August 15, 2008 at 3:55 pm · Filed under Trends
Few things make us giddy for Fall quite like the arrival of a new collection of boots to pine over. This year is no exception, with suede styles showing to be a definitive trend that transcends looks from Bohemian to city-chic. These boots will keep your toes toasty warm as the weather cools, and we chose styles with either a flat or wedge heel so they will last you the whole day through…. dare we say it, these boots were made for walking!
The over-the-knee flat boot, one of the most coveted boots from last season thanks to appearances on Gossip Girl and star Blake Lively, is making a return this fall. The near-flat heel and extended shaft on the Chinese Laundry Turbo Boots in Suede Chocolate ($129, top left) and Chinese Laundry Tahoe Boots in Suede Black ($99, bottom left) makes them oh-so practical, and at around $100 - enter code CL10P for an extra 10% off everything at ChineseLaundry.com - we plan on grabbing multiple pairs!
For a toned-down alternative to over-the-knee that’s still high on style, try the J Crew Long Glenbrae Suede Flat Boots in Root ($298, top right). The exposed zipper and steel-gray hue strike the perfect cord with the soft, suede finish. Try these paired with skinny jeans and a long striped scarf or a flirty dress and tights for a look that takes you seamlessly from day to night. Toned-gam gals rejoice: these also available in extended calf!
If having a bit of heel is a must, we love the Nine West Yoursocute Boots in Cognac ($169, bottom right) for a bit of a boost that won’t compromise comfort. Try these with a voluminous top or sleek wrap dress and hobo bag for a super-chic look.
August 7, 2008 at 1:58 pm · Filed under Our Favorite Sites
Flock is introducing Flock-The Gloss, the newest edition of their super-browser catering to fashion addicts and style devotees needing to be tuned in to the latest trends and who’s wearing what. If your Us Weekly subscription has you going through withdraws the remaining 6 days of the week, then Flock-The Gloss is for you!
Basically, what Flock-The Gloss has done is gather and group all the celebrity, fashion, and lifestyle content into one a simple, easy to navigate and (dare we say) delicious pink interface, available in a ready-to-go downloadable package. Perfect for those of us who want to be on top of what’s happening, but don’t want to spend time searching for it!
Bundled in their content section, you’ll find categorized folders bookmarked with popular sources for fashion and beauty, celebrity gossip, lifestyle, magazines, and online shopping. This is all while keeping plugged into email and social networking sites in the same interface.
Just be warned: Flock-The Gloss is not for the easily-overwhelmed! There’s tons of fab content - maybe too much - and with an interface evoking a Peptobismol eruption even the most avid early adapter will want have her am java before tuning in.
August 2, 2008 at 8:40 pm · Filed under Labels We Love, Our Favorite Sites
J. Crew has just unveiled the first offerings of it’s Fall 2008 line, and with punches of color and unexpected texture the array is a total delight. The yummy palette blends fall brights - think burnt yellow and orange - with vintage-inspired neutrals and the occasional leopard print or painterly pattern. Never one to shy away from texture, J. Crew’s Fall 2008 collection artfully blends in hits of thick tweeds, rich velvets, and worn corduroy with patent accents on heels and boots. The resulting eclectic menagerie manages to merge Downtown cool with Uptown elegance in a way that hints of a refreshingly youthful Parisienne. And although I’m in no hurry to bid Summer farewell, the taste of delightful Winter pieces to come (bottom set) has me wishing for snow… well almost! Note: I almost always opt for online shopping over in-store - I loathe fitting rooms - however if you’re planning to shop JCrew.com then be warned, as the is experiencing some issues with their new website.
Pique Andrea Jacket in Honey Glaze (top left, $230); Serengeti Tank (top right, $98); Fabienne High-Heel Boot in Camel (bottom left, $398); Stretch Vintage Matchstick Cord in Faded Cement (bottom right, $79.50)
July 25, 2008 at 8:02 pm · Filed under Celebrity Style, Deals
The new Mrs. Wentz has been spotted from coast to coast sporting her beloved Thomas Wylde Pharoah bag, which bears a striking similarity to Burberry Prorsum’s Fall 2007 and Spring 2008 coveted caryalls (available at Neiman Marcus) Although the Pharoah bag is not yet available in stores, the Thomas Wylde has similar styles available at eLuxury.com - we love the Cleopatra Large Tassel Tote in Flesh ($2,300, top right). If you opting to pay your rent instead of buying the real-thing, you can copy Ashlee’s style with ShopsueyBoutique.com’s Michelle Hobo, available in 4 colors ($52, bottom right). Ash pairs the smokin’ tote with every punk princess’s staple - black skinny jeans (try BDG’s Brights Skinny Pants in Black, $49 at UrbanOutfitters.com) - and boyfriend sweaters or and Oxford button for an emo-meets-eclectic look that’s not too severe. She’s hanging on to the long red locks, which btw I just love, am I mad to want to try the hue myself?
January 25, 2008 at 10:31 pm · Filed under Deals, Labels We Love
Loeffler Randall’s Fall/Winter line offers a delicious collection of shoes that achieve both feminine intrigue and hip modernity. The brainchild of husband and wife duo Jessie Loeffler Randall and Brian Murphy, Loeffler Randall focuses on delivering a clean design in stunning materials, reinterpreting the understated beauty of the 1980s work pump in a way that’s refreshingly relevant. The label’s designs range from flats with intricate ruffled details to chic boots in crisp spring shades of buttery leather and rich suede. We love the contrast of the warm color and edgy exposed back zipper on the Penelope Flat Boot in Tan (bottom-left, $750, Singer22.com - use coupon code “CELEB10″ for 10% off) and the sleek vibe of the Vogue-tauted Black Patent Leather Vachetta Matilde Boot (top-right, $690, Singer22.com - use coupon code “CELEB10″ for 10% off). Other must haves for Spring include the Carine Over the Knee Boot (top-left, $718, Pinkmascara.com) - wear it high or folded just below the knee - the Emmy D-Ring Elka Boot (top-middle, $685, Shopbop.com), and the Lux Embossed Python Taupe Pinafore Flat (bottom-middle, on sale for $188, Activeendeavors.com). Love the look but having trouble reconciling the price tag with your budget? You’re in luck! Loeffler Randall has teamed with Target to offer a limited edition collection of affordable flats and handbags (prices range from $19.99 to $49.99) showcasing lovely ornamentation très typique of the label’s higher-priced offering - the Rosette Ballet Flats (bottom-right, $29.99, Target.com) are adorable and come in four delectable shades of patent. Loeffler Randall has also recently expanded to include a line of handbags and Ready to Wear embodying the same luxury and downtown elegance that the label is known [and loved] for. With all these styles being versatile enough to wear with skinny jeans or a cute mini, Loeffler Randall succeeds in presented perfect transition pieces to usher in the Spring.
January 13, 2008 at 9:05 pm · Filed under Celebrity Style, Labels We Love
For Spring 2008, Gwen Stefani’s retro-meets-modern L.A.M.B. label has expanded to include shoes and handbags that are as fashion forward as the songbird herself. An acronym for Love Angel Music Baby, L.A.M.B is defined by Stefani’s eclectic fashion sense and natural elegance, and draws inspiration from 40’s glamour, British schoolgirls, and rock-reggae. The result is a contemporary collection with a feminine appeal and focused taste level, that has received both critical acclaim and a celebrity following. L.A.M.B. handbags feature practical shapes with a retro twist, like the seventies-inspired sophistication of the Signature Oxford Tote (top center, $625, Shopbop.com) and Glazed Love Verona Bowler (top right, $800, Shopbop.com), and the playful elegance of the Chateau Clutch in Ombre Rasta (top left, $345, Shopbop.com). Shoes range from Great Gatsby-esque spectator pumps to rasta-inspired sneakers. We love the polished look of the Oxford Pump in Black/Inca Tan (bottom middle, $295, Lambshoes.com) and Kraemer Heels in Inca Tan (bottom right, $295, Lambshoes.com) - try pairing them with high-waisted pants, a fitted sweater, and chic updo, a la Gwen. If you’re looking for a casual hip-hop vibe, try donning the Chartres II Wedge Boots (bottom left, $405, Lambshoes.com) with slouchy cargo pants and a pop art tee. Finally, a label to bring out the rock star in every girl!
January 8, 2008 at 11:15 pm · Filed under Celebrity Style, Trends
Pyramid studs are no longer reserved for punk rock devotees and your precious Fido. Sarah Jessica Parker (inset), Diane Kruger, and Sienna Miller have all been spotted sporting pyramid studs on everything from shoes to handbags, also a key trend in Burberry Prorsum’s Fall line. Pairing a studded accessory with a feminine ensemble amps up your look with an unexpected rocker edge, and provides a unique twist on a traditionally super-tough staple. And don’t think you have to blow next month’s rent on the Burberry Nella Studded Satchel (top left, $2,995, Neimanmarcus.com). A great way to steal the look is with a studded belt, a la SJP. The key is to opt for one that sits at the waist, and don it with a dress that’s fitted at the middle or with draped jersey top. Try the Mossimo Pyramid Studs Belt (bottom left, $19.99, Target.com) for a bold version, or the Miss Tina Pyramid Studded Belt (bottom right, on sale for $14.99, hsn.com) for a milder, one-row option. The studded belt got you shaking in your boots? Then look for the trend on a piece of jewelry like grommeted earrings - the gold vermeil finish on Jessica Elliot’s Spiked Hoops make them a bit dressier (top right, $115, Jessicaelliot.com) - or a pyramid bracelet, like the Pyramid Stud Cuff by Made Her Think (middle right, on sale for $112, shopmht.com) or Girlprops’ simple Stud Bangle (center, $3.99, Girlprops.com). This jewelry can be paired with almost any outfit to give an element of edge, and is versatile enough to go from day to night. The trend is best paired with brights or white - avoid an overdose of black - and a feminine silhouette. As always, the key is to wear your look with confidence… a bit of that punk attitude won’t hurt either. Rock on!
January 5, 2008 at 8:58 pm · Filed under Celebrity Style, Trends
Now that the Holidays have come and gone it’s time to work off those extra calories - hello treadmill, goodbye Aunt Mary’s sugar cookies - while dreaming of all the fabulous styles we’ll be modelling as the weather warms. And what better way to greet the Spring than to go for the glow in a freshly tailored satin trenchcoat. The sleek topcoat will add instant glam to any outfit while still providing some warmth on a crisp eve. The trend looks classicly chic and oh-so Audrey Hepburn paired with ankle-length cigarette pants, or don it over a cocktail-length dress and tights for an evening out on the town. When working with a shiny fabric like satin, finding a piece that fits properly is imperative to pulling off the look. That means check that sleeves are the proper length (and take it to a seamstress if they’re not), ensure there’s no pulling at the shoulders, and make sure to go for one with a belted waist to give the coat a feminine, hourglass shape - and don’t hesitate to swap in a belt from your own closet if you’re not thrilled with the one it came with. For an ultra-sleek (and work appropriate) look stick with basic black, like Marciano’s Chantelle Trench (top left, $328, Marciano.com) or the Black Satin Trench Coat at Tabloidstyle.com (bottom left, $74). To really make a statement, go with a bold color like red (a la Katie Holmes), bright blue - try the Burberry London Double Breasted Mikado Trench Coat (bottom middle, $1,495, Nordstrom.com), or magenta, like the DKNY Belted Metallic Satin Trench Coat (top right, $168, Nordstrom.com). To turn on the glitz for an evening out, look for the trench in a metallic like nickel, gold or bronze - we love the MICHAEL Michael Kors Satin Trench Coat ($199, Nordstrom.com) and Banana Republic’s Satin Metallic Trenchcoat (bottom right, on sale for $99.99, Bananarepublic.com). The black and bold color trenches can be worn from day to night, but reserve the metallic versions for evening to avoid looking garish. Burberry may be the gold standard in style when in comes to trenchcoats - and for good reason! - but don’t think you have to spend a fortune to capture this trend. Many affordable collections have an interpretation of this look for under $200. And if you’re really strapped for cash, Mossimo for Target has a version of the satin trench in black, maroon, navy, and ivory for only $39.99, just be prepared to sacrifice a bit in fit and quality. Have fun with this look (think big earrings and flirty heels), and you’ll be ready to greet the Spring showers while looking hot.
January 3, 2008 at 10:21 pm · Filed under Our Favorite Sites
This Brit-based website stocks trendy apparel, shoes and accessories for fashion savvy men and women - think Urban Outfitters but with dressier finds. ASOS got its start offering replicas of celebrity fashions at affordable prices - hence the As Seen On Stars acronym - but has since expanded to carry a wide range of reasonably-priced styles. Their stock of fun cocktail dresses for under $100 is impressive, with masses of jewelry, shoes, and accessories to complete your look - we went with their Satin Bow Shift Dress ($79.84) paired with the Patent Mary Jane Platform ($68.43), Multi Finish Pyramid Stud Bangle ($11.41), and Birdy Num Num Snake Shopper/Clutch ($273.72). Because of its UK homebase, ASOS carries some edgier styles than you’d find at most American fashion-for-the-masses houses, like Forever 21, and their quality is consistently high. Check out their Premium Collection pages for higher end stock from the likes of Chloe, Manoush, and Cheap Monday. Buyers should beware that US brands on this site cost about 40% more due to export tariffs, so if it’s T Bags or Rock & Republic you’re after stick with domestic stockers unless you really can’t find it anywhere else. Other not-to-be-missed site features include their Beauty section and Sale Shop, and shop soon to save up to 75% in their post-Christmas blowout sale. If your New Year’s Resolution is to go out more - we know ours is - then this is the site for you!
January 1, 2008 at 9:31 pm · Filed under Uncategorized
Happy New Year
From your friends at SHOPBlessed
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