Reawakening: Accessories For Fall 2009

Darker shades, more leather, edgy and more prominent statement pieces; it’s that time of year that conveys an avant-garde feeling in the air …

From left: Yves Saint Laurent’s crocodile pump, $2,590, at select Yves Saint Laurent boutiques, 212.980.2970, ysl.com; Valentino’s leather bag, $1,995, at Valentino, New York, 212.722.6969; Patek Philippe’s 18k rose gold watch, $33,700, patek.com; Dries Van Noten’s leather boot with python heel, $819, driesvannoten.be; Bottega Veneta’s crocodile bag, $26,500, at Bottega Veneta, 877.362.1715, bottegaveneta.com; Tom Ford’s acetate sunglasses, $425, at Tom Ford, New York, 212.359.0300; Michael Kors’s python clutch, $1,495, at select Michael Kors boutiques, 866.709.KORS; Chanel’s calfskin, metal and tweed handbag, $3,150, at select Neiman Marcus stores, neimanmarcus.com; Salvatore Ferragamo’s python pump, $1,250, at Salvatore Ferragamo, New York, 212.759.3822; Ralph Lauren Collection’s leather bootie, $795, at select Ralph Lauren stores,ralphlauren.com; Hermès’s calfskin belt, $1,950, at Hermès, 800.441.4488, hermes.com.

Thanks W.

Flats Are In: What Do You Think?

So, according to runway styles and what’s been seen and heard around the streets, flats are the new “it” thing. Or are they? According to Vogue Editors…

1. “Putting flat lace-ups with a wide-leg trouser or jean is a very dated way to wear them,” says Jane Herman, Fashion Writer. “Instead, try a cropped pant.”

2. “This should not be a Wall Street look,” states Filipa Fino, Senior Accessories Editor. “Let the men wear them with suits. Women should wear them with feminine pieces.”

3. “Don’t match the colors of your shoe to your outfit,” suggests Izzie Burch, Fashion Assistant. “These are playful—do the unexpected.”

4. “Avoid socks!” says  Jill Demling, Entertainment Editor. “That’s my only rule!”

Steve Madden Tuxxedo flat black-and-white, $80; stevemadden.com

F Troupe oxford flats in gray suede, $165; f-troupe.com

 

Flats can definitely be more flattering comfort wise, we can all agree … but, even wearing flats for too long can strain the bottom of your heels, right? Or is that just me? And for all the girls, including me, that adores heels for that little boost in height … flats still come in second place after heels

Summer Fashion 2009 ♥

Yes, yes …

… we all know the current economy is a bit stiff and shopping is granted only by a good enough reason. I try stay away .. I have been boycotting retail and online stores! It’s been, well, not so fun.

BUT, I have been finding more sales (“hooray“) and having to get real creative with my current collection in my closet. You know, accessorizing is key. It can do wonders, it’s the “oomph” factor in any ensemble. Side note: I really do need to go on a vintage shopping spree, or a shopping spree period. 

Let’s take a look at this summer’s accessories trends !

 

 

Sunglasses are a must, duh. You need something to cover your eyes. These on the left are from Christian Dior ($275). Personally, I’m not a fan of CD because the quality just doesn’t cut it for me.

 

 

 

Instead, these Balenciaga ($385) on the right might work better. The main point: color. These both have translucent tones and give off a kind of light feeling, no? 

 

“Pare down your pile of shades and pick up some timeless, flattering aviators. Ever-cool Kate Moss (far left) added edge to white jeans and a light blazer with classic Ray-Bans.” — these are also available at Topshop at lower price points.

 ♥ 

 

“Jennifer Lopez in her classic A.L.C. minidress with ultra-high Louboutins. Don’t have her stamina? Try a pair of espadrille wedges (far left) in patent— they have just as much edge and are far easier on the feet.” — I like the wedges better! They have patent, it always livens up the feet area + wedges (soooo much more comfortable). 

 

“Recommended by stylists and dermatologists alike, a face-framing fedora will boost your look while blocking UV rays. Diane Kruger (far left) accented a nautical-inspired outfit with a playful boater.” — I’m confused, why are experts claiming a fedora will boost our look while blocking UV rays when it doesn’t even block our face…

 

 

 

This 2009 summer…

I think will be filled with a lot of separate-ness, meaning there’s luxury fashion pieces that make you feel special mingled with something from GAP, H&M, FOREVER 21 … So more investment buying, purchasing one or two items of clothing you keep going back to. For me, my keep-going-back-to item are my forever21 short sleeve plain white and black tee shirts. I wear them with absolutely everything-everything-everything. Seriously, no one should go without a plain white and black tee in their closet. I enjoy wearing them to death, then tossing them out. Hence, stains never make me mad, they give me a reason to get a new tee!

 

 

♥ thanks inStyle, look here for more …

Hello Kitty: Worth It?

If you’re like me, you just adore Hello Kitty. You can’t get enough of it, BUT of course there’s a line to be drawn. I mean you can’t go crazy purchasing everything from bedroom to bathroom decorations and matching it all with a full kitchen set, RIGHT?! It gets to be a little or really TOO MUCH. But, accessorizing mobile phones, that’s something I would do… Also known as deco art in Japan.

 

(you can get these on eBaY – the bidding price usually begins at $100 – it’s a little pricey)

 

Further, if there is any exemplary brand that did marketing right and won the hearts of consumers internationally its, Hello Kitty.

HK’s latest collaboration with MAC has really taken Hello Kitty to the next level of style becoming a fashion icon in itself.

Zac Posen + model + Hello Kitty

 

RTW Stella McCartney Fall 2009

Here are some stunning pieces from the Stella McCartney, Fall 2009 Collection during Fashion Week in NY

woo — like the thin-thin-thin straps with pleats in front

 

WWD

Yves Saint Laurent: Speechless!

O M G !!

I saw these for the first time in a magazine ad and it was love at first sight! I wanted to share with you guys, seriously it’s weird — heels have a strange power over me. You too?

Just looook at these YSL pumps, just flawless, the leather, the sole, the shape, the heel – it’s great, it would be perfect on my feeeeet!

“Platform pump in black textured leather features 4 inch stiletto heel one inch platform and golden sole and lining Made in Italy”

$795 — “ack, not on this student budget…”

My feet would love the company of these (bottom) naughty heels too! 

Rent your clothes at La Library from Shaye La McKenney

Girls, you know how you share clothes with friends? I have been in situations when there is nothing more to share, I mean only so many friends are your size. Plus, the your closet doesn’t help, mixing and matching what you have either doesn’t work or gets b-o-r-i-n-g . So what do you do? Well, rent your clothes silly cause now you can! Yep, rent your clothes as you would with books.

Shaye La McKenney runs a rental boutique La Library

 

380 Guerrero St (between 15th St & 16th St) in San Francisco. If you have questions here’s their number: (415) 558-9841.

 

She lets you borrow clothes, here’s how it works ladies: Clothes can be rented for 10% of their retail price per night. So, you spot a lovely silk dress you absolutely adore for $160, well it costs you $16 to wear that love out! Be nice and take care of the rental items, if not you’ll be charged full price or a $25 cleaning fee to get it cleaned. Also…

Sensual Sundays

“Senses oriented woman’s only retreat, dedicated to creativity, sensuality, movement, femininity, community

Come and join us for tea and cookies to review and sign up for our upcoming workshops, events and more in our women’s only space. 

There will also be a clothing swap; feel free, but not obligated to bring something to trade.

 Sunday 6.00p.m. -9.00p.m.”

 

 

Thanks Daily Candy

Victoria’s Secret Angel Heidi Klum: Perfect One

So, it’s not a surprise to hear to Heidi has come out with her own Bra line, obviously she’s been a model in that industry for how long? Check it out, the Perfect One has been creating quite a buzz online … 

 

Victoria’s Secret Angel Heidi Klum unveiled the new Perfect One bra in Los Angeles. In celebration of this exciting launch, Heidi hand delivered the new must-have bra to The Victoria’s Secret at the Grove in her own customized Victoria’s Secret mobile unit. 

I’m sure some of you in LA got a chance to snap photos and take some pictures with her too … did you?

 

 

 Heidi Klum unveils The Perfect One Bra that shapes, supports and smoothes like no other bra in the world. The ‘smart’ cup design features three individual sections which each address a specific problem. It’s the best of 3 bras in one!

The Perfect One bra is $45 and available in a variety of colors and sizes ranging from B-DD.

Bye ..

Betsy Johnson inspired designer nails!

Hi there!

So, my trips back home to Hawaii are always exciting. But, the girly-girl in me always can’t wait to get my nails done, being on vacation and all I thought I’d indulge …

 

 

I’ve been getting a lot of questions and requests on my first post GET YOUR DESIGNER NAILS  … about where to go? and where you can find these nail decorations? So, I’ve decided to post a more in-depth description …

First of all, for those of you who don’t know — these types of nails are HUGE in Japan, pretty much all their nail salons offer this type of service. If you’re on the hunt for a salon your best bet would be Japanese nail salons in your area.

Second, you can’t just order these nails from an online site because it’s ALL hand made – yep, I had to sit there for about an hour and a half, an amazing hour and a half might I add… I wanted something fun, spunky and loud!  Hence, my inspiration:

(Her jewelry and accessories are filled with roses, ribbons and glitz)

I guess you could order the pre-completed set of nails that you would glue on yourself, BUT I personally don’t think they would look natural or last. But then again, let me know if you’ve had other experiences. ..

Lastly, my nails were done by a friend of mine Anri (Salon Cherie) in Honolulu, Hawaii. If you ever visit – you should pay her a visit, she’s really sweet. Some of her other work:

 

 

 

What do you think – would you do it?

♥

Jumeau Bags under the Andramine Label

 ♥ Hi fellow fashion lovers! 

Rebecca from Andramine contacted me with some exciting information about a new collection of bags ….

I want to introduce a new collection of bags called JUMEAU for the fall/winter 2007 season.

Jumeau is young and hip with funky colors and prints, each design comes in at least 3 or 4 colors.

They have four collections:  Click on the titles to take a look at their lookbook…

Institution Collection: is a fusion between form and function. The Institution collection uses “NeauStop” – next generation rip-stop fabric, wrinkle-free with soft exterior. NeauStop makes the bags in this collection virtually indestructible. ($75-$229 Retail)

NowCollection: features designs that are trendy, cutting edge, and progressive. “Now” is an ageless look for anyone who wants to be exciting and in fashion Now.
($55-$99 Retail)

Commando Collection: progressiveseries that goes beyond any limitation. These urban designs give functionality and style for those individuals that are on the go and mean business. The commando collection uses our proprietary and patented “Triple-Dense Nylon” – high density, Extra-strong, extra-light, durable nylon. ($75-$139 Retail)

GreenCollection: The green collection is the style of the future. Focusing on natural materials such as organic cotton, bamboo and natural dyes, this collection takes fashion to an Earth friendly sustainable level. ($75-$229 Retail) 

Check the bags out, and let me know what do you think?  Personally, I like all the pockets and versitility with these bags! 

Thanks Rebecca!

♥