Posts Tagged ‘Accessories’
Trending: Structured Duffels
Monday, March 28th, 2011
The right handbag is like Mr. Right. It’s always by your side when you need it, and it offers the perfect amount of arm candy. This season, structured duffel bags are quite the catch. Their classic, refined form mixes with 2010′s hottest trends (à la bold hues, patterns and embellishments) to create a fresh look that’s on mark with what fashionistas look for in a new bag. While this satchel’s shape may be reminiscent of a your grandpa’s bowling bag, its wide-set shape and top-zip closure translates into a spacious carry-all that’s easy to tote–and impossibly chic.
And the best part? All the bags below can be worn with just about any outfit imaginable.
Clockwise from upper left:
1. Alexander Wang “Rocco” satchel ($875)
2. Chloe “Aurore” leather duffle bag ($1,800; net-a-porter.com)
3. Bric’s micro-suede satchel ($242; forzieri.com)
4. Furla “D Light” bag ($180)
5. Zara oversized bowling bag ($169)
6. Rebecca Minkoff “Navajo Stud Flame” bag ($425)
By Meghan Turner
Images courtesy of Alexander Wang, net-a-porter.com, forzieri.com, Rebecca Minkoff, Zara and Furla
Tags: Accessories, Alexander Wang, Bric's, Chloé, forzieri.com, Furla, Handbags, net-a-porter.com, Rebecca Minkoff, Trends, Zara
Posted in StyleBlog | No Comments »
Simple Fabulous: jules. Blue Kyanite Necklace
Sunday, March 27th, 2011
When mixed together, organic and glamor create a dynamic combo that gives jewelry an unpretentious yet ritzy feel. This blue kyanite necklace by Chicago designer jules. nails it.
Tags: Accessories, Chicago Jewelry Designers, Jules, Necklaces
Posted in Simply Fabulous | No Comments »
Exclusive Interview with Alexis Bittar
Tuesday, March 15th, 2011
If you’re an accessory aficionado, Alexis Bittar is on your radar. Each of his designs is a statement piece of individual splendor, and last week, we had the extraordinary honor of chatting with him at an exclusive Saks Fifth Avenue event. We walked in and amongst the runway seats and audience stood two tables–and later models–adorned with lavish bounty: Alexis Bittar’s Spring 2011 collections. We saw ocean-inspired necklaces, colorful leopard prints and bejeweled masterpieces, all designed to wow.
There were three collections for spring, each with their own personality: “Lucite,” “Elements” and “Miss Havisham.” The three all had their own texture, material preference and vibrancy that appeal to three style aesthetics. However, they all hold one thing in common: personality. These pieces are not for the feeble-minded. They’re for the fashionably brave who wish to use the industry for what it’s intended to do: impress and stand out.
Here’s what the jewelry master had to say:
SA: How is the Spring 2011 collection different from your others?
AB: Well, I designed three collections, so its is a medley. Each one of them has a distinct personality. I think in general there’s this kind of [motivation] to try new textures and metals, and overall, there was a fantasy.
SA: Do you have a favorite piece or set within the collections?
AB: Sophie’s choice! There’s a bunch in there. I love the pearl collar necklace. I love the woven turquoise collar, which is all hand-done. There’s a ‘80s graffiti print that’s also really amazing.
SA: Do you have a muse?
AB: It’s tricky because again I have three collections, so each one has a muse. I try to mix it up in terms of personality. I’m good friends with Iris Apfel. She’s more mature…almost 90, and they did a whole exhibit about her at the MET. She’s got such a great personality, and she’s a fashion icon. She has great individual taste. Also…Debbie Harry. I like people who have personality, who aren’t wallflowers. I feel like if you’re going to do fashion, then at least have fun.
SA: Why did you choose Lauren Hutton for the spring ad campaign?
AB: It’s funny because when I first started to design, I was selling jewelry on the streets of New York. I remember Lauren actually coming to my table when I was 19 years old. I feel like today Lauren resembles a mother of where fashion is going this season in terms of what Chloe and Celine are doing: This very clean, very ‘70s aesthetic. When you find a face that’s iconic and of substance, sometimes that comes with age. To have an iconic face, you have to be around for a while. There’s something in the maturity of her face. She’s a strong woman. She’s my date to the MET Ball!
SA: How do you feel like your designs have evolved since setting up a table on the streets of New York? Do you feel your work still holds the same personality it did then?
AB: Definitely! I’m fortunate I’ve got a team of 12 people on the design team, and 300 total. So, I’m able to design more and more frequently. I have the privilege that I can design what I’m inspired by. For example, for fall, I’m designing this pendent that says, “Reality TV Makes Me Sad.” It’s been 20 years, but I’m much more detail oriented now. I understand the consumer better. I feel like with the older I get, the better I understand what women want.
SA: Do you have any jewelry trends you are particularly excited about for spring?
AB: I like the clean metal pieces. Also, the trend toward this multi-ethnic, eclectic feeling. I feel like mixing that up is a strong look.
SA: Can you give us fall sneak peak?
AB: For fall, I worked again with Jason Wu to design his collection. We went into this baroque, Gothic, Tim Burton look, while still being very chic. We just showed it in Paris!
SA: You were really big into the New York party scene. What of that do you see in your work today?
AB: A lot. I was going to clubs when I was 13. I feel like the whole energy of it is to have fun, and a little bit of shock. You want to keep people on their feet. Fashion shouldn’t be boring.
We couldn’t agree more.
By Meghan Turner
Interview conducted by Meghan Turner and Maia McGinley
Images: Gold ring ($325); Turquoise and varasite collar ($495); Leopard bracelet ($375) courtesy of Alexis Bittar
Tags: Accessories, Alexis Bittar, Chicago Fashion, Chicago Fashion Events, Chicago Runway Show, Jewelry, Saks Fifth Avenue
Posted in StyleBlog | No Comments »
Simply Fabulous: Alexander Wang x Linda Farrow Shades
Sunday, March 13th, 2011
To commemorate daylight savings and the extended rays of spring, we’re looking for our next pair of sunnies. These Alexander Wang x Linda Farrow zipper motif sunglasses ($389; gargyle.com) will be hard to take off.
Tags: Accessories, Alexander Wang x Linda Farrow, garglye.com, Sunglasses
Posted in Simply Fabulous | No Comments »
Simply Fabulous: Ballin Feather Sandal
Sunday, March 6th, 2011
Ever need that extra bit of oomph to take your little black dress from pretty to wow? These Ballin feather and jewel sandals ($928; farfetch.com) will do the trick!
Tags: Accessories, Ballin, farfetch.com, Shoes
Posted in Simply Fabulous | No Comments »
Simply Fabulous: MCebrat Collar Necklace
Monday, February 21st, 2011
Chicago jewelry designer MCebrat‘s crystal-bead and leather collar necklace ($640) will amp up a basic tee, structured blazer or LDB.
Tags: Accessories, Chicago Designer, Chicago Fashion, MCebrat, Necklace
Posted in Simply Fabulous | No Comments »
On Point
Tuesday, February 15th, 2011
I never thought I’d support a revival of the pointy-toe shoe, but after years of round shapes and months of clunky boots, this classic style couldn’t be more refreshing. Unlike most footwear trends that rotate out of the closet after a season or two, the right pair of pumps are an investment that will reemerge for decades. Why? They’re timeless, versatile and loved by woman of all ages.
Basically, pointy-toe pumps equip us shoe collectors with all the practical reasons to justify coming home with another box of Manolos. Pointy toes transition from season to season, and more importantly for modern ladies, from day to night. There’re an array of styles–from d’Orsay stilettos to unconventional straps to kitten heels–that suit every occasion and taste. Whether your style is classic, edgy, glam or preppy, and you’re headed to work, date or cocktail reception, you’ll delight in all the pointy styles available for spring.
Practicality aside, though, there’s another reason these shoes are a must have: attitude. Ladylike yet fierce, these heels have a way of saying, “I’m sweet and classy, but get the hell out of my way.” Ranging from conservative ‘50s styles to full-out mod, pointy toes can tone down or amp up a look with their leg-lengthening silhouette, eye-catching embellishments, austere cuts and slew of delicious colors.
Simply choose one (or two, or three…) of the hundreds styles and pair it with cocktail dresses, pencil skirts, tapered trousers, boyfriend jeans, miniskirts, et al. One can’t deny the resurgence of this timeless trend is one chic, fashionably versatile move that allows us to accent just about any outfit with pointy toes. This spring, I think you’ll all join me by saying, “Welcome back, pointy-toe pumps!”
Clockwise from upper left:
1. Schutz lavender suede pump ($214; shopbop.com). The chicest pump for spring. Understated enough for work, pretty enough for tea and fierce enough for drinks.
2. Kate Spade “Licorice” pump ($285; Shirise; 341 Park Avenue, Glencoe, IL). Basic, black and just plain sexy.
3. Valentino studded lace ankle wrap pump ($995; Neiman Marcus). Edgy and fearless. This shoe is not what you would expect from a comfortable and surprisingly versatile shoe.
4. Blue pointed pump ($90; Zara). There’s a reason Elvis wrote a song about blue suede shoes. Colorful, fun and a perfect pick-me-up to cure the winter doldrums.
5. Giuseppe Zanotti red patent leather “V” strap pump ($550; Saks Fifth Avenue). Va-va-voom! Femme fatale at its best.
6. Christian Louboutin “Pigalili 120 mm” ($3,545; Christian Louboutin). The power to stop ‘em dead in their tracks. Literally.
7. Messeca “Jesenia” pump ($110; Pump Shoes and Accessories; 1659 W Division Street). Add some swing to your swagger with these show-stoppers.
8. Topshop “Glitz Bow Point Court Shoe” ($125; Topshop). Conservative for the office, but fashion-forward for the weekend.
By Maia McGinley
Images courtesy of shopbop.com, Kate Spade, Neiman Marcus, Zara, Saks Fifth Avenue, Christian Louboutin, Pump Shoes and Accessories, and Topshop
Tags: Accessories, Chicago Boutiques, Chicago Fashion, Christian Louboutin, Giuseppe Zanotti, Heels, Kate Spade, Messeca, Neiman Marcus, Pump Shoes and Accessories, Saks Fifth Avenue, Schultz, Shoes, shopbop.com, Topshop, Trends, Valentino, Zara
Posted in Features | 1 Comment »
Simply Fabulous: Marc Jacobs Taupe Shoulder Bag
Monday, February 14th, 2011
This oversized “Julie” shoulder bag by Marc Jacobs ($1,250; net-a-porter.com) flaunts a classic shape in the perfect shade of taupe. The chain straps and tassel embellishment cap off this feminine accessory.
Tags: Accessories, Handbags, Marc Jacobs, net-a-porter.com
Posted in Simply Fabulous | No Comments »
Simply Fabulous: House of Harlow Necklace
Thursday, February 3rd, 2011
An accessory I love and own myself, this tribal necklace by House of Harlow is only $60 on Gilt Groupe today! It’s graphic, versatile and embellished with luxe details.
Tags: Accessories, Gilt Groupe, House of Harlow, Necklace
Posted in Simply Fabulous | No Comments »
Simply Fabulous: Fallon Spike Ring
Tuesday, January 25th, 2011
Definitely an eye-catcher, this Swarovski crystal and gold spiked ring by Fallon ($120; fallonjewelry.com) will separate itself to the other rings in your jewelry box.
Tags: Accessories, Fallon, Jewelry, Ring
Posted in Simply Fabulous | No Comments »
Connect With Us
