TOMS Sparkle Skulls

I heart anything with skulls...my addiction has started many moons ago with my first McQueen scarf purchase that turned into an extensive collection of scarves and other accessories...

I feel they give an instant edge to whatever piece they are on.

 

My latest purchase is TOMS Sparkle Skulls exclusive for Neiman Marcus. The fushia lining gives it a girly touch while the skulls are screaming LOOK AT US!!!

 

We all know the story behind TOMS: One for One.

 

TOMS will give a pair of shoes to a child in need against your purchase.

 

Look stylish, be comfy and be charitable.

 

I support TOMS wholeheartedly <3

Urban Cinderellas with Cap-Toe Shoes

I heart Gwyneth's turquoise pumps and how they  add instant zing to her otherwise neutral combination.

 

JCrew, Asos and Stuart Weitzman carry more affordable selections if you don't want to break the bank for Manolos, Louboutins or Vuittons :)

Hollywood is obsessed with Christian Louboutin's clear cap-toe stilettos

Would you take Jimmy Choo or Jimmy Choo with your coffee?

Coffee runs get a luxe spin with Jimmy Choo's croc-effect leather cup sleeves.

They can be bought @ net-a-porter



Semi-Precious Jewelry is a Girl's Bestfriend!

Let's talk jewelry...

If you haven't updated your jewelry box in years, and those emer-old pieces are simply opal-ling, er, appalling, it is time to glam up your look.

So today I'd like to share a fun, exciting class with you taught by a fellow image stylist - the wonderful, talented Dina Rudman of Modnitsa Atelier.

I met Dina during my image stylist training at FIT - she is kind, fun, has great style and eye for color and passion for custom jewelry design.

411: Learn how to create unique and beautiful jewelry using Semi-Precious and Precious Stones secured with sterling silver and gold findings. In this 1 hour class, taught by Jewelry Designer and Image Stylist, Dina of Modnitsa Atelier (www.ModnitsaAtelier.com) you will create a pair of earrings or a necklace with up to 20 semi-precious stones.

The deal is on the Living Social Midtown website:

http://livingsocial.com/deals/120615-one-hour-create-your-own-jewelry-class

Please go check her out on  www.ModnitsaAtelier.com/jewelry-design

  to learn more about her jewelry designs.

You can follow her on Twitter as well @Modnitsa

Run, do not walk to Dina's class!

Choke me please! Part Deux!

Assad Mounser - Lady Jane necklace

www.net-a-porter.com 

... Spikes on a choker ...

...The modern/gothic marriage between leather, metal and fluorite ...

I want this!

Choke me please!

Chokers are back and they are nothing like they used to be in the 90s thanks to a combination of mixed metals and intriguing textures.

These necklaces are much more sophisticated and have appeared on many fall runway shows from Vena Cava to YSL.

So go ahead, pull your hair back and rock'em chokers ladies!

P.S. I Want These: Proenza Schouler iPad Cases

Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez have a singular talent for making sure our Proenza Schouler wish-list never stops expanding.

Case in point: the label's new small leather accessories exclusively available as of last Friday on proenzaschouler.com.

So the question is: Ready to switch over to the Mac side?

Tassels

Though you might associate tassels with stuffy furniture trimmings and graduation caps, these slinky ornaments are swiftly becoming one of the season's most important fashion accents! Spotted swishing down the S/S 11 runways at Gucci, Sonia Rykiel, and Louis Vuitton and adorning stylesetters like Blake Lively, Giovanna Battaglia, and Gwyneth Paltrow, these flirty, decorative embellishments are clearly having a moment. And what's not to love? Not only are tassels incredibly versatile—they can be worn as earrings, dangle from your handbag, or lace up your shoes—they also bring a playful energy to your wardrobe basics. Even better: you can find them in array of exciting colors, from shocking neon hues to warm neutral tones, making them an easy-to-wear accent that everyone can enjoy!

Do you have your shoulder bag yet?

The new shoulder bag: Classic in the details yet modern in the attitude!

This season, I really like a nice compact shoulder bag with a pop of color, a long strap and interesting hardware.

Proenza Schouler’s now iconic bags continue to wow me. PS 11 in Kelly Green $1850 - Sold out at Barney's :)

This Kate Spade puts a smile on my face :)

Ever since I first saw the Kate Spade Essex Scout Flap Bag in an advertisement several months ago, I’ve been watching and waiting for it to hit stores so that I could finally blog about it. We may only be 15 days into April, but based on everything that I’ve seen from the season’s contemporary handbag lines , this is the bag on which I’d spend my money if I could only choose one.

My taste usually doesn’t skew toward clean-lined preppy satchels, but something about the traditional simplicity of this bag mixed with the smooth leather and crisp details is very visually satisfying. When you mix that with the optimistic shade of yellow that’s perfect for spring’s brights trend, you have a very cool, very on-trend bag for a price that won’t have you eating ramen until summer gets here. $395 sold at Nordstrom's, Lord&Taylor, Bloomingdale's and of course Kate Spade stores.



Combat Boots - Urban Warriors Unite!

Combat boots aren't only for the androgynous dressers out there!

They also serve as an excellent way to add an unexpected element of edge to femininine pieces such as the sleek pencil skirt on Kate Bosworth below.

If you need to take a break from from the high heeled stilettos and looking for no-nonsense shoes, combat boots may just be the right sensible add-on to your closet.

Accessory Report via WWW: Black Sashes

Though skinny belts are certainly in their prime this spring, they aren't the only waist-hugging option you can incorporate into your wardrobe.

Behold our current obsession du cinch: THE BLACK SASH! No longer relegated to little girls' party dresses or bridal gowns, the black sash is now defining waists on both runway looks and red carpets alike.

Whether it's snugly tied in a small, prim bow or long and loosely knotted, ladies like Eva Mendes and Emmy Rossum are embracing this easy-to-wear accent and we think you should too.

It adds a touch of unfussy attitude to anything it's paired with—whether that's rainbow bright stripes or romantic frocks.

Now, if you're searching for a top-tier runway reference for this sweet accessory trend, look no further than Sonia Rykiel's colorful S/S 11 collection. Rykiel showcased a slew of sashes—specifically, obi-like belts—wrapped around pleated paperbag pants, color-block cardigans, and tops with zippy stripes. The resulting outfit is playful without being overly girly, and decidedly refreshing.

Of course, there are many ways to wear the black sash, most of which do not involve sporty stripes. In fact, the majority of our celebrity examples seem to prefer the sash as an accompaniment to their dressier, print-free looks.

In these instances, the dash of black serves as a palette cleanser, removing some of the sweetness from unabashedly feminine pieces.

For example, last month Emmy Rossum attended a party celebrating Genlux's Winter Issue wearing a head-to-toe DKNY runway look.
Now, imagine that pink ruffled skirt and red blouse without the black accent at the waist—very different right? 'The bow sash is like a perfect frame—it gives definition to the look AND keeps the colorful combo from looking too girly and really elevates the outfit: talk about a high-impact accessory!

Carolyn Murphy used a sash in a similar way a few months ago, when she arrived at a celebration for W magazine's September issue. The supermodel made her peach chiffon dress look a little stronger by adding a short black sash—tied in a jaunty, off-center bow—and black ankle boots for a thoroughly delightful ensemble.

In addition to taming an ultra-feminine frock, a bow-tied sash can also be used to update a retro-inspired piece, as Eva Mendes and Lea Seydoux demonstrated recently.

Mendes attended the 2011 Spirit Award nominations in Hollywood wearing Peter Som's Bouquet Floral Chiffon Dress, which comes with a long sash.

Alone, the floral maxi would have a very '70s bohemian look, but the addition of the statement sash takes the dress out of that specific era and makes it much more contemporary.

Leydoux gave us another great example when she attended the Los Angeles premiere of Somewhere in a '50s-inspired, sleeveless, button-up dress. The combination of the full, flouncy frock and retro ankle-strap heels give off a ladylike charm, but the sash tied in the middle keeps it from feeling saccharine.

Happily, executing this smart dressing idea is a rather simple task. First and foremost, you need a sash. My suggestion: head to American Apparel and pick up The Sash ($16), or try to snag DKNY's Runway Sash Belt ($45) or Halston Heritage's Skinny Sash Belt ($95).

From there, if you're looking to recreate Emmy Rossum's sweet combo for Valentine's Day or just love a fresh pop of color, try pairing Equipment's Hard Feelings Blouse ($175) in Red with either ASOS' Flippy Hem Jersey Mini Skirt ($26) or Kimichi Blue's Full Skirt ($48). Just make sure to tie your sash in a prim bow and shift it to the side to give your look a Rossum-inspired playful finish.

Those of you who love Eva Mendes' take on the trend will want to pick up a floral maxi or two. Our favorites are Lipsy's Lace Trim Floral Maxi Dress ($107) and Rebecca Taylor's Runway Dress ($407); both floor-grazing frocks will take you straight through spring and summer.

Finally, to master Lea Seydoux's retro pick, you should definitely check out Topshop's Cream Spotted Scallop Collar Dress ($55). Simply tie your sash so that it hangs in a loose bow in the center and you'll have nailed this look!

(Photo of Emmy Rossum, courtesy of Getty Images, photo of Caroline Murphy, courtesy of WENN, photo of Lea Seydoux, courtesy of Bauer-Griffin, photo of Sonia Rykiel, courtesy of First View )

Fatto a Mano / DIY Fendi anyone?

~Fendi strongly believes that creativity and the flow of ideas are the Fuel for the Future ~ Silvia Venturini Fendi Accesories Creative Director

"Fatto a Mano" is Italian for "hand crafted." 

I came across Fendi's Baguette Mezzo Punto "half stitch" while browsing through Bergdorf Goodman's Cruise 2010 Magazine (not sure how I missed it the first time around but here it is! ) a few days ago and fell in love with this "concept" bag. It reminds me of kindergarten arts and crafts hour :-)

It's basically a semi-DIY project. The plain canvas baguette comes in a box with needle, thread and diagrams to custom sew the logo or whatever design you wish.

As much fun as this looks like, I have mixed feelings about this concept since HELLOOO!!!! $995 is alot of money to spend on a bag I have to finish myself, and especially if I make a mistake.

However it would surely make one fantastic- albeit super expensive - gift for creative friends who enjoy and excel at arts and crafts!