What I'm currently thrilled a-boot.

Praise ye, thrift gods. At long last, I have finally discovered the perfect boots that my heart has been aching for. Last Saturday, Dean and I took advantage of Goodwill's 50% sale for some new fall attire, and while perusing the shoes, there they were. They almost seemed to call to me, "Aari, here we are, please purchase us and enjoy our super soft coziness and delish chocolate milk-y color immediately." Which I, of course, did. (I didn't even wait until I got home, I whipped those babies onto my feet as soon as I got in the car.) Revel in the beauty that is my vintage Etienne Aigner boots:





Glorious.

Memorial Day Weekend

Happy Memorial Day Weekend! It's big deal in Jersey because it's the official start of Summer here! and I'm at the shore for the weekend.
On Friday we went to an antique dealer's pole barn to see a china cupboard. We didn't buy the cupboard, but I nosed around and spotted this cool old wicker desk. I also went through a few bags of textiles and got some slips, smalls and this cool vintage beach towel -
The desk has already been scrubbed, stained and squeezed into the cottage here, with my laptop on top and the sewing machine tucked underneath, waiting for me to use it to sew all those dresses that I promised it I would be sewing. I put the towl over the cedar chest that's in the kitchen. Yeah, there's a cedar chest in the kitchen. There's no storage here, so I need the chest and there's just nowhere else to put it.



Here's the wall in the livingroom of the cottage. Decorated with framed vintage images that I copied, and a hatbox that I hung on the wall with a hat on top.



Two more hatboxes hung with the tops open and my mermaid dolls stuck inside of them. I thought this was a pretty clever idea!




OK, I ended up buying anoher vintage cover for my sofa cushions. I am happy with the final results.



Finally, I looooooove the way my table looks in the kitchen. I still have to paint two of the chairs and the white underneath of the table. Plus I am going to pinstripe the chairs. I keep looking in there and loving it. But now, the carpet in there looks crappy next to the pretty table. The floor will be a project for next year, because I don't have the time now that Summer has started (or the money)

stila Lip Color with SPF

I usually stick with glosses because, most days, I want a touch of shine without any added color so, typically I wouldn't even have tried stila's SPF 20 shine lip color ($22) in the Georgina shade, but I happen to be looking for some makeup to complement a new pair of Stella McCartney red pumps I just got to go with a vintage Chloe wedding dress I bought (yes wedding dress! But other than it being long and white it really doesn't look like one:) )...Anyway,Georgina is the perfect color (no traces of orange or pink, yet not too deep of a red), and since this outfit is for a party out in Southampton I'm loving that it has SPF, however what really sealed the deal for me was the smell -- vanilla!
Besides going on smooth and being relatively lightweight I loved the smell...so many lipsticks and even glosses are sticky, smelly messes so this one is a nice change. The package also says that it has Vitamins A, C and E:)

The Uptown Emerging Designers Market

Launched on May 17th, 2008 by Enyinne Owunwanne and Michelle Gittens, the Uptwon Emerging Designers Market (UEDM) is Harlem’s newest fashion retail destination featuring a variety of cutting-edge designers of apparel and accessories. The aim is to periodically hold market days where keen-eyed fashionistas can scour the exclusive clothing on offer and meet the vendors who created them. According to their site, UEDM's mission is to…

• Underscore the importance of the UEDM as a vehicle for bringing fresh styles and new designers to the public's attention.
• Provide a profitable marketplace and tools/resources necessary (including fashion business workshops and an online community for designers, stylists, models, etc.) for emerging designers to build and expose their product.
• Position the UEDM as an essential resource for Harlem's economic development and provide additional exposure to Harlem based businesses.
• Establish the UEDM as a tourist destination and a must-see attraction for lovers of cutting-edge fashion, affordable styles and affordable accessories.

Every major city should aspire to hold events like this. We need more opportunities for emerging designers to get noticed. I especially love that one of their missions it to raise Harlem’s economic portfolio and exposure to the world. Visit www.uptownedm.com to sign up for their newsletter and learn about their next event. Thanks to Johanna for informing me about this site. :)
Latoya Henry of Memory Lane by Toya and Idyllic4U (Karen Brown) & Metal (Nkrumah Jennings).

Nit Ra Sit & Denise Beckford and necklaces from Mifflin 5.

As U Wish Floral Cutout Dress

We're loving the delicate floral embroidery and cutouts on this carefree, slip-on dress. Which do you like better: the green or the black?

$48 ; at Nordstrom.

meretrix mehndi

Setting- Paying for newspapers at a market stand.



Guy: Hey, I like your mehndi.



Me: Thanks.



Guy: I tried it once. On my back.



Me: Cool.



Guy: It reminds me of what's-her-name... um... you know. Red hair. In the bible. Jesus's girlfriend.



Me: Mary Magdalene?



Guy: Yeah! You look like her.

Stealing it back

We just got over a heat wave in NYC, I finally stored the winter coats, Summer is just a few days away, and it's already Fall in the handbag world.
Chanel has shipped their new styles, and the ever so kind Maurice Robinson of Saks sent me a few pictures, from which I selected my favorites.

This first one may look a bit familiar to many...

Many fans of Marc Jacobs that is. But the fact remains as ubiquitous as the Stam was (still is to judge by the street vendors), it was a rip off, er, I mean homage to Chanel's signature style. I mean, what says Chanel more than chains and quilting?
I'm happy to see Chanel wresting it's signature style back, and showing who is the boss.
This is doubtlessly a handbag that your grandchildren would be thrilled to find in your closet...and you would have it that long. Good thing to, because prorated out, that makes the $3495 the Mademoiselle costs a pretty good deal!

My next is also classic Chanel, albeit updated and modern.

Not quite as timeless as the Mademoiselle (but really, the interlocked Cs speak for themselves, and probably do transcend the whims of trends) the Lock It has a bit more of a youthful appeal, and shows the edgy side of Chanel brought out by Karl Lagerfeld. No chains here, but the quilting, in 2 sizes, has been given a modern twist and is flatter, giving it a woven appearance. I love that for a company not afraid of an out sized logo, the only exterior nod to it's manufacturer is a small ID tag of a buckle.
This bag is all that is cool and modern. Maybe a bit too cool and modern for everyone at $3825, but like I said earlier, Chanel really is in a class of it's own, and barring trendy materials 9sheepskin?) is a lifetime bag in most styles.`
As for your grandchildren, by then, it'll be vintage...and who doesn't love a vintage Chanel?
Both bags are available at , but not online. For purchase inquiries (or any other Chanel handbag need) contact Maurice Robinson of Saks at maurice_robinson@s5a.com.

The New Shorts And Tee

With temperatures an unheard of 80 degrees near the beach, it's the perfect time to wear the quintessential southern California uniform - shorts and a T-shirt. While I've never been a big fan of shorts, there are a few dressier styles that appeal to me. For example, I adore my high-waisted style from last summer. I paired the shorts with my new zebra print tee and some fun, bold accessories like this vintage red bow tie, a corset belt, and some purple patent pumps.

© 2008 Fashion Trend Guide

Just not blending in

I'm not averse to camouflage as a pattern. I know there are people who think it is in extremely poor taste in times of war, I'm not one of those, but I do draw the line when it comes across as being "phoned in" as I think the latest Murikami/Vuitton production...Monogramouflage (jeez, even the name sounds like something spit out by a celebrity couple name generator) does.

It's not the first time a designer has tackled camo, it's been done ever since Andy Warhol turned it on it's head by using neon instead of green, but the Murakami version just lacks the thought of say, an early Vuitton collaborator, Stephen Sprouse (RIP).

Stephen Sprouse for Knoll textiles, the graffiti print ought to seem familiar to Vuittonophiles

I might even wonder if it were an anniversary of that iconic Sprouse collection for Louis Vuitton, and this was Murikami's nod to the original collaboration to yield an "it" bag...a bad excuse, but an excuse none the less.
As with other Murikami for Vuitton styles, I am sure this will be a smashing hit, with copies abounding, and waiting lists and lines at boutiques the norm, but it just lacks the punch of say the multicolored monogram, or the cerises, both so fresh and original in their time. At $1930. for the duffel pictured at the top, it carries a hefty premium price for a mediocre design. But, to find a silver lining, I happen to know many guys who are huge Vuitton fans...finally, they have a Murikami collection with a masculine edge...even if it's dull and at break the bank prices!

Buyin' Von Furstenburg

Every once in awhile, dear readers, the fashion fairy visits the DC Goodwill Fashionista in the form of a truly amazing donation. And what do I do? Well, of course, I pass along that largess to you!

And so we have today's Goodwill Good Buy of the Week: two brand new Diane von Furstenberg spring dresses!

I kid you not, dear readers, these are two gorgeous, diaphanous frocks you don't want to be without. Both are in a size 10 (but DvF runs notoriously small [not Shoshanna small, but small nonetheless], so check measurements on eBay later today) and hit at the knee on an average-height woman.

The dress on the left's pattern is called "Macaroon Stripe" (mmm...macaroons...) and the watercolor-like print is absolutely stunning. The asymmetrical neckline is cinched with a coordinated strip of fabric on the right shoulder; the left shoulder is a seafoam green spaghetti strap. The dress is fully lined and flows down from the bust line. It's a very forgiving silhouette!

The dress on the right's pattern is called "Wildrose Blue," with mauve and deep blue being the dominant colors, with just a sprinkling of dark purple thrown in for contrast. It has a beautiful modified halter neckline, with a fitted bust line, empire waist, and frilly, multi-tiered hemline (you can see it in detail, at left). It is also fully lined.

Both dresses are 100% silk with a 95% silk/5% lycra lining, and as such, require dry-cleaning. But really, you wouldn't do anything less for your DvF dresses, would you? Of course not.

And what would I recommend pairing these dresses with? Why Crocs of course! KIDDING! Ha. That was good times yesterday, wasn't it? I'm getting all misty just thinking about it.

But seriously, with dresses as light and springy as these, keep the footwear equally light: strappy heels or flats in neutral tones will keep the focus on the dress, right where it belongs. Gorgeous!




Any purchase made at a Goodwill Retail Store or on shopgoodwill.com funds Goodwill's mission of training and employment programs for people with disadvantages or disabilities.

Goodwill’s fashion blog provides detailed knowledge and insight on vintage and contemporary clothing and accessories that are valuable to fashion shoppers. The facts and opinions shared present readers with entertaining, exciting and value based information on vintage and contemporary fashion and shopping trends.

Kira: Born Rich

Kira Plastinina

"When I was really little, people asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. First, I said a princess, then I said a fashion designer. I'm not grown up, but I am a fashion designer!"

"One of my friends has the same birthday as mine on the same hour!"

"I want one for my birthday" (on pet miniature pigs)

"You know how you are supposed to make a wedding dress for the end of a show? Well, I made a white coat. It was quilted all over, and it had a print that said, 'I believe in love.'

Plastinina contacted Audrina Patridge the reality show star, the only "Hills" principal without her own clothing line, to meet for dinner in L.A. and recruited her as a brand ambassador.

Rating: 3

Kira Plastinina. There's soemthing about her dress that bothers me and I can't really put a finger to it. The tiers make her look bigger not only because she's wearing white. If softer fabric was used maybe it would look better.

Audrina Patridge. One of Kira Plastinina's muse wears a drab metallic number from the line and it's just alright. Nothing to fuss about.

[Source]

Core to the floor

In lieu of my muddling thoughts about my new job, (muddling in a good way...) I thought I'd retouch on some issues that though has spawned from my switching career fields into fashion, probably applies in a more universal way.So I have broken free of the work dress code. No more confusions over the ambiguities of 'smart casual'. No need to dress 'appropriately' for clients (again, the limits of 'propriety' - what are they?). No need to have that emergency suit (yes, i have one and no, I'm not wearing it here...) for VIP meetings. It was a pretty relaxed dress code as it was and I pushed the boundaries as much as possible but now, it's a proper free country. I could come in wearing a literal potato sack and ballet pumps if I wanted to. How about my giant scrunchie? Or a hat or two or three....?

The fact is where I work, everyone is pretty low key. Even the fashion team. That ol' chesnut about the fashion front row dressing with subtlety and the fashion students going all out and crazy at the back rows has some truth to it. It's something to do with the mentality that 'Well, I'm a paid employee of this magazine and thus I've proven my fashion credentials so I don't need to (literally) wear it on my sleeve.' The fashion interns around here seem to make more of an effort which again asserts the previous two sentances. It does make sense especially in an environment where everyone is knuckling down to proper graft (yes, it is a LOT of graft...) and really, who has the time to look like a Christmas tree decoration when you're up against the clock with deadlines, meetings etc.

But even more of a factor that contributed to my initial ultra low-key dressing is the fact that it is a new environment, new people to make eye contact with and wanting to prove myself work-wise first. So, greys, less layers, navy blues, a higher concentration of my quality designer pieces and flat Oxfords or pumps. All of this of course is still a certain facet of my style. I'm not JUST a walking overly layered and messy ornament as I've said before. Still, it's sort of being reluctant to kiss/hug someone when you first meet them. In the way that it takes me time to come out of my shell, to start saying the Susie-isms that the people who know me are familiar with, my style also has to build up gradually. A print or two has started sneaking in. The layers/headpieces are on their way. The pink PVC skirt has now made an appearance. I'm getting comfortable saying things like 'That is REALLY HID-eous!' (pronounced 'HID-A-OUS') or 'Oh-my-god-I'm-so-hungry-I-could-eat-my-imac....'. These are the superfluous things of course. The bigger picture is getting over the initial pleasantries and getting down to the interesting core beyond that. So the fussier, fancy clothes will come out to play eventually because at the end of the day, it was never my calling to be a nonchalant mag editor but rather a starry-eyed, ruffled-up, hat-wearing, asymmetric jacket, PVC leggings, glitter platforms (that is all at once by the way....) girl who likes to preach about the evils of cheese and join my thumb and index finger together to make a circle around my eye and peer into this fashion circus.

Shades of Blue

I just spent the last week in Florida! How wonderful is that? It was business as usual with the work laptop and almost the entire jewelry inventory along for the ride, but somehow business is quite different with waves frothing on white sand and people you love all around you.
It's funny that I made so much blue-toned jewelry before going to Florida - I'm sure it was my subconscious anticipating the sea. The top lapis bracelet with two strands of lapis is a blue that mimics the dark blue of the ocean close to the horizon; the necklace (of Swarovski crystals entirely) has that clear turquoise that you see closer to the shore as does the bottom bracelet made of Peruvian blue opals. The two Swarovski starfish are just a nice bonus! The lampwork bracelet that you see immediately below is a bit of an anomaly, but still somehow seemed to fit into the sea/beach theme.




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