FashionJunkie Profiled on Coupon Cowgirl!

April 28, 2008

In the shameless act of self-promotion, I thought I’d share the latest FashionJunkie profile with everyone. Our friends at CouponCowgirl.com - a sassy social shopping site, posted this kickin’ FJ overview. Yee haw!

”Plenty of folks online are handing out fashion advice nowadays, but few have the credentials to back it up. This is so NOT the case with fashion blogger, Dara Fleischer. Dara’s resume is impressive to say the least, and lucky for us she shares her knowledge on her fashion and beauty website, FashionJunkie.com. If you’re at all fashion-challenged, you’ll want to check out Dara’s Re-Tales Blog on FashionJunkie.com for great styling tips.

Dara also maintains a position as iVillage.com’s Shopping Editor and manages the site’s Steals & Deals blog. Being discount-seekers ourselves, we love this!

Be sure to check out both sites and say goodbye to your “fashion victim” days.”

Victoria’s Secret on the “Boob” Tube

Trends · Videocasts · 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 FashionJunkie community!

Trenchtown

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 FashionJunkie 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

M.A.C. Attack Part Deux

Store Openings · April 7, 2008

I was recently invited to preview the swanky new M.A.C. Pro Flatiron space in New York along with a sneak peek of Heatherette’s limited-edition make-up line, which hit stores March 27th. Having never met Richie Rich and Traver Rains, the down-to-earth design duo behind the wild ‘n wacky clothing label, I was very excited to see what all the hype was about.

But before I get into the make-up (you can read more about that here), I’d like to tell you a bit about the M.A.C. Pro store – one of the most innovative beauty concepts I’ve ever come across. In a nutshell, the stunning 6,000 square-foot space was built as a hands-on resource for professional makeup artists. Picture an open and airy design laboratory so that artists can literally create and build their own makeup kit. The hidden bonus: it’s also open to regular M.A.C. fans alike (who knew?).

The second I set foot inside the M.A.C. Pro store, I felt like a kid in a candy store. Aside from the insane variety of make-up (the Pro store carries lines you won’t find at traditional M.A.C. retail locations), I was awe-stricken by the ultra-bright color wall display (pictured above), which features hundreds of mason jars filled with vivid paints and pigments – designed to mimic M.A.C’s commitment to color cosmetics.

The ultra modern, yet raw space is furnished with state-of-the-art mixing tables (where pros can create customized make-up), a spacious research library with cozy lounge chairs and iMac’s, a photo studio and of course, M.A.C. pro products - a luxe line of over 250, performance-tested products developed exclusively for professional make-up artists. Think top-of-the-line formulations, colours and finishes created specifically for fashion shows, photography shoots and TV/film sets.

As you can see, my very first visit to the new M.A.C. Pro store was a mind-blowing experience. Click here to learn all about the limited-edition Heatherette for M.A.C. make-up collaboration. Happy shopping!

Pure Platinum

Trends · April 1, 2008

Although my closet is crammed with countless styles of handbags, why is it that I still feel like I have nothing appropriate for spring? After surfing a bunch of e-boutiques (my favorite pastime), it dawned on me that the best option for this season is without a doubt, this jaw-dropping Foley & Corinna number. Having purchased a similar pint-sized version in raven red last year, I’m beyond thrilled about this new mid-sized shape. It’s more than roomy enough for stowing all my essentials and the neutral platinum shade will work perfectly with everything in my wardrobe (thanks for the tip mom!). Priced at $440 a pop, I’d better learn to love this masterpiece for life!

Fashion Factoid: Foley & Corinna’s best-selling mid-city tote comes in a multitude of colors. In fact, some styles were even created exclusively for e-retailers such as Winknyc.com (cobalt blue) and ShopBop.com (punk-infused, pebble-leather shoulder styles with pyramid studs along the top!). Better act pronto if you wanna snag one for yourself… these fashionable totes sell out fast! Happy shopping!