Fashion Blog

Making a big splash on the runways right now is the Balenciaga Leather Jacket with it’s asymmetrical zipper, fine details and warm brown leather design. The originals have been selling like Hot Pockets off the racks and online markets, but where can you find your own look for less? Here’s what Smarter.com can offer you in the way of fashionable leather jackets for the season:

Women’s AE Moto Leather Jacket: $250.00

Jou Jou Faux Leather Women’s Jacket: $49.9

Forzieri Brown Italian Leather Motorcycle-style Zippered Jacket: $648.00

Shop for more women’s leather jackets at Smarter.com.

Any fashion forward girl wants to stay on top of the current season’s trends which this year include a broad range of styles including chunky denim sandals, paisley scarves, zipper skirts, and boyfriend blazers.  The mix is eclectic this year, but it also includes the spring season mainstays like the trench, aviator sunglasses, canvas flats, check and plaid patterns, and the one I am particularly tickled pink by is the return of denim jackets!  Finding just the right denim jacket can be challenging, being picky is best.  I’ve held out on this one, and I finally found the perfect fitting Levi’s denim jacket with just a bit of lycra in it so it stretches on the arms.  I’ve broken it in like a good pair of boots and now I admit I am a bit sad when I take it off at the end of the night.  Finding cute trench coats seems to be a breeze these days.  Old Navy has a super cute khaki belted trench for only $49.50.

Denim Sandals?  Who would’ve thought those would be a trend for this spring. They are a total retro throwback, but I dig it…hopefully you will too.  Look for ones that have chunkier heels, and maybe some sort of ankle strap. Paint your toenails bright red, and rock it out.

Denim Chunky Heels: $39.99

I can appreciate paisley patterns, but they can be difficult to find on clothing unless you are scouring the racks at a thrift or vintage shop, this is because it’s an old fashioned pattern and look.  Something your mother may cringe at hearing if you were to ask her.  The scarf I found isn’t quite paisley, but its pretty darn close and I actually like it a bit more.  I’m predicting florals on scarves are going to come back as well which makes me happy since they will be a fresh change from the keffiyahs which have been trendy for like two years now.

Hersey Shibori Scarf: $34

Since I’ve had such a wonderful last few weeks with my Levi’s denim jacket find, I thought I’d see If I could dig up one for ya’ll.  Levi’s has some great stuff and the jackets are no exception.  I wasn’t too keen on the darker denim ones they have right now but this white re-issued Trucker Jacket looks like it would fit quite well.  Made of 99% cotton and 1% lycra, the Trucker Jacket is cropped at the waist and slimmed down to fit curves.  It never hurts to keep looking for an actual blue denim jacket, but this white one is fresh for spring and should get you through the season.  Perfect for throwing on over dresses and tanks.

Levi’s re-issued Trucker Jacket $98

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more khaki trench coats and denim jackets.
Discounts on paisley scarves.

Yes, it’s true, sandal season is upon us…but flip flops aren’t exactly what I have in mind.  Spring is a good time to begin shopping around for fancy footwear that reveals your feet without getting too beachy.  Wedges are cool for spring fashion, and you can definitely carry them into summer when it arrives, sporting them with shorts, skirts, and jeans. I personally love the look of wedges with shorts, flowy blouses and a little jacket when it cools off in the evenings.  I would also opt for this style over traditional three-inch heels since they are going to be more comfortable and not so hard on the balls of your feet.

The Miz Mooz ‘Gizmo’ Platforms ($129.95) are one of my personal picks this week. Not only do these wedges look comfortable, but they are huarache-inspired with their tan woven leather and wooden platform.

Being obsessed with vintage inspired pieces that particularly look like they could have come from the 1970’s, my eye was instantly drawn to these shoes.  I would wear these with some cropped, fitted jeans that are cut right above the ankle.  This is a unique trend I noticed while in San Francisco, but I always wondered…how do you find pants that length?  Well the answer was simple after I began taking my jeans to a tailor to be altered.  This is a fun style for the warmer seasons if you’ve ever just been too hot to wear long jeans and kind of wanted to go for a 1950’s chic look. Try it…you’ll like it! Now, back to my remaining picks…

For months now I have been neglecting and rejecting stylish handbags, and instead resorted to hauling around a Marc Jacobs canvas tote bag instead.  As far as purpose goes, canvas totes are great, but they aren’t always very cute when you’re gettin’ dolled up for a night out.  So, I finally emptied mine out and bought a new purse.  A real purse again!  My choice was a fairly inexpensive vintage leather bag, simple with good color.  If I would’ve had a little more dough to work with I would have splurged on the L.A.M.B. ‘Darjeeling’ Small Flap Shoulder Bag, $345, Nordstrom.com

This bag is so mod! I love it. The colors and hardware are also very nautical inspired making it great for the summer months.

And now, my final personal pick for today are these stunning Stephen Dweck Agate earrings, $395, Neimanmarcus.com

These are so beautiful! They would look fantastic with a casual long dress, but I personally like wearing fancy items like this with a worn in t-shirt and jeans with some little gold ballet flats. Combining a slightly rugged look with such a delicate accessory is a fashion risk worth taking.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more women’s platform sandals.
Discounts on L.A.M.B. handbags and Stephen Dweck earrings.

As one of the other fabulous Smarter Fashion bloggers has already alerted you (check out Shoulder Pads are Back from the 80’s), the 80’s revival is back in full force, with the return of leggings, neon colors and the Ray-Ban Wayfarer. But readers, it’s shoulder pads that really seem to have fashion tongues a-waggin’ on this blog and others.  Fashion pundits like Vogue’s Sarah Mower have noted the huge influence of the work of Balmain designer Christophe Decarnin.  So, let’s look at the trend from this angle.

This picture from the Balmain runway (fall 2009, Style.com) shows the elegant side and, let’s face it, the staying power of the new shoulder.  I actually see less of the 80’s linebacker influence in this relatively dainty and somewhat oddly shaped shoulder; I get more of a 30’s feeling here mixed with a touch of Tom Ford for YSL.  Because this shoulder is a bit more refined while still throwing off that power silhouette, it will be more wearable on more figures.  Remember the story about Joan Crawford wearing a strong shoulder to make her hips look narrower?  Still works.

Pictured below is my recommendation for a slightly more wearable version. Yes, it’s lacking the power of the couture version and is more a puff than a pad, but this really sharp little jacket from Ralph Lauren’s Rugby line can be yours for a tasty $199.99. The Balmain version will run you a tad more. Come on kids, power (shoulder) to the people!

Emma Sillk Jacket:  $295 Now: $199.99

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more women’s jackets.
Discounts on Ralph Lauren clothing.

Right now is the time to find the BEST deals. This jacket definitely does not scream “Paul Frank!” It’s sort of a more “mature” Paul Frank.   It’s on sale for 5o% off because all the new spring stuff is already on the shelves.  It’s still been pretty cold and the weather has been extremely unpredictable!

The Bosworth Jacket by Paul Frank: $44 (Was: $88)

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more women’s jackets.
Discounts on Paul Frank clothing and accessories.

In two weekends, I’m going to Montreal! It’s going to be fantastic and wonderful, and I’m going to have to learn how to bear with the snow. Two inches fell today in Providence, the streets and sidewalks were slick with ice, and I was already grumbling about how I wish spring would just come…consider me a masochist, but I’m heading up north to Montreal for a much-needed vacation. As I look out my window and watch the snowplows rumble down the street, all I can think of is what jacket would keep me warm in Canada in February, but not feel like a polar bear?

And here are the answers I came up with:

M. Nico Insulated Women’s Coat: On sale for $499

Nanette Lepore Emperor’s New Jacket: $525

Burberry High Collar Coat: $550

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more women’s coats and jackets.
Buy Nanette Lepore jackets.

This jacket does not look like a typical Billabong jacket.  You actually wouldn’t even know it was Billabong at first glace.  It is not their typical sporty/surf style.  I prefer this Bogota Berry color, but it also comes in black.  It can be dressed down for a more casual look and can even be worn with over a cute party top, skinnies and knee high boots.

Billabong Moonstruck Jacket: $62.61 (Was: $89.45)

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more women’s jackets.
Discounts Billabong jackets.

While shopping a few weeks ago, a sweet sales gal at Bloomingdale’s gave me a tip—she turned me onto Aqua, an affordable line of clothes that is exclusive to Bloomingdale’s, and is designed similar to many of the styles you see in the Marc by Marc, Joie, and Juicy collections that are featured at Bloomie’s.Not knock-offs, but items that are just as cute but with a more forgiving price tag.

I’ll admit—there were some great pieces to choose from like this Hooded Leather Jacket. Hooded leather jackets are so…cool. They’re totally rock n’ roll without being too biker.

A huge trend that surfaced last Fall/Winter amongst the kids and hipsters was the hoodie sweatshirt underneath the leather jacket—something punk rockers had already been doing for ages. I say skip all the trouble and treat yourself to this cool leather hoodie…it would look fantastic over a drapey shift dress or something with sequins.

Aqua Women’s Hooded Leather Jacket: $298

Shop for more women’s Aqua clothing.
Shop for more women’s jackets.