Victoria's Secret
New York City Fashion Week Spring 09: Diane Von Furstenberg
What: Diane Von Furstenberg Runway Show, Tent at Bryant Park, New York Fashion Week Spring 09
The Lowdown: If it’s spring florals you crave, then Diane Von Furstenberg’s Spring collection is for you. Von Furstenberg calls the pieces a combination of goddess and rock star, and that 60s and 70s sensibility comes across loud and clear, with flowy fabrics, bold color combinations (with a widely varied palette including pink, red, berry, orange, yellow, white, and more), offset by floppy hats and floral headdresses and some flapper-style details for good measure. It’s a fantasy collection in a sense, anchored with a few more tailored pieces (like a white pantsuit) and some of the more oversized handbags we’ve seen on the runway yet for Spring . . .
Budget Solution: We’re thinking for long floral flowy dresses and bold hues in the Diana VonFurstenberg strain, Victoria’s Secret might just come through for Spring . . . and for the oversized handbag, Target has some now, and will have more later no doubt. Key accessory elements to focus on? Brown belts at the waist, and while the floral headdress may not translate well to, say, dinner with friends, a flower pinned in loose hair might just add a little Von Furstenberg vibe without going over the top.
The Rumors are True—Stirrups are Back!
It’s official, stirrup pants are back. Victoria’s Secret Fall Preview Catalog featured stirrup pants for $32.00 (Thanks Christie for the tip).
Now, I must go puke…
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Soapbox Moment: Ashlee Simpson is the New Victoria’s Secret Model
Gisele, Tyra, Heidi, and Ashlee? What the . . .
Ashlee Simpson has signed on to be a Victoria’s Secret model. Okay normally I wouldn’t care, however Ms. Simpson and her new nose is on the cover of this month’s Marie Claire Beauty and Body Issue with the following copy inside:
“She’s had it with Hollywood’s twisted view of feminine beauty. Her goal: to get women to appreciate their diverse shapes and sizes. Along with a group of teens, Simpson sends the kind of message we all want to hear”.
Exactly what type of message about body issues does being on the cover of a major mag right after getting a nose job and signing a contract to model lingerie send? Say whatever you have to say to get pr for your new album?
Indugle me in a soapbox moment: This is the type of fakeness that really bugs me about Hollywood. I have no problem with plastic surgery when it’s used to make you feel better and not turn you into the “cat” lady or Janice Dickinson (whom I love and who said hello to me while budding in front of me at Betsey Johnson’s Fall 2006 fashion show). Tyra Banks, Heidi Klum, and I are BFFs (well at least in my head). I give the Victoria’s Secret models as much props as I give the models in Figure magazine. However, I do have a problem when stars try to say how much they love their bodies and how much we should all love our bodies and then go and get $5000 nose jobs to look like their older sister. Or get gastric bypass surgery and lie and say that the rapid weight loss was from doing pilates three days a week.
I can’t tell you how many times I get asked to make over people to “look” like a celebrity. I have no interest in turning people into suburban Jennifer Anistons—I would much rather help people create their own styles and looks. But to the powers that be in Hollywood (and New York) all those in the middle states care about is looking like Angelina Jolie—which is why the very hypercritical (probably more confused) Ashlee Simpson is on of the cover of one of the most popular women’s magazines loving her body, with the exception of her old nose.
Answers to Common Swimwear Questions: The Budget Fashionista’s Guide to Swimwear Part 5:
In part 5 of our swimwear guide, we answer your questions ranging from “do dark suits help you tan” to “the difference between lycra, spandex, etc.” Have a swimwear question? Contact me.
Answers to Common Swimwear Questions
Question 1: Lycra, Spandex, nylon, Supplex – what’s the difference and why should I care?
Here’s why: each offers a unique fit and function. First, decide if you are wearing a suit to sunbathe or swim. If it’s the former, choose a soft, lightweight fabric like cotton or Supplex. If it’s the latter, choose a suit with higher Lycra (spandex) content.Still confused? Below is a mini glossary of common swimwear fabrics:
Nylon: Nylon was developed in 1938 by DuPont as the first completely synthetic fiber. The material offer resilience, abrasion resistance and high flexibility. It’s often added to natural fibers to boost a garment’s durability.
Cotton: Cotton suits are softer and comfier than nylon but rarely form fitting. They lose shape, shrink and bleed and fade colors.
Supplex: Supplex is another DuPont invention which offers the plush touch of cotton with the strength, durability and performance of nylon – but softer. Plus, it won’t wrinkle, shrink or fade.
Lycra/Spandex: Lycra/spandex won’t ride up or slip off while you swim or ride the waves. A bonus: The higher the spandex content, the greater the slimming ability. But, keep in mind spandex fibers break down easily with exposure to chemicals in swimming pools, hot tubs and even sunscreen. You’re not alone and miracle products do exist. Take for example, Panache’s molded gel underwire bikini tops (available at figleaves.com). They not only resist water and maintain shape in and out of water, but they present a pretty convincing breast-lift. You may also want to try other tricks like front-tie halters to define cleavage and boost your bust. Finally, there’s always regular underwire for lifting and sculpting any chest size. If the thought of waiting in line to try on a handful of suits in a teeny tiny fitting room with unflattering florescent lighting doesn’t appeal to you, then online shopping is a great option. It’s worth noting that most e-commerce sites – including figleaves.com, Bluefly.com
Tricot: Tricot (nylon-spandex) is generally constructed from four-way stretch fabric, meaning your suit moves with you.
Question 2: I’m small-chested but every time I wear padded tops in the water the inserts get soaked and lose their shape. How can I avoid this problem?
, victoriassecret.com, dELiAs.com
and Target
—offer comprehensive size listings and charts and hassle-free return policies (so you can try suits on at own home and then send them back if you change your mind). Also worth noting, a few sites, including Lands’ End, now offer high-tech display software like My Virtual Model, so you have the option to “virtually” try on your swimsuit before you buy.
Question 4: Are there any suits that will get rid of my cellulite?
Clothing does not remove cellulite; the easiest way to disguise it is by sporting cute boy shorts or sarongs. A nice tan can also reduce visible the dimples and cottage-cheese- like texture of cellulite.
Question 5: Will dark suits help me tan?
A dark suit will not increase the intensity of sun exposure to your skin. However, there are some new suit manufacturers that claim their swimwear actually helps you tan. One company, Cooltan, uses a unique patent-pending fabric knit with millions of tiny pores. The pores provide as much coverage as a medium-level sunscreen, so results will not be drastic; your suit-covered skin will receive as much sun exposure as the rest of your sunblock-slathered body.
The Budget Fashionista’s Guide to Swimwear
The Budget Fashionista’s Guide to Swimwear Part 1: The Do’s and Don’t
The Budget Fashionista’s Guide to Swimwear Part 2: What’s Hot and What’s Shot
The Budget Fashionista’s Guide to Swimwear Part 3: The Best Swimsuit for Your Skin Color
The Budget Fashionista’s Guide to Swimwear Part 4: What’s Hot and What’s Shot
The Budget Fashionista’s Guide to Swimwear Part 5: Answers to Common Swimwear Questions
Victoria Secret’s 25% off Coupon
THIS COUPON HAS EXPIRED. FOR CURRENT VICTORIA’S SECRET COUPONS AND COUPON TO OTHER TOP STORES, PLEASE VISIT TBF’S ONLINE COUPON PAGE
Save 25% off any single clothing item online at Victoria’s Secret. Enter offer code “4DAY” at check out. Offer good through May 18th, 2006.
Victoria’s Secret Coupon: 20% Off Select Bras
THIS COUPON HAS EXPIRED. FOR CURRENT VICTORIA SECRET COUPONS AND COUPON TO OTHER TOP STORES, PLEASE VISIT TBF’S ONLINE COUPON PAGE
Use code BRA4 for an extra 20% off the following Victoria Secret Bra lines:
Very Sexy
Body by Victoria
Angels by Victoria’s Secret
Good through April 4th.
Fashion Advice: Finding a Professional Bra Fitter
Dear Budget Fashionista,
I’m in desperate need of new bras. Do you have any tips on finding a professional bra fitter in my city?
Help!
Spill Out
Dearest Spill Out,
Most major department stores have professional fitters on staff (Saks, Bloomingdales
, JC Penney’s, Sears, etc). Some stores like Victoria’s Secret also have fitters, but in my experience, these fitters tend to try and sell you bras—regardless of the fit. You can also go to local boutique shops that specialize in bras and undergarments.
When you get to the store seek out the most experienced bra fitter there and have them measure you. If they tell you that you are a “definite” size, run like the wind. You will never be one size in every brand of bra and if a fitter tells you this then this is a sign of an inexperienced fitter. You will need to try on several bras, in many different sizes, until you find the right one that gives you support AND is comfortable. Your breast should fit completely into the cup, no spillage, no wire digging into your sides, and the band should fit snug, but not too tight on the first set of hooks. You should be able to sweep your hands from you collar bone across the bra without feeling any flesh bumps. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and walk out if they aren’t knowledgeable enough to give you answers or blame you (it happens) for their own inability to find you a proper fitting bra.
Spring’s Must Have Accessories: The ESPADRILLE
The emergence of the espadrille, the flirtly sandals with the jute (think woven rope) sole, is one big reason to be excited about the upcoming spring. I love these shoes, even though they sort of look like your walking on a wicker basket. As a rule of thumb, you shouldn’t pay more than $40 for a pair of espadrilles. Why? Because stores like Target, Victoria Secret’s, Payless, and Newport News all have stylish versions of the shoes for well under $40 and in some cases, under $20.
Where to get them
Target.com
Macys
Payless (great selection)
Zappos.com
Victoria Secret
Newport News
How to wear them:
with last year’s prairie skirts
with cropped cargo pants
with jeans
with gauchos
with a sun dress
with short shorts
Victoria’s Secret Coupon Codes
THESE CODES HAVE EXPIRED. FOR CURRENT VICTORIA SECRET COUPONS AND COUPON TO OTHER TOP STORES, PLEASE VISIT TBF’S ONLINE COUPON PAGE
Use the following coupon codes for additional savings at Victoria’s Secret.
Free T-Shirt with any Denim Purchase (Code: Tee)
Save $15 off a $100+ order (Code: SAVE)
Save $30 off a $150+ order (Code: SAVE)
Save $75 off a $250+ order (Code: SAVE)
Cute Shoes from Victoria’s Secret.com
“THIS PRODUCT IS NO LONGER BEING SOLD”
These satin sequined Mary Janes from Victoria Secret.com, $68.00, come in sizes 5-11, in the colors black, bronze, and champagne. If only they came in red.
These shoes are no longer available. For more cute shoes at Victoria’s Secret, click here.
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