OBSESSION: Metallic Name Necklaces

One of my big accessory obseshies for the summer is metallic name necklaces. 10 summers ago, I got my first necklace of the like at Neshaminy Mall in Bensalem, PA. It was a gold necklace that had the name "Susan" written out. 

I still have that necklace today, and cherish it a a childhood keepsake. So, I'm super stoked that I stumbled upon the site ONecklace.com where they do tons of personalized necklaces. 

I opted to get another "updated" name necklace for myself as more than often, peeps refer to me as Susie G. I went for a silver this time around, 'cause, why not?

The necklace is delivered in a nice gift box, and the necklace fits perfectly! PS - I choose the "Carrie" style for my name 'cause it was one of the more few classier options to pick from. 

#swag

Warby Parker Likes Gangs, Ballet and Coney Island (VIDEO)

Gangs, ballet and Coney Island: three things that go seamlessly together, amiright?

Socially-conscious eyewear brand Warby Parker thought so too, so they put together this short video around their new Ocean Avenue collection.

The film was inspired by the cult classic The Warriors which everyone knows is all about NYC gangs outfitted in redic motifs and culminates at Coney Island.

My review on the film - the styling is aiight, like the way it was shot, but nothing is captivating/inspiring about it.

But let's talk about the actual collection itself. It's actually pretty cute and perfect for the summer season.  Light-hued frames and lenses give the collection an airy quality to them, making them a great accessory to any easy going summer outfit. Do yourself a favor and check out the entire Ocean Avenue collection of eyewear and sunglasses.

And if you're up to it too, feel free to check the collection's video short below:

Fashion Film Love: "White Mischief" by Steven Meisel for Vogue Italia

Peggy Moffitt, eat your heart out. 

For Vogue Italia, one of the best fashion photogs around Steven Meisel has put together a photoshoot-cum-fashion-film. It's a fairly simple video, but has solid styling, a well casted model, beautiful cinematography and great make-up (latter much due to make-up queen Pat McGrath). 

Whites are a big trend for the Spring 2013 season - same was also said for probably the last 3 spring seasons. But, there's a definite je ne sais quoi with this video short that just kind of gets to you - and it's not the obvious seasonal trend Vogue and SM are pointing out.

Maybe it's the British voiceover? Maybe it's the jumbling imagery that quickly switches glides into slow-mo portrait shots. Either way, there's an unsettling yet charming quality about this fashion short.

Enough yapping - check it out:

Coachella 2013: What to Wear in Indio

So Coachella is coming up and I am not going. Wish I could though. Just for the parties though, duh. Not much of a let's-stand-outside-for-hours-to-watch-bands-we-can-barely-see-and-pay-a-lot-of-money-to-do-so kind of a person - I prefer small, intimate clubs instead. 

But for those of you who are happening to head out there (hopefully you're a SFVIP or planning on being on drugs the whole time, otherwise I don't really see the point of going), I decided to offer you kids some packing suggestions. And by kids I mean ladies.

Check out my hodge-podge of suggestions, broken out by different style motifs 'cause why the flip not?

For the Color Blocker...

Color blocking is just a fancy way of putting random colors together in a minimalist package - a great opportunity to see just how much you can get away with (like a white lip).

Chilli Beans Sunglasses in Style OC CL 1192; Opening Ceremony Sugar Stripe Pullover, $265, at Opening Ceremony; ASOS Vertical Stripe Skirt in Column Shape, $53.20, at ASOS; ASOS HERCULES Heeled Sandals, $74.81, at ASOS; The Leather Satchel Company 14" Multi Satchel, $146.30, at ASOS; Ka'Oir Lipstick in Virgin, $16.99, at Ka'Oir; Yes to Cucumbers On-The-Go Facial Towelettes, $2.99, at Target.

For the 60s Madison Avenue Meets Beverly Hills Glamouratti...

You can't go wrong with creams,  peaches and nudes for this trend.

Chilli Beans Sunglasses in Style OC CL 1117; alice and olivia Leona Sweetheart Flare Skirt Dress, $597, at alice and olivia; ASOS Smart Front Strap Bag, $58.19, at ASOS; ORIBE Impermeable Anti-Humidity Purse Spray, $19.50, at Oribe; Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Set, $45, at Deborah Lippmann; Topshop Makeup Eye Crayon in Marble, $14, at Topshop.

For the Sporty Futurist...

The wet and slicked-back look and I guess even nude make-up are often synonymous with a sporty look but I still think you should rock a bold lip and have some rouge on your cheeks (to make your cheekbones look defined, and also to make it look like you have been active) but keep the eyes simple. 

Chilli Beans Sunglasses in Style OC CL 1204; Alax W Diamond Top, $255, and Shorts, $195; Sonia Kashuk Moisture Luxe Tinted Lip Balm in Hint of Coral, $8.99, at Target; New Sun Clear Backpack in Blue, Call 800-222-7367 for info; Topshop Edit Trend Collection Stick Balm in Acting Up, $20, at Topshop; Maison Martin Margiela White Nubuck Cut-Out Sneakers, $685, at SSENSE.

For the Graphics on Graphics on Graphics Lover...

I'm fine going crazy with graphics but at least keep the accessories somewhat minimal - or just go the other end of the spectrum and fuck all the rules.

Chilli Beans Sunglasses in Style OC CL 1215; Diesel Printed Oversized Shirt, $249.38, at ASOS; Tsumori Chisato Flower Photo Print Trousers, $475, at Opening Ceremony; Juju Maxi Sandals in Silver, $30, at American Apparel; Alexander Wang Tri-Fold Bag in Printed Metallic wit Rhodium, $850, at Alexander Wang, Topshop Edit Trend Collection Eye Cream Quad in Game On, $24, at Topshop.

13 Designer Handbags That Won't Suck For Spring

It's a new season so that means a new excuse to blow your hard-earned monies on material things. I've had some recent lifestyle changes happen the last 9 months and now able to live a bit more like a human for New York's standards.

So, of course, I've been recently infected with a shopping bug, slowly building and planning out my spring/summer 2013 wardrobe. Also, figured I should look into investing in a statement piece - and since I'm not a big jewelry wearer (love necklaces those, but being in front of a computer all day makes it hard to wear cocktail rings and chunky bracelets), next best option is a designer handbag.

I don't know about you, but I definitely need a handbag that can keep up with my "be prepared for anything" lifestyle (a.k.a. packing your life in your handbag). Hence, I tend to favor the larger set and not anything too delicate. So, I present to you 13 handbags that won't suck for spring, in no particular order. Boooooooooom.

1. 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Medium Satchel in Shark Leather

Shark embossed cow leather? Hell yes, please.

$895 @ 3.1 Phillip Lim

2. Givenchy Quilted Medium Lucrezia Duffel 

Instant sophistication for only 3 months rent!

$2300 @ Barneys New York

3.  Alexander McQueen Large Heroine Bag

Great big ass bag to rock from day to night.

$3095 @ Luis Avia Roma

4.  Proenza Schouler Medium Printed Leather PS1 Satchel

It's like taking a little bit of Philly/Brooklyn wrapped up in a expensive frame everywhere I go.

$2375 @ SSENSE

5. Prada Pyramid Frame Bag 

It's like a vintage handbag but not.

$2950 @ Bergdorf Goodman

6. Junya Watanbe Comme Des Garcons Studded Bag

What all tote bags will look like in the future.

$1213.21 @ Farfetch

7. Jil Sander Notte Bag

Not for drug dealers.

$1456 @ LN-CC

8.  3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Medium Satchel in Oxblood

Obsessed? Yes, yes I am.

$895 @ Barneys New York

9. Marc Jacobs XL Single Shoulder Bag

It's like Chanel but not.

$1122.19 @ Farfetch

10. Proenza Schouler Large Leather PS1 Satchel

What can I say? I'm a sucker for black and blue. I blame Miike Snow.

$2995 @ Barneys New York

11. Chloe Elise Shoulder Bag

Probably the only Chloe bag I like right now.

$1695 @ SSENSE

12. Moschino Bucket Bag 

I'm pretty sure this exact bag was in Troop Beverly Hills.

$895 @ Net-A-Porter

13. Saint Laurent Leather Shopping Bag

So classic. So likely to get dirty.

$2350 @ Net-A-Porter

This Year's Spring/Summer Collection: What To Expect?

Spring and summer is traditionally a time of renewal with lengthening days and the welcome burgeoning warmth as the sun returns, a chance for people to remake themselves into the person they want to be, and this year is no different. The fabulous thing about this Spring/ Summer season is that there is a marvellous abundance of choice, ensuring that even the most uniquely styled individual can fully express themselves while staying bang on trend.

The Spring/ Summer fashion shows are long finished and buyers now know what we will all be wearing in a couple of months, as they eagerly await the arrival of the new stock that is intended to set the bar for fashion this spring. Some of the buyers for stores and magazines have begun to drop hints as to what we can expect to see hitting the shelves at any time from now.
Almost anything goes this season, with a heavy emphasis on textures: textured brocade or crinkle fabrics, intricate embroidery-work, beads, tassels and bows are all featured heavily. Even swimwear displays adornment, with cunning twists, pleats, bows and ribbons adding extra dimension to bikinis and maillots alike.

Metallics feature too, adding a sexy edge to well-fitted garments, while animal prints flaunt a hint of inner animal passions. Metallics can be glittery and ostentatious or they can shine with a subtle rich gleam, depending on tastes and preferences. The animal prints are available in authentic shades, or funky fun unrealistic colours; bright purple leopard print is sure to be a big hit with animal lovers who love the intricately detailed patterns, but eschew the real thing, preferring it to be seen only on the animal.

Bright geometric patterns are loud and proud this season, oversize hounds-tooth and check patterns in vivid clashing colours, to make a statement and draw the eye to the wearer. For those without quite enough confidence to carry off the very bright colours, pastel alternatives are also available, sweetly pretty colours and shades certain to delight everyone.

Whatever your personal style preferences, you are sure to be able to find the perfect wardrobes with Tesco, outfits for every occasion and event, all up to date and fashionable, yet styled to your own unique tastes.

[This post was sponsored. Content in this post was written by a third party.]

KENZO & Urban Outfitters Released Trippy Fashion Films This Week

Japonais Francais fashion label KENZO and Philly-based retailer Urban Outfitters both dropped  psychedelic-inducing fashion films this week that'll make you wish it were spring already.

Both films make heavy use of trippy video-effects you could get if you made your own music video from one of those "Make Your Own Music Videos" booths a la Disney World/Six Flags/whatever.  

KENZO teamed up with Mat Maitland, Smith & Read and Natalia Stuyk to give us a walk on the wild side with heavy layers of animal images and animal prints covering everything. Love that fierce Asian B in the video give me a little bit of that starving militia youth vibe going on.

It's official - rebellion is the new anorexia.

This other video from Urban Outfitters reminds me of a modern, slutty, sexy lovechild between the opening credits of Square Pegs and Clarissa Explains It All with a commercial retail twist.
Kudos go for the vid's jam courtesy of LA-based Euroclash tunemakers Classixx.

#FASHIONFILMS4EVA

First Look: House of Fraser Men's Spring/Summer 2013 Collection

House of Fraser is rolling out their Spring/Summer 2013 duds soon at a shop near you, if you happen to live in the UK of course. To give you dudes a teaser of what you can expect to scope out in the men's section, House of Fraser has released two exclusive images featuring some looks that are light on the casual, and heavy on the smart.

Look #1

Sweatshirt, Fred Perry, £95

Polo Shirt, Lacoste Live, £75 

Shorts, Boss Green, £110

Look #2

Cardigan, Linea, £85

Shirt, Linea, £65 

Jeans, PRPS, £225

Belt, Howick, £30

Since it's still a bit nippy outside these days, you can head over to HoF (or alternatively check out their excellent online store) to stock on some light jumpers and cardigans that will make great transition pieces into the milder months ahead.

Oh, and ladies - don't forget that rocking an oversized, Grandpa-esque sweater is still pretty hot (and pretty flippin' comfortable) these days as well. Pair it up with a pair of leggings and ankle boots that have a bit of a heel going on, and you got yourself a cozy chic look right there! 

CHECK IT: Various Love Affairs Lilu Velvet-Mesh Leggings

VARIOUS LOVE AFFAIRS is a keyhole into a world devoted to both fleeting and eternal obsessions. Each VLA garment is designed with the lifestyle of the everyday ingenue in mind, committed to a uniquely captivating yet totally low maintenance sense of style. Everyone one of their items are heartmade in NYC, like their brand new Lilu Legging that's a hybrid of buttery velvet and mesh. 

While the days of winter are winding down, you can still ride out the chilly/mild temps for the next few weeks in these legsters that come both in black or highlighter. 

Enter discount code LUVLILU (or LUVLILUNEON) at VLA's website to receive an exclusive 50% OFF - 'cause we could all save a few dollars these days.

Lenny Kravitz & Charlotte Free Team Up For ELEVEN PARIS Spring/Summer 2013 Campaign

French label ELEVEN PARIS have just released their Spring Summer 2013 campaign which features aging rocker Lenny Kravitz and "neo seapunk rising model" [lulz] Charlotte Free. (I knew seapunk was dead, but I didn't realize we were already in a stage of the neoseapunk).

There's not much going on in the photos, but these images will definitely be great to see plastered all over the streets of Paris, London and NYC -- though you're probably only going to see that happening in one out of the three cities mentioned. 

It's also the French label's 10th anniversary, so mazel tov to them on that. Hopefully, things are going to go there way for another 10 more (see what I did there?)

WATCH: New Louis Vuitton Fashion Film Stars Some Bag-y Bloggers

Shi shi Paris-based baggage experts Louis Vuitton just released a cutesy lil' new fashion film, dedicated to all things mini. 

Tired of carrying your life around in that Celine Boston bag or that P.S.1 that's on the verge of falling apart? Well, why not go for a LV mini in a variety of colorful options? 

Since the peeps over at the L to the Vizzle are getting recently fond of creating commercial-type short films, it would be awesome to see them do something for the Super Bowl. But alas, that would be totes off-brand for a luxury retailer in the reality of things. Though, a girl can dream -- can't she?

Check out the clip down below, featuring fashion week regulars Elin Kling, Hanneli Mustaparta and Miroslava Duma:

Alejandro Ingelmo "Made in Maine" Collection: The Ultimate in Yacht Rock Footwear

NYC-based shoe designer Alejandro Ingelmo released his latest collection called "Made in Maine." The unisex collection features penny loafers and boat shoes with a New Wave edge thanks to fluo colors in shiny-ass materials. The colors these shoes come in are totally sick. What else is sick? The platforms on these babies.

What isn't sick is the price tag that comes along with them. Shoe styles in this collection range from $475 to $800. But if that's totally fine for you or Daddy's wallet, then head over to Barneys NY, Neiman Marcus and Harvey Nichols soonish. For those that live in NYC, you can head over to the Alejandro Ingelmo store in SoHo, where they'll be stocked this week. If you don't live in the UK or in the US, you can also get a pair (or pairs) from Alejandro's website. 

See all of my favorite women's styles from the collection down below:

Williamsburg Street Style: Knits, Maxis and More!

Azealia Banks Stars in JOYRICH's Spring 2013 Fashion Film. Sort Of.

Los Angeles RTW clothing label JOYRICH just dropped their brand new fashion film for the spring/summer 2013 collection. 

The short film is soundtracked by Twitter-beefin' Azealia Banks with her "Van Vogue" jam. The song is dope and the clothes ain't bad either. 

As usual for anything pumped out of the JOYRICH factory, I want ERRYTHANG from this collection.

Hollur at your girl with the lame Photoshop skills!

Moschino S/S '13 Campaign: 60s Revival Anti-Vomit

Ok, so I'm not a big fan of this whole space-age-mod-revival trend that hit the catwalks this past Spring/Summer 2013 season (loved it back in Spring 2003 and Spring 1966, of course) -- I'm looking at you Marc Jacobs, Louis Vuitton (I mean, obvi), Prada and PPQ.

Oh, and Moschino also is on that list too - hence this post. Except there's something about the lo-fi-ness about this spring/summer 2013 campaign that gives the clothes/looks a natural vintage aura that doesn't make me want to vomit my soul out.

Maybe I'm just a sucker for Juergen Teller's photography?

Maybe I'm a sucker for the backdrop city of Milan?

Maybe I'm a sucker for models Hanne Gaby Odiele and Juliana Schurig?

Whatever.