What’s your criteria for buying a new winter coat?

A blogger for fashion retailer Bluefly.com, Nana breaks down the biggest trends on the curb, the catwalk & the red carpet.

Let’s be real. A good winter coat can be a major investment. But if you choose wisely, the coat will last forever (or at least a good long time) and remain trend-relevant for seasons to come. Here’s my criteria for buying a new coat:

1. It has to go with my boots/shoes
Even though you shed your coat once you come in from the cold, outside, your coat is part of your outfit — which is why it’s critical to pick wisely. I have a really diverse collection of shoes: everything from crazy high 5″ Balenciaga platforms, to sunshine-yellow ankle booties, to everyday flat boots, so I try to find a coat that will transition smoothly from high fashion to low-maintenance. I find that leather jackets, peacoats, and belted puffers make the switch most easily.

Laundry by Shelli Segal Ivory PeacoatMichael Michael Kors Brown Quilted Belted Down Coat

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Posted November 11, 2009 in Fashion, News

Making a statement with a bib necklace

Refusing to be usual, Danielle is constantly tracking down the latest street style trends, collaborations, and avant-garde indie fashions from London to Toronto. You can also catch her on her blog, GLOWINGDOLL.

Be fearless this winter with larger-than-life statement accessories. These bib necklaces can be dressed up or down, and in the case of the two felt pieces below, will also help keep bare necks warm!

Neve Hex Bib Statement Necklace

Geometric Bib Necklace

Consider revamping your old New Year’s eve dress with the floating Gem Bib from DoloresPetunia:

Bib necklaces can seem intimidating at first, but they are an easy way to update your wardrobe, as they are both fashion-forward and comfortable.


This just in From DoloresPetunia:

“To anyone who mentions “style feeder” for the month of november when placing an order I will take 10% off of the total.”

Posted November 3, 2009 in Fashion, News

My Octopus Tattoo…

Refusing to be usual, Danielle is constantly tracking down the latest street style trends, collaborations, and avant-garde indie fashions from London to Toronto. You can also catch her on her blog, GLOWINGDOLL.

I found these printed socks and tights on Etsy the other day. I love the photography used to show off the products, they have a real sense of whimsy, like Alice in Wonderland.

They are from Tattoo Socks. Everything is hand printed and they come in a variety of skin tone shades:

skin tones

Personally, I would go with the Alice feeling and get these beauties in white. The octopus and butterfly designs are my favorites.

Posted August 31, 2009 in Fashion, News, People

Introducing the Indie Fashion Addict

Refusing to be usual, Danielle is constantly tracking down the latest street style trends, collaborations, and avant-garde indie fashions from London to Toronto. You can also catch her on her blog, GLOWINGDOLL.

Hi there

My name is Danielle, and I have always dressed myself, sometimes disastrously. Pre-school comes to mind… my Dad let me have at it and I layered a sweater over a dress and a pair of jeans, tied a bandanna around my leg and threw on all of the jewelery I could find in the apartment, in a vain attempt to emulate my then idol, Punky Brewster.

Not much has changed since then, I’ve just gotten taller.

I’ve just moved back to Toronto from London, where I lived for six years.  I still go back and forth often, so I hope to bring you the best that both cities have to offer in terms of independent design.

I am fascinated by independent designers because they represent the two faces of fashion, business and art. For me, fashion is just another form of self-expression. I will always go for originality over label. I look forward to sharing my latest finds with you and hearing what’s inspiring you!

Posted August 26, 2009 in Fashion, People

Cooking up a storm in style

Jackie has champagne tastes on a student budget. That’s why she keeps a close eye on celebrity trends, then scours fast fashion outlets to recreate the look for less.

Aprons

I love to cook, but cleaning is definitely not my favorite thing. Now that I’m married, I’ve got even more to clean and an extra mouth to feed–and impress! Wearing an adorable apron makes cooking even the most easy of meals seem glamorous and I’d rather vacuum in one of these than an old ratty shirt.

From left to right:

Posted August 21, 2009 in Fashion, apparel

What’s Hot: Black Diamond Jewelry

Cate Cadbury lives and breathes jewelry at ice.com and is eager to share the latest gotta-have bling at prices you can afford.

Black diamonds are the essence of contemporary elegance and have become more popular than ever on today’s fashion scene – most notably since Victoria’s Secret’s release of the ultra luxurious 2008 Black Diamond Fantasy Miracle Bra®.

But don’t let such razzle-dazzle blind you into thinking you must spend millions ($5,000,000 to be exact) to sparkle in the spotlight. Listed below are a few stunning and way more affordable black diamond jewelry alternatives that are sure to enhance your look.

Start off your black diamond collection (because it will turn into one before you know it) with a pair of classic princess-cut black diamond studs. They are understated yet refined, so you can wear them from business hour to happy hour, to late-night delight.

black diamond stud earrings

On those hot nights out on the town, complement your little black dress with an eye-catching black diamond fashion ring: a unique design that will reflect even the dimmest evening lights from every angle.

Black Diamond Ring

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Posted August 17, 2009 in Fashion, News

Inspiration: Jackie Kennedy Onassis

Jackie has champagne tastes on a student budget. That’s why she keeps a close eye on celebrity trends, then scours fast fashion outlets to recreate the look for less.
Inspired by Jackie Kennedy Onassis

I’ve been really into making fashion inspiration boards lately. Would you like to see more of these?

I’ve always loved Jackie O’s style, and not only because we share a first name. I love the chic, beachy style she adopted after marrying Aristotle Onassis. From the beach, to shopping, to reclining on her yacht, she looked elegant and beautiful.

Posted August 3, 2009 in Fashion, apparel

Summer Jewelry Trend: Fiery Flair

Cate Cadbury lives and breathes jewelry at ice.com and is eager to share the latest gotta-have bling at prices you can afford.

Is this summer’s gloomy weather getting you down? Do not fret, dear fashionistas. Although the sun has failed to show its pretty face in the last few weeks, you can find comfort in colorful and sparkling jewelry that will surely add some brilliance to your rainy days.

Summer fashions are seeing flamboyant shades of orange, peach, coral, red and pink. So set your flashy wardrobe ablaze with bright gemstones that complement the palette. Light up your next night out with an orange sapphire, rhodolite and diamond ring:

And a pair of orange garnet and diamond earrings:

Or if you want to infuse your summer style with a bohemian appeal, wrap your wrist in a trendy red coral bangle bracelet by jewelry designer Andrea Barna:

Make a bold fashion statement with vibrant jewelry designs, all the while capturing the essence of what summertime should really be like: sun-kissed and sensational!

Posted July 28, 2009 in Fashion, News

Nobody does casual chic like Jennifer Aniston

Jackie has champagne tastes on a student budget. That’s why she keeps a close eye on celebrity trends, then scours fast fashion outlets to recreate the look for less.

Picture 38

Jennifer Aniston looks a-a-a-mazing here. Cool and comfortable; chic and elegant. I never thought khakis could look so streamlined!

Steal her look for less:

Shoes: Bettye Muller “Katy” Grey Espadrille Wedge at Shirise

Belt: Women’s AE Square Basic Leather Belt – American Eagle Outfitters

Tank: Banana Republic Petite pima cotton tank: sleeveless tops OR Ann Taylor Modal/Cotton Ribbed Tank with Satin Trim

Khakis:  dELiAs Whitney Low-Rise Chino OR Vena Cava boyfriend khakis

Posted July 27, 2009 in Blogroll, Fashion, People

Featured store: Modcloth

Jackie has champagne tastes on a student budget. That’s why she keeps a close eye on celebrity trends, then scours fast fashion outlets to recreate the look for less.

Have you heard of Modcloth? If not, it’s one of my new favorite online retailers. The prices can be a bit pricey, but there is no better place to find vintage-inspired clothing and accessories. Just look at those shoes! They are to die for, no?

Modcloth is perfect if you like feminine, vintage clothing, and if you need a cocktail or party dress, you should definitely check them out.

Items above: Chamomile yellow dress ; Tavern on the Green dress ; Potpourri blue print dress ; Violet bow blouse ; Carriage Ride blue wedges ; Poker Face green heels ; Cocoa Beach yellow wedges

Posted July 22, 2009 in Fashion