Lean, Mean (not really), and Green

I’m incredibly excited to be back updating this site! I took a break while pregnant because I found maternity clothing to be – with few exceptions (that I should surely post about at some point) – uninspiring.

One of the first Fall 2011 trends that has me all aquiver is extreme color. I’ve never been a New Yorker who succumbed to the all-black uniform, but I can’t boast about ever owning a pair of Technicolor jeans, either.

How many of you are brave enough to try this trend? Or mix colors that seem wrong side by side?

Without further ado, here’s how Oscar de la Renta painted his runway green this season…

Oscar de la Renta

Oscar de la Renta

Oscar de la Renta

Oscar de la Renta

And a few of my fave recession-friendly (well, relatively speaking) green pieces:

ASOS Tea Dress with Scallop Detail Collar: £35.00

This cutie combines gorgeous color with another fall trend: the 1970s-style day dress:

ASOS PETITE Exclusive Midi Dress With Button Front: £40.00

Jeffrey Campbell Suede Wedge Booties: $99.40

…and finally…Jeans!

J Brand Mid Rise Flare Leg Stretch Jeans: $167.00

J Brand Skinny Stretch Twill Pants: $176.00

Anna Sui-inspired Bohemian Rhapsody

Oh, for goodness sake, how I love Anna Sui’s Fall ’10 collection: her gorgeous palette of turquoises, deep blues and forest greens merging together like peaceful tribes from different villages. Her clothing inspires me to go out on dreary days and enjoy NYC. Despite how dizzying her patterns can be when paired together, I can absolutely appreciate her pieces and have been on the lookout for similar, wallet-friendly designs.

A look at Sui’s brilliant work:

Budget Bohemia: Look no further than Asos.com:

Vila Aztec Pattern Tassel Poncho Cardigan -- $82.75

Tons of mix-and-match possibilities with this Fair Isle print:

River Island Wool Mix Fair Isle Print Dress -- $68.94

Vero Moda Floral Border Print Smock Dress -- $55.17

Mango Belted Folk Dress -- $68.10

And a few NOT from Asos.com:

What did we do before Etsy came into our lives??

Vintage Bohemian Caftan -- $64.99

This one can be worn as a dress or skirt…

Bonanza.com -- $34.99

Like this…

Have a great Sunday!

Tadashi Shoji makes you WANT to attend a wedding

Have you heard of Tadashi Shoji? Her formal dresses are dramatic and stunning. Unfortunately, her prices are also dramatic — worth every penny, of course — but a bit unrealistic given my sad salary.

So when I saw her creations marked down on Ideeli.com, I began racking my brain and thinking: what weddings do I have to attend this year??

If you’re planning on taking advantage of this sale, be quick.

Sequin Dramatic Neck Gown -- 149.00

Sweetheart Animal Print -- $159.00

Pailette Draped Gown -- $199.00

Foil Pencil Skirt -- $65.00

Diagonal Sequin Shift -- $129.00

Ballerina Fashion

Granted, there isn’t a whole lot to say about ballet slippers, which have now been popular for what? Feels like ten years now!

But the movie “The Black Swan” seems to have captured the imaginations of some fashion designers. Rather than post pictures of the obligatory tulle skirt, have a look instead at Lyn Devon’s modern interpretation of the classic ballerina. Think long, lean and layered.

Some of my favorite ballet-inspired items:

Free People Angel Ruffle Scarf -- $58.00

Ballet meets Navajo princess..and a great price for Tory Burch!

Tory Burch Eddie Beaded Ballet Flats -- $87.50

Birds! A bit more pricey, I know. But absolutely freaking adorable, no?

Marc by Marc Jacobs Miss Marc Ballet Flats -- $195.00

Forget the tutu. Two simple black ballet dresses that can actually be worn by grown women:

First a pricier version:

Rebecca Taylor Ballet Dress -- $298.00

And a recession-friendly alternative:

Obey Breathless Dress -- $49.99

Happy dancing!

Pregnant, but barely, fashion

I’m three months pregnant and, like most women having their first child, my emotions range from scared to excited to terrified. So, when I find myself waking up at 3 a.m. and unable to fall back asleep until 15 mins before my alarm is due to ring (of course), I sometimes idle away the time looking up maternity fashion.

It’s not good news, people.

I assumed maternity fashion had evolved a whole hell of a lot more than I’m finding it has. Oversized sweaters and tunics are wonderful, but also a little boring, no? Until I find the maternity fashion line(s) of my dreams, here’s a list of my latest Modcloth “safe for women who are just 3-4 mos pregnant and beginning to show slightly” clothing orders. Mind you, Modcloth is NOT a maternity clothing site, just an amazing place to find overall flattering dresses and sweaters.

Observatory Story Dress -- $99.99

This one’s in the running for favorite holiday party dress.

Cinema Foyer Dress -- $139.99

With black opaque stocking and heels, a great New Year’s Eve option…assuming I don’t pass out before 11..

Geode to Joy Dress -- $47.99

Strong color, festive, and even less expensive than the previous option.

Does the Trick Cardigan -- $57.99

…Because at the end of the day, I’ll still need a cozy cardigan.

Portfolio Prep Cardigan -- $69.99

Yet another cardigan, but this one features snaps that let you customize how you drape the folds, and an interesting denim-sweater combo that I’m kind of digging.

Eye in the Sky Heel -- $149.99

As long as I can still wear heels without falling over, I’m wearing these. The thick, chunky wooden heel is both comfortable and rustic and the color — perfection.

If anyone can suggest maternity clothes that don’t suck, spread the love!

Velvet Revolution

I’m still trying to decide if there’s a way to wear velvet as a grown woman and not look like I’m auditioning for a Shakespeare play. The look dominated choice F/W 2010-11 runways, include Marc Jacobs, Zac Posen and Halston. But how can we reinterpret it in the real world? And can it be worn on all of the other days of the year that aren’t Christmas?

Posen certainly thinks so. Check out his retro look. The delicious cherry color really makes these pop:

I searched high and low for cheapie velvet options. Admittedly, the ones I found reeked of 4th grade recital. If you can prove me wrong, please do! But here are some adorable grown-up options that hover around the $200 mark.

Aidan Mattox Batwing Sleeve Velvet Dress -- $195

I love this one..particularly the color and shoulder detail and the fact that, now that I’m three months pregnant, I can actually picture myself being able to wear this and have it be flattering.

Evil Twin Velvet Drape Vest -- $53.90

The asymmetrical hem on this vest makes it stand out and proves designers are becoming more creative with velvet, while the mere fact that it’s a go-with-nearly-anything vest makes it wearable than, say, your typical crushed velvet tube dress.

Diane von Furstenberg Grano Velvet Wrap Dress -- $241.50

Of course, if you insist on a festive velvet dress and can afford to splurge on one that you absolutely WILL wear after the holidays, here’s my dream take.

Juicy Couture Layered Velvet Drama Torsade Necklace -- $148

..And lastly, how freaking adorable is this Juicy Couture Layered Velvet Necklace? The perfect shade of royal blue, if you ask me…Happy holiday shopping!