Category Archives: Accessories

Ballet Class this Weekend

Posted on April 6, 2012 | Leave a comment

Ha – did you think I was putting on a leotard and tights, tying a bun in my hair and going to the barre?  No.  I am going to J. Crew to buy ballet flats, probably with my hair in a top knot and maybe I’ll go to a bar.

After a very thorough spring cleaning it is time to stock up on some new spring essentials.  These are my favorite new flats from J. Crew and some, certainly not all, will make it home with me.

I was not always a flats fan, but a girl can not survive in heels forever.  Somewhere along the way I stumbled onto a J.Crew sale and bought a pair.  My feet and I agree, the ballet flats from J. Crew are en pointe!

Do you wear flats?  Who are your favorites?  Also which color is the winner here?

all images via J.Crew

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The Winter Wedge

Posted on January 17, 2012 | Leave a comment

In August I snagged a steal on Rue La La – a pair of Stuart Weitzman Over the Knee boots with a slim leg and a hidden heel.  Do you know what it is like to be in possession of OTK leather boots when it is still 90-100 degrees outside?  It is torture.

But, of course, summer doesn’t last forever, and as the temperature has dropped my love for these boots has grown.  I love them with my skinniest jeans, leggings, and tights.

The heel flatters and elongates the leg, and the “hidden” keeps it casual and not too aggressive for day-time.

I think you might love them too:

Shop: Lanvin, Dolce Vita, Tahari, Carlos Santana, Report, Stuart Weitzman

 

Would you wear this trend, too?  I dare you to try it!

 

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Faux Real Jewelry: Looks for Less

Posted on November 22, 2011 | Leave a comment

I have always, always, always loved a lucky charm, a four leaf clover, except in my case this luck comes in mother of pearl or bright enamel and strung between gold.  Yes, Van Cleef & Arpels, the Alambra is my lucky charm of choice.

In case you weren’t sure, luck doesn’t come cheap – and either does Van Cleef.

There is something about a piece of jewelry worn by Ladies Who Lunch, carpool, and rock the Grammy Awards.  Fans, like me, are as diverse as Reese Witherspoon and Mariah Carey.

Reese Witherspoon

Mariah Carey

In the “save” category is from the very un-French, Target (*Tar-jay if you’re fancy).  This clover necklace is actually fairly close to the aesthetic of the original.  It appears, at least online, to be very delicate, and gotta love that shine.

Clover Lover: Target

In the “splurge” category we have the Jardin Black Agate Clover Necklace from every fashionista’s discount site, BlueFly.  The VC&A original also comes in enamel colors, as shown on Reese, and so this comes pretty close and for a fairly good price.

Clover Lover: BlueFly

In the “savings account” category we have the Van Cleef & Arpels original, the Alhambra.  The sparkle, the shine, the ooh la la straight from France to your neck – or mine.

Clover Lover: Van Cleef & Arpels

Do these sparkly goods make your eyes shine, too?  And is it something you would be willing to splurge on?

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Sequin Season

Posted on October 13, 2011 | 1 comment

In the last show of Spring 2012 Paris Fashion Week, Elie Saab sent models down the runway in every color under the rainbow.  In the evening wear dresses and gowns they wore vibrant jewel tones.

Elie Saab, Spring 2012

The fall 2011 runways showed plenty of sequined evening looks, but if there is ever a time to play with the glittery stuff in color, it’s now, as seen on Martha Plimpton, Amy Poehler and Evan Rachel Wood at the Primetime Emmy Awards.

Here are the top picks to glitter into Fall.

Sequins for Fall 2011

Shop: Blue, Green, Bordeaux, Violet, Gold, Blue, Red

 

Are you ready to shine at this season’s parties and events?

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Step into Fall

Posted on September 27, 2011 | 1 comment

It is in the 70’s, raining and looks colder than it is.  Which means, it is neither boot weather, nor sandal weather, and while warm enough for an espadrille, it would look fairly ridiculous.  It’s enough to drive a girl crazy with a major case of fashion climate confusion.

The first step in converting your wardrobe for fall begins with your feet, and the shoes you adorn them with.

I am young(ish) professional, and so my budget is limited.  I am not going to show you on-trend shoes that I cannot afford, I’m talking about you Manolo…

Every shoe in the slideshow is less than $250 – and you know, if the shoe fits…

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Colorblocking: this trend has been a mainstay for two seasons.  For fall look and a more playful look stick with deeply saturated bold colors, for a more sophisticated look block in neutrals.  If colorblocking at your feet, stay simple up above, pair with a tonal or complimentary solid dress for a sophisticated look.
Shop: Cathi, T-Strap, Smiles, Patent
 
Snakeskin:  In our $250 price range it is all about faux, and good faux at that.  When shopping look for subtle texture and colors that exist in nature, so you know, no pink snakeskin.  Depending on the style of the shoe, snakeskin can be perfect for the office or a night out, but be sure to err on the understated for 9-5.
Shop: Garnet, Manic, Peep Toe, Palmerr

 

Glitter: Fall begins the holiday and party season and there are so many fun ways to amp up a little black dress, or simple skirt/suit with a glittering, shimmering pair of shoes.  I also love the idea of sparkle with a simple outfit of skinny jeans and a slim sweater.
Shop: Kriss, I-Dreemy, Pinki, Pansy

 

Loafer: Clearly inspired by menswear, the loafer style comes in so many varieties that there is an opportunity for any woman to put her personal style stamp on it.  Velvet smoking loafer, check, western platform, check, tasseled brogues, check.  Pair with slim jean, (or flair for the platforms) and an otherwise feminine silhouette.
Shop: Unmixed, Melter, Hathaway, Marcel

 

Kitten: This look is all about femininity: a short heel, a slim silhouette, and ladylike refinement.  Go for the slimmest heel that is comfortable for you, and because it’s a delicate shoe feel free to play with pattern and texture.  Pair with this season’s very popular midi length skirts and dresses.
Shop: Dynamite, Ixora, Patent, Perfect

 

Will you try any of these trends?  Which would be your favorite?

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Jewel Tones for Fall 2011

Posted on September 12, 2011 | 2 comments

One of my favorite trends off of the Fall 2011 Runways was the boldness of color in every jewel tone.

Pamella Roland, Carolina Herrera, Alice + Olivia

The applications have been endless:  color blocking, monochromatic,  and color family pairings.

Eva Longoria in Victoria Beckham

Jennifer Lopez in Gucci

Sarah Jessica Parker in Prabal Gurung via InStyle

So, how do you get this bright and still very sophisticated look? Pick classic and simple shapes, pick bold (and skin tone flattering) colors, take some risks and be confident.

Jewel Tone for Fall 2011

Source: Blazer, Blouse, Blouse, Dress, Platform, Loafer, Pump, Handbag, Jean, Skirt, Skirt, Dress

So, now that I have reviewed my favorite Fall 2011 trends, which is your favorite?

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Printed Lady for Fall 2011

Posted on September 8, 2011 | Leave a comment

This summer I was in love with tribal inspired prints and patterns and was excited to see more of the same on the Fall 2011 Runways.  For Fall the look is still exotic but perhaps because of the darker and richer colors, the chartreuse, gold, plums, and berries it feels richer, a bit more regal, but still very well traveled.

La Bohome: Oscar de la Renta, Naeem Khan, L.A.M.B.

My favorite ways to replicate that high-end, runway look are here:

The Bohemian Lady for Fall 2011

Source: Dress, Dress, Dress, Maxi, Jacket, Blouse, Skirt, Bag, Bracelets, Earrings, Ring

 

 

Are you into prints for fall?  Would you wear this very bold and colorful look?

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Wear White, Cream, Ivory After Labor Day

Posted on September 6, 2011 | Leave a comment

Today is the first day after Labor Day, in otherwise known as the day after the last day it is socially appropriate to wear white.

I scoff, balk and laugh at that rule.  White is a neutral color, and in shades of cream, vanilla, and ivory it an essential for winter.  Fall/Winter White speaks to the dreamy life that Michael Kors has created for the luxe urbanite enjoying city living, and that Ralph Lauren has perpetuated for the girl who dreams of a mountain home and a ride on her own horse.

Do not be afraid of white for fall.  Here are some great ways to use white as a neutral all year round.

White is All Right, all year long

 Source: Stripe Sweater, Skirt, Booties, Sweater, Denim, Loafers, Sweater, Cords, Slippers, Dress, Boots

Tips to wearing white in winter:

  • Pay attention to fabric: this is not time for lace, eyelet, linen or cotton
  • Pair with neutral: white pairs beautifully with camels, golds, grays, black, and saturated navy, reds and greens.
  • Keep it clean: the beauty of this look is how it crisp it plays.  No one likes dingy whites, no matter the season.

 

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Deco for Fall 2011

Posted on September 2, 2011 | Leave a comment

I have always loved the art deco aesthetic.  Growing up in South Florida it wasn’t uncommon to take a day trip to South Beach and see the old art deco hotels (Colony, Raleigh, National) and go to the Art Deco Show on Ocean Drive.  Similarly I have had the opportunity to play dress up in, and admire the jewelry of my nanny and nana who have collected in this style for many years.  So, it was quite a delight to see it on the Fall 2011 Runways.

The look of the art deco style is draped silks and fabrics, a dramatic but skinny v-neckline, sleek hair, dresses galore, sparkle, and large often geometric bejeweled bracelets, rings and earrings.

My favorites from the runway:

Deco for Fall: Ralph Lauren, Tracy Reese, Naeem Khan

What is lovely about the art deco style is that there is simplicity in the silhouette but not without making a statement.  Even a simple black dress can make a bold statement with this kind of execution.

So, lucky for us (me!) J.Crew has done a fall collection of art deco inspired jewelry with Lulu Frost, a jewelry brand founded in 2004 by Lisa Salzer.  Here are some of my favorites for your jewelry box.

Lulu Frost for J. Crew

And should you wish to try the art deco style, here are some favorites for your wardrobe:

Deco for Fall 2011

Source: Sheath, Tank, Dress, Mini Dress, Pump, Tank Dress, Kimono, Top

More trends coming soon!  Are there trends you want to see visualized?  Do tell in the comments!

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Black Magic for Fall 2011

Posted on August 30, 2011 | Leave a comment

It’s time to get ourselves ready, and by ourselves I mean our closets, for fall.  I have already made a visual wish list for Julie, and now I am working through my favorites themes from Fall Fashion Week 2011.

The pervasive theme for fall was bold and highly saturated color, however, we would be kidding ourselves to think that fashion would abandon the non-color, color black.

My favorites from the runway:

L - R: Ralph Lauren, Elie Tahari, Milly by Michelle Smith, Michael Kors

On first glance, they have nothing in common beyond their color.  But look further… There is movement, exoticism, layering, something special.  This is not your basic black. This is high-powered, glamorous, strong, fierce and sophisticated.

And, I’d like to think, that when paired together well, these pieces exude that same kind of magic.

Black Magic - Fall 2011

Source: Maxi, Shift, Shirt, Tee, Pleat Skirt, Legging, Maxi Skirt, Jacket, Cape, Necklace, Cuff, Cuff

More color coming soon!  Are there trends you want to see visualized?  Do tell in the comments!

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