Posts with tag high-end

We've always loved J.Crew for the fact that we can get quality, classic pieces at a decent price -- a dress isn't going to be cheap, but it won't look or feel cheap, either. Still, the price tags were never enough to dissuade us from perusing the racks. At least, not until now.

Some people wait impatiently for the newest book by their favorite author to come out. We've waited all year with feverish desire for The Christmas Book by Neiman Marcus, and finally (FINALLY!) we have it. And we are not disappointed.

Too often, we're forced to choose between luxury products and cruelty products, between sustainability and fashion. However, Vegan Queen is changing all that with its line of high-end handbags.

Apparently Victoria Beckham is tired of just wearing expensive clothing -- she wants to design it, too. She has already designed a line of jeans (which hasn't actually done too well, in large part because she put very little effort into promoting the line), and now she has decided to try her hand at something with which she's a little more familiar -- upscale dresses.

If you have chosen to purchase a designer purse/dress/suit/coat, etc., I have a word of advice for you: Learn to pronounce the designer's name.

Just to clarify -- if you don't plan to own, wear, or discuss designer apparel, and you really have no interest in it, you're off the hook. No judgement, no problem -- go on about your day. However, if you expect to be taken seriously as a fashionista, you should at least sound like you know what you're talking about. It's like any other field of study or interest -- would you trust a doctor who had trouble pronouncing pneumonia?

The good news is, if you're unsure of some pronounciations (totally understandable, seeing as how designers from all over the world are in the mix), The Budget Fashionista has a guide of all the top designers listed for your learning pleasure, starting with A-G, then H-M, and finally N-Z. You know, so you don't thank someone for the compliment on your "Guh-VEN-chee" dress.

I enjoy a fun purse as much as, if not more than, most girls. A unique handbag is a great way to accessorize a boring outfit and a perfect finishing touch to an already fab ensemble.

However, some purses are a little too out there, even for me. Case in point: The Chanel PVC Clutch for $6595.

Yes, it's cut like a diamond, and it's sure to get attention, but ... it's clear. It reminds me of a grown-up red carpet version of the clear backpacks kids have to take to school now so that it's obvious that they don't have a Glock hidden in with their books.

What exactly could you carry in it that would look appropriate? Your loose gem collection? A beautifully patterned silk scarf? You couldn't carry lipstick or keys ... but then again, if you're carrying this purse, you probably have people for carrying those items.

As the buyer for a clothing boutique, it is tempting to snatch up every tunic dress, skinny pant, opaque stocking, and ballet flat I've seen at market this season. However, I have learned that less is more when it comes to super-trendy clothing.

The fashion industry does not always seem to be in touch with real life wearability, and never does this seem more true than with the semi-annual change of fabrics, colors, and proportions the fashion media demands. The long, boho-style skirt we just learned how to wear and accessorize will, of course, be banned for the spring, instead replaced with monochromatic fabrics and sleek silhouettes.

"Fashions change biannually" writes Alexandra Shulman in London's Telegraph, "but most individuals' tastes do not, despite wanting to buy something new. It often takes a few years for a trend to be accepted...Stores that slavishly buy only the newest looks generally appeal to a tiny – albeit high-spending – clientele".

My customers continually remind me that there is nothing more frustrating than feeling as if you have to completely overhaul your wardrobe every 6 months. It can be quite embarrassing, as an owner, to lavish praise upon a hip-hugging, draping belt, and then have to explain what happened when the customer comes in and wants to know why all she sees now are thin, high-waisted belts.

So, as usual, the moral is to wear what you like. Find classic pieces that fit your personality and body style, and accessorize as you see fit with trendy items. That way you'll be guaranteed to have fun with the new styles but ultimately always have something polished to wear.