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#Obsessed: Theonne's Auguste Tuxedo Coat

Winter has arrived here in New York City, much to my chagrin. The one plus side: coat season. While some live for what has been dubbed "sweater season," I have to argue that the best cold weather piece is a wool coat. They come in many shapes, colors, and textiles. Combing the internet, looking for that perfect one to add to my collection, I stumbled upon this beauty from Theonne. Menswear-inspired, the simple, clean lines lend a timeless feel, while the soft blue hue breathes life into the into the tuxedo-style coat. A classic case of feminine and masculine coming together to create a dashing look.

Are you swooning over this Theonne coat as much as me? Sound off in the comments and share which winter coat you're #obsessed with.

Auguste Luxe Tuxedo Coat, $575, theonne.com

& Other Stories Makes Its US Debut

& Other Stories online shop launched in the US today, hosting a selection drool-worthy and totally affordable pieces. A sister-brand of fast-fashion giant H&M, & Other Stories is ultrachic, with a higher standard for quality and unique design. After launching in March of 2013, this youngling brand quickly caught the eyes of fashionistas, and now that it is available in the US, we’re jumping on board. Here are five fab pieces from & Other Stories that are worth obsessing over. 

You can hit up the e-commerce site at stories.com/us. Online shopping not your thing? & Other Stories’ IRL shop opens October 17 in Soho. If you’re in the neighborhood–or desperate to peep the collection in person–swing by 575 Broadway (between Houston and Prince) in good ol’ New York, New York.

What & Other Stories pieces made your shopping list? Sound off in the comments!
1.  Outerwear: SAVE!
63% wool, under $300, and a genius geometric print? Yes, please!

Wool Blend Coat, $245, stories.com

2. Dress: SAVE!
This leopard print dress is great for fall, with long sleeves and a sweeping hemline. But don’t fear, the slightly-plunging back keeps the look fresh and unexpected.

Mid-Length Leopard Dress, $130, stories.com
3. Shoes: SPLURGE!
There are two pieces I never skimp on: shoes and handbags. Sure, a $300 dollar price tag can be cringe inducing, but when these items undergo so much wear, spending the extra money to begin with can help keep them from getting to the “tear.” These oxblood beauts will carry you through the fall and winter, and the stacked heel will make them extra-comfy–perfect for holiday party season.
Leather Ankle Boots in Dark Red, $275, stories.com
4. Skirts: SAVE!
Classic and feminine, this skirt will easily be a staple in your weekly wardrobe. And at only $60, it should be.
A-Line Skirt, $60, stories.com
 
5. Bracelets: SPLURGE(ish)!
There’s nothing to squawk about. This is the one bird I will happily come in contact with. This chic cuff will amp up any simply outfit, and put more bold looks on another level of daring. While most fashion jewelry I don’t spend too much on, some statement pieces are worth a little extra. So I say SPLURGE…ish.
Kiwi Bird Cuff, $70, stories.com
All photos courtesy of & Other Stories.

Move Over, Elsa! There's a New HBIC Around

I've been stuck on Frozen for months now, not sure anything could top Anna's charm or Elsa's incredible powers (girl made a castle and FAB outfit out of ICE!). However, the beloved, and often argued over, Barbie is celebrating her 55th anniversary this year! And she's as timeless as ever–probably due to all the plastic surgery (get it? She's made of plastic!). Barbie has seen the styles of the past five-and-a-half decades come and go, from her premier in 1959 when she donned the know iconic chevron black-and-white bathing suit to her to her '70s funk period to her 1997 costume recreating Christian Dior's revolutionary "New Look" to her 2001 classic trench and heritage check-printed accessories by Burberry.  The doll turned famous figure has become a fashionista in her own right, and this year she's really upping her game.

A sketch of the upcoming limited-edition Karl Lagerfeld Barbie.
Photo via Glamour/courtesy of Mattel

Mattel, the maker of Barbie, recently announced Barbie will soon pay homage to a fellow fashion icon–the often controversial and always on trend Karl Lagerfeld. In honor of her big birthday, Mattel is releasing a special limited-edition doll dressed head to toe like the fashion king. Lagerfeld, the creative director for elite brands Chanel and Fendi, has a unique look that is undeniably "Karl."  Barbie will be stealing his uniform, copying the look from head to toe including his neatly tailored black blazer, white button down–or in his case, button up–shirt, fitted trousers, black cravat, fingerless gloves, and, perhaps most importantly, the signature shades.  We can only hope that she'll be stealing some of his signature sass in addition to his signature wardrobe. The only thing missing? Karl's adorable and fluffy companion, Choupette.

Sorry, Elsa, Barbie Karl is totally topping your ice magic. I cannot wait for him to be immortalized! And I'm pretty sure he'll be equally enthused for the release of his mini-me. After all, he did say "Vanity is the healthiest thing in life." And what's more vain than having one of the world's most beautiful women dress in your honor?

Karl Lagerfeld and his feline companion, Choupette.
Photo via Harper's Bazaar

Are you excited for the Karl Lagerfeld Barbie?? Let me know in the comments! Plus, tell me your favorite Barbie fashion moments!

From the Street to Your Feet: NYFW's Finest Footwear

Countless fashion stars stepped out to attend New York's Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, and they did so in only the most oh-so-stylish footwear, proving that the fashion envy doesn't end when all the models have left the catwalk. Some of the most drool-worthy looks come from attendees themselves.  And unlike the collections being shown, the street style looks are up for grabs NOW.  So, while you're waiting for Zara or H&M to come out with a pair of these stellar Marc Jabobs-esque booties, try slipping on some these fabulous fabulous pairs inspired by the fashionistas of NYFW.  And be sure to check back in as all these stylish ladies take a jump, hop, and a skip across the pond as the month of fashion continues in Europe!  I'm sure plenty more style moments are headed our way, especially when the fashion world's glammest hit Paris! (London had some serious gems, and Milan street style is still in the making.)

Whose fashion week style is inspiring you?  Let me know in the comments!

Photos, from left: IMAXTREE / VincenzoGrillo via fabsugar.com; courtesy of revolveclothing.com

Trend: Studs
Whether you want to feel a little bit biker badass, or ultra-glam, a pair of studded booties adds a cool edge to any look.

Faustine Bootie, $107, Boutique 9, revolveclothing.com

Photos, from left: Philip Oh via vogue.com; courtesy of asos.com

Trend: White Booties
FIERCE. That's pretty much all you need to sum up this trend.

Aspect Lace Up Ankle Boots, $103.50, asos.com

Photos, from left: Philip Oh via vogue.com; courtesy of macys.com

Trend: Menswear
There's no denying that the menswear trend is going strong, and a classic black & white shoe will make it a staple in your wardrobe, too.

Off the Wall Laceless Oxfords, $49, Dirty Laundry, macys.com

Photos, from left: YoungJun Koo/YoungJun Koo/I'M KOO via nymag.com; courtesy of saksfifthavenue.com

 Trend: Metallic & Snake
I might be getting a little ahead of myself, or at least the weather, but these Loeffler Randall sandals are a pair of dreamboats. Maybe a trip to the tropics is in order?

Henry Mixed-Media Sandals, $295, Loeffler Randall, saksfifthavenue.com

Photos, from left: YoungJun Koo/YoungJun Koo/I'M KOO via nymag.com; courtesy of jcrew.com

Trend: Florals
Nothing adds a feminine touch quite like florals.  Plus, they totally scare away the winter blues!

Collection Blakely Printed Pumps, $298, jcrew.com

Bold & Beautiful: 10 Lip Colors to Heat Up Your Winter


There is no better way to instantly pull together a look than a bold lip. With the snow piling up, temperatures–and my enthusiasm for getting dressed in the morning–dropping, and plenty of winter still to come, a daring shade across my smile might just bring a little salvation. And if you've hit that "it's too cold for color, I'm wearing all black, all day, 'erry day" rut–or should i say snow bank?–in the season, adding a statement color to your makeup look can help shovel you out. (Sometimes I just cannot resist a corny pun. Or dad jokes.)

Two masters of a bold lip, and specifically a red lip, I have been fortunate enough to work for at Lucky and Harper's Bazaar. Take Lucky.com's Executive Digital Editor Verena von Pfetten who frequently sports her signature red lip stain at the office. Or Harper Bazaar's Joanna Hillman whose rouged lips give her a look of power and assertion, plus inspired many an intern to steal the fashionista's beauty look, not complete without a side-braid. And while red is always a great go-to, and included in this roundup, there are lots of other fun shades you should add to your makeup bag, too.

Check out the full list below, and if you dare to wear any of these bold hues, send me your pic and I'll feature it on And the Wardrobe. Happy lipsticking!


1. You can always count on Marc Jacobs to bring the WOW! factor, and this flirty fuchsia matte lipstick lives up to that standard. 
Lovemarc Matte Lip Gel in Gossip, $30, Marc Jacobs Beauty, sephora.com

2. This bright shade of red by TARTE has the perfect undertone of orange, making it an easy everyday wear.  Plus, it's packed with natural ingredients to keep lips moist, which means winter's chill won't be chapping your colorful lips.
LipSurgence Lip Tint in Spirited (Bright Poppy Red), $24, TARTE, sephora.com


3. So sexy, sultry, and seductive that Elvira herself would be jealous.  Swipe on this  glossy stain, give your best "come hither" stare, and let the men flock.
Vernis à Lèvres Glossy Stain in Prune Minimale, $35, Yves Saint Laurent, bloomingdales.com 


4. This bright raspberry hue will have you smiling from ear-to-ear it's so sweet!
Illamasqua Lipstick in Atomic, $26, Illamasqua, bloomingdales.com

5. You just can't go wrong with classic red, like this eye-popping shade from the beauty gurus at MAC.
Lipstick in Russian Red, $16, MAC, maccosmetics.com
6. Despite the name, you'll have no shame rocking this wine tone on your kisser.  Great for work or after-work drinks, this shade will take you from day to night. Winter can't stop you now.
Revolution Lipstick in Shame, $22, Urban Decay, beauty.com

7. A metallic sheen? Check.  A warm bronzed hue? Double check. This shade could only get better if it was named "Drops Of Jupiter."
Lipstick in Drops Of Brandy, $22, Deborah Lippmann, beauty.com

8. Need a little burst of warmth?  Snag this spiced-berry shade to brighten up your look.
ColorBurst Matte Balm in Unapologetic, $6.49, Revlon, target.com

9. A light pink is a year round staple.  And in winter, it adds a much needed glow to your cold-weather-washed lips.
Satin Luxe Lip Color in Nude Pink, $10, Sonia Kashuk, target.com

10. Come on, Barbie, let's go party! A hot pink hue is all that's needed to turn dull into delightful.  Plus, Bite's unique formula gives you bold coverage in just one glide of the wand.
Cashmere Lip Cream in Moscate, $28, Bite, sephora.com

All photos courtesy of their respective online retailer.

Bustiers, Beading, and Human Hair, Oh My!

I finally made it to the Brooklyn Museum for the special Jean Paul Gaultier for an incredible retrospective of his work, from the time he began his storied career in 1970 up to the present day.  The exhibit, entitled The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gautlier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk, hosts a remarkable collection of his couture works.  A long time avant-garde designer, Gaultier's works stun, awe, and inspire.  A true master of his craft, Gaultier's work creates just as much stir as today as it did when he began producing his collections. 

A bustier detail of "Le Bal des sirènes" gown from Gaultier's 2008 spring/summer collection, "Mermaids.

Featuring over 160 of his designs from his most notable collections, the exhibition space was massive.  I could have easily spent the entire day there, and almost did.  Highlights included stunning metallic gowns from Gaultier's "Mermaids" collection, tons of genius and painstaking bead work that will have you doing a double (or triple) take, and pieces worn by the likes of Madonna and Queen B herself, whom I share a birthday with. Go Virgos, go!  Gaultier has mastered materials from neoprene, to leather, to metal, and even human hair.  Yes, HUMAN HAIR.  Which, JPG, if you're reading, I'm willing to donate to your cause in exchange for this rocking pair of beaded trousers:



Hand beaded trousers by Gaultier, and the object of my affection.

The couturier's upbringing, being surrounded by strong women, is reflected in his nearly 45 years of work.  A womens and menswear designer, he plays with the themes of androgyny in many of his collections.  A backless striped-knit top for a man, a crocodile top coat with a long tail for a woman.  His work empowers the female dresser, but also let's men dabble in a fashion sensibility long forgotten since the days of dandies.  A staple throughout his decades of work is, of course, the corset.  The garment which once constricted, and mutilated, womens' bodies, Gaultier has reimagined as a symbol of female equality.  Women can choose, not be forced, to wear the corset, and to wear it as a both a fashion and political statement.  Madonna, one of his long time friends for whom he has designed countless pieces for, found that the notion of wearing the corset over her clothes as one of empowerment: what once was worn under your clothes, in an act to hide your flaws and perfect yourself for men, is now exposed for the world to see.  



A design with the iconic "cone" shaped bustier Gaultier crafted for Madonna.

Now, one can't bring up Madonna without mentioning the infamous "cone bra."  While Madonna made the piece famous, Gaultier had been perfecting this piece since childhood.  Raised by his mother and grandmother, Gaultier was no stranger to ladies undergarments. Taking inspiration from their style, one of the first garments he made was a cone bra.  This first one made from scraps of paper, sized for his beloved stuffed bear, Nana.  Though it would take him until the late 70s to get recognized for his daring designs–and his famed collaboration with Madonna not until the 90s–Gaultier's fashion genius was there all along.

Nana, Gaultier's childhood stuffed bear and original muse.

The exhibit was absolutely breathtaking, and I'll add more photos from my visit when I've sorted through them all.  I highly recommend going, and soon!  The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gautlier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk is a traveling exhibit, on view at the Brooklyn museum until February 23rd. Visit Brooklynmuseum.org for ticketing information!

New York Fashion Week - Fall 2014 - Day 1

It's fashion week. Even better, it's fall fashion week.  While I'm yearning to be rid of the snow and soaking up some rays in a tropical climate, the fall collections always resonate with me in a way spring runway shows and presentations just cannot match.  The layers, the luxurious materials, the accessories, the list goes on of things I love about fall's ready-to-wear.  I'm could not be more excited to see what this season's shows have in store for us.  Day one has come and gone, but some looks have left a lasting impression.  Here are my top three favorite looks from the first day of NYFW.




 1. Tome

Ladylike, elegant, feminine, classic and modern all at the same time.  The clean lines mixed with the vintage feel of the early 60s give this look a powerful presence, and the details of the fur collar, three quarter sleeves, slightly cinched waist, and rounded shoulders provide a refreshed feel.


2. Tadashi Shoji

This black and white number by Tadashi Shoji screams Nicole Kidman in The Others to me, and in the best way possible.  Much like Kidman's character's own wardrobe, the garments are subtle and proper. At first glance, the wearer comes off a bit uptight, and certainly pristine.  Then, you take a second look and realize there's a crazy killer hiding under all that lace and velvet–and if you haven't seen The Others, just go with it. The look is extremely refined, but the sheer sleeves and feminine pattern of the blouse add a certain sex appeal.  The frayed sleeve and collar edges go to show that underneath a buttoned up exterior is a wild woman looking to get out.



 3. Creatures of Comfort

If you haven't had a chance to venture to the the eponymous boutique in New York City's Nolita district, you're missing out.  Creatures of Comfort always masters the "downtown cool" look, with just the right amounts of shabby-chic and prepster.  The print, on plaid, on plaid look could easily be a miss, but Creatures of Comfort's oversized top coat, menswear inspired trousers, and touch of pure genius pull all the clashing concpets together.


Honorable Mention - 10 Crosby Derek Lam

Simply put, I want every part of this outfit on my body now.  While it might not be the most outrageous look from NYFW so far, it sure is purdy. The dark tones pop against a crisp white button down, and the wide pleating on the heavy wool skirt bring a sweet 50s vibe to a more masculine look.  I can just imagine riding through the streets of Brooklyn on a vintage-inspired beach cruiser bicycle wearing this outfit, and man, it's a good vision.

Check back in for more coverage on NYFW and tell me about your favorite looks from today's events in the comments below.

All photos courtesy of Style.com, where you can view galleries of the full collections from all of NYFW's shows.

Galloping Into the New Year

Happy (belated) Chinese New Year!  2014 has been dubbed the year of the horse.  And for a girl who loves animals just as much as she loves fashion, it's a perfect excuse to combine the two.  While horses are a more tame animal compared to last year's snake, they offer just as much pzazz in a print, and are a fashion staple.  Brands like Longchamp, Coach, and Hermès have incorporated horses into their logos and designs for decades.  And if it's good enough for Hermès, it's good enough for me. Here are 10 affordable ways to put a little pony in your wardrobe, plus a couple splurge-worthy pieces I had to share. 


Year of the Horse Fashion


AFFORDABLE

1. Horsing Around Blouse, $88, Nastygal.com

2. Hatched Horses Blouse, $38, French Connection, Amazon.com

3. Equestrian Print Quilted Jacket, $160, Lauren Ralph Lauren, Bloomingdales.com

4. Horse Studs, $30, Gorjana, Piperlime.com

5. Horse Intarsia Sweater, $31, Kensie, Belk.com

6. Horse Charm Necklace, $60, Monserat de Lucca, Shopbop.com

7. Horseprint A-line Dress, $48, Lark, Nordstrom.com

8. Horses Sweater, $66, Mr. Gugu & Miss Go, Carnetdemonde.com

9. Easy Rider Sweatshirt, $18, Forever21.com

10. Year of the Horse Watch, $80, Swatch, Dillards.com

Year of the Horse Fashion


SPLURGE-WORTHY

11. Horse Racing Print Jacket, $1,799, Hermes Vintage, Farfetch.com

12. Black Horse Sweater, $1,080, Viktor & Rolf, Farfetch.com

Will you get in the spirit of the year of the horse or is the trend better left out in the pasture? Let me know in the comments!

All photos courtesy of their respective online retailer