Give your tank top and shorts a break this summer and slip into this Seersucker Strapless Dress for a stylish and casual look. Betsey Johnson's minimally designed day dress is accented with a sash around the waist resulting in a modern and easy to wear outfit. Pair with understated jewelry, like a pair of diamond hoops and a bright orange bangle for a splash of color and sandals for a polished everyday look. Or make a smooth transition into the evening by wearing hot pink stilettos and a sleek clutch. Price $375.Betsey Johnson Seersucker Strapless Dress
Give your tank top and shorts a break this summer and slip into this Seersucker Strapless Dress for a stylish and casual look. Betsey Johnson's minimally designed day dress is accented with a sash around the waist resulting in a modern and easy to wear outfit. Pair with understated jewelry, like a pair of diamond hoops and a bright orange bangle for a splash of color and sandals for a polished everyday look. Or make a smooth transition into the evening by wearing hot pink stilettos and a sleek clutch. Price $375.Derek Lam Astrid Python Wedge
Red is an exciting and sexy color. There is no denying that fact. Whether it is a car, a pair of stilettos, or lipstick, the color red will instantly grab your attention and force you to look twice. I wonder if red's sexy factor could be heightened with python? Perhaps that was the hope when it came to Derek Lam's Astrid Python Wedges. However, I'm not sure if it worked or not. Made with vibrant red suede, it features gold buckle ankle straps and a python tube detailing wedge. Wedge height: 4". Original Price: $925. Price: $463.DKNY Patent Leather Hobo
For a colorful addition to your wardrobe, DKNY's Patent Leather Hobo is the perfect accessory that can last for seasons to come. With a vibrant turquoise color tone and gold metal studs beautifully outlining its shape, the size will prove to be functional for days while its glossy sheen and gold detailing will be fashionable for evenings. It features metal rings at either ends of the shoulder strap and interior zip pockets and compartments for organization. DKNY's Patent Leather Hobo is also available in white. For those who want something smaller in size and classic look, try the Patent Leather Shopper in black. Bag dimensions: 12"W x 10"H x 5"D. Price: $275.Gustto Estiva Linen Beach Bag
As stylish and roomy as an oversized leather handbag can be, they are not always the most practical when the weather is warm. The leather becomes hot and sticky against your skin and after a while the weight of your bag (depending on the type of leather) can prove tiresome. As an alternative, the Estiva Linen Beach bag by Gustto may do the trick. It's minimally designed with golden grommets on the flap, leather trimming and ruching on either side. Stylish, versatile and light weight. Dimensions: 16"W x 19"H x 6"D. Price: $385. If you prefer a punchy color in leather, Estiva also comes in yellow and red. And for the more classic colors, there's black, brown (which looks more like grey from the picture) and white. Gallery: Gustto Estiva Linen Beach Bag
Can Fanny Packs Be Luxurious?
The obvious answer is no - right? They are potentially one of the most non-stylish and non-luxurious accessories around. Anything that is wrapped around your waist with a protruding pocket (whether placed on your side, in front or behind) is not at all flattering for anyone. Of course, the functionality of fanny packs is a major plus. Your hands are free from holding a bag while your personal items are securely fastened around your body. Freedom!
But fanny packs have transformed into belt bags or utility bags while design houses like Louis Vuitton and Gucci have made them so much more fashionable and expensive. Every summer I contemplate purchasing one but just never felt completely comfortable with a fanny pack around my waist. Although I have seen other women wear the Gucci version and it looks so seamless, as though it was made especially for them.
Another summer is here and I am still torn with my desire for a belt bag and not looking awkward while wearing one. During my search, I came across a line called Nomaddicts - Utilitarian Couture. Designer Victoria Chan creates unique utility packs that beautifully combines form and function. With a minimalist approach, Chan has a keen eye for details and craftsmanship with style that goes beyond trends.
Gallery: Can Fanny Packs Be Luxurious?
Summer Fashion With A Touch of Nature
The sun is shinning brightly, the weather is hot, flowers have bloomed, nature is out and about and the pool is ready for a party. Summer is the best season for everything (except of course snowball fights and skiing). Kids are out from school and everyone seems happier. Of the laundry list of things to like about the summer, of course my favorite is summer fashion. It's laid back and whatever goes attitude is inviting and freeing especially after being bundled up in coats, scarves and all of sorts of layers. Unfortunately, the easygoing nature of summer fashion can sometimes translate into looking as though you have just rolled out of bed. However, with the right accessories your style meter can be turned to high. If you love summer as much as I do, then show your affection with some "I love summer, nature is great" inspired jewelry. Any of the featured pieces could easily be paired with any of your go-to summer outfits allowing for comfort and style.
Gallery: Summer Fashion With A Touch of Nature
Maison Martin Margiela Can Tab Necklace
With the world's focus on improving, or more appropriately, saving the environment, designers and artists are reusing everyday products to create something new. There's no reason to waste something that you can put to good use in another way. At times, it can be a successful venture and quite useful. Others times, it becomes more eye candy than functional. Either way, the journey of making something new is always exhilarating for the designer and exciting for its audience to view. Belgium Designer, Martin Margiela, appears to have put the idea of reusing common items to the test when designing his accessory line. Who knew a can tab could be turned into something so beautiful? Margiela's Can Tab Cascade Necklace ($695) features hints of gold accents throughout for slightly sparkling effect. If his necklace is a bit too bold and you fancy a piece more subdued, check out the Can Tab Ring ($135) which features an oversize can tab at the center. See below for more fashionable innovations by Martin Margiela. Gallery: Maison Martin Margiela Jewelry
Emilio Pucci Orchidea Shirt Dress
As beautiful and comfortable as shirt dresses are, at times they can be too casual and subdued lacking a powerful presence within a classic style. Leave it the the designers of Emilio Pucci to take a simple silhouette and combine their colorful signature print to create an unmistakably striking and versatile dress. Pucci's Orchidea Shirt Dress is made of cotton with a stretch satin weave and features slanted side pockets and rolled cuffs for a casual feel, while its belted waist accentuates a woman's curves and creates a dressier aura. Whether you wear it with stilettos or flats, the Orchidea Shirt Dress will make you stand out from the rest. Price: $1535. Gallery: Emilio Pucci Orchidea Shirt Dress
Shoe Designer Extraordinaire: Nicholas Kirkwood
Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo, and Christian Louboutin - these are just a few of the legendary design houses that are able to make a woman's feet the sexist part of the body. You may just want to add British shoe designer Nicholas Kirkwood to that list. Kirkwood's artistic ability to create sculptures of art has enabled him to work with the likes of Phillip Lim and Belstaff for their Spring 2008 Collection. And although he has collaborated with many, his own collection is nothing to shy away from. Kirkwood's collection combines a sense of fashion forward edginess with a sexy majestic quality. Featured here are his silver metallic lizard slingbacks accented with a mirrored butterfly wing detail, open toe, and 3 1/2" heels. Price: $545. Gallery: Shoe Designer Extraordinaire: Nicholas Kirkwood
Summer Attire: Eyelet Clothing
This summer, white eyelet dresses, skirts and tops will be seen everywhere. And why not? It's the perfect summer attire – clean, light, airy and comfortable. It allows you to be casual without looking completely underdressed and totally prepared for whatever a summer day may bring – a pool party, spur of the moment barbeque, a picnic. The possibilities are endless. Featured here is Shoshanna's Eyelet Dress in a punchy apricot color that just evokes the idea of a fashionable & fun summer. The cotton mini dress is beautifully adorned with circle eyelets throughout with a u-shaped neck and ruffle trim at the cuff for an unexpected touch. For some stylish and colorful alternatives to white eyelet clothing take a look at the choices below. Gallery: Summer Attire: Eyelet Clothing
Deere Colhoun Small Sienna Bag, Handbag of the Day
The traditional business/laptop satchel gets a modern and stylish upgrade with the Sienna Bag by Deere Colhoun. Since launching in Spring 2007, designer Lindsey Colhoun, the artistic head and creator of Deere Colhoun, has made quite the impression on fashionable actresses. It never hurts to have high profile actresses like Rachel Bilson and Kate Hudson photographed while wearing your line to solidify your place in being the next big thing. And with just a year of being in business, we can see from her collection that Deere Colhoun is here to stay. Couloun's line of super soft lambskin bags are minimal in design yet rate high in style and functionality. The Sienna Bag has an interior and double exterior pockets to keep things organized, while silver hardware serves as subtle and complimenting accents against grey leather. The Sienna Bag is versatile and can easily be worn for work, travel or as your everyday bag. Dimensions: 12"W x 9"H x 3.5"D. Available in black, plum and camel. And in addition, a large size (16"W x 13"H x 4.5"H) in snakeskin brown, black, camel and plum. Price: $590. Gallery: Deere Colhoun Small Sienna Bag
Pendants That Pack A Punch
Sometimes going bold with your jewelry doesn't necessarily mean wearing multiple bracelets upon one another, dazzling earrings, a cocktail ring and a necklace all at once. That might be going a bit overboard. Sometimes bold means getting one piece of jewelry that is captivating without overpowering your outfit. A fine balance that at times can be hard to achieve. Featured below are pendants that make a statement whether worn for everyday use or a special occasion. From colorful and muted gems to wooden accents, there is a piece to fit your personal style. To the right is Erica Molinari's Multicolord Pendant. Made from a mix of colorful sapphire briolettes, it has a playful yet elegant appeal. Price: $6,250.Gallery: Pendants That Pack A Punch
3.1 Phillip Lim Motorcycle Sweater Jacket
Whether worn by a man or woman, motorcycle jackets just ooze with a coolness and sexiness that is unmatchable. Besides a men's button-down shirt, I can't think of any other item that could be worn by both genders and still look so sexy. And although the season may have passed to wear this Motorcycle Sweater Jacket by 3.1 Phillip Lim, if there is at least one extra cool evening, I am wearing this jacket. Made of 100% cashmere, Lim's Sweater Jacket can easily be paired with a Spring dress, keeping you warm and cozy, all the while looking very chic. It features golden zippers & buttons, plenty of front pockets, and buttoned shoulder epaulets for a cutting edge yet sophisticated look. Price $585.The Prince and His Louis, Handbag of the Day
Some may say that the "IT Bag" phase is gone, but I think Marc Jacobs and Richard Prince may disagree with that sentiment. The Fashion Shows are over, yet I still can't help to be completely taken by Richard Prince's colorful and expressive interpretation of Louis Vuitton's Spring 2008 Handbag Line. With a rainbow of colors, snakeskin accents, LG logo silk screened on canvas, ultra feminine frame purses, and oversized totes each bag feels like a piece of art perfectly transformed into a handbag. I haven't always been impressed with the collaborations in the past but it seems that ever since Takahashi Murakami has entered the accessories world, my loyalty to LV has only strengthened. Learn more about Richard Prince and his art work here and here. Gallery: The Prince and His Louis
Eels, Ostriches, Stingrays Oh My!, Handbag of the Day
Handbag lovers know that it doesn't get any more luxurious and chic than exotic skins. There is a certain quality, natural texture and unique beauty that one finds in exotic leathers. Elison Pickett and Chad Ypon, the husband and wife design team of The Divine Tribe, are able to capture this natural beauty while manipulating skins from eels, ostriches, lamb and stingrays, to create a line of handbags that are truly one of a kind. Ranging in price of $200 to $1600, each wallet, clutch, tote and shoulder bag are handcrafted and fashionably styled to go above and beyond trends. Featured here is the Bulsa Bag. Made from eel and ostrich with hand stitched detail, hidden magnetic closure and multiple interior and exterior pockets, The Divine Tribe shows us how form, function and high fashion is one amazing combination. Dimensions: 16" x 10" x 3". Price: $715 and $915.Gallery: Eels, Ostriches, Bears Oh My!
