Is it Time to Take a Second Look at Banana Republic?

julie | what I want now | Friday, 30 May 2008

 

As I was walking through the mall the other day, I found myself reflexively slowing down as I passed the Banana Republic store.  I was drawn by the bright colors and all the shiny little things I saw displayed in the store’s windows.  That may not seem remarkable, but you see, I had kind of discarded Banana Republic.  I’m not sure when it happened, but the store sort of dropped off of my radar at some point.  So, when I noticed their intriguing wares, I decided to take a little look inside.  What I found were several beautiful summer pieces (like the dresses above), and lots of stunning jewelry. 

What stores have you rediscovered lately?

Cheap and Chic X 2

julie | day-to-night, trend alert, where to get the trend, work chic | Wednesday, 28 May 2008

Cheap and chic indeed.  Both of these looks are from Forever 21.  There are a couple of trends represented here.  The first look has a hint of the safari look with the belted jacket and ikat-ish print.  I think those heels are super fab too!  The second look has the dress with the painterly pattern, which of course, is another big trend.  I love that both of these looks are very summery and could go from work straight to dinner and drinks.

Sarah Jessica Parker at the Sex and The City Premier

julie | celebrity fashion | Wednesday, 28 May 2008

Holy Nina Ricci!  This is awesome!  I have no idea what fabric that is, but it looks fabulous.  I mean, it’s like courture Reynolds Wrap, but in a good way.  I didn’t know that was possible.  Look how tiny and cute her waist is, and the hair and makeup are just beautiful.  Oh and the necklace almost looks like an inverted tiara.  Fitting, no? 

This makes me so excited for the movie to open!

Oh Topshop, how I love thee…

julie | what I want now | Tuesday, 27 May 2008

I know these are just the pointless ravings of a crazed maniac, but why oh why can’t we have a Topshop in the US?!  Is anybody listening to me?  Why? 

I studied for a semester in Madrid a few years ago and I first discovered Topshop at that time.  It and Zara and H&M quickly became the spots that my girlfriends and I would routinely go for great deals on the greatest clothes.  Zara and H&M are quickly increasing their Stateside presence.  So, I can’t wrap my tiny little mind around the fact that Topshop is not following suit.  It’s just not the same ordering online.  I mean, if the exchange rate doesn’t deter you, I bet the shipping costs will.

Ok, I’m through with my rant and I will go back to waiting for that red-letter day when I hear that Topshop has decided to open a store in a convenient locale.

That Terrible Star Cover About Cellulite

julie | celebrity fashion | Tuesday, 27 May 2008

If you’ve been to a grocery store in the past week, you’ve probably seen this horrendous tabloid cover staring back at you.  I was disgusted by this when I saw it and I’m sure lots of you were too.  It’s pretty awful to expose someone in this way and it’s fairly obvious that at least some of these photos have been photoshopped to death.  The problem is that these types of covers/articles often have an effect on how we feel about ourselves and how we think we need to look. 

When I saw the cover, I automatically started to feel bad about myself.  I know that plenty of other girls feel the same way.  If you want to read more about this, click on the link below.  There is a post from the great blog, “Because I’m Addicted”, and lots of great and supportive comments. 

because im addicted: im going there…cellulite!#links

Agyness Deyn dropped from Burberry?!

julie | celebrity fashion | Friday, 23 May 2008

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Style Dash claims that Rising star Agyness Deyn has been dropped by Burberry because she is over-exposed.  Read the article here: http://www.styledash.com/2008/05/22/burberry-drops-agyness-deyn/  It seems like just yesterday that she got this gig.  How fickle is the fashion world, eh?  I don’t think she will be hurt too badly by this, but it is surprising nonetheless.

More Organic Cotton!

julie | where to get the trend | Thursday, 22 May 2008

I know lots of people are interested in buying clothes made with organic cotton.  Now everybody’s fave, the American Apparel v-neck comes in organic cotton.  Yah!!!  Oh, and it’s only 17 bucks! 

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I think it only comes in this natural color at the moment.  I bet they will be developing some other colors soon, and maybe they’ll use vegetable dyes.  That would make them some new friends.

Here is the link: http://store.americanapparel.net/2456orgw.html#i

3-Day Weekend!

julie | Weekend, where to get the trend | Thursday, 22 May 2008

I’ve got the upcoming Memorial Day weekend on my mind today.  No matter what you decide to do with your three days, I suspect you’ll want to look good.  In thinking about the activities you’re likely to choose, I’ve prepared a cheat sheet that hopefully you’ll find useful.  I put together a cute and comfortable yellow skirt and one-shoulder top for a barbeque or picnic, a flirty dress and heels for a night out on the town, a breezy boho combo of Mexican top and holey jeans for an afternoon of perusing the flea market or vintage shops, a tank and shorts combo for the beach, and of course, an adorable bathing suit and beach bag.

Jeans and shorts from Abercrombie; tie-dye bag - Lucky Brand; gladiators and camera - Urban Outfitters; geometric tank - Fred Flare; dress - mod cloth; bracelets and earrings - Forever 21; white top, heels, necklace, sunglasses, bikini, beach bag, one-shoulder top and skirt - Delia’s.

The Dark Side of the 80s Revival

julie | trend alert | Wednesday, 21 May 2008

I love the 80s, well usually.  There are so many great influences that are re-emerging from the 80s and the 90s alike.  Things I swore I would never like again have found their way back into my heart and my wardrobe (neon, jellies, leggings, colored tights).  I’ve learned that the old saying is true -”never say never”.  But… can’t we draw a line somewhere?  I mean, there are a couple of pants trends that I just don’t think I can get behind a second time.

When I was in elementary school and MC Hammer was awesome, I wore Hammer Pants.  There weren’t many brave little souls in my class that did, and I actually suffered some abuse for it.  That would not be the last time I was ridiculed by some idiot boy for my fashion choices, and I can accept that a love of fashion sometimes makes you do things that the average person thinks is a little kooky.  That being said, I just don’t think it’s worth the trouble for some of the largely unflattering looks that are resurfacing lately.

I know I’m supposed to think these looks are so avant-garde and these people are probably way cooler than I am, but tell me honestly, what would your boss say if you came to work like this?:

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This girl is very pretty and I applaud her originality, but I just don’t understand a baggy crotch.

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Harem pants anyone?

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And how about a pleated onesie?  Both of these girls are tall and thin and could probably pull off a garbage bag, so yes, I’m jealous.  I just know that the average woman is not well served by putting a bunch of pleats over her midsection.  I also know that I have to pee way too many times in a day for this to ever be practical!

All of these photos are from Facehunter which is a truly great site.

“In Love With A Girl” by Gavin Degraw

julie | Inspired by a Song | Tuesday, 20 May 2008

I was glad to hear that Gavin Degraw was back on the scene.  I liked him a few years ago when he first came out.  He has that cool, laid back, singer-songwriter vibe.  I’d like to think that if were a famous musician, I’d be cool like that.  I like his new song.  It has been seared in my brain for at least a week, much to the annoyance of friends and family who have had to suffer through my random singing of it. Check out the video: 

http://youtube.com/watch?v=ftZ0jpYdn70

This song is the type of song that puts me in the mood to go hangout with friends in the sunshine.  I’d like to sit outside at some dive bar on the beach after work on a Friday and hear this song.  I’d wear this. Ok, I know the heels aren’t appropriate if you really were at a dive bar by the beach.  That’s why I put the Converse in too!  A girl never knows where she might end up.  That’s why I keep 5 or 6 various pairs of shoes in my car at all times.