Excuse Me, but You Dropped a Little Bit of Fabulous on your Bib
They're big, bold, and soon you're going to want one. Behold my newest obsession:
BIB NECKLACES- They're back and better than ever. Believe it.
I was turned onto bib necklaces by a local jeweler named Shane (Seashell Fingernails Jewelry). Check out the middle picture below to see how he styled a Native American bib neckpiece.
I found out that Cartier is using the bib in a very different way than Mr. Seashell Fingernails, and it’s just as kick ass.
Personally, I would use Bib necklaces as a statement piece, so chill out on using a lot of other accessories. You'd only really need a ring or a bracelet-- definitely stay away from large earrings. We can't all be Anastasia, can we? Babies wear bibs to protect their clothes from Gerber. Fashionable adults wear bibs to make their outfits.
I'm out looking for my bib as you read this. Care to join me?
Here at Annie Creamcheese Georgetown I have noticed a trend rising among the racks of vintage… Shorter is better. Some days I would find myself saying, “This would be so cute if there were only 12 inches less of the bottom.” or “I love this Metallica shirt, but it’s an XXL, how on earth would I ever be able to wear it?” or “This is a sweet silk 80’s blouse but the shoulder pads made me look like a quarterback.” In the last few months I have found that all of these complex questions I was asking myself could be solved with one simple solution…Taking the scissors to it. If you don’t like shoulder pads, don’t be afraid to let them go. Most times they have nothing to do with the structure of the garment, they were just put there to make you look powerful, and that façade associated with them was rightfully left in the 80’s. Band tee’s on the other hand are true gems, and like all vintage clothing, the older they are the harder they are to find in wearable condition. That’s why when I found a Metallica “ride the ride the lightning” shirt I thought I had died and gone to heaven. Not only was it my favorite Metallica album ever but the shirt was printed in 1994 and looked like it had never been worn. So what did I do with my newly acquired queen sized tee you ask? Turned it in to a dress of course! With a little snip snip of the sleeves and some around the collar I had myself a bonafide Metallica dress, one of a kind! When it came to shortening those dresses though I knew I was going to have to reach out and find some help. Not to say that I’ve never worn a dress where I just cut the hem myself, but that frayed edge is not cute and frankly just not ladylike. So without knowing how to sew and not having my own seamstress I called Annie for help. She told me to pack a large box to the brim with 50’s 60’s 70’s & 80’s dresses and ship it to her in Vegas. So that was done and sure enough a month later in the mail that large box came back and was filled with amazingly adorable shortened dresses, all the perfect length in all sizes shapes and colors. It was like Christmas here in the store and it has been ever since, because now every month we get in a new box filled with awesome shortened dresses, ready to wear. It’s what Annie Creamcheese is about modernizing old vintage clothing to make it fresh to the eye so that you can set a trend of your own. So grab a pair of scissors, and define your own originality!
When I arrived at work last Friday, I noticed something different about the store layout. The back wall of the Georgetown boutique, which houses our shoe collection, had been completely transformed. The bright heels and strappy sandals that typically line the shelves were overshadowed by an extensive collection of boots in every size and variety—slouchy, riding, and yes-- even cowgirl! I quickly found some in my size and began trying them on. But about halfway through the third fitting (a gorgeous pair by Frye), I stopped. After all, isn’t it only mid July? Sadly, I realized I would have to wait 2 or 3 more months before I could enjoy these fabulous boots.
The next day, as I surfed the web for new and refreshing trends I started noticing something—boots, everywhere! I must have been too wrapped up in the sandal craze to realize how great boots look with short summer dresses! Turn your simple summer dress into a fashion-forward look, simply by trading your gladiators for boots.
What’s best about this trend? The boots you buy now will transition seamlessly into the fall and winter seasons, talk about a great investment piece! So don’t wait to get that pair of boots you’ve been drooling over—I know I’m not!
With the scandalously hot rays of summer upon us, it's time to make sure that all of your bases are uncovered ;) With bronzed spray tans, and blown-out hair, there's no excuse for letting the casual look of the season appear anything less than chick. If vegging poolside under a cabana sounds more appealing than slumming through department store sale racks, then check out some of these fantastic finds that will leave you with plenty of cash for martinis (assuming there isn't a hot pool boy nearby to buy your cocktails.) Websites like www.anniecreamcheese.com, www.bluefly.comand www.overstock.com offer huge savings on everything you need from Marc Jacobs beach towels, Manoush maxi-dresses, and Carlos Falchi snakeskin bags. Hell, some of my favorites were scored at 60% off and one click of the button!
I've never been a fan of studying history. Although I appreciate where the events of the past have brought us today, I'm much more interested in what's next. That is, until I began relating the subject of history to fashion.
The Ray-Ban "Wayfarer" is arguably the most iconic style of sunglasses to date. Its 1952 debut marked a revolutionary deviation from metal frames. Despite an instant gain in popularity from a cameo in the 1961 classic, "Breakfast at Tiffany's", their popularity faded in the 1970's. In 1981, with only 18,000 pairs sold that year, the "Wayfarer" was about to be discontinued. It was only when a deal with "Unique Product Placement" was signed that the style was saved. Through the $50,000 a year contract, the Ray-Ban classic reached a broader demographic and new generation through television and movies. Another brief decline in sales brought about the product's' 2001 redesign. The smaller and less angular frames were the start of a revitalization in 2007 and 2008 that included folding, colorized, and two-tone styles. Young Hollywood was quick to grasp the trend.
My initial relationship with Ray-Ban's "Wayfarer" began on St. Patrick's Day 2007 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. There I sat, un-amused, propped up at the local "watering hole" amidst green beer and a sea of mindless idiots. With rum and coke as my only consolation for the present debauchery, I remained committed to the cause. After looking around for a potential owner, I picked up the forgotten pair of sunglasses that lay beside me. "Humph" I muttered. They were no Gucci’s, that was for sure. However, given the state of my financial status, leaving them behind seemed like a grave mistake. Over time the simple, classic, black shades grew on me. It was only then that I deemed them fitting to be taken out on outings. Now I'm anxiously awaiting a new pair of two-tone black and clear "Wayfarers".
Luxury is often associated with high ticket purchases reserved for those rare (and sometimes guilt-ridden) moments of self-reward. Christian Louboutin heels, Fendi's "Spy" bag, and Herve Leger bandage dresses are all items that we associate with "the good life". While I agree that each of those are worth the wait, I advocate a little taste of luxury each and every day. Living well is about finding that piece of happiness, however small and simple, and savoring it. After all, god is in the details of life. Whether it's finding time to meditate and reflect, dining at a fantastic restaurant, or keeping fresh flowers at your bedside, indulge in a bit of luxury. Those few extra dollars will enhance the beauty of life amidst the busy and mundane. Here are a handful of simple pleasures that I love, but share yours with me! I'm dying to know what luxury means to you.
- Blueberry-pomegranate soy lattes from "The Coffee Bean" - $5.50
- A fresh bouquet of blood orange ranunculus - $45
- Louis Vuitton's iphone cover, a steal at - $250
- Chanel "Chance" and mid-night blue nail polish - $23
- Deep v-neck t-shirts from "American Apparel", my ABSOLUTE favorite tees - $22
- Mojitos with freshly muddled watermelon - $12
- Delicious pink grapefruits and smoked salmon/spinach omelettes - $25
- Comme des Garcons' alphabet silver leather pouch wallet - $135
- "From Heaven To Hell" by David LaChapelle, one of the most brilliant artists of our generation - $70
- Kate Spade "cherry blossom" stationary, $25 for a set of 10 cards
It's practically a limb, an extension of who you are. What does your bag say about you? Are you a sophisticated woman of buttery-rich, supple leather with polished hardware? . . . Or is your purse more of a throw-all sack for your basic needs, leftover receipts, mint wrappers, and broken pens? Face it, your purse is probably seen more than your coat or even shoes simply because it more frequently used! Many women select the wrong bag simply because they don't consider some of the factors that go into finding the right fit. Here are some tips to consider preventing your next selection from looking more like a tawdry tote that a classy clutch.
- Knockoffs, aside from being illegal, are an embarrassment. You're not fooling anyone but yourself.
- Avoid "bandwagon" trendy pieces such as tacky "Coach" bags emblazed with "C's". The only designer that uses a "C" worth a double-take is "Chanel."
- Better to have 1 quality bag than 5 that will fall apart. By investing a little more into your purchase, the shape, stitching, and hardware will maintain their appeal much longer. A great bag will last a couple of years as opposed to a cheap one that may get you through 1 season.
- Color is crucial. Gravitate towards neutrals such as gray, nude, cream and black. If possible, choose a textured fabric or patent leather as they will not show wear-and-tear as easily.
- So you're practical? Great! . . . Practical doesn't have to be frumpy. Were you really excited by your "Liz Claiborne" or "Fossil" purse? We aren't either.
- Most importantly, consider the occasion. An oversized messenger style is not appropriate for evening, nor is a gold sequined clutch fitting for a Sunday brunch. Don't get lazy ladies - switch them out!
Bewildered glances and long stares seem to follow me everywhere I go, but I never mind. I know that my style isn't for everyone and that the margin of people that will "get it" is slim. After all, I'm not trying to blend in. Style is personal and largely subjective - equal parts confidence, risk, and applied principles. While not every trend in fashion should be adopted, an open mind towards new proportions, silhouettes, textures, and colors will keep your look fresh and relevant. If it's been a while since somebody asked you where you purchased your dress or gave you an approving glance, it's time to rethink and refresh.
Even the most stylish fashionista can develop certain habits and become too comfortable. We often limit our options with self-imposed "rules" - "I don't do hats" or "Orange? I'd never wear orange." Maybe you just aren't reaching for the RIGHT hat or selecting an orange that flatters. For me personally, this Spring has been all about challenging myself to try and adopt the unfamiliar. My look is typically "rocker runway" as I like to call it. Although it's edgy and daring, it is sometimes too predictable. Now I'm trading in the dark and severe for amazing pastels (think pale pinks, butter yellows, and Tiffany blues) and neutrals such as soft grays, nudes, and wheats. I drew a lot of inspiration from the Spring/Summer '09 Burberry Ads. Newsboy hats, bow ties, and canvas totes by Marc Jacobs have become staples for the reinvented me.
A pair of Christian Louboutin patent leather peep toe pumps will polish off this new look. Branch out this season. Maybe you just need to give a jumpsuit a try. I love this black sequin jumper by YSL. Experiment with a fantastic gladiator sandal. Or maybe what you need is a new direction entirely! No matter what you choose to wear, wear it with confidence! After all, confidence is the sexiest thing that you could ever dress yourself with!
Annie Creamcheese loves branching out, but staying true to one's personal style
By: Anthony David, Las Vegas Sales Associate/Visual Merchandiser
