Want It: ModCloth

Check out these incredible vintage and vintage repro pieces from ModCloth.

Golden Chrysanthemum Dress, $85

Boca Raton Tunic by Orion, $70

Best of Both Coasts Dress by Plastic Island, $130

Little Miss Dress (in gray or mauve), $60

Clara Bow Dress, $40


Midwinter Night's Dream Coat, $150

[www.modcloth.com]

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Want It: Custom LoveLife Sundress

I own a skirt from Felice Pappa's LoveLife Collection and I'm a fan of her fabric designs, particularly her Frida Kohlo print. I saw the long version dress by the fashion line on Addy & Ferro's blog (♥) last summer, but somehow I missed it. So I called the company up this afternoon to find out if I could somehow get my hands on the dress and it turns out, I can get it made to my specifications. I'm going to order it strapless with sweetheart neck and in maxi length. It's going to be my favorite dress evar!

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Wishlist #6: New Gear for the New Year

1. Thugs & Kisses Leather Handbag by Tano, $198. 2. Leather Credit Card File by Abas, $24.50. 3. Beaded Cowl Neck Top by Silence & Noise, $35 4.Black Zoey Boot by Dolce Vita, $200. 5. Dressed Down Leather Handbag by Tano, $250.

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Bought it: Tano Handbag

I bought my first Tano a few years ago at Addy & Ferro (♥). It was my first highend bag purchase, but I thought it was a good investment considering it's style, practicality and quality were a far cry from the shoddy street vendor sacs I used to tote. My fanhood was further solidified when I ruined the bag in a bike accident. I went back to Addy & Ferro to find out if there was any sort of warranty that covered the damage. Yes! The folks at A&F took the bag, sent it off to Canada and a week later I picked up a brand new version of the exact bag at no charge. Bananas. Since, the only bags I buy are Tano. Well worth the price and so so stylish. I love my very first Tano (a chocolate brown shopper) but it's so annoying to deal with a shoulder bag in the winter--they always slide down my arm. And because I want to get out of the habit of carrying a huge amount of stuff I don't need, I purchased a new sling bag that leaves my arms frustration free :).

Check out the rest of their incredible collection at www.tanobag.com

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Last Shoe Buy of 2008

I wish I had my camera with me on Wednesday! New Year's Eve turned out to be a pretty fun evening, though I chose to roll solo and though I drank far more than I could handle. I still feel a little wonky. Everything fell into place quite beautiful though, most notably the discovery and lucky purchase of these incredible shoes by Report Signature. Gold lame D'Orsay peep toe with sky high 4" clear heel and skull & crystal detail on its super low vamp. Originally priced at around $175, your girl scored these bad boys for a mere $26.50 at 5pm on Wednesday at the best shoe store in the city, Shoegasm on 23rd. More proof that I am quite possibly the world's best shopper.

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Bought it: 21MC Pharaoh Poncho

Happy Holidays to me :)







"Paper Planes" Pharaoh Poncho, by 21MC $88.
www.21MC.com

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Wishlist #5: I Love Booties (& other shoes)!

1. Squared Toed Oxford by Saxon (in brown & gray), $88. 2. Camel Teardrop Peeptoe Bootie by Dolce Vita, $168. 3. Yellow Camden Tiered Petal Bootie by L.A.M.B., $430. 4. Gray Jade Mary Jane Heel by Dolce Vita, $125. 5. Snake Skin Seema Ankle Bootie by Cynthia Vincent, $360.

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Wishlist #4: Oooh Gimme!

On the twelve days of Christmas, I want alla this under my treeeee...



"Paper Planes" Pharoah Poncho by 21 Century Maroon Colony, $88. Ray of Hope Necklace by Obey, $37. Swarovsky Gold Bamboo Hoop Earrings by Melody Ehsani, $250. Bal Dress by Miss Bruno, $310. Tessy Leather Belted Wool Coat by Mackage, $693. Boulevard Boot by Dolce Vita, $178. Laptop Wallet by Working Class Heroes, $105. Emily Slingback Platform Shoe by Frye, $228. Tasha 3/4 Sleeve Short Leather Jacket by Mackage, $594. Amsterdam Royal 8i Commuter Bicycle by Electra, $1,200. Plank Graphic Yoga Mat by Plank, $80. Amour All Handbag by Tano, $295.

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Want It: Born as a Raggamuffin

Featured on Fly today, I first got a taste of the fun and sexy designs of Born as a Raggamuffin a few weeks ago at the Brooklyn Urban Arts Market. The designers hand-make each incredible piece from recycled fabrics and found clothing. I love the bright colors and the summery feel to the line. I aspire to create garments as beautiful as these someday. I only wish I'd found the line back in May!









www.myspace.com/raggamuffindesigns

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Want It: Puma Cat Hi

I fell for these most outstanding sneakers back when I was working at Puma Soho. It's since been damn near impossible to find them for purchase in stores and online.



A year ago I found out that they were selling em like candies in Japan and have been on a mission to somehow get them on my feet. As luck would have me, a coworker won a dance competition that's taken him to Japan. I sent him off with a printout of the following picture and an IOU. He's returning next weekend. Victory will soon be mine!

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Urban Arts Market 08.24.08

This weekend was pretty good. I spent all of Saturday alternately studying and vegging out at home. Nothing eventful to mention. Sunday I ventured out to Brooklyn for the Urban Arts Market which promised a gaggle of up and coming crafters and designers, live painting by Fly Lady Di and her boys, and a performance by Slick Rick (which I hear was canceled). I snagged some really great tees and jewelry, plus a handful of contacts that are sure to come in handy soon.




21MC [www.21marrons.com]


Jypsea Leathergoods [www.jypsea.com]

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Want It: Super Fertile/Kali Arulpragasam

So... Kali Arulpragasam is M.I.A.'s sister. The first time I saw her really loud, border-line (and sometime overtly) tacky jewelry, I thought it was a stunt. Then her witty and politically focused 2007 and 2008 collections shut me up. Visit her website [www.superfertile.com]

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Want It: Nicacelly

I first got a whiff of Oakland-based Nicacelly a few years ago when I purchased [this] Crest Obi Belt at Addy + Ferro (♥). Her designs are influenced by music, street art, and African and Asian cultures, using soy, bamboo, and vintage fabrics to create incredibly unique pieces. I'm a huge fan of her Obi Belted Tubetop Tunic. Visit her website [www.nicacelly.com]

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Bought It: Ed Hardy "Love Kills Slowly" Swimsuit

I don't enjoy large stores much. Mostly, the crowds, the sales people, the options (waaay too many of the same options!) make me want to stay at home and spend my money from the comfort of my calm, spacious bedroom. But then there are times when heading to the shops is a necessary evil. Like when one needs to buy a swimsuit.

I own two swimsuits, neither of which are conducive to the act of swimming, but are perfect for fun poolside activities like drinking floats, eating pizzas and sitting around looking cute. Since leaving beautiful Hudson Valley with its breathtaking waterfalls, babbling brooks, and the Hudson River itself, I'm on a mission to learn how to swim. Step one is purchasing a practical article for swimming in. I head to Macy's because I know I'll have an excellent chance at finding both what I need (a sensible Speedo type suit) and what will ease my inevitable shopping crankiness (a designer upgrade for my poolside fun).

What point's large department stores like Macy's lose in poor customer service, long lines, and the headache-inducing atmosphere (Why is it so bright in here?! Can we turn the music down?!), they makeup for in their remarkable sale prices. I scored a sleek and sporty $80 two-piece for only a quarter of the price! Excited by all the money I was saving I headed straight for the designer swimwear and picked up a few Ed Hardy suits.

This "Love Kills Softly" one-piece in white and a similar black and yellow mesh suit by Split (They're called monokinis, according to the sales lady... I wanna slap her... that's a dumb ass word). The fact that I spent too much money is justified by how foxy I look in these jawns. And I'm not being cocky. No sir. I'm wearing one or the other (or both!) for my "video ho headshot" shoot next weekend. You'll see.

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Want It: Melody Ehsani

I'm mad late to the party, but I ♥ Melody Ehsani's shoes and accessories. I'm drooling over those King-Tut Wedges and her Swarovski Leopard Bamboo Hoops are to die for! Check out her website [www.melodyehsani.com]

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Wishlist #3: Etsy Handmade

1. London Skyline Blue Ballet Flats by Hippy of Doom, $100. 2. Raquel Found Brass Bracelet by sweetVintage, $16. 3. Post Post Modern Necklace by brookadelphia, $35. 4. Mini Frame Pouch by oktak, $30. 5. Victorian Knit Wool and Bamboo Collar Scarflette by Tickled Pink Knits, $68. 6. A Sign of Things to Come Earrings by Block Party Press, $18.

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Bought It: Frye Gwen Wedge

I came home on Monday afternoon and was immediately swept up in the bustle of the city and work drama. I think life in the Hudson Valley, with its incredible sunsets and babbling brooks and miles and miles of fresh air, is spoiling me. I haven't been calm or relaxed since I left Bard. A "feel better quick" shopping trip to Union Square resulted in an impulse purchase that included the above pictured Frye Gwen platform peep toe wedge. I scored these incredible spring 2007 shoes (originally retailing for around $150) and a pair of super cute vintagy striped espadrilles (originally $80) for, get this, $60 flat!

The universe totally conspired in my favor and now I have a pair of shoes to rock on the set of a music video I booked next Saturday (for Irazema, directed by Shawnette Heard, choreographed by Luam... stay tuned for that post) and to my Belated Birthday Extravaganza the following weekend (stay tuned for that one too)!

Yaay for finding happiness in inanimate objects!

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Want It: DRU New York Deb Oxford

I wish these were mine. The Deb Oxford by DRU New York. I traipsed around an Urban Outfitters in them a few months ago and I reluctantly passed on them because I couldn't justify their $130 price tag. I've seen them in gray and pale tan calfskin and now that I can't find them anywhere, I need them. I wish I listened to my instincts more often.

In other news, the shop received it's 25th positive feedback and over 100 hearts. Hooray for me! I'll be posting new items and announcing a sale next weekend. I need to clear out the store room. Hooray for you!


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Now playing on iTunes: Bob Marley & The Wailers - Satisfy My Soul
via FoxyTunes

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New: Summer 08 Collection

I teamed up with Day this weekend for a dual project. I told her that I was recently signed to UGLY and that I needed moldel-esque photos that did the job of showing of the shop's Summer Collection and happened to be portfolio gold. You can find the rest of the shoot here. This is one of my favorites. Of course, I'd need to get it retouched, but I'm happy with this. And, I'm actually, seriously considering adding this to my own wardrobe. It's a really versatile little number. Pockets and all. Really cute. Click here to shop.

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Wishlist #2: Endless.com

My boss introduced me to this man made utopian dream of a website: www.endless.com last week... the name says it all. I could happily spend the rest of my days browsing through its ginormous collection of some of the most beautiful shoes I've ever seen! The website is incredibly shopper-friendly and features customizable sorting so you can categorize your browsing by vitals like color, heel height, and price. Plus they offer free overnight shipping (!!) and free returns (!!!). They sell bags too. Lately I've been getting into clutches. Not only are these practical little purses on trend, but they're perfect for night out or weekend brunch without the bulk of those silly yet wildly trendy (why, I wonder) oversize valises. I found more than just a few favorites. Look it!



Vince Camuto Women's Oaks Pump, $129.95. Cindy Says Women's Alpha Platform Sandal, $106.95. Report Signature Women's Missy Bootie, $157.21. Cynthia Rowley Cleo Metallic Clutch, $345.00. Inge Christopher Vicotia Clutch, $148.00.

You can contact me at laeticiavp[at]gmail[dot]com for the mailing address to which any of the above items should be sent.

Thanks and you're welcome.
bisou bisou.

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Now playing: Erykah Badu - Green Eyes
via FoxyTunes

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