Take 3

Wedges, you guys.

Yeah, I totally stole that from Mindy Kaling, but get over it. You know I'm obsessed with her blog (Read it!! www.thingsiboughtthatilove.com).

So, wedges. Here's why I love them: they're like heels, but sturdier. For someone like me, who's broken my left leg/ankle four times, sturdiness is totally important. You'll notice, if you're ever lucky enough to come shoe shopping with me, that I steer clear of super-duper high heels or anything resembling a stiletto. That said, I adore, adore, adore a heel. I mean, what else can make you feel sassier or gives you that "I'm hot and I know it" sashay in your hips like a pair of heels? But that's why wedges rock too. They still give you the height and the sexiness of a heel, but you can walk on the lawn and your heel won't come away with bits of grass and mud stuck to it like a divet on a golf course.

But wedges are tricky. Let me explain why. It is very, very easy to buy wedges that are too high or chunky and then you either look like your feet are on a ski slope, or like you're trying out for the next drag queen performance at your local cabaret.

Here's some wedges I L-O-V-E:

Loving the cutouts on these Carlos Santanas. They remind me of a pair I bought in Chicago and wore TO DEATH because they were so freakin' cute -- Are they a proper pump-style wedge? Are they a sandal wedge? Who cares! They rock.


Loving the color, loving the height...I just have to tell you that I would never wear these. I have an aversion to slingbacks because they ALWAYS slip off the back of my foot and then I just end up walking on that damn strap all day and practically tripping over myself. So jealous of you girls who can wear these Bandolino shoes and not have that problem.


Don't get it twisted -- I'm not showing you all these black wedges because I want you to wear just black. Heck. No. I just happened to find all these cute styles in black AND, selfishly, I'm the market for a pair of black shoes...so...I'm shopping whilst blogging. Now, as for this pair by Franco Sarto, the big silver button is key -- a great detail. The small heel is awesome -- great for work. Pay attention to the way this wedge is almost slimmer than the shoe itself -- this makes it acceptable and not at all clunky.


Now, pay attention. These shoes are AMAZING!! Exactly what I want in a wedge -- good height, a pretty style, and a little funky "surprise" -- the cutout in the heel is FIERCE! (It's hard to see in this picture, but believe me, it's there.) A warning -- I am actually hoping/planning to buy these, so if you all rush right out and buy them and I see you in them tomorrow, there will be hell to pay! ;)


Now, for wedges that I don't care for all that much and the reasons why:

Do me a favor, you guys, avoid wedges that are too cutesy because you'll just end up looking like a 12-year-old girl who's trying to look older and taller by wearing wedges that are hot pink with polka dots and a button...sometimes too much is just too much.


Ugh. Please, please steer clear of wedges that are all "I'm a dippy-hippy type and I like psychedlic shoes because I think I should be living in the 70s and singing "Sunshine Days" by the Brady Bunch." Risk it, and risk looking like one of those aforementioned drag queens.


OK. Here's where I'm expecting a bit of backlash. These wedges really aren't so bad (though a little tall...shorter wedges allow you to still walk like a lady...the higher the wedge, the more you may teeter around like you have bricks strapped to your feet). Here's my real problem with cork-heeled sandal wedges -- do not wear them anymore (please!) if something or someone (your puppy maybe?) has taken a chunk of cork out of the heel. Tack-y.


Finally, the raffia/straw/twine/whatever-it-is covered wedge heel. I actually like these -- I mean, seriously, can Michael Kors go wrong? The natural wedge is very summery, very beachy. But once again, beware of quality. Make sure the wrapping is tight and if you get a ton of "whiskers" that start to hang off, for crying out loud, cut them off. Maintenance, ladies! Keep 'em looking as neat and tidy as you bought them, and you'll be good to go.

Take 2

I just had to take a minute during my lunch hour to post a blog about button-down white shirts. Yes, white shirts. As my friend Sarah Louise knows, they are a "Go To" item that every woman should have in her closet. I, unfortunately, am currently experiencing a white shirt deficiency. With that in mind, please take a look at the white shirts The Gap officially released today, designed by up-and-coming designers in conjunction with the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund. The shirts are all $78, while the dress is $88. A little steep, but a classic white shirt can last forever and it IS designer, so you pay for what you get!

A side note: these shirts go up to XL, which equals a 16-18 at The Gap! Also, be sure to look for similar styles at cheaper stores like Target or H&M. They'll go great with full-cut slacks (in gray!) or a fun, floral skirt for summer.

I love this Phillip Lim blouse with the tie collar - very chic for work:


This Band of Outsiders shirt is great for highlighting curves and a small waist. I see it with slim-cut cigarette pants and flats, a la Audrey Hepburn. To sex it up for nighttime, try skinny jeans (or boot cut for you full-figure ladies out there) with high heels and (oops!) maybe a little peek of a sexy bra -- undo those buttons, ladies! ;)


Michael Bastian's cowboy shirt is a winner and would look awesome with a khaki skirt or anything denim (except overalls and carpenter jeans -- beware!). Avoid the temptation to wear cowboy boots with this look -- too kitschy. Try heels or flats instead and save the cowboy boots for a pretty, floral sundress. [Remember: Balance is the key. Masculine cowboy boots need a feminine skirt or dress. A tailored button-down needs slacks, skirts or jeans that show off your curves.]


This Three AsFour sundress is hella, hella cute for this summer. You can dress it up with flashy earrings, bangles and sky-high heels, or take it easy with flat sandals and earthy jewelry, like wooden bangles. Super fresh!


Finally, my favorite shirt, another one by Phillip Lim. This is classic with a twist. The bell sleeves are to die for, and the center detailing is awesome. You can wear this with anything and look chic.


PS -- These are all available online: www.gap.com !!!

Take 1

Welcome to my first fashion blog, Stellar Fashion. Many of my friends (OK, mostly Kavitha) have requested my opinion on the latest fashion trends...so, here they are!

1. Shirtdresses -- this one isn't a brand-new idea for Spring 2008, but it's a timeless classic. What better example than a classic brand: Diane Von Furstenberg. What I love about this particular dress is the pattern -- graphic, floral, it's all good for this spring. The clutch and sunglasses only make it more outstanding.



2. Bright colors... As some of you may know, yellow is a new fav of mine (the yellow clutch and round earrings I bought for the wedding I attended last weekend in Jersey are a perfect example of how I'm allowing the color to creep into my wardrobe in a subtle way). If you're a braver soul, check out the lovely examples below, including my fashion-forward aforementioned friend, Kiks, with her sister Brintha, who just won Miss Philadelphia! (Congrats!)





And...my fav color of all time: purple. Incorporate it into your closet any way you can! I love, love, LOVE these bags:



3. What's the perfect juxtaposition to bright colors? Black, of course! Graphic black and white prints are hot, especially with a pop of color (like yellow, as in the Diane Von Furstenberg dress below). But head-to-toe black is also hot...just watch how you play this when the weather gets warm...black walking shorts + black tank + black gladiator sandals = super cute. The black outfit below is probably best for the spring and fall months...

Proenza Schouler


Behnaz Sarafpour


Diane Von Furstenberg


Vera Wang


4. A HUGE trend for Spring '08 is florals...floral bags, floral shoes, floral dresses...you get the idea. Besides the flowers, notice in the Balenciaga outfit (below) the cropped jacket -- also a big trend.

5. Also take notice of the gladiator sandals. I've included a couple more subtle versions of these sandals below as this pair may cause excessive sweating and lace marks up your calves and shins.



This pair of Isaac Mizrahi sandals is sold at Target for $24.99. Yay!


Beware of the chunkier, taller version of the gladiator look -- while gorgeous if you have tall, thin legs, those of us who are a bit thicker and shorter (like myself) may look a bit stumpy in these, especially if there's a band that goes directly across the top of the foot, cutting off the length of your legs. Still, if you can pull these off (Nine West Gaulla), they're awesome.


6. These two looks from Zac Posen show a long-lasting, recent trend-- cropped jackets (at both the waistline and the sleeves) and skirts. The navy blue jacket with khaki-striped white skirt is very work appropriate. The khaki ensemble is gorgeous here...but a word on khaki. I, for one, have found it a very difficult color to wear, especially on the bottom. Bigger girls, like myself, look a little wider and a tad older with a lighter color on the bottom, in my opinion. If you like khaki anyway, just be very, very cognizant of fit -- too tight and you'll look like a ham bursting from the paper used at a butcher's shop, if you know what I mean. (PS -- I'm thinking of a very specific photo of me in khaki pants from a party in college...not pretty. Not pretty at all.)





7. One of my favorite looks from Diane Von Furstenberg is best worn separately. I love flowing tunics, as anyone who's seen my collection in the past few years can attest. On you chicas with a tiny waist (pretty much all you lovely ladies), try belting a tunic like this (which is actually so long, it may be a dress) to give yourself more shape. The wider cut of this pant may be a bit much when paired with such a loose top, so try a fitted button-down for work, or a sparkly tank with a cropped jacket for a dinner outing. But the gray color is a must -- very now!


(The hippie vibe of this whole ensemble is very IN right now too. If you can pull it off with confidence -- go for it!)

8. Leopard print. In some ways it's been everywhere lately. But I think the fundamental difference between how it was worn this past fall and winter (cardigans, pencil skirts, dresses) and how it's used this spring is this -- a little goes a long way. As these ladies show, a bit of leopard on your bag (or shoes) is fine for spring/summer. Personally, I'd bring it out mostly at night.



9. I have to show off a gift that, thanks to my mother, added the 3rd hottest color of the season (besides purple and yellow) to my wardrobe -- orange. Not many people can pull off orange, but give it a shot. I think you'll be surprised how well it compliments many skin tones and hair colors. And if clothing is out of the question, try accessories, as I did with my Jessica Simpson Delfina Hobo bag (don't hate -- she makes great accessories!).



So, to wrap up, keep wearing those tunics from springs past. Dresses are always, always in style, especially the shirtdresses and shifts of recent years. Incorporate bright colors into your closet by adding a dash with earrings, bags, or shoes. But don't say good-bye to the combo of black and white. And remember -- the best part about Stellar Fashion is the confidence with which you wear the clothes -- not how much you spend!! So ignore the designer names I mentioned here and find similar concepts at your fav store.

Finally, please feel free to add your two cents and request posts on certain subjects.

Your Stellar Fashionista,
Jennifer