April 28, 2010

Spring Essentials: Accessories Edition

If you can’t tell already from reading my blog, I am obsessed with accessories. Don’t get me wrong…I love clothes, but I also love styling my outfits. There’s something about “decorating” an outfit with some fabulous accessories that makes me really happy and it’s a great opportunity to be creative everyday. Now that Spring is here, we can put away our clunky boots and our chunky sweaters and make way for some fun and fabulous accessories.

I’ve picked out some practical accessories and chosen a variety of each to fit any style or budget. Enjoy!

The Full Coverage Sandal

Top Row (left to right): Elizabeth & James Gypsy ($225 at piperlime.gap.com), 80%20 Open Toe Ankle Strap Booties ($145 at intermixonline.com)

Bottom Row (left to right): Sam Edelman Dawson ($130 at piperlime.gap.com), Boutique 9 ‘Post’ Caged Sandal ($120 at nordstrom.com)

This is the perfect sandal for Spring because they have some coverage to keep your feet warmer on those chilly days but they’re also super stylish and very practical. I recommend getting a pair of these in a neutral color to wear with anything. I love my Joie sandals and because they’re a neutral color, I literally wear them with anything. Pair your full coverage sandals with some cuffed denim shorts and a cute tank or your favorite skinny jeans and a vintage T…the possibilities are endless!

A Bright Clutch

Top Row (left to right): Jimmy Choo Daphne Ponyskin Leather Clutch ($1,495 at net-a-porter.com), Celestina Hand Painted Stingray Clutch ($990 at net-a-porter.com)

Bottom Row (left to right): Lauren Merkin Eve Satin Clutch ($165 at neimanmarcus.com), Oasis Oversized Ruched Clutch ($59 at asos.com)

As great as neutrals are because they go with everything, I absolutely love a bright accessory. An average outfit can be taken to the next level with a bright clutch. Looking for something to spruce up your little black dress? A bright clutch will do just the trick. I also like to pair a bright clutch with skinny jeans, a neutral tank, a fabulous blazer and some killer heels. Just make sure you do not have too many bright accessories because you want the focus to be on the clutch. Also, if you’re going with a bright clutch, please don’t match your shoes…it’s simply too much!

Statement Earrings

Top Row (left to right): Kenneth Jay Lane 22-Karat Gold-Plated Drop Earrings ($210 at net-a-porter.com), Alex + Ani Park Avenue Cocktail Earrings ($130 at shopbop.com)

Bottom Row (left to right): Fiona Paxton Monaco Earrings ($125 at shopbop.com), David Aubrey Green & Turquoise Earrings ($68 at shopkitson.com)

If you read my blog regularly, you may have realized by now that I love to make a fashion statement. A great pair of earrings is a perfect way to do just that. Like a bright clutch, it’s a great way to spruce up a plain outfit. Just make sure you’re not pairing your statement earrings with a statement necklace…that could be a little much. Statement earrings with a statement clutch? Perfectly acceptable. There’s enough room between the earrings and where you hold your clutch where it doesn’t look like too much is going on but you still look absolutely fabulous!

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So, what are you favorite accessories? Any specific Spring trends you’re into? What are you favorite accessories from my picks? I always appreciate your feedback!

April 28, 2010

What’s happening on Rue La La…

Mother’s Day is quickly approaching and what better gift to give than the ultimate indulgence — a personalized spa package?  This week Rue La La is offering the Get Gorgeous Boutique, giving you access to the perfect pampering package to pamper the one you love at an unbelievable value!

Let’s take a closer look into what’s offered this week:

GET GORGEOUS (virtual doors open at 11 am on Wednesday, April 28th)

Advanced Skin Care, (10 West 55th Street, New York, NY): Luxurious as the Spa Experience may be, Advanced SkinCare Day Spa and Laser Center is about much more than pampering with services.  With personalized skin and body care programs that will substantially improve your appearance, including Forever Young Face, Light Therapy Oxygenation and Benefit Peel you will be sure to find exactly what your body is craving for.

Mizu, (505 Park Avenue, New York, NY): Mizu New York’s newly designed salon features relaxing lounging areas, private workstations and a wide selection of nutrient-rich, feel good products for your hair.  Services being offered include a haircut, color, wash & style blending the finest hairstyling with modern architectural aesthetic and function. 

John Barrett Salon, (754 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY): For more than a decade, John Barrett has been the mastermind behind some of the world’s most fashionable women. The salon, located in the penthouse of the famous former Goodman apartment, offers a haircut, half head of highlights, wash & style for the ultimate New York look.  

The Parlour on Third, (8113 W. 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA): The Parlour on 3rd is a chic hair care oasis in the heart of Los Angeles, located in the fashionable West Third Street / Fairfax district. They offer an exceptional and unique hair salon experience: an elegant décor and chill vibe with a truly hospitable staff committed to ensuring you walk out looking great with healthy and beautiful hair. Whether you’re looking for a cut, color, a new style, or drop-dead gorgeous highlights, you will be rewarded with a “miracle of magic” provided by the one and only Alyson Powell.

Carissima, (2901 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL): “Carissima translates to “an endeared one.” Lending itself to how they feel toward their clientele as well as professional staff. In conjunction with their name, they strive to maintain that each and every experience throughout their salon leaves you with a feeling of satisfaction and superior service, splashed with a pleasant uniqueness that is consistent and sincere. Services being offered include: Facial, Highlight service and singles process color & haircut.

Sean Patrick Salon & Spa, (1304 S. Halsted, Chicago IL and 7 S. Lagrange Rd., Lagrange, IL): Sean Patrick’s Salon and Spa, where the image becomes real. As a full service salon celebrating its 12th year in business, Sean Patrick’s offers the finest in hair and skincare services and our professional staff is also experienced in Massage Therapy and Make-up application. Services being offered include: Swedish Massage, Spa Manicure & Pedicure and Facial.
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To access Rue La La’s members-only Boutiques immediately, please click here.

RueLaLa on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Rue_La_La
RueLaLa on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RueLaLa

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This post is from David James. Follow David on Twitter @jamesda1.

April 26, 2010

Walk Walk Fashion Baby

As much as I respect the people that design the fabulous clothing and accessories I admire so much, I also respect those who show us how amazing their designs are…that’s right—the models! After studying each collection carefully season after season, I have grown attached to a few models that really know how to work the clothes and they are quite versatile with their modeling. This post is dedicated to my favorite fashion models.

 

Karlie Koss

Karlie was born in Chicago (woo hoo!) in 1992 (yes, she is only 17) and moved to St. Louis in 1995. She has a pretty reputable modeling resume for only being 17 years old. She has walked in New York, Paris, London and Milan Fashion Weeks gracing the runways of Karl Lagerfeld, Marc Jacobs, Gucci and Versace (just to name a few). She has also appeared on numerous magazine covers including the October 2009 and January 2010 issues of Italian Vogue. But when she’s not walking the runway or at a photo shoot, she likes to bake cookies, go on bike rides and dance (she prefers ballet).

She definitely accomplished a hell of a lot more than I did at 17 so bravo to you Karlie!

Abbey Lee Kershaw

Abbey Lee was born in Melbourne, Australia in 1987 and she currently resides in New York City. Does anyone ugly come out of Australia? If so, please inform me…because it seems like every gorgeous model is from Australia these days. Last month it was announced that Abbey Lee will be the face of Chanel’s A/W 2010-2011 RTW campaign. If you close the Chanel Spring 2010 show and open Chanel Fall 2010…you might as well be the face of their campaign, right? In her free time, Abbey Lee likes to play sports and work out. I wish those were my hobbies too. Mine consists of eating good food and watching Bravo. Maybe that’s why my body does not look like Abbey Lee’s…

Jessica Stam

Jessica Stam, AKA Stam, was born in Kincardine, Ontario in 1986. Fun Fact: she was discovered at a Tim Horton’s in her hometown by an agent at the International Model Management agency in Ontario. Stam walked in a total of 64 shows during Spring 2006 New York, Milan and Paris Fashion Weeks. Marc Jacobs even designed a bag called The Marc Jacobs Stam inspired by her. She currently stands at number 5 on the Top 50 Models list on models.com. Although she seems way too busy do anything except for modeling, she does enjoy doing karaoke and going to concerts.

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So, what do you think of these girls? Who are your favorite fashion models? Always love your feedback!

April 22, 2010

Eco-Friendly Fashions

In honor Earth Day, I am dedicating this post to my favorite eco-friendly fashion finds (can you say that 3 times fast?) Remember, every small thing you do can make a difference…and if it involves shopping, how can you say no? 🙂

Alex and Ani

Photo Credit

Alex and Ani is all about sustainable and fashionable jewelry. Their philosophy is to create jewelry from recycled and sustainable material all made in the United States. Alex and Ani designs include bracelets, rings, necklaces, earrings and even hair pieces. The coolest thing about Alex and Ani is that they have a “Bangle Bar” on their website where you can create your own wristful of bangles. Awesome stuff! For more information, check out www.alexandani.com

 

Matt and Nat

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Matt and Nat not only produces amazing eco/vegan purses and wallets for women, they also have a great selection of backpacks, briefcases, laptop carriers and more for your man. Who says a man can’t carry their things in style? They definitely should! Matt and Nat’s most recent collection has an edgier, vintage feel with their handbags and wallets complete with studs and zippers. So glam-rock chic. For more on Matt and Nat, see www.mattandnat.com.

Edun

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Edun was probably the first eco-friendly clothing line I heard about. Remember the Africa t-shirt that came out a while ago? I thought it was a great idea and I bought one as soon as they were available for purchase. Edun has expanded their line to tops, jeans, sweaters, jackets and more…for men too! Their shirts are extremely comfortable and it’s always good to know you’re supporting a good cause. See www.edunonline.com for more information.

Tarte Cosmetics

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Some find it difficult to be eco-friendly when it comes to beauty products and cosmetics; they fear the “natural” version will not produce the same benfits as the products they’re used to. I totally understand this. However, Tarte cosmetics produces makeup without parabens, phthalates, sulfates and synthetic fragrances, they package their products in recyclable materials AND…they actually work. Definitely worth checking out! My favorites from Tarte are the Lifted Natural Eye Primer and the Lights, Camera, Lashes! 4-in-1 Mascara. Check out www.tartecosmetics.com for their full product line.

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**Note:  Both Alex and Ani and Matt and Nat are on Gilt until 4/24 at midnight. Most of the items are more than 50% off! Feel free to leave me a comment or e-mail me if you are not yet a member and would like to become one. Gilt has amazing deals everyday!

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So, what do you think of these eco-friendly fashions? Have you tried any of these brands? What are your favorite eco-friendly brands (fashion-related or not)? I always appreciate your comments!

April 20, 2010

Make a Statement…With Your Feet

THE STATEMENT SHOE

Photo Credit

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I absolutely love to make a fashion statement. Whether it’s a vibrant dress or a chunky vintage necklace, I try to incorporate at least one statement piece in every outfit I wear. What makes the ultimate statement you may ask? A killer pair of shoes of course. Shoes have always been an obsession of mine (beginning with my 2-year career at a shoe boutique in high school) and I want to share my favorite statement shoes with you. AND I found amazing shoes for any budget. Whether you’re willing to splurge on a $1,500 pair of Choos or you’re looking for a great pair under $200…I got you covered!

Statement Shoes (Luxe):

 

Top Row (left to right): Jimmy Choo Zappa Suede Sandals ($2,495 at net-a-porter.com), Proenza Schouler Runway Sandals ($1,645 at colette.fr), Proenza Schouler Stitched Leather Sandals ($805 at net-a-porter.com)

**Note: The Jimmy Choos LIGHT UP. Rad. I know.

Bottom Row (left to right): Alexander Wang Frejal Double-Layer Boots ($675 at net-a-porter.com), Valentino Floral Organza Sandals ($1,250 at net-a-porter.com), Givenchy Ruched Leather Wedge Sandals ($1,300 at net-a-porter.com)

Statement Shoes (Less):

Top Row (left to right): Ash Fame Leather Open Toe Booties ($245 at intermixonline.com), Boutique 9 Val ($199 at ninewest.com), Betsey Johnson Lavant Sandal ($190 at heels.com)

Bottom Row (left to right): Sam Edelman Katrice Sandals ($140 at lorisshoes.com), Dolce Vita Lana ($290 at zappos.com), Sam Edelman Kinley Wedge Sandal ($170 at nordstrom.com)

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Are you a fan of statement shoes? Did you like my picks? If so, which are your favorites? Do you have a favorite statement shoe? Please share if you do. Always love to hear from you!