Style By Numbers » Shop International

Accessorize Me Outfit No. 1

laurendare — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 10:26:45 +0000

♥ Circle Statement Necklace: Courtesy of Accessorize ♥ Blue Dress as Tunic: Tesco ♥ Black Cardigan: Dunnes ♥ Jeans: Wallace ♥ Boots: Jones ♥ Orange Resin Bangle: Aldo ♥

The first piece I had to test out from my Accessorize gift box was the amazing circle statement necklace. Holy cow this necklace is a show stopper. I’ve been wanting to buy a necklace like this for a while, but indecision plagues me all the time. This one is prefect and can easily dress up the simplest outfits. I pulled this together for a day at the office followed by a casual Christmas party. I thought the jewel tone blue dress brought out the orange and golds. You may remember the dress from here, I rolled it up at the waist to turn it into a shorter tunic over my now ubiquitous jeggings and really let the necklace be the centre of attention. Oh yeah, how do you like my new fringe?

Christmas Came Early (thanks Accessorize)

laurendare — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 20:50:27 +0000

Twas the week before Christmas

And all through the house

Every creature was stirring

Frantically clicking a mouse

No stockings were hung by the chimney with care

Simply because no chimney was there

While I longed to be tucked all snug in my bed

Loads of work was to be done instead

Just when I thought my Christmas spirit was zapped

I received a cute package that was even gift wrapped

I’d been asked a while ago through my blog chatter

To try out some products to see what would flatter

When the huge box arrived I was beaming with pride

Excited to see the treasures found inside

Squeals of delight were to be heard all around

Because the shiny, pretty things sure did astound

So I must extend thanks to the kind folks at Accessorize

For sending so many lovely things that certainly did surprise!

Last week, as you may have figured out, I received a rather large package from Accessorize. When they asked me if I’d like to sample some products last month, I kind of assumed I’d just get a hair clip and coin purse. But what I got was a treasure chest of goodies from one of my favourite shops that will certainly challenge Santa for awesomeness. Inside my rather large parcel, I found two big gift boxes with lots of goodies wrapped up in bright tissue paper. The folks at Accessorize must have gone to a lot of effort to prepare these blogger gifts, so thank you thank you thank you!

Now, before I show you what’s inside. I have to say a little bit about Accessorize (and no, none of this is prompted or sponsored). I really love this store (and the clothing version, Monsoon). When I first came across the pond in 2003, I fell in love and really missed it when I returned to the States. There really is no equivalent of quality, trendy, well priced accessories. Seriously, what else is there in the US? Claire’s? That place has nothing in Accessorize. Now that I’m back in Ireland, it is my first stop when I need a little pick me up (charm necklaces are cheaper than lunch) or something unique for a wedding (by far the most extensive collection of pretty clutches).

So here’s what I got!

Well American gals, your long winter is over. Accessorize is coming state side with some fab pieces from the SS10 collection to brighten you up. The range of collections is great, so there’s bound to be something for everyone and every occasion–from the city to the beach and everywhere in between. You can order all this and more from Accessorize.com

And of course I’ll be wearing a lot of the loot in the next few days!

Boston's Best Threads

laurendare — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 20:39:36 +0000

Stylish lady, Jessica from WhatIWore, recently asked the internet for Boston shopping trips. Having spean the best part of the past 8 years in Beantown, here’s my tips. Sadly, I’ve left for greener pastures, but totally intend on crossing the globe to check out these shops again!

Poor Little Rich Girl: Originally based in Somerville and now open on Newbury Street. PLRG is a consignment stalwart. I’ve found so many great things there from vintage to contemporary overstock (you though it was cheap at Forever 21-wait til PLRG get’s there hands on it). The best vintage is organised by decade, which is always fun to explore. (PLRG, Davis Square-Somerville)

Magpie: Just around the corner from PLRG is Magpie, a hip crafter’s paradise. With lots of shiny, lovely things you cannot possibly leave this store empty handed. If you do, you don’t have a heart. Check out the makeshift art gallery with loans from the Museum of Bad Art! (Magpie, Davis Square-Somerville)

Grand: Take the 87 bus from Davis Square to this funky little shop way off the beaten track. Grand has a gallery style set up with amazing wares for your house. Our favorite finds include squirrel dish towels and bright orange prison plates. Grand frequently host awesome events for patrons, so become their friends. (Grand, Union Square-Somerville)

Second Time Around: With several locations across Boston, you can’t miss Second Time Around. Great finds with typical consignment prices (some high, some steals). Most STAs are located in pretty swanky areas so you might just find a gem cast off from a Boston socialite. Check out the Newbury Street and Charles Street locations as you window shop, or the Harvard Square location as you head to the Charlies Kitchen for a brew. (Second Time Around & Charlies, Harvard Square-Cambridge)

Aldo: Yes, I know. You have Aldo in your town–but not this one. Check out the DTX (that’s Downtown Crossing to you) shop for ridiculous bargains on still-in-season shoes. Why the handbags and shoes are on sale here while full price at other Aldos, I don’t know. But a girl doesn’t ask questions when she can score the killer heals she’s been coveting for 50% off. Now, the store is not tidy or relaxing or fun. Don’t go at lunch or rush hour. Go in with a mission. Line up by the back door to get the right size. Don’t dawdle or ask questions. Get your gear. And be gone. (Aldo, Downtown Crossing-Boston)

Now, you have to eat and you’re probably on Newbury Street because, well, that’s what you do in Boston. You have two choices: expensive fancy pants food or awesome cheap food. If you’re me, you pick the latter. Check out The Other Side for amazing veggie burritos and other fine fares in a hipster’s paradise. Or Bukowski’s for a fab beer menu and $1.69 burgers before 8. No trip to Boston should be complete before a visit to Spikes. I had no idea hot dogs–or even veggie dogs–could ever be this good. Fresh baked buns, you choice of fixins and delightful junkyard motif.

A Friend of Vintage: Zac Posen's Fall 09 Collection

laurendare — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 19:45:03 +0000

Zac Posen delivered yet another fashion flashback with a nod to old-world glamour with unexpected fabrics and textures that stop you dead in your tracks. His Fall 2009 collection is as bold as ever, impeccably constructed, gliding over the body with his signature sultry silhouette and uncanny knowledge of the female form.

Posen’s collections regularly chronicle the history of fashion. For Fall 09 his collection is a mash-up of eccentric, shinny Victorian necklines and billowy feminine dresses—with high necked collars, ruffles, exaggerated shoulders and pouf sleeves, drop-waist dresses, crystal encrusted tights and swaths of fabric. His pallet is intense—metallic and densely packed calico florals—a far cry from his Shaker inspired Spring 08 collection. Fall 09 takes the almost too-literal (but gorgeous) Pre-Fall 09 collection—where the 1940’s come alive in jewel toned silks and pin-tucks—to a much more theatrical conclusion.

The collection is a bit overwhelming as a whole, and the final look modelled by Paz de la Huerta looks a bit like Belle from Beauty and the Beast.

Zac and Paz, a touch too Disney

Yet, there are some amazing pieces that keep my faith in the 28-year-old’s capabilities as a fantastic designer with a promising career.

The structured gold-leaf belt featured throughout the collection

High neck Victorian details meets modern tailoring

Stunning dress with perfect accessories

Perhaps too much look

Posen's talent is in fitting gowns that capture the essence the womanly form. Look at the flow of fabric along the floor and incredible detailing, sigh.

We can’t ignore his Pre-Fall Collection, a dream for any vintage lover. The post-depression era inspired collection make the thought of an economic downturn bearable if it will produce equally lovely style.

Canary yellow, fringe, fine tailoring and knock-out jewels

Lauren Bacall couldn't have worn it better.

All together, a bit too litteral. But knitwear and full skirts are staple pieces to seek out in every vintage shop.

I want to wear this now!

Slightly one-shouldered, a modern take on a classic silhouette

StyleByNumbers Tip: Emulate Posen’s Pre-Fall 09 look as much as possible. The subtle sexiness of decades gone make any woman look sophisticated, elegant and timeless

What Recession? Topshop to Open in NYC

laurendare — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 22:30:49 +0000

Topshop announces first US store. New York will welcome the beloved Brittish chain to Midtown in April.

When asked what differentiated Topshop from Target, the popular low-cost American retailer, Green couldn’t resist snapping back: “Fashion.”

Let the British invasion begin…

Topshop (with Topman) opens in New York 2nd April on Broadway in Soho.