Fashion Junkie

FashionJunkie’s Re-Haul Video Series: Part One

On a shoestring shopping budget? Refresh your fall wardrobe with standout designer clothing cast-offs from FashionJunkie’s very own closets.

3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli, Bordeaux – $499

While I can certainly appreciate a good bargain, my shopping strategy has always been, “Want it, Buy It… Now!” Not exactly the best thing for my dwindling savings account (or my marriage), but I’ve always been fearful of missing out on the season’s best designer pieces, including this standout Valentino Rockstud stiletto and 3.1 Phillip Lim mixed-media colorblock Pashli. (more…)

Get Punk’d!

Moda Operandi’s Exclusive Punk Shop

Inspired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s ‘Punk: Chaos to Couture’ exhibit, which recently debuted in New York, I’ve been obsessively canvassing the web in search of some St. Mark’s-worthy fashions.

Out of all the offerings I came across – from ripped Ramone’s T’s fastened with safety pins, stud-embellished combat boots to razor blade cuffs, Moda Operandi’s exclusive punk shop contains the most original and outlandish selection. One particular piece worth collecting – provided you can cough up the cash; this avant-garde Thom Browne wool zipped kilt, currently available for only $3,820.

Thom Browne Zippered Kilt, $3,820

Andy Thê-Anh, zipper panel skirt, $300

Good thing I’ve always been a hoarder when it comes to clothes. With fashion trends being so cyclical, I’m fearful of hastily giving a once-coveted designer item away knowing it could eventually be back in style. Case in point: this edgy Andy Thê-Anh multi-directional zipper panel skirt (a.k.a. the car wash) – a punk-inspired masterpiece I purchased nearly a decade ago at a Montreal boutique for $300. Note how striking similar it looks to the Thom Browne couture piece mentioned above… but at a fraction of the cost.

The moral of the story: anyone who takes trends too seriously will clearly get punk’d.

Brooklyn Bound: Nos Boutique

• Brooklyn Bound: NOS Boutique
• NOS Boutique
• 81 Front Street - Dumbo, Brooklyn
• nosboutique.com
• 718-422-0095
• contemporary clothing and accessories for men and women by designers you want and know
• Mackage, Smythe, Soia & Kyo, Loeffler Randall, AG Jeans, Eve Gravel, Dolce Vita, New Balance, Pour La Victoire & more!
• Between $50 - $500 depending on the brand
• Returns accepted within 7 days of original purchase date for Store Credit or Exchange Only.
• Click here for a store map!

NOS Boutique in Dumbo, Brooklyn

Having resided in DUMBO, Brooklyn for the last five years, I’ve witnessed a significant rise in the number of art galleries, inhabitants (most under the age of two!) and noteworthy pizzerias. While having three (count ‘em) fine purveryors of the pizza arts within a one-block radius may not be the best thing for your waistline, you’ll need those extra calories to rummage through the nearby designer clothing boutiques that are clearly worth the dough.

One of my favorite newcomers to the neighborhood is NOS – a welcome addition to the community’s more established, high-end luxury designer outpost Zoë. Situated on the corner on Front and Washington, NOS’ prime locale attracts a loyal following of hipsters, entrepreneurs and stylish new Moms. Step inside the spacious loft and you’ll swoon over NOS’s warm atmosphere and unpretentious vibe. Founded by Racquel Nosworthy, an incredibly stylish and savvy merchandising maven, NOS’s M.O. is simple: “to serve the residents, commuters and visitors of DUMBO by offering affordable fashion and accessories for men and women by designers they want and know”.

What I love about NOS is that I can actually indulge in multiple on-trend and wearable staples for everyday, with prices that won’t send you into sticker shock. Here are my top NOS clothing and accessory picks for spring:  (more…)

Rompers… How Old Is Too Old?

Lover Eternity Romper, $649 at Shopbop.com

Maybe it’s the kid in me, but I’ve never been a big proponent of  those popular “How To Dress Your Age” magazine articles – too authoritative and limiting for my youthful taste. Having recently hit the big 4-0, I’m happily breaking “the rules” by donning mini skirts, bikinis (even after having twins) and dare I say, hot pants (better call the fashion police!) Full disclosure: I do have slight traces of cellulite and those dreaded spider veins. But… I do my best to keep it together with daily workouts and a heathy Mediterranean diet, save those early morning spoonfulls of Nutella. Given that gravity will eventually take its toll, I prefer to celebrate the skin I’m in today, rather than dwell on that dreadful birth certificate. Which reminds me, I’ll be celebrating yet another birthday in just 3 weeks! But I digress… (more…)

Spring Handbag Round-Up: Celine, Jerome Dreyfuss or Charlotte Ronson?

Celine Trapeze in Python Light Blush

Now that spring has officially sprung, it dawned on me that I desperately need to update my look with a new handbag. Given that I live adjacent to Zoë – the most luxurious designer boutique in Dumbo, it takes serious willpower not to succumb to the temptations of Céline – French purveyors of the ridiculously stunning and outlandishly priced “It Bag” coveted by celebs and fashion influencers alike. (more…)