My Latest Style Obsession: Salonika Jewelry

girl wearing necklaceWith my 21st birthday coming up, I want to celebrate in style. The only problem? Style costs money, and I’m in no position to splurge on a new going-out outfit. But I’ve got a secret that gets me compliments on my outfit even from the friends that have seen me in it a dozen times—jewelry.

When I’m having one of those days where everything in my closet is simply unwearable, I go with a basic black outfit—pumps, pencil skirt, and v-neck top—and make a statement with a pair of unique earrings or a bold necklace. That’s why lately, I’ve been lusting after Salonika jewelry.

Each Salonika piece, inspired by the designer’s Mediterranean heritage, makes a statement without being gaudy. If you’re bored with your basic silver and gold jewelry, check out the City necklace—a howlite stone that hangs on a suede chain. And as a bonus, howlite, which looks like turquoise, is said to have healing properties and relieve the wearer of angry energy.

The jewelry in the 2007 Salonika line will run you anywhere from $75-$280, and owner and designer Bryce Gruber says her pieces are made to last. “The quality of Salonika pieces means you’ll still be wearing them in 5, 10, or 20 years at least,” she told me.

Gruber’s pointers on wearing jewelry: Read More »


Fall Fashion: Babushkas

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     Marc Jacobs                                      Blumarine                                    Dolce & Gabbana

I have been to Russia and can affirmatively say that it isn’t just a stereotype—the ladies really do wear headscarves. In Russia, “babushka” is the term for grandmother. And in Russia, babushkas are generally seen with scarves tied around their heads.

In Paris and Milan, however, designers took the term further; literally interpreting babushka as the term for headscarf. And wrap scarves they did as babushkas (the head scarves) were walking rampant down the European runways during the fall 2007 shows.

The trend was first spotted at Vera Wang where the designer appropriately sent Russian model Vlada Roslyakova down the catwalk donning a black head scarf. Although Vera was the first, many designers chose babushkas as their head covering of choice for the fall season. From fur babushkas at Dolce & Gabbana to a more minimalist approach by Giles Deacon for Daks, the babushka had it covered. Read More »


Daily Annoyance: Teen Vogue

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I used to think Teen Vogue was the best shit on the stands. All that high-class style and gossip for two bucks a pop? I signed up for a five – year subscription. I found the haughty content amusingly hilarious and would crave my monthly society updates on things like Bunny Von Hartzelcarter – Markstein’s cotillion and the eating habits and bedroom – decorating abilities of obscure young porcelain actresses.

Unlike its mother, the almighty Vogue, Teen Vogue featured fashions that were young, cool and almost affordable. A girl can dream, and I’d rather dream about a $300 Philip Lim denim trapeze dress than a $4000 quilted leather jacket by Alexander McQueen.

But this month’s issue is a little ridiculous. Plaguing the cover are the perpetual interns, LC of the OC and her sidekick, Whitey. I mean Whitney. It’s Whitney! Seriously, though, when are their internships going to end? Read More »


Harry Potter: New Movie, New Book, Fashion Inspiration?

harryfashion.jpgSomehow, I managed to forget about the whole Harry Potter thing for a while. I’ve read all the books, and I’ve seen all the movies, but I wouldn’t consider myself obsessed or anything. And with years to wait in between installments, it’s hard to stay invested in the series.

So it took me by surprise when I recently realized that the next movie, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, opens on July 11, and the next and final book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, comes out on July 21.

I’m kind of astonished that there hasn’t been more hype about this double dose of Harry. Maybe if J.K. Rowling or Daniel Radcliffe spent some time in jail or rehab, I’d be more aware of these things.

Now that I know, though, I’m pretty psyched.

Apparently the Harry hype hasn’t gone unnoticed by everyone. One place he’s making his influence felt is…fall fashion?

According to Australia’s Brisbane Times, the Harry Potter phenomenon has already popularized small round spectacles, and soon enough we muggles will also be wearing blazers and striped, v-neck sweaters over shirts and ties. “Geek chic with a hint of magic” may also include robes and capes, or owls, bats, and rats as accents.

I don’t think I’ll be buying any black silk capes anytime soon, but I am wondering if I have time to re-watch the first four movies by July 11 and re-read the first six books by July 21…


The Style Commandments

fashion.jpgReligion, schmeligion. I worship at the church of style. Here are my fashion tenets—but don’t worry if you’ve sinned. Fashion rules are meant to be broken!

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s Manolos

Sure, my closet is more familiar with the acronym H&M than D&G, which is difficult when you live in a city like New York, where women are walking fashion billboards. But being green with envy is never a fashion statement.

Thou shall commit fashion adultery

Designer monogamy is the kiss of death for a fashionista. The best way to develop your own look and style is to sleep, er, shop around. Wearing one designer head-to-toe makes you look like you just stepped out of the pages of their catalogue.

Remember the sales and keep them holy

Unless your cash is burning a hole through your pocket, it’s wise to be on top of the sales at your favorite stores. I experienced unbearable heartbreak last year when I arrived at Victoria’s Secret to find that their semi-annual sale had ended the day before.

Thou shall make for thyself many fashion idols

Got a fashion-forward friend or enemy? Lusting over a stranger’s shoes on the train? Take note of what catches your eye and what makes you cringe—your next shopping trip will be much more rewarding if you have a specific look in mind instead of just an urge to buy something new—because really, how many black v-neck tops does one girl need? (I need seven, it seems). Read More »


Never Again, Should You Wear This

eeee.jpgKelly. What. Are. You. Wearing?!

Girl, you’re full figured. I love it. It’s refreshing. It’s your body, be healthy and happy. But please keep in mind…certain outfits don’t look good on everyone.

I’ll give you an example. Guess what I can’t wear? Grey leggings. They look horrible on me. It’s like two sausages are connected to my torso. Plus, I sweat right through grey cotton. It’s a nightmare. I don’t wear nightmares. So grey leggings aren’t part of my wardrobe.

Tight, tight, tight black pants and some kind of weird, Indian/biker belt should be your no no outfit, Ms. K. There’s no need to dress like every other skinified starlet out there. There are ways for curvy girls to make their bodies look good. Let the untalented bimbos wear scary Indian/biker belts. Cover yourself in something flattering. Prove to America that beautiful comes in all shapes and sizes.

Let’s make a deal, K.C. Right here, right now. I’ll resist buying that jumper I’ve been eyeing that will only look good on a 6 foot tall model, and you stand firmly against pants that squeeze your thighs like water balloons.

Great. Glad we could have this talk.

What do you think about KC’s new look? 


Candy Dish: Why Men Love Bitches

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• So much for nice girls. Here are 10 reasons why being a bitch will better your relationship.

• Kill your TV – 33 ways to watch TV online.

• The summer’s coolest treat… The Beersicle. All the kids are doing it.

Cheerleaders go undercover… to sell sh%t on the street??? VIDEO

The Top 10 Sex Records… Even Rod Stewart would be amazed.

Meet the Cougars. I mean c’mon girls are dating their daddies. What’s the big deal???

VIDEO - Somebody get the scissors… A real life human taletail.

Forget fist fighting. These days men are all about the Skin Chomp and the Fight Bite.

Fuschia is the new pink and it’s hot!

VIDEO – Menomena’s “Rotten Hell” – “300 with food and kids instead of pecs and quads.”


Steve Madden’s Art + Sole

Steve-Madden.jpgI bought a pair of Steve Madden black and white polka dot wedges when I was 16. They were adorable—cute little criss-cross ankle strap, magenta labels on the inside. I loved those shoes. I still love those shoes. They’re probably the oldest ones in my closet—or a close second to one other pair.

Almost ten years later, they finally gave in to my abuse and one of them broke. I cried a little, I’m not going to lie. So I decided that I would take them into a repair shop, and pay more to have them fixed than I did to buy them to begin with.

When I picked them up from the shop, I was so happy to see them, I put them on straight away—with my gym clothes mind you—and strutted them for the rest of the evening. Hardly taken them off since.

And this is just one of my many pairs of Steve Madden shoes I’ve owned throughout the years. I love him. I don’t care that he went to prison for a little—all the more hours for him to dream up beautiful décor for my feet.

But I question what’s going on with this new contest he has going on. Art+Sole is a really cool concept—you, his devoted buyers, get to select the next model of shoe to come out for the fall line. Seems great—for the people, by the people. That’s America right there. Read More »


Giving Back Never Looked This Good

Give-the-giftBeing in a sorority, I’m always looking to make the world a better place, (and not just for underage drinkers everywhere.)

I’ll admit it’s not entirely selfless. The more philanthropy you do, the better your stance in the “Greek life” community, and the better that is, the better house your sorority or fraternity gets for the following year. But seeing as we’re so small we’re going to get stuck with the same small suite we always get no matter what we do — we tend to actually do charity for charity’s sake.

But you don’t have to be “Greek” to give back to your community, (though it’s my obligation as a sorority girl to urge you to rush in the fall *fake smile*.) In fact, all you have to do is shop!

Yup, charity is right around every corner we turn nowadays from Product Red to the One campaign. Companies everywhere are coming up with clever ways to literally sell good works.

At first, being the jaded girl I am, thought that buying these products did little actual good for the people they claim to help, and that celebs and businesses were just acting like grown up sorors and frats, spending the time to get the good PR.

But with how rapidly “shopping for a cause” and “helping others never goes out of style” became in style, I recognized that regardless of the reasons, these people are getting the word out there and raising awareness. Read More »


Style Watch: Rehab Wear

rehab.gifWho knew Lindsay Lohan could fuel a fashion trend by being photographed destitute in the back of her Mercedes? Girl’s got pull.

Ever since that infamous pre – rehab photo of Lilo was taken, American Apparel’s Flex Fleece Salt ‘n’ Pepper Hoodie has been selling like crazy.

Apparently, trend slaves across the country are unconditionally dedicated to Lindsay and support her style regardless of her emotional/physical state of duress.

But hell, I’ll jump on the wagon for this trend. In fact, I already have. I own that hoodie in like, seventeen colors.

It’s amazing — so comfortable, durable hood, sturdy zipper, and roomy pockets to hold all your pills. I think this is the best look to surface in a while (am I the only one who can’t stand that freaking bubble hem??).

Overdosing and going to rehab may not exactly conjure images of high fashion and fun, but at least you get to wear comfy clothes. Looking strung – out has never looked so good.