Bowled Over

August 4, 2010

Looking for a black bag that is making the rounds on the arms of young Hollywood? The Chanel Bowler is a hot ticket these days. I think stars like Mischa Barton, Rachel Bilson and Avril Lavigne are attracted to the bag because it’s roomy enough for all of their necessities and the oversized chain detail feels a little bit rock and roll.

Right now we have the 12″ version in calfskin as well as a huge 17″ patent version with black resin hardware. Wouldn’t the jumbo be perfect as a carry-on bag for your next trip?


Trendworthy?

August 3, 2010

Style.com’s Fall Shopping Guide is out, and it is definitely packed with accessories you’ll soon be drooling over. This year’s guide was handpicked by 23 fashion insiders–from models to stylists to editors–and makes you (almost) wish for a chill in the air so you can start indulging.

Luckily, you don’t need to have this season’s full-price products to get the hottest looks. Here’s a roundup of some of my favorite forecasted trends and corresponding pieces available (for less!) on Portero.com:

Gold is the new black. Anna Dello Russo, Fashion Director at Large, Vogue Nippon (above). I couldn’t agree more. Metallics are still huge, and you can’t go wrong with a little glam in your wardrobe. Try the Michael Kors Gold Python Beverly for chic shine.

Off-white for winter. Hanelli Mustaparta, model. Forget what they used to say about white after Labor Day–the old rules are totally played out. This fabulous vintage Chanel camera medallion logo bag will work in the colder months when paired with wools or tweeds.

An oversized necklace. Natalie Massanet, founder, Net-a-Porter. Natalie likes to pair hers with a tailored white shirt, colorful shift dress or an elegant evening gown. You can’t really go wrong with a statement piece like this VRBA lapis and baroque pearl necklace.


White Hot Watches

August 2, 2010

The Chanel J12 was one of the most-wanted watches a couple of years ago. Tons of celebrities have been spotted wearing the white version (like Ashley Tisdale, above) in ultra-cool ceramic. Even if you’re not into the oversized Chanel version, there’s other ways to wear white that can even be understated. Here are my three favorites that are perfect for a summer timepiece:

Cartier Santos 100 Stainless Steel automatic watch. I love the white leather strap paired with the industrial-looking square face.

Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945 Stainless Steel and Diamond automatic watch. This throwback watch is meant to reference Art Deco, and the great patent leather strap and diamonds are perfect feminine touches.

Audemars Piguet Facettes 18-karat gold and diamond watch. Tons of diamonds and a white lizard strap? Definitely a girl’s best friend.


Friday Favorites: Going Gray

July 30, 2010

Have you noticed all the interest in gray hair this month? First, Vogue taps quirky model fave Kristen McMenamy to appear in a huge fashion spread shot by David Sims, and then Lady Gaga shows up on the Nick Knight-shot cover of the September issue of Vanity Fair also sporting long, gray tresses. Kelly Osbourne has even been seen around town in a light gray/lavender ‘do, adding to the notion that the color isn’t just for high-end magazine shoots.

While I absolutely loved the McMenamy shoot and really like the Gaga cover, it’s not necessarily easy to pull off this look in real life. So why not just invest in a gorgeous gray bag and call it a day? Here are my Friday favorites for this week:

Chanel Gray Distressed Lambskin Quilted Large Classic Reissue Double Flap Bag. Just a perfect, classic bag in a very chic shade of gray. Want. This. Bag.

Alexander McQueen Flapper Shoulder Bag. The perfect boho chic summer tote. The strap is adjustable for easy cross-body carrying.

Zac Posen Grey Leather Daisy Shoulder Bag. The chunky gold chain and leather detailing make this bag totally unique.


Totally Two-tone

July 29, 2010

Leighton Meester looks like the all-American girl while filming Gossip Girl in NYC yesterday. While I really like her cute red, white and blue outfit (oh those shoes!), I’m particularly taken with her navy and white oversized handbag. I love the stark two-tone color scheme and the structured shape.

There’s something pleasingly preppy about this look, and I have a few similar favorites that I’d love to carry around this summer:

First and foremost, this Hermes toile and barenia leather Birkin is at the top of my list. Impossibly chic and absolutely perfect for the warmer months. While it’s not as stark, I also like the similar lines of this Louis Vuitton canvas and leather Sac de Nuit. Want a pop of color? Try this generously sized Lambertson Truex toile and red leather single flap tote.

Check out more images of Leighton and her tote right here.

Image via JustJared


Green with Envy

July 27, 2010

I’ve always been a fan of emeralds. It could partially be because it’s my birthstone (May), but I think I’ve always been attracted to the mysterious and delicate nature of emeralds. They are somewhat soft and prone to inclusions (cracks and imperfections) which means that finding a good stone is all the more rare.

It’s nice to see celebrities wearing more emeralds, like Miranda Kerr (left), in a stunning emerald and pearl necklace and Angelina Jolie (right) in emerald drops. Angelina, in particular, is often seen wearing emeralds–I have a feeling she has an affinity for the green stones that goes beyond the aesthetic.

Want to learn more about emeralds? Check out the website for Gemfields, a Zambian emerald mining company. You can learn a lot here about the lore and the history of emeralds, and why they are so precious. You can also shop our selection of emeralds–hopefully you’ll find your own treasure!


Le Fabuleux

July 23, 2010

It’s another Louis Vuitton for Jessica Simpson! Earlier this week we took a look at her collection of logo luggage, and now she’s rocking a gold Le Fabuleux in Los Angeles. This relatively understated bag is a good look for her–it doesn’t need to scream LV at the world.

I’m a big fan of the Le Fabuleux, and I particularly like our version in white suhali leather. This is a great little summer bag; I like the structured silhouette paired with the gold studs. It’s a little bit business and a little bit rock’n'roll.


City-chic Chanel

July 21, 2010

Rachel Bilson always mixes high and low in clever, understated ways. Her outfit consists of a simple white t-shirt, cutoff jean shorts, a black cardigan and black Ray Bans. It’s easy to put together the same ensemble on the cheap; but it’s of course the addition of the black lambskin Chanel bag that elevates her look to celebrity-worthy.

This just proves that a perfect accessory splurge can make an entire outfit look like it cost a million bucks. Some things are just worth saving up for, and a classic black Chanel bag will absolutely never go out of style. If you’re looking for something similar to Rachel’s, try this Chanel Ritz jumbo patent quilted flap bag.

Also, keep your eyes peeled for tomorrow’s First Finds at noon…it’s a collection of new-to-the-site Chanel bags that will have you drooling!


Win This ROLEX!

July 15, 2010

We are so excited to announce our just-launched sweepstakes, and it’s our biggest ever! If you thought the Hermes Birkin we gave away this past January was incredible, take a look at our newest obsession: a 42mm pre-owned 18-karat gold Rolex President!

To buy this watch new, you’d have to fork over around $24,000. Want to try to win it for free? All you have to do is head over to Portero and sign up on the pop-up and you’re entered for your chance to bring home the gold. You’ll also get a special promotional code that will save you 10% off your next purchase on Portero. Good luck!