FabSugar

Look of the Day: Pretty Presents

FabSugar — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 03:00:08 -0800

Look at ur_momm's pretty presents she got for Christmas. Her boyfriend's mom gifted her this lovely tie-neck blouse and black pencil skirt. The result is a smart, sophisticated gal with no sign of stuffiness. I like it.

Here's what she has on:

Top: TeenFlo
Skirt: TeenFlo
Shoes: Essentials

Congrats to ur_momm!

Everyone else, submit your looks and I might feature you on FabSugar!

Gap European Collection Tie-Neck Pintuck Top: Love It or Hate It?

FabSugar — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 08:30:33 -0700

Lately I've been pondering why girls wear tie-neck blouses because they're generally not flattering. This Gap Tie-Neck Pintuck Top, $88, from the limited-edition European collection, backs up my theory. It looks too matronly and does nothing for a gal's figure. What's your take?

To post your selections go to the Love It or Hate It? group. And if you want to learn how to do a blog post click here.

Fab's 10 Fall Essentials: Aristocratic Plaid

FabSugar — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 14:00:22 -0700

Thanks to many of the Fall collections, what was once the symbol for grunge is now the sign of aristocracy. That doesn't mean you have to throw out your flannel shirt, but for Fall, invest in some prim and proper plaid. This Banana Republic Silk Tie-Neck Plaid Blouse ($79) is the perfect place to start.

Of course, I wouldn't want you to look too prissy; I recommend pairing your pretty plaid with black stovepipe jeans and funky booties. If you don't want to buy a new piece, try tucking your grungy plaid shirt into a high-waisted pencil skirt. How does that sound?

How Would You Wear It? Mischa Barton

FabSugar — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 14:26:42 -0800

Who is this matron and what has she done with the sassy Mischa Barton? I've always known that Mischa is capable of making fashion faux pas, but this is pure insanity! At the Closing the Ring UK premiere, it appears the actress is having an identity crisis.

The only thing I applaud Mischa for are her studded, Louboutin Mary Janes. Other than that, I'd save the bow-tie blouse for a luncheon and the poofy black-taffeta skirt for a Halloween costume. She should have simply chosen a more age-appropriate dress. Perhaps she can take some pointers from her former O.C. co-star Rachel Bilson.

How would you wear it?

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Fab Flash: Retailers Dish on What Sells in Tough Economy

FabSugar — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 12:30:00 -0700

Despite retailers desperate attempts at special promotions and sales, consumers are still gripping their purse strings, tightly. "Specialty retailers have been pulling out their entire bag of tricks in the desperate hope of convincing the reticent shopper to spend,” said Catherine Sadler, president of marketing firm Catherine Sadler Group. “But, as we all know by now, it hasn’t worked." With their failed attempts, retailers are now trying out a different strategy by looking for what customers want in this tough economy.

Sadler notes that new items with standout qualities such as J. Crew's high-end line at affordable prices and Anne Taylor's smart move in creating washable clothes will be retailers only hope. According to retail reports, customers want classic items with a twist such as Banana Republic's Tie-Neck Black Dress ($175), Lacoste’s Long Sleeve V-neck Sweater Dress ($165), and Tory Burch's Purple Crinkle Chiffon Blouse ($295) seen above - all of which were reported as current best-sellers.

To find out what sells, read more.

Versatile pieces that transition from office to evening
Seasonless fabrics
Tops that can move from outfit to outfit
Newness and novelty items that surprises the customer
Solid price-value relationships

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Sneak Peek! Elizabeth and James Fall '08 Collection

FabSugar — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 15:00:22 -0700

There are only a few things that can make me literally drop everything I'm doing and one of them is anything Olsen related. So that's your cue - stop everything you're doing because Elizabeth and James's Fall '08 collection photos have arrived! Seeing as how you all loved our Elizabeth and James Spring giveaway, we thought you'd appreciate these.

As with any project that Mary-Kate and Ashley undertake, their newest line is a fusion of gritty and girlie. Just what the Olsens ordered. Draped dresses are paired with sheer tights, menswear suits are prettied with tie-neck blouses, and tulip skirts are toughened up with black tees. The theme this time around is rock 'n' roll. Old-school vinyl records, guitar cases, and recording studios set the tone. Rock on sistas, rock on.

To see more photos of the Elizabeth and James Fall '08 collection, read more.

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LA Fashion Week, Spring 2008: Petro Zillia

FabSugar — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 16:00:22 -0700

Paris Hilton is an avid Petro Zillia fan - in fact, upon her exit from jail, she wore the brand's olive blazer. Judging from this collection of flirty and fun dresses, it's clear the feeling is mutual for Petro Zillia designer Nony Tochterman; I can for sure see the star sporting these frocks.

Color and silky fabrics were omnipresent. As with any feminine collection, ruffles and tiers were abundant. Frocks were one-shouldered, v-neck, tube top and halter. High-waisted silk shorts were paired with sheer tie-neck blouses.

The key motif of this Spring collection was sheerness - it would take a confident woman, ie. Paris, to rock this with ease.

To see the rest of Petro Zillia's Spring 2008 collection and a special guest who was in attendance at the show, read more

View 20 Photos ›

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New York Fashion Week, Spring 2008: Rachel Comey

FabSugar — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 12:00:12 -0700

You know how there's this male fantasy about a buttoned up but secretly sexy librarian? Rachel Comey's Spring collection was a hodge-podge of sassy primped up looks.

It took place in a rec center gym where you could literally smell the dust. But the live surfer tune band and comprehensive collection made up for the musk. Offering separates from flirty skirts, tie neck blouses, high waisted capris to completely cute cut out dresses - there was something for everyone. The retro prints of floral and art mixed things up, and the palette was sometimes rich, sometimes muted. Lightweight knits made a cameo, as well as sporty T-backs, supplying edge to the good girl vibe. Rachel topped off her sexy librarians with thick-rimmed specs and crimped side dos. Silence please!

To see lots more from Rachel, read more

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New York Fashion Week, Fall 2007: 3.1 Phillip Lim

FabSugar — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 15:23:33 -0800

What began as a somewhat drab, menswear inspired collection, 3.1 Phillip Lim had me smiling by the end of the show. What looked like extras out of Gangs of New York, models donned loose fitting trousers, shorts, tie neck blouses, and plaids. Neutrals, greys and blacks told a very downtown story. Bow ties, suspenders and fingerless gloves added a dose of poor boy chic.

Enter the feminine Phillip Lim girls in chili pepper and turquoise frocks, worn underneath expertly tailored double breasted coats. Loose layers and sheer fabrics penetrate the earlier masculine air. Two black leather jackets shine - one in soft buttery leather, one in patent leather. An optical red dot print emerges, almost out of nowhere, and brings a graphic element into the mix. Perhaps the most impressive part about this collection is these pieces will be half the price of the other designers' pieces we're seeing - something to look forward to.

You all voted for Lim as the FabSugar Designer of 2006 - Will he maintain his reign?

To see all my coverage from New York Fashion Week Fall 2007 click here.

To view the entire collection, read more

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