Articles of Clothing

Label Watch: Winter Kate by Nicole Richie

Alright, so now that Nicole Richie has totally cleaned up her act (aka she's not strung out on heroin and hanging out with Paris Hilton all the time)... I have grown to love and admire her fashion and personal style.  

She started off by designing Jewelry for her House of Harlow line - which is vintage inspired and reasonably priced --- and just announced her new clothing line: Winter Kate.  (I wonder if it is inspired a little bit by my ultimate style icon ~ Kate Moss.)

Not sure how I feel about the line so far... it's definitely bohemian, vintage inspired, but I am not too down with prints.

Winter Kate Opy Jacket $215

 

There are only a few pieces in the collection so far - but I am sure that she will be adding more signature pieces from her own wardrobe.  Check out more looks here.

I did go ahead and put this House of Harlow Cocktail ring into my shopping cart though :)  I've been collecting Key Jewelry since my days in college so I had to have this.

House of Harlow Gold Key Cocktail Ring $45

Label Watch: Balenciaga Sahara Handbags

It's that time of year again - where it's time to find the perfect handbag for Spring.  OK OK, that really was just another excuse...since I was basically looking to expand my handbag collection.  

I was already dreaming about the perfect nude/ tan handbag for Spring;  So when I got an e-mail over the weekend from Barney's introducing the new Sahara color handbags from Balenciaga, I, of course, took that as a sign.   Simon Doonan was telling me to immediately get one in my closet, like right now.

 This is my top pick: The Balenciaga Giant City Handbag (a lot of working fashionistas that I know swear by the WORK size - but it's a little bit too oversized for me and doesn't come with a shoulder strap which really comes in handy while walking the dog, juggling groceries, taking the Muni).

I am typically not a fan of the giant hardware (the only bag in my current collection is the black city with the classic hardware) - but I DO think the Silver Giant hardware compliments the Sahara color perfectly and doesn't look like giant nipples, madonna cone boobs, thimbles, etc.  My only concern is how to keep this bag clean and protect it. <3

Buy online at Balenciaga.com - Giant City Handbag $1,695
  

I think Barney's New York is also carrying this new style by Balenciaga exclusively called the ARENA GIANT COVERED VELO (I could be lying but I haven't seen them on the official website or in stores anywhere else). 

The size is a little bigger than the CITY but smaller than the WORK - and it features an extra long shoulder strap so it can be slung across the body like a messenger bag.

 
 Buy online at Barney's New York - Balenciaga Arena Giant Covered Velo $1,795

Label Watch: Gryphon New York

I've seen Gryphon at high end department stores and designer boutiques - but never knew much about the history of the label.  Interestingly enough, the label was started by a woman named, Aimee Cho (woot woot), who was a former fashion editor at Vogue turned designer.  (This basically sounds like my life dream come true, what a bitch!  Just kidding).

The label was founded off a closet staple: the iconic trench coat (hmmm sounds a little familiar, ahem, Burberry) and branched out to include everything from edgy tees to romantic frocks!

Check out some looks by Gryphon on my favorite fashion search engine: Shopstyle.com

 

 

OK TRUTH - I am totally busted.  What inspired this post today?  Well I made the mistake of logging into Gilt Groupe and was lucky enough to put this little number in my cart!  It originally retails for $450 and I actually used an old credit so all I had to pay was $12 measly dollars for shipping!  Woo Hoo!

I am loving the little print - which you cannot see in the picture but they are actually teeny tiny minature hearts.  I am going to pair with the Stuart Weitzman huggie booties and pair with sheer black tights with pin dots ala Balenciaga Autumn/Winter 2009-10 line.

Label Watch: Wilt

I am loving these flowy, comfortable, yet stylish cotton tops from Wilt.  I cannot find too much information about this label even with a quick google search - but I know that I am falling for these tees!  Even better - machine washable - maybe the worst thing about buying a high end t-shirt is discovering that it has to be dry cleaned... 

  

This one is semi sheer - but I just layer it over a black or tan tank top and that usually does the trick.  Or hey, be risky and rock the bra under sheer shirt look.  I for one am not that adventurous!

 Note: These Tees are a little bit over-sized so I would recommending sizing down if you are petite/ on the shorter side.

Wilt Hi Lo Tunic with Long Sleeves $108 

 

 

I LOVE the pairing of this swingy grey tank with black distressed skinny's.  I know the price tag is steep on these basics (when did t-shirts get above $50 and jeans start at $200?) - but I think the cost per wear will definitely make up for it.  They are great layering pieces and can be dressed up or down with a few accessories.

Wilt Hi Lo Tank $86

Label Watch: Pencey

I am totally loving these relaxed - girly looks from break out label: Pencey!  I do not know very much about this designer... but I am loving all their tee's, tops, leggings, and take on faux fur this season.

 

Here are some wallet friendly ways to test out this trendy look.  I saw these Pencey inspired tops and raglan crew necks at Forever21.com for a fraction of the price.   I was trying my best to boycott Forever 21 (getting my bargains online from designer sample sales and the retails stores like Nordstrom Rack and Loehmann's) but for funky pieces - I think I must admit that F21 still reigns supreme.

  

Forever 21 Darling Sue Knit Top $19.80

(This is a dead ringer for the Pencey Top at a fraction of the price)

This one just looks uber comfortable!

Forever 21 Striped Pullover $17.80
  

 

Label Watch: Dolce Vita Booties

I am really obsessed with these studded booties from Dolce Vita! I literally hear "and they called it puuuupppy looooveee" everytime that I look at them! They are just so rocker cool and funky with the studded hardware... and I love the neutral taupe color.

They also come in black with gold hardware - but I am not too much a fan of those.

Dolce Vita Braxton Booties with Studded Straps $240 

Label Watch: Juicy Couture

I am not known to be the biggest fan of Juicy Couture.... I mean pink velour, little dogs, and rhinestones on my ass have never been a flattering look.

I walked past the store on Market Street the other day and totally fell in love with a bunch of dresses in the store window.  I ran inside, a little embarrassed by all the young girls in the store who were checking out the hideous velour track suits, and was a little stunned by the $250-$300 price point.  Clearly, they are marketing to an older crowd... and perhaps, my sister will buy me one for Christmas.  (Cam are you reading this? hahaaha)

Here's a great Lace Print Tank Dress by Juicy that could totally work for the office and take you to happy hour.  I would pair it with black opaque tights and a pair of cut out booties to add a little edge to the polish.

Juicy Couture Lace Print Tank Dress $248 @ Shopbop.com

I also love this printed dress with the kid-like heart print.  I normally do not gravitate towards prints but think this style could be uber versatile for work and play.  At the Juicy boutique, they have it on display with an awesome faux fur jacket which is a look I never would've thought of for this dress!

Juicy Couture Heart Print Dress $278 @ Shopbop.com

Label Watch: Top Shop Kate Moss Christmas 09 Collection

It comes out tomorrow!  YAY!!

Check it out at Topshop.com

 

Label Watch: Repetto's Jackson Flats

Leave it to Repetto (the classic Parisian brand) to pay homage to the King of Pop with their gorgeous patent leather Jackson flats.  And of course, Kate Moss is rocking them all over town.

They come in Black or Grey Patent - and seem to be flying off the shelves everywhere.  Pick them up @ Fred Segal (this is the only place I am seeing them online).

Repetto Jackson Flat $255

or for a similar look -  I love these YSL Penny Loafers that are on sale on Bluefly.com!  They play into the fall menswear trends very well. 

YSL Preppy Patent Loafers $285 on Bluefly.com

Label Watch: Elizabeth and James Shoes

Who would have thought that Michelle Tanner would have designed such a great line with Elizabeth and James!  And how happy am I that they have now accessorized with a shoe line!  I am absolutely in love with both pairs - I just want to check them out in stores as the price tag is pretty hefty and who knows if they are actually comfy?  The two styles are totally similar - but oh so different at the same time that I am having a hard time making a game time decision.  Which pair do you like better????

Buy Elizabeth and James Olisa Pump online @ Shopbop.com $295 

or try some Suede on!!!

Buy Elizabeth & James Olive Pump online @ Shopbop.com $270