Re-Tales: confessions of a shopaholic
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Dara • Thursday, April 24, 2008 •
Since I’ve been cursed with cherry pits, I’ve never really had the need for a bra. The only time I’ll even consider strapping one on is when I’m wearing a sheer top. Otherwise, I prefer to keep my tatas unfettered, if you will. However, when I heard about the Long Island lady who’s suing Victoria’s Secret over patent infringement for a convertible bra that she created back in 2004, I decided to write this blog post to give her some “support.”
Katerina Plew claims she showed some Victoria’s Secret execs a photo of an affordable bra with detachable straps, hoping to sell the idea (check out this Fox News video to see the prototype). One year later, she spotted a knockoff of the very same bra on the racks at a local Victoria’s Secret store. Dubbed the “Very Sexy 100-Way Strapless Convertible Bra,” Victoria’s Secret’s version also has detachable straps with hooks and multiple eyelets that enable you to wear it 100 different ways. So rather than buy a bra to match every dress in your wardrobe, all you have to do is replace the straps and hook ‘em into any eyelet for “infinite possibilities.” The convertible bra comes with three sets of connecting shoulder straps (regular, halter and a low-back converter strap) so you can wear it as a plunge, two-strap, one-shoulder, racerback, crossback, boatneck, crisscross front, halter… well, you get the picture.
For the well-endowed who have tried Victoria’s Secrets convertible bra, does it “hold up” to its claims? Share your thoughts with the Fashion Junkie community!
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Dara • Tuesday, April 22, 2008 •
With all these weird hot and cold weather fluctuations we’ve been facing (gotta love global warming!), who knows what to wear? That’s why during the day, I don multiple layers that can easily be peeled off and always top off my look with a timeless trench – a must for combating those pesky April showers. With so many stunning styles on the market this season (from flashy metallic to shimmery nylon to punch patent), I thought I’d reveal my top 5 picks.
In case you were wondering, I happen to be the proud owner of the haute gunmetal Mackage coat. I’m curious… which of these trenches would you buy? Since this blogging thing is a two-way street, I’d love for you to share your thoughts with the rest of the Fashion Junkie community!
Make the most of Monsoon-like downpours with this traffic-stopping Mackage trench. The signature oversized collar, asymmetrical button front and leather trim adds a touch of drama to any daytime look. Plus, the gorgeous gunmetal hue stands out no matter how hazy the forecast. Mackage Single-Breasted Trenchcoat in Gunmetal, $528, available at saksfifthavenue.com
Looking to add a shot of shimmer to your spring wardrobe? This ultra lightweight and breathable nylon topper should do the trick! I’m a fan of the punchy sapphire shade, which also magically conceals those unexpected mud stains. Mike & Chris Nylon Trench in Sapphire, $391, available at revolveclothing.com
For a contemporary take on the classic trench, opt for punchy patents like this 3.1 Phillip Lim ivory masterpiece. Although made from creamy glazed cotton, dirt stains can instantly be swiped off with… I kid you not, Windex! 3.1 Phillip Lim Patent Trench, $625, available at netaporter.com
This luxe laminated trench will make you grin, no matter how gloomy the forecast. And since glazed linen never creases, it’s also the ideal travel companion. Add a pair of metallic gold pumps and you’re ready to tear up the town. Elie Tahari Laminated Trench, $450, available at Nordstrom.com
This faux-patent raincoat is so slick, you’ll even want to don it on the sunniest of days. My favorite feature is the mod-inspired pink stripe, which gives the illusion of a nipped-in waist. The best part: you’ll never have to worry about losing a belt! Cynthia Steffe ‘Cassie’ Colorblock Raincoat, $450, available at Nordstrom.com
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Dara • Tuesday, April 22, 2008 •
In addition to cleaning out my closets for spring, I’ve decided to make some fresh alterations to the Fashion Junkie website. Starting tomorrow, your “Fashion Junkie Fix” will no longer be delivered to your inbox.
Don’t panic! The FJ FIX email newsletter content simply will be migrating over to a new home at the Fashion Junkie Re-Tales Blog. Each post will still be chock-full of the same fashion and beauty coverage you’ve come to know and love, but in a snappier and more interactive format so you, dear reader, can share your thoughts and shopping obsessions with the rest of the Fashion Junkie community! Look at it this way… I’ll be reducing your email clutter just in time for Earth Day.
Make sure to tune into the Re-Tales Blog on a daily basis. And if you have a fashion emergency or need some retail therapy, drop me a line any time at contact@fashionjunkie.com – I love hearing from you!
xo
-Fashion Junkie
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Dara • Thursday, April 17, 2008 •
As a professional fashion and beauty blogger (tough job, I know), I pride myself on being on top of all the hottest trends. But the one craze I never thought I’d get caught up in is Crocs. You know, those hideous plastic shoes with Swiss cheese-like ventilation holes that every kid on the continent sports? Anyway, I was flipping through the New York Times T Magazine the other day, and much to my surprise was: a stylish four-inch heeled version with feminine (I repeat, feminine) crisscross straps! Who knew?
The “new and improved” chunky-heeled Croc (a.k.a. the Cyprus) is much more avant-garde than its granola-esque cousin. Touted by the manufacturer as the “most comfortable four-inch heels in history,” the Cyprus is crafted with special circulation nubs on the sole to better stimulate blood flow. Now that’s smart technology!
At only $49.99 a pop, the Cyprus is a bargain for even the most frugal of fashionistas. Call me a sheep following the herd, but yes, I’ll be sprucing up my summer wardrobe with at least one of the six eye-popping color combos, which include shimmery silver/lavender, ultra bright scarlet, chocolate, bronze, black/silver and solid black. Best of all, since the Cyrpus is lightweight and waterproof, I’ll finally be able to play in the sandbox with my 2 year-old nephew without worrying about mucking up my kicks.
What do you think about the new Cyprus Croc? Post your thoughts on Fashion Junkie’s Re-Tales blog.
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Dara • Tuesday, April 15, 2008 •
Ahh, the first signs of spring… cherry blossom trees are blooming, little birds are chirping and people are blissfully strolling the streets, breathing-in all that not-so-fresh New York City air. But for seasonal allergy sufferers like myself, the arrival of spring is synonymous with hell [read: incessant sneezing, sniffling, irritated red eye syndrome and severe scalp itchiness]. Yes, those pesky airborne pollen spores make my life that miserable.
Since I can’t cope with over-the-counter antihistamines (they give me cotton mouth and make me speedy) and the great indoors is not an option, I’ve resorted to this trusty round-up of alternative allergy busters. Gotta love springtime!
Why bother cleaning out your cobwebs with white Kleenex (so humdrum) when you can blow into something a little more fun and fashionable like these snazzy Sniff tissues. Made from ultra soft and eco-friendly 2-ply paper, which means they’ll withstand even the heaviest, runniest, … well, you get the picture. Sniff Lipstick and Lips Tissue, $1.50, thetissuestore.com (comes 10 per package)
Counteract itchy and irritated demon eyes with drugstore drops that soothe and moisturize. Similasan’s sting-free formula is fast, effective and economical. Just remember, one squeeze goes a long way. Similasan Healthy Relief Allergy Eye Relief Drops, $7.59, drugstore.com
Did you know that you can combat the common side effects of pollen exposure (i.e., itchy eyes) just by wearing wraparound shades (who knew?). This slick UV-protectant style from Blinde is so cool, you’ll even wanna wear ‘em indoors. Blinde-Cya Round Sunglasses, $275, lisakline.com
Homeopaths swear by this allergy buster and so do I. Pollinosan, an all natural alternative to those mind-altering over-the-counter antihistamines, is formulated from Cardiospermum, which gently stimulates your body’s healing power and builds your resistance to pesky irritants such as pollen, mold spores (eew!), household dust and other allergens. Place 20 drops on your tongue 3 times per day and swish it inside your mouth for one minute before swallowing. Can’t stomach the disgusting taste? Don’t sweat it… Pollinosan also comes in tiny tablets. Pollinosan, $11.99, evitamins.com
To really clean out your nasal passages, try the Neti Pot – an ancient Ayurvedic device, which literally flushes out sinus and allergy problems such as pollen, mucus and, dare I say, snot build-up. Simply add warm water and non-iodized salt into the Alladin-like device, lean over the sink and tilt your head down, then gently place the spout into one of your nostrils and let the solution flow out. Repeat in the other nostril for the magic to unfold. View this informative (and hysterical!) YouTube video to see exactly how it’s done. Neti Pot Starter Kit, $35.84, himalayaninstitute.org
