February 13, 2011

Trends, Style Icons & Wardrobe Essentials

This week on Gilt, you can shop your favorite trends, looks inspired by fabulous style icons, and essential wardrobe pieces…all in one convenient place!

Not only can you shop by designer and get the most amazing pieces for up to 70% off retail prices but you can shop by these hand picked “boutiques,” courtesy of the wonderful Gilt Groupe staff.

In Love With: Fashion Trends Sale Series – Gilt is showcasing some of their favorite trends this year with inspired looks such as Ladylike, The Blues, and The 70s Continues.

Ladylike (2/13)- We probably have a certain ’60s-set tv show to thank for the widespread resurgence of the era’s classically elegant silhouette, but no matter where it came from, this trend works for any season. Think boxy cardigans, curve-hugging sheath dresses, and precious little clutches.

The Blues (2/14)– From deep, saturated indigos to the palest smoky blue, and everything in between, you can choose from an array of blue hues that will instantly add a little something extra to your wardrobe. Slip on a frock in the shade of your choice, or add a pop of the hue to your shoe collection with a fun marine-blue booty or demure navy flat.

The 70s Continues (2/15)- Blousey hippie tops, platform wedges, and slouchy boho bags are just a few of the things that make the ’70s look one of my favorites to wear. Treat yourself to a flatter-all-figures accessory to add some flair to your wardrobe, or go all out with a curvaceous jumpsuit worthy of a full-fledged disco queen.

Style Icons Through the Ages (2/17)- Katharine Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Bianca Jagger, Joan Jett are all style icons that we have admired throughout the years. Now you can shop the look of these fashion inspirations and work their iconic styles into your wardrobe.

Wardrobe Essentials: Everything You Need (2/19)- I’m all for impulsive shopping, but there’s also something to be said for starting the new year off right and hitting the reset button on your wardrobe. Come back to Gilt for all-new style essentials, from the cardigan and everyday dress to the black bag and more.

And now for the designer sales I’m most looking forward to…

See by Chloè (2/14)– Younger sister to the venerable French powerhouse Chloe, See by Chloe features a younger, edgier aesthetic that’s perfect for the rock ‘n’ roll chick with a heart of classic chic.

Reem Acra (2/16)- Acra’s signature intricate beading, ornate embroidery and show-stopping shades make for bold frocks destined to land you best dressed at any event. This sale can help you channel your own star style with embroidered sequins, metallic gowns, and more.

Only Gilt members can access these sales, so join now and get shopping!

April 20, 2010

Make a Statement…With Your Feet

THE STATEMENT SHOE

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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!

February 21, 2010

Trend Alert: Sheer Sleeves

Sheer tops and dresses were a big hit for Spring 2010 but the Fall 2010 runways were swarmed with a different approach to this trend…sheer sleeves. Although we saw some full-on sheer garments, we saw mostly sheer sleeves on the Fall runways. And I loved every second of it!

Here are some sheer-sleeve looks straight off  the runways from New York Fashion Week:

Max Azria Fall 2010 RTW

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Proenza Schouler Fall 2010 RTW

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Vera Wang Fall 2010 RTW

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I think this is a more practical trend for the everyday woman (compared to a completely sheer garment) because it’s not the everyday woman who can necessarily pull off a completely sheer top with nothing but a bra underneath. Not only do I love this trend because it’s more practical and wearable but it’s a great piece to wear in the fall or the spring. I love sheer-sleeve dresses because it’s that subtleness of the sheer sleeves that makes you feel sexy yet sophistacated. Although most of the sheer-sleeves on the runways were black, this look can go for any color. I prefer it in a neutral (black, grey, beige, brown) but if you find a great sheer-sleeve top or dress is a bold or pastel color…go for it!

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Here are some sheer pieces I found that can work with any wardrobe on any budget:

Top Row (left to right): Miu Miu Silk-Chiffon Blouse ($645 at net-a-porter.com), Long Sleeve Sheer Stripe Crew Neck Top ($17 at styleforless.com), Emilio Pucci Two-Layer Sheer Tulle Dress ($1,334 at net-a-porter.com)

Bottom Row (left to right): Free People Teatime Turtleneck ($35 at bloomingdales.com), L-Agence Cotton-Blend Crochet Sweater ($200 at net-a-porter.com), Patterson J. Kincaid Egyptian Dress ($150 at piperlime.gap.com)

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What do you think of the sheer-sleeve trend? Would you wear it? Do you like it better than the completely sheer garments? How would you wear it? I want to know what you think!

February 17, 2010

Trend Alert: Fur (lots and lots of it)

Whether it’s a coat, a shawl, fur trim, a hat or even shoes…fur is EVERYWHERE on the runways for Fall 2010. The best part is (unlike the Spring trends) you don’t have to wait to wear it! If you’re in the 49 out of 50 states that have had snow this winter, get excited for this trend…it’s in now and will be in the fall. Whether it’s real fur or faux fur (I prefer faux) there is a look for everyone of all styles and budgets.

I’m not exaggerating when I say fur has showed up in almost every collection for the Fall 2010 RTW runways. Fur has been showing up in expected places (coats and shawls) and unexpected places (purses and shoes). This trend has also been shown in the expected colors (blacks, browns, beiges, etc.) and unexpected colors (reds, purples and blues). How exciting?!

Here are just a few (of the many) fur looks shown on the runways just this past week at New York Fashion Week:

Devi Kroell Fall 2010 RTW

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Zac Posen Fall 2010 RTW

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Marc Jacobs Fall 2010 RTW  

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Derek Lam Fall 2010 RTW from style.com

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As you can see, this trend is quite versatile and can show up in almost any wardrobe staple (and even shoes according to Zac Posen). Unlike most trends, fur will never go out of style. Trends come and go and although fur is very in right now, it will still be acceptable to wear in 3 years or 20 years. So whether you go real or fake (for money reasons or personal reasons), it’s worth the investment regardless.

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Here are some ideas for fur pieces that fit any budget…

Lux fur:

Top Row (left to right): Emerald Fox Fur Clutch ($1,495 at vivre.com), Faux Fur Gilet ($350 at net-a-porter.com), Etro Mixed Fur Jacket ($1,523 at farfetch.com)

Bottom Row (left to right): Karen Millen Sheepskin Jacket ($1,190 at asos.com), Embroidered Tibetan Coat with Fur Trim ($1,215 at brownfashion.com), Matthew Williamson Patchwork Wool Coat with Fur Trim ($2,295 at matthewwilliamson.com), Tanya Vest ($1,055 at lagarconne.com)

Lux for Less:

Top Row (left to right): Bernardo Faux Mink Fur Jacket ($80 at Nordstrom.com), Film Noir Faux Fur Car Coat ($80 at shopruche.com), Barts Deluxe Faux Fur Trapper Hat ($76 at asos.com)

Bottom Row (left to right): Rachel Zoe Faux Fur Vest ($80 at qvc.com), Faux Fur Mittens ($24 at asos.com), Crimped Lana Vest ($19 at forever21.com), Oasis Faux Fur Shawl ($65 at asos.com)

**For more affordable fur, check out www.akirachicago.com or any of the Akira stores if you’re in the Chicago-area. I’ve gotten a lot of great faux fur from there that’s stylish and fun yet very affordable.

**I have the faux fur vest by Rachel Zoe for QVC and it’s amazing. It comes in 3 colors and she just debuted a new faux fur vest that’s a little shorter (yet still very cute!) and this comes in 3 colors as well.

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 What do you think of the fur trend? Do you wear it now? Are you planning to? Do you go real or faux? I want to hear what you 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!