Saturday, November 11, 2006

House of Tar-zhay: Haute Couture for the Masses



I finally dragged myself out the door last night -- well, let me be honest -- my husband pushed me out the door last night -- to make the monthly Target run. Since we had been away for the past month, and there had been too many last-minute wedding details to attend to before we left, I hadn't made a proper Target run since mid-September. Upon our return to the States, I had been procrastinating, buying time each day with various excuses to run this or that errand, clean the house, or get groceries that I had forgotten. But now, we were dangerously low on toilet paper, the cat had no litter, and there was a very real possibility that we would have to clean our teeth with baking soda as we were down to our last squeeze of toothpaste. I was out of excuses and I would simply have to go. Even if it was Friday night. The movies would have to wait.

So it was with a fair amount of lethargy -- and with no excitement whatsoever -- that I finally waddled over to Target, full after a carb-heavy meal and with my usual after-dinner unbuttoned (but at least fully zipped) jeans. Upon entering, I was greeted with the requisite "dollar bin" full of little notecards and party supplies that is just another innocent way that Target manages to squeeze an extra $20 out of your trip (I could have sworn I only bought paper towels and bottled water -- how did I end up spending $40?). Tempted but resolute not to spend any more than I had to, I kept reminding myself that I was really, truly broke now after the expensive honeymoon shopping trip, a $200 hair dryer that I had to buy immediately upon return (because I blew up the old one as soon as I plugged it into the first London hotel room outlet -- there was literally a shower of sparks that flew out of the wall), and now a brand new pair of leather boots (however cheaply I may have gotten them), plus the new Victoria's Secret bra that I had already forgotten I had purchased. So no more wasteful spending if I was going to make it to the holidays. Not even from the dollar bin.

Sighing with relief, I proceeded further into the store with my newly found cart and pulled out my shopping list to examine. Let's see, dishwashing detergent, toothpaste, tissues, batteries ... where to go first? I know, let's keep walking ahead so I can check out the latest women's apparel. Wait, that's nowhere near anything else on my list -- in fact, it's completely on the opposite end of the store. Oh, it will only take 5 minutes. I just want to look quickly. Please....? Oh, okay. You win. But we're only passing through for 5 minutes, just to see if there are any cute workout pants. Yes!! (I regularly have conversations with myself -- sometimes, I manage to have silent ones).

As soon as I made that fateful decision, a host of temptations accosted me on the other side -- the women's apparel department, that is. Would you look at that gorgeous velvet and satin cocktail skirt. I wonder how much it is. It would be great to have something new for the holiday parties this year. And check out the sharp black mini-trench. A bit reminescent of the Burberry one I had just brought back. What's that I see? A luscious floral silk cami and a rich burgundy velvet skirt! Equally fetching on the next rack was a silver brocade party skirt and a lace-trimmed black cardigan. And oh my, that is a striking burgundy brocade cropped swing jacket -- I'll bet it would be swell with the burgundy skirt. Love the black pencil pants too! I would really rock the town in those topped with a furry leopard-print short jacket (see top photo).

Am I seeing things, or does the label on those pencil pants say "Behnaz Sarafpour"? And does that silk cami tag say "Paul & Joe"? What are they doing at Target? I had been faithfully flaunting my Isaac Mizrahi for Target finds ever since he started designing chic, elegant ready-to-wear at thrift-store prices 3 years ago (while simultaneously debuting an exclusive couture line for Bergdorf Goodman). But now, all these other runway goodies seemed to have hit the Target aisles. Thank goodness, too! Now, a girl could walk into Target for toilet paper and walk out with a Bahnaz Sarafpour evening dress, Paul & Joe jeans, Isaac Mizrahi shoes, Rafe handbags, and correspondence cards by Anna Griffin. Granted, Isaac Mizrahi didn't start the couture-to-chain-counter revolution. Lots of well-known designers have been producing less-expensive creations for the masses (remember Martha Stewart for K-Mart?). But, Isaac pioneered truly well-designed, couture-worthy cuts that could pass muster on 5th Avenue almost as well as on Main Street. This resulted in a much improved wardrobe in the closets of millions of working-class women.

Isaac's belief? "The only way I can substantiate doing the high stuff is doing the low stuff -- it's the democratic way. I get upset when it's just about expensive clothes." Me too! But what is the secret of Isaac's success? "American women are not dumb. They don't want copies of designs from last season... People aspire to high fashion, and they get it with this line. A bang for your buck!" There you have it, straight from the horse's mouth (courtesy of Shop Etc. Magazine, October 2006). At a star-studded fashion show in 2004 , he showcased both the Isaac Mizrahi for Target and Isaac Mizrahi New York fall lines in combination with each other. The funny thing was, some people couldn't tell which was which.

I've tested that theory, by the way, and it works. Not that I have loads of real couture to test, but I've got plenty of Target-couture that I wear side-by-side with prizes I've scored off the Saks sale rack -- and everything in between -- and frankly, I get as many (or as few) compliments on one as I do the other. Moreover, I've been on the giving end of such compliments, only to be informed that the cute handbag or chic blazer came from Tar-zhay. In fact, I have no shame in pairing Mossimo jeans with Manolo sandals, or Isaac Mizrahi for Target jackets with Marc Jacobs bags. I don't even mind mixing it up with the "lesser"Target brands (Xhilaration, Merona) if they go well with my higher society pieces. Fashion is about mixing it up, right? The important thing is that the pieces are cut well for one's body and fit properly, and certainly one take a $20 skirt to the tailor as easily as a $200 one. Which in fact I do, frequently. Sure, no one expects triple layering or hand detailing from Target, and I'm not advocating that everyone should buy their next interview suit there (though I've witnessed more than a few savvy gals who wear a Target coat like it's Tocca or a Mossimo suit like it's Michael Kors), but it's great for fun splurges and keeping up with the endlessly changing trends. Think of it as haute couture for the masses.

Needless to say, last night's battle was over before it started. I mean, how could I resist the spectacular faux-fur trimmed coat for $69.99? The outrageously stylish rectangular tortoiseshell sunglasses for $19.99 (see bottom)? The super-luxe velvet skirt with the satin waistband for $29.99? The deliciously divine red suede ballerina flats for $29.99? Or the ultra-chic black pencil pants for $34.99? I couldn't of course! They would have to come home with me. At least a few of them... So into my still-devoid-of-household-products cart they went. Unfortunately for my anxious husband (not to mention my poor kitty), I didn't make it to the household aisles for another hour.

But do you want to hear the worst part about it? My husband loved the new velvet and satin concoction! Just like he loved the new boots I just found a few days ago. And the $200 wool skirt I just had to have in Florence on our honeymoon. And the $600 Gucci bag I scored in Rome just a month ago (which I will admit was a good deal). And the $960 trench coat I bought in London 2 weeks ago. In fact, my husband loves almost everything I bring home. Instead of discouraging my shopping habit, he actually encourages it. On several occasions, he has shoved me out the door (every once in a while with cash in hand if I wasn't cooperating) to go shopping so he could carve out plenty of quality time in front of ESPN, Play Station, and some inexplicably addictive video game called Civilization. He brags to others of my shopping conquests. He convinced me to start a blog about my shopping adventures. Do you see the impossible odds I am up against? I can't not shop. Birds fly, fish swim, and I shop. Period. It's a damn good thing I'm such a smart shopper (European honeymoon splurges not withstanding).

Anyway, here are some of my favorite reasons to capitulate. Can you really blame a girl for falling in love with these gloriously cheap goodies?


















Isaac Mizrahi Quilted Leather Gloves, $22.99





Isaac Mizrahi Chocolate Stretch Cotton Jacket, $19.99, and Box Pleat Skirt, $12.49

















Isaac Mizrahi Flip-Frame Handbag, $27.99



































Isaac Mizrahi Faux-Fur Trim Coat, $69.99



Isaac Mizrahi Black Satchel, $22.99




Isaac Mizrahi Brown Silk Chiffon Dress, $59.99












Behnaz Sarafpour Lace Headband, $7.99





Behnaz Sarafpour Granite Brocade Skirt, $39.99










Behnaz Sarafpour Satin Skirt with Velvet Ribbon, $39.99





















Thank you, Tar-zhay for another almost guilt-free shopping experience. And thank you Isaac and Behnaz for making a girl look like a million for a hundred bucks. With prices this low, there is simply NO excuse to dress unfashionably this season!



3-PENNY PRINCESS HOME
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Thursday, November 09, 2006

Princess Seeks Tall, Dark & Handsome Boots

The Mission:
To find a new pair of boots that are perfect for this season. It's finally starting to get cold, and I have nothing to model my newfound fashion sense in. They must be knee-high. They must be a shade of cognac-brown or burnt sienna, something that will stand out from the boring chocolate browns that everyone has, and will look equally fetching with an olive tweed jacket and skinny jeans as with a cardigan and black courduroy pencil pants. They should have wide enough calve space to accommodate tucked in pants. The heel should be at least 2 inches but not more than 3 inches, and the sole should be comfortable and have enough traction to support me all day and survive on slippery surfaces (icy streets, slick shopping malls). Nothing too stilleto in the heel, but not completely stacked either if possible (though I see stacked heels are back again, which isn't a complete loss). Leather would be most practical, but I have a soft spot for suede and will definitely consider it if the rest of the boot measures up. But please, no slouch! As for style, I prefer something with equestrian details, preferably the English riding boot style rather than the straight American cowboy boot. But I can be flexible for the right look. Oh, and I'm willing to pay up to $250 for them. But of course, if I can find something closer to $150, that would really rock this princess's world. As I explained in my last post, I'm broke, having depleted my wealth in London, Rome, Florence, and Venice. So I'm not even supposed to be shopping (please don't tell my husband). It's just that I burn with desire for the perfect boot of the season, and I do consider boots to be a good investment. So this is what will occupy my time until I find what I'm looking for.

The Background:
Let me back up a little. Upon returning from London and Italy, I was so taken with all the boot styles and innovative ways to wear them, I swore that I would bring this trend back to the States. So, I rummaged through my entire shoe collection under the far reaches of my guest bed and unearthed all previous boot purchases, many of which had been buried in their large boxes for some time now. To my sheer delight, I found 3 promising pairs that had been lost and forgotten, and I immediately set out to resurrect them with new outfits.

The first, a classic, substantial-weight dark brown leather straight knee boot, was dead in the water. I managed to squeeze my foot into it, but zipping it even to the beggining of my calf proved impossible. Gosh, had I really gained that much weight in my legs? I know I grew a little bit of a derriere, but can that really roam and find its way all the way down to my calves? In any case, old boots #1 were out.

The next pair was a marvelously tall, sumptuously soft, light camel suede creation that I had picked up at Lord & Taylor about 4 years ago. At that time, I had only thought to wear them with neutral plaid fall skirts, and since I hadn't worn too many of those colors lately, they had fallen by the wayside. Well, that and the fact that they towered on a 3-inch heel, which frankly, is a bit much for me to gallop in all day. I appreciate a nice set of heels like everyone, but boots aren't the easiest things to teeter in, and 3-inches is no small height. But, because they were a beautiful pair, and I had brought back in some lighter shades for my fall wardrobe, I put them on for a test run, this time over my new Italian skinny jeans. Lo and behold, they actually zipped. Not all the way at first, but eventually I coaxed them up to almost the top of the zipper. Mind you, they just about cut off my circulation with the jeans tucked in, but I managed to take them out for a spin for a few hours while running errands. The verdict: Not the most comfortable feeling boots, but they got me a few nods of approval, and they made me feel very tall, so with time, perhaps I could stretch them enough to wear them without losing feeling in my legs.

The 3rd old pair was about the same age, though I can't remember where they came from. They were a very classic, very plain, good quality black leather high boot with plenty of stretch vents and a conservative 1.5-inch rubber square stacked heel. Nothing trendy or interesting whatsoever, but the type of boot that saves you on a cold, treacherous terrain, allows ample breathing room in the calves, and lets you wear thick cozy socks. The kind of boots that will never, ever go out of style. But not the kind of boots that will ever get you noticed.
Deflated, I resigned myself to the fact that I simply had to go out and buy a pair of fashionable boots and that was that. How else could I stay warm during what promised to be a record-cold winter and look cute at the same time? How else could I do justice to the stylish new threads I had brought back from Italy and London? I would have to find a pair of stylish boots and soon. There was no time to lose.
It was off to the races!

The Contenders:
Day 1 - Started my quest at Marshalls, where all bargain shoppers flock. Well, there and TJ Maxx, and sometimes Filene's Basement if I can make it into the city. Checked 3 Marshalls stores but no dice. Prices were great, but the styles just weren't what I was looking for. Found several pairs of Frye boots (right) that are very of the moment, with plenty of cowboy detailing and interesting buckles, but they're all pull-ons. Not going to work! I mean, come on, if I can barely scrunch my jean-clad calves into a pair of zipper boots (unzipped), how on earth am I going to push the entire leg casing into a pair that doesn't even open up? Give me a break, that leg space is so tight in there, I can't even sit on the toilet without unzipping both legs to breathe. Too bad, because the prices are going to be hard to beat here.

Day 2 - Had to feverishly scurry about and clean every crevice of the house because my mother-in-law was coming over for dinner for the first time to see the new nest. Couldn't leave to do real shopping. Instead, scoured ebay for all manners of "equestrian" and "English riding" boots, after a while just settling for just "knee-high" in a "US Size 6". Saw a perfect pair just about to expire -- shiny black leather with burnt-orange top, totally classic English riding boots. They were slightly worn, but looked perfectly nice to me. The price was right too. At the time though, I wanted to explore a little more, as this was the first item that came my way, and I never buy the first thing I see. Well, after about 3 hours of browsing (not consecutively, mind you), I gave up. Either too cowboy-like, too heavy in the metal, not enough detail, or too perilous of a height. Not nearly enough boots in my size. Drats! Should have taken the first pair. Oh well.

Day 3 - Did some online reconnaissance. Trekked through Zappos.com, Shoes.com, ShoeMall.com, ShoeBuy.com, Macy's, Aldo, Nine West, and Nordstrom. Found some definite hopefuls. Loved a lot of boots from La Canadienne, particularly:














Also adored the Biviel line, though the majority of their prices are closer to $300. These were an exception:













Other notables were from old standbys like Etienne Aigner and Vaneli, always known for high quality and upscale designs, but with far friendlier price tags. The Vaneli Narayan was an interesting almost olive color. That could work with a lot of clothes.

















Finally, rounding out the mid-range price category was an eccentric little pair from Matisse. I threw them into the mix for a little uniqueness:










Good day of browsing! Not sure if I have found the one yet. All the contenders are possibilities, but each seems to lack something, whether it's a comfortable sole, mid-height heel, or just a little more equestrian essence. Will keep looking.

Day 4 - Panicked a little and wandered into expensive territory. Got an email from Coach.com and clicked to see the new fall offerings. The Sara boots (right) are totally sassy and I love the turnlock calf closure! Too bad they're pull-ons. Oh, and that they're $498.




Moseyed over to Bluefly.com to see this week's couture bargains. So many stunning Prada boots! Perfectly minimalist but so exquisitely elegant. As always with Prada. But even at the "sale" price of $784, it's a little much for me to splurge right now. Sorry Prada! Maybe next year.

Continued over to Saks.com to torture myself. Oh, my, God -- shouldn't have done that. Forget Prada! The devil is wearing Gucci this fall. I'm still completely drooling over the Gucci ravishing red suede Britt Mid Heel Boots (right). And they're only $995. I fully expected them to sell out at over $1400. Very reasonable, I think. If you don't need to pay your mortgage this month. But it was fun to look.



The Coach boots seem like such a bargain now! Found a cute pair of Lacoste "Bonnie" boots in the highly noticeable shade of Carmin (left) at Zappos that could work when I'm feeling racy red. Back within my price range, too, at $224.95. These Michael Kors Hash boots in Redwood (right) aren't bad either, but do I really want to pay $333.95 at Zappos? I think I can do better on price. Anyway, enough horsing around. It's time to get my butt out the door and make an acquisition.

Day 5 - Finally got out to the mall and did some down-and-dirty shopping. First, I made a swift detour to DSW because I had a coupon to get rid of. Searched every aisle high and low but found only mediocre specimens. Took note of a couple of maybes, but honestly there wasn't anything earth shattering in there. Either too boring or too snowlike, which is great if you're looking for a waterproof fur-lined hot-pink number. Which I'm not at this time.

Entered Nordstrom, remembering that I had been invited to the women's half yearly sale. Heavens! Lots of shoes hung on clearance racks everywhere! Every style imaginable. I dutifully earmarked an attractive pair in a paprika red suede -- not a basic color but the rest of the boot was classic and simple enough that you could get away with wearing it with a lot. And strangely, paprika suede goes with a surprising number of fall colors. Plus it makes jeans really pop. But since it was my first stop, I had to keep moving to get a fair assessment of all my options.

Briefly stopped into Nine West and Bandolino. I liked the Bandolino Crochet, especially for $99! Thought the Nine West Despina was very ladylike with the kitten heel and the buttoned cuff. But why do all the classy boots have to be in such conservative colors?























Dropped into Aldo's. Nothing. Talbots: nothing, despite the adorable shoe collection, particularly the dress flats. Avoided Cole Haan because I knew it was a waste of time, since they were currently slightly out of my budget. In general though, I rave about their shoes and they have a marvelous boot collection this season. I would have sprung for a pair, but the majority were pull-ons or had towering heels.

Moving on to Banana Republic. Thumbs up for the Luella boots, available in brown, black, and a lovely shade of ginger! Good heel height, smart detailing with the pull-on strap. Price is acceptable. But wait a minute, another pull-on? Forget it.













Getting a little tired, but since I'm all the way on the opposite end of the mall, might as well take a rest at J Crew. Hello! Nice Sedgewick boots! Seriously eye-cathing design. The canvas and leather (left) are very original. Even the dark brown suede (below) isn't everyday. Not cheap, at $278 for the canvas-leather and $298 for the leather-suede, but at least they'd stand out from the crowd. I don't know... Hold on -- is that a pull-on I see? What is with these people? Pull-ons are just not practical! Quelle letdown. I give up. One more store left, and then I'm going home.

Finally shuffled into Macy's, my feet pretty sore and developing agonizing blisters from the tightness and 3-inch heel in my old suede boots that I'm trying to break back in. There had better be some good pairs in here. Bingo! It was a boot extravaganza! All colors and flavors, all heel types and heights, trends for all tastes. And the prices? Very competitive. Plenty to choose from under $200 and even under $150. I tried on several pairs, including some sophisticated Arturo Chiang beauties (below), one of my favorite designers that Macy's carries. Equestrian detailing, check. Side zipper, check. (Yes!) Priced within my budget, check. I hesitated. Maybe it was my feet groaning, but I suddenly couldn't bear the thought of spending entire days working, shopping, and running errands in stacked 3-inch heels. The boots would have been perfect otherwise though ...












And the Winner Is:
After trying on countless pairs, I narrowed it down to one. They were:

Franco Sarto Cabot Boot in Cuoio

A tres classy style with all the right trends to look fresh this season but still work in coming seasons. Just the perfect little bits of details to make this classic fresh and right now: pointed toes, cowboy-shaped heels, equestrian stitching, and a rich British tan hue that's a little sassier than the run-of-the-mill black and chocolate brown on everyone else's feet. A shade that's sure to turn a couple of heads, but is still neutral and classic enough to complement many an outfit. And, heels that both I and my aching feet could agree on. Enough rise without towering uncomfortably, and a nicely cushioned rubber heel and sole. Good traction too. I could shop for hours in these boots. An added bonus: they go perfectly with my cherished Ralph Lauren caramel quilted leather gloves, and even my beloved Coach Calf Pocket Satchel. Now that is perfect!

The best part? The price!! Retailing for$182.95 at Zappos.com, $179.99 at Shoes.com, and 179.95 at Nordstrom.com, I beat that price by $50! Macy's sale price: $129. Go 3-Penny Princess!! With the money I saved, maybe I'll splurge on a new cashmere scarf ...

Mission accomplished! After a tiresome 5 days of shopping and trying on dozens of hopefuls, I have finally found a winner.

Postscript:
As I finish this post, I just received an email from Bloomies broadcasting their online boot sale: 25% off boots this weekend only. What a pleasant surprise! I can make room in my closet for one more pair. Maybe I could still use some spicy red boots ... or how about a white pair? White is the new black, after all. Looks like Bloomies' own house brand has just the solution: get both at just $99 each (see top for Bloomingdales Ainsley Tall Leather Boot, $99). What a fabulous deal!

Now, just keep your fingers crossed for that record-cold winter!
Post-Postscript:
Oh, and those devil-red Gucci suede boots? They are officially sold out. And just when I was considering pawning a few bags ...

3-PENNY PRINCESS HOME
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Thursday, November 02, 2006

London Calling...

Sorry for being away so long, darlings! I just returned from a lengthy whirlwind tour of the international shopping circuit - I mean my honeymoon. After an energetic run through the retail extravaganza that was Rome, Florence, Venice, and London, I have happily depleted my budget for the rest of the year. But what fabulous finds! The Europeans still know how to make a girl look like a million (though in London, it might cost you a million with the outrageous exchange rate). So much femininity, so much creativity. It's tough to be the top diva in Italy with so much talented competition fighting for the limelight. I will fill you in on the treasures of Italy in another post. But first, a recap of London.

It used to be that London produced good tea and crumpets, decent stage actors, and a lot of ale stout and Beef Wellington. Now, some of London's best exports are its fashion designers. No longer satisfied with outfitting dowdy chintz-overrun country matrons and their style-deficient white-wigged barrister husbands, jolly old England is definitely on the world's fashion forefront. While retaining the great tradition of quality tailoring (God bless them!) and loads of ladylike class, many stylish Brits have gone on to reinvent the English gentry look using flattering new cuts, smartly patterned fabrics, and very pretty details. Whether you fancy rebel-yell streetwear, highbrow haute couture, haughty Hyde Park princess, or dressage diva, you can find it in London. But get ready to pony up your pocketbook (and maybe pawn a few crown jewels). The price of London fashion can stop you in your well-bred riding boot tracks. With the exchange rate fluctuating between 1.75 to 1.85 British Pounds for every measley U.S. Dollar, you might want to make friends with some influential folks at #10 Downing Street.

Shopping in London is a full-time activity. There are endless attractive storefronts that beckon you with their tastefully paired monocromatic and smartly patterned threads, all displayed on perfectly ladylike mannequins and finished with the proper accessories. Graceful, refined sophistication meets chic urban style, with the season's top trends making an appearance in just the right doses. In London, the chain stores are called "high street" and their attire can be just as beautifully crafted as that of the upper-tier houses. Some of my favorite high street brands that won't hang you out to dry by your cashmere Burberry scarf are Whistles, Monsoon, Mango, LK Bennett, Coast, and the ever-elegant Hobbs (pictured left and above) and Karen Millen.

The undisputed royalty of English department store is Harrods, where you can take your time and stroll from department to department on 7 levels of shopping heaven. Even the food halls here are royally outfitted. Located prominently in a historic building in Knightsbridge, Harrods has still got it after 171 years of operation. Their motto, Omnia Omnibus Ubique -- All things, for all people, everywhere -- lives up to their reputation. From highbrow to high street to home goods, they've got enough floor space to house to a small city. They even sell toys, sports equipment, and things for your pet. After you're done with a day's worth of shopping, you can feast on the many delicacies in the cafeterias, have tea in the restaurants, or go across the street to purchase groceries at Harrods own gourmet mini supermarket.

Despite the international renown that Harrods receives, however, the hipper place for a girl to shop is up the street at the intersections of Knightsbridge Road, Sloan Street, and Brompton Road. Harvey Nichols, or Harvey Nick's as the locals call it, is where all the hot action is, and has been since the 1880s. If you have a high credit limit, you'll feel right at home in the expensive (but worth it!) couture boutiques right inside the store such as Burberry, Alexander McQueen (pictured right), Vivienne Westwood, Stella McCartney, Dolce and Gabanna, Lanvin, and Prada. Younger and sassier, Harvey Nichols also offers racks and racks of contemporary homegrown, American, and European brands like Theory, Armani Collezione, Nicole Farhi, Jean Muir, Cacharel, Alice Temperley, Matthew Williamson, Goldsign, MaxMara (one of my Italian favorites), and Joseph (one of my Brit favorties). It compares to Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus. The best all-around department store is Selfridges, which is more like Bloomingdales in terms of selection. Not only is Selfridges more accessible location-wise and pricewise to greater segments of the population, and it also offers a nice range of classic as well as trendy labels. Some high street fashions can also be found here.

And speaking of Burberry, the iconic London house, which was for a while stuck in a humdrum nova-check hell, has returned to its glorious 1856 British roots and whipped up some brilliant traditionally tailored outerwear and deliciously upper-crusty separates (see top group photo), not to mention ravishing leather handbags. As you might imagine, they come with a matching upper-crusty price tag, which is made absurd by the current exchange rate. The base model Burberry raincoat starts at roughly $960, and the coat pictured (left) will set you back almost $2000. My heavens!

So where do you go if you absolutely must have the well-bred English manor look for less? Do you dream of a life filled with polo matches and steeplechases but live in a shoebox flat in town? Or, do you insist on channeling posh Knightsbridge society princess but are resigned to a working-class East End existence? Don't get your knickers in a twist, dear. You can satisfy your aristocratic, equestrian, and urbane urges all at the same time at the same place: Ralph Lauren, the pre-eminent (affordable) outfitter of the great American leisure circle. The beauty of this brand is that it contains several different brands under one umbrella, the better to serve all your moods (and spending categories) with. The best part? There's a big sale going on now. Hurry before these fetching fineries run out in your size!

Here are some of my picks from Ralph Lauren that could easily get you into the London society pages but won't force you to become a charity case:

Lauren by Ralph Lauren Wade Shawl Collar Tweed Jacket, was $250, now $189.90
Dara Tweed Skirt, was $159, now $119.90

Lauren by Ralph Lauren Tessa Hacking Jacket, was $260, now $194.99
Tanya Velour Pant, $89.50

Lauren by Ralph Lauren Allan Houndstooth Coat, $499

Lauren by Ralph Lauren Sherwood Fur Collar Houndstooth Jacket, $279
Gerardo Tweed Slim Skirt, $159

Ralph Lauren Blue Label Henning Leather Jacket, was $1498, now $899

Lauren by Ralph Lauren Maleah Fur Collar Cardigan, was $199, now $99.99
Heidi Straight-Leg Wool Pant, $129

Polo Jeans Co. by Ralph Lauren Hayden Moleskin Trench, $198

Postscript:
I went out to dinner with my mum Saturday night in Tysons Corner and saw, to my great surprise, that there is now a Karen Millen right in Tysons Galleria! I can save myself a trip to London for at least one store. And, it's just steps from the Burberry store, which is quite an impressive one I must say, especially for a mall. Honestly, Tysons is just getting better and better each month with all the fabulous new stores! It's truly becoming Rodeo Drive. Anyway, I drooled appropriately while admiring both storefront windows, since everything was closed. Naturally, this warrants another trip...

3-PENNY PRINCESS HOME
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Tuesday, September 26, 2006

Monthly 3-Penny Candy: Talbots Shoes & Accessories


Never has a fall fashion season been interpreted in so many ways. Well, never that I can remember in my adult life. One the one hand, we have the unfortunate return of the least favorite periods that I've lived through: the "lost" 80's and the horrifying 90's grunge. When did it become acceptable to wear shapless long t-shirts over leggings in public? Why did perfectly luxurious suede and leather boots have to turn slouchy? How can it be attractive to go without washing ones hair for several days at a time? And, when were asymmetrical shirts and dresses with oddly placed cutouts ever really flattering to the average girl?

Fortunately, the glamorous society girl can rejoice at the well-interpreted collections of select fashion houses and retailers. With classics recut in feminine tailored fabrics and accessories adorned with ornate extras, all is not lost this season.

I was immediately taken with the new Talbots accessory collection. Often demoted as the clothing shop for dowdy moms, the past few seasons have pushed that notion aside. While no one will mistake a Talbots outfit for the bleeding edge FCUK find, the newer Talbots designs definitely take into account the latest trends from New York and Europe. Granted, they have a decidedly uptown feel and channel more Park Avenue Princess than East Village Hipster. But that's why I seek them out in the first place! I will admit that while it is often a challenge to find articles of clothing that actually flatter my slight frame -- despite the extensive petite selection they offer -- I always find myself attracted to the shelves piled high with accessories, especially the shoes.

With their impeccable quality, a generous range of colors, and just the right little details, every princess is sure to find at least one accessory treasure at Talbots this season. Or, spoil yourself and take home a few. I don't know about you, but I simply cannot buy just one pair of shoes at a time.

Check out this yummy Talbots collection that exudes aristocracy (but for far less dough):

Talbots Paisley-Print Ladylike Flats, $94

Talbots Haircalf Ballet Flats, $88

Talbots Quilted Bag, was $138, now $69

Talbots Zebra-Print Bow Flats, $98


Talbots Mixed Leather Shoulder Bag, $88

Talbots Kiltie Pumps in Leather, Suede, and Croc Embossed Leather, $118

Talbots Buckled Suede Gloves, $48

Talbots Croc-Embossed Velvet Bag, $58, and Flats, $98

3-PENNY PRINCESS HOME
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