Tuesday, February 21

ANNOUNCEMENT!

I've moved!

http://www.closettherapyblog.com

Please use and bookmark the new URL... I will no longer be updating on this site!

*PS If the link isn't working, try typing www.closettherapyblog.com into a new browser. I'm having domain issues again :( Let me know if still not working!!

*edit again: Augh! Still having issues. Site might be spotty the next couple of days... I apologize!

Launch Update

Thank you for all your input!

Along with the launch of the new design, new URL address... I will also have one more surprise. Unfortunately I cannot announce it until later... but I can't wait!

Meanwhile when the new site is up there will be at least 1 new post a day which will give me flexibility to post more about everyday things, fashion on a budget, and all of the other things you all love! I will add outfit pictures to the "Wearing Today" as well as keep all of your other suggestions in mind.

I will post the new URL later today as soon as it is up! :) :)

*edit: The "domain people" are taking longer than normal to get my site up and running. :( (Seriously, I bought the domain on www.domainpeople.com) But they promise to get it up and running by tonight so we'll see. :(

Thursday, February 16

Wearing Today

H&M Long black ribbed tank.
BCBG White drape-y 3/4 sleeve cardigan.
William Rast Stella jeans.
Balenciaga black wedge boots.

ClosetTherapy update:
I am finalizing the details in the new site. I will be working all through the weekend to make the final touches and i'm hoping to launch by Monday, Feb 20!

So as a last call... are there any features or additions or suggestions or ideas that any of you have for the new and improved Closet Therapy blog? :) If so please leave a comment and let me know what you'd like to see more of or less of in the site!

Wednesday, February 15

Wearing Today

Rachel Pally green tee
Joe's Premium Mod Jeans
Black Havaianas

.... didn't realize this morning that it's way too cold for Rachel Pally and I didn't bring a jacket :(

Tuesday, February 14

Wearing Today

Happy Valentine's Day!



Wearing today:
Luella black puff-sleeve tee with zip pocket.
Luella white tulip mini skirt.
Sue London gunmetal ballet flats.
Chanel tumbled calfskin black leather tote.

Wearing tonight:
Diane vonFurstenberg violet/pink slipdress.
Costume National grey/silver sandals.

Friday, February 10

Wanted!

Opinionated (and bored) readers who are willing to take a look at ClosetTherapy beta and give me feedback!

I am getting ready to *move* so I've made some changes to the blog including a few new features. If you'd like a sneak peek in exchange for some honest comments, please e-mail me at closettherapy@gmail.com with "Beta Tester!" in the subject line. Then I'll e-mail you the link to the new site!

Posen V. Rodriguez

Seeing both Fall shows you can't help but notice the underlying theme... black and white basics with a geometric twist. Narciso Rodriguez stays true to his roots and focuses on the female silhouette white Zac Posen dramatically exaggerates his geometric details.


My favorites from Rodriguez' show, a brilliant display of proportions to show off the female body. Flattering, fun and young yet classically timeless. These are two dresses I would definitely add to my wardrobe!


Expert tailoring combined with intricate pleating produces fluent geometric patterns. Creates movement and structure at the same time- what an art!

But back to the similarities...

The gold slinky dress. Posen's version adds a bit of ruffle to the hem and a more conservative neckline whereas Rodriguez' is plain, elegant and sexy. Which would you choose?


Both apron dresses combine matte with metallic textures in a tuliped shape.


The black shift dress. The quintessential cocktail dress. The best way to sum up either show: basic black in a female-flattering form. Posen's, again, boasts the geometric details such as the ruffling at the waistline or the triangular seams at the skirt. Rodriguez' clings to the body in a shapely way, revealing a lower yet more demure neckline.

February Coupon Codes... use VISA!

Use your VISA card at any of the following online stores to get these juicy discounts. :)

$20 off $100 or more with code: VISA at checkout. (Exp. 02/28/06)




FREE SHIPPING off $75 or more with code: VISA06 at checkout. (Exp. 06/30/06)




FREE SHIPPING off $75 or more with code: 78915167 at checkout. (Exp. 02/28/06)




$15 off $100 or more with code: VISA2006 at checkout. (Exp. 06/30/06)




$5 off $39 or more automatically at checkout. (Exp. 06/30/06)




Click Here to view more offers from Visa

Wearing Today

I've brought back the "Wearing Today" !!! :)

White Luella for Target polo shirt.

Meli Melo cuffed denim bermuda shorts.

Tan Christian Louboutin espadrilles.

Steel & White watch & bangle bracelets.

For later: Khaki BCBG trenchcoat dress buttoned up & belted to go on top.

P.S. Went to Target yesterday to pick up some Luella. Impressive... a little expensive for "Target" but I'd say it's kind of GAP quality with a better fit. I picked up 2 polos, a puff sleeve tee, a white tulip skirt, a blue cuffed dress shirt, a coin wallet (to transport feminine products) and an ipod case. All for about $130... not bad! Things were kind of picked over, but I'm coming back for more. I'm waiting for the rugby shirt, sunglasses and the bermuda shorts!

Goluella_2

Rumor mill: the next Go International designer will be... Proenza Schouler? I sure hope so!

Thursday, February 9

Shoe Trouble

Occasion: Late lunch with a gal-pal at the distinguished City Club.
Dress code: Business casual, no jeans.

No jeans? No problem. I finally get a chance to wear those grey Theory cropped trousers I got on sale at Macy's in San Francisco. (I even got one of those Macy's Tourist 11% off coupons-- I'm talking $195 pants for about $50!) So I paired the pants with a simple black ribbed tank, my white McGinn fitted blazer, a white "H" Hermes enamel bracelet (which has become my single favorite Cruise 2006 accessory) and my Rayban gunmetal aviators. (What can I say... $450 for Chanel aviators? Better to go with the OG Raybans)

The outfit still needed some kick... black Chloe paddington flats or my black Prada pointy-toe pumps? My gal-pal's 5'7"... best to go with the heels.



Now have you ever gotten your heel stuck while driving?Good lord! I was stopped at a red light and somehow my foot creeped forward and I got the pointy toe stuck in between the brake and where it connects to the car... so I couldn't take my foot off the brake! Heart attack!

A few honks and a damaged leather toe later I got my foot unstuck and resumed my driving. So THAT's why they make car shoes.


But car shoes (or drivers) by definition are u-g-l-y. I think I will stick to the London Slipper. I now keep my beat-up spare pink ones folded up in its matching case in my glove compartment. I absolutely refuse to have a shoe-related car accident. That would be too embarrassing. :(

Still brewing strong...


Thursday, February 9 - Monday February 20.
Barker Hangar, Santa Monica Airport
Warehouse Sale Addicts, it's that time of year again! I haven't had a chance to stop by today but I will be there bright and early tomorrow. I'll race ya to the shoe racks ;)

Tuesday, February 7

FredFlare.com 25% off for V-Day



Get an additional 25% off at FredFlare.com-- Pick up some gifts for your honey or your gal pals!

Enter coupon code dailycandy.0206 at checkout.

Banner



Got a pal with a new flame? Send her this tease kit~ $8 $6.


V-Day is always a good day for a self-appreciation gift! $8 $6.


Weekend getaway with the honey? $50 $37.50.

Monday, February 6

Early Picks for Fall Trends



With NY Fashion Week in full gear, it's time to start buying investment pieces for Spring that will transition into Fall. After all, who can afford to buy an entirely new wardrobe every season? We've gotta make it last somewhat. :)


Cut-outs are the new lace. They're on Louis Vuitton & Marc Jacob's Spring bags. They're on flirty Chloe blouses. Get one or two key pieces in basic black or white (but a creamy white) to pair with skirts in the Spring and black trousers in the fall.



The trench now doubles as a dress! Pick a trench that is well-tailored on the top and has a defined, belted waist. My BCBG version is more of a petticoat: 3/4 sleeves and has a flared skirt. Button up your trench and pair with stilettos or heels for the Spring for a dainty 1940's moviestar look. Then layer it over a ruffled blouse and pair with tights (not leggings) & slender boots in the Fall for a classic femme look.



Up the grandeur in your feminine tops with a scalloped lace border. Badgley Mischka extends their sweetheart neckline into thick scalloped shoulder straps. Tracy Reese softens a plunging neckline with a metallicized lace overlay. Y & Kei keep it simple with a low-key spaghetti strap dress adorned with a subtle scalloped straight neckline.



Empire waistlines are popping up everywhere. Trenchcoat dresses require a higher belted waist. The scalloped necklines as seen above are usually paired with an empire waist as well. So why not revive the empire dress in the evening? Previously reserved for the younger set, empire dresses are now an ageless commodity and streamlined for every body type.

freedom pass

Friday, February 3

NY Fashion Week :: Autumn/Fall 2006



I have not forgotten! Festivities started today~ I will be looking out for these shows in particular... more updates & pictures next week!

Friday, Feb 3
Blecch, nothing in particular

Saturday, Feb 4
Alice Roi
Sass & Bide

Sunday, Feb 5
Tracy Reese
Diane von Furstenberg
Edun
Tuleh
Badgley Mischka

Monday, Feb 6
Carolina Herrera
Jill Stuart
Oscar de la Renta
BCBG
Marc Jacobs

Tuesday, Feb 7
Monique Lhuillier
Luca Luca
Iisli
Nanette Lepore
Heatherette

Wednesday, Feb 8
Peter Som
Anna Sui

Thursday, Feb 9
Vera Wang
Zac Posen

Friday, Feb 10
Project Runway


INNYC_Aff_468X60

Thursday, February 2

'Tis the Season to be Pre-Ordering

It's time to put your name on the waiting list for Louis Vuitton's novelty Spring bags... unless you are one of the lucky few to have already gotten their hands on one.


On the top of everyone's list is the hobo embellished with the floral cut-outs in suede as featured in the Gisele ads. Comes in 2 sizes, 3 colors and with or without the cut-outs. The large hobo (pictured) is $3,500. Kind of steep for a suede hobo that's tough to work into Spring outfits! I'd be on the look out for the smaller hobo in brown with the cut-outs... just doesn't look right without 'em. (Looks a bit hole-y)


This one I'm a little more excited about... the Linda comes in 2 color schemes and comes either with alligator or calfskin trim. The alligator number will set you back over $5k so I'm sticking to the calf in the color pictured above ($2400). A little cutesy, more of an occasion bag but IMO a better buy than the hobo because of the detail & the limited production.


Monogram canvas gets yet another update: perforated with a color inlay. Comes with either pink, orange or green inlays in a multitude of styles. I'm on the list for a speedy ($1200) with the green inlay. Gives this line a youthfull flair. Though not limited production, these waitlist for these will be pretty long in the early months.

Wednesday, February 1

Recycle & Reuse

Make your products work overtime! Here are some clever ways to recycle and resuse your products to assure your money well spent.


The next time you receive a Fragrance Gift Set (or a Sephora.com gift) don't throw away the box! These high-quality gift boxes are great for hiding girly things like tampons and panty liners in the bathroom. I've been using my Green Tea Bvlgari box to stow away tampons underneath my sink.


Forget about Anastasia and Benefit brow waxes, just use La Mer's Lip Balm to tame those unruly brows. Just dab a small amount and rub on your brows. Less shiny than a brow gel and more flexible than a brow wax. So small and portable they're also good on the lips ;)







Even though I've switched back to a foaming cleanser, I still use my Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil as a make-up remover. Just soak a cotton ball (not a cotton pad) with some oil and wipe around the eye area then rinse. Works better than cleanser alone!







I still haven't gotten used to the idea of a "facial mist"... moisten the skin? It wets it! I can't ignore beads of water on my face! So now I use the Shu Facial Mist (fancy words for depsea water spray) to dillute foundation for a sheer application. Works great with Shu's compact foundations or any other heavy foundation you'd like to wear during the day.






Other than just irritated eyes, Visine is good for a quick pick-me-up: put a drop in your eyes before a photo to make sure your eyes look bright and awake- not tired. And who knew it also works great to set eyeshadow? A friend showed me how to keep eyeshadow looking its best all day: after picking up some eyeshadow with a brush, dip the brush lightly in some Visine drops before applying to the eyes.





The same friend found a clever way to deal with the dried up lotion often leftover in your lotion pump... rather than discarding, use it as a cuticle softener! The dehydrated chunk of lotion is very concentrated and the solid shape makes it easy to roll over your cuticles.


What are your favorite products that you use in more ways than one?