Cash, Check or Charge?

Cash: Sasha Gathered Bow Clutch, $24.95, www.dsw.com

Check: High Fashion Python Print Clutch with Bow, $69, www.endless.com

Charge: Valentino Satin bow clutch, $795, www.net-a-porter.com

I've been eyeing this Valentino satin clutch for a long time now but who, pray tell, has $800 to spend on a clutch? In these hard economic times I realised that it was high time for another "Cash, Check or Charge" post. I Like Her Style's mantra is, "if you can't beat 'em, you don't have to join 'em." So if you can't spend $800 on a clutch, don't. There are two economically friendly alternatives featured above at just $25 and $69... Enjoy!!

Thandie Newton

Thandie Newton at Columbia Pictures Premiere of '2012' at Regal Cinemas LA Live on November 03, 2009 in Los Angeles, California.
Thandie Newton was radiant at the "2012" movie premiere last month wearing a Prabal Gurung dress. When you wear something as elegant as this you don't need much else to make the look complete. Thandie opts for a statement ring and show-stopping red lips. If you need a bag to hold all your essentials, as most of us do, a classic and simple clutch will do. Don't forget vertigo heels and you're good to go!

Steal Thandie's Style

Dress: Mazerine Dress by DVF, $255, www.shopbop.com

Shoes: Carlos by Carlos Santana Privilege, $110, www.piperlime.com

Ring: Sterling Silver Marcasite Mother-of-Pearl Ring, $39.99, www.target.com

Lipstick: Jungle Red, $24, www.narscosmetics.com

Thandie Newton is the epitome of style and eloquence. Stealing her style will never fail you. If you can get away with it, don the bright, jungle red lipstick with the DVF dress. If not, don't fear. This post will help you figure out what shade of red is perfect for you. Where a dress like this for your next birthday soiree or a first date with that special guy. ;)

circa 1964

I love his vintage jacket and skinny tie paired with the plaid shirt. Not sure I'm buying the bright Nikes for evening: a pair of classic oxfords or wing tips would have been a better choice. And his best accessory is his date.

Friends of Betsey

Okay, in truth I don't know if they're friends of Betsey J. or any other Betsey but I think that like Ms. Johnson these 2 are super cool and have amazing energy. When I grow up I want to be just like them!

Things that make you go hmmm...

I know that ever since lasik eye surgery has made glasses unnecessary they have become the fashion accessory...reminds me of how tans became fashionable when associated with the French Riviera as opposed to fieldwork -but I digress!
However I always find the frames sans lenses a tad desperate to conform to a trend (the exception being when worn by Malik so Chic). So I am even less sure what to make of these with the faux cracks... and add to this the pouty rockstar/rapper expression, jaunty scarf, torn t-shirt and single suspender that would be at home in a mosh pit, and -is that a skeleton print on his denim? Still it does grab your attention - and the fact that he's not unattractive doesn't hurt...

Channeling Mary-Kate + Ashley

This girl has that slightly confused fashion and generous eyeliner that has been made fashionable by the Olsen twins...she just needs her bag to be 4x the size to fully complete the look.

girls night out

The high waisted pants, the off-shoulder shirt, the shorter hair...it's all feeling a bit 80s -kind of the new wave variety...not sure how to categorize...what do you think?

Darling Niko

My dear friend Niko belies the ennui of all black with a rakish glint in his eye. Note to Niko: A tete-a-tete at the Rose Bar is on order for next week, don't you think?

Earrings the size of Africa

Okay, not really the size of Africa but certainly in line with the larger earring trend that I predict will grow stronger in 2010. I was informed that all her jewelry was designed by her friend Kaya Jackson and that 10% of all proceeds would go to The Women of Africa Foundation. I'd put the website link on here but when I tried to go to it myself I was told it might be an "attack site" which kind of freaked me out...so if you're interested in finding out where you can buy your own Africa earrings try this email instead: ambiguousjewelryart@yahoo.com... her hair is pretty amazing as well...


CLOSE UP SHOT

I love people who actually look like they're having fun instead of just standing about posing. These two are effortlessly chic and in full on holiday mode.

Spotlight on Barlow: a new label from the left coast

Photo from the Barlow Spring 2010 LOOKBOOK
If you know me, you know I identify as a New Yorker with a certain sensibility and think L.A. fashion is a bit oxymoronic. Which is why I also love when I'm proved wrong. Designer Raquel Allegra opened me up to LA style last year, and this year I've discovered Barlow a new collection by Molly Girard Coonan. It's tough, sexy and playful all at once. Some of it reminds me of early Daryl K (which is a good thing in my book) and it all feels imminently wearable on either coast...or somewhere in between! I asked Molly about her new collection and her thoughts on LA vs NYC...continue reading in Musings

Too cool for school

With sequins fur and lace these 4 are their own holiday party.

Dramarama

Michelle Harper is known for her edgy style in NYC and this night is no exception. Crazy sculptural thing happening on her right arm which I love...it all looks a bit post-apocalyptic Blade Runner. And for the record I did not photoshop the definition in her arms...it's merely emphasized by the lighting.

Mad props to The Uniform Project

ACCESSORY DETAILS: Batwing cloak by Mundi, one of the designers representing Iceland in a competition of sustainable design as part of the Fashion Summit during COP15. Twenty designers from the Nordic countries competed on a sustainable runway show organized by NICE in association with C.L.A.S.S. Mundi cloak worn with hand-knit corsage as hat donated by Dennice Mankarious, and vintage boots stolen from Scary :-)

Recently I was at an opening and happened to take a photo of this girl (which you can see in an earlier blog post) and when I complimented her on her ensemble I was told the dress she was wearing was part of The Uniform Project and that she was wearing the same dress every day for a year! (well technically it's 7 identical dresses -because one would get a bit funky!) My first thoughts were "how is this possible?" and "how much money she must save". But this is not just a genius experiment in accessorizing but a brilliant fundraiser for schoolchildren in India. And if you donate this month E-bay will match your donations. So CLICK HERE to go to Musings and learn more about The Uniform Project, Sheena Matheiken who is wearing the dress and Eliza Starbuck who designed it as well as more ways that Sheena accessorized her dress.


ACCESSORY DETAILS:Bubble scarf and striped military pants donated by Esther Chung. See more of her creations at tornangel012.etsy.com. Vintage granny boots from Flute, Brooklyn.

Third Act: Shake Your Booty

Jazmine Sullivan attends the 51st Annual GRAMMY Awards Style Studio held at the Smashbox Studios on February 4, 2009 in Los Angeles, California.

1. Botkier Rosa, $595, www.piperlime.com; 2. Cybul in Black, $129.95, www.stevemadden.com; 3. Hunny, $127.96, www.stevemadden.com; 4. Manhunt, $169.99, www.ninewest.com; 5. Janie Boot, $319.99, www.usa.frenchconnection.com; 6. Treto, $180, www.aldoshoes.com; 7. Leatherette Zipper High Heel Boot, $30.50, www.gojane.com; 8. Link Boot, $46.90, www.alloy.com

Have you "booted" up yet? If not, you'd better hurry, the weather has taken a nasty turn for the worst. Safely tucked away until next season are my ballet flats and sandals. Out have come my uggs, sneakers and boots. I'd like to think that I'm ready for the worst of it but I do, however, need a leather, flat boot to wear with my sweater dresses and skinny jeans. I've opted for Steve Madden's slouch "Cybul" boot (pictured above).

It's true. A girl can never have too many heels, but she must also keep a trusty pair of flats by her side. If you just can't do without a heel they're plenty of low/kitten-heeled boots in stores such as Aldo and online at www.piperlime.com.

Third Act: Shake Your Booty

Jazmine Sullivan attends the 51st Annual GRAMMY Awards Style Studio held at the Smashbox Studios on February 4, 2009 in Los Angeles, California.

1. Botkier Rosa, $595, www.piperlime.com; 2. Cybul in Black, $129.95, www.stevemadden.com; 3. Hunny, $127.96, www.stevemadden.com; 4. Manhunt, $169.99, www.ninewest.com; 5. Janie Boot, $319.99, www.usa.frenchconnection.com; 6. Treto, $180, www.aldoshoes.com; 7. Leatherette Zipper High Heel Boot, $30.50, www.gojane.com; 8. Link Boot, $46.90, www.alloy.com

Have you "booted" up yet? If not, you'd better hurry, the weather has taken a nasty turn for the worst. Safely tucked away until next season are my ballet flats and sandals. Out have come my uggs, sneakers and boots. I'd like to think that I'm ready for the worst of it but I do, however, need a leather, flat boot to wear with my sweater dresses and skinny jeans. I've opted for Steve Madden's slouch "Cybul" boot (pictured above).

It's true. A girl can never have too many heels, but she must also keep a trusty pair of flats by her side. If you just can't do without a heel they're plenty of low/kitten-heeled boots in stores such as Aldo and online at www.piperlime.com.

Interview with Kink Ador

now in the Musings. So click here to read about your new favorite band.

I'll take 2 please...

Two more from Amanda Lepore's Birthday party. Sunglasses at night were big that night...love the whole look on the left.

A bon bon at Bonbon

The new club Juliet in Chelsea was full of sweet things last night for Amanda Lepore's birthday. And as promised a bit of color from the club to the page.

Once again in black

Black dress with big necklace...2 days in a row? Yeah, well it's a completely different look. This is recording artist Alexandra Alexis and we always see her out and about looking adorable. I don't know yet tomorrow's post, but I promise it will have a little more color in it!

Best Dress

I've seen aligator purses but never a dress. I love the textured nature of this dress and her chunky gold necklace.

Secrets of a Stylist

Ever wonder how new talent gets discovered? How that amazing jacket in the magazine by the designer you never heard of (until now) found its' way into the photo? Well Ms. Beagy Zielinski might have had something to do with it. A well known stylist for major fashion publications, Beagy started a unique atelier that discovers new haute couture designers and rents their collections out to stylists. I was lucky enough to get a peek into her studio, which is appropriately named L'Armoire du Styliste. And you can read about it in Musings.

Too Pretty Boys

Or should that have said Two Pretty Boys? Either way, these two that I also met at the Ports 1961/Torkil Gudnason reception were as charming as they were adorable. One is a fashion student and the other a performer and they're both successfully stylish.

Hearts and Lace

The girly/purity of a white lace blouse is nicely balanced with the black leather pants. And the oversized heart shaped bag adds a touch of whimsy.

Seen at Ports 1961/Torkil Gudnason

Torkil Gudnason, a brilliant fashion photographer also does amazing still life photography. The Ports 1961 store had a reception for him tonight which is where I met the lovely Scarlett who is a stylist and, like me, is a huge proponent of wearing a bit of color with your black. I am utterly in LOVE with her leggings that are cleverly sequined with a floral print. Genius.

Listen: Kink Ador

Andrew Sovine, Sharon Koltick and Brad Naylor

I had the chance to catch this Nashville based band at a private show at The Delancey tonight. They're great performers with a fun and infectious energy. You can check out their recent video here. But, even better you can see them LIVE this Thursday night - as in TONIGHT- at Webster Hall at 9pm along with Ten Feet Deep, Glenton Davis and Cass Dillon. ...and read my Q+A with them in the Musings section.

Country Chic

This dress kind of reminds me of "Heidi in the Mountains" but she's added a contemporary twist with the leather belt and boots and the colored tights.