OK, the name of this first inaugural “Girl Crush” post is inspired by a fashion show that some very stylish and creative young ladies put on in my home. (It was adorable. They styled themselves in my dressing room – shoes, accessories, handbags, sunglasses, jackets, etc. – and came down the staircase to “model” for us.)
One of their vignettes was titled, “The Color Purple: Good Girl/Bad Girl.” The bad girl came down the stairs in fur-covered handcuffs (technically pink, not purple) that they clearly uncovered from somewhere. (Don’t ask me, “I have no idea what you are talking about.”) The good girl’s look evades me as I recall the fact that young girls were in my house – with their parents present, wearing handcuffs as they came down the stairs…
So on, to my new Wednesday feature – my girl crush(es.) This week is a strong case of juxtaposition: Jennifer Garner, who in real life is a sweet, adorable girl next door, versus Rose McGowan, the sexy and sultry screen siren.
Jennifer Garner
Jennifer Garner can definitely play an ass kicking, fiercely dangerous chick (see her Alias character, Sydney, and the movie, “The Kingdom” if you don’t know!) BUT she is a super-cute and adorable woman, a mother to TWO adorable children. (I must admit that while Suri is the chicest of children, there is something about the blonde, regular-kid-ness of that darn Violet. I am kinda in love with her. Admittedly, I have a STRANGE fascination with blonde children…)
Plus, she is married to Ben Affleck, who was BORN to be a superhero – hello, cleft chin and broad shoulders. Rachel Zoe, who I “DIE” for, is her stylist. She reps Neutrogena, my first dedicated skincare line in adolescence (remember when you used bar soap before facial wash?)
Rose McGowan
Rose McGowan stunned me as a different Sydney’s cheerleader best friend in “Scream,” which I went on about six or seven dates to see… “Jawbreaker” remains one of my guilty pleasure movies, though I was never really into the series “Charmed.”
Her dating Marilyn Manson and Robert Rodriguez is rather interesting; she was engaged to both of them and has allegedly now broken off her engagement to Rodriguez. And my strange attraction to BOTH very pale skinned and extremely tan chicks remains bizarre…
A new lady next week! Who are your girl crush(es)?
Dolce & Gabbana – ah, I love these boys. Black, white, and crazy prints in body-conscious cuts.
Dsquared² – bright colors, great shapes, this funky take on fashion is unbelievable – baseball caps and all…
Etro – I visited the Rome store on Via Condotti years ago and vowed to get some of their stuff one day… I love the feminine and floaty shapes in shades of blush.
Fendi – classics with a floaty edge in black and nude
Salvatore Ferragamo – classic designer goes modern but I dig it…
Gucci – sexy, body conscious fit in white, grey (the croc jacket is SICK), black and prints; I kinda want to own it all!
MaxMara – slouchy shapes and shades of khaki with a punch of orange to kick it up…
Burberry Prorsum – Every trench coat that I have ever wanted but didn’t know til now!
Giorgio Armani – floaty, silky dresses in vibrant blues and pinks, pretty dresses you definitely want to wear
Luella – the shapes weren’t the most wearable on the runway, but I’m hoping it gets translated for the real world because the colors are spectacular!
Paul Smith Women – inspired by the Congo and mostly a little weird, there were a few cool pieces
Twenty8Twelve – another African-inspired collection with some “Just Like a Prayer” and 80’s retro thrown in for good measure
Matthew Williamson – metallics and candy colors and prints in cool shapes that I really, really want!
Nicole Farhi – easy to wear, loose and breeze shapes that I think will actually work in REAL life (which I feel a lot of British designers miss…)
Vivienne Westwood Red Label – strange shapes and textures but of course they work because it’s Vivienne Westwood
So, let me tell you, I feel that I have already discovered bloggers’ fatigue. After 10 days of fashion shows and the Primetime Emmys, I am like… “Phew, I’m exhausted.” BUT it’s been raining in Atlanta since last week, and there is nothing else to do, so I am going to push through the pain…
I was taking some time to really think about what all those amazing clothes from Fashion Week mean for me, and hopefully to you, by extension. I have distilled some key themes for the spring. Check them out and maybe you can stack some clearance goods now for when the Earth thaws all over again…
Neutrals – Whether you are working with white, black, or grey, you can surely buy some lightweight pieces now that can easily translate for spring.
Oscar de la Renta
Donna Karan
L'Wren Scott
Color – Color, color everywhere: coral/poppy, lavender, orange, hot pink, yellow… blue for those that are into blue (clearly it’s not my style if it’s not striped with white). Some of these colors were big this year and can be saved and stacked for next year!
Halston
Marchesa
Oscar de la Renta
Dresses – sheaths, cocktail and party dresses, and lots for the evening activities that will *hopefully* return for spring. (What’s up with all this recession lack-of-parties? I miss fun times in pretty dresses.)
Betsey Johnson
Badgley Mischka
Volume – Lots of floaty silhouettes in skirts and dresses emerged…
Isaac Mizrahi
Oscar de la Renta
Suits – These were all over: sexy, sharp and so easy to wear. A white one will definitely be a huge plus!
Michael Kors
Michael Kors
Phillip Lim
Ruffles – I already WANT to get into these; alas, the 34Gs continue to stand in my way. L Everyone else, grab some ruffled shirts and jackets and be fabulous.
Marchesa
Marchesa
L'Wren Scott
Heidi Klum
Leighton Meester
Debra Messing
Blake Lively
Omar Epps
Jamie-Lynn Sigler
Even if a little reminiscent of J-Lo...
Drew Barrymore
January Jones
Filed under: Product Reviews
I have been dying for the new Marc Jacobs Lola since I rubbed it on my forearm from Bazaar magazine two months ago. It is everything I love in a fragrance: spicy, sexy, musky – all in an unbelievably beautiful bottle!
Since Lola was sold exclusively at Bloomingdale’s last month, I had to wait a bit to get my “test-on-my-arm” spray. I headed to the local Macy’s and happily got a whiff on the tester card.
“Hook me up,” I said to the fragrance lady. She gave me ONE generous spray. It was very powerful but I wanted to let it die down and settle in while Jory and I cruised the mall.
By the time we made it to Forever 21 (aka XXI), it was OBVIOUS that the scent was not for me. It was so heady I almost passed out and hurled – all at the same time. 😦
But I have not given up on how great the scent is… so go out, give it a spray and if it doesn’t smell terrible on you, make it your new signature fragrance. I am sticking to my good old reliables:
Trouble by Boucheron – I smelled it in passing at the mall and couldn’t resist. That it’s named Trouble is like icing on the cupcake.
Pure Poison by Dior – I lusted after it for so long, it was pitiful. I feel like a sexpot every single time I spray it’s oriental floral goodness.
Dior Addict – another sexy ass oriental by Dior. Need I say more? Got this one before Pure Poison and still love it to death!
Hanae Mori– this was a random suggestion by the Saks perfume gal and GOD I love it! It’s one of my most wearable and it really works for every day and special occasions. For some reason, I only bought 1.7 oz, which I never do, so I’m bound to ask for more for Christmas…
What’s your favorite spicy, oriental/floral, musky scent? I feel like I need a new one? I considered DKNY Delicious Night, but it just seems so common…
A random, time-killing visit to New York & Company (remember when it used to be called Lerner? Man, me and my girls used to tear up the 80% off section at the one in downtown Pittsburgh)
Forbes and Fifth corridor in downtown Pittsburgh
at Cumberland Mall inspired me to write this. I have a very-soon-to-come post regarding the current state of Cumberland Mall too…
I originally went to mall to FINALLY pick up my black sequin leggings at Express. I had been stalking Express with Jory all week for them. After a bit of prodding from Jory, I asked the manager on duty, “When are the sequin leggings coming in?”
She said, “Tomorrow. We are only getting a size run, so let me know what size you wear and I will have the staff hold them for you. Can you pick them up tomorrow?”
Woo hoo!!!! One of my Fall Must Haves scratched off the list… Now where the hell am I going to wear them?
Express Black Sequin Leggings
So after the joy of getting exactly what I want and getting $30 off with a great coupon – sign up for the Express email list; they send these kinds of coupons fairly often – I was thrilled.
I had a few minutes before I needed to leave the mall to pick Jamison up from work, so I decided to head to New York & Company and Gap. Sadly, the random Asian massage place was blocking my convenient access to Gap and I didn’t feel like arguing about NOT wanting a massage, so I headed to New York & Company first.
I found some great flower pins on sale for a mere $1.99. Hello, score!!!!!! One of my classic accessories for the low.
I waited in line for about 5 minutes to buy this $6 worth of merchandise, but it was a good deal AND I had time to kill… As I finally step up to the register, the sales girl says, “What is your phone number? … Are you a member of our free rewards program?”
Me: No
Her: Would you like to sign up? It’s free?
Me: Of course, I LOVE free rewards programs. Doesn’t everyone?
Her: No, a lot of people won’t sign up.
Me: Why, that’s stupid?
Her: shrugs
Her: If you activate your card, you’ll get a coupon
Me: I LOVE coupons! They are one of my favorite things… maybe I should blog about this…
Her: Oh, you blog? What’s it about?
Me: It’s called ClearlyFabulous. It’s a lifestyle blog. (Wishing I had a card to hand her RIGHT at that moment with the site and my email address…)
Now, back to purpose of this blog – These are a few of my favorite (shopping) things…
Free Stuff – whatever it is, I am all about it: samples, VS undies, gift cards, canvas shopping bags, etc.
Coupons – I never buy things full price ever. And If I want something when it first comes out, some coupon action always makes me feel like it’s OK
Rewards – now DSW is definitely a place that this has led to good things. The $10 Reward Certificate always makes me happy. Ulta also has good rewards. Nine West has Nine Loves. And now, apparently so does New York & Company and a million other retailers…
DSW – great shoes, good quality, the place that almost makes me happiest in the world. And you can always find something good even in the Clearance section!!! The location in Buckhead Station is truly one of the BEST in the country. Ah, the rewards…
T.J. Maxx – if you look hard enough, you can find anything from my mom’s favorite perfume (Chloe Narcisse) to Vera Wang Lavender Label dresses to Bliss Shock Therapy body wash (discontinued for retail sale at Bliss, so you can find the giant 32 oz spa version – thanks Jo, for turning me into an addict for this stuff) to Italian leather handbags to great home accent and furniture pieces to UnderArmour (clearly for Jamison’s football-on-the-weekend playing)… Visit the rest of the Holy Trifecta at Marshall’s and Ross.
BOGO – it doesn’t matter if I’m at the grocery store or Old Navy, if I can get one for FREE or 50% off, there is a great chance I’ll get it!
Knowledgeable Staff – tell me when the shipment is arriving, how many mega pixels is best, which brands are winning awards, when the big sale is starting… and I’m loyal to you and your commission for life!!!!!!
Of course, there are more favorite things, but I am just getting you inspired to start your Saturday (Shopping) Day. Good luck out there!!!
Calvin Klein – white, grey, and a few pastels; floaty shapes instead of structured ones; great wearable clothing for skinny girls or those unafraid of cinching!
Isaac Mizrahi – gorgeous spring colors with lots of black and white, wearable shapes – both structured and floaty, Isaac keeps on doing great clothes that I (and women across America) love and can wear effortlessly!
L’ Wren Scott – sexpots across the word are thrilled by everything she does. I love form fitted clothes and she delivers them in a sophisticated manner!!! From sharp suits to sexy dresses, I think this may be my favorite collection of Fashion Week so far.
Naeem Khan – cocktail dresses and gowns in rich, sumptuous fabrics, Khan has a solid collection, even if a bit more austere than usual…
Ralph Lauren – this is an attempt at reflecting on the American journey, but the howdy-doody-farmer stuff missed the mark for me. The sleek separates and gorgeous evening gowns are always fab though. And the color palette of white, silver, and shades of blue just really worked…
Tommy Hilfiger – still boycotting dude after the never-quite-confirmed rumors about his statements on urban (read: brown and black) kids wearing his clothes. It’s probably false since Aaliyah was in his ads, but it all just rubs me the wrong way.
Tommy Jeans Ad
Aaliyah in Tommy Jeans
So I won’t be reviewing his collection, and I NEVER buy his clothes. Maybe it’s just wrong… And here is the snopes just so you know: http://urbanlegends.about.com/od/tommyhilfiger/a/tommy_hilfiger.htm.
More hot shows, darlings!!!!
Phillip Lim – great silhouettes, good color, more wearable clothing (thank goodness)
Anna Sui – very Gossip Girl, very cute and super-prep, even some funky stuff that I want
Marchesa – beautiful, chiffon-y moving clothing. Frothy and delicious like a milkshake!
Michael Kors – classic Kors, which means I love, love, love it!!! Did you know that Michael Kors is my favorite designer? Even though he makes classic American sportswear and I am more into non-classic…
Oscar de la Renta – classic de la Renta, as I have loved since I was a girl, with some great color to boot. Can I have a de la Renta dress for my new grown @$$ woman gift to myself?
Tory Burch – still prep, super hip, new American fashion that people love!!!!
Even more top notch designers are showing:
Badgley Mischka – the collection ranges from suits to cocktail dresses to evening dresses to swimwear, and I want it ALL! OMG!!!!!
P.S. I have always loved these two fabulous boys. They KNOW exactly how to make a woman look chic and gorgeous for any kind of special event. (I was secretly longing for a Badgley Mischka wedding dress; alas, my budget did not allow such an extravagance.) And they have a sick, to-die-for farm in Kentucky where they spend weekends. (It was featured in the September issue of Elle Décor.)
Betsey Johnson – I have been in love with this woman since the early 90’s. She is still cool, but I can’t really tell if she still does the cartwheels on the runway anymore since she’s looking at a different target audience. Betsey’s clothing still rocks but it seems she is looking for more mass appeal from the Gossip Girl generation…
Halston – breeze chiffon in white, lavender and poppy, classic Halston style… Whenever I think of Halston, I think of my grandmother-in-law, James (sadly didn’t know her well before her passing,) who LOVED shopping for Halston at Lord & Taylor in Chicago
Malandrino – global and fresh but not as feminine as I recall from previous years
Marc by Marc Jacobs – I think Marc is a fashion genius. But really, I don’t get him much lately. Only a few key pieces can work in my real life…
Narciso Rodriguez – from sheaths to breeze silhouettes, many in white, which I love!
Vera Wang – still soft and feminine, now with a tougher edge. Lots of bling and fur, which means I am in LOVE. Great touch that she continued to keep it intimate by showing at her NYC store.
ClearlyFabulous 