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Lauren Dimet Waters / January 9, 2012 11:00 am
While Heatherbelle is away traveling the world, her cousin Gabriella (who has just as much attitude) has kindly offered to fill in.
I’m not one to make New Year’s Resolutions. I know the majority fail and I am unconventional. If I am going to start a diet, it’s going to be on a Tuesday, never a Monday. If I’m going to join the gym, it’s going to be over the summer when I can get a crazy good deal, and not January 1 when I know I will never get into a class or on an elliptical machine. So of course when asked what my fashion and beauty resolutions were, I initially laughed the question off. Then I got to thinking, maybe my New Year’s Resolution was to actually make a New Year’s Resolution or two … ones I could possibly realistically keep. So without further ado, here they are:
1. I will learn how to apply nail applique polish well. By that I mean cutting in a straight line and filing.
2. I will rid my jewelry box of all knuckle rings because let’s face it, they are ugly and scare men. So you may be asking yourself, do I mean the ones that extend horizontally over multiple fingers or the extra long one with hinges that extends up to your nail bed? The answer would be both.
3. I will only shop the flash sale sites where I actually would buy something. I waste too many hours at work browsing them all and those are hours I can’t get back. Let’s call a spade a spade, most sell junk.
4. I will only buy shoes with red soles (Louboutin or YSL). Who cares if I can’t eat for a week or two?
5. I will try to limit the amount of black I buy. OK, at least one bright colored item for every four. My closet can no longer look like it belongs to Morticia.
1. Sally Hansen Salon Effects – Kitty, Kitty, now $4.27
2. Eddie Borgo Hinged Gunmetal-plated Pavé Crystal Ring, $425
3. Gilt.com
4. Highness Platform Pump in Black, $1075
5. Preen Line Azure Stretch Cotton-drill Dress, $665
Check back with me in a few months and see how I do.
—Gabriella Bridgeview
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Heatherbelle Bridgeview / November 14, 2011 9:00 am
While Heatherbelle is away traveling the world, her cousin Gabriella (who has just as much attitude) has kindly offered to fill in.
Listen up ladies…it doesn’t matter if you have been bad or good this year, it’s time to start planting the seeds for your holiday wish list. Yes, mine is very wishful. So take a look and hopefully it will serve as inspiration. Shoot for the stars!
1. Vince Coyote Fur Shrug Coat, Now $ 1125. From my parents I would like to receive this. Forget the faux fur, I would prefer the real stuff and hey, it’s on sale!
2. Christian Louboutin Sweet Charity Studded Crossbody Bag, $1195. Loubies aren’t solely for the feet and I believe in spreading the love. My man doesn’t need to know my shoe size to make me happy. Besides it can double as protection on those “Girl’s Night Out” occasions.
3. Christian Louboutin Joli Dune Suede Mini-Peep Toe Platform Pumps, $795. In case my man does know my shoe size, I’ll take these red soled beauties, thank you very much. The small peep-toe is so retro…and so sexy.
4. Brian Atwood Goldy Bis Strappy Suede Platform Pumps, $810. I know my cousin Heatherbelle also knows my shoe size and Brain Atwood shoes are all the craze right now. For good reason. These are stunning and not black!
5. Michael Kors Stainless Steel Chronograph Watch Gold, $250. See? Not everything I desire costs a king’s ransom. I am longing for a bold, gold statement watch and frankly, Michael Kors (and Cartier) make the best. I have been (not so subtly) hinting for this from my best friend!
6. Yves Saint Laurent Wool Tuxedo Cape Jacket, Now $2274. Sometimes I think I give myself the best presents, so this one may have to be to me, from me. I know I will wear this to death.
7. Bond No.9 New York The Incandescent Shooting Super Star, $1000. I wasn’t joking when I said to shoot for the stars. This bottle is so cool, who cares what it smells like?
—Gabriella Bridgeview
Image Layout: Amy Newling
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Heatherbelle Bridgeview / October 11, 2011 11:00 am
It’s amazing what the fashion world entices us to do. Why did we like parachute pants? And why did we embrace them again when they called themselves “harem pants”? Really? Some days I do think humanity is going to hell in a handbag. So in an effort to evade the flames, I suggest that consumers think twice before purchasing these somewhat unfortunate finds….
1. Um, have you been drinking your lunch from a paper bag? These pants add pounds to just about everyone who wears them, and looks like something a teenager would wear in 1993.
Whit Paper Bag Pants, $325
2. Why do people insist on combining ridiculous things? The sneaker-boot combo (with fur?) Why? When was gym class sexy?
Ash Minsk Suede Lace-up Ankle Boots, $275
3. The only place tweed and patent leather should meet is in British porn.
Red Valentino Tweed Drawstring Cross-body Bag, $495
4. This hurt me. I adore Philip Lim and then I see this monstrosity. The coloration is wrong and instead of a sexy or even bohemian beauty this looks like I stole my boyfriends t-shirt and sewed on something from Ali McGraw’s closet in 1977.
3.1 Philip Lim Leather And Silk Top, $725
5. It should be a law: NO more pants or jeans or leggings (Jeggings? Another horrifying trend) that sport anything resembling an acid wash. This is a hideous look and so the fines and penalties for violations should be extra steep.
Bleulab Woven Reversible Leggings, $163
—Heatherbelle Bridgeview
Image Layout: Amy Newling
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Heatherbelle Bridgeview / September 12, 2011 10:00 am
Must-haves from 2011 that will last for decades.
Don’t believe the hype. Each season has the trendy atrocities that will fade faster than a fake tan. But there are also pieces that harness staying power for seasons to come. Consider buying these your foray into the arts of the fashion fortuneteller.
1. J.Crew Cashmere Blouse, $495
Why: Material, style and color. Need I really explain? It’s cashmere! And it’s not a sweater! Soft, wonderful and decadent cashmere. What makes it 2011 is the heather color and times material (although in an updated twill from a famous Italian mill). Again, cashmere!
2. Jason Wu Toni Leather Satchel, $1199
Why: Color and shape. Variations of red have been appearing as a new neutral for the past decade and a bit of Bordeaux, especially on a worn ivy leaguer-style bag screams “old money,” even if your fivers are crisp.
3. Brian Atwood Maniac Watersnake Platform Pumps, $885
Why: Color and texture. Cognac and snakeskin in the fall are synonyms for luxury. (pointed toe is a bonus).
4. Gucci Metal Aviators, $275
Why: The color. Aviators are classics but typically appear in a gold, platinum or brassy tone. Brown is muted, less harsh and doesn’t scream, “I’m a wannabe reality star.” Sigh.
5. Ralph Lauren Collection Suede Mary Jane Pumps, $525
Why: I know, I know: what’s so freaking new about these Mary Janes? Style and color. Seasons seem to rotate between pointed and round-toe styles and this season the pointed won. What makes this a classic from 2011 is the deep, lush green velvet. Green is tough (who wants to look like a Christmas tree or an ambassador for Lucky Charms?) but this style makes it work.
—Heatherbelle Bridgeview
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Second City Style / August 8, 2011 11:00 am
Is there really any other vision of fall than “Autumn in NYC?” A beige faded Burberry trench, a pair of reddish brown flaired corduroys a la the late CBK, and the cream, black or navy turtleneck. It’s practically a uniform. The one and only accessory for this apparel: the beige-y, brown-y, tan-y and even elephant (?)-colored satchel. And its only rival? The ultra-femme structured shoulder bag. After years of sloppy, slouchy and silly shapeless bags it’s about time we straightened up.
1. Yves Saint Laurent Opyum Flap Bag, $1995
2. Marc by Marc Jacobs Voyage Satchel, $498
3. Steven Alan Leather Shoulder Bag, $475
4. Michael Kors Quinn Python Top-handle Satchel, $1395
5. Tory Burch Mae leather and Suede Tote Bag, $695
—Heatherbelle Bridgeview
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Heatherbelle Bridgeview / July 5, 2011 11:00 am
Five American Designers You Should Have in Your Closet
I am a snob. And a suspicious, crotchety one. I don’t buy into trends and top-of-the-hour designers who get a ton of press for a couple of seasons. If I am going to invest in quality items then I want to know that the designer or brand is in it for the long haul, hopefully translating into a relationship with consumers that includes a de facto promise of quality and accountability.
If I am going to spend dollars or euros on designer goods they will be French and maybe Italian in origin. And I mean made in France, not exported to some other country where they can pay peanuts to workers sewing on luxe labels (for a more vivid and expert account please see “Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Luster” by Dana Thomas).
But even old ladies such as myself have to confess that certain American designers have been catching my eye and appear to possess the qualities that produce an important, lasting legacy. These are five labels that might stand the test of time. What do you think?
1. Michael Kors (American fashion god and contemporary Ralph Lauren-esque brand-driven mogul)
Michael Kors Wool Crepe Jacket $1695, Matte Jersey Halter Bodysuit Halter $595 and Crepe Agyness Pants $895
2. Marc Jacobs (wunderkind who has been designing for years, but has his rapid expansion tarnished his vibe? Is there just TOO much Marc Jacobs to make it distinctive and consistent?)
Marc Jacobs Satin & Jersey Peplum Top $895 and Dotted Wool Flare Skirt $995
3. Proenza Schouler (I am placing at least one bet on them. Their style is consistent and not overdrawn. My advice: don’t try and become an uber-brand too fast.)
Proenza Schouler Peak Lapel Coat $2790, Cotton Wolf-Print Top $550 and Printed Pants $795
4. Donna Karan (Yes, she is a legend. Yes, I would consider her as a name that will be in the fashion history books. But I keep asking myself if her collections are worth, well, collecting. She, too, has expanded into home designs, etcetera and after awhile I start to get the feeling that I am swimming in stagnant design water.)
Donna Karan Three-Quarter Sleeve Draped Tunic $850, Lightweight Jersey Tee $495 and Matte Leggings $495
5. Prabal Gurung (I love his work, but I keep asking myself what is distinctive or fascinating about his work. He seems to have paid his dues and is seriously invested in the industry. Still, my hope is that his notoriety or creativity isn’t a flash in the pan).
Prabal Gurung Ruffle Sleeve Blouse $800 and Handkerchief Hem Skirt $1100
—Heatherbelle Bridgeview
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Heatherbelle Bridgeview / June 6, 2011 11:00 am
7 Black Pieces You Can Wear In The Summer (and not look like a freak)
I confess: I am addicted to wearing black. It doesn’t matter if I am fat, thin or lingering somewhere in between; it’s always been my preference. I am sure people at Bloomies and Nordstrom’s think I’m a former employee trying to re-live some bizarre former job fetish. Sunny, Chicago (ridiculously faux) blondes look at me strangely, and if my locks were a noir hue there is a strong possibility I might have been burned at the Midwestern stake by now.
Indeed, it’s going to be a long hot summer for those of us who don’t go for vomit-inducing florals, cut-off jean shorts or bad Halston-inspired Maxi dresses. But there is hope (even though you have to abandon the wools, the leather bags and other heavyweight dark pieces). These chic pieces are light, don’t make you look like you’re going to a cocktail party at noon and, in all of their onyx snobbery, are made to make summer deliciously shady.
1. Theory Faymon Linen-Blend Dress, $287
2. Yves Saint Laurent Rubber Thong Sandals, $195
3. 3.1 Phillip Lim Cutout Silk and Cotton-Blend T-shirt, $150
4. Temperley London Violetta Cutout Silk-Georgette Top, $880
5. Burberry Nylon Tote, (a nice alternative to the Pliage!), $250
6. Nina Ricci Ribbon Leather and Grosgrain Sandals, $401.99
7. Vivien Westwood Anglomania Philosophy Stretch-Cotton Mini Skirt, $205
—Heatherbelle Bridgeview
Image Layout: Jillian Jaslowski
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Heatherbelle Bridgeview / May 8, 2011 10:51 pm
Oddly, espadrilles bear an uncanny resemblance to your friends. They can be cheap, extravagant, short, tall, fat, skinny, sexy, quirky, fun or just kind of a downer. And like the guys and gals you choose to hang with at the end of the day, you’ve gotta choose the ones that make you feel good—or at least look good (Kidding. Sorta).
1. Marc Jacobs Satin Espadrille Ballerina Flats $445
2. Yves Saint Laurent Gipsy Suede Sandals, $675
3. Missoni Crochet-Knit Espadrille Sandals, $350
4. Tory Burch Lace-up Canvas Platform Espadrilles, $165
5. Valentino Patent Leather Slingback Espadrilles, $475
6. Jimmy Choo Polar Snake-Print Leather Espadrilles, $395
7. Lanvin Grosgrain Espadrilles, $595
8. Ernesto Esposito 140mm Suede Espadrille Wedges, $543.50
—Heatherbelle Bridgeview
Image Layout: Molly Murphy
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