Monday, January 12, 2009

Sleep well and dream sweet

There's something about delicate, lacy slip dresses that beckons for romantic evenings filled with champagne, rose petals and scented candles. If, however, your life doesn't happen to be a fairytale love story, comfy loungewear pieces are perfect for easing the transition between being awake and dreaming. But why let the fun end at the bedroom? If worn properly, sleepwear can serve as a perfectly acceptable and even intriguing alternative to a typical day-to-day look.

Sparkle & Fade Antique Applique Slip, $39.99


Simple slips (those with even less detailing than on the one pictured above) can double as lightweight day dresses when paired with a thin cardigan sweater and layered necklaces, perhaps finished off with a dainty pair of embellished flats and a structured purse for a flirty daytime look. Voila! You've just constructed an entire outfit without even having to leave bed. Congrats.

Fancy shmancy

The year 2009 is carrying over a few key accessories from the previous 365 days and remixing them to create even bolder statements for the coming months. Everyone knows about the explosive comeback of the scarf and the headband, but not enough credit has been given to another classic outfit enhancer- tights. Tights seem to pop up anywhere and everywhere as the temperature continues to fall; jewel tones such as ruby red, sapphire blue and deep violet are familiar hues responsible for livening up otherwise monochromatic outfits.

Blake Lively, Taylor Momsen and Leighton Meester
stars of The CW's Gossip Girl

These colors are no doubt a lot of fun, but the geniuses at Chanel have decided to take it a step further and put an even bigger twist on tights by introducing the two-toned stocking. Though I covet the original Chanel style, similar, much less pricey pairs can be found at Urban Outfitters for a mere $14. Lovely.

Chanel Fall/Winter 2008

House of Harlow 1960

Ladies, welcome to the House of Harlow. There's no special way to say it, but the ever-so-chic Nicole Richie is coming out with a jewelry line! The colorful 35-piece collection features an array of bohemian and tribal-inspired pieces, some of which Miss Richie has candidly been photographed sporting- sneak peek at the rest of the collection, anyone?

Sunburst Ring, $38 and Double Gold Headband, $165
both avaiable at Kitson Boutique

This fresh batch of bangles, necklaces and such recently debuted in its entirety on Kitson's online boutique. With colors that pop and price tags promising to please, House of Harlow 1960 will hit the spot for fun-loving fashionistas whose winter wardrobes are seriously begging for some warm California sunshine.

Monday, January 5, 2009

Redefining casual sophistication

I thought I was dreaming when I stumbled upon Chulette, an ethereal new ready-to-wear line headed by Bangkok, Thailand native Lee Phutrakul. I have yet to discover which single factor first drew me to Phutrakul's designs; maybe it was the stark contrast in hues on the colorblocked silk tops of the Spring 2009 collection or the crisp bell-sleeve draping of a high-necked mod dress belonging to Holiday 2008. On their recent 2007 launch, the company's "about" section states, "Chulette was created to redefine casual sophistication for the woman who appreciates simplicity but with an eye to detail."

 
Spring 2009 

In an age where value is often defined by dollar amount or the number of designer logos on a product, Chulette brings a much-needed breath of fresh air to the fashion world, reminding shoppers that silhouette, fabric and details should be what really matters when it comes to the appraisal of such cherished garments.

Here's to you, fashion. Cheers.