Deal of the Day: Isaac Mizrahi for Liz Claiborne

Lovin' these so much. Get your pair of Noelle sandals at Liz Claiborne for $44.99. Only a few sizes left!

Links à la Mode: The Elements of Style

The Elements of Style

Edited by Retro Chick

Whether it’s Winter or Summer, relentless rain or an unceasing heatwave where you are, this weeks Links a la Mode is packed with entertainment to keep you out of the sun/rain/wind.

If you plan to travel to escape your current weather conditions then Hi Fashion has some great travel tips and Idiosyncratic Style has some ideas for easy fashion DIY projects you can take with you.
Other highlights this week include a hilarious mans view on some Celebrity Fashion choices from Unfunded, Our Ocean’s coverage of Vivienne Westwood’s appearance on Jonathan Ross and Style Amor’s refusal to buy a wedding dress, as well as some insightful interviews and gorgeous give-aways.

Choosing just 20 links from the number of fantastic submissions is a challenging task and this week I found it particularly hard to whittle down the numbers so be sure to go and check out the rest of the links in the full Links a la Mode thread.

Links à la Mode : July 30th

• Breakfast at Saks – Aschobi: Sierra Leone Couture


• Brick My Lane – Interview with Christian Joy, the genius behind the costumes worn by Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs


• by Hillary – Deciding if you really need to dry clean that dress that says “dry clean”


• Culturistas – The Culturistas find a ‘Lust vs Must’ profile of the Romper Trend!


• Fashion Cents – Can you wear the romper trend? Fashion Cents helps you decide if and how to romp around


• Fashion Hippo – Fashion Hippo is having a fantastic giveaway: Mary Frances “Mercury Rising” wristlet bag.


• Fashion in my eyes – Interview: Fashion editor at 17


• HiFashion – Tips for fashionable travellers


• Idiosyncratic Style – A round up of 5 cool projects that are perfect for summer vacation, because they are light on supplies and low maintenance.


• Independent Fashion Bloggers – Rhythm is Gonna Getcha: Maintaining Consistency in Your Blog


• iStyle – The Lazy Girl’s Guide to Looking Fab: A real-life 5 minute make-up guide with unedited photos


• Mademoiselle Robot – An interview with headwear designer Jennifer Loiselle about films, motherhood and independent designers.


• Only Style Remains the Same – Offer an outfit idea to win a pair of Current/Elliott jeans from only style remains the same and chickdowntown.


• Our Ocean – An insanely inspiring interview with Vivienne Westwood on Jonathan Ross


• Pursed Lips – Lara Stone, size 4, heralded as bringing “curvy” back. But isn’t the bigger difference her C cup bra, and not her weight?


• Rags to Reverie – A look at the Stella McCartney Fall 2009 ad campaign + a couple of deals from the eponymous label


• reLYME – It’s Beka’s birthday, and in the spirit of birthday giving, reLYME is giving away SIX China Glaze nail lacquers from the Kicks collection!


• Retro Chick – Can I wear it? Yes, I can! Retro Chick gives Harem Pants a try with surprising results.


• Style Amor – Check out why I have given up buying a wedding gown from a traditional bridal boutique.


• Sweet Fuzz – Score one of a kind fashion treasures at your local thrift store and check out the insanely cheap items I snapped up at mine.


• The Coveted – Amsterdam Fashion Week bridges the gap between fashion students and industry at Lichting 2009


• Unfunded – Unfunded collaborates with J. Money from Budgets are Sexy to learn what guys really think of the things we wear.

What I Want Now - Designer Handbag: Michelle Monroe

How could I only choose five? Michelle Monroe took me there with these amazing handbags that are guaranteed to garner attention away from your fab outfit. See the entire collection here.

Deal of the Day: Jessica Simpson Mint Satchel

Deal of the Day: Jessica Simpson's Mint Satchel, $38.40 @ Dillard's.

What To Wear Out To Party: Cocktail Party Attire

Here's this week's party outfit. It's a little dressy and styled for the cocktail set. Go and get your groove thing on.

From top to bottom: Blouse, Castle Starr @ Bluefly.com; Tiered Skirt, Twelve by Twelve @ Forever 21; Pavé Teardrop Earrings, Nadri @ Nordstrom; Swarovski Bracelet, Ann Taylor; Multi-colored Clutch, Melie Blanco @ Endless.com; Vidaurri Cutout Sandals, Aldo Shoes.

What I Want Now - Designer Shoes: Christian Louboutin

When I saw a picture of these gorgeous boots by Christian Louboutin, my mouth hit the floor. I so want these. Available at Saks.

What To Wear To Brunch - Special Touch: Mevie by Marc Jacobs

Here's your weekly What to Wear to Brunch outfit.

From top to bottom: Jumpsuit, Maverick @ Lulu's; Floral Earrings and Ring Set, Forever 21; Bib Necklace, Arden B.; Mevie Hobo Bag, Marc Jacobs @ Shopbop.com; Gladiator Sandals, Baker's Shoes.

Buy of the Day - Statement Jewelry: Arden B

Statement jewelry for under $25.00. Get this lovely beaded bib necklace @ Arden B for the bargain prices of $24.00.

What I Want Now: Prada

Oh my. This is the new "It" bag. You know the devil wears prada, for real. It's the Prada Cervo Shine satchel available at Barney's.

Buy of the Day - Vintage Designer Clothes: Victor Costa on Ebay

Beautiful dress for a posh evening out by Victor Costa @ $29.99 on eBay.

Designer Spotlight: Serena Williams

Tennis star Serena Williams is making sure that she has a career waiting for her after she hangs up her racquet. She scored a deal with HSN.com to sell the designs that have been swirling around in her creative brain. Serena is so about the bling. Remember the $40,000 earrings that she wore on court during a match? The girl needs her bling. So it is no surprise that the bulk of her collection is jewelry. Here are some of my favorites pieces. You can see her entire collection on HSN.

Links à la Mode: Style Cravings & Indulgences

Style Cravings & Indulgences

Edited by Jordana

This week’s Links à la Mode round-up from Independent Fashion Bloggers provides a variety of sweet treats. We’ve got hair how-to’s from Fasshonaburu and Bonne-Vie, sorbet inspirations from Idiosyncratic Style, Paris Couture collection picks from Fashion Pulse Daily and interviews galore, among other juicy additions.

I also want to give a special shout-out to IFB editor Ashe Mischief of Dramatis Personae, who is celebrating her 2 year blog-aversary with a special giveaway.

Links à la Mode : July 23rd

• A Typical Atypical: A look at the unexpected fashion gems on offer at this year’s new designers exhibition in London – cut-out dresses, paper-like jewelry and more!


• Bonne-Vie: Pincurl project – experimenting with glamorous retro style techniques to create a saucy updo!


• Confessions of a Fashion Editor: Polling for the next Vogue Cover Girl – Bonnie Wright’s first fashion shoot.


• Denimaniac: Camo’s SS 2010 “Horses” collection and thoughts of Meryl Streep…


• Dramatis Personae: Celebrating a two year anniversary with a great giveaway – $50 gift card to BeautyTicket.com!


• Duper: Interview with Raoul Keil, founder of NINETEEN74 and Schon! Magazine.


• Fashion Cents: How to get glam for a movie date so that there is real life lights, camera, action!


• Fashion is My Crush: It’s a mosh pit: A studded DIY belt, some jellies from the kids section at Payless and some concrete comfort.


• Fashion Pulse Daily: Hand-picked favorite looks from 10 of the Paris Couture collections.


• Fasshonaburu:Finding a new hair dresser and how to break up with your old one.


• Idiosyncratic Style: A design board of inspiring comparisons of cool sorbet treats and summer fashion choices.


• Retro Chick: Sunglasses to flatter your face.


• Shop Diary: Cozy up with a snood for fall and how to improvise in these recessionary times.


• Style Symmetry: Interview with Cammila of Dressed Up Like a Lady.


• The Coveted: Turning Red, How to go monochromatic…


• The Musings of Ondo Lady: A look at Style Sample Magazine – featuring articles about a wide variety of bloggers across the world.


• Unfunded: Drooling over the sexy styles of Brandon Boyd and Robert Pattinson.


• V is for Olive: Inspired by a road trip through the American West - taking color palette ideas from nature and applying them to your own summer wardrobe.


• WorkChic: Teamed with Polyvore to show examples of a blouse makeover by style and your office type.

Buy of the Day: Martine Wester

A beautiful cocktail ring in opacific opal. Set your pinky finger off for the mere price of $17.50. Get it at Martine Wester.

What To Wear Out To Party

Here's this week's party outfit. Get out there and party like it's 1999!

From top to bottom: Jumper, Purple Label @ 80's Purple; Small Handbag, Lanvin @ Barney's New York; Gladiator Sandals, Candela @ Bluefly.com; Chandelier Earrings and Rhinestone Bangles @ Forever 21; Ring, Rings Eclectic @ Net-a-Porter.net

What I Want Now: Free People

Free People has created the sexiest little sequin slip. It has a low scoop back line and ribbon adjustable straps. Sexy. Sexy.

What I Want Now: Urban Outfitters

Urban Outfitters in collaboration with LD Tuttle has produced this lovely pair of blue suede shoes. I want a pair. Don't you want a pair?

What I Want Now: Tulle

This jacket has a fab silhouette and an amazing color. You could totally wear this without a shirt and a pair of dark wash jeans. Perfect for hanging out on the weekend. Get it at Tulle.

Buy of the Day: Urban Outfitters

Where can you find beautiful statement jewelry for under $50.00? Urban Outfitters is the correct answer. Get this beautiful necklace for $48.00.

Links à la Mode: Make New Friends, But Keep the Old…

Make New Friends, But Keep the Old…

Edited by AsheMischief
Because fashion bloggers love both silver & gold!

Okay, that was a bit of a cheesy, childhood song for those Stateside, but I did notice one thing this week– fresh new faces and old familiar ones. From long time contributors like Mademoiselle Robot and The Musings of Ondo Lady, to new (-to-me) Our Ocean, Links á la Mode is an amazing way to meet new bloggers and discover new territories. Think of today as Make a New Friend Day on Links á la Mode…read new blogs for a fresh dose of inspiration and revisit your favorites to remember why you love them!

As always, we’ve got a delightful mash-up of posts, too… from how to score review samples to a thoughtful post on The Uniform Project and lots of great summer clothes and jewelry. Be sure to check out the forums too, as there are several great contests going on!

Links à la Mode : July 16th

• 39thandbroadway.com – NYC vs LA – The Fashion Week Debate


• Fabulous Finds Gal – Who doesn’t love a gorgeous pin-up? The pin-up poet’s gorgeous and creative new amazing book and insightful interview with the author.


• Fashion Dare – A Nautical Nod


• Fasshonaburu – Everyone has a list like this, places to go before you turn 50, a “bucket list” of things to do before you kick it, etc. Well, it sounds shallow and superficial (and by “sounds” I mean “is”), but I have a list of things I want to buy before I enter my nex


• HiFashion – The Lazy Girl’s Guide to Good Health


• Hong Kong Fashion Geek – Wide-leg pants and how to make them work for you


• Independent Fashion Bloggers – Not Buying It: How has the recession affected your fashion blog?


• Mademoiselle Robot – A London Girl’s shopping guide to Stockholm.


• Meilily – Island Style Pick: Wood & Bead Bracelet


• Our Ocean – A colourful review of the clothes in An American in Paris.


• Retro Chick – Lulu Guinness Holiday Resort 2009 Collection


• Shop Diary – 2 days ago 1stdibs.com, the renowned antiques site, just launched a vintage couture, fashion and accessories designer section.


• The Capitol Fashionista – Modern Fashionista Travel with Vintage Luggage: What better way to add a little touch of class than packing it all up in vintage luggage.


• THE COVETED – Gorgeous New, More Affordable Denim from A|X and a $500 A| Gift Card Giveaway


• The Fashion Planner – ShoeDazzle – Review of Kim Kardashian’s shoe club.


• the musings of ondo lady – Mention the word Biba and you can bet that any decent fashionista will go all starry eyed. This is because along with Mary Quant, Diane von Furstenberg and Twiggy, Biba is right up there as one of the iconic fashion brands of the 60s and 70s.


• The Recessionista – 2 days ago Essential Summer Style Tips–Tips for essential summer wardrobe staples: Tips from The Recessionista Blog and Jones’ New York Style Guru Lloyd Boston


• Think Thru Fashion – Agate Accessories: Find affordable ways to wear the trendy crystal.


• threadbared – How the Uniform Project highlights fashion’s one constant — the tension between individuality and standardization


• tickle – Fresh Catch! tickle grills the designers of Delirius, a line as flirty as NY girls


• Unfunded – All Eyes on Hayden Panettiere and Lace!

What I Want Now: Guess by Marciano

Guess is saying that this is the new "It" bag. It is pretty close. I love that it is multicolored and has a chain-link strap. Get it at Guess by Marciano.

What I Want Now: Miu Miu

I love Miu Miu. They never disappoint me. Never. Get a pair at Barney'sbarneys.

Buy of the Day: Urban Outfitters

This is so girly and is on sale at Urban Outfitters for $19.99.

Modern Fashionista Travel with Vintage Luggage

Your fashionista travel plans land you in Miami. It's the hot spot in the states that has just about everything: fashion, the arts, food, nightlife and of course, the beach. So you need fabulous luggage to pack your fab wardrobe and your amazing shoes. Why not go vintage? What better way to add a little touch of class than packing it all up in vintage luggage. So I scoured the vintage spots for the best pieces.



Here are my favorites:

Train Cases

Jewel Box Treasures



Glamour Surf



sophistikate



Round Suitcases

Simply Pear



Lisa's Retro Style


7 Fenton Street


Shoulder Bags

Lea's Vintage




Dewberry Vintage


Advintagous


BottomFeeder



Hat Boxes

Good Eye



Stiletto Girl


The Vintage Vendor



Standard Suitcases

Simply Maggie May


Aimee Armoire



Dovely Sells


Swanky Satchels


{Miami pics via Concierge.com}

LOCAL SALE: Proper Topper

Proper Topper is having its summer sale. Everything is on sale now through July 25.



LOCATIONS

dupont circle
just south of the circle

1350 connecticut avenue, nw
washington, dc 20036
ph 202.842.3055
fx 202.452.1832
dupont@propertopper.com

hours:
10 am - 8 pm, monday - friday
10 am - 7 pm, saturday
12 pm - 6 pm, sunday

georgetown
at the corner of wisconsin and p st.

3213 p street, nw
washington, dc 20007
ph 202.333.6200
fx 202.333.2782
georgetown@propertopper.com

hours:
10:30 am - 6:30 pm, monday – friday
10 am - 7 pm, saturday
12 pm - 6 pm, sunday

Designer Spotlight: Bea Valdes

Filipino-born designer, Bea Valdes, has design in her blood. Her family was in the jewelry trade. So true is Valdes to her craft that she continues to live in Manila working with local artisans in order to keep it real. I love the line from her website: "stringing together millimeters into millenium - that is her method." Her work is stunning and takes statement jewelry to a new level. See all of her work on her web site.








{images via Couture Lab}

Links à la Mode: Summer Staples

Summer Staples

Edited by Jennine

In the midst of Summer many of us take refuge by the fan and some of us miraculously make do with the heat in all but the best ways. In this roundup we’ve got Summer Festival tips on Unfunded, Hong Kong Fashion Geeks Resort Redux, Krislyn’s chic summer essentials, Fashion Cent’s essential white jackets. And on the indie front Dramtis Personae finds eco friendly clothing for people of all sizes, and Oh Canada…Tatiana’s showcases Canadian Indie Designers. And last but not least… Twins… mode.ulation wonders if are they the modelings industries next new thing?

Links à la Mode : July 9th

• 39th and Broadway – AMAZINGLY Stupid Fashionistas?


• A Few Goody GumDrops – Look Tres Chic with Tres Sleek!


• Broke & Beautiful – ECIG: Abigail Glaum-Lathbury


• Confessions of a Fashion Editor – Beauty kills… beauty, Rant, bebo


• dramatis personae – Eco-Friendly Clothing Options For All Sizes


• Fashion Cents – Summer Staple — The White Jacket


• Fashion is My Crush – DIY Embellished Heels


• Fashion Pulse Daily – Givenchy Beauty Set Giveaway


• Felicia Sullivan – first look: leanne marshall’s bluefly collaboration


• Hong Kong Fashion Geek – Buying Time: Resort Redux


• Hot Beauty Health – Become An Elle Video Star!


• Independent Fashion Bloggers – So You Want a Review Sample


• Krislyn Diaries – DIY: how to dress summertime chic pt. 2


• mode.ulation – Model Moment: Fashion takes double


• Retro Chick – Spectacular!! Spectacular!! Burlesque Event in Cambridge


• Style Symmetry – Mix and Match Polka Dots for a Fun Retro Vibe


• Tatiana Supports the Arts – Indie Designer Spotlight: Canadian Edition


• THE COVETED – Interview with Astronomically talented Julie Eilenberger at Berlin Fashion Week


• Think Thru Fashion – A Search for the Longest Lasting Lip Color


• Unfunded – Der Festival


• Work Chic – Win a Scarf from The Vintage Scarf!

Vintage Find of the Day: Cloud Nine Vintage

This is the most adorable vintage summer dress. Get it at Cloud Nine Vintage.

Etsy Fashion Find: Eight Seasons

I adore this unique and beautiful clutch by Eight Seasons.

What I Want Now: J. Crew

Can J. Crew put these shoes on sale? Puuuuullllllllleeeeeeeeesssse?

What I Want Now: Sigerson Morrison

More shoes, of course. I heart these wedges from Sigerson Morrison. What a unique look, right? You could wear these shoes with anything. Available at Tobi.

What I Want Now: Dolce Vita

Most gladiator sandals have not impressed me this summer. I have bought two pair because the styling was a little edgy. So I was glad to see this fab variation on the gladiator by Dolce Vita. Get a pair at Endless.com

Links à la Mode: The Whole Woman

The Whole Woman

Edited by Debutante Clothing


I love being a woman. I love that we can have the best of both worlds – being fun and feminine and a successful career women. This week, I’ve selected a round up of links that really represents the whole woman. From being natural and vulnerable enough to go without make-up as Style Symmetry does in her beautiful post, to The Demoiselles’ post about breaking body image and fashion rules. And for those of us that are caught up in this difficult job-seeking market, there are even work fashion posts from Work Chic and Fasshonaburu. But we can’t be so serious all the time right? So for us women just needing a fun and frivolous escape, there are loads of fashion finds and even some giveaways to help us bask in our glorious womanhood. Enjoy!

Links à la Mode : July 2nd

• Bobbins And Bombshells: – finds the perfect vintage items for a picnic!


• Bonne Vie: – Jesica Milton – a few quick questions with a local designer (and some down to earth advice for aspiring fashion designers)


• Breakfast at Saks: – interviews Dana-Maxx about Betsey Johnson, Marc Jacobs, and her new F/W collection “Sex, Love, and Heartbreak”


• Clutch 22: – Exclusive sneak peek at I Heart Norwegian Wood for Shrimpton Couture collection!


• Daisy Fairbanks: – Farewell to Farrah, Style Icon


• Debutante Clothing: – Sail Away with Vintage Sailboat finds


• Dramatis Personae: – shares the Alice & Isa Boutique, showcasing the best of independent San Francisco designers.


• Fabulous Finds and Co.: – Glam rock gals that have a serious talent in spotting the latest trends and creating them.


• Fashion Fight Club: – New Legal Troubles for Forever 21 and the Bill Status of the Design Piracy Prohibition Act


• Fashion Is the Best Medicine: – Revisiting some of the trends Michael Jackson started, and no, they’re not exclusively fashion trends.


• Fasshonaburu: – Afraid of losing your job? Boost job security by builidng your work wardrobe!


• fête à fête: – Take care of your skin – organic sun care from Juice Beauty


• Mademoiselle Robot: – The Summer holidays are here so I compiled some useful packing tips!


• Mystery Creature: – Getting inspired – can work-wear look cool?


• Retro Chick: – Something Old Something New: Oxfam launches DIY competition with celebrity stylist Mrs Jones


• Style Symmetry: – Going Make Up Less in support of all womens natural beauty!


• Super Kawaii Mama: – The Fabulous World of the Himegyaru


• The Coveted: – Win a par of We Love Colors Tights!


• The Demoiselles: – Calling all extremists! Jennifer Nicole tells us all why, in fashion, being “normal” is a bad thing.


• Think Thru Fashion: – Farrah Fawcett’s Fashion Lives On: Spring trends reflect the iconic 70s style of the Charlie’s Angels actress.


• Work Chic: – We show how you can incorporate vintage dresses into your work attire with our new video style series!

Vintage Find of the Day: A Fresh Vintage

I am so totally lovin' this bag from A Fresh Vintage. This doesn't even look vintage. It looks like you could buy this in Bloomies or Nordstrom. Love it. Get it here.

Vintage Find of the Day: Fruit Salad Vintage

This dress is too sexy. Get it at Fruit Salad Vintage.

What I Want Now: The Best of William Rast

I guess singing and dancing was getting a little boring for Justin Timberlake. So he has now added a womenswear line to his William Rast Autumn/Winter '09-10 wares. Timberlake told UK Vogue that he was inspired by American Classics like "Rumblefish" and "Thelma and Louise." I must say that his inspiration definitely translated well into his clothes. The line is primarily jeans which really doesn't impress me but there were some fab items at really good prices. See the entire line here. Here are my picks. The trench coat is my favorite: