Da Fashionista.com

The Scene

Today I had my first personal shopping appointment with a client! It was with Amber, a follow up to our successful wardrobe consultation a few weeks ago.

We ultimately decided to hit the Fashion District today so it was also a bit of a trial run for my first Recessionista Tour next month. (That tour is currently filled but if you have contacted me in the last week, rest assured, I will be getting back to you shortly with more upcoming dates! And kisses for the interest.)

Before we got started, over coffee, Amber showed me picture after picture on her camera of how she's been applying my advice. Open necklines, belts, more saturated colors, wrap sweaters, bolder accessories, prints!! (She'll be doing a "Diabolina Styled Me and I Liked It" post soon as will The Modern Type - stay tuned!)

I was blown away with how Amber was discussing proportion and colors and accessorizing like an old pro. Love me a diligent student!!! Almost got emotional when she told me how confident she's been feeling, how the compliments have been rolling in, how much fun she's been having with fashion. Realizing this one-on-one styling work could turn out to be one of the most satisfying things I've ever done with my time. FINALLY :)

With a mission of finding accessories and dresses, we combed the Fashion District for about two hours this morning. Showed Amber all of my favorite spots, gave her tips on what to look for and what to avoid, and helped her pull things to try on. Her final haul: a brown wrap sweater, a SEX-ay maxi, a Phillip Lim-inspired tank and tons of statement jewelry. Before we left, I also had her try on this $25 dress.

I found a virtually identical one at Theory for $250 that I included in her personalized lookbook. Thought the shape would be wonderful on her with her tiny waist, beautiful bustline and slim arms. We didn't end up getting it because the colors of the downtown version weren't spectacular but I wanted to show her how great the style could be on her.

After shopping, we had a long lovely lunch. She gave me invaluable advice on what she thought of the Recessionista tour and how I could make it even more valuable for other clients. We also discussed careers and children and even religion. Feel so blessed to be sharing these highly personal, lovely moments with wonderful women. To think, I would have never met if it wasn't for the Interwebs.

In the afternoon, I worked out, had a sushi dinner with Mr. Diabolina followed by the live from Broadway Will Ferrel special on HBO. Nothing like 90 minutes full of George Bush potshots to end an already great day!

The Outfit

Forever 21 ruffle top and bubble skirt
Vintage trench coat

The Accessories

Raybans

Thrifted purse

American Apparel tights

Old Navy flats

The Grade

A

The Commentary

Wanted to project so many things this morning for my excursion with Amber. Wanted to look stylish but accessible; professional but still comfortable; luxe but not blingy since oftentimes Fashion District shop keepers will size you up before telling you the price on an item.
They are wiley like that.

To add insult to fashion injury, I woke up to a thick patch of clouds that threatened rain. Ugh to this schizo weather. Decided to start with my new purple-navy skirt I got at Forever last weekend, pull on a pair of tights and wing it from there.

Loooooving this skirt. So much so that I got it in a gorg purple too - Recession be damned. The fit, the material, the pockets in the front=adore! And all for just $25. I must confess I debated getting it at first. Was worried that the bubble hemline might make it too dated. After all, I was snapping up bubbles like there was no tomorrow back in 2007. Still wear my bubbles even though the trend has been over for a couple of seasons.

Ultimately, I decided not to worry about the trend factor and just go with what I like and what works for me. Wise choice. Lo and behold, what did I find but bubbles all over the fall runways! Mini skirt bubbles - yay!

At Oscar de la Renta

Balenciaga

Ungaro

Project Runway winner Christian Siriano








And this week they were even on the Vuitton runway - in very similar colors to the ones I ended up buying. Hellz to the yea!









Acutally debated getting one in a neutral color at Forever. Thought it would make me look too hippy in a light color. May go back and try it on.

My favorite Fall skirts were on the Dolce Gabanna runway















So many shapes, so many ways to style them.

They felt slightly Edwardian yet thoroughly modern.

Cannot wait to wear mine with sky high heels and a rich berry colored top.

Instead of going with a safe black jacket today. Opted for the pop of contrasting color in the trench.

Got several compliments throughout the day. As Amber is finding, it invariably pays to look a little different, a little bolder than the herd.

Instead of my real Chanel bag, today I carried one that I picked up at a thrift store years ago for $20. Figured the effect with the quilting and chain is similar enough. But anyone who knows logos would know that the woman carrying the interlocking C's could pay more than the one without the C's. And I am all about scoring the best deals possible.

When shopping downtown, flats are imperative. You walk around a 6 block radius. These Marc Jacobs flats that I am currently coveting would have fit the bill perfectly. Alas at over $600 they will not be making it into my wardrobe any time soon.

So instead I wore these Old Navy flats that I bought a million years ago but which haven't seen much action. Think I always struggle with how to wear them.

Got them because they reminded me of a Marc print I loved a few years ago.

Now they remind me of this Phillip Lim dress. A bubble dress.

Today's top - a Forever tunic priced at $20 - also reminds me of Phillip Lim.

Love how tucked in the top and the skirt look like a dress. A dress that cost much more than just $45.

And this exposed zipper on the back is the cherry on top ;)