shopbop shoptalk

to hobo or not to hobo

I have a confession to make: I’ve been carrying the same bag since the beginning of last fall. I know, the disgrace! But I simply haven’t found a contender that’s as perfect in size and shape as my trusty (and often complimented) Gustto. I’ve got a soft spot for oversized clutches, but they’re not really everyday practical. And on the other end of the spectrum, shoulder bags are practical, but the plain silhouettes just aren’t doing it for me anymore.

So, with summer approaching, I think it’s time to make a switch. I have a few minor demands of my everyday handbag: 1) It must be big enough to carry at least one book and one magazine. 2) It’s got to be versatile. 3) It’s got to have style (obviously).

After browsing handbags, I’ve narrowed it down to three contenders:


Exhibit A: Alexander Wang Trudy Tote
Perfect size? Check. Color? Timeless. Leather? Sublime. Style? Up the wazoo (technical fashion term). I tote my laptop everywhere, but sadly, laptop bags are never very chic. When this one’s expanded, however, it’s roomy enough for my computer, as well as all the other miscellaneous things I have with me at any given moment. Even better, forget six-months-and-I’m-done, I may just get away with wearing this one for years.

Exhibit B: Foley + Corinna Dyed Mid City Tote
I’ve been mulling over the print handbags trend, and for the longest time, I just couldn’t take the plunge. I like to carry my handbags for a season, put them away for a year, and pull them back out again. It’s like getting a brand-new bag. And when I asked myself if the print bags I was browsing could do this, all too often, the answer was no. Not the case here. This one will feel spring/summer chic year after year.

Exhibit C: See by Chloé Ring Around Hobo
Now, this bag is big, really big, but I have a bit of an unnatural love for oversized handbags (and lately, See by Chloé—oh, those jelly shoes!). And, hobo bags have that slouchy, laid-back feel that’s so perfect for summer. This is a signature in the making, and if I play my cards right, I think I can carry it into the early parts of fall as well.

So ladies, help me decide. Which gets your vote: A, B, or C?

--Amie

killer music, steamy temps, and cool fashion at coachella

The Latest by Kate, Fashion Director

Kate in her Nightcap vest, Tyler Rose bikini, Wayfarers, and Ksubi shorts.

Coachella was a glimpse of what summer will bring: outdoor music, hotter temps, and innovative fashion from cool girls. I had the opportunity to enjoy Paul McCartney's set (it lasted three hours, and he played all my fave Beatles tracks—the night was emotional, being the anniversary of his wife Linda's death). The Killers and Yeah Yeah Yeahs rocked hard, and a backdrop of the sun setting behind the mountains was ridiculously perfect while soaking in Fleet Foxes’ impressively harmonized ballads.

In the world of fashion highlights, I saw an abundance of maxi dresses, including styles from T-Bags and Mara Hoffman. Denim cutoffs were everywhere, as were crochet tops and dresses in cream, blue, and black. And there was no shortage of brightly colored shades, headbands, and headscarves. Western-inspired fringe bags and boots were huge hits, and tons of girls were rockin’ mini florals, proving they have an edge this season. My favorite look was on USC student, Stephanie (pic below), who effortlessly pulled off the bra trend that's so hot right now! And, I spotted looks from Thayer, Free People, and Rebecca Taylor, all done up with a music-festival-chic twist.

A few of my favorite looks:

Two concert-goers stay cool in mini-dresses.

Denim shorts were abundant, and florals got a little edge.

Check back Monday for trend-spotter Anne Ziegler’s take on another Coachella must-have: the romper.

first fashion:

Our Favorites from What's New
Though there’s no one I enjoy shopping for as much as myself, my sister comes in a close second. Older than me by four years, she was my first fashion icon, her closet a magical place I regularly pillaged (without permission) when her room was conveniently located just across the hall from mine. (The resulting screaming matches were totally worth getting to feel like the most stylin chick in sixth grade.) Needless to say, I owe her for any semblance of personal style I now possess (and all the clothes I ruined). My top picks for her b-day gifts:
	Last time she visited she almost made off with my little leather jacket (and a pair of Alexandra Neel heels)—clearly she needs one of her own. This Marc is tough, tailored, and polished all at once. Marc by Marc Jacobs Glove Leather Jacket
	A 2009 version of a vintage one she used to carry all the time. (I’ll definitely be borrowing this.) Lauren Merkin Char Patent Clutch
	I share her affinity for things that are delicate and feminine, yet modern and not the least bit fussy. This fits the bill perfectly. Gorjana Knox Necklace
Who’s your favorite person to shop for? Find something that’s just her style, in What’s New. --Maureen

bewitching woman

Fringe shawls, twirling tambourines, the enigmatic aura of some mystical sorceress in silk chiffon. Not just a “girl with the band,” but a girl leading the band with one of the most recognizable rasps in rock ‘n’ roll. Of course I’m talking about the golden goddess of rock herself, Stevie Nicks. Her beautiful bohemian fairy persona has been influencing both the street (check out this Pipeline retrospective) and the catwalks of late. Here’s a breakdown of the designers who want to swathe us in stand-back style.

Were the Jill Stuart and Diane von Furstenberg spring runways taking cues from the “Gypsy” video perhaps? Both collections are pure fairytale magic. Stuart’s take on the modern ballerina (another Nicks fascination) couldn’t be more on pointe, and who doesn’t want to wear one of those romantic DVF floral headdresses 24/7?

Jill Stuart’s fall ’09 collection, inspired by “iconic women of music,” channels Ms. Nicks through eternally cool leather and lace duets. And when it comes to that ’70s bella donna vibe, Anna Sui is our go-to gal. Her fall ’09 line is dripping with old-school decadence in the form of buttoned-up velvet and lace evocations coupled with poetic feather accents.

--Suzanne

elsewhere & otherwise

* We’re feeling a little fluffy today, so let’s begin with a guilty pleasure, shall we? The company that brought New York the Sex and the City and The Sopranos tours will launch a Gossip Girl tour this Friday. We’re in if Chuck Bass is the guide. [ Elle News ]

* The Met Costume Gala pairings are out. Kate and Marc, Lily and Narciso, Coco and Isaac... Oh, to be on that list! [ FabSugar ]

* The New York Times will host live discussions with some of fashion's finest (Thakoon, Marc Jacobs, Tyra). New Yorkers, get thee to a ticket counter! (Or, you know, just buy your tix online.) [ The Moment ]

* Nicole Richie’s a busy lady these days, and yet she still finds time to blog about House of Harlow. [ People Style Watch ]

* The model-turned-singer-turned-first-lady Carla Bruni turned a few heads in Spain. But, wait, what’s this? Spain’s Princess Letizia looked every bit the fashion-forward politico, too? Ooh la la. [ Huffington Post ]

* Jelly shoes: yea or nay? Kate Bosworth was spotted in a pair of adorable yellow ones by See by Chloé. [ Style.com Style File ]

* Elle.com staffer (and Stylista champion) Johanna Cox sings the skirt's praises. We're ready to join in on the chorus. [ Elle News ]

* Shoshanna’s star is on the rise, and her swimwear is on many a beach bod. [ StyleCaster ]

* Kate Hudson was spotted looking summer breezy in a Lauren Moffatt maxi dress. Get the mini version here. [ FabSugar ]

* Mary-Kate’s latest style muse is…Ozzy Osbourne?!? Oh, honey, no. [ People Style Watch ]

* Swine flu got you worried? Fashion's got you covered. [ Pipeline ]

* The Fug Girls bid adieu to Bea Arthur—the Golden Girl passed away this week. Thank you for being a friend, Ms. Arthur. [ Go Fug Yourself ]

first fashion

Our Favorites from What's New
I’ve been donning mostly black and grey since last fall, but now that the grass is greening and the flowers blooming I’d like to add a little color to my closet.
	Maxi dresses are my addiction, and the printed domes and minarets on this one evoke that sophisticated jet-setter flair I crave. Mara Hoffman – Long Spaghetti Strap Dress
	I never thought I could pull off yellow, but last week I tried on a yellow frock and was hooked. This is just the piece to bring the sunny shade into my wardrobe. Shoshanna – Cutout Daisy Belted Dress
	This rainbow-hued dress will brighten up any occasion (just like all of Thread Social’s unique party dresses). Thread Social – Striped Dress
Paint the town red (or blue or purple), in What’s New. --Tonya

Brands We Keep Coming Back For

To quote the venerable Heidi Klum: “In fashion, one day you’re in and the next day you’re out.” Still, despite fashion’s flavor-of-the-month mentality, certain lines manage to maintain their devoted following season after season. A few of my faves:

Prepare for rioting in the streets if denim juggernaut Joe’s Jeans ever ceases production. To many women (including myself), that favorite pair of Joe’s is like the little black dress of their denim wardrobe: the faithful friend that always fits, flatters, and makes them feel great. I owe a debt of gratitude to this brand (and to Hudson jeans with their ingenious wider waistband) for making me understand I didn’t have to spring for lipo to look good in jeans, I just needed a style designed with curves in mind. (PS: Looking for a deal on your favorite denim? Check out our designer jeans sale.)

With jeans squared away, let’s turn our attention to the lines with the top tops. Though their boots and cashmere are to die for, in my opinion, spring/summer is the ideal time to shop Joie clothing. Bohemian but not sloppy or overly sweet, Joie brings some much-needed SoCal attitude to hippie-chic, offering little blouses and camis that manage that elusive balance of cute and cool. (Think faded florals and roughed-up ruffles.) And in terms of tees, I probably don’t need to tell you that Splendid tops are at the top of every A-listers list. This season they’re doing their version of the de rigueur slouchy styles, plus the classics we all know and love. An added bonus? Splendid’s affordable prices make stocking up for summer virtually pain-free.

--Maureen

first fashion

Our Favorites from What's New
In honor of Earth Day I’ve been reconsidering eco friendly fashion, and thinking about Tim Gunn’s April 22 tip: “Do you realize how many $12 T-shirts end up in our landfills each year?!” As if we needed one more excuse to buy expertly crafted luxury goods, Tim. (But we’ll take it.)
	This oversized tote may be rendered in rich cognac, but the silhouette screams green. A stylish substitute for all those unsightly plastic shopping bags, and a chic new work bag to boot. Tory Burch – Audrie Tote
	We all have to put some shirt on our back, so why not make it an avant-garde shirt that makes us feel special and only gets more valuable with age? Helmut Lang – Asymmetrical Top
	If you’re like me, the thought of fine jewelry in the form of a cliché “mall ring” is the worst kind of pollution. I’ll gladly slip this handcrafted, fashion-forward style on instead. Jacquie Aiche – Twisted Waif Ring
Build a savvy sartorial collection today, in What’s New. --Suzanne

bring may flowers

Though floral prints might conjure up bad childhood memories of being forced to wear one too many floral frocks to family functions (yes, I’m looking at you, mom), in the right hands it can be modern, unique, and anything but saccharine. And since investment pieces with a twist seem to be just what fashionistas crave right now, what better asset to enhance your spring style portfolio than updated florals?

Pretty prints by Elizabeth and James and Myne are made fashion-forward with a bandage bodice and one-shoulder silhouette, respectively. Faded, old-fashioned florals reimagined for the modern boho (like this frock by A Common Thread and this one by Pencey) are perfection with a pair of suede booties or fringed Candela shoes. And blossoms can be an unexpectedly feminine counterpoint to edgy accessories: a Victorian Hippie chain necklace or some Made Her Think jewelry lends attitude to a simple tank and a floral skirt by Myne.

--Tonya

first fashion:

Our Favorites from What's New
I have a soft spot for dresses—strapless dresses, mini dresses, maxi dresses, jersey dresses, all of them—and yes, that’s an obvious declaration. What girl doesn’t? But it’s still worth saying because there is something so wonderfully feminine and sensual and, well, easy about a dress. Every time I put one on, I feel transformed. And, since the weather is finally promising to stay in the upper reaches of the barometer for a while, I think it’s time to expand my dress repertoire.
	No matter how many dresses I add to my closet, nothing will ever compare to the little black dress. This seductive iteration is made sweet with a tiny ruffle. Vanessa Bruno - Overlay Dress with Chain Straps
	It’s punk meets pretty, and I’m completely hooked. This dress and my new Givenchy shoes will make a nice match. Elizabeth and James - Evelyn Dress
	This is the dress I’ll be living in all summer, no doubt about it. Velvet - Renny Long Dress
Fancy a new frock? Find it, in What’s New. --Amie