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Crazy for Christopher Kon… Handbags!

imageDuring one of my recent Brooklyn shopping sojourns, I noticed that upscale designer clothing boutiques like Zoë have started adding lower-priced, yet stylish merch to their existing Fall/Winter ’08 lineup. So, because of the current economic crisis, I felt it was my civic duty to single-handedly boost consumer confidence and make one last fall purchase: the head-turning Christopher Kon carryall shown here (a.k.a. the “Amy”).

A cutting-edge handbag company that’s been churning out fashionable and affordable arm candy since 2000, Christopher Kon is coveted by style influencers for signature details such as zippered pockets, eye-catching studs, ruching and durable handles that won’t slide off your shoulder. Far superior than any of those pricey designer “It” bags I’ve spotted on the market, the Amy, which happens to be crafted from ultra-lightweight and luxe Italian leather, will only set you back $385, which (believe it or not), when compared to other high end designer handbags of similar caliber is quite the bargain.

Roomy enough for stowing everyday essentials including my iPhone, keys, wallet and handi-wipes (yes, you can say germ-a-phobe!), my beloved Amy bag comes in an assortment of au courant colors such as clay, cognac and black. My personal fave, however, is the plum – a punchy shade that perks up my predominantly black wardrobe. Now if only it would do the same for the depressed economy.

Check out Christopher Kon’s complete Fall/Winter ’08 handbag collection at endless.com. Happy shopping!

I’m curious to know how you’ve been scaling back on your wardrobe purchases. Don’t be shy… share your stories with the rest of the Fashion Junkie community!

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Filed: News & Views, Trends

Farefell to Fashionista!

imageWhile the economists might not say it specifically, it’s clear, from where I sit, that we’re currently in the midst of a recession. Gas prices have gone through the roof, the cost of wheat is on the rise, job cuts abound and pricey designer goods such as shoes and handbags aren’t selling as swiftly as they should.

What this means for you? Ladies… it’s finally time to banish the buzzword “fashionista” from your style lexicon (phew!). A term that’s been totally abused for the past several years (at least in my humble opinion), “fashionista,” thanks to today’s tight economic times, is simply no longer cool.

I know, you’re probably thinking: “How on earth could a catchphrase like fashionista possibly be sent to the crypt?” Don’t fret… there is a new universal term that’s far more in-tune with the times: recessionista – slang for serial shoppers, including yours truly, who are now scaling back on big ticket designer clothing and accessory items due to the shaky economy.

So rather than shop at Barney’s for pricey Loefler Randall pumps and the latest status “It” bags, recessionistas are suddenly scouring the mall (gasp!) for cheap, yet just as chic, thrifty finds sold at fast-fashion mega chains like Mango, H&M, Target and soon, Topshop (I can’t wait for the Manhattan flagship to open this fall!). Plus, with so many limited-edition discount designer collaborations (a.k.a. diffusion lines) including Pierre Hardy for Gap, Abaeté for Payless and Rogan for Target, why wouldn’t you shop discount? Even consignment shops like New York’s Ina and ChristabellesCloset.com have suddenly become flooded with, you guessed it: recessionistas!

Even I’ve turned into quite the frugal fashionista… oops! I meant recessionista, of course. What about you? Have you been scaling back on big ticket designer items due to the recession? Don’t be shy… share your thoughts on the subject with the Fashion Junkie community!

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Filed: News & Views, Trends

FashionJunkie.com: As Seen In… US Weekly?

imageHas anyone picked up a copy of this week’s US Weekly (the June 23rd issue)? In case you haven’t, it just so happens there’s a draped yellow Sex and The City-inspired dress featured on page 69 that’s attributed to, of all sites, FashionJunkee.com. Note the spelling of “Junkee.”

imageEver since the issue went to press, I’ve been inundated with frantic email requests asking me where to purchase the dress on my site (hysterical, I know). For those of you who are visiting FashionJunkie.com for the first time and are wondering why you can’t find this particular dress, I’m sorry to tell you FashionJunkie.com is strictly an online style source for “serial shoppers” and NYC-based personal shopping service – not an e-tailer (at least not yet). If you’d like to purchase the yellow dress, please visit FashionJunkee.com (with the EE) assuming there are any left (apparently they’re on backorder due to the press). So, as you can see, this US Weekly snafu is simply a case of mistaken identity.

And now, more about this in-demand dress! The “Crossover Fauxe Wrap Vintage-Inspired Jersey Dress,” is featured in an US Weekly “Looks For Less” clothing spread with the leading ladies of the film, Sex and The City. In the spread, Samantha is wearing a “Bombshell” Versace dress that’s priced at a steep $1,700. The cheap, yet, just as chic version, is the Fashion Junkee draped dress. Made from a blend of rayon and spandex, this dress has a sexy crossover design that gathers over the bust for a va-va-voom voluptuous look. It also ties at the back of the waist, creating the illusion of a fitted, hourglass shape. While not as slick as the Versace version, with a price of only $36, what’s not to like?

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Which version do you prefer… the cheap or steep version? Don’t be shy… share your thoughts with the Fashion Junkie community!

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Hot or Not… Hosiery at the Office?

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With my move to Brooklyn just three weeks away, I finally started the hellish task of cleaning out my crammed closet. Thanks to three years of accumulation (lets face it, purging is a bitch), I completely lost track of what I own, including a clear plastic bin filled with (gasp!)… nude Silks panty-hose!

I don’t know about you, but I can’t remember the last time I was caught sporting a pair of nude panty hose in public, let alone the office (possibly the early ‘90’s). In my humble opinion, wearing nude hose – especially during summer months, is one of the worst fashion crimes you can commit. On occasion, I will don black opaque tights during chillier winter months, but nude panty hose in this day and age…. fuh-ged-a-boudit! 

Coincidentally, The Wall Street Journal published an article about this very same clothing conundrum the other week. In case you missed it, the premise of the article is that women everywhere are peeling off their panty hose year round – even at the office. Lets face it: panty hose are uncomfortable to wear, especially during sweltering summer temps. Not to mention, they’re flat out frumpy!

Apparently, many Gen Y and Gen X-ers have never even purchased panty hose, and baby boomers who grew up having to wear hosiery at work are now opting to go bare. Not surprisingly, this sudden nationwide shift to bare legs at the office has caused a stir. Conservative business managers who work at old-school offices feel that panty hose are more polished, making them mandatory for women who work in the corporate world… even under pants!

What’s your take on the workplace panty hose policy? Wear or go bare? Don’t be shy… share your thoughts with the Fashion Junkie community!

In case you’re wondering, I’m about to toss my entire bin of Silks panty hose. Any takers? Yeah, right…

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Filed: News & Views, Trends

Shady Disposition: Essentials for the Beach and Beyond

It’s almost summer in the city and I’m proud to say that I’m pasty white for the first time ever. Sure I’d look better with a subtle J. Lo glow (dark under-eye circles and spider veins always disappear with a tan), but after years of basking on the beach with a reflector and baby oil (I kid you not), tanorexia has gradually taken its toll. Premature chest wrinkles, crow’s feet and displastic moles sliced off my back keep me in a constant state of panic. At the ripe old age of 36, my dermatologist’s number is already programmed on speed dial… not exactly normal. While you can’t turn back the clock, it’s never too late to shield yourself from the damaging effects of the sun. Do yourself a favor and consider stocking-up on these derm-approved skin saviors.

imageIt may have been cool to look like the Coppertone girl when we were eighteen, but now we know better than to bask in the sun George Hamilton-style. Be sun smart by slathering yourself with a super-charged sunblock like Anthelios. It’s packed with Mexoryl SX – the first organic filter to offer high-level protection against short UVA rays… the number one cause of aging. Anthelios SX Sunscreen • anthelios.com • $29 • 1-800-560-1803

imageTo really make a splash at the beach this summer, try a sizzling spandex cutout suit. These styles reveal a hint of skin on the front and sides of the waist, which means you’ll have a far less chance of getting fried. I’m a fan of La Blanca’s trendy black and white tribal cutout, which is priced at $103 at everythingbutwater.com.

imageNever mind stormy weather. Parasols have suddenly become the accessory du jour during sunny skies. Perfect for protecting your face and décolleté from damaging rays (trust me on this one!), this chic SunBlok number even features built-in UV protection, keeping you up to 10 degrees cooler in the strongest sunlight. GustBuster SunBlok Parasol • amazon.com • $32.49 • 1-888-487-8287

imageKeep suntans at bay with an haute, wide-brimmed straw hat. I’m obsessed with the neutral-colored Panama toppers from Anne Depasquale – a talented New York-based designer who will whip-up a bespoke style in 6 weeks or less. Anne Depasquale • annedepasquale.com • prices upon request • 646-263-5458

imageOver-sized shades will protect your peepers from “blinde-ing” light and unwanted lines. Blinde, a cutting-edge company that created the signature style for the lead cast of The Matrix, makes such cool cat-eye shapes, you’ll even want to wear ‘em at night! Blinde Talk To Me Sunglasses • visit blinde.com for retail locations and prices • 800-647-2345

imageDon’t even think about diving into a pool ‘til you’ve spritzed your strands with Kerastase Voile Protecteur, a magical mist with UV filters to prevent your hair from being singed in the sun. Spray it all over your head before heading-out-the-door to keep your locks shiny and silky all summer long. Kerastaste – Voile Protecteur • kerastase-usa.com • $34 • 877-254-9949

image If you’re dying for that back-from-the-beach-vacation bronzage, play it safe by going faux. Fake ‘n bake on the fly with Benefit Cosmetics’ Jiffy Tan – a lightweight, tinted body lotion that glides on evenly, won’t streak and stays put for instant tanification.
Benefit Cosmetics Jiffy Tan •

benefitcosmetics.com • $24.00 • 800-781-2336

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