Author

Fashionista

Posts by Fashionista

Webvertorial

Want to Wear the Latest in Japanese Trends? Head to ZOZOTOWN.COM!

By Fashionista Friday, Jan 27, 2012 / 3:44 PM

It’s no fun showing up to a swanky soiree done-up to the absolute nines, only to discover that you’re wearing the exact same party dress as another one of the guests. And– heaven-forbid– she’s wearing in better than you are. As die-hard fashionistas, we’re always doing our best to stay ahead of the fashion game, keeping up on the latest trends and shopping at the hottest NYC boutiques. But when your favorite shopping spot becomes everyone else’s favorite shopping spot, you’re bound to be seeing fashion doppelgangers all across the Street Style-osphere.

Thankfully, we’ve discovered the solution to seeing fashion double: Tokyo super-site ZOZOTOWN.COM, which now ships to the USA! ZOZOTOWN.COM is one of the largest fashion e-tailers on the ‘net – they’ve got an insane online stockroom featuring over 500,000 items from more than 700 of the best brands in Japan, so you’re pretty much guaranteed to be the only one wearing your fave new clothes. The site is updated daily with the very latest and most popular in trends and styles. And get this– even though your order ships from Japan, it will arrive at your door step in as little as six days. So while all your friends are fighting the crowds (and the elements) in the same old SoHo stores, you’ll be shopping the very best that Japanese fashion hot-spots Shibuya and Harajuku have to offer, from the comfort of your warm apartment. Read more »

Parties

The Sartorialist’s Scott Schuman and Garance Doré on How They Maintain the Integrity of Their Sites and Make Money

By India-Jewel Jackson Friday, Jan 27, 2012 / 10:32 AM

Photo: Getty

To fête the launch of their ‘True Love In Pictures’ campaign with Tiffany & Co., Scott Schuman and girlfriend Garance Doré hosted a swanky shindig at the legendary jeweler’s Fifth Avenue flagship last night. DJ Solange Knowles spun old-school hip-hop tunes while models, socialites, and the who’s who of New York’s fashion crowd (those whose invites weren’t retracted) came out to celebrate the amazing alliance.

Joining forces with a brand like Tiffany & Co. is a big coup for anyone, even for the globetrotting street-style photo-blogging power couple, who collectively have collaborated with Gap, Burberry, Club Monaco, Moschino, and Kiehl’s in the past. (Both their sites have been growing–we know this because they’ve posted several jobs listings on our site.)

Regarding how they pick and choose whom they partner with, Schuman says they have to be careful, since they won’t shoot ads without their name attached to the project. “It’s a different kind of collaboration because brands always want to have us involved,” he revealed.

Doré on the other hand, explained that for her, it’s more personal. “It’s a mix of finding the right project and a connection,” she said. “I always think, ‘Are they going to understand our visions when we’re working together?’ I also think about what it is and if it feels natural in my life. ‘Do I like this product? Would I wear this?’ It’s very simple actually.”

Schuman believes the key to maintaining integrity is keeping church and state—better known as editorial and advertorial in this industry—quite separate. “We always make it very clear which posts are corporate projects,” he rationalized. “When we put the pictures on our blogs, we give them the information they need to send them somewhere else—if they wanted to look at it.”

Sponsored posts, product placement, and incessant brand name-dropping have quickly become de rigueur in the blogosphere, and if you enjoy reading through comment sections as much as we do, you’ll notice bloggers being colorfully called out on it by their readers—especially when a collaboration doesn’t quite seem to fit the blogger.

But of course, the benefits to corporate collaborations outweigh the risks by far. “The money we make from something like this helps us go to Morocco or Peru—I feel very comfortable with that,” Schuman stated matter-of-factly. “These types of partnerships help our blogs grow in the sense that the projects help fund our continued independence.”

For Schuman, independence means not having to work for major reputable glossies (gigs many bloggers would kill for). “I’ve been able to pull away from having to work with other companies,” he told us. “I mean, I love GQ, but I don’t have to work with GQ. I don’t have to work with Style.com. Now I can just focus on the work that I want to do for the blog. And every once and a while, if I have to do a project on the side, that’s great, because it’s with great companies.

And in case you’re wondering, as for what true love means to the twosome, “What I’m experiencing with Scott I think is true love,” gushed an obviously enamored Doré. “It means trust, communication, and having fun together.”

Mr. Schuman was short sweet and to the point: “Patience, understanding, and passion.”

Webvertorial

Win a Year of Free Designer Fashion from Rent the Runway and Bloomspot!

By Fashionista Thursday, Jan 26, 2012 / 4:00 PM

Does the thought of labels like Chanel, Vera Wang, and Proenza Schouler seem like a dream come true – that might never come true? If the closest you’ve ever come to Missoni was in a Target store (which, let’s face it, was really a feat in itself!), you’re in for a real treat with this one. Bloomspot and Rent the Runway are teaming up to give one lucky fueled-by-ramen recessionista the chance to win a year-long membership to Rent the Runway, a prize worth $3,000, for absolutely free.

You’ve heard of Rent the Runway before – The oft blogged-about site that lets members (including us!) rent luxury designer looks and accessories for tiny fractions of the actual cost of buying. As a special treat, anyone who even enters the one-year membership sweepstakes will automatically receive 15% off their next Rent the Runway purchase. So basically, you’ve got nothing to lose and absolutely everything to gain… including $3,000 worth of fabulous designer gear. Head over to Bloomspot now to enter!

Giveaways

We’re Giving Away Five 4-Piece BeautyMint Kits!

By Fashionista Tuesday, Jan 17, 2012 / 3:15 PM

Jessica Simpson’s skin is glowing right now thanks to her pregnancy hormones. But for those of us who don’t have that surplus of estrogen pumping fiercely through our bodies, there’s Ms. Simpson’s personalized skin care line from BeautyMint, developed with skin care expert Nerida Joy. BeautyMint will help you personalize your skin care regimen, with products that contain active ingredients like marine collagen, peptides, shea butter, and elastin.

We’re giving away four-piece BeautyMint kits to five lucky winners. Enter here starting Tuesday, January 17, but hurry! The giveaway ends the very next Tuesday, January 24 at noon.

And because we love you so much, even if you don’t win you can still get $20 off your first month’s kit when you join BeautyMint until January 31. Just enter code FASH20 at checkout to get in on the deal! Valid only for new members.

Good luck!

Sales

Racked Dealfeed: Zero + Maria Cornejo, American Apparel Warehouse Sale, A.P.C., and More!

By Fashionista Friday, Dec 23, 2011 / 3:30 PM

photo: American Apparel

American Apparel Warehouse Sale
Deal: Markdowns of up to 90% off warehouse stock. Merchandise will be replenished throughout the sale
When/Where: Friday, December 16 through Tuesday, December 27. Daily 9am—9pm, closed Christmas day. 766 Sixth Ave between 25th and 26th Sts (no phone)
Link: American Apparel
Ends: Tuesday, 27 Dec 2011

riley.
Deal: 25%-75% off Fall and Winter clothing and accessories.
Where/When: riley. is located at 1659 North Damen, Chicago, IL at Wabansia
Link: shopriley.com
Ends: Friday, 30 Dec 2011

Zero + Maria Cornejo
Deal: Up to 40% off pieces including the women’s Tali dress (was $790, now $474) and the women’s hooded dolman jacket (was $1150, now $690.) Sale also applies online.
When/Where: Ongoing beginning Thursday, December 1. Mon—Sat noon—7pm, Sun noon—6pm. Noho: 33 Bleecker St between Lafayette and Bowery Streets (212-925-3849.) West Village: 807 Greenwich St at Jane St (212-620-0460)
Link: www.zeromariacornejo.com
Ends: Saturday, 31 Dec 2011

Kaori’s Closet Tokyo
Deal: Up to 60% off lingerie, including hard-to-find brands. Look for labels like La Vie A Deux, Stella McCartney, Elle Macpherson, and Bela Bum Bum.
When/Where: Ongoing. Mon—Sat 11am—7pm, Sun noon—6pm. 71 W.Houston St between Wooster St and West Broadway (212-387-7788)
Link: www.kaoriscloset.com
Ends: Saturday, 31 Dec 2011

Kirna Zabete
Deal: Up to 50% off labels like Lanvin, Stella McCartney, and Prabal Gurung. Also applies online.
When/Where: Ongoing. 96 Greene St between Prince and Spring Sts 877-595-8878
Link: Kirna Zabete
Ends: Saturday, 31 Dec 2011

A.P.C.
Deal: 30% to 50% off fall and winter pieces
When/Where: Friday, December 16 through Wednesday January 25. Mon—Sat 11am—7pm, Sun noon—6pm. 131 Mercer St between Prince and Spring Sts (212-966-9685)
Link: A.P.C.
Ends: Wednesday, 25 Jan 2012

Camper
Deal: 20% to 40% off men’s, women’s, and children’s shoes
When/Where: Friday, December 16 through Wednesday, February 29. Soho: Mon—Sat 11am—8pm; Sun noon—7pm. 125 Prince St at Wooster St (212-358-1841.) Midtown East: Mon—Sat 10am—7pm; Sun 11am—6pm. 635 Madison Ave at 59th St (212-339-0078)
Link: Camper
Ends: Wednesday, 29 Feb 2012

Webvertorial

Zara’s Semi-Annual Sale Starts Friday, and You Won’t Want to Miss It

By Fashionista Friday, Dec 23, 2011 / 3:00 PM

After months of (generally) patient anticipation, it’s finally that time of year again. A time of year when treating yourself to those killer boots you’ve coveted for the last three months comes with no guilt attached. A time when surprising your BF with a sharp new blazer leaves you feeling generous instead of stressing over your budget. That’s right, it’s time for Zara’s semi-annual sale.

Waiting around, crossing your fingers, hoping that all your wish list prayers have been answered is such a passive way to live, non? Zara’s insane sale starts this Friday, December 23–so you can take total control of your wardrobe’s destiny! And hey, who doesn’t need a little retail therapy with all the stress the holidays induce? Besides, you’ll be needing a seriously hot freakum dress for NYE to counteract all those photos posted of you at your office’s ugly sweater party. Not cute.

We (and apparently the budget-friendly, style-savvy Duchess) have always adored Zara for its ability to translate the freshest trends into wearable, street-style friendly pieces at totally affordable prices. Now imagine those already-awesome prices, slashed. Zara’s semi-annual sale has got everything your little cash (and fashion)-conscious heart could desire, including some of the hottest styles from its women’s, basics, and hip TRF collections. You’ll find serious discounts on the trendiest tops, skirts, jackets, dresses, knitwear, shoes, and bags. Men’s and childrenswear lines are also on sale, for those of you in the giving mood (or those extremely last-minute shoppers – you’re welcome!)

Zara.com (yay online shopping!) and all Zara store locations will have killer markdowns starting Friday, December 23, but only while supplies last. Trust us, you don’t want to miss out on this one.

Webvertorial

Everyday Beauty for Everyday Women: Keep Your Hands Looking Smooth and Soft This Winter

By Fashionista Thursday, Dec 22, 2011 / 11:15 AM

This post was underwritten by Dove.

Whether you’re lost and you need to take out your smartphone to find directions, or you have to put on hand sanitizer after touching that suspiciously sticky pole on the L Train, the winter air is going to find a way to dry out to your hands. To avoid creepy, cracked and dry fingers, here are a few tips:

1. Moisturize after you wash your hands. Nothing is worse than the dry feeling you get after using that generic pink office hand soap. You know the kind. Make sure you have some alcohol-free moisturizer at your desk to keep your hands looking radiant all day.

2.Wear gloves when you do housework: We’d all love the luxury of having servants, but most of us have to do our own housework. Protect your moisturized mitts! Put on a pair of gloves before getting your hands dirty, especially before you wash the dishes.

3. Outdoor gloves are also good for your hands: It seems like a no-brainer: wear gloves to keep your hands warm during the winter. But did you ever notice how your skin magically stays moist in gloves or mittens? Rub some coconut oil on your hands, put on a pair of gloves, and when you take them off an hour later, it will feel like you just moisturized a minute ago. That’s because the material protects your hands from drying winter winds and helps the moisturizer absorb. For best results, put on moisturizer right before you throw on your gloves or mittens.

4. Try A Hand Mask: Hand masks leave your paws feeling soft, supple, and plump. If you’re a DIY type-girl, try this hand mask recipe: Add one teaspoon of lemon juice to a teaspoon of lemon and gently rub on hands to exfoliate. Then put a dollop of plain, full fat yogurt on your hands, rub in, and allow to sit for a few minutes before rinsing off. Your hands will be soft instantly.

Webvertorial

Everyday Beauty for Everyday Women: The Right Way to Take a Bath

By Fashionista Thursday, Dec 8, 2011 / 12:00 PM

This post was underwritten by Dove.

Taking a bath seems pretty straightforward. Turn on the water, soap up, scrub, rinse off, and you’re done. Simple enough, right? Well, with the brutal frigid winter air drying out your skin, things can get a bit complicated. One key winter beauty concern is how to keep your skin looking moisturized and beautiful in spite of the harsh weather. The solution starts in the shower:

1. Ease up on the long, hot showers and baths
Scalding hot showers feel absolutely divine when the weather outside is frightful, but they dry out your skin by removing the natural oils already being attacked by the winter air. Opt for a short lukewarm bath. It’s much gentler on you skin and keeps in moisture.

2. Use a moisturizing soap or body wash: Most soaps contain alkalines that dry your skin. Look for fatted products, ie, products with lots of oils to make sure you stay moisturized.

3. Pat your skin dry: Rubbing that towel over your skin may be tempting when your bathroom isn’t filled with glorious steam from your scalding hot shower, and you feel a little chilly after getting out of the water. But rubbing is harsh, and takes away much of the little moisture left after you bathe. Patting your skin locks in moisture, and will keep your skin looking radiant.

4. Oils and butters: Using lotion in the winter is like drinking flavored water when what you really need is a hearty smoothie. Buy skin products like coconut oil, shea and cocoa butter. These usually have thicker, more solid and greasy consistencies and come in tubs rather than bottles. And absolutely stay away from alcohol-based products.

Giveaways

Win These Seriously Game Changing Faux Fur Ear Muff Headphones from Juicy Couture!

By Fashionista Tuesday, Dec 6, 2011 / 4:15 PM

Admit it: The dead of winter isn’t always the easiest when it comes to looking hot tamale. Sure, it may be “the most wonderful time of the year,” but it’s also super stressful! There’s so much to think about; too many options. Tights or knee socks? Chunky scarf or furry collar? Bomber jacket or peacoat? Riding boots or Uggs? (That last one was a joke – Uggs are never the answer.) Inevitably, there will come a bitterly cold day this winter when you’ll find yourself faced with a difficult dilemma: Whether to suffer hypothermia of the ears yet enjoy your tunes courtesy of tiny plastic earbuds, or completely ruin your enviably static-free coif with a beanie your nana knitted you ten years ago – and keep your lobes from turning all bluey.

Thankfully, the fashion forward and evidently genius people at Juicy Couture have come up with a simple solution that’s as stylish as it is practical: Enter their faux fur ear muff headphones. These babies are as adorable and soft as a kitten, and have little spaces to insert your earbuds. Ta-da! Toasty ears, zero hat hair, and as many decibels of Weezer’s “Island in the Sun” your little eardrums can handle.

Best of all, Juicy Couture has decided to give one chilly fashionista her present a little early this year: One lucky reader will receive a free set of faux fur ear muff headphones, complete with earbuds for your MP3 player (or walkman, for you neo-luddites out there)! All you have to do is click here to enter, and get ready to keep the beat in style – and keep your ears from falling off! Oh, and you can always save that hand-knit beanie for lunch dates with Nan – promise we won’t tell.

Webvertorial

Deck Yourself Out This Holiday Season With Gemvara’s ‘Naked’ Gems

By FASHIONISTA Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 / 2:30 PM


In the gloom of looming winter, bling is a holiday season necessity. So don’t be shy. Pile. It. On. Holiday parties await! Gemvara’s new ‘Naked Gem‘ collection has just the right bling wattage–sparkly as can be but never too gaudy. The line features new designs on bold earrings, statement rings and easy-to-layer pendants; the more the merrier!

And if you want make sure nobody shows up to the company cocktail party rocking your same jewels, play designer! You can customize your favorite design with your own choice of gems and metals.

Check out Gemvara for the perfect way to add sparkle to your holiday ensemble!

Webvertorial

Invest in a New Best Friend (aka the Bag You’ll Take Everywhere) at Luxury Emporium

By Fashionista Wednesday, Nov 23, 2011 / 2:30 PM


You’ve dreamed of it: That statement bag that’s unique enough to be your signature bag but timeless enough to withstand any trend. And now you’re ready to invest. Well that’s the Luxury Emporium’s bag (pun intended). And these aren’t the Hermes, Louis Vuitton, and Chloe bags you see everywhere. These are luxury bags from slightly less ubiquitous designers–like a gorgeous black calf hide number from Barbara Bui or a sleek gunmetal clutch by Rodo.

It’s holiday season so it’s the perfect excuse to splurge–whether it’s for a loved one or a well-deserved treat for yourself. Click through TheLuxuryEmporium.com and get ready to drool over these timeless bags. Even better? Fashionista readers can take a 10% discount on full price items by entering Fashionista in the promo box at checkout!

Now, get in the spirit! Click through to see some more awesome arm candy.
Read more »

Webvertorial

Do You Wear Glasses? Switch Up Your Look in A Snap with LOOKMATIC

By Fashionista Tuesday, Nov 22, 2011 / 2:45 PM

LOOKMATIC, the eyewear e-tailer formerly known as SpexClub, introduce their newly branded e-shop, bringing the hottest eyewear to the bespectacled set. Take it from someone who knows: it’s hard in these streets for those visually impaired fashionistas. It can be quite a feat to find stylish, inexpensive frames for prescription lenses once you grow weary of sporting the same look.

Joe Cole, the brand’s Executive Creative Director says, “LOOKMATIC presents eyewear as an accessory, not just a necessity, [and] is inspired by personal style and accessibility – everyone should be able to afford to change their ‘look’ with multiple pairs of beautiful prescription eyewear.”

LOOKMATIC offers a wide selection of chic handmade frames in a variety of shapes. There is something for everyone (even the guys)– whether you’re the trendy sort, or you prefer a more classic look. Plus, they offer a “virtual try-on” feature, allowing you to see what you’d look like in your frames before purchasing.

At just $88 for a pair complete with your prescription lenses, now there’s no reason not to have multiple frames in your arsenal. Check out LOOKMATIC.com to see the endless options.