Shop-a-holics Anonymous

I'm in the mood to shop. I want to try on clothes. I want to feel the tags scratching my back as I look at myself in the mirror. I want rude sales girls to roll their eyes when I ask for another size. I want to tear new pairs of shoes from their tissue paper wrapping. I want to walk through the store and stare at my feet in the perfectly untouched leather and smile.

Perhaps I am a sick individual. Actually I know I am. I am addicted to material things. Call me shallow, call me ridiculous, call me cliche, call me obnoxious, but don't you dare call me a shop-a-holic. Because I am too effing broke to shop like a true addict. Oh the things I would give to be able to buy those $800 Christian Louboutin leopard print wedges without a second though. The things I would give.



It's obsurd to obsess over all those things I will simply never have, I know. Sure I could go all Isla Fisher on your ass and throw myself into thousands of dollars of credit card debt. But I would much rather buy the next best thing, not go into debt, and be just as happy.

Welcome to Shopaholics Anonymous (SA). The place where it's ok to be a broke ass hoe who loves all things material. It is here that we shall learn to satisfy our cravings to spend money with class, dignity and a wonderful sense of style.

Lesson 1: You are Not Alone-- The Fashion Gods are Broke Ass Shopaholics Too
How do I know this? I know this because I read Vogue. And every three issues or so, the magazine will include an amazing blessing in the back of the index called "100+ Under 100". This section is a Godsend.

Things from this month's issue that are Shopaholics Anonymous worthy-
1) Khaki Old Navy Trench- $50





To the Old Navy haters- I have had my $30 black Old Navy trench for 4 years now and I get complimented on it literally EVERY time I wear it, and I wear it all the effing time and it's still in great shape!

Already have a basic trench? Well this Spring is all about COLOR so I love this Belted Twill Trench in Cosmopolitan Berry (also only $50!), as a fun alternative to the basic Khaki.

2)Simply Vera by Vera Wang Paintbrush Pleated Skirt @ Kohl's- $40




This skirt is PERFECT for an alternative to a drab work suit. Pair it with a navy blue blazer or cardigan with some sweet navy flats or pumps. If you're going on interviews and want to stand out, this is definitely the perfect look to go for: fun, professional, and trendy. And a skirt like this works on almost every body type.

3) H&M Navy and Red Flower mini dress.

There are many different style options and color combinations of this large rose print dress. It's similar to the Thakoon Floral Print dress phenomenon from last season. It's a great go-to dress for Easter Sunday, graduation parties, bridal showers, even spring/summer weddings.



Lesson 2: Shop with a Goal

Random shopping is always fun on weekend afternoon, but even random shopping should have a purpose. Think about what you actually NEED, instead of shopping impulsively for stuff that catches your eye. At the beginning of every season I write down a list of things I actually NEED to buy for my wardrobe. I copy the list onto a post-it note and stick it in my wallet. So if I go on random shopping excursions, I am reminded of what I should be spending my money on and I have an idea of what to look for. Example: My basic black flat boots are falling apart, they are essential to my daily life in Boston and MUST be replaced. I write down my dilemma and the next time I pass by Saks and their 70% off sales, instead of running to the stilettos, I will open my wallet, remind myself of the holes in my boots and make a beeline to the black leather beauties.

Lesson 3: Resist the Temptation for the Trendy

Trendy, crazy, experimental fashion statements are fun but can be dangerous. Take those fucking metallic spandex leggings from American Apparel for example. Ugliest shit I have ever seen. Only looks good on people with very thin legs, and reminds me of my mom's 80s jazzercise outfits. I mean, if you like to work out 24/8, I guess it works. But the bottom line is that those "disco pants" will only be socially acceptable as casual wear for this season. Next season, they will just look like outdated, shiny trash bags. So why the EFF are you spending $90 on FUGALICIOUS leggings? You're a shopaholic freak of nature. That's why.

You COULD have spent $16 on the same effing shit at Forever21. Don't you wish you had just said to yourself, "I know these leggings are super hipster and fun, and I look so DAMN good in them, but I think I should look a few other places to see if I can get them for a cheaper price. Besides, I know these fit me so I could just order them online if I don't find anything else."

Think before you purchase my shopping addict friend. It will be worth it. And the money you saved on those god awful stretch pants you can put towards those SWEET Navy blue Lamb pumps to go with that amazing Simply Vera skirt.

At Shopaholics Anonymous, we understand that you will always be a shopaholic at heart. To be honest, we wouldn't like you any other way. But at SA, we want to you be the smart and savvy shopper we know you are deep down. So, please, come to the meetings once a week and be enlightened. Fill your closet with only the best, cheapest, and most fashionable finds. And then go out and conquer the world with a little more money in your wallet and that much more style in your step.

The Fascers: The (Fashion) Academy Awards

They came, they saw, they dressed to kill. Last night's Academy Awards was one of the most elegantly dressed awards shows I have seen in quite some time. The way I see it, those in attendance at the Oscar's usually take one of two roads fashion-wise:

Road 1) The Classic Beauty Look- timeless dresses-- think Audrey Hepburn, Casa Blanca, The Great Gatsby.

Road 2) The Experimental Look- eye catching, inspired looks to talk about--think Carrie from Sex and the City, French Haute Couture, the 80s.

Obviously Road 2 involves a little more risk. Some can rock it, and some can epically FAIL. In honor of the awards last night, I'm going to give out a few awards of my own. Welcome to Marisa's Fashion Academy Awards. The Fascer's. The dresses have made their mark on the red carpet and the votes are in.

The Fascer for Bell of the Ball goes to: Penelope Cruz in Balmain Haute Couture



Her dress has been criticized for being "a bridal gown" but in my opinion it looks like Belle's golden gown from Beauty and the Beast. And who doesn't love Beauty and the Beast? Cruz's gown was classic, feminine and stunning. While she definitely went down Road 1 and kept it safe, she looked nothing short of gorgeous.

The Fascer for Classiest Teen Queen goes to: Miley Cyrus



Gotta say, I loved this dress. It's beautiful, fun, and surprising. Didn't expect Miley to go out on a limb like this. Definitely in the category of Road 2; she's a 16 year old who went with a lesser known designer, Zuhair Murad, and went with a look that's received plenty of bad reviews. Despite the negative BS out there...this dress is amazing. AND despite the fact that I think she is a total snot, Miley looked amazing. I give her a Fashion High Five.

The Hot Fucking Mess Award goes to: Beyonce Knowles



All I have to say is: WTF? No Beyonce, no. BAD Beyonce. She looks like a black and gold plated mermaid on crack. Of course, this lovely ensemble is from her own fashion house, Dereon Couture. She will forever be admitted into the Fascer Hall of Fame for uglist fucking dress, ever.

Fascer for the Most Boring Dress on the Red Carpet: Meryl Streep



Meryl, we know you are old. But your style doesn't have to make you look OLDER. This dress was drab, boring, ugly, frumpy...she didn't even look like she was trying. And the stone grey color of her Alberta Ferretti dress, did absolutely NOTHING for her; definitely not representative of Ferretti's best work. Her daughter's dress outshined hers by lightyears. Come on now, it's the fricken Oscar's for goodness sake! Have a little fun Ms. Streep.

Fascer for the Dress I would be Most Likely to Wear: Jennifer Aniston



Simple, elegant, sparkeling, PERFECT! Miss Aniston out shined Jolie by a million miles! She took the best of both roads with her bold and beautiful fashion statement. The silvery-gold Valentino gown was eye catching yet modestly glamorous. her skin and hair looked golden next to the fabric of the satin gown, and she wore it with a pair of Jimmy Choo Jags; icing on the fabulous cake.

Fascer for the Best Dressed Goes to to: Sarah Jessica Parker



Always in character, Ms. Parker would have made Carrie proud last night. Her Dior Haute Couture white crindland gown was a show stopper to say the least. This gown put her in the best light, all night. Some fashionista police officers have dubbed this "Carrie's better wedding dress choice", but they can shove it. They're just jealous that they didn't get to wear it first. Bitches. And wasn't it fitting that she presented the awards for costuming? LOVED IT. Kudos to you Sarah Jessica, yet another awards show has come and gone and you haven't left your style out of step for even a moment.

So there you have it for the Fascer's 2009. Quite a show, I must say. Over all, the most prominent fashion themes I found were:
- WHITE- this was definitely a snow covered Oscar's
- Royal blue
- SPARKLE- glitz and glam was literally all over the red carpet
- Embellishment- between all the feather and sequins, there wasn't room for much else
- Classic, traditional formal wear- not too many fashion risk takers this year
- Hair pulled back and up

Oscar lessons learned:
- Red is FUG on almost everyone
- Just because your old, doesn't mean you have to dress like it
- Black is boring
- Mermaid dresses are for Ariel...let's keep them under the sea, shall we?

Oh and before I turn in, I have one more, rather important award to give out:

Fascer for the Person I Would be More than Willing to Walk Down the Red Carpet with:
ROBERT PATTINSON





He makes a girl want to move to Surrey, drink tea and eat crumpits for the rest of her life. And that messy hair...oohhh, do NOT get me started!

Until next year, keep it classy. No, seriously.

The Style Bible

First off, let me say that I am loving the great response I am getting to my blog so far. Keep the comments and suggestions coming. I really appreciate it :)

Secondly, I feel like I should let you guys know a little bit about where I get all my fashion know how from. I want to give you a reason to listen to my psycho babble. Because it all comes from reliable sources, I promise!

So today, we're gonna go back to the basics. I like to call my sources for my fashion mantra my personal "style bible". I get my basic sense of what trends are in each season by religiously following the runway shows during fashion week. I love to use style.com to follow the shows because it's comprehensive. It's the website for Vogue Magazine, so it comes from the fashion gods themselves. My favorite feature is the "create your own look book" section. It allows you to go through the pictures from all the shows (NYC, Paris, and Milan), pick your favorite looks and create your own style guides for the season. At the end of the Fashion Week frenzy for Fall 09, I will post mine on here for all of you to peek through and download if you so choose.

I know, I know, some of you are like, "Well wait a minute, fashion freak, I can't afford the ridiculous prices on runway wear." ME EITHER. But high end styles are where contemporary and low end fashions come from. So I go straight to the source instead of picking through the watered down versions at Urban Outfitters and Forever21. I use the big boys' looks to get an idea for what trends are most appealing, most wearable, and can be best edited to work for ME.

After that, I turn to the tangible bibles: fashion magazines. While I love Elle and Vogue, Harper's Bazaar is by far the best source for shopping ideas, and real, valuable articles about fashion and style. It's my go-to guide for everything fashionable, because it sees fashion for what it truly is: the most artistic form of self expression. Now, if that's too intense to get your head around, I apologize--I can be a bit of a style addict.

A mag that's a bit more well rounded, and a publication that I personally can't get enough of is the newly revamped Marie Claire. It's an all encompassing LIFEstyle guide for the fashion savvy woman. It's less artsy and more down to earth than Bazaar, and if you read nothing else about style, I would recommend you read this. Marie Claire has an excellent shoppers section and usually picks out the best deals for you.

But if shopping guidance is what you truly crave, InStyle is my final go-to mag, particularly for when I am looking to shop for a specific item. (ie: high waisted jeans--they did a four page spread on them last season) It covers all the options for every season, goes over all the high end and the low end stuff, and LOVES free giveaways.

So I take my own favorites from the runway shows, pair them against what the "experts" say in the media and then go to work. And by work, I mean I literally go to my place of work and see what my boss has to say. I work at one of the highest end European designer boutiques in Boston as a sales associate. My boss is the owner and the buyer for the store, Serenella-Boston. She has been in the business for almost 20 years and travels to Milan twice a year to buy from the best Italian designers. Her words are fashion scripture in my book. And while her personal style is more withdrawn, classic, and sophisticated than my own, I have to respect her because she taught me most of what I know now. Bottom line: She plays in the big leagues (aka: she knows her shit).

So that's where all my snobbish fashion superiority comes from. But really only use the few sources that I have at my finger tips. I haven't gone to fashion school because God knows that unless your looking to become a designer, that's a HOT waste of time. The point I'm trying to make is, most of the components from my personal style bible are at your finger tips too. So my suggestion to you: figure out what things most inspire your sense of style. Art? Nature? Sex? (hey, to each her own) Make your own style bible from whatever those inspirations are, so maybe then you can stop listening to my psycho babble every day.

If you don't feel like doing that and you would rather listen to my witty fashion advice, by all means, please do! Fashion is after all a religious experience for some, so everyone is free to worship whom they please :)

Here's my fashion mantra for today:

Shows to watch from NYC fashion week:
Narciso Rodriguez
Sophie Theallet


Marc by Marc Jacobs


Cynthia Steffe


Tell me what you think! I love Theallet's Native American inspired looks, so original and always colorful and fun when most of autumns' looks are more obscure. And Marc by Marc takes the whole sexy lumberjack thing to the next level with all those beautiful plaids; dying to get my hands on that red princess peacoat! Seeing these shows finally gets me stoked for fall...despite the fact that it isn't even spring yet.

Sweet shopping deal of the day: Erickson Beamon for Target Jewelry Line
Sweet, fun, costume-like jewelry that's sure to add that extra BAM to any ordinary outfit. My must have piece from the collection: The Jeweled Flower Ring



How's that for adding a little sparkle to your day?

Designer of the Day: Thakoon

Fashion Week continued today in the city that never lets fashion sleep. And while I am desperately awaiting pics from today's shows, my personal style bible posted collection photos from yesterday's shows online today. Let me tell you, next fall we are in for a roller coaster of the good, the bad, and the FUGLY. But trust me, we will get to that.

For now I want to share my personal favorite designer at NYC Fashion Week this season: Thakoon Panichgul. A Thai fashion designer who graduated from my own alma mater, Boston University. Panichgul was thrown into the spotlight last fall with his unique take on off-the-wall prints and layering of different fabrics. All school pride aside, this guy totally rocks. His designs are trendy, feminine, and form fitting. And his new line for Fall 09, is more than up to par.

Accesorizing with the reoccurring theme of Russian sportswear, he had his models in ushankas. And while they are hardly a fashion must have for anyone outside of Siberia, they blended in well with his line of small print fabrics and texturized looks. Some critics say his show lacked focus, but if nothing else, I find Thakoon to be utterly consistant. If you need a basic blouse, classic skirt, or a-line dress, Thakoon is your guy. And what's better is that his pieces are truly individual; there isn't anything else out there like them.

My prediction for the look that will get the most press: The Royal Blue Party Frock



Royal blue layered ruffles look amazing on almost everyone and the print he chose for that style makes it look as if she is covered in peacock feathers, which is another reoccurring trend for next fall. Coupled with opaque black tights and sweet ass patent pumps, that look will be shaking its tail feathers all over the fashion spreads next season.

My personal favorite piece from the show: The 60s style Zebra Jacket



I like this because a) It's animal print b) it's an under stated statement jacket c)it screams Jackie-O meets Sex and the City. What's not to love?

If you are liking Thakoon for next season, I suggest trying some of him on for this season. What's that you say? "I'm a broke ass hoe and can't afford his effing expensive shit." Well do I have some news for you, my penniless friend. Thakoon did a line for Target that came out at the end of December and is now on Target.com at clearance prices.

My must have piece from the bargain basement goodies left on the website: The Pleated-Stripe Dress



"That dress looks like a circus tent", you say? Shut up. I know it looks like a tent, and it probably fits like one. But it's on clearance and that allows us permission to edit to make the circus freak into the main attraction-

My fashion editing suggestion:
1) Go to your local fabric store/art store/scrapbook store and buy a yard to a yard and a half of 1 inch to 2 inch thick gross-grain ribbon in either kelly green or navy blue.
2) Tie that sucker around your waist (or wear it's most comfortable, tying it at the hips works too) in a tight bow
3) Cut the ends at an angle to fit
4) Wear the bow in front or in the back, depending on how girly you can stand to look (or tie it in a knot if bows make you vomit)
5) Wear your $22 Thakoon dress with pride and take note of how slimming those diagonal "circus tent" stripes make you look. Also take note of how well the ribbon pronounces your tiny waist and gives you a feminine figure line.
6) Take a picture of how cute you look and send it to me, commending me on an internet styling job well done :)

Never say that you can't afford designer clothes again, 'cause bitch, you got on some fly shit. And it cost a quarter of what you paid for your stupid biology text book on half.com. How's that for looks before books?

Fashion Week Leak: Tribal Fusion

The tents have been up since Friday in New York City's Bryant Park and Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Fall -Winter 2009 is in full throttle. The most noteworthy of this past weekend's shows would have to be Diane Von Furstenberg (DVF).

When I say noteworthy, I don't necessarily mean that as a GOOD thing. Her theme appeared to be tribal prints meet Moscow couture; Africa meets Russia in mid Autumn. And while it's almost impossible to imagine shopping for NEXT winter when it's still 30 degrees outside, it's even less desirable to wear layers of "nomad" like clothing in obnoxious prints.

Don't get me wrong, I love that DVF owns the whole print circuit. She knows her shapes and colors, that's for sure. But this season she strayed from her normal path, which is perhaps the reason she calls the line "nomad". Be careful Diane my dear, there are many underlying meanings to the word nomad, are there underlying meanings to your newest line besides "hot mess"?

I can't completely bash her line though, I do love that she is carrying over the HUGE tribal trend from Spring into Fall. Because let's face it, there is a true jungle out there when it comes to Spring 09 fashions. My personal favorite is the tribal shoe scene. It's fun, it's wild, and it is an excellent way to make any ordinary outfit go from drab to fab. Louis Vuitton made it the centerfold for their Spring accessory line with their Madonna ad campaign.

I've seen the ad in basically every fashion mag since the January issues have been out. And while I must admit that I find Louis to be a little over the top most of the time, those shoes are HOT. And the great news is that ZARA has a very similar pair out in stores right now. I saw them in the window today at the Newbury Street location in Boston.

Not exactly the same but very similar and instead of the LV price tag you would be enduring, these babies are only $169. Sweeeeet. Now if $169 seems like crazy people prices for super trendy shoes, you're probably right. If you're looking for the same platform stiletto idea but in a more practical form, check out these lovlies by Chinese Laundry for $130 on Piperlime. Same idea, but more likely to last a few seasons than the LV Madonna copies at Zara.

And if stilettos aren't your cup of tea, MIA makes a more comfortable version of the tribal fusion shoe in wedge form. I love wedges because they are so much easier to walk in than traditional heels and they elongate your leg more so than a regular heel does.



My ultimate style suggestion for this Tribal Fusion trend: As soon as the first day of spring decides to roll around throw on a plain white sundress of any style with a pair of wild and crazy tribal stilettos (or wedges) and you will be dressed to kill in any urban (or suburban) jungle.

Fashion Caution: This Tribal Fusion trend should be used to add some fun experimental accessorizing to a very simple outfit (ie: plain white dress, jeans and a simple, unpatterned blouse), do not follow the obsurd fashion example of Madonna in the LV ads...otherwise the fashion police will be all over your fugly ass.

Fashion Forward

Look good, feel good, live good. Got it? Good.

"Don't judge a book by its cover." = the stupidest quote I have ever heard. If you live by this quote, I suggest that you stop as of right now. In my tasteful opinion, it is within the instincts of human nature for humans to automatically judge other humans based upon one thing only:

1) How they look.

Humans are judgmental, and to tell someone NOT to judge someone based upon how they look at first glance, is to deny them of their natural instincts. Disagree? Then explain this situation:

You see a woman in a tattered trench coat and LA Lakers sweatpants rolling in the mud and screaming at the park. You assume one of two things: a. She is insane, b.she is homeless. But you're wrong. She is an exhibitionist, expressing herself through living art. She just so happens to love vintage jackets, the LA Lakers are her favorite basketball team, and fresh mud is EXCELLENT for exfoliating her skin. You are so wrong, you judgy asshole!

But you're not a judgy asshole. You just made an assumption based on her appearance, because you are human and it is natural for you to "judge a book by its cover".

That said, it is obvious that I think appearance matters. Everyday is a potential for hundreds of first impressions. So why not take advantage of those impressions? Why not look your best, feel your best, and BE your best every day? Even if your best is rolling around in the mud at the park, at least do it with a little bit of style.

This blog is very obviously about style. But I realize that no two people have the same style. And I truly don't care what the fuck you wear. Wanna wear a paper bag? Good for you. I might suggest that you wear it with a belt because it will show off your figure a bit more. Stylize that bag, baby.

But stylizing your life doesn't mean you have to break the bank. Trust me, I know better than anyone that fashion can be costly. But it doesn't have to be. Just because your poor like me doesn't mean you have to dress like a shmuck. I never have money yet I never leave the house without my style in step.

Allow me to be the eyes and the ears of the freshest fashion that won't send you to the poorhouse. If you don't like when people tell you what to do, especially when it comes to what you wear, that's ok. I usually verbally assault people when they tell me what to do. This blog is hardly about me telling you what to wear. It's mainly about me suggesting what NOT to wear. Some people may decide to wear all the things I say not to. More power to 'em. That's their style, may the fashion gods bless their souls.

Bottom line, before I to use my style eyes on you, here's my fashion forward for you to keep in mind:

Everyday can be a good one, just take it one stiletto at a time.

xoxo,

Styleyze

“ A woman should be two things: classy and fabulous ”

Coco Chanel