10 Awesome Bags for Fall

Fall is all about cozying up and feeling sexy with the one you love, even if you only just found him this season. And, like a man, a bag is a great accessory for any fall ensemble. We’ve made our fall 2012 handbag selections, and they are complete with color-blocked clutches, sophisticated totes, and hands-free crossbodies that are sure to please even the choosiest of ladies.

1. Skylar backpack by Simone Camille, $810.00

This is no ordinary school day backpack— fringe, embroidery, and embellishments take the convenience of the design to a whole other level. Style maven Nicole Richie was recently spotted with this black beauty. Carry by the handle or keep your hands free and wear it on one shoulder. Either way you’re sure to catch eyes.

2. Bobi Leopard Shoulder Bag, $559

Photo credit Bag Snob

Emma Roberts was recently seen wearing this leopard print calf hair shoulder bag, and we always love her look. Animal print accents are a modern staple and Emma pulls off the pattern beautifully by keeping the rest of her outfit simple and casual. The leather and gold chain strap can be removed, transitioning the bag to a nighttime clutch with ease.

9 Trends to Watch from Fashion Week: Fall 2012

During Fashion Week it’s easy to get side-tracked with celeb sightings, crazy street style and after parties! The shows and presentations are a big production and what they are really all about is forecasting next season’s trends! We saw a ton of chic looks and put together our list of the biggest trends for Fall Winter 2012. From feminine menswear and fabulous furs, to sophisticated cut outs and sensual pleats, we can’t wait for another fall to arrive!

Edit New York: Melissa’s Fave Upper East Side Shopping Spot (and one of Leighton and Blake’s, too!)

One of my fave places to shop on the Upper East Side is Edit New York – I live in all the clothes I buy there!  They carefully “edit” the best styles from designer brands like Alexander Wang, Rag and Bone and Phillip Lim and offer great personalized service.  One of my favorite go-to dresses is a T by Alexander Wang black dress that I bought there last season.  I paired it with a the cutest fur vest by Rebecca Taylor, also from Edit.  For fall, I love this gorgeous Proenza Schouler dress and the sand-washed ruffle side dress from Thakoon, two of my favorite designers.  Shopping in Edit’s gorgeous and townhouse is just divine. I am not alone here–Gossip Girls Blake Lively and Leighton Meester were just spotted shopping there recently!

One-Piece Wonders: Rompers and Jumpsuits

Rompers and jumpsuits are the hottest thing in fashion right now, as they combine summer staples of dresses and shorts into one perfect outfit. Don’t think you can pull one off? With an array of styles, patterns and colors, you’ll definitely fall in love with one of our choices whatever your budget may be!

Solids

The Bow-Waist Short Jumpsuit by Phillip Lim is definitely for a special occasion. With its wide shoulder straps and bow waistline, this jumpsuit focuses on making your legs look long and lean without giving too much away. The umber brown color even has a subtle glow to it.
Buy Now, $475

Diane von Furstenberg’s Ballancia Romper combines the best of both worlds: fit and color. This silk romper has a stylish cowl-neck and belted waist, and comes in a bright neon coral color, which is the biggest craze this summer. Pair it with some neutral heels and earrings to really make it pop.
Buy Now, $375

Afraid of bright colors and patterns? This elegant black Stretch Silk-Satin Playsuit by Catherine Malandrino is perfect whether you want to be the center of attention or if you’re merely a wallflower. Dress it up with a fur wrap and cocktail ring, or down with some trendy tribal jewelry. Either way, it has a slimming wrap-dress effect and sash waist to flatter all shapes and sizes.
Buy Now, $375

When you need a new look for work, or have a conservative meeting or event coming up, this romper is professional and stylish. In a camel color with black accents, this 100% silk Earl Romper by Equipment has double-button cuffs, a fold-over collar and even pockets.
Buy Now, $278

If you watch Breakfast at Tiffany’s non-stop, you will fall head over heels for this White Pleated Bow Belt Playsuit from Topshop. This sleeveless romper even looks like a shift dress from far away with its high neckline and pleated bottom. Plus, it comes with an adorable camel-colored bow belt that cinches at the waist!
Buy Now, $106

The BCBGeneration Ruffle Flounce Romperis a great pick; not only does this sleeveless romper come with a flirty ruffle v-neck, but also a self-tie belt around the waist. With its intricate details, all you need are a cute pair of sandals and a few bangles to look effortlessly chic.
Buy Now, $88

Urban Outfitters Sparkle & Fade Silky Halter Romper is perfect for the girl who likes to stand out and show some skin. With its halter-style top, open strappy back and bright royal blue hue, not only will it flatter your figure, but definitely turn some heads. Reviews say that it’s great for tall and curvy girls.
Buy Now, $59

 

Prints

Marc by Marc Jacobs revives the retro look with his Swim Colette Floral Button Front Belted Romper. With a sweetheart neckline, button down front closure and unique old-school print, you’ll easily achieve that hourglass pin-up girl look.
Buy Now, $173

Always wanted to try animal print but have never been confident enough to pull off the bold patterns? This sleeveless Eva Romper by Dolce Vita combines the effect of zig-zag zebra stripes with the simplicity of vertical pastel stripes to maintain balance. With a removable patent black belt to fasten around the high waistline, you won’t even have to worry about trying to accessorize.
Buy Now, $110

It’s all about the pattern and the back of this ASOS Cut Out Bow Back Playsuit. Keep it covered with elbow-length sleeves while you also show some skin with a cut-out back that ties into a voluminous bow. The unique multi-colored print and great fit makes this romper a must-have!
Buy Now, $69

This colorful Lace-Up Floral Playsuit by ASOS is quite deceiving: from the front it looks like a dress with its lace-up tie bust and deep corset appearance. However, the flared shorts on this romper make it adorable AND fully functional.
Buy Now, $60

Tribal prints seem to be taking over this summer, especially in this ASOS Strappy Back Playsuit. It not only has a deep v-neck wrap front, but both shoulder straps and a halter-tie neck for extra support and style. Match it with some gladiators and gold jewelry for the best look.
Buy Now, $60

 

 

Jumpsuits

Looking for a jumpsuit that’s beachy and stylish at the same time? The Matthew Williamson Escape Silk Jumpsuit has a scoop-neck with buttons down the front to either cover-up or show off your assets. With a draw-string waist and loose silk chiffon material, you will look and feel good at the same time.
Buy Now, $828

The Haute Hippie Silk-Georgette Strapless Jumpsuit is all about accessorizing. In a gorgeous champagne color, draped-open back and tapered fit, all you need is a bold belt, heels and jewelry to stand out.
Buy Now, $425

Halston Heritage’s Black Satin-Jersey Jumpsuit combines new-age glamour with 70’s hipster style to create the perfect jumpsuit. With its relaxed top and slim-fitting bottom, it balances out your figure and looks effortlessly chic. Pair it with some strappy sandals or peep-toe boots and a bright clutch to pull it all together.
Buy Now, $355

Based off of Audrina Patridge’s great style, this ASOS Pleated Bust Jumpsuit is form fitting and tailored to accentuate all the right curves. Strapless and classy, we recommend it in Chestnut or Nude with simple accessories.
Buy Now, $95

This strapless ASOS Tuck Bandeau Peg Jumpsuit may look like it’s made of expensive silk, but comes at a more affordable price and easier maintenance. In a gorgeous jade color with a delicate tie waist, you will turn heads as you walk down the street.
Buy Now, $69

A blend of fabrics makes this simple Tri-Blend Pocket Jumpsuit from American Apparel the best for comfort. With an array of colors, you can wear it out at night with strappy heels and a contrasting belt, or merely for day-to-day errands. We love it in Athletic Grey because it can match with almost anything.
Buy Now, $48

Chic and Casual Summer Clothes

Finding the right pieces for your best gorgeous + glam look is easy, but who says elegance is an evening-only affair? Equal parts comfy and chic, we’ve compiled a list of on-trend casual clothes for summer – mix and match for a variety of looks guaranteed to keep you looking cute long before cocktail hour.

Tops

It’s all about fit this summer… less of it! Stay lovely in tanks that are loose and frame-flattering, such as this nautical-striped silk top from Joie or SPLENDID’s Cotton Mesh & Chambray Stripe Tank. Like any designer piece worth its price tag, beauty is in the details: Accenting the finer, delicate features of your body is both sexy and feminine. We’re loving scoopnecks, the perfect style for highlighting your collarbone and elongating your neck. Try ecoSkin’s Hydra Top, Two Color Rugby Stripe Scoopneck Top from SPLENDID, or Ralph Lauren’s Modal-Cashmere Scoopneck Tee for a look that shows you off without showing too much. If your taste is more dramatic than demure, we recommend Rammy Brook’s DEBBY top. The charmeuse staple combines the airy flow of a summer tank with the daring plunge of a night-worthy neckline, while the high neck in back and careful front drapery keep it just right for the daylight hours.

Bottoms

Get back in touch with your inner child this summer by channeling this season’s whimsical inspiration: Rainbow Bright. Summer’s hottest bottoms are coming fast and fashionable in an assortment of colors, from muted rose to hot, hot pink. J Brand’s Cut-off Shorts come in five eye-popping varieties, while Forever 21’s short shorts have you (mostly!) covered, with faded denim cutoffs available in a trio of light, pastel shades. Skinny jeans are a great fit all year round, and the warmer months are a perfect excuse to experiment with a warmer color palette. Rag & Bone have a sweetly rose-toned skinny cigarette pant, Urban Outfitters offers a high-rise take on the look in berry, and for an even comfier fit with the skinny flair, we can’t wait to kick back in American Apparel’s Unisex Stretch Twill Slim Slack, carried in both hot + cold colors. Twill is our latest material of choice, great for those lazy days that mosey rather than move too quickly, and Forever 21’s Twill Joggers are right up our alley of relaxation. Ramy Brook’s Silk Stretch Charmeuse pants are a higher-end take on the jogger look, offered in the more understated options of mocha and fern.

Dresses

There’s lots of crossover action going on in this season’s dress designs, and we want a piece of it! Both Edit and H&M are carrying dresses with the detailing of a great fitted shirt, replete with sleeveless button-up fronts and attached belts. We’re reaching for Phillip Lim’s Sleeveless Belted Patch Pocket Dress W/ Shirtail Hem, and H&M’s spin on the style, in either white or brown. Can’t decide which style suits you best? There’s always James & Joy’s Orange Convertible Dress, which goes both ways to equal fun and flirty effect: Pull the fitted bottom down for a sassy shift, or hike it up and pair over skinny jeans to wear as a loose, flowy top. For those whose style trends to the wild, jungle genre-bending is in: mix your maxis with fierce patterns, including Mink Pink’s Tribal Dancer Dress or TIBI’s Mosaic-print stretch-jersey maxi dress.

Shoes

There’s only one way to move when your heels are strapped and styled in summer’s must-have sandals: sashay! Gladiators are still very much on-trend, but to more understated ­– and comfortable – effect. K.Jacques Suede Knot Sandal is a simple interpretation of the distinctly summer design, with a single strap around the heel and two encircling the front of the foot. A more open shoe, Endless’ Cocobelle Women’s Samuna Sandal puts a spin on traditional straps by twisting them over and around the big toe, while the crisscross design of Urban Outfitters’ Ecote Toehold Simple Gladiator Sandal keeps the detailing and definition of traditional Gladiators without restricting your foot.

Bracelets

Coco Chanel always said she never left the house without taking at least one item off – but she didn’t have accessories like these. We say, the more the merrier when it comes to Chan Luu: Layer the wrap bracelets for an exotic, beachy vibe, or wrap your wrists in a leather or intricately beaded cuff. Jill Heller Fine Jewelry is dedicated to bringing spiritual substance to the style of her Abundance bracelets – each sterling silver or gold-linked piece comes encased with a “scrolled mantra for abundance,” including instructions on how best to use the fashionable and wise words.

Bags

Any outfit, no matter the time of day, is ever complete without the right bag to complement, highlight, and pull everything together! For a comfy look, go for bags that, like your outfit, are less structured: CALYPSO St. Barth for Target’s Linen Tote is the perfect accessory for any relaxed beach-day wear, functionally sized and decorated with fun threaded detailing.  CALYPSO’s Convertible Tote may be a little pricier, but it stands apart from the style pack as a study in daytime slouch chic.