STYLE/BEAUTY

I’ve been working a lot from home this past year. One of the perks of this arrangement is getting to spend time with Socrates, my beloved dog. The others: not having to get dressed and not putting makeup on every morning. Could I go a week without makeup? Yes, my dog wouldn’t mind it. And by the time my husband comes home from work; he is so tired, I doubt he cares if I wear makeup or not. My life allows me to wear jeans and not put lipstick on every morning. But there are a lot of women in the corporate world, who have to maintain a certain look, and wearing makeup is sometimes part of it. That’s where I have a problem with the “No Makeup Week” initiative. In case you haven’t heard about it – it is a movement started by the Chicago freelance writer, Rachel Rabbit White, who decided to swear off makeup for seven days, letting the readers of her successful sex journalism blog in on the challenge. It appears that more than 300 people pledged to take the challenge on Facebook and young women sent photos of their nude faces to be posted on the blog.  I applaud the idea of getting young women to adhere to a cause. I respect the women who don’t get pressured into conforming to rules they are not comfortable with. However, the disproportioned amount of attention it got from major publications like Jezebel and HuffPost, makes me wonder if it is just another successful strategy to increase the blog’s traffic. This is the interview HuffPost published, after speaking to writer via email.  Decide for yourself.

Mirela Gluck  

We ignored the reports and decided to adventure today to the Hermes sample sale.
These pictures will give you an idea of what is happening there now:
a) There is merchandise left, apparel, small accessories, shoes and scarves
b) At around 1:15PM, there were almost no lines
c) There are some bags, but at the affordable end, think canvas not leather
 

Oscar de la Renta fans, this sale is for you! Most times with these sample sales, curators will don their sale with an attractive designer’s name to wheel you in, only to leave you shocked and disappointed at the limited quantity and sometimes stained apparel. This sale is different from its sister sales because, well, it is exactly as described. Oscar de la Renta sweaters occupy most of the small room of Boutique 57. They are well stocked in soft cashmere cardigans, pull-overs and dresses, the plethora of colors, shapes, and sizes will make it hard to choose just one (which will be necessary due to their high prices, which average about $500+ a pop). The brown and cream chunky pull-overs are to die for, if I for one had a disposable income I would be buying one for every day of the week to wear as my own designer Snuggie to keep me warm while watching Dancing with the Stars. I’m not sure Oscar would approve, but we’ll keep that between us.

Designer comfort should be the new name of this sale; the UGGs are in great supply as well. However, there is one problem, most of the UGGs only come in a size 9, which is their sample size. Slip-on clogs, stripped sweater boots, and house slippers are in a variety of colors averaging $50 a pair (which is half price!). Also, a few pairs of last year’s UGG lace up boots are on the shelves for $150 each.

Other notables include Christian Lacroix dresses and Yves Saint Laurent pumps, but hurry down because there are limited quantities! Over on their reasonably priced rack were various blouses that were totally wearable. Biba striped sailor shirts were priced at $50 and are now on my wish list.

Sorry folks, no photos allowed but browse the Internet for UGG boots and Oscar de la Renta sweaters to give yourself an idea!

By Caitlin Colford

WHEN: 9/21 – 9/23, T-Th (10-7).

With New York Fashion Week behind us now, Spring 2011 trends are on our minds. Luckily, there is no need to wait for the warm weather to return, you can incorporate some of the haute Spring 2011 trends right now into your fall wardrobe and wear them into the next season. Here are our favorite Spring 2011 trends and ideas on how to wear them right now.

Sheer Fabrics

Sheer fabrics were omnipresent all over the Spring 2011 catwalks, which maintains the ethereal theme of SS11. ProenzaSchouler did the sheer trend tastefully by layering sheer fabrics over more modest fabrics. Pairing sheer tops with silk camis is a delicate and classy way to show some skin. You can incorporate this hot trend into your wardrobe by investing in a beautiful sheer top in black or nude (colors that are always “in” no matter what the season) and wearing them over a beautiful silk camisole. You can wear this look stylishly with a black pencil skirt for day and dark wash skinny jeans for night.

Silver Embellishments

Designers have been bedazzling their clothing for a few seasons now and this is one trend that is here to stay. For SS11 designers favored silver embellishments that are striking and eye-catching. Silver embellishments covered everything from tops, miniskirts, dresses and even pants. Jenny Packham showcased beautiful silver embellished pieces in her SS11 runway show that were breathtaking. You can easily fit this trend into your closet by buying fabulous, statement making costume jewelry in silver so that you can amp up plainer tees, shirts and dresses in a snap.

The Full Skirt

With the return of spring we will see the return of the full skirt. A more modest and conservative hemline is all the rage in fashion right now and Spring 2011 will definitely be the season where this trend will take off in full force. Vena Cava showed beautiful full skirts that were still sexy when paired with more form fitting tops. To get in on this trend now and wear it into the next season, look for subtly printed skirts in bright colors that you can pair with a form-fitting turtleneck along with knee-high boots now and a tank-top and sandals in the spring.

Orange Is The New “it” Color

Orange is definitely the “it” color of the season. From nails, lips, dresses, shoes and everything in between orange was everywhere on the catwalks. Carlos Miele featured beautiful orange dresses du jour, which look absolutely gorgeous against tanned skin. You can work orange into your Fall 2010 wardrobe by using little pops of it here and there. Maybe try a pumpkin colored nail polish or try an orange satchel.

Wide Leg Trousers

Skinny jeans are a thing of the past. Fashionistas and designers are now embracing the wide leg trouser. From Marc Jacobs to Tory Burch, wide leg trousers are making a comeback and in a big way. Luckily, for us, they are super easy to pull off on any body type and look great when paired with a crisp white collared shirt and a blazer work as well as an embellished halter and sky high heels for night.

By Millissa Mathai