Posted by Samara at 07:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

For the past few months I've been religiously following one brave girl's quest to get the most out of her wardrobe. If you haven't already stumbled across The Uniform Project, you've been missing out on an experiment that is more innovative than any challenge Tim Gunn and the Project Runway producers could ever dole out.

In short, The Uniform Project features one chick who proudly travels the road less fashionably traveled, by pledging to go one full year without a single change of a dress. Some fashionistas may consider her challenge pure insanity. I consider it pure genius.

We've all fallen in love with a certain article of clothing, flocking to it a few days or so a week, but committing to one single piece for an entire year? Now that's devotion.

Before you start wondering about how our Uniform Project guinea pig, Sheena Matheiken, manages to keep that dress from getting funky in a bad way, don't fret. Sheena's brilliant designer pal, Eliza Starbuck, created 7 versions of the same simple A-line dress (one for every day of the week) that can be worn both front and back or as an open tunic. Sheena is more than halfway there with over six months going strong since the birth of the Project in May of 2009, and she has the entire fashion world rooting for her, engrossed and captivated by her inspiring exercise in sustainable fashion.

Accessorizing her forever frock with colorful tights, layers, millinery, vests, footwear and envious bling, Sheena incorporates pieces that are mostly vintage finds a la Ebay, as well as hand-made, recycled or donated items from loyal Uniform Project devotees. Sheena is no stranger to making simple looks stand out, growing up in India where she flaunted her personal style as a teen day after day, making her school uniform something to be admired, imitated and envied, much like the Gossip Girls who decked out their Constance Billard prep school uniforms with headbands, multi-colored tights, jewels, designer baggage and other luxe accoutrements.

What's the ultimate goal? The Uniform Project will donate all contributions to a charity that is near and dear to Sheena's heart, the Akanksha Foundation’s School Project, that will help pay for uniforms and other educational expenses for underprivileged kids in India.

She's already up to $28,060 and still has a lot of looks left, so thank Sheena for her daring fashion exhibition by making a donation, or donate some of your old accessories or a new creation that might be featured in a daily ensemble.

One hundred and seventy-six days to go for the year of dressing dangerously.

Posted by Samara at 11:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

If you've been following Project Runway Season 6, you've probably noticed a few minor alterations.

The Runway crew has packed their bags moving from Bravo to Lifetime, shuffling from the east coast to the west coast. Although the show's format is pretty familiar for the most part - designers are given their challenge, designers sketch, designers shop for fabric at Mood, designers sew, models walk, judges evaluate what designers have sewn - there are still a few new patterns and missing threads. Regular Runway Judge, Michael Kors, seems to be M I A more often than not and a slew of guest celebrity judges (i.e. - Lindsay Lohan, Rachel Bilson, Milla Jovovich, Rebecca Romijn and Kerry Washington) keep cropping up to throw their two cents onto the catwalk.

One delicious new improvement comes in the form of a post-show cocktail with a half-hour look at the Models of Project Runway - the gals who rock the looks that our designers make work. Now we get to see that models have feelings too - we can watch them dish about their designers, fret before eliminations, cry after eliminations and revel in seeing them bare their model claws over double stick tape.

If you're a fan of all the model drama, cast your vote in the Models of the Runway Challenge so you can choose who walks the Project runway next season.

There's still a Wild Card slot open, I'm going for the model who looks like the biggest bitch in her profile.

Posted by Samara at 09:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

hey sammy how u doing? Im Christian from Lima Peru and here's my question. Please, need some help! Killers are coming november the 19th. Need a rockstar look so I can blow the mind of this girlfriend I adore. I was thinking about a slim fit hilfiger denim jean (indigo), a wide brown belt with a nice buckle and a plain v neck tee, short sleeve. I know its really simple but everlasting too. Sneakers? real slim and fit ones, no skater sh*t or something like that, maybe a pair of diesel sneakers or something like that. If it gets cold, im wearing a checked t shirt but OPEN, to show how cool it looks with a v neck tee.

Thanks!
Christian D.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Well look at that, Ask Sammy has gone international!

Hola Christian!

Gracias por su pregunta. I already know we're going to be great amigos because I'm a die hard Killers fan myself, so the least I can do is set you up with a Killer ensemble that Brandon Flowers himself would approve of. From your description above, it doesn't sound like you need much help from me, but I'll give you a few pieces to work with, just so it looks like I'm doing my job.

Here are some tips for a killer combination.

First thing's first, you've already got the slim fit jeans. Jeans are a concert staple, unless it's 100 degrees at an outdoor venue, then shorts would be your best call. Slim fitting jeans on a dude is very rockstar cool, just make sure they aren't too tight so your junk has enough room to shift and breathe.

The next concert staple is the perfect, super soft and comfy tee. American Apparel is always my first choice for basic tees like this Fine Jersey Short sleeve V Neck for only $19 bucks. Any color will do, but I'm partial to Asphalt, Navy and Slate.

When it comes to accessories, you don't want to show up at a Killers concert unarmed, so this Fallen Bullet Leather Belt from CCS Skateboards will do more than just hold up your super slim Hilfigers. As for cool kicks, these Diesel Pass on Sneakers from OnlineShoes.com are too good to pass on, and nothing like all that skater sh*it.

Hope this helps impress your girl! Have a killer time Christian, and if you want to buy me a T-shirt to thank me, I wear a Small.

xoxo,

sammy

Having a fashion dilemma or crisis?

Need to know what top goes with what bottom?

Don't go it alone. Ask Sammy!

Posted by Samara at 09:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Posted by Samara at 10:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Kitty needs a new coat.

I am desperate to buy this chic Leopard Print Faux Fur Coat from Topshop...because even though I'm dirt poor, I still can't change my reckless spending spots.

If I win the Lotto, coat shall be mine.

If I do not win the lotto, I'll have to make do running around town in this chic Leopard Mask for $18. It's very Holly Golightly à la Breakfast at Tiffany's, is it not?

"Cat! Cat! Oh, Cat..."

p.s. The cat scratch on the bottom left is me playing with my mouse and Paint Shop.

Posted by Samara at 12:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I'm shopping for a new bag.

No offense old bags. You've put in your time and I appreciate your service, but once your inner lining gets dirty and your straps begin to slowly unravel, I begin to slowly unravel. I'm desperate for some new arm candy, but not just any bag will do. I guess you could call me Pursilocks - some totes are too big, some satchels are too small, and I need a bag that's juuuuust right.

After hundreds of visits and promotion code searches for funsac.com, I thought I had finally found "The One". The Soho Hobo was big, but not too big, sleek in black with a casual shape, rock star studly with cool fringe at the base and most importantly, this bag was on every Top Bags for Fall list I had seen. It was perfect.

With coupon code committed to memory, I was finally ready to place my order. One final item of business... I asked my boyfriend if he liked it. His response?

"I don't get it."

He didn't get it.

My bond with this bag had suddenly been broken.

"What don't you like about it?" I asked, wondering if he had secretly already purchased it for me and UPS had it waiting at home on my doorstep.

"It looks like it has teeth."

My boyfriend doesn't get a lot of things. Why I like to put on makeup when he thinks I look beautiful mascaraless, why I walk in 4 inch heels when I trip approximately every 37 steps, and why I need a new bag when he could easily fix my old purse strap MacGyver style with some twine and a matchstick.

Although I question his (and every man's) ability to fairly judge this bag for it's total fierceness, I cannot ignore the fact that he thinks it's just plain weird and I surely wouldn't want to put him through the agony of worrying every time I wear it that my new bag is going to eat me.

So the bag search continues...

Posted by Samara at 10:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I have a new girl crush.

She's a fashion model, party DJ, contributing editor at British Vogue, host of her own MTV Show, girlfriend of Arctic Monkeys frontman Alex Turner and that's not all she wrote. She's quick-witted, half Asian, the new face of DKNY Jeans and my favorite British import trumping both Prince William and Earl Grey tea (also beating out punchy pop star Lily Allen who comes in at a close second).

Who is this Brit It girl you ask?

She's Alexa Chung, one of the only chicks I've ever known who could pull off short overalls and granny heels without looking like a daft punk.

She's the host of MTV's It's On with Alexa Chung, a weekday talk show that I never had the chance to see until recently since it airs Monday through Friday at noon while I'm busy working my pen over at the salt mines. I just downloaded the It's On iPhone app and have been catching up on everything Alexa considers on while eating up her dry wit, unkempt hairstyle and those quirky yet effortless ensembles.

She's replaced ex British veejay Downtown Julie Brown as MTV's most fashionable female, and I'm guessing she'll be holding the title for a good long while.

If you fancy Alexa's looks, take a trip to Topshop and French Connection where you'll find a kick arse selection of the looks Ms. Chung covets.

Everybody have fun tonight,
everybody Alexa Chung tonight.

Posted by Samara at 11:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Posted by Samara at 09:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

I came to a fashion epiphany today.

While casually sitting at my desk at 9:09am, pondering over what fabulous topic to blog about, a 60 watt fashion lightbulb popped up over my head. I came to the realization that no matter how crappy your life is, how much money you owe or how many powdered donuts you regret consuming the day before, if you're wearing a cute outfit, your day will be better.

It doesn't have to be an expensive ensemble, it doesn't have to be new. The only prerequisites are that:

1 - it fits well
2 - it doesn't ride up your butt/reveal visible panty lines
3 - it makes you feel pretty damn good while wearing it.

A perfectly worn out pair of jeans...a supersoft sweater that brings out the color in your eyes...a dangling pair of sassy earrings. It may be a big piece, it may be a small accessory, it may be both combined. I, for example, am wearing a navy cardigan, a lacy cami, gray hip slung wide leg trousers, my favorite Fossil watch and leather peep toe heels.

My life may be crappy, but I don't look crappy.

I just saved myself a few years worth of therapy.

Posted by Samara at 10:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Posted by Samara at 10:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Last Wednesday I had the pleasure of rocking out during the Opening Night festivities kicking off Miami's Rock Fashion Week at the new and improved Eden Roc Renaissance. I had a dazzling night that was overflowing with sweet Stoli cocktails and a closet full of pretty pink dresses. I was tickled pink when I received VIP status and was totally treated like the rock queen that I am. My cheeks are still pink and flushed from the excitement.

The Pink Dress Collection (on it's second leg of a three city tour that also includes New York and Los Angeles) is an inspiring event that celebrates women, fashion and an overall hope for a world where women can don their little pink dresses, black dresses and multi-colored dresses without having to worry about the threat of breast cancer touching their lives.

A collaboration between the world's top designers and stars, The Pink Dress Colelction featured a plethora of pastel and hot pink dresse donated by top designers from Betsey Johnson to Nanette Lepore, Nicole Miller, Juicy Couture and other fresh faces of the fashion world. My favorite look of the night was this precious little pink and white printed mini designed by Lilly Pulitzer. As a matter of fact, I award it the Pulitzer Prize of pink dresses.

Celebrities and a few of Miami’s finest donated their time and their catwalks to rock some major looks in support of the cause. Local newcasters Lisette Gonzalez (in Nicole Miller), Roxanne Vargas (sporting Sue Wong) and Shireen Sandoval of Deco Drive (rocking Betsey Johnson) all did their little thing on the catwalk, as did singer/songwriter, Jamie Jo Harris and the bad boy of b-ball - Dennis Rodman who proved once and for all that real men do in fact wear pink.

For the most part the celebrities fared well without a single star trippin' on the runway. They all looked absolutely thrilled to be a part of it all in they're pretty in pink pieces, and some even walked with more confidence and oomph than a majority of the model pros. Once the collection hits it's last stop in LA, each piece will be auctioned off with all proceeds benefitting the Susan G. Komen for the Cure fund.

My eye is on you Lilly Pulitzer mini.

**For more information and to make your own donation, visit Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Posted by Samara at 09:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Posted by Samara at 08:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I bought a skull ring last week that I absolutely adore.

It makes me feel cool. Cool and dangerous. Like I could quite possibly have a Harley parked outside instead of my Black Cherry Toyota Scion. I wore it last weekend when I went to see a limited release screening of Paranormal Activity. While enjoying pre-show spirits at T.G.I. Fridays, my brother noticed my chunky cranial cocktail ring and asked -

"Oh, is that for Halloween?"

I nodded, feeling a little embarrassed that my prize ring was mistaken for one of those kitschy plastic spider rings that I used to wear in kindergarten. A few days later I did a little skull scavvy research and discovered that a few of my favorite designers had the brains to create skull rings and accessories of their own that will rock long after All Hallow's Eve.

At the core of my list of sensational skull accessories is this Lauren Moshi Skull Racerback Tank from Bloomingdales. It has a rocker edge and a flattering shape. Just don't wear it paired with any of your skull rings or you'll come off looking a little cuckoo for cocoa puffs - like a bone collector who has a pile of skulls hidden in their basement.

This Betsey Johnson Black Skull ring from Nordstroms is only $55 and has a cute little pink bow that sofens up the look while adding a little feminity... although everyone knows that skulls don't wear bows because skulls don't have hair. Duh.

Vivienne Westwood's New Skull Swarovski crystal ring ain't cheap at $350, but it's two parts chic and one part dark that will add a little drama to any ensemble.

All hail the King of Skull Rings! This Crown Skull Ring is a bold brass ring designed by Jessica Kagan Cushman from Vivre. My skull ring has a little crown too and I totally dig that my accessory has it's own accessory.

Alexander McQueen brings you a double dose of mad skull love with his Studded SKull Ring with a bumble bee on it for $310 and a Silver Skull Ring for $250 that has a piercing swarovski crystal stare.

Rock any of these skully pieces this month or whenever you need a little boner.

Boo!

Posted by Samara at 11:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Columbus Day has never been my favorite holiday. Sure, I have to give major props to my man Christopher Columbus for his sweet voyage across the Atlantic in 1492, but we don't get the day off from work or school, nor do we get presents on Columbus Day, unless you consider the gift of the New World... which sadly, I do not.

We may not get a day off, gifts or decorations today in honor of the Nina, the Pinta and the Santa Maria, but we do get one thing out of Columbus Day... sales.

In honor or Chris, here are my three favorite Columbus Day sales. Go ahead and gift yourself now because Christmas is still a 74 day journey away.

1. Chick Downtown - Today only, Chick Downtown is offering a shipload of savings featuring 25% off of everything, including sale items. This Indigo Sailor Stripe Hoodie is the first thing added to my Columbus Day wish list.

2. Urban Outfitters - It's getting chillier and chillier outside, at least in the non-Floridian states, so enjoy 30% off of all outerwear like this cool Kimichi & Blue Fur Neck Poncho that kinda looks like something Mr. Columbus himself would have sported during his search for new land, spice and everything nice.

3. Nine West - Discover some boots to add to your Fall wardrobe while taking advantage of Nine West's 30% off boot sale. *Hint: These slouchy mid-calf Elektra boots will rock the boat in brown or black suede.

**This Seafaring Necklace from Modcloth isn't on sale, but I like it anyway and it's only $15.99 worth of coin.

Your ship has come in.

Posted by Samara at 11:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)