Vintage is as vintage does.

One day I found a pair of my mother's old vintage sunglasses from the seventies laying in an old drawer. It was like eyewear Christmas. The frames were way too big for my face but they had this fabulous geometric shape and the lenses were a cool taupe shade that I've yet to find anywhere else. I never take them off, which makes it awkward when I'm sleeping, although they do compliment my Jumpin Jammerz.

The bad news is that a good pair of vintage shades aren't that easy to come by, and if by luck you do find a pair that's lasted the test of time, you'll be paying a pretty penny for them. The good news is that retailers everywhere are honing in on the vintage sunglass craze and are offering shades that look like they just stepped off of the Boogie Nights set, and at prices that are totally made in the shade. Plus, the new vintage lenses of today offer the ultimate in UV protection...which is a feature our mamma's sunglasses sadly lacked.

These tortoise shell Shield Sunglasses from CCS have a great amber color and shield from the harshest of summer rays with 100% UVA and UVB protection for only $14.99. If you want to go a little pricer and a little more glamorous, you can't beat these Dynasty Sunglasses from Active Girl.com featuring Coconut Crème Fade frames and Cream Fade lenses for $100.
And for days out on your vespa, go all Poncherello out Chips style with a pair of sleek metal rimmed Gold Aviators from Wave Fashion for a mere $9.80. If you're not loving any of those, there's always American Apparel's new vintage eyewear line...

...or rifle through your mom's old drawers. You're bound to find something retro fabulous.

Posted by Samara at 08:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Grungefest.

I usually steer away from Mary-Kate Olsen when it comes to fashion trends, since she can tend to be a little...how shall I put this...Off the mark? This time, I'm proud to report that MK has it right for once. Grunge is back whether we like it or not, so dust off your old Pearl Jam concert tees, Doc Martens, and grab some flannels.

It's not hard to achieve MK's look from head to toe. Start by throwing on a form fitting western themed plaid shirt. Don't be afraid to choose one with a slight feminine touch like this Evelyn shirt with a girlie ruffled front. Grunge 101: Grungy girls can still be pretty girls. Just don't button it all the way to the top. Then you run the risk of going from grunge to geek.

Next, nothing says grunge like some Sharpie stained nails. Slick on some dark urban nail polish until your digits resemble oil slicks, and your grunge transformation is almost complete.

When it comes to bottoms, skinny jeans, dark leggings or dark tights will do just fine, and they'll look gas station attendant hot shoved into a pair of Steve Madden Black Ankle booties, a definite fashion upgrade from your old battered Docs and Converse.

I like where you're headed MK. Not a 10 on the chic scale, but not a 1 either. Maybe in the upcoming year you'll finally end up on someone's best dressed list.

By the way, did mumus ever really catch on?

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

What a waist.

High waisted shorts.

You either love 'em or you hate 'em. I personally hate 'em...but I have a pair of hips worthy of giving birth to the Brady Bunch and the Partridge Family brood combined.

High-waisted jeans were showing up on Hollywood starlets like crazy last season begging the question - is this style really flattering? Or is it just a camel-toe no-no? The question remains now that shorter versions are coming out to play.

In my humble opinion, if you're a skinny minnie and can rock 'em like there's no tomorrow, go right ahead. Fashion is about taking risks, isn't it? As long as you aren't risking a trip to the psych ward.

As for me, come hell or high-waisted, I will not be sporting any high-waisted shorts or pants this season...or any season for that matter. Some trends just aren't for you. Trust your inner voice that says "people will make fun of me" because odds are if you think they will, girlfriend...they totally will. Plus, there's a mighty fine chance you'll end up in Glamour magazine's Don't list with that pesky black bar across your face, documenting your lapse in judgment for all eternity.

Now if you'll excuse me, I must get back to a spring kickball game with Greg, Marcia, Peter, Jan, Bobby, and Cindy. We're playing the Huxtable kids, and Rudy's got mad hand-eye-foot coordination.

*Keepin' them hip slung,

sammy

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Rock the vote.

I'm not usually one to publicize my political affiliations, but when I noticed this new wave in fashion tees...I just couldn't resist.

Whether you want to Barack and roll all night and party every day, or you believe the Hills are alive with the sound of Clinton...get it off your chest (or in this case on your chest) with these cooler than congress democratic presidential tees.

The Presidential race is on. Knowing a thing or two about the candidates is sexy. I for one get hot and bothered at the slightest mention of the word superdelegates. So be proud and show the world what team you're on. You wore those dumb Team Aniston/Team Jolie shirts when Jen and Brad first broke up didn't you?

And don't think I'm being biased here...For all the Republicans in the house with McCain on the membrane...here's a shirt offering some right wing McLovin'.

and if you're still undecided...

*Keepin' it patriotic,

uncle sammy

Posted by Samara at 05:07 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)

Jock Itch.

Once upon a time...in a Hollywood far, far away, the princesses of Tinseltown found their Prince Charmings in the forms of sleazy, tatted, not-so-pretty rockstars. Times have changed in La La Land, and now there's a new Prince Charming on the horizon, seducing fairy princess supermodels, it girls, and pop stars alike...The athlete.

Gisele Bündchen had another idea of Fantasy Football in mind when she traded Leonardo DiCaprio in for New England quarterback Tom Brady, even though he already had a bünd in the oven with actress Bridget Moynahan, (oooh scandalous). Eva Longoria shot and scored and is now desperate housewife to San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker while Hilary Duff said goodbye to Good Charlotte frontman Joel Madden and hello to Mike Comrie. Apparently she's been spotted skating around town with the NY Islanders center and could care less her ex just had a baby with Nicole Ritchie...(Good form Hilary, someone get that girl a hat trick). Lest I forget our little tunafish challenged Jessica Simpson...It's a lot warmer than 98 degrees with Dallas CowboyTony Romo who thinks both Nick Lachey and John Mayer made huge fumbles in dumping a girl whose body is like, a total wonderland.

This trend all makes perfect sense really, reverting back to high school days when the jocks got the cheerleaders, the homecoming queens, dance line captains...the Mean Girls personified. The cheerleaders never went for the dark, poetic, ratty looking musicians who spent all year prepping for the Battle of the Bands back then...they went for the testosterone fueled, muscled dudes who could crash a beer can on their head without flinching.

Personally, I think it's easier to date an athlete over a musician any day. Musicians are too sensitive. They break their guitars on stage and then cry about you hurting their feelings. Athletes are easier than a game of kindergarten kickball. As long as you feed them lots of Chunky soup and have tons of Icy Hot on hand, you're good to go.

It's all a matter of taste, but I have a feeling this star athlete hookup trend is going to last awhile. Don't be surprised if Jessica Biel dumps Justin Timberlake's ass because her ex Derek Jeter is bringing sexy back...

...and they all lived happily ever after.

*Keepin' score,

sammy

Posted by Samara at 05:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

I'm with the Hair band.

We interrupt this blog to bring you an important trend alert. You shouldn't panic, nor should you rest easy. This is an orange alert. Stay where you are as we continue to bring you up-to-date information on whether this trend poses an imminent threat to the homeland.

Reportedly seen on twenty/thirty something girls everywhere, insiders report that it is now cool to tie ribbons around your head like a Pochahontas flower power love child.

Spotted on subjects Lindsay Lohan, Molly Sims, Stefanie Pratt of The Hills, the girls in the Urban Outfitters catalog, and that weird Amis girl who got booted off America's Next Top Model.

The Hair band Security Advisory System urges us to continue to be vigilant, take notice of our surroundings, and report suspicious hair band activity to local authorities immediately. Establish an emergency preparedness kit and emergency plan for yourself and for your family should you find yourself or a loved one contemplating tying one on, succumbing to the madness.

Do not fret. I repeat, do not fret. We shall get through this together, as fashion conscious Americans. Let us crown thy good with brotherhood (instead of hair bands) from sea to shining sea. If we survived bell bottoms, shoulder pads, and Lara Flynn Boyle's fashion faux pas...we can get through anything.

*Keepin' you orange alerted,

sammy

Posted by Samara at 08:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

If you dare wear short shorts...

It's getting warmer outside, and you know what that means...out with the cute multicolored tights and in with the self-tanner. It's barely Spring and you're already catching glimpses of stars baring all, and not just on their celebrity sex tapes.

Take Jessica Simpson and her archrival Vanessa Minnillo wearing what can only be described as some itsy bitsy teenie weenie denim faded-wash shortkinis. Those shorts are short. Seriously. It makes me wonder if Vanessa and Jess are in the middle of some kind of bizarre Short Off competition, like the infamous Dance Offs we hear about involving Britney, Justin, and all the other mouseketeers turned celebrities.

I myself would never dare wear shorts that short. 1- I don't use Nair, and 2 - I wouldn't be able to shake the feeling I was in public wearing really stiff, uncomfortable panties. To take the Daisy Duke debate a step further, I wonder...are Vanessa and Jessica battling it out for media attention? For Nick's attention?...Each other's attention? I'm probably speculating too much. Maybe they just had a really good sale at Gap Kids. Whatever the reason, I'm guessing the showdown is just beginning.

It's already been broughten.

*Keepin' it covered,

sammy

Posted by Samara at 09:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)