Recently in Juicy Couture Category

Bloomingdale's has this cute Juciy Couture Clutch/Wristlet ($148) in a nice yellow.  It's a good way for us color-averse to add a dash of color to our look.

I love the big tassel and the chunky brass hardware. It's a good size: 8" wide by 4-3/4" high. 

The problem I have with clutches is that I usually forget to use them!  I have a fabulous brown suede Prada clutch from few years ago - when they did the quirky fish designs  (a smaller version of this tote below).  

I hardly ever use it!  I think with the recession it is time to REDISCOVER one's own closet!  There are tons of treasures in there that should be enjoyed!

The New York Times had a rather scathing review (Critical Shopper: Rhinestones Are a Tween's Best Friend by Cintra Wilson) of the new Juicy Couture store on Fifth Avenue today in the Thursday Style section.  Their comments were funny and certainly no revelation to me.  I have a love/hate relationship with the brand myself.  I end up featuring a lot of their designs in this blog, but at the same time I wouldn't be caught dead in anything that actually said Juicy on it (UGGH, GOD AWFUL) or even their stupid, ubiquitous terry cloth lounge pants OR anything pink for that matter.

Here's a quote, "Like Tory Burch, whose influence is felt here nearly to the point of plagiarism, the Juicy Couture line seems to aspire to dress young ladies straight from the closet of Lady Bird Johnson."  But goes on to differentiate the two (Tory and Juicy), "that Juicy is posing as disestablishment chic".   Of course we all know the rock and roll / lady-like paradox of the Juicy style.  Then there is a lot of that tween junk - the hoodies and stuff with tacky rhinestones on it. I thought this was a great article even though it basically made fun of the brand.  But kudos to them, they created a hugely successful brand that does manage to appeal to spoiled kids and adults alike.

The things I like are usually pretty classic.  I also like that their items tend to be very well sewn and they choose quality fabrics. I have a pair of black lightweight wool wide leg trousers that I absolutely love and no one would ever guess the brand (no sign of rhinestones). So after reading the article, I'm sure many would be turned off, but should know that classic good items do exist there.

The new store is at 650 Fifth Avenue, cross street 52nd.

These two faux fur coats by Juicy Couture look pretty nice.  It's a difficult thing to do, nice faux fur that is.  (take a look at the ones at Express for not nice)

Dark brown faux-fur coat with tonal ruffled trim. Peter Pan collar; button front. Long sleeves with button cuffs. Length from shoulders, approximately 22".  $398.

They look so good, you'd hope to not run into anyone from PETA!

As a follow-up to last Thursday's post, here are 2 more pairs of black leather boots.  These are both lower styles which are kind of the "in thing" for boots this Fall.

These by Theory are definitely channeling the motorcycle vibe. "Elodie" Short Leather Boots, $395. The quality of leather is nice and they sort of have a clunky feel, so these are not as easy to dress up.

These by Juicy Couture seem a bit more versatile and they have a killer heel and platform, so they're really high.  "Serena" Leather Platform Ankle Boots, $378. They're very well made (although not in Italy) and seem worth the price.

These I think you could wear SJP style, with a pencil skirt and black tights and they'd look really cool. Or with skinny jeans.

A funny thing happened on the way to work this morning.  I was feeling so good to begin with, I got up early and ran 4 miles which is a total miracle (not the 4 miles, but that I got up early!) and then put on what I thought was a very cute outfit...  my new Gucci shoes (yes I took my own advice and snapped them up in the second round of markdowns in the Gucci sale), a Juicy Couture linen dress and a vintage Marc Jacobs bag -- with yellow gold jewelry to match the bag and shoes' hardware, classic 18k hoop earrings, my chunky fleur de lys signet ring and Raymond Weil 18k watch...

So anyway, I'm walking down the street going to work and this cute guy (with really cool sunglasses) runs after me and asks if I would be willing to be interviewed and photographed for Rouge magazine. It's a Candian magazine that's starting in the US.  So we had a mini photo shoot right there on the street and they asked me some questions about my style, etc.  So unless the pictures turn out horribly, I'll be in the September issue!  he he he, how funny!

Well I hope everyone has a nice long 4th of July weekend. Cheers.

I really like this bag from the Juicy Couture Spring 2008 Collection.  It's called the Smart Shopper Tote and sells for $250.  It's made of straw and leather with gold hardware and cute nautical charms.  I think I'd wait until Summer to use this though, straw to me has a very Summer vibe.

I want to not like anything by Juicy Couture because I HATE those stupid track suits that say "Juicy" on the butt, what could possibly be more tacky than that? But I have to admit that some of their other designs are very nice and I find myself regularly really liking a lot from their lines.

For Winter this year I got a couple of day dresses that I've been loving. I guess I'm having a dress renaissance, because I usually don't wear them. I'd like to get a couple more for Spring. Dresses are so comfortable, but you look nice and put together since you are, after all, wearing a dress. I like Juicy Couture, Ella Moss and Velvet for day dresses, you can also find small labels at boutiques that you may have never heard of, but have great designs. Shopping at small, non-chain boutiques is fun too because you know that the entire world will not have the same thing. Whereas with a Juicy Couture item, anyone could (and does) have the exact same thing. Knit dresses made of modal or rayon blended with cotton are amazingly comfortable and drape nicely.I tend to like solids more, but some prints can be great. J Crew has some interesting ones this season - they are so bold, I think they are love or hate. Black is great, I think ALWAYS, yes even in Spring and Summer. It's my favorite color and transitions well from day into evening in case you don't have time to change before you go out.

Velvet Basila Jersey Dress w. bubble hem $114 

Ella Moss Crochet Dress $162  

Juicy Couture Linen Dress $198 

Rachel Pally Keyhole Dress w. open back $211 

Velvet Etna Shanghai Dress $215 

LinQ by Carole Little Ruffle Sleeve Dress $138

JCrew Ischia Silk Print Dress $335

You can find some great dresses online at www.revolveclothing.com, sometimes you can get lucky and find something good at www.bluefly.com.  Or if you're out shopping - Bloomingdale's, Scoop, Intermix and Searle are always good bets or little boutiques in SoHo... or whatever town you're in, give the little boutiques a try - you can find some great and unique pieces!