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!
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.
Rachel Roy’s Best Summer Beauty Tips
With a focus on summer getaways, we sat down with designer Rachel Roy, and she gave us the scoop on her Summer Beauty Must Haves for a weekend on the beach. Below are her personal tricks to looking bright, fresh and flawless.
What makeup do you carry with you for a weekend getaway?
I always carry Burberry Lip Cover NO.04 in Rosewood and Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick
Buy Now, Burberry Lip Cover NO.04 in Rosewood, $30
Buy Now, Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick compact, $39
Buy Now, Estée Lauder TurboLash Mascara, $32
How do you keep your make-up in tact during a day on the beach?
I don’t wear any! On the beach I stick with Strawberry Lip Smacker by Bonne Bell
Buy Now, Strawberry Lip Smacker by Bonne Bell, $2
Buy Now, Jo Malone Red Roses Cologne, $60
Buy Now, Clarins Spray- SPF 50, $32
How do you style your hair for a day on the beach?
I usually wear my hair down with little maintenance or pull it back in a pony. One of my fave summer products is KeSARI Indian Oil Hair Serum– I’m obsessed! It combines natural botanical extracts from India with state-of-the-art technology and makes your hair so shiny and reduces frizz (an essential with beach air!) To me, the perfect beach look is tousled, easy, loose waves- similar to the look that Gisele Bundchen has perfected!
Buy Now, KeSARI Indian Oil Hair Serum, $26.50
Do you change your makeup and fashion routine in the summertime?
Yes! During the summer I definitely channel my bohemian chic favorites – for example Raquel Welch, Bianca Jagger and Miss Trinidad, all circa the 1970’s. In terms of summer fashions, I love high-waisted denim, men’s style blouses out of sheer cotton and long maxi skirts and dresses.
What do you always make sure to pack when you travel somewhere warm?
My must-haves when traveling somewhere warm are my Indian thong sandals, vintage 501 men’s Levi’s, a perfectly worn in brown leather belt, white tank tops, Theodora and Callum boutique print wraps and sarongs, gold door knockers and always my gold Manon body chain.
What are your three summer essentials?
1. My iPod- such a must for a day on the beach. See my summer playlist- it’s on RachelRoy.com now!
2. Tunics- they are not only easy to wear in the summer time- but also serve as a great beach cover up. There are some in my Rachel Roy pre-fall collection that I am living in.
3. Lotion- I mix Jo Malone Rose-Scented Lotion with Chanel NO. 5 Lotion as my summer perfume – after a tan it’s really all you need!
Buy Now, Jo Malone Rose-Scented Lotion, $65
Buy Now, Chanel NO. 5 Lotion, $50
 Rachel Roy approaches the design of her eponymous collection with a feminine and modern point of view. Her goal is to create clothing for women who embrace fashion and dress with an effortless elegance and confidence. The results encapsulate a fresh version of glamour that evades the standard protocol for dressing today.
Originally from California, Rachel attended college in Washington DC. Upon graduation, Rachel pursued her passion for design, and moved to New York City to work freelance; styling magazine shoots and music videos. Rachel launched her career at Rocawear and quickly rose to become Creative Director overseeing seven licensees and running all of the design departments and their teams for Rocawear Juniors and Girls. Rachel launched her own collection, Rachel Roy New York, in Spring 2005. With striking silhouettes, a sophisticated color palette and inventive pairings which transition from day to evening, Rachel’s iconic and versatile pieces – the trench dress, the dinner blouse, the day-to-night dress – have become must-have pieces in women’s closets. In one of the fashion industries highest honors, Rachel was inducted into the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) in 2007. A frequent contributor to fashion stories in various publications, Rachel has been featured as a columnist for InStyle magazine, covered Oscar fashion for EXTRA TV on the red carpet, and has appeared on episodes of The Oprah Winfrey Show, America’s Next Top Model, and Project Runway. Rachel volunteers her time with a number of organizations including New Yorkers For Children and OrphanAid for Africa. In 2009, Rachel was recognized by the Accessories Council with an ACE AWARD for best brand launch for RACHEL Rachel Roy. Roy has garnered editorial acclaim for both her lines in publications such as Vogue, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, W, Vanity Fair, Glamour and InStyle. Michelle Obama, Eva Mendes, Kate Hudson, Jennifer Garner, Iman, Halle Berry, Sheryl Crow, Estelle, Jessica Alba and Gwyneth Paltrow among others have worn pieces from Rachel’s collections. |
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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