J. Crew Fall 2008: I’ll Take One of Everything

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)

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Loeffler Randall: Feminine Appeal in a Hip Package

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.

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L.A.M.B. Shoes & Handbags

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!

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Steve Madden’s Design Your Own Collection

December 26, 2007 at 9:26 pm · Filed under Labels We Love, Our Favorite Sites

Calling all aspiring fashion designers: Unleash your inner Karl Lagerfeld - or maybe you’re more of a Stella McCartney - with Steve Madden’s new Design Your Own Collection. Choose from 45 shoe and handbag designs ranging from peep toe pumps to ballet flats to cozy boots. Then you get to select from a huge variety of colors and fabrics ranging from animal prints, metallic leathers and bright patents to customize different aspects of your shoe or bag. Prices are totally reasonable - hey, each one is an original work of art, right? - ranging from $89.95 to $149.95. Our favorite styles are (clockwise, from top left) the Adict Boot ($149.95), Peepme Bootie ($169.95), Gazebo Peep Toe ($89.95), and Kelsi Flats ($69.95). The combinations are almost endless, and we had so much fun coming up with different incarnations! The Design Your Own Collection is available exclusively at Stevemadden.com. Added bonus: Get 15% off your next Stevemadden.com purchase when you join their mailing list.

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Elaine Turner Handbags: Classic Shapes in Striking Colors

December 21, 2007 at 9:13 pm · Filed under Labels We Love

We first spotted Elaine Turner’s line of handbags and personal accessories in the pages of our beloved Lucky Magazine, and it was love at first sight! The label’s designs manage to be fun, yet chic through an ingenious hybrid of timeless shapes and exotic fabrics. Just imagine the body of your fave Coach satchel, but in unexpected materials like metallic embossed croc and candy-colored distressed leathers, and with charming hardware accents such as tortoise shell link handles. Elaineturner.com features all the newest styles in addition to offering favorites from seasons past at reduced prices. Our picks are the Alex Tote in Mustard Distressed Leather ($575), Hillary Shoulder Bag in Red Vintage Leather ($425), Alice Oversized Clutch in Zebra Haircalf ($450), and Clutch Wallet in Silver Croc ($198). All designs are available in an array of colors and fabrics, and the newly added line of small leather goods (think pocketbooks, wallets, and keyfobs in the same wonderful textiles) means what we toss inside our lovely Josie Tote can be just as delicious as the tote itself. Elaine Turner has managed to stay largely under the radar, however with their new collection being ever more titillating than the last, we can’t imagine they’ll remain undiscovered for long.

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Cole Haan ‘Nike Air’: Style Meets Comfort… Finally!

December 20, 2007 at 9:21 pm · Filed under Labels We Love

Hello all, this is your Editor here at SHOPBlessed.com. I recently had the pleasure of sampling Cole Haan’s new line of ‘Nike Air’ heels, and I feel compelled to give you my shining report! I was amazed to make it through a whole, action packed 10-hour day - okay, maybe errand packed is more appropriate - without wanting to take them off once (and I live in New York so that means a lot of walking). Cole Haan developed this line of uber-comfy casual and dress shoes employing the athletics megabrand’s technology (they share a parent company). Features include super-cushioned insoles, buttery soft linings, and a generously padded toe cap. But don’t fret about being forced to chosoe between style and comfort (we know what will always win - hence the assortment of BandAids I’m never caught without), because the Cole Haan ‘Nike Air’ collection employs the same sleek styling and classic lines the label is known for. At $275 and up these fab heels aren’t exactly cheap, but the all but unheard of combination of high-fashion looks and bedroom slipper-esque comfort makes them a worthy investment. And even better, we’ve been noticing these shoes popping up on the sale rack at many-a-store (try Colehaan.com and Nordstrom.com), so there’s no better time than now to try a pair… or two. Our favorites are the Samira Air Boot, ($495, Colehaan.com), Dayla Air Mary Jane (on sale for $199 at Colehaan.com), and the Fiona Low Air Pump ($325, Colehaan.com). Your feet will thank you!

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Denim Fit Guide

December 9, 2007 at 10:29 pm · Filed under Labels We Love

Here is our Denim Fit Guide for all your favorite jeans.

For more detailed brand information on brand cuts and washes, visit our Brand Guides section. Is there a brand we forgot? Let us know.

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