February 8, 2010

Annie Handbags: Timeless Style and Beauty

 Annie Diamantidis, the designer behind the amazing Annie handbags and accessories, is a Chicago designer that has redefined the handbag industry by not only crafting exquisite items but adding 14k gold jewelry to each handbag.

Since launching her line of luxury handbags. Annie Diamantidis is quickly gaining global recognition. Here’s a taste of what people are saying about Annie handbags…

  • Chicago Social magazine says “Diamantidis’ line is well on the way to becoming one of Chicago’s premier luxury brands.”
  • The Handbag Report has profiled Annie a “Haute Designer.”
  • Australia’s Nine to Five Magazine features the Athena clutch as a “Fab Find.”
  • Fashion TV says Annie Handbags are “A Trend to Remember.”
  • Luxist featured the Clio Clutch as “Handbag of the Day”

 

My favorite handbag from the collection is the “Clio Clutch” which comes in blue ostrich and black leather.

Photo Credit

Clio Clutch, price upon request 312.498.3933

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Annie also has some great accessories. My favorite are the crocodile cuffs that come in brown and dark purple.

Crocodile Cuff, $175 each at www.anniebags.com

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The collection is carried exclusively in high-end boutiques nationwide and online at www.anniebags.com. Although pricey, these are timeless pieces that will last forever and can be passed down from generation to generation. It’s an investment piece and worth every penny.

So, what do you think of Annie’s collection? What are your favorites? I want to hear from you!

February 4, 2010

Elie Saab Spring 2010 Couture

Although I wasn’t actually at the couture shows in Paris, I [too often] go to Style.com, browse through every photo, admire each one and pretend/wish I was there. The one collection I was absolutely blown away by was Elie Saab. There were lots of dusty pastels, sheer fabrics, a ton of nude colors (very in for spring!), amazing detailing, great beading and a lot of leg. Many of these dresses I could see on the Red Carpet on celebrities like Jennifer Garner, Christina Applegate, and Diane Kruger. These celebrities appreciate glamour and I could see many of these dresses on all three of them. Some celebrities seen in Elie Saab on more than one occasion include Beyonce, Marion Cotillard, Toni Collette, and Mischa Barton. Clearly, this designer can cater to an array of ages and styles.

Here are my favorite looks from the collection:

See Full Collection Here

Also, check out www.style.com for all the Spring 2010 Couture collections and all collections from this past year.

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What do you think of this collection? What were your favorite pieces? Who was your favorite designer at the Paris Couture shows? I want to hear from you!

 

PS. I want to post things that not only I love but that you enjoy reading too. I created a very short survey that I would GREATLY appreciate if you all could take. Thank you! http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/MBZKPL2

 

February 2, 2010

Modern Love: A Contemporary Twist for Valentine’s Day

Another lovely post by guest blogger, David James. Follow him on Twitter @jamesda1

Shop for loved ones or spoil yourself with the Rue La La Modern Love Valentine Boutique curated by ELLE’s Executive Accessories Editor Kate Davidson Hudson and Fashion Market Editor Jade Frampton.  Inspired by ELLE’s February, 2010 Modern Love issue the Boutique features the finest of lingerie, jewelry, delectable chocolates, champagne flutes and exquisite bedding available exclusively this Thursday, February 4, 2010 for 48 hours beginning at 11:00 AM!

The gifts were hand selected by ELLE’s discerning editors Jade Frampton and Kate Davidson Hudson, as the perfect expression of Modern Love for yourself or someone you love…

Rue La La’s Q+A with Jade Frampton:
What is Modern Love? 
To me Modern Love means embracing your individuality.  Its all about personal style and whatever makes you feel your best.  Weather its sharing a glass of champagne with a loved one or slipping on a beautiful lingerie set, its all about you and what makes you feel confident and sexy.
 
What traditional elements of romance are you still into?
I am old fashioned so love letters, flowers, chocolates all do it for me

Who are some couples who embody Modern Love in a great way?
JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bissette-Kennedy and Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash
 
Rue La La’s Q+A with Kate Davidson Hudson:

 
What made ELLE undertake an examination of “Modern Love”?
Modern love is the idea that men and women personify love in individually unique ways. At Elle, we love to explore a women’s sense of self and personal style whether it is in the way she dresses, lives, or loves.

What was your best/worst Valentine’s Day ever?
My best Valentine’s Day was when my husband and I just started dating and he made a huge dinner at his apartment, including a home-made risotto. It might have been a little rubber-y, but the effort was so sweet.

Who are some couples who embody Modern Love in a great way?
The couples who’s love has endured them through the test of time…the Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward’s of the world.

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Having a major ooh la la moment! Rue La La has partnered with Bravo’s new fashion competition series, Launch My Line. Immediately following the season finale, you’ll be able to purchase the winning collection exclusively on RueLaLa.com.Tune in this Wednesday at 10pm EST to capture the good, the bad, the ugly – and the fabulous! And sit front row with Style Editor Rachel as she dishes on every can’t-miss moment LIVE via Twitter! Join the conversation this Wednesday at 10PM ET at http://twitter.com/rue_La_La

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Not yet a Rue La La member? Join now! And don’t forget to invite your friends to experience Rue La La — you’ll receive a $10 credit when they place their first order!

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RueLaLa on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Rue_La_La 

RueLaLa on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RueLaLa

February 1, 2010

Red Carpet Fashion: Best Dressed at the 2010 Grammy Awards

So as you all know, the Grammys were last night. Not only was it a night of music, but a night of glamour. The best thing about the Grammys is that, unlike the Oscars or the Golden Globes, there is an opportunity to have more fun with your outfit and take a little more risk. Overall, I was underwhelmed by the risk-taking last night. The biggest fashion risk-takers, Lady Gaga and Rihanna, looked fabulous but I was expecting a lot more out of them. Lady Gaga took on the Red Carpet in a solar-system-looking Armani Privé gown holding a large spiky prop (very fitting for the Armani Privé Spring 2010 Couture show ). Rihanna came out in a long white Elie Saab gown with feathers along the front of the bodice and an open back. I would have actually liked the dress on a different celebrity if the feathers weren’t coming all the way up her neck, but for Rihanna, it wasn’t daring enough…especially for the Grammys.

Okay now it’s time for my best dressed list. Let’s keep in mind that I found most of these get-ups almost perfect but I found something wrong with just about everyone. I just wasn’t that satisfied with the overall fashion at the Grammys but here are my favorites of the night. Also keep in mind that because the fashion at the Grammys is meant to be a little more playful and fun (yet risky), these are either outfits people loved or they hated. These are the ones I loved….

#5: Beyonce Knowles in Stephane Rolland

Photo Credit

First off, I think the color of this dress looks great on Beyonce. It complements her skintone very well and the detailing is unbelievable. The one downfall of the dress is that you cannot appreciate the detailing by just seeing it on TV or in a photo. You really have to look closely to see all of the work that went into that dress. I’m also not sure if it’s Grammy appropriate because it’s a little dressy but that’s my opinion. I also HATE the earrings with the dress. But…she did a great job simplifying her hair to balance the complexity of the dress and she obviously looks gorgeous as always. The dress is absolutely gorgeous so it had to make my best dressed list.

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#4: Taylor Swift in Kaufman Franco

Photo Credit

Unrelated to the dress (and despite the fact that I hate country music) I think Taylor Swift is adorable. I know a lot of people are bothered by her, which I can see, but after seeing all the same alcoholic, fame-crazed people in Hollywood over and over again, I find her quite refreshing. She truly appreciates her fans and loves making music which I think is just wonderful. Back to the dress…I love everything that sparkles so she definitely grabbed my attention. I thought it was Grammy-appropriate, especially because she was nominated (numerous times may I add), the neckline was pretty cool and the back was quite striking as well. I really liked her hair pulled back a little to the side; it was very old-Hollywood, which I love. Overall, I think she looked very pretty but I felt like there was a little something missing. Can’t think of what…but something. She looked a little too skinny so that might have something to do with it. If you have a suggestion, let me know!

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#3: Fergie in Emilio Pucci

Photo Credit

Obviously this dress shows off Fergie’s body, which she can get away with because her body ROCKS. I love that color blue and I think it looks great with her skintone. I really like the silver going across the front because I love the contrast of that color blue with the metallic silver. It’s also a little space-like (just like Lady Gaga but she was VERY space-like). The dress was a little too short and tight for my taste but if you really hard for a body like that, you gotta show it off!

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#2: Heidi Klum in Emilio Pucci

Photo Credit

It’s hard for someone so beautiful with such an amazing body like Heidi Klum to look bad in anything. She is always smiling and her skin is constantly glowing and radiant. I liked that she simplified her hair and makeup because there was a lot of sparkle in the dress. Again, I love anything that sparkles and I really like short dresses with long sleeves (although I wasn’t a fan of Miley Cyrus in Herve Leger) especially when you have great legs like Heidi. She totally rocked this look and I absolutely adore her.

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#1: Lea Michele in Romona Keveza

Photo Credit

HELLO LEGS! Where have those been? YOU GO LEA MICHELE! She looked so fabulous I literally had to rewind when watching the Red Carpet to get another look. Wow. The dress wasn’t too complex but it fit her perfectly. I love the sheerness at the top and the feathered bottom. It hugs her waist so perfectly and makes her look tiny (in a good way) and the one-shoulder does wonders for her arms. Her hair and makeup are both gorgeous. There is not one thing I can find wrong with this look (except maybe she could have done a funner shoe but I’m still satisfied with the ones she chose) and a big shout out to Lea who has made my best dressed list 3 times in a row. Woo hoo!

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I also have to mention Carrie Underwood and Keri Hilson.  Carrie Underwood wore a dress by Georges Chakra which I found was a little boring but I thought the neckline quite interesting. She also always looks gorgeous so I can’t finish the post without a little Carrie shoutout. Same name, different spelling… Keri Hilson was looking smashing in Dolce & Gabbana but I thought the sequin belt looked a little cheap and the top of the dress was a little too tight. Otherwise, the color looked great on her and I love the mermaid silhouette.

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So, who are your best dressed picks for the Grammys? Least favorite dresses? I think there will be a lot of controversy over some looks so I really want to hear what you all think!

January 30, 2010

Trend Alert: The Bucket Bag

I love love love the bucket bag! I’m so excited to see these on the street, on the runway, and in stores. They’re perfect for day or night because they come in a variety of sizes, fabrics and colors so there are lots of options to go with any wardrobe. I think the bucket bag is a different and cool way to update your “night-out” purse. We tend to spend too much time with our outfit, hair and makeup and then we grab any black purse or clutch and we’re out the door. A smaller bucket bag is a perfect substitute for the ordinary “going-out” clutch. The best part is…they have a long strap to go perfectly across your body. This means…no more losing your purse! With the bucket bag, there’s no excuse! I’m sure we’ve all experienced a lost purse at point or another and it’s not a fun experience to have to cancel your credit cards and wonder who’s now making long-distance calls from your Blackberry.

Here are some of my favorite bucket bags:

Top Row (left to right): Alexander Wang Diego Suede Bucket Bag ($795 at net-a-porter.com), Leather Lace Up Pouch Bag ($170 at topshop.com), Leather Pouch Cross Body Bag ($55 at topshop.com)

Bottom Row (left to right): Marc by Marc Jacobs Drawstring Resort Tote ($330 at barneys.com), ASOS Dark Suede Duffle Studded Across Body Bag ($59 at asos.com), Drawstring Bar Crossbody Bag ($69 at ninewest.com)

As you can see, there’s a variety of colors, fabrics and sizes with the bucket bag. There’s also one to fit every budget. How perfect!

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So, what do you think of the bucket bag? Do you own one? Do you plan on buying one? If you found one or have one that’s not one of my picks, post the link or a picture. I’d love to see it. Let me know what you think!