Last night, my friends at Style Coalition hosted an Art of Fashion-themed viewing party for what remains one of TV's most stylish shows - Project Runway. Presented by PR sponsor HP, I was challenged to both color block myself (ahem, unsuccessful) AND to create a look inspired by last night's Project Runway episode, which centered around mid-century art at The Guggenheim.
While I was pretty proud of the Grecian-inspired dress I draped, unwearable as it may be (uh, there was only one arm hole), the best 'design' of the evening went to dastardly Jenni of I Spy DIY, who took hom the latest HP ENVY X2. You can't win 'em all, kids!
What I wore to fail:
- J.Crew Chambray Shirt (similar here)
- Three Dots Silk Cargo Pant (no longer available)
- Schutz Cap Toe Pump
Nothing keeps a New Yorker from brunch, you guys - not even impending Hurricane Sandy, on track to hit New York tomorrow. I've battened down the hatches since then, but not before taking my new 'do out to Freemans, one of my favorite spots in the LES.
My new color and bang trim come courtesy of Eiji Salon, which is one of those rare New York salons that holds best-kept-secret status. Founder Eiji Yamane was trained at John Sahag, as were many of his staff, and the salon is best known for a signature, uber-precise dry cut as well as stellar, potentially best-in-the-city corrective color. Color was the real order of the day for me, as my roots were AGAIN leaning a hot (a hormonal issue, apparently - how appalling), while several layers of color had accrued at my ends, leading to irregularities in hue. Carol took me back to the rich, glossy brunette you see above, while rock star Johnny gave me a bang trim, intuitively understanding my need to channel Bettie Page once my hair grows out a bit.
To book an appointment at Eiji, call 212.838.3454.
Also seen above: Saks Fifth Avenue cashmere scarf, Zara army jacket, Seven for All Mankind Skinny Cords, Loeffler Randall Satin Ruffle Flats and Proenza Schouler Large PS1 in Military.
Neon's had a major moment for a couple of seasons now, and after seeing J.Crew's screaming pink shorts on a few of my fellow bloggers, I had to cave. The beauty of these shorts is that they complement almost any neutral perfectly - think black, navy, taupe, white or cream - adding a seriously fun pop moment. Last Friday, I picked myself up for a all-girl margaritas and guac happenstance, and here's what I wore:
Have you experimented with neon outside of accessories? What works? What doesn't?
Photo snapped by Sarah Conley of Style It Online.
'My Mom, The Style Icon'is one of my favorite pages in Lucky each month, and after perusing the August issue and reading Chynna Phillips take on her 'mama' Michelle Phillips style, I felt compelled to dig through some old photographs of my mom, who passed away a few years ago of lung cancer.
In those photos, I saw some surprising glimpses into my own style - most notably in my love of lots of leg (mama knew how to work her best assets) and an undying devotion to animal print. Apparently, a love of leopard, my friends, is HEREDITARY. Noted! Seen above is my latest leopard acquisition - a small and sequined pair of shorts from Forever 21. I paired them with an uber-soft, live-in worthy Not Photoshopped tee from Feel More Better, mega-sized House of Harlow Julie shades (alt color here) and my go-to studded and bedazzled Zara sandals.
Speaking of Feel More Better, it's an online women's magazine that encourages women to share and sound off about issues that affect us all. As an extension of the mag, they've created a 1-for-1 t-shirt collection dubbed "StoryTees." Each carry a positive and empowering message, and better yet, for each tee purchased, Feel More Better gives a new book to an underprivileged girl. The tee I'm wearing above clearly targets a major issue in media today, and one that affects the self-esteem of women worldwide. In an effort to take the message further, the team at Feel More Better has created the Media and Public Health Act, which aims to pass federal legislation requiring advertising and editorial that meaningfully change the human form through photoshopping or airbrushing to carry "Truth in Advertising" labels. Pretty powerful stuff, huh?
Learn more about Feel More Better, or better yet, purchase a Story Tee here. Oh, and by the by, I'm one of FIFTY women sharing Feel More Better's mission today. For a full gallery of participating bloggers, visit Stylecaster.
Despite the heat on days like today (we're looking at temps nearing triple digits), I have a hard time letting go of denim entirely. Thankfully, white denim is a summer PERENNIAL and this season, I found the perf pair of white jeans - chic, narrow and complete with snazzy zip pockets. Above:
- KamaliKulture Square Cat Eye Sunglasses
- Banana Republic scarf (no longer available)
- Vince Silk Blouse (similar here)
- J Brand Jeans Zoey Triple Zip Skinny Jeans in White
- Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Silver Wedges (no longer available)
- La Mer Collections Wrap Watch (similar here!)
How do you wear summer denim?
Photo snapped by Sarah Conley of Style It Online.
Oh SUMMER. As previously mentioned, I've got plans for you and high on the seasonal Bucket List was, OF COURSE, a trip to Coney Island.
This New York necessity boasts more fun than a girl deserves - fried food galore, carnival rides, COTTON CANDY, a fully equipped freak show and, obvs, sand and surf. Last week, I grabbed the Q train with Sarah of Style It Online and headed out for a long day in the sun (slash rain...the weather was spotty at best!) with our friends Aly and Miss Marina (not a Miss for long!) Here's what I wore:
Photo snapped by Sarah Conley of Style It Online. Check her post on Coney Island style -and must-do's! - here!
Summer is a season that, as woman, I simultaneously long for yet also dread. Steamy temps mean smaller outfits and as much as I love beach time, each year I stress about finding a beach style that's still me.
This season's take, seen above, is retro with a glam goth twist thanks to designer Alisha Trimble, whose creative mind created the retro style halter maillot style seen above. This impeccably constructed suit is embellished with a gloriously sequined skull. See more of Alisha Trimble's vintage-style swimswear online - the fully amazing details will win you over in a snap.
Complementing the swimsuit is a sweetly protective Hat Attack Fedora with Neon Trim and a cheery pedicure (the finishing touch for any summer look, in my book!)
Photo taken at Long Beach, and snapped by Yuli Ziv.
You guys, I'm famous! Okay, famous is a stretch, admittedly, but I'm thrilled to have partnered this week with my friends at Sorrelli Jewelry. This family-owned biz specializes in glittering gems of all varieties, and they have gorgeous collections that range from classic to edgy, girly to glam. Truly, regardless of your style, you'll be able to find Sorrelli jewels to perk even the most staid, boring or classic items in your wardrobe up.
Take, for example, a blouse that I have newly discovered that I hate (OH, the power of a photo) and a simple, yet perfect pair of Current-Elliott cut-off shorts (similar here) - the Lovely Luxury Cuff Bracelet adds a bit of glam, while the Single Pyramid Pendant Necklace and Pyramid Stud Earring play up the edge of my Loeffler Randall Lexi Safety Pin Sandals (no longer available).
Shop my blogger boutique online now at Sorrelli Jewelry, AND leave a comment below, sharing your favorite Sorrelli piece, to be entered to win the suite of pieces - a value of well over $200!
One winner will be selected at random on Friday, May 25 at Noon EST.
Good luck!
UPDATE: The winner, chosen at random, is hockiemack! Thanks for your entries!
This past weekend, Sarah took ourselves for a little city escape to Chicago, where we saw friends old (like @emptychampagne and Afrobella) and new (my Twitter love @Truett.) It was a fun weekend, full of yummy meals and lots of festive cocktails, and along the way, I forced Sarah into her old role as my OOTD photog and creative director. My powers of persuasion can be quite strong, you see. Above:
Fashion confession time. My name is Dina and I'm a sunglasses ADDICT. In fact, I've acquired no fewer than four pairs already this season, by Elizabeth and James, Oliver Peoples, House of Harlow and most recently, KamaliKulture (see the snazzy Square Cat Eye shades seen above!)
In case you're not familiar, KamaliKulture is a new collection of timeless, classic styles (think high-quality, smart suiting separates and versatile, wear EVERYWHERE jersey dresses), all under $100, from fashion industry icon and all-around power woman Norma Kamali. Now, Norma's created MANY a design signature in her day, from Farrah Fawcett's red swimsuit (now in the Smithsonian!) to the Sleeping Bag Coat, the All-in-One Tunic/Dress and soooo many more. BUT among my many NK favorites has long been her signature Square Cat Eye sunglasses. Impeccably designed, entirely classic and ultra lightweight, these babies recently launched (among a myriad of other classic eyewear styles!) in the KamaliKulture collection for an ENTIRELY affordable and borderline irresistable $98.
Let's not discuss how much I've paid for sunglasses elsewhere, and let's instead remember that smart, empowered women make smart choices with their money. Start with your shades (baby steps, my friends), and shop KamaliKulture eyewear here!
