Fashion

Fab Finds: Stocking Stuffers from Forever 21

My mom still hangs our old Christmas stockings on the fireplace mantle -the ones that she made for me and my brother when we were in grade school. I love them. They’re hand-crafted with love and they carry with them years of stocking stuffer memories. What’s hilarious about my brother’s is that when she embroidered his name Christopher, she ran out of room and his stocking for the longest time read “Christ.” You know, as in the chosen one. Figures. So fitting given he was the spoiled baby of the family. For heaven’s sake…

Now that Christmas is around the corner, many of you must be hunting around trying to cross everyone off your list. Well if stocking stuffer ideas are what you need, here’s a holiday gift guide full of fab finds from FabGab and Forever 21!

This adorable pearl clutch bag will be perfect for any special occasion and only runs $14.80. The receiver will think you spent a fortune on it too!

Place either of these cutesy rings in a nice velvety ring box and instantly they’ll look like one-of-a-kind finds

If bunnies and bows aren’t your thing, how about this Chanel lookalike clutch? You can’t go wrong for just $10.80.

If you love nerds like I do, you’ll love this nerdy Forever 21 version of Domo. He had me at hello.

Or how about this glam but affordable necklace? Who can resist all this bling? Can you believe it’s just $12.80?

Finally, make the everyday special with these key fobs. They’re sure to brighten even the most mundane morning. $6.80

And there you go! Stocking stuffers at a steal! Holiday gift-hunting doesn’t have to break the bank after all.

Style Diary: Cynthia Steffe Cardigan

in Fashion, Style Diary

I love my new Cynthia Steffe cardigan. It’s cozy, warm and perfect for the winter. It’s also the perfect throw on for the workplace because my office is so darn cold. I actually have a snuggie-like blanket stuffed into my cabinet for those days when the air conditioner is blasting in the office. But this Cynthia Steffe cardi is a much more fab option.

Here I am wearing it with my Forever 21 dress, Hello Kitty purse and necklace from Off 5th.

Today I wore the cardigan over my Saks Fifth Avenue women’s collection sheath dress with crystal necklace and Bruno Magli boots.

And before that I wore it with my Tibi dress, Ann Taylor coat and BCBG suede heels shown below.Lastly, you see it worn with a charcoal dress with the Gryphon coat that I’m selling (email me if you want it), bejeweled dress by Maggy London, flowered tights and Prada purse

Click here to see the rest of my style diary!

Style Diary: What to Wear To Work

in Fashion

I am so disgusted. I’m watching ENews and I just saw this shocking clip of (topless) Scott Disick asking a topless Kris Humphries to shave his armpits. And then Kris obliges. EW EW EW.

Anyways, haha here is what I wore to work today.

This is my Sinclaire trench coat from Saks Fifth Avenue. I wore it out with a detachable fur stole also from Saks.

The back bow is what makes this trench coat so special.

studded headband

This is a navy halter dress by Rebecca Taylor that I bought at Bergdorf Goodman years ago. I love wearing it in the summer but also can easily transition it for the cooler months as shown in an earlier post here.

I winterized the dress by adding tights in a fun contrasting color. Can you believe I purchased them at the dollar store??

The shoes are BCBG and the green purse is vintage (stolen from my mom’s closet)

The blazer is Forever 21 ladies. My co-worker thought it was Marc by Marc Jacobs.

Fab Finds: Fenton necklaces

in Fab Finds, Fashion

I love costume jewelry. In fact the only “real” piece of jewelry I own and wear is the engagement ring on my left hand and sometimes the Mikimoto ring my husband bought as a souvenir on our trip to Japan. I’m a fan of statement jewelry and recently, I’ve fallen in love with Fenton. Check out these fab finds!

This tribal-inspired piece sort of reminds me of the necklace I wore here. I want this and all of the below!

A more classic – looking option is this Chanel-inspired chain-link and pearl piece with lots of edge. You know how I love anything reminiscent of Chanel!

This multi-pearl, chain, and gem necklace would work perfectly into my wardrobe.

This Fenton-designed necklace can by found at JCrew. So feminine and pretty, right? Michelle Obama thought so,..

Fenton is simply fabulous, isn’t it?

“A/W 2010″ directed by Sharif Hamza for Fenton from SWELL on Vimeo.

Fab Fetes: Hal Rubenstein at Donna Karen New York in Manhasset, NY

in Fab Fetes, Fashion

I did my 9 to 5 then quickly ran from work to Manhasset, NY where the Americana hosted their annual Champions For Charity event and continued my work day (part 2) from 5 to 9. It’s imperative that I know what our competitive retailers are up to especially when it comes to their major events. So I went store hopping. And like a drunken bar-hopper, got happier with each stop. The fashions were tempting and the more my eyes drank in, the better everything looked.

It was fun! I treasure-hunted while I noted who the retailers used for their caterers. I people-watched as I noted the products they were drawn to. I bopped to the DJ while I took photos of all the event activations. And I met Hal Robenstein while doing my little investigation!

Hal Robenstein, Fashion Director of InStyle Magazine hosted the party at Donna Karen NY today and signed books of his “100 Unforgettable Dresses” hardcover book.

He signed mine, “Never be afraid of attempting what could prove to be unforgettable.” Great quote.

” Featuring looks from the runway, film, television, the red carpet and the worlds of royalty and politics, this booked celebrates the staying power of these gorgeous, sleek, sultry, and outreageous creations….”-Alber Elbaz I couldn’t wait to hear the fashion presentation led by Hal himself. Having to lead fashion presentations in-store myself, I always enjoy watching and learning from others.

By night’s end, I didn’t care whether I saw the front of the presentation or not. I had to sit and rest my poor heel-trapped feet. This was my view. I stared at Hal’s pant pocket chain and wondered how long ago that look fell out of style.

Here was my favorite dress of the evening worn by one of my favorite Long Island m odels, Aida who I’ve booked many times for Saks events. Gorgeous, isn’t she?

I was surprised to run into as many people that I knew as I did. After all, I’ve only been working in Long Island for a little over a year now. Yet it seems, everytime I attend a Long Island event, I inevitably run into a press contact, charity chairperson, or Saks customer when out and about. Anyways, the highlight of my night was meeting Hal. I hope to have him at our store soon!

Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show

in Fashion, MODELS

Who else is counting down the minutes until the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show? I love these things! Major fashion shows featuring supermodels and tons of glitz and glamour – what more can a fashionista event planner ask for? I love the production of it all and going online right now, I’m even more excited being able to see the 360 degree views, sketches of the costumes and backstage shots/videos.

I’m one of those rare girls who doesn’t hate on other beautiful women. In fact, I find myself admiring them with the best of the boys. I used to be the best wingman for my guy buds. I would spot the pretty girls from across the room and have the most amazing radar. Speaking of which, I spotted Doutzen Kroes, Chanel Iman and Miranda Kerr during New York Fashion Week long before they made it big and were discovered by Victoria’s Secret and before the modeling world converted them into their current supermodel status. They just had that star power and striking in-person beauty that made them stand out from all the rest.

My husband is laughing at me because I’m more excited to see these half-naked beauties walk the runway than he is.

FabFete: Forever 21 Spring 2012 Presentation

in Fab Fetes, Fashion

As a huge fan of Forever 21, I was super excited to receive the invite above. I think I’ve already proven through my blog and outfit posts that I’m forever a Forever 21 girl. I just love that you can get such trendy pieces at such affordable prices! And the brand name suits me for even though I’m in my 30s, I feel Forever 21 (as evidenced by my silly hello kitty purse in the picture below)! Ok so here are the pics from the Forever 21 Spring 2012 Fashion Presentation.

My yellow poof dress is from Forever 21 (had to wear something from the brand to the party now didn’t I?). I winterized the summer dress with my new Cynthia Steffe cardigan from Marshall’s, charcoal textured tights, and accessorized with my Hello Kitty purse and necklace from Off 5th. Also pictured to the far left is “Courtney Henley-Anderson, from blog “That Girl At The Party” and my dear friend Kate who is wearing her signature legging look – sexy!

The spring 2012 presentation was in this beautiful loft space with the most amazing view of NYC but I was so enthralled by the fashion preview that I couldn’t take my eyes off the clothes. They had cute little vignettes setup shown below.

I wanted the Tiffany blue pumps, tan tie blouse on the left mannequin and necklace from the front and center mannequin. Speaking of jewelry, my fellow blogging friends told me that we were instructed to take whatever jewelry we loved HOME. I couldn’t believe my ears and actually had to check twice and then ask another person to double-check I was understanding correctly. I could take any jewelry that I wanted? Really??

My eyes widened as I tried to control my excited, thumping heart and search the room for my favorite finds. I looked around to see whether others were doing the same and indeed they were! This gave me the final liberty to select my new finds.

My friend, Kate and I both fell in love with the floral bow rings so we each picked up one and felt like screaming “wonder twins, unite!”

I kind of felt like a clepto when I took the bow ring and the bracelet seen here but everyone around me kept re-assuring me that it was A-OK. What a fun fashion party! Who ever heard of one where you can go in and take what you like? And if that wasn’t enough, we got to enjoy some free drinks and delectable treats served by models clad in head-to-toe Forever 21. How cute are they?

Leave a comment here if you also love Forever 21!

Fab Fetes: Juicy Couture Spring 2012 Fashion Presentation

in DESIGN/DECOR, Fab Fetes, Fashion

I love fashion shows. Because of my work experience in event planning, PR and marketing, I take in every branding detail from the invite font to the server uniforms, to the model styling and the platforms that the models stand on. I also love Juicy Couture. It’s such a fun-spirited, girly brand that’s carried out in all their ads, stores and fashions. So when I got invited to preview the Spring 2012 collection through a fashion presentation at the Academy Mansion venue in NYC, I knew I had to go.

Leaving work early at 4 seemed a bit naughty but hey, I was out researching, right? Here is what I saw when I first walked in.

Hunky guys in tennis uniforms swathed in pink lights all asking me whether I wanted a drink or lite bite – what a greeting!

I need to find a caterer in Long Island with presentation trays as cute as these. Don’t you just love the mini-burgers and the pre-cut holes for their baby fries?

Yes, that’s Tim Gunn right in front of me. He was so stoic as he examined each look that I couldn’t tell if he liked anything.

The bright pops of orange, fuschia and yellow were bright, playful and screamed spring. The navy and the stripes brought a classic touch to it all. Notice how all the models have the same beachy waves in their hair – very Gisele.

The clothes while still young-spirited and fun seemed a bit more sophisticated as if the Juicy girl grew up.

I could see myself wearing a lot of the pieces and sort of saw the brand evolving into a fine competitor for Kate Spade, Tory Burch, and Milly.

It’s always an odd thing to be staring straight at these live mannequins as you walk in closer to check out all the outfit details. I mean in real life, you might give someone the once over but if so you’d be mindful to do it quickly in order not to let the other person notice. But at a fashion presentation, you have to come in close to check out the minute details, and there’s no getting around it. Some might find it intimidating almost, having all these gorgeous girls tower over you as you simply try to get up close and personal to see all the fashionable details. Here’s the beautiful posse staring YOU down.

There was 1 Asian model in the mix. One.

I’m a sucker for sparkly things so this caught my eye and made me wonder whether wearing brooches on pant pockets would ever catch on and turn into a trend. cute idea!

Here are some photos of the creative director and some celebs taking the requisite press shots.

And then here’s me and my new friend. I bond quickly with others who do PR and events for a living.

The tennis theme ran throughout as you can see. And if you’ve been reading up on spring 2012 fashions at all, you’ll know that this sporty motif is a huge trend for the season.

I love how the Juicy Couture handbags have the bow detail. I have one similar to this style, shown in my style diary posts.

And here’s the goody bag that Juicy Couture gave away at the end of the night!

If you want my goody bag, be the 10th person to leave me a comment here and one other blog entry (and leave me your email so that I can let you know that you’ve won!)

Style Diary: 1 Ann Taylor cardigan, 3ways

in Fashion, Style Diary

To prevent getting bored of my clothes, I’m always challenging myself to never wear the same outfit twice. So similar to other posts on how to wear 1shirt, 3ways, 1dress, 3ways 1zara skirt, 3ways and most recently, 1 red skirt 5ways, here is 1 Ann Taylor cardigan 3 ways!

I love the contrast grey sparkle trim which to me, made the chocolate cardigan from Ann Taylor worth the buy. Here I wore it for work with a shiny dress by Averly that I bought at Lord & Taylor last year. I cinched it with an old Gucci belt and wore some edgy heels by Fergie to set the whole conservative look off.

This disco ball of a dress is by Calvin Klein – found for a steal at Marshall’s. the tights and bracelet are from Ann Taylor loft and the shoes are Miss Sixty – I love the exposed zipper detail in the back. The fur detachable coat that I wrote about here is by Tibi from Saks and the purse is Prada from Saks.

My 3rd and final outfit for work is the same Ann Taylor cardigan this time worn over the only Anna Sui item I own, a tweed dress bought at Target. I accessorized the look with my fur purse written about here a Kate Spade necklace that my husband surprised me with and my heels bought from Saks.

What’s your favorite outfit?

Style Diary: Fall Coats

in Fashion, Style Diary

It seems every year, I end up buying a new coat. It’s not like I need another. It’s just that I’m terrible at resisting the new fashions. And coats are such easy purchases to rationalize. After all, I figure that they’re practical AND stylish. And being that it’s an outerwear piece, it practically ends up paying for itself within just the first season that I wear it. (I’m good, aren’t I?)

This year, there were a couple coats that I found irresistible. The first one that I fell in love with is this Ann Taylor leopard coat. I liked the unique color scheme on the leopard print. It’s a softer, more subdued print, isn’t it? Plus I got a great deal during their friends and family 40% off sale. This is how I wore it at the Juicy Couture Spring 2012 Presentation .

Here you see me wearing it with skinny corduroy black jeans, Aldo booties, bling necklace a swingy tee which you can’t see, Chanel purse and the new coat. More on the Juicy couture presentation later.

This past week I also wore the coat to work with this Tibi dress from Saks.

The Cynthia Rowley fur-trimmed cardigan is from an amazing Marshall’s deal that I found for $35. The BCBG suede shoes were on sale for $60, the Tibi dress on sale for around $100 and the hello kitty purse a couple hundred.

My 2nd coat purchase is a sale coat from Saks also by Tibi. I fell in love with this because it was also something completely different from what I already owned and looked so modern and glam.

Guess what! The Tibi coat is convertible and can be turned into a fur vest for warmer days. Here, I’ve worn it with a necklace from Off 5th, Calvin Klein dress from Marshall’s, bracelet from Ann Taylor Loft, and suede fringed boots. It was a simple dress with no hanger appeal. I knew it had great styling potential though. My favorite part about the dress are its pockets – perfect for hiding a lip gloss or cell phone.