a '70s story

 

The Inspiration: Marc Jacobs Spring/Summer 2011

friday is the new black

I can now call myself an American. I stood in line like a jackass at midnight on November 26th in front of Gap. And for what? Well, I really wanted a pair of these glitter flats. They look like disco balls and I love them, but I wasn't about to pay 50 bucks. Really, Gap? They're well-made and the glitter doesn't come off, doomed to stick around your house and car for years and years, I'll give you that. So, with a 50% sale from midnight until 10 am, I figured I could pick up my shoes and leave in a rather simple procedure. WRONG. The lines to check out went all the way around the store within 15 minutes. I don't know what I expected.

I've been really disappointed in Gap for a long time now. The designs are lackluster, and for lack of a better word, everything is...well, boring. Gap has always been on the more conservative side and plain is what they aim for, I understand, but it didn't used to suck. And the other item I really did want was a sequin skirt that they didn't even have in the store! Lame. They definitely needed this huge sale to help them out. 

But I do love my shoes. 

Color Glitter Ballet Flats

The rest of Black Friday wasn't as pathetic on my part. I got some sleep and strolled around downtown at a decent time, assured that all of the freaks had done their best to stimulate the economy and gone home. Right I was. No crowds or lines anywhere, but amazing stuff all over. I scored a vintage Chanel pendant at a boutique called Trocadero in the Old Market. And I wasn't accosted by a middle-aged soccer mom once. 

Until next year, Black Friday. 

xox

Jessi Lou

lanvin + h&m

As if it's hard enough that Omaha doesn't have an H&M. Now H&M is collaborating with high-end Paris fashion house Lanvin for one of the most anticipated sartorial marriages of the year. The results were an incredible fashion show, a killer lookbook that virtually every blog has featured and fashion lover has drooled over, and an uber-stylish launch party. The queen of minimal chic, Sofia Coppola, was divine in a fur coat while my favorite look was Susie "Bubble" Lau's striped ribbon dress topped off with her signature bun.

One of my personal style icons, Sofia Coppola

Sofia and Anna Sui

Emma Roberts

Blogger Bryan Boy of Bryanboy.com

Blogger Susie Lau of Style Bubble

And the absolute best part? The runway looks. Seriously, I need to hop a plane or drive to a nearby H&M (Chicago, Minnesota, St. Louis). These were so inspirational and over-the-top, exceeding my expectations. If I can't own anything, I definitely plan on copying the outfits with my own pieces. And with all of the leopard, floral, and black, it shouldn't be too difficult.

xox

Jessi Lou

all that glitters

Fellow magpies will appreciate the new winter trends this year -- everything sparkles and shimmers! I'm so drawn to anything with glitter and sequins. They seem to make a comeback every year as they're the perfect attribute for the holidays.

Sequins, glitter, and shimmer look amazing during the day as well as night. Pairing them with a "masculine" item (as Blake Lively and Jenna Lyons did below) gives them a unique twist.

Blake Lively in a sparkly skirt.

 

Freja Beha Erichsen sparkles at Isabel Marant Fall 2010.

Kate Moss in a shimmery jumpsuit.

JCrew creative genius Jenna Lyons.

Actress Carey Mulligan. 

Deena and Ozzy Glitter Oxford

Sparkle and Fade Sequin Bomber Jacket

Silence and Noise High Shine Pocket Tank

Sequin Mesh Bell Skirt

Drapey Sequin Tank

Sparkle Pantyhose

MAC Glitter

gingham chanel and other things i can't afford

Seeing new Chanel bags and jewelry is like being a diabetic in a candy store. At least for me, because I cannot afford any of this. It is beautiful to admire from the safe distance of my computer, however. 

Enjoy! Don't drool all over your keyboard. 

xox

Jessi Lou

Thanks to Sarah Andersen at Nordstroms Seattle for these pictures.

foxy lady

The clever, danger-seeking creatures are no longer confined to the woodland areas. They're in your favorite stores. While fur (namely fox) might be in for fall, actual fox-semblance knits and prints are the big accessories. Bonus: they're safe for your wallet and animal rights friendly.

Shrewd Stitches Stole, $238

This might be the cutest thing I've ever seen. At first I was torn...is it kind of wrong? It is, after all, supposed to resemble the real fox stoles that had the tail and head intact. But I've come to love it and think it's pretty hilarious and freaking adorable. Very pricy, however! Good thing the holidays are just around the corner.

Foxy Tights, $28

These, however, I was able to buy! Also from Anthropologie, I fell in love instantly. Not only are the colors amazing and will go with everything, they're little foxes! I will probably wear these with a mustard skirt. And since they're sweater tights, they will keep you warm this fall and winter. 

Cooperative Earflap Hat, $34

We got these in at Urban late last month and it's been virtually impossible to keep them in stock. With the different animals available, the fox with his gold button eyes was definitely the cutest. 

And here he is: the most dapper of canids, Mr. Fox. Ahem, the Fantastic Mr. Fox that is. The ultimate style icon of the Roald Dahl books, Mr. Fox was never without his button-down shirts and ties and his corduroy blazers. 

xox

Jessi Lou