shopbop shoptalk

style by the handful

Nothing says New Year’s Eve like a glass of bubbly in one hand and a glam clutch in the other. The New York Times knows it, and gives a shout-out to that all-important style staple: the embellished, metallic, or glossy clutch that endures season after season, soiree after soiree. This year I’ll be taking the understated route with my New Year’s Eve ensemble (draped silk top, dark denim, suede pumps with a hint of shine), so a glittery little handful will be an easy way to add a dash of glam.

The Times spotlights Anya Hindmarch’s Disco Clutch, a high-shine number in mirrored leather, as one of “the season’s loveliest.” Lauren Merkin is a go-to label for eye-catching evening clutches, and the Louise Metallic Zebra Clutch and the Char Patent Clutch don’t disappoint. Kooba wins points for an oversized clutch that can be converted into a shoulder bag by day, and Felix Rey’s Mesi Clutch makes metal mesh really pop with flashes of teal and fuchsia. And Tory Burch’s Art Deco-inflected Mandy Clutch does wonders to enliven a minimalist shift.

--Tonya

First Fashion

Our Favorites from What's New
Tonight, my look is all about New Year’s-worthy glam. Tomorrow, I’ll settle into a more relaxed state of style.
	Jill Stuart takes her refined design sense and turns it into the must-have tee of the year. Jill Stuart - T Shirt
	The dramatic leg gives these pants their fashion chops, and the cozy fabrication makes me think I’ll never want to take them off. Young Fabulous & Broke - Zen Pant
	This is one of those necklaces I’ll throw on in the morning without a thought, and then spend the day saying “thank you” to all the compliments it’s sure to get. Giles & Brother - Ladybug Necklace
Get a head start on a stylish 2009 with looks from What’s New. --Amie

Resolve to Work Out in Style

’Tis the season to make promises we only half intend to keep, and while my resolutions are mostly vague and undefined, there’s one (and it’s admittedly very cliché) that tops my list: get back to the gym.

There’s nothing that motivates a sweat session quite like the perfect duds to do it in, so I’m tossing my ratty fleece pants and high school sports teams tees (I have more than I care to admit) and stocking up on too-cool-to-keep-at-home workout wear. My number one must-have is Splendid’s Performance Yoga Pant. In a jersey that’s just heavy enough and a fit that’s just plain perfect, they’re the ideal pant for a turn on the elliptical machine. For my top half, I’m a Bop Basics loyalist through and through. There’s a reason why these tees are a favorite of shopboppers and shopbop shoppers alike. I’ll round out my newly made-over active-wear drawer with some pants by So Low and tees and tanks by James Perse and Splendid, which means this may be one resolution I actually keep.

--Amie

first fashion

Our Favorites from What's New
At midnight tomorrow, corks will be popping from Times Square to Union Square, but I prefer a wearable vintage. To give our feet the Cristal/Charlie’s Angels treatment, designers from the cheeky Oh… Deer! to the forever chic DVF are toasting the new year with cork platforms, wedges, pumps, even flip-flops. What better way to be bubbly?
	I’ll ring in 2009 with a bang, KORS style. KORS Michael Kors—Bang Cutout Wedge Sandal
	The distressed metallic gold finish on a cork wedge heel coupled with supple brown leather is a tactile delight. KORS Michael Kors—Bang Cutout Wedge Sandal
	How to best balance chunky cork? A sleek dance-til-dawn jumpsuit. Alice + Olivia—V Neck Harem Jumpsuit
Next time someone says “put a cork in it,” direct them to What’s New. Cheers! --Suzanne

shop for your staycation

Though this is normally the time of year when I’d be packing bikinis and printing boarding passes, for various reasons I’ve decided to embrace what’s become known as the staycation and be a tourist in my own city.

Among its many benefits the staycation offers comfortable lodging, a familiar, EZ-to-navigate cityscape, and convenient transportation options, as well as a range of affordable dining choices and delightful “travel” companions.

But the best part? Since I’m saving so much on airfare, accommodations, and meals out, it’s also the ideal excuse to splurge on a few street-chic styles. (Just because I’m haunting my usual stomping grounds doesn’t mean I have to wear the same thing I do every other day/night—I’m on staycation after all.) I've been perusing the looks in the city section of the Getaways Feature for inspiration/possible candidates. Mulberry's Roxanne Tote is a serious contender.

Having a staycation of your own this year? Here’s a tip: add up everything you would’ve spent on a plane ticket, hotel, and evenings out. That dress/bag/coat you’ve been eyeing is practically free in comparison!

--Maureen

first fashion

Our Favorites from What's New
Maybe it’s the holiday lights strung up everywhere or the anticipation of the giant disco ball drop in Times Square, but I’m in the mood to put on the glitz. A few things I’ve taken a shine to:
	Exquisitely embellished pieces have become Antik Batik’s signature, and the abstract floral pattern and earth tones on this one help soften a hard edge. Antik Batik – Latour Dress
	An easy way to dabble in sequins and glam up even the most understated ensemble. L.A.M.B. – Tawny Sequin Pump
	The subtle shine caught my eye, and the flattering, cinched-at-the-waist silhouette sealed the deal. Alice + Olivia – V Neck Pleat Dress
Light up the night, in What’s New. --Tonya

No Lift Ticket Necessary

In my opinion, winter really only has two things going for it: holiday lights and hot spiked drinks. What of winter sports, you ask? I’ve attempted skiing on a handful of occasions, but it never really took. (Intense fear of heights and bodily harm probably played a part.) I am, however, a big fan of the ski bunny look.

A style perfected by that subset of fashionable women who descend on mountainous regions from Sundance to Gstaad around this time of year, this look brings a number of my favorites together, namely faux fur trim, fitted ‘70s-inflected puffer jackets, cozy sweaters, substantial leggings, and signature sunglasses. Oh, and of course a scarf looped around the neck in an effortless yet just-so manner.

And thankfully there’s no need to risk life and limb on a double black diamond run to work the look: it’s as appropriate for a chilly day in the West Village as it is for a stroll in a ski village.

--Maureen

first fashion

Our Favorites from What's New
I’m a last-minute kind of girl. I saved all my Christmas shopping for this week, and I’ve been known to schedule vacation flights down to the wire, going straight from the airport to work and rolling into the office with undone hair a few minutes before 9 a.m. I don’t usually think about swimwear until June, but with all the options coming into shopbop lately, I may have to reconsider so I’m not left high and (literally) dry on that first unexpectedly hot weekend in spring or that spontaneous getaway to warmer climes.
	Purple was my favorite color in grade school (probably from reading one too many Sweet Valley Twins books), and it’s slowly coming back into favor with me. Plus, I love the flattering frames on this pair. Marc by Marc Jacobs – Side Bar Sunglasses
	Love this suit, but can’t decide if I like the fuchsia or black better. Either way, it conveniently converts from a halter to strapless, and the details make it flirty and unique. Mara Hoffman – Solid Wire Bandeau Bikini
	This lightweight dress will look great over my bikini while lounging poolside, and also with a bevy of gold bangles while running errands, going out for lunch, or whatever else I’ll be doing come summer. C&C California – Strapless Maxi Dress with Lace
Avoid last-minute stress, and plan ahead in What’s New. --Tonya

A Little Something For Me

My gifts for mom, dad, brother, brother’s girlfriend, other brother, sister-in-law, niece, nephew, grandma, aunt, uncle, great aunt, and mailman are all wrapped and ready to go. I’ve been good this holiday season, only buying gifts for the various members of my to-buy-for list, so today I’m doing a little shopping for me, and I’m starting with the Marc by Marc Dr. Q Magazine Clutch. I’ve had my eye on this little bag since it crossed my desk, and today, along with the Rag & Bone short sleeve cashmere cardigan, I’m making it mine. I think this pair deserves a third, so I’ll add so-chic sandals from shopbop newcomer Katia Lombardo. Even with the platform and heel, these kicks are comfy and walkable—shoe perfection.

My selections are pretty basic, but I’m a basics kind of girl. Tell me, what are you buying yourself now that the season of shopping for others is over?

--Amie

first fashion

Our Favorites from What's New
Even though it’s Christmas Eve and red and green are the colors intermittently blinking outside everyone’s window, sunrise resort shades have been what’s swirling around my desk lately, like a giant blended umbrella drink. Fashion editors everywhere are proclaiming orange to be the new red for spring, and as evidenced below, one small pop of this beaming hue really spikes the punch.
	Looking to create a rouse? Just flash this kaleidoscope clutch. L.A.M.B.—Rouse Clutch
	The antidote to ho-hum hoodies? A Splendid sunset. Splendid—French Terry Hoodie
	I’ve always wondered what jewelry I’d wear for an Ibiza Disco Sunrise. Here pink, coral, orange, and gold dance on me. Lee Angel—Rise Coral Necklace
Don’t wait to radiate. Orange is where it's at, today in What’s New. --Suzanne