The Beachy Bride

3.1 Philip Lim Silk Full-Length Gown $1, 625 at net-a-porter.com

For those beach brides who desire little fuss and great impact, this Philip Lim gown is perfect for a sun-kissed wedding day on the Greek isles, the Caribbean, or any sandy shore of your choosing. The goddess trend works equally well on city streets for those city brides who want a dress change option for the dinner and dancing portion of the night. But one of its best assets is its reusability--hem it and it's perfect for day.

The Petticoat Dress

Proenza Schouler Hologram Petticoat Dress, $2, 150 at net-a-porter.com

Petticoats are often associated with women in the Victorian Era or the New Look by Christian Dior, but petticoats were originally worn by men as padded coats under their armor. The oxymoronic concept of the petticoat, then, as both warlike and feminine suggests a necessary readjustment in our perception of it. This Proenza Schouler dress captures the essence of the petticoat as both fierce and yet soft, masculine and yet feminine. If you examine images of Henry VIII--and I confess I am obsessed with The Tudors--you notice that he wears an above-the-knee flared dress underneath his massive overcoat, much like this particular dress, which emphasizes the lean length of its wearer's legs. Once again, the contrasting images of concealment and revelation make this piece a stunning study of opposites.

Turn That Smile Upside Down

Moschino Cheap and Chic Face Print Tee-Shirt, $300 at net-a-porter.com

No, your eyes do not deceive you. This grotesque spray-paint tee shirt is an astounding $300--and while I usually smile at Moschino's luscious creations, I can only frown at this ridiculous garment, overpriced and underdesigned. I have never been a fan of the tee shirt--it only seems appropriate for car washes, working out, and other sweaty tasks, but this one in particular strikes me as particularly unattractive. The blurry image, the goofy smile, the gray cotton, the loose fit: all of it offends me to no end. This makes American Apparel look like Prada in comparison. At least their garments are reasonably priced and fitted.

The Semantics of The Sale

While the word "sale" can easily refer to "any exchange of goods for money," it can also indicate the "reduction of prices," for which women often loose their noodles, so to speak, and their wallets. But in reality, now that sale season is upon us (check out Saks' sale), are we really aware of the dual meaning of the word?

Whether we spend fewer dollars or not on an item, the important realization to make is that we are making an exchange of some kind: dollars for a product. And in that shrewd estimation, we assent to the potential promise of dollars saved--if, of course, you follow these considerations:

1. Would you have spent full price on that item? In other words, do you really, truly, madly, deeply, desperately want that item? (As a wise friend has pointed out, it's really not about need--and to use that excuse would only be lying to oneself.)

2. Does that item truly deserve a place in your cabbined, cribbed, and confined closet?

3. Will this purchase add joy to your life?

If you cannot answer yes to all three questions, then I dare say that you are not really saving anything; in fact, you have been duped by the alluring word "sale." You have now adhered to the primary definition, when you mistakenly believed yourself adhering to the secondary definition. And this, ladies, is not a question of semantics.

Take, for example, me. I have been zealously eyeing these particular Prada pumps for some months now. During my rigorous search of saks' website, I happened upon another pair of floral flats. Cheaper, and cute. But I would never have bought them full price. I pass. Instead, I wait like a lioness for the kill, knowing full well that those dear Prada pumps will eventually be mine--if I am not distracted by the smaller prey that come my way. Of course, as you well know, I have bought items full price--as long as I know they are soon to sell out. Ultimately, shopping is somewhat of a gamble, but it is a matter of knowing how to play the game: If you wait too long, you've lost. But if you wait just long enough for the right item (and not the mediocre one), you've won--and actually and truly saved money in the process.

The Trench Dress

From Left: Banana Republic Silk/linen Safari dress, $150 at bananarepublic.com; Burberry Belted Round Neck Dress, on sale for $537 (down from $895) at saks.com

Trench coats are eternally chic, and the trench dress is an even chicer option for the warmer months when coats are no longer necessary. These two affordable options are easy additions to any woman's wardrobe; one can wear them for work or play, and the belted silhouette is flattering and effortless. Switch the included belt for one of your own to customize the look, but don't mix trends (avoid gladiators with this look). Instead, opt for streamlined pumps or sandals with these, and for a bolder look, choose a yellow or purple handbag.

Gap Design Editions: The White Shirt

From Left: Picot Button-Down Shirt and Bell-Sleeve Shirt, both $78 by Philip Lim, available at Gap stores and online

Those who know Philip Lim know that his blouses run in the $300s, so these Gap Design Editions blouses are a steal. I happened to stop by their Annex store (exclusively for the CFDA/Vogue editions) on Fifth Avenue and purchased the bell-sleeve one. While white blouses can be a pain to maintain (constant cleaning and ironing come to mind), they are effortlessly chic and bold; the sweet details on these soften the crisp formality of run-of-the-mill shirts, and the easy prices don't horrify your wallet. (Personally, I refuse to spend more than $100 on a white cotton shirt--I go through too many too quickly to spend a bundle on them.) Now those Chanel platforms would look great with that blouse...

The Temptation of Chanel

Despite the fact that I have a panoply of silver shoes (snakeskin, tweed with pearls, satin, glitter, patent), I see these sky-high wonders from Chanel and wonder if I maybe do need another pair of silver shoes. My Prada fairy platforms have given me a taste of the height that attracts many women to high heels, and the architectural heels on these--which remind me of a city skyscraper--are a marvel to behold. And yet, I am reminded of my own dictum to evaluate needless consumerism, and so I am in a pregnant pause, sighing with the sigh of a young lover in love, and I sadly turn away, knowing that it is just a matter of time before I am lured in by another astonishing set of heels.

Mad for Purple

Burberry Prorsum Mesh top cocktail dress, $2,850 at net-a-porter.com

Ever since a good friend bought a gorgeous handbag in the most stunning shade of purple, I am mad for all things purple. Not only does it go equally well with either black or brown, it also works as a neutral (it goes with blue, pink, red, green), conjures up images of royalty, and it happens to be one of the "it" colors for spring. Its various shades--eggplant, lilac, lavender, and violet--are feminine yet bold.

The White Shoe

Missoni Spring 2008

As I sit here wearing my white Prada wedges from last year, I cannot help but stare at these beauties from Missoni and think that these Prada wedges are getting lonely in my closet. Women generally purchase dark shoes with the mistaken belief that they "go with everything." In reality, no one shoe can be called upon for such a portentous responsibility. A white shoe is a spring staple that goes with all things light and floral, and the particular heft on these white ones anchors the ethereal nature of spring clothing. (A too flimsy white shoe lacks seriousness.) Nothing ruins a look more than a gloomy black shoe on a cheery floral dress. As I expand my shoe collection, I seek out the bright, the ornate, the colorful, and the new neutrals (metallic, white, pale blue)--and it doesn't hurt to have more than one pair of white sandals, especially if you're buying Missoni's.

The Statement Necklace

Vera Wang Lavender Beaded Necklace, $165 at net-a-porter.com

While I am usually a "delicate necklace person," lately I've found myself increasingly gravitating towards the statement necklace, which easily transforms a basic top into a glamorous one, packs an extra punch of color, and eliminates the need for further accessories. Wear simple but sharply tailored separates--like a crisp white blouse and a black pencil skirt--for a glamorous day option.

Tacky Trend: Shorts Over Tights

Although Sienna Miller's fashion flub appeared in November, I have recently espied many a Downtowner in this look. At first, I simply shrugged it off as experimentation gone horribly wrong; then I began to suspiciously suspect its insidious popularity turning into a tacky trend. Although I mercilessly bashed leggings in a previous post, I am loathe to say that I would prefer leggings any day over this monstrosity. Not only does one look like a callgirl, the combination also emphasizes the largest portion of one's thighs, making it an extremely unflattering look. Short shorts should not be seen on anyone over the age of six, but to see grown women wearing short shorts over tights is beyond my comprehension.

The Green Fashionista

Green used to represent envy, but with the current environmental craze, it has morphed into a trendy statement about one's concern for our earth. First came Anya Hindmarch's "I'm not a plastic bag," and then came the succession of poor imitiators keen on capitalizing on this green trend. But are green bags enough--or even worthwhile?

As a fashionista and as a modern-day consumer, I have found that the mass tizzy to acquire goods has reached intoxicating levels; we are expected to buy, buy, buy. And while I am not advocating senseless withdrawal on a limited "Earth" day--it is rather ridiculous, in my opinion, to do so only on one designated day--I am advocating a lifestyle alteration in how we see consumerism. I still buy things, but with a heightened awareness of the reason behind that purchase. It takes discipline to cut back on the unnecessary purchase of another dress or another piece of fruit; it takes understanding to consider how one's purchase affects her environment. In the spirit of "Earth Day," here are some suggestions to incorporate a truly fashionable view of the environment:

1. Recycle your clothing. Give unwanted clothing up for adoption; local Salvation Army stores, thrift stores, or churches gladly take items that no longer have a place in your life. Or donate these items to friends.

2. Beware of "eco" clothing that only makes you spend more. Choose instead to look in your own closet or to make use of existing bags that are neglected.

3. Reuse rags. Instead of throwing away that ripped camisole, use it as a rag.

4. Avoid purchasing mediocre clothing on sale. The "sale" lure is the most dangerous and causes us to consume without consideration.

5. Don't over clean garments. I've said it before, not only does it damage your clothing to over dry-clean anything, but the chemicals also damage the environment. If it is at all possible, choose an environmental dry cleaner or use cleaning agents that are friendly to the earth.

Fashion Assumptions

As an unfortunate result of being a fashionista, I am often accosted by ignorant questions and comments from those who could care less about fashion. Unlike others, fashionistas display their interest outwardly, which makes them prone to criticism; however, as I am always quick to point out, just because you don't show your purchases outwardly, it doesn't mean that you don't make them. (Food, music, travel, you name it--people spend their money on something.) Here are common assumptions that plague the fashionable:

1. We are superficial.
2. We are loaded.
3. We are reckless about our money.
4. We spend all our free time shopping.
5. We don't care about our families.

These assumptions hit at the core of the speaker's insecurity, because ultimately, fashionistas make the unfashionable feel frumpy by comparison. While I refrain from making comments about others' style (if you want to know my opinion, you can ask me or read my blog), somehow others feel it acceptable to ask imposing questions, like "How much did you spend on that?" I would never ask anyone how much they spent on a vacation or on their extensive music collection; it simply is not my business to know that information; plus, it is tacky. And for those who are genuinely interested in fashion, they know that style is more much complex than a label or a price tag, and they know that there is history and culture behind their choice in a garment. Style is about self-expression, and true fashionistas are well-rounded individuals with interests in a variety of topics--fashion just happens to be one obvious one, out there for all to see and judge. It's just unfortunate that many feel that their insecurity gives them the right to make gauche comments.

A Belted Wardrobe

Dear Thumbelina,

If you were going to come up with a belt wardrobe, what would it consist of? I am new to using belts as accessories (I have some basic fabric ones for pants) and am curious what would constitute a good starting point.

Sincerely,

Unbelted But Not Unwilling


Dear Unbelted,

Start with these basics:

1. THE PLAIN BELT: Whether wide or skinny (that mostly depends on your preference and waist size; the wider the waist, the wider the belt), every fashionista needs a simple belt for patterned or embellished dresses (think contrast: the more complex the outfit, the simpler the belt choice should be).

Banana Republic Oval Nubuck Belt, $49 at bananarepublic.com:

WCM Embossed Skinny Belt, $115.00 at bergdorfgoodman.com:


2. THE EMBELLISHED BELT: For simpler dresses, choose an embellished belt to add interest. Look for beading, studs, stones, or metallic detailing.

Bottega Veneta Intrecciato embellished belt, $600 at net-a-porter.com:

Fendi Belt, Fall 2008

Chanel Belt, Fall 2008:

THE STATEMENT BELT: These belts are investment pieces that are often pricier than others because of the complex nature of the designs. Unusual and striking, these belts act like pieces of jewelry.

Fendi Multicolored Snakeskin Four-Stone Belt, $900.00 at eluxury.com:

Burberry Prorsum Belt, Spring 2008:

THE TRIBAL BELT: Look for wood, raffia, horn, bamboo, or other ethnic finishes to perk up a dull outfit.

Airedelsur Leather Belt w/ Horn Closure, on sale for $146 at vivre.com:

Missoni Wood and Jewel Embellished Belt, $680 at net-a-porter.com:

Best of luck with your new belt wardrobe!

Sincerely,

Thumbelina

In Full Bloom

Donna Karan Havana A-Lined Skirt, $4,800 at neimanmarcus.com

In the summer months, I can hardly be seen wearing pants of any kind: I find them restricting and stifling. Skirts and dresses are not only breezier, but they provide generous coverage of larger parts (I am pear-shaped) while still accentuating the female form. Ones like this beauty from Donna Karan come with a wide waistband, which furthers highlights the waist without exposing one to scrutiny. I also happen to adore the delicate floral pattern on this skirt, which looks both tribal and modern at the same time.

Mergers and Acquisitions

Shopping is much like a business deal, in which some items merge with other garments in your wardrobe, and others simply are acquired. And while shopping can be a therapeutic experience, it can also be done with deliberate cunning--something my husband does with exceptional skill. He compares prices, he mulls over the pros and cons of such an acquisition, he mentally takes note of the risks versus rewards. For big-ticket items, women should be mindful of the product's value in their wardrobes: does the acquisition increase or decrease the worth of the closet? Can the item merge with others of equal, greater, or lesser value, all with the ease of a skilled socialite?

Take, for example, my Miu Miu Spring brocade jacket. I can wear it as a dress, a jacket over jeans, or as a coat over a dress. I can wear it as a light coat in the spring or as a jacket under my shearling coat in the winter. The color complexity--it is an amalgam of black, coral, and off white--allows me the freedom to wear it with any solid color in a corresponding hue. I could wear it to a wedding or to work.

Although the jacket was expensive, I consider it a worthy acquisition that will see repeated use season after season. Before you buy anything costly, consider these questions:

1. Can you dress it up and down?
2. Can you wear it with at least three other items in your current wardrobe?
3. Does it look seasonless? (Obviously, this won't apply to a fur coat. But if you can say yes to this, it's a bonus.)
4. Is it trend-proof? Can you see yourself wearing it as you get older?
5. Will you cherish it?

If you can answer yes to at least three of the above five questions, chances are that that piece is worth purchasing. Otherwise, as I've come to learn, it will only clutter your closet and eventually be discarded as a financially-draining deal gone wrong.

Cheap Chic: Anthropologie Raffia Belt

Anthropologie Grass Mountain Belt, $58 at www.anthropologie.com

Raffia is all the rage right now, as it screams casual, earthy chic. This particular Anthropologie belt looks perfect with anything Donna Karan or Oscar de la Renta--and equally perfect with a casual dress or jeans. The wide style hides flaws, and the unexpected combination of gray and camel looks refreshingly modern. In this day and age, when a stellar belt will set you back quite a pretty penny (think Fendi or Burberry), this belt is a true value for both style and price.

Ruching Never Looked Lovelier

From Left: Burberry Prorsum Ruched Georgette Dress, $3,395 and Silk Tulle Pleat Dress, $2,895 at net-a-porter.com

For years, I despised ruching--it always looked cheap to me. But in Christopher Bailey's masterful hands, it looks nothing short of elegant and exquisite. Both of these Burberry Prorsum dresses leave me breathless: the soft quality of the ruching creates a draping akin to those on Greek goddesses, and the fitted shapes are modern yet timeless. One could wear these dresses for day, night, and everything in between: wedding, work, tea, lunch, business event...If I weren't so concerned about the dismal state of the economy I'd be tempted to purchase one of these lovelies. Alas, they'll go unworn on this fashionista, but at least they won't be unsung.

How Young Is Too Young For Fashion?

3.1 Philip Lim Daffodil Shift Dress, $325 at www.neimanmarcus.com

"Your children will be the best dressed kids on the block," a teenager once told me. I frowned, and jokingly said, "They'll be dressed in K-Mart clothes till they're fifteen." Even though I was only half-kidding, I have always felt very strongly about separating childhood from fashion. This is not to say that I don't gush like any normal woman when I see a cutely dressed baby (my friend told me about a baby boy dressed in a vest with corduroys and I melted). Nor does this mean that I wouldn't dress my future nonexistent children in well-coordinated outfits. It simply means that I question the effect of pushing fashion on the very young, who have not yet formed their own internal sense of self. For me, fashion is tied in with my identity and growth as a mature human being, and it's so much about choice, responsibility, and self-expression; but I am also aware of the potential dangers of materialism and selfishness in those too immature to handle it. I wouldn't want my children to base their self-worth on the label they're wearing, nor would I want them to base the value of their clothing on the price paid for them. While I do not judge those who do choose designer duds for their children--that is a choice, after all--I do ponder my future decisions as a mother, and ultimately, I will promote self-expression and responsibility rather than labels and status--even if it means that I disagree with their fashion aesthetic.

Embossed Exotics

Ann Taylor LOFT Python-Embossed Metal Frame Clutch, $39 at www.anntaylorloft.com

Naturally, as a result of the exotic craze, I've been accosted by fake python and crocodile bags everywhere I turn. While I certainly understand the appeal--the cost is significantly lower--I find myself cringing whenever I see extremely poor renditions that resemble tattered netting rather than sleek snakeskin. It's akin to seeing fake designer handbags that don't even use accurate logos (the ersatz Louis Vuittons are notoriously bad); who is this person fooling but herself? If you cannot afford a genuine exotic, at least choose genuine leather (or fabric bags if you are vegan). It's far classier to choose that than appearing like the little fashionista that could.