(Fred and) Ginger (in Prague)

DIY: Friendship Bracelets with Rhinestones

2010-09-16T12:24:00.000-04:00

Recently while reading Refinery 29, it struck me that in their list of 9 Editor's Must Haves for NYFW, one of the items was incredibly accessible. It was also the one that Taylor Tomasi Hill listed and she's basically one of my favorite editors so it was probably meant to be. Now the item is:

Friendship bracelets with rhinestones! The bracelets, by Frieda and Nellie, are described as handwoven with vintage rhinestones but I figured who will really be able to tell if the rhinestones are vintage? So get thee to a craft store! I went to Michael's and picked up some embroidery floss, a crystal chain (you can also use an old necklace from Claire's with rhinestones), some clasps, and if you're feeling adventurous, some interesting beads.

And then, if you've never made friendship bracelets, head over to a site that teaches you how to make them and get started! After you've woven a full bracelet just twist the crystal chain or the necklace around your bracelet and attach it to the ends. Ta-daa!

I'm in the process of making mine and I'll update this post later today or tomorrow with pictures of it once I'm done!

Thanks to Refinery29 for the image!

"I travel light...

2010-09-15T07:11:00.000-04:00

...I think the most important thing is to be in a good mood and enjoy life, wherever you are."

- Diane von Furstenberg*

Despite Ms. Furstenberg's lovely quote, I have packing on my mind at the moment since I will finally be back in Prague soon! I already have most of my winter wardrobe over there but I'm still bringing a new coat, some boots, presents for my roomies, and a few other must have items. What do you always take with you when traveling? If you had to pick one item to take with you when moving to a different country, what would it be? Do you have any items that just give you comfort and peace of mind when traveling (other than a passport)? Here are mine:

1. Smashbox Photo Finish Primer ($36), 2. Laura Mercier Oil-Free Foundation ($42), 3. Topshop Knitted Stripe Cocoon Jumper (mine is actually a year older but this same basic idea; sadly Topshop doesn't sell it anymore) ($80), 4. American Apparel 3-Pack Unisex Flat Knit Striped Knee-High Sock ($18), 5. Citizens of Humanity Kelly Boot Cut Jeans (I got my first pair when I was 14, nearly 6 years ago. I order a new pair everytime I wear my old ones through. I am actually addicted) ($150), 6. Blackberry Bold 9650, 7. Amazon Kindle WiFi + 3G (yes it is already a necessity) ($189), 8. Fossil Fifty-Four Willow Flap Clutch ($95), 9. Lomography Diana Mini with Flash ($105).

Also, a big thank you to everyone who commented on my last post. I've tried to thank everyone personally on their blog, but just wanted to give a general thank you as well :)

Thanks to Sephora, Topshop, American Apparel, Shopbop, Research in Motion, Amazon, Fossil, and Lomography for the images. The collage was created by me.

A Little Bit Rock, a Little Bit Punk...

2010-09-14T10:52:00.000-04:00

I have rings on my mind! My style has always leant toward a more classic and feminine look but I just can't get over these rings! From left to right, top to bottom: Katrina LePenne Talon Ring ($165), Topshop Stone Swirl Ring ($18), Topshop Skull Quad Ring ($28), Topshop Ornate Stone Cocktail Ring ($25), UO/Species By the Thousands Branch Ring ($200), Topshop Cut Out Cluster Ring ($25), Urban Outfitters Cross Double Ring ($18), Cowboy Horse Saddle Pewter Finger Armor Ring ($25.37), UO/BJ by Jules Kim Skinny Curved Bar Ring ($162), Alexander McQueen Hells Four-Finger Ring ($495), Topshop Ram Head Ring ($25), Elizabeth and James Sterling Silver Knuckle Ring ($175).

Thanks to Topshop, Urban Outfitters, Saks Fifth Avenue, Amazon, and Shop Goldyn for the images. Collage by me.

Sunday Crosswords

2010-09-12T22:25:00.000-04:00

Crosswords aren't really directly related to fashion but knowing about fashion can help you in all sorts of ways - Jackie O's favorite designer? Oleg C, of course. And first name in fashion? Coco. First name in cosmetics? Estee.

Every Saturday, when we get the Washington Post, I go straight for the magazine crossword. After all, few things are as quickly and cheaply satisfying as getting a clue right. And getting the entire puzzle? You're golden for the week! Until the next weekend's crossword arrives! (If by some unlikely chance someone here does the WashPost Magazine crossword, don't look at my scan :))

Do you do crosswords or sudoku? What's your favorite newspaper to get them from?

A Short History of Lipstick

2010-09-12T12:04:00.000-04:00

What with all the talk of nude and red and purple lips this autumn, I thought I'd do a quick post on the history of lipstick and which colors match which eras - I mean it's been useRd since the ancient Egyptians or even the Sumerians. We always talk about a decade coming back, but what about several centuries?

Ancient Egypt:
Although it was not yet in stick form, instead being a mix of oils and waxes with colors in a pot, the Ancient Egyptians wore blue-black and orange-red colors.

Ancient Greece:

Red and wine colored for most women. However, prostitutes wore all sorts of colors but they aren't exactly the ideal style icon in my eyes.

The Roman Empire:
During the time of the emperor Nero, his wife brought fucus into fashion. Fucus is reddish purple and was used alongside wine colors.

The Middle Ages:
Even though make-up was normally condemned, a white face and rose-colored lips was the only style considered somewhat acceptable.

Elizabethan England (Elizabeth I)
White faces but brighter lips. Elizabeth I thought make up could stave off death and cosmetics vendors were considered to be akin to magicians.

Baroque (1660-1789)
Men and women alike wore make up in bright colors - it was supposed to make you stand out from the crowd. Lips were to be pearl-like.

Thanks to Lime Crime and M.A.C. for the images.

Androgyny a la Woolf

2010-09-11T14:53:00.001-04:00

I'm sorry I'm doing so many of these literary themed posts but I've been going through books from high school for a few days and it reminds me of passages that I love and so I start reading and then that turns into "that reminds me of (insert name) A/W 2010 collection" and then I can't think of anything else and they're addictive. I hope people don't mind. That said, we had to read a large amount of Virginia Woolf in school, in senior year it was To the Lighthouse and A Room of One's Own. The second I picked up A Room of One's Own, I remembered that not only is it all about androgyny but also that I bought two copies at the time and the one I was holding was covered in annotations. So I started looking through the annotated copy and came upon this gem of a passage. It didn't really fit with most of the ones I've posted since it isn't explicitly about clothing but it's still well-worded beautiful inspiration. And who doesn't love a bit of androgyny?

"It is fatal to be a man or a woman pure and simple; one must be woman-manly or man-womanly. It is fatal for a woman to lay the least stress on any grievance; to plead even with justice in any cause; in any way speak consciously as a woman. And fatal is no figure of speech; for anything written with that conscious bias is doomed to death. It ceases to be fertilised."

- A Room of One's Own, Virginia Woolf, 1929

By columns, from left to right: Zara Lookbook: Crossed Checked Blazer ($129), Blucher with Flap ($149); ASOS MANOMAN Leather Buckle Lace Up Flat Shoes ($109.53); Salvatore Ferragamo "Nearly" Driving Loafers ($312); Nine West Stavo ($69); Tod's Heaven Lacetto ($425); G-Star Roll Sleeve Stripe Linen Mix Shirt ($126.38); Zara Lookbook: Short Cross-Over Blazer ($79.90); Mango Paperbag Waist Trousers ($75.66), ASOS Retro Style Oversized Face Metal Strap Watch ($37.07), Fred Perry Chino Trousers ($134.80).

So go and dress like a man! Because according to Virginia Woolf you'll never achieve anything if you're just a woman. Not vouching for that but you'll certainly look fantastic with some of the menswear pieces! I bought a blazer at Zara recently and I can barely bear taking it off.

Also, I know La Roux is totally over-used when it comes to talking about androgynous style but she's over-used for a reason. She's just so perfect!

And FNO in Georgetown was lots of fun! The weather was perfect, there were lots of people out and it's was an amazing atmosphere!

Thanks to last.fm, Piperlime, Neiman Marcus, Bluefly, ASOS, and Zara for the images. Collage by me.

Fashion's Night Out: DC

2010-09-10T17:37:00.000-04:00

I'm heading down to Fashion's Night Out in Georgetown tonight with some friends! Quite excited but all hopes are mitigated by DC's rather straitlaced fashion sense and atmosphere. But we'll see! A list of all of Georgetown's FNO events can be found here.

Some of the spots I'm particularly excited for:
Annie Creamcheese has 20% off everything except Chanel and some designer items. Annie Creamcheese is a vintage store with pieces from the 40s and on. The only caveat being, Annie Creamcheese is fairly pricey. 20% off? Definitely a plus.

Betsey Johnson is having a garden party with wine and FNO cupcakes from Baked and Wired. Considering I would live on Baked and Wired cupcakes if given the option, this is a big deal.

bluemercury is letting visitors pick a favorite make-up look from Vogue and have it recreated by professional make-up artists.

Diesel is giving out free tote bags from their "Be Stupid" campaign.

Georgetown Aveda is offering free consultations and 20% off all products.

Georgetown Cupcake is offering a free FNO cupcake to anyone who asks for it by name. (Again cupcakes are exciting.)

Just Paper & Tea are giving out free gifts with purchases of $50 or more. (School supplies and stationery - again exciting.)

Kate Spade is having a raffle and releasing the new fragrance, Twirl.

At Presse Bookstore, a percentage of the night's proceeds goes to Action Against Hunger.

Are you going to Fashion's Night Out where you live? Are you excited? Photos later!

Thanks to We Heart It for the photo!

Military-Style Jackets

2010-09-10T09:29:00.000-04:00

"A white church spire whistles into space

like a swordfish, a rocket pierces heaven

as the thawed springs in icy chevrons race

down hillsides and Old Glories flail

the crosses of green farm boys back from 'Nam."

- Old New England, Derek Walcott

I find it incredible how the same motifs and themes (art and beauty, war and violence, life and religion) dominate art and culture for centuries and beyond opinions or capabilities changed by modern science and technology never seen to change much. Walcott's reaction to the draft and war in Vietnam could just as easily be a reaction to the deaths of soldiers in Iraq. And those same topics that persist in culture and political discourse continue to dominate in fashion, too.

I can't seem to get chevrons and epaulets out of my mind this season but I both realize how unoriginal this trend is and the centuries of history behind it. Afterall, military coats have come and gone from fashion for quite literally millenia. Here are some picks from Topshop, Zara, Balmain, Marc Jacobs, and a few others in the military theme.

From left to right, top row to bottom row: Topshop Military Belted Coat ($160), Zara Mao Collar Jacket with Strass ($79.90), MARC by Marc Jacobs Uniform Cotton Pants ($218), Smythe Double-breasted Wool Jacket ($595), Balmain Silk-blend Tweed Military Jacket ($6,285), Juicy Couture Skylar Twill Military Jacket ($298), Gryphon Band Stud Jacket ($495), Zara Cloth Military Jacket ($79.90), Zara Velveteen Military Style Coat ($99.90), L.A.M.B. Camo Cargo Pants ($275).

Thanks to We Heart It, Topshop, Zara, Shopbop, and Net-a-Porter for the images. Collage by me.

Fashion/Fiction: Madame Bovary, The Sun Also Rises, Their Eyes Were Watching God

2010-09-09T10:34:00.000-04:00

Since books really are some of my favorite items in the world and one of my few requirements for my dream home is that it have a room dedicated to being a library, I thought I'd bring back the Fashion/Fiction post from before and maybe even make it a series. However, this time there's a bit more variety in the eras during which the passages below were written and, as a result, more variety in the descriptions. Since no one trend rules the runway each year and this year there are movements towards both minimalism and opulence, towards utilitarian dressing and towards military styles, a variety is not only more interesting, but also more accurate.

The first passage echoes the opulence that the Prada and Louis Vuitton collections embody but also teases the impracticality of such clothes, particularly as this scene is set at a wedding on a farm:

"The ladies, wearing bonnets, had on dresses in the town fashion, gold watch chains, pelerines with the ends tucked into belts, or little coloured fichus fastened down behind with a pin, and that left the back of the neck bare. The lads, dressed like their papas, seemed uncomfortable in their new clothes (many that day handselled their first pair of boots), and by their sides, speaking never a word, wearing the white dress of their first communion lengthened for the occasion, were some big girls of fourteen or sixteen, cousins or elder sister no doubt, rubicund, bewildered, their hair greasy with rose-pomade, and very much afraid of dirtying their gloves."

- Madame Bovary, Gustave Flaubert, 1856

The Sun Also Rises is in my top five favorite books. It's probably the only book I can say that about given that the list changes constantly depending on my mood but this one is up there regardless. The description of Brett's outfit is sparse because, afterall, Hemingway wrote it but the materials and fabrics seem to resonate with fashion today. Wool, jersey, tweed are all back this year but the most striking part of the description is how Brett has curves and she flaunts and emphasizes them, something the fashion world is only starting to come around to now.

"Brett was damned good-looking. She wore a slipover jersey sweater and a tweed skirt, and her hair was brushed back like a boy's. She started all that. She was built with curves like the hull of a racing yacht, and you missed none of it with that wool jersey."

- The Sun Also Rises, Ernest Hemingway, 1926

I have to admit that the first time I read Their Eyes Were Watching God I hated it but that was most likely because I was thirteen and anything I had to read for school and then spend hours picking apart and analyzing and writing up close readings of was akin to prison. I went back to it senior year of high school though and the first chapter in particular struck a chord inside me that made me appreciate the novel much more. Here, the character of Janie first appears and I thought the reflection of how her clothes cause her former neighbors to judge and dismantle her character was incredibly interesting.

"They made burning statements with questions, and killing tools out of laughs. It was mass cruelty. A mood come alive. Words walking without masters; walking along together like harmony in a song.

'What she doin coming back here in dem overalls? Can't she find no dress to put on? - Where's dat blue satin dress she left here in? - Where all dat money her husband took and died and left here - What dat ole forty year ole 'oman doin' wid her hair swinging' down her back lak some young gal?' ... The women took the faded shirt and muddy overalls and laid them away for remembrance. It was a weapon against her strength and if it turned out of no significance, still it was a hope that she might fall to their level some day."

- Their Eyes Were Watching God, Zora Neale Hurston, 1937

And I wanted to finish off with another quote by Hurston that almost gave me shivers with the perfection of the metaphor. "Ships at a distance have every man's wish on board. For some they come in with the tide. For others they sail forever on the horizon, never out of sight, never landing until the Watcher turns his eyes away in resignation, his dreams mocked to death by Time."

Thanks to We Heart It for the images.

Back to School: Part 2

2010-09-08T23:53:00.013-04:00

Now for something actually school related. Textbooks. My two discoveries for this year are Barnes & Noble's Textbook program and the Kindle. I know there's supposedly this big e-reader war going on between the Kindle and the nook but I picked Kindle since Amazon is a bigger and more powerful company than B&N so the Kindle will probably win the war. Also Amazon just has more books. But the killer? For my favorite feature on the nook, I don't actually need the device at all. nookstudy is free and you get textbook previews and all sorts of great stuff. Go get it. Also on the topic of free stuff, I found out that instead of driving to the mall and wasting gas I can just order make-up from Sephora.com get free shipping on orders over $50 and get frequent flyer miles from United/Star Alliance for this. My mind was sort of blown. (The universal college motto has to be get everything you can if it's free. T-shirts, food, concerts, and even study tools and frequent flyer miles.)

Whereas the Kindle I was willing to spend money on (it's so pretty! and $189 is down from what it used to be! and it comes with free 3G! even in Prague!) I can't even pretend to neutrally discuss the pros and cons. As far as I'm concerned there are no cons. It's my favorite purchase for the new school year. I'm obsessed. Actually in love. Adore. Drool over. Gaze at in awe and admiration. Also it's eco-friendly, and all the books I read are cheaper on it, I can get books in 60 seconds all over the world, books on which the copyright has run out are freeee, and all my textbooks are on it so no more carrying heavy books around to class. I think the cause of my obsession is that my back is thanking me now for not lugging those books everywhere with me for the next two years.

But the best part are the cases. Some notable names like Diane von Furstenberg, Moleskine, Le Sportsac, and Cole Haan have made Kindle covers. I got the basic Kindle cover with a book light in apple green. I love it and it actually stopped me desiring other covers for about, oh, twenty minutes? But now that craving is back with a vengeance. Here are some of my favorites:

Diane von Furstenberg Kayley Canvas Clutch for Kindle in Garden Animal ($85), LeSportsac Kindle Cover in Dream Vacation ($34), Cole Haan Hand-Woven Leather Kindle Cover with Hinge in Whiskey ($119), Cole Haan Hand-Stained Leather Kindle Cover with Hinge in Green Floral Print ($99), Moleskine Kindle DX Cover with Reporter-Style Notebook in Black ($59.99), and LeSportsac Kindle Cover in Tip Top ($34).

Now to avoid sounding like an Amazon fangirl, I'm out. Also before that, I wanted to clarify that I didn't receive any free merchandise from Amazon, nor do I plan on doing so. With that out of the way, thanks to We Heart It and Amazon for the images.

Inspiration: Equestrian

2010-09-07T13:54:00.001-04:00

As I've been packing to go back to school I've come across some items that are older but that I've fallen in love with. One of these is a pair of old riding boots from Ariat. Not showing boots but just regular paddock boots and they are perfect. For this year with the riding trend. For always because they're both classic and a bit rough. And even better because they are very androgynous which is something I have really wanted to try but have never managed. However, this got me thinking. With all the trends towards minimalism, classic styling, investment pieces, and riding, what could be found in various showing outfits? I'm sticking with English outfits rather than Western just because it both fits the style of classicism and minimalism better and because it is what I am more familiar with having only done English style riding.

Ariat Women's Coolmax Dobby Stripe Victory Shirt, Ariat Women's Trophy Hunt Coat, Hermes Clou de Selle Polo Wraps ($110), Ariat Women's English Basic 1" Belt, Ariat Women's Brittany Full Seat Breeches, Ariat Women's Coolmax Victory Shirt, Ariat Monaco Lace Paddock Boots, Ariat Hunter Dress Boot Zip, Hermes Hoof Pick and Case ($210).

To me, a lot of these pieces are similar to pieces from Phoebe Philo's collection for Celine and to a lot of the Chloe pieces. Here are a few of the ones from Chloe that seemed particularly similar:

Chloe: Tailored stretch-wool jacket (€859), Logo cotton shirt (€384.79), Leather tassel belt (€230), Leather lace-up boots (€850), Wool checked pants (€1,034), Leather boots with tassels (€740).

What do you think? Are you interested in buying riding attire now for daily wear? I mean for me, I already have a lot of riding clothes and since they're made well and intended for sports they don't fall apart quickly. I've partially reconverted to my riding wardrobe from a few years back!!

Thank you to We Heart It, Ariat, Net-a-Porter, and Hermes for the images. Collages by me.

Back to School: Part 1

2010-09-07T11:17:00.000-04:00

So after a beautiful Labor Day weekend, I only have one weekend left in the states until winter break so I'm trying to take advantage of this week as much as possible. Unfortunately I also realized that my brain somewhat turned to mush over the course of the summer and I had to start reviewing for several classes. Of course reviewing is a bit of a nightmare, unless it's done neatly and everything is color coded and made nice! So I thought I'd make a short series of some of the fashionista-friendly back to school items I've bought or seen :) And an item or two from my wishlist for this winter.

My number one wishlist item at the moment is the Canon EOS Rebel T2i. And an accompanying lens. Now I am not going to just pop out to the store and grab it because, you know, college kids have budgets, and also, you know, my parents would probably kill me for spending the equivalent of a semester's rent in Prague on a camera and a lens. That aside, I can dream and I will get it soon. By soon I mean hopefully by Christmas. But what is a great camera without a fabulous bag to protect that camera? Tommy Ton had a post about Garance Dore's LV by Sofia Coppola bag and how it would make an amazing camera bag. So of course I started dreaming.

What would make a great camera bag? Compartments for the lens, for the camera, and for any filters and memory cards etc, etc. And a soft, soft lining that won't scratch anything on your precious camera. Of course this isn't strictly back-to-school but I do have a photography class second semester and living in Prague without a quality DSLR to capture the incredible, indescribably, it that just is the city is really a minor sin.

Fossil's Vintage Re-Issue Large Crossbody - $208

Dulce Leather Crossbody Satchel - $398

MARC by Marc Jacobs "Saddlery Lou Lou" Satchel - $558

See by Chloe "Esteli" Drawstring Tote - $495

Which one is your favorite? And am I insane for wanting a $900 camera even though I already have a point and shoot and a few film cameras?

Thanks to We Heart It, Fossil, and Nordstrom for the images.

Who Sent Flowers Giveaway Winner!

2010-09-06T23:09:00.003-04:00

I'm excited to announce that the winner of my first giveaway is Sarah of The Queen of Wanderlust! Sarah wins the Who Sent Flowers? Ring from Modcloth!

Please email me your details at fredandgingerinprague@gmail.com! I hope you enjoy the ring!! Thank you to Sarah and everyone else who entered :)

Thanks to Modcloth for the image!

Lust List: Autumn and Winter Lace, Wool, and Tweed

2010-09-03T09:55:00.003-04:00

I have to admit, I want to be able to go outside without sweat pouring off me and without everyone in the vicinity smelling as if no one has heard of deodorant. I want brisk autumn days with crunchy leaves to go out of my way to crunch on and all the golden, scarlet, and maroon colors that come with autumn.

However, since I am at least trying to be a frugal college student, most of my fall wardrobe will be my summer wardrobe plus leggings, jeans, cardigans, and blazers. But winter... Winter in Prague requires warm clothing. Cozy and warm and it has to be luxurious. After all, if out of your classroom window you see the largest castle in Europe, you have to be able to dream. And dreaming of being a Habsburg princess (hopefully without the genetic defects they developed) is much easier if you have cashmere and soft leather and luxurious scarves and velvet leggings and all you have to do is imagine where your beautiful outfit could take you.

Some of my favorites this week:

Flower Patterned Knitted Tube Dress ($39.90, Zara)

Waist-Cut Tweed Dress ($59.90, Zara)

Shorts R-C Main (999CZK, $52, Mango)

Bop Basics - Thick Knit Collar Scarf ($68, Shopbop)

Autumn Cashmere ($191, Bluefly)

Bop Basics Thick Knit Arm-Warmers ($58, Shopbop)

I'm also planning on writing a Zara autumn wishlist post soon but since they are currently updating the website and the inventory, everything is a bit glitchy.

Thanks to We Heart It, Zara, Mango, Bluefly, and Shopbop for the images.

Links a la Mode: The IFB Weekly Roundup

2010-09-03T09:51:00.003-04:00

The End of Summer? No! The Beginning of Awesome!

Edited by: Thom of The Sunday Best

For the past week I've been listening to Cee-Lo Green's fantastic send-off, F@#* You, and little else. At the same time I've been reading a lot of the hand-wringing in the press about bloggers and whatever are we going to do about them, along with our responses both here and on our blogs. And the two have combined in my head to form a single determination - bloggers need more swagger. I don't mean anger, of the you-don't-respect-us variety, or apologetics, of the we-are-as-legitimate-as-other-media variety. I mean swagger, the kind of swagger that comes from doing something well and knowing you're good at it. So whatever other themes might knit together this week's links, they all share that important characteristic - swagger. Step up to the plate, knock it out of the park.

Join us at IFB’s Evolving Influence Fashion Blogger Conference @ NYFW

Links à la Mode: September 2nd

A la Modest - The Mystery and the Magnificent Monki
All Tumbled Down - Fancy Style File
Any Second Now - My Fashionable Heritage
A Pretty Penny - Fashion Fitness and Floggers
Awakened Aesthetic - To Covet: Cold Comfort
Beautifully Invisible - The Corset: The Sexiest of Sexy Shapewear
Beyond Fabric - Size and Fit: Shirts
Bright Lights, Big Style - Losing Style in Fashion
Chic Steals - Long-awaited Interview Outfit
Fashion Cents - When to Alter Your Clothing
Independent Fashion Bloggers: How Blogging Changed My Life
My Closet in Sketches - Outfit Sketch
Oranges and Apples - Thinking About Aging
Ramblings With Rin - Before Meets After
The Coveted - Design Your Own Shoes With Jeff Silverman
The Demoiselles - Millenials: We Are the Revolution
The Fashionista Lab - The Emmys: Red Carpet Recap
The Lingerie Addict - Is Expensive Lingerie Worth the Cost?
The Pursuers - Cheer Up, Margot
The Sunday Best - Let Them Eat Bread
What She Should Have Worn - Copy Cats

SPONSOR:

New at Shopbop - JNBY - Wildfox Couture - Kirrily Johnston - Graham & Spencer

Five Links

2010-09-02T03:04:00.005-04:00

So a non-fashion post. Just a few links :) Back to fashion tomorrow, or really later today.

1. Some tips and tricks to learn people's names: Lifehacker

2. Some sobering thoughts about a hostage situation at the Discovery Channel building outside DC. A man took 3 hostages who all came out unharmed but the man's reasoning is disturbing in the worst way: Washington Examiner

3. An old favorite story that we read in 6th grade but that's stayed with me ever since. Raise those who are least advantaged rather than bringing the best down: Kurt Vonnegut's Harrison Bergeron

4. An incredibly interesting conversation series with Christopher Hitchens about anything and everything: The Atlantic

5. I wouldn't be me if this post had nothing at all fashion related. I'm sort of lusting after this dress!! Shopbop

Thanks to We Heart It for the image.

What to Wear: In a Hurricane

2010-08-31T08:58:00.010-04:00

According to weather.com, Hurricane Earl may hit the Washington, DC area sometime Friday afternoon or evening. Now hurricances are clearly a serious issue but the fact is by the time they hit DC they've normally weakened quite a bit and all we get is some pretty lightning and some rain. There are of course exceptions, like Hurricane Isabel several years ago that left most of the area without power for days but hopefully Earl will weaken from the projected 110 mph winds that we are projected to have. (Fingers crossed!!)

Anyway, hurricane thoughts quickly turned to rainy weather thoughts and snowy weather thoughts. More specifically, the best things to wear in this sort of weather.

From left to right, Max Studio's Caped Raincoat ($128), Topshop's Exposed Seam Trenchcoat ($160), kate spade's "Ivy" Twill Raincoat ($525), Hobbs' Faubourg Traditional Style Raincoat (£119), and Topshop's Premium Godet Check Trench ($400).

But why stop at coats?

From left to right, top to bottom: Squidlondon Umbrella ($54), Uniqlo Dot Print Umbrella ($11), Jack Spade Dipped Coal Tote ($195), Pour la Victoire Women's Ben Rubber Rain Boot ($157), MM6 Printed Tote Bag ($120), Modcloth's Duck, Duck, Umbrella in Red ($18), Celine High-Heeled Boots ($452), Celine Ballet Flats ($295), Topshop's Devon Lace-Up Wellies ($50), and Pour La Victoire Women's Ted Rubber Rain Boots ($157).

I have to say I am particularly attached to the idea of waterproof ballet flats but of course the open top makes them impractical for puddle jumping. Which really ruins half the fun of frolicking in the rain. But regardless, they are oh so pretty. Of the coats, I still have some reservations about the practical value of a cape but this one is waterproof giving it at least that. And the khaki color adds in the military trend for autumn!! I am also absolutely in love with these Celine Red Rubber Leather Trimmed Boots, unfortunately Polyvore did not have them to include with the collage.

Also, I sincerely hope that Hurrican Earl does not in fact hit DC or North Carolina where it is expected to be more substantial and that everyone stays safe!

Don't forget to join the Who Sent Flowers? Giveaway by September 6, 2010!

Thanks to We Heart It and Polyvore for the images.

Who Sent Flowers Giveaway

2010-08-30T12:25:00.003-04:00

So in honor of having had 150 unique visitors (which I can't really even believe since I've had the blog for not much more than a month) I'm giving away a Who Sent Flowers? Ring from Modcloth. It's a little something that'll remind you of spring and summer in the cold winter months and right around February when you stop going on fun ski trips and the holidays are past and all you want is the sky to be a little less grey. It's available in a size 6 or size 7.

So for the rules I'll be using Erika of Cafe Fashionista's format because she's an old hand at giveaways and this method seems to work. Which is:

1. For one chance at winning, comment on this post by Monday, September 6, 2010 at midnight EST. Please also include your ring size.

2. For two entries to win, tweet about this giveaway and leave a comment on this post including a link to your tweet also by Monday, September 6, 2010.

3. For three entries to win, become a follower of (Fred and) Ginger (in Prague) on Blogger, Google Reader, or Bloglovin.

This giveaway is open to both US and international residents. I will pick one winner out of a hat and announce the result on Tuesday, September 7, 2010!

Good luck!

Thanks to Modcloth for the picture!

Mode/Music: Stella McCartney, Louis Vuitton, and Miu Miu

2010-08-28T09:19:00.001-04:00

Music and fashion are connected. They have to be because both are inherently about performing in front of an audience and music plays at runway shows, designers are inspired by music, musicians design collections, and wear outfits made for them. Since we're wearing or will soon be wearing items from the A/W 2010/2011 shows I thought it'd be interesting to see the music that was playing during those runway shows.

Stella McCartney's choice has lyrics, which was unusual. It also speaks for itself: "Give me another bottle, I need another bottle." This was interesting because it was not at all what I expected from seeing photos of the collection. Also seems a little out-of-sync with her eco-friendly hippie-ish image. But then again I love when people have eclectic tastes :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X16s3fSQEJk

Louis Vuitton by Marc Jacobs is a classical piece which meshes well with the longer skirts and the luxurious, classic look of the clothes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zJ6MmZmwXU

Miu Miu's is a little haunting with very pronounced drums and a distinctly tribal feel. I found this choice surprising since other designers did play on the tribal trend whereas Miuccia did not.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHRYmzbjNlc

So what will be the music that inspires you to wear your autumn best?

Thanks to We Heart It for the image.

Links à la Mode: August 26th

2010-08-27T00:40:00.003-04:00

Looking Forward to Looking Back for Fall

Edited by: Ann of Holier than Now

Every season begins with looking back: the designers revisit trends of yore, and we fling open our oversized Tupperware bins and dig through the back of our closets to see just what it was we wore this time last year. Despite the thrill of new trends, most of us probably feel that the first Fall shopping we should do is in our own closet (View from 5 ft. 2 and Your Saving Style inspire on this front). Next step: after considering your bank account, and perhaps the pros and cons of fast fashion (see: Consumerism Killed My Soul), a visit to your local thrift store or flea market for vintage finds might replace that mall excursion you were imagining. With a wealth of inspiration from the blogosphere, there's never been a better time to invest in - or just be inspired by - style from the past.

Join us at IFB's Evolving Influence Fashion Blogger Conference @ NYFW

Links à la Mode: August 26th

A La Modest- Note-worthy Fashion in Indie Films + Shows.

Beyond Fabric- Incorporating Traditional Local Items in Your Style

Cloud of Secrets- Dior and decadent 18th Century Deshabille

Consumerism Killed My Soul- The Pros and Cons of Fast Fashion

Eco-Fashionista- Don't Accept Diamonds from Strangers: The Provenance of Diamonds

(Fred and) Ginger (in Prague)- Classic Books as Inspiration for Fall

Holier than Now- 5 Catalogs to (Secretly) Shop for Fall

Independent Fashion Bloggers: Beef Up Your Blogging Biceps at Evolving Influence

Love From Lou Lou- Vintage 70's Images to Inspire Your Interpretation of Fall's 70's Trend

Kramey Martin- What Would Nancy Drew Wear?

Lovely & Lavish- Collegiate Cool: College-inspired Looks

Pull Your Socks Up- Why Do You Wear Vintage?

Retro Chick- 60's Chic Hits This Season's Runways

Seven Style Notes- Vintage Family Photos for Style Inspiration

The Column of Samantha Tyler- The Flamboyant Comeback of the Hat

The Haute Hoosier- Personal Style Icon: How to Get Zelda's Fitzgerald's Look

The New Professional - Foundations: Underpinnings for a Smooth Work Look

The Taxonomy of My Wardrobe- A Look Back at the Style Icons Behind Fall's Aviator Jacket

View from 5 ft. 2- Use What You Have to Interpret Fall's Trends

What 2 Wear Where- Paris: Les Arts Décoratifs History of Contemporary Fashion

Your Saving Style- Revamp: From a Dress to (An Awesome High-Waisted) Skirt

Lots of thanks to IFB for featuring my blog as one of the links of the week this week! I know my blog is new but I plan on sticking around for a while :)

Prague.

2010-08-25T18:09:00.003-04:00

Every so often I forget that I live in a city that might as well be in a fairytale. It probably IS in a fairytale since when the Habsburgs ruled from here there was more than a fair share of princesses - it was afterall the capital of the Holy Roman Empire under Charles IV. For anyone that hasn't been, go. For anyone that has, you know how the atmosphere just grabs you. And you have to have a heart of stone to not fall in love with it.

Thanks to We Heart It for the image.

Fashion/Fiction: The Beautiful and the Damned, Rebecca, The Little Princess

2010-08-23T23:43:00.009-04:00

Classes start soon for nearly everyone I know and although in several weeks I will probably look back on this post and consider myself mentally unstable, right now, I can't wait. However, in several weeks I will be doing readings for class at breakneck speed rather than reading books of my choice, when I want to read them. But what is better than reading a good book? Particularly a good book with beautiful clothes.

Fitzgerald's most famous scene involving clothing is probably in The Great Gatsby when he describes Daisy's dress floating about her but in The Beautiful and the Damned the images he paints are incredibly inspiring. And the furs and piled high up-dos are very much A/W 2010:

"There were opera cloaks stitched of myriad, many-colored silks and furs; there were jewels dripping from arms and throats and ear-tips of white and rose; there were innumerable broad shimmers down the middles of innumerable silk hats; there were shoes of gold and bronze and red and shining black; there were the high-piled. tight-packed coiffures of many women and the slick, watered hair of well-kept men - most of all there was the ebbing, flowing, chattering, chuckling, foaming, slow-rolling wave effect of this cheerful sea of people as to-night it poured its glittering torrent into the artificial lake of laughter..."

-The Beautiful and the Damned, F. Scott Fitzgerald

~~~

In Rebecca, one of the most iconic scenes of the book involves the narrator wearing a white costume evening dress that provokes a less than positive reaction from Max de Winter. Despite being less relevant to the plot, the opulence and luxury in Rebecca's closet contribute to the reader's understanding of her character:

"On a sudden impulse I moved away from the bed and went back to the little ante-room where I had seen the wardrobes. I opened one of them. It was as I thought. The wardrobe was full of clothes. There were evening dresses here, I caught the shimmer of silver over the top of the white bags that enfolded them. There was a piece of gold brocade. There, next to it, was velvet, wine-coloured, and soft. There was a train of white satin, dripping on the floor of the wardrobe. Peeping out from a piece of tissue paper on a shelf above was an ostrich feather fan."

- Rebecca, Daphne du Maurier

~~~

The Little Princess is so much fun. I loved it when I first learned how to read and now that I can read it and reminisce I also get to glance over Burnett's descriptions of Sara's outfits and the way in which Sara's clothing marks changes in the plot. Plus this passage made me think of Prada's A/W 2010 collection:

"Lavinia had managed to pass Sara's room when the door was open, and had seen Mariette opening a box which had arrived late from some shop.

'It was full of petticoats with lace frills on them - frills and frills,' she whispered to her friend Jessie as she bent over her geography. 'I saw her shaking them out. I heard Miss Minchin say to Miss Amelia that her clothes were so grand that they were ridiculous for a child. My mamma says that children should be dressed simply. She has got one of those petticoats on now. I saw it when she sat down.'

'She has silk stockings on!' whispered Jessie, bending over her geography also. 'And what little feet! I never saw such little feet.'

'Oh,' sniffed Lavinia, spitefully, 'that is the way her slippers are made. My mamma says that even big feet can be made to look small if you have a clever shoemaker. I don't think she is pretty at all. Her eyes are such a queer color.'"

- A Little Princess, Frances Hodgson Burnett

What is your favorite fashion related book or description of an outfit or a scene? Are you inspired by what you read?

Thanks to We Heart It for the title image. Collage images are scans from Vogue and Harper's Bazaar.

Office Wear

2010-08-23T08:42:00.006-04:00

Living in the suburbs of Washington, DC, I grew up with a fairly inflexible idea of office-appropriate clothing. Studying economics and politics, my future daily uniform can't be particularly inventive either. But strict office wear is not necessarily mutually exclusive with being fashion forward.

This set includes two outfits that would work this fall in the office. The first one has a bright yellow skirt from J.Crew that keeps the outfit fun and some Prada shoes. DC dressing involves a lot of understated dressing and closed toed shoes. Always. In this case the closed toe makes them great to transition to autumn and winter.

The other outfit is slightly more conservative but still is trendy with the tweed skirt (also from J. Crew) and Cole Haan shoes. These have a slightly smaller heel but also work for fall and a winter sans snow.

But what most DC women learned long ago is that shoes are a woman's best friend. They are one of the few items that can really show personal style in the office so I couldn't resist polyvoring some of the Christian Louboutin shoes which I would give several fingers to be able to wear to work.

From top to bottom, left to right: Elisa Pumps, Penny Girl Loafers, Annees Folles 140, Relika Platform Shoe, Platform Slingbacks, Rolando Platform Pumps, Pigalle 120, Bianca 140, Declic 90.

Thanks to Polyvore for the images!

The Bob

2010-08-21T09:35:00.004-04:00

Was away fairly unexpectedly for a week but I'm back again! And I can't get hair off my mind. Thing is, I always had slightly longer than shoulder length hair until about a year ago when I went and had it chopped off. It's a graduated bob, in what was Victoria Beckham style. Super short at the back and longer towards the front. Thing is it has grown out slightly now and I need a haircut soon. But what is a good winter haircut? It has to work well with a hat, mainly. And look good after the hat comes off. So options? Blunt or angled? Fringe or no fringe? Side fringe or straight across fringe? Any thoughts? And sorry for the long break!

Thanks to We Heart It for the image.

Digital Cameras

2010-08-13T08:52:00.003-04:00

So because Prague lends itself to messy, messy nights out, and those nights are often accompanied by a camera, lots of cameras tend to get lost. This year alone claimed two of them and the only digital camera I have left is an old, old, old Olympus with something like 5 or 6 megapixels. Not so good.

I do have a Diana mini from Lomography.com that I got as a present and I love it. So much. I have a matching flash, tons and tons of film and I drag that camera with me everywhere. I also have an old, real, vintage Lomo from Piter (not a lomography.com lomo. It was a present from my dad who owned it back in Russia.) Only catch? I have nowhere to develop film myself when in Prague and either way, developing then scanning there would be a nightmare. Here, any CVS can take care of that so it's easier but there is a point where you want a fairly nice, portable digital camera. Particularly for this blog. So any suggestions as to what anyone else has? Preferably under $400?

I've found:

Cybershot 14.1 Megapixel

(It comes in pink!

This may just be a deal maker. Even though the pink is 12.1 megapixels.)

From Sony Electronics. Can't say I've ever had a Sony camera. My old, dying, I-don't-understand-how-this-is-still-around-and-probably-only-is-because-it-didn't-come-to-Prague-with-me camera is/was an Olympus and my trusty camera that I've kept buying for a few years was a Nikon Coolpix. However, this one is relatively inexpensive, the less nice version (even though it is pink, it has fewer megapixels) is even cheaper AND pink. And honestly I know next to nothing about lower-end digital cameras. My auntie has a couple SLRs that I am desperately in love with but since they retail for probably double the cost of my life, they aren't exactly an option. Anyway, point is: inexpensive, portable, cute. Is that enough?

Now from Nikon:

Coolpix S8000 14.2 Megapixel

And my trusty Coolpix S3000 12.0 Megapixel.

I have had this one in black, in plum, in silver, in god know how many colors and incarnations and megapixel improvements. Only question now is, whether or not it is time to move on, to buy a new and better camera or to go and just get the same one as before (hugely tempting.)

Sooo, what to do? Or do I just say screw it all and stick with all film? Are my Lomo and Diana mini enough or does a blog need a good digital camera to go with it?

Thanks to Best Buy, Become, and We Heart It for the pictures.

Mental Block: Red Lips

2010-08-10T10:07:00.004-04:00

For some reason I am entirely incapable of wearing red lipstick. I love the way it looks, I have a beautiful tube of skin-tone suiting Chanel red and yet, total mental block. I can wear it out at night, especially since the clubs in Prague have a lot of fancy dress nights but during the day?Nothing. One of my little, silly aspirations for this autumn: to feel comfortable wearing red lipstick during the day as part of a casual outfit. I always feel like it dresses up any outfit I wear and makes it seem like I'm trying too hard. But now I'm all loaded up with inspiration:

Any suggestions on how to dress it down? Muted colors and baggy silhouettes it seems.

Thanks to Stockholm Street Style, We Heart It, and Jak & Jil for the images.

Hermes Lustlist for Autumn

2010-08-10T08:07:00.006-04:00

I would write about something else but since it's almost time to pack, I figure it's also time to figure out exactly what I want to own this autumn/winter, if I want to buy it in the States or in Prague, and if it is priced a little bit out of the average college girl's budget, where I can get it for half the price or less.

That said, the options for lust-worthy clothes are probably about equal here and in Prague. The only difference being in Prague I live right downtown, horribly close to Zara, Mango, Topshop and even Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Prada, Dior, and Ferragamo. This increases the accessibility of lustworthy items by oh about 124337257645871498%. And Prague doesn't have a Forever 21 or a Heritage, or any low-end retailers that have anything resembling style OR quality (I'm not demanding, all I ask for is at least one or the other.) The closest stores in purpose would be H&M, which is still much pricier than Forever 21 if you convert the prices, and New Yorker. New Yorker is comparable in price but not at all in style. If Forever 21 has some pieces that look more appropriate for a street corner or someone getting dressed in the dark, Prague's incarnation of New Yorker is incomparably worse (read: lime green sequins and message tees that make no logical, grammatical or syntactical sense.)

First off is Hermes, partially because orange is everywhere this fall and Hermes has a tradition or incorporating orange and partially because since the Devil Wears Prada Hermes scarves are inextricably tied to my image of Miranda Priestly and complete, luxurious glamour.

Etrivière Belt for $630.

Quand Soudain, Vintage twill scarf for $305.

Unisex Jypsiere Shoulder Bag for $8,100.

(Sometimes I see items for which I consider saving. Other times, one glance at the price proves that saving up to buy that item is useless and hopeless, particularly considering I am a college student without a proper job in a country where the minimum full-time wage for a year is not much over half the price of this bag. Ouch.)

On that note, I don't think I can bear to look at Hermes' website anymore. But the point of all of this is I want a structured leather bag, a bright scarf, and a thin brown leather belt at some point before classes start.

Anything you particularly covet on the Hermes website? Or any ideas where I can find any of the above?

P.S.: If anyone knows somewhere I could find belts in small sizes to buckle around my waist, I'd hugely appreciate it. I've pretty much resorted to Zara kids which a) equals no real selection b) gets me weird looks from the cashiers. Thanks so much!!

Thanks to Hermes and We Heart It for the images!

Topshop Shoes Autumn Wishlist

2010-08-09T12:33:00.005-04:00

Making a wishlist for actual clothing items from Topshop is fairly useless for me because the items cost more in the States (boots for $180 or £106 that go for £90 in Europe) and I don't want to pay for shipping. Also in Prague, I get a nice 10% off every purchase as long as I show them my student ID. But I know that by the time I get back for classes and such, many of the items I like won't be there anymore or they won't have my size.

For shoes however, the Topshop in Palladium doesn't seem to run out quickly and they tend to have size 36 or 37 European (a size 3.5 or 4 UK) for longer periods of time than Zara or Mango. I'm attributing this to Topshop's shoes generally costing a bit more than the other two retailers and the priced being more out of reach for most Czechs or at least more of an investment piece for a season. After all, the minimum wage in the Czech Republic for full-time employees over the age of 22 is only 8.000 CZK a month. That comes out to approximately $445 a month and $5340 a year. A pair of shoes at Topshop can easily go for 2.100 CZK.

The point of all of this is that if I make a list of shoes I like now, more likely than not, at least one pair will still exist in my size and preferred color. At 10% off. So off we go:

Ally Shoe Boots ($160, £80 , 2400 CZK)

Prima Sling Clogs ($160, £80 , 2400 CZK)

Damage Buckle Hi Leg Boots ($180, £90 , 2700 CZK)

Damsel Knit Lined Work Boots ($180, £90 , 2700 CZK) - these I'm not sure if I want in black or brown. Either way, they look so cozy!!

Obviously I'm not buying all of these. I love shoes and all but that's a bit much. But here's hoping I get at least a pair or two when I get back!!

Note: I'm not linking the products because the links work only for the American OR the English site, there is no link that will work regardless of what region you have chosen.

Note 2: To show how off the American prices are - £80 converts to $127, not $160. That's a crazy price difference. Particularly if you add the 10% off in Prague - £72 converts to $114.

Thanks to Topshop and We Heart It for the images.

Mango Autumn Wishlist

2010-08-09T09:28:00.008-04:00

Since a college girl always should watch her spending, I'm listing all the stuff I want for this autumn, narrowing it down to stuff I "like omgz NEED" and the things I actually do require. Then seeing what I can allow myself to buy and what I can splurge on. I have my winter coat already which covers an actual necessity but hats, scarves, gloves, and warm boots are must-haves in Prague.

But beyond the must-haves, each of the fast-fashion stores in Prague has some items that I have my eye on and as soon as my flight touches down, I am heading over and checking if these are still in stock:

From left to right, top to bottom:

Dress RSD SURIKEN3 - 1.599 CZK ($85)

Dress TAD SET - 1.399 CZK ($75)

Shorts V3A SHORSITO - 799 CZK ($43)

Ankle Boot 6/1 CREP C - 1.999 CZK ($107)

Trousers A2L KA - 999 CZK ($53)

Shorts STEL - 999 CZK ($53)

Grand total at Mango of 7794 CZK or $416.

Luckily the chances that these will all be in stock in my size is highly unlikely, vaguely disappointing, and very healthy for my wallet. I am particularly not hopeful about the ankle boots. I rarely see a size 36 at Mango and I've even resorted to buying 37 and using Heel Shields and Secret Soles to make shoes my size.

Thanks to Mango and We Heart It for the images.

End of Summer Getaway

2010-08-05T09:17:00.011-04:00

It's almost the end of summer and even though I've been dreaming of brisk weather and autumn clothes for weeks now (particularly the brisk weather - 38°C or 100°F is just too much!) it's a little sad to realize that summer is almost over. In just over a month almost every college I can think of will be back in session and my friends and I will all be spending more time studying than partying.

So it may not be glamorous or faraway getaway, in fact it's the opposite but my friends and I are having a little beach weekend starting Friday! We're squeezing in some crazy alcohol-fueled dance parties and silly sitting on the beach reading and giggling time. A girls weekend is also the perfect time to indulge in some cute cover-ups and give summer fashion a big and proper send off. The theme of the weekend will be flowy, lacy, bright, and sun dress filled.

Some of the best I've seen around:

Two from Zara above. Unfortunately none of their prettiest are available online anymore, everything is gear up for autumn!

And you can't mention sun dresses without Lilly Pulitzer :)

From left to right, the Raquel Dress Printed ($258), the Del Mar Dress Solid ($228)

The Alice Dress Silk ($368), and the Del Mar Dress Printed Poplin ($178).

And finally, an amazing deal from Old Navy:

The Women's Mock Two-Piece Cabana Dress is only $11.47 right now!

Also, the kids in the intro to the Zara website are too cute!!

Thanks to Zara, Lilly Pulitzer, Old Navy, and We Heart It for the images!

I Need These! (Leather Shorts)

2010-08-05T08:57:00.008-04:00

Browsing shopbop I found what I think may be my new obsession: loose fitting leather shorts. To be perfectly honest, I've liked the idea for a few months but I didn't think I'd ever see a pair I'd consider wearing and it seemed like an idea that looked great in Vogue, but if I actually tried it out I would look like someone who mistakenly wandered out of a fetish shop changing room and out onto the street. But, my mind has been completely changed!!

These are the Dax Leather Shorts by Diane von Furstenberg and I think I am deeply in love. These may make me not miss my boyfriend this winter when I'm in Prague. They may. Given how perfect they seem to be to me: the understated color, the incredible quality of the leather, the loose and casual fit I think I may need these. Only catch? $445. So do I go for these beauties or hold out and not spend that much on what may turn out to just be a trendy item that I will never wear after this year?

Thanks to Shopbop for the image of the DVF shorts and We Heart It for the shot of the lovely Miroslava Duma.

Why Prague and Heels are a Bad Combination

2010-07-16T13:00:00.013-04:00

cob·bler
[kob-ler]
–noun
1.
a person who mends shoes.
- dictionary.com

Prior to my arrival in Prague, walking in heels never seemed to be an issue. Then again I was also never wearing skyscraper ones in high school, nor was I ever stumbling home with my friends from a club. There was however one element that complicated wearing heels in Prague that I didn't foresee. Cobblestones.

Heels get caught between them, they aren't flat across the top and are different heights, they are small and manageable or larger and rounded and they make walking a nightmare. I have a whole new appreciation for cobblers (and where the word comes from!) My first nightmare moment was arriving with some pretty brown leather ankle boots. The leather went all the way down the heel and within about a week the heels had been ruined. I started to visit shoe repair shops but I quickly learned at a) flats would always be easier, b) 9 times out of 10 that I wore heels, I'd fall over in some elaborate and unexpected way, and c) heels were worth the money and effort only if I bought pairs with solid, hard heels with no fabric or leather coating and preferably thick enough to not fall between most cobbles.

This is what leads to my fall shoe problem. I have black strappy going out heels, I have summery wedges that I will leave in the states, I even have a bright raspberry pink pair from Zara that I have nearly given up on wearing. My craving for autumn is a pair of classy, comfy, ugly-pretty brown clogs. They're in, they're ideal for Prague, and I can wear them during the day.

So my options are:

The KORS Michael Kors Suede clog for $149 (but going up to $225 in 2 days)

The Sam Edelman "Faye" clog for $149. In brown.

The N.Y.L.A. Rhedyn clog in brown for $99.95.

I'm a little worried that suede won't hold up once it starts to rain this fall. Also even though they don't really fit my usual style I really like that I'd be able to wear the Sam Edelman shoes farther on into winter. Thoughts?

Thanks to Nordstrom and We Heart It for the images.

Wishlist for Autumn

2010-07-16T10:15:00.000-04:00

So for autumn I'm planning on updating my wardrobe with a few items like a camel colored wool pea-coat, some new comfy sweaters, pretty regular items. The only two that I'm having serious issues deciding on are new heels and a new bag.

A good, roomy, leather bag is necessary in Praha. Once mid-October hits the weather will be chilly and oftentimes rainy. I've found the best way to protect homework and books is leather. Also, I bought Topshop's Pushlock Zip Holdall Bag in grey a few months ago, when it appeared in Prague's Topshop, and it already looks like it's been through a few cat fights if not quite a war zone. And that's probably pretty accurate since my cat thought for a few minutes that it was an appropriate scratch toy. All in all, it's not in terrible condition (yet) but the bottom left corner has worn through and some of the wire structuring is peeking through and the same seems to be set to happen on the right. Why does this matter? It's made me completely fed up with non-leather bags. I mean my Fossil bags were fine for years in school! So I want to find the perfect leather bag that is both attractive and big enough to fit my books for school. Easier said than done of course. I don't quite have an aversion to black leather but I tend to prefer brown. The color just seems so much richer and adds so much more to any outfit. Also, I swear different shades of brown have helped me avert looking like some overly covered-up dominatrix or leather fetishist when combining cognac brown leather boots and a brownish-grey leather jacket as well as assorted leather and non-leather bags.

I've narrowed down my choices to the following:

Topshop's Medium Washed Leather Shopper in Chocolate for £80.00 ($122)

Topshop's Leather Stud Handle Shopper in Tan for £95.00 ($146)

B. Makowsky 'Makati' Croc Embossed Belted Shopper for $288

Sabina Drawstring Leather Satchel for $288 (but on sale now for $190!)

Marc by Marc Jacobs Totally Turnlock Sia Crossbody Bag in Saddle for $258

ASOS Washed Leather Slot Through Shopper in Tan for $126.34

Now only to make a decision. Unfortunately this will probably come down to my being in the US right now without immediate access to Topshop unless I order online or go to New York and so I will turn to Nordstrom with really no other option. Or I'll put off getting a bag till the last minute, I'm back in Prague, and classes are about to start. In that case it'll probably be whatever that Topshop has available.

Thanks to We Heart It for the image.

Note: The link to the Pushlock bag only seems to work if your region for Topshop is set to US while the other two Topshop bags come up if your region is UK (Europe)

Unreasonable Expectations

2010-07-16T09:33:00.000-04:00

Pretty clothes, hugely overpriced make-up, getting into some sort of shape, and all of the (probably seedy) student-friendly establishments my friends and I find ourselves in while studying in Prague.

Since clothes and make-up are incomparably more expensive in the Czech Republic than in the United States, with rare exceptions such as Zara, it clearly makes more sense to buy those items in the States and then enjoy the unimaginably cheap living that is possible in Prague. Only one issue, Prague has a (very overpriced) Topshop. Also, living in the center of a city inevitably leads to living in close proximity to incredible shopping and although Prague lacks the variety of vintage and thrift stores that can be found in New York, London, or Berlin there are many fast-fashion, somewhat reasonably priced, incredibly alluring, crave-inducing stores. Forever 21 and the prices that come with seem like a distant memory in an H&M where a shirt can easily cost 799 CZK or $41. Coming from the States where I have regularly found sweaters at H&M and Forever 21 for under $10 (190 CZK) this is frustrating. Also, how is smashbox Photofinish Primer 1800 CZK ($92) - that's somewhere between pain and extortion.

Which is why I'm writing to keep track of sales, new lines, and new stores in Prague as well as the bars and clubs students inevitably end up at, and the equally inevitable battle of Czech food, beer, and alcohol vs. a healthy, European-style life that involves large amounts of walking and not many SUVs. Last year the food and beer won so I'm hoping that writing down how much I eat will convince me to cook more and taxi less. Also, I'm hoping to shame myself in to cooking more regularly, afterall how many college students in the US get to have a full kitchen (with a balcony!) and two large grocery stores within a two minute walk.

So hopefully I'll be thriftier, healthier, study lots, and still have a fantastic time.

Although I have to admit, my expectations and hopes were much higher before I started writing this post and remembering the sloth I felt when lying in bed writing papers.