Looking Royal: Irene is Here, but Never Fear, So Are Wellies!

Hello Again My Soggy Stylish Ones,

Sitting in New Jersey, waiting for Irene to hit, got me thinking. . .   After a drink or two, to calm my nerves, of course, I began to remember the raincoats and boots of my childhood (truthfully, more like a horrid Belvedere-induced  flashback).  I mean no offense to whales, but I don't want to wear them on my back (I also mean no offense to My Mother, who dressed me like I worked at Fisherman's Wharf)!  The thought of wearing kelly green plastic, with a navy blue canvas lining, covered with white whales, sends shivers down my slightly soggy spine (and I still can't believe I found a picture of the exact coat online. . .The Horror)!  Oh, and don't get me started on Duck Boots!  I am fairly sure our fine feathered friends would be appalled to know that we named a hideous shoe after their functional feet!  Did I mention the smells?!  I smelled like a, "Teflon Don," no offense to Rick Ross, of course. . .

Thank goodness it's the year 2011, and we have the right to choose our rainwear!  Thank goodness for Wellies and trench coats galore!  Here, here to Gortex and cotton/poly blends!  Goodbye whales!  Goodbye plastic!  HELLO, Hunter and Burberry!!!!  Rain or shine you will look fine (not fine like OK, fine like fiiihhhnnee)!  Design houses have become brilliant at making the, "soaked look," stylish!  Hunter even has a collaboration with Jimmy Choo!  Take that DUCK BOOTS!!!!

Let us once again take cues from our favorite royal, the ever-fabulous, Duchess of Cambridge!  Whatever the weather, nothing looks better or feels better than Burberry!  The quality and classic design of a Burberry Trench has yet to be matched by any other fashion house!  I remember discussing Burberry Trenches with a friend whose husband scoffed at the premium price paid for a piece of Burberry brilliance!  She told him the exact same thing, I am about to tell you. . . "If you want a quality classic coat, that will last you a lifetime, than you must pay for that costly coat!"  You can, of course, find similarly styled knock-offs, at places like H&M, but you will most likely have to replace that cheaply-made coat in a year, and the next cheaply-made coat a year after that, and so forth and so on . . .

Now, this is what I call surviving the storm in style. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .


Burberry even makes their own line of Wellies, and there is just something about that, "Burberry Plaid!"  I mean, what self respecting person, man or woman, does not own something made in, "that plaid," knockoff or real?!!!!


If, of course, you like quality footwear, but are not a fan of the, "Burberry Plaid," (a travesty in my book, but I digress. . . ), Burberry makes some other gorgeous galoshes to complement your classic coat!

Yep, those beautiful babies to the left are rain boots, Burberry Riding Boots, to be exact!  But you absolutely can punish the puddles in these puppies!!!!!







So. . . As you can see, there really is no longer a reason to let a rainy day get you down (Unless of course, that rain comes with a Category 2 hurricane, and a lot of destruction. . . Even I, can't make light of Irene. . .Devastation and destruction are not all that funny)!  But if it is just a little rain, or even a tiny tropical storm, you can now face that storm looking fierce as ever! 


Here's hoping this post finds you and your families dry, safe, and sound!


Your Drenched Duchess,

Boldbroad xoxoxoxo



pictures in order of appearance courtesy of cgi.ebay.com, totalfratmove.com, red carpet-fashionawards.com, fashionindie.com cmichellestyles.com, hotpinklist.wordpress.com, mycelebrityfashion.co.uk, and style-architects.com

Looking Royal: Itching for ISSA!!!!

Hello Again My Fellow Fashion Fiends,


Now that we have the wretched spectacle known as Kim Kardashian's Wedding, behind us, it is time to move back to talking about real fashion and actual stars!  Something has been on my mind for months now.  Actually, it all started when Kate Middleton, my favorite style icon, sported that spectacular navy dress to formally announce her engagement to Prince William. 

I had seen ISSA Dresses before 2010.  In fact, I had been lucky enough to wear ISSA Dresses before 2010.  See. . .I moved back to Scottsdale from Los Angeles, around 2005, and was dreading the, "True Fashion Death," that results from living in Scottsdale, a town best known for tube tops and Teflon tatas!

Now I had a real dilemma!  The year was 2007. . . I had one charity event and two hot suitors in attendance (both ended up being Mr. Wrong, but that is not the point of this tale).  I needed a dress. . .NO. . . a fabulous frock, FAST!  But in Scottsdale, Arizona?!  Where would I find such a creature?!. . .When suddenly, out of the blue, I stumbled into Estilo Boutique, a true oasis in the desert!  Estilo was a shining style star in a sea of sequined tops and bedazzled bustiers.  The owners, Kelly Dixon and Gina Pedrojetti Cooper were acquaintances from my days at The Arizona State University (not that lesser institution in Tucson).

For the first time in several months, I saw my old friends, pieces by, Rachel Pally, T-bags, and most importantly, a little known brand called, ISSA!  On a boring work day (most work days in Scottsdale), I entered their Waterfront Location in search of the perfect party piece.  Misty Guerriero, a dear friend, and stylist extraordinaire, (since turned owner of, "Vintage By Misty," in Phoenix AZ ), recommended I try on this fabulous black halter dress! 

The only problem. . .the patterns were not matched at the seams. . .The Horror!!!!  See, as a graduate of The Fashion Institute of Technology (she says with her nose in the air), this mismatching seemed very wrong and quite counterintuitive.  We were taught that you could identify well made clothing, by checking to see if the patterns matched at the seams, if not, well than, tisk tisk on the designer!. . . I was in a state of disbelief, until I slipped on that ISSA Halter!  My breasts looked higher, my waist looked smaller, and my legs longer.  My ISSA Halter was a miracle worker, and I was forever a changed woman.  ISSA is one of those labels that makes every body look better; real bodies, skinny bodies, Christina Hendrick's type bodies.  I was officially addicted to ISSA!

A few weeks later, I returned to Estilo and purchased a fabulous yellow silk printed halter, also by ISSA.  To this day, I only have one regret (OK, I have more than one,but. . .), not purchasing more ISSA Dresses.  They now have a much steeper price tag.  The day I purchased that yellow dress was the last time I saw stunning staples from ISSA . . .sigh. . .Until that glorious day in 2010 when Princess Catherine began rocking the frocks all over town.  ISSA was back baby, and better than ever!. . .The only problems with the brilliant brand's revival? . . The steep retail price tags and finding the dresses in stock anywhere!

In early 2011, I began a mad, never-ending hunt for ISSA, and am ready to share my findings with you!  If you are obsessing over owning your own piece of fashion history and promise not to go into sticker shock over the substantial expenditure . . .Here are some places you might want to look:


1. Neiman Marcus.com (they even go on sale from time to time)
2. Evesapple.com (a small, but nice selection)
3. Net-A-Porter.com (great service, but only a few pieces)
4. Shopbob.com (A nice selection)
5. Shopstyle.com (A nice preview of different retailers selections)
6. Polyvore.com (Nice, but not always up to date)
7. Joseph.com (lots of dresses, many out of stock)




If you are on a tight budget, and who isn't these days, EBAY has a nice selection of ISSA dresses, but beware of ISSA Impostors!  If a price seems to good to be true. . .IT IS!  Also watch out for sites passing off dresses as ISSA-like.  I assure you my friends, there is only one ISSA!

Happy shopping until next time. . .



Your Duchess of Designer Duds,

Boldbroad xoxoxoxo





pictures listed in order of appearance courtesy of fashionfolio.wordpress.com, kitmeout.com, thisnext.com, gotfreeshipping.com, bizarrebytes.com, josephm,com, nicolerichiefashion.blogspot.com, and shoplesnouvelles.com.

"American Royalty:" What Kim Kardashian Wore to Wed Kris Humphries

Alright my Lovely Ladies and the Few Fabulous Lords who are reading this blog. . .

From what I've read so far. . . Last night's wedding was a lesson in why money can never buy class. . . Here is a brief recap of the attire donned at the "2nd Royal Wedding," of the year. . . Let's start with Kim, the least disappointing part of the wedding (After all,Vera Wang always knocks it out of the park). . .From the blurry paparazzi pics I saw this morning, Miss Kardashian wed in an ivory sweetheart strapless dress, with a full tulle skirt that had Chantilly Lace applique.  She reportedly wore a diamond headpiece made by Lorraine Schwartz (no big surprise there), Giuseppe Zanotti Shoes (a nice choice), and more Lorraine Schwartz Jewels (shocking).  For the reception, Kim supposedly changed twice.  Her first dress sounds reminiscent of MY dress, but thankfully I don't care for Chantilly Lace.  Her dress was an ivory mermaid gown with Chantilly Lace and an organza bottom.  There was no information yet about her third dress of the evening.  Below are my guestimations on what she wore. . . The first two pictures being the ceremony dress (try to imagine some combo of the two, minus the bow.  Kris Jenner must have stolen the missing bow for her dress).  A combo of the third and fourth dresses is how I have envisioned the reception dress.

In other news. . .  No one really cares what Mr. Kardashian (aka. Kris Humphries) wore.  I hear, a black Zegna suit for the reception, and some, "white and back" combo for the ceremony.  Enough said there!  Mrs. Humphries, may have lost her last name, last night; but no worries there, she kept the Kardashian tradition of tackiness, alive and well!  Black and white weddings are SO 1994, and mandating that your guests also wear black and white. . .UGH . . . Your guests spent thousands on your wedding gifts from Gearys. . . Let them wear what they want!  From what I saw earlier this morning, the cake was a 10 tiered black and white atrocity.  But the mother-of-the-bride, takes the aforementioned cake.  Kris Jenner looked every bit the, "momzilla," in a white satin, "confection," with a hideously large bow.  I am told the bridesmaids were, "Pippa clones," all clad in ivory, though I've yet to see a picture . . .And, HOT off the presses. . .The Cross during the ceremony was covered in Swarovski Crystals. . .I am officially horrified!

I am not at all surprised by what I've seen and read!  Kim and Kardashian Sisters; STOP listening to your mother!!!!  Kim, when you tried on her old wedding dress, like 90 episodes ago, you should have realized that she has BAD TASTE!  If you are keeping score. . .Kate Middleton-10, Kim Kardashian-0.

More information to come as more pictures emerge . . .Until Next Time. . .

Your Disgusted Duchess,

Boldbroad xoxoxoxo

In order of appearance, Vera Wang dress pictures courtesy of,marshu.com, wedzillablog.com, and marilynskeepsakes.com;

Looking Royal: For Wedding Day or Day to Day; Tis Far Better to be a Bare Beauty like Kate than a Made-Up Maven like Kim!

Hello Again Fair Ladies,

In honor of Kim K's Big Day...I shall pray!  I shall pray that MY wedding dress featured in last week's OK, will not show up on Kim today!  More importantly, I will pray that the naturally beautiful Ms. Kardashian (aka.the soon to be Kim Humphries), will take a page from the playbook of The Duchess of Cambridge (aka. Kate Middleton). . .When it comes to makeup, and pretty much everything else (with the exception of Louboutins, shoes in general, handbags, dresses, cash, etc. . . .) 


LESS IS MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was recently pouring over the, "World News of The Week," "US Weekly, duh," when Rob's 11 year old daughter asked if we could play our favorite game, "Who Wore it Better," (Did I mention that I totally adore both she, and her fabulous fashion sense?!. . .Watch out Suri Cruise, my little lady has MUCH better taste in clothing!)  The point of my earlier musings will soon be clear. . .my young friend saw a picture of the Kardashian Klan, I mean clan (I hate that K thing they do...Super Annoying!), and asked, "if they needed a chisel to remove all their makeup."  After I peeled myself off the floor and regained my composure (well sort of regained my composure), I answered, "Possibly Dear, it definitely takes more than a little elbow grease to clean their faces."  I must now point out, that while looking for the pic of Kim, I came across a Google category called, "Pictures of Kim Kardashian Without Makeup."  Needless to say, I howled!

OK . . . Unlike my wonderful fiance, I don't dislike the Kardashians.  I am not sure why they are so famous or why they have to do that, "K thing?"  But. . . they work harder than most celebrities and are really very pretty without all that makeup (leave Khloe alone, she maybe a foot taller then the other girls, save Kendall, and look nothing like the rest of her family, but I think she's an attractive girl).   But, Ladies. . . PLEASE stop wearing so much makeup!! 

I too am a total product whore, but you do not need to wear all of Sephora at once!  You want a smokey eye, GREAT!  You do not need a crimson lip and 9 lbs. of foundation to go with that smokey eye!  You want bright red lips, COOL!  You should not pair those bright red lips with raccoon eyes, unless you are going for that, "Robert Palmer Girl" Look!

You get the point!  I am just praying that Kim looks a little more like Kate today.  Natural, subtle, and beautiful. . . Is that too much to ask for?!



Oh, and if you have a daughter, stepdaughter, soon to be stepdaughter, or a baby girl on the way, please teach her well! 

The story I told was more like a fairytale, and it goes a little something like this. . .


Once Upon a Time (of course. . .), there were two very beautiful princesses (one real and one manufactured by Hollywood).  These Princesses happened to fall in love with two very handsome princes (I agree Harry is hotter than William, but for the sake of the fairytale. . .), and decided to get married in the same year.  Both had weddings of, "Great Importance" (especially to US Weekly's Readership), and every lady in the land anxiously awaited their BIG REVEALS!  Princess Catherine did not disappoint!  Her stunning Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen caused women to gasp (in that way that says, 'I am so jealous, you stunning bitch'. . .just kidding. . . not really), and her hair and makeup were flawless.  She was radiant: Every inch a True Princess!  Following the wedding and true to every fairytale, Kate and her Prince rode off into the sunset and lived happily ever after (well so far so good, but that doesn't have the same ring to it!)  The other Princess Kim. . . .


TO BE CONTINUED. . . I'm scared, but cautiously optimistic!  Moral of the story coming soon!

Until next time dahlings. . .



Your Priestess of Products,

Boldbroad xoxoxoxo



Picture of Kate Middleton in black courtesy of chatpulse.1x.net. Picture of Kim Kardashian in black courtesy of hottestbollywoodnews.com. Picture of the Kardashian Family courtesy of Realitytea.com. Picture of the Kim Kardashian with red lips courtesy of people.com. Picture of Robert Palmer Girls courtesy of fabsugar.com. Picture of Kate Middleton Wedding courtesy of femaletrend.com.

Looking Royal: Fabulous Fashion Fixes!

Hello again my lovely ladies. . .To keep or not to keep, that is the question?

See, I've been a tad stressed, and retail therapy is my cure de jour.  When I awoke from last week's shopping coma, I found myself in a very precarious situation.  I had shopped my way into oblivion!  I had spent $199.00 on a white Peter Som Blouse (see pic on right).  Can you blame me?  I mean my fashion idol, Blair Waldorf wore that blouse on GG (Gossip Girl)!  I had spent the same amount of money on two pieces from Zara. . .I was uber-passionate about a paisley mini with a bubble skirt  and a navy double breasted blazer with gold buttons.  The conundrum:  Do I keep two classic pieces that are slightly less fabulous, or do I keep the splurge, the trendy ruffled blouse from Gilt.com.   Alas, the blouse lost out and was sent packing. . .Sigh!  After a brief mourning period, I arose from my fashion coma and felt great about my decision!  I stuck to my  favorite rules of fashion;  Always mix and match!   Pair your less expensive items with fabulous designer pieces and you will always look like a million bucks!  Don't fret about choosing Zara over Som, as I'm pretty sure you have some Valentino Stilettos that would love to be part of either outfit.  And. . .for those trying times when money IS an object, splurge on the classics and save on the trends! 

 There are times in every fashionista's life when she has the money and the pleasure of buying that coveted designer dud.  Most recently, it was my Vera Wang Wedding Dress (My Oscar Gown in disguise. . . or in my delusion).  But what about those trying times when a Chanel Lipstick seems out of reach?  The answer:  Mix and Match.  Put that pretty paisley Zara with a pair of pricey pumps and a priceless piece of jewelry.  Trust me!  No one will ever suspect that you picked up your darling dress at Zara for under 100 bucks.  Women will be far too busy staring at your stunning style, and envying your every effortless step.  If you don't believe me, just look to our favorite royal, who on more than one occasion, has been known to mix and match.  Princess Catherine is proud to pair a simple TopShop frock with an over the top, Phillip Treacy fascinator.  She gets rave reviews and so will you!


Besides...Have you ever seen a women in head to do Chanel or Escada?  They look ridiculous.  If you match from top to bottom, you clearly have too much money and no sense of imagination when it comes to fashion. 

Learn to love the classics. . .No not Shakespeare or Austen (though I am a huge fan of both). . .I mean the fashion classics.  My strategy has always been to spend money on a perfect DVF LBD (Diane Von Furstenberg Little Black Dress for the fashion novice), or a stunning Burberry rain coat (well worth the $450, because it is NEVER out of style).  You can't go wrong with an Autumn Cashmere cable knit or a fabulous pair of J Brand Jeans.  A Brooks Brothers blazer is always in fashion, and when worn with a pair of Tory Burch riding boots; makes a simply divine statement!  How anyone could pass on these timeless works of art is beyond me?




Save money when buying trendier pieces that you will likely despise in two years.  You know that a few months from now you will look at that faux fur vest and wonder how many stuffed animals had to die in the creation of that "timeless" piece.  Or that $500 top with all of the fringe?!  Suddenly you are wondering which of the Walton's had possession over your brain at the time of purchase.  I am not one to buy into trends...I mean the rebirth of harem pants...really?!  Or neon?!  Look back at those high school picks and remind yourself why the past is best left buried!



Occasionally we see a trend like the revival of Pucci Prints or a fabulous beaded pair of Giuseppe Zanotti heals that we can't live with out.  For these pieces. . .sigh. . . I like to step away for a day, and gain clarity.  The impulse buys (i.e. the Peter Som Blouse), can be dangerous to both your pocket book and status as a fashionista!  I then ask myself how desperately I need a pair of six inch sandals with multi-colored gems.  Alas, if after a day away, I find myself still pining for those sparkly stunners, I head directly to the store and purchase them post haste!  After all, the only thing worse than buyer's remorse is the remorse you feel when you leave those babies in the store!  

Until next time my Savvy Shoppers. . . .

Your Mistress of Mixing and Matching,

Boldbroad xoxoxoxo

Picture of Peter Som Blouse courtesy of Gilt.com.  Pictures of Blue Blazer and Paisley Dress both courtesy of Zara.com.  Picture of Kate Middleton in Red Ensemble courtesy of bridefinds.com.  Picture of women in Chanel courtesy of Clothing.China-Direct-Buy.com.  Picture of Kate Middleton in Burberry Trench courtesy of stargazerfashions.com.  Picture of MC Hammer courtesy of ignitesocialmedia.com.  Picture of Giuseppe Zanotti sandal courtesy of the bridalwishlist.blogspot.com.