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Sorry for the failtastic lack of postage yesterday. I'm making up for it by blogging on a Saturday.
One of the big trends on the runway for Spring/Summer 2010 was a culmination of the tribal and space-agey movements that have been going on for awhile into a sort of Neo-Amazon warrior look. It fuses organic prints, rough and arts and crafty trims, rich colors, and statement jewelry for outfits that are equal parts glam and sporty.
Yigal Azrouel Resort, Givenchy, Versace, Balenciaga, Herve Leger, Proenza Schouler: Here are some of my favorite examples of the trend, especially Givenchy (love Lara Stone) and Balenciaga (he always does neo-tribal chic).
Diane Von Furstenberg Marketta Tank Top, $198 at shopbop.com, VPL Cincher Midi Skirt, $395 at shopbop.com, Foley + Corinna Zipper Bag, $389 at shopbop.com: The trim on this tank is made out of feathers and studs. FEATHERS AND STUDS. It's equal parts hard edged and rainforest parrot, strong and delicate, it totally negates the need for any kind of necklace, and it's just so unexpected. I'd tuck it into this high-waisted skirt from VPL. The elastic banding at the waist is very space age (and totally waist slimming), I love the black and white contrast that ties back to the Givenchy and Balenciaga looks, and there's a fab exposed zipper at the back. If you left the tank loosely tucked into the skirt, there would be a lovely play on volume between the drape of the soft jersey tank and the structure of the waistband of the skirt. I know the bag adds a lot of black to an already very dark outfit, but I think it works because it's so structured and the leather has a bit of a sheen, so there's a really nice mix of textures between the leather, the feathers, and the elastic going on. The zippers are very strong and futuristic, and balanced out nicely by the boho feel of the fringed zipper pulls.
Landver Woven Chain Bracelet, $50 at shopbop.com, Velvet Angels Barbuto Three Strap Booties, $295 at shopbop.com, Gara Danielle Double Stone Turquoise Ring, $198 at shopbop.com: This bracelet is such a perfect example of this trend. The woven structure is very homegrown and crafty, but the chain texture is so industrial. There's something very offbeat and eyecatching about it, and I think it would help balance out all the detail at the neckline. With a tank top and a mini skirt, you need a strong shoe to anchor the outfit. I love these because they have the effect of a bootie from the front, but the side cutouts and the peep toe make it much more flattering. The buckles are just the icing on the cake. I think this ring is so awesome. The color ties back to the feathers on the tank, the shapes of the rocks are so organic, and the double stone is so weird and yet so right at the same time.
Image Sources:
Yigal Azrouel: style.com, Givenchy: style.com,Versace: style.com, Balenciaga: style.com, Herve Leger: style.com, Proenza Schouler: style.com, DVF tank: shopbop.com, VPL skirt: shopbop.com, Foley + Corinna bag: shopbop.com, Landver bracelet: shopbop.com, Velvet Angels bootie: shopbop.com, Gara Danielle ring: shopbop.com.
This post is a first for Awkward Chic. We get emails from magazines and brands pretty often asking us to share their pictures or spreads, but no one's actually ever sent us physical stuff before. So when ASTARS asked me to try out and blog about two of their shirts, I literally died (Rachel Zoe style). I will jump at any legitimate excuse to play dress up and take pictures of myself for an hour. Here's the little ASTARS bio that they sent me:
"ASTARS has quickly become a closet staple known for its slouchy tanks, sexy V’s and vintage motorcycle tees. With unique washes that include sun fading, mineral rinses and the use of a double softener, the collection creates a luxurious drapy fit and feel that is as comfortable as it is stylish. The ASTARS collection draws inspiration from the company’s rich history, which translates edge and attitude into its designs. Celebrity fans include Sandra Bullock, Jessica Biel, Mischa Barton, Jessica Alba, Kim Kardashian and Kristen Stewart."
And here are some pics of celebs wearing ASTARS--Jessica Alba, Vanessa Hudgens, Audrina Patridge, Kim Kardashian, etc.
Ventura Highway Top in Black, $66 at astarswomens.com, Not Your Boyfriend's V in White, $64 at astarswomens.com: Here are the actual tops they sent me. They're both 100% rayon, which may sound off-putting at first, but they are seriously the comfiest shirts I've ever owned. I've been wearing the grey shirt with sweats and Uggs in my room (don't judge, it's freezing here! There might be snow!) all day, and I feel like I'm wrapped in a giant cloud of cozy. Rayon also holds it's shape really well, so there's no stretching out, and drapes perfectly without clinging or bunching. The black top is on the shorter side with a slightly fitted body, a double pocket on the chest with vegan leather trim, and unfinished hems, and the grey v-neck is definitely on the over-sized side (I have an XS and it still has plenty of drape), with a sun-faded pattern and ribbed trim at the neckline. They're both really thin shirts (but not sheer), which is great for layering, but any lumps or bumps you've got going on underneath will show through. Keep reading for my reviews and how I'd style these.
I tried to get a picture of the pocket detail here, but my camera hates me. You can kind of see it on the left--it's basically two pockets with trim on their top hem layered on top of each other. It's quirky. I like it. As for the cut of the shirt, it's a little shorter than I usually go for, but it's actually really cute. The hem hits on a good place on my hips to be worn untucked with jeans, and it hugs the body nicely without being clingy. My favorite way to wear it is tucked into a high-waist skirt. With the deep-v neckline, the slight scoop in the back, and the longer sleeves, it almost looks like a leotard or a bodysuit when you tuck it in. It sounds weird, but bodysuits are pretty huge right now--blame Lady Gaga--and I've always been intrigued by the idea, but bodysuits are so inconvenient and uncomfortable. This gives you that ballerina look without actually having to dress like a ballerina. And there's something so lovely about the delicate neckline against the toughness of the faux leather trim. I did the two outfits on the bottom to show how versatile this top is; you can dress it up really easily with a sparkly pencil skirt, or make it more relaxed with a jersey skirt and mens' belt.
This second top is a little less fitted, so it's got that over-sized/drapey thing going on, which I love. I can't begin to tell you guys how comfy this tee is. I love the sun-fading treatment--from a distance it looks almost ombre, but with a bit of a dark twist from the muted color palette (putting grey and white together in a v-neck is seriously like writing MEGAN all over it). The v-neck is just deep enough to be flattering without crossing the line into skanky, and this shirt might be even more versatile than the black top. I like it with just jeans and a big scarf for a casual, urban chic look, and I'd throw a motorcycle jacket or a little leather jacket on top for a bit more polish. I also really like pairing it with more glam pieces, like a pencil skirt or a trench, The relaxed cut of the shirt works perfectly with more structured pieces, and there's something so cheeky and insouciantly chic about pairing a little v-neck like this with a seriously glam piece like that pencil skirt; it's the perfect study in contrasts.
Jewelry: vintage and Tiffany's, Jeans: both 7 for all Mankind, Scarf: Love Quotes, Heels: Steve Madden Luxe, Pencil Skirt: vintage Chanel, Jersey Skirt: American Apparel, Belt: H&M, Mini Skirt: American Apparel, Trench Jacket: Alexander Wang for Gap, Motorcycle Jacket: Monrow.
So I guess the real question is: would I pay about $60 for one of these tees? I'd have to say yes. They're comfy, they're easy to wear and super-versatile, and pretty darn flattering. I've paid more for tees that I like a lot less. I think I'm going to have to collect a few more.
ASTARS Pit Slouchy Tank in Black, $59 at astarswomens.com, and White, $59 at astarswomens.com: The next thing that caught my eye was the slouchy tank. These were both sold out in my size when I last checked, but I really want one of these slouchy tanks. You know I'm a sucker for a drapey white tank top, and I love the sun-faded finish on these. It adds the perfect amount of grunge to balance out a sparkly pencil skirt, or you could go all Kurt Cobain and wear it with distressed jeans.
Image Sources:
Celebs in ASTARS: x17online.com, Not Your Boyfriend's V: astarswomens.com, Ventura Highway top: astarswomens.com, ASTARS slouchy tank in black: astarswomens.com, ASTARS slouchy tank in white: astarswomens.com, all of the pics of me were taken by me. :)
When they introduced the Bag, Borrow, or Steal thing, I was intrigued. However, accessories are really easy to lose and designer handbags are really easy to steal, so I figured it wasn't worth it. Even though the idea of having a Chloe Paraty for a week is tempting. But renting designer clothes? Now that's an idea I can get behind. Say hello to Rent The Runway. Renting a cocktail or black tie dress for a few days is actually a really fantastic idea. How many little party dresses are sitting in your closet that you've never worn more than once or twice? You can really only wear your fancy prom dress once before people start remembering. This way you don't have to feel bad about wearing something only once, because the rental price tops out at $200. Plus, just in case you're worried about sizing, they'll send you two sizes of the same dress for the same price, so you can try on both. Am I the only one thinking that you and a friend in a similar size could split the cost for the one dress, so both of you get to wear a fab (albeit the same) dress for half the price of one of you doing it alone? I'm sure that's exactly what they don't want to happen, but it's just an idea...And I'm not sure about the details, but I saw somewhere on the site that if you rent two or three dresses at the same time the last two dresses are just $25. Serious style. You get to keep the dress for 4 days (you can pay extra for 8 days), they pay for dry-cleaning, and there's a $5 insurance charge in case something rips, there's a bad stain, etc. Unlike a lot of the sites I've seen doing this, they actually have a well-curated selection of fashion forward brands. Here are some of my top picks for your next cocktail party, gala, black tie affair, dress-up party (you know I would), or whatever.
Robert Rodriguez Collection Sequin Insert Mini Dress, rent for $75 at renttherunway.com, Tuleh Lace Embroidered Sheath, rent for $200 at renttherunway.com, Robert Rodriguez Black Label Go Gaga Rocker Dress, rent for $100 at renttherunway.com: The trim on the gold parts of this first dress are zippers. Zippers. OMG. It has a serious Balmain vibe, with a bit of '80s inspired opulence. This dress doesn't need any accessories--it stands all on it's own. The way the gold pieces are placed at the waist is really flattering, and sure to give anybody an hourglass shape. I'd rent this for a New Year's Party for sure. This Tuleh dress is so chic, with a bit of a gothic twist. The '20s inspired shape is a little Great Gatsby, the layered lace at the hem is very vampire romance novel, and the really fab part is that you could accessorize it so many different ways. You could really bling it out for a more rock and roll vibe, pair it with pearls for refined elegance, or even add a belt for a fun pop of color. The name of this green dress says it all. It's hitting on so many trends: '80s, asymmetry, draping, one-shouldered, body-con mini. It's such a statement that you wouldn't be able to get that much wear out of it, which is why it's a great dress to rent.
Herve Leger Sunset Ombre Dress, rent for $150 at renttherunway.com, Herve Leger V-neck Bandage Dress, rent for $150 at renttherunway.com, Brian Reyes Beaded Racerback Dress, rent for $100 at renttherunway.com: I love the idea of renting a Herve Leger dress. It's a realistic way to wear one of these ridiculously expensive bandage dresses, and I think these are really something you need to try in real life before you buy them. Wearing one of these dresses is an experience, and I don't think being wrapped skintight elastic is for everyone. Renting one of these lets you test drive a Herve Leger dress before committing, and since these dresses are so versatile, you could wear them two, maybe even three times in the four day period that you have them. This Brian Reyes dress is my absolute favorite. The fit is the perfect mix of casual and fitted, and there's something so charming about the white with the organic gold sequins winding around it. I remember him being inspired by rocks this season, and that pattern is the most elegant take on a rock that I've ever seen. I would totally rent this for my birthday party.
Helmut Lang Cold Shoulder Dress, rent for $50 at renttherunway.com, Alice + Olivia One Shoulder Sequin Mini, rent for $50 at renttherunway.com, Tibi Tribal Chic Chemise, rent for $50 at renttherunway.com: I die for this Helmut Lang dress. It's so, so on-trend, with the cut-out at the shoulder, the asymmetry, and the long sleeves/mini body. The exposed zipper at the back adds some edge (I love a good back detail), and this is actually a practical night out dress for winter. Pair it with some sheer tights and you've got your arms and legs covered without looking frumpy. If I'd known about this site/if it had existed when I was shopping for prom dresses, I would have been all over this Alice + Olivia dress. All over it. It's so rock and roll glam, and it has such a sculptural shape. I mean, all you need it this dress, a fab cuff bracelet, and some killer pumps and you are made. That means your prom dress could technically be under $200. Loves it. I would totally wear this Tibi dress to a summer wedding. The blue is so vibrant, the beaded detail gives it a bit of a Mediterranean vibe (and eliminates the need for jewelry), and the shape not only flattering, but would hide a multitude of sins.
Image Sources:
Robert Rodriguez sequin mini: renttherunway.com, Tuleh dress: renttherunway.com, Robert Rodriguez green dress: renttherunway.com, Herve Leger sunset dress: renttherunway.com, Herve Leger blue dress: renttherunway.com, Brian Reyes dress: renttherunway.com, Helmut Lang dress: renttherunway.com, Alice + Olivia dress: renttherunway.com, Tibi dress: renttherunway.com.
I have to be honest, I wasn't all that excited about the Jimmy Choo for H&M collaboration at first. The early ad campaigns were a little tacky, and it all seemed over-priced. But I think it's starting to grow on me. Even though they aren't shipping any of it to the stores in Boston?!?! Really? Really now?
Look at those thigh high boots. Yum. The leather tights not so much.
I'm assuming these have to be decent quality, because $99 is a lot from an H&M quality shoe. This first shoe is a fun blend of the dominatrix heel trend and the gladiator sandal thing with a bit of a shoe bootie (shootie?) vibe. I love that it has some of the effect of a bootie, but it's so much lighter and more flattering. If they had a bit of a platform I would be all over them. This second pair of heels isn't my usual thing, but the combination of the patent leather and the buckle is very snazzy. The architectural straps manage to be structured and very fluid at the same time, and I think these would look equally adorable with bare legs and tights, so they're a practical fall/winter buy.
$299 is a lot for anything from H&M. But on the other hand, that's pretty cheap for a pair of thigh high leather boots. I think these are going to be a sell-out. They're simple, so they're as versatile as a thigh high boot can be, the heel is just the right height, and judging from the campaign pic, they're the perfect height (short enough to show with shorts or an uber-mini, long enough to double as pants with a long top--and tights, hopefully). This dress is one of my favorite pieces from the whole collection. It's probably better than this collaboration isn't coming to Boston, because I'd buy this. I've been dying for a leather dress, and a suede dress?! OMG. The suede looks so rich and tactile, the asymmetrical cut is perfect, the body is insanely flattering, and the bit of draping on the sleeve is very on-trend. Plus, it's dove grey! It's like the epitome of all the things I love rolled into one dress. It's just plain mean.
Do you guys remember how much I loved Angelina Jolie's leather dress at the Inglorious Bastards premiere? I love this leather dress just as much. Just like with the grey dress above, I love the cut--it's the perfect mix of chic and on-trend--and while the leather could come across as looking cheap, here it looks refined, albeit in a very edgy sort of way. I'd wear this with a pair of peep-toe platforms and a few short necklaces, maybe a bangle. I think the bags are real leather? I hope so. If this bag is real leather, then it's a total steal. I love the chain handle, the slouchy but clean-lined shaped, the subtle hardware, the side pockets. I feel like this could be the perfect daytime tote.
Tory Burch Effram Hobo, $550 at shopbop.com, Tory Burch Patent Croc Continental Clutch, $225 at shopbop.com, Kenneth Jay Lane Braided Cuff, $88 at shopbop.com: OMG the bling on this Tory Burch bag. It's all business in the front, sparkly layered pailette amazingness on the side. That flash of metallic makes the entire bag. My friend has one of these Tory Burch wallets and I think it's the most adorable thing ever. It's a great blend of a practical wallet and a chic little clutch. The croc-embossing pushes it over the edge into totally covetable. I mean, you could just use it all day as a wallet, put some lip gloss in it, and then leave your purse at home and go out. The pattern on this cuff is so interesting. It's kind of like wicker? The idea of making a wicker chair into a cuff is very interesting. I think I like it. It's very arts and crafts chic, and a statement cuff is a great way to polish off an outfit.
Image Sources:
Jimmy Choo campaign: thisislavie.com, All Jimmy Choo for H&M pics: hm.com, Tory Burch bag: shopbop.com, Tory Burch clutch: shopbop.com, Kenneth Jay Lane cuff: shopbop.com.
It's a short post today dearies. My tummy decided to go on strike earlier, which led to a long nap, and then of course I had to watch Gossip Girl, so I'm writing this at 2 AM and struggling not to pass out from the NyQuil I just took because I'm getting another cold. So if any of this doesn't make sense, I'm not losing my mind (entirely).
Blow Beach Blow Texturizing Mist, $21 at folica.com, T3 Refresh Volumizing Dry Shampoo, $25 at sephora.com: I have an ongoing obsession with hair texture. My hair tends to look like Barbie hair. Not as awesome as it sounds. It just hangs there totally straight and shiny and refuses to look messy or bedheady or textured at all. I realize that most people have this problem in reverse, but what can I say, I like messy looking hair. I've tried creams and serums and mousses and nothing gives my hair any resemble to Kate Moss's tousled do. After months and months of searching, I somehow happened to stumble across two awesome solutions at the same time--isn't that how life always works? Blow Beach Blow Texturizing Mist (awkward name) and T3 Refresh Volumizing Dry Shampoo do similar things, if in different ways. First off, Beach Blow is $21 for 8.5 ounces and T3 is $25 for 3.3 ounces. That works out to $2.47 and $7.57 per ounce. Second off, Beach Blow you can use on wet or dry hair for different effects, whereas dry shampoo only works on dry hair. I don't really use dry shampoo to get rid of the oilies (although this one is great at that). I use it on clean hair for texture. The T3 shampoo gives my hair hold (I don't know how else to describe it, but instead of my hair being shiny/slippery it's a little more matte and scrunchable?). I spray it on just below the crown, brush it through a few times, and then rough my hair up with my fingers. It adds volume, separation, and TEXTURE! I got it in Dark, but it seems to apply clear to me. The Beach Blow is entirely different. I spritz it on 4/5 times after I get out of the shower, scrunch my hair, and let it air dry. My hair dries a little wavier, more voluminous, and more textured than normal. I spritz it (sparsely) on dry hair for extra texture and separation. It's basically a glorified salt spray, so it does what going to the beach would do to your hair, but better (and it smells amazing). All in all, I'll be repurchasing the Beach Blow because I don't really need a dry shampoo (thanks to compulsive daily hair washing) and because it's siginifcantly cheaper than the T3 Dry Shampoo. But if you're looking for a good dry shampoo, I seriously recommend this.
LINE Constance Cardigan, $195 at shopbop.com: I know I've mentioned how much I want an open cardigan. But I really, really want this one. It might be an Xmas present to myself. It's only cotton, but doesn't it still look so cozy? I love rock-looking print and the grey/white color palette, the ribbing at the cuffs, and the pointelle detail on the body--it adds the perfect amount of lightness against the raw feeling of the print. The drape in the front is absolutely perfect; it falls straight, doesn't add too much bulk, and the long in the front-short in the back effect is actually really flattering. For how versatile a piece this is, the price is pretty decent. Do want.
Image Sources:
Blow Hair Mist: folica.com, T3 Dry Shampoo: sephora.com, LINE cardigan: shopbop.com.
