Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Feeling Quirky

Ok, so I know this blog is really supposed to be exclusively about Indianapolis shopping, but I am going to break from that philosophy to post about my favorite gallery ever - Quirk, in Richmond, VA. If you've never been to Richmond, definitely plan a trip there soon. It's a great city - kind of a mini-DC but artsier and cooler. Fabulous old historic homes, good restaurants (I love Comfort downtown on Broad Street), and a really great art scene.

The best of the Richmond art scene is Quirk gallery, also on Broad Street. Exhibits in the main gallery and back in the "Vault" area change regularly, but the front section of the gallery is devoted to a shop that stocks amazing jewelry, smaller works of art by mostly local artists, clever and hilarious cards, and just lots of fun little odds and ends. And if you are into the art jewelry movement, Quirk represents several very well known jewelry artists - several cases in the shop showcase works by these artists.

Be sure to pick up the August issue of Domino magazine, which features an article titled "Neo Southern Belle," about Katie Ukrop (proprietor of Quirk) and her fabulous home, and includes a nice shout-out to Quirk and photos of some of the unique things you will find there.

I was just in the gallery this past weekend, and started my Christmas shopping early! For more info, check out Quirk's website - www.quirkgallery.com. They're not doing e-commerce on the site yet, but if you see a photo of something you like, give them a call and chances are you can buy it.

Friday, July 25, 2008

Ebay Unfashionable!

As a fashionista on a budget who wants to keep her closet fresh and fund new purchases, in the past few months I've successfully sold quite a few designer items on Ebay - even have sold a few for some friends. And I've never had a problem - all positive feedback from my customers, items shipped out quickly - no complaints from anyone.

So imagine my surprise when, a couple of weeks ago, I got a pop up message saying that I had "reached my limit" for selling certain designer goods - the ones that are often knocked off (LV, Chanel, Hermes, Gucci, etc.). The email was incredibly vague - no hint as to what the limit was, what exactly was included, etc. It just said "don't try to relist this item for 30 days." 30 days?? You've got to be kidding.

Well, after much investigation and many, many emails to the Ebay Trust & Security Department (I even got my hands on the PowerSeller Customer Service number and spoke to a real live person), I now know the scoop - apparently Ebay has placed a limit on the number of items by these desirable designers that you can list in a 30 day period. This is after first being told that the limit is a limit on the number of items you can post at once (that came from the PowerSeller Customer Service person) and that the limit was probably "about 10 at a time" (that came from the Ebay "LiveHelp" operator I communicated with on my second or third try at an answer).

Now here's the even crazier part - no one will tell me what the limit is. Apparently they keep that confidential to allow themselves some "flexibility." Hmmmmm. Sounds a little fishy to me.

Look, I understand that Ebay is embroiled in a lawsuit with LVMH over selling fakes. I also understand that they are virtually the only game in town when it comes to auctioning off your items. What I can't understand is 1) How imposing this selling limit is really helping to eliminate fakes (you can sell all the fakes you want as long as you stay under the limit); and 2) Why almost no one who works at Ebay in a "customer service" (such as it is) role knows and can explain what's going on.

This is why monopolies are really bad for consumers, and why I'm now recommending www.imagechic.com for all of your bag purchases and sales. Everything on the site is authenticated, the fees (for sellers) are much lower than the fees on Ebay (so prices can be lower, too), and the whole limit thing isn't a concern.

That's where I'll be posting my things from now on, and I recommend you do the same. Happy hunting!

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Cheap Thrills

A Saturday excursion to Castleton Square Mall caused me to take a second look at Bakers - yes Bakers, formerly known (at least in my mind) for not-even-real-leather-only-suitable-for-exotic-dancers shoes.

Well, I don't know what's happened over there or when it happened, but Bakers now has apparently become a hot spot for cheap-ish (but at least made of leather) knock-offs of fabulous designer shoes.

Case in point: I purchased both the Bakers version of the Dior shoe worn constantly by Carrie Bradshaw in the Sex and the City movie, as well as a note-for-note knock-off of the seen-on-every-celeb YSL Tribute sandal. Purchased both pairs for about $150, less than a tenth of what you would pay for the originals.

I know, I know - I love a true designer shoe as much (or more) than the next gal. But in these tough economic times, it's nice to know that you can always just go to Bakers for a cheap fashion fix.

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

So Sorry I've Been MIA!

So, so sorry that it's been soooo long since my last post. I've been quite busy in my "real" work life, and lately all of my off-the-clock computer time has been going toward selling cast-offs from my closet on Ebay. If you've never tried that, you must - I've found that shoes and handbags are hot sellers! So far, I've sold about 30 things from my closet, and made nearly $5,000. Hooray! Out with the old, in with the new. I am continuing to post items regularly, which will hopefully fuel my IndyStyle habit for the forseeable future. It's much more fun to go shopping if you know you actually have a little cash to spend.

The one good thing about going away for a bit is that I have several exciting upcoming events to tell you about, which have been building up while I was away. Mark your calendars:

- Saturday, June 7 - During the day, check out the Design Within Reach warehouse sale in Kentucky, right by the Cincinnati Airport. I'll be there! Stuff will be 80% off, from my very favorite source of modern design. The address for the sale is 2360 Progress Dr. in Hebron, KY. It's continuing on Sunday too, and they claim to restock the sale daily, but I'm going to be there promptly at 10 a.m. on Saturday for the best selection.

Saturday night you'll find me at the Art Couture event, the big new benefit for the Herron School of Art. Since it's the first time they've done this event, I have no idea what to expect but it sounds TERRIFIC - a wearable art fashion show, art auction (the web site says it's a "100 for $100" auction, which makes me think maybe there's a $100 limit?), entertainment and a progressive dinner. General admission tickets are $125; VIP tickets are $175 and get you valet parking, a reserved seat at the fashion show and admission to a VIP reception before the main event. It's going to be in Eskenazi Hall on the IUPUI campus.

- Saturday, June 28 - I'm actually delaying my vacation for a day for this one. The Indianapolis Art Center is hosting the gala opening reception for their summer "Two Worlds, One Language Through Art" program. I say "program," because it's really a series of classes/workshops and an exhibition, all devoted to Chinese art. I'm sure the gala will be fabulous, with food, entertainment - perhaps even a Chinese dragon dance through ArtsPark - and a great crowd. Plus it's a chance to pull out your finest "Chinese Chic" (check out www.shanghaitang.com if your closet is bare on that front). Tickets are $100 per person; the gala will be held at the Art Center. For more info, please check out www.indplsartcenter.org, and be sure to click on the "Two Worlds, One Language" travel journal - it's really cool, with pages that turn like a book, a travel journal, more info on all of the events and classes, and everything you need to know about this great program.

Summer's definitely heating up in Indy. More events to come, for sure - capped off by my favorite event of the summer, ArtSparkle. Mark your calendars for that - it will be held on August 23.

Let the parties begin!

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Fashionistas Vote!

Hi, all. Sorry for the lag since my last posting - things in my "real" life have been a little bit crazy busy.

Anyway, saw Barack Obama at a rally here last night, and came away feeling completely inspired. This is in no way a political blog, but I must say the most fashionable thing that Hoosiers can do today is vote. I don't care who you vote for, just make your voice heard.

'Nuff said on that front. As promised, I'm posting the photo taken of Be (0f Be & D) and me at the French Pharmacie party a few weeks ago. Fabulous time, fabulous bags, fabulous shoes.

Also, since you know I'm on a "shop local" kick, I will clue you in to a new favorite find - www.farmfreshdelivery.com. This site is all about connecting Indiana farmers, meat producers, dairies and other local food companies (for example, there's a company that makes fresh pastas and sauces) with people in the area who would like to eat fresh, local food. Each week, they put together a bin of whatever produce is in season, along with any meats, dairy items, specialty items, etc. that you would like, and deliver it right to your door. My office has a group doing this, and they drop off all of our bins on Thursday afternoons - just in time for the weekend. Delightful! Summer's just about here, so we can look forward to amazing tomatoes, corn, strawberries and other goodies. Enjoy!

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Fab Time at French Pharmacie Last Night

French Pharmacie hosted yet another terrific party last night, this time to welcome designer Be Inthavong of Be&D handbags and now...shoes, too! Yes, Be&D - known for exquisite bags with an edge (but not so trendy that you'll be sick of them in a year) - has branched out into shoes. And they are lovely.

My favorite is the Chamberlain - a very cool lace up spectator that comes in both blush and a lovely light beige with black. I'm a sucker for a spectator, but this one is most certainly not your mother's spectator. Cool, yet just classic enough to work at work. I love them!

And it was wonderful to meet Be - he's very charming, and a true craftsman. My favorite bag on display was a new take on their classic hobo, which I believe has been in the line since the beginning. But the body of this one was woven leather - very tiny strips, thinner than a Bottega bag. I've always held the Bottega woven bags up as the pinnacle of beautiful workmanship, but I have to tell you that this Be&D bag beats all.

Another highlight of the party was my first glimpse at the new spa that Stacy has opened above the store. They very generously were offering free laser peels and polish changes, so of course I partook. I can't wait to see what my new face looks like once I emerge from my old skin like a snake! Sounds horrible, I know, but that's the price of beauty.

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Early Warning - Gap/Phillip Lim White Shirts Coming Soon!

So, I'm really liking the "Gap Design Editions" idea. Yes, it's a complete imitation of Target's Go Designers program, but whatever. The results are good, in my opinion.

And they're doing it right. They've taken it so far as to have opened a special Design Editions boutique next to the big Gap on Fifth Avenue in New York. When I walked by on Friday, it was full of the Gap/Pierre Hardy shoe collection.

Mark your calendars for next Tuesday, April 15. Yes, it's also tax day, but that's immaterial. What's most important about that date is that the newest collection of designers' interpretations of the white shirt will be arriving at the Gap. You might recall last year's, which I thought was stellar - Thakoon, Rodarte and others interpreted the white shirt in some fabulous ways. My favorite was probably the 50s-ish white shirt dress - it cost under $100, and every time I wore it I got major compliments. You can bet it's coming right out as soon as the weather warms enough for a sleeveless white shirt dress.

This year's collection promises to be equally exciting - if not even more so. One of my most favorite designers, Phillip Lim, has designed some of the styles. And, this year's collection goes beyond white shirts to include white jewelry designed by Philip Crangi. I've not seen too many of the styles, but the big white bangles with the gold studs look cool.

You can bet I'll be at Keystone at the Crossing next Tuesday to check out the line!

Friday, March 28, 2008

Well, That Was Easy

So I guess all it really takes to find a cute gladiator sandal is a quick trip over lunch to Circle Center Mall. Leave it to Nine West to interpret the gladiator in a totally wearable, comfortable style. Yet hip.

Just a little over a tenth the price of the Prada version, and I've got a lovely little modified gladiator to take me through spring and summer. Granted, it's not in that sublime gray color, but it's still cool.

I also noted that Nine West has a pretty spot on of the Gucci Sevigny sandal. I'm including photos of both at right...you tell me, is the Gucci version really worth $500 more than the Nine West? I know there's something to be said for owning the original, but really...

Be & D Trunk Show Coming Up at French Pharmacie

Mark your calendars - on April 8, there will be a trunk show at French Pharmacie of Be & D handbags. I believe the trunk show happens from 3 - 8 p.m.

In addition to fabulous handbags and the apparently infamous "Be" of Be & D (I understand that he's quite charming and hilarious), there will be some spa specials happening. As I've reported, French Pharmacie is opening a day spa on the second floor and this event will be an opportunity to highlight that. There will be free polish changes, facials and even Botox injections (although those, for obvious reasons, aren't free...but let's all remember the things you WANT to pay full price for - sushi and surgery). Don't worry, a plastic surgeon (Stacy Kosene's cousin) will be there giving the Botox injections, and he's apparently a master.

So check it out! And be sure to call ahead for appointments/availability if you'd like to partake of any of the spa specials going on that evening.

See you there!

Going Ga Ga for Gladiators

I'm totally getting suckered into the gladiator sandal trend for spring. I know, I know - gladiators have come and gone over the years, and to be honest, I've never been much of a fan of them. First off, I don't wear a lot of flats, and I've also never been huge on the going up the ankle thing. I just think that can be a tough look to pull off, particularly if - God forbid - you have a bit of a cankle.

But this year somehow the gladiator thing seems different. Maybe it's because more designers are doing a modified gladiator, even with a heel in some cases.

Of course, the one I love happens to be Prada's version, and costs nearly 600 bucks. A lot for what will likely be a relatively fleeting trend...so I'll be on the hunt for some sort of reasonable knock off (Steve Madden, where are you when I need you?). I know it won't come in this lovely shade of grey, but oh well...

Et tu, Aldo? Please?

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Why I Love Indy

Fashionistas have it easy here in Indy. I know, I know - we occasionally have to deal with some indignities like H&M not thinking we're cool enough to get the Roberto Cavalli stuff, but on the otherhand, we don't have fight kicking and screaming for the latest and greatest collections when they hit mass retailers. Well, the GO stuff selling out at Target on day one notwithstanding.

Anyway, in search of a wine rack I headed to KatC last night. Yes, I found said wine rack at Crate & Barrel, but that's another story that's not at all interesting. What is interesting is that I took a quick peek in the Gap and what did I find - the new shoe collection designed by Pierre Hardy. "Collection" might be overstating it a bit, as there were only two styles - both available in two different colors - but the KatC Gap had plenty of sizes left in everything. Apparently the shoes arrived last week.

I just read about this partnership between Pierre Hardy and the Gap - although there is no indication on the box or the signage that it's Pierre Hardy who's done the designing. I find this curious as he's such a big star in shoe land, but maybe there were some legal trademark issues or something. Anyway, it doesn't matter. The point is, they're cute, and they're a chance to put a little Pierre Hardy magic on your feet for under $100 - which is great since you'd pretty much have to add a zero to that number to enjoy some mainline Pierre Hardys. And if you lived in Chicago or New York, you'd be SOL by now on these, since I'm sure they sold out on the first day. Online on www.gap.com, sizes are extremely limited. So if you want them, get over to the KatC Gap. And be aware - they run large. I'm normally a 7, but the 6 1/2s fit me. Enjoy!

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Prada "Trembled Blossoms"

Ok, so I couldn't get the image of the Prada wallpaper to post correctly, so I'm hoping this video works. This is Prada's "Trembled Blossoms" animation, and I find it mesmerizing. I know I'm gushing over Prada lately, but I truly believe that Miuccia is just lightyears ahead of most other humans in terms of creativity. Lightyears.

Here's the link to the YouTube video:

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

The Fairy Obsession Grows

As my longtime readers know, there's probably nothing right now that I'm more obsessed with than the whole Prada fairy thing. The bag...the ads...the clothes - I just think they are brilliant.

In an effort to bring some fairydom into my own life, I'm embarking on a new - and perhaps overly ambitious - project. I really would like to paint a fairy mural in my bathroom. Step one is complete - I was able to locate a great image from the web site of James Jean, the illustrator who collaborated with Miuccia on the fairy print.

Hopefully James won't sue me if I somehow create a reasonable facsimile of this on the wall of my bathroom. I'm thinking I can project this image onto the wall, trace it out and paint it in. Sounds simple, no?

Or maybe I can just hire a student from Herron Art School to do it for me...

P.S. - Sorry, I tried to post a picture of the Prada image and it wouldn't work. You can check it out at www.jamesjean.com; it's called Prada I.

Monday, March 3, 2008

Jovovich-Hawk Hits the Target

I made it to Target yesterday to check out the Jovovich-Hawk collection, the latest "GO Designers" to hit the racks. All-in-all, I liked it much better than the last couple of GO collections. I think the dresses are the strongest part of the line, and despite the inexpensive prices (dresses top out at $39.99), the fabrics seem nicer than some of the previous GO designer collections. But maybe that's because it's easier to do summer on the cheap...

You'd better hurry if, like me, you're a Nora Target shopper. The collection debuted just yesterday, and as of yesterday afternoon sizes were already starting to get a little picked over. I can't wait until that new Target opens at Glendale. In the meantime, your best bet might be to hit a SuperTarget in Carmel, or order online. Be warned that you might have to go up a size if you want the dresses to be long enough. And the little blue linen gauchos fit funny, so I'd avoid those unless you have very narrow hips.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, I've been alerted that French Pharmacie will be expanding beyond just offering manicures and pedicures and will be launching a day spa on April 1. I'm told that the decor will be very dark and sexy - no doubt it will be fabulous knowing Stacy's taste. Book your appointments now!

Finally, an early warning on this Friday's First Friday event at the Harrison Center, from 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. The theme is "Road Trip," and it looks to be a typically fun Harrison Center with lots of performances and interesting stuff going on. This is one of the quarterly artist open house events, as well, which are always my favorite. Sadly, I can't attend as I'll be out of town, but I highly recommend checking it out.

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Trend Alert - Boyfriend Blazers

From the "everything old is new again" files, one trend that I keep seeing over and over again is the boyfriend blazer. Elizabeth & James (MK and Ashley's line) has a super-cool version with feathers on it, and other versions seem to be popping up everywhere.

Now, back in college I used to comb the Greencastle Salvation Army store, picking up men's blazers and wearing them with my jeans (folded in to be "stovepipes" at the bottom, of course). I had one in particular that I absolutely loved that I picked up from Dinwiddie's (still going strong in Broad Ripple) - it was a black man's blazer that had been customized with an awesome leopard collar.

While my Salvation Army stash is long gone, I find myself planning a Goodwill run this weekend to comb the racks for - you guessed it - a great man's blazer. Only this time my plan is to pop it on over cute little dresses as a way to transition into spring, ala Heidi Klum on last night's Project Runway. I realize I'm not Heidi Klum, but I think it's a cute look for regular girls, as well.

Speaking of Project Runway, Tim Gunn said two things last night that I cannot wait to incorporate into my own conversation. 1) "My gag reflex is kicking in," and 2) "This is like when you go into the monkey house at the zoo and think, 'God it stinks in here.' But after you've been in the monkey house for a half hour you think, 'It's not so bad.' And after a day in the monkey house you can't smell a thing. You've spent too long in the monkey house." Both of these classic Gunn-isms came in response to Chris March's use of real human hair in his designs, and both illustrate why I can't get enough Tim Gunn.

Make it work, people...

Jovovich-Hawk Arrives in Target on Sunday

Mark your calendars - this Sunday, March 2 marks the arrival of the Jovovich-Hawk collection for Target. Especially if you shop at the Nora Target like I do, where the GO Collection gets picked over quickly, it's very important to get there early.

Now, I know I've soured of late on the "upscale designers partner with mass retailers on cheap fashion" trend. But I'm going to give Jovovich-Hawk a chance - the photos that I've seen of several of the dresses anyway look cute. We'll see in person on Sunday. Pretty hippy-dippy 70s-inspired, but that seems to be a trend that will never go away, at least if you take a look at what Anna Sui and Gucci continue to send down the runway.

See you on Sunday...

Monday, February 25, 2008

Goosing the Goose

My new little "localista" experiment now encompasses food, thanks to the Goose Market. Located at 25th and Delaware, it's a haven for local foodies and winos (like yours truly...the wino part, anyway).

Stocked with local meats and cheeses, including dry-aged, grass-fed beef raised right here in the state, the Goose also makes a great sandwich. I'm partial to the brisket - which I liked better the second time, when they topped it with blue cheese and some sort of yummy mayonaisse-y dressing.

Be sure to go downstairs, where all the beer and wine is stocked alongside a rather random array of dry goods. If you want an obscure Italian brand of canned tomatoes, you'll find it here. Otherwise, don't expect to be able to do all of your grocery shopping at the Goose. Just the good stuff...

A couple of quick updates. 1) I've decided that music can't be included in my localista experiment. It's just too wasteful (both in terms of money and environmental waste) to buy CDs when I only want a song or two. So that didn't last long, but I'm happy about it. 2) I returned the butterfly bag. Upon seeing the Prada original in NYC (by the way, the whole SoHo store is painted with fairies right now), I realized that the butterfly bag is not at all a reasonable facsimile. Not at all.

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Forever in Love with Forever 21

As a new homeowner, I'm watching my pennies right now. Thank God for Forever 21 - a place where you can get a quick fashion fix for under $50. In most cases, for under $30.

I know the designers HATE Forever 21 - Anna Sui has even sent models down the runway in anti-Forever 21 t-shirts - and I can understand why. On a quick trip through the store, I saw looks "inspired" by J.Crew, Missoni, and Miss Sui herself.

Take this dress I just bought. It's a reasonable facsimile of the dress that J Lo wore to the Marchesa show during NY Fashion Week. And it was $29.80. No doubt the Marchesa version is more like $2,980. Now, I'm sure the Forever 21 folks saw this photo of J Lo and immediately got the kids in the sweat shops going on the knockoff, which is on the racks two weeks later.

Sure, I feel a little guilty keeping the sweat shops in business, but I'll get over it.

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Becoming a "Localista"

As longtime readers of this blog know, IndyStyle has been conflicted from day one on what "Indy Style" should really mean. Does it mean that I will confine my shopping only to Indianapolis locales? It hasn't, but more and more I'm thinking it should.

So, inspired by the local food movement, I'm embarking on a little experiment. For the remainder of 2008 (essentially the whole year), I'm only going to spend my money at Indiana stores. I'm broadening it beyond just Indianapolis, because I think a Bloomington excursion would be just fine. The local food folks call themselves "Localvores;" I'm adopting "Localista" as my handle for shopping only locally.

This means no online shopping - for anything, including music. I'm going old school there - not taking the easy way out and downloading from iTunes, but going to record stores (even though they hardly exist anymore) to buy CDs. That alone will be interesting. It will certainly make it more difficult to get my hands on things like DJ Rekha's new disc, which I highly recommend (and thankfully downloaded yesterday, before this whole idea took hold). Ditto for books. I know, it's easier and quicker to just order what you want from Amazon, but where's the fun in that?

I'm also going to try - and this is just going to be an attempt - to frequent locally owned stores as much as possible. So avoid the chains. Now, I can't be completely strict about this, as a year without darkening the doors of Target or Sak's is just too much to bear, but I will try to support my own local economy as much as possible. French Pharmacie, thankfully, continues to be a safe haven.

This also means no vacation shopping. However, if someone (say, my mom) buys me a gift while I'm shopping with her on a vacation or something, that is acceptable. It's not my money, after all. She's supporting her own local economy...

I think this will be interesting. At the very least, it will allow me to better serve my readers, as I'll be forced to uncover more hidden gems.

Trendwatch globally, spend locally...

Monday, February 11, 2008

Thinking Vintage

First off, let me just say that I love the information age. I remember in the old days - like 5 years ago - we had to rely on the editors of the fashion mags to update us on the trends of the upcoming seasons. Due to their long lead times, we wouldn't really get a sense of the shows until months after they happened, and the editors got to be, well, editorial and only spotlight what they saw as the important looks.

Thanks to www.style.com and - my new favorite discovery - UltraHD network (I think this is only available on Dish Network - I just had mine hooked up this weekend), we can all sit front-and-center at all of the fashion shows. As I unpacked boxes in my new home this weekend, I found myself consistently mesmerized by "Full Frontal Fashion" on UltraHD, which was literally televising all of the recent NY Fashion Week shows, interspersed with interviews with editors, buyers and even some of the designers talking about the key trends in each show. While it got a little over-the-top with the breathless praise (I loved the, "Our front row rated this show a spectacular 8.5!" following each show...I never saw a show get lower than an 8 from the "front row"), you've got to love being able to watch the shows and determine the trends from your own vantagepoint, without having to rely on the editors.

So with that long-winded introduction, here's my advice for spring - which will move forward nicely into fall. Go vintage shopping! Now, I've been a longtime lover of vintage clothing since high school. But I have to admit that lately, my vintage loving had lagged a bit. Maybe because the vintage clothing store scene here in Indy is less-than-stellar (whatever happened to Modern Times?), or possibly because I've just been focused elsewhere, I've not bought anything old in a long, long time.

But from Miuccia Prada's resort '08 collection, which was very 50s in feel, to Michael Kors's fall '08 collection, which was very Jackie Kennedy/60s, clearly vintage is the prevailing vibe. Even Marc Jacobs went back in time - albeit to the 80s which is, frighteningly, also vintage at this point.

Thankfully, with the exception of rare vintage designer pieces that can be quite pricy, most vintage is reasonably priced. Just keep in mind as you're treasure hunting that condition is key. I've learned the hard way that that "not so fresh" smell won't come out, no matter how much Fabreze you spray on it, and even seemingly simple repairs can add greatly to the cost of a garment.

Ebay, here I come!

Thursday, February 7, 2008

Elizabeth & James - No One-Hit Wonders

Mary Kate Olsen might not be the first person I'd want called if I accidentally od'd, but I have to hand it to her - she and her sister Ashley are winning me over with their Elizabeth & James line.

As you'll recall, I liked several of the pieces from their fall collection; spring is now here and there are some pieces I'm lusting after from this one, too.

The good news - Elizabeth & James is now being carried by Saks (at least on their website, www.saksfifthavenue.com if not in our local outpost) as well as Neiman-Marcus. The bad news - I'm totally broke right now. But I can always admire from afar!

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Great Source for Wines

I have to credit my brother for turning me on to a terrific online wine store, www.flickingerwines.com. Clearly knowing my champagne taste/beer pocketbook conundrum, he shared their weekly email with me - basically the gist of it was that they'd put some already cheap (but good) wines on sale. Choices were as low as $5, and none were over $20. Given that the site is run by a connoisseur, I felt confident ordering wines that I've not heard of, trusting they'll be good. Oh, and you get an extra 5% off when you order a case (can be a mixed case), and since the biz is located in Chicago, there's no sales tax when shipped to Indianapolis.

The only drawback is that the only relatively reasonable way to ship a case of wine is UPS ground, which due to winter weather won't start until late March or early April.

Check out the site (www.flickinger.com) for their selection of bargain wines. Oh, and if you'd like to impress your friends with a giant, 6 liter bottle of 2004 Dom. Romanee-Conti La Tache Grand Cru Red Burgundy (for a cool $19,000), they have that, too. Only one bottle, though, so hurry.

A Girl's Gotta Eat

I don't normally cover restaurants on IndyStyle, but since it's sort of lull time in the fashion world (winter/holiday sales are done and spring hasn't really sprung yet), I thought I'd take this opportunity to plug a new restaurant that I'm totally loving - The Meridian.

It's located where Dodd's Townhouse used to be, but it's completely different than Dodd's. The atmosphere is great - especially for winter. It feels like a lodge inside, and there's a cozy fireplace (I'm a sucker for a crackling fire). If you go without kids (which I always do), I recommend sitting in the bar. You can order from the full menu in there, and I prefer the atmosphere on that side of the wall (not sure what that says about me).

The food is great, too. I've not tried any entrees yet, but every appetizer, salad and soup I've tried has been pretty great. I particularly love their take on onion soup. Rather than having to navigate a thick layer of stringy cheese to get to the soup, they toast the cheese on top of a piece of baguette, so it's just cheesy enough but not overwhelming. The oysters Rockefeller are a treat, too - they're lightly fried, which was a new take for me on an old favorite. The shrimp risotto stands out, as well. If you're not too hungry, there's enough there for an entree. Especially if you order the macaroni and cheese on the side (I know, I know - heavy on the carbs) - it's the best mac and cheese I've ever had. No blue box here; just a blend of yummy cheeses and the unmistakeable hint of truffle oil. Is it dinner time yet???

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

80% Off at French Pharmacie

Unfortunately, I had to miss French Pharmacie's "Welcome 2008" party last Thursday, but I'm sure it was fabulous.

The lovely Jessica called me today to tell me that the sale merchandise at FP has now been marked down to 80% off. I know, I know.

You'll have to enjoy it for me, as all of my spare change is pouring into my new house right now.

So, buy something fabulous and let me know - I'll live vicariously through my readers!

Exciting news - a dream is coming true for IndyStyle this week - I'll be attending New York Fashion Week this Friday. I'm only going to one show, but it's a start! Very exciting.

Friday, January 25, 2008

Validation - I'm Not Crazy for Liking the Butterfly Bag

Ok, so apparently I wasn't absolutely off the mark in thinking that the ShopNBC butterfly bag is a somewhat reasonable facsimile of the Prada. Today, one of my coworkers saw it and asked, "is that one of those new painted Prada bags?" Yes! So I'm not crazy after all. Phew.

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Reasonable Facsimile, or Hopelessly Tacky?

Obsessing over the Prada fairy bag - and feeling pretty certain that it will probably price out at $2,000+ - I've been on the hunt for a reasonable facsimile.

I've stumbled upon this Anuschka bag, available at www.Shopnbc.com (my predilection for TV shopping is well-known). I'm kind of feeling it. It's got that artsy, hand-painted vibe of the Prada bag, and a butterfly's kinda close to a fairy, right?

So this is one of those times when I have to ask, am I just deluding myself by thinking that this bag is even on the same fashion planet as the Prada? Is it actually hopelessly tacky, to be carried only by a large aging hippie with long grey hair, who wears a lot of purple? Or is it, indeed, cool and fitting with spring's painterly vibe?

I'm leaning towards cool. I welcome opinions!

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Style Never Takes a Holiday

But IndyStyle does. Sorry for taking such a long break between postings, but you know how it is - between the holidays, buying a new house (more on that to come), etc., things have been almost as crazy as Britney Spears.

But now I'm back and ready to tackle all of the important style issues as they happen in 2008. First off, a couple of observations about the emerging trends I've spotted in my time away from IndyStyle, to help prepare for spring (or for some fab winter vaca somewhere warm):

1) Florals are huge. More specifically, huge florals are huge. We're not talking little "mumsy" floral prints, but big, bright florals that look like you're wearing a painter's canvas. In a good way.

2) Really, anything sort of hand-painted looking seems to be the rage. So in addition to the painterly florals, there are abstracts and - my personal fave - lovely painted fairies from Prada. If I had a first-born kid or a spare kidney, I would sell it for one of the Prada satchels with the fairies painted on them. Yes, it's a gorgeous bag for the spring season...but you can also display it in your home as a work of art.

3) I'm still all about the dress. For a variety of reasons. But mostly because you just throw them on and go. And most of them are pretty seasonless. Even a sleeveless dress - put a turtleneck under it, and you're set.

That's just a topline view. Much more to come, of course.

A note for your calendar: next Thursday, January 24, French Pharmacie is hosting another one of their fab events - a "Welcome 2008" party. In addition to loads of new spring stuff (including I'm sure lots of trends we haven't even thought of yet), the event will also feature an appearance by the designers of "The Woods" jewelry line, a personal fave of mine. Also, you can make an appointment to get a free blow out or polish change to spotlight the new beauty services that FP is so brilliantly offering. Finally, I'm sure it will attract a very stylish crowd, so if you want to meet fellow fashionistas, this is the spot. I'll be there with my boots on!