Loving Right Now: Current Elliot + Kate Spade

A few years ago when boyfriend jeans were all the rage, I had to have the Current Elliot brand - low slung, torn to perfection and also the most expensive jeans I ever purchased. Since then, it's been love.

And looking back even further - like eleven years ago - I had to have a Kate Spade black backpack. You know what I'm talking about right? My friend went to NYC and I gave her $20 to hit Canal St. She came back with a knockoff with a stuck-on label. I carried it everywhere (don't worry I wouldn't do such a thing nowadays). But the Kate Spade label envy stuck around, and now it is my shoe of preference.

So now you have the back story on my love for these two brands. And so you'll understand my excitement that the two labels are collaborating on a line of handbags.

Via Refinery29

I didn't think love at first sight was possible, but it is.

The Westward by Emily & Merritt for kate spade new york collection, a capsule range of six handbags with prices between $245 to $1,295, hits stores in August.

Sunday Lust List: Cool Cuffs and Darling Dresses

1. Maison Martin Margiela 22-karat gold-plated arm cuffs: $1310
2. Miriam Haskell pearl cuff, available at J. Crew: $650
3. Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Mesh cuff: $900
4. Yves Saint Laurent satin jersey dress: $2190
5. Lela Rose jacquard-effect silk-blend dress: $1295
6. Diane von Furstenberg Della taffeta dress: $325

All available at net-a-porter unless otherwise noted.

TBONTB: Globe-Trotter Trolley Case

Now that my Bachelorette weekend is booked, I think I need some fabulous luggage. I love the old school glamour of this Globe-Trotter® Centenary 21" trolley case (available at J. Crew for $1350). But it's been updated and ergonomically corrected. No one looks like a glam jetsetter when they are lugging heavy luggage all over the airport. It must roll.

Plus the bright color means you'll be able to pick your luggage out easily in a sea of black.

Sadly, it's not in my price range. But I can still admire...

Oh goodness, it's come to this

If you're a runner like me, you know it's a pain to grab your keys, your ipod, your water bottle, an ID, your phone, your water bottle... and then run with it all! You either sacrifice and minimize, or are weighed down with items stuffed down your sports bra.

Well, the makers of the original BootyWrap are trying to make your life easier.

Wrapped around this model's waist is not a functioning sweatshirt, but a fake garment designed to hold your things and conceal your VPL when you work out. But is it just me or does this just seem so superfluous?

The BootyWrap claims to be flat and not bulky, but it seems like it's just an extra item of clothing to wear on hot summer days. And then your phone is banging around on your thighs instead of stuffed snuggly between your boobs.

Finally, I worry about your marketing scheme if you must compare your product to a fanny pack. A fanny pack! There is nothing stylish about that.

If I'm going to get extra storage gear, it's going to be a spi-belt. At least you can tell what that's meant for.

Hit by Cupid's Arrow

I've been a fan of Rebecca Minkoff's delicious handbags for years. I got a Nikki hobo years and years ago, and I've been scouring Gilt sales for an MAB.

However, I think I'd rather save my pennies for RM's newest handbag, the Cupid.

Buy it here.

Love this bag! It's the perfect-sized satchel, and like the MAB, it has the dual strap - one longer and one that just fits over your shoulder. The gold detail is to die for - just the right hint of color without looking like heavy metal.

My favorite thing about this bag is the variety of colors: navy, red, metallic taupe, teal and black. (You can also pick up lavender and a shimmer anthracite with silver details).

Now, I wonder when Gilt will be getting these in stock...

Sunday Lust List: Blog-Found Fun

This week's lust list highlights some fun pieces, fab shoes, and darling dresses found on some of my favorite fashion blogs.

1. Giles & Brother Archer Hoop Earrings: $95 (via Refinery29)
2. Joie Sashay Heels: $198 (via The Cut)
3. Splendid Shadow Stripe Dress: $110 (via Capitol Hill Style)
4. Prada Baroque Sunglasses: $290 (via FabSugar)
5. Apple and Ivy Bettingen Circle Button Bracelet: $15 (via Whipped Style, a new DC FABB friend!)

To Buy or Not To Buy: Chanel Peridot Vernis

(via Style.com)

I'm on the fence about purchasing Chanel's fall nail collection. These rich, luxe metallics will perfectly complement fall's jewel-tones, and Chanel's nail colors tend to become staples for each season season. The collection includes the bronzed green Peridot, silvery-beige Quartz or the silvery toned Graphite. I'm a big fan of Peridot (it is my birth stone after all), and it might be a good way for me to ease into the green polish trend (I just couldn't bring myself to buy Jade a few seasons ago).

But I wouldn't say that Chanel's polish is worth the $25 price tag. It find it quickly wears down at the tips of my nails. But you do pay for what is most certainly the best and most trend-setting color palette out there. Mimosa, Particuliere, Paradoxal - these are all essential colors in any polish-lover's "wardrobe."

All Lacquered Up recently featured Peridot, which, when photographed, reads a bit more like a gold with a mossy hue. Is it too green for you? Would you rather wear a more neutral metallic?

Or is Chanel polish all together overrated?

Freak out! Eddie Borgo at J. Crew

(via Refinery29)

I DIED a little on the inside when I saw that my jewelry designer crush Eddie Borgo (CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award runner-up) was designing a capsule collection for J. Crew. I don't know if they didn't do much press beforehand, or if I just totally missed it until the day before the launch, but this is truly amazing.

I went online today to see what I could snag. The prices run from $38 for the studded bow pins to $175 for a fringed mesh pocket necklace. There are also some totally hip studded belts.

I'm contemplating snagging the black cone and pearl cuff ($95). Cones are such an Eddie Borgo signature, and I just love it! The pearl necklace ($150) is awesome too. Looks like I have some decisions to make...

From the back of Grandma's couch to your closet

Crochet and macrame - it sounds more like crafts at summer camp than something you'd want to buy at Bergdorfs.

But, of course, designers have found a way to bring this look from the back of Grandma's couch to the closets of fashionistas everywhere.

The idea of wear something more kitschy than silk or jersey first appealed to me when I saw Olivia Palermo in this DVF number at Fashion's Night Out last September. The dress was actually available - and on discount - when OP wore it (which I love... We can't all get pieces right off the runway).

Credit: Celebrity Fashion

Even though the dress was old, the look was very fresh. Olivia was wearing what had just been seen all over the New York runways for Spring 2011. Just look at the wide range of designers that featured the knit look:

Jen Kao, Christian Dior, Catherine Malandrino, Gucci

And now that it's actually Spring 2011, crochet and macrame looks are available to the masses.

For instance, I really adore this dress from lulus.com - proving you can wear the style and still look edgy and modern. (The dress is sadly sold out).

From lookbook.nu

So can you wear crochet without looking like a blanket?

I think yes. Here are some great starter pieces.

Edun dress, $238; Sass & Bide vest, $117

Ecote Belt, $38; Vasia by Ulla Johnson sweater, $79

J'aime mon carre (I love my scarf)

Call me cutting-edge. Scarves are having a resurgence in popularity - seen on the runways of Emilio Pucci, Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior. Thanks to one very tasteful fiance, I was the lucky recipient of a beautiful Hermes scarf for Christmas.

This one to be precise:

Tres jolie, n'est pas?

(Something about an Hermes scarf makes me want to parler Francais.)

But the most fashionable trend setters aren't only wearing their scarves over the shoulders, as was once the standard. Thanks to Hermes, scarves are finding new ways to fit into wardrobes. Just check out ilovemyscarf.com.

So luckily, I have a wealth of inspiration for how to wear my new scarf. I still struggle a bit, though. I tried it over the shoulders with a coordinating orange turtleneck, which I liked, but it's a "once in a while" look. I've also tried the turband, a la Man Repeller. Not gonna lie, I love the look, but I can't get my hair to fall quite right. I'll work on it, don't worry.

Anyone got any advice for be-scarfing myself?

(All images from ilovemyscarf.com)

Au revoir!

Mad about Mawi

Last week, I discovered the awesome website The Coveted. I mean, that alone is awesome enough.

But then the site introduced me to my new favorite jewelry line - Mawi. This jewelry house focuses on statement pieces in a few signature styles, infusing Deco, punk, Indian and industrial styles into glamourous baubles. Ultra contemporary with a nod to antique-y estate jewelry, the line is bold and ornamental without being gaudy.

The other good news? These pieces aren't astronomically pricey. Expect to shell out a few hundred dollars for a ring, and closer to $500 for a necklace. Basically, any of these would make a perfect statement piece in any outfit. Here are some of my favorites from the collection:

Claw crystal and spike necklace (my absolute favorite)
Ring with emerald centerstone and crystals
Crystal teardrop earrings
Giant jet black crystal cocktail ring
Jade tusk earrings (I love all of the jade tusk pieces - there is a coordinating bracelet and necklace!)

Want to get your hands on some of these gorgeous costume pieces? You can find select Mawi pieces on Net-A-Porter or check out their website here.

Well red

Ay Caramba! Red is muy caliente right now. Just check out the latest from the runways - red made a showing in a majority of the pre-fall collections.

Though red may seem "trendy," I'd argue it never goes out of style. It's a power color that persists. I mean, talk about a confidence booster. Walk into a room in red, and you say "Look at me. I'm spicy."

Daring to go red - all red? Here are some tips from Shopbop's Style Director Morgan Wendelborn:

Choose complementary, subtly different shades and textures. As stunning as an all-red suit cut from the same fabric looks on the runway, it’s not very wearable in real life. The key is to pair slightly mismatched shades (like a poppy-colored silk Equipment blouse and tomato-toned Jenni Kayne chinos) and keep your accessories neutral.

The sure-fire way is to pair a print with a solid—for example, printed Dolce Vita shorts and a solid Mara Hoffman bustier top.

I'd also note that, when wearing red, you want to keep it covered... Because, really, red+lots of skin=trampy, unfortunately. Red is synonymous with arousal in the brain, so tone down any decolletage and avoid any miniskirts. You're hot enough!

If you're not ready for a full-red look, try amping up your accessories. A red belt, red tights or red jewelry add a pop of color against a neutral outfit. (But it would also look great with a golden tone or navy.) With your accessories, you can wear one for a subtle effect, but what really looks spectacular are a few, well-chosen and coordinated red accessories (like shoes and a necklace).

And winter provides a perfect excuse to don a red scarf, red gloves or even an adorable red cloche. Leighton Meester has been spotted filming Gossip Girl in red winter accessories, and Glamour has some great, affordable picks for accessorizing like her.

Finally, if you're really bold, try red lipstick. Just ask red lipstick poster girl Gwen Stefani, who is the newest spokesperson for L'Oreal Paris Infallible lipstick. I mean, this girl makes it look effortless. I recommend heading to a department store makeup counter to find the perfect red for you. With my coloring, I can't really rock the orangey-red tones (much to my chagrin), so I wear a blue-based red from MAC called Dubonnet. Then head to the drug store for a cheaper version!

1. See by Chloe leather belt, available at Yoox: $148
2. Deluxe Jane cloche, available at Proper Topper: $52
3. Patterson J. Kincaid Harlow long-sleeved blouse, available at Shopbop: $68.60
4. See by Chloe cotton-blend pencil skirt, available at The Outnet: $114.75
5. Alice + Olivia Patti pleated dress with leather trim, available at Shopbop: $298
6. Pour la Victoire Irina pump, available at Shoebox: $262
7. L'Oreal Paris Infallible Le Rouge in Resilient Raisin: $9.99
8. Kate Spade Mod Squad necklace: $77

Lusting after the color of love? Check out some beautiful red pics at So Much To Smile About!

Boxing match

Earlier today, FabSugar posted 15 gorgeous box clutches to add an aura of chic but tough glamour to any outfit.

After being inspired by Meryl Streep in It's Complicated, I bought a minaudiere last year (unlikely inspiration, I know).  I love my box clutch (pictured here in full iPhone glory) though it's not quite big enough to fit both my personal and work phones, plus keys, lipstick and credit cards. But if I can limit myself to one phone and stick my digital camera in the fiance's pockets, we're golden. And it's fabulous for evening events! (It's from J. Crew, no longer available).

So check out the ones from FabSugar or these below (and please forgive the layout - I was using less than sophisticated technology today *cough - MS Paint cough*). I adore the edgy, knuckle clutch from Alexander McQueen (if you're splurging) or the sweet, timeless sparkle of the clutch from Lord & Taylor.

1. Celestina Espasol silver-plated filigree clutch, available at The Outnet: $397.50
2. La Regale sparkle box minaudiere, available at Lord & Taylor: $48
3. Ann Taylor exotic minaudiere clutch: $98
4. Alexander McQueen satin flower knuckle box clutch: $1,760
5. Rafe Maryanne minaudiere, available at Endless: $495
6. Diane von Furstenberg Lytton love knot minaudiere, available at Neiman Marcus: $298

Tribal party

Here's an interesting trend: tribal looks. This is definitely not one for everyone, at least at first. It's bold, it's out there, it's a little kooky. But it's fun and fresh. If you have any doubt about that, check out this post over at So Much To Smile About for some gorgeous shots of the trend.

Tribal prints are everywhere, so pick up a fabulous Missoni, Etro or McQueen dress to make the look front and center. Or, if you have your reservations about the trend but you're still want to try it out, you're in luck. There is a wealth of tribal-inspired jewelry to add just a hint of the look to your outfit. Pair any of the pieces from the House of Harlow 1960 tribal collection with a basic black T-shirt and skinny jeans or a simple, black jersey dress and you can totally rock it without overkill. Or for instance, these crazy-expensive Giuseppe Zanotti sandals would look amazing with a black maxi dress.  

Josie Natori Mandaya silk print skirt, available at Saks: $250

House of Harlow enamled tribal cuff, available at Shopbop: $220

Lavish beaded bullseye ring, available at Cusp: $72

Soleil fringe earrings, available at Cusp: $80

Alexander McQueen folklore print sheath, available at Bergdorf Goodman: $955

Pendleton original flea bag, available at Satine: $520

Blee Inara elastic feather bracelet, available at Cusp: $34

Giuseppe Zanotti tribal-cuffed flat sandal, available at Bergdorf Goodman: $1,095 (Let's pretend these aren't way overpriced. Keep an eye out for a look for less, as I'm sure one will pop up soon!)

Do your earrings hang low?

Statement necklaces have been everywhere the past few seasons, and it doesn't seem like they are going away. But earrings have returned as a lust-worthy accessory - in a big way. Long, cascading earrings - featuring big stones, tassels and stunning colors - have been seen on celebs like Leighton Meester and Rachel Zoe and on the Spring 2011 runway shoes of Chanel and Louis Vuitton. These danglers are the perfect complement to the minimalism and neutrals we've been seeing everywhere - or as the perfect way to edge out your more ladylike looks.

If you're looking to make a fun and fresh change to your jewelry repertoire, earrings are a great place to begin. WhoWhatWear highlighted some stunning earrings and the fabulous ladies who have been seen around town in cascading pieces. Check out some of my favorite extra long earrings below.

1. ABS by Allen Schwartz fringe earrings, available at CUSP: $65
2. Yochi red drop earrings, available at Max and Chloe: $72
3. Fallon sound bite cable tassel earrings: $275
4. Apt. 9 jet-tone simulated crystal earrings, available at Kohl's: $10
5. Erickson Beamon Razors Edge 24-karat gold-plated earrings, available at Net-A-Porter: $555
6. Amanda Sterett for CUSP Currie crystal drop earrings: $84

Want to get really original? PS I Made This... has the perfect tutorial for DIY dangles. I can't wait to try this one myself.

Would you wear this? Architectural underpinnings

When I first saw this Nichole de Carle lingerie on The Coveted, I gasped a little. First, I was confused by all the straps, but then I was amazed by the beauty of the structure. It's so mysterious. It's so architectural. It's also a little dominatrix.

But the real question is, would you wear this lingerie? And would your man (or lady) friend enjoy it?

Check out the rest of Nichole de Carle's lingerie on Not Just a Label.

I feel it in my fingers

OK. I hate cold weather. Fortunately, DC spares me the worst of the wintery effects. However, while in Chicago for Thanksgiving last week, I was reminded of just how much I  dislike the bone-chilling cold of the Windy City. It's the kind of cold where you don't want to be outside for more than 30 consecutive seconds, and once you get back to your home, you're shivering so badly, you can't get your keys in the door to where the heater is. Then you fall asleep in your full-length winter jacket and scarf.

I am back in DC. Phew. But it's starting to get a little cooler than it was before the holiday, and then I realized, Wow, it's almost December!

December means it's time for the full she-bang. Hats, scarves, mittens, the works. Right now, I wear my favorite, grey, American Eagle mittens that I received as a gift in high schools and still love (they have the flaps that fold back so I can text easily! I can't deny innovation). But I need to grow up and style up. I'm very into the sleek winter look of a coat with leather or suede gloves. It seems very city chic, and it's a lot more age-appropriate than my mittens.

I've got long fingers, so it's a bit hard to find gloves that fit comfortably. I'll keep you posted on if I can find some well-fitting ones. Meanwhile, here are some of gloves I've been eyeing online:

A hard, rocker look from J. Crew:

J. Crew zip leather gloves: $98

A more ladylike suede (still with an edge) in a fabulous shade:

H&M suede gloves, available in stores

A shot of color, for those of us who abide by basic black coats:

Kate Spade broome street bow gloves: $125

A non-black neutral with a dash of bling:

3.1 Phillip Lim Arbus leather gloves, available at Farfetch: $295

A little bit of luxurious shearling to keep your delicate wrists warm:

UGG Australia leather glove, available at Bloomingdales: $145

A little bit of lumberjack flare, with extra length for us long-armed ladies:

Lands' End women's leather top gloves: $49.50

How will you stay warm this December?

Two is better than one

Nothing says frugal like buying a multipurpose item. That's why I've been trying to buy day-to-night dresses, classic staples and wear-with-everything cardigans lately.

Of course, you can always buy an item that can be styled different ways, but why not buy an item that can style itself different ways?

After all, more is more, right?

Full-length coat vs. cropped jacket

Tibi Ritz Tweed Convertible Coat, available at Revolve: $434

Ankle boots vs. riding boots

Lillybee Faith boots, available at Simply Soles: $236

Long gloves vs. short gloves

J. Crew convertible jeweled gloves (the cashmere zips off!): $198

Navy cardigan vs. brown cardigan

Rachel Comey reversible cardigan, available at Farfetch: $380

Camel cape vs. grey cape

Tory Burch Liam reversible double face cotton poncho in camel/grey, available at Nordstrom: $414

The staple wear-it-many-ways dress

Victoria's Secret ruched multi-way dress: $79 (check the website for all the fun ways to wear this!)

My new uniform (or how to dress up a basic)

Much like careers, men or pets, no one outfit is perfect for everyone. However, there is no match for wearing a staple uniform of a perfectly tailored basic with beautiful accent accessories. The chicest women I see on the street are always in well-fitting, simple garments with unique and effective (but editorialized) jewelry, scarves. shoes, etc.

Here's how to put it all together:

1. Start with the perfect basic. 
My favorite look is the sheath dress. For me, a sheath dress is almost always worth the investment. You can go in a neutral color (black, beige, grey) or a bright color - I think both options are equally versatile. These are easy to tailor to your body type and always accent the best parts of a woman's body.

Elie Tahari belted wool jersey dress in Alpaca, available at Saks: $368

Diane von Furstenberg Minuit day jersey Jori dress, available at Cusp: $298

2. Then add 1 of the following bold accessory options. 

Layer it up.
Find a fun jacket or cardigan to add pizazz on the top of the out

Victoria's Secret chain link jacket: $59

Add some special earrings.
God knows I love a pair of crystal statement earrings.

J. Crew glass ornament earrings: $29.99

Wear some fun tights.
Tights can keep you warm when it starts to get a bit chilly. They can also make a shorter skirt more conservative, or in the case of these Wolford tights, add a bit of sex appeal without being slutty.

Wolford Individual 10 Back Seam: $50

Don a statement necklace.
Statement necklaces have been trending for several years now, and I hope it doesn't go away. It's so chic but adds so much personality to any outfit. Just make sure you keep your other accessories very simple if you go this route.

Anthropologie Sit-A-Spell necklace: $178

Get well-heeled.
Try a bold color or a fun cut - or both, like this Kate Spade.

Kate Spade Chrisette heels: $298

3. Finish it off with more simple accessories.
Go for basic pieces to finish off the look: neutral heels with a bold jacket, simple studs with a big necklace, etc.

Cole Haan Air Miranda, available at Zappos: $198

Marc Jacobs Paradise Rio satchel, available at Saks: $995

Majorica 12mm faux pearl bracelet, available at Nordstrom: $145

Kate Spade square studs, available at Piperlime: $34.99

And remember: there are very few things tackier than over-accessorizing. Unless you know and understand the art of minimalism, remember the age-old adage: When accessorizing, always take off the last thing you put on.

What are your five most iconic accessories?

Yesterday, NY Mag's The Cut blog ran a Q&A with Harper's Bazaar Ana Maria Pimentel. In the interview, Pimentel listed her most iconic accessories of all time.

They were:

1. A classic Chanel 2.55 bag

2. An Hermès Constance bag

3. A gold Rolex

4. A Cartier Trinity ring

5. A Tod’s driving loafer

Although I've been in the luxury accessories game for a much shorter period than Pimentel and my opinion is but a fraction of her massive influence, I mostly agree. However, I'd argue that today's woman would prefer an Hermès Birkin to the Constance, and a pair of classic red-soled Christian Louboutins to a loafer.  Do you agree with her picks?