Fran's Things!

Anthropologie blouse..... vintage abalone clutch..... vintage rhinestone earrings..... Estee Lauder lipstick in Blackberry..... Mac lipstick in Liquid Lurex

Think you've got nice things? Send us a photo (stylerelishblog@gmail.com) and we just might feature you!

123 Eugeezy makes it easy.

I was surfing Yelp yesterday for a review of the Barney's warehouse sale* and came across this gem. Words of wisdom by a fellow named Eugeezy:


"Eugeezy's 5 Rules of Being a Wiser Clothing Shopper"

1) You get what you pay for.
2) You have to absolutely love it.
3) Do I really need this? No really. Do I really need this?
4) Will this item make me feel fresh to def and enhance my swagger for the ladies?
5) If nobody paid your rent, you ain't buying shit then mutha-f*cker.



I especially agree with #5.

* The Barney's sale was pretty dismal. Hardly any bags or accessories, set up really confusingly (we couldn't get to the exit for a good 5 min- fire hazard?), and not very good prices. What's it take to get a good deal?

Objects of Obsession: The Lil Blue Dress

So, anyone that knows me should have recognised by now that I have a certain... attraction to blue dresses. I'm keeping a running tally of how many are in my closet and so far, we're at about 28. Okayyy, so maybe we could call it an obsession. So I guess that makes this the second O.O.O (Objects of Obsession) post, second of manyyy more to come.

That being said, whenever I see a blue dress I automatically gravitate towards it. I love ruffles, cut-outs, prints and polka dots. Especially polka dots. So here are some of my favourite blue dresses you can buy online riiiight now, with all of these lil details goin' on:

Anthropologie - $128

Motel - £39

Modcloth - $117.99

Mason by Michelle Mason on Shopbop - $364

French Connection - $288

Dear Golden Vintage on Etsy - $46

Honestly, I want them allllll. Part of me thinks I should stop with the blue dresses, but it's very probable that I won't. Are there any colours that you guys gravitate towards when you're shopping? And hey, if anyone feels like buying me a present, you know where to start.

♥, Azzara

What the f is a tregging?

I was just getting used to saying Jegging (jean legging) and then come along the Jegging's maybe slightly classier cousin Tregging. I assume it's a trouser legging. But really, when will the -egging madness end? Soon there will be tweggings (twill leggings) and gleggings (glitter leggings) and feggings (fake leggings, leggings that are actually pants? haha).

Also not sure how I feel about the Jegging/ Tregging craze. Are they actually that much more comfortable than regular pants? I feel like I only like the -eggings that look like they're real pants anyway with pockets and the like. I think I'd be willing to try them though. I guess -eggings are here to stay.

Looks Like Somebody's Got A Case Of The Mondays

So, it's Monday. And unfortunately it has to be a rainy and grim one on our side of the planet. Monday is already a challenging day, and if you're like me.. something interesting has to happen to keep me motivated for the rest of the week. And well, if candy doesn't magically start falling from the heavens, maybe it's best to go searching for something to brighten your day.

I came across ILikeYourJacket.com recently and at first I was a bit skeptical. BUT as I continued on, I found some real gems. It's basically a website full of compliments, some funny and weird ...some just weird. But amongst the cheesiest ones, there are some treasures.

My favourites would have to include: "You have powerful sweaters." as well as "I wish I could move your furniture." Oh and let's not leave out "I named all my appliances after you."

So if you're having a case of the Mondays just remember, I like your jacket.

Harlequin Shrimp = The Bomb

Sorry for the lull in posts from me this week; my brother is starting his first year of college this week (so young!) so I’ve been helping him get sorted. Soooo, on to the interesting stuff. I’m a biology major (which basically means just a big nerd) and I’m pretty obsessed with strange marine creatures that could probably scare anyone if they met on a dark night. Aaand there are some that would (and do) make me crack up because they’re so silly. For example, the blobfish:

But, one of the coolest-looking marine animals of all time would have to be the harlequin shrimp:

Images via daveharasti.com

They’re so beautiful that they almost don’t seem real. They can have purple, orange or blue spots and have an interesting flower-like appearance. They have natural polka dots, so perfect! I kiiind of want one as a pet.

It’s pretty amazing how much inspiration designers get from nature, which is already full of strange patterns, textures and shapes for the taking. For designers, who are always trying to be innovative and avant-garde, the environment can be a really remarkable muse. There are some Fall 2010 RTW looks that made me think of our shrimpy friend when I first saw them, lots of exciting prints! They look a bit like melted polka dots and I'm a fan.

DVF - Image via Style.com

Thakoon - Image via Style.com

Lela Rose - Image via Style.com

Mulberry for Target

This black patent above was probably the best of the bunch.

images via Gilt.com

The Mulberry for Target collection was not at all what we were expecting (in a bad way)! The pre-sale opened at noon today on Gilt.com and most of the styles are sold out already. The prices aren't that bad- ranging from $14.99-49.99 but the quality seems off. We could rather have paid a little more and gotten better quality looking bags. Not so into the patent and denim. What is this? Shiny time and country time? And the hardware looks a little fakey. Not our bag, baby.

Cheaper than a sandwich

Just so you know I usually measure how much things cost by how many sandwiches I can get for the same price. I know that's weird but just go with it. Anyway, H+M has this dress out now that goes for a whopping $4.95 and it's not half bad. I think it would be better a lot looser but it could definitely work esp. if you had it loose with a black belt or some such. Just think, you could be getting the same type thing but paying 10x the money if you got it at American Apparel.

image via h&m

Can't beat a good deal.

Textured tote, train station

Metric on the Scott Pilgrim soundtrack

Nailed in Sweden

All right. I gave in. I didn't think I would succumb to the "clog fad" but yet here I am, +one pair of Swedish clogs.

I had my doubts about Hasbeens. First of all, I wasn't sure how I would feel about having a solid wood heel, platforms no less. At 3.5 inches the shoes sound high but in actuality it's not that bad because the platform is built into the toe part too. Second of all, clogs? After 1975? After 1990? What?

But actually I think Hasbeens can be pretty cute depending on how you style them. The trick is being able to modernize them for 2010. What really persuaded me to get them (despite them being on sale for less than 1/5 the reg price, I love a sale) is that the shoes are all natural. The company actually says that you can bury them in the ground and it would be all right. Don't get me wrong, they're plenty study, but made of natural leather and wood. In fact, I only just olive-oiled the heels (per instructions to protect the wood) over the weekend. I think they will weather very well and I can't wait to wear them.

Despite the wooden heel, surprisingly the shoes have been comfortable so far but I'll keep you updated.

clop clop clop.

How Cool Is This?

I was scrolling through simpuhl.com and found the niftiest jar art. Hey, it's like the updated version of a ship in a bottle. Maybe I'll try it with other plants. Or maybe I'll just make a cool terrarium with some hip dinosaur figurines or something instead. Either way, these are great.

Cruise Wear.. I Want It

So of course with Fashion Week rapidly approaching, I’m getting more excited about seeing the Spring/Summer 2011 collections that I will inevitably be drooling over for months to come. In order to tide myself over for a couple of weeks, I’ve been perusing through all of the cruise and resort runway collections again and wanting too many things. The collections are lighter, more playful and have a lot of prints and patterns (which I love). They have influences from the designers' fall collections as well as a bit of a sneak peak of the upcoming Spring/Summer collections, which is just great. Some of my favourites would have to be Proenza Schouler and Chloé:

Proenza Schouler - Images via Style.com

I just love dresses. They're just so easy to throw on and spruce up with some cute shoes and a bit of jewellery. I generally don't wear shorts but they sure look great on Jacquelyn Jablonski. I'm really digging both of these Proenza Schouler looks, and want all of these pieces right now. I love how the little black belt ties it all together, such pretty silhouettes.

Chloé - Images via Style.com

I'm really digging the nude trend that's been sprouting up all over the place. These pieces are so chic, especially styled with the simple hair 'do. The embellishment on the dress adds just a bit of snaz (that's not a word, is it?) as an element of surprise, and the high-waisted fitted pants are just perfect with the flowy top. I'm normally a fan of a bit of embellishment and a splash of colour, but sometimes simple is just splendid.

3.1 Phillip Lim - Images via Style.com

This Phillip Lim look deserves at least a mention because I want everything right now, down to the boots and the bracelet. I think this is a sign that I need to buy more new clothes. Or maybe that I don't.

♥, Azzara

Goldfinger

J'adore d'or.

Chanel has two gold nail polishes out right now (plus a red [called Dragon!] and a black, each $25). Has gold polish been overdone?  Is silver the new gold?  Any thoughts?

Put a Ring on it!

Diamonds are a girl's best friend.  What if a girl can't afford diamonds?  What then? CZ's are a girl's best friend?  Doesn't quite have the same ring (haha) to it does it?

Well,  if you're like us and can't quite afford to ice yourself with the real stuff what about these cool (haha) alternatives...

Silver Pallenberg ring from Macha Jewelry, Diamond Ring Clear Acrylic from the Moma Store, $12

Already tied the knot? How about this:

Brass Oh Baby ring from Verameat, $38

<3 Am

O.O.O. Not Just a Pretty Face

Welcome to the first O.O.O.,  Objects Of Obsession post, or rather ooOOOOoOO, I WANT IT NOW!

Joan from AMC's Mad Men

This week focusing on Joan's Pen Necklace.   I know this pen has been blogged about so. many. times. since she wears it in every episode so we're going to step it up to feature JEWELRY WITH A PURPOSE.  If everything that was ornamental and pretty was also able to function as a useful object, I think we'd get a lot farther as a a society.  Here are some things I wantwantwant:

Clockwise from top left: Compass necklace at Urban Outfitters: $28, Gold Plate drill bit necklace from Kielmead.com: $130,  Snow globe ring from momastore.org: $6,  NYC Subway Metro cuff by Tiffany Burnette at http://www.designhypeinc.com/ 

Brings another meaning to the phrase "make it work."

-Am

Seriously Mind-Bending City

As you guys and gals can probably already tell from my postings, I really enjoy weird art concepts that successfully manage to play tricks on your mind. So when I came across this architectural submission to this international "Zero Emission" competition called Solar Park South, I was pretty blown away. Ja StudioInc, an architecture group based in Toronto has created the concept of Slow Up-rising, a vertical city that would be constructed under a bridge in Italy. The idea is to reuse and redevelop in order to maintain eco-friendly practices and technologies. Check out these amazing pictures of their submission below. I'd love to live in this city, particularly in one of those pink houses floating in mid-air.

I hope you're all having a wonderful Thursday.

♥, Azzara

Dior on 57th

I was walking back from work when I passed this near Madison and took a picture:

How cool is that?  The store's closed for renovation but instead of the usual boring barricade plastered with unrealistic, retouched, and frankly boring clothing ad  models we get this!  It's huge version of the Lady Dior bag (below) which retails for about $2200.  I just thought it was fun and a creative way to advertise for the company while it's closed.  Plus, you can imagine how many tourists have stopped to take a picture in front of the store despite it not being open?  Probably truckloads...or bag loads?

The Lady Dior bag

-Am

Tuesday Tunes

So Amanda and I have decided to start our blog off right, with a lil bit of everything to read about. So on that note, welcome to the first ever Tuesday Tunes, which will hopefully be a regular addition to our ramblings each week. A few weeks ago, I got a hold of the new album by Bombay Bicycle Club. They’re a four-piece hailing from London who released their second album Flaws on July 12 and have already managed to reach #8 in the UK charts, their first time making it to the top 10. The best part of the whole story? They formed the band at the tender age of 15. And they recorded their new acoustic album by themselves with a really low budget. Kind of puts us to shame, eh?

Now onto the real music part. My friend first sent me a demo of this song in 2006, right after I graduated high school and I remember listening to it over and over again on all the trains, buses and planes I took that summer (it was a busy one).  It’s called "The Hill":

A rerecorded version of The Hill is included on their debut album I Had the Blues But I Shook Them Loose, released in 2009. However, my latest obsessions on their new album (very obvious from my last.fm profile) would have to be "Ivy & Gold" and "Rinse Me Down". Check out a fun version of "Ivy & Gold" below, complete with whistling. The funniest part would have to be when a girl in the background burns another onlooker with a cigarette, watch out.

They received mixed reviews on this album because it’s just so different from their previous musical endeavours, but I happen to like it. If you’re digging this stuff, or just intrigued, check out some of their earlier tunes which are aren’t as acoustic, but are still equally as impressive. What’s on your summer playlist?


♥, Azzara

GAH. I want it all!

Here are some of my personal favorites from the Fall 2010 RTW collections:

(Dries Van Noten images via style.com)

First of all, I love Dries Van Noten.  Secondly, I want to know how he makes it so effortless to look  cool.  Also, I think it's awesomely refreshing that his clothes aren't skintight or constricting.  Loose things can look good!  Layering! Easy pieces!  This is how it should be for women.  His clothes are definitely for a girl on the go.  It's nice that none of the clothes are too revealing yet they are ladylike without being uptight.  What do you think?

I love the idea of a 3/4 sleeve knee length black dress that you can throw on with a pair of sunglasses.  You know that kind of dress would be a great investment as kind of a where whenever, dress up dress down, type of dress.  I even love the bag the model is cradling.  A perfect satchel to fit everything from umbrella to spare pair of shoes... or a dog. 

Also, I'm really into the idea of one great coat or trench that you can layer over trousers and a blouse. Way to make it seem easy, Dries. 

(Anna Sui images via style.com)

Anna Sui, can I please come to your workshop and steal all of your garments? Okay, I know that a lot of Sui's looks can seem overdone and fussy but she is truly the queen of layering.  Look at all those wonderful patterns and what about those awesome tights (those tights deserve their own blog post)!  Plus, can't you imagine just dissecting her outfits, pairing a patterned skirt with a more subdued shirt or the awesome semi-argyle sweater with a pair of jeans and oxfords?  There are so many possibilities.  It's just up to you to decide how busy you want to be when you wear her clothes.  But certainly her looks can be both parred down or dressed up easy as pie.  I want it all!  

Okay, I'll give you a break from my ranting but this will be continued later!

yarr, Amanda. 

P.S. Lately I've been listening to Local Natives on repeat.  Check out their daytrotter session here where you can download their live session for free.   I haven't seen them live yet but I was so glad to hear that they are just as good in live session as recorded on their CD.  Hope you like em.