Best British Fashion

In honor of the London 2012 Olympics, we wanted to celebrate one of our favorite things about British culture…the fashion!  I just recently traveled to the UK where I picked up a few new things and lusted after some British designers’ items.  Here are my picks to get the “London Look.”  Cheers!

1. Karen Millen Colorblock Sculptural Dress, $350
I found this gorgeous colorblocked shift at the must-see tourist destination Harrod’s department store in London.  It’s ideal for day to night and has a sexy and flattering fit.

2. Warehouse Lace Insert Cami, $71
I love this amazing cami as a layering piece or on its own.  Warehouse’s “design for the high street” began in London in 1976 and has since become a popular British brand.

3. Nicholas Kirkwood Leather and Watersnake Platform Pumps, $875
These colorblocked, architectural pumps are real statement-makers.  When you’re in a rainy city where your outfit is often covered up by your trench coat and umbrella, standout shoes are a must-have!

4. Burberry Oversize Rounded Frame Sunglasses, $210
Did you know this quintessential British brand began by designing coats for the British Flying Corps during World War I?  But Burberry isn’t limited to just their iconic plaid, they make fantastic accessories as well, like these oversized sunglasses.

5. Alexander McQueen Red/Blue Crystal Britannia Skull Box Clutch, $2,295
The late London-born designer Alexander McQueen is one of my favorites.  His edgy fashions now designed by the talented Sarah Burton often feature a nod to jolly ol’ England, be it a punk rock plaid or a union jack, like this fantastic clutch.

6. Dorothy Perkins Stone Grosgrain Bow Trouser, $57
Dorothy Perkins has been making affordable and feminine fashion since 1919.  This trouser makes menswear look dainty.  I love it for a work pant!

7. The Cambridge Satchel Company The Classic 13″ Satchel, $168
If the fabulous neon satchels you’ve been seeing everywhere aren’t authentic Cambridge satchels, they are certainly inspired by them.  These classic leather bags are handmade in the UK and perfect for everyday wear or rocking the neon trend!

7 Sites That Need to be on Your Web Radar

We are living in a world of information overload these days so how do you know which websites and newsletters are worth your time? After scouring the e-world, I put together a list of my favorite online destinations that are perfect for fashion and lifestyle junkies.

1. Edition01:
Edition01 is the first online luxury experience designed to spotlight and sell limited edition fashion pieces from leading designers in one of a kind capsule collections. Collaborating with Vera Wang, Zac Posen, Narciso Rodriguez and Thakoon (to name a few), founders Estefania Lacayo and Jessica Wilpon Kamel offer you a unique shopping and lifestyle experience which has already been touted by Vogue, WWD and Marie Claire to name a few. Their minimalistic and inviting web site is blog style making it very easy to shop their collections which are grouped by designers and lifestyle categories (“Travel Boutique”). You can also have a personalized shopping experience by using their “My Edition” feature to track what you want, need and bought and get recommendations for building your perfect wardrobe. I love that Edition01 goes beyond just shopping and gives you behind the scenes fashion intel in their Journal, stocked with insider interviews, celebrity essentials and designer inspirations.

20 Best & Worst Oscar Looks

It may be the night of film but the real winners (and losers) are chosen on the red carpet. Here’s a list of the best and worst looks of the night.

Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

Best: Jessica Chastain
The Best Supporting Actress nominee strove away from her simple red carpet looks and donned a black and gold Alexander McQueen gown. We love the contrast between the tight bustier and flowing skirt. She completed her look with loose curls and Harry Winston yellow diamond jewels worth $2 million!

Photo: Steve Granitz/Getty Images

Best: Emma Stone
Emma proved just how smart she is. She chose a gown that closely resembled Nicole Kidman’s Balenciaga from the 2008 Oscars. It was a hit then and it is a hit now. She paired the scarlet Giambattista Valli dress with Louis Vuitton rubies.

2012 SAG Awards Best And Worst

Photo: © John Shearer/WireImage

Best: Sofia Vergara
It doesn’t even seem worth it to mention how amazing Sofia Vergara looked at last night’s SAG Awards. It’s like saying the sky is blue. At this point we know she’s going to show up in a gorgeous dress with great hair and makeup.

Photo: © Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Best: Emily Blunt
Emily Blunt showed up wearing one of our favorite looks of the night. Not only did the neon green hue compliment her dark locks and creamy skin, but it’s one of the hot colors for this coming Spring.

Photo: © Jeff Vespa/WireImage

Worst: Busy Phillips
Do you think Michelle Williams ever gets embarrassed showing up with best friend Busy Phillips? She often ends up on the Worst Dressed list, and this hideous ensemble is just one example of why.

 

Be on the Cutting Edge of Style with Cool Cuffs, Bangles and Rings

I love to accessorize my outfits with cuffs, bangles and rings. Here are my favorite picks that will surely add some serious style and edge to your look:

Eddie Borgo Bear Trap Bangles, BUY NOW, $490
The set of three silver-plated brass bracelets are a perfect balance of rebellion and luxury. I love their versatility and they can be worn interlocked as one piece or reversed for added edge. The Eddie Borgo collection began with a request from designer Phillip Lim to create jewelry for his runway show and has since boomed. The collection retails in over 90 stores worldwide and has a huge cult following including celebs such as Blake Lively and Katy Perry.

Alexander McQueen Snakeskin and Brass Wrap Bracelet, BUY NOW, $315
I am a fan all things McQueen including the fab jewelry line with his signature skull detail. This midnight blue and black snakeskin wrap bracelet make it perfect for pairing with other gold accessories and really stands out against neutral palettes. The Swarovski crystal skull charm adds a pop of rock and roll.

Alexis Bittar Sugar Dust Bangle, BUY NOW, $295
These hand sculpted and hand painted Sugar Dust Bangles are gorgeous and have just the right amount of sparkle to dress up any look, day or night. Bittar got his start by selling antique jewelry and vintage clothing on the streets of lower Manhattan and is now collaborating with Burberry, Michael Kors and stylist Patricia Field. He also recently custom designed a lucite mask for Lady Gaga. No wonder he won the prestigious CFDA’s Accessory Designer of the Year award in 2010!

Kara Ross Pyramid Ring, BUY NOW, $290
From the Pyramid collection, this Sterling Silver ring boasts a geometric style with sleek lines and smooth detail that reflects light with every move. They are also made with a variety of gemstones (I personally love the Mother of Pearl version). Kara Ross is an expert jewelry designer, certified gemologist and has recently added wood crafter to her impressive resume; having been asked to create exclusive gifts for President Obama and First Lady made out of Magnolia wood that originated from the White House lawn! A pyramid ring by Kara Ross was recently worn by Golden Globe winner Jessica Lange, and other celeb fans include Hilary Swank, Anne Hathaway and Oprah.

My Halloween Style: Edgy and Chic Skull Accessories

For years I have been into skull accessories, so in the spirit of Halloween I selected five of my favorites to share with you!

I pretty much wear this ring every day on my index finger and it seems that everyone who likes it, buys one for themselves.  The positioning of the skulls make it very subtle and understated so a great option if you want to keep your inner Goth under wraps.

Buy Now, Alexander McQueen Twin Skull Ring, $195

My daughter Rachel and I were perusing Urban Outfitters for family holiday gift ideas and found this skull wine stopper.  Priced right and makes a great stocking stuffer.

Buy Now, Urban Outfitters Bottle Stopper Skull, $12

I can’t help selecting another accessory from Alexander McQueen.  I saw this scarf and love the lavender skulls (I am currently obsessed with all things purple).  The cashmere will keep your neck warm this winter!

Buy Now, Alexander McQueen Pink Petal Skull Scarf Pashmina, $595

Rachel and I popped into Kitson on a quick shopping excursion when we were in LA a few weeks ago.  We found this this cool mirror which now hangs in her room.  I love it too!

Buy Now, Kitson Skull Mirror Mosaic, $38

I think these cuff links are so hip and masculine.  They are great for the male who is a bit rock and roll or biker chic.

Buy Now, Ralph Lauren Enamel Skull Cufflinks, $450

From Givenchy to Miu Miu to Balenciaga,
Designer Finds for Less Than $100

By Katrina Caspelich

It’s New York Fashion Week, and all eyes are on designers and the looks they’re sending down the runways. But let’s face it. Not everyone can afford to rock designer clothing. Instead of ruling out designer duds, reevaluate your mindset. You CAN own designer accessories. You WILL purchase designer clothing. You SHOULD treat yourself to designer jewelry. Just because fashion is designer doesn’t mean it has to be expensive. If you’re dying to own a Givenchy or Isabel Marant piece, fear not, we have you covered with some of our favorite designer pieces under $100.

Great Designer Clothes for Less

1. Designer Fashion for Less: Go for Givenchy without Going Broke
Transition into spring with these chic Givenchy fishnet tights, which feature an elastic waistband and shadow toes. For a mere $16, you own Givenchy! Bring your Givenchy Abstract Net Tights to work, then slip them on for that special evening out to take your little red dress—or any other—from day to night.

2. Pucci in Pink: A Designer Find for under $100
Put away your winter hats, gloves, and scarves by accessorizing with this Pucci silk scarf that can double as a head wrap or belt. Multipurpose and designer for $90? You’ll be loving this Pucci Pink Floral Cotton-Silk Scarf for years to come.

3. Get Fashion Designer Dior for Less with This Little Book
Ditch the diet book and get into the head of famous designer Christian Dior by reading this page-turner. And for $19.95, The Little Dictionary of Fashion by Christian Dior makes a great gift. Not only can you own designer, you can give it away!

4. Designer Shoes at a Discount: Hello, Gucci!
Stay on the metallic trend by sporting a pair of these leather Gucci flip-flops. Weighing in at $99.95, just under the $100 dollar limit, these Gucci Metallic Flip Flops in silver will go with just about everything you wear.

5. The Designer Charm of Isabel Marant Maintained on a Budget
Get girly with Isabel Marant’s feminine beaded bracelet featuring a black silk tassel and pink tulip charm. Buy yourself your own Valentine’s Day or Just-Because-I-Want-It Day gift—this Isabel Marant Rhodonite Charm Bracelet for $80 is perfect.

6. You Too Can Wear Miu Miu Designer Fashion
Thought Miu Miu would never make it into your wardrobe? Think again. You’ll feel sexy in this pair of comfortable Miu Miu briefs with side lace inserts, front bow detail, and scalloped edges. These Miu Miu Silk Two-Tone Briefs are yours for $92.

7. Designer Fashion from Missoni Not on Budget? Not So Fast
Perfect for everyday wear, this Missoni jersey top looks great by itself or layered under a sweater. This M Missoni Top is only $49.

8. Sleep in Designer Style with Burberry
Not only can you wear designer looks for less, you can sleep in them. Decadence on a budget! Get even more beauty sleep by wearing this pair of Burberry’s cotton, elasticated-waist, signature-print sleeping shorts. For $75, these Burberry Checked Cotton Sleep Shorts make your designer dreams come true.

9. You Can Tighten Your Belt—and Buy Designer Balenciaga
Show off your figure and make the look of your body slimmer with this Balenciaga braided leather belt with silver-tone buckle closure. You’ll be wearing this Balenciaga Belt, $65, with everything from jeans to dresses.

10. Designer Handbags for Less? Count Us In!
Forget carrying that celebrity “it” bag; keep your spare change in this colorful leather change purse from Comme Des Garçons. With all of the money you’ll save with these designer fashions for less, your blue Comme Des Garçons Zip Pouch, $98, will come in handy.

11. The Price of Designer Genius from Alexander McQueen
Never lose your keys and stay in style with this enamel, silver-tone keyring from Alexander McQueen. High-end designer plus practical for $80 makes this Alexander McQueen Skull Key Ring a must-have.

Related Links
• Get Gossip Girl, Mad Men & Glee Fashion for under $100
• An Inexpensive & Unusual Source for Designer Fashion Such as Stella McCartney
• Off to Paris Fashion Week? Travel There in Style

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Alexander McQueen Skull Bracelet, $330

Alexander McQueen Skull Bracelet I have always been a fan of McQueen. His talent for flawless tailoring, his theatrical shows, he was one of a kind.  This is one of my recent purchases that I will treasure. Purchase Alexander McQueen Skull Bracelet