Category Archives: Fashion
Wrinkle-Free: Madewell Boyjean in Linen Wash
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A classic laid-back style for summer is white linen pants. Perfect for outdoor BBQ’s and days at the beach, linen keeps you cool but it can also turn into a wrinkled-mess.
A great alternative to the usual drawstring linen pant is Madewell’s Boyjean in Linen Wash. These pants are thin, lightweight and comfortable. They will keep you cool all summer and are a great transitional staple for work and play.
Stay crease and wrinkle-free with the linen-alternative.
Crowning Collaboration: Isabel Marant for H&M
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H&M will team up with Isabel Marant for its latest design collaboration. The collection of must-have clothing and accessories inspired by Marant’s signature laid-back Parisian style will be available in 250 stores worldwide as well as online November 14 - and there will be menswear too, which will mark Marant’s first foray into catering for men.
“I am flattered by this collaboration: H&M works with the best designers and this invitation is an exciting honour,” Marant said this morning. “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.”
Let’s just hope it doesn’t sell out before we can get our hands on it…
Fantastic Flat: Splendid Newberry Flat
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Soft, supple suede and cushiony sole, makes Splendid’s Newberry Flat one of my new favorite finds. Available in a multitude of bright colors and everyday neutrals, it is hard to choose just one.
My first purchase, Sand (pictured), pairs well with everything and works well with my work wardrobe. However, I am already contemplating a next purchase in Punch (bright red) and, of course, Black.
This simple ballet flat looks delicate and girly. The suede is so soft I was afraid they would loose structure quickly. However, I am pleasantly surprised that they are holding up so well after very long work weeks.
Finding a simple, comfortable flat is not as easy as it looks. These fulfill all your basic everyday needs, wrapped up in a simple and elegant design. Try them – let me know what you think.
5 Favorites: Maxi Dress
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The best item to have in your closet for a “what to wear” moment – the maxi dress. This versatile item is an all-in-one ensemble that works for almost any occasion. From bright colors and bold prints to strong slits and cinched waists – there is a maxi out there for everyone. Here are a few of my favorite finds:
Monrow ~ T Back Racer V Tank Dress: $76.00
Rebecca Taylor ~ Paisley Gown: $395.00
BCBGeneration ~ Slit Maxi Dress: $101.99
Raquel Allegra ~ Tie-Dye Silk Maxi: $680.00
Splendid ~ Always Hi Lo Maxi Dress: $118.00
Currently Coveting: Céline Trio Crossbody Bag
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Currently Coveting:
Céline Trio Crossbody Bag
No explanation needed…
The Classics: J Brand Black Skinny
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Like fine wine, the J Brand Black Skinny only gets better with age. Known for both comfort and style, J Brand (btw: ‘J’ stands for Jeff – Jeff Rudes owner) creates great basics that last. The J Brand Black Skinny is the only black skinny I may ever buy. No fading and no stretching – this classic should be a staple in every woman’s closet.
Bored of black denim? Reinvent your day-to-day classics. If you have exhausted all combinations in your closet – mix-it-up with a great shoe or accessory. Try a colorful or embellished flat or rugged ankle boot. However, if you are not six feet tall, ankle boots can be tricky. Paired with skinny jeans they can make you look stumpy. The key to wearing ankle boots with skinny jeans is to create a continuous line. This means wearing dark rinse blue jeans with black ankle boots, or black jeans with a dark gray pair of ankle boots. The colors do not have to match exactly, but should be close enough that there’s no significant break when one ends and the other begins.
Keep it classic and style your J Brand Skinnies with sophisticated black and white pieces. Always on trend and deceptively simple, the black and white combination looks polished and fresh.
When it comes to the classics, investing in great pieces makes a world of difference. These J Brand Skinnies will outlast the next three pairs of less expensive versions bought. Save yourself the time and headache and buy the best.
Five Favorites: Peasant Top
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Peasant tops are are great transitioning piece from cold to warm weather. Available in basic neutrals or super bright colors – these tops are both relaxed and casual.
Slip into a breezy peasant top and pair with your favorite denim, white and/or colored. Equally cute with shorts and skirts, marry the look with some ankle boots and a floppy hat. Peasant tops also make a great beach coverup.
Designers continue to offer peasants tops in many styles but the one constant is their flowy and breezy nature. Appealing to all body types, this top will work hard in your closet all-year-long.
Here are five favorites:
Joie ~ Meliana Embroidered Gauze Blouse: $198.00
Urban Outfitters ~ Ecote Split Back Embroidered Tank Top: $49.00
Anthropologie ~ Embroidered Aureolin Tunic: $98.00
Urban Outfitters ~ Embroidered Bazaar Cami: $54.00
Free People ~ Rolling Stone Woven Top: $118.00
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
Festival Fashion Favorites
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From Coachella to Bonnaroo, festival season is in full swing. If you’ve ever wanted to try-out crop tops, flower crowns, flowing maxis and fringy frocks this is the time (and maybe all at once). These festivals are just as much about the fashion as it is about the talent on stage. Here are a few of my favorite festival looks:
Mara Hoffman ~ Psychic Readings Maxi Dress: $242.00
Étoile Isabel Marant ~ Salome Printed Cotton Shorts: $225.00
Free People ~ Convertable Romper: $98.00
KSUBI ~ Alberceque Distressed Denim Shorts: $180.00
Free People ~ FP ONE Imperial Palm Pintuck Dress: $118.00
Spring Shoe: Single Strap
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Showcased in many Spring and Fall runways is the single strap heel. Also known as the ankle strap, these shoes are classic, simple and chic.
The ankle strap heel can be found in a multitude of variations. From chunky heels to ornate details, this strappy heel is super versatile and wearable.
I love the simplicity of the single strap. Even in bold and bright colors, the design is classic. This shoe can be worn with everything. Great when wanting to show-off some leg, the small detail makes any pair of shoes slightly more flattering. The strap draws attention to the ankle, the thinnest part of the leg. Thinner = longer in this equation.
Available in a wide array of colors and styles, here are a few of my favorite single strap heels:
Alexander Wang ~ Antonia Sandal: $495.00
Manolo Blahnik ~ Chaos Cuff Sandal: $695.00
Prabal Gurung for Target ~ Ankle Strap Pump: $39.99
ASOS ~ Hollywood Heeled Sandals: $69.83
Casual Khaki: The Boyfriend Chino
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A great alternative to jeans is the slouchy boyfriend chino. This versatile style pant lives in a casual environment but with a few fancy basics can also be spruced up.
I love these pants ‘banged-up’ a bit. With some distress, worn spots and/or small holes – they look ‘lived-in’ and not as stiff/starchy.
Casual pairings are a cinch, as you can wear with anything – similar to denim. Dress-up your boyfriend chinos with fancy basics: beaded top, black blazer, sky-high pump.
Available in all colors and prints (camo!), here are a few favorites:
AG Adriano Goldschmied ~ Cropped Boyfriend Khaki Pants: $205.00
Vince ~ Boyfriend Trousers: $195.00
Current/Elliott ~ ‘The Buddy’ Print Twill Trousers: $238.00
Rag and Bone ~ Portobello Pants: $176.00
Old Navy ~ Boyfriend Skinny Khakis: $29.94
Fashion Favorites: Paris Fashion Week Fall 2013
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A few of my favorite fashions from Paris Fashion Week Fall 2013 Ready-To-Wear:
Valentino, Chloé, Isabel Marant, Dior, Céline
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.
Spring in your Step: Floral Pump
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Add a little Spring to your step with the floral pump. An easy way to add color and style, this Spring trend will pair well with anything from edgy leather pieces to everyday essentials.
Mixing prints can be tricky. With this pump, mastering the mix is easy. Pair with any pattern in similar color families. Mix your florals with stripes, polka dots, graphics and/or animal prints and you are well on your way to one stellar mash-up.
Manolo Blahnik ~ BB Pump: $645.00
Alice + Olivia ~ Danny Pump: $295.00
Ivanka Trump ~ Kayden 2 Pump: $130.00
Guess ~ Neodan 5 Pump: $99.00
Fashion Favorites: NYFW Fall 2013
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New York Fashion Week Fall 2013 Ready-To-Wear was bursting with leather and fur. From leather leg warmers at Phillip Lim 3.1 to fox fur wraps at Marc Jacobs, I am thinking PETA was working overtime this week. The runways featured amazing outerwear embracing mohair, fur collars and leather detail. Here are a few of my favorite looks from NYFW Fall 2013: BCBG Max Azria/Diane von Furstenberg/Oscar de la Renta/Reed Krakoff/Rachel Zoe
Five Favorites: Valentine’s Day
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This Valentine’s Day wear an outfit that creates confidence and makes you feel good. Whether you are going for a casual look, sweet or sexy, the best accessory to any outfit is confidence.
Build this confidence with color, shape or style. Wear a bright/bold color or flaunt your favorite body part – let your personal style shine through.
Here are a few favorite “confidence builders”:
Tibi ~ Silk Faille Full Skirt: $525.00
Splendid ~ Stretch Cotton & Modal-Blend Jersey Maxi Dress: $118.00
Faith Connextion ~ Mixed Sequin Dress: $870.00
Mango ~ Suede Dress: $119.99
Diane von Furstenberg ~ Mateo Silk-Blend Wrap-Effect Dress: $365.00
Spring Essentials: Mint Green
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Just like flowers, pastels return each Spring in unique and modern ways. I am currently loving the mint green color palette. Rich with spearmint tones, icy blues and seafoam-soaked color. This cool-tone brings a refreshing twist to Spring’s pastel trend.
Paired with the right colors, this bluish-green color palette can be quite versatile. Try a cool contrast with basic neutrals or bolder color combinations with bright orange, red and royal blue.
Make everyone green with envy with these Spring Essentials:
Hive & Honey ~ Double Layer Knit Maxi: $59.00
BCBGMAXAZRIA ~ Elena Silk V-Neck Top: $158.00
Alice + Olicia ~ Victoria Peplum Dress: $264.00
Current/Elliott ~ Skinny Ankle Jeans: $178.00
Rebecca Minkoff ~ The Becky Jacket: $368.00
Party On-The-Go: Rebecca Minkoff for Stellé Audio Clutch
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In an exclusive and limited-edition collaboration with Stellé Audio Couture, Rebecca Minkoff ‘s Audio Clutch brings the “party on-the-go.” From the outside, these clutches look like a typical Minkoff, however, open to find a built-in portable speaker system housed inside. Hook up your cell phone or music device wirelessly via Bluetooth, and play your music or even hold a conversation directly from the same pocket as your lipstick. With a 50 ft range and 15 hour battery-life, these clutches are literally bring the party wherever you go.
The brand debuted the Audio Clutch at NYFW and is now available to the public HERE.
Rebecca Minkoff x Stellé Audio Couture:
I am truly excited to design this collection with Stellé Audio Couture. Their vision for building beautiful, premium consumer electronics aimed at fashionable females is so refreshing and innovative. It’s the perfect collaboration for me to expand my label into electronics without sacrificing my signature design aesthetic in any way and I look forward to seeing our audio Clutch on the runway.
