Dear Ether,

Gosh, we’ve hit yet another “Fashion Friday!”which means that I’ve been blogging with you for quite awhile now.  Fab!  

Well, I’ve been feeling very 1960’s lately.  I don’t know why.  I think it might be that I’ve been very successful at vintage stores that carry 1950’s garb and up and have been working my 60’s gear because it is so punchy and bright–perfect for summer.  So for this week I’ve decided to go for a vintage mix of 1960’s, citrus, resort glam (look, I don’t know how I come up with these trends either, okay?).  I always get loads of compliments on my vintage finds which always makes me proud because nowadays you REALLY have to scour the shops to find anything good anymore.  So when you score, you feel like you’ve gotten a real prize.  

So picture me on a cruise en route somewhere fabulous like Monaco (Grace Kelly style) leaning over the railing of the deck basking in the sun getting ready for an evening of craps, roulette and funky cocktails (a Mai Tai with lots of fruit, maraschino cherries and umbrellas sticking out of it maybe?).  God, the 60’s were SO swinging weren’t they?  Enjoy and DO VOTE! 

Dedicatedly yours,

—One of 365

Ahoy Matey! I won't die of scurvy with this squeeze of citrus flavor on board my glamour cruise! Check out the nail polish. It's Essie "Shorty Pants." A really bold, matte yellow that looks amazing on hands and feet and gives you that extra punch to your groovin' look. Yeah Baby!

This might appear more orange on your screen but it is the loveliest shade of coral. The buttons are little brass anchors (perfect for that cruise-wear touch) and it is completely handmade! It's amazing to me that someone 40+ years ago had my same measurements. It looks BRAND NEW and I swear to god, if you didn't know it was vintage you'd think it was a pricey designer piece. Coral 1960's Vintage Dress, $18, (Can you believe it!?!) Jet Rag Los Angeles

These made me "green with envy" when I saw them. They look just like Choo's or Blahnik's, but honey, the price is right! The trend now is to add a pop of color to your outfit--something out of the blue--forgive the pun. So I thought a bright green with the coral would add to the citrus/summer flavor but also add to that trend of the "wow" factor color accessory. Brass Plum Satin Sling-back, Peep-Toe Heels, $60, Nordstrom's Los Angeles

If you're gonna be a high-roller on board, you gotta have the bling to prove it, right? Well, as you MIGHT have guessed, this baby isn't real (shame, I could retire). But what fun is a huge cocktail ring and so 60's! And this picture gives you an even better look at the nail polish I mentioned above. Great shade, eh? Faux Diamond Cocktail Ring, press gift from Liberty (price unknown) London

I tried taking my own picture of this fab vintage fragrance, but it came out blurry so had to use this kinda tacky stock photo (sorry!). I LOVE this scent. Dior was plugging this back again in 2006 and I fell in love with it when it landed on my desk. The label and box are so old school, and the scent itself is so ladylike and proper for the time with hints of lily of the valley and jasmine. Maybe a bit more 50's than 60's (launched in 1956) but I thought it went with the mood of the page. Christian Dior "Diorissimo" 50ml $65, at any fine department store.

Dear Ether,

So, when we think of QVC and fashion, one image comes to mind:

This is their typical fashion item: a sexy gingham button down embroidered shirt and capri set--it can be yours for $56.26 from the Quacker Factory, QVC.com

OKAY—this is why we think of QVC as the LAST place we’d ever go for fashion bargain hunting or trends.  But, on my weekly internet mission to find a cute collection from an online store’s stock, I amazingly was able to put together a comprehensive look that you would NEVER guess was from the “dare not speak its name” shopping channel.  Look, the truth is it took me FOREVER to find an outfit that I thought would be cute, on trend, and acceptable.  I’m not saying I would flock to QVC after visiting their site, but it definitely opened my eyes to the fact that they do have some stuff that is on offer for young folks.  They are attempting to gain a hipper customer with some up and coming designers and if you’ve got a good eye and need some basics, you’ll fare well.  

So this week I decided to fashion my look as if I were going to Italy during the summer holidays.  I think it is very European, a bit Audrey Hepburn and a slight nod to the 60’s.  Picture your very own oneof365 with a brown chignon, a mint green Vespa, this outfit and chatting with a handsome Italian man (or men…why the hell not, it’s a fantasy…) while having an espresso and a quick smoke leaving only a lipstick stained cigarette butt in my wake!  The clothes are perfect for the Italian heat, but great for when it gets a bit chillier at night.  Okey doke–let’s see how this American lady turned herself into an Italian Contessa—-budget style baby!

Dedicatedly yours,

—One of 365

PS:  If you’re keen to see other websites I’ve put outfits together for, check out my Bad-Ass look for Net-a-Porter.com at: (http://bit.ly/1UpthT) and my Garden Party Chic look for J.Crew.com at: (http://bit.ly/49jbA).  Enjoy!

This was the first item I saw on QVC and inspired my whole mission for my style guide. I loved the pastel pink trench with the wrist-length sleeves and the funky white buttons. The fabric looked stiff and crisp and I thought it would look fab with tanned skin, and a bit of pink lip gloss with a slight frost a-la 60's fashion. Perfect to leave open and show off what you have underneath or to button up and keep a bit warmer at night when the sun goes down. Chloe Dao Stretch Cotton Twill Double Breasted Jacket w/ Rear Pleat. Originally $64.00 on sale for $31.02, QVC.com

Great 60's suave to this pocketed and zippered sateen tank dress. Open up the zip at the neck to show of the decollete, and cover your arms with loads of bangles or maybe wear with an oversized gold watch which would go really well with the gilded hardware. Has a real swinging vibe, but also a sophisticated Portofino look--it's breezy and chic at the same time. The navy goes beautifully with the pink from the trench. Linea by Louis Dell'Olio Sateen Tank Dress w/ Zipper Detail Originally $49.50 on sale for $34.12, QVC.com

I adore how these peep-toe, sling-backs are are so reminiscent of the sea that the leather actually looks like scales from a mermaid's tale! These are great for shopping in the Italian boutiques (ahhh...Prada, Ferragamo, Gucci!) because the heel-height isn't too limiting and they let air in so your feet breathe and don't swell. The shoe has a very vintage feel about them--they almost look handmade. Lovely People Ruffled Leather Platform Quarter Strap Sandals $115, QVC.com

Italy is the land of the leather bag, so why be caught dead without one! This supple stone colored bag is a great travel item because it can hold a lot but still look very sleek and fashionable--perfect for the chic tourist. The detachable messenger strap is a handy feature for flights and for museums. Goes beautifully with shoes and the pastel daintiness of the coat. B. Makowsky Glove Leather Convertible Satchel w. Seam Design $253.50, QVC.com

Pearls are just a classic staple that have been timeless for decades. These are great for travel because you can wear them day and night, they're lightweight and they always add a touch of class and polish to your outfit. They match the shoes and the bag perfectly as well as the femininity of the coat. Excellent investment. Honora Round Freshwater Cultured Pearl Stud Earrings-8mm $133.00, QVC.com

Could this bangle bracelet be more perfect! When I saw this I said bellissima! What a great homage to old Italy and what a fun conversation piece. A really funky, but also classic piece of jewellery that literally has stood the test of time. Hey, and if you run out of money, maybe you can try and go to the bank and exchange the bracelet for some Euros? No, probably not. Nice thought though Lire Coin Bangle Bracelet 14k $219, QVC.com

Dear Ether,

Who says fashion and politics can’t go hand and hand and still be chic?  I mean, I don’t have to get a bubble cut (why Michelle Obama?) or wear comfortable shoes and a matching Ungaro skirt-suit to be political and state my cause.  Well, truthfully, my look isn’t THAT political in the sense that I’m not really trying to emulate any First Ladies (or really state a cause).  I’m sorta conjuring up the hippies of the 70’s and putting a modern spin on it in a groovy kinda way.  I felt you could look a bit retro and vintage without wearing a single item that WAS retro OR vintage and put a funky twist on it.  

Ahhh, Just a fine example of one of our First Ladies being FUNKY!

I think my “Fashion Fridays!” outfit is reminiscent of when our Mom’s were wearing platforms, bell-bottoms, crocheted vests and scarves tied around their arms.  My hippie Mrs. Oneof365 marched that wonderful day when Martin Luther King Jr. said his famous “I have a dream” speech, and I’ve dug through many wonderful old pictures of her where she’s wearing fab boots, crazy skin-tight denim and peace-symbol shirts.  So I thought, “hey, why not pay homage to Mom and her days of politics and fashion?”  So, looking through my wardrobe I came up with something I thought was a lot more “chic” than any of those First Lady babes like Nancy Reagan, Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton wore in their days in the White House.  Look, I understand they couldn’t be as funk-ified as this—but to me this outfit puts political chic back on the map (circa 1970’s) and brings it back to 2009.  Right On, Man!

If I was Mrs. Obama, this is what I would wear during down-time (though I don't know if Barack would dig it--the girls certainly would think it was cool). It has a retro vibe with a modern feel. It's also really comfy--important for any chilled out peace-lovin' lady!

The "V" sign can be misused in places such as the UK as being obscene (yeah, you know who you are you little chavs!). In WWII Mr. Churchill made it famous for "Victory" and in the United States in the 1960's onwards it became a symbol for peace. T-Shirt bought from Opportunity Shop in Larchmont Village Los Angeles, on sale for $17 originally $35 (hand silk-screened)

High-waisted, full-leg and ultra 70's style wash and stitching--even the logo looks old skool. These jeans are perfect for wearing with boots, sky-high heels, espadrilles, or even shortening and wearing with Birkenstocks. I suggest wearing your top tucked into them so you show off the waist-line which is reminiscent of the period. Bought from Madison on Melrose. Originally, (gulp) $440 and bought for a steal for 41 bucks--hippies would be proud I was getting one up from "the man!"

These were a hell of an indulgence. Like many people, I went into All Saints to browse and ended up with a purchase I SO couldn't afford. BUT, I've worn them everywhere and they go with everything. And the more I wear them the more comfy they get. An ace investment--just wish it didn't take me a year to pay them off! Boots are excellent to wear with jeans, but also lovely with flowing dresses. Excellent 70's staple. All Saint's "Irina" Boots 180 pounds sterling.

Another gift from the English gent's Mum. Really beautiful Bedouin cuff with semi-precious stones in them (for the life of me I can't remember what she told me they were--shit!) Heavy, strong and beautifully crafted, this is a treasure but also something you can see a hippie in the 70's wearing at a peace rally after they traveled to the Middle East and bought it from a stranger on the side of a road in some hidden village! Okay, maybe I'm giving this too much credit. But, it is a stunning item. Bedouin cuff, priceless.

Yeah baby! These are timeless! These have been cool for years so your working it retro and you working it NOW! You'll feel very "Top Gun" and "Charlie's Angels" in these. Your future is so bright, you gotta wear shades! Ray Ban P Aviator Sunglasses, $90 Bloomingdales

Merde! Why is it when you love something, they always discontinue it? Sigh, you're looking at a relic, a creation of genius in the beauty world that now is just a memory. But I will not let it go down without its story being told--and maybe it will come back someday (brands have been known to re-stock items if enough desire is out there for them...). And when it does, you'll know all about its "magic."

Dear Ether, 

Because I wrote such a damning report on YSL Touche Éclat (http://www.oneof365.com/category/ysl-touch-eclat/ysl-touche-eclat/), I wanted to give you guys a product that would be its foil.  An item I KNEW was fail-safe and amazing for your eyes.  BUT, as if the YSL gods had damned me, the product that I loved most (seriously, it was like my beauty secret weapon) HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED.  Yes, it’s true.  Sniffle.  What was it……… 

L’OCCITANE Magic Eye Balm. 

So now this post has become an obituary rather than a plug for one of my favorite beauty products.  But MAYBE, just MAYBE,  if I write a wonderful review about it and you guys get excited and e-mail L’OCCITANE, they’ll revive it from the dead.  It deserves resurrection really!  It did so for me many mornings! 

So, I look online to write about my piece and can’t find Magic Eye Balm on the L’OCCITANE website.  I call the store and the woman tells me that the product has been DISCONTNUED in the United States for 3 years!  IMPOSSIBLE!  She tries calming me (I’m sure if I was in the shop it would have been through a lavender bottle of smelling salts) and tells me that it was hugely successful and has NO idea why they pulled the plug.  I tell her I’m still using the one from the UK I got 4 years ago (yep, that’s how long this 15ml $20 puppy lasts)—and yes, of all people I know I shouldn’t be using make-up that is older than a kitten.  However, Magic Eye Balm has no expiry date and after asking the lovely manager at L’OCCITANE if this was kosher (a pro member of the team for 4 years) she said because of the nature of the packaging, you could continue use until the product emits a strong odor or becomes lumpy. 

So, here is my little spiel about my French “ami”.  This little metal tube contained the elixir of perfection.  L’OCCITANE is famous for its heavenly shea butter and Magic Eye Balm contained a 5% dollop, just enough to soften skin and gently moisturize the delicate under-eye area. And even though the product used silicones to help with the appearance of smoothing fine lines, there was never greasy residue.  The balm meshed beautifully with skin and sat gently under a delicate dusting of powder.  Illuminating those lovely eyes came from a mixture of titanium dioxide (a whitening enhancer) and mica, but there was never any glimmering or frosting that was caught shimmering in any light (natural or faux).  Being L’OCCITANE, it also had lovely natural ingredients like calendula, ruscus and centella asiatica to help increase microcirculation (and naturally help in combating dark circles).  It also contained sunflower and ivy extracts to fight pollutants.  

Its downfalls: it only came in one shade—which was a natural neutral (truthfully it was only created for Caucasian skin) and it didn’t come with a brush built in (though that never mattered to me because I used my own concealer brush which I could clean deeper—also better to let friends borrow—more hygienic).  Magic Eye Balm did everything YSL Touche Éclat promised it would, but never could provide. 

What’s my next step?  I’ll go through my beauty cupboard, make some phone calls and chat with some PR’s.  I’ll sample some new product (I, too, am going to have to eventually make the change) but will have to really trust the product before I can give it my “wink” and a glowing review.  I wish I could give you an alternative, but I refuse to just tell you to go out and buy the newest thing a PR sent me or that I read about without really trying it myself. 

For now…………

Au Revoir Baume Regard Magique!  R.I.P.

 Dedicatedly yours,

—One of 365

Okay, I normally don't choose images like this for my blog, but c'mon, this was IRRESISTIBLE! Is that vintage Nick Nolte in the center? Anyway, these chaps went from "dudes" to "studs" because of their jean choices, but I have not gone from "dudette" to "filly" from my denim decisions yet. I say "Nay" to this fashion fixture!

Dear Ether,

Jeans.  Do you find them to be the most frustrating item of clothing in your wardrobe?  (Well, the bathing suit isn’t great, but at least you only have to pull that sucker out a handful of times a season…).  But damn those jeans!  I think I’ve probably spent $2000 dollars on denim and still don’t have a single pair that fit, feel comfortable, are the right trend, flatter me or even have the right wash (who knew a fade, or a whisker would make or break me?).  

Is the skinny jean or the full-leg the “cool” way to go?  High waist or low?  Both you say?  Okay, so then I run out, spend major bucks on BOTH and now I have to decide how to alter them.  Which pair do I wear with heels or with flats?  And now what height heels?  Arghhhhh!  Then you have dressy jeans and casual jeans.   And what about embellished ones like Rock & Republic? Oh, speaking of Rock & Republic, why the fuck do jeans cost almost $300?  I remember growing up and my mom spent like 40 bucks from The Gap and they were totally acceptable.  Oh, no, not anymore!  Now you have Sass & Bide, Paige, J Brand, See By Chloe, True Religion, Citizens of Humanity, Diesel—even bloody Victoria Beckham has her own line!  How do you even begin to choose?  

What’s with the size variations.  One brand you can be a twee 25 while another you’re a 30.  Huh?  And why the hell do they make jeans for women who are 6 foot 5?  I’d like to meet the woman who is buying the size 24 jeans with a 34 inch leg.  So that adds like another 15 bucks at least to the already pricey denim (another 10 or so dollars if you want the original hem sewn back on the bottom—so the grand total for alterations at a cheap place is $25).  By now you’ve put a down payment on a car.  But, by the time the tailor has given you back your ship-shape shorties, then the trend changes.  Or, you’ve gained 2 pounds and you can’t fit into them anymore.  Even better, they’ve shrunk in the wash.  I LOVE when that happens, especially when the shop girl says, “Oh, no, buy them tight.  They totally stretch out.” This all being said when you can’t even breathe or sit down in them in the store and you’re sporting major camel-toe. (Word of advice: NO! They do NOT stretch out THAT much.  And, yes, they do become itsy-bitsy after a spin cycle. EVEN in cold water after washing them inside out!). 

UGH!  I hate jeans.  I love shopping and finding a deal or a fab find.  But jeans—they are the 1 thing I hate to dig through the shops for.   And damn those magazine pages for always promoting the “next biggest name” so of course you have to run out and get that hot new label with their brand emblazoned in Swarovski crystals on the rear pocket in some nutty pattern.  I also always hate the articles promoting the “perfect pair for you if you have X body type.” Those pages are NEVER helpful to me, and I can’t ever afford any of the jeans they suggest anyway.  And, may I ask who made it un-cool to make jeans have an elastic waist?   I know this will never fly, but look ladies, how awesome would it be if we could have pants that could expand and decrease with us every few pounds we gained or lost?  PERFECTION.  But no, elastic-waist=super nerdy/pregnancy look.  I just can’t hack it.  I remember they even came out with jeans that had hidden pads that enhanced your derriere!  And what about the new tie-dyed fad?  I just saw them at a boutique and they were $300!  Sniffle, does this mean to save a bob I’m gonna have to go through my old wardrobe and bring out a white pair, find some rubber bands, buy some dye and do a DIY job (because you know that trend will be over in a week and man, I ain’t spending $300 to look cute for 1 day). 

Jeans used to be what beatniks and cowboys wore.  Marlon Brando.  James Dean.  Clint Eastwood.  Bob Dylan.  They were all about no effort, looking casual and being sexy.  When the hell did they become so much work!  I think Mr. Strauss would be rolling in his grave if he knew what had happened to his little fabric originally meant for tents and wagon covers (well, he’s definitely rolling in something, and it’s called bucks, Levi’s are one of the top selling jeans in the world!).  

So, I think we should start a bootcut bootcamp!  No more denim dollar breakers!  We have to stop this outrageous spending on stuff that probably costs $3 to make in a sweatshop in a 3^rd World Country—okay—I don’t wanna be sued for libel—-but seriously here is what you can get for $300: A plane fare from Los Angeles to NYC, a basic Swiss Army Watch, a night in the W Hotel Los Angeles, a really nice digital camera, a spa day for you and your man, a gourmet meal for two at The London, an Anya Hindmarch bag that’s on sale right now that was originally $1,200, a huge shopping trip to Costco that could feed your family of 5 for a good week (plus some fun things in the mix like a DVD, CD’s…)…….I’m going to stop here.  You get the idea.  Go to a place like my palace of prices Loehmann’s instead where they have designer jeans for half, if not a quarter of the price (because at the end of the day who the hell actually notices if you’re wearing this season’s jeans or not).  Or try Buffalo Exchange (a consignment/used clothing store in Los Angeles) where I just bought a pair of brand new J Brand black boot cut jeans that still had the $225 price tag on them for 36 bucks. 

And by the way, debuting at all fine department stores and boutiques worldwide this Fall will be the launch of my jean line called “oneof365-Waistland.”  The collection will be a sensation (it already IS with buyers) because it gives the appearance of a solid waist, but that baby is ELASTIC!!  Dreams can come true   

Dedicatedly yours,

—One of 365

PS: And OMG—I forgot to mention this—who the hell invented the denim boot?  The denim boot with studs!  The denim boot with studs and a little shirt pocket! Hisssssssssss! See below:

Wow! Found these beauties on eBay.co.uk. I wonder why they were selling em'? They are so "classic," no? Anyway, bid quick, the start price is 9.99 pounds sterling. Think of them as investing in a weapon. That metal stiletto would kill someone EASY. Fashion Tip: Wear with acid wash jeans with ankle zip, cropped denim jacket and your favorite band T-shirt. HOT!