Lust or Must? Barney's Leather Jacket

Barney's Original Leather Jacket, ASOS, $126 (orig. $295)

I instantly fell in love with this jacket the moment I laid eyes on it. I had been lusting over an LC Lauren Conrad biker jacket last year during our 365 days of not shopping but gave up the dream when A) it was sold out by the time I could shop & B) I realized it wasn't actually leather.

This jacket really is everything I could ever hope for in a leather coat. It oozes street chic and uptown glam all at the same time, and it can be worn day or night. The price is also delectable. I actually don't have any hesitations about it, except I wonder if I am blinded by how cute it looks on the girl above?

Thoughts?

poll by twiigs.com

Love, A

My New Boyfriend, Jeffery Campbell

Thanks to the oh-so-lovely and uber stylish Pretty Shiny Sparkly, I have a new-found obsession: Jeffery Campbell. Specifiaclly, the JC Studded Tick Wedge. PSS paired it with a marvy outfit, which is where my love for these studded beauties was first sparked. Check out her look (and her adorable blog) here.

PSS is also in very good company. Two of our other favorite bloggers, Emily from Cupcakes and Cashmere and Niki from A Haute Mess have also vetted these show-stoppers. But how to choose? I have narrowed it down to three, pictured below.

JC Tick Wedges: Nude leather with silver studs, Black leather with silver studs, Natural burlap with bronze studs all from Karmaloop

I am so excited by my new obsession that I am filled with questions! Now that we are shopping wisely, I want to be smart about this purchase, which leads me to the peep-toe-or-no-peep-toe debate. For the no-peep, I have chosen these...(I guess I kind of fibbed when I said above that I had narrowed it down to three!)

The 5 W's - CC Skye Cuff

Who:A

What:CC Skye Braided Cuff

Where:www.gilt.com

When:June, 2010

Why:Because I am obsessed with CC Skye and have been coveting a cuff from her for quite some time. It is the perfect accessory, works for day or night. Today I am pairing it with a simple J. Crew silk blouse in cobalt (my fave color) and Kenneth Jay Lane Bamboo earrings (oops! they are hidden by my hair - check them out here). I also wore this cuff to my brother's wedding with the dreamy Tibi one-shouldered hot pink dress that I bought in NYC. So versatile! And the fact that I ordered it on Gilt for 5o bucks didn't hurt either.

Love, A

P.S. I am very sad to report that the price is back up on this cuff ($110 at Harmony Lane) but thebudgetbabe.com did a "Look for Less" segment showing a less pricier Charlotte Russe version in silver. Me likey!

The Coach Confessional

My mom just called me with her latest shopping confession. Due to the heightened excitement in her voice, I had braced myself to hear about a purchase that would be totally off the wall, like a cashmere Snuggie or something (which actually might not have been a bad thing...Snuggie, are you listening?). I breathed a sigh of relief when she said that her new purchases were from the recently opened Coach store in her neighborhood. Fearing that she had committed some kind of cardinal sin (or at least a Fashion Rehab faux pas), she called for advice. She bought a wallet and a change purse, but it wasn't in black or brown, or even the Coach signature print, it was in lilac! What did I think? Well, I thought it was awesome! What a perfect way to add splash to your accessories collection!

Kristin Leather Wallet, $238 and Poppy Signature Wristlet, $48, both Coach

By choosing colorful prints for your "behind the scenes" items you will get so much wear out of them.

Links à la Mode

Have we mentioned lately how much we love the people over at Independent Fashion Bloggers? Here is another fabulous collection of posts (us included, of course) by some of the best in online fashion. Be sure to check out Christian Siriano's latest shoe collection as told by The Curvy Fashionista, and learn how to turn a basic black tank into an of-the-moment lace masterpiece courtesy of Bachman's Sparrow.

More than a Fashion Blogger

Edited by: Marie Denee of The Curvy Fashionista

Whatever your thoughts are about fashion bloggers, this week's links a'la mode reads were quite evocative. Hardly does an article leave me questioning my own thoughts or ideals, especially when talking fashion. I may be moved to buy, but deeper? (sans any type of societal injustice) These bloggers brought more to the table, as Vogue Gone Rogue did with her declaration of the coexistence of feminism and fashion. Yet, I was proud to be an entrepreneur after glimpsing into the world of a bridal consultants leap into fashion design.In a world where a new fashion blog is born everyday and everyone is a critic. Confessions of a Fashion Editor interviews an outspoken blogger critic while Guacamole & Toast ponders if we should even care what others say. Whether you read because of the pretty pictures, fun reads, or fashion tips, know your authors are more than fashion bloggers.

• 365 Fashion Rehab- The Cost/Quality Conundrum. Three tops in three different price ranges: How do you really know if the quality of a garment matches its price tag?
• A La Modest- Thrifting Down the Mainstream: "With this new wave rave for vintage, even Goodwill is raising their prices because the more affluent kids are ransacking their racks for one-of-a-kind retro rompers and sixties sandals."
• Bachmans Sparrow- Transform your basic tanks into beautiful, statement pieces with just a little lace. Check it out in my easy DIY tutorial!
• Bobbins And Bombshells: Who's That Behind Those Foster Grants? Part fashion history part give away!
• Confessions of a Fashion Editor- Nati Hell, of 'Fashion Bloggers Why?!' Answers Back
• Cuffington- The Tale of the Tape- A chance encounter with an old handmade mix tape cover (crafted nine years ago from a page torn from an issue of W) takes me back to the very moment when I truly became interested in fashion, and what fashion was capable of.

The 5 W's - Joe Fresh Cat-Eye Sunglasses

Who:P

What:Cat-eye shades

Where:Joe Fresh

Why: Well, first of all, I promised you last week I would share one of my shopping craving purchases. And I had been wanting a new pair of sunglasses since we were in NYC. I will freely admit that I had a bit of accessory envy when A snagged that great pair of DVF's. Also, being so fair skinned, I find I need sunglasses with super dark lenses, otherwise I squint. All that being said, I already have a few pairs of sunglasses, though all of them seem to be flawed in some way (remember A's vid Sunglasses Showdown?). Nonetheless, I paid a lot of money for those shades and just could not justify buying another designer pair with a hefty price-tag (

I had found a gorgey pair of Ray Bans in NYC, but wasn't ready to drop the dollars, even though they are quite reasonable, relatively speaking)

. Thank god for Joe Fresh! Plus, not only did I scoop the very last pair, all their sunglasses are 50% off for the month on July.

So, hop to it! At a mere $10.07 (with tax), with dark lenses and an echo of the of-the-moment cat-eye look, these babies are just right!

What's Your Fave?

When I feel at a loss for inspiration, be it planning an outfit for an event or just getting dressed in the morning, I like to think of my favorite stylish cinema characters to give me a creativity boost.

Waaaaaaay back in June of last year (just a few weeks into our year of going without), A posted a top ten list of of her favorite fashion movies of all time - check it out here. Now it's your turn. It was hard to nail it down, but below you'll find seven choices for you to choose from.

So, cast your vote. I cannot wait to see the results!

The iconic Bonnie a.k.a. Faye Dunaway from Bonnie & Clyde - how great is this look?

poll by twiigs.com

Love, P

Fab Florals - One For Every Fashionista!

When shopping for trendy items it often can be hard to tell if you are buying something for the right reasons. While perusing the racks we should be asking ourselves if a trend suits our lifestyle/body type/pocketbook/age, but more often than not we take the plunge and make the purchase sans any meaningful consideration. We figure if Rihanna is sporting it in the latest issue of US Weekly, then why shouldn't we do the same? Many fashion faux pas have been made by following the aforementioned Rihanna method, but that is not to say that buying trendy pieces has to be a bad thing! I believe it is about finding the subtle version of what is hot at the moment, something that is the essence of a fad, not its entirety.

Florals are definitely a big hit this season but they are not a print that fits easily into everybody's lifestyle. I thought it would be a swell idea to match four different floral pieces to four different reader profiles: the creative consultant, the stay at home mom, the modern professional, and the money-is-no-object lady of leisure (I know she is out there somewhere!). Which style satisfies your floral fixation?

Forever 21 Cropped Floral Cardi, $19.80
Creative Consultant: Pair it with a black sheath and flats, or a lightweight tank and pleated shorts, and you will be sure to turn heads.

Lust or Must? Birkenstock T-Strap Sandal

Birkenstock Sandals $69.99 at Amazon

I bet you'd never thought you'd see the word "Birkenstock" on a fashion site.Well, guess what? Me neither. But I have friends who absolutely swear by these, dare I say, cute t-strappers. My haviannas are almost worn through and are leaving my comfy summer shoe department a little barren.

After our amazing trip to NYC, where the lovely Miss A and I walked 37 blocks in a single day, I found myself practically dreaming of these.

Thoughts?

Love, P

poll by twiigs.com

Lust or Must? Topshop Rain Cape

Topshop Clear Plastic Cape, $110

I am not sure what the weather is doing where you are, but here on the East Coast (I am on mini vacay with the fam) it is pouring. Besides lots of anti-frizz hair products, what else does one need when it is both humid and raining? Well, a stylish raincoat of course! This one from Topshop is super cute, has a hood, and its "cape shape" protects you (and your handbag) from those pesky summer showers.

So what do you think? Lust or must?

Love, A

poll by twiigs.com

The After-Effects of Fashion Rehab - Part 1

I have been taking some time lately to think about the crazy, nuts, bananas project that was 365 Fashion Rehab - The Year We Didn't Shop a.k.a Our First Year. Fitting really, since today marks exactly two months since A and I raised our glasses, toasting our success.

Since we finished our year of "going without", I am constantly surprised at how genuinely shocked people are that we actually did it. Even more than that, they are shocked that we would even attempt such a thing! Now that we are done though, I can't really believe we did it either. I was there. I was one of the people doing it. But I find it hard to believe that I, Perdy Andrews, lover of fashion and owner of a closet that is actually a room, after many, many years of shopping with my BFF, my big sis and The Mater, gave it up for an entire year.

A photo from before the project, simply titled "Pre-Fashion Rehab P"

Yep. I did it, but I still can't quite believe it.

So I started to try to pinpoint the ways in which I have changed in the hopes that that might help me to acknowledge the reality that I actually am a survivor of Fashion Rehab...

Lookbook #3 - Boyfriend Blazer 4 Ways

I did it! After ten whole months of pining for a boyfriend blazer, I finally went out and bought one. I had lusted over a black one from the Gap since last September, but of course it had long been oversold by the time I was released from the grips of Fashion Rehab. I ended up finding this amazingly lightweight and versatile Mike and Chris fleece blazer at Dress in San Francisco. Unfortunately it was the last one, but for a similar look check out this one by Lucky. Here are 4 ways my new blazer is being put to good use!

Look #1 "Sunday in Savannah" (inspired by my recent post about fall trends, from the neutral look by Preen), H&M long-sleeve white top, Juicy Couture white jeans (no longer available, try these Levi's
instead), Colcci shoes (also no longer avail, try these ones by Ash)

The Cost/Quality Conundrum

Since finishing Fashion Rehab I have been making more conscientious decisions when it comes to adding pieces to my wardrobe. Although I still love to buy things on sale, I am definitely not just buying for the sake of buying. Did I recently acquire an amazing CC Skye cuff from Gilt the other day at half-off? Yes, I did, but I have wanted one for quite some time and it was a nice way to round off my accessory collection. It is timeless.

You may find this odd, but the biggest buying conundrum I have faced since Fashion Rehab ended is actually in the t-shirt department. How can you really tell if one is going to last? A few weeks ago I bought an inexpensive striped t-shirt from H&M, not because it was trendy, but just because I REALLY liked it and stripes are so classic. My first choice was one from Rachel Pally but it was well over a $100 and I just couldn't bring myself to buy it. Unfortunately the H&M one now has a hole in it. You might have seen this coming, but truthfully I do own some pieces from H&M and other modest retailers that have lasted for years.

Windsor striped top, $15, Madewell top, $48,Rachel Pally striped top, $158

Which one is the best deal?

So you are probably wondering why I didn't buy more of an averaged priced t-shirt? Like one for $30? Or $50?

Links à la Mode

Once again we have been chosen to be featured in IFB's "Links à la Mode" and we couldn't be happier! Check out all of the other featured bloggers below and be sure to click on the links to their sites, too! Share the love!

Questions, questions

Edited by: Jennine Jacob, IFB

They say the only dumb question is one you don't ask, and these days the questions keep coming and the answers? Well, we try. In the fashion world... Lady Gaga, is she really doing it for the girls? What does working with Terry Richardson do for/against her cred? Should we question the ethnic headdress trend? Has fashion blogging become overloaded and narcissistic? What's the real price of our clothing? And more importantly what should we wear to a movie date!?! Oh man, the questions they keep coming. Luckily this week's roundup has some answers.

Links à la Mode: July 8

• 365 Fashion Rehab: Nautical Stripe Shorts 4 Ways
• Denimaniac: Paris Fashion Week SS11 Denim Looks
• Fashion Butter: Beach wear, street wear
• Fashion Cents: What to wear to a movie date.
• Fashionista Lab: Traveling light: Plan ahead
• Fete a Fete: Nars Summer 2010 Colors
• Hello Beauty! Urban Decay Summer of Love set offers a palette that's all about gorgeous sparkle and a vibrant pop of purple
• Holier than Now: The New Hipster Headdress - fun fashion or not-funny appropriation?
• I'm the It Girl: Master Control: Q&A with Design + Conquer
• I like socks: The price that we are willing and able to pay for our clothing.
• Oranges and Apples: My fiancee made me a dress! Lots of pictures and some thoughts on gender divisions in the crafting world.
• Rocker Repro: Lady GaGa: Yeah, but what is she doing for her female fans?
• Rah! Rah! Style Revolt: Information Overload: 2010 & The Blogging Revolution
• Retro Chick: Love yourself, Love others, Love Vintage Challenge
• Return to Sender: Losing some weight! (but not from where you'd think)
• Shrimp Salad Circus: Greta Pollman handmade feature and giveaway
• The Coveted: American Living Preview
• The Fish Tank: Gothic, grunge Jewelry
• The Thrify Poet: Is fashion blogging narcissistic?
• Wicked Whimsy: Fashion & Accessibility

Love, A&P

Lust or Must - Armani Exchange bikini

Armani Exchange bikini $86

As I mentioned yesterday, with the sweltering heat, there's not much to think about that doesn't include water. Drinking it, showering in it, swimming in it. It has been quite some time since I bought a new bathing suit (definitely over a year!), but the one I have is still in good shape so I keep telling myself to wait till next summer.

But then I saw this one. I love how colorful it is and the bandeau top is my style of choice to prevent pesky tan lines.

What do you think?

Love, P

poll by twiigs.com

Toasty Temperature Top Five

Fall may be just around the corner (gasp!), but my current meteorological status is scorching! With humidex values well into the 40's (over 100 Fahrenheit), I have been spending most of my time strategizing about how to stay cool.

Here are my top five favorite ways to keep cool when it's this hot!

1. Wear as little makeup as possible - The warm air will give you a natural flush and a great by-product of steamy temps is what I like to refer to as a "dewy" complexion.

My Fashion Prescription For Fall

I haven't been shopping in quite some time. I stocked up on what I would call necessities immediately following our victorious completion of Fashion Rehab, but have been pretty mellow with my spending ever since. Now that we are smack dab in the middle of the summer season I feel like it would be almost senseless to buy anything with a short sleeve or a cropped leg when fall is just around the corner.

Since missing out on the fall collections last year I have to say that I am extremely excited for what is to come. I don't want to rush into anything though. I would like to sort out my likes and dislikes way in advance so I am not wandering aimlessly through the stores unable to decide if something is hip or heinous.

Here is a sampling of my favorite picks thus far:

The camel coat (Chloe), I just love love love. Purple is still big this year and I am so into this dress by Bottega Veneta. Also this little Dolce and Gabanna number embodies both the lingerie and lace trends that seem to be everywhere. I love the femininity (jury is still out on the knee socks but I know they are uber popular) of this look. All designs are from the Fall 2010 collections.

And still going strong? Thigh-high boots and neutrals.

Independence Day - I Heart Accessories

Just in time - ooops, okay, almost in time for the 4th of July, we here at 365 FR are really excited to share with you another new feature: Independence Day where we highlight independent boutique owners and designers that we think you must know about ASAP (if you don't already!),

We are super stoked that the first one in our series is the lovely and fashionable Natalie C from I Heart Accessories. You drooled over her prizes during the No Shop Challenge, now hear about what she has to say on everything from Betsey to Jackie to Zooey!

365 FR: What inspired you to start your business?

NC: I always knew I would be self-employed one day, I just wasn't sure when, or how. I was flipping channels one night and this documentary about Betsey Johnson was on. My eyes and ears were glued to her story as it went through her life as a performer, an artist and a successful fashion designer. She started her business with artistic vision and passion and continues to love what she does. I instantly felt like I was cheating myself by doing what I thought I should be doing, and not what I wanted to be doing. That's when the wheels started turning.

365 FR: Who's style, past or present, do you most admire?

Lust or Must? Michael Kors Watch

Micheal Kors Gold Runway With Glitz Watch, $210

I haven't worn a watch in what seems like years. I have been lusting over this "fashion" watch from Michael Kors for quite some time and am just not sure if it is worth the splurge. Does anyone own one? Should I save up for a watch from a more notable source (Raymond Weil, par example) or is a watch, is a watch, is a watch?

Thoughts?

poll by twiigs.com

Love, A

A Steal Worth Starving For

A few weeks ago, I was feeling a little down and kinda without purpose (read about it in The Mourning After). So, I did what any self-respecting, recently sprung Fashion Rehab survivor would do: I went shopping. In fairness, it started out as a grocery mission, but I was feeling so blah, that I decided to pop into a few stores that were in the mall where the supermarket was. I wandered listlessly, hoping the window shopping would cure whatever it was that was ailing me. I browsed and browsed and browsed.

And then I found the most amazing pair of Diane von Furstenberg gold sandals at Winners.

They were a total steal, but still stretched my budget to the absolute limit. So, you know what I did?