I am in love with handbags and while Prada is my numero uno designer choice for all things leather to tote, I am currently infatuated with a guy named Reed: Reed Krakoff, of Coach to boot! Krakoff's gorgeously sculpted "Boxer" tote and "Gym" bag are on my X-Mas/Hanukkah/Kwanza wish list and in a variety of colors, textures and mixtures for any handbag appetite delight! Here's to living luxuriously and coveting for a long time to come (Boxer starts @$990, Gym @ $890).
I am in love with Prada. I cannot afford Prada. But, I love to look for bags that hold the structure of Prada! I also love J.Crew and the two have now somewhat combined with the new Biennial tote. For $348 you too can own a nice and spacious work tote that doesn't scream expensive, but does represent an understated classic appeal. I'm not a credit card-carrying J.Crew VIP, but I still love to buy anything, especially on sale!
While I love everything about summer, I'm ready for the fall cool down and have found the perfect slide ins for my jaunts across campus: Cole Haan Trillby Driver Loafers in luggage! Now while they may be a tad bit pricey at $119-a pop, they're those classic flats that can go with just about any outfit on the horizon.
Just a post-ago in a time far, far away, I marveled at the lovely CODE rings from Lulu Frost. Now, my favorite color of gold--rose, that is--is tied up in a knot. For $365 (a dollar per day into 2012!), Avanessi can keep you all tied up with their "Love Knot" ring found at my favorite online jewelry boutique Max and Chloe.
Everyone has a lucky number and now, Lulu Frost has designed the simple, yet expensive, CODE collection of rings with the numbers 1-9 for all of our superstitious or commemorative needs. Now while these rings will run about $440 for the simple gold or $880 for 18K-gold with diamonds I have found a cheaper, yet still lovely personalized ring at online jewelry boutique Max & Chloe for $60 by the line Nashelle.
Greetings from the land of overstuffed tote bags! My arms are growing tired and while I love to look classic and refined, I find that my fave Cabas Mezzo and his friend St. Louie are becoming a little to heavy to handle. That is why I have turned to the land of the satchel and with an array of brands to choose from, I'm sure I can settle on one or maybe all.... of course, this would be brought to you by the department of wishful thinking. Listed above is the Cambridge Satchel from Scotland-based (and online) boutique Bohemia. Below are some other nice sidekicks from brands I have already mentioned and loved to others that I also presently salivate over. As of now, I've kicked Kate Spade to the side in favor of my British pride ($167.57 for 14" -- and they do monogram!)! And if you can't tell, I want it in ORANGE!
Today, I happened upon a lovely cuff bangle reminiscent of Angelina Jolie-fave Asprey and did a little digging. It is from the brand Devi Rao:Being a shop-aholic with champagne taste and a beer pocketbook, I appreciate Rao's 18K-Gold dipped sterling silver designs and look forward to purchasing the $125 bracelet pictured above. However, as you know, I NEVER pay full price!Having literally grown up in the jewelry business, designer Ritu Bontha has a passion for jewelry and style. So after many years of importing and selling jewelry from all over the world, she designed and launched her own line for young and young-at-heart fashion forward women to express their individuality and personal style through jewels. Named for her most precious creations, her three children, Devi Rao Jewelry represents an esoteric style that is at once bohemian and chic.
The Devi Rao line was immediately picked up by numerous high-end boutiques across the country, and even some international ones. And hundreds of Facebook inquiries later, Ritu knew that there was a demand for hip, chic jewelry at affordable prices. Thus, the Devi Rao brand is dedicated to creating jewelry using pure metals, brilliant genuine gemstones, and handcrafted artistry with youthful, cutting edge design and an eye on value. Why own just one piece of Good Karma when you can have a whole collection?
I'm not a slave to the Hermès brand, but I will say I can appreciate the luxe look of the lovely Birkin bag that adorns the arms of celebrities, socialites and rich people. As I am none of the aforementioned beings listed, I will continue to marvel and scout brands and bags that also appreciate the shape of the French-fashion house's fashionable accessory. I have found a similar luxe look for a lot less of a price in the new-Coach, Michael Kors. Kors' Hamilton tote is the perfect go-to when I need to feel understated, yet elegant; classy and refined, yet relaxed and natural. And for $328, its thousands less than it's French friend.
While I loathe admitting to finding inspiration from the end of a paparazzi lens, there is no denying that actresses, singers, entertainers and all around fame whores can look decent during their downtime. While not all public figures can dress themselves, I take to the idea that hopefully they are not spoon-fed into what to wear when they're off to wherever they please while not filming, singing, entertaining or loving themselves. My first Style-Stalker post belongs to California blonde and seemingly all around fun loving amigo Cameron Diaz. I appreciate her well-played skinny jeans and t-shirt combinations as she hops in and out of LAX in envy-inducing jaunts to posh and pretty locales.
Where have I been? Chanel cap toe flats have been worn on the feet of society players and social climbers for years that I am behind the times! Either way, today is dedicated to my newfound infatuation with cream and black cap toe flats! Now while I'm not too keen on Chanel's quilted things, I do however love the look of Talbot's version above (which happens to currently not be available) and brand Restricted Chocolate on Piperlime.
I am a lover of light scarves in the summer or wool scarves in the winter and while I used to never seem to locate that perfect and long summer scarf I have found it in Love Quotes and brand that has adorned the necks of several celebrities - though that is always a deterrent more than anything - and is available in an assortment of colors! You can find them for about $20 cheaper on eBay or Singer22.com at $88 a pop! They are sure to be my summer staple!
While I am always one to go against the grain, I have fallen beholden to a fad I cannot feign indifference to... the quintessential Longchamp tote! Every college girl and her sorority sister sports the Le Pliage in a bevy of colors or knockoffs, and now, I have too... well, almost. Instead of falling privy to the Le Pliage nylon bag, I have become infatuated with the Planètes tote, a little more classic and refined than its sister. Even better, I discovered it at a small family owned boutique in New York with a killer website featuring loads of options and wonderful coupon benefits (20% of the Planètes $168 MSRP).
Just a post ago I mused about my new Damier International and while I am in awe of the brand's gorgeous checkerboard canvas, I can't say that I wouldn't purchase the luxurious Nomade leather zip wallet. Its perfect and understated and a bit too much for my blood at $900, but fun to look at none the less.
My latest Wallets! Wallets! Wallets! post is a homage to an old friend. I am a lover all of things Louis, but alas, I am in preference of something less flashy, more demure. Now while the checkerboard Damier print is still well-known, it has flooded the market less than its predecessor, the trademark LV canvas. As a matter of fact, I now cart the International, pictured above, in my favorite totes and while it swings $530 at the malletier's website, I never pay full price.
I just love discovering brands that have already been discovered, but fly under the the radar! As such, I have happened upon ultra-luxurious Italian leather manufacturer Valextra! Their grained leather products are as good as it can get and just as expensive! Even eBay and discount resellers/retailers have the goods at pricey premiums! Doesn't mean a girl can't muse or save...
For my upcoming posts, I will be dedicating my musing to what goes into the bag instead of the bag! I'm on the quest for the perfect credit card and ka-ching holder and I am bringing you on my travels! First up is my new obsession, Guccissima from it's root Gucci! Check out eBay for some steals!
My love affair with Louis Vuitton never ended, I was just having an outside dalliance with Goyard! But now, I have rekindled the flame and am in awe of Vuitton's Epi Noe in the gorgeous Cognac color displayed above. Vuitton currently lists only the Petit Noe in 2 colors at $1300, but that doesn't mean that I won't find my bag on Ebay - and for a fraction of the cost at that!
I am still loyal to my lovely $19.99 black Mossimo watch from Target, but since perusing the aisles the other day I have discovered a lovely Merona white time-ticker for only $12.99 that is presently adorning my wrist. I have been all over getting a white watch for quite a while, but I'm not interested in spending all those Benjamins for a trend splurge. Now while Saks offers some lovely versions for $250-a-pop and up, including the lovely Michael Kors above, I'll stick with Target, which offers more than just my lovely arm candy!
