« June 2008 | Main | August 2008 »

July 2008

Thursday, July 31, 2008

Get Framed

Whether you're dodging actual paparazzi or just like giving the impression you are, there's one accessory you can't be without: statement sunglasses. And Marc Jacobs to Ray-Ban, Dita to Oliver Peoples, and every Stella McCartney and Tom Ford in between, we've got styles to ensure you'll never be mistaken for some no-name minion again. Going incognito never looked so chic. Get your signature shades, right here, at shopbop.

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Splendid Styles

The basics so brilliant they deserve to be called Splendid? They've become the backbone of every fashionable gal's wardrobe. What started as a T-shirt line that included a mere nine styles back in 2002 has since grown into an extensive collection that includes tanks, thermals, dresses, shorts, pants, and blouses in refined jersey, French terry, sweet stripes, and delicate prints. In short? The kind of comfy-yet-cute styles we can never seem to have too many of. But don't take our word for it, see all sorts of new Splendid right here, at shopbop.

5 Questions for the Designers Behind Alkemie

With Alkemie Jewelry, husband-and-wife design team Ashley Lowengrub and Dara Gerson have perfected the art of "transforming something common into something precious." Environmentally responsible and stylishly eclectic, Alkemie is forged from 100% reclaimed metals and combines nature-inspired figures with inventive details. One-of-a-kind designs and expert craftsmanship make Alkemie Jewelry more art than accessory. What is the philosophy behind your line? The philosophy behind our line encompasses four main principles. First, a socially conscious and ethical foundation; it’s environmentally sound and fashion forward; and finally, it’s at an affordable price point. We feel that you do not have to sacrifice style to be socially and environmentally responsible. What inspires your designs? Our designs are inspired by the beauty of nature, timeless vintage pieces, our two daughters, each other, and love. Does your current collection have a theme? What is the inspiration behind it? The theme of our current collection is The Maiden Voyage. The collection is inspired by organic themes of the Art Nouveau movement and nature. What is your best accessorizing advice? Our best accessorizing advice is to layer and interchange different pieces in different looks, which gives individuality and interest. Do you follow Coco Chanel’s rule: “take one piece off before you leave the house”? In all due respect to Coco Chanel, we feel that there are no rules. The key is visual balance where you are comfortable. Hopefully one knows the difference between too much and just enough.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Trina Turk: Polished, Pulled-Together Styles with a West Coast Point of View

TrinaInspired by the sunny climate, varied landscape, and modern architecture of Southern California as well as American resort wear, surf culture and the multicultural eclecticism of Los Angeles, Trina Turk's clean-lined styles and color-saturated prints have established a following only slightly less devoted than Pinkberry's. Turk describes the woman she designs for as being 'the opposite of a wallflower,' an aesthetic evidenced in her masterful use of jewel tones and acid brights in standouts like the Hijinx dress, the Haase dress, and the Bon Bon blouse. New fall Trina Turk sure to set you apart from the fashion pack? Find it right here, at shopbop.

Boot Up! Score Your Signature Pair

1_boots_07_27_08 Admit it: few things in life bring quite as much joy as finding that perfect pair of boots. The holy grail of footwear, a brilliant boot has the power to pull together an otherwise standard-issue skinny-jeans-and-top ensemble, and gives a pretty dress just the right amount of edge. Scoring your signature pair? We've made it super easy. Take your pick from our highly edited selection of worn-to-perfection pieces from buzz-worthy design newcomers Golden Goose and N.D.C., and soon-to-be-classic styles from Frye and Bronx. The boots you'll want to wear with everything? They're just a click away, right here, at shopbop.

First Fashion: Our Favorites from What’s New

Today’s a particularly good day in What’s New for me because I just found my new favorite outfit.
I have a bit of a shoe fetish, which means more often than not I start building an outfit from the feet up. This pair certainly merits the honor. Moschino Cheap and Chic - Pull On Flat Granny Boot
Boho-chic boots demand retro-cool jeans in a light wash to match. This pair is just right. Anlo - Brooke Skinny Jean
The peacock trend isn’t going anywhere, and Ronny Kobo’s offbeat take on it is truly inspired. Torn by Ronny Kobo - Ann Peacock Tank
Build your next work of sartorial brilliance in What’s New.

Monday, July 28, 2008

First Fashion: Our Favorites from What's New

Online shopping at work? At some offices it’s a big no-no, but here I get to pass it off as ‘research.’ Brilliant! (I know. I kind of hate myself, too.) My first order of business this morning? Making my fall selections from one of my favorite lines of all time, Mike & Chris.
Every season I have a love-at-first sight moment with a certain Mike & Chris jacket, and every season it sells out within minutes of appearing on the site, and I’m left heartbroken. But it seems I’ve finally learned my lesson: I saw this little lovely and snapped it up, stat. Mike & Chris Chandler Leather Jacket
So much more pulled-together and fashion-forward than your standard-issue hoodie. I’d even wear this for evening. Mike & Chris Anson Zip Up Hoodie
Downtown-cool styling in elegant silk? Yes, please! Mike & Chris Remmington Dress
Shopping at work? It makes Monday markedly easier to manage. Find your fashion bliss, right here, in What’s New.

Mad for "Mad Men"

With the second season of “Mad Men” premiering this week, all I can think about is that early '60s style: blouses, skirts, and the necessary pump. And with shopbop, I’ve found updated versions of that ultra-feminine silhouette. The smocked blouse from Tucker pairs a smart print with lightweight silk, and Robert Rodriguez’s pintuck blouse dresses up with sheer chiffon. Anna Sui’s checked blouse is a little more avant-garde, but still keeps a uniquely classic shape. Tweed is showing up for fall and Rebecca Taylor’s skirt keeps it cute with a flounce hem. Vince’s Dirndl Skirt is understated and pretty. I’m a sucker for peep toe pumps, so Kate Spade’s Georgia pump and Marc by Marc’s open toe pump are instant favorites. Now all I need to find is a fedora-sporting ad exec.

Friday, July 25, 2008

HELMUT LANG: Innovative Style in Shades of Black and White

With a focus on construction, each Helmut Lang piece is a study in deceptive simplicity and the object of many a fashionable female's covetous eye. This season we love the Slouchy Turtleneck Dress with its curve-hugging drape, and the Shawl Motorcycle Jacket is a must-have for every fall wardrobe. The timelessly classic is defined with the brand's skinny cords and crisp, white strapless dress, and the button-down goes avant-garde with a funnel-neck cap-sleeve blouse. They're a taste of the latest offerings from Helmut Lang, and you can find them, right here, at shopbop.

First Fashion: Our Favorites from What's New

I’ll be the first to admit I have an unhealthy obsession with J Brand’s 10” Ankle Skinny. (Exactly how unhealthy you ask? At the moment I own them in nearly every color. Plus, I hoard extra pairs of black and indigo in case the ones I have start to look saggy.) But it wasn’t until now, when I became aware of a little voice saying “Ooh—that’ll look great with my skinnies!” that I realized I’ve been subconsciously building my wardrobe around this one piece. Some new friends for my favorite skinnies? I’ve found a few:
I’m generally not big on florals, but this abstract, moody print from Rebecca Taylor immediately captured my eye. (And my heart.) Rebecca Taylor Les Fleurs Long Sleeve Blouse
This is exactly the boot I searched high and low for all last year and never found. The laid-back yet sophisticated styling and just-high-enough heel are super versatile. Frye Lisa Mid Heel Tall Boot
I’ve got a major weakness for deconstructed versions of classic pieces. The asymmetrical hem makes this style feel like some one-of-a-kind fashion-insider find, but it’s not so out there that I have to psych myself up to wear it. MK2K Draped Bottom Long Sleeve Sweater
Is your go-to jean in need some fashionable new friends? Find ‘em right here, in What’s New.