Neiman Marcus is offering a really nice gift with purchase for Estee Lauder right now. With any $55 purchase you get a gift set that includes:
• Re-Nutriv Ultimate Lifting Creme, (deluxe 14-day supply)
• Re-Nutriv Creme Cleanser
• Deluxe Golden Fluted Compact with Estee Lauder Signature Silky Eyeshadow Quad in Truffle and Pure Color EyeShadow in Cinnamon, Honey Drop, Tea Biscuit, Copper Penny, Mocha Cup, and Mink
• Estee Lauder Signature Hydra Lustre Lipstick in Apricot Sun
• More Than Mascara Moisture-Binding Formula
• Black tote and cosmetics bag
When I was younger I was an EL fanatic... I used everything including all of the anti-aging products in college! Fruition, Advanced Night Repair, etc. etc. These were the old days before the internet and there were limited brands available in the hinterlands of Vermont. These days I've branched out into other brands too, but I still love EL, always will.
A great way to qualify for the gift is the big 1.7 oz. size of Advanced Night Repair, $74.50. This is a fabulous product that's loaded with antioxidants that help restore skin from past damage and protect it from future damage. I think anyone over 30 should have a bottle of this in their arsenal!
I am also curious to try the Jasmine White Moss EDP from the EL Private Collection of fragrances. This is one of Aerin's creations, started from a fragrance her grandmother had worked on in the late '80s. Aerin tweaked it and now it's been released. It's supposed to be "a fresh, vibrant, sparkling scent, with an opulent white bouquet surrounded by delicate moss, rich woods, and pure natural fragrance Absolutes". The EDP spray is $80 for 1 oz.
I LOVE the bottle for the Parfum Spray, 1 oz. $325 (shown above, right). It's encrusted with real semiprecious stones. But I always prefer the lighter EDPs.
Beauty.com is offering this cute clutch filled with Elizabeth Arden samples free with any $20 purchase.
I always used to use their Eight Hour Cream Lip Protectant Stick ($16). It works so well, it doesn't smell the greatest though... but that was until I discovered the Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment ($22.50) which works well and smells amazing. But for anyone offended by spending over $20 for a lip balm the EA Eight Hour is a good option. Both brands now make them in tinted options which is kind of cool too.
Elizabeth Arden also has a new (ish) anti-aging treatment - Prevage ($155 for 1.7 fl. oz.). It's a collaboration with the pharma that makes Botox. It contains a stong antioxidant. It's supposed to work wonders for fine lines, skin tone, dark spots, firmness etc. and help protect from future signs of aging. Sounds good - I guess I'll try it in a few years. (I don't think I'm there yet - age wise.)
Here's a good deal on a Prada tote at Smart Bargains. The regular retail price was $1275, it was at Smart Bargains for $999.99, but now it's on sale for $849.98.
Prada Black Ruched Nylon Tessuto Tote
It's got nice leather detailing and is lined with the signature Prada jacquard weave fabric. It's a nice big size aprox. 14" x 13" x 7".
It's a similar look to the Prada denim tote Jessica Biel was seen out with earlier in June.
I guess the only complaint one may have about this bag it that you have to carry it in your hand or hook it on your arm (a la Vuitton Speedy) because you cannot carry it on your shoulder.
The July J. Crew catalog arrived in my mailbox yesterday. So it's time again for me to go faux shopping.... yay. (it's cheaper that way if I just post them, and try not to buy)
They've updated the Michelle merino cardigan (which I LOVE, I have it in 2 colors), into a new longer version with little pockets at the bottom, still the same lightweight 14-gauge knit. They call it the Endless Summer Cardigan, $89.50. The longer length is good to wear with tiny skirts and leggings.
They brought back the Tissue Rolling-Ruffles Tank, $49.50. This had been sold out for a while. It's now back in white, light champagne, dusty shell, light pewter and navy.
I love this sweater, it's a linen/lurex blend. The lurex is a metallic thread. I can totally see this with a white tank, jeans and gold sandals. Shimmer Cardigan, $98.
They've also added a new finish in their matchstick jeans, the Vintage Destroyed Matchstick, $118. I am loving shredded denim right now, so these are great.
This dress I just LOVE on a hanger, but I think it will only look really great on a super waif. It's SO Audrey Hepburn. But you see, it doesn't even look as good on their own model as it does laying flat. So this is a maybe / need to try on. Knotted Cotton Sateen Dress, $98.
Last, this little cotton beach dress, looks so chic you could easily wear it to dinner. (well it helps that they styled it with layered gold necklaces.) Cotton Ruffle-Hem Sundress, $55.
Beauty.com has a cool free gift offer right now. A cosmetics pouch designed by Lela Rose filled with deluxe samples (Bliss, Borghese, Bulgari, Stila etc).
I love Beauty.com for their 5% back offer and that they carry many of my favorite brands like Fresh, Caudalie, Oscar Blandi, Peter Thomas Roth, etc. And you can buy drugstore stuff from drugstore.com at the same time and they'll ship it all together.
I ran accross King Baby by accident a while back while on zappos couture site. A lot of it is way too biker-look for me, but they have some great fleur dy lys pieces and even some skulls that are pretty cool. It's all made in sterling silver, the prices condsidering that are very high though.
Here are a couple of the designs that I really like.
Fleur de Lys Padlock, $437
Large Fleur de Lys Pendant, $434
I'm not sure that I'd really wear this one, but I love the intricate design. Dia de los Muertos Skull Necklace, $605.
Net-a-porter's sale site is now open: theoutnet.com.
All the same great brands as at Net-a-porter, but the stuff that didn't sell. Some of it looks ugly (like I know why that didn't sell) and in some cases only certain sizes are left, which can be frustrating. Also there's stuff that was very expensive to begin with, so even on sale it's still expensive. It looks like they'll be selling out fast. For example, these fabulous Louboutin pumps would have been great... on sale for $310 - 60% off! BUT, they only had two bigfoot sizes left and anyway those are sold out!
The site is set up nicely, it lets you narrow things down within a category to specific size, brand and/or color.
I have to admit that this is a very clever design. (sorry, but somehow I have a bias against anything from the Olsen sisters)
This single piece can be a classic trench coat; or, unbutton the sleeves and wear it as a dress; or, wear the sleeves piece alone as a cute jacket. Wow, talk about versatile!
Elizabeth and James Trench Coat Dress, $595 at Net-a-Porter.
Coat:
Dress:
(ooh, loving that bag - it's Mui Mui)
Jacket:
Here's a classic pump that's very affordable! Calvin Klein Sarika Platform Pump, $97.95. Good grief, I don't know when the last time I bought shoes for under $100 was! (that wasn't a flip flop!)
I love the classic round toe and high heel that has just the right amount of chunkiness. 4-1/2 inch heels with about a 3/4 inch platform. The fishskin texture is a bit weird though. I think I'd like them better if they were just normal leather.
This label seems to be a good choice for nice styling at very cheap prices. I haven't seen them in person though, I wonder how the quality is. If they seem really cheap, then I just couldn't buy them...
Helmut Lang is now available at Bloomingdale's. The collection available has a very unified, pared down cool minimalistic look.
Oversized White Dress Shirt and "Paper" Leather Skirt, $265 and $620.
Black Silk Jumpsuit
Black Boxy Dress
Spider Silk Printed Dress
I love the aesthetic. Somehow it's retro and modern at the same time.
Take a looks at this super cute platform sandal from Calvin Klein. It has a gorgeous stacked heel and cool buckle look... and only $130. It has a 3/4" platform and 4-1/4" heel.
As a measure of personal responsibilty during the recession, I have given up $500+ shoes. So I'll have to make do. But with options like this, I can't feel too bad for myself!
I'm not sure what the deal is with this particular Calvin Klein label. Clearly, it's made by a licensee, like his other cheap labels. I'm surprised he would allow them to use the name Calvin Klein, just like that though. Calvin Klein Collection shoes are made in Italy and have leather soles etc. Someone not so clued in could be confused...
This week's New York Magazine is featuring 7 outfits with the clothing pieces for each all under $100, #5 is a fabulous McQ Alexander McQueen for Target dress.
The collection doesn't actually go up for sale until March 1 at Target stores, although there was a pop-up store preview in New York on Feb. 14 & 15 in conjunction with fashion week here. I missed it. Darn.
You can sign up for an email reminder at the Target website.
I saw this bag the other day at the boutique at the Equinox 74th Street. Wow, now that is a good looking gym bag. No wonder they call it the "runway" bag. I wonder if Puma actually has a show?
Puma Runway Bag, $110.
Bluefly is having a pretty amazing sale right now, today is the last day though!
Here are some examples:
ABS Slingback Sandal, with the extra 25% off, only $59.24!
Nanette Leport Black Ruched Cotton Dress, with the extra 25% off, only $104.99!
AG Straight Leg Jeans, with the extra 25% off, only $66.74!
Wow, these are crazy prices. It's the only good thing about the recession, but bad too, because it's so tempting to buy stuff we don't need!
It's Clinique gift time at Bloomingdale's. Maybe it's goofy, but I love the free gifts, even though often the colors and items included are not the ones I use and I end up giving them away. They're just fun anyway!
I've probably mentioned this before. But for me, there are 2 staples from Clinique that I just cannot live without:
Super City Block Oil-Free Daily Face Protector SPF 40 - at $17.50 it's an amazing value. I use it every day, all year round. Premature aging caused by the sun is no joke!
Naturally Glossy Mascara - every year there are so many new mascaras, and I've tried them... but I keep coming back to this one. I cannot tolerate clumps or stuck together eyelashes. This formula is pefect, and only $14 - another great value.
I got my J. Crew February catalog with Lauren Hutton on the cover in the mail over the weekend.
Yikes, I think she looks very old, and her skin looks like leather - as if she didn't take care of it when she was young. Personally, I'm all for a bit of tasteful plastic surgery for older people (or anyone who really needs it, say for a young person to fix a very unfortunate nose).
Anyway, on to fashion... Here are my picks:
The Icon Trench (pg. 4, $298) looks great, but I already have a classic Burberry that will last like, forever; so I don't need this one.
This Tissue Ruffle Cardigan (pg. 13, $45) looks like a nice lightweight layer.
Distressed Vintage Slim Jean in Destroyed Antique Wash (pg. 16, $148), I love the holes and fraying. They're showing them rolled... hmmm, I'd have to try that look and see if it looks silly.
The Ringspun Cotton Rosette Tee (pg. 36, $48) looks like a tee that Chanel would make.
I love having a bunch of cardigans around, the Merino Michelle V-Neck Cardigan (pg. 40-41, $69.50) would be great to have in say 4 colors! I don't like the way they paired it in the picture below though - longer sweaters look better with a pencil skirt, not a full skirt. Sweaters never wear that well, I hate it when they start pilling so it seems like I'm always buying new ones. (recession - time to get a sweater de-fuzzer!)
I already mentioned the Satin Rosette Sandals the other day (pg. 53, $78). These come in silver, blush (below) and yellow. I actually like all of the colors, so it would hard to decide...
Clinique has a new product in their line of "Redness Solutions" products, Instant Relief Mineral Powder, $32.50.
Redness is a common problem for fair skinned people. Rosacea of course is a serious problem, but more common are reactive redness and broken capillaries under the skin. These all show up so much more on those of us with very fair skin. That's why this product caught my eye. It looks quite yellow, which is somewhat alarming, but apparently it doesn't look yellow on your face.
The reviews from people who have tried it are mostly positive... well, more than positive; really, glowing reviews.
They even have a redness quiz so you can dertermine if you need redness products. I will report back after I've tried it.
I found an incredible deal for Mascioni Italian bedding. A queen set in either sateen (solid) or woven stripe is only $95, half off the regular price of $190!
Mascioni 100% Pima Cotton Italian Sheet Sets
I was so excited to find this because I slept on these sheets a couple years ago at the Boulders in AZ. They were fabulous. They had the sheets, duvet cover and pillow shams that were all Mascioni. It was a seriously heavenly bed.
Oh, and off topic, hanging out at their pool was awesome too. They have great pool drinks and serve an excellent fish taco (non-fried fish) poolside!
One of the dresses Kate Hudson wore for her photo shoot for February Elle (page 155) caught my eye.
It was listed just as "Knit dress, Banana Republic, $130". I went to check it out last week but it wasn't online yet.
But it is now: Drop-waist Sweater Dress in Gray Heather, $130. 100% extra fine merino wool. It has a boat neck and elbow length ruched sleeves.
These playing cards are so cool and sleek looking in all black. $16 at mollaspace.com. They'd make a good gift for anyone who likes to play cards once in a while. Really, everyone should have at least one deck of cards in the house, right?
It's a snowy, dull day here in New York. It's easy to feel and look that way too around this time of year. So brighten up, your face at least, with Benefit's Dandelion Luminizer. ($28)
It's the absolute perfect pink for fair skin. It's sheer and shimmery (but not too shimmery) and gives you some faux radiance, just what we all need in January!! The brush that comes with it isn't so good, so plan on using your own brush.
These Jessica Elliot earrings caught my eye in the Feb. issue of In Style magazine. Sterling silver, graduated open clover earrings, $76.
I love the quatrefoil design and these are certainly a lot more affordable than anything from Van Cleef's Alhambra collection!
Vogue has some cool video diaries of their photo shoots on Conde Nast's style.com website. Each month they have a video diary for their cover shoot and in January they put up an extra one for their 10 Best Dressed of 2008 feature. It's interesting to see what these people have to say and also interesting to get the "behind the scenes" perspective.
Diane Von Furstenburg introduced her knit jersey wrap dresses in 1973... and now 35 years later they're a fashion icon. So much so there is even one in the collection of the Costume Institute of the Met. Her collections are much more broad now, but the wrap dresses and other variations of the jersey knit dress are always an important part.
Here's a totally classic wrap dress, in a fun retro print, $385. 100% silk jersey.
Here's another wrap style, "Hampton Wrap Dress", $365. This one sleeveless, but still easy enough to wear all year by pairing with a cardigan. 88% nylon, 12% elastane stretch fabric.
I love this tuxedo dress, $365 available at Net-a-porter. It has a tuxedo pleated front and black buttons and belt. Contrast lining at sleeves and front placket.
All three of these look like they'll be in style for another 35 years for sure. I always tend to love stuff that stands up to the test of time. I mean really, who would ever need acid washed jeans again? Classics like these dresses, when well kept, can be passed down to daughters and nieces and be enjoyed for many years to come.
Here are a couple of Yves Saint Laurent finds at Bluefly. A gorgeous tote bag, the YSL 'Overseas' Medium Tote in chocolate brown leather, $1,436 (retail $1,795). It's made with pebbled leather and brasstone hardware and has a cool chain with padlock.
Detail:
They even have a matching wallet, $340 (retail $425).
Both are also available in black and the bag also in a larger size for $1,516.
Bluefly has a great deal right now on a coveted Chanel flap bag in the best color - black, of course.
It's normally $2,050, bluefly has it at 20% off, so $1,640. These never last, surprsingly so in this bad economy, so hurry!
As I was out and about this weekend I saw this dress in the window at the Banana near Bloomingdale's (uptown). I went in to check it out, but I didn't have time to try it on. The fabric is a beautiful brown with a sort of iridescent effect from a crossweave. The dress is $175, I thought it would be more, it has the look of a much more expensive dress.
This is a great option for anyone who needs a new dress for holiday parties this year. Oh, and I hadn't been into that particular Banana store for ages - the downstairs section that used to be so small and cramped is now HUGE, they must have taken over the basement space of the store next door (which I believe, conveniently, was their sister company, Gap's basement). It's great - now they have the entire women's department down there with enough room to fit the entire collection including shoes and jewelry and not be really crowded like it used to be.
J. Crew is offering an extra 30% off sale items with code EXTRA30 until Sat. Nov. 8 at 9:59 PM ET.
There are some great bargains like this winter coat in an Italian wool/cashmere blend. Regular $325, with extra sale $192.50.
A classic trouser style jean in a nice medium/dark wash. Regular $120, with extra sale $70.
Also, the great skull wellie boots that I mentioned a couple of weeks ago (orig. $78) can now be had for a mere $35.
Their website is often annoyingly slow lately, but it's worth the trouble for these great deals.
When I was at Precision the other day I tried on this fabulous 1/2 sleeve mock turtleneck from Vince in a supersoft cotton blend. I am loving this and want it in 2 more colors at least. It's $85 for the striped ones and $75 for solids.
Vince also makes it in a long sleeve version. ($85) What's so great about these is that they have an absolutely perfect fit, they're not bulky at all so they're great for layering but are nice enough pieces to stand on their own as well. Here is the long sleeve in a beautiful dark Heather-gray tone. It of course also comes in black and some colors.
I also love this sculpted cable cardigan sweater. ($285) It's a chunky cable knit with big buttons and front pockets. During the in-between-seasons (like NOW) it's perfect as a coat, paired with, for example, the long sleeve shirt above in black. Thow on some skinny jeans or leggings, a scarf and some tall boots and you're ready to go!
I've found two more options for menswear inspired dresses that are thankfully much more affordable than the gorgeous D&G version that I wrote about earlier this Fall.
This one by Nanette Lepore ($350) in a wool blend plaid, can be dressed up or down. Layer it with a thin turtleneck for a day look or wear it alone with super-high black heels and a chic clutch for evening. Here in this picture from Bloomingdales they've layered it with a cap sleeve top, I'm not very fond of that look personally. This dress actually looks much better in person! They have it in the window at the Precision boutique on 3rd Ave betw. 74th and 75th Streets right now, it's a really beautiful dress.
This one from BR Monogram Collection ($224) is a cotton/poly blend in a classic glenplaid. It has a twisted neckline similar to the D&G dress. Straight skirt and narrow belted waist. It's a more dressy look than the Nanette Lepore but you could layer it with a sweater for work to make it a day into night option.
I finally saw "What Happens in Vegas" on dvd last night.
It was an okay movie, typical for the genre. Cameron has some great outfits though! But what really stood out to me was the fabulous bedding on the bed at the hotel room in Las Vegas... the duvet cover with the large scale leaf pattern in a greeny shade with dark brown and matching sheets. I did a little poking around on the web, and I am pretty sure this is what it was:
Calvin Klein Boxwood Collection.
It happens to be on super-sale at Macy's right now too. The queen duvet cover is full priced at $315, but on double sale it's down to $188.99. The pillow shams, queen flat and fitted sheets are normally $100 each, down to $59.99 and the standard cases $75 down to $44.99.
All Marc Jacobs fans know that one of his signature style accents for accessories is the push lock. See below on the Classic Zip Clutch ($395).
So here's a not bad at all alternative from Topshop's website. (no stores yet in the US, but one's coming to SoHo, Broadway & Broome, in early 2009)
Topshop Large Push Lock Clutch ($85). An oversized clutch in leather with brass push lock detail. Pretty cute, right!
I'm not very familiar with Topshop other than that Kate Moss does a line for them. I think they're like the British version of H&M? I'm looking forward to checking out the store when it opens.
As a person who loves skull and crossbone patterns (for some strange reason) and has ruined one too many pairs of Gucci shoes in the rain, here's a great find:
They're rubber, so totally weather/water proof and lined with sherpa for comfort. (Sherpa-lined critter wellies, $78) They're a dark charcoal color so they'll go with anything and the skull pattern is small so you won't look too silly! It's so great wearing boots like this when the city streets are full of slush, snow, and mini-lakes (from clogged up drains). Thankfully it's not time for that yet, but they're just as good in pouring rain!
Here's another good find - a bag from Banana Republic that has the look of a much more expensive bag. The chunky gold chain detail is very Marc Jacobs looking - for a fraction of the price. The "Drake" Shoulder bag, it comes in black or russet leather ($180) or leopard print calf hair ($230). The russet is a nice orange color.
Either style qualifies for free shipping and they even come with their own dust bag like expensive bags do.
Check out this fabulous dress in the sale section of Net-a-Porter. Sonia by Sonia Rykiel Stud Trim Dress, Regular Price $495, Sale $247.50!
I love the sleeves and the overall design. You can also wear it belted. The studs are very much like the Carrie belt in the SATC movie. (although I would not recommend wearing them together, that would be overkill!) It's a cotton/polyester blend with metal studs. For $250 it's pretty tempting!!!
I was walking my short walk to the subway this morning and I passed not one, but two stylish women on 76th street wearing orange scarves. They both looked great! A dash of color is great way to add interest to denim, black, charcoal etc. (the colors I wear all the time). I should be more adventurous I think!
Here's a nice burnt orange cashmere knit scarf from Magaschoni at Bluefly. ($123)
And here's a 12 x 60" pashmina version from the Pashminastore.com. They make it in 100% wool for $35.99 or 70% wool / 30% silk for $29.99. They also make larger wrap sizes 28 x 80" and 36 x 80". These prices seem suspiciously cheap though. I'm not familiar with this company, but they claim to be made with real pashmina (finest grade cashmere wool) from Nepal. So if it's legit, they're really an AMAZING bargain.
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!
If you're interesting in fashion history, the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum is a great place to explore. Many people go to the Met and never even make it to this wonderful section of the museum. If you're not in New York or visiting soon, you can still enjoy it through their website. It features collection highlights and a searchable database.
Among the highlights are this Chanel Evening Ensemble (circa 1933-1935), silk and feathers.
Lanvin Evening Dress (circa 1939), silk.
Gilbert Adrian Evening Ensemble (circa 1945), silk.
Nettie Rosenstein Ensemble (circa 1945), silk.
It's pretty amazing that one could wear any of these today!
It's always good to pick up some cheap basics to mix and match with your nicer clothes (like Coco Rocha and her Aldo boots - see Oct 4 post). Here are some good options from the Gap.
This pencil skirt is a classic cut and only $44. It has a bit of stretch in it, so if you're small it may actually fit. (it's really surprsing how many size 0 pencil skirts actually do not fit, I mean they're supposed to be tailored fit, not baggy) How can you go wrong for $44! It comes in black and terrain (color below).
I also like this long sweater from Gap's European Collection. $88. It's 95% lambswool, 5% cashmere. That's a nice blend, usually less expensive sweaters have some acrylic in them, which is not nice at all! Perhaps that's why it's a little more pricey... but still much less than a designer version. I would get black, but I'm showing it in gray below so you can see the detail of the knit.
I love the slouchy comfortable look. It would look good with skinny jeans, or you could dress it up with a skirt, heels, and some chunky bracelets.
Gap is also a reliable source for inexpensive tights. When it gets cold, I wear them all the time. It's good to restock every Fall for the season since they get snags etc. They're only $12.50 or 2 for $10 each.
Of course I would love to only buy Wolford tights, but at $52 each, that's a bit hard to take when you can get perfectly fine ones for $10.
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.
I was poking around Sephora this weekend, a favorite pass-time of course, and I ran across 3 eye shadow palettes that look great! I really wish I didn't SUCK at eye shadow. I guess I need to go get a lesson (pretty sad at my age). I manage with my Chanel eye liner "Le Crayon Yeux" in teak and Clinique Naturally Glossy mascara, jet brown... Anyway, here they are:
Cargo Essential Eyeshadow Palette, $32. It comes in 3 color options: warm neutral, cool neutral and dark neutral. I liked the cool neutral the best (middle). It even tells you where to put the colors, so I think even a dummy like me could figure it out.
Fresh Eye Shadow Trio, Lost World, $32. I love these colors, but I wouldn't be sure where to put the green. I'm not terribly fond of the cutesy looking container though.
Dior 5 Color Eyeshadow, Incognito, $54. The beautiful neutral tones are very similar to the Cargo colors. But they come in a more elegant container and the pigments that Dior uses are apparently better quality.
On a side note, I love Dior's Replenishing Lipcolor, $27. Color 717, "Brown Image" is beautiful. Don't go by the colors online though, they are way off. I love the container too, it's got a quilited look like a Dior bag.
I realized lately that I'm sort of a bag lady, yup - paper bag. I have this terrible habit of carrying the things that don't fit into my handbag in a paper bag... you know the nice paper bags with handles that nice shops give you. (my favorites are the Sherry Lehman bag with the Toulouse Lautrec print and the Balthazar Bakery bag) Anyway, I was thinking how this is actually pretty weird, since I go out of my way to have the best shoes and handbags and decent clothes... so why do I do this? I guess I never thought about it very much, and maybe it's okay because it's recycling.
Anyway, Longchamp has a great solution. They now have a build your own Les Pliages bag, Le Pliage Sur Mesure, on their website! You get to choose the size of your bag, the length of the handles, the fabric color(s), the color of the metal on the bag (zipper pull, etc) and optional embossing of your initials on the leather or embroidery of your name on the fabric part. They're made to order in a workshop dedicated to the production of these custom bags, within Longchamp's main production unit located in Segré, in the Maine-et-Loire region of France.
The prices are pretty reasonable - the large bag prices out at $184 with the optional embossing included. And because it's a Le Pliage, you just fold it up when not is use for compact storage.
So, I FINALLY found a pair of True Religion jeans that I like (on me)! I don't know why it was so hard, I've seen plenty of people much larger than I am wearing them, out and about... but over the years I'd tried on many pairs and just always felt like they somehow made my legs look like sausages. (yes, allbeit size 0 sausages, still not good!)
So I tried on the Becky cut, $196 and I like them! I think they will look even better after they break in a little. They have a lot of stretch so I'm not really sure if they will "break in" as much as many jeans do. Does anyone know about this? Leave me a comment! Anyway, I'm so glad I finally found them. I didn't feel like my jeans collection was complete without a pair of True Religion!
Oh, and today is the first day of Fall. Happy Fall everyone. I love it, it's the best season of the year for fashion, I think...
Check out this beautiful bag from Prada's Fall collection... Vitello Daino Pocket Tote, $1495. It comes in "peltro" (light gold) or "antico" (copper) deer leather with a pebbled texture and silvertone hardware.
I like both colors, it would be hard to choose. I hope the prices of the European bags will be coming down again since the Dollar has been coming back against the Euro, but I'm not going to hold my breath. It does seem pretty crazy though to have to spend $1495 on a bag.
From Tuesday's post, in the "statement jewelry" category... here's a find. Again, from Ross Simons (NO I don't work for them, I just love their selection and reasonable prices!) I found this 10 carat Cognac Quartz Ring in 14k gold with tiny diamond accents on the band.
It's an unusual colored stone, but I like it. I've been liking yellow and orange lately... this seems to be a brown/orange. This ring would be even more perfect if it was just a smoky quartz, that beautiful rich brown color. But this color makes it even more unique perhaps.
I saw this super chic dress in the Fall issue of In Style "Makeover" (special issue). Nanette Lepore "High Ball Dress", merino wool with silk ruffles and sewn on faux pearls. The only place I could find it for sale online was Saks.com. The pearls give the look of the tiered pearl necklace that is very Coco Chanel.
It's a merino knit and pull on style, so it's sure to be very comfortable too. And only $230! I don't like the shoes the the Saks model is wearing, I think I'd wear 4" Louboutin black pumps.
