FashionBinge Goes FABB + Words To Live By By Joan Rivers (AKA: Zen And The Art Of Fashion Blogger)

The faces of FashionBinge! Catherine (Mary-Kate) and Tamar (Tamron)

This past Tuesday I had the pleasure of attending Lucky Magazine's first-ever Fashion and Beauty Blog Conference. It was basically summer camp without the Birkenstocks. With Joan Rivers (more on that tk). I was honestly a little hesitant when I first RSVPed "yes." Why? The landscape of fashion blogging has changed so much in the five years I've been doing Fashionbinge. I was (pointlessly, as it turns out) a little curious as to whether it'd be a bunch of chicks vying to out-dress each other and namedrop designers and stuff. That's actually not really been my experience with fashion and beauty bloggers -- the ones I know are generally great writers and intelligent, media-savvy girls whom I now consider friends first, beyond just blogging. But I started fashion blogging back in 2006, when the market was less crowded, and the "'Net" (who even still calls it that??) was literally smaller as was the metaphorical net you could cast and not reel in nearly as many fashion bloggers and blogs as you can today. 

Five years ago, when FashionBinge was born, there weren't really fashion bloggers as models, fashion bloggers in front rows at fashion week, fashion bloggers as household names. Fashion bloggers on billboards in Times Square. Fashion bloggers in the Times. And FashionBinge still carries that scrappy, hey-we're-just-a-fun-little-blog-on-Blogger aesthetic and mantra. That's important to me. We (Catherine and I; we started FashionBinge together, and these days I post regularly and handle the nuts and bolts, while Catherine still chimes in on occasion) are not trying to be anything we're not. I just like to post some fun boots or a necklace I either bought, would very much love to buy, or would never in a month of Sundays buy. I'm not expecting an email from Garance Dore begging to photograph me, or Marc Jacobs to name a bag after me. Supermodels don't show up to my birthday party. 

I can the number of fashion shows I've been to on two hands and the number of times I've been to "the tents" probably on one. I've never been flown to cover shows in Europe where I've landed, gone right into fittings, and then taken a private car somewhere where I boarded a boat to watch models wear couture on a gondola. I do sometimes receive access to cool things or receive cool things, and I'm always appreciative of those things. I'm proud of the things I've worked very hard for, and I'm appreciative of any opportunities that come my way. Because really, no one deserves any special privileges simply because they have a blog. (Or because they're a really good athlete or went to a fancy university or know someone famous.) It's important to work hard for things, be appreciative for anything extra you've been given, and while you should have high expectations for yourself, you shouldn't expect that things you haven't worked for will simply be handed to you. (Celebrity gifting suites being an exception.) Maybe that's the immigrant's daughter in me speaking, but I really believe in those things.

Anyway, I'm not a fashion encyclopedia nor an expert. I probably know more about blogging, writing, and social media better than I can reference, say, the difference between Chanel's and YSL's 1999 resort collections or wax poetic on the merits of Mulberry boots versus Burberry boots or tell you whether a Balenciaga bag is better than a Birkin (as I will probably never own either).

I just know what looks good on me (and when to admit that something doesn't), how to shop for it, how to get the look for less, and how to navigate mainstream stores and select things in a way that doesn't scream HI I GOT THIS AT THAT STORE IN THE MALL WHERE EVERYONE SHOPS. And I know how to mine the Internet for hidden gems. Especially when there's a sale involved. I'm a great style curator. I hope that if and when you visit FashionBinge, you experience a little "Ooh, look at this fun thing you dug up" sensation. That's one of the things I love most about blogs. 

So, when it comes to fashion, the essence of FashionBinge is that it's not how much you spend, it's what you spent it on and how you wore it. And did you feel great in it? Yes? Awesome. As Santino Rice sagely said on the second season of "Project Runway," "Lighten up! It's just fashion!"

That's all a roundabout, reflective way of explaining why I was really happy that the FABB Conference was a celebration of fashion and beauty bloggers of all types, stripes and, well... hype. There were gorgeous glamazon-y newcomers with legs longer than my entire body and modeling deals. Girls with superstar style sense. Girls whose fashion blogs demonstrate their hilarious, irreverent take on fashion. Budget bloggers. Accidental cewebrities. Super shoppers. Discount doyennes. Hustlers and reticent bloggers. And the best thing was that there was a feeling of democracy, support, and a recognition of the fact that, at the heart of this diverse group of bloggers, there's one thing everyone has in common: basically, everyone who blogs does it because they love it. Fashion (and beauty) blogging is a crowded, busy, well-accessorized market, but there's room for all.

Anyway, I just wanted to really share that takeaway: everyone at FABB was extremely friendly, super supportive, and felt like the offline extension of what the whole online experience should be: a celebration of community, passion, and personality.

But more importantly... HERE'S WHAT I WORE! Har.

 

1.) Lazerade Manilow Top: This blouse is covered in a really cute star print, and it fits perfectly, (so curvy girls, take note.) It's from Urban Outfitters and has gone on sale since I purchased it a week ago. If I'm not feeling lazy, I'll go back to the store and have them credit me the difference. Ladies, NEVER be afraid to post-sale shop! It works! Saved myself $112 at Diane Von Furstenberg after I found the exact same dress I'd just purchased from their boutique on sale at Nordstrom. You work hard for your money, so never leave it on the table.

($29.99, UrbanOutfitters.com)

2.) Uniqlo jeans! Comfy and stretchy, but desperately in need of a belt.

3.) Chie Mihara Catame Bow Heels:

($361.33, Chie Mihara, Endless.com, courtesy of the designer)

I've had these Chie Mihara bow heels for years, and they're far chicer in person. They go with absolutely everything and fance-up an outfit in as much time as it takes to zip them up. 

4.) Pade Vavre horse necklace (duhr).

Okay. Here are four things I took away from the Lucky FABB Conference:

1.) Joan Rivers is a bad ass. Joan Rivers was the keynote speaker, and at first you might be like, well, what does Joan Rivers know about fashion blogging? A lot, actually. She's been in the business of fashion for years (she's an HSN mogul, and she's been a red carpet correspondent for years. And if you're not watching her show, "Fashion Police," on E!, then you're doing yourself a great, grave disservice). She's the queen of power dressing, and she's one of the last great stalwarts of a bygone generation that believed in dressing up and looking your best. But moreover, she's a true feminist pioneer. She's a business woman. (If you haven't seen her documentary, "Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work," rent it immediately. You'll truly get the scope of her business acumen.) She beat down doors that were slammed shut in her face (and, as a rule, in the faces of women back when she started out in the early '60s). She's obviously brutally honest and hilarious (and is as quick to point the finger and laugh at herself as she is at others, which is one of the most important rules of being funny, and, lest you pigeonhole her as a bully, she was quick to point out that, when it comes to fashion, she only makes fun of people (like celebrities) in the public eye and can hit back, and not everyday people. Her message to an entire room of women trying to either become bigger names in the blogosphere, take what they're passionate about to the next level (or, like myself, sustain their side project while balancing a job, relationship, and life), was absolutely inspiring (and relevant to anyone pursuing a dream of any ilk or size): go through any door, seize any opportunity, don't say no to anything, write the truth... and let gay men dress you. And finally, probably the most meaningful thing she said (believe me, this woman is as powerfully sage as she is riotously razor-tongued): "don't let anything negative touch you." Words to live by. As it turns out, Joan Rivers loves needlepoint, as do I. And I'd totally needlepoint that onto a pillow. 

2.) Susie Bubble is rad. Right, and the sun also rises in the east and sets in the west. You knew that. But I saw her speak on the "The Ones To Follow" panel about staying true to your voice while leveraging your blog as a promotional platform and business opportunity, and it was obvious that her ego is inversely proportional to her fame. Between Susie and Tavi (and Sea of Shoes, etc), there's really no bigger fashion blogger out there. But Susie, who seems both intelligent and humble (rare, winning combination!) emphasized that she only engages in projects and partnerships that she believes in and are organic to her and her sensibilities. That's obvious via her site, but it was good to hear that in a room full of bloggers who are often offered (and sometimes accept) partnerships or opportunities for the exposure and not because they believe in or simply love a brand or product. Her opinion on fashion bloggers basically parallels mine: "We just need to settle down... and accept they (fashion blogs) exist as another medium." Very Zen, very relatable. More fashion bloggers should aspire to like her: not simply famous but a blogger who works with integrity and perspective.

 

3.) Karla Sugar is rad. On that same panel, beauty blogger Karla Sugar, who's extremely articulate shared this important rule of thumb that, once again, applies not just to blogging but pretty much to anything you do, anywhere you go:  "Start small. And as you get bigger, be nice to everyone. You never know who'll be huge tomorrow." Golden rule right there.

4.) Publishing platforms and tools and apps are overwhelming! Oh my! Seriously, back when FashionBinge started, there was Blogger, Moveable Type, uh... Geocities maybe, and good old-fashioned hard coding. Social networking was Friendster and using a fucking phone. Now there's social shopping (that used to be going shopping on Broadway in Soho with your friend), Tumblr, Twitter, Facebook, SquareSpace, YouTube, Foursquare, Instagram, other buzzwords your mom will be asking you about in a few weeks, and the 745 tools and platforms that will inevitably come to fruition by the time I'm done writing this (extremely long) post. Does your website need to be a totally multi-platform experience? Maybe. Depends on much time, understanding, (and money) you have. FashionBinge will probably remain a Blogger blog. I like clean, easy, and quiet. But you should definitely be aware of what these platforms do and how they work so you can decide if you want to go from more of a blog to more of a blog-brand.

... Um... okay. PHEW. I said a mouthful. I guess the point (yes, I have one), is that it was great to experience both a reinvigorating celebration of fashion and beauty blogging and what it's become and where it's going, but at the same time to have a kind of reality check for me: FashionBinge started small and got bigger (we just crossed the 1 million pageview threshold, which is pretty exciting). Will it get bigger? Eh!? Who knows. Will FashionBinge be front-and-center at Marc Jacobs at Fall Fashion Week? Uh no. Will we be profiled in the Times? I highly highly doubt that. I just know that I love to write about what I know: finding fun shoes on the Internet!! Lipsticks I love! Cat t-shirts!... And that I truly appreciate every single person who comes here daily or lands here by accident, leaves an encouraging comment... And learns where to find an awesome cat sweater.

Urban Outfitters MADE Me Buy These Black Boots! + PROMO CODES!

DAMN, you Urban Outfitters. You led me right back into temptation again, didn't you? Knowing full well that I'm nearly powerless to you. Especially when you dangle a promo code in front of my nose.

While shopping for THIS awesome gift for my husband (I don't wanna post it directly because he reads this from time to time), I kinda had to get myself a reward of some sort for finding him such an AWESOME present.  Enter, these black leather hiking boots!

($88, Ecote, UrbanOutfitters.com)

I love the wooden stacked heel and the metal D-rings. Hopefully they'll deliver in the cuteness category once I receive them.

($39.99, Cooperative, UrbanOutfitters.com)

I also fully support these really sweet Sherpa-lined Cooperative black boots with a stacked heel. They're on sale!

AND promo code "HEREYOUGO" saves you $25 on $100 and more. GET IT!

Santa, Please Put These Carin Wester Klea Sherpa Ankle Boots In My Stocking

($429, Carin Wester, Urbanoutfitters.com)

Granted, Santa, I know I don't "celebrate Christmas" or "believe in you," but perhaps if you could please somehow fit these perfect, putty-colored Carin Wester wedges into the stocking I do not own, I could make a gracious exception. How does that sound? Also, seeing as how they're $429, I will completely understand if this is my only stocking stuffer. I think that's more than fair.

I Heart Pendleton Everything! + Weird '90s Flashback

I don't necessarily think Pendleton's Native American designs really flatter me, but that doesn't stop me from admiring their resurgence and their wonderfully wooly winter undertones.

Two Pendleton pieces that are on my fantasy shopping list (things I'll never buy yet would graciously accept as... you know... donations or something) are this Pendleton wool and leather weekender bag. It's so ruggedly handsome. It's like the Javier Bardem of bags, you know? But less scruffy:

($216, Pendleton, Shopepaulet.com)

From the sturdy, strapping leather details to the please-don't-get-me-all-super-dirty metal feet, to the luggage tag, I fully endorse everything about this Pendleton bag (as well as the lovely Epaulet, which you should visit in person or online.)

I ride a bike approximately once every... never. Seriously, I NEVER ride a bike. I haven't been on one since approximately 1997, and that was only for a brief moment to determine that up until then, I hadn't been on one since 1991 and since it was 1997, well, I sure as hell wasn't about to take up bike riding again. Hm. I wonder what I was wearing in 1997. Probably some really horrible "relaxed fit" DKNY jeans with zero shape. And a thrift store t-shirt that said "John Deere." And possibly a flannel.  Lovely. ANYWAY, I completely digress. If I WERE to ride a bike, Urban Outfitters' Pendleton bike (available early October) would be it.

BTW, here's me in the '90s. SO style-less that I HAD to share for the sake of comedy. Can you believe people actually COME TO ME for style advice now?!? Oh, and I'm pretty sure that was my "going out" shirt, and it was special because it was one of the sole things I owned from The Gap. I took good care to iron it. And those spoon-shaped gold sunglasses? THERE ARE NO WORDS capable of describing "the bad." I remember being CRESTFALLEN when they disappeared... Little did I know it was truly for the best. Live and learn, people. Live and learn.

Two PERFECT Charlie Girl Silky Tops For Fall

I love a silky top like it's my damn vocation. They feel easy breezy in the summer when you wanna "fance it up" a bit but don't want to melt, Wicked Witch style, in a pool of your own perspiration. And they're the BEST to layer with in the fall, with a leather jacket and some black skinny jeans. Oh yeah, and I also get lots of questions about what to wear with booties or ankle boots -- ding ding ding! A long, loose silky shirt, skinny jeans, and some great black or grey booties. Or, tuck it into a pair of well-tailored wide-legged trousers for a Marlene Dietrich/ modern-day Charlie Girl look.

($174, Gemma, Farfetch.com)

OY. LOVE the watercolory interpretation of snakeskin on silk.

($68, KNT By Kova & T, UrbanOutfitters.com)

SeriouslyK, PLEASE wear this with a leather jacket or chunky black motorcycle boots so as to avoid looking like a referee. Or an employee of Foot Locker.

Minx Mani: Meh? Uniqlo: Go!

Last night, after kind of a crappy day, I headed down to the Madewell store for an event they were having: 20 percent off jeans (and their jeans are pretty cool, I must say), other unmentionable sale stuff, and, most important: a free Minx manicure. I got there right at 7 and placed my name on the list, calculating that I had at least an hour to check out the Costello Tagliapetra collection at Uniqlo. Excuse me while I digress....



There was only a couple of racks left of the stuff, but quite a number of different dresses. I tried on almost all of them, so attractive is the drapiness. However. The material on most of these dresses (the cutest ones) is paper-thin. If you have any bumps or bulges at all, fuhgeddaboudit. I did get the chartreuse dress above, in olive green, for $29.95. It's a thicker cotton, almost sweatshirt material. Win! Also got a flouncy T-shirt dress—Uniqlo is pretty much ground zero for T-shirt dresses. Also pretty much my new favorite store.

I made it back to Madewell just in time for my name to be called. You could get the Minx, a metallic gold or silver foil, on one nail per hand, and the rest polish. I weirdly chose my index finger (shoulda gone with the ring finger, I think) and selected a dark purple for the polish. It looked pretty cool, I think. I would have loved to have had the thumb Minxed as well. So supershiny and durable-looking.



HOWEVER. The manicurist told me the Minx would last four days, because (according to a commenter) they weren't putting a coating or cap on it because it was a freebie. Now, I don't know if my manicurist was particularly unskilled at Minx application or what, but this shit was chipping after TWO HOURS. All I did was go home and eat sushi and go to bed! This should not happen! This morning? The Minx nails are totally chipped and dinged up, and lustre-free. What the hell? I'm REALLY glad I didn't pay the usual $60 for a full Minx manicure. I'd be pissed. Those of you who a) don't believe me and b) like crazy/stupid patterns can now get a Minx kit at Sephora. (Why the hell not in gold and silver and, uh, solid colors?)

Anyway, some cute stuff I didn't buy at Madewell:


Canon messenger bag, $128. So effin' cute. Want.


Bensimon elastic sneakers, $55. Cute. Easy. Summer. I decided to stick with my $17 Urban Outfitters slip-ons, though. LOVE THOSE.



Legere cardigan, $68. I don't know why this picture makes it look so garish. It's much softer-looking than it appears here (though still a bold color), but I loved the subtle contrast in colors between the body of the sweater and the trim.



Brunch shorts, $59.

Urban Outfitters Is Really Doing Some Fantastic Things With Shoes Right Now

I'm feeling such primal urges toward shoe shopping right now. Mommy! What do my feelings mean? (Will I still be a virgin?) I think I need to fantasy shop to fulfill my urge to buy a shitton of shoes. Like just fill up a cart with these shoes, and then close it, the way ex-smokers will pretend to inhale a lit cigarette. Deep breaths, deep breaths. Okay... GO!

($48, Urbanoutfitters.com)

Um, hi. These neutral suede heels are just $48. It's like they WANT US TO BUY THEM or something! How sweet would these look with grey tights? They also come in grey, but they're SOLD OUT. BOO HISS!

($68, Deena & Ozzy, Urbanoutfitters.com)

Granted, I wouldn't be able to walk from my bedroom to my apartment door without falling in these wedges, but I would if I could. They remind me of Rick Owens' crazy platform wedges at one one-billionth of the price.

($58, Urbanoutfitters.com)

Eee! I LOVE a white macrame bootie! They remind me of the Steve Madden "Skiip" woven Oxfords I love and have worn into the ground.

($89.99, Matiko, Urbanoutfitters.com)

Is there anything more FOSSE than a black suede platform? IT'S SHOWTIME!

Looks Like a Blazer, Feels Like a Cardigan!

Now that's my kind of blazer!



Silence & Noise sequined cardigan, $42.

Also...BREAKING:



Free People sequined blazer, $168, for when you just want to spend a little more.

Got $38? You NEED To Get This Rhinestone Necklace.

It's kinda hard to find a rhinestone statement necklace that doesn't look like a cheap pile of plastic shise or something you'd buy in plastic bubble wrap in the "fun" aisle at the grocery store. So please do yourself a favor and check out this Urban rhinestone necklace. It was designed by the ladies at BleachBlack.com.

($38, Urbanoutfitters.com)

WTF Files: Cheap Monday Polka Dot Jeans

($49, Cheap Monday, Urban Outfitters)

Look, I've worn a lot of Really Stupid Shit. Usually on purpose. Usually at parties, and usually because that Stupid Shit's only gotten funnier as the night's gotten later. Also, I can take a joke. And I LOVE Cheap Monday. But the joke's gone too far this time. These polka dot jeans are an affront on good taste. Seriously, can we just not and also say we didn't?

10 Jumpers Under $100!

Hey guess what. I FREAKING HATE hot weather.

What I'm trying to say is, check out 10 really cute jumpers that flatter lots of body types (also, can I just say, I HATE the term "bodycon." It's dumb. Please stop saying it) AND cost less than $100! Also, why do they call them jumpers? Playsuits? Whatever. I just wanna spend all of the days between now and October laying around in airconditioning and wishing I lived in John Ritter's apartment in Three's Company.

($93.78, Totem, Asos.com)

L-L-L-Love the lips!

($31.26, Asos.com)

HORSES? On a JUMPER? Could America GET any better?

($44.99, Modcloth.com)

I am thisclose to buying this.

($69.99, Modcloth.com)

One of my favey things about jumpers: they're thisclose to being pajamas.

($97, Fluxus, Pinkmascara.com)

This one would be so cute with a tiny tank underneath. A tank of YOUR CHOOSING! You can just DO WHATEVER YOU WANT!

($98, Gestuz, Asos.com)

Your garden variety harem-style jumper. No big whoop.

($20, Postlapsaria.com)

So it's technically a dress, but whatevs. It's late.

($39, Lulus)

Fun! Picnicky!

($69, Sass & Bide, Shopbop.com)

Mmmm. Love me some elastic waistband!

($88, Lark & Wolff by Steven Alan, Urban Outfitters)

The sorta-fancy, dress-up-for-work yachting jumper. For your business meetings. On a boat.

Night night!

I Think I Want Cork Wedge Shoes!

($98, 80%20, Urban Outfitters)

I do. I do want a pair of super '70s cork wedges. Sue me!

Oddly, I'm Drawn To This Leather T-Shirt From Slow And Steady Wins The Race

($188, Slow And Steady Wins The Race, Urban Outfitters)

Deconstructionist quasi-couturier Slow And Steady Wins The Race has united leather and the t-shirt -- two tastes that don't usually taste together but ultimately do here. Get it at Urban Outfitters, and wear it with everything.

FashionBinge's News You Can Use: eLuxury Folds, Cavalli Gets His Own Credit Card, Olivia Palmero Still Exists

Fashion news -- and vyoos -- you can USE, y'all!

+ LVMH's eLuxury will be shutting dat shit down sometime within the next six month. My fingers are crossed for a big-ass sale. I will of course then UNcross them and buy the SHIT out of some shit -- specifically this Maison Martin Margiela bracelet that Eye4Style turned me onto and/or some Golden Goose boots. (Racked)

+ Moar Urbn, pls! Urban Outfitters is opening their seventh location in New York -- in an old Deco theater at 99th and Broadway. At least it's not an American Apparel. God knows we need more crotch. (Metromix NY)

+ Brooklyn Flea moved INdoors and to DUMBO -- specifically to 76 Front St., corner of Washington St. from this Saturday, January 10 through the next 13 weekends. (Brownstoner)

+ Olivia Palmero: Oy! STILL SO zaftig! (WWWD)

+ I kinda love how Twilight's Kristen Stewart often looks like she just rolled outta bed (espesh the hairs) but still lands best-dressed list: She's #2 on Teen Vogue's Best Dressed of December 2008.

+ Jack Ryan, dude who designed Barbie, was derty DURRRRRDY! (Page Six)

+ Got a gift card you don't want anymore? Cash that sucker in for... CASH at Giftcardrescue.com. Or... sell it on eBay -- I've had lotsa luck there.

+ Speaking of cash, looks like I accidentally left my ATM receipt in the machine! Silly me, silly me! (Consumerist)

+ Samantha Droke is 21 years old and has a clothing line (read: a couple tee-shirts) and you (and I) don't. (JustJaredJr)

+ Roberto Cavalli has his OWN credit card. And you don't. Unless you're Roberto Cavalli and you're reading this, in which case, WHAT UP? WHAT HAPPNIN'? (FabSugar)

T.I. - New Music - More Music Videos

Get the Look: Mrs. Claus

Today I injected a little bit of Santacon into my outfit, enough that my boyfriend was amused enough to grab his camera and record it for posterity. I came into work and have gotten "very festive," "very Christmas-y," and my favorite: "very...Mrs. Claus." So, if YOU would like to take holiday dressing to a borderline-literal level, I recommend pointing your sleigh at the aforementioned Urban Outfitters, where I purchased the piece de resistance of this formidable outfit:



Silence + Noise embroidered buffalo plaid dress, was $68, now $39.99 online, BUT I only paid $19.99 in the store. I went in for holiday cards, I came out with a dress. Btw, no Mrs. Claus is that insanely buff.



Pair it with these Frye "Andrea" belted boots, marked down to $329.99, OR find your own vintage Dexter boots in a giant thrift store in Portland, Oregon, like I did. I mean, you're a CLAUS -- you can travel, and quickly.



Then get these socks from any Target (just not the online one). Arrange them so the fur cuff just peeks out above your boots. Bam! Instant (yet subtle?) Santa boots.



If you want to really push it, get one of those infernal berets that can be slouching atop the heads of every girl south of the north pole these days. This one is the most ridiculous of all, so that's what I'm showing. Urban Outfitters "popcorn" beret, $34.

And away you go!

Urban Outfitters Sale At 628 Broadway, NYC!

Sooooo, Urban Outfitters is having a major rager of a sale at their 628 Broadway locay (right above Houston), from Saturday, December 20 through January 4th.

I went last year and got a bunch of great tops for practically PENNIES on the dollar.


That's all I gots to say about that.