Never my intention, but TFP can change people.

I really don't like to single people out for fashion faux pas. We're all just trying to express ourselves and have fun, right? When I saw this walking in front me though, I had to snap a pic. I don't know what the people around me must have thought, but I felt like it was lightening striking me twice. Who is this girl with her Uggs, polar fleece, and tights for pants (TFP)?


Sorry for the crap image quality--iPhones aren't known for their cameras. I should note, this girl's friend on the left is wearing leggings, which I don't have an issue with at all. I like to wear leggings with a longer tunic or dress and high boots (not Uggs) myself on occasion. And lets say you've got one of those lanky model physics and are wearing an extremely short dress or skirt. I don't think it's their intention to wear TFP, but I could be wrong as I don't wear many extrememly short dresses. My target though, definitely wearing TFP. You can't tell from this photo, but they were only mostly opaque. Why? Because they were tights.

Pants that are available, though a bit more expensive.

I try (really I do) not to be too obsessed with designers, but I want to own something by Alexander Wang. Will it be these pants?


Sizes 10, 4, and 6 listed as available. I don't think Saks has the online inventory issues of Barneys, but I'm wary of online shopping a bit.

No longer online; call for availbility.

Best deal I've found so far may or may not be available.

0447702698676

Sorry, this item is no longer available online. Please call 1.877.551.SAKS (7257) to inquire about availability.

P.S. If you're a 28" inseam, these wouldn't be cropped on you.

Don't touch that dial!

201 and counting!

Stephanie's post about Hayes Valley Shopping in San Francisco marked the 200th post! Wow. That's a lot of handbags, jewelry, shoes, and assorted garments!

I usually don't post about makeup, but the Sephora sale is too good to pass up. Pop Sugar Daily alerted me to the fact that one could save up to 75% off at their after Christmas sale. At first I was afraid it'd be random Christmas sets of smelly bath products that I (and my sensitive skin) aren't into, but there are some really good deals. I basically have no money, but I'm really considering a NARS mini lipgloss set or a Stila Lip Glaze set. Maybe a Bare Escentuals gift set for Amber? Oh, and spend $50 for free shipping.


Oh, and if you do like smelly smellies, there are those rather deliciously aromatic Philosophy and Sephora gift sets.

Or maybe I'll just take a nap...saw how well that went yesterday.

A Review of Hayes Valley Shopping, San Francisco

Thanks for the comments and recommendations on NYC! I think I've figured out my sleeping arrangements. I found a couple of lovely sublets in the Upper West Side for under $500 dollars during my whole stay! New York City...here I come! Okay, back to fashion...

I've been shopping recently and spending money on things I cannot afford. Mainly winter basics, amazing coats and jackets, and fun jewelry. I feel and look fabulous despite the sadness coming from my wallet pockets. My most recent trip to Hayes Valley in San Francisco proved to be fruitful. My first stop was to Acrimony, which carries amazing hard to find pieces and upcoming designers. I was instantly drawn to a beautiful coat with gold buttons and a wool hood. They are currently having a 50% off sale. The staff was incredibly helpful and friendly. Returns are only exchangeable for store credit. Keep that in mind. The next stop was Honey Ryder, an totally fantastic little boutique with great designer pieces. The owner, Annie is sweet and personable. The store had a lovely fragrant smell. The store was also having a 30% off sale on anything over $50 dollars. I was instantly attracted (I keep saying that, don't I?) to a beautiful vermeil ring by the LA designer, Pade Vavre. Incidentally, I could not find a photo online but it is an adjustable ring with pyrite shape rock on the top. I also purchased a sterling silver branch necklace by the designers of Jib and Genoa.

Next time, I'm going to dedicate a whole day to shopping in Hayes Valley. I'll have my lady friend with me and a wallet pocket full of money. I know I'll come out feeling and looking fabulous.

Now, later in the evening, I was looking up some jewelry by Pade Vavre and I found these amazing Peach Gold Diamond Quartz Studs. I cannot stop thinking about them. If only I had $880 dollars to spend on these beautiful earrings.





I also wouldn't mind getting the Herkimer Quartz Drop Necklace either. A whole week of unpaid vacation to New York doesn't help me get these pieces...

Oh well, onward to new adventures!

I Rue the Day!

Man--you cannot sleep in. That's all there is to it. Rue La La is also having a final sale boutique. Prices aren't as crazy as Hautelook, but they're definitely cheaper than Gilt--I saw a Walter jacket for less that I'd just ordered... and it was definitely $20 less? No $49 less. Geez.

Anyway, it just goes to show you. Early birds and whatnot.

Holy Hell, Hautelook!

I can't remember what I was doing around 11 am today, but I think I had gone back to sleep as is my habit after some reading and a little breakfast snack.

Big mistake. Huge.

Hautelook is having a blow out sale, and they aren't kidding. Elizabeth and James tank tops for $9.50! A Nicole Miller gown? $40!

And the one that really gets me? Foley and Corinna handbags for under $50. Yes, you saw that correctly.

Nearly everything is sold out now. I feel like I've let myself and all of you down.

Did anyone get anything?

New York Help!

I normally wouldn't do this but I'm kind of desperate.

I'm heading to New York from Jan 18-24. I'm looking for a couch, floor, anywhere that I can crash for those dates. If you know of a place, let me know! Even if you know of a really super super cheap hostel/hotel. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. This is my first time in New York - so if you know of places I ought to visit, drop me a line.

Of course, in return, my place will be available to the person if they're ever in San Francisco. I have an extra full sized bed, a nice hot shower, no roommates, and I'm perfectly situated in downtown San Francisco.

Let me know!

Thanks,

Stephanie
disastersecrets@gmail.com

Holiday Shopping

It's been a while since I've updated. I blame my lack of updates on the fact that I've been sick but the truth is that I've been lazy and haven't had any interesting fashion inspiration. My luck with shopping has been pretty scarce the last few months. I didn't have the motivation to brave long lines and try on clothes I knew wouldn't fit me. But since my semi-recent weight loss, the holidays approaching, my lust for consumerism, I had the motivation to shop for things that I can't afford at the moment. My top 5 most wanted items:

1. Gray Purse with Shoulder and Handle Straps
2. The Silver Forget Me Knot Ring by Kiel Mead
3. The Perfect Pair of Plain Dark Wash Jeans
4. Knee High Boots (that actually fit my shapely calves)
5. Cropped Camel Wool Coat

After several weeks, I've managed to get 4 out of 5 - which is surprisingly amazing.

Gray Aldo Purse (with gold hardware and shoulder & handle straps)




Silver Forget Me Knot Ring by Kiel Mead, size 8 (a gift from my sister)



Old Navy "Diva" Jeans Dark Wash Jeans (super low-rise and slightly flared)
*Note: these make me look tall and skinny and fit amazingly. For $20 bucks. Yay!*



Customized Knee High Boots from Duo Boots (I haven't purchased these styles [Imperia Boots and Versailles Boots] yet but I will once the new year starts)


Now, where the hell am I going to find that cropped camel wool coat?

Still too much?

One handbag shape that I've been pining over but have not voiced or explored is the shopper. Jil Sander made an amazing bag that had the gentle folds of plastic bag, but was crafted in the most exquisite, supple leather. I was looking through the Alexander Wang sale items on ShopBop, and I noticed that he too made a shopper. At $157.50, I just don't know. I think I can do better.


Edit: I wanted to show a pic of the Jil Sander in white, but I could only find it in black. I love black, of course, but in the photo it's more difficult to see how wonderful the leather is.


At Barneys.com for $199--be wary of availability, however.

Best deal so far?

I'm still clicking through Barneys.com, and I stumbled upon a beautiful Splendid long cardigan for $19.

In the words of Colin, that's "Totes Crae-Crae." I'm not sure how to actually spell that! While I'm speaking of Colin, I feel it only appropriate to let you all know that he actually told me about OakNYC months ago. I wrote the URL down on a Post-It which I promptly lost. One dapper man who is ahead of the times (or at least ahead of my learning curve).

Barneys and Me

You may have heard that there's a huge sale at Barneys (in store and online). I'd say it's definitely worth checking out. I have a pair of Naked & Famous back skinny jeans in my cart currently that are $39. That's right, $39. I'm not sure if I'll get them because of my jean issues, but come on. That's crazy. And if you can wear 7 For All Mankind, there's a pair of A pocket vintage Boston jeans for $49.

(Click image to go to the page on Barneys.com)

Looking to make a bit more of an investment? How about a Marc Jacobs patent zip clutch for $249. That's right, not MARC by Marc Jacobs, it's Marc Jacobs.
I think my plan of action is going to be to swing by the store while I'm doing my Christmas shopping today to see if I can find any deals there because you all know my luck with the Barneys website.

I like big butts, and I cannot lie.

Yes, that song will be in your head for the rest of the day.

I've been continuing my search for jeans, and I couldn't help thinking there have to be a million other people in the same boat as me. I want skinny jeans, but I'm short and um, not skinny. I like to call myself a chubby kid because I think that's funny. Offline, one of my catch phrases is, "Once a chubby kid, always a chubby kid," but I don't want you to think that I have mayjah self esteem issues. Nope, I like how I look; I'd like to find a pair of jeans that fit though.

In my search, I've found some brands/designers that simply do not work. Among these are the majority of designer jeans. One of the funniest things ever is seeing me in a pair of Seven
For All Mankind jeans. Actually, maybe I'll post a pic sometime, because it is seriously that awkward--the waist is too big, if, that is, I find a size I can get over my thighs. The lower butt is super tight while the upper, there's that big gap. Awkward.

One line of jeans that do seem to fit me are Joe's Jeans. I was in Saks the other day, and I found it's not even just my tried and true Provocateur, but a couple of the other cuts aren't too bad either. I was looking at shoes on RevolveClothing.com, and I realized that they have a huge selection of Joe's jeans. I mean, in the screenshot below, you can see the Provocateur in more washes than anywhere else. And that's just part of the page. Now, if only I had a spare $200 for jeans...



Click the image to go to the page on RevolveClothing.com.

Davis by Ruthie Davis

When I was searching for studded shoes, one designer kept coming up, Ruthie Davis. In searching for her, I found her adorable website. Click the image to go to the site.



I'm not as excited by her latest collection (Resort 2008), but if anything from the Fall/Winter 2008 collection made it's way into my stocking, I'd be a very happy girl indeed.

Holy Cow!

Recently I bid on a pair of shoes Rumi had on eBay--have you visited her Treasure Chest Vintage? When I saw what they finally went for, I nearly flipped out--wow!

Chubby girls and knee high boots

I keep seeing over the knee boots, and I waaaaaant them, but given my fine German heritage and strong, milk-fed West Virginia upbringing I just don't know if they'll work. I wish I could find these beauties in a brick and mortar store so I could try them on (see if I can get them passed my ankle). Does anyone have experience with muscular legs and these kind of boots?



(Report Signature Shoes Fairfax Over the Knee Boot at ShopBop.com)

Edit: I might see if they have a pair at Urban Outfitters on Saturday when I do my Christmas shopping. I'm not quite sure what I'm going to get for anyone, but I'm looking forward to spending the day looking.


(Corsair Leather Over the Knee Boot at Urban Outfitters.com)

I just wish the heel was a tad higher.

Sometimes I...

Every once in a while I'll ask Amber, jokingly, to buy me something extravagent. The last time I asked, I happened to be on Net-A-Porter, and I can't remember what I sent her, but I'll never forget her response--I never thought you'd go that far. Ha!

So, Christmas list?

Photo credit: Barneys.com

Christian Louboutin

New JS Pump - Black

$775.00

ACNE/Lanvin

Oh, to have unlimited funds...

ACNE/Lanvin online now for pre-order (if you have a spare $500-$600 for a pair of jeans).

While you're on the ACNE site, be sure to check out the amazing platform pumps!

Stylista live blogging.

Shut up! Megan just got kicked off!

Shut up! She's refusing to help! It makes me admire her in some ways, but in other ways, in makes me feel glad that she has money, because I don't think she's going to be getting more job offers after this.

Whatevs, total bitch.

Team Johanna.

HOORAY!!

Barneys Resort 09 Catalog

Found this in my mail and gasped. Yes, this is exactly what I want. I'm going to try to find a better image, but until then, here's a snapshot of the cover of the catalog--did anyone else get it? The look is by the Acne Lanvin collaboration--yes!!! More on this, too.

Are Dangerous Shoes on the Way Out?

From The Cut:

British shoe designer Nicholas Kirkwood has collaborated with Rodarte, Alberta Ferretti, and Pollini, creating some of the most dangerous runway shoes we've seen. Abbey Lee fell at Rodarte's spring 2009 show, for one, and for this, Nicholas feels bad. He tells Style.com:

"I’m pretty much over the five-inch-high platform and girls tripping all over the place. Granted, I’ve been responsible for some of that … [I]t’s terrible. I have sympathy, I do. Next season’s shoes should be more manageable, I’m feeling ready for a more refined, lighter, more feminine look.

"…I’m working on a pair of flats, but for me, it’s either super-high or super-low. There’s no point messing with anything in between."

Wow, five-, six-, seven-inch heels are finally on the way out because they're — dare we say — impractical? Has the fashion industry gone mad? Still, we don't mind seeing these crazy heels go. It's a long way down for those models as it is, and we regular human folk can't be trusted in these shoes anyway.

Nicholas Kirkwood Feels For The Falling Model [Style.com]

By: Amy Odell Filed Under: shoe gods, nicholas kirkwood, pollini, rodarte, shoes

I read this and I was terrified the S&M/Bondage trend was going to be out! Don't worry, spikes are still in, just on 4 inch heels instead of 6.

Ideeli I would win...

I've talked a lot on here about those private shopping websites. I like various ones for different reasons--designers featured, markdown, shipping time. Ideeli is a super fun one to join because usually once or twice a week they feature a giveaway! I haven't one anything yet, but wherever I am, when I get the email alert, I enter. If you haven't signed up for Ideeli, you can do so by clicking this link: http://www.ideeli.com/in/invitation. Good luck!

These too

Dolce Vita Viola bonded heel, now 30% off at OakNYC.com.

Oh this OakNYC

I must tear myself away, but these Jeffrey Campbell shoes on OakNYC remind me so much of the YSL Tribute Pumps (a la O-twin).


(Photo credit: OakNYC.com, and olsensanonymous.blogspot.com)

I haven't really chatted here about my secret love of MK & A. If you haven't checked out Olsens Anonymous you definitely should. That's also where I found a cheaper(ish) version of the Proenza Schoeler PS1 bag.

System Overload

I've had Kanye West's Love Lockdown in my head since I saw him perform on SNL. I'm now listening to it on repeat.

According to a quiz I just took (found on Jaclyn's blog) on my New Year's style, that means I'm hip.

Finally! So then I decided that maybe I can rock the drop-crotch pants. I searched for "drop-crotch pants" on ShopStyle, and I got three hits, one from a web site I didn't know about, OakNYC.com. Am I totally behind the curve? I highly recommend checking out this minimalist oasis. That's right, I called it a minimalist oasis.



Click on the image to visit their 75% off 'warehouse' page.

Weighing in on a hotly debated controversy.

Tights are not pants.

I saw a girl on the train the other day wearing a fleece jacket and a pair of tights. I couldn't help thinking, how is the girl walking around without any pants on.

If you purchase it in the lingerie department, it's not pants.

Edit: I just realized how funny this post would be for an English reader. So, in translation, tights are not trousers!

Edit #2: Awesome visual via gofugyourself.celebuzz.com:



Ok, now picture someone riding the train in this, only the dress/tunic thing is a North Face Fleece.

More Coco Avant Chanel Film Stills!

(Photo credit: The Cut via Fashionologie; for more images, check out Fashionologie's gallery.

Hello, lover.

Now at Gilt.com.

I lost, but, it's kind of great.

Mini Stylista Recap

Ok, this is the second episode of Stylista that I literally gasped upon seeing the guest judge.


Photo credit: Joe Kohen/WireImage for MFO

Second, has anyone else seen Johanna's blog? I'm going to look into it now. She's one of us!

Edit: http://aseriousjobisnoexcuse.blogspot.com/

I don't know if girlfriend is going to win Stylista, but I think she's got some definite talent, and I like that she really works for the skill side of the job. Because we know, it's not all just picking the like, coolest clothes ever out of some magical fashion closet. You have to work at it. Ok, so this work is a little more fun...

Sleeper hit of the Upper East Side

Anyone notice Lil J's clutch?


(Photo credit: The Creatist)