shopbop shoptalk

New from Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent

When a new collection from Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent arrives at the Shopbop offices, I can’t help but think it looks a lot like the contents of my dream closet. Cynthia Vincent’s design philosophy is to make sexy yet comfortable clothes that she herself wants to wear, and luckily they’re just the clothes a lot of other women want to wear, too. Feminine yet unfussy, wearable yet special, they’re the pieces that turn into wardrobe favorites. So it’s time to get my head out of the clouds and make my dream closet a reality, with a few pieces from the holiday collection that will take me from day to night.
	Day: The delicate print on this soft silk blouse, along with the graceful silhouette, adds a touch of elegance to a pair of skinny jeans. Ballet flats and understated earrings by Gorjana jewelry finish the look.
	Evening: For a date night or holiday dinner, this frock gives a subtle nod to the season in festive scarlet or emerald, and the waist-cinching silhouette gives it the flattering fit Twelfth St. dresses are known for. I’ll keep the accessories simple, just adding a studded clutch (this one from Diane von Furstenberg is more sweet than edgy) and black pumps.
	Night Out: A simple LBD at first glance, this dress reveals its sexy side with a studded strap and a flirtatious open back. Booties accented with serious hardware and a wristful of mixed-metal bangles accentuate this slinky style’s hard edge.
--Tonya

First Fashion: Dress You Up

In a recent Rolling Stone interview, Madonna was asked about her ever-evolving image, as the interviewer put it: “…from a brunette club girl (performing at NY’s CBGB and Danceteria) to a blonde in a wedding dress. Where did that come from?” And M’s nonchalant response: “My image is less calculated than people think...I think it’s boring to stay the same. A girl likes to change her look.” Exactly. A few transformative selections below.
	Platform booties magically seem to make every outfit exponentially cooler—everything from uptown Rachel Roy dresses to down-and-dirty William Rast jeans. Pour La Victoire - Angelique Platform Booties with Two Straps
	Buttery soft suede and a delicious caramel color—this sumptuous duffel looks good enough to eat. Those bottom spikes might not go down so good though. Alexander Wang - Suede Coco Duffel Bag
	Front row seats to see an icon in concert and nothing to wear? Try a slouchy short-sleeve tee with a sliver of this miniskirt peeking out. Alice + Olivia - Sequin Miniskirt
Angel, Bad Girl, Beautiful Stranger—we’ve got the goods to reinvent your look in What’s New. --Suzanne

The Little White Dress

Fashion deep-thought du jour: Evolving your personal style means heeding your inner directive, even if (especially if) it’s leading toward something that seems completely out of synch with what you usually wear. Case in point: the white dress. Like most women who talk/write/think about clothes all day, I have a closet dominated by shades of black, nonetheless, an eggshell vintage sundress was the runaway hit of my summer wardrobe. It had that WASP-bohemian/Gwyneth Paltrow/Montauk vibe—lovely, but definitely not my go-to look. Still, as is so often the case in matters of the heart, I couldn’t deny how it made me feel: breezy, happy in that unfettered way cerebral, obsessive types rarely experience. I found myself reaching for it at least once a week.

So began my love affair with the Little White Dress. Since it’s well past sundress season, I’ve moved on to ivory evening looks, screening candidates for holiday parties. I fell for the Alexander Wang and the Thakoon at NYFW last February, and the metallic embroidery on this off-off-white IRO dress gives it that off-kilter glamour I can’t get enough of. (Have you heard of IRO? It’s this great French line that seems to fly just under the radar.)

But as we all know, the actual piece is but a small part of the equation. How you style something is what makes it personal. I’d add my signature by wearing these white numbers with a boyfriend blazer (with the sleeves pushed up), black Falke tights, and Elizabeth and James booties.

--Maureen

First Fashion: Elevated Essentials

With all the buzz on the blogs about what to wear to a holiday party, my day-to-day wardrobe has been feeling a little mundane by comparison. So I put together an outfit that’s everyday wearable, perfect with everything in my closet, and best of all, anything but stale.
	Thick, cozy sweaters are my recent obsession, and this angora cardigan by Shopbop newcomer Falls clothing doesn’t disappoint. I’ll layer it over something soft from T by Alexander Wang. Falls – Peacock Cable 3/4 Sleeve Coat
	When the basis of my outfit is a long-sleeve tee and jeans, the denim had better be spectacular. I love the distressing on these William Rast jeans, and the fit can’t be beat, either. William Rast – Savoy Skinny Jeans with Classic Rise
	And to round off my ensemble, I’ll choose python-patterned booties that can’t help but steal the spotlight. Loeffler Randall – Lula Platform Booties with Open Zip
Find the styles you’ll (happily) come back to again and again, in What’s New. --Tonya

An Eye for Exquisiteness: Q&A with Retrosun Founder Nicole Miller

Radiant retro-chic. It’s the iconic style of jetsetters like Diane von Furstenberg, Bianca Jagger, and Isabella Rossellini—then, now, forever. No piece defines this look better than a signature pair of sunglasses. But are the intricate hardware details, luxe designs, and storied brands of the past just a distant fashion memory? Not if Retrosun founder Nicole Miller has anything to say about it. I recently chatted with Nicole to find out more about her covetable collection of rare vintage sunglasses.

Suzanne: Your story about finding a warehouse of pristine vintage designer sunglasses and then launching Retrosun is like my fashion fantasy come true! How did you come across these amazing shades?
 
Nicole: Before setting up Retrosun in 2006, I had been working as a fashion consultant doing product development and strategy for a variety of high-end fashion and jewelry brands. I was out on a buying trip with a client, and on our travels I came across a few pairs of Christian Dior sunglasses from the 1970s. I was astounded by their beauty and how well they were made. Since then, Retrosun has been sourcing unworn stock from all over the world.

S: Are all your sunglasses new vintage, and where do they come from? How do you guarantee authenticity?

N: Yes all of our sunglasses are new vintage. You can see from the markings inside the glasses, the stamps, etc. where they were produced and that they are authentic. For example, most of the Christian Dior glasses were produced in Austria and West Germany. However, since the ’90s Christian Dior has been produced in Italy.

S: How have the lenses been modernized?

N: All the glasses we find go through stringent quality control checks. Should we find that the lenses do not live up to our standards, the glasses are refitted with Optical class 1, vision 400 lenses, 100% UVA and UVB. These are top lenses in the market and exceed the legal requirements.

S: You carry ’70s to early ’90s styles, everything from Paloma Picasso to Gucci. Do you have a favorite designer and/or era, and what do you find special about the designs of that era?

N: I love the Dior designs from the late ’70s and early ’80s; the colors and the hardware detailing are super special. Also the Porsche Design by Carrera plastic and metal aviators are ultra-cool with their interchangeable faces—they are so of-the-moment. Porsche has even started reproducing the old models due to fashion demands!

S: Could you talk about why it’s important to build a sunglass wardrobe? In my opinion, one pair is hardly enough.

N: Sunglasses are an amazing fashion accessory, which can completely change or complete an outfit, especially Retrosun sunglasses, as each pair is so unique it really is the ultimate fashion accessory you won't find on everyone else. In today’s environment where everyone stocks every brand, it is nice to be able to buy something which is limited in stock, unique, and reasonably priced.

--Suzanne

Elsewhere & Otherwise

* Raving in Rio and househunting in Soho: get a glimpse into the fabulous life of Givenchy designer Riccardo Tisci. [ Hint Fashion Magazine ]

* Fashionista can’t wait to wear spring’s corset trend. If you can’t either, Re Collection and Alexander Wang can help. [ Fashionista ]

* Speaking of Wang, his Rocco Bag has a waiting list a mile long. No worries, ladies, it’ll be coming to Shopbop in time for spring. (And in the meantime, you can console yourself with the Coco Duffel.) [Style File ]

* Forget about finding out how he wraps that kilt. Marc Jacobs won’t be doing a reality show anytime soon. [ The Cut ]

* From Andy Warhol portraits and Studio 54 to her CFDA presidency, a slideshow of Diane von Furstenberg through the years gives a glimpse into her fascinating Moscow exhibition. Extra points? The collection is curated by André Leon Tally. [ Stylelist ]

* Velvet isn’t just for little girls’ Christmas dresses anymore. (Fess up, you know you had one.) See how Julia Restoin-Roitfeld, Jacquetta Wheeler, and Jessica Alba make this tactile textile look all grown up. (Hint: it involves skintight minis and leather jackets.) [ Who What Wear ]

* What do you get when you add a Byzantine mosaic to a fortune cookie? An Alexander McQueen creation, naturally. Cheeky Fashematics speculates design inspiration is easy as 1-2-3. [ Fashematics ]

* From his Indiana hometown to New York, Paris, Florence, and Stockholm, the Sartorialist’s Scott Schuman made good. The LA Times narrates the history of his blog, his book, and his beloved Garance. (And if you missed it, check out Shoptalk’s Q&A with Garance Doré). [ LA Times ]

* Clogs stomped all over spring’s runways, and Style.com is getting ahead of the trend with Vera Wang’s more-bad-girl-than-Bavarian Daisey Motorcycle Pumps. [ Style.com ]

First Fashion: Gift Giving

November is birthday month among my circle of friends. Most years, I put off my buying, telling myself I’ll know the perfect gift when I see it, and end up resorting to tucking an assortment of gift cards into Hallmark’s cleverer greetings. This year, I’m determined to find more personal gifts.
	I have a pal who is an Alexander Wang junkie (who can blame her). This tee is basic, but it’s guaranteed to tickle her fancy. T by Alexander Wang - Classic Long Sleeve Tee
	Another of my friends is constantly borrowing my favorite Kenneth Jay Lane necklace. I think it’s about time she got her own. Kenneth Jay Lane - Amethyst Double Chain Necklace
	And since my own b-day falls right in the middle of the month, I figure it’s okay to treat myself. My latest obsession? Covered sweaters. Covered - Cocoon Sweater
Pick up a little something for your pals (or yourself), in What’s New. --Amie

Favorite Blogger: Jane from Sea of Shoes

At Shopbop, we spend a lot of time reading magazines and blogs, chalking it up to research (it is, we swear). And though our list of bookmarked sites is long, there are a few favorites we can’t help but check out every day. This week, we’re talking to the stylish ladies behind some of our favorite fashion blogs.

Incredible style, an enviable wardrobe, and a successful blog all before the age of 18? This is the life of Jane Aldridge, the stylish blogger behind Sea of Shoes. The Texas teen has been featured on countless websites and, most recently, in fashion’s bible, Vogue, for her fashion-forward, often daring sense of style. We talked to her about blogging, travel, and the things fashion fetishes are made of, shoes.

You started Sea of Shoes in 2007. What made you decide to launch a personal style blog?

I was inspired by my favorite bloggers like Kingdom of Style and Style Bubble. There were far fewer fashion blogs back then. Mine started as a fun weekend project.

Your style is so sophisticated for someone so young. What role do you think age plays in personal style?

I guess the older you get, the more sure you are of what you like and don’t like. For now I am happy to experiment with lots of different things.

You’re the epitome of a jet-setter. How do your travels to New York, Paris, Tokyo influence your style choices?

The biggest influence of travel on my style is that I love to shop for one-of-a-kind pieces when I’m abroad! But traveling definitely broadens your perspective on fashion, and it’s interesting to see how everyday fashion differs so much, especially in Paris and Tokyo.

Your focus, shoes, is the fetish of many a fashionable woman. What do you think it is that draws so many women to shoes?

Shoes say everything! To me, shoes are special because they are all so different, and beautiful shoes are so rare. Each shoe has a personality of its own. The fact is that there are a lot of ugly shoes in this world, and maybe that’s what makes beautiful shoes so special to us.

How to Wear Sequins for Day

From left: Siwy Hannah Slim Crop Sequin Leggings, Son of John The Striker Baseball Tee, Siwy Hannah Sequin Leggings, Gryphon Metal Sequin Tank.

I’m not a fan of over-the-top bling, but lately, I’ve found myself drawn to a hint of sparkle in unexpected places—a string of glittering rhinestones on a chunky chain bracelet, an oversized Kenneth Jay Lane ring with a jersey dress and cardigan, a few well-placed beads on an otherwise basic tee. It seems only natural that I would start to explore the sequins-for-day look that has won the hearts of so many fashionable females.

Being a less-is-more kind of girl, I was pretty clueless on where to start with this embellished trend, so I turned to Shopbop Senior Stylist Morgan Wendelborn for a little style help. “Denim and flats are the easiest way to wear sequins for day,” says Morgan. “A sequined tank, tee, or unstructured blazer can look so effortless with slouchy skinnies.”

Easy enough—I already have plenty of denim and flats in my wardrobe. But what about sequin leggings? I’ve been flirting with the embellished leg-wear trend, but have yet to take the plunge. Says Morgan: “Sequin leggings look great with a worn-in graphic tee and a leather jacket (like one from Candela).”

And with that, I think I’m ready to give the sparkle-for-day look a go. What about you? Have you experimented with this unexpected trend?

--Amie
Shopbop

P.S. The latest styles from your favorite brands have just been marked down. Check out the Shopbop sale.

First Fashion: Object of Desire

I’ve been known to plan entire seasons around a singular accessory. Last spring, it was a pair of plum Camilla Skovgaard sandals that I wore with everything from dark-rinse skinnies to open-back rompers. This summer, it was a charcoal straw fedora that I rocked with boyfriend jeans and bandage dresses alike. Today, the Tory Burch hobo below has me dreaming about the endless style possibilities of gold paillettes.
	No matter how gorgeous a designer handbag is, it can’t be so over-the-top that I’ll only carry it to lavish events. Here, the edited use of bling means I’ll get more mileage out of my showstopper. Tory Burch - Efram Hobo
	A blank canvas to make my new bag really pop, I love how the sexy hem is tempered by the suiting detail. Re Collection - Suit Tunic
	With a little crystal candy, I’ve got my new favorite night-out outfit. Kenneth Jay Lane - Stretch Cuff
Pinpoint the piece that defines you, in What’s New. --Suzanne

How I Became a Bahhston-lovin’ Bootleggin’ Buchanan Babe

News from Our NY Editor at Large

It’s not news that flapper fashion is back in a big way—fringe, sequins, drop-waist dresses, and sparkling headgear are as en vogue today as they were back in the Roaring Twenties. So when my friend Alia Ahmed-Yahia invited me to a Bootleggers and Babes party in Boston (hosted by Elle’s Alexa Brazilian) I didn’t stress about where to find my outfit—but how to stand out in a sea of flappers. (I like attention, so sue me!) Enter Daisy Buchanan. It might sound cliché, but before you say, “of course, The Great Gatsby is your favorite book,” it’s not. But the lifestyle sure is somethin’. Mansions of money separated by neighborhoods, martinis before 5 pm (take that, prohibition), men in white three-piece suits (hello, Robert Redford), pin curls, and an excuse to wear every sort of hat from cloche to cap—what’s not to love? (P.S. Did you know the term gold digger was actually coined in the ’20s? Another loss for Kanye.)

I stumbled upon this Harper’s Bazaar shoot from 2007, featuring Kate Hudson (another style idol of mine) as a modern day Daisy Buchanan—genius. I needed a vintage dress.

I settled on an eggshell peplum-waist frock that I found at Edith Machinist on the LES—hands down the best affordable vintage in the city. I hacked it off as short as humanly possible and kept saying to the tailor, “no, tighter, a little shorter,” until he felt quite uncomfortable and drew the professional line. Add fishnets, patent leather Mary Janes, and my Deepa Gurnani headband, and you got yourself a little taste of Daisy by way of Joyann. I really wanted to wear gloves like Kate Hudson, but was worried the rest of the guests wouldn’t be so in-costume—boy, was I wrong!

Clockwise from top left: Flappers and feathers; money boa equals best costume; Alia and I; the beautiful host Alexa Brazilian and her boy Tanner; don’t give this girl a gun!

The party was a full-on gin mill—a flapper and gangster’s paradise. Everyone brought their best, but my favorite look of the night involved a boa made of money.

While I didn’t find my Jay Gatsby, I did find an affinity for red lipstick (okay, I was already a fan) and a liking for gin mixed with champagne (albeit less amazing the next day). And next time, I’m wearing the gloves!

Stay tuned for my next societal undertaking—Murder on the Dance Floor, a charity party here in N.Y.C. benefiting cerebral palsy. And with a name like that, there should be more than enough fun (and fashion) to speak of.

It’s a tough job, but someone’s got to do it.

--Joyann

What to Wear to a Holiday Party

Your analytical left brain may be pleased when you pick up a versatile jersey dress, functional flat boots, or perfect-fit jeans, but your artistic right brain is delighted when given a task like shopping for a holiday party. Jewel-toned and embellished dresses, glam clutches, metallic booties, satin pumps, and baubles bedecked with rhinestones, pearls, or studs (or all of the above), have you starry-eyed and sneaking peeks at Shopbop when your rational mind should be planted firmly in the office. Making those surreptitious glances that much easier (and offering that all-important flicker of inspiration), Shopbop’s Shop by Occasion: Holiday Party feature picks the cream of the festive crop.

After all, a girl needs options: what you’d wear to a champagne-fueled shindig with your besties is decidedly different from what you’d don for the office party. So if that body-hugging Alice + Olivia dress is perfect for a New Year’s blowout but won’t quite pass your company’s dress code, move beyond the fallback frock: try a tux-inspired jumpsuit (like this one from Tibi) or romper (pictured, by Karina Grimaldi), or a slim blouse paired with satin shorts and patterned tights or sequined harem pants.

--Tonya

First Fashion: Bracing for the Cold

These past few weeks, there’s been a decided chill in the air. I donned my fall coats, and on more than one morning some thin gloves. But with the start of November, it’s time to start thinking seriously about winter wear. I just picked up a pair of cold-weather boots, and now I’m looking for outerwear in the form of jackets, mittens, and hats.
	A fashion-forward take on the fur coat (faux, naturally), this will dress up nicely with elbow-length leather gloves and a thick scarf. Elizabeth and James - Faux Fur Cocoon Shrug
	Without a doubt the hat I’ll be wearing every day this winter, I love the subtle hint of metallic with the casual slouch. Nightcap Clothing - Cashmere & Lurex Beanie
	A study in contradictions, these are girly-tough at its best. And, the fingerless styling means I won’t have to take them off when I’m indoors. Free People - Ballet Biker Gloves
Find all your style essentials—winter or otherwise—in What’s New. --Amie

Fashion Meets Halloween

The Latest by Kate, Fashion Director

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays in that it provides a legitimate excuse to dress totally over the top—my chance to actually live out that costume-y inspiration! What's not to love about wearing glitter, face paint, a sexy masquerade mask, cat ears, sequin hot pants, etc., etc.? This season's must-have leopard coat provides the perfect foundation for a frisky feline getup.

What are you wearing this weekend?

--Kate

Studio Style: Tova

We’ve all heard the stories of models hurling cell phones, partying to excess, or making diva remarks like, “We don’t get out of bed for less than $10,000 a day.” But this month’s Studio Style paints a much more down-to-earth picture. Meet Shopbop model Tova:

 

Suzanne: At Shopbop we talk a lot about model-off-duty style, this cool mix of unexpected pieces that looks effortless yet stunning. How would you describe your style?

Tova: I guess you could say my style’s main theme is boho comfort, mostly earth-toned basics that are interchangeable. I love matching something oversized with something tight. There's something sexy about a man’s shirt or manly boots on a woman. I always add style to my basic looks with jewelry and accessories, like the scarf in my photo (which is my favorite, and was bought in an airport).

S: How does your boho style fit with your lifestyle?

T: I have a daughter, so when I am not working she and I are playing, cooking, going to little cafés, going for hikes, and laughing—lots of laughter. So my outfits have to be comfortable and flexible, ready for whatever pops up in our ever-changing schedule.

S: You have that Erin Wasson sexy-tomboy vibe going on. Who are your modeling idols and why?

T: I love Kate Moss's style—she always looks so effortless! And I admire Mary-Kate Olsen’s bold, unique choices.

S: As a model, you have to be ready for anything. What has been the craziest or most memorable shoot you have done?

T: I've been modeling on and off since I was 14, so there are plenty of stories and memorable moments. But I always get the most enjoyment out of shoots that are creative, when everyone involved is allowed to do what they do best, to work toward a communicated vision. It’s always fun when you have a good team to shoot guerilla style—driving to some random, out of the way, possibly unsafe location, and shooting for the sake of art. Those shoots are exciting.

S: I heard that you just bought a house in L.A. Tell me about it and what you love about life in SoCal.

T: I live in L.A. in an area called Silver Lake. It is a beautiful, artistic, older area with lots of artists, musicians, and young families. It’s very vibrant, colorful, and peaceful. My daughter and I just moved into a beautiful little house with guava trees, avocado trees, and orange trees in the yard. I feel so blessed and thankful for my life, and living here is no exception. The weather is wonderful, the sun is warming, the sky is blue, and as I write this the wind is making beautiful music with our wind chime.

--Suzanne

First Fashion: The DVF Holiday Collection

If the DVF fall 2009 collection was built for the nomadic bohemian, her holiday collection is custom-made for the woman who can pop a cork and look great doing it. My favorite highlights of the shimmering, sequined, satiny styles:
	Is there anything more glam than a metallic mini dress? This is just the one to ensure you’ll be the gala’s golden girl. Diane von Furstenberg – Chika Dress
	A little peek-a-boo lace and a sexy silhouette make a floral print anything but sweet. Diane von Furstenberg – Lele Dress
	Lately I’ve been obsessed with shades of teal, turquoise, and azure, a part of the spectrum that’s as far from basic blue as you can get. This pop of color will be perfect with an ivory blouse and a bright bejeweled necklace. Diane von Furstenberg – Jakun Skirt
Find champagne kisses and DVF dreams, in What’s New. --Tonya

Fashionable Investments Worth Their Weight in Style

Our Designer Boutique resort collections have begun to trickle in (coming soon to What’s New!), and their arrival reminded me to take a little stroll through the fall collections we’ve gathered in our purple boutique. This is seriously luxurious style that, yes, is also a serious investment, but these brands offer the kind of pieces that will elevate any closet.

Take Derek Lam’s fall collection. Each season this designer reinvents American sportswear, and the little party dresses, sleek outerwear, and cozy knits are classics in the making. (For you working ladies out there, imagine exchanging business cards while wearing Lam’s fitted blazer, pencil skirt, and high-collar blouse—now that’s a power suit.) Brit favorite Mulberry makes the bags that style luminaries like Kate Moss carry for years, and from my favorite French cobbler, Barbara Bui chaussures are the kind of footwear that make an outfit.

Style investments are not limited to serious pieces, however, as Canadian designers Dean and Dan Caten can attest. Their DSQUARED2 label is tongue-in-cheek playfulness, while retaining a timeless element. And First Lady and Anna Wintour favorite Thakoon takes elegant silhouettes and infuses them with a touch of personality via his signature whimsical prints.

Each would be a noteworthy addition to any wardrobe. Tell me, what’s on your fashion investment list?

--Amie

Favorite Blogger: Garance Doré

At Shopbop, we spend a lot of time reading magazines and blogs, chalking it up to research (it is, we swear). And though our list of bookmarked sites is long, there are a few favorites we can’t help but check out every day. This week, we’re talking to the stylish ladies behind some of our favorite fashion blogs.

The stereotype goes that in the fashion world, it can be a rare thing to find genuine, kind, and truly considerate people, but French blogger, illustrator, and photographer Garance Doré has found two in international Vogue editors Anna Dello Russo and Carine Roitfeld. And we’ve found one in Garance herself. I talked with this charming blogger about photography, illustrations, her boyfriend Sartorialist Scott Schuman, and what it’s like to be in touch with fashion’s royalty.

Garance Doré at Milan Fashion Week. Photo by Scott Schuman.

When and why did you launch GaranceDore.fr?

I launched it three years ago out of frustration from my job, which was at the time being an administrator. I felt like I was very disconnected from the people who see my drawings because when they’re published in a magazine you have no feedback. I felt far away from the readers, so one day I decided to open a blog.

Your website transitioned from focusing on your illustrations to including photography. Do you prefer one over the other?

No, I think it’s all an organic energy. Photography inspires illustration, and illustration inspires photography. I couldn’t do one without the other.

What do you think is the biggest difference between the two?

Illustration is more like a dream representation, and it’s more difficult to grab. People will look at it, and they won’t identify with an illustration so much. But with a picture of someone they can really identify. And I think for fashion … it’s great to have pictures because you can show the actual clothes. With an illustration, you can show the feeling of the clothes.

Each of your posts includes a personal account about fashion or about the person you’re photographing or about the illustration, but you rarely show pictures of yourself. Now, I’ve seen pictures of you, and you have great style. Why don’t you feature yourself on your blog?

It’s not really a choice; it’s not my first interest. I like to talk about my life, but more in a funny way. I don’t know, I could do it, but my blog is my personal diary. I mean, I know what I look like, so I don’t need to show myself. On the contrary, I love to see other people because they inspire me.

First Fashion: How to Wear Fall Shorts

Fall is all about finding new ways to display a commanding pair of boots. This can mean 12” ankle zippers on a pair of leggings, cropped velvet skinny pants, or, my current favorite, tights with shorts. Sure, you could go with one of the myriad of skirt options, but there’s something so fresh and downtown-cool about swapping a micro-mini for chic shorts.
	A walking short that dazzles day or night, try these with a grey Alice + Olivia knit vest, white tank, textured Falke tights, and sky-high L.A.M.B. booties. Sachin + Babi - Sogol Sequin Shorts
	Each Ksubi design has a one-of-a-kind feel, like a street artist made them just for you. These cutting-edge cutoffs look on-point with a Pencey sweatshirt, fuzzy leg warmers, and zippered Loeffler Randall boots. Ksubi - Stina Shorts
	Shorts this hot to trot need equally arresting partners to complete the look. I nominate the Chain Mail Sweater by Alexander Wang, some rugged over-the-knee boots, and a made-to-be-seen bra. Mike & Chris - Jake Leather Shorts
There’s a page-turning short story, today in What’s New. --Suzanne

Staff Picks: The Perfect Sweater

Here at Shoptalk we’ve been on a quest to find fall’s best knits (see here and here). And we’re certainly not the only ones. To make this annual sweater search a bit easier, I asked Shopbop’s fashionable merchandisers to share their favorites:
	Jennifer “I'm 5 months pregnant so I will be living in cardigans this fall! This A.L.C. sweater looks great over leggings, and stripes are a major trend this season! It’s the perfect balance of preppy and edgy.” A.L.C. – Hooker Cardigan
	Rachel “This cashmere sweater is perfect for my casual chic wardrobe. It is so comfortable, yet the drop back has a sexiness that’s unexpected for a cozy sweater.” Nightcap Clothing – Cashmere Drop Back Sweater
	Holly “This shaggy-knit alpaca Haute Hippie sweater is super edgy and fun and will keep me warm all at the same time. And I love how the stylists make it wearable here with casual pieces in mixed neutrals.” Haute Hippie – Furry Vest
--Tonya

Favorite Blogger: Carey from Corks and Caftans

At Shopbop, we spend a lot of time reading magazines and blogs, chalking it up to research (it is, we swear). And though our list of bookmarked sites is long, there are a few favorites we can’t help but check out every day. This week, we’re talking to the stylish ladies behind some of our favorite fashion blogs.

This favorite blogger is actually three, but we have to admit we’re partial to Carey’s sense of style. Launched in 2008, Corks and Caftans chronicles newlyweds Carey Wodehouse and Rob Burden’s style and wine exploits with special appearances from Eli the cat. Here Carey talks to us about Eli’s diva model attitude, her style icons, and, of course, caftans.

Carey from Corks and Caftans. Photos courtesy of Corks and Caftans.

When and why did you launch Corks and Caftans?

C&C was launched in the heinous winter of ’08, while I coped with the loss of my “hot-shot” ad agency job. Funny story: Napa honeymoon was over, I went back to work, poured a cup of coffee, and got let go. C&C is a product of finding the silver lining in that situation. We had passions and we needed an outlet to express how important they were to us––and finally had the time to do it. It became like a working resume.

Your blog mingles your love of fashion and style with your husband Rob’s love of wine, all with a very personal touch. What made you take this direction?

Every blog post could be a conversation we just had on the couch. We encourage each other to talk about what we love, so the blog happened organically. We saw blogs that were either very production-oriented or lacking anything to sink your teeth into. C&C is all us, a lifestyle. We wanted to connect with people at that level. When I’m reading a blog, if there’s only one line that lets you into the author’s life, I linger on it. It’s what I’m there for.

The photography has a very luxe, dramatic feel to it, which adds to the blog’s overall aesthetic. Who’s the photo guru, or is it a collaborative effort?

Oh, that’s Rob. He’s way more artistic than he gives himself credit for. We photograph not to document, but to convey our enthusiasm for the subject. The rich tones amp it up and make the photos more like a distant memory; less like “These are shoes. They are brown.”

Elsewhere & Otherwise

* Halloween’s this weekend. Need some costume tips? Go straight to the master: Heidi Klum. [ MSN ]

* And in the jack-o-lantern department, go bejeweled or go home. [ Vogue Daily ]

* Speaking of spooky, Diane von Furstenberg and Christopher Walken are linked in art. [ Style.com Style File ]

* After a brief hiatus, Illia’s back this fall, and we think they’re better than ever. [ Style.com Style File ]

* The Cut has a little crush on Made Her Think jewelry. But who doesn’t, right? [ The Cut ]

* True to form, the Calvin Klein party in Rio de Janeiro was a racy affair. Plenty of Calvin Klein Underwear on display, and plenty not worn at all. [ Style.com Style File ]

* Shoe genius and Balmain coconspirator Giuseppe Zanotti reveals his mission (“to create shoes for all occasions for the woman of the universe”), among other things in a lively Q&A. [ StyleList ]

* Get a sneak peek at Alexander Wang’s resort shoes, coming soon. [ Pipeline ]

* And while you’re previewing things, take a gander at Whitley Kros’s spring offerings. [ Pipeline ]

* We focus on the clothes walking down the runway, but this Times writer has his eye on the clothes the designers wore. [ The Moment ]

* What are the youngins wearing these days? One real-life Upper East Side prep-schooler answers. [ W Editors’ Blog ]

* The ever-charming Bill Cunningham’s take on the many over-the-knee boots spotted during Paris Fashion Week. [ NY Times ]

* DVF’s wisdom has been bestowed upon fashion’s youth. Highlights from her speech at Teen Vogue’s Fashion U. [ Fashionista ]

* And from the same event, fun facts about Thakoon. [ Fashionista ]

* Add another name to the list of celebrity cameos in SATC 2. Tim Gunn recently filmed an appearance. [ E! ]

* Lady Gaga on the set of Gossip Girl. She brought us the pantsless revolution. Next up? Pasties on the outside. [ The Cut ]

First Fashion: LNA Music Tees

Fashion and music: they’re a match for the ages. From Stevie Nicks to Steven Tyler, Madonna to Lady Gaga, musicians have influenced fashion and fashion has influenced musicians. And the latest in that delicious duo? Music Tees. Merging digital music and fashion, each tee is a wearable album cover, and each comes with a free playlist download featuring some of the music industry’s most promising up-and-comers. We’ve teamed up with LNA to create four exclusive tees, inspired by our hottest fall trends.
	Pure ’80s fashion, this tee will turn even the most mild-mannered gal into a maniac on the dance floor. LNA - Material Girl Cropped Music Tee
	An unexpected take on the military trend, this crop top is proving buttoned-up inspiration isn’t limited to refined jackets and leather boots. LNA - Wartime Cropped Flashdance Music Tee
	Natural inspiration with a comfy slant, this hits the wanderer trend’s highpoints. LNA - Nomad Raw Edge Music Tank
	And we couldn’t do a batch of music tees without drawing on our edgy rocker trend. LNA - Rocker Cropped Music Tee
The only thing left to do? Pick your musical delight, in What’s New. --Amie

Jewelry is My Art Collection

 

Most women have a modest jewelry box, drawer, or corner armoire, but super-stylist Rachel Zoe has a meticulously organized jewelry closet that rivals my walk-in. On the season finale of her show, we got a peek at her personal bauble collection (upwards of 1,000 pieces), and I love her no-shame justification: “Chanel is my art collection.”

I could totally relate to this sentiment. When company drops by, I have to explain why my living room is scattered with designer shoes and my bedroom with dramatic earrings, while the walls are virtually bare. Whenever my mom takes pity on my painting-free apartment, offering me a scented candle to up the ambience, I try to convince her that Kenneth Jay Lane cuffs make better sculptures, that vintage Chanel jewelry is its own brand of French Romanticism, and that a TOM BINNS necklace emits a fervor that will burn much longer than 24 hours.

Eventually I’ll get to the wall art, but for now, I’m focused on perfecting the neck, ear, and wrist art.

--Suzanne

Favorite Blogger: Emily from Cupcakes and Cashmere

At Shopbop, we spend a lot of time reading magazines and blogs, chalking it up to research (it is, we swear). And though our list of bookmarked sites is long, there are a few favorites we can’t help but check out every day. This week, we’re talking to the stylish ladies behind some of our favorite fashion blogs.

Armed with a magazine background, Emily Schuman launched Cupcakes and Cashmere in March of 2008. Featuring her impeccable personal style, as well as mouthwatering recipes and DIY home design features, this blog has a little something for every fashionable female. Here she talks with us about working at Condé Nast, how food and fashion relate, and sequins for daytime.

Emily Schuman of Cupcakes and Cashmere. Photos courtesy of Cupcakes and Cashmere.

When and why did you launch Cupcakes and Cashmere?

I constantly come across new things (whether it’s a great jewelry line or a fabulous pair of boots) and I liked the idea of sharing my findings with other people. I launched my blog in March of 2008 and document things that bring me joy.

Cupcakes and Cashmere has a very personal tone—you fully welcome your readers into your style world. What made you decide to take this approach?

It was never really a conscious decision, but it speaks to who I am as a person. I’m fairly open and think that adding my own opinions and personal touches to my blog makes it feel very accessible. I think people can relate to me since I’m not a model, but just a girl who throws together outfits and puts my own spin on trends.

You have a background in magazines (Teen Vogue and Domino). How has this influenced Cupcakes and Cashmere?

When I worked at Condé Nast, it was like a little runway show every morning. If you had a new top or even lip gloss, we all wanted to know about it. It was such a fun environment, and I think I’ve found a similar one within the blogosphere where we all like sharing what we like.

Kate Picks Her Fall Favorites

The Latest by Kate, Fashion Director

I'm currently seeking out androgynous pieces with a simple stand-out detail: an embellished epaulet, unexpected fabric, and cool color combinations. I am finding myself wearing these classics repeatedly because they provide a lot of style but never feel stale.

Here are some styles I am living in:

1. Vince Foil Print Cashmere Sweater: Your man's raglan sweatshirt becomes fashion forward with a touch of foil.

2. Thayer Double Breasted Blazer: An amazing fit, the double-breasted gold buttons make this special.

3. Gryphon The Boyfriend Blazer: LOVE the lace/brooch pocket detail—so sweet on this boyish jacket.

4. Bop Basics Felt Fedora: A ribbon bow on a top hat is just the right amount of girly.

5. Pour La Victoire Charlie Oxford Flats: Men's oxford in a metallic! Genius.

6. NC bis Chain Bracelet: A brilliant layered look.

7. Victorialand Medium Body 3 Star Shirt: Tiny studs on the pocket are just right.

8. Rag & Bone Tuxedo Dress: One of my favorite runway dresses of the season, a sexy tuxedo style.

--Kate

First Fashion: Holiday Bash

While looking through What’s New, this bracelet from Shopbop newcomer Landver jewelry stood out as the perfect bauble to bring me through the holiday party season (and better yet, it’s affordable). So naturally, I couldn’t help but build my dream party ensemble.
	Office party-apropos this is not, but it’s just the boldly saucy frock to ring in a new decade. Plus, the vibrant shade is impossible to miss. Hervé Léger – Signature Essentials City Bandage Dress
	Though coquettish Lauren Merkin clutches are many a woman’s black-tie go-to (for good reason), a dress like this deserves something a little more hard-edged. This Madewell clutch delivers. Madewell – Studded Flapper Clutch
	Need insurance against over-accessorizing? Pick one piece of jewelry that packs a big punch. Made Her Think – Crystal Marquis Earrings
Find the stuff fashion daydreams are made of in What’s New. --Tonya

Bring Fashion Week to Everyday Dressing

 
Some showstoppers, like finale-worthy evening gowns, speak for themselves on the runway, but inspired styling is a big part of what makes separates (see the season’s de rigueur chunky knits and animal prints) and more challenging looks (sequined harem pants at Thakoon) sing. While most of us can agree recreating a head-to-toe runway look is overkill, taking cues from how top designers present pieces at their shows is particularly helpful in figuring out how to wear them for every day.

Take Rag & Bone for example: clever layering made their fall 2009 collection come to life. Look closely at the ensemble on the far left above: that’s a leather dress peeking out from under the peacoat. With leggings and a sweater, it’s less biker rally, more British It-girl, while a felted wool shift (middle look) feels modish, not mild-mannered when put over a white button-down shirt and finished with socks and booties. And, flying in the face of the navy-with-black-is-a-no-no rule, the last look (at right) shows what a beautiful (if unexpected) couple these moody neutrals make.

Want more? Check out our Runway to Shopbop feature, where you’ll not only find inspiration, but shopping-friendly runway looks galore.

--Maureen
Shopbop Shoptalk

Favorite Blogger: Jennine from The Coveted

At Shopbop, we spend a lot of time reading magazines and blogs, chalking it up to research (it is, we swear). And though our list of bookmarked sites is long, there are a few favorites we can’t help but check out every day. This week, we’re talking to the stylish ladies behind some of our favorite fashion blogs.

“The Coveted is about style without compromise.” So says the mission statement of this favorite eclectic blog. Launched and managed by Jennine Tamm Jacob, The Coveted covers fashion, beauty, and all things style, showcasing Tamm Jacob’s own multifarious looks (if a person could get a master’s degree in mixing prints, she’d have it). Here she talks about why she started blogging, her sojourn in Europe, and her covetable sense of style.

Jennine Tamm Jacob, founder of The Coveted. Photos courtesy of The Coveted.

When and why did you launch The Coveted?

Well, The Coveted began in February 2007, and why, well there is a long story and a short story. The short story is I started The Coveted as a way to keep myself occupied. The long story is that I had been reading blogs avidly and was looking to change my career, so I started a blog to document what I was passionate about. It turned out I loved blogging about fashion so much it kind of overtook my life.

The Coveted mingles your personal style with favorite bloggers, runway highlights, and Sonja’s beauty posts. Is there a method to your blogging madness?

Haha. Not really. It's pretty much just madness. 

You recently got back from a spell abroad. How did living in Europe influence your style?

Being in Europe influenced my style in a way, but that's hard to quantify. I had always read European blogs and I went to university in London and my husband's German, so I think my approach to a lot of things is more international. But I would say that while I was there I hardly shopped at all. Buying is a whole different experience in Europe. I noticed that it's so easy to buy in America—we make it very tempting!

First Fashion: Calvin Klein Underwear Now at Shopbop

There are many iconic garments in fashion history and Calvin Klein Underwear ranks high on that list. The brand invented the concept of designer underwear, transforming utilitarian briefs into a high-end object of desire. Clean minimalism injected with steamy athleticism (a coupling the brand has coined “seductive comfort”) defines these modern classics.
	Don’t let the fun pink hue fool you, this bra means business. It’s got strategically positioned push-up padding and a silky-smooth fabrication for a flawless silhouette under jersey dresses and tops. Calvin Klein - Steel Push Up Bra
	I’m having ’90s flashbacks of a topless Kate Moss snuggling up to Mark Wahlberg’s washboard abs. Hold on while I fan myself. Calvin Klein - Steel Boy Shorts
	There are times for come-hither lingerie and there are times for serious sleeping. The soft jersey, expert fit, and nice price guarantee my dreams will be sweet. Calvin Klein - Essentials Nightdress
Find the foundations of iconic style in What’s New. --Suzanne

Red, White, and Blue (Jeans)

From the stars and stripes at Derek Lam to the varsity letters and knee socks at Alexander Wang, the Americana trend earned many a fashion editor’s vote for Most Popular Story on Spring’s Runways. Not surprisingly, denim lines that find inspiration in the classics of American style are suddenly looking like the coolest kids at the party.

Standing for “product with a purpose,” Prps denim was founded by designer Donwan Harrell (read a Q+A with him here) as a nostalgic vision of American life. Rendered in organic, African cotton and hand-woven in Japan on vintage Levi’s looms, each unique pair has a durable, rough-hewn quality adored by denim aesthetes and the casual fashionista alike.

Designers Emily Current and Meritt Elliott, who began as stylists with a passion for altering vintage jeans, consider Current/Elliott a “curation of heritage denim.” With styles that refer to a specific period in American history (like the nod-to-the-’70s Elephant Bell Jeans), and a collection rounded out by faded chambray shirts and jean jackets, they show that the line that ignited the boyfriend jeans trend is here to stay. And for the classic sexy tomboy look, a pair of distressed William Rast jeans, paired with the line’s flannel shirts and leather jackets, channel co-founders Trace Ayala and Justin Timberlake’s Tennessee roots and rebellious attitudes.

--Tonya

First Fashion: Sweater Hunting

I’m currently in the middle of a serious sweater hunt, looking for some cozy pieces to get me through what promises to be a (depressingly) cold winter. I’ve found a few that will make braving the wind and snow a little more bearable.
	Chunky, comfy, delightfully plush—I expect nothing less from Vince sweaters. The only downside to this cardi may be that it’ll encourage too many hours spent nestled in the corner of my couch. Vince - Oversized Cable Cardigan
	That perfect balance of casual and luxe, this will make as nice a match with distressed jeans as it does with the dark-wash variety. Nightcap Clothing - Cashmere Hoodie
	I’m a cardigan girl through and through, but this little puff-sleeve crewneck has wooed me to the pullover side. I’ll pair it with a preppy blazer and boot-cut jeans. Marc by Marc Jacobs - Diamond Tweed Sweater
Winter is just around the corner. Brace yourself with styles from What’s New. --Amie

’80s State of Mind

 

My guy friends seem to be all about the ’80s lately. One is going as Burt Reynolds circa the Trans Am years for Halloween, one just bought a Rubik’s Cube and an instructional DVD for how to solve it, and another, who has a nickname for everyone, insists on calling me either Molly (as in Ringwald) or P.L. (Princess Leia).

It’s got me thinking about pop culture and ’80s fashion. I’ve already written about neon tops, Material Girls, and Wayfarer sunglasses, but there are so many under-the-radar pieces that have a nostalgia factor to warm the hearts of us ’80s babies with a timeless vibe we can wear forever.

Take the Alexander Wang Donna Hobo sitting pretty in blush pink. This is a bag I’ll build outfits around, and I can further retrofit my look with vintage Chanel jewelry and Rag & Bone riding boots. I’ve still got a flame for Judd Nelson’s John Bender from The Breakfast Club, and this fall girls can get in on his bad-boy charisma via a William Rast button-down, Current/Elliott skinnies, Luxury Rebel booties, and American Retro fingerless gloves. And finally, I’m loving the thought of Nanette Lepore’s prim 16 Candles Top paired with the I’m No Angel Leather Skirt—a haute combo no Jake Ryan could resist.

--Suzanne

First Fashion: Vintage Made Modern

I edited my wardrobe last weekend (read: I cleaned out my closet), and found more than a few things to thrift. And while I’m glad to give, I don’t have the patience for the bin-diving that’s required to find something that fits my taste (and my measurements). But some labels take the earth-friendly concept of recycling and do away with its dusty reputation, not to mention the legwork.
	An effortless top with a unique, futuristic slant, and like all of Re Collection’s reworked vintage pieces it’s made from recycled fabric. Re Collection – Studded Patchwork Tunic
	First vintage Chanel bags and jewelry, now vintage Gucci sunglasses: Shopbop’s been making it easy to find gems from decades past. And Retrosun, with their pristine-condition designer shades retrofitted with UV protection, has been making it easy to wear them. Retrosun – Vintage Gucci Sunglasses.
	The beading and sweet bow say vintage, but the casual jersey says right now. Re Collection – Beaded Tank Top
What’s old finds new life in What’s New. --Tonya

Where the Wild Things Are Jewelry: For the Lovable Monster Inside of You

 
Just like Spike Jonze and Dave Eggers did a gorgeous, decidedly grown-up re-telling (please read this review from the NYT if you haven’t) of Maurice Sendak’s1963 children’s classic Where the Wild Things Are, Pamela Love and Opening Ceremony have taken iconography from the story and turned it into a standout jewelry collection that’s definitely not for kids.

Though these limited-edition pieces make reference to Max’s mystical journey, they do so in clever, subtle ways, never veering into kitschy, obvious territory. (Not that we’d expect any less from a collaborative effort between indie film luminary Spike Jonze, hipster outpost Opening Ceremony, and fashion editor darling Pamela Love.) Take the Douglas Feather Cuff and the Judith Single Claw Necklace for example: signature pieces in their own right, they manage to speak to both your nostalgia for that time of endless discovery we call childhood and your adult self’s critical eye for pieces of enduring style.(P.S. Where the Wild Things Are jewelry is only available online at Shopbop and Opening Ceremony.)

--Maureen
Shopbop Shoptalk

Elsewhere & Otherwise

* Fashion films by everyone from Alexander McQueen to Vanessa Bruno. A rundown of the season’s best. [ Business of Fashion ]

* Vogue’s Hamish Bowles hits Utah’s wild for outdoor survival school. His dandy madras shirt is priceless. [ Vogue Daily ]

* The close of 2009 is looming. Cue the end-of-decade retrospectives. This one is well worth the watch: a mini history of the fashion of the oughts. [ Guardian ]

* And here we were thinking Karl Lagerfeld was the most quotable in the fashion industry. Tom Ford has had his fair share of bons mots. [ Guardian ]

* In honor of the fabulous one’s 60th birthday, the Huffington Post looks back at some of André Leon Talley’s most outrageous outfits. [ Huffington Post ]

* Repeat wardrobe appearances get the thumbs up from fashion’s reigning queen, Anna Wintour. [ The Cut ]

* What does the fashion industry have in common with high school? More than we’d care to admit, thank you. [ Vanity Fair ]

* But there is art in this industry. The LA Times looks at fashion’s most influential photographers. [ LA Times ]

* When it comes to ponchos do you fall under the pro or the con column? [ Pipeline ]

* Catwalk super, Rimmel London’s newest face, and kitchen phenom? Coco cooks up a delicious-sounding fall soup. [ Oh So Coco ]

First Fashion: Femme Fatale Finishing Touches

What’s New seems to be channeling the golden age of the femme fatale with things you’d find in the closets of Kitty Collins, Cora Smith, or Phyllis Dietrichson, made relevant for right now. You may already have a drop-dead dress and a double indemnity policy, but these extras will take your look to another level.
	Drama, intrigue, impeccable craftsmanship—this coat has it all. Jenni Kayne has managed to merge the two most timelessly cool outerwear styles into one rare find too amazing to pass up. Jenni Kayne - Leather Motorcycle Trench
	The wedge heel makes these boots versatile and wearable, while the thigh-grazing suede makes them illicit encounter-worthy. Giuseppe Zanotti - Suede Over the Knee Wedge Boots
	Sophisticated eroticism with a nod to retro glamour, a stash of Kiki de Montparnasse is practically a femme-fatale prerequisite. Kiki de Montparnasse - Muse Corselette Bra
Discover the nuances of sultry style in What’s New. --Suzanne

Fine Knits: Finding the Perfect Sweater Dress

Falling leaves, crisp air, and the opportunity to pull my cache of sweater dresses out of storage. What’s not to like about fall? As much as I love the sweater-skinnies-UGG boots uniform I so often fall back on this time of year, some days I feel like looking a little more put-together. Last week I picked up this knit dress by Catherine Malandrino, and though it’s my current favorite (due in no small part to the petal-pink lining that sweetly peeks through the black knit), it certainly won’t be substantial enough when the weather veers into sub-zero territory. So I’ve been scanning Shopbop’s sweater dresses, and I settled on one that will keep me both chic and cozy.

The kimono sleeves and low-slung belt on the cashmere Joie dress (pictured) piqued my interest, but it was the warm fabric that reeled me in. I’ll add depth by pairing it with lace LNA leggings or the unique Orchid Tights by Nightcap Clothing (check out this Who What Wear story for pics of fashion’s finest wearing the patterned tights trend). A mixed-metal necklace will break up all the black, and flat boots provide the finishing touch. The best part? Such a classic dress will still feel current when I pull it out again next fall.

--Tonya

First Fashion: Vintage Inspired & Girly

For a good long while I tried to stifle my girly style tendencies, but this summer, when my uniform became anything that cinched my silhouette at the waist, I decided to embrace my propensity for ruffles and bows. This style breakthrough has led me to an obsession with full skirts, and most recently, vintage-inspired pieces that look like they could have been snatched up at an estate sale.
	Layered or on its own, this strikes a perfect balance between glam and everyday. flutter by Jill Golden - Madison Bracelet
	A bow done Art Deco-style, this is borderline twee (which I love), with an I’ve-been-places vintage feel. Felix Rey - Grace Bow Clutch
	Jeans, tee, cardigan, and these earrings. Suddenly my zero-effort fall-back outfit feels thoughtful and stylish. Rachel Leigh - Millies Vintage Cluster Earrings
Indulge your inner girly girl, edgy chick, or bohemian goddess with styles from What’s New. --Amie

Extreme Kicks: Fall’s Best Shoes

Alexander Wang Anya Choked Pumps, Donna Karan Flex Wood Bottom Sandals, Dolce Vita Marley Booties, 7 For All Mankind Parker Quilted Moto Booties, Report Signature Dante Ruffle Zipper Sandals, Elizabeth and James Valley Soft Cuff Booties.

The buzz surrounding spring shoes has been focused on footwear’s comfortable duo, kitten heels (here) and clogs (here), but looking at the others that marched down the runways, we have not yet seen the end of the extreme heel. (See Pipeline’s rundown, or just click through the Alexander McQueen runway shots. Wowza.)

From Modern Vintage to Juicy Couture, brands continue to pile on the drama, a sensation that has us casting podiatric warnings aside year after year and embracing heels that help us tower a little (or a lot) taller than what nature gave us. This fall, footwear takes on sculptural heights, with works of art that have the ability to elevate (both literally and figuratively) any outfit into avant-garde brilliance.

Take Donna Karan’s wooden-platform sandals. With tights and a long-sleeve mini-dress, the look is extremely haute. Pair 7 For All Mankind’s moto booties with tie-dye jeans and a slouchy tee, or Elizabeth and James’s slouchy booties with leather leggings and an oversized button-down, and you’ve got city cool with an edge.

So embrace those Report Signature thigh-high boots, those Balmain boots with the obsession-worthy zippers, those Alexander Wang choked pumps. After all, what is footwear if it can’t be fabulous?

--Amie
Shopbop

First Fashion: Lee Angel Jewelry

Statement necklaces and boulder-sized baubles may be huge (no pun intended) this season, but Lee Angel designer Roxanne Assoulin has been going over-the-top since way back when. Her mix of vintage inspiration and a fashion-forward sensibility makes me look forward to getting a glimpse of each new piece.
	Frayed edges and an oversized bow make a party ensemble as fun as the shindig itself. Lee Angel Jewelry – Mouchette Ribbon & Crystal Bracelet
	These remind me of a pair of my mom’s ’80s-era earrings that I stole from her jewelry box a couple years ago. Maybe it’s about time I return the original and snag my own set. Lee Angel Jewelry – Charlotte Crystal Drop Earrings
	A strapless LBD is the perfect frame for this pretty picture. Lee Angel Jewelry – Charlotte Twisted Crystal Necklace
Steal the spotlight, with adornments from What’s New. --Tonya

The Jersey Aphrodisiac: Hervé Léger Dresses

Look up sensuality in the fashion dictionary and you’ll find an iconic woman in a Hervé Léger bandage dress. The second-skin silhouette is the uniform of choice for the modern femme fatale, yet it’s got a timeless sex appeal, like something Isabella Rossellini would’ve worn while smoking a cigarette on the cover of a 1988 Italian Vogue.

Perhaps this is because Hervé Léger doesn’t just do bandage dresses—the brand pretty much invented them in 1985 when French couturier Hervé L. Leroux began constructing dresses that would sculpt and smooth a woman’s body. Today, husband and wife design duo Max and Lubov Azria continue the seduction with Lubov as the ideal muse: one of those naturally gorgeous, impossibly chic European women who literally does it all (wife, mother of three, designer, entrepreneur) with enviable grace and élan, in 4-inch heels. 

The Hervé Léger fall 2009 dress collection offers a flawless LBD (Signature Essentials Cocktail Bandage Dress), architectural artistry (Runway Chevron Bandage Dress), and a sequined number so fluid it almost looks liquid (All Over Sequins Bandage Cocktail Dress)—intoxicating on all counts. As for what to pair with these, other than vertiginous stilettos? Keep the baubles minimal and let the dress shine. Commanding confidence is your best accessory.

--Suzanne
Shopbop

First Fashion: The Lingerie Trend

Earlier this week, this article in the Wall Street Journal had me seriously reassessing the lingerie trend I’ve been so smitten with this season. It claims the spring runways’ boudoir themes “risk turning off many professional or mature women, who can only imagine how embarrassing it would be to wear such things.” I’m a professional, mature (most of the time) woman. I’m not supposed to like this look? But I do. And I don’t think it’s embarrassing. Now, I won’t be going pantsless anytime soon, but I’m also not going to wear a head-to-toe copy of any runway look. This trend is meant to be dissected and diffused and turned into something wearable. Three pieces that make it a breeze:
	Racy? Yes. It’s Kiki de Montparnasse after all. But this frisky piece can be tamed. With a boyfriend blazer and heavy chain necklaces, suddenly it’s less sex kitten, more sleek sophisticate. Kiki de Montparnasse - Boudoir Catsuit
	A cami is perhaps the easiest way to infuse lingerie inspiration into any look. I’d pair this one with a chunky cardigan, my favorite jeans, and oxford flats. Only Hearts - Cami with Lace
	Standard-issue tee from the front, this hints at delicate romance with its sheer, lacy back. I’d dress it up with a pencil skirt and booties. Blue Life - '80s Flashback Tee
When it comes to fashion, if you like it, you should wear it. Find it, in What’s New. --Amie

getting warmer

This week I returned from a holiday in Turkey, and because it was 70 degrees and sunny every day (thanks, Mediterranean!), I was shocked to land in the middle of a (relatively deep) freeze back home. Instead of continuing to grumble about it, I need to accept my changed circumstances and fashionably fight the cold with all the hats, gloves, and scarves I didn’t think to shop for before I left.

I’m a wuss when it comes to cold weather, so when choosing accessories, my mantra is the thicker the better. Plus, when I’m all bundled up in a black coat, it’s the extras that will let me play with my look and switch it up from day to day. When I’m in a classic mood, I’ll don a cashmere Vince scarf and add a little interest with a cozy Eugenia Kim hat (pictured). But when I’m feeling a little edgy, I’ll wrap up in a lace-print YARNZ scarf and pull on fingerless gloves (and maybe a pair of Stuart Weitzman over-the-knee boots that will console me until spring).

--Tonya

First Fashion: Shopping List

Just like a weekly grocery list, jotting down your fashion needs is a smart idea. I easily give into temptations like the scattered crystals on this Robert Rodriguez denim jacket or the feather print on this Lauren Merkin clutch, and then find I’m neglecting basic essentials. What’s currently at the top of my to-buy list? Leggings, infinity scarves, a tailored yet edgy blazer, and these timeless goodies:
	Cozy knits used to make me think grandma sweaters, but our wanderer trend has turned me on to the cool gypsy-chic vibe only lots of layers can provide. This fluid sweater coat will bring high-drama warmth to a chilly night. Mason by Michelle Mason - Cable Blanket Coat
	My current fur-trimmed wool coat says “uptown classic,” but how about “classic rock”? A faux fur vest from BB Dakota is just the ticket. BB Dakota - Potter Faux Fur Vest
	With all this talk about outerwear, I can’t forget luxe innerwear. You can never have too much lingerie, and I’m totally smitten with the vintage peignoir glamour of this piece. Kiki de Montparnasse - Amour Caftan
Fresh fruit, vanilla bath gel, over-the-knee boots—a girl has her needs. Pick up the sartorial variety in What’s New. --Suzanne

Channeling Chanel’s Spring 2010 Runway

I spent a little time in France, and while there, I learned one thing about the French (allow me this moment of over-generalized stereotyping): they’re unapologetically sentimental. And when faced with that sentimentality, there is a little romantic within my practical shell that clicks on, overtaking my entire being. So when Karl Lagerfeld staged a runway show that could have just as easily taken place in Marie Antoinette’s cottage at Versailles, I knew it wouldn’t matter what came down the runway: I was going to love it.

The Chanel Spring 2010 collection was, to borrow the words of Anna Wintour, “very rustic chic.” The beautiful tweed fabrics the label is known for paraded out in variations of cream, tan, and grey, and the spectacle was complete with an appearance by Lily Allen and a threesome-style romp in the hay.

Since I have a few months’ wait to get my hands on any piece from this gorgeous collection, I’ll channel the country charm in a look I can wear right now, starting with a simple Porter Grey shift dress. Accessorized with tasseled, clog-reminiscent suede booties by Madison Harding and a gold Diane von Furstenberg handbag, it balances nature and luxe beautifully. Finish the look off with vintage Chanel earrings and a Lisa Stewart chain cuff (in lieu of the cool-kid Chanel rub-on tattoos models sported), and I’m one step closer to buckling down in the faux countryside with a herd of perfumed sheep.

--Amie

Elsewhere & Otherwise

* Just when you thought fashion month was long gone, now come the recaps. Style.com’s looking at the faces that made Spring 2010 fabulous. [ Style.com ]

* Or perhaps you prefer video. Paris in a (sleek and Anna Wintour-quoted) nutshell. [ Style.com ]

* Elle.com’s Johanna Cox rounds up her S10 greatest hits. [ Elle News ]

* And Harper's Bazaar picks their 100 faves from Paris. [ Harper’s Bazaar ]

* Pipeline shows us the craziest shoes. [ Pipeline ]

* And HuffPo offers up the most outrageous outfits. [ Huffington Post ]

* In other news, because it can’t all be about fashion week, seven people from varying areas of expertise speculate as to why women love vertiginous heels. You mean “just ’cause” isn’t a valid answer? [ NY Times ]

* Marc Jacobs talks about fashion’s continually eroding mystique (“it is what it is”), Rachel Zoe (“this crazy stylist”), and reality TV (“it takes all kinds”). [ WWD ]

* The CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund nominees have been announced, and Wayne made the list. [ Style.com ]

* Does the spring runways’ lingerie trend alienate professional, mature women? One WSJ writer says yes. We say: nah, we kind of like it. [ Wall Street Journal ]

First Fashion: My Ultimate Closet

We’ve all been there. We fall for that gorgeous dress/skirt/boot, and then take it home to realize we have nothing to wear it with (or nothing to wear it to). Luckily, Shopbop’s Ultimate Closet always reminds me to stay focused, and to ask myself “How many ways can I wear this?” before I snatch up a new favorite.
	Patterson J. Kincaid is known and adored for its elevated basics, and this dress is a perfect example: it can go from casual (with an oversized cardi and flat boots) to dressed-to-kill (with a chain necklace and platform booties) to next spring (all on its own). Patterson J. Kincaid – Salvador Dress
	Just the blank canvas to spark sartorial creativity, I envision this skirt with a cashmere sweater and Blair Waldorf-esque headband for day, and a sequined tank for night. Joie – Willa Party Skirt
	My go-to black flats are getting a little worn around the edges, and though I thank them for their loyal service, they’re about to be downgraded to the back of my closet. This grey pair is just as versatile, and the studs ensure they look anything but prim. Pour La Victoire – Juliet Stud Flats
Build your own Ultimate Closet, with pieces from What’s New. --Tonya

Sweat It

 

Sweatshirt dressing has been a part of my wardrobe for as long as I can remember—from the bright green Benetton sweatshirt I used to wear with purple Esprit cords in grade school to the filching of my boyfriend’s hoodie in college. Cute and comfy, yes, but wear a sweatshirt now to go out? Well, never say never. 

Although the thought of fleecin’ it anywhere but my couch had been a major fashion no in my book, the spring 2010 runways of street-chic Rag & Bone and Alexander Wang are making me see sweats in a fashion-forward new light. I love the insouciant confidence of this Rag & Bone runway shot: slouchy tee, harem sweatpants, strong-shouldered jacket, and sick kicks.

But there’s no need to wait until April to start sweating like a supermodel when plenty of designers are elevating the basic sweatshirt right now. Pencey gets funky with cloud prints, paillettes, and shaggy faux fur panels, while Alex Wang indulges his fetishes with fierce shoulder grommets and a mouthwatering open back. Elizabeth and James gives French terry a little Saturday Night Fever with copious silver sequins. And speaking of Saturday night, the sweatshirt dress finally answers the dilemma of what to wear to a dive bar when you’re not in the mood to do denim. I’ll look casual-hot while feeding the juke box in a James Perse sweatshirt dress, Bing Bang mixed-chain necklace, and Modern Vintage suede wedge boots.

--Suzanne

First Fashion: Jeans Shopping

This season, I’ve been picking up plenty of dresses and recently discovered a new love of full skirts. But the real backbone of my everyday style is denim, and I’ve yet to add any new jeans to my wardrobe. Today that changes with an edgy arrival from Current/Elliott and a perfect-fit pair of flare jeans from Shopbop newcomer DL1961.
	My overall style is anything but avant-garde (my style profile skews more girly/classic), but I simply can’t resist the full-length zippers on this grey pair. They’ll look so fall-cool tucked into slouchy black suede boots. Current/Elliott - Back Zip Skinny Jeans
	A dramatic flare in classic dark indigo with shape-saving four-way stretch to boot—DL1961 jeans have a new fan in me. DL1961 - Roxy Kick Flare Jeans
	What are new jeans without a top to match? This one manages that elusive balance of refined and boho. Patterson J. Kincaid - Egyptian Tunic Top
What’s New is chock-full of must-have fall styles. Start building your wardrobe now. --Amie