She Wore a Raspberry Beret.

Alright, it's more rust than raspberry, but then I'd lose my hook.

You don't have to be a French mademoiselle to say Oui Oui to beret fashion. Celebs have rocked the beret casbah all summer long in the sweltering heat. With the weather starting to chill up a bit, I think now is the perfect time to rely on these old Parisian accessories to bring a dash of international glamour and appeal to your Fall wardrobe.

Just check out some of the star studded heads these berets have been topping lately: Lauren Conrad, Selma Blair, Hilary Duff, Rihanna, Fergie, Rachel Bilson and lest we forget the political devil in a blue dress Monica Lewinsky.

Since Faye Dunaway wore her cream colored cap in Bonnie and Clyde back in 1967, berets have been synonymous with chic, an American staple when it comes to fashionable head wear. Pick up one of these hip Wide Rimmed Berets for yourself this Autumn. It's not the kind you'd find in a secondhand store...unless you consider Urban Outfitters a secondhand store.

Hip, hip beret!

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DisMembers Only

dis·mem·ber /dɪsˈmɛmbər/
–verb (used with object)
1. to reduce, reorganize, or discontinue the services or parts of (a company, government agency, etc.): Our business was dismembered by the conglomerate that bought it.

My dad used to have a Members Only jacket. So did my mom. My brother and I were Members too. Mine was a pink one. Or was it gray? Come to think of it, I might have had two. Back then I thought my family was part of some exclusive underground clothing club. We could get into VIP rooms everywhere, all thanks to that little black tag on our front left pockets. Membership had it's privileges. We were unstoppable. A secret ring of jacket sporting superstars. Then all of a sudden the 90's came along and alas...our Membership was no good.

Members Only was dismembered and put to rest in exchange for grungy flannel jackets that didn't hold a candle to the Members Only sleek standard of sex appeal.

Then, like a gift from the heavens above, Members Only was licensed in 2004 by Kirtie Regan, who resurrected the brand and developed a new, even sexier line of apparel.

Dismemberment clearly works for some. Members Only is back with a vengeance, with a new line of Classic Bomber jackets that are in a word...the bomb. Making appearances in fashion rags everywhere, be prepared to catch glimpses of shiny metallic gold, silver, pewter, and traditional black Members Only Jackets that are more than a step above their 80's counterparts.

Membership is still exclusive. These jackets retail for $685.

My dad would not approve. He wouldn't buy one for himself, much less pay for Membership dues for the entire family...and I definitely wouldn't own two.

Should've held onto that pink one.

Posted by Samara at 08:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pantsuits

The sequel to the tween hit The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants has been delighting women young and old this summer, reuniting the four best friends of various shapes and sizes who share a magical pair of jeans that miraculously fits each girl to perfection. A Gossip Girl, a Gilmore Girl, an Ugly Betty and a Joan of Arcadia pass around this pair of secondhand wonder jeans while they're apart to help them stay connected as their lives catapult in different directions.

I haven't seen the sequel, but this theme made me wonder if other such sisterhoods exist. Imagine girls and women of all ages, shapes and sizes sharing their bottoms... It's a novel idea really, with financial advantages as well as nostalgic, bonding ones. If you can't afford a sweet pair of True Religion or Seven jeans, grab your girls and split the cost of a pair with the understanding that whoever has the hottest date planned on a Friday night gets sole custody of said jeans.

And why stop at pants? I say let's give birth to sisterhoods all over the nation. Personally, I'd love to initiate a Sisterhood of the Traveling Pantsuits starting with this hot Denim Halter Number from Bebe. It's $228, but split amongst my four best girls...that only comes out to $45 bucks and some change each. And just like the pants in the movie, they'd magically fit every one of us! Brilliant!

If you think I'm onto something, check out some other swell pantsuits at Metrostyle.com. Or be creative and branch out with your own Sisterhood of the Traveling Hot Pants, a Sisterhood of the Traveling Trouser Pants, a Sisterhood of the Traveling Yoga Pants, the options are endless...

I'd draw the line at a Sisterhood of the Traveling Panties though, that would be less than sanitary.

Posted by Samara at 09:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

The Joker's on you.

It's summertime, and you're wearing the same boring jeans and tank top every day.

Why so serious?

You're never fully dressed without a smile, so forget this Batman curse rubbish and take a clue from the Joker from this summer's blockbuster hit Batman: The Dark Knight. Go for a look that says "Hey World, I'm no joke."

A cropped Purple Vest like this one from American Apparel will get you started, and if the purple doesn't make you smile anymore, flip it around and a red vest suddenly appears. Mix and match them with a pair of Lean Mean and Green Skinny Jeans and Holy outfit Batman! You have a look that's WHAM! POW! SMACK! Fantastic.

*Don't forget the red lips and smoky eyes.

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Invested.

It's a new season, and there are certain clothing investments we must make. A good investment is one that will take us through the current season, creating a plethora of different, versatile looks. An even better investment is one that gets us through this season and next season with just a tiny bit of flair and creativity.

There are a few pieces I'll be investing in without question this season that I'm willing to share. Why? Because I like you. First on my list- cool jewelry. Something that makes a good conversation piece, like this Rectangular pendant from Forever 21. It's cool enough to wear for a night out on the town, or to dress up a neutral tube top during the day. I'm all for cheap bling.

Forever 21 offers another fine investment that you'll find in stores everywhere this summer, in the form of a racerback Denim Vest. I love vests. They give a sleek menswear vibe to any outfit, plus they let you get away with a no bra day. Layer your vests with tanks and sundresses during the summer, then over a turtleneck or form fitting hoodie next fall and winter. You can't lose, especially with the Forever 21 price tag.

Finally, you can't ever go wrong with an unexpected burst of color. This hot mustard Clutch from, you guessed it -Forever 21, is big enough to hold all the essentials- id, cell, lip gloss...bail.

Invest wisely, and you'll be earning dividends left and right.

You'll be more money than Eddie Money.

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

Horsing around.

Dear Caprilee,

Owls were super big last year when it came to accessories. I want a heads up. What animals are going to be big this year?

Thanx,

Julianne

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

Dear Julianne,

Yes, last year the fashion industry was oversaturated with owls. From necklaces to organic totes, even scarf cowls had owls. The trend is just about over for our fine feathered friends, but I don't give a hoot, because there's a new hip animal, just ready to be let out of it's cage.

The winged horse.

Break out the Dungeons and Dragons and Magic the Gathering cards because you can't get any more magical that a Pegasus tee from Urban Outfitters. Hey, if flying horses were good enough for Rainbow Brite and She-Ra: Princess of Power to ride on, they're good enough for me to wear...plus their tears have magical healing powers, don't they?

If you aren't a believer, there are plenty of unwinged horses to choose from. Get your hoof on with this equestrian scarf, an equestrian luck necklace or some dandy horse icon aviators.

...and if you're still attached to the owls, here's a hoodie or two to help you let go. By the by...hippos are always big.

A horse is a horse, of course, of course.

Posted by Samara at 07:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

All things Twiggy.

When you think Mod, one name comes to mind...

No, not your Great Aunt Maude. You think Twiggy.

You know Lesley Hornsby (aka The Twigster) by those gigantic Bambi eyes, that adorable pixie haircut, and those pencil thin twiglike stems. Twiggy is, and always will be the glorious Mistress of Mod. She took the 60's by storm and is regarded as one of the most famous supermodels ever...as well as guest judge on America's Next Top Model (who rocked compared to last season's replacement Paulina Porizkova- in my humble opinion).

Her look evokes innocence, whimsy, Euro cool and has never really gone out of style.

Wanna go Mod this summer and follow in Twiggy's footsteps?

Here are all the essentials you need to complete your Twiggy inspired look. 1. They'll call you Mello Yellow in BB Dakota's Sunshine Dress 2. You can't get any more British Invasion-slash-Factory Girl than this tuxedo inspired Chelsea Girl Dress from Lulu Via 3. And to complete the look- These 4 inch Banana Split heels of course. Throw on one or more of these mod pieces and as Posh Spice/Victoria Beckham would say...you'll be looking pretty "Major".

*Looks found at Modcloth...except for the eyelashes 4. You can score those at Sephora.

1.2.3.
4.

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Rainbow Connection.

You want to taste the Rainbow, but you're all out of skittles. What to do, what to do...

Try adding one of these juicy multi-colored Nine West clutches to your accessory closet. Bags, and bangles, and bright strappy sandals, oh my!...What more could a girl planning her new summer wardrobe ask for?...Besides this.

Any plans for the 4th Jake?

And if rainbow colored accessories aren't enough, try on this Taste the Rainbow Dress on sale from Free People.

Joseph and his Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat have nothing on us.

Free the rainbow...and the rest will follow.

*Keepin' it colorful,

sammy

Posted by Samara at 10:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I heart earth.

I've noticed a trend in stores lately that makes me happier than Charlie Bucket after he snagged that last Golden Ticket to hang with Willy Wonka. Everyone and their mother is offering recyclable bags and totes this season. Designers have finally gotten an earth conscious clue and are showing the world recyclable bags are good and trendy enough to wear outside of the grocery store. It's like you aren't cool if you don't have one. That double negative makes a positive in my book.

I'm loving this cute, fun, 100% renewable resource AE Burlap Love Tote from American Eagle Outfitters. It's $19.50, eco friendly, and roomy enough to tote around all your stuff. Fill it with sandcastle making supplies and spf 30 for your next beach trip, goodies from your next shopping spree, or better yet- use it to drop off some plastic bottles at the nearest recycling station. My favorite part? It features a double sided LOVE screenprint that totally fills me with warm fuzzies.

Both Oliver Twist and the Black Eyed Peas have pondered where is the love? in song. I say, it's in this tote.

*Keepin' the earth healthy,

sammy

Posted by Samara at 05:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Under cover.

It happens to us all.

We go to the beach and jump into the ocean. We emerge from the waves, thinking we're the Birth of Venus and then some. We head back to our towels, shaking the saltwater out of our hair with more slow motion sensuality than Bo Derek in 10. Not once does it ever occur to us that our bikini bottoms are shamelessly sagging, showing more crack than that alleged Amy Winehouse video.

Beach tip: We could all use a little coverup, and I'm not just talking concealer. Go from sun, sand, and surf to mojito's on South Beach with some beach coverups caliente from JCrew.

Even though you're covering up your bikini, the guys'll still be drooling. Disregard the dudes in the speedos.

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We are the Champyuns, my friends.

Obsession confession.

I have an obsession with shoes I can't walk in.

Call me an overachiever, or just a plain dumbass...Ever since I set my sights on marrying the Karate Kid, I've loved a challenge, which is why I'm setting my sights on Steve Madden's Champyun Sandals. I'll be feeling like Flo Jo if I can make it through one full day in these kicks without busting my patellas.

I didn't have much luck with my last Olympic challenge, but I'll keep on fighting 'til the end...

Once the leg brace comes off, these babies are mine.

No time for losers, 'cause we are the champyuns...of the shoes.

*sammy

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Summer lovin'.

Summer lovin', had me a blast...
Summer lovin', my Neiman's credit card I maxed...
I bought a sundress, cute as can be
Some Prada wedges, now the look's complete.
Summer fun, something's begun
but ah oh those summer nights.

Oh well-a, well-a, well-a, uh!

Tell me more,

*sammy

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Baby needs a new Babydoll.

Alexandra Dillon is officially on my designers I'd like to go clubbing with. Her dresses are more short, fun, and flirty than Marissa Janet Winokur from Dancing with the Stars. I just love me a perky dress.

If you're not afraid of bold prints and/or the color green, slip Alexandra's Babydoll mini dress on for size. It makes a great spring statement, not to mention the hey, check out my boobs in this plunging neckline statement. I'm especially digging the three-quarter lantern sleeves. It makes me feel very Twiggy/ Rosemary's Babyish, and $98 isn't bad compared to the $1095 I spent on a Stella Mccartney dress with my fake Lotto money.

Too bad I didn't find it by St. Patrick's Day. Would've saved me some mega pinching.

*Keepin' it mod,

sammy

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Hot Child in the Monokini.

Summer brings along so many choices...kite surfing or boogie boarding? Spf 15 or 30? Frozen margarita or rum runner?...Bikini or one-piece? For all of you girls stuck between a bikini and a hard place, i've got just the piece for you to suit up in. Enjoy the best of both worlds with the Insight Robot Monokini.

This seventies inspired swimsuit has all the sexiness of a bikini, with a bit of extra fabric for the more conservative beachgoer. You may have some funky tan lines, but it'll come in handy in covering up your innie if your navel ring ever gets infected.

*Keepin' it interesting,

sammy

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Fanny Pack Got Back.

You love to travel. The in-flight movies, the tiny pillows that make you feel like mini-me...Calling the flight attendants stewardesses just to piss them off. What you don't like, is losing your stuff.

You- "But my passport was just here a second ago, I swear!!"

Snooty flight Nazi- "Sorry ma'am, Paris will just have to wait."

Yakety yak, you need a fanny pack.

Before you hit airline security on the red eye back to LA, strap on this Hands-Free Travel Belt from the folks at pb travel.

To be honest, it's not so much a fanny pack...the concept is the same, but it's much more fashion forward...I'd call it a utility belt with an edge . It'll keep all your valuables safe and stylish while leaving your hands free to grip your venti macchiato, UsWeekly, and other jetsetting accoutrements. And at $17 each, you can buy a coordinating eye mask so you don't have to entertain Milton in 4A for the entire flight.

Have Hands-Free Belt will travel.

*Keepin' it in the friendly skies,

sammy

Posted by Samara at 10:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Jamba Juicy.

I'm torn. More torn that Natalie Imbruglia circa 1997.

Juicy Couture rocks. From their Real Housewives of Orange County velour track suits, to their stylin' bags and bling...You aren't really a celebrity It girl, if you don't have some Juicy in your walk-in California closet. Which leads me to their latest ad campaign.

I always love Juicy ads. They're fun, original, colorful, and boy do they take risks. But much like the Posh Spice Marc Jacobs ad that bewildered me last week, I'm missin' something. First thing's first. Not to be beeotchy, but I hate the bow. Seriously kids, Christian from Project Runway could fashion me an entire dress out of that bow, and you know it'd be fierce.

Now the image itself is cute and sweet in a sodashop, Lady and the Tramp spaghetti dinner kinda way...but c'mon now. One- Is this what models are resorting to now to stay thin? Drinking fragrances instead of wheatgrass? Two- that Giant Parfum Atomizer Bottle is $3,000 bucks. I kid you not. If that's how you roll, pocket the cash and drink a bottle of Love's Baby Soft or Coty's Wild Musk from Walgreens.

I'm just sayin'.

*Keepin' it juicy.

sammy

Posted by Samara at 08:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Free Panty Party.

Nothing makes me happier than going to my mailbox and receiving a free panty coupon from Victoria's Secret....although George Bush's economic stimulus payment is looking pretty sweet right about now. Thanks for the $600 smackers Dubya, but I still don't forgive you for the past eight years.

Back to panties. I love panties, and I love getting them for free. My beloved free panty coupons come along ever couple of months or so, one of the perks of being an Angel Card member. That and the big pair of wings they send me every year...

But sadly, my free panty offer isn't as heavenly as their Dream Angels eau de parfum. They entice me with their catalogs and very sexy store displays featuring the creme of the panty crop...the starlet panty, cheeky hiphuggers, eyelet bloomers, side-tie thongs...Then I whip out my coupon with the excitement of a toddler in a Build-a-Bear Workshop, only to read the 3 point font explaining my free panty is limited to the VS Cotton. The VS Cotton is the vanilla of panties people, two bikini strings away from being grandma panties. Not even a print can save the day, you have to choose between black, white, whisper pink, ivory, or nude.

Oh well. I guess panty beggars can't be choosers.

*Keepin' it real.

sammy

Posted by Samara at 06:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Art for Dress's Sake.

Because sometimes, you just want a dress that's easy like Sunday morning...

This simply sweet Matte Jersey Dress by BCBG will make you feel like you just walked off the wall of the MOMA. Put it on and paint the town fantastic. Hopefully you won't be accosted by tortured artists with one ear.

Plus, you can afford it on a starving artist income...well, as long as you don't eat for a week.

*Keepin' it arty.

sammy

Posted by Samara at 10:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

If it's Good Enough for Whitney...

I could've sworn I saw plus-sized princess Whitney from America's Next Top Model rocking this Belted-Floral Print dress a couple of weeks ago when the girls went on their castings. Will I take her sloppy seconds? You betcha.

It was designed by Shoshana, Jerry Seinfeld's ex. I'm guessing her fashion sense didn't rub off on him. I've got news for you Shoshana...I sho wanna that dress. Man, that was weak.

It's perfect for a day of shopping or high tea....and you can keep cookies in the pockets...or other delicious pastries.

If you want it, you can have it...Go ahead, treat yourself.

*Keepin' it flowery.

sammy

Posted by Samara at 08:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)