deal of the day: barneys spring sale

how could i have forgotten this most fabulous of spring occasions? so much to show, i'm just going to get right to business.


this pleated shell is an absolute must for the coming fall trends you'll be seeing. trust me: structure, sculptural detail...this piece has it all, and for under $200 (one of the challenges of an "impeccable tailoring" trend is the high pricetag of perfection). the neutral tone keeps it seasonless and really sets off the detail.


this tunic ($199) is the ultimate universally flattering piece. that raspberry color is fantastic on all skin tones, the belt creates a waist, and those wide kimono sleeves disguise any arm pudge. all in all, it's just about perfect.


true, this tee by splendid doesn't look exciting. but it's one of those rare and coveted closet staples you'll turn to time and again...and it's $39. so, you can afford to trust me on this one.


i absolutely loved this dress when it came out this spring - and i love it still. by vince, an old favorite of mine. love the ombre, love the twig print - this is just a gorgeous, effortless summer look...especially for $119.


and i had to include this silk daisy print dress ($279) just because i love the print so. that grey color is right on trend, and the pattern keeps it from fading into the background. darling for work or weekend.


last but not least, don't miss the denim. seven's classic "ginger" cut is on sale for $119, along with all sorts of other lovely denim options.

i could go on and on....but this is a sale worth exploring yourself. happy hunting!

SMC must read: eccentric glamour!

say no to ho! talk about a mantra in the making. simon doonan's new book, eccentric glamour, is a veritable parade of mantras, and i couldn't put it down. every page bears timeless advice that all of us glamorous gals should have in our back pocket, delivered in the way only a true fashion diva could.

in between the digs at the paris hilton-style tartlets that parade as fashionistas, doonan (creative director at barney's new york - not to mention stylish spouse to the most fabulous jonathan adler) offers timeless tips on creating not just a perfect look, but a style that's unique, with just a touch of eccentricity. or, maybe more than a touch. interviewing icons of eccentricity like iman, kelly wearstler, and lucy liu,doonan uses their unique style to teach by example.

doonan can be comically brutal, relating a tale in which he cautioned america's next top model contestants against "letting their clothes write checks that their personalities cannot cash."

but he can also be brilliant, suggesting we approach our personal style like an objective third party. rather than allowing fashion to become a source of stress and confusion, as it often can, doonan advises us to "[a]bandon the role of insecure, sweaty, nervous ingenue, you are dressing an important star who has her own iconic look. yourself!" he adds, "[e]ach and every blouse and pocketbook has the potential to communicate something horribly fatal or utterly fabulous about you."

this book is a must-read for any die-hard fashion addict - doonan is sharp, witty, and unfailingly fashionable. between his advice and the amazing fashion icons he's interviewed, you're sure to pick up a slew of fashion confidence, as well as a few tips and tricks. but more than that, it's the perfect gift for a teenage girl who's just learning about fashion and developing her style. and it's also on my list for that woman we all know who's relying too much on short skirts and tight tops as a substitute for true "fashion."

grab your copy today, and when you're done reading, pass it on to a friend who's in dire need of some sound style counsel.

sale of the day: marc by MJ at barneys

i made a little visit to barneys yesterday, and had to let you all know they have loads of lovely new items on sale...including some fab MbyMJ scores. among them, that lovely graphic print top (above) that i've been coveting since i first spied it. naturally, they're out of my size...but if the tee fits, i hope someone will snag this cutie.

don't miss this fantastic coat that would be well worth picking up, if only to store it away until next fall. and i picked up a fantastic vince cashmere cardigan for $150...it's a little more fun than this one, but the price is definitely right either way.

check out all the goods here.

PS...random tanget, but i simply do not see how this item of clothing, lovely though it may be, qualifies as a "dress".