Style Secrets: Success at the Sale Rack

“When women are depressed they eat or go shopping. Men invade another country. It’s a whole different way of thinking.”
Elayne Boosler
Never mind the niceties, my loves; they are getting us nowhere fast. Sometimes it is best to be blunt; to speak our minds and unleash our candid sides. And the honest truth when it comes to shopping is that boys are completely clueless.

It is the male mind’s presumption that shopping is a simple hobby, a pleasurable way to spend a Saturday afternoon; and it most certainly can be. But when it comes to the technicalities of shopping a sale, all gratification is cast to the wayside. The uncomplicated truth is that the moment the SALE sign appears in shop windows, stores turn into a brutal battlefield; one that involves lining up in single-file formation outside of Barney’s at the crack of dawn, fighting your way in and out of dressing rooms, and even digging through piles upon piles of Haute Hippie Silk Drawstring Pants hoping against all hope that a size Medium will suddenly materialize and bring victory to your shopping spree – all behaviors synonymous with that seen by soldiers on the front line.

Darlings, finding success at the sale rack does not start the moment you enter the store; rather, it requires preparation for days prior to the sale to ensure that you know exactly what you’re aiming to score during those few adrenaline-pumping hours. Sure, you may still have to stalk the brunette who snagged the last size six pair of Jeffrey Campbell Potion Ankle Boots, keeping your fingers crossed that she’ll change her mind about the purchase, and leave the prize within your reach; and there’s no doubt that you will emerge from the wreckage with a few bumps and bruises courtesy of feisty fashionistas on a mission identical to yours. If you abide by these rules, however, you will unquestionably emerge triumphant. Would I lie to you?

♥Shop the Closet Kitty cats, the sale may not be starting for another two days, but I insist, you’re going shopping right this very minute…in your own closet, that is.

The problem with sales is that everything is so much more affordable than normal, that we feel compelled to stock up on anything that catches our eye. The difficulty with this is, oftentimes, we already own large quantities of the identical item, we just don’t realize it; hence the reason why going shopping in your closet beforehand, as a means of taking inventory, is essential before you so much as begin putting together your I-desperately-need-to-find-it-today-or-else-my-wardrobe-will-be-forever-incomplete list.

“The quickest way to know a woman is to go shopping with her.”
Marcelene Cox
Let’s take a gander, shall we? In your shoe collection lie a full six pairs of black heels; you are the proud owner of three clutches, all showcasing sparkling silver sequins; and it appears that there are no less than four LBD’s peeking out from behind a jumble of dress shirts that could truly do with a good ironing right about now. Dolls, please understand I’m not passing judgment here – simply illustrating the facts. Yes, these are classic pieces that every girl should be in possession of – in moderation, of course. Your mission during the next sale is to steer clear of items you already own, and look for new bits that will spruce up your wardrobe, as opposed to collecting dust in a drawer full of duplicates. After all, who needs another pair of black pumps, when you could go wild with a pair of Alexander Wang’s Natasha Choked Pumps in Leopard?

♥Life Lessons I spotted it just a few short days ago. Haute Hippie’s Sequin Tulle Gown. Now, I wanted nothing more than to whip out my AmEx and charge what I like to think of as the crème de la crème of evening gowns, but I stopped myself – much to my chagrin, of course. Why? It doesn’t fit into my current situation.

When shopping the sale racks, it is of the utmost importance to evaluate your present lifestyle before buying items that cost an arm and a leg – even when deeply discounted – and may spend the next few years locked away in the back of your closet, never offered the chance to see the light of day.

“If men liked shopping they’d call it research.”
Cynthia Nelms
Cocktail dresses are perfect for a highfalutin socialite who spends at least four nights a week at chic soirees, but for the girl on the go who most frequently finds herself styled in leggings and oversized sweaters, it is best to forgo the displays devoted to eveningwear, no matter how much they call your name, and seek out pieces more applicable to your lifestyle. It is better to splurge on something that will be worn countless times, than to merely buy a form of frippery that thrills you, yet is seen only by your very own reflection in your bedroom mirror.

♥Apropos Apparel It’s no surprise that we all want to look our best when headed out for a day of shopping; after all, we want to be looked upon as serious shoppers, and not mistreated by salespeople a la Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman. But I digress; one does not need to be dressed to the nines when seeking success at the sale rack. You simply want to choose a style which makes you look comfortably put together, yet ensures resilience so that you can not only try things on quickly, but contort yourself into tiny spaces in order to snag out-of-reach garments – which, believe me, you will be forced to resort to at some point during your little outing.

Your go-to look, if you hadn’t already guessed, is leggings, slightly slouchy short sleeve tees like KAIN Label’s Pocket Tee, flat boots in a fashion like Golden Goose’s Charlye Pull On Boot with Instep Strap, and cross-body bags such as mark’s Biker Bag. Ballerina flats are also an option, but only if you plan on wearing them with socks, or remember to bring a pair of socks with you – you never know when you’ll find a pair of shoes that you desperately want to try on, but are unable to because you left your socks at home!

“Shopping is a woman thing. It's a contact sport like football. Women enjoy the scrimmage, the noisy crowds, the danger of being trampled to death, and the ecstasy of the purchase.”
Erma Bombeck
♥I Spy With My Little Eye Kitty cats, you may not have found that decadent LaROK Safari Sophisticate Blazer in your desired size, but do not give up hope! Elsa Schiaparelli once said “Women dress alike all over the world: they dress to be annoying to other women.” The same way of thinking can be attributed to shopping for clothes.

Let’s be honest here, darlings, females can be catty, especially when it comes to fashion. We will, at times, purposely carry the very last Rebecca Minkoff Love Letter Satchel around a store until we leave, knowing full well that we won’t be buying it, just to make sure someone else cannot scoop it up right before our eyes; we are also guilty of tucking the last size six pair of Frye Veronica Slouch Boots amongst the section which caters to sizes eight through ten. We know its wrong; but sometimes we simply cannot help ourselves from committing such acts of label lust.

With that in mind, however, it is your responsibility to play Sherlock Holmes, and search every possible nook and cranny for your desired item. You may come up empty-handed; but, chances are, you will hit the jackpot, and leave the store with a smug smile plastered on your face!

“A bargain is something you can't use at a price you can't resist.”
Franklin P. Jones
♥Excess Denied The word budget is synonymous with a slow and painful form of torture for the girl looking to buy herself something fabulous; but it is essential to put one in place before you step even a single toe inside that store, if only just to save you from a major headache in the long run.

Sales are the perfect time to let yourself go a little too wild in terms of spending given all of the half-off signs plastered within a ten-foot radius of your person; but they can also be misleading. Yes, the items are on sale; but indulging in too many of them can easily place you in the poorhouse in five seconds flat! Have an idea of what you’re searching for, and how much you’re willing to spend in mind before the big day, and shop accordingly. Remember my loves, there will be other sales, and other items that will tickle your fancy in the future – don’t get caught up in this one alone!

♥For Your Listening Pleasure Darlings, I realize that you are probably a bit stressed just thinking about your impending tango with the sale rack. The main thing you can do right now is clear your mind, and listen to a few songs that will put you in the mood to shop ‘til you drop, and kick your fashion up a notch; thus, a playlist to satisfy your stylish side. Happy listening, my loves!

“I always say shopping is cheaper than a psychiatrist.”
Tammy Faye Bakker
♥Fashion - David Bowie
♥Shopping for Clothes - The Coasters
♥Vogue - Madonna
♥Lagerfeld Lady - Fritz Helder & The Phantoms
♥Dedicated Follower of Fashion - The Kinks
♥Boys and Girls - Souvenir D'Italie
♥Glamorous - Fergie
♥Harajuku Girls - Gwen Stefani
♥Red Dress - Sugababes
♥A Perfect Lie - The Engine Room
“If I don't stop shopping, I'll end up a bag lady; a Fendi bag lady, but a bag lady...”
Carrie Bradshaw, Sex and the City


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to We ♥ It and Tumblr for the pictures.


Don't forget to enter the Time After Time Orient Automatic Watch Giveaway for your chance to win a watch from Orient Watch USA.

Smitten Saturday

♥Harness Your Enthusiasm Kittens, I know many of you, like me, are frightened to spend an arm and a leg on a pair of boots that sport monstrous embellishments for the sheer fact that you are frightened. Frightened that, once ostentatious decorations fall out of style – as they so often do – you will be stuck with a priceless pair of shoes that are, quite possibly, unwearable. Fear not! Like a caped crusader emerging out of the darkness comes The 2 Bandits.

The brilliant idea of design duo Erica Chan and Tamar Wider, Bandits are fancy flourishes that one can add or remove from their footwear du jour to dress them up and put a pop of personality into place. Cast a splash of Southwest flavor to your ensemble by slipping the colorful Cherokee around the shaft of a pair of rustic riding boots; go glam with the sophisticated Sunday sitting front and center atop a cognac-hued boot; or channel your inner biker babe by sliding the harness-like Gold/Black Pair around the ankle of a motorcycle boot. Remember, these boots were made for walking…and impressing!

♥Glitter-ific! As a lover of all things sparkly, shimmery, and lustrous, I find it downright devastating that incorporating the lightest dusting of glitter into my daily make-up regimen evaded me until this very moment. All this time I have searched for a product that would provide a dewy, glistening glow about my cheekbones, around my eyes, and even over my shoulders, but never did glitter so much as cross my mind before discovering mark’s Crystal Shimmer Luminous Loose Powder.

The sheer powder sits upon your skin in a very lightweight fashion, and catches the light in a way that makes you twinkle like the brightest star in the sky. It’s enough to have created an obsession within me, leading me to seek out even more glittering gems, including mark’s Twinklebelle, Sophistique Sheer Shimmer Body Creme, and Flavored Body Powder from Urban Decay. Ready to get glittery?

♥Stud Muffin It’s quite bizarre, I suppose. You can see the rings adorning my fingers from no less than twenty-feet away; yet when it comes to the baubles peeking from my ears, they’re practically invisible. Perhaps it has something to do with the accident I was mixed up in at the age of eight involving a barely there hoop earring and a Burger King playplace; an accident that left my earlobe unscathed yet in a state of throbbing pain. Since then I have cast all matter of hoops and danglers aside, regardless of how fetching their appearance is, and embraced studs and only studs. Not every stud will do, mind you. It’s essential to find ones that match each and every aspect of your personality.

Elizabeth and James’ Pollen Earrings, for instance, correspond magically with my inner flashy femme fatale; my nature-loving naïveté simply can’t get enough of Juicy Couture’s Butterfly Stud Earrings; and the flower child in me instantly comes to life when Giles & Brother’s Rose Studs are part of the equation. Have you been suckered in by studs, dolls?

What were you smitten with this week?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to We ♥ It and The 2 Bandits for the pictures.


Don't forget to enter the Time After Time Orient Automatic Watch Giveaway for your chance to win a watch from Orient Watch USA.

Time After Time Orient Automatic Watch Giveaway

Darlings, a timepiece is just as essential to one’s look du jour as a sparkling charm clasped around our throat, or an oversized bauble perkily perched atop our Essie Carousel Coral covered pointer finger; hence the reason it is of the utmost importance to ensure that the watch wrapped around your wrist is just as fabulous as you are. And now you can courtesy of Orient Watches coupon!

Yes my loves, you’ve guessed correctly! Café Fashionista has teamed up with Orient Watch USA to bring one (1) of you gorgeous girls a glamorous timepiece all your own. I’m partial to the Orient CFM00002B myself; but today it’s all about the stainless steel construction of the piece featured at left – a wear-with-all bit of wonderment that one (1) of you will soon find in your midst.

To Enter the Time After Time Orient Automatic Watch Giveaway:

♥Visit Orient Watch and choose your favorite piece.

♥For one (1) entry, leave a comment on this post between now and Friday, March 12, 2010 at midnight PST stating which Orient Watch is your favorite and why.

♥For two (2) entries, Twitter about this giveaway, and leave a comment on this post stating which Orient Watch is your favorite and why between now and Friday, March 12, 2010 at midnight PST with your Twitter URL.

♥For three (3) entries, become a follower of Café Fashionista on Blogger/Google Reader/Google Friend Connect, and leave a comment on this post stating which Orient Watch is your favorite and why between now and Friday, March 12, 2010 at midnight PST (if you are already a Café Fashionista follower, please say so in your comment).

I will randomly pick one (1) name out of a hat (who knows, it could be yours!), and announce the winner on Saturday, March 13, 2010.

Good luck everyone!

This Giveaway is open to U.S. Residents!


Fashionably yours!

Dress of Your Dreams Giveaway Winner

I imagine you are all in a state of ecstasy at this very moment; curious to learn if you are the one who will soon be making the dress that dreams are made of a living, breathing reality. Don’t worry my loves; I won’t keep you waiting any longer. Congratulations to…

…Mara of M Loves M. Kitty cat, the sky is the limit; now is your chance to choose the Lulu*s dress of your dreams!

Please e-mail me at cafefashionista@yahoo.com with your mailing address, your desired dress (please include a link if possible), and your dress size 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.

Links à la Mode: The IFB Weekly Roundup

Project Beyond the Runway

Edited by Fashion Pulse Daily

Reading through the links this week, I realized that fashion week or no fashion week, fashion will most certainly go on! A winter snowstorm couldn't even slow down New York Fashion Week, and the links below are testament to the wonderful style that exists beyond the runway, such as Ode to Awe's jewelry discovery, how to look chic while lounging by Cafe Fashionista, and tips for vintage shoe shopping by Wicked Whimsy. Don't get me wrong, I love being 'in the know' on runway looks and trends, but how you interpret them and work them into your personal style is so much more important than remembering which designers showed one-shoulder looks this season!

As expected, there was a fabulous round-up of links in the forum as well, all worthy of your eyeballs!

Links à la Mode : February 25th

39th and Broadway - A Side of the Industry Unknown by Most: Life as a Corporate Fashion Designer
British Style Bloggers - Cherish forever what makes you unique, 'cos you're a yawn once it's gone
Cafe Fashionista - A step-by-step guide to looking luxurious even when lounging
Clutch22 -Up close and personal with Vivienne Tam as she expands her fashion+tech innovations to a new category
CMYKaboom - Independent Fashion Bloggers (IFB) 'Tweet Up in the Tents' event
Debutante Clothing - Vintage Jewelry: Q&A with Lucite line Circa Sixty Three
Fabulous Finds Gal - Moonstuck at the opera with photographer Bersa
Fashion Pulse Daily - Sonia Rykiel Pour H&M; the debut and the review
Holier Than Now - New Take on Florals (5 Under $50)
Idiosyncratic Style - A Girl's Guide to Maternity Style
Independent Fashion Bloggers : Evolving Influence Recap : Part One
Individual Chic: - Would you have wanted a Computer Engineer Barbie when you were smaller? Or would you love one now?
Night Watch - 10 Questions with Model Clara Zapffe
Ode to Awe - Denmark based Alidra Alic's Alice-inspired jewelry
Oranges and Apples - Rules for advertising and sponsorship on blogs
Retro Chick - The Ethics of Blogging
Smiles Go with Everything -10 Tips for Shopping on Ebay: How to find great deals on awesome duds.
The Coveted - Visits Nine West HQ for a sneak peak of AW10 shoe collections!
The Style PA - Gives Henry Holland a grilling ahead of his House of Holland show.
The Sunday Best - Do men get better service when they shop?
Wicked Whimsy -What to look for when buying vintage shoes
Workchic - Fall 2010 NY Fashion week collections: recreated runway to the office outfits

Thrifty Thursday: Christian Louboutin Fred Flat Glitter for Less

Though, as the princess of pizzazz, the sovereign of sparkle, the flirt of flash, I am obviously loathe to admit it; the time has come to do precisely that. As much as I would love to live out the remainder of my days garbed in anything that gleams, glitters, or glows, even I know when I have been defeated.

There is no question about it my loves, the holidays are officially over; therefore, the use of sequins that gleefully wink at the world from their placement about my sweaters or location upon my derriere in the form of shorts reminiscent of a disco ball hanging amidst a barrage of ravers in a nightclub is no longer acceptable. No one, however, said anything about shoes.

Christian Louboutin’s Fred Flat Glitter give new meaning to the term “twinkle toes.” Darlings, as if the lace-up oxford aesthetic weren’t covetable enough this season, my beloved Louboutin has gone and upped the ante by allocating the use of dazzling anthracite-hued glitter to make your tiny tootsies feel like seductive showgirls with every step you take.

Spiffed up and given a dapper quality courtesy of leather piping; and sporting Louboutin’s signature red leather sole synonymous with the savory decadence of sugar Sweet sunshine’s Sassy Red Velvet Cupcake, Fred has become the new apple of my sparkle adoring eye.

But I digress; while a snarky, tongue in cheek way to allow glitter to live on in your wardrobe year-round, the fabulous Fred harbors a spiteful price tag boasting the digits $595.00 which makes his love completely unattainable. At least for the time being. Hence the reason why I am giving Forever 21’s more wallet-friendly Jal-Jacko Glittered Oxfords my undivided attention.

It’s true, they lack the Louboutin label, and the scrummy crimson base; but for a mere $20.80 a pair, the Jal-Jacko allows for any girl to add a little glimmer to her shoe collection. And really, there’s nothing as satisfying as that!

Who are you channeling today, darlings…the thrifty temptress or the sassy big spender?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Christian Louboutin Saks and Forever 21 for the pictures.


Don't forget to enter the Dress of Your Dreams Giveaway for your chance to win the dress of your choice from Lulu*s.

Why Don't You...?

♥…put pen to paper and write a magazine article all about the glamorous person you aspire to be? Keep it on hand as inspiration. Who knows, one day it may be a reality!

♥…cast your schoolbooks aside and immerse yourself in the childish yet oh-so magical worlds of Peter Pan, The Little Prince, and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Even better, pretend you’re one of the characters as you’re reading – I call dibs on Wendy Darling!

♥…devote an entire weekend to searching for perfection? Scour the shops for the little black dress you’ve always dreamed of, browse boutique after boutique for a pair of boots with the power to reawaken your wardrobe. Your mission, my loves, is to shop until you find the paradigmatic piece to complete you!

♥…find a quiet abandoned field and spend the day picking dandelions in a frisky frock like Madison Marcus' Engage Dress? Don’t forget to say the magic words after you blow each and every winter white whisker away…"Dandelion, puffs away, make my wish come true someday."

♥…order a Red Rose and Calla Lily or Fields of Europe for Spring flower bouquet and have it delivered straight to your door? If anyone asks, tell them they’re from a secret admirer. A very cute secret admirer.


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to We ♥ It for the picture.


Don't forget to enter the Dress of Your Dreams Giveaway for your chance to win the dress of your choice from Lulu*s.

Tightwad Tuesday: Nightcap Clothing Foldover Leggings for Less

All right, I confess! I’m guilty. Guilty of one of the biggest fashion faux pas currently plaguing the country at this very moment…wearing leggings as pants! It’s true. I’m one of the girls you see accoutered in sinewy skintight leggings coupled with sweaters that fall not below the derriere in the form of a tunic, but that hit directly at the hip.

My six dollar Target leggings have entirely displaced the denim in my wardrobe; but it’s time for things to change. The rude looks from random passersby gazing upon me as if I am prancing around pantsless has left me looking for a new way to embrace the resilience I love, in a form that is less controversial to the general public. Finally I have found it in the form of Nightcap Clothing’s Foldover Legging.

Kitty cats please, by all means, do not write these lovelies off before you have so much as given them a chance. There is nothing crude, distasteful, or argumentative about the design of the Foldover Legging. Far from it, in fact!

Unlike the typical legging aesthetic which falls from the hip to the ankle in a straight line reminiscent of your most beloved skinnies, the Foldover Legging features an extra-wide waistband that folds over, around your posterior, in the form of a miniskirt to give the illusion that you are not merely wearing leggings, but a skirt over pants, creating an entire ensemble for your bottom half in the form of one singular item.

But I digress; such a style, while the absolute crème de la crème of maintaining comfort in the most urbane of ways, is bogged down with a premium that is far from figure flattering.

Yes my loves, I understand that the Foldover Legging is quite a bit like a two-for-one deal, but at $117.00 a pair, it is far out of the budget realm of the single-digit stretchy saviors I currently call my own. Alloy’s Foldover Stretch Yoga Legging, however, is not.

While embellished with ruching along the waistline as opposed to the smooth skirt-like surface of Nightcap Clothing’s piece, for just $29.90, Alloy’s Foldover Stretch Yoga Legging is just as sensational as its more expensive counterpart; and gives you the chance to buy in three different colors – black, gray, or navy!

Is today the day for you to please the big spender within; or will you play it cool and be thrifty?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Singer22 and Alloy for the pictures.


Don't forget to enter the Dress of Your Dreams Giveaway for your chance to win the dress of your choice from Lulu*s.

Cruisin' Cafes: Las Vegas, NV

There’s really no need to say anything, darlings; I’m already quite well aware of the fact that Las Vegas, Nevada seems an unlikely place to visit when cruising cafes is on the agenda. As the self-professed “Entertainment capitol of the world,” and the bearer of bright lights, the cha-ching of slot machines, and an abundance of casino resorts it seems anything but quaint. But perhaps it is precisely those very things which are indicative of the childlike charm lurking beneath Las Vegas’ flashy façade.

Like the topsy turvy adventures which plagued the tow-headed Alice once she tumbled down the Rabbit’s Hole; nestled down dingy back roads, mere footsteps away from the strip, and right alongside fine dining restaurants, Las Vegas harbors a multitude of mystifying locations intent on whipping up frothy, caffeinated confections with a side of enchanting charisma that will undoubtedly cast a spell upon you in no time at all!

♥Sunrise Coffee Co. Relaxation may not be a delicacy offered on the menu, but from the moment you stroll inside the double doors of Sunrise Coffee Co., it is as if every care, worry, or contemplation that has left your mind a muddled mess for the past week vacates your body, leaving you with a clear head and a craving to curl up in a cushy chair with a soy chai-latte and toil the afternoon away.

Far from touristy, it is evident that the low key ambiance of Sunrise is both friendly and locally-based simply by observing the good-natured banter between baristas and repeat customers alike. Friendly smiles trim the comfortable environment which is laced with shimmering parquet floors and speckled with hardwood tables topped with bouquets of fresh-cut flowers. On the walls hangs work created by local artists; in the bakery display cases sits locally-made delicacies; and from the hidden speakers floats unique melodies. But the true showpiece of Sunrise, aside from the spacious patio situated outside, is the oversized bookshelf offering visitors everything from textbooks to guides devoted to video game strategies – an eclectic mix you can’t resist. Order a biscotti to accompany your espresso…you’re going to be here for awhile. 3130 E. Sunset Rd., Suite A, Las Vegas, NV 89120.

♥reJAVAnate reJAVAnate is the coffee shop you no longer thought existed. Tucked between, of all things, a Blockbuster Video and Food 4 Less, reJAVAnate embraces the grassroots way of life, getting back to the very things that made coffee shops popular so many years ago; whilst still maintaining cutting edge characteristics – a juxtaposition between two eras that help one to appreciate the simpler things in life without having to forgo modern conveniences, such as technology.

During the daylight hours, the computers lining the walls of reJAVAnate, serving up free WiFi to patrons, are full of young entrepreneurs, students, and bloggers, all taking advantage of the laidback, quiet ambiance, perfect for studying or simply sipping a macchiato as you lean your head back and get lost in the music blaring from your iPod. Once night falls, however, there is a throwback to days of yore. Some evenings cater to the noir of the 1950s, offering poetry readings, open-mic nights, and jazz tunes; others are more haut monde, featuring live local bands and charity events. Pop in bright and early to check your e-mail over a morning mocha; or unwind in one of the cozy chairs after dinner with a hot chocolate and Kringle filled with strawberry cream, marzipan, or apple cinnamon – your sweet tooth won’t be sorry! 330 E. Flamingo Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89121.

Which of these Las Vegas cafes would you like to cruise?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Tumblr for the pictures.


Don't forget to enter the Dress of Your Dreams Giveaway for your chance to win the dress of your choice from Lulu*s.

Guest Post at A Wonderfelle World!

Kitty cats, have you ever wondered what type of shoe Cafe Fashionista would be if she were to come back to life in the form of footwear? Check out my two-cents about sassy style for the feet in My Style Monday: If You Were A Shoe... over at A Wonderfelle World; and learn all about the footwear counterparts of yours truly, as well as some of my favorite style bloggers - including Kristin of BonBon Rose Girls and Jessica of Style Obsession - while you're there!


Fashionably yours!

Style Secrets: Fabulous in a Flash

“If your sister is in a tearing hurry to go out and cannot catch your eye, she’s wearing your best sweater.”
Pam Brown
Picture the scene…the abhorred alarm begins blaring on Monday morning, and we, in our sleep-induced stupor, make the error of repeatedly banging our Essie Mint Candy Apple adorned fingertips upon the snooze button to allow ourselves a few more moments of beauty rest until we finally muster up the courage to open our eyes – still smudged with Quick Silver Metalliner from the night before, to be sure – only to discover that we have thirty minutes or less to beautify ourselves and scurry out the door.

It’s an emergency of epic proportions; a crisis that will require an entire team of professionals to assemble around you and take your seen-far-better-days style and blindingly bad bedhead to a whole new level; a disaster that would snag you a spot on a makeover show without so much as an audition. Cut the dramatics darlings!

Don’t be alarmed, it has happened to the best of us; and if it hasn’t, mark my words, at some point in time, when you least expect it, it will. Nevertheless, such a catastrophe does not require one to rally up the troops for assistance; nor should it leave you turning to the dreaded sweats and sloppy ponytail. You may be short on seconds, but that is no reason to be short on style; do not allow minimal time to interfere with you looking and feeling your best. Being fabulous in a flash is possible my loves…cross my heart!

The Duds

It is when we are in a pinch that comfort is key. Dolls, please bear in mind that we are already stressed out enough as it is, frazzled that we’ll miss the morning bus, or enter our lecture unfashionably late to the gulp-inducing glare of our Professor; therefore, ensuring that your ensemble du jour is resilient yet refined; posh yet pleasant; flexible yet fantastic, is essential for not just pleasing your inner fashionista, but your mind, body, and soul in its entirety.


♥The Fantastic Elastic Leggings are the jack of all trades to the fashion world. They manage to make appearances alongside everything from evening affairs to seaside strolls, flitting from event to event with effortless, enchanting ease, making certain that the wearer always looks her best; whilst forever guaranteeing that she is completely comfortable at all times. Hence the reason why the fantastic elastic known as leggings is the legwear of choice when attempting to style yourself in a snap!

“One of the great disadvantages of hurry is that it takes such a long time.”
G.K. Chesterton
This is one of those times when you are not trying to turn heads with your choice of duds for the derriere; rather, you are seeking a canvas for the flowy top that will soon be accoutering your upper half. Therefore, skip the showstopping prints and glittering sequins, and embrace basic blacks that hit at the ankle like Velvet’s Jordan Gauzy Whisper Legging or Wilt’s Leggings. The longer length will accommodate whatever form of footwear you decide upon – be it boot, pump, or ballerina; while the noir hue creates a nice, neutral balance for any color top you deem worthy of wearing.

If you truly feel the need to add an extra splash of oomph to your look, distressed pieces like David Lerner’s Shredded Supplex Leggings or Leyendecker’s Asher Bandage Leggings are ideal, as they contribute a touch of rebellious aestheticism to your appearance without forcing one to relinquish cozy repose.

♥A Tunic in Time Kitty cats please listen carefully to the words that are about to tumble from my Glow Baby Glow Sweet Talk-slathered smooch, as I’m only going to say them once…a wardrobe sans at least a handful of tunics is no wardrobe at all.

“You’re only here for a short visit. Don’t hurry, don’t worry. And be sure to smell the flowers along the way.”
Walter Hagen
It may sound slightly unbelievable, but trust me, it is the absolute truth. Tunics are the one item of clothing that retain the ability to make one look ravishing even when she is feeling ever so slightly rotund. They are a style that keep one’s silhouette looking smashing regardless of how many Little Cupcake Bakeshop desserts you’ve devoured while browsing vintage shops in Brooklyn; and, in the case of being in a hurry, they are crucial as they make you look haute with little to no fuss.

When searching for a tunic that suits you to a T, seek out pieces that harbor two essential characteristics – a self-belt tie and a length that falls just below the bottom. While it’s simple to go out and buy a belt to cinch in the waist of your tunic; pieces that already feature a self-belt tie are oftentimes constructed with more shape to them to ensure that your hourglass figure is not lost by unnecessary extra material, or unflattering bagginess. mark’s All Checked Out Top, and Rebecca Taylor’s Positano Tunic are prime examples. They sport just enough slouch to keep you cozy; whilst providing you with a built-in belt to highlight your sinewy silhouette – precisely what your speedy style is looking for!

♥Dress to Impress Darlings there is no finer way to show off your femininity than via a flirty frock. Coco Chanel once said “Look for the woman in the dress. If there is no woman, there is no dress.” Such a proclamation is indicative of the power and importance of an uncomplicated frock to one’s wardrobe on a good day; but even on a bad day, when you’re in the throes of a time crunch, a dress can be the shining star of your look du jour courtesy of its simplicity and versatility.

“Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.”
St. Francis de Sales
Time and time again the dress will prove to be a best friend of sorts; a close, personal confidante you might even say. It will come through at a moment’s notice, and always make sure you look like a superstar. While the little black dress is a necessity once the moon rises, and the stars come out; when the suns rays are shining brightly in the blue sky, you want something a little more playful. Remember, your harried, scrambled state instantly makes you feel unglamorous; therefore, look for a powerful print that will brighten your mood the moment you slip it on over your head.

Leave the bandage dresses behind for a girls’ night out, lambs. Today you’re all about slightly slouchy, flouncy, bohemian aesthetics that proffer a sweet, ethereal vibe to anyone who looks your way. Pieces like Rebecca Taylor’s Scarlet Cami Dress, mark’s Leader of the Rack Dress, and Marc by Marc Jacobs’ Flutter Stripe Dress are the epitome of perfection. Whether worn bare-legged in the spring and summer, or coupled with tights in the fall and winter, the multifaceted quality of the dress certifies that you will look refined through and through – even when in a rush!


The ‘Do

It’s not going to happen, dolls, so shoo those thoughts away if you will. You may feel like you are the victim of an out-of-body experience by not allowing yourself to wash, blow dry, and either straighten or curl your luxurious locks this morning; but so much as attempting to alter your follicles under such a time constraint will only put you in a worse situation than you already are. No, today is the day to grab a bottle of dry shampoo, such as mark’s Mega Volume Next Day Spray, to reduce the appearance of grease, oil, and dirt; and get down to quick styling – the slapdash pony will not be seen today!

“If you are in a hurry you will never get there.”
Chinese Proverb
♥Chaotic Chignon The messy pony has a tendency to make one look rumpled and unrefined, as if they have just rolled out of bed and strolled out the door without so much as taking a comb to their mattress-matted hair; whereas the chaotic chignon, which takes just as little time to achieve, retains the ability to make one look glamorous in every sense of the word.

The beauty of the chaotic chignon, most commonly known as the messy bun, is that it is all in the eye of the beholder; there is no specific technique to achieve euphoria in the form of a bun, it is simply created with practice. I like to begin with an elastic hair tie, pulling my hair into a mid-range ponytail, then, once secure, pulling my pony halfway through the elastic so that it sticks out in the form of a bun. Once this is complete, run your fingers around your hairline to pull strands out that will frame your face and create more disorder to your ‘do. Add a coquettish headpiece, like mark’s Petal Perfect Headband to liven up your look, or merely wear as is – either way is sensational!
♥Magnificently Mussed Kitty cats there is absolutely nothing wrong with rocking the bedhead, as long as your look is intentional. Avoid the tangled look created by the assistance of a restless night full of tossing and turning and think more along the lines of salt water saturated waves. Run a comb through your hair to remove knots; then spray a mist such as mark’s Curl Goddess Curling Mist with Conditioning Sunflower all over, scrunching and finger-combing as you go along to work the product into each strand. The end result is the perfect blend of boho / beachy beauty – and it’s a cinch to comb out once the day is over!

♥Perky Pony Darlings you have not been forbidden from perusing ponytails in general; you’ve simply been warned against the hazards of the messy pony. The perky pony is in a class all its own. The perky pony sits high atop your head, swishing to and fro with every strut you take, a subtle wave to the world proclaiming that you are chipper from head to toe regardless of how jittery you may be feeling inside given your late start; thus the reason it is a wonderful go-to ‘do for those hustle and bustle days.

“Rivers know this: there is no hurry. We shall get there someday.”
Winnie the Pooh
Pick your placement point, either the middle of the back of the head, or a bit higher for that true peppy effect; scoop your hair back, running a smoothing balm such as mark’s Salon Straight Anti-Frizz Serum with Invigorating Orange through your locks, to smooth flyaways and give you that sleek look; secure with a hair tie and voila! Good to go! For a truly elegant addition, wrap a thick strand of hair around your elastic and pin it in place to conceal your hair tie; then fix a pair of oversized sunglasses, such as Chloe Sunglasses’ Abelie Rounded Sunglasses or mark’s Soho Shades atop your head to truly make yourself feel like a starlet!
♥A Side of Sass There’s no point in even trying to deny it, the proof is in the pictures…we were all victims of the Pippi Longstocking-inspired hairstyle during our adolescence; forced to sit still as our mothers wove our tresses into tight braids flanking either side of our head, rendering our facial muscles nearly immobile. It was an acceptable form of torture which left a loathing towards braids forever emblazoned in our minds. Rid your brain of those bad memories my loves! The side braid is an updated take on the playground motif; an unfussy yet fabulous way to style in a snap! Simply gather your hair over one shoulder, loosely weave it into a plait, and off you go – allow wayward tendrils to straggle seductively around your face; they’re par for the course when it comes to achieving a side of sass!

The Disguise

You may be the absolute queen of smoky eyes, or the master of sculpting perfect cheekbones with a few simple swipes of a makeup brush; but today dramatics are not on the agenda. You do not have the time to create a cosmetic look worthy of a fashion editorial; nor does this morning’s speedy schedule allow for you to try out a new style. Today’s mission is merely to make yourself look presentable to the outside world in as little time as humanly possible; thus, you will only be needing a few essentials from your makeup drawer.

“To get all there is out of living, we must employ our time wisely, never being in too much of a hurry to stop and sip life, but never losing our sense of the enormous value of a minute.”
Robert Updegraff
♥It’s All About the Tint A tinted moisturizer is to a girls cosmetic bag what conversation hearts are to Valentine’s Day…not a maybe, not a might, but an absolute must! Tinted moisturizers like mark’s Get A Tint Tinted Moisturizer Lotion with SPF 15 work overtime, performing double-duty by not only evening out your skin tone and covering up any redness you may have; but by bringing forth your natural beauty by moisturizing and giving you a dewy glow which lasts all day. Use a sponge to lightly cover your entire face, and you’re ready for the next step!
♥Eyes on the Prize Don’t be ashamed to admit it dolls, many of us are guilty of the very same crime…we have grown reliant upon eye makeup, and the way that it transforms our sleepy peepers into bright, bushytailed beauties that dazzle; so much so, in fact, that our eyes completely disappear whenever we are sans such embellishment. We may lack the time to use our beloved purple shadows or electric blue liners this morning; but one thing you must not forgo is mascara. Swipe a coat or two of mark’s Make It Big Lash Plumping Mascara on your upper and lower lashes to open up your eyes, and give yourself the confidence boost you need to truly sparkle!

♥The Power of the Pout There is something about a pretty pout that will forever be alluring; and, as your mouth is the focus of conversation, you want to ensure that your lips look lovely through and through. Skip the lipstick this morning, and go for something slightly more subtle with just as many beguiling capabilities. When you’re in a rush your cosmetic crew consists of lip tints, glosses, and stains. Tints like mark’s Glossblossom Ripening Lip Tint give you a sophisticated hint of color with delicate shine; stains such as mark’s Kissink Lip Tintmarker provide a matte finish with long-lasting color; and a gloss like mark’s Pro Gloss Hook Up Plumping Lip Shine add a lacquered look to your lips. The choice is yours my loves!
“Intuition is reason in a hurry.”
Holbrook Jackson
♥Posh in a Pinch Never would I do that to you darlings! Never would I leave you without at least a few ensemble ideas to put you on the fast track to being fashionable in a flash. You may be in a pinch for time, but that is no reason to forgo your posh persona. These looks will keep you from having to do so; and give you a bit of inspiration for future speedy style!

♥Velvet’s Jordan Gauzy Whisper Leggings topped with mark’s All Checked Out Top, and paired with Frye’s Veronica Slouch Boots. A magnificently mussed mane will make you look wild and spontaneous – perfect for this style!
♥Marc by Marc Jacobs’ Flutter Stripe Dress coupled with Dolce Vita’s Beam Platform Pumps in Desert. Pull your hair into a perky pony to embrace your sophisticated side.
♥Rebecca Taylor’s Positano Tunic styled over David Lerner’s Shredded Supplex Leggings and worn with 7 For All Mankind’s Beetle Ballet Flats with Ankle Strap in Black. A saucy side braid would work wonders for this look!
“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.”
Lao Tzu


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Tumblr and Shopbop for the pictures.


Don't forget to enter the Dress of Your Dreams Giveaway for your chance to win the dress of your choice from Lulu*s.

Smitten Saturday

♥Rescue 9-1-1 Darlings The Beatles said it best with the lyrics “Help! I need somebody…”, but at this particular moment it is not “somebody” who will cure my ailments; rather it is something. Help Remedies, to be more specific.

While I literally carry everything but the kitchen sink in my handbag, magically I’m always lacking the one item I need to cure what currently ails me. I have sleeping pills when I need aspirin; band-aids when I need allergy medicine; or ibuprofen when I need hydrocolloid. I think my unprepared-ness stems from the fact that I simply can’t be bothered to lug around a drugstore wherever I go; yet I am convinced that Help Remedies will set me on the right track in the chicest of ways. Their line of antidotes forgo the typical tacky pill bottles sitting in a jumbled mess on shop shelves and come in cute color-coded biodegradable containers – each one a cure-all for your current sickness. Battling a blister from your pretty yet painful pumps? Help I Have a Blister can patch it up. Combating a killer headache after that sample sale? Help I Have a Headache will alleviate the pain. I imagine I’ll need to pop all six packages into my purse – you never know when they’ll come in handy!

♥Queen of Hearts I wouldn’t recommend this sort of behavior for just anyone, darlings, as it leads to ultimate heartbreak in the end – at least it has in my world; but I’ve always been one to wear my heart on my sleeve. To lay it all on the line, and remain unmasked in any and all situations. But I have had – no pun intended – a change of heart. No longer will my heart be worn upon my sleeve; but rather, atop my head in the form of the heavenly hair accessories crafted by mother daughter design duo Old Soul, New Heart.

Together, Tamara and Shea spend their off-time seeking out vintage trinkets at flea markets and estate sales, than work their crafty magic to transform them into new pieces with glamorous old souls. And as if the beauty of these creations isn’t enough to pique your interest, the adorable titles for each knickknack most certainly will. Currently my heart belongs to Lookin’ for a Beau, Meet Me on Park Ave., Flirt, Only Slightly Revealing, She Gossips, But Quietly, and Cookies for Breakfast. Which Old soul, New Heart offering will morph you into the Queen of Hearts?

♥Sealed with a Kiss Since there are currently no interesting, cute boys around whom I’d like to shower with kisses, I have decided that the best course of action is not to live life without a little peck here and there; but rather to obtain my smooches elsewhere – and no place seems as satisfying than via a tiny trinket that I can clasp around my throat. A glittering bauble that won’t talk back, question me about my whereabouts, or deem it appropriate to skip out on movie night to hang out with his “boys.” Darlings I know that the pieces in question are unable to provide the same tender, love, and care as a cute boy is able to; but at least their petite pouts will fill the void until I find someone new to swoon over.

I imagine the Yellow Gold Kiss Kiss Petite Necklace by Jules Smith has the power to reel cute boys in by the dozen due to its sassy smirk which drapes decadently over your chest; a place where it will look utterly bewitching lying over a plain white tee. Sears’ Pink Sapphire Lip Necklace, on the other hand, is a bit of frippery that I am simply incapable of keeping hush hush about courtesy of the sapphire-embellished pink lips which seemingly wink at the world with every single sashay, strut, or step you take. Unleashing the smoldering sophisticate within is bound to be a piece of cake with Lulu Guinness’ Lips & Lipstick Pendant Necklace in White Bronze cinched around my throat. And really…what better way to start the day than with a wee love letter coiled around my collar in the form of Lulu Guinness’ Cream with Love Envelope Charm Necklace. Are you ready to sprinkle your accessory collection with a few kisses, kittens?

What were you smitten with this week?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Tumblr and Old Soul, New Heart for the pictures.


Don't forget to enter the Dress of Your Dreams Giveaway for your chance to win the dress of your choice from Lulu*s.

You Know I Love You...

Kitty cats, you all know how much I adore surprises. In fact, they rank right up there with my obsession for all things glitterific; which is why I had to share this petite present from my bloggy friend Meream of Bored & Crafty as part of her Scraplink Saturday series.

I "met" Meream months ago through a mix of her fabulous posts on All Women Stalk, and her sweet as chocolate-truffle-center-cupcakes-from-NYC's-Magnolia-Bakery comments on my daily posts, and have adored her ever since. Only a few short weeks ago did I so much as discover that she had her own blog (a must for you DIY-ers who love to get crafty), and now this.

Pink, cupcakes, coffee, glitter, and even one of my all-time favorite Cafe Fashionista quotes...it's quite obvious that Meream knows exactly the way to my heart. You know I love you, darling!

Check out Meream's Cafe Fashionista feature here, and do make Bored & Crafty a daily bloggy visit. It's good for the artistic soul, my loves!


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Bored & Crafty for the picture.


Don't forget to enter the Dress of Your Dreams Giveaway for your chance to win the dress of your choice from Lulu*s.

Dress of Your Dreams Giveaway

Whether we admit it or not, there is no question about it, kitty cats, we’re all guilty of the very same thing…searching high and low for the dress of our dreams. We spend entire weekends seeking out the ideal frock for our fabulous summer getaway; rummage through clearance racks, vintage shops, and overpriced department stores alike, hoping against all hope that the gown we have fabricated in our minds will appear unexpectedly and open up a world of enchantment full of candlelit dinners, impromptu walks on the beach, and black tie affairs that would make even the Hilton sisters envious. Wake up darlings, the time has come to make that dream a reality!

Café Fashionista has teamed up with Lulu*s to play fairy godmother and bring one (1) of you lovely ladies the Lulu*s frock of your choice. Will you find yourself dazzled by the babydoll aesthetic of the Pearl City Dress, fall head over heels for the flirtiness proffered by the Chilltown Dress in Dusty Pink, or crave the bohemian vibe of the Telegraph Avenue Dress like me; or will you discover a different form of frippery that tickles your fancy?

To Enter the Dress of Your Dreams Giveaway:

♥Visit Lulu*s and choose your favorite dress.

♥For one (1) entry, leave a comment on this post between now and Thursday, February 25, 2010 at midnight PST stating which Lulu*s dress is your favorite.

♥For two (2) entries, Twitter about this giveaway, and leave a comment on this post stating which Lulu*s dress is your favorite between now and Thursday, February 25, 2010 at midnight PST with your Twitter URL.

♥For three (3) entries, become a follower of Café Fashionista on Blogger/Google Reader/Google Friend Connect, and leave a comment on this post stating which Lulu*s dress is your favorite between now and Thursday, February 25, 2010 at midnight PST (if you are already a Café Fashionista follower, please say so in your comment).

I will randomly pick one (1) name out of a hat (who knows, it could be yours!), and announce the winner on Friday, February 26, 2010.

Good luck everyone!

This Giveaway is open to U.S. Residents! Winner will be able to choose their desired dress and dress size.


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Lulu*s for the pictures.

Get Your Flirt On Giveaway Winner

Kitty cats, nothing would make me happier than to be able to hand each and every one of you lovelies a copy of Debra Goldstein and Olivia Baniuszewicz’s Flirtexting: How to Text Your Way to His Heart, as I feel it is essential reading for every modern girl. But alas, for the time being, only one (1) of you can win. Congratulations to…

…Sharon of elisharon! Darling, your hubby had better beware, for he is about to receive a flurry of fabulous flirtexts from you now that you’re armed with this essential guide!

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: 3.1 Phillip Lim Zipper Dress for Less

One should never allow themselves to be encouraged to ignore the power of the zipper. For many it is merely a frivolity put in place to secure our denim to our derrieres; or to play the role of corset as it sucks us into our little black dress before a chichi cocktail party. But the zipper is capable of so much more.

Zippers are the crème de la crème of decorative touches. They contribute a rebellious touch to a romantic frock; create edginess amongst elegance; establish disorder in places most often dripping with decadence. It is this very juxtaposition between refined and rugged which is responsible for my obsession du jour – 3.1 Phillip Lim’s Zipper Dress.

Darlings so very rarely do you come across a frock adorned in a goldtone zipper detail that goes beyond a simple embellishment, instead proffering an out of this world 3D effect that is downright irresistible. 3.1 Phillip Lim’s Zipper Dress does just this, and oh so much more.

Holly Golightly’s notorious little black dress of 1961 has entered the new millennium via sheer trim adorning the hemline and fluttery cap sleeves which allow your pristine, porcelain skin to play peek-a-boo with the world; while a flow of ruffles, decorated with the shimmering gold teeth of multiple zippers dips and swirls over the entire construction, coiling itself around the skirt and neckline in a fashion synonymous with that of Medusa’s reptilian follicles writhing wickedly about her head.

It is the type of futuristic frock that makes one feel like the rock star they’ve always dreamt of being. A bit of frippery one can imagine taking center stage in and belting out hit song after hit song. But alas; just as the chances of becoming a rock star are slim to none, so are the opportunities for owning such a sensational style of dress – or so the pricetag will have you believe.

At $895.00, the Zipper Dress is obviously just as much out of the “non-celebrities” league as dating Zac Efron; regardless, it is still possible to achieve zippered satisfaction. Forever 21’s Wave Zip Tunic may lack the sheer trim of the 3.1 Phillip Lim piece; but for a mere $32.00, it allows the girl about town a taste of high fashion at a price that is just right for her teetering-on-the-edge-of-exceeding-the-credit-limit AmEx!

Speak up, don’t be shy…will you be economical with Forever 21, or extravagant with 3.1 Phillip Lim?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Bergdorf Goodman and Forever 21 for the pictures.


Don't forget to enter the Get Your Flirt On Giveaway for your chance to win a copy of Debra Goldstein and Olivia Baniuszewicz’s Flirtexting: How to Text Your Way to His Heart.