School Boy Chic

"You've been a bad, bad boy!", cried the school teacher. The verdict is in....Oxfords rule this fall. Its a bit different from the preppy look we normally associate with the word "oxford" but it definitely gets its influence from it. The look encompasses a little of that rock n' roll look from the 70's with the platfrom and the high heel and a little of the conservative , signature lace up front and patch detail that we've come to know as the oxford look. Bordering on the masculine side but with a femanine silhouette. Here's a picture of Sarah Jessica Parker rockin' this look. To the far left is one by Benetton. In the center is one by Casadei, $655; at Hu's Shoes, 202-342-0202. Consider this a bootie (not quite a shoe, not quite a boot.)

Boots or Shoes? Both!

Shoe update, great look!

Welcome fall with these stylish Marc B booties by Jenny O. It has that victorian inspired lace up front with a modern day muted metallic leather and skinny heel. The laces are leather, front panel is fabric and it has a low back. I think this would go great with opaque burgundy hose or dark brown skinny slacks and knitted bubble sweater. It's an exciting new high heeled pump. Be the first of your friends to wear it.

We Remember...

God Bless America.

Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week- Spring 2008

Featured Designer: Karen Walker

So it's that time again. New York Fashion week has sprung upon us with great enthusiasm. Welcomed by Mercedes-Benz. The style buzz is everywhere. It's always fun to see what new-ness our American designers come up with. I liked Karen Walker. Her looks embody an American style with a little twist. Not conservative but wearable. A little flirty, very hip with a touch of edge. Note the hats and headwear, very fadora-like. I'm still seeing the trapeze style dresses and shorts. Nice mixes of solids with patterned fabrics. Casual, stylish, daytime to evening. All good. I'm sold!

OP-ARTment

Have you ever moved into a new apartment or home with so much wall space you couldn't decide what to do with it? YEAH RIGHT! Not likely if you live in a New York city apartment, but let's just pretend for a second, shall we?

A great way to fill up a blank wall is with this powder coated metal open air sculpture. It's basically op art that plays with positive and negative space. It serves as a conversation piece and art. It is a great item for those of you who prefer minimalist style. The white version is great for adding contrast to a dark wall. It also comes in graphite grey. It measures 49" x 27" and costs $179.00. Shop for this and similar items at thisnext or at http://www.wingarthome.com/.

Prepared for anything

I support any item or gadget, be it tech, makeup or wallet that alleviates carrying around a bulky heavy bag. I find myself tired all the time because I have a habit of carrying as much with me as possible (thanks, mom for turning me into an ultra prepared woman!) This Christian Dior silver ID bracelet has a secret compartment that holds 2 Dior Addict Ultra-Gloss lip glosses (pink shimmer and light bronze shimmer.) It's great for those spontaneous office meetings that don't give you a chance to primp. At least your lips will show up well groomed. The ID bracelet also has the signature Dior logo on the front.

Check it out here: Dior Gourmette at Sephora - cosm - bracelet - makeup Stylehive BM 36883 #:36883

New moon, new nails

Keep your eyes or rather your nails open for the manicure of the moment...the reverse french manicure or otherwise known as the half moon. Popularized by screen sirens like Jean Harlow, it was a stylish look in the late 1930's and 40's during the great hollywood film era of that time. Now seen sporting this look are Dita Von Teese, Fergie and Gwen Stefani. It was also caught in action during the Dior Fall 2007 runway show as white half moons and tips.

If you choose to welcome fall in with this nail polish glam then make sure to pair the half moons with the right colors, maybe a deep red or deep burgundy metallic. Try it out!

Little Beau Chic

I take a liking to things that are different or a bit unusual so naturally I liked this dress when I saw it. It's a grey asymmetrical dress by Beau Soleil Beau. It features a right side strap with knot where the fabric is gathered to one side. It reaks of style and comfort all at once and it's very playful. Easy color to work with, the fabric moves with you but doesn't cling. Wear it with flats or pumps or even strappy sandals before this summer is gone. You can even cover up a bit with a cropped bolero jacket if its a little chilly in the evening. One thing's for sure, you'll have fun wearing it.

The Giving Tree

We've seen alot of laser cut, open work pendants and earrings as of late. The update to this is the "stamped" or cut out motifs. This is a great example of that and it's especially pretty because of the leaf patterns and the little diamond accent. I've done a similar stamped style of a peacock which should be coming out soon, stay tuned for details...

Since this is gold Vermeil, you get the look of real without blowing your budget. I think its exquisitely done and very tasteful. Kudos to Jennifer Zeuner!

Addicted

Vanessa Bruno clothing is like crack for the fashionista! You will find many must have pieces that will help you float through the holiday season in a stylish high. Take this coat for instance... Brown wool, funnel neck, pleated bell sleeves, asymmetrcial buttoned placket and slit pockets. So many fun details, so little time! If you can't justify buying something like this for yourself at
$855.00 then consider buying it as a Christmas gift for your best friend or sister who happens to be the same size as you! I mean there should always be a reason for you to enjoy your purchases. Now you won't have to choose between warmth and style. Take a peak at it here...Vanessa Bruno Bell sleeve coat - NET-A-PORTER.COM - wool - brown - seaming Stylehive BM 219153 #:219153

Gold Stardust

Here's something you don't see everyday. A ring made of 18k gold that has 2 windows made of faceted white sapphire that are bezel set. The novel part is that in between the faceted windows are little flecs of 18k gold chips. As a jewelry designer I often hated to see scraps of metal go to waste. Talk about creative recycling! Nothing goes to waste here! Sure the designer of this ring could have collect all the chips up, melted them down and made something new but sometimes time is just not available to start over. The fun part is that it moves around and shimmers inside the faceted disks with your hands every movement. The brilliant designer of this ring is Moritz Glik and the price is $3,160.00. I guarantee your friends don't have something like this. Here's where to find it...Ring - Gold Chip Stylehive BM 214596 #:214596

I'm All About Easy

I enjoy buying clothes that are stylish but subtle. I'm not into dresses that are tight and scandalous, I like clothes that are pretty and comfortable, yet sophisticated. This Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent dress is just the type of thing that I'm talking about. It has just enough to bring out that little bit of hipster in all of us and it's tasteful with interesting elements about it. Like the ruffle detail at the bust and back. It sports a rounded neck, an above the knee hemline and a keyhole button closure at the upper back. It has easy colors to match up and it's cute! Currently $216 at shopbop.com. Pair it with plum colored round toe shoes and fun handbag and you're good to go.

Check out this link for details: Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent Round Neck Mini Dress - shopbop.com - cynthia - minidress - twelfth st by cynthia vincent round neck mini dress Stylehive BM 208375 #:208375

The New Vintage

I love all things vintage, but there comes a time when you have to retire the black leather motorcycle jacket and the red leather Michael Jackson jacket to a far, far region in your closet, simply because it just doesn't play well with the hand me down Vittorio Ricci pumps your stylish aunt once gave you. Ashley Watson is a fashion blessing in disguise. She takes vintage leather jackets and other items and transforms them into new, wearable handbags that you wouldn't hesitate to wear today. It's brilliant really. She leaves in some cool details from the original jacket like the stitching or the pockets and integrates it into the bag as a functional element.

So even though I don't encourage hording your wares all your life, I do encourage creative recycling and this is a great way to do it.

Check it out here: Beklina :: Ashley Watson Bag Purse Tote :: - fair trade - eco fashion - green Stylehive BM 190695 #:190695

Geometry, What's Not To Love?

I've always loved the idea of modernist fashion. There's something to be said about sleek, geometric forms in our accessories and we don't often get to really wear them. Here's something that I think you'll like. It's a cuff bangle by Schullin that incorporates a hard edged look with typically feminine materials like gold and diamonds. This can be worn with a crisp white blouse, or juxtaposed against a soft silk dress. The diamonds are small and unobtrusive enough for daytime and yet shiny and bold enough for evening. It's also a nice change from the usual beads and baubles that we're so used to wearing. And if you're from the city like me, it seconds as a great weapon against those aggressive tourists and sidewalk crowds. Just kidding, I couldn't hurt a fly!

Here's a link to one of the places you can find this bracelet...
diamond & gold "Spange" bracelet by S C H U L L I N - diamonds - design - jewelry Stylehive BM 206266 #:206266

It's A Cinch!

I'm wiping my chin now because I just drooled over the image of this belt by Lara Bohinc. It's beautiful, if I do say so myself...and I do! It's got a woven center panel and black leather trim all around. The best part is the textured snake chain pattern in the front. Nevermind that its black and easy to match with anything. It's a rockin' belt!

Why do I love it so much? Because when you're often running from your day job to an after work afair that sometimes lasts til past your usual bedtime, like I am, it's always good to be adorned in something like this accessory that goes easily from day to night. Imagine this cinched around the waistline of your favorite dress. Goodness, its even fun to wear with all black! Currently the price is BP300 and can be purchased at the Lara Bohinc boutique at 51 Hoxton Square, London N1 or call at +44 20 7684 1645.

For me, as for many women, it's all about the details.