October 10th, 2009
Did Nostradamus predict that 2009 would be this filled with questionable trends? We’ve had an unpleasing amount of cold-weather days, a crazy number of pregnancies, and disappointing recession-fueled layoffs. My theory is that everything is intertwined… It’s cold outside–so the unemployed fill up their free time with baby-making. Sounds about right, no?
Another trend I noticed is that many people (myself included) have been inundated with weddings this Fall. With the immediacy and accessibility of Facebook photo albums, it’s too easy to be caught wearing the same dress at multiple weddings. Funny how technology can lead to our wardrobe’s demise!
Not all hope is lost. Have you ever considered designer dress rental? Think about it. You can wear the dress you’ve always wanted for a fraction of the price. And you can ensure that you are never seen in the same dress in photos ever again. Take that, Facebook photo albums!
Ilus New York
Wear Today Gone Tomorrow
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September 23rd, 2009
Similar to those who try to re-introduce the “nautical” theme every Spring/Summer, we have others who try to throw in the LBD most every Fall/Winter. And this is one of those times.
If you ask me, you can never have too many black dresses. However, that doesn’t mean that you should start snatching up every single black dress that you stumble upon. You don’t want to become another New Yorker stereotypical statistic. If you wear black, you’d better find one that turns heads.
Mind you, it takes a ridiculous amount of searching to find just the right one that speaks of originality and taste–all the while fitting like a glove. The quest can be quite daunting even. Like finding a good pair of jeans, there is a variety of cuts and makers. You just have to go through a bit of trial and error to find one that clicks.
I like to have one for weekday, one for going out, one for weekend, one for special occasion. No, I take that back. I like to have multiples for every occasion. The ones that are top of mind for me right now are ones for special occasion. (I have a few weddings to hit up this Fall.) Punch ‘em up with some pizzazzy-shoes and accessories to make them all your own.
Don’t be in the dark this season, go for one of these:
- Fred Flare One Shoulder Bow Party Dress ($60)
- Max & Cleo Parisian Scoop Neck Dress ($140)
- BCBG Strapless Bubble Dress ($298)
- Alexander Wang Tech Slinky Jersey Fitted Dress ($750)
- Emilio Pucci Velvet and Tulle Paneled Dress ($1,860) pictured.
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September 19th, 2009
Refusing to be hypocritical, I will simply say that it is unusually chilly for a “summer” day. I will still stick to my guns and wear lightweight summery clothing until next week’s blasted equinox. Anyway, let’s change the subject before I start getting frustrated with misguided elevator talk of “I can’t believe it’s Fall!” and “Cindy, why are you still wearing white after Labor Day?” GRRRRRRRR.
I’d much rather discuss my strange sightings this morning. In spin class this AM, I was fixated on a woman dreadfully lost in the ’80s. In a sleepy daze, I first thought I might have been in an Olivia Newton John “Let’s Get Physical” video. She sported a sweat headband…bright pink…and a matching leotard-esque get-up. And she had the fluffy blonde hair and tan to match. This is no hipster, Wunderfriends. Nor is she channeling an ’80s revival. I’m guessing this lady has probably been stuck in the same rut for the past 25 years.
Fast-forward to my walk home from the gym. Some girl was running with typical running shorts and an A&F pique polo with the collar popped. If we were on Sesame Street, I’d ask you what is wrong with this picture. I’m always perplexed when I see people working out in everyday clothes. This person took it one step further by popping her freakin’ collar.
I’m all about being fashionable while exercising. It can really boost your outlook and motivation if you feel good about what you’re wearing. But consider your environment and function (and current decade) before you decide to do jumping jacks while donning cuff bracelets, scarves, and cocktail dresses.
Give one of these stylish workout tops (that are of the times and functional) a “run”:
- Under Armour Women’s TNP Tank ($25)
- Nike Race Day Women’s Singlet ($50)
- Lululemon Run Swiftly Tech ($58) pictured
- Adidas by Stella McCartney Run Ruffle Tee ($75).
Posted in Exercise, Women | No Comments »
September 12th, 2009
The Big Apple is a great friend. Whenever we have a weak moment, it reminds us why we’re here. When we’re feeling lonely, it reminds us that it’s here.
Having been a long-time resident of New York, I oftimes find myself passively daydreaming about moving elsewhere. It’s easy to overlook this wonderful city since we live it and breathe it on a daily basis. We’re spoiled by the convenience and accessibility of… well, everything.
I always find it helpful to take a step back to regain my bearings. Whether on a return flight home, stopping on the sidewalk (stepping to the side, of course) to look upward at the beautiful buildings, or sitting on a park bench to take in all of the loons–New York will find a way to give you a nice punch in the face to awaken you from your crazy thoughts.
Commuting up Madison Ave very late on Thursday night, a great sense of pride erupted within me as I watched the droves of people partaking in Fashion’s Night Out. I received quite a few Facebooks from friends situated throughout the US who were envious of the newsworthy celebration. Events and people that seem so second-skin to us New Yorkers, are admired by others around the country. We are truly lucky beings.
There’s no better time than now to appreciate all our friend provides. This week alone we have the US Open, Jeter making baseball history, and–last but certainly not least–MB Spring Fashion Week. And, year-round, we have at our disposal an unlimited number of boutiques and unique fashion finds. What an amazing place indeed.
So what will it be for you today?
Posted in I Love NY | No Comments »
September 9th, 2009
Hmmmm… How do I say this? Okay, I’m just going to say it.
It unnerves me when people think that Labor Day marks the end of summer. Yeah, I get it. It’s the beginning of a new month. It’s when vacation time ends and back-to-school begins. I could see how one might be confused by all of the “Fall”-like hoopla.
BUT, it’s not the end of summer. We still have 12 glorious days of this glorious season to relish. The Autumnal Equinox isn’t until September 22nd, my friends. So continue to wear those lightweight, colorful, season-appropriate duds. Mother Nature may continue to try to fool us with this absurdly inappropriate temperature, but we mustn’t give in.
Let’s band together and defy cool weather, misconstrued holidays, and schoolchildren. I know we have it in us to overcome these gross misunderstandings.
Whaddaya say? See ya at the finish line at 11:59pm on September 21st? Then I’ll be able to trade in my tan, sundresses, and sandals for some bronzer, sweaters, and over-the-knee boots…
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August 29th, 2009
Despite some hesitation, I saw THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE today… I wanted to see the movie for sure. But the title, being quite timely, reminded me that Fall is right around the corner.
Afterwards, when I stepped outside of the cinema, I was utterly appalled. I felt an un-summery chill to the air. And I didn’t like it one bit. Call it denial, but I refuse to wear anything except for open-toed shoes for the next month. Just give me a few more weeks to enjoy tanning season please!!! After that, I can start to digest the idea of sweaters and boots. I’ve even stowed away my September mags for a later, cooler time. Does anyone care???!!!!
At the other end of the spectrum, you have my friend G, whose fave season is Fall. She’s been waiting and waiting for the stores to turn over their inventory. This past week, she was on a multi-store, obsessive quest to find her dream suede thigh-high boots. Well, much to her delight, she found them today! There must have been something in the air after the movie and all… Perhaps Anna sprinkled some magical fashion-find dust over our heads.
If you’re like G, then you are probably excitedly prepping your closet for the upcoming season. If you want to get in on the over-the-knee boot craze, you’d better get moving! These things are H-O-T-T-O-G-O.
Perhaps you will be “suede” by one of these:
- Colin Stuart Over the Knee Stretch Boot ($89)
- Bebe Daniela Thigh High Boot ($159)
- Cynthia Vincent Reva ($395)
- Stuart Weitzman Hiho Over the Knee Boots ($675)
- Chloe Over the Knee Boots ($1,345) pictured.
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August 26th, 2009
Wunders, I’ve fallen in love.
I was flipping through Us Weekly at the airport last week and came across a pic of Blake Lively in the most exquisite neon pink sheath dress ever. Michael Kors really outdid himself this time around when he created the Cashgora dress (pictured). I haven’t been able to keep my mind off of this masterpiece.
Hot pink is simply fab in my book. It’s fun, lively (ha, no pun intended), and reminiscent of a carefree decade. The rich color looks awesome with sun-kissed skin. And, hands down, the sheath cut is especially flattering, sexy and feminine on a host of different body types.
So now the heartbreaking news… The dress retails at $1,565. Definitely not a steal by any stretch of the imagination. Unless you can afford parting with almost a month’s rent, it might be more prudent to look for alternatives:
- Forever 21 Strapless Pleat Front Dress ($14)
- Fred Flare Sweetheart Bustier Dress ($65)
- J Crew Cotton Cady Erica Dress ($99)
- Rebecca Taylor Strapless Jeweled Dress ($141)
- Black Halo Hot Pink Teri Mini Dress ($343).
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August 22nd, 2009
Dude… I must have missed the memo this summer. I didn’t realize that ridiculously-tight, constricting short-shorts were okay for everyday wear. Did you? The get-ups (or should I say “ride-ups”) I’ve witnessed on some girls over the course of the past few weeks make Daisy Duke look uber-conservative.
Some of the ladies obviously didn’t do a 360 turn in front of their full-length mirrors either. Otherwise, they wouldn’t allow themselves to walk out of their apartments and hotels that way. It reminds me of those women who style the hair that surrounds the face but totally forget about doing anything with the hair on the back of the head. Gag me with a spoon.
Some rules for short-shorts wearers:
- Cut yourself some slack. And by this, I mean give yourself some room to breath. If you like the sleek look, then you’d better ensure they have some stretch to them. If the shorts pucker or cut into you as you walk, then they are not meant to fit you. Either go up a size or do not buy them. And are they giving you a wedgie? then put them back. Otherwise, you’re just asking for an infection (blech), profuse sweating, breathing/digestion issues, and a split seam!
- Do a full turn in the mirror. Look at yourself from the front and back. Practice walking away from the mirror to see what happens when you walk. You don’t want all of NYC staring at the bottom of your derriere that’s seeping out from the bottom of your shorts. And you probably don’t want anyone seeing the entire length of the backs of your untoned thighs either. If you’re going to flaunt it with skimpy shorts, make sure you’ve got it.
- Know your city limits. Seriously, it doesn’t matter how toned your body is. You could be Gisele or Heidi for all I care. You must draw a line when it comes to urban dressing. You are not on a beach in Brazil. Know what’s appropriate when walking on the city streets in broad daylight. Show a bit of decorum and respect for those who have to share the sidewalks with you.
- Find a balance. If you wear something tight on the bottom, make sure you balance things out on top with something that is not skin-tight.
- Know your age. I cannot believe parents let their kids walk out of the house in a glorified pair of underwear. And older women? I’m all about age being a state of mind when it comes to some things. But if you’re in your mid- to late-30s and above, then perhaps you should think twice before wearing.
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August 15th, 2009
I am in mourning. Today, as I was walking down the street, I heard the sound that every woman dreads… That sound of a metal nail scraping on the rough sidewalk pavement. That ear-piercing, inescapable, embarrassing click that screams “Hey World, I have failed to take care of my shoes.” I get the same feeling when I walk outside in the harsh sunlight and realize that I have a stain on my outerwear or spot a missed wrinkle in my clothing. No person wants a seemingly perfect outfit to be discredited by such small, but very apparent, details. I’ve only worn these blasted shoes 6-7 times. And the heel tip has already worn out????!!! I swear, we pay all of this money for amazing shoes for designers to skimp out with cheap-o heel tips???!!! I liken it to buying a car with donuts for tires. Unreal. Give me a break. But I’m going to beat the system! Instead of adding “visit the shoe cobbler AGAIN” to my endless list of errands, I have opted to try out a DIY trick. I’m going to replace the heel tips myself. Here’s how: Need: Pliers, masking tape, heel tip replacements, and a hammer. (You can order heel-tip replacements at $5/pair at www.newheeltips.com. There is a handy type chart that will assist you in choosing the appropriate shape.) Time: 5-10 minutes Steps: 1) Ensure you have at least two millimeters of plastic remaining on the heel. 2) Cover the pliers with masking tape to prevent damage to the heel. Use pliers to remove the old heel tip. Use a left-to-right twisting motion to shimmy the heel tip out vs. pulling it out. 3) Insert the new tip into the vacant hole. 4) Cover the hammer with masking tape to prevent damage to the heel. Carefully hammer the tip into the heel or bang the heel against a hard surface. Voila! No more humiliating walks of shame. And you just saved yourself $10-15 bucks per pair of shoes!!!
Posted in On The Cheap, Women | No Comments »
August 12th, 2009
Before Wunderbloc, I rarely followed fashion blogs. I subscribed to a select few–but, in my old school ways, I still relied heavily on magazines. Over the past year, I’d say I’ve slowly and unconsciously transitioned to e-reading/e-research. Yes, nothing will ever replace hard copies of Vogue, W, and Nylon. And I will continue to anxiously await their mailbox arrival–contrary to my green mentality.
But, let’s face it–it’s very much a cyber-world. Actually, YOU probably already faced it ages ago… It’s harder for this here old lady to accept the inevitable way of the world. But I get it. It’s more convenient to blast a style update, fashionista gossip, and sales alerts–real-time–to millions of readers versus waiting for the updates to come in a monthly periodical. Thanks, Wunderbloc, for popping my proverbial blog cherry.
Now that I’ve become more well-versed, I’ve realized there are some stellar fashion blogs out there. I particularly like the ones that are NY-based. In fact, there is a new one by NBC called THE THREAD. The layout is very easy to grasp and quick-scan. The content is fantastic… A healthy dose of local fashion-related news, ahead-of-the-game info on designers, and all things industry.
And you might find a familiar voice in the mix… One of our own Wunders,Olivia, is a contributor!
If you’re stuck in the past, I encourage you to explore the world wide web. Whether you are a fan of streetwear photos, fashion critics, hot industry gossip, celebrity style, or high-end fashion–there is a fashion blog or 2 (or 3 or 100) that is right up your alley.
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