The Sidewalk is a Runway

Bye Bye Blogspot - Hello SidewalkisaRunway.com

2008-10-21T15:25:00.000-07:00

I am moving on up in the world and transitioning from blogspot to my own domain, www.SIDEWALKISARUNWAY.com. If for some reason you decide to type THEsidewalkisarunway.com instead - don't you worry - I've got that covered and it will re-direct!

My posts on Facebook & Twitter will be for the new site, so if you click externally that's ok too.

Grazie mile.

Hervé Léger - Body Bondage

2008-10-20T16:18:00.000-07:00

Hervé Léger (via Max Azria) bandage mini dresses are shaping up to be the new Roland Mouret Galaxy dress - i.e. worn by multiple celebs, multiple ways on the red carpet. This silhouette, however, is not as forgiving as Roland's, and requires a seriously hot bod and no carb intake on day of said red carpet event. Bebe definitely has the short & skimpy market covered, so it's no surprise they knocked off this celeb favorite - for a fraction of the cost.

All dresses $98, shop BeBe.com

Halloween Like A Queen

2008-10-19T13:03:00.000-07:00

Get Creative - don't just go to Ricky's and pick up a costume in a package, unless you're a dude! Marie Antoinette is one of the most fascinating icons in history - due in large part to her dress and how it drove the French crazy, in more ways than one. Of course it's hard to achieve 3 foot hair, but the Sofia Coppola version of Marie Antoinette can be easily interpreted into best dressed girl on Halloween.

If in need of a little more inspiration, one of my favorite books "Queen of Fashion: What Marie Antoinette Wore to the Revolution" (Caroline Weber) - goes into detail about what was worn from her first steps at Versailles, to when she was beheaded - and all of the history in between. Fortunately, I learned way more about the revolution from this book than from public school in PA.

For the readers in Austin, an AMAZING place to buy/rent costumes, hats, & jewelry is Lucy In Disguise With Diamonds in SoCo. Jewelry is grouped by genre (Greek, Hip Hop, Victorian), and there are fabulous sales people who help you find exactly what you're looking for - be it sequin hot pants or a Top Gun style bomber jacket.

Forever21.com $5.80

Forever21.com $4.80

AmericanApparel.net $34

Asos.com $58

Atrévete - Calle 13 Style Blowin' Up

2008-10-19T12:18:00.000-07:00

Calle 13 was my senior year muse. For those of you who don't know, Residente Calle 13 is a Puerto Rican group that's huge in Latin America, like our Coldplay but verrrry different. I would ride the E train to Queens (listening to some Reggaeton) trying to make some bills, and then head back into the city for a 6-9 class - all in my boots w/ the fur, 80's door knocker earrings, and puffer jacket (with more fur).

I was ridiculous! I still have a strong affinity for it though - and now that Calle 13 is ALL over MTV, I'm deeply regressing and daydreaming about nail art in East Elmhurst. When it comes to Latina style, all you really need is color, confidence, and a metrocard.

Nail art via Valleynyc.com in the Lower East Side, but you can get this anywhere, just ask for it!

An absolute favorite - Girlprops.com $9.99

Build your own bag @ Emotional Baggage $100, Etsy.com

Rocawear.com $75

Pound The Pavement

2008-10-17T16:04:00.000-07:00

I dream of the day when my shoes will have their own home and won't be hanging on some rickety fixture on the back of my door. My man has to adjust it about every month to make sure it doesn't collapse – like it did many a time in our tiny New York apt. Anyway, the point here is that I don't have a walk in closet and it is NOT full of Louboutins.

I have only splurged once on shoes: During a visit home (Philly has great outlet venues) at the Neiman Marcus Last Call – I bought a pair of Chanel ballet flats – totally necessary and justifiable, but a little different with clear plastic sides and patent black toes. To this day they are absolutely unbearable to walk in, but worth it to pass down to future gens – only $150 (regularly $600)!

So, you can imagine the thrill of the hunt when I discovered these two very affordable and "interpretation"- friendly sites for shoes. AmiClubwear.com & GoJane.com, which offer zillions of styles - most for $30 or less. Balenciaga, Prada, & Dior "interpretations" – are very close replicas aesthetically, just obviously made of less pricey materials. Now that I'm in the thick of car culture, I'm more willing to opt for these more economical shoes - as I don't have to hike up subway stairs or dodge cabs anymore!

All shown are under $25, and all from Amiclubwear.com - excluding killer Sex and the City Dior-esque gladiators, from GoJane.com (Free Shipping over $50 for both, fabulous).

Unlikely Inspiration: Bebe Hol 08 Campaign

2008-10-16T20:16:00.000-07:00

10% off BellaDawn.com: Code "Sidewalk"

2008-10-16T17:30:00.000-07:00

Hey girrrrrrls - if you're in the market for jewelry that reads Rachel Leigh, but rent is due in a week, check out one of my new key sites www.BellaDawn.com. Thanks to the advent of Twitter, fashionista's get to connect on a whole other level - and you benefit!

Enter coupon code "SIDEWALK" when you check out, and you'll receive 10% off your purchase. As you know, the more you spend, the more that 10% means - and we all have to do our part to stimulate the economy!

Natural Lime Green Stone Necklace $38 www.BellaDawn.com

Diffusion Confusion

2008-10-16T16:57:00.000-07:00

I love Ralph Lauren. I love my girls there, I miss it dearly, and it was my first job out of school - BUT I just HAVE to throw this look for less out there! Fortunately for us, Rugby interpreted the fantastic cardigan that was shown in the Collection Fall 08 show. Lucky for Polo that those shopping at the mansion on Madison are probably not checking out Rugby down in Union Square (that god foresaken subway! where is car service?) As well as the fact that the luxury market grew like 3 points today. I kid, I kid - here's how to look like a thousand bucks (really, $2,598 above).

Shop Rugby by Ralph Lauren $175 www.Rugby.com

Feeling Girly? Take A Bow.

2008-10-15T17:54:00.000-07:00

Maybe it's from my time at Ralph, maybe it's because I'm surrounded by pearls/yuppies here in Texas - but I LOVE bows. That preppy princess look gets me every time - although I find I can never quite pull it off (I think you need straight hair for that).

I can full on vouch for the L. Erickson headbands below. After watching Gossip Girl last season - the world basically stopped turning because I needed to find a bow headband. As it turns out, adults really don't wear bow headbands (insane) so the hunt makes it worth the $42 bones - not only because it comes in about 20 colors, but the charmeuse feels like heaven, it doesn't hurt, and I instantly feel like running off to the Cape!

Since I don't know many girls like that in an urban setting, however, I tried to scout out some pieces that would work for a regular city girl.

BellaDawn $24 www.BellaDawn.com

ASOS $8 www.Asos.com

L. Erickson $42 www.FranceLuxe.com

ASOS $24 www.Asos.com

Hippie Bridal - JCrew Gowns Under $400

2008-10-12T15:13:00.000-07:00

Pleeeeeease stay away from David's Bridal! There are other ways to stick to a budget besides succumbing to cliche sequins and fibers that easily ignite. Also - NO tiaras. Stick to a chic, classic silhouette, and think cotton, linen, and silk. I don't know about you, but I'd rather look like Caroline Bessette Kennedy than a senior prom throwback.

Shop JCrew Weddings
Prices from top to bottom: $350, $395, & $295

Playsuit Pretty, LA Based Unhee

2008-10-12T13:04:00.000-07:00

I saw this Unhee romper on Selma Blair - from a TRL appearance a couple of months ago on People.com - loved it, couldn't find anything similar - and TopShop saves the day once again. They should really start paying me for this blog (dreaming). I think I'm mostly just depressed that once I left New York, they FINALLY opened their SoHo store, which delivers same day to those in Manhattan. Whatever - shipping is a small price to pay in comparison to the awful tourists clogging the streets and slowing down your stride.

Does anyone know where you can shop online for the real thing? Totally MIA.

TopShop version:

Would you pay $100 for this? (Yup, fishing for comments!)

Photo taken from People.com

Loving Loving Loving VPL

2008-10-06T20:10:00.000-07:00

VPL has that certain something that Vena Cava did - and I do say that in past tense since Gossip Girl blew up it's spot (sorry, GG). There is so much more going on beyond the surface, it's like pieces to an ironic little puzzle.

The opposing boyish bottoms and vampy tops pull at one of my favorite fashion heartstrings - girly & tough. There is a distinctively bad ass vibe in the styling - the suspender straps, color blocking, and cut outs that show a little skin. There is just something that's done so right - it's like the Fifth Element, linear - sexy - and could kick the sh*t out of you.

Shop VPL at ShopBop.com - and if it's too out of reach, Jonathan Saunders for Target has a similar vibe - and obviously less dominatrix.

Costume Prep for South by Southwest

2008-10-05T20:08:00.000-07:00

This dress would have never worked for Austin City Limits - hot sun, dust, & polyester - no, no. Perfect attire, however, for venue hopping South by Southwest. A little premature and pricey at $150 when you think of the exposure to spilled drinks and cigarettes, but at least you can order through the U.S. Top Shop site now - a small victory towards international fashion domination.

Get it: Gossip Girl. Episode 3 "The Dark Night".

2008-10-05T15:26:00.000-07:00

If I were a rich girl...I'd own this 3.1 Philip Lim dress too.

Some UES sleeve interest - or lack thereof. What's so gorgeous about this dress is the draping & ruching. What's so great about the contemporary market is that jersey is cheap, and jersey drapes beautifully. What you pick up at American Apparel has very little material difference against Philip Lim - and what difference in treatment it does have, probably costs 5 cents. It is ALL about margin, girls. Gabrielle Chanel was actually a jersey maverick - and began using it in 1916 for women's suits. Chanel was also living at poverty level for most of her youth - so she definitely would have been scoping out the below. Are you picking up what I'm putting out?

Go Jane $21.99

Urban Outfitters $129.99

Go Jane $54.99

On Trend - NY Mag's History of Tennis Fashion

2008-10-05T14:22:00.000-07:00

"The Case Against Uniforms"

Drinking the Koolaid - Stella McCartney for Adidas.

2008-10-01T20:05:00.000-07:00

Moving from New York to Texas has been a mind altering adjustment - most specifically the terrifying car culture - but what's even more difficult to swallow has been going from fashion avenue to definitely not fashion avenue (also known as I35 North).

I do not play sports. As any good buyer knows, you have to know your customer to plan a profitable assortment. So, that's exactly what Stella McCartney's tennis collection for Adidas is helping me do in my new professional endeavor. And no, I'm not ashamed to say that the only reason I'm going to start playing tennis is for the cute outfits - what better sport for an addict?!

Shop Stella McCartney for Adidas, Fall/Winter 08

...A little WWD preview for what's up next: Spring 09 Stella McCartney

Feigning over WTD: Anthropologie Fall Sweaters

2008-09-30T16:03:00.000-07:00

Here in Austin, it's currently 91 degrees. My entire wardrobe has been turned upside down while acclimating - I'm still wearing gladiators and carrying around floral bags, and will probably do so until December (gasp). Last fall in New York I was stressing about having to be the first person to wear a chunky knit and colored tights in the office...in August.

So, I'm sure anyone (dreaming of fall) who opened the new Anthropologie catalog got chills looking at the chunky textures, asymmetry, and whimsical appliques - with that contrived-yet-adorable assortment they never fail to deliver. Who says direct is dead?

For retail, the bad news is that the economy should have taken a lesson from Tommy Hilfiger - you can't hand out loans like candy, nor can you merchandise to yuppies & rappers at the same time. The good news is that the only thing selling in apparel right now is novelty - so Anthro has 23 pages solely devoted to sweaters with enough detail to last you through the recession.

Enjoy! Visit Anthropologie.com.

Get it: Gossip Girl. Episode 1 "Summer Kind of Wonderful"

2008-09-29T20:13:00.000-07:00

Blair Waldorf is to my adult life what Cher Horowitz was to my tween years. Case in point, the White Party.

In GG world, this is a Marc Jacobs dress & Jennifer Behr headband. I once knew a girl at V who had the J. Behr Prada turban equivalent. For a minute I thought Omg I need it I want it I have to have it - $100 dollars later I realized I was not the intern with a private jet. That being said - see the always more interesting, Blair-worthy, alternatives below. XOXO.

Bebe $159

Top Shop $160

Nordstrom $68

Forever 21 $3.80

Urban Outfitters $20

All of my fabulous five readers out there will have to forgive the fact that I'm starting this GG fashion commentary a tad bit late, but I am transitioning from NYC to ATX to say the least! To make it up, to all five of you, see below article from NY Mag.

"Gossip Girl" Tosses a Nairtini in Our Faces

OMFG, I'm Seeing Stars

2008-09-15T16:47:00.000-07:00

Yessss! Finally, I only had to wait one season for it. Thank you, Forever21! Being the Wal-Mart of fashion really does help a girl out when she wants a $4g YSL necklace for $5.99.

One of These Things Is Not Like the Other

2008-05-20T19:04:00.000-07:00

Which Pair Costs Half A Paycheck?

A semi - sketchy but very worth it club site: www.AmiClubwear.com
(free shipping over $50, use code AmiShipped)
$19.99

VS.

Giuseppe Zanotti
http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/27385
$550.00

Crazzzzzy...

Manolo's, Ma-no-no's, I Can't Tell

2007-05-11T12:14:00.000-07:00

From the wise lyricist and Apple Bottom aficionado, Nelly, you really can't tell that these sandals aren't Manolo's. Newport News is now selling the chic t-strap flat sandals that Manolo Blahnik made popular. A genius- yes, price conscious - no. These pretty babies go for a cool $10, and shipping is even sweeter at $5.99. So, if you're not a socialite and you have a decent head on your shoulders, go to www.newport-news.com and pick up multiples for the summer months.

End Note: As a personal playa hata of flats, I'm reforming after having a visual epiphany of ugly toes on New York streets as the weather warms up. I plan to buy 3 pairs to allow my barking dogs ample recovery time.

Photo taken from: Newport News

Hip Hop Don't Stop

2007-04-15T20:02:00.000-07:00

If you're in New York or L.A., the graphic hoodie is nothing new. After seeing 20 somethings pick up on the trend like wildfire, however, this is a signal of a trend that could really make a killing if translated correctly to the mass market.

While casually sipping my Mexican hot chocolate at La Esquina this weekend in SoHo, I snapped some pictures of the hippest looking dudes around. I began to realize that although the colorful and 80's inspired Run DMC style hoodies may have been created for a hip hop crowd, they had struck a chord with hipsters that was undeniable and noticable every block. If you're not familiar with a New York hipster, here is a quick education: Hipsters in New York dwell in the Lower East Side, cite Indie Rock as religion, and swear by vintage. Their prententious style is original yet homogenized, and the dudes are even more into fashion than the gals.

Colorful graphic & 80's inspired graffiti styles first caught my eye this fall, upon discovering the subculture of L.A. young entrepreneurs at the Project tradeshow in Las Vegas, and was further reiterated by H&M, Christian Louboutin, and Juicy Couture this Spring. Even KidRobot has their own graphic hoodies that are now being sold at Barneys alongside Lanvin and Fendi.

If you're looking to be so hip it hurts, snag a pair of rainbow colored Court Forces from Nike's new graffiti art campaign - and hop in that Escalade.

How to feed your graphic need: www.UrbanOutfitters.com for sneaks & www.RocaWear.com for tees, hoodies, & hats.

Christian Louboutin photo taken from: www.Style.com

How High

2007-04-13T13:27:00.000-07:00

Much like the business cycle, there is a fashion cycle that moves at the speed of light thanks to blogs like this. It's only logical that after the straight leg will come flare again, and after hip huggers will come waistlines at the actual waist - who would have thunk it!?

I personally would like to thank the 70's for coming back. A higher waist means a goodbye to obscene plumber crack views of normally discreet women, as well as lovehandles - since the extra fabric acts as a corset to hold in and define your womanly curves better. And just think of all the adorable cork wedges and espadrilles you can rock with them while channeling Farrah from her better days!

A word of caution: If you dare to wear high waisted short shorts, counter it out with a tucked in boatneck tee and some demure patent flats.

Photos taken from: Missbehave Magazine & TopShop

Can a Turban be Fashionably Correct?

2007-04-12T19:07:00.000-07:00

So when I first saw that Prada was showing turbans for Spring 2007, my gut reaction was that it was ridiculous. This is just my middle-America-raised gut speaking though, and so I retract and contemplate Miuccia's dealings. Miuccia, not so much Prada, has always been an enigma to me, and this is where my love/hate relationship with the turban lies.

Turbans come from various backgrounds, Turkish, Indian, Islamic, Iranian, etc, and are sometimes regarded as sacred headgear, a sign of mourning, and divine right depending on the culture. Maybe I shouldn't think so much into it, but my American gal self would just feel terribly vapid and politically incorrect strutting down the streets of SoHo in one.

Regardless, after being bombarded by those delicious advertisements that strategically pull at my heartstrings, and seeing Rachel Roy rock the chocolate colored one on SocialiteRank.com, I started to crush on the turban. You can imagine my delight when re-closeting a mess of stockings at Vogue, I discovered a bin chock full of gold ones. My delight soon turns to what I feel most of the time at Vogue, however, which is pure envy. So, how do I relieve it? Thanks to the advent of apparel technology and fast fashion, TopShop.com has come to the rescue with a black jersey knit version (shown above) for a lovely £10 or $20.

Will I really sport this on the streets? Time will tell, but I figure you can roll in anything as long as you're confident, in New York, and in your 20's.

Photos taken from: Top Shop & Style.com

Universal Display & Design, Inc.

2007-04-02T19:06:00.000-07:00

Universal Display & Design is a showroom located at 138 West 25th Street in New York City.

Now I know that there is a flurry of debate surrounding skinny models & mannequins, but as anyone who does visual merchandising knows, those size 2's weigh more like size 22's.

Back in February the Spanish Ministry of Health agreed to homoginize sizing, both retail and runway, and are implementing larger mannequins for store windows. The new mannequins must correspond to the normal weight of the Spanish population, which is at least a U.S. size 6 to size 14. The average was concluded by polling the Spanish women.

Part of me loves this concept and part of me questions the economic result. It makes me think of why people buy the clothes they do in the first place. Excluding parts of the U.S. where sweats are considered ready to wear, most women choose their clothing based on how they look and feel in it. If I were to walk by Chanel and see a size 8 model in a dress, I'm not sure if it would have the same appeal aesthetically. This is most likely because I work in fashion and live in New York, surrounded by media at every angle, but I wonder if the clothes will really sell themselves on plumper mannequins? Secondly, if in Spain the mannequin sizes are increasing to a max size 14, I wonder what it will come to in the U.S., where obesity is arguably much greater. And for that matter, will Americans have even less motivation to eat healthy and exercise when presented with mannequins that support the fact that we're all enormous?

In the end, though, it is in the best interest of our daughters and granddaughters to put business aside and start concentrating on changing beauty ideals - because I sure as heck know there is no Chanel dress in my near future.

Welcome to Paradise, Ladies.

2007-04-02T18:35:00.001-07:00

This is me! (and the boyfriend) chillin chillin at Bar 13 in Union Square a couple of weeks ago. Notice the Lucite bangles? You better, clear is the new patent and patent was the new metallic. Which brings me to the introduction: My name is Jenny and I would die for fashion. Well, I wouldn't die, but it consumes most aspects of my day-to-day life. I'm a student at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, NY, majoring in Fashion Merchandising Management. Come May, however, FINITO! Unlike most of my peers, I've managed to graduate in 4 years by jamming semesters of 21 credits together and somehow surviving. I'm currently an intern at Vogue. Yes, Vooogue. And no, it's not like the Devil Wears Prada - and you will not be the first person to ask. I also work at an upstart accessories company, eenamaria, and do freelance showroom styling for Universal Display & Design. I'll list some pictures to better explain. Last but not least, I have started this blog because I love watching trends and love seeing how they're interpreted, especially on the mean streets of New York. So hopefully, this blog will serve as a kind of trend forecasting via street style service that will not charge you gazillions.