Posts Tagged ‘designer handbags’

Style-Hopping the EU Fashion Capitals

Monday, April 12th, 2010

Spring has arrived in New York! And while it’s gorgeous here, we’re going to skip off to Europe’s fashion capitals this week for inspiration from Paris, Milan and the UK. Bon voyage.

La France: Florals, Denim and Feathers

From Numero's online Galerie: Stunning, and delicious

From Numero's online Galerie: Stunning, and delicious

For those venturing outside of the mainstream editorial viewpoint, I sought out Jalouse and go-to international style pub Numéro from which I couldn’t resist this gorgeous pic, above. Lately, I can’t seem to get enough of this hot-hot-hot pink, and if you’ve got un goût pour les fleurs (this is my French major coming into rare use here), we offer you this delightful assortment from Covet Shop…for window shopping or strolling the boulevard, wherever you may be.

Stella McCartney Floral Maxi Dress, Moschino Ruffle Dot Dress, Dolce & Gabbana Floral Halter, Roberto Cavalli Floral Tank Dress

Stella McCartney Floral Maxi Dress, Moschino Ruffle Dot Dress, Dolce & Gabbana Floral Halter, Roberto Cavalli Floral Tank Dress

Jalouse, for its cover, focused on an “Into the Wild” prairie look, which of course becomes painfully chic with the careful insouciance of a side braid — which style blogger Garance Doré (who’s posting in English now, as well) also showcases (inset).

Side braids, for the impossibly stylish

Side braids, for the impossibly stylish

We don’t have any denim on the site at present, but these tops look fabulous with jeans…

Temperley Pebble Tunic, Marc Jacobs Floral Tiered Top, Temperley Jamila Kaftan Tunic

Temperley Pebble Tunic, Marc Jacobs Floral Tiered Top, Temperley Jamila Kaftan Tunic

Andiamo in Italia: Vogue Curvy…Celebrating Style of All Sizes

Back in February of this year Vogue Italia launched Vogue Curvy, a microsite within Vogue.it that celebrates a woman’s bounty with videos, shopping tips, daily suggestions, fashion/beauty, “Curvy News” and a blog. We love that it’s called “Curvy” and not “Plus-Size,” btw. Who’s to say what’s considered “plus” in a world where perceptions of beauty and body image are in the eye of the beholder? As Vogue Curvy cites in its “Flashback or Flashforward” post, “Are we outlining the identikit of the new beauty standards for the next years, when abundant figures will be considered the perfect ones? Will curvy women of the whole world be envisaged as the new beauty icons?”

Vogue calls out women like Christina Hendricks and Sofia Loren as its curvy icons

Vogue calls out women like Christina Hendricks and Sofia Loren as its curvy icons

For Covet Shoppers, we’ve pulled together some size 10s currently listed on Covet Shop, as well as some platform shoe selections (since they were a prominent theme in Vogue Curvy’s Daily Suggestions/Style Advice).

Milly Candy Ruffle Dress and Ruffle Tube Tob, Abaete Burn Out Dot Dress, Roberto Cavalli Jewel Cardigan, Etro Flutter Silk Dress

Milly Candy Ruffle Dress and Ruffle Tube Tob, Abaete Burn Out Dot Dress, Roberto Cavalli Jewel Cardigan, Etro Flutter Silk Dress

YSL Tribute Canvas Leopard Pumps, Moschino Cheap and Chic Scarpa Suede Pumps

YSL Tribute Canvas Leopard Pumps, Moschino Cheap and Chic Scarpa Suede Pumps

Across the Pond…to the UK

When London’s calling, we love Grazia’s “Style Hunter” feature, which snaps street stylish ladies and commenters chime in (with the most “constructive” getting printed in the magazine. Here, Samia Nasr shows that even 42-year-olds can still rock short shorts.

http://www.covetshop.com/495/All_Clothing

http://www.covetshop.com/495/All_Clothing

Creative Styling, By the Pros

Wednesday, March 31st, 2010

This week, we opened up Covet Shop’s virtual closet to see how some of New York’s most stylish shoppers might pull together from our eclectic assortment of fabulous merch. (And, if you think you have what it takes, style an outfit for us by April 14 and you could win $50 off a Covet Shop purchase! See deets below.)

First up: Mindi Smith, a professional stylist and redhead-about-town equipped with a to-die-for closet and, as you’ll see, some of the most haute hippie style in town. A woman after my own heart (as a Boulder grad, myself).

For the Bohemian, or the Mod Squad, in you...

For the Bohemian, or the Mod Squad, in you...

“Haute Hippie” Outfit No 1, at left:

“Those shoes, those shoes, those shoes!,” says Mindi.  ”The lucite wooden heel?  Are you kidding me?” Unfortunately they were snatched up almost immediately, but all the more reason to check Covet Shop “What’s New” as often as you can. Mindi “loves the keyhole” in this Cavalli dress, and designed these looks to wear to a cocktail party or an afternoon wedding — anywhere you’d like to definitely make an appearance or impression “as you’re gliding about.”

For her, the key to looking effortlessly chic is comfort…and this, she adds, “honestly, really looks comfortable.”

Roberto Cavalli Long Floral Printed Dress, Chloe Lucite Wooden Platform Sandals, Bottega Veneta Woven Hobo, Marc Jacobs Gold Bar Sunglasses

“Mod Squad” Outfit No. 2, at right:

Meow. “This reminds me of you, Nicole,” says Mins. “Love the new ‘pattern play’ coming off the runway for spring and this dress nails it.  Very mod, very now.” She recos wearing this this to market appointments, to lunch, dinner or to drinks.  Nothing too formal because it is a shift, but, she comments, “…it definitely goes from office to work lunch or dinner easily in the summer.”

Marni Circle Shift Dress, Jimmy Choo Prize Sandals, Temperley London Flag Bag

A more refined Bohemian...

A more refined Bohemian...

Classic Bohemian, with a Twist:

This outfit, also by Mindi, exemplifies exactly why stylists are good at their job: They have ways of arranging looks in ways you’d never have dreamed, that reinvent pieces in a different light. Take this Balenciaga dress, for example. I’d never think of picking this out for fear of its potential frump-factor, but Mindi designed this around the belt and has instantly made it something covet-able and super hot.

“I originally styled it around the dress (who wouldn’t?) but the belt is stealing the show and that bag is sick!,” she says. “I would wear this anywhere, to lunch, on a date, to a funeral or a party.  You cannot go wrong with a LBD from Balenciaga.”

Like these picks? Mindi is available for personal styling/shopping. Just contact her here.

Gucci Buckle Sunglasses, Balenciaga Baby Doll Dress, Salvatore Ferragamo Gancio Patch Tote, Marc Jacobs Cut Out Pumps, Giuseppe Zanotti Python Wedges

And now…the next stylist…Brianne Tammaro, an industry sales/design veteranette and friend of Nancy’s from Parsons (both are alums). Brianne currently works at covet-worthy Italian brand Blumarine.

Black, white, day, night...

Black, white, day, night...

Laid Back, and Luxurious:

Brie really loves the black/white trend we are seeing right now (so do we!), since it’s “…really clean, and black always looks professional but also stylish – especially for New York.” She has paired a boyfriend-like cardigan over a cocktail dress and would wear this with these fabulous flats during the day for a “laid back luxurious” look. “By adding the white bag, it adds interest to my ‘uniform of black’ that I tend to wear during the week.  However, the black dress can also be sexy for night so I like that it is a ‘day-to-play’ look.”

For day, Brianne suggests the flats, of course, and “wearing the cardi open, scrunching up the sleeves and adding some fun jewelry.” But for evening…throw these dangerous Giuseppe Zanotti booties in your oversized bag to put on after work…and start your night on the town on the right foot.

Temperley Mini Kaleidoscope Dress, Roberto Cavalli Jewel Cardigan, Giuseppe Zanotti Platform Booties, Salvatore Ferragamo Gancio Patch Tote, Christian Louboutin Mousse Clou Flats

We’d love to see YOUR styling creativity! If you think you have Covet Shop-worthy style, please submit your styling/picks, and reason for your choices, to Nancy [at] Covetshop.com. We’ll select a winner, who will receive $50 toward their next Covet Shop purchase, and post their look on the Covet Shop blog. Deadline: Wed., April 21.

Behind-the-Scenes Downtime with Covet Shop

Wednesday, March 24th, 2010

Even Covet Shopettes need to be pampered sometimes. Last Wednesday, for St. Patrick’s Day, Nancy invited me to the lovely Maria Bonita Spa, located in New York’s Nolita, to celebrate the day “Brazilian Style.” Fernanda Lacerda, the owner/sultry Brazilian (of course), has purchased from Covet Shop before and befriended Nancy on Twitter.

At the event (where we were happily surprised to run into bloggers from Eye4Style, StyleITOnline, Miss Whoever You Are and Heather Park from M.A.C.) guests indulged in Caipirinhas while the spa gave us the royal pampering treatment consisting of: Envix Deep Conditioning Hair Treatment; the Perfect Blow-Out; and a Maria Bonita “Irish Manicure.” While Nancy got the full trio of services, I only had time for the mani, which was described as “Brazilian Style” by manicurist Rosalina.

My Butter LONDON 3 Free, in Thames, was the envy of the other bloggers...

Green with envy for my Butter LONDON 3 Free, in Thames

I’d never heard of a Brazilian manicure, and thankfully she described it before starting because – otherwise – I’d have mistakenly thought that she was purposefully botching the job (in a rather astounding way).

Rosalina explained that this technique involved a more intense cuticle push and trim on both the sides and bottom of the nail, then “overpainting” the sides and cleaning up at the end.  This allows the color to wrap around the whole nail and, she said, would last longer. I was impressed – not even one little chip until Saturday. They still look fairly presentable today, one week later, but definitely one of the best manicures I’ve had in a while.

Now…what to wear with this color…I’d say this just-in Badgley Mishka Bustier Dress, paired with a Gucci Horsebit Clutch to show off the nails.

Keeping it simple and chic with and LBD and clutch

Keeping it simple and chic with a LBD and clutch

Maria Bonita Salon and Spa, which features South American beauty treatments and hospitality, is open Mon.-Wed., 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Thurs.-Sat. from 10 a.m.-9 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. The Luck of the Irish Package (an amazing deal!) costs $70 and is available until May 2010.

March Madness

Sunday, March 14th, 2010

It’s been haunting you all winter – your closet. So before the weather gets far too nice to be rummaging around in its dark recesses, best to clean it out now and while you’re at it, consign online and turn your project into hard, cold cash. You’ll need it for these spring necessities…

Irish lassies! Shop no further

Heading out Wednesday for a St. Patrick’s Day party? For those going to a classier affair than your basic frat house tavern, might I recommend the below. We absolutely cannot believe this fabulous Stella McCartney dress has not sold yet – I’d personally pair it with a super short, cropped leather jacket and some peep-toe booties like the ones I scored from Beacon’s Closet yesterday. If you need further inspiration, see how Lindsay Lohan styled it here.

DVF Dylann Wrap Top, paired with the designer's Biby Pant; Stella McCartney Double Layer Dress

DVF Dylann Wrap Top, paired with the designer's Biby Pant; Stella McCartney Double Layer Dress

Spring essentials: The trench

If you purchase nothing else this spring, grab a new trench. Of course trenches never go out of style, but we’ve seen them celebrated in unique ways lately. Vogue UK suggests belted with the buttons undone, while Gryphon has debuted this bell-sleeved version designed by mother-daughter team Judy and Jane Aldridge (of Sea of Shoes fame).

We’re of course suggesting this Covet Shop version, which brings a a bit of noir-ish, yet feminine, glamour to the staid classic.

Who's That Lady? Turn heads with this Dolce & Gabbana Ruffle Trench

Who's That Lady? Turn heads with this Dolce & Gabbana Ruffle Trench

Spring essentials: The new bag and sandals

Nothing puts a spring in your step more than a delicious new bag or some strappy sandals to go with your fresh new pedi. My picks this week…

Sigerson Morrison Davis Sandals, Bottega Veneta Woven Hobo

Sigerson Morrison Davis Sandals, Bottega Veneta Woven Hobo

Spring essentials: The light sweater

Toss either of these gray sweaters in your oversized bag for when it gets chilly people-watching at your favorite sidewalk cafe, and try belting them with any of these smokin’ new belts (from Miu Miu, YSL, and Gucci) posted this week.

Shrug, Blugirl by Blumarine; 3.1 Phillip Lim Pocket Sweater, Miu Miu Rocker Belt

Shrug, Blugirl by Blumarine; 3.1 Phillip Lim Pocket Sweater, Miu Miu Rocker Belt

New Year’s Musings

Monday, January 11th, 2010

Happy New Year, Covet Shoppers. Sorry to be MIA, but we’re just getting back in the swing after all the holiday madness and then picking up that nasty cold bug that’s been aggressively creeping around NYC.

I’m Dreaming…

…of winter white. Love this, each season. How to wear it?  It’s definitely not for certain skin tones, and I personally would go for something rich and creamy as opposed to white-white, but pure white can work too. For inspiration, we served up some looks and pics of the latest celebs wearing this trend for inspiration, gathered up from a variety of fashion pundits online.

Lady Gaga is Elle's January cover girl, shown her in this insane Maison Martin Margiela sandal jacket, and white plastic veil top by Karl Lagerfeld
Lady Gaga is Elle’s January cover girl, shown her in this insane Maison Martin Margiela sandal jacket, and white plastic veil top by Karl Lagerfeld
How can you not want these white Miu Miu gloves featuring an attached cocktail ring
How can you not want these white Miu Miu gloves, adorned with an attached cocktail ring
Elle McPherson (as posted on WhoWhatWear), fashion picks seen on Stylecaster, Diane Kruger (from Elle UK)
Elle McPherson (as posted on WhoWhatWear), fashion picks seen on Stylecaster, Diane Kruger (from Elle UK)

Nicole’s Winter Covet Shop Picks

Since, clearly, I can’t get enough of black and white, two outfits to choose from…and be sure to check in with What’s New on Covet Shop: Items like this Burberry trench and Alexander Wang Tropical Wool vest won’t last long. Especially since we were recently featured on one of our favorite sites, SheFinds! Thanks to the editors there for thinking of us and helping spread the Covet Shop love.

Outfits, from left: Burberry trench, YSL Rhinestone sunglasses, Anna Corinna chain tote, Barbara Bui Mary Janes; Thread Social Belted Waist Coat, Alexander Wang wool vest, DVF Biby pant, Marc Jacobs pumps, Ferragamo Gancio Patch tote
Outfits, from left: Burberry trench, YSL Rhinestone sunglasses, Anna Corinna chain tote, Barbara Bui Mary Janes; Thread Social Belted Waist Coat, Alexander Wang wool vest, DVF Biby pant, Marc Jacobs pumps, Ferragamo Gancio Patch tote

Baby, it’s Cold Outside

Last, it’s been absolutely freezing here in New York yet this week I’ve seen lots of women scurrying around town with bare legs during work hours. Ladies, why? Literally, just the other [extremely windy] day I stood next to a shivering, bare-legged damsel on Broadway and Spring who – when the light turned – ran as fast as she could, curled over and click-clacking down the sidewalk, to her office. Is it just me or aren’t tights in? I can see forgoing stockings of any sort if you’re going to an evening event and wearing a gown, but for work?!?

Chanel’s Num?o De Porte-Bonheur: Five

Tuesday, September 29th, 2009

Lots of fashion and beauty chatter about Chanel this week, so we ‘d like to pay homage to her lucky number, five, with our Top 5 buzzworthy Chanel tidbits:

1. Coco Before Chanel, starring Audrey Tautou. The film, directed by Anne Fontaine, has received mixed reviews thus far: Panned by the NY Post as celebrating a glum heroine and her success via luck and prostitution; and picked apart by the New Yorker, in part, because gamine du jour Tautou can’t shake Am?ieand isn’t sour enough. However, we are looking forward to seeing it so stay tuned for our thoughts (after we have a chance to check it out this week).

2. Chanel at Covet Shop, of course. Pay homage to Chanel with these late summer/vacation or fall ensembles. Visit covetshop.com for more Chanel items!

Clockwise, from left: Terry Swim Dress, Vintage Logo Earrings, Vintage Blazer, Cambon Reporter Bag, Caviar Backpack Bag

Clockwise, from left: Terry Swim Dress, Vintage Logo Earrings, Vintage Blazer, Cambon Reporter Bag, Caviar Backpack Bag

3. The gorgeous new Chanel N?5 ad/film. Have you seen it yet? Perhaps I’m lacking Tautou’s haunting eyes, fabulous hair, and sensual insouciance, but all the lads I met on trains while living in Europe for two years didn’t quite measure up. Then again, I wasn’t wearing Chanel N?5 at the time, so guess all it makes sense.

Chanel N?5 Ad

Chanel N?5 Ad

4. Chanel Nail Colour. Remember the absolute mania Chanel caused for black nails thanks to Vamp (in the ’90s) or Black Satin (more recently)? Not sure anything can quite reach those epic levels of nail frenzy, but based on the online coverage for this limited edition Jade…let’s wait and see.

Also comes in Jade Rose, if you're not feeling quite so envious

Also comes in Jade Rose, if you're not feeling quite so... envious

5. Chanel Iman. OK, this one’s not about the House of Chanel—but we happened on a Style.com blog post from the fall 2009 shows stating that Chanel Iman, like Covet Shop fans, loves a good designer deal. The model was reported as saying her favorite pastime, while in Milan, is shopping for discounts.