Oh, yes please.

Strictly Multi Buckle Shoe, $135 (available at Topshop).

Chic of the Week

Who: Hermione Granger...err...Emma Watson.

What: A pale nude dress with sheer and black overlay by Christopher Kane (Fall 2009) with Charlotte Olympia black and gold platforms.

When: Wednesday, July 08, 2009.

Where: At the David Letterman Show in New York to promote the latest installment in the Harry Potter series.

Why: The petite actress has quickly become an undeniable style maven, displaying these superb sartorial tastes on her current whirlwind tour promoting her upcoming film. From vintage Ossie Clark to current Proenza Schouler, the actress has been looking sharp, stylish and cutting age, while still age appropriate - keeping her hair and makeup simple and youthful does the trick. This dress manages to be both enviably cool and on-trend, while still sort of sweet and tasteful. Emma, let's maybe do a wardrobe swap. Just call me. Hope you love H&M!



Photo courtesy of Grazia/WireImage.

Gucci Ago

Remember this collection? Tom Ford for Gucci Spring 1996. BRILLIANT. The lace, the vibrant colors juxtaposed with sexily severe black, the sandals, the patterns, the burnout velvet...insane.


Those pants on the right - the pink and orange striped numbers - I actually got those when the collection came out. And still have them. I also had an orange cashmere shell that went with them, but don't know where it went. Which is a total bummer. But I adore these crazy pants and finding them again on Mario Testino's incredible website was totally a nerdy, exciting moment for me!

Photo courtesy of Mariotestino.com.

Pretty Philosophical

You can't turn a page without reading about one thing or another labeled as "eco-chic" or "green." The Green Issue. Green Fashion. Carbon Footprints. It's everywhere. It sometimes gives me the same feeling the Spice Girls did - loved that they were getting the message of "girl power" out there, but not sure if the sentiment or motives were genuine. What I'm saying is that I'm so thrilled people are starting to "go green," but it often seems like perhaps a company or writer is just jumping on a trend or relying on a gimmick.

Not so, Alex and Ani. You really get the feeling that designer Carolyn Rafaelian really is dedicated to doing right by the planet, simply focusing on making something beautiful that helps keep the earth beautiful. Her environmentally conscious, handcrafted designs are made from recycled metals, turning the proverbial lemons into lemonade. The line consists of bracelets, necklaces, earrings, rings and hair accessories which are favored by eco-minded celebs like Cameron Diaz as well as editors from InStyle and ELLE to OK! and Us. Clenching my endorsement? Pretty much all designs ring in at under $100, with those going over that still remaining under the very easy to swallow $200 mark.

Here are some of my favorite offerings -

Clockwise from top left: Eagle Cuff, $128; Rounded Edge Cross Expandable Wire Ring, $56; Love Expandable Wire Bangle Set, $168; Cabana Wood Earrings, $78 (all available at Alex and Ani).

Peacock Feather Earrings, $118.

From top: Quill Feather Hoops, $68; Halo Endless Cross Neckace, $98; Snake Expandable Wire Bangle, $158.

25Park

Clockwise from top left: David Lerner Latex Matte Leggings, $78; Karta Lotus Land Dress, $312; Gryphon The Sequin Mini, $240; Kain Pocket Tank, $77 (all available at 25Park).

Right before heading out of town for the holiday weekend, I happened upon the fabulous online retailer, 25Park. The boutique carries a diverse group of labels including Kain, Mike & Chris, Elizabeth and James, Loeffler Randall, Brian Reyes, Vena Cava, Nina Ricci, Willow, Gryphon, Devi Kroell, Ports 1961, Calpyso, Tracy Feith, Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti, Maria Pinto, Yigal Azrouel, Larsen Gray, Thread Social, Behnaz Sarafpour, Antik Batik, Michael Kors, Marchesa, Giuseppe Zanotti and Missoni. In addition to its highly covetable offerings, 25Park also focuses on great services and perks - VIP Rewards (spend to save), VIP Dressing (25Park will come to you - just email themfor more information and to find out about availability) and Personal Shopping (need advice on a look for a particular event or for updating your wardrobe? A stylist will provide expert tips and suggestions).

Making my picks for this post was like a fashion blogger's Sophie's Choice - there are just so many wonderful things to choose from. It's an incredibly well-edited selection, really creatively and thoughtfully chosen. The vibe of the merchandise is an interesting, somehow-it-works mixed bag: luxe hippie meets on-trend chick with a dash of edge and a pinch of femininity thrown in. 25Park also offers kiddie clothing and accessories, for the very chic, very cool bambino (moreover, the store supports the R Baby Foundation, which fights against infant mortality).

As you have probably gathered from the laundry list provided above, the store definitely carries labels that take off at the $800 mark and go up, up, up from there. So my mission was to navigate the site for mostly under $300. Here are my finds.

Clockwise from top left: By Malene Birger Trici Necklace, $160; Missoni Stripe Scarf, now $205; Antik Batik Langoa Flat Sandal, $200.

Kettle Black Flannel Pirate Dress, $135, in red and blue.

Clockwise from left: AKA New York Batik Dress, $288; Loeffler Randall Full Skirt, $198; Ishii Basket Weave Blouse, $238.

Haleh Sequin Dress, $285; By Malene Birger Jiva Necklace, $285.

Shoe Giving

TOMS, dedicated to the concept of 'One for One' (giving one pair of shoes to a child in need for every one pair of shoes you purchase), is hosting a major sample sale this weekend. Saturday to be exact. So, those of you in the Santa Monica area, mark your calendars now! Doing good things, saving money and listening to live music? That sounds like quite the Saturday to me.

[Slightly Belated...Sorry I'm on Vacation and Schedule Posts is Apparently Not Working] Chic of the Week

Who: French actress, Marion Cotillard.

What: A knee-length deep red dress by Vivienne Westwood, an oversized black Stella McCartney clutch and funky Christian Dior shoes.

When: Monday, June 29, 2009.

Where: The UK premiere of Public Enemies, in London.

Why: The latest stop in her whirlwind premiere tour for her upcoming gangster flick with Johnny Depp (shot minutes away from yours truly's apartment), Mlle. Cotillard has made another very well shod step. So far, she's gone girly in a pastel Dior and elegant and modern in Elie Saab and now looks sultry and a bit edgy in Viv Westwood. This has been the perfect trifecta. I love the how slightly avant garde coif and interesting accessories make a cool counterpoint to this siren red dress.








Photo courtesy of Bastardly.