Fashion Pulse Daily - Part 823

April 29, 2010

Budget Stylista: Norma Kamali Does Swimsuits on a Budget (CollegeCandy.com Guest Post)

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We all remember that scene in the first ‘Sex and the City’ movie. You know, the one where Miranda’s hair down there is doing a bit more than just peeking out of her suit. But if I’m being honest, when I first saw the movie I didn’t even pay attention to that extra “collection” south of the border. Not even a bit. For all I know, there could have been dread locks coming out of there because my eyes were glued to her amazing, fabulous, please-can-I-have-it-NOW Red swimsuit.

And every summer since then, I’ve spend many hours drooling all over Norma Kamali’s swim collection. Retro-inspired with real women in mind, her bathing suits make me want to put on some red lipstick and start dancing around to my favorite ’60s jams. Her prints are fun, her cuts clearly keep a woman’s body in mind, and there is really nothing bad I can say about ANY of these amazing swimsuits. Whether it’s her collection on eBay, department stores, in the magazines, every suit I see leaves me saying “I want. I want. I WANT.”

The only flaw is the upwards of $100 price tag that come along with looking so retro cool.
Until now.

Walmart’s Norma Kamali swim line is CHEAP – think $15-$30 for a swim suit – but still has the same look she’s known for. Here are three of my favorite looks: a bikini, a tankini and a one piece. All equally fabulous and all currently in my closet just waiting for a warm weekend to wear ‘em.

Tankini
I love the yellow detailing on this tankini, especially when paired with some yellow shades to compliment it and a big, floppy sun hat that keeps it so retro cool. The polka-dotted cover up mixed with the striped suit peeking through is a perfect mix of opposite prints still working together. I’m in love.

Product Information: Tankini Top: Walmart, $15; Tankini Bottom: Walmart, $15; Hat: Forever 21, $10.80; Sunglasses: Lulus, $9; Shoes: Madden Girl; $39.95; Cover-up Dress: Delias, $44.50

Bikini
This option is a bit more modern mixed with vintage. I love the solid top with the printed bottom. Throw on the bolder sandal, cute romper and funky shades and you’re ready for any beach party.

Product Information: Bikini Top: Walmart, $15; Bikini Bottom: Walmart, $15; Romper: Heritage 1981; $19.90; Sandals: Lulus, $20; Sunglasses: Forever 21, $5.80.

One-Piece
No matter your figure, this suit is flattering and fun. I love the graphic tote and the dark red shades to match!

Product Information: Bathing Suit: Walmart,  $15;  Cover-up: Old Navy, $24.50; Sandals: Forever 21, $9.80;Sunglasses: Lulus, $9; Tote: Forever 21, $3.50.


April 28, 2010

Daffy’s Shopping Spree!

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With a gift card compliments of Daffy’s and some serious bargain shopping on the brain, the ‘Fashion Pulse Daily Dude’ aka my boyfriend Joe and I went to the Daffy’s on 57th Street and Lexington as well as the mega-store on 34th Street. We scoured all departments for unusual finds and designer bargain deals, and we were not disappointed. Some of my favorite finds of the trip included the Philippe Starck for Puma footwear (pictured above), Patrizia Pepe shoes, and Emilio Cavallini tights at $8 each (usually are way way more, and hard to find in the U.S.). As a self-declared Italophile, I can definitely appreciated the incredible selection of lesser-known Italian designers Daffy’s consistently carries. I think that their menswear section tends to be well-organized and a great place for guys to get a suite for significantly less than the average retail price.

On our Daffy’s shopping trip we definitely joked around a bit in the home goods section (see top picture), and walked away with a nice stash of goods (see some of it below – not pictured are two beautiful glass carafes that were $6 each!). Daffy’s has always been my go-to for underwear, but as of late I am smitten with the deals on shoes, hosiery, and housewares. Unfortunately they don’t have e-commerce, but check out the Daffy’s website for the location nearest you!

April 27, 2010

Winifred Grace: Summer and Fall Preview

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Accessories are accessories because they complement the clothes,Winnie Gundeck of Winifred Grace tells us, which is why she always has fashion in mind as she creates the jewelry for her namesake brand. Her summer and fall 2010 collections were testimonies to her eye for both jewelry and fashion. To infuse the signature elegance of her designs with a vintage feel, the designer looked to incorporating distinct brass elements, mingling brass charms with rhinestones and Swarovski crystals. To match the vigor of the season, the summer collection was awash with yellow and blue rhinestones mixed with silver chains and more brass. The long, dangling charms on her sunburst necklace are designed to move with the body — as you sprint along the coast (or to the next shopping destination) this summer, the necklace will dance with the same joyful energy.

The energy becomes more subdued with the emergence of the metallics. But it is certainly a balance of  toughness and softness, as the Swarovski crystals that accompanied the jewelry are sure to suggest; the result is a mix of conventional charm and individuality, of luxury and edge. While Winifred Grace’s chunky necklaces may hold the commanding presence of a stylish world leader, her subtler ones make the same statement when piled together, as the designer showed us herself. All it takes for the designer is a quick turn of the head, and swiftly Winnie grabs what looks like three randomly chosen necklaces and hangs them on her fingers. The result is more than what her name suggests – Grace, undoubtedly – but also versatility and what all fashionistas love: space for creative personalization.

– Justina Lee

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April 26, 2010

3 Minutes of Beauty with Julia: The Super Cool Stuff Episode

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In this episode, Julia explores some brand new products on the market. She cannot speak highly enough of the performance cosmetics brand Rae, as well as Givenchy’s new waterproof phenomen’eyes mascara in water black.

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