The Sex and the City movie is almost here.  A few years ago, I had the pleasure of interviewing Candace Bushnell after her book signing at a local Borders.  At her reading, she strutted to the podium in her pink Prada pumps, and read an excerpt from Trading Up.  My boyfriend (at the time) and I glanced at each other with raised eyebrows because her voice sounded exactly like Sarah Jessica Parker’s.  During Q&A, I had to pull down my boyfriend’s arm to prevent him from saying, “Do you know your voice sounds exactly like Carrie’s?”

Candace answered many questions about writing.  I really found her advice to be helpful for people at square one  — often times at book signings an author’s advice seems vague and run-of-the-mill.  I felt she kept it pretty real.  She said something that may spark some protest, but I feel I agreed with her deep in my heart.  She said that if you want to be a writer, you have to really immerse yourself in writing.  If you want to be a doctor, go ahead and be a doctor, but you will be a doctor who writes, not a writer.  She said that you just have to write and write and write, and you’ll probably get rejected a bunch of times.  But when you get a chance, you have to take that chance and give it everything you’ve got.  She said that sometimes all you’ll have is two dollars to your name.  And that’s all you’ll have while you stand in line at a hot dog stand.

My interview with her involved questions about writing and fashion.  It was not the highlight of my career, but she was pretty awesome and newly married and I could not believe how amazing and happy she seemed at forty.  She told me she liked wearing cut up socks on her hands when she wrote and throwing on oversized LL Bean.  I remember being somewhat shocked that she didn’t put on some sort of Balenciaga frock while at her laptop.  I also remember feeling sort of embarrassed for asking her that question because of what I considered a boring response at the time.  What the hell did I know.

But as I sit here, writing this, with my son tucked in and in deep sleep, I don’t find her answer boring at all.  I can picture her lounging and comfortable and writing from the heart.

Photo courtesy of Lisa Nunez.

A few years ago, I had the insane pleasure of interviewing Candace Bushnell, who is one of the women I admire the most when it comes to writing about fashion and dating. She’s amazing! She said she spent tons of time at designer discount racks.

“They’re discounted for a reason,” she said. “Nobody wants to wear them. But I would!”

Honestly, sometimes that’s what will create a unique look. I’m not talking about the discount bin at Urban Outfitters. Those tend to have mass amounts of overstock that didn’t sell. However, if you rummage through designer racks, you can find very interesting pieces that people were not brave enough to wear. Wading through the 70% off items at my favorite site, I found some gems that are great deals!

Ever since discovering American Apparel, I’ve loved using skirts as dresses! Check out the cute blue dress/skirt in the picture by Thayer!

More finds:
A Shelly Steffee metallic drape dress with belt: $208.80
Bubble velvet dress by Sea (my favorite): $156.00 (a steal for this look!)

I don’t own many bracelets…  or any, for that matter.  I have been known to keep on the neon orange wristband from a show for a couple of days from the pure laziness of not wanting to tear it off, but no pieces have really made it into my jewelry collection.  Recently, I’ve been loosely fashioning the Bulova watch my brother got as a best man on my wrist to add some wit to my wardrobe, but I very well may turn to bracelets this season because the dainty bangles are in, and so are textured cuffs.

 The retro-respect that has been revived is awesome.  I’ve always been a hint of vintage in my taste, so the beautiful aquamarine cuffs with the dark wrinkles from my mother’s 60’s jewelry box has made its way back out again.  The wrist adornment is definitely underrated and can give a slender look to a wrist, or be the key accessory to those long empire waist dress you’ve been eyeing in the window.

Hip hop is not only music, it is a style.  A common misconception is that hip hop is all bling and the clothing is a bulletin board for designer labels.  Not so!  The roots of hip hop came from the streets of the Bronx, where cats were breakin’ in their kicks and fitted sweat suits.  You had emcees freestylin’ under slick caps, but you saw no Cristal on tap.  From those early looks branched out a plethora of stylin’ that put the hop in hip.

 Accessories are always key.  Big hoop earrings, Nikes in bright colors…  but then there’s the all-important handbag.  What kind of tote would a b-girl want to strap on her shoulder?

A big mistake many people make with this look is going too trendy.  Stay away from quilted materials, powder pink shades, large gold charms, or vinyl with a design that will be played out in a couple of months.  While you can catch a few glances in the moment jumping a bandwagon, it’s the truly stylish who will leave a lasting impression.  Here are a few suggestions for what the most down girl would go for:

1.)  Make it roomy.  B-girls have lots to tote because they are women on the go.  Something large with none or minimal pockets on the outside is essential.  Think totes, duffels, large shoulderbags, and weekenders.  Clutches are definitely cute, but they aren’t going to handle key accessories:  big Sony headphones and an extra pair of shoes.

2.)  Try the old school route.  Like Common said, “It’s kinda fresh you listen to more than hip-hop, and I can catch you in the mix from beauty to thrift shop.”  Vintage, vintage, vintage…  it’s a great way to save money and get the unique look.  A good suggestion is a vintage record tote for day wear.  Stick some wax in there (maybe some of your favorite break beats), a journal to write in (because hip hop heads are creative souls), and you’re ready to rock.  If you want something more dressy, think slouch and rouche as opposed to quilting — it’s a younger look.

3.)  Go for quality leather in an eye-catching color.  Black is to basic for the b-girl.  You have places to go, things to do.  Good leather will hold up with your lifestyle with the right care.  Instead of black, go for a plum purple, sea blue, chocolate brown, or a sweet cognac.  To really make a statement, go for red or white.  Avoid pink.

4.)  If you’re more fashion forward, support a fresh desginers.  Sure, you could go the Baby Phat or Louis Vuitton route, but it’ll be too cookie cutter for a woman on the edge of style.  Hip hop evolves just like you.  Try a local boutique or shop online and scout some new blood.

What’s awesome about hip hop is that it’s so versatile, yet distinct.  The woman who has it down manages to be funky rather than flashy, and more vivacious than classic — she’s definitely the one who gets stopped on the street because she has the confidence to pull off something edgy.

Photo courtesy shopbop.com.

The fashion is hot this spring, especially when one of the trends is so hot it’s going to make you want to go on a safari, or at least dress the part!  Sexified versions of khakis, faux snakeskin shoes, tortise shell sunglasses — it’s all jungle, baby.  Think Michael Knight’s exit line from Project Runway, but all growed up.  For this look, don’t go out and buy all the cheetah and leopard print you can find, Catwoman.  Think subtlety when pulling this off.  Try a snakeskin wedge open toe, for instance.  For the night you want to let out the wild, try American Apparel’s zebra print leggings.  They are so silky and look fabulous with a slim fitting shirt and pointy black flats.  Honestly, I’m not usually a fan of the animalistic — though I do love my leather.  However a hot pink reptile-ish skinny belt made it into my closet.  It looks pretty hot cinching in my outfits.

Photo courtesy store.americanapparel.net.

Spring marks the beginning of many things, and this includes a fresh season for handbags! With a new array of sizzling selections, you might experience some difficulty narrowing your selection. Here’s a look at the most fab trends this season and how to work them.

The oversized clutch is entering the scene full force adorning celebs like Mary Kate Olsen and Victoria Beckham. Big enough to fit Vogue magazine, this is fashion’s answer to the awkward briefcase.  Perfect for the woman who leaves work ready to play, it is roomy enough to fit important documents, and fabulous enough to sit next to you at the bar when you want to relax after the office. Marc by Marc Jacobs offers the Airline Leather Magazine Clutch. Choose classic black and it will be work appropriate but still rock the room you enter — be-it board room or cocktail lounge.

Not the type to be found at a power meeting?  Retro has become brand new again and the on-point arm accessory for the hip and relaxed. They are the hottest in bold blue. Thrift stores can be the perfect place to scour and to save money on this style.  Celebs like Paris Hilton and Tori Spelling have been seen carrying around train travel case inspired designs: find the perfect round tote and be vintage pin-up perfect!

For the poolside, a surprise pop-up among the arm accessories are the wovens. Lighthearted and laid-back, they’re the right touch for the outdoor lunch in style, or to accompany you and your bikini. This playful answer to a picnic basket will help you enjoy spring outdoors. Throw in your favorite scarf and sunglasses, and you’re ready for a cruise with the top down.

If daytime fashion is too early for your party lifestyle, this season’s muted metallics are the answer to your nighttime fun. They will amp up your scene and be-seen outtfit. From a small, sleek clutch to carry the bare essentials to a shoulder bag to carry that extra outfit in, the softer metallics will instantly add lots of style to a lazy day or an exclamation point on the arm of the socialite at night.

Whatever your trademark look or personality, this season’s diverse look will have a perfect partner to adorn your arm!

Now is the time for beards on men. Forget the clean shave and grow out those whiskers, men with beards is definitely hot and husky.

Going gray? Even better. Make sure to trim it so everything isn’t too wild on your face there. What looks great paired with this look is a bit of irony. A well-pressed suit or a clean T-shirt and jeans. Your beard is going to be the hottest accessory this side of a second look!

I was personally disappointed when I saw the frumpy, boxy frocks that Jennifer Lopez wore during her pregnancy. I always pictured her to show off her baby bump. Instead she wore dresses that could double as expensive potato sacks. I love it when women show off their bodies during pregnancy because it’s so beautiful. I am especially happy to see it when celebrities do it because it encourages women to feel proud and sexy during this time!

I discussed this with my friend and she forwarded me an unfortunate article from IHM.com. It was about how the era of celebrities showing off their bodies was coming to an end, and now they are hiding it away. I guess I can understand this because they probably are sick of paparazzi all up in their business, but I just personally feel that it’s sad that they have to hide what I personally think is the best accessory, a baby bump.

A recent issue of Vogue, however, covered different wardrobe items for different body types. One of the women was pregnant. She chose sexy items and heels. More power to you!

What’s hot to wear on those dainty fingers? Think big… no, bigger than that. Yep, that’s big enough. Pick a stone in a brilliant color, get it huge enough to clock somebody in the eye with, and you’ve got an awesome piece of jewelry. Right now, it’s not so much about little studs, or tiny stones made into a shape — it’s about a big, fat rock that does all the talking. Turquoise happens to be my favorite, but today I saw my friend Claire (Account Manager at Myspace) rockin’ (literally) a bauble the size of my eyeball. It was orange and awesome. While see through and glassy is alright… what’s even better are the opaque stones. They can be that finishing touch to a wardrobe.

Not a fan of rings? Then wear a long strand of colorful beads, or a pendant on a gold chain. White gold is pretty, but the bold and amazing colors of this season will set off yellow gold even better. It’s warm and inviting and it’s definitely the opposite of bling.

It shouldn’t be downplayed…  American society’s view of women after childbirth isn’t very attractive or alluring.