In some cases, there is no substitute for the real thing. I’ll never be satisfied with monkfish instead of lobster, white sapphires can’t replace a diamond and Christian Louboutin will always be synonymous with fly ass shoes! But, sometimes a thousand dollars seems like a lot and you just have tell yourself it’s designer inspired instead of a substitute.
Christian Louboutin Peep Toe Platform Sandals - $1,395
Michael Antonio Gladitor Booties - $49.90 on FlyJane.Net
Some days are just too fricking hot for high maintenance glam, and it’s just one of those when I feel like flip flops, tank top, a pony tail and a big ole tote that can carry everything. Christian Louboutin’s canvas and leather tote is perfect for an effortless look and can work with almost any outfit.
Christian Louboutin canvas and leather tote - $895 at Saks
Inside view
Although this is a really cute tote, I don’t think it’s worth the price. Try these other brands for less…
Tory Burch - $250
Lucky Brand - $129
HEY DADDY…
I lost my Dad when I was about a year old, so I didn’t get to experience being Daddy’s little girl or vying for his affection. Mommy is all I know and nothing could top mommy (I thought). My attitude the first couple months with my daughter was – HANDS OFF MY BABY. After all, no one could comfort, clean, care, or love her like me, not even Daddy. But wait…I didn’t get married because I wanted to do this on my own and besides the fact that he’s incapable of producing a milk supply, she looks at him with the same adoration and dependence which tells me DADDY ROCKS JUST LIKE MOMMY.
This week’s High Fashion on the Low is dedicated to all the wonderful Dads out there! Here’s my top pick of the best designer gift ideas at 30%, 40% and even 50% off. Happy Father’s Day!
Prada Vitello Antik leather belt - Orig. $450/Sale $314.99 at Saks
Sean John two-toned money clip in polished gold - Orig. $38/ Now $13.59 at seanjohn.com
The All Purpose Dress
Catherine Malandrino silk chiffon maxi - $695 at Saks
The maxi dress is probably the “all purpose” dress of the moment. If you work in a business casual setting, you can rock it with a cute cropped jacket then out to dinner or with some comfy flats on the weekend or bare foot over your bikini at the beach! Just remember that any maxi won’t work for everybody — find a cut and print that will work for your body type and avoid layering.
Whether you decide to go strapless, halter, cross back or smocked top, you can definitely find one to suit your style and budget. My favorite maxi so far a chiffon silk print by Catherine Malandrino but at $695, I’ll keep my fingers crossed that it ends up in Daffy’s or Century 21 for 80% less! Until then, I found some smarter options that won’t break the bank…
Banana Republic sahara print maxi - $130
Striped maxi - $28.90 at Forever 21
Victoria Secret halter bra top maxi - $79
Zoe Saldana looked heavenly in white ruffles as she accepted the “Face of the Future” award at the Crystal + Lucy Awards on Tuesday night. The “Avatar” star always hits the red carpet looking poised and polished and this time, she does it again in a white MaxMara ruffled neckline halter with a satin black bow belt.
Unlike some of our High Fashion on the Low pieces, this is not a hard act to follow. It’s a simple black and white combination made sexy with the smoky eyes, diamond accessories and Christian Louboutin heels. The original will run you well over $500, but I found a lower priced look that’s perfect for that after work event or Sunday brunch…
Sleeveless Ruffled Shirt - $39.99 at White House Black Market
Forever 21 Faux Croc Bow Belt $8.80
SPINNING STRAW
Nothing about it says “chic” and I would never be caught dead wearing it to the beach let alone a formal event. Yet, fashion gods like Michael Kors and Tory Burch have successfully put a positive spin on straw! Yes, the same straw used to make Grandma’s beach bag and the straw hat you would rock if you lived on a farm in Iowa.
This passé material is now being paired with fine fabrics and skins to make the clutch. Woven straw bags are hot this summer with prices ranging from high-end to under $100. My favorite design is the Kara Ross woven straw clutch with python trim, but the hefty price tag is somewhat discouraging when you think of how cheap it is to make a straw bag (minus the snakeskin). Luckily, you can find this trend from various designers to match any budget, so shop smart and indulge!
Kara Ross Taci Woven Straw Clutch with Python Trim - $845
Under $300
Tory Burch Slouchy Straw Logo Clutch - $295
Under $200
Michael Kors Santorini Straw Clutch - $178
Go Oodles for Noodles
Bao Noodles, Vietnamese sensation located in the heart of Gramercy NYC, will leave you wanting for of this Asian delight. The Saigon-centered cuisine specializes in home-style noodles, salads, yucca, and stir-fries.
The cozy open layout with wooden décor adds charm to this small, inviting space, while the friendly staff welcomes you with a smile. Cozy up to a steamy bowl of crab noodle soup or the popular Pho-rice noodles mixed in an oxtail and beef broth that offers up classic Asian comfort food. The succulent dishes are with its zesty dressings that liven-up the grilled shrimp or unique Lemongrass to Lollipop chicken dishes.
Bao Noodles has a spectacular Saturday and Sunday brunch special for $9.99 that includes one entrée with a choice of one Bloody Mary, Bao Bellini or Mimosa. Try the traditional Vietnamese omelet with yucca fries, Vietnamese Congee with deep fried bread with seafood, chicken, pork, or duck or the Braised honey tripe with poached egg.
Finish up your meal with pure Vietnamese coffee, made with condensed milk and fantastic desserts like the chocolate pudding with banana.
Great spot for a date or evening out with friends, this hidden gem is simple and tasty!
Speaking of comeback trends (see Monday’s post), I now have my mind set on getting a cross body bag for next season. I had plenty of these bags in the late 80s and wasn’t that excited about this look when it was reintroduced last spring/summer. But, I decided to give the cross body bag a second chance as more designers begin to include this style in their collections and as I begin to think of practical yet trendy options for my motherhood adventure.
On my wish list, is this Salvatore Ferragamo calfskin cross body in chalk. I love the bold neutral, color and the fun design that is different from the typical rectangular or square cross body bags.
Salvatore Ferragamo convertible crossbody bag in Chalk - $1,390
Although I treasure all things Ferragamo, here are some more practical and budget-conscious options:
Marc by Marc Jacobs crossbody bag in Raw Sugar - $188
JLO Hosts Scott Barnes Launch Party at the Gansevoort in NYC
Jennifer Lopez worked the cameras last night at makeup stylist Scott Barnes’ About Face book launch party. She hosted the event and rocked a Louis Vuitton strapless dress with waist embellishment. While Jenny may get her Louis with no price tags attached, a dress like this could run well over a $1000.
GUCCI SALE
I refuse to consider myself a label whore, but the fact that most of my shoes and bags are perforated, pink, beige, green, red, black and gold G detail may be a bit misleading. Oh well! I’m addicted to the style, comfort and timeless charm of all things Gucci and never apologetic for it, especially when I break out my throwback G detail canvas sneakers with the oversized Gucci signature at the heel.
But, even if you don’t share the same passion, I’m sure you can appreciate a good shoe sale. Right now, these Gucci Estretat Flat Pumps with perforated G detail are only $99 on Gucci.com.
Gucci Estretat Flat Pumps - $99 on sale
