Tete-à-Tee-Zone

We've Moved!

2009-07-25T13:31:00.000-04:00

Hey there,

In case you weren't with us for the switch, we've moved to a new site! Make sure to change your bookmarks & feeds and we'll see you on the other side...

tete-à-tee-zone

more lna lovin'

2009-06-13T16:13:00.001-04:00

Real Simple magazine apparently wants to know:

Who's got zip tees and is awesome?

Yeah. WE ARE.

Come for the LNA Zipper Tee... stay for the Three Dots, C&C California, James Perse, LA Made, Michael Stars & Velvet! (Really, they could have just done an article called "Tee-Zone.com has it All!" Take note, fashion editors!)

Ahead of the Crew

2009-06-07T14:00:00.004-04:00

If donning a bright LNA tee is an instant update, consider us ahead of the curve!

Shop LNA @ tee-zone.com.

via InStyle Magazine

Jessica Alba's a Hoot?

2009-05-30T13:28:00.004-04:00

Stumbled on this neat pic of Jess Alba out with her bebe on IHeartThat yesterday. She's wearing Lauren Moshi's (dare I say AWESOME) new Owl Swing Tee underneath Wilt's Hi-Lo Slub Cardigan. That tee is super-soft and comfy but she's looking pretty chagrined.. maybe because a matching bag would have gone better with the outfit than a matching baby??

See more Wilt & Lauren Moshi @ tee-zone.com.

via iheartthat

Crayon Colors

2009-05-24T18:34:00.004-04:00

When I saw this page in InStyle's May issue ALL I could think about was seeing this dress hanging in the store. Behold: the Bobi Asymmetrical Cami Dress in all its Crayon-colored glory (including Pow Pink which is the greatest name ever). So for those of you needing a jewel-tone pick me up, have at 'er!

Shop more Bobi brights at tee-zone.com!

Zip it Up!

2009-04-14T13:09:00.005-04:00

This month's Nylon featured our best-selling Zip Leggings from LNA twice in their photoshoot! (We think they're pretty awesome, too- and they go great with the Zip Tee & Zip Tank we just got in...)

Shop LNA @ tee-zone.com!

Laced Up

2009-04-10T13:44:00.004-04:00

Opulent French style indeed! Those black & white lace overlay pumps have got nothing on the dramatic lace corset waist of Bailey 44's Paris dress (it even has France in the name!) or their flirty-sexy completely-sheer-lace-back Show & Tell vest.

But really, the entire Spring Bailey 44 collection is pretty spectacular.. check it out here.

Tres Belle!

2009-04-05T17:52:00.010-04:00

I know it isn't exact, but this ruffled skirt from Lucky's What I Want Now so reminded me of Velvet's Smocked Tube Ruffle Dress that I had to point it out. Feminine tiered ruffles with a pretty delicate summer floral (which are finally coming out of hiding as it gets warmer out!).

Shop the new Velvet for Spring '09 or check out other Ruffle-y items at tee-zone.com.

My Beading Heart...

2009-03-31T18:56:00.009-04:00

Another from Lucky's Inspiration Board, something we've been seeing everywhere: Indian influenced style and accessories. This Zebra stripe top by Velvet is embellished with a definite ethnic twist and was featured in Bazaar UK as one of 50 best buys!

Shop Velvet @ tee-zone.com!

Free (People) Anatomy Lessons..

2009-03-27T18:13:00.009-04:00

Sooo I was catching up on Grey's Anatomy (I'm never home in time!) and was watching the episode where the siblings have tummy surgery to avoid cancer and did a double take. By the time I got a decent screenshot I'd pretty much memorized the entire scene. Yay for Free People Tees! Double yay for Free People Tees on sale!

Shop all Free People at tee-zone.com!

Walk on the Wild Side

2009-03-22T17:44:00.010-04:00

From Lucky's Inspiration Board, "Animal Print Tees" are up. Kind of reminds you of Lauren Moshi (see below) doesn't it? Definitely an easy way to add some beast :sic: to your basics..

Shop Lauren Moshi at tee-zone.com!

Gypsy Queen

2009-02-21T18:24:00.006-05:00

From People.com, this "Who wore it better?" involving the two colors of Gypsy 05's Double V Ombre Maxi. Paris is in Olive, Jessica in Black. And as much as I am loathe to say it (due to a vehement dislike of all things Paris), Paris wins this round. But hey, Alba's got nicer shoes!

Shop for more Gypsy 05 at tee-zone.com!

Neck & Necklace

2009-01-24T19:07:00.006-05:00

Now, I know I've totally mentioned this before (maybe I'm just ahead of the curve) but Bazaar included a tank with built-in necklace on their "Hottest, Newest, Latest" page.

Their $225 tank from AKA bears a pretty striking resemblance to Young Fabulous, & Broke's >Jeweled Neck Tank - which is on super sale from tee-zone for $66. (And ignoring the massive price difference for a sec, YFB's is still way prettier!)

Click image to enlarge.

What makes these shirts so cool is their embellishment: take a tank you might see every day and make it special. Which we think is a pretty neat concept, and the reason we put together our fun-damentals collection. Because who said basics have to be basic?!

Shop Fun-damentals at tee-zone.com!

Maximizing the Maxi

2009-01-14T19:11:00.009-05:00

Despite the everlasting wet curbs of Winter in NYC, maxi-dresses (cleverly disguised for the cold!) are everywhere. This little blurb from Glamour shows ever-tanned Cali chicks wearing them bare in the daytime for a one-piece casual look. Please note: as Paris Hilton is demonstrating, wearing a white babydoll maxi will not negate your skank factor. CHOOSE WISELY, ladies!

(And can anyone tell us who the two chicks on the right are??)

But what do you do when it's 20 degrees (11 with windchill!) and those long, strappy dresses are beckoning? Megan found this sweet article in Lucky magazine (our favorite!).

Start with a turtleneck, add a long straight dress, and add a blazer (or a cardigan, for less meek more chic). Exaggerated jewelry, simple hair, and your favorite boots- and you're ready to rock that maxi through the cold, hard, NYC winter.

Shop maxi dresses at tee-zone.com!

The Missing Link

2009-01-06T13:41:00.004-05:00

I don't know about you all but I always feel like I'm missing something in my closet. So the idea for our "Missing Link" was hatched. We've picked out 10 items that are essentials for a well-rounded wardrobe and solidified them into a handy-dandy slideshow. Be sure to check it out!

The Missing Link: 10 Must Haves that lay the foundation for a Fab Wardrobe

Every Model Needs an Entourage...

2009-01-03T19:44:00.007-05:00

So you all remember Jeremy Piven's super dramatic bout of mercury poisoning that caused him to cancel his appearances in "Speed the Plow," right?

He's currently in Bangkok for treatment. And what did he do that terrible, desperate night he fell ill? Why, he spent it with a model named Ashley Chontos, who happens to be a pretty familiar face 'round here at tee-zone.com. Here she is in Three Dots, Splendid, and Susana Monaco (on sale!).

Piven met Ashley at Britney Spears' birthday party (which had a circus theme.. is she 11? I don't understand!) and has since been super-tight with the model. Word on the street (and by word on the street I mean Perez Hilton says) that Piven is ditching his Mama and bringing Ashley as his date to the Golden Globes. Someone is movin' on up!

In case you'd like a less... biased... report, here's the article from NY Daily News.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays!

2008-12-24T17:07:00.004-05:00

We're down to the final few pre-Christmas hours and you've all finished your Christmas shopping. I mean, I'm assuming you have because you're all generous, responsible adults. Of course.

Now it's time to pamper yourself. And with the residual holiday sales going on, it's easier and less indulgent than, say, the fatty, carb-loaded, and ohmygod-it's-so-good-I-can't-stop-eating meals that have been placed in front of us by enthusiastic in-laws.

So check out our neat little Super Duper Holiday page and consider it an early birthday present for an even more guilt-free experience. Unless, of course, you were born in a manger on December 25th, 0000?

In the meantime, here's a little snippet from Marie Claire UK:

"3 Fun Ways to Wear a Scarf This Season." Now, the "Classic Loop" is a no-brainer, and I'm not sure how I feel about the side bow, and they forgot the all-encompassing "Super Duper Billion-Time Wrap-Around" but I do LOVE the belted look. It's not often you find a new way to wear a scarf. And we've got a lot of great new scarves from Tolani, Lovequotes, and Wish4Peace (and a super cool one from Daftbird) coming in these days.. be sure to keep checking back!

And that's all for this Christmas Eve, 2008. Tee-Zone and I wish you all a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and a Super Duper Holiday Season!

Tight-Tied

2008-12-13T19:29:00.000-05:00

Just a quick little note 'cause I found this snippet in Lucky and think it's uber-useful:

Quick and easy colored tights combos (image is clicky)! We also like orange or red tights with charcoal, purple tights with light gray or a medium blue, and turquoise tights with navy or purple. Don't be afraid to wear a skirt or dress that is lighter than your tights; with a basic pair of shoes it can look very sophisticated.

Just (for the love of God and all that is Holy) don't pair orange tights with blue or navy. You wouldn't want anyone mistaking you for a Mets fan.. would you?

Shop HUE tights at tee-zone.com!

Star Signs

2008-12-10T17:32:00.002-05:00

Now, most of the stuff on this "What I Want Now!" page from Lucky magazine is... scary(including that.. Galaxy Tank. Yipes!). But the idea behind it is right on trend. Stars and star prints are all over the place and a great way to show off your (sic) star status.

A few of our favorites (from left): Faded Stars Thermal, $48.00 by Free People / Metallic Stars Swing Tee, $88.00 by Lauren Moshi / Silk Hearts & Stars Scarf, $85.00 by Wish 4 Peace.

Reasonable Runway

2008-11-25T16:12:00.005-05:00

Everyone knows that the present not-so-booming economy is taking a big wad out of everyone's wallet, but that doesn't mean that your wardrobe needs to lack the latest looks hot off the runway! Have a glance at these comparable, more affordable, fashionable pieces available at tee-zone.com.

A bit of a more casual take on this look by Nanette Lepore. Try our Scoop Neck Banded Ruffle Top by Bordeaux, it's not only more attainable, but could also be used for several different looks.

Get this edgy Y-3 look with this great Bobi Racerback Tunic Vest paired with a pair of leggings. A super-comfy outfit that looks very high-fashion!

Though you may not think twice about leaving the house covered in a couture-like garment, try our Young Fabulous & Broke Scoop Neck Open Back Slash Dress, it's not only more practical, but much more attainable than this Prada look-alike.

Kain is Able

2008-11-18T15:34:00.004-05:00

Our newest label's reputation preceded the shipment. Kain is known for, as Bazaar puts it, "uber-soft fabrics in slouchy shapes." Spot on!

Kain was also mentioned in Nylon's "White T-Shirts" article, along with tee-zone.com fave LnA.

Shop Kain @ tee-zone.com, and check out our best white tees!

Fringe Appeal

2008-11-14T18:35:00.001-05:00

We looove Lucky. Their entire "What I Want NOW!" page is dedicated to fringe. And at the center of it all, the editor herself in a fringed dress that looks remarkably like our Sleeveless Fringed Dress by Velvet.

She calls it "Flapper-esque but with real rock star appeal." We just call it fabulous. And if the dress is too tiered for the timid, we've got a Fringed Top (also by Velvet) that makes the same sexy statement.

Frugal Fashion

2008-11-03T18:39:00.004-05:00

The article above is taken from this week's New York magazine, from a multiple page cover article entitled "Live Well, Spend Less."

What we have here is a simple, great idea in an economy has no budget for lookin' good. "You hate everything in your closet, but you don't want to buy anything. Easy to fix," the article says, and recommends holding a clothing swap with a couple of your fashion-forward girlfriends. Voila! You've got the makings of a new wardrobe!

Unfortunately, we don't all have the same size, shape, or style. Which is why it's important to see each piece in your pal's closet as a base, a blank wall to be decorated how you choose. And by looking at your closet in the same way, you can make the most of a few choice pieces- saving you from blowing your budget on a billion seperates. To demonstrate this, we chose a pretty basic Sleeveless Cowl Neck Shift Dress by Michael Stars, and set it up for three different tastes.

LEFT: Daftbird's Attached Scarf Sleeveless Cardigan over the dress paired with bold HUE tights and a pair of slouchy boots gives this dress a funky edge.

CENTER: A colorful long sleeve tee by LNA, a skinny belt to cinch your waist, and conservative tights and heels and you're all set for a casual workplace or an easy night out.

RIGHT: Splendid's super versatile Wool Blend Wrap Cardigan, warm tights and suede boots prep this dress for the colder months. Perfect for class on cold days!

And if nothing else, a great pair of tights and a cool cardigan will turn last season's tunic or mini dress into something your friends will fawn over!

Tights Trauma

2008-10-29T17:39:00.003-04:00

Just wanted to put this out there- Glamour's "Dos and Don'ts of bold, bright Tights!"

I've seen some monstrous fashion disasters lately walking down the street in dayglo tights and overdone ensembles. A particular no-no: two different colored legs (Can you say, 'American Apparel?')! As Glamour says, 'less is more.' The image is clicky, so brush up on your multi-hued manners and then head over to tee-zone.com to shop for some HUE tights.. carefully!

Shop HUE tights at tee-zone.com.

And a Gossip Girl style update for you unbelievers: Blake Lively wearing Sweet Pea!
Get her look with this V-neck Ruched Top in Gali Blue.

Shop Sweet Pea at tee-zone.com.

Stripey Style

2008-10-27T14:18:00.004-04:00

Harper's Bazaar had a quick little note on their "Update Your Look" page, naming Striped Sweaters as a seasonal must-have. For the sake of argument here we're going to assume they mean horizontal stripes (because pinstripes are really the only way to go, vertically, unless you want to look like an escaped convict.. but that's a whole other blog post right there!).

If you're going to go colorful, try to make sure your bright is balanced out by a darker neutral (think Juicy's Striped Cardi as opposed to... Where's Waldo?). Thicker stripes tend to be more casual looking, so if you're going out, try something like Majestic's Cashmere Blend Striped Turtleneck.

And whatever you do, don't buy into the 'horizontal stripes make you look fat' nonsense. It's all in how you wear it, and the cut and quality of the shirt. You're on your own when it comes to working it, but we've definitely got some great tools for you to work with!

Click on the images above to view their product pages at tee-zone.com.

Dressed on Dexter

2008-10-18T14:31:00.002-04:00

I may be ashamed of the amount of television I watch, but at least I can justify it: I'm WORKING! I'm doing research! I swear it has nothing to do with all the cute boys!

For instance, the above is a snap from this week's Dexter. And that's Deb (much more fashionable this year than last year) wearing Michael Stars. I got a little excited when I saw that. She's got on the Striped Elbow Sleeve Deep V in Macaw Stripe, and we've got it on sale. Now you too can look like an aspiring Miami PD detective with an homicidal sociopathic older brother!

Shop more Michael Stars at tee-zone.com!

Luxe Tux Touches

2008-10-14T17:45:00.006-04:00

Editor's pick from the pages of Lucky magazine: Tuxedo inspired pieces. But how does such a man's style translate for women?

Let's start with tops. Ella Moss's Agatha Turtle Neck is a great example - a relaxed, feminine turtleneck is updated to high-class with a tux style ruffled bib. Adding a vest like Free People's Nomad Vest to a button down or bibbed shirt gives it a nice masculine feel, and the nomad vest has a knit hood and lapels for a funky twist.

To solidify the look, tailored bottoms work best. A pencil skirt like Velvet's is flattering and sexy but still formal. Young Fabulous & Broke's Ruffled Tuxedo Dress has got the look down pat, all in one piece. (Just think, all you have to do is slide in and grab your fave heels!) Or if you're a pants kinda gal, Bailey 44's Wide Leg Sea Pants with a tucked in blousy top will most definitely give you a formal tux feel.

And don't forget to finish off the look with a great playful pair of trouser socks like Hue's Argyle socks!

See more tuxedo inspired pieces at tee-zone.com!

Click on the images above to see their product pages at tee-zone.com.

tee-zone gets LUCKY!

2008-10-05T18:22:00.001-04:00

So this is super exciting. When asked, Lucky Magazine named tee-zone.com as the best place to buy your basic tees. We're gonna have to go ahead and agree with them!

Shop for the best basics and more at tee-zone.com!

Young Fabulous & Lively

2008-09-26T17:56:00.002-04:00

Rachel Rose here!

Looks like S and D, everyone's favorite ex-couple, just might be shopping at tee-zone.com!

Ms. Lively is wearing Young Fabulous & Broke's Tie Dye Henley Tank (which, by the way, is on sale - get it while you still can!).

And lucky for your boyfriends, you can get Penn Badgley's look with Splendid Mills' Organic Striped Tee. Most of our Men's site is 50-70% off, so now's your chance to get your beau out of his ratty tees and into some (well-priced!) duds.

You know you love me,

xoxo

Rachel Rose

10003 is the new 90210

2008-09-23T17:54:00.001-04:00

Ok. See this picture? That's Jessica Stroup of the new Beverly Hills 90210. And you see that dress she's wearing? Free People's awesome Smocked Printed Dress which has been flying off of our e-shelves. It's got a smocked top, metallic waistline, and a psychedelic print flocked skirt. She's wearing it with spaghetti straps, but we've got the bra friendly version. We love it- you will too!

>See more Free People at tee-zone.com.

Rhinestone Kowboy

2008-09-17T12:27:00.000-04:00

Accessories are a woman's best friend. So what happens when your shirt comes pre-loaded with jewels?

Well, Instyle magazine praised "Built-In Necklaces" as "the ultimate lazy girl accessory.." and lazy or not (hey, you still need earrings!) we think they're genius. Which is why we really, really love Kowboys' spangled tees and tanks, like this Antique Burnout Tee with, ahem, a rhinestone embellished necklace print. The previously mentioned Mini Pearl Racerback Tank by Bordeaux has enough pearls around the neck to satisfy any girl's desire for decadence.

Shop Kowboys at tee-zone.com.

Break into Tiers!

2008-09-12T15:15:00.002-04:00

Pulled from the pages of Lucky magazine, this 'Spotlight on: Tiered dresses.'

I love this look! The cardigan tones down the drama of the ruffled tiers (making them daytime suitable!) without losing any of the romance.

Parker Blue's Tiered Ruffle Dress (also available in 3/4 sleeve or as a tank-tunic) is perfect for those looking to flex their fashion muscle. For those a little more hesitant, Sweet Pea's Hi-Neck Ruffle Top gets the same stylish point across with far less frills.

See more ruffles at tee-zone.com
and complete the look with one of our Cardigans!

Maximum Min Young Lee

2008-09-07T14:05:00.000-04:00

So a nice tee-zone welcome back to me (didya miss me??) and an even bigger tee-zone welcome to the brand Min Young Lee. The pieces were barely settled into our inventory when we found this nice little mention in InStyle.

Slouchy is the new shape, and this Batwing Circle Top leads the pack. The banded cuffs and bottom reign in the voluminous tee, taking it from sack to shapely and making it very, very cool. We also love it in this beautiful printed silk option!

Shop Min Young Lee at tee-zone.com.

Keys to Bordeaux

2008-08-16T12:57:00.000-04:00

Alicia Keys' style transformation from "Rough to Raging" as InStyle reports has her photographed in a sweet & sassy top with a beaded circle neck. Get the look with this Mini Pearl Racerback Top by Bordeaux with a slimming inner layer and airy outer.

This pretty top's big sister, Bordeaux's Pleated Mini Pearl Dress, was also touted in InStyle a few months ago as the "One Dress You'll Live In.

See Bordeaux at tee-zone.com here.

That's a Wrap (Sweater)

2008-08-09T14:19:00.004-04:00

It's hot. It's REALLY hot. Even the thought of wearing much more than a shift dress and flip-flops is uncomfortable. Which, of course, makes the realization that Fall is just around the corner so much more difficult.

I don't know about you all, but come September I'm freezing in the mornings and sweating by early afternoon. The easy fix? A light stowable cardigan.

We're going to have to agree with Lucky Magazine here: a super-soft, super-thin long wrap cardi is the way to go. No buttons mean no fuss, and the extra fabric makes them perfect to throw on and schmo around in.

And furthermore, we heartily approve of their top two choices in sweaters (which you can, of course, find at tee-zone.com)! The first is Velvet's chic little Ruffle Wrap Sweater, a nice twist on the basic wrap cardi and best for grabbing to go out. The second is C&C California's easy Agnes Cardigan, with a contrast ribbed back that makes it even more comfy cool.

Shop more relaxed Wrap Sweaters at tee-zone.com!

One Shoulder - Make it work!

2008-08-08T17:13:00.001-04:00

From the pages of People, tips on the one-shoulder trend from Tim Gunn.

We're definitely digging Lauren Conrad's sleek LBD... mainly because it so closely resembles our very own Asymmetrical Mini Dress by Rachel Pally. No need to 'make it work,' this draped darling speaks for itself. Fabulous!

White Velvet

2008-08-01T18:57:00.002-04:00

We were pleasantly surprised when, having just seen the InTouch's spread, to find another article from Marie Claire UK covering white dresses. And we were even more pleased to see this beautiful Silk Crocheted Dress from Velvet as one of the headliners!

To see more Little White Dresses visit tee-zone.com!

The White Time

2008-08-01T18:55:00.004-04:00

Who knew that the unassuming "little white dress" could be as chic and sophisticated as our old friend, the little black dress?

We did! When summer smocks started rolling in, we put together our Little White Dress category. And apparently so does InTouch Weekly, who ran this two-page spread of white runway regalia.

Find the perfect Little White Dress at tee-zone.com.

Tolani, With Love

2008-08-01T18:53:00.006-04:00

Moving right along, last but not least from OK! Mag's '15 Star Summer Must-Haves:' Tolani Scarves.

Super soft, super mushy, super cool (cool enough for Sienna Miller!), Tolani scarves come in a bunch of great color combos and patterns, and they're just thick enough to take you back to school with style.

Stock up on Tolani scarves at tee-zone.com!

Stars & Stripes

2008-08-01T18:50:00.006-04:00

OK! magazine this month was chock full of
goodies that we loved- including previously noted celeb-friendly Daftbird tanks.

Jessica Alba's wearing a wide striped tank, but we love our Daftbird basics, like this Deep V tank with contrast stitching.

To get the striped look, you can try this Striped Beater by Michael Stars or Splendid's new Rayon Rugby Striped Top.

Shop Daftbird at tee-zone.com.

Have Scarf, Will Travel

2008-08-01T18:45:00.007-04:00

Ok! Magazine's list of the top gifts to bring with you when you go a-travelin' includes a new addition to tee-zone.com: Love Quotes scarves.

Super thin linen-blend summer scarves in a bazillion eye-popping colors to match any mood, wide enough to double as a sarong and small enough to pack into a stuffed suitcase?

We'll take two.

Shop Love Quotes scarves at tee-zone.com.

A Taste for Testament

2008-07-06T13:00:00.008-04:00

While we don't always agree with her wardrobe choices, inTouch weekly caught a glimpse of Britney Spears walking out of a store wearing Testament's Burnout V-Neck Lace Cami which we carry here at tee-zone.com. We're not sure whether to be flattered or concerned that Britney's latest fashion choice parallels our own tastes, but we most definitely love-love-love Testament's newest tank.

So, for now, here's a tentative cheers to Britney finally stepping up her style choices and making respectable decisions. We're rootin' for ya Brit!

We Really Love Our.. Daftbird!

2008-06-23T15:18:00.008-04:00

Tee-zone.com's newest arrival - Daftbird - has been making a big splash on the celeb scene. Jessica Biel was featured in People's "I Really Love My..." wearing her Strappy Open V Tank ...on three separate occasions! (See below.)
The best part? We found a link to our very own Daftbird page tucked into the paragraph.

And to top it all off - InTouch Weekly wrote a rave review about Daftbird's "luxe collection of tees.. designed to make women feel like they're wearing their boyfriend's tee shirt," and featured tee-zone.com as THE place to pick them up!

* Daftbird @ Tee-Zone featured on InTouch.com
* Daftbird @ Tee-Zone featured on People.com

Click here to shop Daftbird at tee-zone.com.

In the Pink

2008-06-21T19:42:00.018-04:00

Fuschia: purpley-pink or pinky-purple? However you describe it, the (enormous!) range of shades from hot pink to purple make a serious statement.

Thankfully, they're easy to wear no matter what your skin tone. For those of you who tan, deeper violet tones and 'hotter' hot pinks are a great contrast to that glowing skin. Free People's Strappy Empire Tank in Violet Combo should show off those shoulders nicely.

And if you (like I do) actually reflect the sun, try a warmer magenta tone like Susana Monaco's Pleated Scoop Dress in Dark Guava. Red-pinks and pinkier-purples will warm your skin tone and give it a nice rosy flush.

Susana Monaco Tube Dress in Bombshell Pink

Click the images above to view their product pages at tee-zone.com.

Here are some more options that have us tickled pink:
Juicy Couture's Terry Zip Hoodie and matching Terry Pants in So Sari
Velvet's Cap Sleeve Double Scoop in Crocus
Rachel Pally's Sleeveless Knotted Tunic in Guava
Splendid's Sleeveless Polka Dot Dress in Orchid

The Shorts List

2008-06-09T18:12:00.031-04:00

So it's summer again: the temperatures are rising and it's time to pull out the shorts! For me, finding the perfect pair is always a task (I usually just end up cutting my own from last season's jeans).

Then I tried on the new James Perse shorts and fell in love. With a wide ribbed waistband and light weight fabric, these shorts will keep you cool and comfy all summer. Think of shorts as those cryptic bottoms reserved only for supermodels or (gasp!) the beach? Don't be so hard on this ever-rebuked summer staple (or yourself).

Velvet's Crew-neck Wide Tunic

Even the most shorts-phobic will find themselves looking great when pairing them with a loose, flowy top while walking around the city: think Blue Life's Best bum tee (below, left). For the beach, a cool sleeveless tee like Juicy's Sleeveless Ruffle Front Top (below, center). And if you're feeling really frisky, try them with a Sexy Ella Moss (below, left) top for a night out on the town!

Some more shorts-friendly options:
Michael Stars' Flutter Sleeve Square Neck Top
Young Fabulous & Broke's Logo Boyfriend Top
James Perse's Linen Blend Racerback Tank
Susana Monaco's Cross-back Babydoll

(Don't) Let it All Hang Out

2008-06-07T10:00:00.000-04:00

I don't know about all of you but everyone here at tee-zone.com is gearing up for vacation. The flights are booked, the dates are scrawled on our wall calendar, and everyone's hoping for sun. Which means, of course, it's time to break out the dreaded swimwear.

So we've assembled a collection of cute cover-ups to wear to (and at) the beach. Wear 'em with denim shorts and flip-flops, and you'll feel great while protecting your skin (and, perhaps, your dignity...?!).

Shop Cover-Ups!

From Left:
MICHAEL STARS Tiered Tank, ELLA MOSS Woodstock Mini Dress, FREE PEOPLE Tie-Front Racerback Tunic

Shop More Cover-Ups!

Bordeaux's InStyle!

2008-05-27T15:23:00.022-04:00

To the left is this month's InStyle magazine, with a headline reading "The One Dress You'll Live In." Of course I frantically flipped to page 102 to find out where I could pick up the best dress of the Summer.

I was pleasantly surprised to find the article below, about Bordeaux's Pleated Pearl Neck Dress which (hooray!) we carry right here

at tee-zone.com!

It's all InStyle says and more. Sweet, flattering, chic, and seriously underrated on the rack. Can't believe I almost missed it- and I work here!

Walkin' in Sunshine (Yellow)

2008-05-24T15:02:00.020-04:00

Yellow. The color of lemonade, dandelions, sunshine.. and Summer. So happy, and notoriously tough to wear.

Luckily, tee-zone has got you covered with yellows that range from buttery for the blondes (like this Eyelet Dress by C&C California) to a daring Hi-Liter yellow tee by LnA - definitely not for the faint of heart!

And for the yellow-impaired (like my pathetically pale self), have no fear. Next color profile: In the Pink!

Click the images above to view their product pages at tee-zone.com.

Some more summery shades:
Juicy Couture's Sleeveless Ruffle Front Top in Polaroid
Grassroots' Cap Sleeve Scoop in Sun
LA Made's Flutter Sleeve Dress in Soft Yellow
Bordeaux's Seamless Long Tank in Lemon Ice
and for those feeling frisky, Hanky Panky's Low Rise Lace Thong comes in 3 different yellows!

Life & Style & LnA

2008-05-21T13:11:00.007-04:00

From Life & Style, this great article on how to wear LnA tees (click to enlarge):

"So soft, they feel like a boyfriend's old tee," we've been raving about LnA from the moment they came in. They're the perfect length, thin, soft basic tee. It doesn't hurt that they come in a great bunch of bright colors!

LnA at tee-zone.com.

Tying the Knot

2008-05-14T18:45:00.048-04:00

Flipping through this month's Lucky magazine I found this style detail on knotted blouses. I love this look- a little business casual, a little retro-chic.. versatile, and less fussy than you think.

Parker Blue's cap-sleeve tie collar top (left)is a great, tee-shirt version of this. Lucky paired their blouses with an A-line skirt and heels, but this number looks just as cute with leggings or jeans and your favorite flats.

For a less traditional tie-top, Sweet Pea's Banded Tie-Neck (right) has a looped drawstring neckline with a single side bow.. and it comes in two great prints. (And if you like those prints, have you checked out our new Mixed Prints collection?)

Michael S tars' Cropped Tie Cardi (below, left) turns any tee into a tie-neck. It's also a great day-to-night dress-up-your-tank-top and cover-those-chilly-shoulders cardigan. And if you love this look but can't be bothered with the bow, Velvet's Bow-Front top (below, right) has all the flair and none of the frill.

Looking for more? Click here for Tee-Zone's favorite ties.

Florals and Stripes and Patterns, Oh My!

2008-05-11T16:06:00.009-04:00

Feminine florals? Sporty stripes? Tribal goddess? Simple Solids?

How many women have woken up to face their closet with nothing short of an identity crisis? I know I have, which is why I am so thankful for this summer’s most malleable trend: mixed prints. And just when you thought taking on so many roles at one time could leave you more dysfunctional than Britney Spears, think again! Tops like the Crochet Strap Double V Top from Free People take you from day to night (a la AM sweetheart, PM vixen).

Meanwhile dresses such as this floral-solid combo from Splendid are perfect going straight to a dinner soirée after running errands (a la AM soccer mom, PM hostess with the mostest).

Check out Tee-Zone’s Mixed Prints collection for many more ideas. Seize the day (or night) and consider yourself a Jane of all trades!

Shopping around Shoes

2008-04-25T17:25:00.020-04:00

I set out last week to buy myself a new pair of shoes. I found what I was looking for at Nine West, where for $89.00 (a steal, if you ask me) I became the proud owner of these fabulous platform wedge gladiators (below & 1). They're light, and comfortable, and look amazing (in fact, a woman saw me trying them on and asked for a pair herself!).. but when I got home, I realized I had no clue how to wear them. I brought them in to work at Basic Basic for some help.

With Megan's help, I set out to match clothing to my new shoes. Who hasn't planned an outfit around a favorite pair of shoes? I know I'm not the only one. So I'm sharing my findings here. A sort of how-to wear this season's must-have sandal: the Gladiator.

Click to enlarge.

To start with, I knew I needed something hot to wear this out with. We went with long Tart leggings (2) - they're thin and tight, with a little sheen. If you prefer a thicker legging, So Low makes a great pair. On top is this Ruffle Tank by Parker Blue (3). It's long enough to cover all your questionable areas, and the ruffles add a sexy twist. Juicy's Sleeveless Ruffle Front Top is a nice summery alternative, or if you prefer something a little simpler, this Sleeveless Ruffle Tunic by Zooey has the same feel with less flounce.

On the other hand, I wanted to try the shoes with something girly, but not necessarily sexy. After trying on a few dresses with no luck, Megan grabbed Young, Fabulous, & Broke's Silk-blend Melrose dress (4). We found that the shoes looked best with an A-line skirt. The Melrose dress flows beautifully, and the pleating on the chest gives it a sweet little babydoll feeling. This Sleeveless Tiered Dress by Splendid ran a close second to the Melrose. To dress the sandals up, you can try Susanna Monaco's Pleated Scoop Tank Dress.

Finally I needed something to slum around in. Dressing these babies down was easier than I expected. I grabbed my new favorite white tee (Petit Bateau's Short Sleeve Light V-Neck.. it's their new super-thin fabric. I wish all my shirts flattered me like this one!) On top of that I threw on Juicy's Jacquard Terrycloth hoodie (5) in a color called "So Sari." I love the drawstring bottom, and the wide hood. So comfy! Kritik's hoodies are just as fantastic, and come in some seriously vibrant colors. A denim mini skirt or your favorite jeans will look great to finish off this outfit.

So I left the store a happy camper, with lots of new clothes (yay!) and tons of ideas, and hopefully helped a few of you that found themselves in the same situation. I'm debuting the shoes this weekend - wish me luck!

rachel rose

Deal of the Week, #2

2008-04-12T17:25:00.023-04:00

I woke up at 2AM last night and realized it's finally Spring. Now, I know it's been nice out lately (in NYC, at least) but for the most part it's been a tease. So what was different, besides the warm-ish weather forecast? Well.. I woke up in my tee-shirt and sweats, and I was HOT. Which means it is finally (finally!) time to crack open the window and break out the lighter jammies.

And so, in honor of warm nights, this week's deal is this adorable (& light!)
cami-and-hot short PJ set by Splendid (on sale, $53.00). The set comes in either a berry or cobalt stripe, packaged in a cotton drawstring bag. The shorts have a drawstring waist for comfort, and sweet lace edging for that perfect girly touch.

They're on sale, so treat yourself (or your girlfriends) and rejoice. It's Spring!

If this set doesn't strike your fancy, here are some other cute and comfy sleep alternatives:
C&C California Classic Bold Tank
City Lights Relaxed S/S Crew
Hanky Panky Modal Boy Shorts
Juicy Couture Terry Drawstring Pants

Wardrobe Staples for Spring

2008-04-06T17:37:00.013-04:00

Hey It's Megan Checking In!

This week has been crazy busy, but so exciting at the same time! Being on the set of the photo shoot, it was great to see all of our fabulous new items on the model instead of just the hanger. The clothes just come to life!

I am currently obsessed with the 2 strapless dresses from Susana Monaco and the light, gauzy Cassy dress from Velvet.

I have definitely found a few staples for my spring wardrobe after these past few photo shoots!

Susana Monaco Simpson Strapless Dress

Speaking of wardrobe staples, be sure to check out our collection of the Best
White Tees.

The other day while brainstorming, we asked "What is the one thing you have to have this spring?!" My answer: "An amazing white deep v neck tee" that can be worn with anything from high waisted skirts, to those old cut-offs from 5 years ago. So simple, yet so fabulously versatile!

James Perse Short Sleeve Vintage V Neck

Til Next Time!

Deal of the Week, #1

2008-04-01T13:28:00.009-04:00

Before we get started, we'd like to welcome our "fierce" new model Lisa. You may recognize her as Christian's winning model from this year's Project Runway.. and we're thrilled to have her!

Lisa is wearing Karoo's Shorter Front Blouson Top, $143.00

Now, to kick off April with our very first Deal of the Week:

Bordeaux Pleated Tank Top
(on sale, $41.00)

This pretty tank is made of Bordeaux's signature form-fitting nylon-spandex blend.. it feels great and is super-flattering. The pleating at the top makes it the perfect wear-me-to-work-under-your-suit shell, but it's also just right for adding a bit of interest underneath a deep-V. And the best part? It's half-off. How can you go wrong??

Spring Items Sale

2008-03-25T16:50:00.006-04:00

Isn’t it fabulous when we realize that adding substance to our closet in preparation for the new season doesn’t mean draining our wallets? We start building our wardrobe from the bottom up by first cruising Sale items- there are plenty of Spring-friendly basics (and more) at great prices for awesome quality. Take for example this tank top by C&C California ($18.00): a perfect staple for layering or to wear alone. And it’s not just basics that can be fancy finds. Dressier items like this glitzy tank by Zooey ($37.00) or this free flowing dress by Velvet ($30.00) take you right into those first warm nights of Spring!

Here are a few more of our favorites:
Michael Stars Stripe Cami ($19.00)
Zooey Short Sleeve Ruffle Neck Tunic with Pockets ($29.00)
So Low Cropped Leggings with Snaps ($27.00)
Splendid Long Sleeve Ruched Double V Neck Top ($31.00)
Free People Strappy Knit Tie Front Dress ($42.00)
Rebecca Beeson Short Sleeve V-Neck ($30.00)

Celebrity Stylin'

2008-03-25T14:44:00.021-04:00

Just a quick update with some photos from pagesix.com:

We found Nicole Ritchie (left) sporting Bobi's versatile Heather Stripe "Big Tee" in Military/Light Camel. It's really hard not to love this shirt, considering how cute AND forgiving it is!

And here's Lindsay Lohan (right) stepping out in Young Fabulous and Broke's Laura Cape, 60% off at
tee-zone.com and perfect for Spring. (Speaking of Spring, aren't we all ready for a little light outerwear?)

Until next time,

rachel rose

Introducing...

2008-03-18T13:02:00.014-04:00

So welcome to Tete-a-Tee-Zone, a brand-spankin' new blog for the website tee-zone.com and our NYC location, Basic Basic. Here you'll find information about new brands, our favorite new items, and behind the scenes scoop from our photo shoots and in-store shenanigans. With that said, some brief introductions are in order..

I'm Rachel. I've worked at Basic Basic for a lifetime. Currently I'm in charge of store styling (those mannequins are heavier than they look!) and web-site odds and ends, which is what led me here, writing my first blog.

My two co-authors are Mary and Megan. Mary does web-site styling. You know those catchy phrases on the front page? Those intuitive style collections? That's all her, and she's great at it. Megan (lucky girl) accompanies our photographer on photo shoots and creates the product pages for all our items. In fact, she's standing behind me as I type this, preparing outfits for tomorrow's shoot. We're all a little jealous.

Anyways, on with the show..

On the L-train to work today, Megan found a picture of Michelle Williams in this month's Elle magazine wearing a Michael Stars Striped Tank (see left). You can get a similar look with this Michael Stars Striped Beater in delicious candy colors, or take a look at the Stripe 2-button Cami, currently on sale for a skimpy $19.00!

And check this out: Jessica Alba wearing the LA Made Full-length Trench. Celebritystyleguide.com added a handy Link to our product page on tee-zone.com. We're almost famous!

That's all we've got for today. Be sure to check out Susanna Monaco, as featured on our home page.. we're all dying for that Amy Halter Dress. Until next time,

rachel rose