flavour(s) of the week

second-hand love

(spent too much at the second hand store this weekend; couldn't wait to try out this coral jumpsuit.)

giselle

i tend to infuse my wardrobe with ballet inspired pieces often. it could be the immense comfort spandex provides, combined with an overall feeling of poise when i put on a wrap and some flats. i was a ballerina at 5, and am still a ballerina at heart. the form-fitting silhouettes of a dancer's ensemble has been giving inspiration to designers and stylists for decades, if not centuries.




crinolines (tutus) can be placed under a gown for extra body, or worn alone for an eccentric, elegant look. i like to pair mine with something on the other end of the fashion spectrum, such as a little leather bomber or a vintage t.


it's a bit of a chicken/egg situation.. what came first? fashion-inspired ballet wear or ballet-inspired street wear? the classic wrap dress or sweater is often seen in dance studios or dance retailers. the highly revered diane von furstenberg is known for her wrap-style garments, and if worn with some ballet flats or pale tights, would really show off the graceful look of a dancer.

i'm a big fan of pale tights this season. with leggings and tights being in style for the past few years, the focus has drifted from sheer hose. kate bosworth was pictured in semi-sheer cream tights earlier this month. i like the pale pink tights that capezio (or other dance wear companies) makes, and they are more durable, probably due to the fact they are made specifically for ballerinas.

probably the most popular ballet-inspired piece of street wear is the ballet flat. amy winehouse caught a lot of slack for wearing ballet shoes as outerwear, but i secretly envy her for being bold enough to get 'em dirty. bloch makes wearable ballet flats & replicas, as do other shoe companies. i love the edgy metal-studded capezio ballet flats, they are on my wish list. i spent a little more than the average joe on some ballet-inspired christian louboutins, but the comfort is off-the-wall amazing.

summertime in the lbc

the other night, i came across an article @ www.fashionista.com: "do you dress down during the summer?" written by lauren sherman...

"I feel like my wardrobe does a 180 when the weather hits 70 degrees. I go from “still relatively-young professional” to “way too casual, even for Friday” in one fell swoop. But I’m lucky–I work in fashion, where virtually anything goes."

if only i could live by those rules! but alas, summer is around the corner and i am doing away with layers and dark fabrics. floral/flirty/free-spirit(y) here i come.

celebstyle - alexa chung

26 year old alexa chung, best known for her hosting gig on mtv's it's on with alexa chung, has made a name for herself as a fashionista due to her exposure as a model, and vj jobs in the u.k. and north america. her quirky style and somewhat "second-hand" look is always seemingly effortless. although puzzling to hetero men, her granny-chic wardrobe is a must-have. and those legs! always in the spotlight. and why not? they go on forever. some chung signature pieces? leather jackets, mini's, vintage clutches, rain boots.. and don't forget - these don't have to be designer! try to spice up your wardrobe alexa-stylez with jean shorts here, a nautical cardi there, etc.

agyness deyn + house of holland

give me more christian dior

l.b.

crinoline, seiko watch & clutch: thrifted; missoni-inspired wrap by forever 21; shoes by christian louboutin.

RZ-INSPIRED

i believe a person can't leave style behind when it's time to get some shut-eye.

missoni offers a wide range of home decor including sheets and bedspreads,

but the cost is high. get the cheaper basics elsewhere & add a

missoni throw or pillow into the mix. the price is right, and the look is chic and classic.

zoe's own missoni-clad cocoon

nifty thrifty

photo courtesy of www.whowhatwear.com

whowhatwear.com continues to bless my inbox with its "daily dose" of celeb styling, trends & must-haves. when i saw chanel s/s '10 runway photos, i feel head over heels with karl's clogs, with their retro vibe and sky-high platform. whowhatwear found some cheaper alternatives - although i'd love to spend my bonus on the real thing. jeffrey campbell makes a lookalike, the most obvious choice, which comes in the nude or black. bonus: i love the optional slingback strap. no sacrificing style for comfort this time.