Hey Guys,
So I recently paid a visit to a super cute boutique in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn called 'Tessan'...
...it carries *amazing* vintage, French, Japanese, Nigerien, Senegalese and other global and locally-made accessories, clothes, sunglasses, handbags...
...at reasonable prices. The owner, Aissatou, is of French and Senegalese descent, and brings her global sense of chic to everything in the store.
She says "I opened Tessan Boutique because there were so few places in the neighborhood to shop for affordable, stylish accessories...
...I wanted my friends and neighbors to have a place close to home to find funky, unique treasures in a low-key, friendly atmosphere that carries a positive energy."
The store definitely delivers with the funky accessories. While I was there, my friend bought a cute braided belt, and I actually ended up buying the gold vintage necklace below...
...right off the mannequin!
Didn't hurt that everything was very well priced: Clothes started at $30, jewelry at $20, cosmetics at $6, and handbags and shoes at $60. Not bad at all.
The store, while quaint, had an amazing vibe. Plus Aissatou and I had a great time speaking French:)
If you're ever in Brooklyn, NY, Tessan Boutique is located at 280 Clinton Avenue (at the Corner of Dekalb). For more information, check out Tessan's website at www.tessanboutique.com.
Smootches!
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Boutique Spotlight: Tessan
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Building a Fashionable Work Wardrobe
Hey Guys,
So reader Amaka contacted me on myspace.com, and asked the following question:
I wanted to know if you could do a lil feature of fashion in the workplace (preferably corporate). I have been looking for a job and i am kind of hesitant...
That's a great question. Getting a work wardrobe together is difficult, especially when you're just getting started.
Every workplace is different (I wore pencil skirts, french cuffed oxford shirts, and pumps for a full year at my job before I figured out I could wear jeans and flats everyday!), but you can't go wrong with the following basics in black, white, or a neutral color:
1. Pencil or A-line skirt
2. Pump
3. Crisp oxford shirt
4. Cardigan
5. Tailored pants
6. Tote bag
7. Structured Jacket
8. Work Appropriate Dress
9. Flats
Most items will have to be pretty traditional so that you can add accents without clashing. Here I compiled a few basics plus a couple of traditional items with a twist (for those who don't want the typical boring, ho hum fair):
Middle Row: Arturo Chiang Gigi Patent Flat, $98, www.bloomingdales.com; Isaac Mizrahi for Target Georgette Ruffle Dress, $40, www.target.com; Tahari Papi Pumps, $110, www.macys.com.
Bottom Row: INC International Concepts Ruffled-Cuff Trapeze Jacket, $119, www.macys.com; J.Crew Slim Stretch Shirt, $59.50, www.jcrew.com; Michael Michael Kors Pencil Skirt, $79.50, www.nordstrom.com.
For pants, I also personally endorse Express Editor Pants. They fit me well, never need to be altered, and look professional, all for the reasonable price of $70. Visit www.expressfashion.com for an Express near you.
On top of your foundational items, you'll need a few accents: tops, dresses, jackets, or shoes in bold colors, prints, and saucy fabrics to mix things up. Don't spend a ton on these if you can: You'll tire of them easily...and your coworkers will too! My choices:
Middle Row: Lux Summer Cardigan, $48, www.urbn.com; Floral Sleeveless Wrap Dress, $148, www.anntaylor.com; Ruffled Blouse, $24.80, www.forever21.com.
Bottom Row: Seychelles 'And the Winner Is' Pumps, $84, zappos.com
Aqua Cross Dye Swing Jacket, $58, www.bloomingdales.com; Marc by Marc Jacobs Shoes, $235, zappos.com
A few caveats for those just starting off. Steer away from sheer shirts and thigh grazing hemlines. Also stick to conservative, neutral colors and silhouettes until you get a feel of the office environment.
Now get to work!
Smootches!
PS Want more outerwear options? Visit my post about Trenches here. Want more bag options? Visit my post about bold bags here.
PSS I’ve heard from a couple readers that my ‘clockwise from top left’ description of items was confusing. I have no idea why I didn’t just do it by row to begin with! But I’ve revised the descriptions of items in the trenches and bags posts so that it’s easier for you to find items...and will go row by row from now on!
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Style File: Christina Milian
Hey Y'all,
For this week’s style file, my fashion spotlight shines on actress and singer Christina Milian!
There are a few occasions where Christina tries—and fails—at following trends.
But we all have our bad days, right? For the most part Ms. Milian pulls it together and holds it down for the young brown in Hollywood.
She typically rocks shiny, short, saucy dresses for the red carpet…
Gorgeous.
Want her look? I’ve compiled a few high and low priced Christina Milian like items for ya. Check it out:
Middle Row: Nicole Miller Square Neck Stretch Silk Dress, $365, www.nordstrom.com; Bronx Claudine Shoes, $89, zappos.com
Now dip it low.
Smootches!
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