Innovation is (usually) good

These weirded me out.

Vibram Fivefingers.

Apparently some guy ran the Boston Marathon in these things.

From their site:

FiveFingers footwear connects you to the earth and your surroundings in a way that is simply not possible in conventional shoes. It puts you in touch with the earth beneath your feet and liberates you to move in a more natural, healthy way. FiveFingers stimulate the muscles in your feet and lower legs to build strength and improve range of motion. Our customers report an increased sense of balance, greater agility, and visibly improved posture.

Do you think they’re saying my 4” heels are bad for me?

Maybe some shoes that are good for your feet aren’t going to be so good for your social life. I’m just going to throw that out there…:)

-Jenny

Handbag Help

I am in desperate need of a big (but not TOO big) black (also a white) everyday inexpensive, but good quality bag. Maybe something no more than $150. I know I know, “The more you pay, the more you get out of it” but I just need something for everyday at work, where I can carry my Louis Vuitton wallet & checkbook, big sunglasses, make up bag, misc. things like lotions, Advil, water bottle and a magazine, or 2. Any suggestions???

Thank you sooo much!

S- from San Diego

Heck yes I can help. I know exactly how you feel- You want something to tote things in that can take a beating on a daily basis, is fashionable, but won’t break the bank.

These MAXX new york bags are from Endless and are only $145 each. Super shiny, structured and refined.

This soft suede Hype bag is from Bluefly and is only $135.

This Cole Haan bag is deceiving. It’s actually much larger than the image lets on: 16” wide by 9” tall. $177 at Bluefly.

Another great Hype bag from Bluefly
for only $135.

This is more eggshell than white, but still gorgeous. Kenneth Cole, $169 at Bluefly.

This Inge Christopher bag is unique and is on super-clearance at Bluefly for only $148 (marked down from $270)

While this one is slightly out of the price range at $298, this MICHAEL Michael Kors bag from Macy’s is a classic shape and perfect size.

Happy shopping!

-Jenny

How to wear ‘modern-retro’ to the office

Sara asked,

Question, I have this dress, but am unsure of what shoes to wear with it. It has a 60’s vibe, so I was going to go with a retro style shoe, but when I try that together it looks too Austin Powers. How can I pull off a modern retro look to the office??

ABS Two-Tone dress, $185 at Saks.

First, I want to say this dress is fantastic. It can be worn to the office or for an evening out, but what really determines where you can wear it are the accessories.

The dress is bold so you’ll want to choose a more subdued shoe so the overall feel of the look is modern and sleek. You can have a retro element to the shoe, just be careful to not go too far.

So, having said that, here’s some shoe options for the office:

I’m showing these options in black, but would also recommend the same styles in deep red or a nude color (sooo great for elongating the legs).

I’m going to start with the most conservative and work my way to the more ‘fashion forward’ end of the spectrum. What you like depends on your taste and the office environment.

Totally classic and conservative option. MAXSTUDIO ‘Marais’ Pump, $138.95 at Nordstrom.

Wow- a heel you can actually walk in! Belle by Sigerson Morrison Lace Up Pump, $290 at Shopbop.

I love the 20’s vibe of these shoes, mixed with the 60’s vibe of the dress. Offbeat, but STILL (in my opinion) ok for the office. Dolce Vita York Lace Up Pump, $138 at Shopbop

A retro feel, but still a delicate heel and strap. Moschino Cheap & Chic Peep Toe T-Strap Patent Leather Pump. $440 at Shopbop.

If any reader has a suggestion, email me the link to a shoe you would pair with this dress and I’ll post it here! Jenny (at) trendi (dot) com.

-Jenny

Finally- archives!

I finally put a link up on the right so you can easily navigate the archives.

-Jenny

Who loves Sequins?

I do! I do!

I bought a fantastic racer-back sequined tank-top last week in my shopping binge. It was a $30 find from Forever21 (The retailer that’s like your most superficial friend ever. It starts out SO WONDERFUL and ends in shreds and tears and most likely an embarrassing situation.)

I wore it on Saturday night to Marie’s (my friend and faithful reader/commenter) birthday party and then out to a few other bars.

So here’s me with Marie:

This thing is a wearable disco ball. Notice how it’s reflecting light on my arm, on my face, probably all over Marie and the other bar patrons. I realized, though, there’s only 3 kinds of people who really like this shirt:

1) Gay guys. I had probably (no exaggeration) 8 guys tell me my shirt was “fabulous” and that I looked like Victoria Beckham or Beyonce. The day I look like Beyonce, I will quit my job and just be hot for a living. The day I look like Victoria Beckham, I’ll eat 15 grilled cheese sandwiches and wash them down with chocolate milkshakes. Although I do love her hair and wardrobe- I’d take those any day. And David. I’d also take him too.

2) Cats. I almost drove my friend’s cats into a wall-climbing frenzy when the sun reflected off the shirt in his condo.

3) Girls with guts. Some girls and guys would say things like “Um, wow. You’re so…shiny. Will that shirt cut my arm if I hug you?” Girls with guts would say “Ooooh!!! I LOVE IT! Gotta get me one of those!”

Sequins are a little Vegas show-girly, but I’m loving it for now. I think I can dress this top up or down and fit it into almost any setting. Except for funerals…I don’t think I could make that work. Unless, of course, the funeral was for a Vegas show girl.

Happy Monday!

-Jenny

Thanks and No Thanks, American Apparel.

High-5’s, hugs, and smiley faces to Steph for the tip on these bad boys.

NO THANKS, American Apparel:

THANKS, American Apparel (I LOVE this dress):

-Jenny

Is it vintage if it’s new?

Nike recently launched ‘Nike Vintage‘. Piers from PSFK said:

“Sure, we understand the inspiration: sneaker heads love hard to find, rare old sneakers – and lots of people like to wear new faded clothes from places like Urban Outfitters because they think it’s cool or something. But why the hell is Nike doing this? We know they rejected much of their sports values for fashion ones a while ago but do they have to play the fad game just to get a buck?”

I think I would be more likely to buy the vintage styling shoe MINUS the pre-beat up shoelaces and exterior. It does seem to be a strange departure for Nike. What do you think? Would you buy these?

-Jenny

I have a Confession.

I’m so sorry to tell you this news. I was actually thinking about not telling you, but I don’t deceive or lie to my friends.

So here goes…

I took back the black Cole Haan boots. It was horrible…it made my stomach hurt and I almost cried.

I did it because I spent way too much time in the morning standing in my closet with my blood pressure raising, screaming at my clothes “I hate you! I hate all of you!” I needed clothes. I could argue I needed the boots too, but figured I wouldn’t be able to wear them until fall so there’s still time to buy them.

So what did I buy?

5 shirts (Wearing one today…picture below)
1 skirt
2 pairs of jeans (Wearing a pair today…which after seeing the pictures, I probably won’t pair with this shirt again. Too casual.)
2 pairs of shoes (Wearing a pair today- totally comfy. Love the heel on them.)

I totally cut my face out of this picture because I looked so…goofy. It’s late afternoon. I haven’t brushed my hair since this morning. I reserve the right to crop my face out, mmm k?

AND even after all of this, I still had about $220 left over which I promptly spent on a tanning package. Oh please. I can hear you from here saying to yourself “She’s going to RUIN her skin! Pre-mature aging! Wrinkles! Cancer!” To which I say “Botox! Microdermabrasion!”

So while I’m still partially mourning the loss of the boots, I’m very happy with the boost to my wardrobe and the new glowing tan on my skin.

Now I have something to save and plan for–my lovely boots.

-Jenny

Argh, Facebook.

I have been getting this message from Facebook repeatedly today:

“Hey, your account is temporarily unavailable due to site maintenance. It should be available again within a few hours. We apologize for the inconvenience.”

Translation: Few Hours = 8+ hours.

So…no updates right now to our Facebook Group or profile.

-Jenny

Newbies

We’re all aware of the commonly known designers and mass merchandise brands. And honestly, sometimes it gets really boring.

I like to keep my eye on what’s emerging from new designers and wanted to share a few of my favorite finds right now.

I love this blazer by Scott Gibson N.Y.C ($320). The buttons and large pockets make it feel a little retro, but the cut and fabric are modern. PLUS this blazer is made-to-order so it’s uniquely made for YOU. Available at Unsung Designers.

I’ve poked fun of ‘rompers’ in the past and while I still hate the word and the general idea of wearing what is essentially a baby’s onesie made for an adult, something about this one is compelling. I’m not sure if I could wear it, but I like something about it. Maybe it’s the dots? The simplicity of it? This is by Twospace. ($95) Available at Unsung Designers.

I’m sooo over tulip and bubble skirts (actually never bought any) but this aquamarine dress is not really either…just more puffy and random. It’s made by Ena Daro Couture ($200) and is available at Smashing Darling.

And one last thing I love. This Aqua Quartz bracelet by Ornamental Things. ($48) Available at Le Fashionista.