Tightwad Tuesday: Charlotte Tarantola Field Game Cardigan for Less

Kitty cats I truly cannot blame you for being upset. Here, we were all convinced that winter was on the verge of being gone for good – at least for this year! – when Staten Island Chuck silently said as much; only to be informed days later by Punxsutawney Phil that six more weeks of blustery weather was upon us! Being in Southern California, of course, I have absolutely no qualms about the extended stay of winter – in fact, I welcome it with open arms; but I imagine those of you being forced to trudge through inches and inches of snow on a daily basis are wishing that spring would simply rear its flowery face and remove you from your frostbitten misery.

Darlings, just because there is ice upon the ground is no reason that you must feel suffocated by bulky outerwear; merely create a premature spring all your own via pretty accoutrements, such as Charlotte Tarantola’s Field Game Cardigan.

Now, I will be honest, typically I steer clear of horizontal stripes myself, feeling that they are unflattering or masculine, yet even I have fallen head over heels for the bouncy vibe that the nautical red and white stripes proffer to the wearer; an adoration only made stronger by the ivory lace placket and brass button embellishments – two characteristics which make the aesthetic less rugby and more romantic.

Can you feel it my loves? The cool breeze washing over your face and tousling your hair as you stroll along the East Hampton shore; your bare feet making imprints in the damp sand, your upper half styled in the Field Game Cardigan. In the words of The Lovin’ Spoonful, “What a day for a daydream…”

But I digress; such a figment of imagination is not destined to become a reality, for the Field Game Cardigan, while charming in every manner of the word, harbors the nightmarish price tag of $118.00. Nevertheless, such a style is par for the course in bringing a splash of spring to your dreary winter wardrobe; therefore it is time to embrace the next best thing to Charlotte Tarantola’s Field Game Cardigan – and that is Parfait’s Stripe Lace Cardigan.

While sporting three-quarter sleeves as opposed to full-length ones, and adorned in coral and oat hues, instead of the red and white seen upon the Field Game Cardigan; at $57.90, the Stripe Lace Cardigan is every bit as capable of welcoming the sweet-smelling spring season into your closet, at a price much more friendly to the frugal fashionista!

Which role have you decided to undertake on this terrific Tuesday, kittens? Tightwad or spendthrift?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Anthropologie and Nordstrom for the pictures.


Don't forget to enter the Get Your Flirt On Giveaway for your chance to win a copy of Debra Goldstein and Olivia Baniuszewicz’s Flirtexting: How to Text Your Way to His Heart.

Cruisin' Cafes: Portland, OR

It’s really quite simple dolls…I blame the music. Declared as the “indie rock mecca” by Slate magazine back in 2007; Portland, Oregon has earned the reputation of harboring one of the most incredible music scenes in the country. Therefore, as an individual who holds fast to the notion that “every moment in life deserves a soundtrack” I see it of the utmost importance to take a detour through Downtown Portland on one’s quest for caffeinated complacency.

Unlike so many locales boasting promising harmonious talent; Portland is one of the very few that nurtures an aesthetic which balances perfectly between grungy and glittering. A sense of atmosphere that allows one to cast aside their cares, mellow out, and fully and completely embrace their inner Penny Lane – shaking out their hair, trailing their fingers along the unseen air as they drive alongside the Willamette River, and candidly soaking up the creative culture. I hope you’re wearing your American Apparel Wool Floppy Hat darlings, for our road trip is just beginning!

♥Three Friends Coffee House Don’t fib my loves; we’ve all encountered him. You know exactly the one that I’m talking about. The kid whose house everyone would congregate at after school on Friday afternoons for the sheer fact that his mother provided the best snacks (and kept them coming!), coupled with the verifiable truth that he was always in possession of the latest toy that our parents refused to buy specifically for us. Three Friends Coffee House is the foodie-loving adult counterpart of that very person; sans the presence of an overbearing parent, to be sure.

From the moment you swing the front door open be prepared to meet your second family, for Three Friends Coffee House, with its basement-like interior, is destined to become your home away from home. A tiny stage sits snuggly beside a bar along the window, creating the perfect platform for the occasional jazz band to set-up and lull you into a caffeine-laced trance; while plush couches (a prime place for the techie looking to settle in and blog for awhile) sit atop roughhewn wood floors which add a sprinkling of rustic refinement to the atmosphere. It is the charming little picnic tables sitting out front, however, that offer the absolute best seating – and an ideal place for people-watching along 12th Avenue. Don’t miss the White Chocolate and Macadamia Nut Latte…it is heaven on earth! 201 SE 12th Ave., Portland, OR 97214.

♥Crowsenberg’s Half & Half Like its title would lead one to believe, Half & Half is an unconventional location that bridges the gap between cute and hipster, without ever going too far in either direction. Situated downtown, just a stone’s throw away from Powell’s Books, Jackpot Records, and Reading Frenzy – some of my very favorite Portland haunts – Half & Half makes for the perfect place to pop into whenever you feel the desire to tap into your creative side; or simply to indulge in a warm cup of pure bliss.

The quintessential Portland coffee shop, Half & Half retains a DIY-inspired design courtesy of the rotating art and wide array of tattered flyers announcing various events taking place around town adorning the walls; an indie blueprint made even more prominent by the haphazard jumble of various knickknacks for sale – such as buttons to commemorate your visit, which, oddly enough, you will find yourself incapable of resisting – sitting along the countertop. Yet it is the sunshiny, yellow ceramic mugs that your drink du jour arrives in that will put a spring in your step regardless of how gloomy the weather outside is! Come for the Espresso, stay for the Fluffernutter Sandwiches, Deviled Eggs, and Homemade Cookies. 923 SW Oak St., Portland, OR 97205.

Which of these Portland cafes would you like to cruise?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to We ♥ It and Tumblr for the pictures.


Don't forget to enter the Get Your Flirt On Giveaway for your chance to win a copy of Debra Goldstein and Olivia Baniuszewicz’s Flirtexting: How to Text Your Way to His Heart.

Style Secrets: Luxurious Lounge Lizard

“I think I’ve discovered the secret to life – you just hang around until you get used to it.”
Charles M. Schulz
Let’s be honest now, shall we? Blustery weather, or simply a case of being stir crazy and lazy, oftentimes leaves us susceptible to temporarily forgetting our stylish side. Please don’t get defensive my loves - remember the proverb, “A shut mouth catches no flies”; therefore, purse your shimmering Sugared Almond-shaded pucker for just one more moment if you will, and hear me out. There is absolutely no harm in lounging about your humble abode sans makeup; but the au natural look stops there!

I understand your current predicament, dolls. You are home, you are alone, and you are expecting no visitors aside from a wayward cat or two scratching at your front door; thus, why not accouter yourself in the circa-1995 coffee-stained t-shirt you can’t help but to adore, or perhaps allow your bottom-half to proudly display a pair of sweats sporting tattered hemlines and a nearly invisible hole in the knee? The plain and simple answer is…we are what we wear.

Darlings, take it from someone who knows, it is absolutely impossible for one to feel fabulous, or get her creative juices flowing if she is taking style cues from her less-than-perfect alter ego whom has no qualms about playing the role of style slob for the afternoon. Lounging, if you will, is an art; something that takes skill to be done correctly – especially in terms of dress. After all, there is no guarantee that a cute boy won’t pop in for a visit at a moment’s notice; and when he does, you are going to look like a superstar, for you are about to be transformed into a luxurious lounge lizard!

♥G-L-A-M-O-R-O-U-S Before you so much as attempt to morph your lounge look from lethargic to lavish, you must put yourself into the proper mindset. Yes, I know it sounds slightly “out there,” but a posh perspective will make you feel all the more glamorous on your quest for luxurious lounge lizard satisfaction. Think Veronica Lake regaling in the comforts of a cherry wood chaise longue, dressed in a floor-length silk gown, her flaxen hair cascading into the perfect peek-a-boo over her right eye; or imagine yourself trading places with the likes of Rita Hayworth, Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, or Brigitte Bardot. Channeling classic, Old Hollywood Glamour is exactly the inspiration you need to empower yourself, and your lounge attire.

♥The Slouch Effect Perhaps you were unaware of this kitty cats; but sometimes the slouchiest styles are the ones which convey the most subtle seductiveness. Obviously you want to remain completely comfortable while hanging around; but that does not mean that you must slip on the oversized sweatshirt from your father’s alma mater – a piece which has most definitely seen better days, and swallows your body whole, creating a look synonymous with that of a potato sack. You want a slouchy shape which shows off your sassy silhouette without constricting your movements or creating discomfort; therefore dolmans, off the shoulder tops, and relaxed tees are precisely what the doctor ordered.

“I am so busy doing nothing…that the idea of doing anything – which as you know, always leads to something – cuts into the nothing and then forces me to have to drop everything.”
Jerry Seinfeld
Dolls if there is one thing, and one thing only that I must force you to do, it is to overlook the slightly boxy construction. Oversized tops possess the ability to actualize an alluring aesthetic which serves to make one look lean, lithe, and sylphlike – three characteristics that add a kick of sauciness to your upper-half, and up the ante of your lazy day style. A cut that falls below the derriere and is fashioned with banding at the hemline like L.A.M.B.’s Tie Dye Top, shows off your shape and establishes a very put-together look; whereas a composition that hits at the hip and lacks a banded fit around the waist, such as LnA’s Loose Cropped Tee, is viewed as being more free-spirited and bohemian given its less rigid architecture. Regardless of your favored formation, both harbor the ability to get the job done, and make you look marvelous through and through!

♥Stretch It Out! Darlings given the fact that you are looking to spend the day stretching out and luxuriating in true lazy, lounge euphoria, there is no better way to do so than with the assistance of leggings adorning your lower half.

Leggings are the piece de resistance of loungewear for your derriere for the sheer fact that they are thick enough to keep you as warm as a pint-sized puppy curled up in front of the fireplace during the winter months; yet adequately breathable to keep you cool no matter how high the temperatures rise once summer rolls around. As if that weren’t incentive enough, however, they ensure that you look chic, sleek, and c’est magnifique at all times; and truly balance out your entire attire. Remember, when it comes to style, balance is bliss; and as you are wearing an oversized top, the body-hugging aesthetic of leggings will establish the “even-steven” elegance you are looking to achieve.

“The time to relax is when you don’t have time for it.”
Sydney J. Harris
Avoid cropped leggings which harbor the potential to cut your body in half, and look for pieces that reach the ankle. These will elongate your figure and keep you cozy all at once. Simple styles in blacks, navy blues, and grays, which are fabricated out of jersey knit like David Lerner’s Basic Leggings, are fundamentals for retaining fashionable finesse in the midst of relaxation. These hues can couple with any color of the rainbow and look stunning with each and every one; nevertheless, should you feel plagued with the desire to be a bit more playful around the bottom, look no further than a pair of leggings showcasing a pretty pattern like the marled knit seen upon Bop Basics’ Knit Leggings. Such a style allows one to release the wild child within, without forsaking refined resiliency; and really, who on earth can resist that?

♥Knit Wit Cardigans are the Wonderbra of the world of outerwear. They are a wear-with-all type of accoutrement that snuggle about your body in a way that gives new meaning to Madonna’s 1985 hit single Dress You Up. In fact, to be completely truthful, while an angel receives their wings each time a bell rings, whenever someone slips their arms into the sleeves of a cushy cardigan, they are enveloped into a universe full of affection, warmth, and earnestness; hence the reason why a cardigan is a necessity on your quest for luxurious lounge attire.

Kitty cats, I’m sure that your closet is bursting at the seams with charming cardigans that will work wonders at keeping you a mix of cozy and classy; the key to remember, however, is that you want something completely oversized. Fitted cardigans, while absolutely ambrosial when worn out on a hot date with the cute boy down the street who asked you out via a sentimental mix tape, are too confining when lounging. A piece which bridges the gap between chunky knit and ravishing robe is what should be in your mind’s eye.

“Relaxation means releasing all concern and tension and letting the natural order of life flow through one’s being.”
Donald Curtis
Forgo floor-sweeping designs. While these possess the potential to make one feel like a starlet, they also open the door for dramatic disasters of the ungraceful variety that will make you feel clumsy rather than comely. The perfect pieces are those that fall right below the bottom, like Splendid’s Lurex Rugby Cardigan, or grace your upper to middle thigh, such as Mink Pink’s Chain Mail Draped Cardigan. And, when in doubt, simply raid the closet of the boyfriend – it seems they always have something perfect lurking inside!

♥Footloose You may have a shoe collection that rivals that of Imelda Marcos; but when indoors, unless you are a true diva, it is unlikely that you are displaying these pretties upon your tootsies. It was Dean Koontz who once said, “Bunny slippers remind me of who I am. You can’t get a swelled head if you wear bunny slippers. You can’t lose your sense of perspective and start acting like a star or a rich lady if you keep on wearing bunny slippers. Besides, bunny slippers give me confidence because they’re so jaunty. They make a statement; they say, ‘Nothing the world does to me can ever get me so far down that I can’t be silly and frivolous’…” Perhaps truer words have never been spoken.

Darlings, you could be a celebrity of epic proportions, a model strutting her stuff on the catwalk day in and day out, or merely the fashion adoring doll that you already are; regardless, everyone needs a bit of time to slip off their stilettos, and stuff their feet into cozy goodness.

“Who among us hasn’t envied a cat’s ability to ignore the cares of daily life and to relax completely?”
Karen Brademeyer
Kitschy slippers are a tongue-in-cheek way to allow your frisky side to cast a spirited wink to your wardrobe; a sophisticated approach to adding a splash of whimsy to your lounge style. It’s true, bunny slippers will leave quite a lasting impression upon beholders; but if you feel that they are slightly too childlike for your personal tastes you are still able to provide your posh paws with a well-deserved rest…simply do it in a more high-fashion way!

Flats of all formations are just as fabulous indoors as they are while trotting about town. Moccasins like Frye’s Reagan Campus Driver Flats or UGG Australia’s Dakota Shearling Moccasins distribute a dapper touch to your lounge look du jour courtesy of their vintage aesthetic; ballerinas such as Maloles’ Georges Suede Ballet Flats with Gold Studs or Jeffrey Campbell’s Jewel G Ballet Flats sprinkle a touch of girly glamour upon your appearance via feminine embellishments; and oxford architectures like Joie’s Louie Louie Wingtip Flats without Laces or American Apparel’s Hannah Shoe radiate a dash of retro pizzazz to your haut monde duds thanks to perforations and seam detailing. Of course, if slippers aren’t your cup of tea, you can always enlist the assistance of cute socks, like American Apparel’s Unisex Colored Knee Stripe. Just make sure to keep those tootsies toasty!

♥For Your Listening Pleasure Don’t play coy with me my loves; I know exactly what you are doing right now. Your eyes are dancing about the room, searching for a cozy nook to take up residence in for an afternoon of lounging. Stop; don’t move a muscle! A day of relaxation is utterly incomplete without a few tunes to lull you into a luxurious trance; thus, a petite playlist to get your lounging party started!

♥Always for You - The Album Leaf
♥Kiss of Life - Friendly Fires
♥Hello Brooklyn - All Time Low
♥Breakfast in NYC - Oppenheimer
♥Microphone - Coconut Records
♥Don’t You Evah - Spoon
♥Coast of Carolina - Telekinesis
♥When You Were Young - The Killers
♥Seventeen Candles - The Pink Spiders
♥Dressed to Kill - Landon Pigg

"A cheerful frame of mind, reinforced by relaxation…is the medicine that puts all ghosts of fear on the run.”
George Matthew Adams


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to We ♥ It, Shopbop, and Tumblr for the pictures.


Don't forget to enter the Get Your Flirt On Giveaway for your chance to win a copy of Debra Goldstein and Olivia Baniuszewicz’s Flirtexting: How to Text Your Way to His Heart.

Smitten Saturday

♥Red Ahead Nude lips are my affliction; perhaps because I embrace bold eyes. I love thick, luscious lashes rimmed in blackest black liquid kohl liner; thus, with such a statement being made with the peepers, you don’t want to overwhelm your audience by blinding them with a pouty red pucker. Perhaps now you can see my dilemma my loves.

I’ve always worshipped crimson kissers. The old-fashioned noir glamour such a look expels is simply mystifying and intriguing, with just the slightest hint of scandal behind the candy apple façade. Unfortunately, I’ve never had the chance to try out such a seductive style myself. I suppose I’m simply intimidated to attempt such a brazen look; frightened, you might say. But as of late, it has begun to call my name. I dream of slicking on mark’s Gleamstick Hook Up Lip Color in Passionate for a flaming, high-shine look. I am convinced that Nars’ bittersweet Fire Down Below has the ability to boost confidence with a single swipe. And there’s no denying that the satiny finish of Yves Saint Laurent’s Fard A Levres Rouge Pur in Opium Red is sure to lure the leading lady lurking within to step up to the forefront for a standing ovation. To displace bold eyes for red lips or not, that is the question. What’s your stand, kitty cats?

♥Seven Up Bubbly effervescence. Sweet bits that are creamy, frothy, and nectarous. Dolls, I am not discussing a new beverage available at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, mind you; I simply have Sarah Seven, my design crush du jour, on the tip of my tongue. Unlike many who strive to whip up fierce, rugged frocks with attitude, Sarah Seven prefers to sugarcoat her creations via saccharine titles, candy-coated colors, and honeyed fabrics. Fancy That is made syrupy with ruffles, rhinestones, and gauze; Powdered Sugar is sweetened with sparkly organza, silver beading, and layers of tulle; and A Peaceful Afternoon becomes luscious with cream-colored lace, ruffles, and silk. It’s a sugar rush for your wardrobe; and truly, there’s nothing sweeter than that!

♥Pride and Pendants Darlings Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice will forever be one of my favorite books. I have read it countless times, and never tire of the independent Elizabeth Bennett or the oftentimes ornery Mr. Darcy. Another thing I never tire of? Pendants that are so representative of the era depicted in the Victorian tale.

This rose-colored I Lilac It Ring, what with its antique, burnished-gold frame, pink rhinestones, and Victorian portrait has made my heart skip a beat ever since I first spotted it weeks ago. In my mind’s eye I can easily imagine Elizabeth Bennett herself fawning over this Ornate Charmed Necklace. The elegance found in this demure Paint My Portrait Necklace in Gold has left me completely gaga. And this little Ladylike Locket Ring? Such a clever place for storing a treasured photograph. It’s true my loves; I’m fully convinced that even the sharp-tongued Elizabeth would be quite pleased with these pretty pendants. The question is…are you?

What were you smitten with this week?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to We ♥ It and Sarah Seven for the pictures.


Don't forget to enter the Get Your Flirt On Giveaway for your chance to win a copy of Debra Goldstein and Olivia Baniuszewicz’s Flirtexting: How to Text Your Way to His Heart.

Get Your Flirt On Giveaway

Don't allow the fact that we are living in the Twenty-First Century fool you ladies; we are just as clueless about boys as we were ages ago, only now we must deal with technological advances to create even more befuddlement. No longer do boys leave us little notes with cute cartoons scratched upon the surface, or write us love letters laced with ambrosial flourishes. Of course not; now it is all left up to text messaging. Please don’t get me wrong, kittens; I love text messaging just as much as the next girl. But when you’re exchanging flirty messages with a cute boy, it can be downright confusing to concoct an adorable note in 160 words or less that will get you exactly what you want. Don’t fret missy…texting with cute boys most certainly does not have to be synonymous with pandemonium. Debra Goldstein and Olivia Baniuszewicz’s Flirtexting: How to Text Your Way to His Heart is the book we have all been waiting for. Small enough to fit inside your handbag, and a perky pink hue, Flirtexting gives you the inside scoop on combating the many messaging conundrums that may freckle your love life; while providing pointers to help you snag the boy of your dreams in just a few coquettish conversations. It’s the He’s Just Not That Into You of the texting world. And now one (1) of you lovely lambs has the chance to call it your very own! To Enter the Get Your Flirt On Giveaway: ♥For one (1) entry, leave a comment on this post between now and Thursday, February 18, 2010 at midnight PST. ♥For two (2) entries, Twitter about this giveaway, and leave a comment on this post between now and Thursday, February 18, 2010 at midnight PST with your Twitter URL. ♥For three (3) entries, become a follower of Café Fashionista on Blogger/Google Reader/Google Friend Connect, and leave a comment on this post between now and Thursday, February 18, 2010 at midnight PST (if you are already a Café Fashionista follower, please say so in your comment). I will randomly pick one (1) name out of a hat (who knows, it could be yours!), and announce the winner on Friday, February 19, 2010. Good luck everyone! And yes, this Giveaway is open to everyone – U.S. or International residents! Fashionably yours! Thanks to Get Glue for the picture.

Links à la Mode: The IFB Weekly Roundup

The Anti-Fashion Week

Edited by Dramatis Personae

That isn’t to say that I’m against Fashion Week… but more that this week’s Links á la Mode just really isn’t focused on it. With amazing interviews from kaKofoniesOfsi(gh)lens, Fashion in My Eyes, and Eternal Masquerade to great features on vintage clothing from Retro Chick and Unfunded, there’s as much fabulousness on off the catwalk as on.

Maybe it’s bitterness that I’ll be missing out on NYFW for the 3rd season in a row or maybe it’s my gentle heart preventing you all from Fashion Week burnout too soon…which it is, I’ll never tell.

Note from Editor : Please be sure to check out the IFB Conference at NYFW : Evolving Influence

Links à la Mode: February 11th

• 39thandbroadway.com: – How Designers Really View Their Customers


• A Typical Atypical: – I chat about how hard it must be to love fashion and be blind, and I question whether there ought to be a charity dedicated to helping people feel good about how they look even if they can’t see it in the mirror.


• Cafe Fashionista: – Style Secrets: Symbol of Style. A how-to on creating your very own trademark/signature look.


• dramatis personae – How to Pack for Mardi Gras!


• Eternal Masquerade: – Interview with young designer, and Teen Vogue/CFDA/Target scholarship winner, Jennifer Huang.


• Fab Blab: – Even after all these years, we continue to differentiate between dark and fair. How does this affect the fashion industry adversely?


• Fashion Cents: – Seven Style Basics that EVERYONE should know! Make sure you are not committing these style “sins.”


• fashion in my eyes: – Fashion is supposed to be fun! Interview with designer Arina Varga


• Haute World: – A Mad Tea Party? An exclusive look at how 9 luxury designers interpret Alice in Wonderland for French department store Printemps.


• Instant Vintage: – Blood, Sweat & T-Shirts: Learning the true cost of that cheap and chic outfit you just scored.


• kaKofonie Of si(gh)lenS: – Interview with Anna Osterlund of Ravishing Mad


• Model Max: – Are ‘respectable’ fashion writers insecure with ‘upstart amateur’ fashion bloggers?


• Oranges and Apples: – Is fashion oppressive or fun? some belated thoughts on Tanya Gold hating fashion


• Rags to Reverie: – Vivienne Westwood showed that fashion forwardness could be inspired by the past


• Retro Chick: – Top tips to on the spot dating of Vintage Clothes


• THE COVETED: – Devil’s Advocate : blogging and corporate seeding


• The Fashion Planner: – DIY: How to Make Naughty Granny Panties for Valentine’s Day!


• the musings of ondo lady: – Back in 2006 Slave to Fashion, a three part documentary was aired on Channel 4 which took a really good look at the fashion industry.The aim was to make sense of the multi billion industry which everyone from the media to consumers seemed to be obsessed w


• The Recessionista: – an hour ago Rebecca Taylor & Milly: Fashion Week Inspiration


• Unfunded: – Photos and thoughts from the Vintage Fashion Expo in Santa Monica, CA.The

Thrifty Thursday: Alexander Wang Slinky Wrap Skirt for Less

Darlings, as bizarre as it may sound to some, when it comes to life it seems that everything trimmed with wrapping is better. Wrapping harbors the ability to conceal wonderment. It keeps you guessing about the surprise hiding out within the confines of that petite box lurking upon the varnished surface of your boyfriend’s desk; makes your eyes dance with curiosity at what mesmerizing marvel could be ensconced underneath the large, overturned box inside your parents’ garage; and creates intrigue regarding the pile of bow-adorned bins tucked away between dirty laundry and weighty outerwear in the hall closet. Therefore it should come as no surprise that, in the world of fashion, wrapping retains the ability to take your wardrobe to new heights; hence the reason Alexander Wang’s Slinky Wrap Skirt is my current obsession du jour.

Like the wrap dresses perfected in the seventies by Diane von Furstenberg; the Slinky Wrap Skirt steals a slice of historical style sublimity yet modifies it in a way which makes the look more casual yet every bit as elegant as its predecessor. Similar to the tulip skirt in terms of aesthetic, the Slinky Wrap Skirt is constructed out of jersey and manages to look quite a bit like a slightly slouchy pencil skirt from the back; yet when glimpsed upon from the front there is no question that it is just as seductive as its title would have you believe.

Knife pleats and wrap detailing create a sinewy construction which effortlessly take center stage when styled with anything, be it a cream-colored button-down garnished in lace or a sequin-embellished tank allowing a scintillating sparkle to emanate from your form. All this aside, however, the true crème de la crème of the Slinky Wrap Skirt is the obvious fact that, like the mini, maxi, and A-line, it is a barebones necessity for your closet; a basic which runs the gamut of creating a stir everywhere from the boardroom to the boardwalk.

‘Tis a shame that, amidst all this fashion-forward fabulousness, the $395.00 price tag prohibits my inner seductress from indulging in such sauciness. Luckily, LA Made’s Anuk Drape Skirt is there to save the day!

While slightly shorter than its Wang counterpart, at $70.00 apiece, Anuk gives one the chance to embrace their slinky side, and even allows the opportunity to pick it up in two other dazzling shades – night and smoke.

Will Alexander Wang tempt you into being a big spender, or will LA Made inspire you to save?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Shopbop and Revolve Clothing for the pictures.


Don't forget to enter the Love Is in the Air Giveaway for your chance to win the 90 Words Per Minute Dress from Shabby Apple.

IFB Featured Blogger!!

Thank you to Diane of Snapshot Fashion, Neira of Miss Neira, Nookie of fashion in my eyes, and Jasmine of fashion is my boyfriend for nominating me as Independent Fashion Bloggers Featured Blogger.

Just being nominated is thrilling; but actually being selected as Featured Blogger is such an honor! Thank you to all of you for thinking of me! Check out the feature here!!


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Independent Fashion Bloggers for the picture.

Why Don't You...?

♥…channel your inner ladylike Eliza Doolittle? Treat yourself to an elegant parasol in an eye-catching color and saucily sashay through the park with it held high over your head.

♥…lose yourself in a musty old library brimming with history? Hideaway within Boston Public Library’s Rare Book Room; tuck tiny notes into the pages of books at Baltimore, Maryland’s George Peabody Library to signify your presence; admire the cathedral-like aesthetic of Seattle, Washington’s Suzzallo Library; or simply book a luxurious room at New York City’s Library Hotel, where each chamber is adorned in books, books, and more books!

♥...find an old film house and spend the weekend indulging in vintage tales of romance played out in black and white?

♥…plan a private picnic for two in your living room lit only by vanilla-scented candles?

♥…fill the fruit bowls in your kitchen with decadent truffles from The Chocolate Garden, Chocolate Potpourri, and Vosges Chocolate? Devour as many as you like.


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Tumblr for the picture.


Don't forget to enter the Love Is in the Air Giveaway for your chance to win the 90 Words Per Minute Dress from Shabby Apple.

Tightwad Tuesday: Alexander Wang V-Neck Dress for Less

Darlings I’m quite tired of hearing that music inspires fashion and vice versa. Yes, I know that the tunes tantalizing our eardrums are extremely relevant in helping us to decide what our look du jour will be, or even what our desired style will mirror; but it is not just music that serves as an inspiration board to our wardrobe. If Marie Antoinette taught us anything, it is that food is just as much of a muse to the contents of one’s closet as the strains of a symphony. It is a mood regulator which plays a part in the hues we drape over our form; the textures swishing seductively around our bodies; and the desired fit that accouters our derrieres on any given day. For Marie Antoinette it was hoop skirts and petticoats in pastel shades reminiscent of that found upon dainty cupcakes; for yours truly it is draped cashmere and coffee a la Alexander Wang’s V-Neck Dress.

Go ahead my loves; label it as completely off the wall if you’d like. It may seem slightly outlandish, but the truth of the matter is that the neutral coffee and noir shades mingling side by side upon the V-Neck Dress is an inviting duo that proffer the same type of warmth to the wearer as a steaming mug of hot coffee would.

Coffee-colored wool jersey sporting a plunging v-neck (the very perfect location for a pretty pendant necklace to peek through!) converges with black gauze proudly displaying a teasing tattered hemline which comes across as more playful and haut monde than sloppy and hot mess; while a black elasticized belt about the waist breaks up the monotony of colors, and assists in defining one’s waist. All whilst establishing a draped ruching evocative of the frocks worn by the Grecian Goddesses of years passed, of course.

But perhaps the most stunning attribute is the large keyhole opening in the back which allows your skin to play a coy game of peek-a-boo with the world at large.

Sadly, as much as I wish it weren’t true, the V-Neck Dress is nothing more than a far-off daydream flirting with my imagination – or so the $805.00 cost leads me to believe. Hence the reason why I am inviting ModCloth’s I Love Love Dress to become a part of my enchanted existence.

While lacking the pleats adorning the bust, and slightly slouchy design of the V-Neck Dress; at $67.99, ModCloth’s I Love Love Dress is a wallet-friendly solution to one’s style woes.

Are you having a tightwad moment darlings, or are you plagued with a craving to splurge?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Net-A-Porter and ModCloth for the pictures.


Don't forget to enter the Love Is in the Air Giveaway for your chance to win the 90 Words Per Minute Dress from Shabby Apple.

Cruisin' Cafes: Grand Rapids, MI

Kitty cats, the name Grand Rapids alone harbors promise for a locale best known for its slightly unglamorous nickname of the “Furniture City.” It is awash with a glittering ambiance synonymous with that of a recently uncorked bottle of champagne fizzing with excitement, luster, and new endeavors; a title which seemingly allows the individual in question to drift dramatically into its boundaries to uncover the unrecognized fashion-forward finesse proffered via its sophisticated downtown cityscape which lights up like Times Square come nightfall; or the overwhelming charm of quaint Victorian homes in Heritage Hill, and historical venues brimming with natty noir and visions of fedora-wearing detectives such as the Wealthy Street Theatre.

Given the vast array of personalities found within this one minute setting, an area which doubles as the home of the main character in The Polar Express, in addition to Chris Van Allsburg, the book’s author, it should come as no surprise that cute cafes are plentiful; and absolute essential stop-offs for the individual seeking a clandestine tête-à-tête with a cute boy while awaiting her morning mocha!

♥The Sparrows Coffee Tea and Newsstand Dolls, despite the fact that The Sparrows Coffee Tea and Newsstand is literally located smack dab in the middle of a diminutive residential neighborhood, making it a slightly off-the-beaten-path sort of location for someone who doesn’t live mere footsteps from the salmon-hued structure adorned with forest green awnings typically seen decorating swank restaurants in Beverly Hills; the aura which virtually bursts out at you simply from standing in the doorway is enough to lure you away from your typical coffee house haunt for an experience that you will never want to end.

Aesthetically, when gazed upon from the outside, you can’t help but think of the gingerbread house trimmed in confectionary from the tale Hansel and Gretel. Yet once inside, you are not welcomed by an oversized oven or a nasty witch, as the infamous brother / sister duo were; rather, you are waved into a room trimmed in rustic wood paneling. Along the right wall sit an abundance of hard-to-find newspapers, magazines, and books ripe for the visitor’s choosing; while jars of loose leaf teas and locally-made jewelry line the long countertops. Sink into one of the colossal chairs sitting by the front window with a chai latte and spend a gloomy afternoon quietly watching the rainfall. 1035 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506.

♥76 Coffee Only four words have the power to accurately sum up 76 Coffee; and those four words, my loves, are One. Of. A. Kind. Like a diamond in the rough, 76 Coffee gleams in all of its caffeine-encumbered glory, creating a priceless scene which swallows you whole, and lingers around you long after you have vacated the premises, lodging itself in your thoughts until you finally breakdown and return to the scene of the crime.

Unlike some shops that suck you in and spit you out the moment you have swallowed the last drops of your demitasse; the vibe of 76 Coffee is synonymous with that of an extended family. Regulars stop by your table for brief chats; the baristas are ready, willing, and able to whip up any type of drink you can possibly imagine; a “free” bookshelf offers a large collection of reading material to patrons; an eclectic mix of kitschy yet creative graffiti mars the walls; and a non-stop barrage of amazing music creates a melodic white noise which literally lulls you into a daydream.

Yes, the atmosphere is smoky, but that’s just one of the characteristics which add to the enchantment; plus, the clever titles given to each drink more than make up for it. Try “That Thing That Guy Gets,” the Carmello (like the candy bar!), or “The Horse You Rode in On.” Your tastebuds will thank you! 1507 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506.

Which of these Grand Rapids cafes would you like to cruise?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Tumblr for the pictures.


Don't forget to enter the Love Is in the Air Giveaway for your chance to win the 90 Words Per Minute Dress from Shabby Apple.

Sealed with a Mix Tape

"There are all kinds of mix tapes. There is always a reason to make one."
Rob Sheffield
You can drape a girl in diamonds; ply her with chocolate; and shower her with dozens of red roses. Truth be told, you can do it all; but deep down, even if she never admits it to herself, the most sentimental way to win her heart is via a mix tape.

Darlings, it pains me to think that you may be completely out of touch with this type of reality, so I’ll simply spell it out for you…the mix tape is the piece de resistance of presents. As Victor Hugo once said, "Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and cannot remain silent." It is a scapegoat of sorts for allowing one to divulge their deepest feelings for another; to give an individual the chance to lay their heart on the line in a fashion unencumbered with stuttering or nervousness – just pure words flowing languidly from the stereo.

"When you stick a song on a tape, you set it free."
Rob Sheffield
But I digress; one must be mindful of the fact that a mix tape is not merely a quick fix for the person who forgot to buy a friend or significant other a gift, nor is it a goodie given in place of something store bought. A mix tape is a small piece of someone’s heart. Whether created by a nostalgic sorority girl for her BFF; or a cute hipster boy wanting to leave a lasting impression on the girl he is currently wooing, a mix tape says it all. Hence the reason why creating one is oftentimes a difficult task.

Making the perfect mix is an art, a skill learned over years of practice. It is not something that can be put together overnight. It involves countless hours of planning, researching, and recounting magic moments that took place between you and the person in question. The nights spent falling asleep under the stars; the long periods of comfortable silences; the impromptu adventures. To put it bluntly, it is a soulful, symphonic scrapbook bringing good and bad times from mere minutes ago to years past to light.

This Valentine’s Day, forgo the chalky candy hearts, the flowers that will wilt away in a few days time, and the stuffed animals that will ultimately be re-gifted sometime down the road; and instead impress with a mix tape that will be cherished forever. Don’t worry dolls, I’ll help you along!

"It’s always that one song that gets to you. You can hide, but the song comes to find you."
Rob Sheffield
♥New Wave In the age of technology, it is shocking to see a CD anymore, let alone a tape. Nevertheless, sending digital downloads of songs is a surefire way to ruin the effect of the mix tape (unless, of course, you are using Fred Flare's Mix Tape USB Flash Drive). If you want to stay true to the roots of the mix, and you’re armed with the equipment required to work with a cassette, I suggest taking the time to put a tape together. If, however, you feel more comfortable working with a CD, go for it. A bit of the vintage vibe proffered by a genuine cassette is lost in translation; but it’s the music that counts.

♥Time After Time The length of time that a mix tape runs varies for the creator, yet almost always sticks to the 30-minute interval rule, starting at 60-minutes and going through 120-minutes. In general, 90-minutes seems to be the favored mix tape length. It’s long enough to get your point across, without droning on with unnecessary inclusions.

♥Theme Team It is impossible to so much as begin putting a mix tape together until you have decided upon the theme you are aiming for. Is it being created with a potential love interest in mind? Are you putting it together to commemorate a childhood friendship? Will it be given to someone attempting to heal a broken heart? Before you begin, it is essential that you have the answer to this question. Once the theme has been decided upon, you can move onto the hard part…creating a title!

"When we die, we will turn into songs, and we will hear each other and remember each other."
Rob Sheffield
♥The Name Game I realize that you are devoting your time to selecting songs for your compilation, but an amazing title is a complete necessity for the perfect mix tape. Something labeled "Sappy" or "Love" is uninspired and makes the receiver feel as if very little thought has been put into the creation of this gem. Don’t allow your hard work to be overlooked due to a bad title! Wrack your brain for memorable experiences or covert inside jokes the two of you have shared – the best titles stem from these very places!

♥List Love Kittens I truly hope that you are like me in the sense that you adore making lists, because you will be creating quite a few of them on your quest to perfecting your mix tape. Track listing is a crucial part of the mix. It involves choosing an assortment of songs, then weeding out the ones that fit the theme you are going for, and ending with deciding which tracks are the most compatible with one another. This step alone often involves numerous trials to ensure that you choose the best songs, but it is well worth it!

♥Number One I cannot stress the importance of the first song on your mix. The first song sets the tone for the complete tape, and makes the listener decide whether or not it’s even worth listening to in its entirety. For this reason alone, never underestimate the power of the opening track. It is essential that you steer clear of songs that are too predictable, as it immediately enshrouds the entire tape in a cloak of boringness. At the same time, going the clichéd route makes one contemplate the seriousness of the mix. You want something that is faint yet fascinating; a song that will catch the listener’s ear and draw them in - therefore, choose wisely.

"I realize that I will never fully understand the millions of bizarre ways that music brings people together."
Rob Sheffield
♥Metamorphosis Too many get caught up in wanting miscellany within their mix which oftentimes results in disaster. As William Cowper said, "Variety is the very spice of life," but if it doesn’t fit or flow correctly, it can be the ruination of your tape. Transitions between songs must be subtle. Moving from light indie to pop rock needs to be done gradually, allowing the tempo to rise slowly with each song to keep the tape from becoming detached. Leaping from genre to genre within your mix must be avoided at all costs; the songs must have a link to one another that makes everything flow perfectly, and creates a harmonious collection – otherwise the entire tape fails.

Darlings, like love; creating the perfect mix tape requires nurturing, patience, and a large dose of TLC. You may not get it right the first time, or the time after that; who knows, it could take you years to perfect your mix tape method. But just like amour, somehow, someway, when you least expect it, it will find you. And when it does, everything will fall into place; for, in the words of Rob Sheffield, "But the answer is simple. Love is a mix tape." Until then…

Happy, Happy Valentine’s Day, my loves!


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Tumblr for the pictures.


♥Note: I originally wrote this post for one of my favorite blogs, Fashion Court, on February 1, 2010; but I loved writing it so much, that I thought I would share it with all of you here, just in case you missed it!


Don't forget to enter the Love Is in the Air Giveaway for your chance to win the 90 Words Per Minute Dress from Shabby Apple.

Smitten Saturday

♥Pouch Potato Don’t think me a hypocrite by admitting this, as it is the holiday season – a time of confessions to ensure that one remains on Cupid’s good list, and doesn’t awake on Valentine’s Day morning sans a gleaming arrow in the front lawn or a box of chocolates by her bedside; but I am guilty of betrayal. Constantly I go on and on about my adoration for oversized handbags, and while such a proclamation has always been the truth, I must reveal that a new style of carryall has claimed my heart…la pouch.

Blame it upon my many rereads of Wharton’s The Age of Innocence, or my love for Anna Godbersen’s The Luxe, but I truly find it downright impossible to resist the receptacle-like contours and design of the petite pouches so frequently seen swinging to and fro from the dainty wrists of socialites during the Gilded Age. Thus, I am out to find one all my own. Lena Erziak’s Star Bag mixes modern with vintage courtesy of the shimmering gold star-shaped studs adorning its red suede surface. Good old-fashioned elegance and glamour is easy to achieve with Khirma Eliazov’s Mignonne Pouch. And it’s utterly impossible not to stir up a whirlwind of drama with Forever 21’s Vintage Rosette Purse in tow. Would you consider yourself a pouch potato dolls?

♥Pillow Talk Perhaps I am the only one whom feels this way, but I must admit that there is something quite enchanting about sassy script. The way the letters loop luxuriously, interlocking between one another to spell out everything from names to tongue-twisters possesses an elegant aesthetic which is an absolute delight to receive – especially in this day of technology where the typewritten word is most common in our lives. But alas; it seems very few are tickled by the fairytale-inspired whimsy brought about by handwritten notes covered in such pretty penmanship. Now, however, we no longer have to wait for a cute, yet completely clueless boy to, for lack of better words, get a clue; we can simply indulge in haute handwriting ourselves via LuLu DK’s Love Decorative Pillow – a picturesque place to lay our heads down covered in embroidery proclaiming the word “Love” in charming calligraphy. Ready for a bit of pillow talk, kitty cats?

♥Keep the Cocktail, Just Give Me the Dress Darlings despite the pretty pink pallor of the Cosmo so adored by Carrie Bradshaw, or the fact that cognac-hued Brandy matches nearly half of the contents of my shoe collection, I have never been tempted to sip upon one of these shimmering drinks; rather, they have simply become an accessory in which I clasp between my lacquered fingernails as I make the rounds about sophisticated parties, hobnobbing with handsome gentlemen and posh princesses dressed to the nines. Even so, my disinterest in cocktails has never prohibited me from fawning over cocktail dresses – specifically those crafted by New York City based Alexia Admor.

With over twenty years of crafting saucy numbers in the very heart of Manhattan’s fabulous fashion district, the designers of Alexia Admor have honed their creativity, embracing aesthetics with the ability to wow everyone from the girl next door constantly seen donning blue jeans and slouchy tees, to the glamorous goddess whom never steps foot outside without crimson lips and loads of eyeliner highlighting her pretty peepers. From the Ruffle Spaghetti Strap Silk Blouson and Jeweled Waist Strapless Sweetheart Taffeta Dress for the playful, to the Jeweled Neckline Two Tone Silk Charmeuse Taffeta Dress and Jeweled Neck Shimmer Satin A-Line Dress for the cultivated, Alexia Admor proffers a bit of beauty for everyone. Which cocktail dress is calling your name?

What were you smitten with this week?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Tumblr and Alexia Admor for the pictures.


Don't forget to enter the Love Is in the Air Giveaway for your chance to win the 90 Words Per Minute Dress from Shabby Apple.

Love Is in the Air Giveaway

Darlings obviously I cannot speak for you, as you’re all quite capable of incessant chit chat around the water cooler; as for me, however, whenever I think of Valentine’s Day, I cannot stop myself from dreaming of flirty frocks. Dresses that bring about scenarios of kissing cute boys over a candlelit dinner for two, or a romantic walk under the stars, sand beneath our bare feet (mine the bearer of a perfect pedicure, to be sure).

But I digress; finding a flawless dress for a special occasion can be a complete nightmare – even for a skilled fashionista like you or me. Luckily, Shabby Apple, an Online leader in women’s dresses, makes the task far more simple. Dividing their fabulous forms of frippery into a handful of delectable categories, one need only select the look they are searching for, and voila! Perfect pieces are proffered. I myself am a fan of the Manhattan, Carousel, and 1943 Collections; but right now it is the Sophisticated medley which is on the tip of my tongue – specifically the 90 Words Per Minute Dress.

Yes, it’s true my loves; Café Fashionista has teamed up with Shabby Apple to bring one (1) of you gorgeous girls the chance to make the 90 Words Per Minute Dress – a Mad Men-inspired frock which makes waves anywhere from the office to the opera – your very own!

To Enter the Love Is in the Air Giveaway:

♥For one (1) entry, leave a comment on this post between now and Thursday, February 11, 2010 at midnight PST.

♥For two (2) entries, Twitter about this giveaway, and leave a comment on this post between now and Thursday, February 11, 2010 at midnight PST with your Twitter URL.

♥For three (3) entries, become a follower of Café Fashionista on Blogger/Google Reader/Google Friend Connect, and leave a comment on this post between now and Thursday, February 11, 2010 at midnight PST (if you are already a Café Fashionista follower, please say so in your comment).

I will randomly pick one (1) name out of a hat (who knows, it could be yours!), and announce the winner on Friday, February 12, 2010.

In the meantime, should you feel the urge to splurge, now through February 28, 2010 save 10% on all Shabby Apple purchases with code word Cafefashionista10off.

Good luck everyone!

This Giveaway is open to U.S. Residents! Winner will be able to choose their dress size.


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Shabby Apple for the pictures.

Thrifty Thursday: Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Ruffle Front Strapless Silk Dress for Less

Let’s be honest dolls; ruffles are one of the most romantic yet playful embellishments one can find themselves styled in. They are a whimsical inclusion to any look that possess the ability to proffer sheer elegance in a manner that is ever so slightly flamboyant juxtaposed with complete unfussiness.

Truth be told, however, a light smattering of ruffles trimming one’s flirty frock or slouchy tee is not always enough. Sometimes you feel the desire to be resplendent in frothy layers of ruffles, ruffles, and more ruffles. Thus, when such a craving strikes, it is up to you to uncover fabulousness that caters to this precise pining – Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent’s Ruffle Front Strapless Silk Dress is it!

Forgoing the typical tiny ruffles so often seen upon flowy tanks and glittering gowns, the Ruffle Front Strapless Silk Dress casts all cares to the wind, embracing big, bold ornamentation in the form of luscious folds of fuchsia-hued silk layers that magically cascade down the front from the bust line to the hemline creating a coquettish splash of volume which only serves to make it more reminiscent of something worn by a princess in a fairytale. Yet even with such over the top decorations, the Ruffle Front Strapless Silk Dress manages to retain all semblance of classy sophistication given the fact that the back is as simple and subtle in its styling as the front is ostentatious and, to put it bluntly, in your face.

But I digress; darlings I suppose there’s no point in getting sentimental over such a sensational aesthetic. No matter how much I long to make the tantalizing Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent pretty my own, or the many stylish daydreams I find myself in the midst of – all of me, of course, encased in this saucy number – the $275.00 price tag stands in the way of me and sassy sublimity. Hence the reason why I have set my sights on Lulu*s’ Set the Mood Dress in Coral.

While constructed out of a polyester/rayon blend as opposed to silk, the sparkling jacquard paisley print, pockets flanking each side, and, the true piece de resistance, $33.00 valuation, make it an absolute cinch to be brilliant without going broke!

Which role are you playing today, darlings…the frugal femme fatale or the sassy spendthrift?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Piperlime and Lulu*s for the pictures.


Don't forget to enter the Ring Leader Giveaway for your chance to win a Dort Crystal Toni Ring from JBandMe.com.

Why Don't You...?

♥…fall in love with a new boy every single day? There is no more thrilling feeling in the world than that of butterflies flitting about one’s tummy brought on by a crush; therefore, experience it 24/7!

♥…take a stylish bike ride through the quiet countryside? Wear foliage in your hair a la Victorian Hippie’s Stretch Headband with Swarovski Flower, and chunky heels like Joan + David’s Kendrix Suede Mid Calf Boots about your feet. Stop at little bakeries along the way. Who knows, you may encounter a handsome stranger who will sweep you off your feet while buying fresh-baked baguettes!

♥…turn your collection of beaming baubles into a work of art? Drape your dangling necklaces from pretty wall hooks; pin your brooches onto a lifesize dress form; and pour your rings and bracelets into dainty tea cups reminiscent of those present at the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. No longer must you feel guilty for indulging in new jewelry, darlings – now it doubles as home décor!

♥…devote an entire day to baking cookies and cupcakes? Tie on a cheery apron, dust a little flour on your cheek for that coquettish touch, and hand-deliver your sweet treats to cute boys and close friends. After all, no one can resist a midday sugar rush!

♥…cast all cares and responsibility to the wayside, slip on your Oliver Peoples Chelsea Sunnies, and put the petal to the metal for an impromptu road trip? As Lao Tzu once said, "A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving."


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to We ♥ It for the picture.


Don't forget to enter the Ring Leader Giveaway for your chance to win a Dort Crystal Toni Ring from JBandMe.com.