I was on the train on my way to work last week and I noticed two women carrying the same bag. One was sitting next to me and the other was standing right across from me. The bag in question is the glorious Emile Tote by Alexander Wang. It is obvious that the fashion gods had spoken and used them to deliver the message that this handbag is destined to be mine. I mean look at it. It is rock ‘n roll chic and totally my style; clean lines, silver hardware, no desperate gaudy logos plastered all over and large enough to carry most of my life. And how often does it happen that two people in my immediate vicinity have the same handbag? Always Never. Hence, I need it. This beauty also comes in all black leather in case the grey and black combo (pictured above) is too out there. If only I had time to work a second job to cover my penchant for designer accessories. Maybe the fashion gods can figure that one out for me.
Musing of the Day: Emile Tote by Alexander Wang
17 NovMusing of the Day: Partying in Opposites
10 NovTopshop Knitted Rib Chunky Jumper
Topshop Metallic Skinny Cigarette Trousers
Make sure the party are your pants this season with a pair that makes a statement. The jazzed up pants would definitely mix things up from the usual plain skinnies. Instead of pairing them with a dressy top shock with a casual knit. I like the idea of the over the top pants paired with a sweater because it is stylish without trying so hard. The contrast makes more of an impact than the pants on their own. The sparkly Topshop pants (pictured above) would be perfect for this look. They have been stuck in my head for some time and are calling my name. A visit to the store in Soho is in order.
Are you into the statement pant trend? How would you style it? Share in a comment below.
Musing of the Day: Dressing Like Kanye West
28 Sep@ 2011 CFDA awards
Recent reports of Kanye West working on a womenswear collection scheduled to debut on October 1st at Paris Fashion Week finally made sense of his recent affinity for women’s shirts, most notably a Celine iteration he wore while performing at Coachella this year—at least that is how I am rationalizing it. I mean I have heard of “method acting” so one could attribute these choices to what I am calling “method designing.” While I can’t pull off a casually unbuttoned blouse every day, I can get into what he wore to this year’s CFDA awards.
I would swap what look like Stubbs & Wootton navy slippers for a pair with a dash of leopard print. Sam Edleman and Steven by Steven Madden are carrying similar styles, but my money is on Sam Edleman’s version with a padded footbed. And have you seen the Alexander McQueen velvet loafers with the skulls? Those would definitely be “ballerific.”
Luckily I already have the arm candy (I am officially on the layered bracelet bandwagon) plus the jeans and a white tee. All that is left to complete my ode to Yeezy is a crisp white blazer instead of what appears to be ivory. Kanye would not be proud if I did not make it my own.
P.S. I am still laughing at Kanye’s quote I saw on the Telegraph article about Lindsay Lohan’s brief stint at Ungaro: “Did you not see the Lindsay and Ungaro collection? That was 9/11 for celebrities doing fashion. After that I thought: ‘Well I can’t do a line now’. “ Team Kanye forever! Ha ha ha. Luckily he has gotten over the trauma. I can’t wait to see images of his collection. He better bring it!
Image Source: Kanye West at CFDA Awards, Alexander McQueen Loafers
Musing of the Day: Theyskens’ Theory Ankle Strap Wedges
21 SepI literally walked the walk with my latest shoe obsession. Instead of just talking the talk over here and gushing about these Theyskens’ Theory ankle strap wedges, the fashion gods smiled upon me and put them on sale on Gilt Groupe a few weeks ago for my purchasing pleasure. On a side note, Gilt Groupe is a serious downfall for me when it comes to spending. If I did a video on all of the things I have gotten on sale from the site you would not need a degree in psychology to know that I need some kind of therapy. Everyone loves a good deal and I do especially from the comfort of my computer. But let’s get back on track. These wedges are pure sexiness! And I am not too much of a fan of pointed toe shoes but the wedge, platform and straps give it a modern edge that just works for me. My feet are wider than the average person so I went up a half size. They are still a little narrow but it is something only the extremely nosey would notice. The straps definitely emphasize any kind of cankle situation you have going on so I also need to drop about 10 pounds from each ankle (they swell up like a pregnant woman in the heat). Once I break them in they are going to be great and I predict that I will wear them with everything since I tend to abuse shoes that I love and wear them constantly until they fall apart.
Do you have any recent acquisition that you have been wearing to death lately? Share in a comment below.
-DRB
Musing of the Day: Aaliyah
25 Aug
Can’t believe it has been 10 years since Aaliyah‘s tragic death. Today I was thinking about when I was in elementary school and started getting into MTV and music videos. I remember the first Aaliyah video I ever saw. It was “One in a Million” and from then on I was hooked. Besides Aaliyah’s catchy music I was obsessed with her style. I switched from parting my bangs down the middle to side-swept bangs. And for someone who cannot get enough of skinny jeans these days it is funny to think that I begged my mom for a pair of baggy jeans. I was terrified of asking my parents for anything when I was a kid so it was a pretty big deal. She took me to a store called Cookies, which is in the Flatbush area of Brooklyn, and I went to the boys section to get the jeans I needed to emulate her look. I was so excited to wear them to school! Today I keep away from the jeans. However, I am still rockin’ the side-swept bangs and developed an interest in her makeup (of course). My favorite makeup is the purple smoky eye paired with red lips in her “We Need a Resolution” video. Who says you can only play up one of your features at a time? She definitely pulled it off.
Even though Aaliyah is no longer with us she is still living on through her music. Many years later, I still stop and listen to it whenever her songs pop up on my iPod.
Did Aaliyah influence your style? Share your story in a comment below.
-DRB
Musing of the Day: Alexander Wang Booties
12 AugAlexander Wang
Top: Monique
Bottom: Luca
We may be in the middle of August, but the September issues are out which means it is time to start thinking about fall fashion. I already picked up a few pieces from Free People and am searching for the perfect pair of black jeggings to add to my wardrobe. The jeggings should be easy but shoes will be a far more complicated matter. Several pairs did not make it through last season that I need to replace. Cue Alexander Wang. I cannot stop thinking about his fall shoe line up – particularly the Luca and Monique booties. One of these could seriously be the sexiest thing that could happen to my feet this fall/winter. If I manage to rationalize the price into a well deserved birthday gift, the only trouble will be picking one. Both have a 4.5” heel with a 1” platform and while I prefer the look of the Monique pair, I would probably get more mileage out of the Luca since chunky heels = comfy. It all comes down to the classic battle of style vs. comfort. What would you do?
Musing of the Day: Ponchos
5 NovRebecca Taylor
Femme Military Cape
It’s been a while since I have done a Musing of the Day post but trust me, I am still a fiend and window shop online every chance I get. Lately something that would have probably made my stomach turn years ago has been the subject of one of my most recent obsessions – ponchos (a.k.a. a cape if the word poncho doesn’t sound chic enough). I have been seeing them more often than usual on the streets of NYC and the women that I have spotted wearing the capes, all the way from a light knit to a heavier jacket form, do it more justice than any of the pictures I harpooned online. Currently I am looking for an affordable poncho to wear with a pair of skinnies or leggings and some killer boots. I also love the way shopbop styled the Rebecca Taylor coat, worn over a mini dress with stockings and a pair of booties. There is a lot of inspiration to choose from and it is a style I would rock during the evening to add a bit of mystery.
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Are you a fan of capes or are they just a little too Little Red Riding Hood for you?
Glossy Kisses,
DRB
Musing of the Day: More Ruffles
7 MayMayli Ruffle Tube Mini Dress
Color: Hot House (more colors available)
Retail Price: $118
Lovinng this dress by Guess by Marciano in a vibrant color that can be dressed up or dressed down. And it has ruffles! The tricky thing about a ruffled dress is that it can make you look enormous. However, I do have one that fits nicely so its one of those styles where you won’t know if the fit will be flattering until you try it on.
Fashionable Kissez,
DRB
Musing of the Day: Sam Edelman Quintessa Sandal
21 AprQuintessa
Color: Saddle (also available in Black)
Retail Price: $189
I visited the Sam Edelman section of Zappos this weekend and these babies have been stuck in my head. I love the unique combination of the snake print, the warm brown leather, and the beading. The zipper on the back gives it some extra sex appeal. The heel is 4 1/2″ high but don’t cringe yet because you get a little relief from its 3/4″ platform. They are sold out in my size (size 8 if the Sam Edelman folks are watching ha ha) so they will remain in my head.
Glossy Kissez,
DRBrooklyn730
Image Source: Zappos















