< $125 – UGG Shearling Glove: comes in brown, camel and black leather – a cozy classic.
< $200 – A plaid scarf: not too-fashion-forward, but a soft statement that keeps him looking pulled together. This look works for the office and weekends.
< $500 – Alden® for J.Crew suede longwing bluchers: if he doesn’t know what shoes to wear with jeans on casual Friday or nights out, these are them! They also work with dress pants and a suit. They aren’t to be missed in black or dark brown leather either (a shoe in for a more conservative dresser – for the daring, check out the high tops).
Photos: Sarah Jessica Parker: popeater.com & agirlnamedbong.blogspot.com.
If you’re looking for a cozier alternative to denim, try corduroy. I love my J Brand black skinnies, as well as the haze-colored-flared-style SJP is wearing above (in Juicy Couture, sadly no longer available). Her floppy hat is right on trend, I have a similar one by Hat Attack and I covet it’s black and grey sibling. Parker’s gorgeous leopard scarf is YSL, the look can be found more affordably by Tory Burch. Her rolled-up flares, brown ankle boots, purple suede hobo, and white-tank with black bra peaking through all give her that effortlessly chic SJP-style we’ve grown to LOVE.
Gearing up for an East Coast winter, I welcomed two Hat Attack purchases from Dealuxe this week. The charcoal Angora Fedora (#1) and the chocolate brown Vicky Floppy hat. I’ve always loved hats, they’re a go-to accessory where fashion meets function… keeping your hair protected, head warm, and your outfit oh-so chic in one of the quickest ways possible. Depending on the color(s) of your jacket(s), I suggest the grey for blondes, and the taupe for brunettes (#2) – angora rabbit fur makes a great neutral that works with countless styles of coats, jackets and blazers. For the daring, the Beaver finished fem fedora with self band (#3) takes this statement style to another level. And the Aspen Hat in green (with teal), white (with yellow), and black (with grey) shouldn’t be missed.
Kate’s first outfit, an off-white REISS dress (the same one she wore in the couple’s official engagement photos), a patriotic maple leaf brooch borrowed from Queen Elizabeth (presented to her by the Queen mom when she first visited Canada in 1939), and a crimson red maple leaf fascinator by Sylvia Fletcher at Lock and Co. Normally we’d consider her bright red pumps matchy-matchy, but worn in the Nation’s capital on Canada Day – they’re the perfect finishing touch.
Moving from Ottawa to Yellowknife, Canada, Will and Kate joined the locals in a street hockey game. Her linen dress is by Danish-born British high street designer Malene Birger. Catherine opted to stay on the sidelines and cheer for the Duke, reportedly explaining that if not for her nude L.K. Bennett heels, she would have joined in the game herself. She had me at nude heels…
Lastly, her Highness wore a navy lace dress called “the Cecile dress” designed by Erdem. The dress can be found in their pre-spring 2012 collection. Kate paired her stunning navy lace dress with her L.K.Bennett Sledge2 patent nude pumps. Her style is so classic, and so-spot-on PRINCESS PERFECT!
“Marry Prince William? I’d love that. Who wouldn’t want to be a princess?” – Britney Spears
Sorry Brit, that ship has sailed.
This Friday, April 29th marks one of the biggest days in nuptial history. Prince William of Wales KG FRS (William Arthur Philip Louis; born June, 21st 1982), the elder son of Charles, Prince of Wales, and the late Diana, Princess of Wales – will marry Catherine Elizabeth “Kate” Middleton (born January 9th, 1982). In full royal-fashion, their Westminster Abbey wedding has earned the UK a bank holiday. After their engagement was announced last year (November 16th, 2010), the world has been counting down to the big day. Who will Kate be wearing? It’s rumored to be the British fashion house of the late Alexander McQueen. 4 more days… until the festivities begin at 4am EST.
Matt Lauer and Meredith Viera will host a NBC Royal Special Wednesday, and E! News will also be on the scene. Not to mention the blogosphere and press coverage from the 1,000 BBC and 400 CNN workers assigned to the wedding. For those of us without an invite (or plane ticket), we can wake up in the early North America hours to our TVs and royal-high-tea. I’ve already got a date.
And for the countless women (myself included) following Kate’s style – her red suit above is Luisa Spangoli, paired with a Hollie de Keyser belt purchased from a Knightsbridge boutique. Her trench coat is by Burberry – selling out within one day of her wearing it (how Oprah-effect). And finally, her hot-blue dress worn while attending a wedding at St Andrews with William is by Issa. Her go-to London designer also responsible for her November engagement announcement dress. While Kate’s turned down offers to grace the cover of VOGUE, and keeps quiet while William shines – we can’t help but LOVE this girl next door turned princess and future Queen of England. Not bad.
What will she be wearing next? Her family’s new coat of arms. It just keeps getting better for Kate.
… with that let’s greet April’s rain in style and hope for a gorgeous spring and summer.
10 – A big umbrella -Bella Pagoda Umbrella – B&W Pinwheel: A big pinwheel umbrella is a style statement that keeps you dry. Imagine? Ha. So many times we sacrifice function for fashion, but when it comes to rain that’s just not practical for daily life.
9 – Slim calf rain boots – HUNTER Regen Quilted Rubber Rainboots: Hunters new rain boots are slimmer in the calf, keeping your legs drier and offering a more flattering fit. This black quilted pair scream classy riding boot!
8 – A hooded anorak - Jil Sander Navy Hooded Coat: throw on a water-resistant hooded jacket on gloomy days and you’re ready to roll. This coat takes you to the gym, errands, brunch, and more.
7 – A totally water-proof rain coat -Topshop Blue Shiny Hooded Plastic Mac (also in bright yellow and orange): when it rains, it pours! So be sure to have one coat that will keep you totally dry even when it’s coming down in bucket loads. Go for navy, or a bright red, orange, yellow or blue. Just because the skies are dull, doesn’t mean your outfit has to follow suit.
6 – Cute rain hat -Burberry Cotton Reversible Black Bucket Hat: I have this hat. Rain isn’t so bad when it provides an excuse to wear fun pieces like this. I’ve never worn it with the signature print showing, I prefer the black showing and the tartan for myself. It’s key to keeping your hair dry.
5 – Classic Trench -J.Crew Icon Trench: every woman needs an iconic trench in her wardrobe. The name of J.Crew’s “icon trench” says it all. Whether you investment in Burberry or opt for French Connection – start with a classic beige with basic buttons and a belt (NB: double breasted never goes out of style, but spring 2011′s leather and studded details are a trendy take on a classic look and won’t make it to next season). Longer styles will keep you drier, and are more figure-flattering.
4 – Printed rain boots – Chooka Panthera Leopard Rain Boot: I’ll admit to owning three pairs of rain boots, excessive I know. But I do think there’s room for two pairs in every woman’s wardrobe. One tall black classic (back red zipper and buckles optional). And one printed. My choice of print are Stuart Wietzman’s subtle leopard (not available, similar to these Chooka’s), but I have friends who love a bright polkadot, plaid, striped or just plane BRIGHT. A shorter pair can also be a great addition (great for petite woman). Of course homage must be paid to Burberry’s signature print boots (as classic as their trenches), just please don’t pair these with any of the following: a Burberry signature print umbrella, scarf, or rain hat… anything signature print – you get the idea!
3 – A neutral nail -Essie Chinchilly: Let the rest of your outfit do the talking this month, give your nails a neutral break from the darker grays of winter. Bonus: your mani will stay chip-free longer.
2 – A bright scarf – J.Crew wool gauze scarf: I love banner blue – aka “hot-blue” – as I commonly call it. On cooler April days pop this scarf around your neck and your face will glow. It’s a great color to wrap around the shoulder strap of a purse so it’s always close by.
1 – An eco-friendly tote -Green is Good Tote: Earth Day is April 22nd, go green with a gift that keeps on giving. To the environment – and my future grandchildren – thank you.
“The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.”
“Vacation used to be a luxury, but in today’s world it has become a necessity.”
~ Author Unknown
Depending on where you live, spring is in the air. Here are my top 2011 resort picks:
10 - beach throw – Jonathan Adler is my m0851, J.Crew, Theory and J Brand of interior design… I LOVE him!! His hand made Peruvian creations never disappoint. Aside from his monogrammed initial (letter) and Union Jack pillows I just ordered for my new home, I’m currently coveting his Alpaca Squares Throw. Perfect for marking a square of sand your home away from home.
9 – cover up - I love a good cropped halter beach cover up… I just bought a navy velure Marc by Marc Jacobs one that’s very similar to Carmen’s Marc Valvo Beach Crop Jumpsuit cover up, but isn’t available online. It’ll be debuted at my best friend’s destination weddings 11.11 -”Thrilla!”
8 – Ray-ban vintage shades – these mainstays NEVER go out of style. I love these classic frames on men and women – in black or brown. You just can’t go wrong with Ray-ban’s iconic throw-backs.
7 – striped shirt (preferably over-sized and boat neck) – sailor stripes scream vacation, water, sun, sand; nautical heaven! For a more flattering fit choose thinner stripes (classic white and navy, black, red, yellow, gray, green…). And when wearing over-sized, keep your bottoms fitted (or beach-bare). Don’t pair a loose top with loose linen pants… you’ll be swimming without water.
6 – monogrammable tote – I’ve loved anything monogrammed for as long as I can remember… initials, letters, engraving, crests, surnames, nicknames – tastefully branding your personal style can be cute and fun. So when you need a beach carry-all, go for gold and add a personal touch.
5 – short shorts (preferably pinstripe) – she likes short shorts… and so does HE! Again, a tasteful touch is key here but rocking the right high-hem on the beach is totally appropriate. These pinstripe J.Crew shorts give off a subtle sailor vibe on top of bikini bottoms, or can be dressed up for dinner with heels, gladiator sandals or even flips with a crisp white top (silk, linen, cotton…).
4 – patterned (Pucci) tunic – Pucci had me at, well… Pucci. When packing for a Southern local it’s smart to stick to whites, neutrals, stripes, and navy – but please don’t forget color. And patterned color at that… a pop of paisley, plaid, subtle floral, or polka-dots can diversify solids and stripes.
3 – straw sunhat - Carrie Bradshaw showed us how to chic-ly wear a big straw hat during her Mexi-coma in the first “Sex and The City” movie (her hat was Hermès and it’s no longer available). Save your skin from the sun’s harmful rays and protect your hair color with BIG STRAW style.
2 – linen pants – one of the few places in life where a drawstring’s acceptable, is on linen pants. The right drawstring and pants mind you. Comfort meets casual meets chic: beach-style. When wearing a looser fit, keep your top fitted and vice versa. Again, let’s save the swimming for water.
1 – white bikini - white is a big look of spring 2011 and there’s no reason why it shouldn’t be worn on vacation… especially with a tan! Mix and match white tops and bottoms with patterns or solids – or wear white top and bottoms together. You can’t go wrong. Just be weary of thinner suits that are see-through. There’s no need to Janet Jackson observers. Let your beautiful style be the show.
“Let the sun be your natural accessory, highlighting your natural glow.”
looking for gear where fashion meets function for adventurous 2011 travels? The North Face is it!!
I lived in The North Face gear all over Antarctica – if you haven’t checked out the line lately, it’s time to RECONSIDER The North Face for stylish and practical outdoor-wear. Nordstrom maintains a great collection, as does their company website (they had me at: “never stop exploring“…).
From their ‘Denali’ Thermal Beanie in aztec blue and white (so soft and cozy), to the black down quilted ‘Women’s Aconcaugua jacket‘ that I lived in, I was SET. I also stayed warmed in a white women’s TKA 100 Masonic fleece hoodie and a baby blue ‘Osito’ Fleece Jacket (I bought mine two years ago, the color’s no longer available but I love the new ones). Most notable was my black trapper hat (also purchased two years ago for a trip to Mount Everest Base Camp) – ready for minus 40, it never got colder than 10 Fahrenheit (-12 Celsius)…. summer lovin’ on the white continent. What we lacked in cold weather by Canadian standards, we made up for with massive waves, squalls, avalanches, icebergs, glaciers, mountains, wildlife – and just INCREDIBLE landscape.
Other cameo appearances were made by my classic tall Black UGGS (there’s nothing like putting on sheepskin boots after a morning or afternoon excursion in a kayaking dry-suit and Wellies). I was thankful to have them. They mixed perfectly into the rotation with my Sperry-J.Crew high-tops (thanks Jenna)…and my grayBurberry-licious scarf that was never far from my neck for long. A definite $$$lux item for such extreme travel, but I’ve had it for so long I wouldn’t have been heartbroken if it’d become an Arctic-casualty. Last but not least, was my pink stainless steel traveler mug – essentially glued to my hand full of hot water and/or tea it garnered a complement from an Aerolineas Argentinas flight attendant and many comments amongst my fellow passengers (OGGI corporation, it’s no longer available – here’s a close sibling, sans the Scotty dog).
Wherever your 2011 adventures take you – I wish you breathtaking memories to last a lifetime.
“life is not measured by the number of breaths we take,
but by the number of moments that take our breath away.”
