Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh (arms stretching behind my back). The Wish List is back! What tremendous joy I had shopping again, choosing dream pieces without having to lay down my credit card. Though one day I would like to place an order on some of the glorious goodies I’ve chosen, it’s always fun to fantasize and see something come together from a collection that you’ve chopped and changed. I mean, of course I imagine myself with a Kate Moss frame when I select such pieces so I also imagine that they would look stellar on me. But sadly, this girl whose stature of 5′6 and with a bust larger than a 32A would not look catwalk cool. But that’s what’s so fun about Monday’s. You can dream!
Today is all about navy blue bliss. I don’t think this lovely shade gets enough credit and I really love wearing it. It looks surprisingly good with denim, excellent with white, brilliant with black (just kidding…wanted to see if you were paying attention) and is just a classy, classic color. I also think it’s a great transitional hue both seasonally and day to night. Navy can be worn both in the summer and the winter and for work and drinks.
I chose Paul & Joe Sister this week because I really like the playful French fun that they have in their collection this season. It’s kind of Topshop meets rockstar. Love it! For a diffusion line it isn’t THAT expensive, though I wouldn’t call it cheap—but compared to something like Miu Miu it’s a steal (I mean, they sell it in Urban Outfitters!). I also thought it would be fun to integrate beauty into this Wish List because Paul & Joe have such a comprehensive line.
I have mixed feelings about their make-up line. The packaging is gorgeous. I think the palettes and the colors for shadows and foundations have tremendous variety. However, I think it is way too expensive for a brand that isn’t established. It’s tricky. You can’t really start off cheaper and then hike up prices. But a lot of folks haven’t heard of Paul & Joe and therefore wouldn’t pay 30 bucks for a lipstick when blingalicious Chanel is right around the corner with competitive prices. Truthfully, at the end of the day, the double C’s are gonna win out. I know the line does well in Europe, but I think it is really struggling in the United States. The packaging is targeted for a younger audience, but again, the price tag is for an older audience. Anyway, in case it’s new too you, I thought I’d introduce you to it.
So here’s our girl. She’s going out in L.A. during the day but it’s going to transition to a nighttime hang out too. She’s got her lightweight dress because it’s sill hot during the day, but she’s brought a long, cozy cardigan when it gets chilly during the evening (hey, chivalry is dead—you can’t rely on gentlemen to offer you their coats anymore!). Her boots are perfect for walking around in because of the extra gooey, padded platform and if she wants she can stick a pair of tights in her bag if her gams get cold. She’s brought along some perfume just in case she wants to freshen up, and she’s done up her eyes in this lovely palette that matches the colors of the pattern on her dress perfectly. This is not a party evening, just a laid back time with friends where she wants to look hip and chic but also be comfortable. So, welcome back to the Wish List and enjoy our navy nymph.
Meow! This cat print silk dress with a ruffle detail is cute and sexy at the same time. I love how it's got a baggy top that makes it slouchy and casual, but also that dainty skirt which is attached that is short and flirty allowing you to show off those legs. Great for a hot summer day. Or, throw on some tights and voila, you've got your evening look. The sleeves end mid-arm so great for the hip bangle look and again, because this shows so much leg, wait until you see this paired with the rad ankle boots our chica is sporting. Horlane Silk Print Dress, $200, paul&joe.com
How lovely is this cardigan? It looks handmade by someone you love...awww! I think it's the perfect color. An added bonus? It's the same length as the dress, so you'll be totally toasty when night falls! This is a great piece to own because it's a classic. It'll never date because it already has a vintage feel. You could probably wear this as a sweater dress---just add some leggings and some cute boots and you're ready to go. Navy Deneuve Cardigan, $321.75, paul&joe.com
I am in LOVE! These may not look that different from all the black ankle boots out there...but look closely. That sole is what makes these babies ACE! They are going to be so comfy, the ball of your foot is going to thank you. Finally you can be stylish without being in agony. The heel height is sexy, the padded leather looks like badass motorcycle jacket texture. These, paired with the sweetness of the sweet dress above---dead on! Imagine these with tights or bare legs--you are gonna be working it. These are THE black ankle boots of the season. Venus Quilted Booties With Crepe Sole, $634, paul&joe.com
Really cute packaging right? Kinda shabby chic, meets Victorian lady. These colors are the perfect duo to match your dress pattern. The blue is perfect for your lids and the silver is fab for the inner parts of the eye to make them shimmer and catch the light. For more of their endless beauty products look at their ample supply on the website. However, I'm going to recommend a better URL that has, oddly enough, a more comprehensive outlet for their products. Limited Edition Color Powder-The Wild One, $24, www.beautyhabit.com
Truthfully, I chose this fragrance because of the color of the bottle--hey, I'm not gonna lie to you. And honestly, that's what happens a lot in consumer magazines. Products are chosen for their looks and not always for their quality. However, I own this fragrance and it is sweet--literally. Would I run out and buy it? No, but it was given to me for free and sometimes in the summer when I want to smell sweet and fun I'll spritz it on. The Web says it is a sexy, oriental and musky scent. I don't know if I'd agree. The notes are as follow: Top notes: Bergamot/Coriander/Cumin/Ylang-Ylang, Heart notes: Jasmine/Rose/Magnolia/ Heliotrope, Base notes: Oak/Moss/Patchouli/Sandalwood/Myrrh/Labdanum/ Vanilla/Musk. Paul & Joe Bleu EDT, $65 50ml, www.beautyhabit.com
After attending the Valentino show last night (I will share all tomorrow) I wish I had something catwalk worthy for you. But alas, I am just a mere mortal with a mere mortal’s bank account, so you’ll have to enjoy what I have picked for this week!
It’s been wild weather in Los Angeles. We had a cold spell for about a week and now it’s hot and BBQ temperature again. The evenings are lovely and cool, but you don’t need a jacket or a coat because the temperature drops to the perfect “Ahhhhh” after the hot day’s heat has cooked you.
I’ve chosen something I think would be great to wear if you were to go out in the evening for a casual night and wanted to be comfortable, trendy and have a bit of flair to your outfit. I also like the idea that navy blue is the base color. Nobody wears navy blue because it is so tricky to pull off and so few people own navy pieces to make a coherent outfit. I think this look is classy and elegant, but it also stands out with the oriental-style culottes.
This is a real fashion juxtaposition from my seductive Sienna/Kate look from last week (grrrrrrr) and I know some of you mother’s were concerned, so to set a good example for my younger readers, I wanted to put together a little outfit that was ladylike (but still very cool). But those who finger wagged, just you wait–I am in the market for some over-the-knee boots and when they are bought they will be shown on a Friday. And I am going to shock you with something short to show off how sexy-rexy they are. So be warned!!!!!!!
I hope you Ethers have a wonderful Friday and I shall speak to you tomorrow, maybe not the same time, but always the same place.
Dedicatedly yours,
—One of 365
In The Navy! I really like how the culottes break up the color and really add flair to the otherwise monotone color scheme. Flats are always easy and great to just slip on and go out in. And a basic top with a little bit of oomph shows you're not just a bore buying a basic Gap pocket T-shirt. All in all, I think our lady of leisure looks quite dapper.
Poor, neglected navy. Yet, so lovely when done well. I love this top because of the neckline detail. It almost looks like you're wearing some sort of elaborate neck piece. I felt a very vintage vibe coming from this top when it caught my eye and immediately grabbed it. It has proved versatile beyond belief. It works perfectly with denim, classic with white, very Ivy League with khaki and really fun with red. I also got this for a steal. Topshop in London was selling this on sale like hotcakes because they were replacing them with black. Navy Neck-Detail Top, 8 pounds, Topshop, London
I've had these cuties for at least 6 years. They have never fallen out of trend and when I wear them I always get compliments. I tend to wear them with a heel because they hit me in a place that make my legs look slightly short, but I do like them with flats. I love the little pleat with the red insert. Really creative. These have so much detail like fabric covered buttons at the fly and beautiful seam work. They also are 100% brushed cotton and have a lovely crisp, stiff feel to them. I've worn them out to lunch, to work and to an evening event. A great buy. Oriental Style Culottes, Bellum, $35, Loehmann's, NYC
I'm not a big bling girl. You won't see my carrying around an LV emblazoned bag and a Giorgio Armani mobile. But I do like designer items (of course!). Coach isn't really known internationally. It's more of a US thing, am I right? Anyway, I went into the shop and they were having a monster blowout. Now, they have the emblazoned disease. So nothing really suited my style. But then I saw these lovely velvet flats. And of course they had been marked down a million times because they weren't label whored-out. I loved that they were navy blue and had a sweet brass detail on the toe. I thought they looked classic and elegant and I had never really seen a navy flat I liked before. But, if you look closely in the picture, you'll see stamped into the velvet are the C's that the label is famous for. That I can handle because unless you stare at them, you really can't "C" it. I think they look cute with this outfit because they make it more casual, but the velvet adds a bit of dressiness to the ensemble. I've worn these with shorts, a long skirt and jeans. A really great buy. Navy Blue Flats, Originally $175, bought for $50, Coach, Los Angeles
I'm not going to say much, because it'll ruin the story. But see this girl. She looks somewhat surprised, but not in a "I'm going to kill myself because someone shaved off all of my hair" kinda way. Well. This photo could have been me....but with a VERY different expression on ol' One of 365's face. Seriously---don't ever fuck with my hair.
Dear Ethers,
OH MY GOD. I have the CRAZIEST story to tell you. Right. So, you know how I’m always going on about my hair and its length. I mean, by this time you know the diameter of each follicle. But you also know how much I treasure it. I swore the only way I would ever cut my hair is if I became destitute and it was the last thing I had to pawn to eat that night.
So, I had straightened my hair for an event and had been wearing it down because I usually don’t take much care to make a fuss over it (you know, tying it in a messy bun etc…) and wanted to work my “do.” I’m walking down the street and this woman comes up to me and says, “You have the most beautiful hair.” Well, of course I was pleased and thanked her very much. But she went on. “Is that your natural color?” I politely responded, “Yes, it’s my own.” “So you don’t use any dyes at all?” Okay, now not only was I getting annoyed, but I was getting weirded out. I said, “Look, I’m real busy…” and she cut me off and started telling me that she worked for this charity called “Locks of Love” and they were really desperate for donors because all of the salon owners were paying a fortune to girls and it was the recession.
Now, I’m not saying I’m the most benevolent person in the world, but I do give to certain charities. But they are ones that I choose and that I approach. I make it a policy NEVER to give to charities on streets or on the phone. I like to do my research on the net and donate via e-mail. But regardless, where was this woman’s badge? Who the hell was she? And I’m sure “Locks of Love” didn’t have a bombard you policy that freaked young women out on the street.
I calmly told her that I had no intention of cutting my hair and that I would appreciate her leaving me alone as I felt this was very inappropriate. Now, a normal person would walk away. Oh no, this lady got PISSED. “Don’t you care about kids with cancer? Women who’ve been burned and lost parts of their scalp?” Did I mention I’m standing on a street where there were cafes and people were staring at us? I just started walking away—but she followed. I started to reach for my cell phone and my keys.
And then I felt a tug.
My whole body went numb and I swear to god for a second I thought she took out shears and lopped my hair off.
I spun around and screamed at her to never fucking touch me again and that I was dialing 911. I’ve never seen a skinny woman with a bob-cut run so fast in my whole life.
When I got home I called “Locks of Love” and told them my story. And Ethers, I’m not joking (and you might think I’m a pussy) I was crying. I think they were afraid I was going to sue for assault charges. But the truth is I didn’t have the woman’s name and they said they have so many volunteers that even with my description of her, it was hopeless.
I think “Locks of Love” do a wonderful thing and I do not want to incriminate them for one woman’s insane breakdown. But I have to tell you that I will never forget that moment. I did wonder if that woman was really from “Locks of Love” because they told me that dyed hair WAS acceptable though bleached wasn’t. And if the lady had cut my hair without it being in a braid or ponytail first she would have done it for nothing—they can’t accept it loose. Oh and FYI, if you ever DO want to donate, your hair needs to be 10” tip-tip minimum (and they do request it to be clean, thank you very much).
Later that night I took a shower, used my special Kerastase shampoo that I pull out for special occasions and my Redkin conditioner that is for VERY special moments, and lathered up grateful for something to still be attached to my head. My waves re-appeared, and as my hair dried, up it went into its lazy bun happy to be protected. I was just so happy to have given my OWN locks some love that night when it all could have been snipped away by some nutter with a bad bowl cut. Sheesh. Only in L.A.
Gnarly nails? This is your "solution." As a beauty writer I've seen thousand's of products, so when I give one an A+, I am being very serious! This product has got it "nailed!"
Dear Ether,
As beauty aficionados, we are rarely able to write about products that we’ve been using for years. It always has to be about the latest, greatest thing on the market. Think of it like fashion. You might have a Cavalli coat that you still get zillions of compliments on, but if it’s from 3 seasons ago, it ain’t showing up in “Vogue.” Products are also put in magazines based on how they are packaged. This is because they need to go with the look of the story. Let’s say you’re featuring a Spring page. Even if you’ve just heard about the most AMAZING new cream for your face, if it comes in a dowdy red and yellow bottle, forget about it—it’ll never make it in the line-up. So, sans Editor and any guidelines, my beauty reviews will sometimes have products that I have been using for years that I think are so damned good! People NEED to know about them and keep them on their tick-list as staple products for their beauty cupboards. Again, like fashion. You should always have an XYZ list, right? Well, I’m going to start recommending things that have passed my desk and have remained in my beauty life for many years. And trust me, I have seen THOUSANDS of products come and go. I also will write a comprehensive review. It might be long, but at least you’ll know what you’re buying. I hate when you want to know about a product and there is a picture and 3 lines about it.
I would like to introduce you to a little friend of mine from the nail company O.P.I. This is the greatest nail strengthener I have ever used. What is the name of this masterpiece for manicures? “Original Nail Envy.” It’s a maximum strength, clear varnish that takes the most hopeless nails and reforms them allowing you to hold your fingers high again when you walk into a nail salon. It has hydrolyzed protein (acts as a film-former and skin conditioning agent; Derived from wheat as it also strengthens) and calcium. All you have to do is initially apply two coats of “Nail Envy” followed by one coat every other day. If you are wearing colored varnish it’s great because it helps keep your polish stay on longer and adds a nice gloss. I have always stuck to the “Original Nail Envy” because it is maximum strength (and we know I need it: read Oh So “Talon-ted”) but there are several other types. They go as follows: “Soft and Thin Nail Envy,” “Sensitive and Peeling Nail Envy,” “Dry and Brittle Nail Envy,” “Maintenance Nail Envy” and “Matte Nail Envy.” The “Original Nail Envy” is what I recommend for those who have the worst nails. Even if you have any of the specific above, you need the original to get you going. To me, the others are there to help you once you’ve gotten your nails repaired. FYI: O.P.I. created the “Matte Nail Envy” not just because they wanted to give ladies a no-sheen look if they didn’t like a glossy finish, but they thought about men! This is perfect for dudes with duds for nails. It is the exact same formula as “Original Nail Envy” but with a matte finish.
A picture of the whole "Nail Envy" team. But I'm telling you, start with the "Original" if your talons are a mess. It will work miracles!
O.P.I is one of my favorite brands for nail care. They’re always ahead of the game when it comes to color trends (remember the huge hit “Linkin Park After Dark”?) and their nail care is really comprehensive. This has been starred as a favorite on QVC and has been a winner in the coveted “Best Beauty Buys” for “In Style” magazine. You know I have terrible nails. However, when I wanted to whip them into shape, and this came across my desk, I went for it after reading about its stellar reviews. After sticking to its easy regime, my nails were transformed. You can buy it and bring it with you to your manicurist and have her use it as a top and bottom coat instead of her normal X-brand she pulls out. It lasts a really long time and you’ll be hooked once you start seeing the pretty quick results.
So ladies and maybe gents, it is my pleasure to promote O.P.I. and their lovely product “Original Nail Envy.” I’ve wanted to tout this baby for years and thank goodness for the freedom of blogging. I really need to start writing more beauty. God, do I love it!
Enjoy your new nails!
O.P.I. “Original Nail Envy” 15ml, $16, Any Beauty Supply, Fine Drugstore or Online
Dedicatedly yours,
—One of 365
PS: For you ingredient focused folks here you go…….
My sincerest apologies for last week’s debacle. I made a fashion faux pas. I let you down with my end of week clothing choice pairing a fabulous jacket, amazing shoes, a beautiful top, a lovely necklace and (though there is some debate about this one) a beautiful skirt together to make my self look like a 40 year old bridge player (See Last Week: Fashion Friday). I know many of you felt that the skirt was too old for me. I am very 50/50 on this. It is a Nicole Farhi skirt and in person it literally looks like a watercolor painting on pleated fabric. I used to be heavier than I am now. Many of my clothes are too big for me and therefore don’t flatter. I mentioned this in the post—–it hit me poorly in the leg and I had to wear something over the skirt to cover up the sagging waistline. In hindsight, I never should have even shown the skirt at all. I HAVE brought back a relic from last week to show you how frickin’ fab a piece of that outfit is when put together correctly. You’ll remember it when you see it. So again, do not lose faith from my blunder. Out of 52, I hope to only fail once or twice making the rest of the weeks a success. Hey, I haven’t done too badly so far, right?
So, to make up for the horrors of last week, I went all out for you Ethers. I went for the uber grand. Lush velvet trousers from Chloe, stunning beaded jacket from Reiss………it really is damned lovely. I will say, the Chloe’s are slightly too big (I told you, I have lost weight since their purchase) but this time they work in a cool, slouch kind of way. Excited?
So…you know how I wrote about the Russian Revolution taking over makeup (See Beauty Post: Beauty Trend: Say “Da” For Russia!)? Well, this week our girl has taken on that trend in fashion and is our Russian devushka. She’s wearing lush fabrics, sensuous colors and the neckline on the shirt reminds me of the Chanel ads of the models wearing high-neck, severe collars. She’s come West for a day of shopping. (Yeah, well, most of us would wear this to a cocktail event). Her chaffeur is taking her to all of the high-end shops to enhance her already luxe wardrobe and then she’s off to a very dimly lit restaurant to dine with ex-pats for a meal in a heavily decorated private room. She’s not too trendy. Her look is classy, but her pieces are individual. The materials are unique and you can tell are fine quality. Though she isn’t wearing something straight off the catwalk and looking ridiculously over the top, you can tell she knows her fashion, but she also knows the limits of class. Her English is perfect as is her French and she has a penchant for Jane Austen AND Catherine the Great (and maybe a soft spot for the silly Marie Antoinette). Let’s take a look at our revised Fashion Friday and say “pri-Vet” (Hello) to Madame X.
Ya Loo-Bloo Tibia Tor-Ja (I love you as well) Ethers! Enjoy! (Aren’t you proud of my Russian!?)
Kra-si-va-ya! (Beautiful!) The colors match perfectly. From the burgundy in the trousers and the top to the whites in the pattern in the shirt and the coat. Notice our old friends from last week poking out from the hemline of the trouser bottom? Yeah, they don't look too "babushka" like now, do they? And the bracelet with the purple hues and a vintage feel with the cameo. The details are so much prettier in person. If you could see it live, the colors and the effect---so much more dazzling. Trust me, this is MUTED compared to how luscious this outfit really is.
You know when you go into a store at the beginning of a season and see something and pray that if any are left when the sales start that there will be one in your size. And if there is one in your size, the mark-down price will still be cheap enough to afford? I visited Reiss every 3 days during the winter sales and watched this jacket. It vanished from store to store. I was devastated. And then on a fluke, I had come from a PR meeting and gloomily walked into a Reiss in Covent Garden. I went in and, SHOCK, I saw my glittering jacket. I knew it was about 100 quid too much and they wouldn't have my size. I first looked at the price tag. My hands started to shake. The fucking thing had been marked down to 49 pounds (from almost 300 pounds). Trembling, the first one was an x-small. I thought if I had to, I would cut out all bread, meat and only eat greens. But then, I fingered the tag of the one next to it and it was A SMALL!! I looked to see if it was missing sequins or a button. It was perfect. "That was just returned today," the sales girl said. "Bargain." I have worn this jacket on very few occasions. It is extremely delicate, slightly heavy, and beyond spectacular. It is one of my favorite finds. Our Russian girl probably would have paid full price and snagged it without the anxiety, but Ethers, let's come back to reality and step away from our Fashion Friday's story for a moment. This set of digits didn't have the cash flow our Faberge fashionista did....but man....when I wear it I feel like catwalk queen Natalia Vodianova. White Embellished Jacket, Originally About 300 sterling, Paid 49 sterling, Reiss, London
This is a really lovely cotton top that is elegant and has a pleasant paisley pattern that meshes perfectly with the flow of the outfit. It really is there to work as a color layer for the look but mainly I chose it for it's Edwardian-esque collar. I LOVE how high and ruffled the neck is (hard to see in the photo). I think if you have a long, lean, neckline this is such an elegant piece because it pokes out from the jacket and makes a statement that you don't need to make any longer with jewelery. Collars and ruffled fronts are very in right now so this is a great little addition to the wardrobe. Burgundy Blouse, $50, Banana Republic, Los Angeles
Many years ago, when this young Yankee landed in England, she visited a store called Selfridges and fell in love....but not with the prices. However, her first Christmas sales came. She was savvy. She waited until the last day. The place was desolate. What was left was pretty dire, and had 3-4 red lines through the markdown tickets. But out of the corner of her eye in the Chloe section, a section no girl in University had any business being in, she saw the most luscious pair of burgundy, velvet trousers. They were not in her size, but for the price, tailoring would do. I'll reveal the deal at the end... Our Russian look is all about the fabrics being rich and luxurious. I've always thought of velvet as epitomizing this. Even a touch of velvet in a hair ribbon, or on a bow of a shoe...it can add such elegance. I love how our girl has so many different fabrics. I love the casual cut of the trouser, but the statement the color and fabric make. This is a dress pant, but done young and hip. As for the price....Chloe Trousers, Originally 750 sterling, Paid 44 sterling (HA!), Selfridges, London
And YOU thought THESE were GRANNY shoes! Our Czarina doesn't think so! HMPH! They are perfect with the colors because the pink brings out the burgundy so well and just the tip of the shoe shows so you get just a splash of color. I like that they are classic and modern meshed into one. I adore these shoes--no matter what anyone says! And I think they are the perfect touch to this classy cool that she's working. Pink Flapper Style Shoes, Office Sale Shop, Originally 80 sterling Paid 40 sterling, London
This is just a brooch with a pendant attachment that I stuck onto a couple of skinny bangles. I liked the whole idea of a cameo--but this one is funked out in the right color tones. The cameo is something opulent and rich and something I could see a Russian mother passing down to her daughter. I just thought it would add to the classiness of the look and also the uniqueness. I like how it hangs down on the hand. It's obviously faux-jewelery, but let's pretend for our girl it's a vintage piece that's made of amethyst, gold, moonstone and amber. Can you fly with this one with me? Styled Bracelet, Unknown Price, London Market, London
Step out of the Ether and send me an E-mail. I would be glad to have your thoughts, feelings and ideas.
