Filed under: Clothes Encounters
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Dara • Thursday, March 7, 2013 •
Given that most of us don’t have the luxury of time on our side, I thought I’d do you all a favor and highlight some of the standout spring ’13 pieces I recently spotted at some of my favorite NYC stomping grounds.
Spring has spring at Aritzia!
Part One: Aritzia
I keep my wardrobe fresh and fabulous thanks to regular visits at this Canadian-based shopping shrine. While somewhat new to the New York retail scene, Aritzia has been my go-to spot for innovative, on-trend and affordable staples for the past two decades (yup… I’m that old.) Most of their private label brands (T. Babaton and Wilfred are my favorites) are available in size XXS and 00 – a godsend if you happen to have a petite frame like me and want to avoid time consuming trips to the tailor. Thanks to weekly sojourns at the SoHo location (they also have a massive Fifth Avenue location), the friendly staff know me by name and treat me like royalty (hello, Tina!). Plus, the sales people aren’t pushy and happen to be honest – a rarity in retail. Without further adieu, my current house label favorites: (more…)
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Dara • Thursday, January 31, 2013 •
R13 Metallic Painted Skinny Jeans
In my ongoing quest to find the perfect pointy-toe pump (a classic style that instantly elongates your legs), I came across a few resort ’13 standouts worth sharing. Not that I actually need any of these nor do I have the disposable income to warrant such frivolity. Then again, chasing toddler twins on the cobblestone streets Dumbo, Brooklyn in 4″ metallic stilettos (the shade du jour this spring), just might pave the way to my pursuit of happiness. (more…)
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Dara • Tuesday, January 29, 2013 •
Fashion Junkie Comes Clean
It’s hard to believe David Letterman, one of my favorite comedians, admitted he suffered from severe depression for 6 agonizing months. I watched his surprising confession on the Oprah Winfrey Network the other night and asked myself, “How could such an incredibly talented and successful person, beloved by so many, suffer from depression?” Then I thought, if only he went shopping!
Joking aside, I too happen to suffer from mild, situational depression along with 19 other adult Americans. But rather than turn to serotonin-enhancing drugs a la Prozac, I’ve masked my symptoms over the years via daily exercise and sadly, compulsive shopping. While I’m not proud of this behavior, nor am I asking for your sympathy, in light of Lance Armstrong’s recent confession, I felt that now seemed like an opportune time to air my dirty laundry.
The reality is depression and compulsive shopping (a.k.a. oniomania, yes, there’s even a clinical name for it) are inextricably linked, with the latter affecting roughly 6% of the American population. I’ve always been aware of my affliction, but, until now, I felt too proud to face the all too many, well-dressed skeletons in my closet. While I won’t divulge exactly how much damage I’ve done to my depleting savings account until Oprah asks me, I am ready to come clean and admit that retail therapy is only a BandAid solution to a much bigger problem. In case you’re wondering, the rush of euphoria that comes from receiving a “present” in the mail pales in comparison to the regret, feelings of guilt and costliness, which lasts far beyond the next fashion season’s new arrivals.
With the proliferation and ease of online shopping, ubiquitous in-store and online retail promotions (end of season sales are my downfall) and advent of flash-sale sites, it’s no surprise compulsive shopping and shopping bulimia (my personal vice thanks to free shipping and returns) has become so widespread. It came to no surprise that even the Oxygen network debuted a show last fall entitled, “My Shopping Addiction.” For further insight regarding oniomania warning signs and treatment, check out Fashion Junkie’s interview with compulsive shopping expert Terry Shulman.
As a first ditch effort in my recovery, I’m asking the Fashion Junkie community for your support and guidance every step of the way of my rehabilitation. From here on in, every time I get that craving for a coveted pair of Alexander Wang pointy-toe pumps, a buttery-soft leather motorcycle jacket (a major compulsion of mine thanks to Mackage) or an outlandishly priced Celine handbag (surprisingly, something I still don’t own), I promise to post said item on this site and solicit your advice before pulling the trigger. With your help, I’m hoping that this crowd-solving experiment of mine will put me on the road to recovery.
xo
Fashion Junkie
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Dara • Thursday, September 27, 2012 •
Looking to inject a little joie de vivre into your wardrobe? Lucky for you, a plethora of hipster Parisian-based boutiques recently landed stateside. With kooky names like The Kooples, Zadig & Voltaire and Maje, these ultra cool outposts offer the crème de la crème in contemporary fashion. Herein, some sweet French finds to suit every style and budget. Sorry, Laduree macarons not included.
Channel your inner Rachel Zoe (but French) with flirty ‘n feminine staples from this trés chic Parisian chain. I’m crushing over pretty much everything, including this two-toned lace top, punchy crimson coat (Fall’s “It Color”) and eye-popping electric blue blazer. The ultimate pièce de resistance: a studded black leather cuff. Available at Bloomingdale’s shop-in-shops and Maje.com. Prices range from $79 – $1,200.
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This hipper sister store to Maje stocks a stellar rotation of on-trend Boho-chic staples that exude that special je ne sais quoi. Available at Bloomingdale’s shop-in-shops and us.sandro-paris.com. Click here for store locations.
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You just might go cuckoo over this edgy masstige label. Note the sleek Savile Row-inspired tailoring and androgynous vibe. Strikingly similar to All Saints, n’est-ce pas? Available at select Bloomingdale’s locations. NYC flagship coming soon. Prices range from $50 to $550. Visit thekooples.com
Rock ‘n roll accents and somber shades rule at this posh Parisian paradise. Though made to look like effortlessly chic street fashion, the price tags beg to differ. Reluctantly, I’ve become a bonafide Zadigian. Available at select Bloomingdale’s. Click here for flagship store locations in NYC and L.A. Prices range from $65-$900. Visit us.zadig-et-voltaire.com
Other French newcomers guaranteed to empty your wallet: Celine, Jerome Dreyfuss, Isabel Marant, Comptoir des Cotonniers and Surface To Air. Happy spending!
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Dara • Wednesday, June 18, 2008 •
Happy hump day! Since there’s so much exciting news to report in the week’s Fashion Junkie Fix, I might as well just cut right to the chase.
EditorsCloset.com: Exclusive “Red Carpet” Discount!
If you’re a fan of flash sale sites like Gilt and Haute Look, you’re gonna flip for Editors’ Closet – the latest by-invitation-only sample sale site that offers members VIP access to jaw-dropping designer clothing brands at up 75% off retail, sans the catfights. Click here to take advantage of your FREE EditorsCloset.com membership and exclusive $40 discount today!
Bulga Handbag Giveaway on iVillage.com!
You might not be aware, but aside from managing FashionJunkie.com, I’m also the Shopping Editor at iVillage.com. One of my many roles is to manage “Steals & Deals” – a daily blog informing frugal fashionistas of the best fashion and beauty buys. In case you missed my latest post, I arranged an exclusive Bulga handbag giveaway exclusively for iVillagers. Don’t fret… for your chance to win the stunning $800 Bulga satchel shown here, make sure to visit this “Steals & Deals” post. Good luck!
And Now For This Week’s “Re-Tales” Blog Round-Up:
Hosed!
According to The Wall Street Journal, women everywhere are peeling off their panty hose year round – even at the office. What’s your take on the workplace panty hose policy? Wear or go bare? Read all about this clothing conundrum right here!
US Weekly Mistaken identity
Having once worked at the now-defunct TV show A Current Affair, I’ve developed a bit of disdain for trashy print tabloids. That said, I typically end up perusing US Weekly by default during my weekly trips to the pedicurist. And I must admit, there’s some pretty decent celeb fashion coverage! After flipping through “The Ultimate Recessionista Guide” in this week’s issue (turn to page 69), I came across a comical case of mistaken identity. Click here to read all about the FashionJunkie.com US Weekly snafu.
FashionJunkie.com Featured On Brand Habit!
Our friends at BrandHabit.com, an addictive online shopping directory for the fashion obsessed, just featured a Q&A with FJ on a host of topics that somehow all relate back to, shopping… of course! Click here to read the complete profile!
If you have a fashion emergency or need some retail therapy, drop me a line at contact@fashionjunkie.com!
xo
-Fashion Junkie
