The Black Dress Traveler

Strategic Shopping: Rejuvenate Your Wardrobe Without Going Broke!

For a dressaholic like me, the end of summer is so very bittersweet. I always feel a hint of melancholy as my favorite sun dresses relinquish their starring role in my wardrobe so that the colors and textures of autumn may take center-stage. Yet, I also feel energized when I see the fall fashions appear like magic in store windows. Flipping through the September magazines, I submit myself to Technicolor daydreams where I am dressed to the nines in all of the fashions that my heart desires while "I'm Every Woman" plays in the background.

But, hello. Reality check. This diva is on a budget. Not only can't I afford to replace my entire wardrobe but I actually look forward to wearing my favorite pieces each season. I consider my Diane von Furstenberg dresses absolute essentials and I plan on wearing these classics FOREVER! The codeword for shopping during these lean times is STRATEGY.  No mindless buying. The new clothes must play nicely with my oldies but goodies to create a fresh look.

That is why I have developed my patent pending 4 Part Shopping Strategy. Now, I am not pretending that my system is a "discovery" on par with the Theory of Relativity but follow my plan and you will save time & money and look FABULOUS!  Did Einstein do that?

1. Take inventory of your closet and determine which of your current pieces will form the foundation of your fall wardrobe. Classic pieces never go out of style. Work that little black dress and those great fitting slacks.

2. Research the current trends to see which ones can be easily incorporated into your current wardrobe. Pick up the September 2008 issue of InStyle. This magazine is more than pretty pictures - for just $3.99 you get a user-friendly manual that clearly outlines the latest trends at all price points and where to find them. From Aerosoles to Louboutin, Ann Taylor to Michael Kors - InStyle features clothing and accessories that work for all budgets. In fact, in the Editor's Note, Charla Lawhon acknowledges that the current economic climate has women skittish about shopping. She gets major points for delivering an honest message and for featuring so many affordable fashions in the magazine.

Keep in mind, fashion is cyclical and you may already own some of the new looks. For example, ruffles are popping up everywhere this season and I discovered that I have a great old blouse that looks au courant. Keep an eye out for those forgotten treasures. In some cases, minor alterations can make an outdated frock look and feel brand new.

3. You don't need to wear every trend. If you don't like it, leave it. Be honest about how the new look works with your body type. Everything ain't for everybody. I see skinny jeans and I keep walking. For a little more guidance in this area, pick up Style RX: Dressing the Body You Have to Create the Body You Want. Written by stylist Bridgette Raes, this comprehensive guide features pictures of real women with various body types. Learn what silhouettes are most flattering for your figure.

4. Get the look for less! A sale is your best friend. Take advantage of coupons and online shopping. Don't be afraid to mix a designer jacket with a Target t-shirt. Check out The Budget Fashionista. The website and book are chock full of good advice on how to "be fabulous for less." 

Happy Shopping!

Dear Anna: The 5 Things I Learned from VOGUE

Dear Anna Wintour,

I confess to using my $5 Duane Reade Reward to buy the September 2008 issue of American VOGUE. So much more glamorous than getting laundry detergent, don't you think?  British actress Keira Knightley is lovely and talented but she would not have been my first choice as the cover girl for the biggest issue of the year. Were all of the real models on strike?

Nonetheless, I was still excited to delve inside the "798 Pages of Brilliant Fall Fashion" that the cover promised. Of course, you didn't warn me to bend at the knees when lifting this behemoth of a magazine. You also did not warn me that the first 100 + pages are ads. But no worries Anna - fortified by a yummy York Peppermint Patty, I was up for the task. I cuddled up with Vogue and willed the couture crevices of my brain to absorb all of the fashion & lifestyle wisdom inside.

I now present my list of "The Five Things I Learned from the September 2008 Issue of Vogue."

1 -  Blatant overexposure will not sway me. I still don't love that darn lace Prada dress that is EVERYWHERE!

2 -  The GAP still bores me. A 14 page, b/w ad campaign where everyone looks moody and uptight? Sigh.

3 -  Apparently because all of the Black models were already in the July issue of Italian Vogue, that disqualified them from appearing in a significant way in the biggest issue of the biggest American fashion magazine. Further proof that Naomi is throwing her phones at the wrong people.  

4 - The excerpt from Candace Bushnell's new book, One Fifth Avenue, was a fun little escape from everything in the magazine that was starting to annoy me. It will be my guilty pleasure when it comes out on September 22.  

5 - VOGUE actually published a teeny tiny article on the very bottom of page 632 on the virtues of a big breakfast as a weight loss tool. So VOGUE is pro-eating when it makes you skinny? That's chutzpah!

I can't wait to study next month's issue!

smooches,

Wanda

Baubles Go Global: Jewelry Inspired by Africa, Brazil & Turkey

From symbolic silver pendants to breathtaking gems and gorgeous gold, these featured baubles are not just accessories but artful and thoughtful representations of three different cultures. Adorn yourself in jewelry inspired by faraway lands and express not just your passion for fashion but your appreciation for the artistry of different cultures.

 

Adriana Carador

Gemstone loving divas in Manhattan, Aspen, the Hamptons and Dallas have been gathering together to host trunk shows featuring the glamorous creations of Adriana Carador. A true fashionista, Adriana studied fashion and accessories design in  Rome and owned two women’s clothing boutiques in her native  Brazil. Born in Sao Paulo, Adriana grew up admiring the beautiful gems of her country. She immersed herself in the history and study of jewelry and gemstones and with the help of talented local goldsmiths, Adriana was soon transforming the area’s most precious resources into jewelry. The pieces in her eponymous line are crafted from 18k, white, rose and yellow gold, diamonds, citrines, tourmalines, topaz, smoky quartz and other precious stones. Her design partner, Victoria Flores, is a native Texan born to Mexican parents who has fond memories of loving and playing with her grandmother’s jewelry. “I remember being sent home from class because I would wear these expensive necklaces to my Catholic school," laughs Victoria. Our kind of girl! Glamorous and versatile, Adriana Carador’s designs transition from day to evening with sophisticated ease. http://www.adrianacarador.com/

The Amanne Collection

The culture, history and beauty of Africa form the inspiration of the Ammane Collection -  a captivating line of silver charms and pendants that incorporates 12 Adinkra symbols. The symbols are from the era of 19th century Ghanian King Kofi Adinkra who wore elaborate clothing printed with graphic symbols and geometric motifs.  The jewelry in the Amanne Collection includes the symbols of Akoma Ntoso (linked hearts that represent understanding & agreement) and Sankofa (learning from the past).  Coptic style crosses from Ethiopia are also featured. Looking for a unique gift that keeps on giving? The Amanne Collection has launched a Charm of the Month Club that makes it easy to grow a collection.  You won’t just look good in this jewelry but you can also feel good about wearing it: a percentage of proceeds from the Amanne Collection will be donated to AIDS/HIV prevention, health education and grants to promote entrepreneurship and self-sustainable economic development programs. 

www.amannecollection.net

Jaalbér

If Turkey is on your wish list of places to experience or a locale where you already have ties, feel more connected to this fascinating country by wearing a unique piece of jewelry from Jaalbér. Located in a sweet jewel-box-of-a shop in NYC’s Soho, Jaalbér is New York’s exclusive purveyor of one-of-a-kind precious gemstone fine jewelry handcrafted in Turkey. Jaalbér offers 24 karat gold designer jewelry that combines centuries old techniques and Byzantine inspired craftsmanship. Their selection of handcrafted rings, earrings, bracelets, bangles, and necklaces is connected to the past but appeals to modern tastes. And, do you have a jewelry box full of old gold pieces that you don’t wear anymore? Don’t throw those forgotten treasures away! Jaalbér offers a free consultation to restyle old jewelry into new and wearable objets d’art. In fact, Jaalbér recycles all of its gold. Green, gold and gorgeous – just the way we like it!  

http://www.jaalber.com/

Sample Sales Go Virtual & Exclusive

Shopping for fashion deals on the Internet has gotten a little more exclusive thanks to the sudden surge in on-line members only shopping communities. Now you can supplement your couture crawls on Net-A-Porter, EBAY and Bluefly by signing up for a free membership with an online shopping portal that offers high-end sample sales. Not only do you have to be a member to shop at Gilt Group, Rue La La, and Shop It To Me, but each site makes an effort to capture the real essence of a sample sale by offering items from specific designers for a limited amount of time.

Gilt Group and Rue La La both require prospective deal hunters to be invited by a current member. Shop It To Me allows you to sign up on your own. However each site works in a fairly similar fashion: become a member, receive email notifications of sale dates & designers and try your best to get that coveted item before another frugal fashionista snaps it up. Gilt Group is all about luxury and this week's sales included offerings from Dolce & Gabbana, Cynthia Rowley, and Aquascutum.  Shop It To Me aims to differentiate itself by serving as a virtual personal shopper and keeps a record of your size and favorite brands and emails you when the appropriate goodies are available.

Conclusion: Shopping with these sites can be a money saving supplement to your current retail regimen!  Just remember when shopping online, pay close attention to the return policies.

The Retail Olympics: Barneys Warehouse Sale in New York & Los Angeles

Athletes have the luxury of training four years in between Olympic games but fashionistas have only a year to prepare for the annual Barneys New York legendary warehouse sale!

Get ready to outshop the competition and score discounts of 50-75% off on designer clothing, shoes and accessories for men and women. Discounts on gifts for the home too. Make sure to get a good night's sleep, take your vitamins and race to Barney's for a day of competitive shopping.

The New York sale is Thursday, August 14 - Monday, September 1.

The last day of the Los Angeles sale is Sunday, August 17.

Click here to visit the Barney's website for sale hours and locations.

Project Runway: Time to Turn It Auf?

Has Project Runway turned into Project Why-Stay-Awake? I've just finished watching episode 4 of Season 5 and where the hell is the sturm und drang that always made Project Runway so engrossing? My darling Tim Gunn looks bored and judges Michael Kors and Nina Garcia seem to be daydreaming about the good old days of Santino and Christian Siriano. And Heidi, being gorgeous doesn't hide the look of boredom on your face.

Project Runway's magic formula of unknown designers, "I can't believe they made them do that" challenges, and larger-than-life personalities seems off-kilter this season. A couple of the contestants seem to be working a little too hard at developing annoying shticks in an effort to become the show's next breakout star. But it will take more than talking about yourself in the third person (Suede) or adding "licious" at the end of every word and pouting about your tanning booth withdrawal (Blayne) to become a standout in the cutthroat world of "reality" TV. Remember, Christian Siriano was able to back up his quirky catch phrases with fierce designs.

Several of the contestants seem to have genuine talent and I look forward to seeing more of their designs. They are likeable but just way too serious. Have they forgotten that Project Runway is a television show that is meant to entertain? Sourpusses with scissors won't win over the judges or the TV audience. They need to position themselves so that they remain memorable even if they don't win the big prize of a show at Fashion Week. Also, there seems to be a higher proportion of designers this season who lack the creativity and technical skills of past contestants. So far there has been no need to hold your breath during the eliminations - the bad designs have been REALLY bad. I know we've only seen 4 episodes of the 14 scheduled for the season but like Heidi says " in fashion, you're either in or you're out."  Of course, I am not counting Project Runway out just yet - I adore Tim Gunn and I'll keep watching with the hope that the challenges and contestants will become more compelling as the season progresses. Maybe Project Runway's suprising move to Lifetime next season will bring back the magic.

Runway Report: Diane von Furstenberg 2009 Resort Collection

In Italy 1974 a legend was born: Diane von Furstenberg's iconic wrap dress. How appropriate that on June 18, everyone's favorite dress diva, DVF presented her first fashion show in Europe at the legendary Torrigiani Gardens in the heart of Florence.

Called La Petite Valise, the show featured bold and sexy pieces that are perfect for the stylish woman on the go. Packable yet luxurious, highlights from the DVF 2009 resort collection include dresses with striking art deco prints, strong black and white pieces punctuated by vibrant dashes of red or yellow, romantic floral prints, scarf inspired dresses and smartly tailored jackets.  A suitcase packed with a a few (or more) of these gorgeous DVF creations will make any trip one to remember.

For more information,visit www.dvf.com. 

Go for the Gold: Winning Dresses, Accessories & Cocktails

Maybe you can't make it to Beijing for the Olympics but why not let those coveted medals inspire your fashion choices? Don't be shy, add a dash of gold to your wardrobe. From buttery yellow to dazzling metallic, there is a winning shade of gold to match every mood and personality. Who says shopping isn't athletic? Real divas know that getting the hottest look at the best price is a competitive sport! Let the shopping begin!

  All heads will turn when you drape yourself in this Diane von Furstenberg, "Nagami" faux wrap dress with dolman sleeves in Dijon. $365 at the DVF website.

Golden girls on a budget can look luxe for less in Isaac Mizrahi's Taffeta Couture Dress in Autumn Gold. Only $49.99 at Target.

Project Runway devotees will want to rock this bold and ultra gold design by last season's winner, Christian Siriano.  On sale for $325 at Bluefly.  Fierce!

Betsey Johnson's sparkly knit halter dress will embolden the most timid wallflower. On sale for $135.99 at Bluefly.  (The Bluefly website also has gold dresses by Vera Wang, Nicole Miller and Vivian Tam on sale.)

Ballet flats get a dash of flash at the Gap. Comfy and chic. $44.50

This gorgeous Isharya gold filigree cuff with a turquoise stone ($147) and A.V. Max set of 3 matte and polished gold bangles ($38.25) are both available, along with other golden baubles, at Bluefly.

A dash of glitz is in the palm of your hands with this Elissa Bloom art deco inspired jewel pouch. (On sale for $41.60 at EBags)

Hmm, have you ever wondered what gold smells like? Donna Karan's GOLD eau de parfum combines casablanca lily and amber to capture gold's strong and sensual nature. ($75 for 1.7 ounces at the Donna Karan website).

If wearing gold isn't enough for you, get your Vitamin G intake with a martini made from Gold Flakes Supreme Vodka. This quadruple distilled vodka contains pure 24 karat gold flakes. (On sale for $70.99 at DrinkUpNY)

You are invited to Hot Dresses & Cool Cocktails

Tuesday, August 19. 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm.  Brasserie Julien at 1422 Third Avenue bet. 80th and 81st Streets). Take the 4 of 5 express train to 86th Street or the 6 local to 77th Street.

Cash bar. Glasses of Prosecco, Bellinis, Sangria and Mimosas will be half-price throughout the event. What a deal! That leaves more money for dress shopping!

No charge to attend but reservations are required. No jeans. Dresses & Skirts are highly encouraged. Merci! To reserve your space, please send an e-mail to events@frocksrocksandcocktails.com.   

Frocks Rocks & Cocktails invites you to get dolled up in your favorite summer dress and baubles and join us for cool cocktails and hot conversation at Brasserie Julien. Skip the jetlag, save your dollars and experience "Paris Around the Corner" on the Upper East Side. Summer is winding down, so now is the time to rock your favorite frock.

Network and connect with other fantastic and down-to-earth fashionistas. Sip cocktails while basking in the authentic Parisian ambiance of Brasserie Julien. After the event, pamper your face and tresses with product samples courtesy of Lierac and Phyto. (while supplies last).

Event Sponsors

Brasserie Julien, Lierac and Phyto

Signature Look or Stagnant Style?

Have you ever imagined Goldie Hawn without her tousled beachy blond tresses?

  Anna Wintour sans her surgically precise schoolgirl-all-grown-up bob? 

Susan Taylor minus her flowing  yet sculpted braided tendrils?

Ruth Reichl without her mass of modern Medusa curls?

From Tina Turner to Donatella Versace and even Queen Elizabeth, why are so many powerful women still sporting essentially the same hairstyle they wore for most of the last century? Is there a thin line between a signature coif and a stagnant time capsule?  Are these hairstyles marketing tools to ensure that the wearer is always recognized? Are they security blankets for women who have to deal with constant change and flux in their professions ? Or maybe a woman who maintains a signature hairdo is actually more confident? She's found her look, loves it, and could care less what the trends are. She's too busy taking care of business to bother changing her hairstyle!

As you can see, I've come up with more questions than answers. Just looking at my own hair history, I've probably had 4 different hairstyles in the past five years. Yet, over the past two years, I've become very attached to my Cleopatra inspired bangs. Is it my best look? Some friends love it and some don't. But at this time in my life, it is the style that makes me FEEL the best. What about you? Are you a hair chameleon or a coif curator? 

Goldie, Anna, Susan, Ruth, Tina and Donatella are all leaders in their respective fields. (Ok, Goldie hasn't done a movie in awhile but she is still a star.) And, the Queen is the Queen, enough said. They are smart, fearless, talented and bold trailblazers.  With all of their impressive accomplishments, why the hell am I blogging about their hair?