Category Archives: Accessories
Anticipation: Isabel Marant pour H&M
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The anticipation is building as the eagerly awaited Isabel Marant collection for H&M draws nearer. As we all know, Parisian designer Isabel Marant has teamed up with H&M to create this autumn/winter designer collection featuring clothing as well as accessories for women, men and teenagers.
“I aim to create something real, that women want to wear in their everyday lives, with a certain carelessness, which I think is very Parisian: you dress up, but do not pay too much attention and still look sexy. The collection is infused with this kind of easiness and attitude. Everything can be mixed following one’s own instincts: my take on fashion is all about personality” say Isabel Marant. The collection is available from November 14th 2013 in H&M 250 stores worldwide.
Unpredictable: Sass & Bide
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sass & bide is the namesake label of Sarah- Jane Clarke (sass) & Heidi Middleton (bide). A former accountant and advertising art director, the label offers a full range of women’s ready to wear, denim & accouterment collections. Bold yet free-spirited, you can always find unique pieces in their collections.
The In Love With Romance Snake Chain Harness is a good example. Full bodied jewelry that can be worn over tees, dresses and jackets. Novel and unpredictable, the label is awfully fun to follow.
Ornately Oversized: Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent Banker’s Oversized Clutch
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While searching for an oversized clutch, I stumbled upon this beauty by Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent. The Banker’s Oversized Clutch has an eclectic charm. Subtle details like leather trim and gold grommets give the clutch a touch of luxury – while the ikat print plays of the designer’s bohemian style.
This clutch can fit everything from your everyday essentials to electronic devices. The flat panel opens to a satin-lined tie-dye print and large, zipper side pockets. This versatile clutch can be taken on a night out or complement all essentials for travel.
Brand Bravado: LemLem
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lemlem:
n. 1) hand made in Ethiopia from natural cotton.
v. 2) [Amharic] bloom, flourish.
3) [history] Since ancient times in the land of the Queen of Sheba, the Ethiopian people have adorned themselves in beautiful hand woven and hand embroidered clothing. The hand spinning of cotton and intricate embroidery was the work of women while the hand weaving was done mainly by men. It is there wish to bring to you an incredible handwork and help preserve this ancient art form by creating opportunities for the Artisans.
Supermodel / actress and former World Health Organization’s Goodwill Ambassador for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health, Liya Kebede discovered that traditional weavers in her native country of Ethiopia were losing their jobs due to a decline in local demand for their goods and wanted to do something about it. Recognizing the beauty, quality and historic significance of their work, Liya started Lemlem in 2007 as a way to inspire economic independence in her native country and to preserve the art of weaving.
Today, Lemlem, which means to flourish or bloom in Amharic, is thriving. All pieces are handcrafted in women’s and children’s clothing and raise awareness to improve the health of mothers and children in developing countries.
LemLem Elsa Short – $140.00
LemLem Konjo Hooded Tunic – $238.00
LemLem Beach Blanket – $170.00
LemLem Teddy Tunic – $225.00
LemLem Walsh Sarong/Scarf – $140.00
Unrequited Love: Tassel Jewelry
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A more playful take on statement jewelry has been popping up in the form of swingy tassel earrings, bracelets and necklaces. The global-inspired look is available in a multitude of colors, lengths and styles. From colorful bracelets and shoulder-grazing danglers to simple rope pendants, finding a piece of tassel jewelry to fit your style and budget is a cinch. Here are a few favorites.
1. Isabel Marant: Asphalt Cowboy Necklace: $342.00
2. Max & Chloe: Ali NY Silver Traveler Tassel Earrings: $60.00
3. Lucy Folk: Jasmine Flower Braided Bracelets: $72.00
4. Max & Chloe: Ali NY Gold City Tassel Belcher Bracelet: $70.00
5. J.Crew: Double-Tassel Necklace: $62.00
Currently Coveting: Isabel Marant Linda
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Currently Coveting: Isabel Marant Linda Studded Leather Shoulder Bag
Inspired by Elvis, the Linda bag is embellished in multicolored studs, grommets and Swarovski crystals. Designed in leather and suede, this bag is beautifully structured and keeps with Marant’s western cowgirl theme from SS13 runway. Not to mention… my perfect summer bag.
Festival Accessories: Free People
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Nobody can get you festival-ready like Free People. The uber-boho brand exemplifies true festival style.
Try stomping around the fairground in rugged ombre leather boots, decking out your arms in bangles, or trying-out some bohemian headgear.
No need to scour the web with this one-stop-shop. Here are a few of my favorite festival accessories from Free People:
Keaton Sunglasses: $18.00
Zig Zag Banded Panama: $38.00
Printed Widebands: $18.00
Dipped Phoenix Boot: $398.00
Avery Sandal: $85.00
Alex Convertable Backpack: $258.00
Hard Bangle Set: $28.00
La Luna Ring: $113.00
Marisa Haskell Leather Fringe Breastplate: $188.00
How To: Headscarf
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Headscarves have been a staple in fashion for decades, and it’s easy to see why. They protect hair, cover a variety of styling sins, look chic and are a great alternative to a hat.
One can create numerous styles with a single scarf: turban, bohemian, retro, rocker. Find your favorite look and add some flavor to your next ensemble.
Tying a headscarf requires practice and patience – it never seems to go right the first time. Follow these great diagrams to find your favorite style:
- Headband Style – A simple style that can look sweet or bold. Fold square diagonally into a triangle. Roll scarf from long edge of triangle end towards the tip of the triangle so it becomes a long thick rectangular band. Flip hair upside and place center of band at forehead. Tie a square knot under hair at the top of the neck. Pull long edges of scarf from back of neck to hang in front. Vary the thickness and placement of the band for different looks.
- Retro Style – A glamorous style paired with big sunglasses. Fold square diagonally into a triangle. Place center of long edge of triangle just above hairline. Cross the ends of the scarf under chin. Bring ends around to back of neck loosely and tie together.
- Bohemian Style – Channel your inner-gypsy and pair with big voluminous beach hair. Fold square diagonally into a triangle. Place center of long edge of triangle at middle of forehead. Bring edges of triangle around to back tightly and tie.
Standout Shades: Karen Walker
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Karen Walker has been known for cutting-edge designs since 1988. The New Zealand-based designer applies the same imagination and drama to her eyewear as she does her fashion. With frames dressed up in bold tortoise shell, rainbow-bright hues, unconventional and oversized silhouettes – her eyewear wears as works of art.
Spring Favorites:
Atomic: $349.00
Northern Lights: $349.00
Deep Freeze Crazy Tortoise: $329.00
Orbit Clear: $349.00
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ABOUT KAREN WALKER
Karen Walker is best known for collections that are original, unpretentious and always optimistic.
Karen Walker collections are high casual, elevated with a signature love of print and colour. The reoccurring theme is juxtaposition of opposites — masculine and feminine, tailored and street, luxury and non-luxury, dark and super-cute.
The label has been described by the U.K.’s Independent newspaper as being “The kind of look that provides a means of appearing cool but not trying-too-hard, cute but not saccharine, alternative but not self consciously so.”
In addition to the main women’s-wear collections there is also Karen Walker Jewellery, Karen Walker Eyewear, Karen Walker Homeware, Karen Walker Paints and a series of collaborations including Beau Coops for Karen Walker footwear.
There is also a diffusion line, Hi There from Karen Walker, available exclusively in the United States through Anthropologie and in Australia through Myer.
Phaidon have included Karen Walker in their recent book ‘Sample’ which curates the 100 most influential designers to emerge in the last 6 years. Taschen have also included Karen Walker in their book ‘Fashion Now 2’ which highlights the world’s most important 160 designers as selected by i-D magazine.
Karen Walker product is available in over 30 countries, and 200 cities worldwide. The collections can be found in specialty shops, department stores and leading online boutiques. There are also five Karen Walker flagship stores in New Zealand.
Karen Walker is part of the group behind The Department Store in Auckland, New Zealand. The Department Store is a modern take on the traditional department store that includes a Karen Walker boutique alongside the country’s best fashion, beauty, lifestyle and food.
Karen Walker has garnered a fan base of stylish women including Anne Hathaway, Alexa Chung, Florence Welch, Zooey Deschanel and Rihanna.
Karen lives in New Zealand with her husband Mikhail and her daughter Valentina.
Gifting: Kate Spade
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It doesn’t get much better than Kate Spade’s Holiday Gift Guide. Quirky and adorable, these items will put a smile on anyone’s face. Gift ideas at every price range, purchase your last minute treasures and trinkets now.
Spot On: Polka Dots
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Perk up a drab wardrobe with some polka-dots. The playful pattern is flirty, retro, whimsical and befitting at any age.
The classic style has evolved from Minnie Mouse to runways and red-carpets. It’s a style for all seasons, simply because it exudes an undeniably youthful flair, and yet remains an incredibly timeless option for women of all ages. Since the pattern is not restricted to one size, these pieces can be bold and vibrant or soft and subtle. The design adds texture to any ensemble and can be worn in a dramatic or casual fashion. Mix and match with other quirky patterns and prints for a bit of drama or use as the focal piece for casual style. Embrace the spotty trend this season and seasons to come with polka dots.
Spotted… a few of my favorite pieces:
JCrew ~ Polka Dot Dress: $198.00
Madewell ~ Dotted Chambray Boyshirt: $72.00
Madewell ~ Calf Hair Polka Dot Belt: $48.00
Mango ~ TOUCH Polka-Dot Wool Foulard: $69.99
JCrew ~ Polka-Dot Cashmere Sweater: $268.00
Comme des Garçons ~ Polka-Dot Leather Coin Purse: $155.00
Miu Miu ~ Sandali Polka Dot Cotton Sandals: $495.00
Open Ceremony ~ Shirley Polka Dot Haircalf Booties: $506.00
Paige Denim ~ Verdugo Ultra Skinny (selection of colors): $189.00
ModCloth ~ Dash of Dots Tights: $14.99
Shop For The Cure: Breast Cancer Awareness
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In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, shop to support the cause that affects about one in eight women in the U.S. Do your part by purchasing items that give back to the cause. Hundreds of brands and stores offer exclusive items and/or percentage of total purchase – so get out there and shop. Here are a few of my favorite items:
AG Jeans ~ The Keep A Breast Stilt – $159.00
* Made using processes free of toxic or cancer-causing chemicals, 20% of proceeds support The Keep A Breast Foundation’s™ breast cancer prevention and education programs.
DANNIJO ~ Breast Cancer Awareness Vika Bracelet – $198.00
* A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this piece will be donated to The Pink Agenda.
Coach ~ Madison Chain Wristlet – $68.00
* 20% of proceeds are donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Jennifer Meyer ~ Stand Up To Cancer ‘The Star’ – $1,375.00
* ALL net proceeds go to Stand Up To Cancer.
BCBGMAXAZRIA ~ Susan G. Komen Courage Sunglasses – $98.00
* Twenty percent of retail sales from each pair will be donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, with a guaranteed minimum donation of $25,000.
Cosabella ~ Bellissima Underwire Bra – $96.50
* 20% of proceeds are donated to Bra-ha-ha, an organization that promotes and raises awareness about breast health.
Nine West ~ Runway Relief Bootie – $149.00
* For the third consecutive year, Nine West is partnering with the CFDA to raise awareness and donations for Fashion Targets Breast Cancer (FTBC). Each step models take off the runway during Fashion Week equals a monetary donation from Nine West to FTBC.