Tightwad Tuesday: Tibi Sequin Blazer at a Bargain

Since my quest for a bewitching blazer that is slim-fitting, sophisticated, and perfect for any occasion has sent me on a virtual goose chase for the past four months in which I have come up completely empty-handed, I have decided to go the opposite route. Oui, I have come to the conclusion that now is the preemptive time to embrace my own personal ABC’s of the ideal blazer: audacious, bold, and cheeky; and given the time of year currently upon us, the holiday season when all three are more than welcome in our wardrobes, I see absolutely nothing wrong with doing so. Farewell to fusty, hello flamboyance!

I suppose I should explain myself. After all, it’s only fair to you, my many beloveds, to let you in on what I am going on and on about, so I will. Sequins. Say it with me now, kittens…sequins. The way the word so much as slithers off your tongue is indicative enough of its splendor; but gracing a woven jacket making it possible for you to sparkle as brightly as the twinkling fairy lights adorning a Christmas tree causes them to be so much more covetable. Hence the reason Tibi’s Sequin Blazer has landed on my radar in a way that no other covering has managed to before.

While built like a blazer with front flap pockets and subtle lapels, Tibi’s Sequin Blazer harbors a fluidity; a dazzling poetry in motion in its shape, which is more reminiscent of a cozy, breathable knit cardigan, as opposed to a boxy, structured blazer. It is this fit alone which creates a yearning within me to dress it down for a day of shopping with leggings and a worn-in pair of slouchy suede boots; or dress it up for a posh party full of scrummy boys by coupling it with black skinnies and sky-high heels. Take into account the fact that this particular piece manages to juxtapose between being theatrical and inconspicuous at the very same point in time, and it is obvious that you have found extravagance at its very, very best.

But non; not everything about Tibi’s Sequin Blazer is fabulous. Case in point, the $598.00 price tag. While gorgeous in all of its glittering charm, an amount so near to the four-digit mark is quite intimidating – especially given the current state of the economy, and the amount of names on my holiday shopping list. Therefore, so long Tibi, welcome to my world Sequin Embellished Jacket!

For $27.80, Forever 21’s Sequin Embellished Jacket retains almost an identical ability to make you shimmer, sparkle, and shine in the same fashion as Tibi’s Sequin Blazer, at a fee much more friendly to the shopaholic fashionista’s wallet.

Question time…tightwad? Spendthrift? Which role will you glimmer in today?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to ShopStyle and Forever 21 for the pictures.

Cruisin' Cafes: London, England

I was given a task back in the first grade. At the mere age of six or seven, I, along with my classmates, was instructed by my somewhat feared teacher Miss Cullen to draw a picture of a place I wanted to visit more than any other. There were two ground rules: one, we could not select another planet; two, it had to be outside of the United States. Given my frequent viewings of Superman, and adoring the premise of stepping into a cherry red telephone booth to transform into someone with amazing powers, I chose London, England – after all, the one thing I knew about the country was that those very same phone booths were everywhere. Fast forward fifteen years, and I am still obsessed with “the Queen’s little place in the country.” Thus the reason why our second café journey is to London, England!

♥Maison Bertaux I’ve always wanted to be Alice in Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. I have worshipped her for many, many years – aspiring to hold fast to her wide-eyed innocence, and jumble of thrill and surprise that seemingly overwhelms her when introduced to something new. Stepping one foot into Maison Bertaux, and you can’t help but feel like the golden-haired girl with imagination galore; for one moment you’re on a gritty Soho street, the next you’ve tumbled down the rabbit hole into a glorious little gem of a café which doubles as a quirky cake and pastry shop that would make Marie Antoinette herself giddy.

Founded in 1871, the true charm and enchantment of Maison Bertaux is in its aesthetic. Dainty china, pink shabby chic décor, and Parisian patisserie influences converge as one to create a cozy little nook which features an upstairs tea room for savoring warm drinks on blustery rainy days, and a slightly cramped – yet over the top quaint – downstairs sitting area should you feel the desire to gaze upon the pretty pastries being crafted on premises. Have a Coconut Macaroon or two for me, s’il vous plait! 28 Greek Street, Soho, London W1D 5DD.

♥The Coffee Cup Perhaps I’m fazed by the history that Hampstead’s The Coffee Cup harbors – since it’s opening in 1951, its doorway has been graced by Paul McCartney, Sting, Emma Thompson, and Betty Grable. But I like to attribute my adoration of the spot to the cramped, run down style which wraps you up in the type of warmth synonymous with a snuggly scarf or plaid blanket huddled under in front of the fireplace as you slowly sip steaming coffee out of oversized mugs.

Inside, there is a rustic, log cabin type of cultivation courtesy of the wood paneled walls, out of sight cubbyholes perfect for curling up with a good book, and retro stools, all of which serve to create a noir-influenced elegance not often seen in more recently built establishments; while outside sits a handful of outdoor tables perfect for people watching as you down cup after cup of scrummy cappuccino. Just don’t forget to couple it with carrot cake topped with ice cream – the ideal complement to your toasty drink. 74 Hampstead High Street, Hampstead, London, NW3 1QX.

♥Poetry Café It is not surprising I should find myself head over heels with Covent Garden’s Poetry Café; after all, it is like a little slice of New York City’s Greenwich Village extracted and plunked down in the middle of London.

Poetry Café is a true-life version of the coffee shops that manage to pop up in literature all the time, but rarely appear in reality. It is a beatnik location that poses as a simple café and bar organized for people to shoot the breeze with strangers over wicked brews concocted right before your eyes in the mornings and afternoons; then, just before an event begins in the evening, everything changes. Seats are vacated and crowds of people shuffle down to the basement, cappuccinos and warm brownies in hand, and cozy up to plush sofas as various London-based artists take the stage. It’s a jazzy little place brimming with nostalgia; you’ll never want to leave! 22 Betterton St., London, WC2H 9BX.

Which of these London cafes would you like to cruise?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to We ♥ It for the pictures.

Style Secrets: The Haute Hippie

“Long hair is considered bohemian, which may be why I grew it, but I keep it long because I love the way it feels, part cloak, part fan, part mane, part security blanket.”
Marge Piercy
I find it difficult to understand one who proclaims that they have not been bitten by the bohemian bug. I myself am an individual who has never identified with a certain style of dress; rather, I flit from one look to another, attempting to match my wardrobe to my day to day mood. Even so, I have never been able to resist the lure of the bohemia.

Blame it upon my love of the beatnik way of life. The type of existence marred with endless aimless wandering, and soul-searching; simply seeking a path to follow, but getting lost on various unplanned adventures and journeys along the way. But I digress; we are talking about style here, and that of the bohemian fashion.

The film Almost Famous so perfectly showcased the characteristics of bohemia trends; but please don’t fret darlings, one does not need a stylist to show them the ropes of looking the part of the boho belle. Incorporating slightly slouchy, offbeat fashions into your everyday look is one of the simplest of style tasks you will ever encounter; especially when you know exactly where to start!

♥Brilliant Bedhead The main thing to remember as you begin your foray into becoming a haute hippie is that to look undone, effortless, and magnificently mussed takes time. While it is your intention to look as if you simply woke up beaming and radiant, in truth, we both know that it doesn’t come naturally. Hair does not look tantalizingly tousled the moment you lift your head from the pillow in the morning, it requires pre-planning. The boho belle is most often seen donning volumized, luscious locks with cascading waves that oftentimes come across looking ever so slightly tangled. Luckily there are two tried and true ways to achieve this style without spending hours using hair products or curling irons:

♥For Loose Waves - When your hair is damp, scoop it off your neck and tie it into a messy bun. Shake your hair out in the morning, and you’re good to go.
♥For Tighter Waves - When your hair is damp, part it in the middle, and weave it into two tight braids. In the morning comb it out, and let loose.
♥Tips - I recommend looser waves for a bohemian look; tighter waves often come across as too diva-inspired, and somewhat unnatural.
Look to Brigitte Bardot, Blake Lively, and Vanessa Hudgens for guidance – their hairstyles simply scream bohemian perfection.

♥Trinket Trove Whether bohemian is the look I am going for on any particular day or not, I am one who understands the power of the accessory. Accessories, to be completely truthful, can make or break an outfit. They are the backbone to your plain white tee, the main event of your typical jeans, and the crème de la crème to the blank palette you call your ensemble. It was Coco Chanel who said “It is the unseen, unforgettable, ultimate accessory of fashion that heralds your arrival and prolongs your departure.” Embrace these words, they are a mantra.

The perfect thing about jewelry that spots bohemian styles is the sheer fact that it is inexpensive, for it is typically “fashion” jewelry – this means that you can load up on it at Forever 21, Charlotte Russe, and H&M without any worries about breaking your budget. Five items one must have in their possession when channeling their inner boho belle:

♥Feathers - Some wear them around their neck; I recommend wearing feathers from your ears. Feathered earrings such as Flashback & Freedom’s Peacock Earrings frame the face, and add a very elegant ambiance to the bohemian look. They also serve to elongate the neck, which is always glamorous.
“I’m a girl from a good family who was very well brought up. One day I turned my back on it all and became a bohemian.”
Brigitte Bardot
♥DIY Bracelets Essentially, you don’t have to DIY them, but many hippie-influenced bracelets are handmade, and look like pieces you crafted while away at summer camp as a child. Braided bracelets made from yarn, string, cord, leather, and hemp are all stunning selections – two that I adore at the moment are Citrine by the Stones’ Braided Bracelet and Kerri Wilder’s Braided Bead Wrap Bracelet. The key is choosing something that is understated and ethereal, yet catches the eye all at once!
♥Bangles, Bangles, Bangles! Not to be confused with cuffs; bangles are slightly less hefty and an absolute staple in the boho belle’s accessory drawer. Don’t feel the need to stick to one category of bangles. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to haphazardly mix and match sizes and textures in an effort to create a look all your own. Take a cue from Nicole Richie and couple Kenneth Jay Lane ’s Polished Gold Cabochon Bangle with CC Skye’s Cobra Bangles and Gorjana’s Willow Bangles. Think of it this way…the more disorder displayed on your wrist, the better!
♥Ring Leader Don’t expect to feel bohemian without rings gracing at least seven out of ten fingers. And not any ring will do – big baubles with the power to stop people in their tracks is what you want. Look for pieces that sport large, colorful stones or designs like House of Harlow 1960’s Sunburst Cocktail Ring or Gara Danielle’s Peacock Druzy Ring. Go as far as you can in terms of rings without being uncomfortable.
♥Head Case To fully embrace your inner boho belle, lose the headband and replace it with a head wrap like Rachel Leigh’s Hippie Chic Headband and Bop Bijoux’s Vintage Braided Headband/Wrap Bracelet. Bohemian style is not bohemian style without a head wrap. Period.
♥Back to Basics One of the benefits of going boho is that the main staples of your wardrobe are basics – and inexpensive ones at that! You do not rely on jazzy embellishments to keep your style strong; rather, you pay tribute to understated glamour. One of my favorite routes to take is that of the boyfriend style. It works for creating a blissful bohemian ambiance, but should you decide to leave your hippie aspirations behind, the look can easily be transformed into anything you desire. Four items you simply cannot be without:

♥Boyfriend Jeans You don’t want to go too bulky or baggy, just loose enough where you have room to move around without masking your sassy silhouette. Opt for styles that can be worn long or cuffed to optimize versatility and wear-ability. Rich & Skinny are my favorite when it comes to boyfriend jeans; they offer various washes and textures which make it easy to play with your look and experiment a bit.
♥V-Necks A slouchy, loose fit is what you’re going for, but too much slouch will make you look sloppy. Bop Basics’ Short Sleeve V Neck Tee is ideal – it allows you to keep your shape while still getting that bohemian vibe. If you’re unsure about sizing remember these two things – go one size up if purchasing a top made for females; if you’re buying a tee made with the body of a boy in mind, buy one size down.
♥Cut-Off Denim Shorts Any pair of denim shorts will do; but I feel that those with a cut-off look come across as more free-spirited and disorganized than a pristine pair. Meaning, look for denim shorts with slight fraying, or a choppy cut about the hemline, such as Current/Elliott’s The Boyfriend Short. DIY-ing is always an idea, as well. Look for a slightly baggy pair of jeans that you no longer wear, measure, and snip snip!
♥Cardigans The funny thing about cardigans is that they’re appropriate for any style of dress you deem worthy to accouter yourself in, whether polished or playful. But when going the route of the haute hippie they work wonders for they are completely simple in the sense that you can toss them on over anything. Look for comforting pieces that make you feel cozy and adored like Ever’s Algiers Cocoon Sweater, Catherine Malandrino’s Cardigan Sweater with Draped Neckline, or Theory’s Zuma Cardigan – bits that manage to look as if they are swallowing you whole; but in the most sophisticated of ways.
♥It’s All in the Bag The bag, like accessories in general, is, in my opinion, the piece de resistance of creating pure bohemian rhapsody in your look. It is this unique piece that will tie everything together, and truly create the haute hippie aesthetic you have in mind. Forgo classic styles in patent leather, and toss black hues to the wayside. Seek out more rustic pieces with long shoulder straps, fringe and/or woven detailing, suede textures, and colors synonymous with nature – brown, taupe, and beige. Ecote’s Suede Patchwork Hobo and JJ Winters’ Suede Fringe Bag are perfect candidates for the task. Just remember that you want something that instantly makes people think of Woodstock, moccasins, and the simplicities of life that often accompanied the hippie/bohemian movement, and splurge accordingly!

“Bohemia is nothing more than the little country in which you do not live. If you try to obtain citizenship in it, at once the court and retinue pack the royal archives and treasure and move away beyond the hills.”
O. Henry
No need to tell me where you’re off to kittens; I already know…you’re on your way to transform yourself into a haute and happy hippie no doubt. Have fun!


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Lets Get Ripped and Go to the Aquarium, Daily Makeover, Sweet Fuzz, Huffington Post, Lets Shop, Refinery 29, La Vie Boston, Denimology, and What’s Haute for the pictures.

Smitten Saturday

♥Girl Talk Kitty cats, I’m well aware of the fact that one is supposed to write about their secret loves within the pages of a diary; but I am taking the opposite approach. It is not what is inside my diary which I am most concerned about at the moment, but what is printed on the outside. And that mes chéris are the Erdem Girls. For quite some time now I have been in complete and utter awe of the whimsically romantic line drawings put forth by designer Erdem, and now I have the chance to take the Erdem Girls home courtesy of Smythson’s Erdem Girl Diaries. Each illustration is engraved and printed upon pristine goatskin leather which opens up to reveal printed silk lining; while two pages full of fashion illustrations by the designer himself add a fabulous bonus to the receiver. I already plan on sticking the Panama Diary within the folds of my handbag and toting it along with me everywhere I go; the Soho Diary, on the other hand, will be reserved for the makeshift office residing in my bedroom. The only thing to contemplate now? How on earth to scrounge up enough money to afford these lovelies. Santa, can you hear me?

♥Clutch-22 Dolls please do me a very important favor…don’t ever allow me to forget how torturous it is to find the ideal black clutch to tote along with me on those occasions when I decide to paint the town red. I have spent the past week tearing my hair out for a clutch that fits the bill, and come up completely empty-handed. Now, you know me for my love of big bags; but even I must admit that it’s difficult to dance the night away, or flirt with a cute boy, when you’re attempting to keep your eye on an oversized bag, or prevent it from hitting your prospective suitor in the gut while getting groovy on the dance floor. Therefore, a black clutch is essential – but a royal pain to uncover. Do you go for a piece that transforms into a small handbag complete with cutout handles like Nine West’s Fold Em Small Clutch? Search for a petite pouch like Felix Rey’s Love Letter Clutch? Go oversized with Alexander Wang’s Tina Zip Clutch? Or, is it as I suspected, a complete Catch-22 – utterly impossible to find a bit that is both beneficial and beautiful?

♥The Nose No matter the situation at hand, I find that Coco Chanel is always brimming with a quote or observation that is spot on, and applicable to whatever predicament you find yourself plagued with. Case in point, her thoughts on perfume – A woman who doesn’t wear perfume has no future and “Where should one use perfume?’ a young woman asked. ‘Wherever one wants to be kissed,’ I said. It is impossible not to agree with her musings, and realize that perfume, while invisible to the naked eye, is just as necessary and important as the clothes one accouters oneself with. The trouble is, finding one that suits you and your personality to a T. You want something that is unique, and tantalizing enough to intrigue cute boys once you have vacated a room; while being slightly subdued so as not to overwhelm one’s senses. It’s quite the difficult task, to be completely truthful – one that I have fallen victim to time and time again. Thus, I thought it only fair to share my secret weapon for selecting sublimity…How to Pick a Perfume Just Right For You. Darlings, cast aside all semblance of confusion and simply soak up Nasreen Rehmat’s advice on all things related to smelling yummy. Your perfume problems? Solved. Coco would be so proud!

♥Legging Love I’ve tried to keep the urges at bay for quite some time now, but I’ve finally become one of them. The girls with the confidence to don leggings as their sole piece of legwear; who embrace stretchy fibers as their pants-style of choice and wear them with complete and total disregard to the shocked looks upon the faces of strangers. And why shouldn’t I? I remember in the fourth grade that I virtually lived in leggings. Denim was not a part of my fashion vocabulary at that time – I was enticed only by elastic, and in a constant state of euphoria whenever accoutered in such a look. Thus, I see it only fair to relive those glory days once more, and incorporate the design into my everyday way of living. Only Hearts’ Poor Boy Rib Leggings would look heavenly tucked into a pair of faux leather over the knee boots and topped with a newly acquired red v-neck sweater and motorcycle jacket. A night of enchantment is guaranteed with M by Missoni’s sparkling Metallic Leggings, played up with an understated flowy tank that hits at the hip. And Splendid’s Modal Leggings would work all sorts of magic coupled with an asymmetrical top from Blue Life. Tell me darlings…how do you wear your leggings? Do you allow yourself to don short tops when outfitted in them, or do you prefer topping them with a tunic?

♥Call Me My BlackBerry is my BFF. I feel completely naked if she isn’t by my side 24/7, constantly available to assist me in sending text messages, or keeping up on the latest idle chatter involving my girlenas; but my beloved CC has sparked a new infatuation within. Last week she posed a question to her readers involving land lines in CC Phone Home, and instantly I was brought back to the technology of yesteryear. Non, I am not in possession of a land line – why should I be, I’m hardly home? But that doesn’t stop me from adoring the vintage flair of old-fashioned telephones. Not to use, mind you – simply for decorative purposes. I can’t help but feel like a cast member on the set of Valley of the Dolls with Crosley’s Kettle Classic Desk Phone sitting pretty by my bedside. The Princess Phone, in a perky bubblegum pink hue, possesses just enough retro, Old Hollywood glamour to make one feel like a buxom starlet sashaying down the Red Carpet on her way to a swanky film premiere when so much as glanced upon. And really, who in their right mind could resist the elegance put forth via The Sultan Desk Phone? Call me, kittens!

What were you smitten with this week?


Thanks to Couture Carrie and Shopbop for the pictures.

Stop in the Name of Lace

Shame on me, I know. Here I am, supposed to be on the hunt for a pair of gloves to keep my dainty digits warm come winter, and I’m off on one of my tangents. Albeit, this one was not intentional. It is not my fault that the item in question seemingly sprung out of nowhere, and bit me on the nose, virtually begging to be swept up into my world of fashionable finesse; nor am I to blame for being completely incapable of resisting its flirty yet incredibly feminine aesthetic. Be honest, you would be in the same position as myself had you laid eyes on this beauty first. But I digress; it was I who spotted its lacy construction, I who became mesmerized with its spandex composition, and I who knew from the getgo that I had to have it in my possession. And I vow that I will; though I’m getting ahead of myself.

I suppose I should reveal what I am rambling on and on about – after all, I have a hunch that once you experience it’s brilliance you’ll be coveting it too. American Apparel’s Nylon Spandex Stretch Floral Lace Unitard.

Dolls, please cast aside your thoughts about uncomfortable, unflattering unitards of yesteryear; the Nylon Spandex Stretch Floral Lace Unitard is a decadent accoutrement that will assist you in channeling your inner feminine mystique and make you feel like a sultry feline on the prowl whenever you find yourself donning it – which I’m sure will be quite often. This is not to be compared to the leotards and unitards we were forced to dress in for dance classes as children; this is a garment in a class all its own.

Reminiscent of a body stocking, delicate black floral lace covers every last inch of its surface ending in a footless tight, and beginning with slim spaghetti straps; all of which hug every last curve of your body like a glove. It’s a form-fitting covering simply lying in wait to be tossed on under a colorful frock, or coupled with a risqué satin corset – so don’t even begin to say that you have nothing to wear it with. My only qualm is that it isn’t available in every color of the rainbow – I’d snatch them all up in a heartbeat!

Are you suffering from a case of lace lust, kittens?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to American Apparel for the pictures.

Fashionista in the Kitchen Giveaway Winners

The holidays are just around the corner, and this year, three (3) of you won’t have to rely on old, boring recipes that you’ve had quite enough of. Non mes chéris; instead you will be digging into scrummy, yummy, healthy snacks and entrees that will keep you trim and satisfied courtesy of Mireille Guiliano’s French Women Don’t Get Fat. The mere thought of such a collection of recipes makes my tummy rumble, but I’ll deal with that later. Congratulations to…

…Tights Lover of The Panty Drawer, Dina of Dina’s Days, and Fashion Court. Congratulations darlings, your holidays are sure to be delicious!

Please e-mail me at cafefashionista@yahoo.com with your mailing address to claim your prize.

Thank you to the winner, and to everyone who entered Café Fashionista’s giveaway!


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Listal for the picture.

Thrifty Thursday: Alice + Olivia Shawl Faux Fur Jacket for Less

Darlings, I have fallen in love with a wild animal. Not just any wild animal, mind you; a leopard. A leggy specimen with the grace and poise of a model on the catwalk, coupled with the speed and agility of a toned marathon runner. I imagine there is no other animal more perfect to fall in love with; but I digress. I suppose I should be more specific in my musings. Oui, it is the leopard that is the current star of my affections; but not in the fashion in which you may assume.

While I adore the leopard’s fiery spirit and seductive gait; I am much more in awe of its heavenly shaded coat. The beige and taupe mixing as one, then covered in black spots synonymous with petite rosettes to round out the piece de resistance of color combinations. The charm factor of such a look has made me long for a similar covering all my own. And I have found it in the form of Alice + Olivia’s Shawl Collar Faux Fur Jacket.

Many faux furs come across as too brass and brazen in their volume and size; so is not the case with the Shawl Collar Faux Fur Jacket. It is the quintessential garment for assisting the fashion maven in channeling her inner Edie Sedgwick, and imagining herself as Andy Warhol’s muse, if only during the time that she is donning such a style.

Toss it on over distressed denim jeans with wild, animalistic hair for a late-night rock show; or transform yourself into a cosmopolitan Uptown girl by pairing it with black leggings, an ebony-hued v-neck, and a chic chignon for a chichi cocktail party with dapper boys just waiting for you to entice them with your feminine wiles.

I should love to simply swipe Alice + Olivia’s ambrosial outerwear up without so much as a second-thought to price; but I am quite positive that I would feel downright devastated once I open my VISA bill and see the $385.00 charge. But I refuse to take this lying down. I am resigned to fight for what I love; which is why I shall be taking the plunge and purchasing the next best thing…Mossimo’s Black Women’s Faux Fur Shrug – Cat Print.

At $39.99, Mossimo’s marvel is the perfect solution to your budget woes; not to mention that it’s the ideal replacement for a statement necklace if donned with a sassy LBD.

Speak up, don’t be shy…will you be economical with Mossimo, or extravagant with Alice + Olivia?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Shopbop and Target for the pictures.


Don't forget to enter the Fashionista in the Kitchen Giveaway for your chance to win a copy of Mireille Guiliano's French Women Don't Get Fat.