season five

will balenciaga bring back the boat shoe?

The conversation at Barneys shoe salon went like this:

Me: Oh my gosh. These are the ugliest shoes I've ever seen! Is that a BOAT shoe?!?

Sales Associate: Do you think so? I think they are the coolest shoes we have in this season!

Really? I mean, my preppy brother will be happy because he is still wearing them after all these years. But I think the boat shoe is an example of footwear that should never be resurrected or reinterpreted. At least skip that white part on the bottom - yikes! What do you think? The pair here is from Browns.

cozy up in a fur cardigan

Fall 2009 is all wrapped up in cozy luxe dressing. Fur is a major trend this season. Add just a touch of vintage appeal to your look with a fur collared cardigan. These cozy cardis can be dressed up or down. You can create a look that is sweet and demure or infused with a downtown urban edge. Fur collared cardigans are available in long and belted to short and cropped styles. Many of the collars are detachable, but be sure to remove the fur before washing or dry cleaning.

Distinctly vintage and feminine, Bryan Bradley’s Cropped Cardigan, (upper left, $178 at NeimanMarcus.com) is pretty in pink with a brown natural rabbit collar. The pink cardigan is knit of a silk/cashmere blend and three-quarter sleeves. Juicy Couture’s Faux-fur Trimmed Wool Cardigan, (right, $280 at Net-a-Porter) is a long belted cardigan. I especially love the puff shoulders which adds a modern twist to this self-belted style. Knit of 100% grey lambswool the sweater fastens with a concealed press-stud fastener at the front. Perfect for stylish recessionistas is a fantastic buy from Target. The Merona Fur-Collar Cardigan (middle left, $18.74) is a cotton/rayon blend with a faux fur collar. This button down style has a tie waist and the collar can be removed. Lastly, from Urban Outfitters is a cropped style featuring a curved single button front and a v-neck faux fur collar. The “Ecote” Cardigan (bottom left, $68 at Urban Outfitters) is a cotton acrylic blend and would pair nicely with a pair of your favorite jeans for a weekend casual look.

Save at Juicy Couture with coupons from TheFind.com’s coupon site.

This is a geust post from my friends at thefind.com

mad for plaid

This fall brings the English countryside as inspiration for cool weather dressing. Escape the hustle and bustle of urban living with some natty traditional plaids with a modern twist. Think hounds tooth checks, buffalo plaids, and large complex Scotch plaids. Made of natural fibers such as wool and cotton the updated plaid looks best when paired with sleek body hugging denim and fierce heels. Look for plaid jackets, dresses, and even capes for covering up. Elizabeth and James features some of the best plaid blouses adorned with their signature casual yet sophisticated style. Take your new look with you to the country for a tranquil retreat or don the plaid with boyfriend jeans for a casual look in town.

As seen on the Fall ‘09 runways, the Marc By Marc Jacobs “Abbey” Plaid Dress (upper left, $458 at Bloomingdales.com) is a twist on the traditional. The pure wool mini dress tunic has a drop waist, cowl neck, two front pockets and banded sleeves. The Fei Polaire Vest (top middle, $118 at Anthropologie.com) is a pretty and dramatic corset-style top with a flared peplum. This vest would pair nicely with a slim pencil skirt and platform pumps. From Smythe, a wool-blend jacket (top right, $525 at Net-a-Porter) Pair Smythe’s blue tweed plaid jacket over a tank and skinny jeans for a dose of English countryside eccentricity. From Ann Taylor Loft, a sweeping and dramatic Brushed Plaid Cape (Bottom right, $148 at Ann Taylor Loft). This classic double-breasted cape is lined, has a banded collar with button closure. From Elizabeth and James (Bottom left, $245 at Net-a-Porter) a gray and cream cotton-blend plaid shirt with a distressed finish, button front and two patch pockets. Pair this wardrobe staple with your favorite pair of jeans and fiercest boots for a cool downtown look.

Save with Coupon Codes from Bloomingdales.com TheFind.com’s new coupon site.

This is a geust post from my friends at thefind.com.

designer spotlight: ralston handbags

Handbag designer Paige Ralston Fromer has worn many hats throughout her career including Washington DC television anchor, which is how I came to know her more than a decade ago (my then-roommate was a producer at the same station). She recently launched a new luxury handbag line, Ralston Handbags, to critical acclaim in the DC area. Having grown up there, it is hard to imagine this city as a hot bed for fashion and new designers. Trust me, this city has changed. First with amazing boutiques, like Hu’s Shoes and Relish, and then with the inauguration of our first lady, Michelle Obama. (She wears Maison Margiela, enough said). The launch of Ralston Handbags is testament to this city’s style transformation. The handbag collection, carefully designed by Ralston Fromer’s team of talented Argentine designers, includes 13 designs made of exquisite, lightweight leather. Popular styles include the hand woven “Luz” and the very classic (and DC appropriate) oversized “Raquel”. My favorite is the “Cindy” in giraffe print – because it suits my (slightly wild) acquired San Francisco fashion personality. Check out the entire line at www.ralstonhandbags.com.

plouf! parisian puddle jumpers from aigle

Yes, I’m a fan of Hunter Wellie rain boots, but they seem to be growing in popularity and are showing up on well-dressed feet all round town. I am looking for a new pair of unique rain boots and found Aigle rain boots that are made in France. Mais oui! These boots are a bit more fitted and I love the riding boot style that is made completely of rubber. A lovely boot to throw on with leggings and an over-sized chunky knit sweater when I’m running out the door in a hurry. These boots are tailored and becoming every bit as fashionable as the Hunter wellies. These boots are from Aigle, which provides outdoor gear to French sportsmen, equestrians and those who visit the countryside for pleasure. Yes, these are the real deal and are perfect for urbanites looking for a waterproof and comfortable city rain boot.

Retailers including Martin + Osa and J. Crew now carry Aigle boots. On the upper left is the Aigle Start Riding Boot ($103.20 was $129.00 at Martin and Osa), a lovely plain black riding boot that is a perfect reproduction of their leather counterparts.  On the model are a pair of violet Burberry rain boots (upper right, $195 at Net-a-Porter) to show you how utterly fab skinny jeans look tucked into tall rain boots. On the bottom row far left is the Aigle Women’s Bergen lace up rain boot ($207.95 at Shoebuy.com). I love the lace up fronts, which makes tucking in your jeans easier and ensuring an extra snug fit. Again in the riding boot style these two-toned Aigle Jumping Rubber Boots  ( bottom row middle, $199.99 at saddlesource.com) look like traditional dressage riding boots if you are looking for the Bon chic, bon genre aka French preppy style. Lastly is the two-toned Aigle Women’s Rubber Boot in Brown, ($149.00 at studentmarket.com). I love the two-toned texture of this one, a nice alternative to an all black boot, would look chic and sporty paired with tweed and a chunky cashmere sweater.

Save on your purchases with Coupon Codes from J. Crew from TheFind.com’s new coupon site.

This is a geust post from my friends at thefind.com

drink champagne out of this shoe

How cool! Christian Louboutin partners with Piper Heidsieck for  "Le Ritual,"  a limited edition bottle of champagne that comes with a glass shoe designed by Louboutin. Available exclusively at Colette starting October 26th. (via Cyana Trendland)

spring 2010: isabel marant

How to describe Isabel Marant - Paris city girl, boho, chic? All of it - and it is a formula she repeats year after year. That said, I'm no where near tired of it. I took an inventory of my clothes this season and my Isabel Marant pieces - even those from many years ago - don't get tired. They always feel cool and current. I love the jackets, little dresses, sweatshirts, t-shirts and boots. Just not together! (photo style.com)

warm up with fur embellished winter boots

After making an appearance on the runway at Marc by Marc Jacobs, the fur boot is back. You may recall the mukluk trend from a few seasons ago. Yes, it’s back and it is part of the larger fur trend we are seeing on faux fur vests in particular as well as handbags. So it make sense, but not sure if I am ready to embrace furry winter boots again this year. What do you think of these fur festooned boots? Will you buy them this winter?

The style seen on the runway for fall 2009 is the Marc by Marc Jacobs Faux-fur lace-up boot (bottom right, $350 at Net-a-Porter). A completely fur covered boot this will keep your toes nice and toasty during the snowiest of days or perhaps on the slopes aprè ski?  The gray faux-fur-embellished boots feature black canvas criss-cross laces at the front, silver-tone eyelets and a black rubber sole to prevent slippage on snowy urban sidewalks or while relaxing in the ski lodge. Another style is Givenchy’s Fur-Front Ankle Boot, (top right, $1150 at Saks.com) and obviously not too appropriate for snowy streets, but perhaps a snow-free night out on the town. These rabbit fur embellished booties with a stacked heel will look perfect with black leggings or skinny jeans. From down under Australia Luxe Collective’s Nordic Angel Fur Boot, (middle bottom, $410.00 at Neiman Marcus.com) is a pimped out version of the classic shearling boot. This sheepskin boot would work in snowy surroundings as well as the sunny shores of California. The 16″ tall boots features black double-faced sheepskin and natural rabbit fur trim. As well as a signature logo plate on the back. Ralph Lauren Collection’s Willa Suede Boots, (bottom left, $695 at Saks.com) are tall suede platform boots lined with shearling and a faux fur cuff at the top. More fashion than function these tall boots would work well with skinny jeans tucked in and perhaps a faux fur vest to complete your ensemble.

Save on your purchases with Coupon Codes from Zappos from TheFind.com’s new coupon site

This is a geust post from my friends at thefind.com

gareth pugh apple covers and cases

I can finally own a designer piece of Gareth Pugh! AnOther Magazine is offering a cool, limited edition Gareth Pugh-designed iPhone cover and MacBook Sleeve. They run for around $125 and $87 and will also be available soon at Colette. (via Refinery29)

things I love: gray suede platform booties

I love the look of gray suede platform booties with bare legs and a short black dress. They work equally well with skinny jeans. But which pair? Decisions.....