Fatal Attraction 2 Fashion

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Get it for way less - Yellow cut-out top

Don't you just love it when you find something that is almost identical to a designer item but only for a small fraction of the cost? There's nothing to describe that thrill I think. I spotted a pretty Catherine Malandrino yellow top with cut-out detail on another blog and my eyes popped at the price. I know designer clothing naturally is expensive but that doesn't make my starving pocket feel any better when I see something I like but can't get.

Luckily, I found a strikingly similar top while browsing the Lulu's Fashion Lounge website (I love this store!) and I had to share it with everyone. Without further adieu (cheesy drumroll please), the Splurge vs. Steal below.

SPLURGE

Catherine Malandrino Cut-Out Trim Top - US$345
http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/28098

STEAL

Sunshine State Eyelet Top - US$31.00
http://www.lulus.com/products/Sunshine+State+Eyelet+Top/8315.html

Sale Alert - Aldoshoes.com

Aldo Shoes is having an online sale of up to 70% off selected shoes, sandals, boots and merchandise. The prices for ladies footwear range from US$17.98 to US$99.98 and there are many different, fabulous styles available.

There is also a great selection of ladies bags that will fit well within your budget.

The ones highlighted below are a few that stood out to me.

'Irrionda' Ruffled Handbag
Sale Price: US$19.98
http://www.aldoshoes.com/eng/storeSection/redirect.cfm?sectionID=b2c/style/productDetails.cfm&itemID=67093504&&var=d&ckey=US&colorid=86

'Vendeen' Animal Print Clutch
Sale Price: US$19.98
http://www.aldoshoes.com/eng/storeSection/redirect.cfm?sectionID=b2c/style/productDetails.cfm&itemID=63933609&&var=d&ckey=US&colorid=90

'Montescaglioso' Embellished Handbag
Sale Price: US$34.98
http://www.aldoshoes.com/eng/storeSection/redirect.cfm?sectionID=b2c/style/productDetails.cfm&itemID=67889908&&var=d&ckey=US&colorid=35

'Verdello' Mustard Handbag
Sale Price: US$29.98
http://www.aldoshoes.com/eng/storeSection/redirect.cfm?sectionID=b2c/style/productDetails.cfm&itemID=67182099&&var=d&ckey=US&colorid=69

'Galollaw' Red Quilted Handbag
Sale Price: US$34.98
http://www.aldoshoes.com/eng/storeSection/redirect.cfm?sectionID=b2c/style/productDetails.cfm&itemID=68266235&&var=d&ckey=US&colorid=62

Go to the main sale page to see what other items you might like.

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

What I got - Moroccan Necklace

So I haven't got my owl pendant as yet but I have another great one which I may like even more. I finally received my most recent Ebay purchase yesterday and boy am I happy with it. I'm very intrigued by other cultures and the unique items to be found there. This Toureg Moroccan necklace truly is gorgeous and unlike anything I've ever seen.

These necklaces are handmade and even the little imperfections add a little character to it because it means that no two are exactly the same. Even though the necklace is large (approx. 15 inches but it looks smaller in person), the intricate detail adds a delicacy to the piece that prevents it from looking gaudy. *Sigh* I'm in love!

A necklace like mine costs US$26 from this ebay store but if you're looking for something with a similar style but less expensive, there is one available here for US$10.

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Cool Vintage Finds - Go-go Mod

There are many kinds of clothes that I would like to wear but never get the chance to for various reasons. For one, living in Barbados limits the types of clothing I can wear drastically so that I don't end up being burnt alive. Also, I spend probably 99.5% of my time either at college or at home (what a sad existence...), so I don't really go anywhere very often to wear the good stuff, even if I had access to it. So I am pretty much convinced that even if you can't get great clothing, at least getting some amazing, unique accessories will help make your outfits stand out a lot more.

That's why I love clothing and accessories from the 60s! They are sooo cute and fun, they can inject a punch into any dull wardrobe. It was so hard to pick from all the great 60s accessories I found that I couldn't just feature one, so I picked three cool items you might be interested in.

1960s Silver Lamé Boots
Price:US$60.00

Size: 6 b
Width: 2 ¾"
Length: 9.5" outer toe to heel
Heel: 3"
Height: 8"

Grade "A"

Click here to get them!

Ship and Shore Pink and Yellow Psych Scarf
Price:US$17

10" x 44", 100% polyester chiffon vintage scarf in excellent condition.

Get this great, funky scarf here.

Modular Bag
Price:US$24.99

Condition - Great except for marks inside bag
Measurements - Height 5.5", Width 8.5"

Click this link to get this amazing, gorgeous bag.
(N.B. There is no direct link to the bag. Go to the accessories page to find it.)

Sunday, April 6, 2008

Fatal Attraction 2 - Tweed

Tweed is a classic style item introduced to the fashion world by Coco Chanel in 1926. Since then, tweed has seen many shapes and forms and is still popular today. Until recently, however, tweed has been associated with a much older, high society crowd but now the younger generation is mixing it up to give it a younger, fresher look.

I've always been a fan of tweed and I bought an amazing blue-green mix tweed blazer a while ago from ebay and I love it so much. In order to make tweed look more modern, it should be worn one tweed item at a time and play with brighter colours and contrasting textures such as silk. Also, when wearing tweed clothing, try to wear form fitting shapes so not to look matronly.

Here are a few tweed items you can be creative with.

#1: Women's Regular Long Sleeve Twill Tweed Cardigan - US$59.99
http://www.landsend.com/pp/LongSleeveTwillTweedCardigan~182052_59.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::XEH&CM_MERCH=IDX_00008__0000000086&origin=index

#2: Soundgirl The Josette Dress - US$80.00
http://www.amazon.com/Soundgirl-Josette-Dresses-Medium-Metallic/dp/B000YCTLVS/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&s=apparel&qid=1207484656&sr=1-9

#3: Lux High Waisted Tweed Pencil Skirt - US$19.99
http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1&navAction=jump&id=13705371&search=true&isProduct=true&parentid=SEARCH+RESULTS&color=20

#4: Rosetti Tweed Satchel - US$19.60
http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/womens/handbagswallets/satchelstotes/PRD~325197/Rosetti+Tweed+Satchel.jsp#

#5: Newport News Tweed Pump - US$20.00
http://www.amazon.com/Newport-News-Tweed-pump-BLACK-MULTI/dp/B000WP05E4/ref=sr_1_74?ie=UTF8&s=apparel&qid=1207483487&sr=1-74

Friday, April 4, 2008

Indie Designer Spotlight - Xlique

It's not often that I get really dressed up to go out to someplace fancy, but on the occasion that I do, I like to look fabulous. Even though I love large jewelry, there are some smaller pieces that speak just as loudly but in a totally different way.

Xlique (pronounced sleek) is a Singapore-based independent label that features women's accessories, mainly earrings, necklaces and bracelets. All the items are 'lovingly handmade by two best friends with a penchant for all things pretty and unique'.

The beautiful designs of Xlique include wire pendants/necklaces with Swarovski crystals, precious stones, and some cute charms which are used to give each piece character. They believe in individuality, and that every one of their creations is not only elegant and gorgeous, but also tells a story.

The prices for their one of a kind pieces range from US$2 to US$50 and they ship internationally.

Click here to go to the Xlique store to see what gorgeous, funky pieces they have in stock.

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Top it off!

I have admired the bizarre yet awe inspiring work of British milliner Philip Treacy for a long time. His immense creativity seems to flow directly into the hats he makes, each one dramatic and stylish in its own unique way.

His creations are not for the faint of heart (nor broke of pocket) but even simply looking at them, you have to appreciate the amount of thought and skill that goes into his pieces.

If you're looking for some less expensive yet dramatic and quirky toppers for your hat collection, I've found a few that might tickle your fancy. (hehe I don't think I've ever used that expression before...and probably never will again.)