Hot Pockets

Between having a baby, planning a wedding and of course managing both a household with two kids, a dog and a husband-to-be as well as a business (the Troc, of course!), well, my time to surf the net and read fashion magazines has become pretty non-existent. It wasn't until the day before when I was searching for something to wear on my head for my wedding day that I stumbled across the just launched capsule collection by Derek Lam for eBay.

I love Derek Lam. I think his clothes are smart, timeless, super chic and just well-tailored. For Christmas one year, he gave us editors these amazing thick black cashmere jacket-cardigans. A shawl collar, no closure, hits at the right place at your hip and has pockets! I love pockets on anything and everything. Even my pajamas have pockets (two of them: one for the baby monitor and one for my cell phone). It's made by Simply Vera by Vera Wang (a brand I have mentioned numerous times before on this blog) available at Kohl's. It really is a must for new mommies. Plus, I think it's seriously chic enough to wear as a swimsuit coverup for the summer. I bought this tunic in an XS, S, M and L. Yes, you might find that excessive but if you're a new nursing mom, you know that you don't want your favorite and easy top to be in the laundry pile until the weekend. So for all you new mommies out there who are nursing, GO BUY THIS TOP! And even if you're not nursing, I recommend buying this ASAP! This is a great tunic for summer -- for sleeping, lounging and as I said before, as a swimsuit cover up.

But going back to Derek Lam, I had no idea about the new capsule collection and wondered how long it had been out. With my good fortune I saw that it just launched a couple weeks ago. I'm thinking about the short version of this dress seen on Rachel Bilson. What do you think? At $225, it's not exactly cheap. And I've heard mixed reviews on the quality...

But there is that huge selling point for me...it has pockets!

photo source tunic: Kohl's

photo source Rachel Bilson: Daily Mail UK

photo source Derek Lam dress: eBay

Two for the Road:12/19/09

Date: 12/19/09

Bag: YSL Downtown tote

Shoe: Joie over the knee double zip boots

Worn with: American Apparel black polka dot leggings, black fleece mini skirt and C and C California black long sleeved tee, Derek Lamb cashmere cardigan

I have a bunch of outfits that I photographed before the holidays but haven't had the chance to post. My new year's resolution being about blogging more regularly. The other resolution? To stick to a more uniform schedule of being at the Troc. I've just been spoiling myself rotten by not going in as much since it's been very slow in the Old Market. Anyway, on to the history of the accessories...the tote was a gift from the YSL Press Office. I love that it is reversible (to brown) even though I never have carried it on the other side. The metallic bronze color works with almost everything and the bag is so lightweight, I literally would carry this everyday. I also love that YSL bags don't scream "Designer Handbag" and there are no real logos (except to those in the know see the "Y" stitching). It takes a true confident woman who doesn't carry about labels to invest in YSL. While I love a Chanel and LV once in a while, I think way too many women are hung up on making sure people know what they're carrying. Gucci logos, anyone? The boots are from Trocadero and are the best boots I have ever owned. I love their versatility, comfort and overall chic factor. They work with anything to improve any outfit.

Two for the Road: 10/2/09

Date: 10/2/09

Bag: Helmut Lang black nylon canvas tote

Shoe: Stephane Kelian stretch leather knee high boot

Worn with: Black DVF mini skirt, Gray Isaac Mizrahi for Target mock turtleneck, Derek Lam cashmere cardigan, leggings from Strawberry's

Another head-toe-toe black outfit (minus the gray t-neck), last winter I swear I wore these Stephane Kelian boots almost every day. They pull on, are slimming on the leg and have a bit of a platform to give some height but are completely flat. The Helmut Lang tote? I don't even remember how it got into my closet. I think I purchased it on sale at Barneys in NYC back when Helmut Lang was the minimalist designer and it just seemed so very cool to have a bag from him. (Yes, I was sometimes shallow and insecure in my fashion choices!) The skirt is from DVF, is a wool jersey, also pulls on and was purchased at the same time as the DVF dress (at the Vegas Scoop). I want to trace the pattern of the skirt and have it made in every color of the rainbow. Seriously, I might just have to do it. It's the perfect go-to skirt for everything in my closet. Works on skinny and fat days! The leggings are my favorites from Strawberry's across the street from my old Tribeca apartment. They have an easy elastic band, not too tight, and are a nice, soft cotton...and cost like $9. Lastly, the Derek Lam black cashmere cardigan was a holiday gift from 2005 or 2006. It is so yummy and soft and super warm. The best sweater I own, I would be completely lost without it. (Thanks, Derek!)