Diabolina Digs

Having cool chick readers.

Last month, Nololos aka Wizzie emailed me from Kona, Hawaii. She just wanted to let me that she and her BFF Elle "love [me] and to keep the pics and blogs coming...[they] are reading all the way out in Hawaii!" Adore.

Over the ensuing weeks, have found out that Nololos is a fellow thirtysomething curly haired Louis Vuitton fiend. Adore even more.

Last week, she sent me this Dear Diabolina email:

Hey girl,

Still reading the blog and loving it! So I know you are totally busy and everything but I had a question about Forever 21. Me and my girl Elle (the one who got her hair japanese straightened) are flying over to Honolulu on Tues. for a shopping day!!!

This is so big and exciting I feel like I'm gonna pee my pants! So...I have never (gasp!) been inside a F21 store. I've only shopped online. Can you help? Maybe if you have nothing to write about one day (yeah right) you could do a pointers to shopping in this store? A plan of attack? Key items to look for?

Of course we are going to hit the new Nordstroms and Banana and Lucky etc...but what we are most excited about is F21!!Maybe if you don't feel like writing anything...could you...would you...pretty please maybe ask your lovely fab readers what they think?

Is this a totally random question? I just have this one chance over there and don't want to come home with bags of bad choices and spur of the moment horrible ideas.

Thanks girl...if you can't no biggie...just thought it would be cute.I'll get a pic in front of the store if you want!

Aloha,Wizzie (and Elle)

Crazed with getting ready for my business trip, I wrote back this short Dear Diabolina Answer:

V. exciting. Yes, please take a pic and send it.

You are in luck because I've kinda already written some F21 advice most recently in June and also back in April.

Most of all tho beware of what I call The Frenzy. Buy only things you love. Whether expensive or F21. It's the best way to really define your style. And not go broke ;)

kiss,
D

And here's Nololos' "Kona girls in the city" report - it pretty much made my week:

Us in F21! The girls were soooo nice and happy to take our pic. Ok so, Lucky jeans, Fighting Eel tunic, Versace glasses, Louie cammo bag, Roxy wedge flip flops (That's totally for comfort.) Elle had on Jo jeans, Coach bag, Dior glasses, Free people tank and Anthropologie shoes. And her adorable jacket is from jeans warehouse (our version of F21) and was only $9!

We had so much fun. F21 was over the top. we went twice. Once to take it all in and make mental notes and then went back for the kill. I spent only $70 and got a ton of cute things. Stayed mostly in the khaki range so I could add pops of color. Great idea and fun to figure out later today when I go thru my loot!

Please note the fab pearls on Elle and the HUGE statement ring on me. Both found within the first 2 min. when we walked in the brand new Nordstroms. Kinda set the tone.

Also I was channeling Rachel Zoe with the extra large Starbucks. I also (shy voice) tried to make my pose casual like you...I gave you total props btw.

Lunch was sushi an a conveyor belt! We were feeling very "Hills."

One more thing.....I have to mention we were dressed not only for cuteness but knowing we were going to try on a million things. It was a tricky combo but I think we pulled it off. We got to Honolulu at 9 am and flew out at 7 pm and still didn't have enough time! :0

Ugh how much do you love her guest post? I think in addition to being a fashionista and adorable, Nololos may also be a bit of a natural writer :)

Any other readers who want to share successful shopping tales, I am all ears!!! Your emails and comments really brighten up my day. Keep em coming.

Special Feature: Dear Diabolina

Last week Amber of Confessions of the Pink Obsessed wrote me:

Hi girlie,

Okay, so I just finished reading your latest blog post and while I was admiring how cute your little teal halter dress was, I realized that whenever you wear plunging necklines or pieces that are a bit bare up top, "the girls" are always where they should be and there are nice smooth lines underneath the clothing.

I also don't ever see any stray bra straps peeking out. So, what do you wear underneath all these bare pieces to keep everything looking nice and smooth? I've got narrow shoulders and am very small-busted, but I feel like the days of going bra-less under certain tops are behind me. :)

Thanks for any guidance you have on this topic!

Amber :)

p.s. I'm having a CW take a pic of me in the wrap sweater today. I'll send it over to you tonight.


The Dear Diabolina Answer:

Must admit Amber's email made me blush. Just a little bit.

I mean having your girls referred to as "being where they should be" is kinda amazing when you are approaching your 31st birthday (in TWO weeks) and watching your body slowly but surely fall apart :)

But Amber can frankly say or ask anything she wants. Anytime, anywhere. She was the first stranger who reached out to me and told me how much she enjoys MSSFD. Her continued support and kind words over the past months mean the world to me. She seems like a genuine, complex, good soul. Glad our paths have crossed even if it's just in cyberspace.

OK so back to boobies ;)

I gotta give my mom the credit for my chesitcle situation on two fronts (hahahah - get it??) First of all, my mom has a great bustline even as she approaches 60. So does her mother who is nearly 80. Big part of the equation is just genetics me thinks.

But my mom is also a Rainman about proper support. She is constantly throwing out bras and buying new ones. And she is ruthless about encouraging me to do the same. She's even dug through my undie drawer tossing out bras like a little Tasmanian devil, assuring me she was acting in my best interest.

She loves Nordstrom's for bras. And thus so do I. My mom condones spending as much as necessary on bras. She thinks you truly get what you pay for in this case. No Forever 21 or knock offs for her. It's always Natori or Wacoal or some such brand for her.

Until probably two years ago, I wasn't convinced. I'd by random bras here and there and keep them until they fell apart. But recently I've been investing more more often.

The three bras in heavy rotation at the moment are all Calvin Klein Perfectly Fit Bra - $38. They are all strapless. I have a problem with straps hanging out if I don't do strapless. Not cool if you have a cheapie dress on. Can make YOU look cheap all around.

Another key I think is getting measured. I know how horrifying, right? But seriously, your size changes and sometimes you gotta admit that you don't know it all.

Did you see that Oprah where it said 85 percent of women are wearing the wrong bra size??? 85!!!!!!!!!!! Shocking.

I got sized again a few years ago and discovered I'd been wearing a larger band size than I needed and a cup size that was too small. DOH! Yes, it was embarrassing - on many levels - but it was a whole new world afterward.

Went from hanging out all over the place, X rated, tranny granny mess style in the wrong sized bra.


To contained and appropriate and PG-13 in the right bra. The before picture actually prompted the measuring. Mr. Diabolina was shocked at the difference the next time I wore the dress!

Still not convinced? Let me tell you NOTHING you could EVER experience could be more embarrassing than being measured at 11 years old for your first bra. Yes, that's right, my mother was such a bra nazi she made me do that. Not so adorable now, is she?

Oh and a note about the Fourth of July dress, that one has built in padding so you get a little nip coverage and lift with the halter. A real godsend since I try never to go braless.

Don't think most women should. Even small chested ones. Case in point Ms. Lauren Conrad out recently in a WHITE dress sans bra. Not a good idea. Even when you are thin, rich and 22.

Most of us need some kind of support and shape. Especially as the girls age right along with us. My advice is to just not go there unless you have to and are prepared to have excellent posture.




p.s. regarding Amber's above p.s.
Have been begging for a photo of her in her new wrap sweater ever since she blogged about taking my advice and picking one up at Image.


Cutie patootie, no? Think she definitely needs to get a whole array of colors. Bold ones. Maybe hot pink ones ;)

Special Feature: Dear Diabolina

A million years ago, AT wrote:

Hey there! First off, I wanted to say that I really enjoy your blog and have it marked as one of my favorites! I love checking it out for some fashion advice. I have a question for you. I have recently been a little obsessed with ordering from Forever 21 (there isn't one anywhere close to me so I have to do the online thing). Would you mind recommending some good pieces from their website? I have ordered a few things but it's hard to pick things without trying them on. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

The Dear Diaboina Answer:

After profusely thanking AT for her kind words I promptly started fretting about getting her the "right" answer. After all, I just don't shop online. Cannot. do.it.

Can count the number of times I have on one hand. The Armani Exchange dress at right is the only thing last year.

I miss out on alot of great designer sales being this non-savvy way but I just can't seem to get into it. I enjoy the actual visceral experience of shopping too much. Love the hunt and the high of it all. Also like to feel up the goods, if you will. And closely analyze the fit on my rather difficult to fit body.

To make her question extra tough, AT threw my beloved Forever 21 into the equation. When you add the inherently hit or miss nature of more cheaply made clothing then I'm really at a loss. The fit and material can be sooooo off soooooo often with mass production. Plus online photographs can be very deceiving when it comes to material and detailing.

So I am hoping some of you can help a sista out. I know many of you are ninjas at online shopping. So please feel free to give some of your online shopping do's and don'ts in the comments. Lurkers, this is your chance to delurk for the good of a fellow fashionista in need :)

In the meantime, here are my piddly two cents about online shopping:

* I look at the return policy really carefully before I buy something online. I need to be able to return something right away if it doesn't work out. And I prefer being able to return it at a store.

Though that doesn't help AT much since she doesn't have a Forever 21 close by. I weep for her ;)

* Try to know what designers work best for your body and what size you are in a given designer. Like I know I am generally an 8 in Marc Jacobs and that the pants don't tend to cut me very well. I know I am a 6 in a DVF if it's jersey, an 8 if it's button down and as small as a 4 if it's voluminous. I am a 9 in Manolos and YSL shoes if they are pointy. And typically an 8 1/2 in Marc Jacobs round toe shoes.

Again tho, this doesn't really help at Forever 21 or other mass retailers because each piece is made so differently. I have smalls, mediums and larges from Forever. Similarly my Nine West shoes are a whole range of sizes. Sigh. So far my advice sucks...

*I would say buy accessories freely online if you fall in love with them. After all with purses and jewelry, you don't have to worry about the fit in quite the same way as clothes or shoes.

Sunglasses are slightly different because fit does matter. Especially on chubby cheeks like mine. But at Forever they are just $5 so what the heck.

I ended up buying the Chloe lookalikes from Forever online last week. In red and black. Was a bit worried that I might look like an Olsen in them. But I tried the real things on at Saks in NYC so I knew that yes, they'd likely be a bit buggy but overall, the shape worked.


Let me tell you these sunglasses have been the best purchase I've made in long long time. I never want to take them off. In fact I woke up the other day, put them on and then brushed my teeth - much to Mr. Diabolina's amusement. They just make me feel glam and ridiculous which I guess is EXACTLY like being an Olsen twin.



* Finally, let's get down to some Forever 21 specific advice: I would say if it looks remotely cheap in the picture, it will look ten times worse in person. Try to steer clear of the 100 percent synthetic garments. Also anything too chiffony or sheer will likely fall apart quickly. Stick to the jerseys and the cottons.

If in doubt, buy it in a darker color. Lighter colors tend to show cheap construction more. Zoom in on seams. Remember if the buttons are a bit too plasticy, you can replace them and really luxe up the piece. Or if there's a detachable satin sash that looks like trash, it's easy to snip off. I do that all the time.

As for items I'd recommend getting from Forever 21, unfortunately there's not alot to chose from currently. Here are a few that caught my eye after a quick perusal:


Pretty little summer top with nice rosette detail.



Artsy tunic with great fluttery detail at the neckline









And I still heart this dress that I bought back in March. It's still online after all this time but it's actually in the tops section. Weird.

May get it online in this color combo. Incredibly soft and great fit. Which I would never have known if I didn't try it on and paw it at the store, unfortunately.


Ok, ladies and gents, now it's your turn to share your words of wisdom with AT. Have at her question...

Special Feature: Dear Diabolina

A million years ago Lyradelmar wrote to me:

Being the fashionista extrordinaire you are - I figured you'd be able to help my shoe dilema.

You see I am a self-admitted shoe whore with a nack for great-looking shoes and expensive taste - but who cringes at the thought of paying more than $100 for a pair of shoes that will only be in season three months out of the year. You see I am a New Yorker and the time to wear long leather boots and cashmere sweaters will be soon upon us (summer goes by so fast!) so I can only get a few months of use out of these beauties at most!


i.e. Irridescent Kate Spade Mary Janes in a yummy pink sherbert. To.die.for! -

You seem to be so good at finding the great deals or sales for designer fashion - have you seen similar shoes in a more affordable price range?

Any advice you can offer is most appreciated and not only will my pocket thank you but my husband will thank you. We are planning a trip to South America soon and he believes are funds are much better suited to our travels than to my feet - I tend to disagree, but alas, he does make a point;)

The Dear Diabolina Answer:

I fear Lyradelmar has beaten me, ladies. She poses a real toughie. An under $100 version of a pink irridescent Mary Jane??? Ugh, I might have to give up my title of Recessionista.

Have been thinking about this one for weeks. Have kept my eyes peeled on various sites and when I go shopping with my momma. I've been hoping to catch the actual Kate Spade shoe she loves on sale so I could at least kinda help her out.

Here's the best I could pull together (some good sites to keep in mind for all of us fashion on a budget type gals.)


Patent peep toe sling back pump with Fendi-like buckle detail. More chunky sexy than the dainty Kate Spade and not as gloriously vibrant. Oh and I went a little over budget: $130 at Boutique 9 by Nine West.




Was shocked there weren't more options at Nine West. But I guess Mary Janes are really more of a fall shoe. Found these too but they make me sad just looking at them. Too homely.

Next...


There is this strappy Chanel knockoff Mary Jane. The right shape but the colors are more jewel toned than summery sherbert :(

Speaking of Chanel. Now this shoe isn't remotely like the pink Mary Jane in question but I love it. So hot. Very Karl designed it with the black heel.

On sale for $99 at Boutique 9.

Moved on to Asos which Stylminded taught me about. She's had good luck with dresses and boots from there. Lots of great designer knock-offs. Never gotten anything myself not being a big online shopper but may have to try it out.
Found this interesting pearlised asymmetic strap detail shoe with an almond shaped toe and low triangular shaped heel. 25 pounds on Asos.

Here's another dainty option though its not available in pinkie colors.
Love the double strap. Sweetly sexy.

Heart that the site itself shows the picture of the shoe it's knocking off. In this case, likely a Manolo that Lindsay and Fergie rocked. Again just 25 pounds on Asos.

I'm personally digging this odd Mary Jane myself. Part good girl, part bad girl.
Ugh but of course it's 115 pounds. F to me.

Then I thought to turn to Aldo. Fashion Toast swears by Aldo. And I guess I got one or two shoes there when I was in my mid-twenties.

Digging this little sexy slightly ombre peep toe heel. Gorgeous color and on sale for just $69. Now we are talking...

Alas, nothing good at Steve Madden (likely because it's summer; do love the YSL and Dior knockoffs though) and nothing notable at Jildor. Anyone else have any ideas for lyradelmar??

I did my best, m'dear. Hope it helped a little. Or that in the end you said to hell with your hubby's babbling and just bought the Kate Spade originals that you loved.

Special Feature: Dear Diabolina

Two weeks ago, I got this email from Artsy Fartsy:

Dear Diabolina:

I went to see the new Made of Honor movie last night with Patrick Dempsey and Michelle Monaghan. Her clothes were so "me" throughout the entire film, and there is one shirt in particular that I absolutely must have. No doubt it is designer, but you are so good at finding knockoffs, I was wondering if you could help me.

Go to photo gallery and look at the picture with Michelle and McDreamy walking down the street. She is wearing a belted red shirt with the white/cream polka dots and gorgeous pleating around the neckline. I adore it!

I don't know how we found each other's blogs, but I must say, yours is one of my daily reads. It is so fun to see what you come up with, and although my lawyer job forbids me from mimicking much of your style, I try to at least to take inspiration from your color combinations.

Good luck with your new job!

The Dear Diabolina Answer:

So sweet. The top and Artsy Fartsy.

Wrote her back immediately and let her know I too loved the dotted dreaminess. As you've probably noticed, I have a thing for polka dots. Plus I am trying to retrain my eye to embrace a fitted, maybe even belted silhouette so this was a timely request.

At first I thought finding the top would be a cinch - no pun intended - and that the real challenge would be finding an affordable version. But even finding who makes the original top has proved to be a conundrum.

Initially, I thought the top might be Nanette Lepore. Then maybe Donna Karan. Then Dolce and Gabanna. Then Dior. Then Yves Saint Laurent. All these high end designers do fluttery feminine pieces and occasionally have a thing for polka dots. But no dice.

Then I started thinking like a wardrobe stylist. I considered the more mainstream brands that could keep the look realistic for the movie character's budget and lifestyle. I thought the top could be a Betsey Johnson or J Crew or Banana or Anthropologie. Still no exact match that I could find online.


I did find several adorable printed tops at Anthropologie. Here are some of my favorites.

Very flirty and girly. Already come with a fitted waist but you could still add a belt over the cinched middle.



Could work well paired with jeans for play. Or under a jacket for work. Think they'd look really delish with a black pencil skirt. Very sexy librarian.

And for about $88 dollars they are affordable. A bit pricey for my taste though. If I'm going to spend over $80, I like to make sure it's designer.




More searching yielded this slim fit button down at JCrew. Could be belted and for $58 it's getting closer to my sweet spot ;)

But in the end it's more preppy than pretty chiffony. Back to Google...






Decided to check out my one, my only, my Forever 21. Took a look through the latest dressy top offerings. After all, I've gotten some cutie polka dots there - all for under $30.

Found these two dotted tops that could work. Both could be belted and are definitely dainty.





Both of these little non-dotted numbers I would suggest spying in person. The idea and shape is right but I'm not sure how luxe they look because of the material. After all, both are under $22. Sometimes cheap just looks cheap.



That satin bow alone gives me an allergic reaction. But then again it could probably be snipped off. I've done that several times with Forever purchases to de-trashify.

Then it was time for Polyvore. She had no polka dot answers for me but still played for a little bit when Mr. Diabolina wasn't looking :)

Finally today, in one last ditch effort, I googled "Made of Honor wardrobe." Found a site I've been hearing about for ages but never visited I Saw It On.

It aims to be "a central hub where you can find information and links to clothing, jewelry, shoes and accessories you saw in your favorite movies worn by your favorite stars." Pretty cool. Wish I'd thought of it.

However, it appears even the ISIO professionals are stumped about this top's origin. But like any good resource, they provide some look alike options too.

Let me know if any of you have the answer to this puzzle for the ages. I'll even take educated guesses at this point...

Thanks for the question, Artsy Fartsy. Hope this all helps. Kiss.

New Feature: Dear Diabolina

For the last month, LilCee and I have been falling in (fashion) love slowly but surely via email. We've discussed Marimekko at H&M and Target's Go International line and even running in mud. She seems like a girl after my own heart plus she sends me sale notices :)
This could get serious.

The Nine West flats from yesterday reminded me of an email she sent last week:

I need your fashion advice. I've been dreaming about the Nine West gladiators since it's available to purchase again. Should I get them since it's so late into the game? Do you think they'll last throughout the summer at least? I'm just worried that they'll be out of style in a month or so. conflicted.

The Dear Diabolina answer:

Eeeks! To gladiator or not to gladiator - that IS the question this season. Jean Bean, Styleminded and I have been AGONIZING over the right pair for months.

I think I am just going to let the trend pass since I am incapable of making my mind up.

However, I think those Nine West ones are good good good. They transcend the trend because they are not flats, me thinks. I am seeing ALL kinds of strappy shoes into the fall season so I think you'd be safe.

Just ask yourself whether you really really want them. That's my big thing lately. If I can live without it, I am trying to pass. No matter how cute they look on hot chicks.

BTW go to Fashion Toast's site. She is super into gladiator type shoes and does really interesting pairings. Also she gets alot of them at Nine West and Aldo. Who knew!

hearts!



POSTSCRIPT:

And then, yesterday, I emailed her this Who What Wear Daily story featuring her shoes!!!! I swear those girls are tapping my emails. Homeland Security style.

Nine West is really stepping it up lately - pun intended. It's like the Forever 21 of shoes. So is Steve Madden actually. Lots of looks inspired by high fashion for bargain basement prices.




Here are some more of the gladiator/peep toe sandals I've been mooning over.

However, think my Forever 21 bubble black flats and Stuart Weitzman gold flats will do for this season. Maybe I will get a heel in the fall. Maybe maybe maybe.

NEW FEATURE: DEAR DIABOLINA

Fabulosity emailed me a few weeks ago:

Hi Diabolina,

Thanks for giving us your e-mail address, I've been waiting for that.

I purchased this skirt and top but haven't worn them because I don't know what to pair them with.


If you could help me I would really appreciate it. Thanks.

The Dear Diabolina Answer:

I immediately wrote Fabulosity back and told her that this was a yummy conundrum for me but that I would need some time to get her the "right" answer. Have been thinking about it as I shop and peruse other sites. Even decided to put together my first little Polyvore set to respond to her questions. (I've been avoiding this site and playing with it like the plague since I hear it's the ultimate way for a fashionista to get lost in an online time vortex. Mr. Diabolina already complains I'm on the computer to much!)

So let's start from easy to hardest F21 piece.

The tunic is like so many tunics that I sport regularly. It's got great detail at the neckline and the color makes it an easy blank palette. The only problem is that it looks quite voluminous with the pleating and the swingy cut. This means it's easy to look preggers.

With this in mind, I'd suggest keeping the rest of the outfit quite fitted. Showing your shape via your limbs is key. You can do skinny jeans (colored ones if you are feeling daring) or simple calf length leggings (I have ones in black, brown and electric blue.) You might also be able to pair it with a simple SHORT demin mini if you've got good legs and know how to use them ;)

I think you could throw on a fitted jacket as well to give the look a bit more structure and make it more formal/work appropriate. Remember to please keep it fitted and show your shape.

With anyone of these bottoms you could do flats or heels. And I would suggest fun earrings or a bracelet since you won't be needing a necklace. Here are some of my faves from Polyvore:

Now for the short tiered skirt. It's a look I did quite a bit in junior high but not much since. Not because it isn't adorable but because I hit 14 and became way too hippy to pull it off. I think it is a look best saved for straight and narrow hipped chicas.

I found a few examples of how the fashion wizards styled this type of skirt at Forever 21.


Think thin fabrics that can tuck into the sheer material of the skirt or hang over it delicately. Think fun and feminine.








Last night, I was catching up on my regular blog reads and found that one of my fave fashionistas Fashion Toast has the exact Forever 21 skirt!!!

I HEART this girl's style (and writing.) I read her daily even though half the looks she puts together would never work on me given the fact that I am about 3 sizes bigger than her and 6 years older. Wah.

Really loving how she toughens up the skirt with a little leather jacket and cool fugly nurse shoes. She is very Kate Moss, very French magic.



One final note on this skirt. If you are feeling adventurous, you can wear it as a top with fitted pants and maybe a little jacket. I used to do this in college with skirts that no longer quite fit. Haven't tried it in a while but did it for fun at a resale store with a Marc Jacobs skirt that was a size too small. Wah.




And now the pleated sailor skirt. This one is also a toughie for me since it's not a look that works on my body at all. Again I am too thick in the middle to pull this high waisted look off. The buttons and the pleats would just draw too much attention to my problem areas. This sailor dress is about all I could pull off in the boating wear family.



So though I am kinda talking out of my ass, I would suggest wearing thin tops tucked in to the skirt much like the ones you'd pair with the guazy tiered skirt. They can be finer t-shirts, button downs or tanks. Just make sure if the top has buttons they don't fight the skirt's buttons too much. In other words, make sure it's not too button busy.


The deminy look of the skirt is terrific because you can dress it down or up depending on the top and the shoes you chose to pair with it. Very versatile. Think you'll get get alot of use of it once you crack the code of what to pair it with in your closet.


When I close my eyes, I can see it working with a nice thin scoop neck pristine white tee and a puffy sleeved fitted black jacket and round toe black heels and a killer red bag and red lips.

Hearts and thanks for the challenge, Fabulosity. Send pics of how it all works out ;)