by
Dara • Thursday, March 14, 2013 •
Yigal Azrouel Python Moto Jacket
The one benefit of recurring insomnia is that I have plenty of time to troll my favorite e-boutiques, including Ssense, Intermix and Net-a-Porter. During last night’s 5-hour bout, I managed to find several spring must-haves that made my heart race.
Single Sole Pump
I’ve been searching for the perfect white pump for the past several weeks and finally found my sole mate: this simple yet futuristic pair by McQ Alexander McQueen. What sold me on these beauties are the standout details, including the slashed heel collar (unbelievably edgy), pencil-thin patent heel and walkable ( at least in my world) 3.9″ height. Plus, they’ll work equally well with all of the pastel and neon-hued pieces I recently purchased from Aritzia. Available at Ssense.com (more…)
by
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…)
by
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…)
by
Dara • Wednesday, January 30, 2013 •
As a follow-up to yesterday’s post regarding my compulsive shopping habit, I thought it only fitting to report on another downside of making so many impulse purchases. The obvious: I’m now stuck with dozens of barely worn designer shoes, handbags, coats and countless other items.
As a New York-based Fashion Junkie with no storage (yup… I’ve invaded all 3 closets in my apt, including my hubby’s and kids), I donate whatever castoffs I can to Housing Works every season. But the more coveted designer pieces a la Alexander Wang (size 6 feet, anyone?) and Gucci, are cramming my closets and desperately need a new and loving home. I’ve periodically posted on eBay and Craigslist, but feel they don’t always attract the kind of niche audience that I’m looking for. Plus, they’re lacking an expertly curated and social component that make online shopping that much more fun.
Lucky for me, the business of luxury online fashion resale is booming. Throughout the last year alone, a proliferation of sites such as Material Wrld, Vaunte, The Real Real, Posh Mark, Shop Hers, Copious and Covetique have set up shop, each offering their distinct take on how to best feature pre-owned designer wares culled from fashion influencers and in some cases, celebs. Aside from the fun and addictive social elements such as building-up a following of like-minded serial shoppers, the biggest benefit of joining said communities: hard core Fashion Junkie’s, including yours truly, can continuously refresh your wardrobe with one-of-a-kind luxury finds at a fraction of the retail cost while cashing-in on items that would normally collect dust and clutter your closet. On that note, you can find a handful of my very own closet castoffs up for grabs on Material Wrld.
Happy Shopping!
xo
Alexander Wang Leather Booties, Size 6
Gucci aviator frames. bought at Ideeli’s NYC headquarters – never worn!
Pour La Victoire pony-hair leopard print wedges, size 6
See by Chloe Suede Knee-High Slouch Boots, Size 6
by
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
