Style Cocktail

Vintage Shoes And Teaching About Hipsters

noreply@blogger.com (Style Cocktail) — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 18:33:00 -0700

I found these shoes at Beacon's Closet in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Some friends of mine were visiting New York and they didn't know what hipsters were, so naturally, I took them to Williamsburg. We had coffee and even though my friends weren't vintage shopping lovers like me, I took them to Beacon's Closet.

These shoes seem so old, I don't know who made them, the label is all worn away, but they are positively my favorite pair of shoes. They are incredibly comfortable and go with almost everything! I also love the facet that they are not black, they are a gorgeous navy blue.

Along with the shoes, I found a Marc Jacobs, yellow lace skirt! It's a little big but I just add a belt and it's perfect.

Oh! I forgot to mention.....We saw some Hipsters! Great vintage finds and friends that are fully versed in the definition of a hipster. Congratulations ladies, you can now confidently spot them from miles away!

Vintage Shoe Obsession

noreply@blogger.com (Style Cocktail) — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 21:44:00 -0700

I have a love for vintage shoes. This obsession started when I was younger and my mother showed me a pair of 'blue suede shoes' that she wore when she was a young lady. She carefully took them out of the closet and told me that those shoes were just like the Elvis song. I was amazed. Not only were they beautiful shoes that my beautiful mother wore long ago, but they were also associated with a song!

My mother gave those shoes to me a while ago. I'll show you those shoes some other time, in another post, but for right now I want to share my fairly recent find.

I bought a pair of vintage Ferragamo's from '1 of a Find' vintage shop (633 Vanderbilt Ave) in Brooklyn. I have small feet so vintage shoe shopping is fun for me. I saw these shoes and put them on my feet. They looked and felt perfect. The amazing staff at the store asked in amazement, "those fit you? You are so lucky!"

Badgley Mischka True Blue

noreply@blogger.com (Style Cocktail) — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 16:31:00 -0700

I attended a wedding this past weekend and when planning my outfit for the occasion, I decided that I didn't want to wear a little black dress like I tend to do at every other wedding. I wanted a little color. One of my favorite colors is blue. I love most blues, from navy to cobalt to baby blue. I found this Badgley Mischka dress at Century 21 in NYC and fell in love with the color.

I knew this dress would be different and interesting. I liked the cut out shoulders and the jeweled decoration holding the wrap together.

I paired this dress with a pair of plain black pumps, with silver bracelets. I tied my blond hair to the side in a low side pony tail and completed the look with soft pink lip gloss and blush.

Congrats to the new couple.

Out With The Old In With The Re-Used

noreply@blogger.com (Style Cocktail) — Fri, 13 May 2011 18:52:00 -0700

About 10 years ago, I bought the most perfect wallet. I found it in a little boutique in a small beach town. It was from a vegan handbag line called Matt & Nat. This old wallet was the best purchase I ever made. Today, I retired this wallet after 10 years of service!

I believe because the material is synthetic, the material does not warp or stretch so it remains in good condition. When you love an item as much as I do, this comes in handy.

I bought a new wallet from Matt & Nat. The inside lining is made from 100% recycled plastic bottles! LOVE IT!

Adventures In Payless Shoe Store

noreply@blogger.com (Style Cocktail) — Mon, 7 Feb 2011 20:41:00 -0800

I recently stopped by Payless because I needed some black/grey oxford type heels for work. Of course they had the buy one get one half price deal and I had to get the cute black ones for work along with an amazing pair of Christian Siriano for Payless blue and gold beauties!

I really wanted to check out the Isabel Toledo for Payless shoes, but they didn't have them in the store I went to. Has anyone out there spotted these in real life? I'm loving the look of the Striped Vamp Sandal $44.00, and the Pointed Kitten $44.99. Need to get my hands on these!

Cuban born, Isabel Toledo is pretty hot right now since she was chosen by Michelle Obama to deign her famous dress for inauguration day.

Rain Boot Obsessive Compulsion

noreply@blogger.com (Style Cocktail) — Thu, 3 Feb 2011 14:36:00 -0800

Recently my super cute rain boots (that I picked up for $5 at Aldo!) cracked. I think it was because I wore them out in the blizzard in New York. I really liked these boots, they were handy to have around and they were cute blue plaid.

With a desperate need to replace my boots, I have become obsessed with rain boots. These are my dream boots....Ilse Jacobsen Hornbaek boots. Beautiful!

I wanted them in navy blue with the white laces. They run for $179, which is a pretty decent price for the quality. They are made from 100% natural rubber with a cotton fleece lining. These boots are from Denmark and can be ordered here.

Due to some financial reconsideration, I talked myself out of my dream boots and ended up with another super cute pair for a fraction of the price. I'm now waiting for my Steve Madden Tsunami rain boots. These ones I got for $67, and I love the look of them. They are black with a red zip up the back. Love the unconventional rain boot style of these, with the buckles.

Intermix Comes to Canada

noreply@blogger.com (Style Cocktail) — Tue, 1 Feb 2011 17:06:00 -0800

New York-based retailer Intermix opens its first Canadian location on Bloor Street in Toronto, with a 2,500 square foot store. DROOL!!!!! It's scheduled to open in the fall. If you can't wait (I know I can't!) you can check out the online store -- they ship to Canada!

Fabulous Miss Piggy

noreply@blogger.com (Style Cocktail) — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 20:50:00 -0800

I have to confess that I LOVE Miss Piggy. She's stylish, strong and always feminine. So, it's fitting that she's finally come in to her own as a fashion icon -- the stylish swine is set to play the editor of Vogue in an upcoming Muppets movie.

Luvs it.

-- Erica

Damage Done: Anthropologie Harvest Blouse

noreply@blogger.com (Style Cocktail) — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 19:21:00 -0700

I have been meaning to add some pretty feminine blouses to my wardrobe, and Anthropologie's Harvest Blouse is perfect for fall. The olive green colour is gorgeous in real life, and the purple flower and bird print is beautiful. The fit is kinda large -- it's meant to be a bit flowy, but not baggy, so I recommend sizing down if you can. It also wrinkles throughout the day, which is a bit of a drag, but for the uniqueness of the top, I am willing to forgive it.

I paired it with this Antique chain necklace from Forever 21. Available at forever21.com -- Canada has it's own site, and they ship super fast, sometimes it will even come the next day.

-- Erica

Hurry! Saks 20% Off Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Style Cocktail) — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 15:22:00 -0700

Saks totally ships to Canada (much to my wallet's dismay), and with 20 per cent off, nows the time to get a wishlist item. Of course, there are a bunch of designer exclusions -- BOOO! But, I guess some designers seem to think maintaining their high prices seem to give them an air of exclusivity and whatnot, so cheers to them selling full-priced items in this economy. There's still lots to choose from, so go nuts!

-- Erica

Old Navy Coat Sale & Shopping Rant

noreply@blogger.com (Style Cocktail) — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 12:24:00 -0700

First off, let me start by saying I'm thrilled that Gap, Old Navy and Banana Republic now ship to Canada. Hurrah! So far I have made 2 orders, the first, with the free shipping option, took forever. Almost 2 weeks. But my Old Navy order took only a few days, but I had to pay for it ($8). I know, I know, there is a Gap and Old Navy on every corner, right? But sometimes my day job keeps me busy, not only during business hours, but for after hour events as well. And, I like the thrill of getting packages...it makes it more fun this way.

Anyway, today I learned that sometimes it IS better to shop online. I spied some cute wool coats on oldnavy.com -- you know, the ones that aren't really made for winter because they aren't warm enough, but are really cute, so you try to make them work for fall, even if you won't get much wear out of them? They were onsale for $29, so I was like, sold, since I wouldn't pay full price ($90) on an item I can't wear THAT much.

Since I had time, I went in store and tried on the coat in the blue/purpley colour and it's SUPER CUTE. But, the tag is still full price. I go to the counter and ask about the sale price but, no dice. "Online prices are different than store prices." Um, wat? I responded "well it looks like I can go home to order it for $29 instead." And, that's what I did.

So word of warning: ALWAYS check the site first. I wanted to start telling other people trying on those coats to just order them online. Since GAP, Old Navy etc are readily accessible, it doesn't hurt to just check the site before heading out -- the items you want may be cheaper online.

Oh, and I also picked up this more functional winter coat as well. This one is on sale in store and online for $39.

-- Erica

Damage Done: Mango.com

noreply@blogger.com (Style Cocktail) — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 13:29:00 -0700

I discovered a new online shopping destination a few weeks ago -- I have been in the store before, but the selection wasn't always THAT great, definitely not enough to make me purchase anything much (some stuff can be overpriced for what it is). But, the online site is a huge yay, the accessories and bags are super cute, and the shoes really are worth the price. The boots I ordered have leather insoles, soft as butter.

The goods:

This ring is chunky monkey fabulous. Takes up my entire finger from knuckle to mid knuckle. It's awesome.

The boots fit TTS (I'm an 8, and that's what they feel like), and the heel is high enough to give me a little lift, but are comfortable to walk in all day. Love them. There is a leather insole, lining etc. soooo soft.

I don't normally do orange, but this dress called to me for some reason. Paired with brown suede boots, it's great for fall.

This dress was my least favourite item when I opened the box, it's really cute, but the material was a little flimsy, and it fit big, so I recommend to size down if you are thinking of getting it.

For these items and many, many more, check out mango.com. The shipping was fairly quick, under 2 weeks, which is awesome considering they are being shipped from Spain.

Lanvin for H&M

noreply@blogger.com (Style Cocktail) — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 09:42:00 -0700

EEEEEEE!! The new Lanvin for H&M collection is due to hit stores November 23, and from the looks of the collection, the lineup will be looooooooooonnnng! For those with the stamina to wait it out, you are in for some seriously sweet shopping.

The collection mirrors recent garb Lanvin sent down the runway, just much, much cheaper. And, no worries if you don't get your pretty paws on it same day -- you may have luck on ebay, so check it out following the release.

-- Erica

I Want It: H&M Dresses

noreply@blogger.com (Style Cocktail) — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 13:00:00 -0700

O.M.G. Made the mistake of going to H&M on my lunch break. Bad idea. I am technically supposed to be on a shopping ban, but the new fall collections called to me from the store windows on my foray to find nutrients at noon. H&M is one of my fave places to shop, 1. because I ALWAYS find something that is super cute 2. they have soooo many options and are constantly changing the merchandise and 3. it's pretty cheap and you can buy a ton of stuff at once.

I shouldn't be looking at dresses since I bought a crap ton this summer, but these are really cute -- I'm putting these on my To Buy List:

I know that this one seems the odd ball out, but I am drawn the print..and I kinda like the way it looks on:
I was also drawn to a floaty black dress, took it to the dressing room and realized as I was pulling it over my head, that I purchased the same dress in red a month ago....sigh.

If you live in North America like we do here at Style Cocktail, you can't shop online -- only the lucky fashionistas who live in Finland, Norway, the UK and a small handful of other countries get that option. But, you can check out the new merch, see pics of the items styled on models and hope and pray for online access here.

-- Erica

Rebecca Minkoff Spring 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Style Cocktail) — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 13:30:00 -0700

It's not a secret that here at Style Cocktail we love Rebecca Minkoff. The morning after bag, the morning after clutch, the nikki, what's not to love? So, Minkettes, get ready to drool, here's what's coming up in Spring 2011.

To Buy Or Not To Buy: Zara Shoes

noreply@blogger.com (Style Cocktail) — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 12:56:00 -0700

Since Style Cocktail is all about what we love, want, gotta have and wish we had enough $$$ to buy, I thought we might start doing some "real time" shopping posts, so you guys can weigh in on what you like and don't like -- sometimes we need a second (or 10) opinion. And, since we think about shopping all day, every day, and are total enablers, I bet you'll find lots of stuff that will make you head out and do a little shopping of your own!

These are the latest on my "to buy, or not to buy" list, discovered in the local Zara.

So what do you think? Are they a buy or a pass?

Dark Jewelry Pieces

noreply@blogger.com (Style Cocktail) — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 12:18:00 -0700

We are in love with these dark jewelry peieces from Blue Bayer Designs. If you have a soft spot for the bad guys or like the imagery of black magic then this jewelry is for you. We love that something so dainty can be a little bit creepy. Cause let's face it, we are all a little creepy sometimes!

Dainty Watch Ring $46.00

Blue Bayer resides in New York in the East Village and sells his creations on Etsy. We came across his pieces when looking for something interesting in the accessory department. All of his pieces are cast from solid metal and you can shop for his stuff here

Anatomical Metal Heart Pendant $38.00

Ray Gun Pendant $54.00

Jey Black Gun Metal Revolver Necklace $18.99

Alice + Olivia For MAC Collection

noreply@blogger.com (Style Cocktail) — Tue, 6 Jul 2010 13:09:00 -0700

New York designer Stacey Bendet is usually known for her fun and fashionable clothing under the label Alice + Olivia. When Alice + Olivia put out a lower priced shoe collection for Payless, we thought, what more can a girl ask for. I guess there was plenty more....Alice + Olivia has taken on makeup! Alice + Olivia has teamed up with MAC Cosmetics to create a limited edition product line complete with fun colors and sparkly glosses. The collection will only be available from July 8th until August so get it NOW!

The Nail Lacquer $12: (from left to right)
Morning After, So Rich So Pretty, Military

The Dazleglass Creme: $18 (from left to right)
If It's Pink, I Want Candy, Sparklicious

Pigment: $19.50 (from left to right)
Later, Partylicious, If It Sparkles

Super Unique (and stylish) Bags!

noreply@blogger.com (Style Cocktail) — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 17:35:00 -0700

Kristine Gottilla is a handbag designer from Brooklyn, New York, who has some amazing ideas and a lot of creativity up her sleeves. Gottilla designs each bag with quirky hardware and out-of-the ordinary silhouettes. The designs come from picturing the girl who hates sitting across from someone wearing the same thing as her. These bags are made for the girl who takes pride in being original. No bag is exactly the same, they are all hand made and hand stiched.

Not only do these bags look fantastic, a portion of each bag sale is put into a fund to distribute sewing machines to young women in India.

Front 242 - 242 Grand Street
Brooklyn, NY
11211
open 2-7pm every day.

Kristine Gottilla also makes custom orders via e-mail.

Elizabeth and James Fall 2010 Collection Needs To Be In My Closet

noreply@blogger.com (Style Cocktail) — Sat, 1 May 2010 16:38:00 -0700

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have completed their high end Elizabeth and James fall 2010 collection and we are every impressed. The collection "plays with texture and mixes comfort with fashion."

We are not normally into many celebrity fashion labels, but this one has some amazing pieces and we all know those twins can dress! The collection features, structured blazers and jackets paired with loose flowing trousers and blouses. Check out the collection for yourself and let us know what you think.

H&M Garden Collection Springing Up Soon

noreply@blogger.com (Style Cocktail) — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 16:49:00 -0700

The Garden collection by H&M is set to be released on Thursday March 25. This is the first collection made entirely from environmentally adapted materials such as organic cotton, linen and recycled polyesters. There are a total of 80 items and 10 accessories all under $59.95.

I would like to see this collection in person, but some of the stuff seems interesting and has some potential to be mixed and matched with some already great pieces in my closet. A few pieces from this collection just might be the key to putting a little more spring in my wardrobe. I'm not a flowery person, but a few splashes of floral might be a nice change for spring.

The Garden Collection is made from PET bottles or textile waste and tencel (which is a silky renewable material produced with minimal environmental impact).

Lucian Matis Puts The Magic Into Fashion

noreply@blogger.com (Style Cocktail) — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 10:43:00 -0700

One of our favorite collections for Toronto Fashion Week is the Lucian Matis fall collection. Matis, who is mostly known for being the runner up on Project Runway Canada, seems to be able to compete with the big wigs of the fashion industry. The collection has a wearable quality while at the same time, looks avant garde.

Lucian Matis uses gold, grey and black in this collection, with lots of pattern, lace and embellishemnt. The craftmanship and structure of these garments is amazing. Matis creates full hips and shoulders, without being bluky.

The inspiration for the collection goes back to Matis' Romanian heritage, with the textiled patterns and high neklines. Loving the incorporation of the silk leggings and elbow length gloves to create sleek lines amongst all the busy patterns and details.

We would love to get our hands one of these dresses!

H&M Launches New Skin Care Products

noreply@blogger.com (Style Cocktail) — Mon, 1 Mar 2010 17:19:00 -0800

H&M is set to release their new certified organic skin care line for the first time ever. The line will include shower gel, body scrub, body lotion, hand creme, and lip balm all made with organic ingredients.

The scents are raspberry and melon as well as lavender and mint. The collection will also include makeup bags to carry all your new products.

The products use organic apples and apricot seeds as well as sunflower and almond. All the scents are derived from natural and essential oils.

Prices range from $4.95 - $7.95.

Preloved Sale Time!

noreply@blogger.com (Style Cocktail) — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 12:11:00 -0800

Preloved is having a super sample sale at their warehouse (Queen and Bathurst). Everything is between $5 and $50 dollars max. Don't miss out on this one, now is the time for eco-friendly fashion!

Alice Takes On Make-Up!

noreply@blogger.com (Style Cocktail) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 15:02:00 -0800

Alice in Wonderland has infused the beauty industry along with (almost) everything else. Disney Consumer Products has teamed up with Urban Decay and OPI to produce Alice themed makeup to go along with Tim Burton's upcoming film Alice in Wonderland.

The Urban Decay Alice limited edition palette comes with 16 amazing eyeshadows. Who doesn't love Urban Decay's colors, they are so much fun to play with and with names like White Rabbit, what could be more fun? The palette also comes with 2 eye pencils and 1 primer potion. To complete the whole package, the palette opens up with a pop up Alice in Wonderland scene! $52,00 at Sephora.

OPI has also created 4 nail polishes, with fun Alice names like, 'off with her red' and 'mad as a hatter'. $8.50.