September 2, 2010
Hot off the presses! Lanvin and H&M just announced their upcoming collaboration for fall, and I, for one, could not be more excited.
Alber Elbaz, artistic director of Lanvin, had this to say about the collaboration: “H&M approached us to collaborate, and see if we could translate the dream we created at Lanvin to a wider audience, not just a dress for less. I have said in the past that I would never do a mass-market collection, but what intrigued me was the idea of H&M going luxury rather than Lanvin going public. This has been an exceptional exercise, where two companies at opposite poles can work together because we share the same philosophy of bringing joy and beauty to men and women around the world.”
Don’t know much about Lanvin? Here’s a primer to get you acquainted:
Since joining Lanvin as artistic director in 2001, Alber Elbaz has transformed the Paris-based label, founded in 1889 by Jeanne Lanvin, into a fashion powerhouse bursting with ideas and creativity. Alber Elbaz has pioneered there some of the biggest trends of the past decade – ribbon, bows, pearls, raw edges, sumptuous color and metallic embellishment among many others. Alber Elbaz has a mastery of cut and an instinct for cloth which leaves a very personal signature on his work, ensuring that all Lanvin clothes are instantly recog nizable. Since the introduction of a new menswear line in 2006, Alber Elbaz has also transformed the male wardrobe, bringing a relaxed elegance to men’s clothing which is as special as the womenswear.
Want to own a piece of the brand now? I love this plum leather tote–it would be perfect for fall.
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Tags: Lanvin, Alber Elbaz, H&M
September 1, 2010
While I’d love to sit here all day and critique the Emmy gowns from Sunday night’s telecast, sometimes it pays to just stick to one topic to start. How about jewelry?
Although many women wore some serious statement jewels, I think only a few women managed to really incorporate strong jewelry looks into their entire ensembles, so let’s talk a little bit about why.
I am really loving this Grecian/Egyptian inspired Marchesa gown with a gold collar detail. This is a very refined look for Kim, and she managed to not go overboard on her makeup or too tight with her pulled-back hair. Since the neckline itself acts as jewelry, she made the right move by wearing a simple pair of studs and a gorgeous Lorraine Schwartz criss-cross cuff in white and yellow diamonds.
Lea Michele from Glee has been a red carpet standout all year, and her navy blue Oscar de la Renta is no exception. This gown could have turned into an ’80s prom fiasco, but her tousled, beach-ready hair, dark nails and stellar Lorraine Schwartz jewelry really gives the outfit a youthful, fun look. The necklace, in particular, is one of my favorite accessories of the night. Made up of natural colored diamonds, the piece was just the right amount of sparkle without being bling-y.
Talk about getting better with age! Julia Louis-Dreyfuss looks like minimalist perfection in black Narciso Rodriguez with a sheer waist panel. Since she chose black, Julia wisely opted for a pop of color at the ear and wrist. Her Irene Neuwirth earrings and bracelet (in what looks to be chalcedony) stand out without going overboard.
While she got mixed reviews from some, I personally loved Kyra Sedgwick‘s Monique Lhuillier raspberry gown. Soft waves plus a stack of colored gem bracelets from Ofira gives her a hippie goddess vibe that perfectly rides the line between formal and fashion.
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Tags: Marchesa, Lorraine Schwartz, Emmy, Kim Kardashian, Kyra Sedgwick, Lea Michele, Julia Louis-Dreyfuss, Irene Neuwirth, Ofira, Oscar de la Renta, Monique Lhuillier
August 25, 2010
I brought up the massive popularity of camel for fall earlier this week, and now it’s time to really take a look at some of the best bets for the season. This week’s homepage is all about “The New Essentials”–these are handbags that, while they may not be brand new, still fit in perfectly with fall’s trends. We’ve curated four sets of bags: Camel, Exotic skins, Black and Red.
Red happens to be one of fall’s strongest colors–check out a couple of pictures from Zac Posen‘s most recent runway show. What do you think about the red velvet?
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Tags: exotic skin, handbag, Zac Posen, camel, black, red
August 13, 2010
Animal prints may be hot this season, but it’s leopard that’s about to really boil over. Showing up everywhere on the runways (including Dries Van Noten, above left, and Louis Vuitton, right), the cool thing about this year’s leopard is how many different ways you can wear it. Rather than just sticking to the most realistic skin, designers are changing up the color, playing with proportion, and printing it on a wide variety of materials.
Here are our leopard Friday Favorites:
DEREK LAM Pony Hair Leopard Spotted Clutch. Totally chic, and now priced under $500.
JIMMY CHOO Patent Leather Leopard Riki. Take a walk on the wild side with this purple tote.
MANOLO BLAHNIK Leopard Suede Heels sz 39. Did someone say metallic suede leopard? So very sexy.
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Tags: Louis Vuitton, leopard, Dries Van Noten, Jimmy Choo, Derek Lam, Manolo Blahnik
August 12, 2010
Sometimes all you want is a classic, and that’s why we spent some time collecting Louis Vuitton monogram bags in all shapes and sizes. We amassed quite a collection, and now we’re offering them to you in today’s First Finds.
We have your basic Speedys, Almas and Keepalls, but we also have limited edition Malletier Messengers, Papillons and Reporters.
The best part about these bags is that they’re pre-owned, so they’re already broken in. That means it’ll look like you’ve owned the bags forever. These are priced to move, so click through and get yours now!
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Tags: Louis Vuitton, monogram, Speedy, Keepall
August 11, 2010
Drew Barrymore is one of my favorite celebs–I so admire her ability to be herself, at all times, even when her look or style may be unpopular. That’s why I love her ensemble at last night’s Nylon + Express August Denim Issue Party in West Hollywood–she chose a $25 vintage dress picked up at an Austin shop.
I’m a sucker for anything sequined, and the slightly slouchy shape is more sophisticated than a skintight mini. Want to check out some of our favorite vintage pieces right now? Here’s our three favorite shimmery accessories:
Ciner Vintage Cognac and Grey Crystal Swirl Pin. This would look great as a hair accessory (pinned next to a chic chignon) or pinned on a simple clutch for evening.
Judith Leiber Rare Vintage Pale Lilac Velvet & Crystal Evening Clutch. Just a touch of sparkle makes this bag extra special.
Vintage Italian Rhinestone Cuff Bracelet. This extra-wide bracelet is the only accessory you need with a little black dress.
Image via CocoPerez
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Tags: Drew Barrymore, Judith Leiber, Nylon, rhinestone, Vintage
August 10, 2010
Love him or hate him, Kanye West definitely has strong opinions about style. He’s collaborated with Louis Vuitton on a shoe line, has an apartment full of modern art that has been featured in many magazines, and even loves to talk about his accessories on his Twitter account. His most recent post? The worn leather tote above, complete with a caption reading: “Vintage Hermes travel bags are tight yo!!!“
While everyone might not get the appeal of a bag with obvious years under its belt, there’s something about the aged patina of good leather that feels like luxury. Kanye’s bag, while rough around the edges, is still fully functional and has a lot more character than somethings straight out of the workshop. Plus, I love the initials on the front–doesn’t it make you wonder who used to own the bag and where it’s been?
Want to check out Portero’s pre-owned Hermes? Shop here, and know that every one of these pieces are made so well that you can pass them down to the next generation!
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Tags: Hermes, Kanye West, Louis Vuitton, travel, Vintage
August 5, 2010
This just-launched Bottega Veneta suitcase is making the blog rounds today, and it’s no surprise that people are interested. Made from soft-finished matte black alligator, priced at $53,000, and named Nero, this is not just your average piece of luggage. Besides just looking really, really pretty, this case has every upgrade you can think of, including locks, black alligator handles, a removable garment bag and burnished metal hardware.
While luxe luggage can be a pricey purchase, these pieces are really made to last. Exotic skins, if treated properly, can outlast any modern materials. Want to peruse some pre-owned options? Try our selection of suitcases, carry-ons and attaches, some in crocodile, ostrich or even alligator. If you’re partial to vintage and like the Bottega Veneta, try either this Hermes black crocodile briefcase or this Gucci brown crocodile briefcase for a similar look.
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Tags: Hermes, crocodile, alligator, luggage, Bottega Veneta, Nero, briefcase, Gucci, exotic, travel
