Obsession Alert

(image courtesy of polyvore.com)

Ahhh. It's the best time of the month. New magazine week. While flipping through the August issue of Harper's Bazaar, I find larger than life images of beautiful, gorgeous, opulent Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co bracelets. Silver. Gold. Black. Obsessed.

-M

Required Shopping

(image courtesy of: http://thisislavie.com/)

Nina Garcia is quickly filling my bookcase shelves. On a whim of luck, I found "The One Hundred" on sale at Urban Outfitters in the Fanueil Hall Marketplace. I devoured the book in a day and a half and feel inspired by Garcia's list of must-haves for every fashionable woman. I agree with many of her picks and have a few of my own. As Garcia writes, "It is important for everyone who reads this book to know that I have adapted and edited each item on this list to suit my style, my body, my personality. I should hope you will do the same." That being said, here are just a few of my personal must haves for every fashionista.

-Boston Red Sox Baseball Cap.

A must have for every New England girl. I've owned one for as long as I've been alive. A fashion statement in itself, it shows your regional allegiance, pride for Boston, and the belief that, yes, the Yankees suck. It also doubles as a great cover for the days you sleep through your alarm and lose precious hair straightening minutes. Available in a myriad of colors, but let's face it, the only one that matters is the ever-classic red and blue. Whatever you do, don’t be accused of being a pink hat fan!

-Tiara.

No I'm not talking about a five dollar at Claires kind of tiara. A real tiara, a la Princess Diana. Not recommended for everyday office wear (but who am i to judge?), Everyone can channel their inner princess on their birthday, holiday or any day while lounging in a silk robe. Swarovski makes some great options.

-Denim.

Specifically, jeans. I’m positive that my jean obsession started with my no-jeans-allowed prep school dress code. Much like relationships, you don’t know what you have until it’s gone – or in this case, not allowed. Garcia writes as a fun fact that the average person owns 8.3 pairs of jeans. I counted. I own 40. That are currently clean in my closet. So, let’s say 50 when taking dirty laundry into thought. It’s a lot of denim, but I have no buyers remorse. Skinny leg. Bootcut. Wide leg. Destroyed. Boyfriend fit. Dark wash. Light wash. A lot of options becomes a lot of shopping. One note with jeans: it’s great to discount shop, but I never suggest doing so with denim. Quality denim feels great, fits great and, most importantly, doesn’t stretch out. A co-worker of mine had an unfortunate jean find last week at Urban Outfitters where the denim just didn’t sit well and stretched out after one day. Forever 21 jeans are also infamous to stretch after one wear. Keep the bargains for tops, and try on pairs by Seven for all Mankind, Citizens for Humanity, J Brand, Paper Denim & Cloth and Earnest Sewn. Your legs will thank you.

-Lip gloss.

The one cosmetic necessity for every woman. I don’t care if it’s Cherry Chapstick, Chanel, Stila or anything inbetween. Lips get chapped and uncomfortable. Lips are a visual focal point during conversation. Make them look as good as the rest of you!

-Black turtleneck.

A la Audrey Hepburn. One in cashmere is a winter necessity. It screams classic, classy and professional. Always flattering and slimming, it somehow always hugs in the right places. Consider it a new best friend.

-M

I’d Rather Wear Shoeboxes On My Feet

(image courtesy of listentoleon.net)

I distain Crocs. When they first appeared on my friends’ feet, they claimed that they were comfortable. My friend C said they were the best shoes to have when she crewed during college. “They’re light and feel like nothing on your feet!” I maintained that they look like gardening shoes, that only my mom (who I love, but only recently tuned herself into the world of trendy fashion) would wear in her tomato patch on summer days. Crocs are best paired with graying hair and tacky rubber gloves. Not designer handbags and daisy duke shorts.

I gave in a year ago when I found a pair of Boston Red Sox themed Crocs in a random boutique on Washington Street. I had on the most uncomfortable pair of ballet flats and my feet were screaming for anything that wouldn’t pinch or blister. I paid the inflated twenty-something dollars for the two red and blue pieces of rubber in hopes of comfort. I soon learned that every single one of my friends that said they wore them for comfort lied. The footbed is prickly, the holes give an unnecessary draft into my foot and they’re cut so wide that a shoebox would be more comfortable. My pair of Crocs had a lifespan of 30 minutes that day, was worn once during Opening Day 2009 at Fenway Park and now collects dust underneath my bed.

Today, good news out of the Washington Post for myself and fellow anti-Croc fashionistas. The trend is over. Tired. Dead. And the company is broke. Long live the standby flip-flop as the summer shoe of choice.

-M

M is for...

(image courtesy of ruelala.com)

Me. Naturally. But when I’m in a giving, selfless mood, M also stands for Missoni. I always feel as though I channel Mischa Barton during her Marissa Cooper on The O.C days when I see Missoni. Fun, summery and kaleidoscope colorful, it exemplifies the luxury West Coast lifestyle that she encompassed. Plus, we all remember the scene when pre-boat party, Julie Cooper tells Marissa to wear a Missoni to look presentable.

I picked up the above green patent leather M Missoni tote at a sample sale within my office last week and I am obsessed. Big enough to fit all of my summer books, fashion magazines, designer frocks and Havaiana flip-flops, it’s my ultimate summer weekender bag. I was lucky enough to find it discounted, and believe you me, worth every penny. While there’s no more of this bag left, there are some M Missoni products over at the Final Sale at Rue La La. Grab them before I do!

While I gushed about my new bag purchase to P, she informed me that her city trumps mine with a Hotel Missoni just about completed in Kuwait City. Consider it Missoni Central, as Wikipedia calls it a lifestyle hotel that will “include 106 luxuriously stylish guest rooms and 63 suites (all with spectacular views of the Persian Gulf), a signature Missoni Cucina restaurant, a Mocha Missoni coffee bar, a chocolate café with an outdoor terrace, a 1530 square meter Six Senses Spa, a spacious, high-tech fitness facility and a large outdoor swimming pool overlooking the Gulf. Additional facilities will include a business center and several state-of-the-art conference rooms, as well as a spacious ballroom for large-scale events. All facilities will be decorated with Missoni's signature design elements, including lines, stripes, zig-zags and colors. Even the swimming pool will be tiled in Missoni's stripes and colors.”

Hotel Missoni and Pinkberry? Maybe it’s time to book a trip to visit P sooner rather than later…

-M

Gossip girl inspired line was never off: Target

Click for a larger image! :)
(Created on P's trusty mac using images courtesy http://www.cityhammer.com, gossipgirl-blog.cwtv.com and http://www.sugarscape.com)

We never thought we'd devote 3 posts to a collection we didn't even like to begin with, but we believe in setting the record straight...

Pop Culture Paradox brings its readers the REAL (we hope) deal this time around...

Stylelist.com got in touch with officials at Target who stated: "We are moving forward as planned with the four principal leads of 'Gossip Girl' as our creative muses...Unfortunately, there was misinformation passed around and we are still very excited about the collaboration."

According to the website: "....the retailer will be the official sponsor of this year's "Gossip Girl" season premiere: Commercials for Anna Sui's highly anticipated collection will run during the show's equally hyped debut on September 14." Read the entire post here.

M's Uniform Project

Uniform Project by PopCultureParadox
(Featuring navy blue jumper from Old Navy, C&C California white tee, David Yurman rope bangle, Tiffany & Co chain link bracelet, Havaiana, Hollister and AE flip flops and Blair Waldorf-esque headbands)

I took a little inspiration this morning from The Uniform Project (which P and I love!) while searching through my closet. While I attended private schools for 13 years, I was blessed with the freedom of dress codes, sans formal uniforms. Today, years later, tucked away in a back corner of my closet hung a navy blue, private school uniform style jumper. A diamond in the rough found while discount shopping. The perfect summertime length, its pleated skirt falls about two inches above my knee and snugs in all the right places.

To my delight, a simple navy blue jumper is a canvas. A flattering canvas at that. Accessorizing and creating an age-appropriate look for a twenty-something proved simple with flip flops, jewelry and a headband. I paired mine with a ribbed white tee, nautical J.Crew flip-flops and silver bracelets (one Tiffany & Co chain link and one skinny roped silver bangle)

For future outfits? Ideas already pop into my mind. Leggings in the the fall with ballet flats. A blue-green plaid tie a la Serena van der Woodsen in Gossip Girl. Gold jewelry. Peacock feathered headbands. A chunky cocktail ring.

While unlike The Uniform Project's Sheena Matheiken, I cannot create such a look every day (and I commend her for doing so), finding such a simple outfit staple to create a uniquely individual outfit proves refreshing and fabulous.

-M

Fierce.

(image courtesy of: www.racked.com)

We at Pop Culture Paradox nearly burst of happiness when we heard that the 'fierce' season four winner of Project Runway, Christian Siriano was in the works to design a budget-friendly line of shoes for Payless (of all places!). Now, at long last, Racked obtained a first look at the line of shoes and handbags. Consider me excited. All shoes look stylish, work-friendly and affordable (everything in the line is priced at $45 and under!). I wonder if that large black handbag looks as luscious in person...

-M

The Bargain Maven Says...

(image courtesy of SmartBargains.com)

I know a good deal when I see one. I'm known to act irrationally on good deals, but I consider the action fitting the need. While doing work today, I stumbled on SmartBaragins.com (one of the sites I work for) and found their 2 for $75.00 designer dress sale.

Shocking, actually. Some of my favorite designers and brands. Dresses that are normally priced way more than $75.00 each for two for $75.00? Do my eyes deceive me?

Check out the selection for yourself, but here are my suggestions. A black dress that's perfect for cocktails and first dates (and channels your inner Lauren Conrad). A white dress that's perfect for summertime BBQ's (or any event that might include seeing your significant others' parents or family). Or a frilly dress with tulle skirt that channels an inner Carrie Bradshaw. I'm lusting.

-M

Target execs miss the bullseye

(Image courtesy thefrisky.com)

Put this on the top of the list of silly decisions made by Target. 

Remember the Gossip Girl-inspired line Anna Sui was designing for Target? Well, the line is still going ahead as expected, but a top Target exec reportedly got nervous about the "racy" content of the show and is trying to have the whole Gossip Girl marketing angle scrapped.

According to the New York Daily News: 

“One of Target’s top executives got nervous about being that closely associated with the show, given the [debauchery] its characters get into,” says an on-the-set source. For example, Blake Lively’s character, Serena, killed a man, and most of the characters frequently get wasted, do drugs and have promiscuous sex.

A “Gossip Girl” insider tells us that a party scene featuring Blair and Chuck (played by Leighton Meester and Ed Westwick) was set to shoot at Sui’s flagship store in SoHo last Tuesday; models being used as extras were to wear Sui’s Target collection. “There was going to be signage, as well as Target symbols in purple and black — Anna’s signature colors,” says the snitch. “And it was rumored that Anna herself was going to be making a cameo appearance.”

“It’s Target’s loss, because the line would have sold better if it had played a part in the show.”

I have to say, although I am sure this "top exec" probably does not fall under Gossip Girl's targeted demographic, I find it incredibly hard to believe that nobody clued her or him into the shows premise...why didn't the marketing team go ahead and research and explain exactly what Gossip Girl was all about...the show's content and packaging has been pretty consistent since the pilot episode.

If the whole line had been canned, I would've just chalked these reports up to the fact that somebody at Target finally saw that these were just really ugly clothes that did not need to be sold to consumers who didn't know any better (tee hee hee)...but since it's not, could there be some other reason behind it? 

come over to the light side

white jeans 3 by PopCultureParadox featuring Marc Jacobs sunglasses

white out 1 by PopCultureParadox featuring Lanvin accessories

summer 2 by PopCultureParadox featuring Miu Miu bags

Call it a summer fling if you will. Haters say it won't last past the post-Memorial Day, pre-Labor Day summer stretch. But I don't care...I'm young and in love! 

My love affair with white denims is in full swing. 

I recently bought a gorgeous pair of white denims from Citizens of Humanity and it is unbelievable how they've brought about a lovely new freshness to my tired old tees and same ol' gladiators. I love wearing my usual casual outfits but mixing things up by replacing my dependable blue jeans with chic white denims. The new jeans just sort of make everything seem less stale and boring. 

Whether you pair your white denims with monochromatic neutrals, pretty pastels, bright prints and geometric patterns or punk-inspired accessories...just try not to spill anything on them!

High & Low. The Best Pairing Ever.

High Meets Low by PopCultureParadox on polyvore.com

(image features DvF skirt, Theory tee, Pink by Victoria's Secret sandals, Forever 21 necklace and ring and H&M earrings)

I love fused together opposites. Sweet and sour dipping sauce. Black and white colorblock dresses. Hot tea with ice cubes. In fashion, it’s no different. I strive to mix and match high and low. In today’s economy, it’s finally frowned upon to wear head to toe high-end haute couture. Afterall, it’s about priorities. While I’d love to wear a $1200 top from Christian Dior with a Roberto Cavalli skirt everyday, I also love to eat and have food in my freezer.

For young twenty-something professionals, mixing high and low is easy thanks to H&M and Forever 21. Pair a DvF skirt, Theory top and Colin Stuart shoes from Victoria's Secret with a funky necklace from Forever 21 (for under $5!) and some leggings from H&M (under $10!). Another suggestion? Wear a Forever 21 skirt with a Tory Burch cardigan and flats and fool everyone into thinking you spent a fortune. Your secret's safe with me.

-M

This is one of my worst fears...

(Images courtesy Getty Images via daylife.com)

So, BET awards...singer Amerie and Kanye West's on-again, off-again girlfriend show up in the same pretty white Alexander McQueen minidress. The only difference? Accessories and a bit of attitude. While Amerie paired her dress with a pretty necklace, long flowing hair and rocker-chic booties...Amber Rose paired hers with hot pink heels and matching clutch.

They both look nice, but, I won't lie, showing up at the same event wearing the same dress...kind of horrifying. :S

People In Boston...

(image courtesy of polyvore.com & Google image search)

Do not know how to dress.

I know, this is a generalization. A blanket observation. An untrue one at that, since I am a Bostonian and I know how to dress. Quite possibly it is that Bostonians don't know how to appreciate fashion. Specifically, unappreciative towards those who are fashionable. Case in point.

My outfit today. Black Theory sleeveless top with a decorative side neck bow tie. Black footless tights (aka thin leggings, or tights with no feet, however you choose to describe them). Olive green and black Mary Jane heels (they are tall, granted, maybe about a 3.5" heel). And this Forever 21 skirt (which I love about 100x more in person than on the website).

Situation. Grabbing a 2:30pm coffee with co-workers because it's a dreary Monday and none of us can quite focus (plus, we don't really need an excuse for an afternoon coffee, other than we want one, so we went to get one). Walking out of Borders, a man (not skeezy looking) says that my outfit looks nice. Gee, thanks. Compliments. I love compliments like I love Skittles, so that's cool. Then we cross the street to get into my office building. Out of the elevator stumbles a middle-aged woman with stonewashed (ew) jeans that looks straight out of a 1980s music video. Cute for a themed party? Yes. Cute for the office? No. Appropriate for Stacy and Clinton on What Not To Wear? Yes. But I don't judge. She, however, takes no hesitation in judging me. Eying - and then scowling at my outfit! I'm sorry if I'm channelling my inner Lauren Conrad and look cute at work today. I'm sorry if I decided to not pick up the first ratty pair of jeans I saw in my room. I'm sorry if I work in a fashion-based industry where I like to look like a million bucks. Actually, I'm not sorry. Just frustrated. Do all fashionistas encounter this? Is it just me? Is my makeup smudged and I'm unaware? Answers? Anyone?

-M

Look-a-like

(Image courtesy nordstrom.com)

What goes around comes around...in fashion. The picture above is of a MICHAEL by Michael Kors Panama Satchel and the following picture is of a bag that I picked up from a random boutique in London nearly 3 or 4 years ago :) (excuse the terrible lighting & quality, I just snapped a picture with my phone)

Pinch Me - Am I Dreaming!?

(image courtesy of: http://kingsrowefashion.files.wordpress.com)

Are my eyes deceiving me? Is The Cut lying to me? Did I really just read that Jimmy Choo is teaming up with H&M for a Christmas-time collaboration discount line?

It's true fashionistas. November 14th. Line up at your nearest H&M. I will be. Talk about excitement, and just in time for my 24th birthday and Christmas! I hope Santa will buy me a pair or two (Boyfriend, take note).

-M

Me talk pretty one day

Listen, laugh, and maybe even learn...

Knotty about nautical

Knotty for nautical by PopCultureParadox featuring Vans shoes

Nautical for Summer 2009 - what's not to love? Blue, white, stripes, big buttons, white trousers and cutesy detailing...You can go super-preppy/ rivera with it or more classic, elegant, understated or take it to the extreme with kitschy, campy and retro...

My Closet = Filled By Diane von Furstenberg

(image courtesy of http://blogs.glam.com)

I am a true city girl. From the designer wardrobe to the inner core that loves taxi rides, skyscrapers and nighttime skyline, I scream city life. It's no surprise that my original post-college plan included a move to NYC (not just a city, but the city), working for a media consulting firm and going to sample sales every weekend. But alas, priorities got rearranged, and while I see that everything worked out for my benefit, when I'm in NYC, I take to it like a fish to water. So, my first NYC sample sale excursion was no different.

The twice-a-year Diane von Furstenberg sample sale occurred this week on 5th avenue. Best friend A attended the past two sales, and always found tons of goodies, even on the last day. This summer's was no exception. $250 spent (yes, only about 2/3rds or so of the price of a wrap dress at Saks) and I'm bringing three tops, two dressy tanks, two skirts, two sweaters and an Andy Warhol collection bikini. My favorite buy, hands down, were the $50 spent on a Vezzano sweater in black. All cashmere, it screams Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffanys. I can hardly wait for chilly fall days when I can pair it with a black trouser and heels on Newbury Street.

Inspired to go to the next DVF sample sale in NYC? Here are a few tips.

The next one is in December.

Want wrap dresses? Go there before the last day, as they're the first items to sell out.

Get there early. A and I showed up a hour early, were the second and third people in line, and were able to have a smooth shopping adventure.

As always, wear comfortable shoes. Don't bring a bag, as checking bags is mandatory. No one needs a detour before being able to rummage through.

Dressing rooms are communal, and normally a crazy circus of women tearing on and off dresses and tops. Don't be shy because, yes, you do need to try everything on.

Don't feel as though you must buy something. A weeded through everything in her size, found a dress and a skirt that are perfect, spent under $100 and has not a drop of buyers remorse.

Happy shopping!

-M

I Love Almost Everything From My Childhood...

(image courtesy of http://www.azique.co.uk)

I have many fond memories of my childhood. I loved my purple bike with the pink basket and koala bear patch on the front. I loved my beloved teddy bear, Honey Bear. I loved watching Sesame Street and Care Bears. I loved Sanrio products, especially Spottie Dottie (and a big shoutout to my aunt, who I heard reads my beloved blog, who gave me my first Sanrio stationary kit). From my childhood, mostly though, I loved wearing scrunchies.

Scrunchies. Pink. Purple. Turquoise. Magenta. Black. White. Yellow. Polka dotted. Striped. Glitter and bedazzled. I L-O-L-O-V-E-D scrunchies.

When I was eight. Rumor on the interwebs is that American Apparel is trying to bring back the scrunchie. I will not be jumping on this trend and reverting back to the 1980s. Some things, like ex-boyfriends and bad drinks, are worth keeping in the past, don't you think?

-M

Why I Love Richard Chai

(image courtesy of shinystyle.tv)

On a quick break from work today, I found this interview with Richard Chai on The Cut. I realized I love him and his designs. Why? I thought you'd never ask.

1.) His last name is the name of maybe my favorite Starbucks beverage.

2.) He wears t-shirts all the time, making me feel less like a scrub for wearing mine all the time.

3.) He's basically a prodigy. Who really takes a class at Parsons when they're 13?

And...

4.) He thinks too-skinny jeans should go bye bye. Oh Richard Chai. My new best friend.

-M