January 21, 2012
November 27, 2011
Christmas 2011 Gift Guide
GIFTS FOR THE GIRLS
2011 Women’s Gift Guide: Subscriptions and Memberships
Subscriptions and Memberships
Clockwise from the Top:
1. Birchbox; $10/month
2. Massage Envy; Approx. $59/month
3. Bag Borrow or Steal; Starting at $25
4. Spa Finder; Starting at $25
5. Conde Nast Subscription to Vogue, Lucky, etc.; Approx. $20-30/year
Simple and thoughtful, giving the gift of a subscription or membership makes a great impression. Subscriptions and membership applies to a range of products, from fashion magazines to massage therapy to makeup and skincare. And just think: each time your loved one receives her magazine in the mail or schedules her monthly massage, she’ll think of you!
2011 Women’s Gift Guide: Custom/Personalized Style
Custom/Personalized Style
From Left to Right:
1. Rose Gold and Diamond Initial Necklace ($214.99); Photo Credit: Overstock.com
2. Monogram Louis Vuitton Speedy 35 with Personalization ($1,100; without Initials- $800)
3. 14k Gold-Plated “Carrie” Style Name Necklace ($49.95); Photo Credit: Mynamenecklace.com
There’s nothing like a customized gift to show how much you care. Always popular, initial or name necklaces never go out of style. And if you want to give an uber-chic gift, Louis Vuitton offers personalization on select items in a variety of festive colors.
2011 Women’s Gift Guide: Fashion Gadgets & Entertainment
Fashion Gadgets & Entertainment
From Top to Bottom:
1. A Patricia Field Trifecta: The Devil Wears Prada, The Sex & the City Movie, and Confessions of a Shopaholic (Approx. $20 each); Photo Credit: IMDB.com
2. iPad 2 Tablet (starting at $499); Photo Credit: Apple.com
3. Purseket: The Original Purse Organizer (Approx. $20-30); Photo Credit: Purseket.com
Fashion and film go hand in hand and make a great gift for any fashionista who’s also a film buff. Iconic stylist Patricia Field made fashion magic in the Sex and the City series on HBO and other successful shows like Ugly Betty. Naturally, Pat styled both Sex and the City Movies and others such as The Devil Wears Prada and Confessions of a Shopaholic. For fashionistas who love history, I also recommend Valentino: The Last Emperor and Coco Before Chanel, starring Audrey Tautou.
If you’d like to give the gift of gadgets, well you can’t go wrong with an iPad 2. Want to go the extra mile? How about an iPad preloaded with fashionable movies like those listed above! Also, there are a variety of fashion apps that can be added to keep the most dedicated fashionista up-to-date.
For fashion and functionality on the go, I think a purse organizer is a great idea. I’ve seen several on TV: just place keys, a phone, makeup and money in the pockets, and drop the entire organizer in your purse!
GIFTS FOR THE GUYS
Guest Post by J. Edward
2011 Men’s Gift Guide: The 3-Piece Suit
The 3-Piece Suit
From left to right:
1. Photo Credit: Askandyaboutclothes.com
2.Ralph Lauren Suit (Starting at approx. $1500); Photo Credit: Esquire.com
3. Photo Credit: Monkeysuitvintage.com
Every man wants to be stylish, and nothing says class and sophistication like the 3-piece suit. Whether it’s muted tones and stripes or bold lines and lapels, the true character of any man comes forward with this ensemble. As a gift to your loved one, or to yourself, this is one gift that will add to any man’s wardrobe.
2011 Men’s Gift Guide: The Professional Tablet Case
The Professional Tablet Case
Top Left: Fossil (Approx. $40); Photo Credit: Ipadcaseden.com
Bottom Right: Louis Vuitton in Monogram and Damier Patterns (Approx. $350); Photo Credit: Most-expensive.net
Who carries around laptops anymore? The business world is about speed and ease, and the introduction of tablets into the boardroom has changed how we get the job done. So who wants to be ordinary when you can be fabulous…and why not accessorize what is now as commonplace as our cellphones? For fashionistos on a budget, consider the very sleek and simple offering from Fossil. If you have a little more to spend, and really want to standout, visit your local Louis Vuitton retailer to see their selection.
2011 Men’s Gift Guide: John Varvatos Chuck Taylor All Star
John Varvatos Chuck Taylor All Star
John Varvatos Shoes (Approx. $145); Photo Credit: Shopstyle.com
When you’re lounging around on a weekend afternoon, is there anything more stylish and comfortable than a pair of Chuck Taylors? John Varvatos has lent his style expertise to the brand to create a super cool yet casual rendition to their line. When you are wearing these All Stars, people will know you didn’t just walk into the local shoe store.
2011 Men’s Gift Guide: The Pocket Watch
The Pocket Watch
From Left to Right:
1. Vintage Watch (Prices Vary); Photo Credit; Gstatic.com
2. Harley Davidson (Approx. $202.50); Photo Credit: Harleyitems.com
Why limit your accessories to the usual… step outside of the norm. Pocket watches have been around for centuries, and yet remain rare and stylish. Harley Davidson offers a cool version of the classic time piece. If you are like me and like antiques, visit your local retailers and trade shows to see what they have to offer. Never forget that one person’s junk could be another person’s treasure.
Hopefully these gift ideas will find their way onto your gift lists or at least give you some great ideas. Starting at just $10, there’s something for everyone, and every budget, listed here. So Happy Holidays and Happy Shopping!
Fashionably Yours,
Nik
November 4, 2011
Latest Bluefly Closet Confession: Leandra Medine of The Man Repeller
The funniest installment of Bluefly’s Closet Confessions yet!
November 1, 2011
Thread Conscious Turns Two! Nov. 2, 2011
Dear Fashionistas,
I want to thank all of my readers around the world, including friends and family, and I’d also like to thank all of the retailers, designers, PR companies and fashion professionals that have provided me wonderful (and beautiful) things to write about. I truly enjoy writing this blog and having a creative outlet through which to share fashion, food, design and more. Below I’ve gathered my top three favorite stories from the past year, which represent some of the most exciting moments that have made it onto the blog- just click to read the full story. So here’s to you all, here’s to turning two, and to another great year ahead!
1. H&M Grand Opening Preview Party at Northpark
2. Austin Fashion Week 2011: 3rd Annual Fashion Awards
Gail Chovan
3. San Francisco, Japantown & Keanu Reeves (Sort Of)
Looking forward to Year 3 with you!
Fashionably Yours,
Nik
October 19, 2011
Bluefly’s Latest Closet Confession: Fashion Blogger Susie Bubble
One word describes Susie…Adorable. See her and her fabulous style on Blue Fly’s latest installment of Closet Confessions. Fashionably Yours, Nik
August 18, 2011
Blog Spotlight: Fashionista Lab
Adelle McElveen of Fashionista Lab
Dear Fashionistas,
I just wanted to show some blog love for my fellow fashionista, San Francisco’s Adelle McElveen of Fashionista Lab. You’ll remember I spent some time in the Bay Area on business, and I had the pleasure of meeting Adelle during that visit.
Adelle’s take on fashion is orignal, witty and refreshing, with a touch of global glamour. And, boy, does she have a great eye for vintage! She’s been traveling lately, so she’s included a running collection of original and guests posts on Fashionista Lab, including one by yours truly about gorgeous cocktail rings. Safe, fashionable travels Adelle!
Fashionably Yours,
Nik
July 10, 2011
Fort Worth’s Best Brunch-Summer 2011
Dear Fashionistas,
I’d have to say that one of my main passions in life is The Arts. Specifically, Fashion, Home Décor and the Culinary Arts. Obviously, today’s post fits into the last category, and all three restaurants featured today are great places for the fashion-friendly to see and be seen. Now I may be a serious Fashionista, but I’m an even more serious Foodie. Therefore, I’m more forgiving about fashion faux pas (it’s all in good fun) but when it comes to food, I don’t play around! I LOVE breakfast foods, and could enjoy them anytime of the day. What’s better than breakfast for dinner? I am constantly looking for the best brunch spots, wherever I am: California, Texas, Washington, D.C.- it doesn’t matter. Today, though, I’m focusing on Fort Worth, Texas, and three restaurants: 1) Café Modern, 2) Taverna and 3) Café Brazil. Here’s how they stack up.
Café Modern
Highly recommended by an artist friend of mine, and I had high expectations for Café Modern, located inside the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. I skimmed the menu online and immediately spotted the Eggs Benedict with Crab- done. However, when I arrived at the restaurant, that particular item was not on the menu (the online menu needed to be updated). Disappointed but still optimistic, I ordered the Modern Benedict and my guest ordered the Pancakes.
I found the Modern Benedict to be good, but not great. Traditional with smoked ham, I prefer the more delicate crab in lieu of cumbersome ham slices. The Lemony Hollandaise was nice, but it wasn’t the best citrus hollandaise I’d ever had. The Fingerling Home Fries were nothing special. Again, a good meal, but somehow the flavors just didn’t come together for me. The Pancakes were rather good. I’m not a fan of chocolate on pancakes and have never ordered them with chocolate chips, but I was pleasantly surprised how well the strawberries and Callebaut chocolate sauce complemented the light, spongy, generous pancakes. Overall, an extraordinary place to have an ordinary brunch. Café Modern= C+
Taverna
I’ve been going to Taverna for years, and I order the same thing each time, the Classic Eggs Benedict with Crab. My other favorite item is the Vanilla French Toast. Hmm, where do I start…the English muffins are always fresh and toasted to a crispy-chewy perfection. The crab and poached eggs are an ideal duo but the Hollandaise is the star. A skillful balance of egg yolk, butter and salt, the Hollandaise is plain and just plain delicious. Often you find patrons scraping the plate in an attempt to leave none of this rich, buttery sauce behind. The Breakfast Potatoes are a great companion to (and a great way to finish off ) the Hollandaise.
As for the French toast, again Taverna achieves an effortless balance of simple flavors- the result- an empty plate. Fresh, thick slices of bread with a whisper of vanilla are served with a dollop of Mascarpone cheese, rather than the usual staid butter, and a side of mixed fruit. Finally, I think what makes Taverna special, besides the food, is the atmosphere and dedicated staff. Fun, friendly and fashionable, Taverna Fort Worth has never disappointed. (Taverna Austin take note- your Eggs Benedict, Breakfast Potatoes and Vanilla French Toast fall short.) Taverna Fort Worth= A-
Café Brazil
First, let me say I’ve been going to Café Brazil before either Café Modern or Taverna entered the picture. Both Dallas locations are great. Café Brazil is a great after-hours hang out once the clubs have closed. It’s not unusual to have a line out the door and into the parking lot at 2AM.
I was ecstatic to discover a Fort Worth locale just across the street from TCU. But whatever magic lives at the Dallas locations, it didn’t survive the move west. To change things up, I ordered an Iced Chai Tea and French toast. The eggs, bacon and chai were ok, but the French toast was thoroughly disappointing. I suppose the profusion of cinnamon was meant to over-compensate for the stale bread, but there was nothing that could save this plate of mediocrity. I hope that as time goes on, the Fort Worth Café Brazil will live up to the fond memories I have of the Dallas locations. Café Brazil Fort Worth= D
Fashionably Yours,
Nik
June 6, 2011
Media Monday: The Cool Hunter
I try to keep up with a lot of different fashion blogs. Alas, with my frenzied travel schedule as of late, relocation and business meetings, it’s proven difficult to get in my daily read. But there’s one blog that is truly a must-read, and should be on regular rotation in your subscription list. I speak of none other than The Cool Hunter. It’s the perfect treat for the fashion enthusiast and style intellectual (and music, food, architecture and design lover). Smart, sharp and to-the-point, The Cool Hunter eloquently covers all things artsy without an ounce of pretentiousness- which makes it that much cooler. And with its focus on creativity and emphasis on a global perspective, it has something for everyone.
Fashionably Yours,
Nik
(Photo Credit: http://genericfashion.blogspot.com)
June 2, 2011
Thread Thursday: Empire Vintage in Palo Alto, CA
Luckily, during my last weekend in California, I discovered the most adorable vintage shop in Palo Alto. I was just leaving brunch and as I headed to the corner of an intersection, I happened to spot a sign out of the corner of my eye: “VINTAGE CLOTHING.” Like a moth to a flame, I darted down the sidewalk to take a closer look. Once inside, I found vintage treasure and more.
First, it was so great meeting Tiffany, the owner of Empire Vintage. Genuine, warm, funny and knowledgeable, Tiffany brought her boutique to Palo Alto less than two years ago. Since that time, she’s won over regulars, who return to the store time and time again. After seeing what’s in store, you’ll understand why.
News flash: Capes. Are. Cool! This leather cape was not only light-weight, but also the perfect shade of light brown. Capes are great alternatives to the usual jacket, or even wrap. Generally, buying out of season should ensure finding winter items at a reasonable price.
My pitiful cell phone picture doesn’t do this tuxedo collar leather jacket justice. It was sooo 80′s, in a very good way.
It was nice to see cowboy boots, all the way in California…
Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but sequins– sequins are forever. For me, diamonds and sequins aren’t to be reserved just for evening; I’d wear both first thing in the morning!
Seriously retro shoes. I mean Little House on the Prairie retro.
Now I admit, I haven’t really been into the “brogues” trend, but this pair, in this unexpected navy color were pretty and tempting.
Empire had a mixture of new and vintage, regular and off-the-wall items such as wigs- for women and men! (The store stocks 1970′s era type costumes as well.) But the bonus of the evening was meeting fellow blogger Lottie of Lottie Loves fame. A lovely English dame, Lottie is a self-proclaimed domestic diva with vintage style, and it shows. I really like how Lottie has embraced the beauty, glamour and feminity of the 1940′s. She has dedicated her blog to celebrating these themes and the result is an honest and heartfelt homage to domestic godesses. Kudos to you, Lottie!
Fashionably Yours,
Nik
April 28, 2011
Cristobal Balenciaga at de Young Museum in San Francisco
This weekend proved inspiring…and exhausting. I boarded Caltrain at 11:30am on Saturday and didn’t return home until a little after 8pm! The excursion was well worth the time spent, as the de Young Museum is currently hosting an exhibit of Cristóbal Balenciaga’s greatest creations, curated by Hamish Bowles, no less.
As Balenciaga and Spain was a special exhibit, no photography was allowed. Despite this customary practice, such a display of technical prowess and marked ingenuity won’t soon be forgotten. As patrons wound their way through elaborate evening dresses, bold coats and cheeky little hats, each moment was pleasantly punctuated by whispered adorations, reverent silence and gasps of delight. Unbeknownst to me, even Madame Chanel recognized Balenciaga’s talent and influence, deeming him “the only couturier.”
If you’ll be in the Bay Area soon, I do recommend stopping by de Young. The Balenciaga exhibit ends July 4, 2011. Also I must mention that the Legion of Honor Museum is currently exhibiting “Pulp Fashion: The Art of Isabelle Borchgrave” through June 5, 2011. Ms. Borchgrave is renowned for her elaborate “couture” costumes- constructed entirely of paper! Reminiscent of Borchgrave’s work are these paper cut wigs I saw on the Neotraditionalist blog last month. An incredible feat within themselves, the wigs are no match for Borchgrave’s ensembles!
I ended the evening with a dinner of samosas and palak paneer at Masala Indian Cuisine on 9th Street, and boarded the Caltrain, tired and happy, for my return home.
In closing, I hope you had a wonderful Easter holiday; I know I did. Stanford Memorial Church was a lovely sight on Sunday morning, which I promptly followed up with brunch and a long nap.
Fashionably Yours,
Nik
