Designers Get Floral : Pre-Spring 2009

With success of Daisy, Marc Jacobs has based a watch and necklace duo based on its logo. Not only is it perfectly simplistic, but the collection has a burst of color with an unconventional green colorway (not shown).
Final Grade: B+

Marc by Marc Jacobs "Daisy Watch", $175, Shopbop.com.

Juicy Couture is in the same boat, daisy chains and different flowers decorate their jewelry this season. JC brings back cute stud earrings, long costume-style necklaces, and rock-embellished cuffs. It's natural and hippie chic, a trend I'm glad hasn't disappeared. Juicy has also dropped their new Spring '09 bags in pastels, as did Coach, and even Betsey. And as a spring baby, I love the concept. I think this season, though, we'll see more femininity and delicacy rather than headbands and moccasins. Thank God, because I need a relief!
Final Grade: A
Juicy's "Blooming Couture" Charm Bracelet, $178, Nordstrom.com.

F**k Valentines Day: How to Make the Most of Being Alone

Personally, for the past four years, I've spent my Valentine's Day alone and in despair while my loved ones have said, "Oh it's just a silly little day where immature couples buy hundreds of dollars worth of gifts to compensate for their shallow-stage of love." Well I believe that to some degree, but as someone who represents the single-girl or long-distance lover, we need to be shown that we're loved, too. If there isn't a special enough guy out there to realize that no matter your belief system, we're women and we like frilly romantic things once in a while (i.e., Valentine's Day), then we have to take matters into our own hands. Thankfully, I have a few ideas this year to keep myself, as well as all of us lonesome girls out there, happy.


1. Get Yourself a Little Something
Or not. This Valentine's Day, I was thinking of going out and buying myself this Juicy Couture wallet I've been wanting, as well as some new bras. Nothing is better than some retail therapy, and hey, do it for you because you deserve it. You've worked hard to make everyone happy this holiday season and now it's time to make yourself happy.

2. F**k Your Diet and Your New Years Resolution
Go to Walgreens, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Pinkberry, Sprinkles, or whomever has your sweet tooth, and stock up on indulgent yummies. It's only one day. Remind yourself that, and continue indulging. You can burn off the extra calories tomorrow.

3. Go to Dinner With Your Single Friends
Who said you should stay home today? Call up your single pals and the restaurant of your choice, and schedule a dinner date that will take your mind off the day. Everyone will enjoy it.

4. Don't Feel Sorry For Yourself
Lack of love? That special someone not doing something special? It's okay. With the steps above, it'll take your mind off of the lonliness and wishing. It only wastes time anyway. Look at Valentine's Day as a way to pamper yourself, not someone else. Even though it was the initial reason behind the steps, it doesn't have to be your motive behind doing something nice for yourself. Everyday should be that day. Enjoy it, and don't dwell. If someone wants to show you they really care, they will. And just because it doesn't happen on the "Love Holiday", doesn't mean it's any less special.

-MF

Back to the Sixties: VS and Others Offer Retro Themed Swim Wear

...and it's fabulous. Soon after the Semi-Annual Sale madness, Victoria's Secret sent us all their spring swimsuit previews and yours truly is loving it. I'm seeing a lot of tye-dyed and unconventional silhouettes this season. Brands who also incorporated a retro feel to their swim collection include Insight and Kimchi Blue via Urban Outfitters, quoted to be "Marilyn-like".


If you're not the swimsuit kind of gal, don't fret. Atomic suggests wearing tights underneath and doing the Edie Sedgwick.


-MF

Second 'Shibuya Mon Amour for Forever 21' Image Released

Though it's not much, we've got another image to spy of the new Shibuya Mon Amour boutique line for Forever 21. Despite the fact that it looks like every piece in this particular image is already for sale through the site (ten fold - it seems quite generic), it has potential.

- Emily Rose

Deal of the Day - Sunday Splurge 1/18

Aside from the real thing, this freakin' sweet 'Perfect Fake' tote is a steal at half it's original price at ATOMIC favorite, ModCloth. For $40, you can have your very own perfect fake; we don't call it a Sunday Splurge for nothing! Purchase it here!




- Emily Rose

Movies We're Stoked On - Adventureland

It's official - I currently have the sickest crush ever on Martin Starr. What does that mean to you? Probably not much; but to the nearest movie theater, it means I'm going to be one of the butts in their seats on March 27 seeing Adventureland, the story of a recent college graduate who takes a job at a local theme park to fund a much-needed vacation. It co-stars Bill Hader and Kristen Wiig, so you know the plot has to be at least slightly funny.

Adventureland Exclusive!


And if I have to go by myself, so be it. That way, no one will have the urge to smack me square in the face when major swoonage occurs.

- Emily Rose

Johnny Cupcakes Leather Oven Mitt Keychains

Uber-dedicated Johnny Cupcakes fans everywhere are rejoicing at one of his newest offerrings: The Leather Over Mitt Keychain. At the somewhat-steep price of $12.99, you'll have to be seriously in the market for a long-lasting, during keychain or a die-hard J.C. follower to purchase this one. While the design is simple and ingenious, I would rather have the kitschy Crossbones Glow Keychain. Either way, one would have to be a happy camper with their new Cupcakes merch! Purchase one here.



- Emily Rose

Vintage Victoria - Bringing the Romance Back to Lingerie

Now, even though I can rock jeans and a t-shirt on a semi-daily basis with the best of them, I still like to dress girly and look at shiny, pretty, frilly things. If you're like me in that respect, then you'll love the new Vintage Victoria line from Victoria's Secret. While the line is limited at this point, it's assumed that bigger and better things are on the way for the public's consumption. I also am totally appreciating the tasteful and classy photospreads for the products, seeing as though not every woman who shops at VS for bras and undies are raging hussies.

See the current collection here.

- Emily Rose

Deal of the Day - 1/15

Today's deal comes to us via Johnny Cupcakes, offering these crazy cute black gloves with the trademark J.C. stamp of excellence. For just $5.99 (plus shipping, obvs) your hands can be toasty and stylish for the remainder of Winter and the more chilly days of Spring. Purchase them here.



- Emily Rose

Shibuya Mon Amour Boutique Line for Forever 21

Though not much information has surfaced on the line yet, we can only assume it's going to be quite affordable and diamond-in-the-roughish, like a lot of other Forever 21 products prove to be. From the looks of this single promotional piece, it might be something to strike the fancy of fashion-frenzied girls everywhere. Shoot, I'll take the pillow to the girl's left!



- Emily Rose

Premium Denim vs. Mall Denim: Where Do You Draw The Line?

There are some things I'll hands-down spend my money on: cardigans, boots, records, purses, DVDs, etcetc. There are other things I'm certainly not so wild and crazy about shelling out for, but in a more inexpensive setting are totally necessary, like sneakers and jeans. I'm perfectly happy spending $55 for two pairs of irresistably cute and surprisingly well-fitting Bullhead jeans from PacSun instead of saving multiple paychecks for a single pair of Rock and Republics or True Religions. I don't care as much about having a horseshoe design embroidered on my behind as I do putting gas in my car or having a little extra spending money for a fun night out. I mean, am I crazy?



Sure, when I inevitably get enveloped in Hollywood culture and actually start caring about what everyone thinks, I'll probably cave and spend a small fortune on denim, but right now, that's just not where my priorities are.

So here's where I turn it over to you: How much would you pay for a pair of jeans? What would you spend that $300 on otherwise?

- Emily Rose

Deal of the Day - 1/14

After waiting on line at the DMV for a bit and pretty much stressing the hell out over a million other issues today, I decided to come home and have a little imaginary retail therapy. Because everything totally sucks as far as finances and money goes for everyone these days, I've concluded that bringing our readers a semi-daily deal to brighten their spirits wouldn't be a terrible idea. So starting today, expect a new, cheap staple every so often to enliven your wardrobe and put a smile on your face. Today, we start with an adorable little pair of leopard flats via H&M. An ever-changing bastion of all things chic and affordable, Hennes and Mauritz do it again with these babies.



- Emily Rose

Billabong x Cory Kennedy Swimwear

Apparently, this is not Cory Kennedy's first collaboration with the wave-riding megabrand. According to the company's official blog, Kennedy designed a t-shirt, released in May of 2008, as a piece for Billabong's 'Design for Humanity' project, available through Urban Outfitters (yeah, I know it seems like I only post about UO related business, but that's where I do most of my shopping so deal). This go-round, CK has achieved a great balance of flirty sweetness with a tough-girl attitude that'll put any unwanted beach-scum attention on your B list and keep you looking bodacious as you work on your tan. Bravo, Miss Kennedy! Purchase yours here.

- Emily Rose

Currently Loving...

While I'm pretty much missing school/waiting for it to start again, doing little chores here and there and catching up on my DVD collection, I've stumbled across some things that are proving to put a smile on my face time and time again.

California-inspired T-Shirts
Why? I have no idea, but for some odd reason, I've just been bursting with California pride lately. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that everyone else is loving New York 'til the cows come home. Anyway, there are a few I'm totally drooling over for no legitimate reason other than the fact that they represent something I hold near and dear: being a Californian.


Stirrup Skinny Denim + Leggings
If an adorable outfit of your creation has suffered at the hands of bunchy jean legs or stubborn legging creep-ups, you are not alone. Grab a pair of stirrup "pants" (no longer just for mom jeans!) and let your most chic ensembles live long, happy existences.

C.O. Bigelow Soda Fountain Lip Glosses
I've never claimed to know or care much about make-up (I pretty much leave those matters to Michaela), but since starting my job at Bath and Body Works, I seriously can't get enough of the C.O. Bigelow 'Soda Fountain' lip glosses we sell. I'm not a huge fan of the Hot Fudge Sundae flavor, but I'm definitely all over the Butterscotch Vanilla and Strawberry Sundae glosses. What's even better is that now, they're on sale! Buy one at www.bathandbodyworks.com for about $4 or purchase all three for just $10!


David Bowie
Enough said. The most fierce man around, you kind of just ooze a good vibe when you listen to Bowie.


The New Year
Along with a growing sense of self-control, welcoming 2009 is a biggie for me. It seems almost as though, upon waking up on the first, things were instantly better. It was kind of like that scene in The Wizard of Oz, when the Lollipop Guild sing about the witch being dead. Whether I look back at this post in eleven months with disgust is something no one knows just yet, but here's to hoping things stay peachy.

- Emily Rose

It's been awhile, no?

Anyway, I promise this post has more substance than solely being a reintroduction to the slacker half of ATOMIC (starting college really can make a gal lazy). Other than watching Freaks and Geeks to no end and thinking about what to blog without actually putting the wheels in motion to achieve anything in that arena, I haven't really been doing much. How have you been? Good, so we're all caught up! Here we go...

Do the winter blues have you down? I know the feeling. It seems like every year, I spend at least two months preceeding the cold weather fretting about the diminishing number of hoodies I own - not to mention all the appropriate shoe-planning I have to end up doing because apparently all I own are flats and high-tops that I would never, ever wear out in the gloomy California slush. And don't even get me started on the fact that I always find myself begrudgingly saying "hasta la vista!" to my summer dresses.

Well this year, I'm dreaming of a lush green Spring and dressing accordingly. Here are a few of this coming season's staples to consider that will make your wardrobe bloom like a flower garden.

At least one graphic tee and lady-like blouse... EACH.
Personally, I never really know what look I'm going for. I dress how I like and seem to not (noticeably) offend anyone, so I can usually go on my merry way. There are times when I like to "dress down" and throw on a graphic tee with jeans and some sneakers or boots, and this 'Lolita' inspired shirt by Dope Couture is number one on my list for Spring for those such ocassions. The v-neck and curve-hugging shape make this tee an A+.

Get it here.
And Kimchi Blue never ceases to amaze with their delicate designs and totally original silhouettes. They have a reputation for being somewhat pricey, but it's quality stuff - trust me.

Get it here.

A killer pair of denim shorts.
I must admit that up until this past winter (when my ache for warm weather started), I was really aprehensive about wearing shorts. Through the years, I've been teased because my legs are about five shades whiter than Casper the ghost. I've embraced it, actually, so this Spring and Summer I'm all about the shorts. And, as a bonus, you can usually find some on the cheap at this point in time. I just recently finagled my way into a pair of Bullheads at my local PacSun for only $7! Just don't let your derriere hang out and we'll be all good, ladies.
*PICTURE AND LINK COMING SOON!*

The most adorable flats you could ever find.
I've always been oddly attracted to the whole "old man" aspect of oversized cardigans and worn-in loafers, so these shoes are perfect for my inner library skulking nerd.

Get them here.

A structured bag.
Another Kimchi Blue pick! This medium carry-all is perfect for stowing a mini lunch for a walk in the park or discreetly carrying your recently purchased overload of multimedia through the streets.

Get it here.

A thick, gold charm bracelet.
Betsey Johnson always makes good and puts a smile on my face in this respect. Because my eye is drawn more to huge, ornate, tacky jewelry 80% of the time, I appreciate the use of charms and extra links in her work. For this round, though, I've chosen a more subdued design: straight out of her "Tea Party" line, it's a new take on the famous ditsy heart!

Get it here.

So that's it! Wear everything at once, ration your pieces; whatever! Shop well and don't do anything I wouldn't do, which isn't much if you think about it...

- Emily Rose

P.S. Send good vibes Michaela's way! We're all wishing her a great trip to L.A. this New Year's Eve Day. Get us the scoop, girly girl.

Mama Drops Finished Holiday '08-'09 Collection

I've been LOVING the few tees that are currently on sale on Karmaloop, but after seeing the look book via Nitrolicious, I have to say the collection is a little too concept-y for me.



The individual pieces alone are awesome, and I don't believe dressing up obviously non-Latina girls as late 80's Echo Park cholas in Mi Vida Loca is supposed to back up your idea. I feel it's a little too stereotypical to be taken seriously. Any how, regardless of my opinion, the collection is chock full of many different and unique tees to choose from, flannel, and jackets, and available on Karmaloop as of now.


ATOMIC FAVORITE: The Santa Coco Tee (Damn straight Coco Chanel is a saint)

Photo Credits: Shot by the amazing Amanda Lopez and Ali of One Hit Wonder.

Married to the Mob : Holiday Collection 2.0!

Yes, that's right ladies. MOB is making it especially difficult to just pick a few items to splurge on yourself during this holiday season.

And while you're Christmas shopping, remember to get a little frugal on your loved ones because after seeing this collection, you'll want to get some deserved presents for yourself. I know I do especially.




ATOMIC Favorites: The OBJF tees, Money Tee in Grey, The revised DILLIGAF tees, and the shiny kiss hoodie in black (the Lord knows anything gold and black is calling MY name).


HUGE ups to Leah and the rest of the MOB team,
-MF

MAC Cosmetics x Hello Kitty Collaboration Rumors Proved True

You heard it here first, Hello Kitty and MAC are teaming up for a larger than life collection for the Winter 2009 season.


MAC has confirmed all rumors, and set a release date of February 12, 2009 for the US.

If you know, like we do, that the collection will be the most saught after since the Fafi collaboration, MAC will have a pre-order list up on their website starting January 7th.

"Purrrrfection",
-MF

McQ by Alexander McQueen for Target : Perhaps the Best Collaboration Ever

Oh, myself and Emily are almost too excited to blog about this!

Introducing this Spring '09, McQ by Alexander McQueen for Target's Go! International line. We loved Jovovich Hawk and Richard Chai, but nothing hyped up more than hearing and seeing the previews for the collection a la Nitrolicious.





The collection has an expected March 2009 drop, just in time for my birthday. Nice!

-MF

F**k You, Economy : Fashion Houses and Distributors Cut Costs

With this year's economic woes, more than a handful of luxury, as well as common brands, have been feeling under pressure on the financial front. With losses of jobs and cut hours, consumers can no longer afford to shell out a couple hundred, even thousands, on their favorite brands.

Thus, houses of luxurious brands such as Chanel and Christian Louboutin plan to slash prices in hopes their sales with rise steadily as the economy, hopefully, does. Though this may not take immediate effect for this holiday season, keep an eye out for sales after the start of the New Year.


As for our favorite least expensive brands, well, you can see the backlash of the economy to date. Target recently announced its holiday markdown plan for this year, as Atomic favorite, Cultist, has accumulated about six pages worth of discounted clothes 10-40% off. We have seen similar trends from mega street wear distributor, Karmaloop, within the YEAR-every week there is a new discount promo code.

Even though I am writing as if the new prices are a bad thing, I say bring it on and drop them even lower, because it'll definitely take a while for our economy to patch up.


Wishfully thinking,
-MF