Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Zara is for Women

Zara is a the standby for graduating and thus interviewing young women. Note Kimmy post-interview:

Her Zara Women suit is perfect for nerve-wracking interrogations. The neutral color, the pants (no bare leg/stocking/shaving worries during finals), and the classic cut are all solid choices. And check out the cute black heels. I like how it's the shoe that reveals a little personality. Where are they from? Payless, Abaete, from last fall. Here are mine in green:

Great minds...

Zara, 39 W. 34th btwn 5th & 6th
Payless, 34th & Broadway

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Gone Shooting

Video shooting, that is, down in Herald & Greeley Squares. In the meantime, gaze upon two favorite 34th & Herald photos from last year (early fall).

Full length fashion: unusual and pretty color combination; I love the pink anklets and the bow on her bag.

Three legs, left to right: no, no, yes. Revisiting this photo has reminded me of something scary I saw in my building lobby the other day: People, crocs must not be worn as commuter shoes with skirts! Crocs in public are bad enough, but crocs + skirts = so ugly it almost makes one miss running shoes with skirts.

Monday, April 28, 2008

Guy Finds

I've been a little obsessed with the men's scarves at H&M lately. And the hats, because I have a big head. But ever since I read on other blogs about the ladies raiding GapKids for boy blazers, I've been checking out all the boy's and men's sections for the good stuff.

A month ago Aldo had great men's scarves and hats. I'm eyeing the Ray Bans in the men's section of Macy's, and I occasionally prefer the male version of a fragrance to the female (see Hanae Mori). And this past week I've bought two scarves and a hat from H&M men's department, "for my husband." And don't forget the Ralph Lauren polos, which are less expensive than the ladies. Stock up on the boy larges when they go on sale at Macy's. As I've mentioned before, this is my co-worker Alice's tip; she gets all her polos from the boys. Thanks, guys.

Men's department finds: the white scarf from H&M ($7.90) is gauzier than the women's. The Kangol hat is from Daffy's ($12.99),and the blue hat ($7.90), on an actual guy, is H&M, as is the blue scarf ($7.90) with the excellent print. Crazy, huh?


H&M,
34th & 6th or H&M, 34th @ 7th

GapKids,
34th & Broadway

Aldo,
34th between 5th & 6th
Macy's Herald Square,
151 W. 34th btwn Broadway & 7th

Friday, April 25, 2008

Kira Plastinina on 34th Street

This girl really doesn't mess around. Seen on 34th between 5th & 6th:









At fifteen I was stumbling round school hallways trying to avoid my tormentors. Obviously, Ms. Plastinina is not wasting time with teen bullies. She's too busy opening stores all over New York City. But am I going to be able to wear these clothes? Or will I need a young teen model? Which is totally redundant, right? Oh, the questions....anyway, welcome to 34th Street, young Russian retail mogulina!

Full Fashion Disclosure: The Shoes

While walking down Fifth Avenue today in my new brown Abaete flats, I could feel a blister forming on the back of my heel. Then back at my desk, I kicked off my shoes to see, gasp, blood. This was no simple, annoying blister on my heel, but a bleeding wound. Why, you ask, did I not feel pain while walking down the street? Because I had just been thoroughly waxed for the upcoming bikini season. Still numb from the torture that is my aesthetician's specialty, I was oblivious to any other nominal, nagging pain such as a torn and bleeding heel.

But isn't this always what happens when one brags, as I did the other day about Abaetes? Like when you talk about how great your significant other is, and then an hour later you're breaking up? So, yes, I buy Payless Abaetes every season because I love Poretzky's styles. And yes, I gush to everyone about how comfortable they are for inexpensive shoes because they are. But full disclosure: these flats (above), which I still love and will of course continue to wear, are A PAINFUL BITCH to break in.

If, like me, you paid $10 for them and love them: do a preemptive strike and layer band aids on those heels before first wearing.

Memories: look! Today I broke out the old Abaete red flats (bought 2, 3 seasons ago?) which are now dirty so they look even better, are so cute I always get compliments, and are a great reminder why I'll always buy her shoes.

Payless, 34th btwn Broadway & 7th
Payless, 34th @ 8th

Thursday, April 24, 2008

For the Mens Part II: Office Style

What guys around me are wearing:


Thanks, Jeffrey for keeping the office environment neat and handsome. And he does it on a sensible, college student budget. The shirt is $24.90 from H&M, the Calvin Klein tie is $45 from Macy's, and the Geoffrey Beene tie clip, also Macy's, was $25. Those boots are last season Zara's ($100), but the guys can almost always find great boots at Zara.


H&M, 34th & 6th
Macy's Herald Square, 151 W. 34th btwn Broadway & 7th
Zara, 39 W. 34th between 5th & 6th

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

For the Mens: H&M Marimekko Tribute

I've got a bit of complicated styling history with my man. For the record, I'm generally spot on. But you have one off day and it haunts you forever. Said day involved dressing him for a very public appearance on a stage, with a big audience, during which he was hit on by a very intimidating (but cute!) security gentleman. After this my styling props have been woefully ignored.

Probably buying these shorts for him will not help me regain Rachel Zoe status, but I can't resist the stripes. These shorts ($39.90) are one of my favorite H&M* Marimekko tribute pieces. I want to put a straw hat on his head, give him an old man shirt and call it fabulous.

And love the Marimekko striped shirts ($29.90), right? And the white pants, he can totally pull off white pants! They're not just for fashionistas anymore. Every guy needs a pair this summer, and these are cut great, have charming buttons and are only $39.90.

*fyi, in case you've been stalking the men's Marimekko on 34th Street @ Herald Square: all the styles for the guys have been moved to the store on 34th & 7th

H&M, 34th & 7th Avenue

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Angels of Herald Square

It's no Costume Institute exhibit at the Met, but Angels have archives, too. On display at Victoria's Secret Herald Square flagship store:











Angel wings, runway costumes, and the Angel's star from the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Oh, my. Worth the trip alone is the get-up Tyra wore in her last appearance as a Victoria's Secret Angel (left). I have new-found appreciation for Ms. Banks' fierceness after seeing it up close. That's a lot of wing to work.

And is that an Angel airplane behind Heidi Klum? Don't you wish they'd done a reality show, like "Angels en Route: See Them Fly." Do they carry-on their wings? Drink from little airline bottles? Get the kosher meal? And do they fight for position as soon as the plane lands so they're the first one out? You know, important things I really want to know...

Victoria's Secret Herald Square, 1328 Broadway @ 34th

Monday, April 21, 2008

Organic Kids

I heard from a reliable source that H&M Kids is a great buy. My source, a father of two girls under 5, said the clothing is durable, inexpensive and cute. So I went to 34th and 7th and checked it out.

H&M on 7th has it all for every age, baby and older child alike. It's really hard to not gush "ooohh, cute!" over all the dresses and separates. But what's most impressive? The organic cotton line for young-uns. You can teach them to shop green from the get-go. Here are a couple examples:

The polka dot dress ($12.90) is summer light and has faux ties on the shoulders. The blue print dress is $16.90, made of a heavier cotton, has a belt and little cuffs on the sleeves. Look for that green organic tag.

And although they are not organic, nor close to being sustainable, these little plastic totes ($3.90) were impossible to resist. A co-worker bought these off me as soon as I took them out of the bag. Why? Kitties and ponies, both sure hits with the little gals, so pick up a few for backup birthday gifts. And I could see some big gals borrowing one to throw her lipstick in for a night out.




H&M, 34th & 7th Avenue

Friday, April 18, 2008

DIY Inspiration: NYC Fashion Week Fall '08

Here's one of my favorite looks from fashion week:


Yes, all of her was as fabulous as this lower calf shot intimates. The boots, those stockings and that skirt, all fabulous. This perfect PR girl really stood out from the usual perfect PR girl one finds in the Bryant Park tent lobby. And can we do this at home? Thanks to Pam yes, we can. She too, loves this look and looked at me askance as I furrowed brow and wondered if these were special Wolfords. Or Fogal? She replied "Just buy knee-highs and roll them down." Duh.

DIY with some of Walgreen's knee-hi's at the right price of 2 for $1. They come in lots of colors, but not, unfortunately, sheer grey. That's OK, we can upgrade later.

Walgreen's, 350 Fifth Avenue @ 33rd

Good GapBody

While at Gap trying on all the white shirts, I couldn't pass up the tempting GapBody display. And I can't believe this "one-piece" bathing suit ($50). It's a likable, demi-tankini with a great pattern. Here's the official photo and the non-official photo.

I have the worst body for bathing suits and am, every spring, tortured by the fit of the one-piece or bikini bottom. But the bottom of this isn't bad at all. It's flattering and even sexy; note the flattering, curvy side cut and the great back. I'm not in the minority as Gap on 34th Street only had larges and XL's left. Restocking should occur soon. Could it be more Marie-Amelie influence?

The khaki coverup in the photo is a super lightweight dress with a belt. Clever, as it enables a smooth transition to the beach cafe/bar. And look at this cute coverup and striped tank (below, tunics are $44.50 and cami-tank is $16.50). Guess who bought the tank? Guess who has now OD'd on stripes for spring? Someone stop me, please...


Gap, 60 W. 34th St @ Broadway

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Payless Pay it Forward

From a Payless flyer emailed today:

|

The Friendship Shoe to benefit The Fresh Air Fund

Share a little friendship this summer with The Friendship Shoe to benefit The Fresh Air Fund. The shoe comes with a marker kit to design and decorate any way you like! Payless will donate 100% of the net profits from the sale of The Friendship Shoe to The Fresh Air Fund, which sends youth from New York City's inner city on summer vacations in the country.


What a charming idea, and I love the basic white shoe ($17.99). Now you can be like Agyness, right, and draw all over your shoes, but for a good cause. And there are kids sizes, too, so PERFECT gift for your niece/nephew, etc. Have a shoe drawing party!

34th Street is a participating store, but you can go to their website to find others.

Payless, 110 W. 34th between Broadway & 7th

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Pay Even Less

It's BOGO time again at Payless. OK, it's almost always BOGO time, but right now it's really worth buying because the Abaete's, the Lela Rose's, and the Alice + Olivia's are all on sale. So you might get two pairs for $30. Flats and most heels are $19.99, and the A&O wedges are now $32.99. Go to 34th & Broadway and pick up these retro-chic Abaete "Hayworth" flats and "Harlow" pumps:

As I've said before, Poretsky's shoes for Payless are surprisingly comfortable, and you'll love how easy that open-toe pump feels;

Although my 5-inch platform shoe days are probably over, I'm still tempted to buy these Alice + Olivia's as they really are cute on the foot, under long, wide-leg jeans, and even sitting on that ugly carpet;


But who, you ask, won the spring battle of the Payless Polka Dot Flats? Well, online they're just about neck and neck. But on 34th Street Lela is kicking butt. I found only 2 pairs of her polka dot flat (7 1/2 and 10) but lots of the Alice + Olivia's. There are even nines in the green and the black and hot pink, which are sold out online. Well fought, ladies, I hope you're both back in the ring this fall for "Battle of the Payless Polka Dot Boots." Umm, or maybe not.

Payless, 110 W. 34th between Broadway & 7th

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Gap Design Editions White Out

If you've got your heart set on threeASFOUR from the Gap Design Editions (left, wrinkled but cute), get to a Gap today. The tank is cool as hell, and while at checkout I saw four girls buying the dress. It is a little tenty so the small sizes are going fast. At Gap on 34th Street the XS was gone by 1:30pm.

But I recommend trying on the whole collection because the Phillip Lim's (below) are beautiful; 34th Street has three styles. His details are impressive (cloth covered buttons) and the cotton is neat, stiff and heavy.









34th Street also has some of the Philip Crangi white studded cuffs (left). I'm really lusting after his white belt (right) **, but it hasn't hit stores yet. As for the rest of the white shirts, the Bastian men's shirt is slouchy and wonderful (left, try it!) and his western shirt (right) is hard to resist. Unfortunately I saw no Band of Outsiders except on a mannequin. No one's climbed up and torn it off yet.

So get to Gap today or tomorrow and find out what kind of white shirt girl you really are. Check online here for prices and stores that carry the Design Editions collection.

**Update: oops, sorry, not a belt, wishful thinking - just a bracelet

Gap, 60 W. 34th btwn 5th & Broadway