Results tagged “accessories” from Styleblog

While it's still roasting in San Francisco during the day (oh how I love the eternal spring of the Bay... and I did not mean for that to rhyme...), it's definitely getting colder here at night. And yay for that, because the cold air means I get to wear one of Mischa Lampert's ridiculously over-the-top but ridiculously adorable hats.

Trendhunter has put me onto these RGB glasses that can be whatever color you want them to be. Neato! They're clear plastic sunglasses that you can fill with colorful water-based inks to coordinate them with whatever outfit you happen to be wearing that day. Fill them up with the ink or alcohol of your choice!

Baggu's reusable shopping bags are the perfect way to be eco-friendly and extremely hip at the same time. These bags are so cute and versatile - and inexpensive at the same time! For $8, you get a bag and a pouch, and they come in a bunch of different, cute colors. One Baggu holds what 2-3 plastic grocery bags hold, and they're made of rip-stop Nylon so they're way stronger. Also, WAY WAY cuter. Shop for them here!

I am in love with Rich-in-Craft's antler bag, named the "Folie a Deux" bag. The bags are 100% wool with a silk lining, and the antlers are polyurethane and glass, made from a mold custom made by the desigers themselves. Rich-in-Craft is co-owned by L.A. designers, Tiffani Anne Williams and Parker Todd Brooks. The Folie-a-Deux bag is their first design available to the public. Only 36 of these bags have been made! Extraordinarily lovely.

The above is a vintage YSL bag, called the Nadja Rose bag, which debuted in spring 2003. It was - for a while - a major design obsession of mine. I thought the buttery leather was so beautiful, as was the concept. Fast forward to 2008.


Above, Valentino's Fango Nappa Blossom Petale. available at Saks for $2,395. Valentino's bag is beautiful, no doubt. But I MUCH prefer the YSL variety. The beautiful, fluffy YSL rose looks squashed in the Valentino design, and the annoying hand stap with a 4" drop makes the Valentino bag much less convenient to carry than the YSL one, which comes with a shoulder strap that includes some pretty hardware. Also, I prefer the soft caramel brown of the YSL bag to the sheeny clay of the Valentino. All in all, this lesson shows us that if you can't beat the original, don't copy it!

It love these headpieces from Danielle Scutt. The green pineapple thing is phenomenal. I need one! Spring summer 2009 fashion has been all about crazy headgear, from Diane von Furstenberg's rock goddess headbands to Topshops great Aunt Jemima scarves to the great hats at Marc Jacobs. It's official. Heads are the new necks. Who needs to accessorize with baubles on their necks when you can just throw something wacky on top of your head?

Beanies are such a West Coast thing. In San Francisco, it seems every guy has a beanie and the minute we get a cold spell, beanies come out like crazy. While I do like the look of a beanie, I don't think it's an equally flattering look on every guy. Not everyone looks good in a fedora or a baseball cap, and the same logic applies to beanies. You know who DOES look good in a beanie (besides Cole Mohr at left, who looks good in everything... even a dress)? Dirty, grungey boys with lots of tattoos, who look like they live in flophouses with no showers. The look that Men's Style calls "New Labor." Hmmmm yum. It just does it for me.

This crazy beautiful picture of Liu Wen REALLY makes me want to try orange lipstick myself. I love combination of the orange lip with the orange eye. I wouldn't wear so much orange makeup with an orange dress (really oompla loompa) but I like the way it contrasts with the buttery brown of the jacket. Yves St Laurent makes a really great lipstick that's creamy and smells amazing, and they've got a lovely color called "Indian Sari" which they describe as a "bright tangerine orange." Orange is the perfect cover to transition between summer and fall, so tis the season to experiment with color. Note that orange lipstick is not the best idea if you are extremely tan, or if you experiment with orange-hued fake-tanning products whatsoever. You will look like a pumpkin.

Is multiple belts the new trend for SS 2009? These photos are from the Marc by Marc Jacobs show, and it's gotten me inspired to try the same look with multiple belts myself. One thing I love (and sometimes don't love so much) about Marc Jacobs is that his shows are HUGE on the accessorizing. We're talking hats, scarves, gloves, and limbs dripping in costume jewelry. And as my personal style can be at times 'everything and the Marc by Marc Jacobs kitchen sink,' I am loving this play on belts.

The way to do this look is to go simple on everything else, and while I like the belts with the jacket on the left, I think - for womenswear - I'd prefer this look with something less bulky. Maybe a simple shift dress, with a ton of belts on the waist, two or three wristwatches (and no other jewelry), and a really hot pair of ankle boots?

From left to right, Pencey feather tee, Elizabeth and James feather tank, and Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent feather sleeve blouse.

Cool pics, Misshapes Blog. But what is that thing around this lady's head, and where do I get one?

Also, what an interesting way to wear a totebag. This Kill Shop Kill totebag doubles as a shirt.

Whoa. According to NY Mag, this is an "ass bra". This piece of machinery is made by a company called Bubbles, and they've labeled this the "OO push-up control brief." According to the Bubbles website: The "OO-Brief" provides maximum push-up effect with minimum booty coverage. Features a pretty lace detail at the base of each leg piece.

Hrmph. Okaaaay. I was still puzlzing over this garment when I realized there is an entire OO collection of undergarments, like the OO push-up High-Waisted Girdle Thong, the OO push-up control panty thong, OO butt booster derriere bands booty capris, and the OO butt bra bands thigh shapers, among others.

Aggressive! But smart too, in a way. Find a niche clientele of people with saggy butts, and squeeze every last dime out of them.

This YSL Mombasa murse, in buffalo Africa leather with deer horn handle, is beyond cute.

I remember back when murses were considered to be silly - but now, if I were to see a guy carrying this $995 bag around town, I wouldn't even blink an eye. Men with purses have entered our collective consciousness to such a degree that their presence is not only expected, but actually comforting. I wouldn't feel so bad spending so much on my own purse if I knew men out there were willing to do the same.

Sometimes, I even cannot tell the difference between a "guy" bag and a "girl" bag. This D & G embellished bag, on sale at Saks for $1519.42, would not strike me as a "guy" bag, though it is on sale in the men's department.

I think the next trend in murses is that men will start carrying women's handbags all together. Any why shouldn't they? Women's handbags are cuter. They're smaller and more portable. They come in a wider variety of colors. Men, take note.

Would you pay $198 for a boater hat? This Brooks Brothers hat is so cute - I'd totally wear it, except I don't want to pay $198 and I'd definitely not want to shop at Brooks Brothers prepster central.



















I just think boater hats are so cute on girls like Filippa Berg at right. That outfit is like fancy pants Great Gatsby meets I-want-to-look-like-I-am-really-broke and it just works. I'm a total fan of the everything at the kitchen sink aesthetic, so if I can pile on a scarf and necklaces and a huge back and a jacket over a cardigan AND a boater hat, I'd do it.

I just need to find the perfect boater hat first!

I think this will be one of those things on my wishlist that I'll just have to sit on until that perfect day I'm walking through Thrift Town in the middle of the afternoon and WHAM it's just there, in all its glory, for my greedy eyes and mine alone. Because I'm not going to Brooks Brothers.

I am literally obsessed with bracelets. I love bangles, cuffs, charm bracelets, and arm bands all. I like to pile on bracelets until my arm looks like a robot arm.

That's why I'm super sad I don't have a CHANEL bangle, but not really all that sad because if I had one, it'd mean I'd have paid $140 for a plastic bracelet.

I will, however, pay $5 for a black plastic bracelet at Forever 21 and write stuff on it in French with a white out pen and pretend... DIY right?

I am in love with this lavender bag by Be and D.  Lavender patent leather is and will always be A OK with me. Rock and roll, girly, accentuated with vaguely vaginal folds... (did you know that Sigmund Freud believed handbags are vaginal symbols?) Anyway, statement bags like this are great, because you don't have to worry about the rest of your outfit when you have a bag this cute. Just throw on a black pair of skinnies, a white t-shirt, and a hot pair of scuffed up ankle boots, and you're ready to channel your inner good girl gone bad.

Bebe hops on the ankle purse bandwagon, a year after it was introduced by Chanel (below). Bebe's are $119, on their website.

 

Would you wear an ankle purse? What are they for? If you had an ankle purse, what kind of stuff would you put in it? Band-aids for heel blisters? A lipstick and a tiny mirror? A light afternoon snack?

First of all, these leggings are made by Members Only. Members Only - you know, of the ubiquitous Members Only jackets as seen on pretty boys in tight pants everywhere.

Second of all, they're rubber. Yes, rubber.

Third of all, Faran Krentcil (my idol) at Nylon Magazine did a write up on them:

"PVC leggings are so 2006... at least according to Members Only and their latest invention.

Today the hipster label releases rubber leggings, which are cut skinny and shiny for optimum hotness.

The tights-are-not-pants stick very close to the skin, but unlike PVC, you won't have to coat your legs with baby powder before you pull them on (though if you want to, it's actually not a bad idea)."

I'm definitely going to snag a pair of rubber leggings. They're $88 at Urban Outfitters. Can you imagine the possibilities?

Meow.

Hunger is the biggest cause of death in the developing world, killing more people than AIDS, TB, and malaria combined. Child hunger is particularly devastating, and more than 50 million children in the world are starving and not receiving any aid. By buying a FEED bag, you feed 1 child in the world for an entire year. Caring is always in style, and you can get your FEED bag today, here.

"In 74 countries, the UN World Food Program (WFP) offers a nutrient-packed meal to children in school. This food gets kids to school, who might not attend otherwise, and gives them the energy to learn and empowers them to better their lives." "FEED Projects goal is to reach hungry children through the sales of our FEED bags. FEED bags raise much-needed funds for WFP school-feeding operations and awareness of the problem of child hunger."

"All FEED products are made as eco-friendly and fairly as possible. Our bags are produced with high-quality,100% organic cotton and natural burlap.  We work with only audited and certified fair labor facilities. It's important to us to visit the places our products are made AND the places our donations are going."

Would you tie a long t-shirt and make it like this dress?

I really like the way this looks and I'm thinking of trying this look out for a casual weekend day, perhaps while chilling at Dolores Park or going to brunch with a friend. I like how tying the bottom instantly gives the t-shirt dress structure, draping, and shape. Something so simple can make a normally drab outfit so much more unique and interesting. This dress is by Obesity and Speed, and retails for $295 at Seven New York. Since I don't have $295 to spare on a knotted t-shirt, I think I'm going to do this look myself on a cheap $2 purple tee that I got at Thrift Town. Wear it with a pair of vintage Keds or gladiator sandals for the day, then switch it up with some sexy black heels for night. The great thing with t-shirt dresses is that they're incredibly versatile, depending on what you style them with.

And there is no secret surrounding my obsession with bows. The more, the merrier.

I love bows. I love bows on every last thing. I want to wear bows around my neck, bows around my waist, bows in my hair, bows on my feet,  bows around my wrists, Clara Bow, bows around a gift bottle of Veuve Clicquot, and bows on my purse.

The bow is one of the biggest trends this fall. Have you seen the Lanvin collection for fall 2008?

So don't feel shy about putting bows around anything and everything. It's the time for the bow to shine. Celebrate it!

Suspenders are good. Suspenders on boys are better. Chain link suspenders on boys OR girls are the best. I love this look, part of the Dsquared Fall 2008 collection.

Jeans are good. High water jeans are even better. High water skinny ACID WASH jeans are so good, I can't even articulate how good they are. Pretty boys and girls should always wear acid wash skinny jeans. I loves.

And HAH to the lit cigarette in his hand. (Note: smoking kills, and StyleBayArea in no way endorses smoking unless you are aware of the risks and are of a legal age, but StyleBayArea might partake of a social smoke every now and again, plus wearing acid washed jeans with chain link suspenders makes you kind of want to smoke cuz you look like a badass 80s rebel anyway)

I would probably not wear this with a turtleneck sweater though. I don't think turtlenecks flatter anybody, and rib knit sweaters are so ten years ago.

Loves the wing tips. I see boys wearing wingtips with skinny jeans and it looks so good. And this is a look that looks good with girls as well. Just look at Aggy. Suspenders, skinnies, wingtips. Check check check.

OMG SO CUTE. I am in love with ToyWatch. I have been looking for the girly glam version of a Darth Vader watch my whole life and I am so grateful that ToyWatch makes one for $425.

Ever sinced ToyWatch dropped in 2006 by Italian designer Marco Mavilla, it's been gracing the wrists of fashionistas everywhere. These are lightweight, durable plastic watches that are inspired by high design timepieces (gold and diamond Rolexes) except made with an irreverent, fashion-for-the-masses ideal in mind. Their website calls it an "anti-luxury statement in a luxury obsessed culture."

I love the idea of fashion for the people, but at $425, these watches aren't exactly affordable like Swatches. Still, they are so adorable, and like I said, I have been looking for a Darth Vader watch for years.

I think it might be time I traded in my own timepiece for something new.

The Earrings of Madame de... is playing at the Red Vic (1727 Haight Street) Theater on Sunday, June 22, and Monday, June 23. If you haven't seen the film, this glorious period classic is definitely not to be missed.


Never has so much drama sprouted from a simple pair of earrings. The film, about a woman who sells a pair of diamond earrings her husband gives her, centers around the chain of events that follow when her husband learns of her deceit. Set in 19th century Vienna, this period piece glimmers with beautiful style. Expect to see a ton of glamorous balls, fancy evening gowns, priceless jewels, and effortless elegance, in this film that examines the lives of the elite, forever ensconced in that bygone era.

Goldenbleu's online shop is amazing. The best part about it? The online outlet store! This Caldwell amethyst patent leather bag is marked down from $579 to $269 and you can get it here.

Rene Huber, the creater of Goldenbleu, started the line here in San Francisco, and now her handbags are sold all over the world and have been featured in magazines like Harper's Bazaar and Vogue. Her bags are also seen on the arms of celebrities like Lucy Liu, Cameron Diaz, and Rachel Bilson - just to name a few.

I love the quirky design perspective she brings to her handbags, and her craftsmanship is absolutely beautiful. Purple patent leather is definitely something I need more of, in my closet.

From October 12, 2008 through December 26, 2008, Target will be offering a line of handbags by Anya Hindmarch and shoes by Sigerson Morrison. Diffusion lines are the only things that keep me alive, and I have a feeling these will be amazing collections. Target is so on top of their shit.

Sigerson Morrison is the brainchild of Kari Sigerson and Miranda Morrison, and they make beautiful shoes, particularly their flats. Their flats are girly, elegant, and have the effect of making everyone's feet look daintier and smaller than they actually are. I am really really praying that a nice red ballet flat makes its way into their Target collection, just in time for Christmas.

These flats are $469 at Zappos Couture. They're lovely, but tres tres expensive. I can't wait until Sigerson Morrison's trademark craftsmanship goes for $30 at Target.


Anya Hindmarch makes gorgeous bags - and everyone remembers the "I'm not a Plastic Bag" phenomenon that took off last year. Her beautiful calfskin leather mirror bag is $1,195.

 

So Dunkin Donuts has canned an online advertisement featuring Rachel Ray, because she is wearing a hipster scarf. According to FOXNews, the least credible news source in America, the scarf resembles a keffiyeh - a traditional headdress worn by Arab men. Because Rachel Ray is wearing said hipster scarf, FOXNews thought this sent the message to America that Dunkin Donuts supports terrorism.

FoxNews commentator Michelle Malkin had this to say on her blog: "Anti-American fashion designers abroad and at home have mainstreamed and adapted the scarves as generic pro-Palestinian jihad or anti-war statements. Yet many folks out there remain completely oblivious to the apparel's violent symbolism and anti-Israel overtones."

Whoa. A little aggressive much? This reminds me of when everyone hated the French because George Bush thought they supported terrorism and people in the bible belt started the whole 'freedom fries' thing. People like to get worked up in a tizzy over everything. Like if someone gets a Chinese symbol tattooed on their bicep, does that mean they hate Tibet and the Dalai Lama? Why does everything have to get turned into an ideological battle? I hate the hipster scarf, not because I think it's a political statement, but because it's kinda overdone. They sell these scarves at H&M.

Also, when Rachael Ray starts wearing a trend, you know it's dead.

I thought shutter shades were merely stupid, but I think the Steve Aoki shutter shades t-shirt is pretty much the stupidest thing I've ever seen.




Images courtesy of The Cobrasnake

I tried a pair of shutter shades on once. It was awful. According to the creators, "Shutter Shades is the next dimension of sunglasses." Yeah, if by new dimension they mean, the 'sunglasses' don't keep the sun out AT ALL and instead, obstruct your vision, plus make you look stupid.







Yep, the worst people in the world wear shutter shades - don't you wish you had a pair too?

This Marc by Marc Jacobs ring (pictured at right, from ShopBop) is adorably art deco and goes perfectly with his printed Ottoman tunic. The art deco thing is huge right now, but too bad MJ's tunic is a pricey $1,050. At least his ring is a very do-able $38!

I adore this Kennith Jay Lane amethyst ring, priced at $70. The amethyst (yeah it's real) measures one inch, and there's no better way to dazzle with a cocktail stone bigger than the ice cubes in your cocktail.

This can tab ring by Maison Martin Margiela is so cute and clever and reminds me of the irreverence of a Marcel Duchamp or Andy Warhol art piece. Also, I used to make can tab hemp necklaces when I was in junior high, and there's that whole 90s fascinating with can tab jewelry that I'm glad is making its way back. Margiela's ring is $135 and is guaranteed to attract attention when you sport it around town.

Is it lame of me to admit I'm a little bit obsessed with Disney Couture? They have great costume jewelry with Disney themes, and has the ability to bring out the pretty pretty princess inside any jaded twentysomething urbanite. My favorite? This white leather Alice in Wonderland wrap bracelet. It's got the 80s rock and roll thing mixed with my favorite Disney film of all time, plus it's got little charms on it that say "Eat me" and "Drink me." Precious.

Oh scarves, how do I love thee? You make any outfit look unbearably sharp in an effortlessly chic, bohemian way. Wrap them around your neck bandana style, tie them in a little knot, fold them over your shoulder, wrap two clashing scarves in a twist and fling it all about you, wear it stuffed into your coat cravat style. You should buy many, many scarves because without one, you're just not as hip as you thought you were! They are cheap and warm and found in excess at thrift stores.

If the eyes are the windows to the soul, what's a girl to do when the sun's too bright for her to go out without squinting? Sunglasses. Sometimes your eyes don't have to do all the talking for you - and that's when your shades come in and help pick up the slack. Here's a look at some of the trendy sunglasses that have spotted on our San Francisco streets.

Jackie O: These puppies hide saggy eyes after a hard night on the town and make you look glamorous even when you're hungover. Wear them to brunch in an outdoor cafe in Hayes Valley, or while you hit up those Pac Heights boutiques. Bonus points if you wear them to a court hearing on child custody, like Britney Spears.

70s-era porn star shades: Long ridiculed by the public as creepy, these bad boys have been popularized by American Apparel and the revival of the 70s amateur porn aesthetic. Wear them in Haight-Ashbury while vintage shopping, at an outdoor concert in Golden Gate Park, or while roaming the streets of the Mission.

Wayfarers: This is a trend that been around since Tom Cruise made it big in Risky Business. Wayfarers are strangely loved by hipsters and prepsters alike. They are the only sunglasses you can wear in Dolores Park while drinking a Colt-45, AND on the Marina Green during a game of croquet.

Next Up: More Shades in Part Two... stay tuned boys and girls!