May 14th, 2008 at 5:08am
Carrying a heavy tote in summer is hot.
And by hot I mean sweaty, uncomfortable, and not desirable.
I’d much more handle a small clutch that can carry my essentials. That’s why this Cole Haan croc-print wallet is so appealing.
Available in cherry or chocolate, this genuine croc-embossed leather wallet features gold-tone hardware, canvas lining, and tonal topstitching.
Cole Haan Elena croc-print wallet, $195 $137, NeimanMarcus.com
May 13th, 2008 at 5:07am
They certainly weren’t created with tanlines in mind, but I still love these adorable vintage-inspired swimsuits by Very Sexy® Victoria’s Secret.
The retro balconet and bandeau tops are spot-on style for this summer. Both tops have a chic sensibility that is a refreshing departure from typical triangle bikini tops. These tops also feature removable halter straps and underwire support.
The bottoms of both suits are similar with ultra high-waist designs. I especially love the gold-buttoned pockets on the bandeau suit.
And price tags? You can’t beat a swimsuit that sells for less than 100 dollars.
Check out these and other swimsuits at Victoria’s Secret.com
May 12th, 2008 at 5:08am
The boyfriend blazer is back.
OK, I’ll admit, the boyfriend blazer was back last summer, but it took a year for the style to grow on me.
Like other menswear-inspired pieces, these blazers wear large, hang below the hips, and look effortlessly elegant when juxtaposed with the ultra-feminine.
Worn over a silk dress, or over a poet-style blouse paired with slim-lined pants, this quintessential blazer is all class.
I’m especially into the idea of scrunching or rolling up the sleeves of a boyfriend blazer. It adds an element of casual chic so the boxy shape doesn’t look over-done.
Check out other styles from Australia Fashion Week at Coutorture.com
Stella McCartney single button jacket, $1595, Net-A-Porter.com
Wool crepe one button blazer, $225, JCrew.com
May 9th, 2008 at 5:05am
Unlike Lauren Conrad’s over-priced clothing line, Gabriella Cortese’s designs for Antik Batik — specifically these fringed suede boots — are a worthy buy. All quality, inspired by global style and free-spiritedness, these Antik Batik fringed suede boots are nothing if not a great alternative to Uggs.
While I certainly wouldn’t wear them everyday, I’ve a feeling these booties would make a great edition to my weekend wardrobe.
And at a sale price that’s less than half the original price, I can’t resist!
Antik Batik fringed suede boots, $310 $124, Vivre.com
May 8th, 2008 at 5:08am
Check, check, check it out!
So I was just perusing ShopBop’s offerings for their FABulous extra 25 percent off sale, and found a few items that qualify, a few items that don’t, –
And ALL things that are worth a closer look.
I’m especially loving the few jackets marked down by one of my favourite designers, Diane von Furstenberg.
Check out these and my other picks at ThisNext.com.
May 7th, 2008 at 5:12am
I love almost anything J.Crew, but I think I’m loving this button-down because it is such a departure from J.Crew’s typical professional dress shirts.
First, the fit is different – The fit is slim-lined to hug the body just slightly more than a boyfriend shirt.
Second, the fabric — Shimmering cotton lamé is lightweight and perfect for when weather heats up.
Third, the versatility — Most of J.Crew’s shirts are casual or dressy. This lamé slim shirt could work equally as elegant in an office environment as it could after hours.
My only quam? I’m so over “dry clean only” labels. Functionality is where it’s at.
J.Crew Whisper Lamé slim shirt, $98, JCrew.com
May 6th, 2008 at 5:10am
Menswear is really hard to wear correctly, especially if you’re a woman.
Basic logic, right?
You’d be surprised how many women I see who think themselves super-stylish, wandering around in too-baggy, menswear-inspired trousers. Seriously, runway to real life is an art.
Enter Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez. The boys behind Proenza Schouler know how to tailor menswear to a woman’s body.
That’s why I love these Proenza Schouler trousers. Check out how they’re fitted in the waist, flat in the front (even though they’re pleated), and tucked in the back (to accentuate curves).
Proenza Schouler pleated menswear pants, $650, Net-A-Porter.com
May 1st, 2008 at 5:14am
Mostly recognized for her flowing romantic gowns and hints of femininity, I guess Alberta Ferretti was attempting to channel a Grecian goddess with this toga-ish mini dress.
‘Attempting’ is, of course, the operative word, because this dress falls short on the fabulous meter (and I’m not talking about the hemline).
While the Net-a-Porter editors think it brilliant, I think it bizarre.
What about you ladies?
Alberta Ferretti double layered mini dress, $1709, Net-A-Porter.com
April 30th, 2008 at 5:08am
Bangles are BIG style for this season. Whether you layer bangles, wear them alone, or mix and match precious metals — arm candy is arguably spring/summer’s most essential accoutrement.
Check out Kenneth Jay Lane’s clear resin jewelry on sale at Nordstrom, featuring two styles for under 30 dollars.
It’s a sweet deal I’m getting in on before it disappears.
Kenneth Jay Lane jewelry at Nordstrom.com
April 29th, 2008 at 5:05am
In a gorgeous black matte finish, I couldn’t help but love this chic caiman fuscus crocodile clutch. More deep grey than black, the texture of this bag is unbelievable. Crocodile skin is known for being smooth, and the caiman fuscus variety is no exception.
This Carlos Falchi clutch features a detachable shoulder strap (not shown), suede lining, and a spacious interior compartment.
What a perfect piece to transition your outfit from day to night!
Carlos Falchi oversized crocodile clutch, $1995, NeimanMarcus.com
April 28th, 2008 at 8:04am
Even though I’m not so excited for Ironman, I am pretty excited that the movie has brought Gwyneth Paltrow back to the red carpet.
Gwyneth is one of my style icons; though some of her wardrobe choices are avant-garde, her unique sense of style is what adds to her appeal.
I’m loving her Balmain dress and tuxedo jacket that she wore while out promoting her latest film, and check out those shoes!
Done in black satin (they’re also available in hot pink), these sky-high Alexander McQueen pumps are absolutely gorgeous. I especially love the square toe detail. It’s a departure from all the round toe shoes we’ve been seeing so much lately. Couple that with a hidden platform (read: Comfort AND support) and you’ve got yourself a sweet pair of stilettos.
Alexander McQueen satin square toe pumps, $595, Net-A-Porter.com
April 28th, 2008 at 5:03am
Spring 2008 collections are full of different interpretations of the classic trench. Some of my favourites are coloured neutral — no surprise there — but others, like this See by Chloe trench, are super bright.
An easy attention-getter, this See by Chloé trench coat is a classic trench with some modern twists. I love the figure-flattering double-breasted front. The beautiful linen/cotton blend of this jacket is crisp, and adds to the casual chic appeal for which See by Chloé is famous. The long sleeves of this jacket are easily rolled up, so you can style it according to what your wearing underneath.
My favourite detail of this trench coat — besides the vibrant pink colour – is the elasticized tabbed waist. (Don’t shudder; I know elastics are typically reserved for the geriatric). It’s a great way to highlight your shape without the added bulk of a belt. You can just throw this pink trench on without fussing with added accoutrements.
See by Chloé double-breasted trench coat, $760, NeimanMarcus.com
April 24th, 2008 at 5:16am
Her designs are the perfect example of California comfy-chic: Flowing cotton and jersey, cut low in the neck and high in the hem, with spaghetti straps or no straps at all.
When Lauren Conrad first announced she was “designing” her own clothing line, I guffawed (like every other woman in North America.) But after looking through her collection, I must admit that if it wasn’t severely overpriced, — and predictable, AND safe — I’d probably like LC’s clothing line.
Basic black and white, with some blue and sienna thrown in for good measure, these designs are appropriate wear for a beach named Laguna.
Or anywhere else in So-Cal.
Shop Lauren Conrad collection at ShopBop.com
April 22nd, 2008 at 6:24pm
I’m looking for a string of pearls, preferably about 24 inches in length, that isn’t too expensive. What are your suggestions?
The cost of a rope of pearls is affected by the same factors as a diamond or other precious stone; size, shape, and clarity all have an influence on price.
That being said, I’ve found you a couple of great deals.
Nordstrom carries Majorica, a brand known for quality pearls. Majorica makes a timeless rope of pearls that measures 60
inches — perfect for wrapping around or wearing knotted.
If you can’t afford to invest 400 dollars, head over to Macy’s for a SUPER sale. I found this cultured pearl necklace — measuring 18 inches — set in 14k gold for less than 100 dollars.
Majorica pearl rope necklace, $395, Nordstrom.com
14k gold cultured freshwater pearl necklace, $175 $76.50, Macys.com
April 22nd, 2008 at 5:17am
This dress design is an ode to summer – meant to look like the sky — and I’d say the blue and frothy print of this Zac Posen creation even resembles the sea.
I remember thinking when Agyness Deyn strutted down the runway in this sheath that the colour would have popped so much more effectively if she still had dyed red hair, but alas. It’s not so much about the model, but the design of the clothing that counts.
The tousled romantic look of this strapless bubble dress is classic Zac Posen; his designs are so effortlessly elegant they could make almost anybody look beautiful.
Zac Posen strapless bubble dress, $4000, Net-A-Porter.com
Photo by Marcio Madeira courtesy Style.com
