Fashion Blog

One of the fun little perks of being a woman (mysteriously left out of the great Rogers and Hammerstein classic, “I Enjoy being a Girl”) is the handbag.  The bag can be practical, cute, chic, elegant and endlessly useful.  They don’t call it arm candy for nothing.   So, what’s up with this no-calorie sweet treat for summer?  Let’s talk about totes you can take to the beach and the fresh city bag, the day clutch.

Take me with you:

Why is it that a little trip to the sand and sea requires so much stuff?  Towel, book, iPod, hair clip, water and if you forget the sunscreen, boy will you be sorry.  So, how to pack it without looking like you need one of those little rolling bags people use to run over your foot in the airport?  The tote.

I really love a metallic for the beach — there is something so flashy/trashy about sliver, gold or bronze against the sand.  Look for a canvas or plastic bag with metallic highlights or even an embossed leather to help withstand the wear and tear of a beach trip.  Leave the delicate calfskin or scarf silk at home unless you don’t mind the weathered look.  I love the St. Tropez glitz of the Carlos Falchi Snake Enbossed ‘Jill’ tote ($140) found on the ever popular Bluefly.com.

May I also suggest a practical canvas tote, here in a strong pop of summer color, by Tory Burch.

Tory Burch ‘Tory’ Canvas Tote: $235

In the Clutch:

Starting up last fall, the day clutch is still a clear trend this spring/summer season.  As always with warm weather, straw makes an appearance and a summery straw clutch with a ocean theme or bright color detail makes even your work suit feel summery and fresh.

For a more seasonless look, I am still distracted by the “tough” leather clutch for day.  The contrast of a slightly rough bag with a floaty summer dress or on trend flowing pant is about as good as it gets.  And, done in forever chic black or a strong burst of color, the clutch can stay with you well into fall.  Take a look at this chain detail cheap and chic bag from Urbanoutfitters.com….

Deux Lux Chain Flap Clutch: $42

….or the luxe to a fault poppy colored Lanvin on sale at Barneys.com.

Lavin Pop Chevre Clutch: $649 (was: $1,075)

These day clutches can really give you something to hold on to.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more clutch handbags and tote bags.
Discounts on Tory Burch totes and Carlos Falchi totes.

I’ve always been on the fence about designer Tory Burch.  Sometimes I like her design, sometimes I don’t.  But recently, I have begun to warm up to the blonde beauty’s keen eye for creating classic items with just a hint of bohemian flair.  Tory Burch is definitely a great example of a American designer that creates sportswear with a somewhat eclectic element–whether its through the choice of color, pattern, or cut of the clothing.  The style of the clothing and accessories is sophisticated, not neglecting the use of bright colors adorned with the label’s shiny gold trademark emblem.  Tory Burch herself, the company’s co-founder and creative director is inspired by many of the elements that surround her including photography, art, travel, as well as the work of interior designer David Hicks.

Launched in 2004, the New York based company considers itself a lifestyle concept that offers multiple, ready-to-wear products including shoes, clothing, and handbags.  Signature graphic prints, the bold use of color, and ethnic detailing are all staples that not only hard to miss, but not easily forgotten as well.  This I’m sure contributes to the booming success the company’s had the past five years–a significant look and style was established early on and stuck.  One thing that strikes me in a positive light is that Tory Burch considers itself a label that is geared towards women of all ages.  Now, many designers claim to design for women of all ages, but then when the size zero miniskirts hit the racks…it is then that one realizes the claim is merely a facade in order to gain favor with a larger target market.  Tory Burch is indeed one designer that truly does create for every woman–her mother and daughters are kept in mind. 

After many a retail gig at malls, boutiques and such, I caught on to the Tory Burch craze about two years ago.  Not quite getting it though since it looked like resort wear, but the designs are in fact more than just flowy caftans and tunics.  TB has created some beautifully cut and well tailored little dresses that are very 1960’s inspired…in a good way.  And I have seen women from 14 to 64 inquiring about and wearing the designs…especially the ever-so-popular ballet flats with signature gold hardware.  I know I recently issued a ‘yuck’ to Paris Hilton’s last season gold Tory Burch flats recently seen on her feet in the dirt polo fields at this year’s Coachella, but don’t let this fool you, I don’t think all of the designs are yuck.  In fact I think many of them are lovely which is why I chose this Tory Burch Canvas Luxe Tote as the Deal of the Day!

These bright bags are on sale now for $207, originally priced at $295.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more Tory Burch bags and canvas totes.

Celebrating its 10-year anniversary, this year’s Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival just wouldn’t have been complete without the usual celeb sightings and good old Paris Hilton in a bikini top.  Needless to say, the Empire Polo Fields are far from the red carpet and in that sweltering desert heat, minimal clothing definitely embodied the phrase “less is more.”  Due to the extreme temperatures amidst the hoopla, the rules of fashion were bent slightly in order to avoid heatstroke, meaning: as far as desert fashion is concerned, anything goes. That being said, praise shall be awarded to those who actually dressed appropriately.  A few of the things on my ‘yuck’ list included knee high boots–dark leather up to the knee in summertime heat is enough to make a cactus scream!  And who wants sweaty legs all day?

Apparently former The Hills star Audrina Patridge does.

Moving right along…a bikini clad Paris Hilton made my yuck list for obvious reasons, but I was most surprised by the gold Tory Burch flats on her feet that are very last season to me.  Sandals may have been a better option.

She could’ve used a tip or two from sis Nicky Hilton who looked nice and cool in her retro-looking, floral print mini dress.

Other golden gals included Chloe Sevigny, whose look shifted between 90’s floral grunge (which was still cute!)….

…and 1950’s beach chic, I would opt for the latter of the two–white gauzy dresses in the summer are perfection.

Reese Witherspoon kept it simple in her cotton shirt dress and fedora while sticking with beau Jake Gyllenhaal throughout the fest.

Cat Deely’s embroidered romper was definitely unique and very hip…….

….and Kate Bosworth realized that you can never go wrong with nautical stripes.

Although these ladies all looked fabulous, pin-up prize Dita Von Teese takes the cake for best dressed all weekend. The burlesque beauty stayed glamorous all weekend long in two vintage inspired frocks that screamed summer!  How she kept that crimson color on her lips from melting off shall remain a mystery…

So with my post music fest buzz and new suntan, I’ve decided on a few of my favorite things that would work well while partying in the middle of a desert:

This Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Strapless Jumpsuit ($240) is lightweight and perfect for browning your shoulders without getting a funky tan line.

TOMS shoes are super comfy and easy to slip on and off–something you may want to do after you plop down in the grass to enjoy a good band and frozen lemonade, the gold glitter is fun and gives a glammy, rock n’ roll edge.

TOMS Shoes Gold Glitter: $44

When it comes to keeping the sun out of your face, a large sunhat will do…so will a colorful nylon parasol which is more unique and probably cheaper.  You can find a really pretty selection at LunaBazaar.com.

Now, this ensemble is only complete with a pair of shades, and I only hope this is the season that the fashionables ween themselves off of the faux Ray Ban craze.

Skyline Sunglasses $24 - UrbanOutfitters.com

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more strapless jumpsuits and TOMS shoes.
Discounts on sunglasses and parasol umbrellas.

Image Source: bittenandbound.com, socialitelife.celebuzz.com

“Teal”…”Parrot Blue”…same thing.   I love the color of these flat sandals.  The color reminds me of a beautiful & clear tropical ocean which is the opposite of the ocean water in So. Cal, unfortunately.  Time for summer vacation!  These sandals will be comfy so you will be able to hit every tourist spot in whatever city you may roam this summer & still be in style.

Tory Burch Women’s Ali Leather Flat Sandals: $116.67 (Was: $195)

Shop here for more women’s flat sandals.

Tory Burch’s Reva Flat really made a big splash this year in the world of trends. It’s no wonder, considering how perfect these shoes are and how well they go with everything.  So much so, that they may even shrug off their trend status and become full-fledged classics. If you’ve been waiting them out, now might be the time to attack since these snake skin Revas are on sale for a totally reasonable $157.50.

I know lots of ladies shy away from snake skin, which I don’t understand because I always think a bit of texture goes a long way.  A great way to wear flashy shoes is with a muted or monochromatic outfit. Try it! You might like it.

Tory Burch Reva Snake Skin Ballet Flat, $157.50 (they used to be $225).

I know Tory Burch is a little overexposed right now, but I’m still a fan.  I love the clean lines and subtle “cute” quality to her clothes.  You know, they’re just cute enough, without going too overboard for my tastes.  That brings me to these jeans, which are on sale at Bloomingdales for $105 (old price=$175).

These are super classic, with a rise that’s not too low, a slight flare and a nice shade of indigo. Plus they have the signature Tory Burch hardware on the pockets and fly.

Good for night, good for day.  

The 11th Annual ACE awards took place Monday with Marc Jacobs taking home the “Designer of the Year” Award. The honor is particularly interesting due to Jacobs’ recent string of rebellious acts, including starting his spring show two hours late, sticking his tongue out a fashion critic Suzy Menkes (who, along with others, panned his spring collection) on his Paris runway and, of course, dying his hair with Punky Colour. Nonetheless, despite such debacles, which many are chalking up to a mid-life crisis, Jacobs and his coveted handbags received a well earned award for excellence in accessories.

Other winners include Mandy Moore, who was given “Fashion Innovator” honors and Heidi Klum, named a “Fashion Influencer.” Tory Burch got the “Accessories Brand Launch” award, which makes perfect sense considering the pandemonium her bags and doodads have caused as of late. On the flipside of the launch award was the “Lifetime Achievement” award, which was presented to Valentino, who didn’t show but sent Helena Christensen and Lucy Lui in his place and couture gowns.

Our good friend Tory Burch– okay, I don’t know her, I just thought it sounded good–was just named one of Vanity Fair’s Best Dressed, and now, here’s her skirt on sale.  What a coincidence!

This Andrea skirt is really cute, high-waisted, and not made of linen, which is good because I bought a linen skirt just like this earlier in the summer and the wrinkling really ruins the shape.  But anyway, this one is a cotton blend and just in time for the fall transition.  In fact, its dark brown hue is probably the very reason it’s on sale now–who wants to wear chocolate in summer?  Well, I did actually, but that dark skirt I bought gets too wrinkly after just seconds.  Never again.

Tory Burch Andrea Skirt Old Price= $265, New Price=$106