Does Your Bra Fit?” y 9 mas

Does Your Bra Fit?
Street Style: Stephanie Works Marant, Owens, and Demeulemeester Beautifully
Fashion School Honorable Mentions
Caption This: Terry Goes Preppy?
Racked Dealfeed: James Jeans, Barneys, DSW and more!
World’s Top Fashion Schools: The Fashionista Ranking
Finally! I’ve Found My Backpack Soulmate
Would You Rather…? The Power Couples Edition
Get Designer Desserts at Prêt-à-Portea
Fashion News Roundup: Galliano on Film, Prince on Tees, and A Smile Across the Face of Baptiste

Posted: 25 May 2010 03:30 PM PDT

When an invitation from Wacoal for a complimentary bra fitting came across my Inbox, I decided I was probably a good candidate. I have been wearing the same Gap cotton wireless bandeau bras for several years now, and they really do nothing for my figure.

Trying to remedy this, I went to the Town Shop a few weeks ago for a “real” bra fitting. (The Town Shop is a venerable uptown NYC lingerie shop, known for an expertise in finding the right bra for the right person.) Their fit method was unconventional. The girl looked at me and pronounced my size; a tape measure never touched my body. I bought some bras. But after wearing them a few times, decided that they weren't quite right.

Today’s visit to Wacoal was my second chance.

First, I got to see some very lacy and colorful pieces from the b.tempt'd line, Wacoal's collection aimed at a younger and hipper customer. Then, I was led to the fitting room to meet with Larisa, a salesperson and fitter from Bloomingdale's.

My first shock was that I was already wearing a b.tempt'd bra, albeit in an improper size. (So much for being label-conscious.) My second shock was when Larisa, after measuring me several different ways, pronounced my size. Turns out I’m a cup size smaller than Town Shop had predicted. Instant breast reduction.

Larisa gave me a very basic, neutral, molded t-shirt bra in my correct size, and it was a revelation. I didn't even feel it on my body. No straps cutting in, no gaping sides.

Liz Smith, Wacoal's "Bra Lady" (what a great title!) has these bra tidbits to share. I'm not sure I'm a believer in all of them, but I am ecstatic that I look a bit perkier now because of her wisdom:

Street Style: Stephanie Works Marant, Owens, and Demeulemeester Beautifully

Posted: 25 May 2010 02:30 PM PDT

Name: Stephanie

Occupation: Writer

What is your favorite restaurant in NYC? Pure Food and Wine

What is your favorite song? “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana

Coffee or Tea? Tea

What is your favorite kind of tea? Tulsi Green Tea

If you could own any piece of artwork, what would it be?An Egyptian sarcophagus.

What is your favorite book? About to go buy Leo & His Circle…Always?…The Little Prince.

Who are your shoes by? Ann Demeulemeester

Who is your jacket by? Isabel Marant

Who is your skirt by? Rick Owens

Where are your bracelets from? They’re from my grandmother.

**All photos by Ashley Jahncke.

Fashion School Honorable Mentions

Posted: 25 May 2010 01:30 PM PDT

While researching the world’s top fashion schools, we were excited to learn about some up-and-coming programs. And we expect to see great things out of them in the next decade. In no particular order, they are….

Caption This: Terry Goes Preppy?

Posted: 25 May 2010 01:00 PM PDT

Terry Richardson tries out a new look at J. Crew, posted on his blog, Terry’s Diary.

Racked Dealfeed: James Jeans, Barneys, DSW and more!

Posted: 25 May 2010 12:35 PM PDT

James Jeans
Deal: Markdowns on denim, including one-of-a-kind samples for $15—$50 and straight-leg, skinny, and legging jeans reduced from $180 to $80 (two for $150).
When/Where: Tuesday, May 25 through Friday, May 28. Tues 9am—7:30pm, Weds 10am—5:30pm, Thurs 9am—7:30pm, Fri 10am—2pm. James Jeans Showroom, 500 Greenwich St between Spring and Canal, #202, New York. (212-221-4603)

Barneys New York
Deal: 40% off womenswear, menswear, kidswear, home, and accessories, both online and in-store. Free shipping online.
When/Where: Tuesday, May 25 through Tuesday, June 1. Mon—Fri 10am—8pm, Sat 10am—7pm, Sun 11am—6pm. 660 Madison Ave at 61st St, New York. (212-826-8900)
And online!

DSW
Deal: Enter code SHIPR at checkout to get free shipping on order over $35
When/Where: Online! Ends July 6, 2010

Lotta Stensson
Deal: 30% off select summery dresses, tanks and accessories
When/Where: Mon.-Sat. 11am to 7pm; Sun. noon-5pm. 8372 W. 3rd Street

World’s Top Fashion Schools: The Fashionista Ranking

Posted: 25 May 2010 12:00 PM PDT

School is ending, graduation season is upon us, and perhaps you're wondering what to do with your life. Well, if fashion design–or a related career–is calling you, we've compiled a list of the top fashion schools in the world.

To generate our list, we spoke to students, employees at the schools, companies who hire graduates, and industry professionals. We also considered tuition costs and demographics. Then we mashed it all together to come up with five schools that are worth a look. And they are…

Finally! I’ve Found My Backpack Soulmate

Posted: 25 May 2010 11:09 AM PDT

I’ve been in search of the perfect backpack since before fashion week. After years of carrying incredibly heavy bags from city to city, I’m simply fed up with aching shoulders. And of course, my preppy tendencies mean that I love the look of a rucksack.

But it hasn’t been an easy search. There’s been a ton I’ve admired–from Marc by Marc Jacobs‘ runway version to Alexander Wang’s black leather style, but it was hard finding one that actually made sense to buy. I didn’t want to spend a ton of money, I wanted something light–but sturdy enough to carry a laptop–and I wanted it to look good. This wasn’t an easy as it sounds, especially for someone who’s very, very particular about her accessories.

So it was kismet when a Duluth Pack landed on my desk. Duluth, a Minnesota brand that’s been around since 1882, sells lots of outdoor equipment, as well as plenty of made-in-the USA canvas luggage and carry-ons. The style that Duluth sent me (yes, it was a gift) is called the Scout Pack, and it rings in at an affordable $85.

Why I liked it: It’s big, but not overwhelming. It’s flat like an envelope, which means the weight of the items is more evenly distributed. And it looks good. I like utilitarian bags, jackets and footwear, so it works well with my existing wardrobe.

What’s more, it’s handmade. I think, after months of deliberation, I found my backpack soulmate.

Would You Rather…? The Power Couples Edition

Posted: 25 May 2010 10:00 AM PDT

Would you rather see Karen Elson and Jack White playing music in Vogue or Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt playing house in W?

Get Designer Desserts at Prêt-à-Portea

Posted: 25 May 2010 09:03 AM PDT

If you’re traveling to London and plan on enjoying fancy afternoon tea, look no further than the Berkeley Hotel, which has been dolling out a particularly fashionable service for five years now.

Called Prêt-à-Portea, the afternoon ritual includes desserts crafted to resemble the season’s top runway looks. For SS10, you can snack on a Yves Saint Laurent white chocolate mousse with mini strawberries, a pink gingham printed Christopher Kane macaroon, or a Chanel clog biscuit.

The last place we thought we’d ever see a clog, other than the feet of fashion insiders, was on a biscuit (the Brit’s name for a cookie). But we’d be more than happy to eat it.

The stylish tea has attracted the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell. Why there are no Kate Moss candy cigarettes, however, is unbeknown to us.

Either way, Prêt-à-Portea at The Berkeley is a great stop after shopping at Harrods or Harvey Nichs, and the treats are delectably cute. Give our compliments to the chef!

Fashion News Roundup: Galliano on Film, Prince on Tees, and A Smile Across the Face of Baptiste

Posted: 25 May 2010 08:13 AM PDT

Isabella on Film: John Galliano is producing a film about the late, great Isabella Blow. Galliano will play himself, but who will play Isabella? {Vogue UK}

I took my wife to a wife-swapping party, I had to throw in some cash: Richard Prince, artist beloved by Marc Jacobs and Sonic Youth, has recreated 31 of his most famous works on T-shirts stretched over wood or canvas. Head to Salon 94 Bowery, 243 Bowery, to check it out. {The Moment}

Singapore Style: Singapore is working to establish themselves as a fashion capital. They already have a mini-fashion week, complete with gorgeous designs. {JC Report}

Karen Sings: As if you weren’t already über jealous of Ms. Elson, (the hair the skin, the career) she’s also a lovely singer. The red headed waif belts out a tune from her new album, The Ghost Who Walks, for Style.com. {Style.com}

Models Heart SATC, Too: Modelinia asked top models who their favorite Sex and the City characters were. Unfortunately no one picks Miranda… Sorry Cynthia. {Modelinia}

All Smiles, Baptiste: Usually Baptiste keeps a straight face, all cheekbone, but Tommy Ton captured his boyish grin. {Jak &Jil}