Scarlet & the cool-girl kicks

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It’s a rare occurrence when I go into a store and want everything on the racks. Like it never happens as a rule. Scarlet in West Little Rock is an exception to that rule. At nine years old, Scarlet is better the ever. The shop recently opened a new storefront designed by the brilliant Heather Owens of Georgia James (you can find heather & a mini GJ shop within Scarlet); a relaunched website featuring a web store with brands like Elizabeth & James, Rebecca Minkoff and J Brand alongside the Scarlet brand capsule collection.
Brimming with leather skinnies, cutout dresses, flat bill caps and fur jackets, Scarlet has the quintessential fall wardrobe for the coolest girl you know.

The clothes, bags and baubles are drool worthy but the shoes – oh the shoes – I’m continually obsessed with the selection that owner Jeanne curates. You may know that I rarely buy new pieces, strictly adhering to a diet of vintage & thrift, but this diet doesn’t really apply to footwear. In fact, I’ll go so far as to say that shoes are almost always best when bought new.

Until now, you could only peruse & purchase this amazingness in store. I feel like it’s my duty to inform you that you will be able to buy them online as of Thursday, 10/31.

And you’re welcome.

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Zara Wishlist

I may have mentioned my intense love/hate relationship with stores like Zara and H&M. While I love them dearly, I am prohibited from shopping them because of where I live (yes, Arkansas). Happily, I will be going to Dallas next weekend to visit my wonderful Aunt Ann. She is always amenable to shopping with me and has taken me to the loveliest little vintage shops. This time I’m going prepared…with a shopping list…for Zara!

LEATHER DRESSLEOPARD PRINT PLATFORM COURT SHOELEATHER WEDGE ANKLE BOOTSNAKE PRINT SCARFVELVETEEN MILITARY COATBLAZER WITH LEATHER COLLAR AND ELBOW PATCHESASH GREY WOOLLEN STUDIO CAPETULIP-SKIRT DRESSPRINTED DRESS WITH CONTRASTING WAVE COLLARFRAYED MINISKIRTCRÊPE TROUSERS WITH CROSS OVER FRONTBELL BOTTOM JEANSSWEATER WITH CONTRASTING FUR SHOULDERS'LEO & LISA' LONG SLEEVED T-SHIRTBLUCHER SOFTSHOULDER BAG WITH POM-POMCHAIN BELTCOMBINED HIDE BELTFeather necklaceSTRIPED STRETCH BRACESPATTERNED HANDKERCHIEF

All from Zara.com

ASOS Stateside!

I have long slobbered over the gorgeous/affordable offerings from mega-online-British-retailer ASOS. However, I had forgotten they were creating a site for US customers until today. AND they are offering free shipping and free returns. I also must note for any interested parties, ASOS has just as much to offer for men’s fashion – that might require a separate post.

Umm for Christmas, may I have everything?

Warning: Slobber likely ahead.

Image 1 of ASOS BLACK Exaggerated Hip Textured DressImage 2 of ASOS BLACK Exaggerated Hip Textured Dress

Dress $163

Are you excited yet? There is seriously so much available on this site and a wide range of price points. One could buy an outfit (dress, tights, headband and shoes) for under $100 or spend a fortune on one special dress.

Image 1 of ASOS Mixed Embellished Tunic DressImage 2 of ASOS Mixed Embellished Tunic Dress

Embellished Dress $258

Image 1 of Vero Moda Low V Wrap DressImage 2 of Vero Moda Low V Wrap Dress

Wrap Dress $75

Image 1 of ASOS Peterpan Collar Jersey Dress

Peterpan dress, $41

Image 1 of ASOS Button Through Drop Waist Shirt Dress

White dress, $55

Image 1 of ASOS Shoulderpad Batwing Jersey Maxi Dress

Maxi dress, $55

Image 1 of ASOS Tailored Ruffle Front Pencil Dress

Pencil dress, $79

Image 1 of Mango Waisted Skater Dress

Skater Dress, $120

Image 1 of ASOS Pussybow Frill Back Dress

Frill Dress, $62

Image 1 of Warehouse Animal Swing Dress

Animal print dress, $77

Image 1 of ASOS Taffeta Box Pleat Dress

Taffeta Dress, $65

Image 1 of ASOS Chiffon Sleeve Embellished TunicImage 2 of ASOS Chiffon Sleeve Embellished Tunic

Sparkle Tunic, $163

Image 1 of ASOS Leopard Bandeau Dress

Leopard Bandeau, $65

Image 1 of ASOS Belted Kimono Dress

Kimono dress, $65

Image 1 of Whistles Celeste Dress With Back DetailImage 2 of Whistles Celeste Dress With Back Detail

Dress, $301

Image 1 of ASOS Animal Print Shoulder Pad Shift Dress

Sheath, $51

Image 1 of Lisa Jayne Dann Velvet Hooded DressImage 2 of Lisa Jayne Dann Velvet Hooded Dress

Velvet hooded dress, $198

Image 1 of Paprika Gathered Side Drape Midi Length DressImage 2 of Paprika Gathered Side Drape Midi Length Dress

Gathered dress, $43

All images from ASOS.com Also explore their outlet, beauty, designer and men’s.

 

Discovery! Must Share!

I am excited. Long, drawn-out story but I just discovered Sam Edelman. I’m almost embarrassed I was not already familiar!  I saw a girl wearing the most adorable boots on ebay and messaged her about them (obv they weren’t for sale but she was nice enough to divulge the brand). This lead me to discover that I am obsessed with any and all shoes by Sam Edelman. Esp these gorgeous booties that friendly ebay girl was wearing:

Click to zoom in.

But it doesn’t stop there!

Literally every shoe is staring at me with weepy puppy eyes begging to have a home on my shoe shelf and my feet.

Am considering blowing christmas savings (who am I kidding?) on them.

A few more faves…

These lovely shoes can be purchased online at tons of retailers. Full list here.

 

The Glory of a Well Dressed Man

Mine eyes have seen the glory of a well-dressed man. This spin on the battle hymn of the republic keeps playing in my head. It’s so true. I think a lot of women might protest that they “don’t want a prissy guy”, or they are turned off by the idea of a beau that spends more than them on pants or accessories, they may even be fearful that a man’s pride in the way he looks could signify something effeminate.

Ladies, I dare to disagree. Think Justin Timberlake or Jude Law, think Robert Pattinson and Joshua Jackson, even call Dwayne Wade to mind. My bf calls Mr. Wade the best dressed man in sports. While there is a fine line between Chuck Bass’ ascots and a well-tailored three-piece suit…a guy who knows what fits, knows where to shop and (heaven-forbid) knows when he looks good is truly valuable. See these best dressed men galleries from Vogue, Esquire, GQ UK , GQ Men of Style and GQ’s most stylish.

Best Dressed Men 2010Dwayne Wade NBA's Dwayne Wade of the Miami Heat attends the 7th Annual Grand Gala following the 134th Kentucky Derby on May 3, 2008 in Louisville, Kentucky.

I’m not just talking about formal-wear. I’m addressing the whole wardrobe. I always tell my boyfriend we need to “look like we’re going to the same place” and that doesn’t mean we need to match. This whole tirade actually started because I found some AMAZING online shops for men. I’ll go ahead and share those now…

Fine & Dandy has accessories and shoes of all kinds at phenomenal prices. (under $50 for all bowties and ties)

Bonobos has clothing and shoes,  all available to be tailored and very affordable.

Daisy: The Stack Ring Masters

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British Jewelry brand Daisy is my new favorite discovery, both cool and affordable, it is worth checking out. My obsession with stacking rings continues (as seen here and here) with a vengeance. With Daisy, one can even design their own stacking ring. Music to my ears! Check out the Daisy Blog, Gallery and Online Shop. Be advised, their pricing is in pounds.

I’d like to mix these rings into a personalized stack!

Combo #1

1. Hyacinth, L44 2. Canary Wharf, L77 3. Tarragon L72

Combo #2

1. Rose, L33 2. Skullduggery, L64 3. Vicuna, L80

Or they have pre-made stacks like these

1. Avalon, L148 2. Mellow Yellow, L111 3. Jubilation – My Fave, L100 4. Valhalla, L91 5. Frenzy, L147

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A little happy

Online shopping can induce such a HIGH! Especially when you find sales, special finds or free shipping…Although it always takes so freaking long and you want it now! I ordered these little baubles from Urban Outfitters almost two weeks ago and I got a delivery confirmation that that are at my door! I can’t wait to see them when I get home and somehow incorporate them into my float-trip-weekend-wear. PS: my total was under $60!

UO Lace CollarKnot StudsRhinestone and Turquoise Stackable RingsBeaded Trim HeadwrapFaceted Tear Drop Bead Necklace