Summer Fashions That Leave Me Stumped

All it takes is a stinky, humid heatwave to remind me that NYC living isn't really pleasant in winter OR in summer.

Seriously, it was 102 degrees out when I left work on Friday. You know that feeling when you stand in front of a furnace for a blast of heat on a cold day? Yea, it's like that outside, except completely unwelcome. It feels like my calves are going to burn off every time I walk in the path of a bus' exhaust.

In honor of this beautiful weather, I wanted to take a moment and express my confusion with certain summer fashions I continue to see year after year:

- Gladiator Sandals - This is not Roman times and there is no need for that many straps on your shoe.

- Rompers - Rompers were originally made for toddlers. I'm still not sure how it became acceptable for grown women to wear them. Plus, they make going to the bathroom nearly impossible.

- Visors - Isn't the point of a hat to shade your eyes and protect your scalp? Who's the genius that decided a hat with the top cut off was a good idea?

- Flip flop/Boot Hybrids - Gee, I really love boots, but I want to show off my pedicure, too. Voila! ...FYI, slouchy sacks on your feet with toe cut-outs look strange and are the opposite of flattering.

- Mandals - It does not matter if they are expensive, real leather or "dressy," mandals are not a good look. A better idea: cover up your pale hairy feet with sneakers or boat shoes, or wear regular flip flops.

Stay tuned later this year for round 2 of my opinionated fashion thoughts, winter edition.

Reem Acra love

                    

Now that red carpet season is over and wedding season is beginning... I want to talk dresses.

Not to sound weird, but I know the designer I want my wedding gown to be.  I'm eons away from getting hitched, but I'm certainly in love with Reem Acra.

I first saw a Reem Acra dress in a random OK! Magazine last year as a dress they were predicting some celeb to get married in (Ashlee Simpson perhaps?).  I was getting a pedicure and I was transfixed by how gorg this dress was.  Having no pen or paper around while in a pedicure chair, I actually whipped out my cell phone and texted myself a note so I wouldn't forget the name of the designer.

The dress was strapless, and the bodice looked a tad like a Herve Leger bondage dress with slight jeweled detailing to accentuate the criss-crossing silk sections.  At the waist, the "bondage" ended in a thin silk belt, and the dress flowed down to the floor in a light and airy A-line shape.  B-e-a-utiful.

Months later, as award season began, I was constantly reminded why I need to purchase a Reem Acra dress for my next red carpet event (aka my wedding, because that will probably be the only "red carpet" event in my life, hahaha).  It seemed like every dress I liked on the red carpet circuit was a Reem Acra: Oliva Wilde, Rumer Willis and Eva Longoria at the Golden Globes.  Kate Beckinsale at the Grammys.  Even Jill Biden wore Reem Acra for the Inauguration Ball.

Reem Acra dresses are just so flattering and feminine.  The bodice holds everything up and perfectly contrasts with the pretty and graceful (and forgiving) A-line skirt.  

So, the dress is done.  Guess I just need to find the man, ha.

www.reemacra.com

Reem Acra Salon

14 E. 60th St. New York

212-308-8760

Baby's First Expensive Bag

I did it.  I bought my first expensive bag. (thank you New York tax return!)

It's a Kooba Lola, and it's beautiful.  

I've always been very interested in fashion, but never really able to afford (or bring myself to pay the incredible sums) for the brands I like, especially when it comes to handbags.  But, after a year of debating and mulling over brands and styles, I finally decided to buy a Kooba.

Maybe for some, Kooba bags are inexpensive, but for the Pittsburgh native, just of of college, underpaid career woman that I am, they are pricey, and definitely not an everyday purchase.

I consider Kooba an in-between luxury brand: more expensive than Coach, yet less expensive than say, Chloe (dream brand that I hope someday to afford...ahhh wishful thinking).  And, to tell you the truth, I'm not always about the labels; I don't really like Coach handbags.  They seem too prim and proper for me.  Kooba's bags, on the other hand, are slouchy, soft leather with excellent detailing,  and just my style. 

I may be hooked now.  I sort of want another Kooba bag...the Harper.  Hmm....maybe if I get this supposed tax rebate, I'll go for it.  This could get dangerous. 

I'm debuting the Lola tomorrow, and I'm pumped.  During my commute, my F train neighbors will be so jealous of me nodding off clutching my beautious cream tote.  And maybe, just maybe, I'll feel like a true, respectable and fashionable New Yorker as I strut to work in Soho.