blingy bags
Tuesday, March 6
Photo: Marie Claire
I love the idea of a wearing a blingy evening bag casually during the day. It's irreverent and playful--and if you're going to the office, not at all practical. But it's kind of like saying, "I play by my own rules." Which, in my fashion book, is admirable. Here are some blingy evening bags that could come out to play during the day:
major drama
Tuesday, March 6
French fashion week-goers were dripping in dramatic jewelry, so, oui, we must, too. These statement earrings combine another fashion week favorite--the friendship bracelet--with vintage rhinestones. Tres jolie. Wear them with...
1. Frieda and Nellie drop earrings, $162, friedaandnellie.com
2. Topshop dress, $295, topshop.com
3. Helmut Lang cropped leather jacket, $1390, netaporter.com
4. Guiseppe Zanotto sandals, $695, barneys.com
beach bags
Monday, March 5
We've seen jeans brandishing photographic-like prints--everything from a Hawaiian landscape to a far-away galaxy, with some snakeskin in between. Now make way for bags featuring postcard-like imagery, like Jimmy Choo's surf-inspired acrylic clutch above, and they are as cute as they are kitschy. You can be sure this is no flash-in-the-pan trend. An article in last week's Wall Street Journal highlighted high-end designers' new-found predilection for original patterns and how novel prints (i.e., Prada's hot rod cars for spring, Suno's vibrant tribal schemes) are taking the place of garish logos. Very interesting. Here are some other surf-inspired (and summer-perfect) sacks to ponder:
pattern play
Monday, March 5
It's a little Dries. It's also very Julia. Two unassailable reasons to want this skirt. Wear it with...
1. J. Brand striped cotton and cashmere sweater, $265, netaporter.com
2. Forever 21 lacquered bangle, $10, forever21.com
3. Zara suede messenger clutch, $79, zara.com
4. Valentino slingback bootie, $975, bergdorfgoodman.com
5. LeifNotes embroidered skirt, $198, anthropologie.com
sigerson morrison redux
Friday, March 2
Back in the '90s, every New York fashion editor knew the power of a pair of Sigerson Morrisons. The shoes managed to be distinctly feminine and downtown-edgy--until the line was acquired and the founding designers Kari Sigerson and Miranda Morrison departed in 2011. (I recall Sigerson's epic sample sales at the Nolita store and the line of models and actresses snaking out the door.) Earlier this week Sigerson Morrison relaunched under the creative supervision of former magazine editor and current Moda Operandi artistic director Taylor Tomasi Hill. You can expect an equally cool range of styles, from block heel sandals to T-strap heels (my fave), along with ethically sourced materials and a 30 percent price decrease. Shop the collection here.
spring jacket
Friday, March 2
Spring's erratic weather calls for smart layering, and this oversized Isabel Marant jacket might just be the ultimate wear-over-everything solution. Bonus attributes: it's a fresh update on the long-loved army jacket and it exudes ahead-of-the-curve hipness. Plus, its boxy silhouette is completely in sync with Fall 2012's coolest jackets. Wear it with...
1. Etoile Isabel Marant oversized jacket, $525, matchesfashion.com
2. Diane Von Furstenberg neon-trimmed cardigan, $245, netaporter.com
3. Etoile Isabel Marant lace sweatshirt, $570, barneys.com
4. Citizens of Humanity cropped skinny jeans, $200, netaporter.com
5. Repetto leopard-print leather slippers, $360, saksfifthavenue.com
6. 3.1 Phillip Lim black leather satchel, $875, shopbop.com
on point
Thursday, March 1
J. Crew's upcoming collaboration with Manolo Blahnik is just one indication that pointy-toe pumps are back. The iconic shoe designer created 41 different iterations of the classic heel, employing finishes like metallic, tweed, suede, and glitter. The capsule collection will come out this fall and prices will range from $595 to $645. Other primo designers like Valentino and Christian Louboutin already have a bevy of options on offer. Here are some lovelies I am pondering. Please tell me which ones you like best.
Jimmy Choo's fail-proof black patent classics.
Barneys Co-op pastel pumps are spot on for spring.
Asos's metallic cap-toe heels are sleek but still office-friendly.
Nicholas Kirkwood for Erdem lace ankle strappers for sexy nights out.
Photo: Getty
totally...
Thursday, March 1
I have big ideas for this hot-off-the-press J. Crew canvas bag--which, ahem, bears a striking resemblance to Celine's Shopper Tote. For starters, I am going to make it my weekend bag, when I need the throw-it-around durability and extra pockets for my kids' snacks and other paraphernalia (so ironic that they require so much stuff when they are so little!). Then, get this: I am going to emboss it in between the handles of the canvas square with my initials in either neon yellow or royal blue (embossing it was actually my friend Robin's idea, thank you very much). Cool, right? Wear it with...
1. Iro Navajo-print dress, $333, matchesfashion.com
2. Asos sunglasses, $10, asos.com
3. J. Crew tote, $228, jcrew.com
4. Kurt Geiger studded jelly sandals, $55, kurtgeiger.com
Obviously, thinking (i.e., dreaming) of spring break/deep summer with this outfit, even though it's sub-60 degrees, which is downright freezing in LA! Just planning ahead, my friends...
my LA list
Wednesday, February 29
While I am devout New Yorker, I do love LA. Ten years in, I am still discovering the city, and The List Collective, an amazingly resourceful LA-centric blog by Elaine Brooks, keeps me dialed into everything new and noteworthy, and old standbys, too. The blog features lists compiled by the city's most in-the-know, who share everything from their favorite date-night restaurants to eco-friendly cookware. Of course, I was more than happy when Elaine asked me to contribute my list of LA faves. Check it out here.
the future prints
Wednesday, February 29
Floral print pants: done. Next: bold geometric patterns. For Fall 2012, Prada is making strong statements by mixing, matching and layering them. Thinking it's a good idea to do the same. Wear these pants with...
1. Old Navy star print blouse, $29, oldnavy.com
2. Topshop spike bracelet, $25, topshop.com
3. Diane Von Furstenberg checked-weave clutch, $395, netaporter.com
4. Manolo Blahnik T-strap heels, $755, barneys.com
5. Warehouse geometric print pants, $80, warehouse.co.uk