October 30, 2009

double crossers

No longer reserved for die-hard Nirvana fans and scruffy lumberjacks, the color of the season is most definitely PLAID.

To avoid a mildly sentimental 90’s flashback, InStyle recommends an updated silhouette (like Sauce’s Plaid Babydoll Henley which has pyramid studs for extra bad-assery), or keeping the tartan down to a pop hint or accessory (Emilio Cavallini’s couture-inspired Diamond Plaid Tights, for instance).

But at the end of the day, nothing beats a plain ol’ oversized button-down with leggings, boots, and blazer - for which purpose we heartily welcome our newcomer Rails with the classic Plaid Boyfriend Flannel.

October 24, 2009

Seen in Store: Raye L.

Name: Raye L.
From: Brooklyn (Outer Borough Love!)
Item: Plan B. Cropped Liquid Leggings, $77

Why we love her:
It’s hard to pull off an all-black ensemble without looking like an East Village cliché but Raye more than manages due to an incredibly smart mix of textures - a lightweight casual sheer tee, funky knit open cardi, supremely badass leather boots, and our new (and tremendously cool) shiny Liquid Leggings. She also transformed what we had quickly deemed ‘going out pants’ into an easy city day look. I wish I could look this cool!


Visit us at our NYC location: Basic Basic, 710 Broadway nr. W4th. tel 212.477.5711 

Seen in Store: Michell

Name: Michell
From: Originally Australia, now Tribeca!
Item: Chaser Burnout Raglan Scoop, $44

Why we love her:
This full-time Mom was once a fashion buyer, and boy does she know how to pick ‘em! We loved this tee on her - the right length, the right color, super cute without being cutesy.. and still somehow (magically!) comfortable enough to wear while chasing around a toddler.


Visit us at our NYC location: Basic Basic, 710 Broadway nr. W4th. tel 212.477.5711 

September 19, 2009

as seen on tv

I’m a bit of a TV nut (don’t judge) so you can imagine my delight when I was all cuddled in bed catching up on the second episode of Season 6 “So You Think You Can Dance,” (already potentially AMAZING) and the judges are walking on stage and suddenly there is Mia Michaels, hobbling to her seat in too-high heels and Lauren Moshi’s supremely badass Owl Tank. She’s a harsh critic (remember what she said to Ade last season???) and I’m pretty sure she needed a better bra, but damnit, the girl’s got taste.

Ok it’s kind of blurry but you get the point…

And then. AND THEN! I got a text from my best friend the other day that simply said, “I think your model was on Gossip Girl.” I totally forgot until (in the same catch-up session of the above note) I was watching the episode and Blair and Chuck are target-hunting for models and out walks Stephanie looking amazing and (according to Blair) needing a sandwich. I don’t know that I’ve ever been so excited by 3 seconds of television in my life.

September 12, 2009

let's talk about leggings

That’s right gals.. leggings season is officially on. And I, for one, welcome their return. (Seriously, and not just because denim doesn’t fit nearly as nice).

Now, some might say that leggings are leggings. But all leggings are not created equal. And not everyone likes every leggings. So I (a self-proclaimed leggings expert) have taken it upon myself to break down our different brands, styles, and fabrics in order to help you differentiate. Hope this helps!

Jump around using the handy-dandy links below:

Basic Leggings | So Low | Bordeaux | Majestic | HUE Footless Tights
Specialty Leggings | Zipper Leggings | Lace Leggings | Denim Leggings | Fleece-Lined Leggings

We <3 leggings too! (via Glamour)

BASIC LEGGINGS

So Low ($45-$49, Cotton-Polyester-Lycra)
The leggings equivalent of bread-and-butter. Substantial cotton with a low-rise waistband. Almost as much coverage as real pants, and enough spandex to keep any ‘wobbly bits’ from wobbling. Definitely the favorite round these parts.
Wear these if you: are athletic, don’t like your legs, think you just “can’t wear leggings,” (NO EXCUSES!) or prefer a thicker legging.


View all So Low




Bordeaux ($40-$48, Nylon-Spandex)
You know when you see those contortionists and they end up in a pretzel and you’re just left staring cause how does someone stretch like that? Yeah. Bordeaux’s offerings are the leggings version. Ultra-super-duper stretchy, nice to the touch with a subtle sheen and a smoothing high waist.
Wear these if you: do lots and lots of yoga, prefer a thicker legging, or think low-rise leggings cut you in funny places.

View all Bordeaux



Majestic ($86, Viscose-Spandex)
The Louboutins of the leggings world, except more French. Lighter and more luxurious than So Low, more cotton-y than Bordeaux, and somehow the softest leggings I have ever laid hands on. I wish I had sheets made of these. A little pricey, but think of it this way: that’s about 15 pints of ice cream you won’t need because all the boys will be drooling over your soft-and-sexy gams. See? Totally worth it.
Wear these if you: never want to take them off (and have an affinity for the finer things in life).

View all Majestic



HUE Footless Tights ($12.50-$18)
Available in semi-opaque or flat knit “sweater,” these babies are ultra-flattering. The semi-opaque has a tummy-trimming control top, and the sweater tights are ultra-soft, and comfy, and warm for Fall. However, because they are much lighter than a traditional legging (I’m not even sure how to categorize them!) these look best under shorts or with longer tunics and dresses.
Wear these if you: are a girly girl, want more of a “stocking” look, want dressier “leggings.”


View all HUE





SPECIALTY LEGGINGS

Zipper Leggings ($99, from Majestic & LNA)
Ankles feeling a little claustrophobic? Socks need an escape route? Have we got the leggings for you! Pretty much your basic legging, with a 6-8” zip at each ankle. Excellent for adding a little edge to your look, allowing room for an ankle bootie, or showing off your ankle tattoo.
Wear these if you: are a motorcycle chick, live on the LES, date a rockstar, or want to be awesome.

View LNA Zipper Leggings
View Majestic Zipper Leggings




Lace Leggings ($110 $83, LNA)
Nevermind claustrophobic ankles.. these are for the ladies who prefer their breathing space. Not for the faint of heart, they can be purtied up or punked down and will stay sexy-sexy the whole time. But I’d highly recommend wearing something of a respectable length so as not to give old ladies heart attacks. But hey, maybe you’ve got a nice tush.
Wear these if you: want instant sex appeal, are a girly-girl with an edge, aren’t shy (and have a nice tush).

View LNA Lace Leggings




Denim Leggings ($40)
Jeggings, if you will, are a bit of a phenomenon. And rightfully so. Skinny jeans aren’t ..exactly.. the most comfortable thing to happen to fashion. Jeggings (though I hate the contraction) are a supremely badass alternative in that you get the look of denim with the comfort of leggings. A damn good love-match, if you ask me.
Wear these if you: like tucking jeans into slim boots, or love leggings and hate jeans with a burning fiery passion.

View Bobi Faux Denim Leggings




Fleece Lined Leggings ($26)
In case you’ve forgotten since last year, Winter is cold. I know, it’s hard to believe - but I’m serious folks. However, for die hard fans of THE LEGGING there are two options for keeping your tuchus warm. You can layer like, three pairs (and make like you have thunder thighs) or you can buy a pair more suitable for freezing subway seats. ENTER: the fleece lined legging. All your problems have magically disappeared. You’re welcome.
Wear these if you: get chilly easily, like to wear leggings all year round (no matter how blue your knees turn) or like really cozy soft things on your skin.

View Plush Fleece-lined Leggings



And as a special bonus for those of you who made it to the end (and it was a hike, and thanks), Glamour magazine’s infamous “Do’s and Dont’s” featuring the leggings-clueless (Can we talk about check-tunic and striped-leggings lady? As if she wasn’t enough of a mess she’s wearing socks. And basketball sneakers. Really??):

September 7, 2009

fringe benefits

hello, friend!

from People Style Watch, “Yes You Can Wear…This Season’s Most Daring Trends” this incredible Cashmere Fringed Handkerchief Sweater by Jamison! they paired it with over-the-knee boots and super-skinny-stretchy jeans - which, if you ask me, closely resemble Bobi’s Faux Denim Leggings. Sooo cool.

August 18, 2009

so-long, secretary

I have five pencil skirts of varying length. And no matter how many times I pull them out of my closet to try to wear them, I end up looking like a sexy secretary. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing (think Mad Men) except that I am NOT a secretary from the 40’s (and the leering gets old).

Enter this how-to from Lucky Magazine which I’ve posted in honor of our newer, shorter, Pencil Mini by Velvet, and because I am going to shamelessly rip off all three looks while reaping the messy, edgy, benefits.

First order of business? Untuck!

August 15, 2009

Seen in Store: Donna C.

Name: Donna C.
From: North Carolina
Item: Susana Monaco Crossback Summer Tank Dress, $163

Why we love her:
It took a little coercing before Donna would let us photograph her for the blog, but we’re not sure why! She’s got a great trim figure and a sweet summer glow and she makes this dress look goooood.

Visit us at our NYC location: Basic Basic, 710 Broadway nr. W4th. tel 212.477.5711 

August 12, 2009

fashion for fashion bloggers

Lucky Magazine had a little featurette about their September guest blogger, Rumi Neeley, and besides the fact that I read her blog (and all the fashion blogs she reads) I am just completely obsessed with her outfit. All this is par for the course and not blog-worthy itself except that we have the pieces to build this supremely awesome look. One part Parker Ditsy Floral Silk Dress, one part Monrow Tuxedo Jacket, add a touch of bad-assery with a J.J. Winters Chain Croc Clutch.. and you too can look the part of fashion blogger extraordinaire!

Seen in Store: Clare P.

Name: Clare P.
From: Bristol, UK
Item: Velvet Twist-Strap Empire Maxi, $152 $114

Why we love her:
Because we WISH we looked this good in that dress. She is just perfect.

Visit us at our NYC location: Basic Basic, 710 Broadway nr. W4th. tel 212.477.5711