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Eco-Chic: Ananas Handbags
2008-03-07 18:45:00
Ananas makes beautiful leather bags, in the loveliest colors, using chic wood rings and detailing. Alternatively, The Ananas Eco collection uses no leather and is made with waxed cotton canvas. The wax is a food grade paraffin & creates a durable and weatherproof coating that ages beautifully. For each bag sold a tree will be planted with trees for the future (treesftf.org). Featured recently in Lucky, most of the eco-collection is available online at Coco's Shoppe...where you can save 25% with code GCLOSET (only valid on regularly-priced items) More from the collection:
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Eco-Chic: Nau Sale
2008-03-07 17:11:00
I'm a city girl, but I do spend as much time as possible outside with the dog, so I appreciate functional, but cute activewear; pieces that are made for WEARING and from high-quality materials, but still look good. Enter Nau. Not only do they produce stylish, practical casual wear, it's made from environmentally friendly fabric with sustainability in mind. I was smitten by the Spring 2008 collection, but made my way over to the sale rack to check out the bargains...my favorite is the jill a-t jacket is marked down to $92, 50% off the original price.
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Sale at Gargyle + 15% off
2008-03-07 16:55:00
Coutry-Club Chic boutique, Gargyle, is having a fab sale on Sweaters & Sweatshirts, Coats & Jackets, and until 3/10, take an additional 15% off these categories only with code FRIDAY307. I've had my eye on this Built By Wendy sweater for a long time, now it's on sale for $135, so it would be $114.75 after the code:
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Today's Outfit: March 7
2008-03-07 14:52:00
Maria Bonita Extra Flats (reviewed here) Goldsign Leia jeans James Perse Vintage Long Sleeve V-Neck Shirt - two layered Jerome Dreyfuss Large Billy Bag
More About: March , Outfit

Yellow Maria Bonita Extra Shoes: Review
2008-03-07 01:29:00
It's already Spring in my head, and now in my closet with the addition of these cute flats by Maria Bonita Extra from Active Endeavors. I was not sure at all that I would be able to wear yellow on my person, in fact, you probably know already that I don't wear a lot of color at all - only in my bags and shoes - so if I was going to take advantage of the yellow trend this Spring, it was going to have to be shoes. I fell hard for these when I first saw them, and I love them even more now that I own them! I am wearing them without the ankle strap, and they fit very well. There is minimal arch support in these, but they fit my foot very well, run true to size, and are very comfortable (so far, from just being out of the box for an hour...). I was expecting a brighter yellow, per the image from Active Endeavors, but as you can see from my own image, and outfit pictures, the yellow is more muted, but still yellow. I love them! Stay tuned to Outfit of the Day to see mo...
More About: Reviews , Shoes , Review , Yellow

Today's Outfit: March 6, 2008
2008-03-06 16:05:00
Gap Curvy Black Pants James Perse short sleeve V-neck LaRok "grandpa" cardigan Tory Burch Reva Patent Logo Ballet Flat Jerome Dreyfuss Large Billy Bag
More About: March , Outfit , 2008

New Marketplace: Supermarket
2008-03-06 01:39:00
Supermarket is like etsy, but better. No offense to etsy, which I love, but it's way too intimidating (and I'm not easily intimidated by online shopping!). There's just SO much stuff and SO many designers, it's hard to know where to start. Supermarket is much smaller than etsy, and focused on design, direct from designers, rather than simply "handmade." My absolute favorite find so far are these handbags by Moop: More fabulous designers to check out: Reiter8 i love blocks: Future Craft Studio:
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Canadian Eco-Chic: Nicole Bridger
2008-03-06 01:24:00
I love this awesome organic cotton dress by Canadian designer, Nicole Bridger, winner of Generation-Next, the best new designer competition of BC Fashion Week. Available at Fashion Forward Canada, which is an online fashion boutique dedicated to finding emerging indie fashion. It includes a collective of designers and artisans passionate about the Canadian fashion industry - and committed to creating global awareness of Canadian style and originality. Fashion Forward Canada proudly offers women's clothing, funky handbags, designer jewelry and more. Featuring original designer fashion from independent designers such as Sans Soucie, Amber Jewellery, Shi Studio, Nicole Bridger and more. (check out the designs made from pantyhose!)

DKNY Pure Sandals
2008-03-06 01:15:00
I am on the search for my Summer sandals already - I love flat thongs, with some interest, and NOT flip flops. And preferably, under $100. These DKNY Pure sandals fit the bill perfectly: (too bad they're not included in Shopbop's 20% off sale items code: PLUS20) <--that expires tomorrow, by the way...
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Today's Outfit: March 5, 2008
2008-03-05 15:54:00
Samantha Treacy wide leg pants (from Anthropologie last Summer) Tory Burch Reva Patent Logo Ballet Flat James Perse Long Sleeve Cotton V Neck Top Barney's Co-Op brand Sweater (a few years old!) Gustto Parina Handbag
More About: March , Outfit , 2008

Today's Outfit: March 4, 2008
2008-03-04 14:43:00
Gap Long & Lean Jeans Delman Mona Flats James Perse Vintage Long Sleeve V-Neck Shirt Generra Cardigan Jerome Dreyfuss Large Billy Bag
More About: March , Outfit , 2008

Lovely Spring Dresses
2008-03-03 23:24:00
I check out Doe frequently because I always feel like I'm shopping at a cute local boutique (which I am, just not local to ME!), and I love the selection of designers. They've just posted some new arrivals, and I'm so in love with all the dresses - Porridge, Dace, Park Vogel, Dear Pruitt & more.
More About: Dresses , Spring , Lovely

Eco-Chic: Indie Wedding Guide
2008-03-03 23:06:00
I do not "get" weddings. I mean I "get" them, but I don't "get" making them into huge elaborate productions costing thousands of dollars. And the whole "bridezilla" thing...don't even get me started... That said, I do think the wedding is an opportunity to create a meaningful event - and it should reflect the bride and groom's personalities and priorities. So, if you're like me: trying to shop independent and be more eco-friendly (and trying to plan a wedding...NOT like me lol), the girls over at the Indie Wedding Guide have created just the blog for you. A collaboration between Eco-Chic Weddings and Vintage Indie, the Indie Wedding Guide's goal is to create a resource for brides to turn to when looking to minimize waste and create their wedding with the idea of using indie designers, a do it yourself attitude and those famous three R's: reuse, recycle and reduce. I'm not planning a wedding or anythin...

New Boutique: Clutch Seattle
2008-03-03 22:48:00
These two are girls after my own heart!!! Self-proclaimed handbag addicts & sisters-in-law Carrie and Kimberly Arrington opened up Clutch , Seattle 's only handbag boutique, to offer all the hottest independent/smaller designer bags in one place. Carrying Botkier, Bulga (I need to try this line), Tressje, Goldenbleu, Olivia Harris and many more designers, Clutch will be more than happy to help YOU develop a handbag addition too!! I love this Kale crossbody bag:
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Today's Outfit: March 3
2008-03-03 16:07:00
Goldsign Leia Jeans Tory Burch Reva Patent Logo Ballet Flat Casch Copenhagen Jacket James Perse Long Sleeve Cotton V Neck Top Vanessa Bruno Athe leather Tote (bought it on final sale at shopbop...got the last one)
More About: March , Outfit

Persimmon Handpicked Objects
2008-02-29 01:02:00
I have been obsessed with Melissa Joy Manning for years. I would drool over the earrings at Barney's Co-op and search for them to buy online. Now, her designs are much more readily available to purchase online, but my new favorite place to buy is Persimmon Handpicked Objects . I purchased these two pieces last week: medium pink gold hoops tangled oxidized silver and pink gold bracelet and they arrived today in the most beautiful package. Persimmon gift wraps all orders, so it was like opening up a present from myself! Which, it really is; a celebration of me. Anyway, I put on my earrings and bracelet and don't plan on taking them off for a very long time. I was extremely pleased with my entire experience at Persimmon, the shipping is free with orders over $100 (and believe me, it's not hard to reach that threshold!!), and I truly loved the gift wrapping. Persimmon carries designers from Jamie Joseph to Manon von Gerkan, and many others. I LOVE every sin...

Review: James Perse & Qara Clutch
2008-02-29 00:35:00
I love James Perse. I now own 14 James Perse tops and 2 dresses - including this one I just received from Tobi. It's much too thin to wear now, but I can see this being a wardrobe staple this Summer. I love the banding at the bottom, which gives it some shape, and actually think it would look fabulous with a denim pencil skirt. I love it...now I just have to get some lighter wash jeans to wear it with! Worn with Goldsign Leia Jeans (can't find them online anymore!!), and Tory Burch Reva Flats. The clutch is from Qara Argentina. This is definitely my favorite shade of blue, it's very similar to my Sapphire Jenny Yuen bag, and not even in the same league as navy. It instantly brightens up any outfit (as you can see here) and could really come in handy for a evening clutch. I have to admit, I haven't had the occasion to carry it yet, but I did try it out around the house (yes, I'm that lame) and it fit my phone (a treo), some credit cards, li...
More About: Reviews , Review , Clutch

New Boutique: Petaline
2008-02-28 16:06:00
I am a true believer in local shopping. Supporting smaller boutiques and designers, you really feel like you're making a difference & buying something unique. And while I do love to travel & shop, it's not always possible....which is one of the reasons I love online shopping so much. You can shop NYC, Portland, Seattle, Austin and other independent designer hot-spots without the expense of travel, which of course, leaves more $$ for shopping!! Anway, Alison Brownrigg contacted me recently about her Seattle boutique Petaline, and now I'm passing the loveliness on to you. Alison is a stay-at-home mom who started Petaline with another mommy friend a few years ago with a desire to support her local artists and crafters. Carrying pieces from Amy Bengston, Crystalyn Kae, Lekkerlife, and more, the singular focus of the boutique is to feature artists from the Pacific Northwest. Right now, my absolute favorites are Amy Bengston's necklaces:
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Jerome Dreyfuss Bags
2008-02-28 00:28:00
I haven't posted a review about my own Jerome Dreyfuss large Billy Bag since I bought it because as soon as I snatched it up at the Shopbop sale, it was gone. I couldn't find this bag online ANYWHERE; and believe me, I looked! Now that the Billy bag, and others are slowly starting to pop back up again online, I can share my enthusiasm with you! (I hate to post reviews of things you cannot find online...) I have carried this bag non-stop since I received it in January. I bought it at about 40% off at the Shopbop sale, and now that I have it, I would willingly pay full price for another Jerome Dreyfuss bag. My bag is the Large billy bag, and obviously, it's huge. Even for me (and I love my big bags)! If I buy another one, it will definitely be the regular size, which seems to be a bit more manageable. I carry it mostly by the short handles, either by hand, or at my elbow. Sometimes I switch to the shoulder strap (that's hanging down there in the front), ...
More About: Bags

Favorites: Splendid French Terry Pant
2008-02-27 00:29:00
Honestly, I'm a little bored with new fashions lately; it's still too cold for sandals, and I can't keep buying sweaters, even if they're on sale. And you know, I don't post about celebrity fashion...so no Oscar posts, and I'm really not into runway shows, or what will be "IN" next Fall. Grechen's Closet is about SHOPPING, finding new designers, getting great deals, and looking your best every day. So, on those days I don't find anything particularly interesting to post about, I'll give you some insight into my favorite things. The things I wear EVERY day, or can't live without. Starting with these: the Splendid French Terry Drawstring Pant. I literally wear these every day. I wear them so often, I'm constantly afraid I will find a hole in them every time I take them off, or that they will disintegrate in the washing machine, never to be found again. I had to cut them at the bottom because they were way t...
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Eco-Chic: Salvation Sacks
2008-02-22 21:27:00
I saw these cool recycled leather/suede/fabric handbags by Salvation Sacks first at the greenset (another of my favorite eco-chic blogs!). Salvation Sack's Designer, Margaret, creates each bag individually, from vintage clothing and fabrics she just couldn't bear to part with. I love the combination of textures and fabrics on all the bags, but the retro prints of the two bags above are my favorites! Her bags are about $165, and shipping is free for a limited time, so snag the one you're interested in now! Ashley Watson also makes lovely recycled leather bags, but for much more $$$!

Sway & Cake Sale
2008-02-22 21:10:00
Sway & Cake is having a great sale, and denim especially, is a great deal! I didn't find a pair of jeans over $100, and most were about $75 or under.
More About: Sale

Velvetine Handbags
2008-02-22 20:55:00
Always the handbag addict, and always looking for the next hip designer, I was thrilled to see these Velvetine bags available for pre-order at Language. So far, they're the only place online to find these bags, but I have a feeling they'll be showing up at more online boutiques soon. I'm a sucker for interesting hardware; I love the needle clasp that is a signature of this collection. The leather looks perfectly worn-in, and the shapes fit right in with the boho-chic trend for Spring. From Language: "Parisian designers Anne Cecile Couetil and Olivier Guerre joined together 2 years ago to developed Velvetine, a line of luxurious bohemian handbags. The “Sweet Needle” collection is characterized by elegant drop clasps, paired with bohemian details like long fringe and soft natural leathers." Velvetine bags are also available at Beaucoup Amor - you have to call for availability and to order though.
More About: Handbags

Eco-Chic: Sublet Clothing
2008-02-21 00:01:00
It seems like many designers, in an effort to be unique and innovative, only end up with really complicated designs. Not Sublet. The company started by two roommates, literally while subletting, focuses on sustainable fabrics, responsible business practices, and pretty clothes. Aside from the environmentally friendly aspect of their designs (bamboo and organic cotton), I appreciate mostly their simple-but-not-boring designs; I love how un-fussy the pieces are... See for yourself: From the ladies themselves: "We see Sublet Clothing as a means for positive social change, while fostering a collaborative community. We are socially and environmentally responsible in the way we source, manufacture, and run our company. We take into consideration our footprint because the effect we have on our environment and the people who inhabit it needs to be a positive one." Love it.

Barefoot Tess: 50% off
2008-02-20 23:47:00
Take 50% off everything at Barefoot Tess with code GRECHEN50 through 3/1. The code is good on everything, even sale items. Also get free shipping on orders over $100 when you select "pick-up" as a shipping option at checkout. Barefoot Tess specializes in larger shoe sizes, so most of the shoes are size 9 and up (good for my wallet). Something noted on the site: Delman will not be making larger sized shoes after Spring, so now's the time to stock up! I have this exact pair of Delman Mona flats and the more I wear them, the more I love them. I have several pairs of flats, and these are the only ones that seem to have any arch support at all in them. It's minimal, but it's there.

Eco-Chic: Setchi Ecoboutique on Sale
2008-02-20 23:39:00
setchi ecoboutique is moving from Washington D.C. to NYC and apparently they can't fit everything on the truck, so they want you to have it! For 50% off!! Del Forte Willow Wide Leg Jeans are on sale for $92 This Stewart + Brown terry blazer is on sale for $94 And so on...
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elle H: up to 75% off
2008-02-20 14:09:00
I just found this boutique searching for something else, and I'm so glad I did. First, elle H is having a FABULOUS sale. And no, I don't mean lots of stuff on sale for not-so-great prices and in not so many sizes, I mean TONS of stuff on sale, in all sizes, and for GREAT prices. Take this Paul & Joe Kimono top, on sale for $80 from $323. And, it's in stock in ALL SIZES. And second, they have a really nice selection of designers: cashmere by Twig, silk by Geren Ford, dresses by Erotokritos, and a growing eco-friendly selection. This is one of my new favorites!!
More About: Elle

3.1 Philip Lim for Tatami Shoes
2008-02-19 19:06:00
I love a great comfortable sandal to LIVE in all Summer, and while I prefer the footbed of my Mephisto sandals over Birkenstocks, I've had several pair of Tatami shoes in the past, and wore them to death. And you know, I'm not into sacraficing style for comfort, so these 3.1 by Philip Lim designs for Tatami are just the sandal for me. I'm leaning towards getting the black patent sandals from La Garconne, but I'm waiting to see what else shows up online before taking the plunge... The selection at eLuxury: The selection at La Garconne: They'll also be showing up at Net-a-Porter soon. Where to buy 3.1 Philip Lim online.
More About: Shoes

Eco-Chic: EJF Designer Campaign
2008-02-19 18:33:00
I learned about these tees for the benefit of the Environmental Justice Foundation from 1plus1 (one of my very favorite eco-fashion blogs, I vist EVERY DAY!!!). "All of EJF's t-shirts are ethically made with 100% organic cotton and Soil Association-certified printing. The cotton is guaranteed by the producer not to come from Uzbekistan. All proceeds go to support EJF's work." This is my favorite design, by Christian Lacroix, my second favorite is by Luella Bartley, but check out others by Katherine Hamnett and Betty Jackson.
More About: Campaign , Designer

Spring Skirts 1: Morphine Generation
2008-02-19 18:07:00
I live in skirts and dresses when the weather gets warmer, but it's a challenge to find a flattering shape and length for my pear-shape body. By trial and error, I've determined that right at the knee is the best length for me, and pencil or at least "fitted" shape is best. I know...an A-line skirt is **supposed** to be the most flattering for me, but it's really not. I have tried to make this shape work for me, but it doesn't. I believe that's partly because I have HUGE calves and really no ankles to speak of. And I'm short waisted; the A-line just doesn't help me accentuate my waist.... Anyway, I found this today at Gargyle, and think it would be a great look for me: I'll try to get my hands on this or a similar skirt to Review. Stay tuned!! Where else to buy Morphine Generation online.
More About: Spring , Skirts