Archive for July, 2008

In preparation for my Martin Margiela DIY and as follow up to my current fascination with spats, I decided to cut up a pair of socks and try the look out over the weekend. It’s not really visible in the pics, but I poked my heels through the socks creating somewhat of a sock-spat hybrid.

Here’s how I wore them last Saturday night:

Wearing:

• Top: Bailey 44
• Skirt: Forever 21
• Heels: XOXO (oldest pair of shoes I have and still going strong)
• Socks: AA
• Bracelet: Express

When I first saw Rachel Bilson wearing the Martin Margiela sandal booties (followed by the girl on The Sartorialist pictured below), I fell in love and had to have them. Not so easy…even if I could fork out the $595 (though on sale some places), the color and size I want are nowhere to be found.

Feeling crafty and impatient, I decided to create my own with an old pair of black boots, black sandals and scissors. In total, it took less than thirty minutes and only cost me $50 (plus the boots I no longer wear). Here’s how in case you want to do-it-yourself too: 

1) Cut large cuffs off the top of old pair of black leather/vinyl boots. Mine are Guess and I got them at TJ Maxx a long time ago for about $50. When cutting, angle so back is longer than front.

2) Fit cuffs over a pair of black heeled sandals (looks great with wedges or flats too). The shorter part should go over the top of your foot, the longer part in the back almost folded under the heel.

3) Play with positioning of cuff  by rolling/folding fabric forward as needed.

 Side by side comparison with the real thing:

…and here’s the final look:

Wearing:

• Trench dress: Nordstrom, $140 ish
• Belt: Limited, $7
• Sandals: DIY, $50 

For similar styles, check out last week’s round-up on spats and Fasshonaburu posted a cute pair by Dolce Vita last month. 

**Special shout out to Punky for inspiring me with her spats DIY last week.  

Photo credits: tFS, The Sartorialist

When I was younger (like 12), I used to like the cut-throat adventures of the first day of Nordstrom’s famous Anniversary Sale, but fighting over the last pair of purple Puma’s in my size doesn’t really do it for me anymore. Nor do myriad of back-to-school shopping mobs.

Thankfully, if you want to shop the Nordi’s sale but skip all the cranky mommy mayhem, you can do it online! Topping my list? Hanky Panky’s (they’re only $11.90)!

Unintentionally I put together an outfit that in total, costs less than $100. Sweet! If only this happened more when I’m doing the actual shopping.

Wore this to a photo session courtesy of my boyfriend’s mom. Awww. Deets below:

Wearing:

• Tank: Old Navy, $6
• Skirt: Limited, $20
• Belt: Borrowed from a trench dress that is came with
• Pumps: Steven, $60
• Necklace: Received as a gift from my cousin, Nat

First, thanks so much everyone for all the support thus far by visiting my site, leaving sweet comments and fueling my drive to continue pursuing this passion.

I’d love to get some feedback on your favorite kinds of posts and what you want to see more of, so I’ve created this little poll to help faciliate.

Over the past year or so (and briefly in 2004), spats have been slowly making their way into the fashion world.

With mega style influencers like Gossip Girl’s “Serena van der Woodsen” (played by Blake Lively) sporting the trend, it looks like it may transition from runways to mainstream this time around.

Another sign the trend will stick? Designers and retailers are beginning to offer spat-influenced kicks with built-in ankle cuffs.

Rachel Bilson was the first to flaunt these drool-worthy Martin Margiela sandals at the Rogan for Target Go International launch last May.

Here are some other styles from Asos, Bebe, Topshop and Nine West:

Want a pair? Along with the above, Etsy has a variety of options. You could also take PunkyStyle’s approach and DIY (pictured below). Loves!

Brief History: First dawned by French, Italian and Japanese military in the early twentieth century, Spats have also been worn by everyone from Scottish men in kilts to metal pourers in the welding industry and even marching bands, among others.

Credits: tFS, Cuffington, Etsy, Telegraph, Coco & LeRoy, Chic and Charming, PunkyStyle

**Updated July, 12 at 1:10 pm

Exposed zippers have been really hot in women’s fashion for the past few months, but now they’re starting to pop up in men’s designs too. Love it!

The Seal Kay and Junk De Luxe sweatshirts above are available at Asos and the green is from Topman (Topshop’s male line).

If you’re in the L.A. area, be sure to check out the Beverly Hills Lisa Kline this weekend for their famous blowout sale.

Deets below:

Nordi’s biggest sale of the year begins one week from tomorrow (Friday, June 18). In case you haven’t had a chance to flip through the catalog, it’s available online here. Check out the pics below to get an idea of what to expect this year.

Savvy (contemporary women)

 TBD (contemporary women) 

Brass Plum (juniors)

The Rail (young men)

Does anyone else see the Gossip Girl resemblence (especially in their teen layouts)?

Photo credits: Nordstrom, Gossip Girl Insider

Wow, this has to be one of my favorite videos right now. It’s for Charlotte Ronson’s Spring 2008 campaign. From a marketing perspective, it’s genius how they’ve created something so unimposing and playful to show off her latest line.

Major thanks to Satin Chic for posting this in the Fashion Spot.