Tag Archives: guides

Shorts Story: A Dozen Perfect Pairs

If there’s one must-rock article of clothing for summer 2010, it’s got to be shorts. From super casual to extra fancy, they’re popping up everywhere dresses and skirts used to rule, including polo games and even the red carpet. Flowy or cuffed cuts are incredibly flattering even on non-leg-models, and a staple pair of jean shorts (or two) will take you from beach to BBQ. Bonus: there are still many inexpensive pairs to be had, and a lot of designer pieces are now on sale.

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12 great pairs from Topshop, McQ, Vena Cava and more. (more…)

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Must-Have Summer Shoes 2010

As much as we love ogling fabulous Balenciaga stilettos, flats are what we actually wear for a day of strolling around the city. In the summer months, they can be sneaks, espadrilles, sandals or ballet flats: the main criterion is comfort.

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Of course, that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice on style, as we saw on a recent day in Union Square. Here are some of the biggest trends in flat summer shoes for 2010, as seen on the street and in the stores. (more…)

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Sheer Black Patterned Tights

Like it or not, Valentine’s Day is nearly upon us, so it’s time to start getting in the mood. As seen on the cover of WWD, sheer black tights in floral, lace, and polka dot patterns are sexing up legwear for evening. They’re more fashionable – and more practical – than bare legs, so you can look hot even when it’s 10 degrees outside.

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Of course, the French have been on the forefront of this sexy trend, so channel your inner belle du jour with Givenchy’s Autumn Floral Lace Tights ($18). (more…)

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Retro Swimwear at Anthropologie

If you can bear to think of bikinis at this time of year – or if you’re lucky enough to escape the cold – some choice retro swimsuits have just appeared at Anthropologie. By designers like Vix, Seafolly, Lenny, Don Marysia and Salinas, this ’40s to ’60s-style swimwear is almost universally flattering and really makes a statement on the beach.

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Vowed you’d never wear a skirted bathing suit? Never say never: take a gamble on this ’40s-style Salinas Stacked Odds Bikini ($58 top and $78 bottom). (more…)

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Cold Weather Essentials

Unfortunately, it takes more than a cute pair of earmuffs to get through a New York winter. Bundle up but still look cool with these cold weather essentials: hats, scarves, boots and coats that are as functional as they are fashionable. We found the top-of-the-line picks – and some cheap chic substitutes – to get you through til spring.

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Lots of practical-fashionable winter hats are available at Searle. Go the luxe route with this Paul Leinburd by Crown Cap Arctic Raccoon Hunter’s Hat ($498), which looks a lot like the fur hat Rihanna wore recently. (more…)

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Gift Guide: What to Buy a Fashionista

If you haven’t shopped yet for the fashionista in your life, fret not: Rachel Zoe Fedexes entire suitcases to Europe overnight. Contrary to popular belief, fashionistas are easy to shop for – we all want the same things – yay! But these things, usually designed by Miuccia, Alexander, and Karl, can be quite expensive – boo.

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Fortunately, most of us have already adjusted to the discrepancy between wants and means. Fashion is really about celebrating a fabulous lifestyle at any price point. Giving sparkly, luxurious, girly things can be as simple as finding a fancy small leather good or a pair of super soft socks. And if in doubt, there’s always a gift certificate to Topshop. (more…)

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Gift Guide: What to Buy a Foodie

Anyone whose extra-curricular interest borders on unhinged obsession is hard to shop for, whether that interest is golf, video games or Louboutins. Food lovers are no exception. First, divide them into three groups: the cooks, the eaters who who wish they cooked more, and the eaters who don’t cook. (Plus a  splinter group: the wine lovers, a.k.a. the “winos.”)

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As a rule, you are better off shopping at specialty stores for anyone with a specific interest, i.e., just as you probably shouldn’t shop for high-tech golf clothes at Macy’s, you’re better off going into Sur La Table and asking  what’s new and cool than getting another fondue set from Crate & Barrel. (I have three of them.) Here’s a full list of gift ideas for foodies, starting at $5.50, after the jump. (more…)

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23 Chic Holiday Party Dresses

Don’t pout, procrastinators: It’s not too late to find the perfect cocktail dress for the holidays. There are still plenty of covetable frocks at stores like Bloomingdale’s and Pixie Market and sites like Net-a-Porter, which offers same-day delivery in New York.  We found 23 of the best party dresses across key trends like sequined boho glam, the LBD, and bright colors. And with several dresses ringing in at under $200, it’ll be hard to buy just one.

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Color is key from resort going into spring, but there’s no reason you can’t start wearing it now. This one-shoulder teal dress from Thread Social ($495) at Net-a-Porter stands out from the crowd. (more…)

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Jimmy Choo for H&M: Top Picks

If you can brave the madness this Saturday, Jimmy Choo’s diffusion line of shoes, bags, accessories and even clothes is launching at H&M stores across the country. (Though not at the H&M store on lower Broadway, confirming what we already suspected: the downtown H&Ms suck compared to the uptown Manhattan stores.)

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Jimmy Choo founder and president Tamara Mellon found it “a challenge to design at a lower price point,” as she told WWD earlier this month, and it is quite a feat they managed to keep the prices low, even when using real leather instead of the usual H&M pleather for all the shoes and bags.

Will the heels be wobbly? Only trying them on will tell. But don’t forget the clothes, since several items would be perfect for holiday parties. This is the first time the brand has ventured into apparel, though it may not be the last. Some top picks across categories, after the jump. (more…)

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What to Wear Now: Flat Boots

This season was supposed to be all about over-the-knee boots, but what’s actually been moving out of the stores and onto the streets are flat boots. Whether consumers are rebelling against the over-the-knee trend or whether it’s still too warm to swathe oneself in leather up to the mid thigh remains to be seen, but in the meantime, we can score one for comfort. Flat boots are a stylish alternative to sneaks, and easily go from day to night. Key styles are biker boots crossed with riding boots, embellishments of buckles and straps, combat boots, and buttery cognac leather.

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Clockwise from top left: Frye Shirley Riding Boot ($388), BDG Tall Suede Boot in Grey ($88), Barneys Coop Yara Boot ($450), J.Crew Vintage Tall Roadster Boots ($270), Jeffrey Campbell Suede Wrap Boot ($248), and the buckled Loeffler Randall Marti Boot ($895) – perhaps the ultimate flat boot of the season. (more…)

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10 Great Fall Sweaters

Sweaters: Your black turtleneck may seem so cozy and appealing now, but by March, you will be totally sick of wearing it. So spice up that sweater collection with a few colorful, interesting things to inspire you as the days grow colder.

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DVF Pancho Villa Sweater in Moonrise Blue ($485),  VPL Slip Twist Knit ($295). (more…)

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Fashion Week Redux: 10 Must-Haves

Now that the dust has settled on NY Fashion Week, what’s the takeaway? The good news: Classics are in, so anything you’re buying this season really should be a keeper. Think Burberry trenches, Chanel bags, black heels, menswear staples and red lipstick. Even on the indie side of the equation, where leather and studs rule the day, you’ll find things you’ll wear again and again.

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Though this buying guide is set up in an ideal vs. steal format, Fashion Week made one thing clear: Quality counts. Many of the clothes on the guests and the runway were beautifully tailored, and though you can find knockoffs at Forever 21, there’s an obvious difference the two. Even if you can’t afford the real thing, the shows were a nice reminder of what “designer” really means. Not crazy logos or bling, but creativity, quality and craftsmanship.

10 must-haves for the fall 2009 season, after the jump. (more…)

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8 Great Shirtdresses

shirtdress-200x200One key to fall 2009 fashion is looking like you’re employed – even if you’re on the dole. (Having a job is sexier than ever now.) Suits and tailoring ruled the runways at Chanel, Ralph Lauren, Burberry, and more.

Fortunately you can pull off the look without spending a ton. Shirtdresses telegraph a pulled-together, working girl look, and most of them are lightweight enough to wear right now. Like the women in these street chic photos, you can also take them from the office to a night on the town. After the jump are eight great shirtdresses – just pair them with tights and a cardigan when fall is really here. (more…)

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Transition Pieces: What to Wear Into Fall

fall-2009-fashion-trendsAugust-September: they’re not exactly sweater weather, but they’re far from the heady days of spring. The key to transition dressing is finding lightweight materials in more somber colors, in styles that give a few hints of the fall trends to come. These pieces for day, night, and office can all be worn right now, then layered with tights, cardigans, and jackets as the weather starts to turn. (more…)

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Martha’s Vineyard: What to Wear

Martha's Vineyard Fashion - FridayEven if you arrived on the island of Martha’s Vineyard stark naked, you could acquire all the necessary clothes in no time—the shopping here is that perfectly tailored to the experience. Many of our favorite stores there are not online yet, but the clothing and shoe brands are. Here are four looks to get you through the weekend.

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