithsonian!) to the Sleeping Bag Coat, the All-in-One Tunic/Dress and soooo many more. BUT among my many NK favorites has long been her signature Square Cat Eye sunglasses. Impeccably designed, entirely classic and ultra lightweight, these babies recently launched (among a myriad of other classic eyewear styles!) in the KamaliKulture collection for an ENTIRELY affordable and borderline irresistable $98.

Let's not discuss how much I've paid for sunglasses elsewhere, and let's instead remember that smart, empowered women make smart choices with their money. Start with your shades (baby steps, my friends), and shop KamaliKulture eyewear here!

OOTD, and a New Jewelry Love

With Mercury FIRMLY in retrograde this week (Gala's got some tips on how to survive here), I've been feeling the desire for CHANGE. And while that applies to the most significant aspects of my life, it starts with the simple things, including my personal style. Spring is just around the corner, and I'm itching to embrace some new silhouettes (a high-low skirt, anyone?), new colors (minty fresh, y'all!) and mayhaps even a new 'do (copper ombre, mayhaps? Thanks to Amber for the suggestion.)

One thing I WON'T be changing - no, ma'am, is my love of aggressive jewelry. As I once told Racked, if it looks like a weapon, I want it on me. Enter Plukka's Bullet Ring, seen in my OO above.

In case you're not familiar, Plukka is an online-exclusive platform that offers fine jewelry at 70-80% off, compared to traditional costs. As someone who's had an education in jewelry, let me assure you that this is wholly REVOLUTIONARY - the mark up on jewelry is generally the highest in the biz, and can skyrocket to 1,000+% over wholesale. But I digress. You can learn more about Plukka here, and don't forget to Like them on Facebook, where you can enter the Plukka Loves contest, for a chance to win daily prizes, and a chance at THIS stunning Ramses I ring (right), comprised of sterling silver, 18k rose gold and a full carat of diamonds.

I WANT, but in the meantime, here's what I wore yesterday:

• Mackage Ming Leather Jacket (similar here)
• Citizens of Humanity Faye Trouser Jean (funny, these were literally the 2nd pair of designer denim I ever purchased!)
• Lucky Brand Sandals (gifted, not yet available)
• Balenciaga Giant City in Outremer (other colors here)
• Plukka Black Rhodium Bullet Ring

Photo snapped by Sarah Conley of Style It Online.

OOTD: A Little Drape Never Hurt Anyone

When it comes to department store shopping, I'm strictly a B-lister. Barney's, Bergdorf Goodman, Bendel's - THESE are the stores that I call my home away from home. But after a recent breakfast date at Lord & Taylor with my friends from Lucky Magazine, I feel forced to concede that I may need to expand my REACH to new letters of the alphabet - notably L&T.

At breakfast, I spent some quality time with editor and Lord & Taylor style expert Suze Yalof-Schwartz, who swooned convincingly when I eyeballed this Rick Owens-esque, draped faux suede vest from BCBG, found on the Contemporary floor of the NYC flagship.  So convincingly, in fact, that I simply couldn't RESIST taking it home with me (in part thanks to a lovely gift card given to me by the Lord & Taylor team.)

Here's how I rocked it for a Sunday afternoon stroll in my LES hood.

• Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer Sunglasses
• BCBG Fabian Faux Suede Vest
• American Apparel Sheer Jersey Deep V Tee
• Seven for All Mankind The Skinny Second Skin Jegging in Rinsed Indigo
• Charles Jourdan Andes Platform Pump (alt color here)
• Assorted bangles, including Alexis Bittar, Kenneth Jay Lane

 

While I couldn't find this rockin' vest online, you can check out the full assortment of BCBG at Lord & Taylor here, and frankly, they've got lots of other great goodies these days too - take the time to explore!

Photo snapped by my hot brunch date, Sarah Conley of Style It Online.

OOTD: The Power of Simplicity

Despite my occasional love of the sartorially absurd - think glitter, sequins and paillettes - my style in recent months has evolved to a much simpler, and dare I say it, happier place. While I still enjoy a little fashion DECADENCE on the regular (I'm a woman, after all - made of flesh and blood, you guys), Thursday's OO was anchored by two timeless, indefatigueable classics - the perfect chambray shirt and a clean white jean.

Head to toe, here's what I wore:

• Tom Ford Anouk Sunglasses (no longer available, try eBay here)
• J. Crew Outlaw Blouse
• Toy Watch (colorway no longer available, other styles here)
• Seven for All Mankind The Skinny Second Skin Jegging in Clean White
• Loeffler Randall Peep Toe Platform Heels (no longer available)

 

OOTD: What To Wear When You're MELTING

GUYS. WTF. It's 102 DEGREES OUTSIDE, with a 115 degree heat index. I literally feel like my entire head is melting, and despite the fact that I have a J-O-B, I wore the smallest amount of silk possible today to combat the heat, namely the Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Cross Front Romper seen above.

I have a newfound obsesh (as my friend Amber would say) with silk rompers...they're soooo easy to wear, so comfy and inexplicably sexy. Okay, perhaps it's not entirely inexplicable, as there's a lot of leg happening with said rompers, but STILL. It's love. Like romantic love. If it were socially acceptable for me to marry a silk romper, I MIGHT. I digress, let's move on, etc.

Head to Toe:

• Tom Ford Anouk Sunglasses (Discontinued style, find on eBay here)
• Gold Lariat with Emerald Details
• Hermes Medor Watch (discontinued color)
• Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Cross Front Romper
• Vintage Leather Belt
• Loeffler Randall Vivan Lace Up Wedge

What do you wear when you're melting? Tell me everything; I'm running out of rompers.

ART DIRECTION and photography by Chris of Court and Hudson.

OOTD: In Praise of All Things Silk

As recently discussed with my girl Amber (while in ANGUILLA), I've been ALL about SILK in recent months. If it's (a frock, that is) NOT silk, I have little to no desire to buy it, and even less desire to WEAR it. The reasons are simple - silk is comfortable, cool and chic - in fact (and yes, I do believe it to be a FACT and not an OPINION), the fabric instantly elevates even the simplest silhouette into a garment appropriate for work or play.

Take the sweet Yumi Kim Tulip Skirt seen above. In case you're not familiar, New York designer Yumi Kim is an absolute expert in showing silk who's BOSS. In fact, her entire Lower East Side shop is stocked with every manner of solid and printed silk - dresses, blazers, blouses, jumpsuits, skirt rompers and beyond. I've lived next door for just over two weeks, and I've already dropped close to 1k (yes, that's a 1 with three zeros) on her affordable yet entirely delicious silk creations.

Head to toe, here's how I wore my latest Kim acquisition:

• Tom Ford Jennifer Sunglasses in Green (no longer available, other colors here)
• Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Open Bottle Pendant (Gift)
• Old Navy Perfect Rib-Knit Tank
• J. Crew Giltter Belt (no longer available)
• Yumi Kim Tulip Skirt in Geo Teal
• Loeffler Randall Vivan Lace-Up Wedge in Nude Suede
• Cambridge Satchel Co. 11" Satchel in Flourescent Pink

What are your feelings on silk? Is my adoration warranted? Give it to me straight in the comments.

Photo snapped by Chris of Court and Hudson.

OOTD: Ready for Judgement

Yesterday, I left the house with little to no time for sartorial preparation for my day. As I am wont to do, to be clear. That was UNFORTUNATE, to say the least, as my evening entailed an encounter (at Lucky Magazine's chic Summer Jam soiree)... an encounter with The Bumbys.

In case you're not familiar - I wasn't mentally prepared myself - The Bumbys are Jill and Gill, a cleverly disguised, mixed-gender duo that provide an "honest appraisal of your appearance" on a charmingly typed (yes, TYPED on a TYPEWRITER TYPED) notecard. Find out more about their unique brand of performance art on THE FACEBOOK or THE TWITTERZ and check out Gill's hilare (and not entirely inaccurate) assessment of my style from last night:

While I clearly didn't put the appropriate amount of effort in my jig yesterday, here's what I wore and what The Bumby's therefore judged:

• Tom Ford Anouk Sunglasses (no longer available)
• Sky Top (no longer available, other styles available here)
• Seven for All Mankind The Skinny Second Skin Jegging
• Eddie Borgo Smile rose gold-plated cutout pyramid cuff
• Balenciaga Giant City in Outremer (past season color, alternate color here)
• Loeffler Randall Vivan Wedge

If you were getting ready to be sartorially JUDGED, what would you wear?

Image snapped by Sarah Conley of Style It Online, my OG OOTD photog.

OOTD: Turn Up the Volume

I have so MANY sartorial obsessions, it can sometimes be difficult to keep up, I know.  Studs, wedges, Balenciagas with giant hardware, Ray-Ban Wayfarers, and so forth and so on. Since I'm sure you have your own life to lead, your own sartorial obsessions to manage, etc., etc., let me REFRESH your memory re: my feelings on the DOLMAN sleeve (often a cause of great DIVIDE, if we're being honest).

My feelings are unequivocal, to be clear.

I LOVE a dolman.

I adore volume in my sleeves like a Southern woman adores volume in her HAIR.

I obsess over the freedom a dolman sleeve affords my ARMS.

I've even created an #iloveadolman HASHTAG on Twitter - THAT'S how strongly I feel about a sleeve with volume.

BUT if we're being honest, wearing a sleeve with as much VOLUME (all caps required) as my newest fashion acquisition - the Tyra Silk Blouse from BCBG - requires an ADJUSTMENT to proportions - namely, an uber-slim bottom (whether the blouse is worn tucked as seen here, or untucked) and a high, high heel to avoid feeling completely dwarfed by insurmountable mounds of fabric.

Head to toe, here's how I wore it:

• Tory Burch Sunglasses (Gift; no longer available, others here)
• BCBG Tyra Silk Poet Blouse
• La Mer Collections Leather Wrap Watch (alternate styles here)
• Lands' End Canvas Leather Nailhead Belt (Gift)
• J Brand Jeans 811 Mid-Rise Skinny in Bright Royal
• Chloe Platform Mary Janes (past season, no longer available)

What are your thoughts on sleeves with mega-volume? Can you get down? Tell me everything in the comments.

Photo snapped by Chris of Court and Hudson.

OOTD: A Short Story

It's been a long time since I've embraced a SHORT, y'all. But give a girl a seemingly never-ending series of Physique 57 classes, and a bottle of self-tanner, and she can face even the BRIEFEST of inseams - for work or for play.

Take, for example, these perfectly lovely Washed Silk Cargo Shorts from Talbots. Thanks to the more formal fabrication and polished details (exactly what I'd expect from Talbots, though they've also REALLY upped the ante on trend-right pieces in recent seasons), they're the PERFECT substitute for my go-to denim on hot and steamy days. My only complaint - and it's a minor one at that - is that silk wrinkles entirely too easily, as seen above. Which reminds me...does anyone know any dewrinkling secrets short of keeping a steamer in my cube? If so, I'm ALL EARS.

Head to toe, here's how I wore them this week:

• Tom Ford Anouk Sunglasses
• Tucker by Gaby Basora Silk Blouse (other patterns here)
• Various Bangles, including Kenneth Jay Lane, Disaya and Alexis Bittar
• Talbots Washed Silk Cargo Shorts (gift)
• Loeffler Randall Stacked Peep Toe Platform (no longer available)

Have you introduced shorts to your Summer '11 work wardrobe? Do tell in the comments.

Pic snapped by the lovely Chris of Court and Hudson.

OOTD: It Takes a Village

Moi, flanked by the lovely Kat of Corporette (she's got a bun in the oven!) and Kristin of Fashion Style Beauty

You know...some girls are naturally pretty and for others, it takes a VILLAGE.  I fall FIRMLY into the latter camp, so for yesterday eve's Internet Week activities - the Kaboodle Fab at Five Fête & Fashion Show (where friends Yuli and Jordana walked the runway, among others!), followed by the Webutante Ball (affectionately dubbed "Nerd Prom" by IW attendees) -  I relied on nothing short of celebrity-caliber professionals to get me ready to go.

First up was a trip to MAC Pro, where artist Armando gave me the ULTIMATE smokey eye. To quote him on this, "Most girls would have said 'stop' by now, but you seemed okay with it, so I just kept going..." - he's referencing, obviously, the COPIOUS amounts of shadow, liner and mascara seen above.

Next, I spent some QT with Star, stylist extraordinaire at Ted Gibson, who gave me a magically sleek blowout with some Valley of the Dolls-style lift at the crown.

While I didn't manage to snap a REAL OOTD - I was too busy mingling and cocktailing, you know? - here's what I wore:

• Yigal Azrouel Very Violet Draped Dress (via Rent the Runway)
• Vintage Gucci Clutch
• Lia Sophia Cuff (gift, no longer available)
• Rings: Dominic Jones Knuckleduster (via The Outnet), Alex & Chloe Anneau Solitaire with Inverted Black Diamond, Kimberly McDonald Green Aquamarine Statement Ring
• Courtney Crawford Patent Leather Peep Toe Pumps (line discontinued)

OOTD: For the Love of Animals (and Vodka!)

 

Oh snap, you guys. My friends at Smirnoff US, knowing how much I LOVE their vodka, all vodka, etc., challenged me to go tête-à-tête in a blogger styling challenge hosted on their Facebook page. And for those who read this site, and actually KNOW me, you know I'm powerless against the power of vodka, so of course, I said yes.

The brand has enlisted 3 designers to create t-shirts that bring to life their vision of the iconic spirits brand, and my fellow bloggerati (including Julia from Fashion Pulse Daily and Alia from Second City Style) and I styled one of my fave tees of the bunch, designed by Rachel Caldwell.

Embrace DEMOCRACY and cast your vote for MOI by Liking the Smirnoff page, and then Liking my pic! If I win (the final tally of Likes happens on Friday), $1,000 goes to my charity of choice: The Humane Society!

Head to toe, here's how I wore it:

• Ray-Ban Wayfarers
• Smirnoff Tee, designed by Rachel Caldwell (enter to win one here!)
• Cuffs: Rebecca Minkoff (others here), Hayden-Harnett (others here)
• J. Crew Glitter Belt (other J. Crew belts here)
• HUDSON Jeans cut offs (originally the Collin Signature Skinny)
• Loeffler Randall Zola Wooden Platform Bootie (alt color here)
• Balenciaga Giant Day in Electric Turquoise (no longer available, other colors here)

Photo snapped by my very GRACIOUS competitor/neighbor Julia of Fashion Pulse Daily.

**UPDATE** Even if you don't want to vote, the comments are worth a visit, peeps. Behold a few of my faves:

 

OOTD: Party for My Three Amigas

Tonight is a VERY special night for two reasons, peeps.

First, I'm going to GET MAH CULTURE ON, seeing the superbly reviewed Book of Mormon on Broadway with my work husband of sorts, Jake. Excited is an understatement - I'm looking forward to high levels of blasphemy and obvs, the most inappropriate humor (my fave kind!) imaginable.

Second, I'm hitting up the very VERY (if you'll allow me to say) Norwood Club following, to fête the early June birthdays of not one, not two, but count 'em, THREE of my best girlfriends - Sarah, Kristin and Amber.

These Gemini beauties know how to BRING IT sartorially speaking, so today, I did something WILD and CRAZY, and I brought it myself. Well, if by "bringing it," I mean "I wore a dress," that is.

Head to toe, here's what I'll be wearing to get my party on:

• Ray-Ban Wayfarers (Okay, I'll probably take these off actually...I'm no Carey Hart)
• Rachel Leigh Crystal Fringe Necklace
• Cynthia Vincent Placket Front Bra Cup Dress
• La Mer Collections Leather & Chain Wrap Watch (similar styles here)
• Loeffler Randall Zola Wooden Platform
• POPBeauty Nail Glam Nail Lacquer in Turquoise

Photo snapped by Chris of Court and Hudson