Fashion Orbit

Deal of the Day: Chelsea Flower’s Twisted Top Full of...

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 21:36:49 -0700

Deal of the Day: Chelsea Flower’s Twisted Top

Full of 1940s style glamor, Chelsea Flower’s Twisted Top is very femme fatale by way of Rita Hayworth - the plunging neckline, tulip hem and low twist detail giving it a vintage dress shirt look. It would look amazing paired with either wide legged pants or a pencil skirt and red lips.

Currently on sale at $124.50 (originally $249).

TODAY IN ONLINE SAMPLE SALES & LOCAL DEALS Tuesday...

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 09:40:34 -0700

TODAY IN ONLINE SAMPLE SALES & LOCAL DEALS

Tuesday 8/9

Online

Check out our most recent Sale Roundup to see our favorite sale items this week or our Discount Code Roundup for a comprehensive list of current coupon codes.

Above image: Lenora Dame’s Alphabet Charm Bracelet at ideeli, $32 (originally $80).

Deal of the Day: Tibi’s Wool Blend Peacoat Sweater I am an...

Sun, 07 Aug 2011 14:41:00 -0700

Deal of the Day: Tibi’s Wool Blend Peacoat Sweater

I am an unabashed Pringle of Scotland fan, but as a general rule, it remains stubbornly and agonizingly out of my budget.

On the other hand, this Tibi peacoat sweater is oh-so-much more wallet friendly, and definitely has that “avant-garde goes on a fox hunt” Pringle feel. I love the mottled brown-purple hue, nubby contrast knit sleeves and double-breasted brass button front, but mostly, the overwhelming preppiness of it all.

Currently on sale at $198 (originally $440).

REMNANTS Yet another reason to buy online: several department...

Sun, 07 Aug 2011 09:37:32 -0700

REMNANTS

Yet another reason to buy online: several department stores have purposefully installed fitting room doors backwards as a preventative measure against theft. This is apparently legal in Florida, where a local news station uncovered the privacy-thwarting doors that enable store employees to see into dressing rooms. At that point, why not just install cameras? Or, even better, create a single giant Panopticon-like dressing room so customers can be self-policing? (Gawker)

Inspired by a fire at his New York studio, Helmut Lang mulched around 6000 of his pieces for use as fodder in a new sculpture series. You might ask yourself, why destroy important works from your fashion archive to create what appears to be stripper poles made out of insulation material? Well, Helmut Lang don’t care. Helmut Lang don’t give a shit. Oh, and the exhibition’s name is MAKE IT HARD. There’s also that. (Styleite)

Kate Middleton wore the same thing twice and the gossip magazines freaked out about it while the rest of us fell in love with her a little more (except for Kelly Osbourne, who can suck it). (People)

What is with celebs and their lipstick lines these days? Now we have Rachel Zoe and her Exude lipstick. I feel like I’m missing why I should feel compelled to buy cosmetics from random celebrities. If I wanted a fur-trimmed maxi dress or poncho made out of raven feathers, I would look to Rachel Zoe. Lipstick? Not so much. I have to say, though - the Try It On technology on her site is totally awesome. (SheFinds)

Rachel Zoe is also launching a kids clothing line which she says will be “American cool with the European chic. But still very attainable.” I’m not sure if Rachel Zoe and I have the same idea of what constitutes attainable. Look, I have a 4.5 month old baby, and my spending habits have of course swung in favor of his needs over mine. However, when it comes to clothing, as much as I like for him to look funky fresh, I always keep the following in mind when purchasing his outfits: a) he’s going to grow out of it in two seconds, b) it’s going to get pooped on at least half a dozen times. Still, I’m morbidly curious to see this line of mini raven feather ponchos. (StyleList)

Karl Lagerfeld’s capsule collection for Macy’s Impulse now has an ad campaign featuring FO favorite Coco Rocha. (FashionEtc)

Above photo: The Fireplace Project

TODAY IN ONLINE SAMPLE SALES & LOCAL DEALS Thursday...

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 09:34:37 -0700

TODAY IN ONLINE SAMPLE SALES & LOCAL DEALS

Thursday 8/4

Online

Check out our most recent Sale Roundup to see our favorite sale items this week or our Discount Code Roundup for a comprehensive list of current coupon codes.

Above image: Winter Kate’s Kimono Dress at Swirl, $89 (originally $255).

FO FINDS: CHANEL BOUCLE TWEED REMNANT Check out this amazing...

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 21:02:02 -0700

FO FINDS: CHANEL BOUCLE TWEED REMNANT

Check out this amazing remnant I picked up today at Britex Fabrics. I was shopping for some notions to make a fascinator to wear to my friend’s impending wedding, but when I walked in my attention was immediately grabbed by this piece of boucle tweed. I was really not in the market to buy a somewhat spendy piece of fabric, but the mixture of earthy nubbiness and sequins, as well as my undying love of Chanel (this was sourced from the house that produces their fabrics) proved irresistible.

Fortunately for me, my temporary indecision was interpreted as haggling (it’s kind of hard to truly haggle when you have a fussy baby strapped to your chest, though perhaps his crabbing worked to my advantage), and I even got a little bit of a deal out of it. Now I just need to find the perfect pattern to make the cropped jacket of my dreams come to life.

TODAY IN ONLINE SAMPLE SALES & LOCAL DEALS Tuesday...

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 09:12:08 -0700

TODAY IN ONLINE SAMPLE SALES & LOCAL DEALS

Tuesday 8/2

Online

Check out our most recent Sale Roundup to see our favorite sale items this week or our Discount Code Roundup for a comprehensive list of current coupon codes.

Above image: Frock! by Tracy Reese’s Laurisa Silk One-Shoulder Dress at Gilt, $139 (originally $295).

And The Winner Is… Congratulations to Harjeet M., the...

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 08:50:00 -0700

And The Winner Is…

Congratulations to Harjeet M., the lucky winner chosen via Random.org of our Kelsi Dagger Teya Studded Pump Giveaway!

Thanks to everyone for your great comments and Tweets. I will have more fab giveaways for you in the near future, so keep checking back.

Discount Code Roundup

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 07:33:16 -0700

Looking to spend less? Here are some of our favorite current discount codes from around the WWW, including brand new codes from Les Nouvelles, Romygold, Les Pommettes, Madison Los Angeles, M. Fredric, and mega discounts from She Boutique (75%), French Connection (50%) and Luv Charlie (50%).

Bolded lines are discounts ending today.

Want to see specific sale items or events? Check out the most recent Sale Roundup for our favorite newly reduced pieces or Today in Sample Sales for current event listings.

TODAY IN ONLINE SAMPLE SALES & LOCAL DEALS Monday...

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 09:30:15 -0700

TODAY IN ONLINE SAMPLE SALES & LOCAL DEALS

Monday 8/1

Online

Check out our most recent Sale Roundup to see our favorite sale items this week or our Discount Code Roundup for a comprehensive list of current coupon codes.

Above image: Thakoon’s Drop Waist Layer Dress at Gilt, $299 (originally $625).

Sale Roundup

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 20:35:27 -0700

Some of our favorite new sale items from around the WWW. This week we’re all about shipwreck chic: draped silhouettes, gold sequins, stripes, exotically inspired leathers, navy blazers and maxi dresses.

The Clothes

Gryphon’s Sequined Crochet T-Shirt would be perfect paired with a black blazer and booties. Originally $275; now $96.25.

Tadashi Shoji’s Sequin One Shoulder Dress looks like exquisitely draped liquid gold. Down to $123.99 from $310.

A delicate dotted pattern is replicated in a sequined neckline in French Connection’s Pick & Mix Beading Dress. On sale at $199.99 (originally $288; take an additional 50% off with code FCFIFTY).

Channel your inner wood nymph in Mikael Aghal’s Printed Chiffon Maxi Dress. Reduced from $615 to $215.25.

Love the combination of soft greys and yellows in Aqua’s Wide Stripe Racerback Maxi Dress. Reduced from $88 to $30.80.

The classic one-button blazer is updated with a navy hue in Elizabeth and James’ Elizbeth IV Blazer. Originally $395, now $157.97.

Hello, sailor! BDG’s Knit Toggle Jacket will take you from the office to the marina. On sale at $49.99 (originally $60).

This dreamy Yigal Azrouël skirt features mixed metal paillettes on burnout cotton. Originally $615; now $243.25.

The Shoes

Rebecca Minkoff’s printed lizard Lure Peep Toe Pumps radiate subtle exotic appeal. Originally $275; now $115.50.

Boho goes tribal in Dolce Vita’s Eliza sandals. Now $74.40 (originally $155).

Max Studio’s Double Platform Fish Skin Sandals are like something out of a fairytale, where a hard luck heroine makes something fabulous out of scraps. On sale at $128 (originally $179).

Derek Lam’s Natsumi were made for strolling down the summer streets of Rome. Now $319 (originally $790).

The Accessories

A classic gold chain necklace gets knotty in this Kate Spade piece. Marked down to $118 from $295.

Shade your face in retro-chic style with Nordstrom’s Cloche Hat. Originally $48; now $14.97.

Gerard Yosca’s Cherry Red Bangle Set has a 1950s confectionery feel. Reduced to $84 from $112.

A graphic batik print elevates L.A.M.B.’s Seaforth bag beyond the everyday. Originally $148; now $69.97.

Looking for discount codes or sample sales? Check out our most recent Discount Code Roundup for our latest coupons and Today in Sample Sales for current sale events.

Deal of the Day: French Connection’s Bronte Beading...

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 18:12:00 -0700

Deal of the Day: French Connection’s Bronte Beading Cardi

I love that this French Connection cardigan, with its oversized silver studs and subtle white-on-white argyle pattern, can be styled preppy or punky (depending on how the rest of your outfit is feeling).

Currently on sale at $149.99 (originally $188, take an additional 50% off with code FCFIFTY).

TODAY IN ONLINE SAMPLE SALES & LOCAL DEALS Thursday...

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 09:34:03 -0700

TODAY IN ONLINE SAMPLE SALES & LOCAL DEALS

Thursday 7/28

Online

Check out our most recent Sale Roundup to see our favorite sale items this week or our Discount Code Roundup for a comprehensive list of current coupon codes.

Above image: Tart’s Greta Maxi Dress at Gilt, $109 (originally $246).

TODAY IN ONLINE SAMPLE SALES & LOCAL DEALS Wednesday...

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 07:57:26 -0700

TODAY IN ONLINE SAMPLE SALES & LOCAL DEALS

Wednesday 7/27

Online

Check out our most recent Sale Roundup to see our favorite sale items this week or our Discount Code Roundup for a comprehensive list of current coupon codes.

Above image: Dear Creatures’ Hampton Coat at Swirl, $89 (originally $200).

Deal of the Day: Nine West’s Ample Platform Pump It always...

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 19:56:00 -0700

Deal of the Day: Nine West’s Ample Platform Pump

It always seems like a shame to wear closed toed shoes in summer, but sometimes necessity or occasion dictates it. Nine West’s Ample pump is a perfect neutral heel, and keeps it light and seasonally appropriate with a natural woven body and cork sole and heel.

Currently on sale at $35.60 (originally $89).

Dear FO Personal Stylist: Mama-To-Be Needs a Formal Summer Dress!

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 13:37:24 -0700

I am going to my husband’s brother’s wedding in August in Seattle. I will be just about 5 months pregnant at the wedding. Since you are a recently pregnant in heels fashionista, I need advice on what would look good and I’m pretty much OVER everything I’ve found at the maternity stores. I would like to wear something that’s not maternity but still looks flattering and chic. I am 5’11 and was pretty busty before I got pregnant, so as you can imagine I’m even bustier now!! The wedding is going to be pretty formal, so possible something long.

Thanks for your help!

Sarah A., Walnut Creek, CA

Dear Sarah,

First and foremost, congratulations! I’ve tried not to get all mommy blogger up in this joint, but I will say that I spit-up is currently my most worn accessory - and I could not be happier.

That being said, pregnancy (and unfortunately, post-pregnancy) can create a maelstrom of wardrobe issues. Like you, during my pregnancy I did not want to invest in a lot of pregnancy-specific items, and I certainly did not want to outfit myself in the cutesy-bland styles that seem to run rampant at some of the better known maternity retailers (more fashionista-friendly maternity collections can be found at ASOS, Unbuttoned and Topshop).

In looking for non-maternity styles that can be worn while pregnant, the elastic or smocked waist is your friend. Not only is it flexible enough to accommodate your expanding belly, but you’ll also appreciate the non-restrictive comfort. I found in my second trimester that I wanted to draw attention to the fact that I was pregnant (which my elastic waisted pieces did, since they can also kind of make you look pregnant when you’re not), as there was a transitional period where I kind of looked like I was pregnant but I also kind of looked like maybe I just had one too many tacos the night before.

Mixing in a few maternity basics is sort of unavoidable, especially since your pregnancy spans over the summer and winter months. My staples were a pair each of J Brand maternity jeans and jeggings (sadly, you’ll still need these after childbirth), Alternative Apparel tunics (one size up), maternity tights and maternity leggings (both with the built-in belly band). It’s also not a terrible idea to have one super-cute maternity dress for your third trimester - I got a black pointy-shouldered French Connection dress from ASOS last fall, and I wore the literal s*&^ out of it for every holiday party and occasion imaginable.

I think your idea of a long dress is perfect for a summer formal wedding - there is probably nothing more adorably chic than a baby bump in a maxi dress. I’ve included some of my favorite elastic waisted maxis below, avoiding any strapless shapes - the busty and pregnant situation is hard enough without trying to find a strapless bra. I’ve also thrown in one cute maternity dress thrown in for good measure. Good luck!

Martin Grant’s Striped Maxi Dress, $633 (orig. $2110)

Gianni Bini’s Helena One-Shoulder Maxi Dress, $108

Topshop Maternity’s Embroidered Midi Dress, $100

Topshop’s Nude Lemon Floral Print Maxi Dress, $150

Von Vonni’s Yellow Print Maxi Dress, $98

Matthew Williamson’s Printed Jersey Maxi Dress, $675

Topshop’s Multi Feather Print One Shoulder Maxi Dress, $140

Hale Bob’s Embellished Maxi Dress, $332

Tibi’s Printed Silk Maxi Dress, $220 (orig. $550)

Have a fashion emergency, or just looking for a helpful hint or two? Email Fashion Orbit’s Personal Stylist!

TODAY IN ONLINE SAMPLE SALES & LOCAL DEALS Tuesday...

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 09:18:21 -0700

TODAY IN ONLINE SAMPLE SALES & LOCAL DEALS

Tuesday 7/26

Online

Check out our most recent Sale Roundup to see our favorite sale items this week or our Discount Code Roundup for a comprehensive list of current coupon codes.

Above image: Messeca’s Cecilia Wedge at HauteLook, $85 (originally $169).

Item of the Day: Tory Burch’s Gordie Skirt I love me a...

Sun, 24 Jul 2011 19:56:38 -0700

Item of the Day: Tory Burch’s Gordie Skirt

I love me a high/low look, and with its rich gold paillettes peeking out from a burlap shell, Tory Burch’s Gordie Skirt is a perfect study in disparate elements coming together seamlessly.

Currently on sale at $225 (originally $450).

Deal of the Day: Red Valentino’s Brocade Skirt Curses!...

Sat, 23 Jul 2011 14:18:25 -0700

Deal of the Day: Red Valentino’s Brocade Skirt

Curses! I’m on a hypothetical skirt buying jag and this gorgeous Red Valentino brocade piece is very on sale but not available in my size. Hopefully a fellow metallic skirt-loving lady can benefit from this knowledge.

Currently on sale at $147.50 (originally $295; an additional 50% taken off with code summer50 through 7/25).

REMNANTS Christian Louboutin is currently suing everybody and...

Sat, 23 Jul 2011 13:50:00 -0700

REMNANTS

Christian Louboutin is currently suing everybody and their brother who dares to design a shoe with a red sole. Well, that’s silly, you say to yourself. Trademarking the color red would be like Donald Trump trademarking the phrase “you’re fired” or Paris Hilton trademarking “that’s hot.” OH, WAIT. As Yves Saint Laurent hilariously pointed out, Louboutin can hardly be considered the originator of the red sole given that Louis XIV was pairing his pantaloons with red kicks. (New York Magazine)

Poor Halston is having a rough month. Last week SJP broke up with Halston Heritage, and now Harvey Weinstein has similarly bailed, ostensibly to focus on lofty film pursuits like Spy Kids Part 201 (it’s 4-D!) Not only will there be no Spring 2012 collection, but Fall 2011 deliveries are potentially being canceled. (My Fashion Database Blog)

In less heavy news, Gwen Stefani will be designing a kids line for Target slated for release this fall. I personally can’t wait to get my baby super kawaii in Harajuku Mini. (The Independent)

In other celebrity collections that I can endorse (unlike last week), Kanye West is possibly launching a line for reals this time. He’ll allegedly be collaborating with knitwear designer Louise Goldin on a high-end women’s line. Fingers crossed that he includes affordable tees printed with some of his best Twitter expositions. (Sun Sentinel)

Kate Spade is launching a lipstick collection and everyone is freaking out about how ‘genius’ the name is. It’s Supercalifragilipstick. Did your socks literally blow across the room in amazement? Yeah, mine neither. Also a bit debatable is the fact that the four shades are in fact lipstick/gloss combinations, not the kind of retro creamy matte shade one would expect from Spade. (Styleite)

If Miami Fashion Week Swim 2012 is any indication, the new ‘it’ beach cover-up is pants. This is certainly better news than a sheer cropped tank top as the next cover-up trend, although apparently also on the slate are high-waisted bikini bottoms, and as Taylor Swift proved, those are just bad news all around. (AP via The Straits Times)

Above photo: Kate Spade via Styleite