Real Trouble

Oopsie, Kelly.

'Real Housewife,' author, ex-wife of Gilles Bensimon, editor-at-large at Gotham and Hamptons magazines and former editor of Elle Accessories, Kelly Killoren Bensimon has been recently finding herself in real trouble.

First, there was the whole battering her ex-boyfriend thing. Now, Page Six is reporting on a juicy fashion scandal surrounding her jewelry line and former Elle Accessories colleague, Celeste Greenberg. Bensimon's line of owl necklaces (modeled by Kelly herself, above), Greenberg is claiming, should not have been Bensimon's line of owl necklaces. A suit is currently pending.

Go here for more details on this sordid style story.


Photo courtesy of the New York Observer.

New rules.

Interesting article about fashion bloggers and the fashion world's newest rulers on CNN's website - congratulations to Rumi!

Read here.



Gold coated, diamond-encrusted MacBookPro (yes, you read that right) courtesy of macworld.

lookie-lu

I love these right now.




Photos courtesy of lulamag.com.

With Lust in my Eyes

Well, this is just sort of a round-up of a few things I want, but have no sort of cohesion to them, no rhyme nor reason. Just a few cravings I have: a diaphanous, dreamy patterned silk scarf and a substantial yet simple ring. I also have my eye on this bag, as I love navy, I love fringe, I love braiding and I love suede. Check, check, check and check. And this shape and size are both perfect. This necklace is another accessory sitting at the top of my list - it's such a great statement piece and will make a basic summer outfit (dress and sandals; skirt, top and sandals, etc.) interesting and seem like I at least tried a little. Finally, OBSESSED with these heels. First, they are all vegan, and going cruelty-free is always a smart choice. Second, I love the neutral upper, with its wide strap, paired with the electric blue heel and base. Adds the just-right amount of intrigue and surprise to the shoe and to an otherwise basic ensemble.

Sometimes one just has to play a little imaginary dress-up.

Top Row: Barbara Hulanicki for Topshop Scarf with Girl Print, $44 (available at Topshop); Paul & Joe Sister Maze Fringed Bag, $290 (available at Net-a-Porter); Cooperative Designs Stripe Necklace with Rope, approx. $95 (available at Browns). Bottom Row: Laura Ring in Rose and Yellow Vermeil, each $98 (available at Korcula); Balance Heel, $198 (available at olsen Haus).

Go Gossip. Go Fresh.

Tonight will mark the launch of the much-anticipated Dove-sponsored CW video series Gossip Girl: Real NYC Stories Revealed, celebrating the launch of Dove's new go fresh Burst Body Wash. The series features four real Upper East Siders Chrissie Miller, founder and designer of Sophomore; Dani Stahl, Nylon's style director; Faythallegra Coleman, up and coming filmmaker; and philanthropist and co-founder of Lara Hélène Bridal Atelier, Lara Meiland-Shaw.

Hosted by Jessica Szohr (Gossip Girl's Vanessa), the series will air during the last commercial break during Gossip Girl, starting this evening at 8pm (7 central). These breaks will introduce a new story line every week. To catch the end of each episode, you can visit www.cwtv.com/dovegofresh. For behind the scenes, interviews and "making of" footage, you can visit the same site or go here.

They are describing the series as real stories "being shared to encourage all 20-something girls to live life with a fresh perspective and inspire others to pursue their dreams as they juggle common life pressures such as careers, relationships, beauty, finances, family and friends." Something we can all relate to.

I am particularly excited to learn more about Dani Stahl and Chrissie Miller - will we get some behind the scenes at Nylon? Sneak peek at new Sophomore creations (and maybe a peek at some of Sophomore's famous fans - Lissy Trullie, Harley Viera Newton, Cory Kennedy, Alexandra Richards, The Virgins...)? PS. How great are Miss Stahl's shoes in the photo below?

L to R: Chrissie Miller, Dani Stahl, Faythallegra Coleman and Lara Meiland-Shaw.

Photos courtesy of RocketXL.

Let's Play Prom

Aqua Ruffled Bustier Dress, $288 (available at Bloomingdale's).

Let's pretend I'm not in my twenties. Let's say, oh, I'm a high school senior. And am looking forward to senior prom 2009. I've decided this is the dress I would wear. Maybe with a messy bun or ponytail, soft makeup. Since we're already pretending I'm still a teen, let's also say I'm really tall. And therefore wearing Chanel ballet flats with this.

I must say I really love how they styled this: a modern ballerina bun-headband combo and chunky but feminine necklace. I like the idea of pretty, light makeup and a big statement necklace or ring with this. The look is just so dreamy and light and airy. Love.

Pretend prom, here I come!

Solid Gold

Peace Hand Abstraction Wide Neck Tee, $42 (available at Gold Saturn).

We were thrilled to speak recently with David Jon Acosta, founder and designer of tee line Gold Saturn. The awesome collection of supersoft printed t-shirts for men and women has already been featured on Daily Candy, Thrillist and PAPERMAG.com and in publications like BUST and Ocean Drive. Oh and even more importantly, sported by the likes of the loooooovely Jessica Stam (her pick? the peace hand tee, pictured above).

My favorite child in this eclectic family? I happen to especially adore the Smoking Boy tank (pictured below) - très drôle. I'll take a café and a cigarette, please. Some of his other designs feel straight out of Bret Easton Ellis, while others feel more peaced out hippie than 1980s cool kid. Besides print and fabric (luxe pima, I'll have you know), the question of cut is the most important. That is the make or break. What makes you wear out a tee to the point of see-thru pits. I am happy to say that the cut of Acosta's tops are absolutely flattering and comfortable and, best of all, manage to answer perfectly the question of fit (and strike a seamless balance of boxy and fitted).

Keep reading for some of our FB&F faves from the line and as Mr. Acosta shares with us his dream clients and gives us the scoop on those lustworthy floral headpieces that make we want to go flower child. Oh and be sure to check out the label's fantastic blog here.

Smoking Boy Racerback Tank, $40 (available at Gold Saturn).

Clockwise from top left: Bow Racerback Tank, $40; Plum Feather Racerback Tank, $35; Saturn Golds V-Neck Tee, $42 (all available at Gold Saturn).

FB&F: Tell us about your background - what were you doing before launching Gold Saturn?
DJA: I was working as an assistant to a major architect in downtown Miami. He was constantly traveling and I found myself bored so I would create these graphics on Photoshop and would get them printed on t-shirts. I just created them for myself and close friends.
FB&F: What made you pick tees?
DJA: It wasn't anything planned. I just called the guy who printed the t-shirts for the architecture firm. Today, I am able to print of my own manufactured tees as opposed to the usual American Apparel. My t-shirts now are 100% pima cotton and come in wide neck as well (my personal fit). The reason I designed a wide neck tee is because I am always ripping or stretching the neckline of my t-shirts.
FB&F: So, tell us, what inspires your designs?
DJA: So many things! Right now I am finding myself inspired by children and the artwork they create. I love how they color outside the lines and draw without even thinking about it. They don't have any rules so it's very inspirational. I will always be inspired by the creative exuberance of the 1970s.
FB&F: We love the headpieces! How did you decide to add those to the line?
DJA: Everything for me just happens! I never planned to offer headpieces or any accessories. I just had the headpieces made for a photo shoot followed by a fashion show. The headpieces were such a big hit at the show that I had people taking them literally off of the models head! They are such a cute accessory for the right girl - you have to wear it and not let it wear you!
FB&F: Tell us who a few of your dream clients would be.
DJA: Mary Kate and Ashley (their book [Influence] is amazing), Agyness Deyn, Jessica Stam, Lady Gaga and Amy Winehouse.
FB&F: Finally, how did you come up with the name Gold Saturn - a passion for compact cars? The solar system?
DJA: How did you guess?! Everyone thinks I have a fascination of the planet... but it's not true! Gold Saturn comes from my first car. It was a Gold Saturn (although some say it was champagne). Anyways, I had the time of my life in that car! Me and my friends used to drive around endlessly. For me, the name Gold Saturn embodies youth, fun, and a free spirit.

Thanks, mister! You are our shining star! xox

Lips graphic courtesy of letoilemagazine.com.

Chic of the Week

Who: Big Love star (and designer) Chloe Sevigny.

What: A neutral silk scalloped short-suit by Chloé, a leopard print top and shoes the actress designed for Bass (read more about the line here).

When: Wednesday, April 22, 2009.

Where: At the Paley Center for Media in Los Angeles PaleyFest09 screening of Big Love.

Why: Well, let's start from the top. Literally. I love the center-parted, pulled back hair and the glossy, ruby-red lipcolor she chose - such a great counterpart to her taupe-colored ensemble. And I am crazy about said ensemble. I adored the soft and easy feel of Chloé's spring line and how Chloe made this look her own with this animal print top, rather than the pairing the loose suit with a plain, nude colored version as seen on the runway. And the shoes. Oh the shoes. Obsessed. In any other shade, they might skew too aggressive but in this neutral shade they are PERFECTION. I die.





Photo courtesy of NachoFoto.

Lanvin Update

News flash: Forever 21 has just come out with a great, budget-friendly interpretation of the Lanvin pink enamel necklace from Alber Elbaz's spring collection for the fashion house. We featured this necklace last week as one of our favorites (view here) and are so thrilled to have found this new version to satiate our craving, because until we find some type of generous patron or successfully rob a bank, the Lanvin version is sadly out of reach.

Beaded Loop Necklace, $10.80 (available at Forever 21).

More Mesh

Last month, we reported on the trend of mesh and perforated shoe styles, championed by THE Stella McCartney shoe of the season, pictured above (view story here).

We loved the discounted versions and approximations we were able to find, as well as other plays on the hole-y trend, but oh what a nice surprise it was to come across these recently issued riffs from bebe. It is like seeing double. Yes, there are some slight differentiations, but we think this version is more than spot-on! And only $139 to boot.

Lizzy Mesh Sandal, each $139 (all available at bebe).

Runway photo courtesy of Style.com.

"I actually have a way normal life for a teenage girl."

OH, this really made my morning. Can it BE?


Photo courtesy of IMDB.

Matthew Madness

The stampede at Fifth & 51st. Photo courtesy of The Cut.

My favorite tweet from New York magazine's fashion blog, The Cut's, twitter, live from the Matthew Williamson launch at H&M in Manhattan (follow them here):

Another girl told her boss she wasn't going in today because of the MW launch; boss asked for the blue blazer.

I also think this is one is pretty fantastic:

One girl in line is using her unemployment check to buy stuff here. Taxpayer commentary aside, that's some serious funemployment.

Follow us on twitter here.

It's Here!

Matthew Williamson for H&M Silk Dress, $349 and Dress, $79.90 (available at select H&M locations).

It's heeeeere! Matthew Williamson's collection for H&M hits stores today. This is the first round of his line for the megachain. The second installment will hit stores May 14th.

It's a GORGEOUS line and sure to sell out. So I wish you good luck! I am off to H&M right now to brave the crowds and hopefully come away with at least one item from this brilliant and bright collection.

Visit H&M to view more of the limited edition offerings.

**update: I went. I bought. Pretty picked over by the time I arrived, but purchased one of the silk tops (pictured below). The fit is great - not sure about the quality/fit of the other items in the collection, but what I saw was great. Wish I went earlier...although probably better for my bank account that I was tardy.

Silk Top, $59.90 (available at select H&M locations).

Dotspotter

Splended Ink Dot Dress, $162 (available at Bloomingdale's).

One of your favorite looks from growing up is back and I'm not referring to matching leggings and tunics and headbands from Gap Kids (one of my personal favorites, besides smocked dresses and the sailor dress that matched my Samantha doll). I'm talking about polka dots. Mr. Michael Kors featured spots prominently on his spring runway - blue, white, black; skirts, tanks, dresses. I loved the look - minus the visors.

There are two feelings to this style: bold and eighties or ladylike and 1950s. Go back to the days of new wave with larger dots popping up on leggings and tanks or dotted tights. Prefer a mid-century look? Try feminine dresses with classic cuts, a bakelite-style bangle or even a spotted bodysuit (pair with a high-waisted short or pair of capris - very Buddy Holly summertime).

Clockwise from top left: Marc by Marc Jacobs Dot Spots Camisole, $198 (available at Nordstrom); Color Cafe Dot Resin Bangle, $95 (available at Kate Spade); Lauren Ralph Lauren Shannon Silk Polka Dot Dress, $170 (available at Ralph Lauren); Cotton Spandex Jersey Strapless Ruched Bodysuit, $26 (available at American Apparel); Opaque Polka Dot Tights, $9 (available at Sock Dreams); Polka Dot Legging, $40 (available at Topshop).

Two looks from Michael Kors' spring line.

Runway photos courtesy of Style.com.

Sale at Satine

Save 30% on labels like VPL, Phillip Lim, Jason Wu, Jenni Kayne and Shipley & Halmos. Click here to visit the store.

House of Style + Linda Evangelista + Jean Paul Gaultier = Amazing.

Happy Earth Day!

Wishing you a lovely Earth Day...please be kind to our planet today (and every other day of the year, for that matter). xox



Scan courtesy of NIBS.

one or two things i love

GUESS Women's Naemazza Peep Toe Lace Up Boot, $94.90 (available at Endless); Chapeau Claudette Mini Straw Boater Hat, $48 (available at Pixie Market).

Neither here nor there, these are just a couple of things that I am loving today. I adore this little chapeau - it's very Lula, no? I wish my life was whimsical enough to get away with it...

I also am drooling over these boots. Normally, I don't really lean towards GUESS, but checking out their current shoe offerings, I am rethinking my stance. There are currently about six pairs I am stalking. I really love these peep-toe booties...so past-season Prada.

Love is in the air.


Background image courtesy of Flickr.

Paints a Pretty Picture

If you're like us, you like more than just looking at clothes. You like reading and writing about clothes, buying clothes, looking at drawings of clothes... It's an all-encompassing love affair.

Fashion illustrations are such things of beauty and inspiration and really just so bloody cool. We've put together a group of our favorite illustrators of all things fashion-y and lovely - whether capturing model moments or creating something rather coincidentally stylish and silly. I love, love, love all of their creations and say a HUGE thank you to them for sharing their work (and selling it so we can put it up on our walls)!!

Character Sketchbook 203, $35 (available at DannyRobert's shop on Etsy).

Danny Roberts, Igor and Andre
A handsome young gentleman with a background in photography and fashion design, Roberts' ink, pencil and watercolor designs are always so rich in color and movement. Everything is slightly dreamy yet totally alive. Though most of his muses are mannequins like Lily Cole and Gemma Ward, he has also created a Blogger Series with the likes of Jane, Betty, Pandora and even Perez Hilton. His designs are truly some of my favorites (can't wait for the print I ordered to arrive!). To purchase, visit his Etsy store. For really interesting, beautifully made videos showing the artist at work and additional images of his illustrations, visit Danny's blog.

Erin Wasson, $25 (available at kjsdesign's shop on Etsy).

Kjsdesign
Australian illustrator, Kelly Smith, takes her inspiration from models and particular collections (Nina Ricci, Stella McCartney, Cavalli). Rendered in pencil and watercolor, her creations are soft and dreamy, her color palette made up of graphite and subdued pinks, purples, peaches and other pastel and earthy shades. I most of all adore the image above of Erin Wasson and this illustration pulled from Zac Posen's spring line. All available for purchase in her Etsy store.

Clementine, $3.50 (available at pepperminte's shop on Etsy).

Caitlin Shearer, Pepperminte
Unlike Kelly's and Danny's works, Caitlin Shearer's watercolor and gouache paintings are less fashion illustration and more illustrations that happen to be very fashionable. I love the buckle shoes and prim dresses - complete with peter pan collars and sashes - which sometimes give way to more retro-inspired gowns and boudoir appropriate pinnings. Sometimes her women are strong goddesses and others a bit more morose, but all have a quiet cool and sort of tongue-in-cheek aesthetic. And I must mention how insanely affordable her prints are. Buy 20! All available on Etsy - also, check out her blog here.

Sarah Hankinson Fashion Illustration (Lily), $75 (available at sarahhankinson's shop on Etsy).

Sarah Hankinson
Miss Hankinson, like Kelly Smith, is an Aussie-based illustrator, this time located in Melbourne. Her style is slightly deconstructed and stays mainly in black and white, with small punches of color. Some even have a soft, almost airbrushed effect. Her backgrounds remain uncolored, though sometimes hints of settings appear, in the form of sketches or even the odd deer or Eiffel Tower. In addition to the image above, I'm also crrrrazy about this one. Visit her Etsy store to purchase her illustrations and be sure to check to her website to view more and learn more about the artist.

Mable the Occasional Table, $56 (available at andreakett's shop on Etsy).

Andrea Kett
Finally we have Andrea Kett, based in Manchester in the UK. Her illustrations don't highlight your Liyas and Chanels and Natalias. Rather, they are sinister and stylish and capture a sort of Victorian meets 1950s vibe - think bustles and bright pink portable radios. Their titles are best of all: "Glamorously Unwell Zombie," "Hot Hair Balloon," "Saucy by Sea" and "Afternoon Tease" are favorites. Each piece is highly detailed, highly humorous and all wild fantasy - a dress made of cake, a Marie Antoinette-esque lighthouse en coiffe...it's a whole other world, one which I would love to click my heels and all of a sudden find myself in. Buy her fantastic works here and visit her website by clicking here.

Oh, Etsy, we are so haaaaappy you exist!

Style Source: Julia Frakes

We adore Paper Magazine contributer, blogger and fashion force Julia Frakes' style here at FB&F. And we aren't the only ones. The teenager has caught the attention of magazines like Teen Vogue, streetstyle photogs, designers and ALT himself since being "discovered" in 2007 by Paper's founders on Facebook.

Her style is super whimsical and bright and eclectic - equally right at home on the pages of a storybook as it would be in Harajuku. Think patterns, clashing colors, bright tights, ribbons and - of course - hats. The lady loves a hat. And I don't argue with that. They add such a reminiscent yet modern touch to each of her looks, sort of romantic and futuristic all at once.

Catch her own blog, bunnyBISOUS here.
Read her contributions to Fashion Schmashion on Paper's website here.
Enjoy this great interview with the stylish blogger as she discusses fashion, food and fairy tales (the three big F's) on StyleCaster (another FB&F obsession!) here.

Clockwise from top left: Harriet Ballet Flats, $225 (available at London Sole); Boater/Skimmer, $13.49 (available at Fantasy Costume); 36mm Imported Velvet Ribbon, $2.98/yd (available at M&J Trimming); Crocodile Cocktail Cardigan, $88 (available at J. Crew); Solid Color Tights, $8 (available at We Love Colors); Watercolor Floral Chiffon Dress, $24.80 (available at Forever 21).

Clockwise from top left: Swash Illustrative Print Silk Scarf, $328 (available at FarFetch); Nicole Miller Tarte Patent Leather Mary Jane, $79.94 (available at DSW); Ruffle Trim Bubble Dress, $39 (available at Twelve by Twelve); Bow Pendant, $48 and Flower & Ladybug Ring, $42 (both available at Betsey Johnson); Bailey London - Panama Straw Derby, $80 (available at Hats in the Belfry); Either Or Tights, now $9.99 (available at Urban Outfitters).

Square Quilt Fold Over Bag, $50 (available at Topshop).

HUE by Trina Turk Infinite Sheer Legwear, $18 (available at HUE).

Simple Ballet Flats, $165 (available at London Sole).

Photos of Miss Frakes courtesy of Lane Crawford, Zimbio, Teen Vogue and Turned Out.

Fruit of the Loom

Loomstate for Target Bird Print Short, $26.99 (available at Target).

Loomstate for Target Bird Print Tank, $22.99 (available at Target).

Rogan Gregory and Scott Hahn's organic Loomstate collection for Target hit stores yesterday. The line has an eighties/beachy/Jeff Spicoli/California vibe going - lots of cotton, brights, short-shorts, printed tees, hoodies, relaxed knit dresses. All really comfortable, casual, relaxed and - of course - affordable.

Oh and this is a his and hers kind of thing - Loomstate is offering not only this limited edition women's line, but a line for the guys as well. So both you and your beau can keep it organic and keep it cheap.

Loomstate for Target Cotton/Linen Sweater, $29.99 (available at Target).

Skateboarding photo courtesy of Eightiesblog.com. Three's Company photo courtesy of TV-Intros.com.

Aloha Style

Blaine Ashley, successful stylist and owner of the eponymous Hawaii-based online boutique, was sweet enough to speak with FB&F for the second of our super new interview installments (hope you caught the first of this brand spankin' new segment last week!). Not only did she let us pester her with questions, but offered us all a very generous discount in her online shop! Lovely readers, just enter the code BROKEBABES at checkout and save 30% through May 1.

But before you shop, read on for our favorite current picks from the store and interview with Miss Ashley. Oh and be sure to visit this site to read about the show Blaine held at the Waikiki Parc Hotel's rooftop pool (considering the fact that it might snow here in Chicago this week, "rooftop pool" sounds like possibly the loveliest and most glamorous thing on earth right now) earlier this month - and look at some great snaps of the clothes, too, of course!

Thayer Back Slit Top, $155; Myne Kylie Dress, now $142; Soni & Cindy Fiona Dress, now $137 (all available at Blaine Ashley).

Tallulah Romper by Objets Trouves, $295 (modeled by Blaine (!) and available at Blaine Ashley).

Now for the even more fun stuff. Blaine dishes with us on aloha style, working with the cast of LOST (!!!! - I know, I'm obsessed with the show, too), rompers and love of all things red!

FB&F: Tell us how you got your start - have you always loved fashion?
BA: Fashion has been an innate path for me. My mother modeled her entire life and was always extremely well put together. I modeled for the Japanese market throughout high school and worked retail. In college, I began to coordinate fashion shows and events while I was a VIP hostess for the W Hotel Honolulu’s weekend nightclub. During this I did a semester at the American Intercontinental University in London and a temp PR job with Catherine Malandrino in NYC, but decided to come home to expand the niche I’d developed with the “Blaine Ashley” brand. I was at the height of coordinating shows and events when LOST and North Shore came to Hawaii. I quickly was dubbed the go-to girl for print wardrobe styling and fashion contributing for local and national publications. I also picked up some personal shopping clients along the way (celebrities, the jet set part-time residents of Hawaii and social darlings). After 5 years of working to establishing a name for myself, a following and gathering experience in buying, styling, retail, design, representation and most importantly PR/Marketing- I decided it was time for something new- hence the launch ShopBlaineAshley.com.
FB&F: We'd love to know more about your styling gig - how fantastic! Tell us about some of your favorite projects.
BA: I LOVE working with Josh Holloway and Elizabeth Mitchell from LOST. My favorite shoot was the cover and editorial spread with Elizabeth for Modern Luxury Hawaii. I almost doubled as creative director as I do for most shoots here in Hawaii. It was my idea to have her get up in the tree to achieve almost a garden princess sort of aesthetic. She’s so great and loves everything I pick out for her. Josh is just so fun and the opposite of his character on the show - he’s fun loving. It seems like all celebrities that shoot here in Hawaii become immediately relaxed and simply lighten up. I guess it’s the sun, the aloha spirit, paradise…

LOST's Elizabeth Mitchell, in a tree. Styled by Blaine Ashley.

FB&F: What made you decide to add retailer to your roster?
BA: Demand! Clients and friends always said I should have some sort of platform to showcase my style. A brick and mortar would never work for me because I travel a lot with my work. I also attend a lot of events. My style and I work because I’m also a BIG people person. I was just at an event wearing an Objets Trouves romper and sold out of them within 3 days afterward. In fact - Josh Holloway’s wife bought one!

Blaine, second from right, wearing the romper in question, pictured with LOST's Daniel Dae Kim and Josh Holloway at Kim's new restaurant opening.

FB&F: Now for the fashion. What are some of your favorite labels?
BA: I’m constantly ripping and tearing pages from magazines of looks and designers to research. I’ve never been a big brand/label girl. I love bridge boutique designers. I look for cool cuts, unique silhouettes, interesting prints that will likely transcend the test of time. I like the idea of having an item in your closet forever that only cost $250. I love Objets Trouves (a new line from NYC, means found objects), Myne LA, Nanushka is edgy and cool, Larsen Gray is so sweet, and Ali Ro is full of fun party girl frocks and I’ve always loved Geren Ford and Graham & Spencer although I don’t carry either lines yet…there are too many and I hope to grow so I can bring them ALL in!! I’m only 5 months old ;)
FB&F: What are your favorite spring/summer trends?
BA: Color-cherry red! Can’t get enough of a great cherry red!! I also love high wasted skirts. Jumpers and rompers galore - can never have enough!! Abstract prints are cool and one-shoulder cuts are streamlined yet sexy!
FB&F: Least favorite?
BA: Neon-just not a big fan unless it’s pared down with neutrals.
**FB&F loves nudes & brights, too! See this, this and this.
FB&F: Finally, how are you staying stylish in this economy? Any tips for the rest of us?
BA: I buy really trendy items at cut-rate costs from Forever 21, H&M and Topshop. I splurge on collector-worthy items or items you can wear several different ways. I double almost all of my skirts as tops, too!

Thank you so much, Blaine!! We love you! xox

Flat Baroque & Fabulous

Amanita Niara rocking the necklace on the Lanvin S/S 09 catwalk; Sprayed Stone Necklace, $100 (available at Topshop); Lanvin Enamel Necklace, $2,610 (available at Barney's).

The baubles created for Alber Elbaz's Lanvin collections have continued to cause a stir ever since the collection of ribbons and crystals and pearls the label first debuted in 2005. I still wear my strand of mesh covered pearls four years later. Those genius necklaces launched about a thousand silk and chain and bead and pearl and gem and grosgrain dopplegangers and set the bar for Lanvin's theatrical, glamorous jewelry line ever since (which, in my opinion, they have never lowered).

This season continued the tradition and produced some jaw-dropping, over-the-top styles that have been in just about every magazine, multiple times, sometimes even well more than once per issue. A particular standout? The rather regal yet playful necklace pictured above - offered in shades of pale camel, blue, paprika and the vibrant Bubble Tape pink shown here. A riff on elaborate baroque baubles, cheekily rendered in enamel, rather than fine stones or crystal. And of course complete with the signature Lanvin silk bow.

The real thing and Kirsten Dunst in scenes from Sofia Coppola's visually stunning Marie Antoinette.

I love how Elbaz takes these high glamor, almost historic styles, but opts to render them in sort of offbeat unexpected materials. In place of sapphires and diamonds, we have resin, enamel, crystal, mesh, silk...everything but what you'd expect, but somehow utterly dreamy and charming. I like to think Marie Antoinette would have adored these jewels and loved piling on these not-so-precious styles - maybe even adorning her impressive coif with an earring or necklace or two - having a ball watching while all the masses copy her every move.

I think this Topshop necklace captures the spirit of Elbaz's whimsical creation and does it for quite a bit less than the original ($100 vs. $2,610). Ah, so funny thinking how when I purchased my dainty little Lanvin necklace oh so many years ago, that it was somewhere around $300. Yes, $300. Retail. Oh, like 8x less. Lanvin, let me eat cake! And by eat, I mean afford your jewelry and by cake, I mean your jewelry. Pretty necklace, pretty please?

Runway image courtesy of Style.com. Dress in background, Lanvin (photo courtesy of Shopping the Trend). Marie Antoinette photos courtesy of Vintage Life Network, All Movie Photo, Calendar Live and Marie-Antoinette.

Speaking of Spiga

Felix Sandal, $185 (available at Via Spiga).

Speaking of Via Spiga, I am harboring a bit of a crush on these patent sandals from the label. Well, more like an all out drooling psych-ward obsession...but "a bit of a crush" sounds so much nicer.

I love these because they are so transitional. One the one hand, they are very demure and classic. A full skirt and pearls and the version rendered in a soft cream shade, et voila, you have a very ladylike look. Opt for the darker styles and pair with tights and a bodycon dress or a tight, shredded stonewashed jean and you have a much edgier look. It's always great to have pieces like these that can serve double duty, especially in economically dire times. It's so essential to have these things that can work in all different situations, say dinner out with parents or a concert or dive bar with friends, and satiate all style cravings (i.e. a little something for my girly side as well as some pieces for when I'm feeling more...complicated).

For me, these shoes are those things. And yes, I'll take one in each color, thankyouverymuch.

Vena Via Vici

The design duo Sophie Buhai and Lisa Maycock, the ladies behind Vena Cava, are breaking into footwear - with a little help from Via Spiga. The upcoming line does not disappoint - these shoes are sublime.

Horizon Dress, $475 (available at Barney's).

Ranging from about $300-850, this collection echoes the label's spring line, with its earthy, sun-drenched shades and studded adornments. All styles will be available at Via Spiga locations and online. My favorite output of this collaboration: the embellished clogs in weathered shades of black, nude and mink. Here's hoping those are more on the $300 end of the spectrum, not the $850.

More accessories, like an extended bag collection and eyewear, are also in the works, so stay posted.


Photo of shoes courtesy of Refinery29's fantastic blog, The Pipeline.