Archive for the ‘Picks’Category

Personal pick: Keds by American Rag

I’ve never been a big fan of Keds shoes, but its collaboration with American Rag at Macy’s has yielded some pretty cool results: two limited-edition laceless sneakers in purple leopard and grey geometric prints. While the grey triangle print looks very early 90s, as is the style these days, the purple leopard print is just plain fun.

Purple Leopard Keds by American Rag

Purple Leopard Keds by American Rag

Grey Geometric Print by Keds by American Rag

Grey Geometric Print by Keds by American Rag

There is also a zebra print and a more traditional leopard print available, but the two newer prints are more my style. Also, I love purple! But maybe the best part is these collaboration shoes are totally affordable at $45 a pair.

21

07 2012

Personal pick: Clinique Moisture Surge

CliniqueMoistureSurge

Clinique Moisture Surge

I’m a big fan of Clinique products. I use a lot of them, especially for skin care. While I’ve been loyal to Clinique’s Superdefense moisturizer for years, which has an impressive SPF 25 while managing not to be greasy, but I’ve been cheating lately. When my wedding make up artist told me that moisturizers with sunscreen reflect light in photos and that I should find one sans sunscreen to wear on my big day, I began exploring Clinique’s entire line. I thought the Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion might work, but it was a bit too greasy for my oily skin. Then I tried the gel version, but that didn’t seem right, either. That’s when I discovered Moisture Surge, which is a creamy gel that offers full coverage without leaving a grease slick behind. It’s rare to find a moisturizer that actually moisturizes and leaves a matte finish. I highly recommend this if you’re looking for a great all-purpose moisturizer and especially for brides-to-be!

14

11 2011

Personal pick: Hayden Harnett Barnard Crossbody

Hayden Harnett Barnard Crossbody

Hayden Harnett Barnard Crossbody

I’m currently coveting this pretty, pretty bag — Hayden Harnett‘s Barnard Crossbody. It’s a nice size (oftentimes crossbody bags are too small to be practical), the strap is adjustable so it can be worn as a shoulder bag or as a crossbody, and the navy color is pretty. Even the lining is cool! Oh, and the materials are locally sourced. One bad thing — it costs $450. Why?! Why do the purse gods hate me so?? Oh, well. I guess you can’t have every pretty, perfectly sized bag. SIGH.

14

10 2011

Personal pick: Simone Wang jewelry

Simone Wang Squared Swirl Rings

Simone Wang Squared Swirl Rings. Photo courtesy of Simone Wang.

Simone Wang has some of the coolest jewelry — it’s geometric with an updated throwback flair that’s so in right now. Whether your look is more 80s or more 60s, Wang’s necklaces, rings, earrings and bracelets will complement your outfit with style. One of my personal favorites is the Squared Swirl Ring, which comes in a bunch of different colors so you have lots of options. Wang uses a variety of metals and stones, including silver, gold, jade and diamonds, adding to the versatility of her line. And now you can purchase Wang’s jewelry from Max & Chloe!

Wang comes from a family of artists, so this craft is in her blood. She honed her talent at Stephen Dweck in New York for five years, which gave her the training she needed to launch her own line this year. I can’t wait to see more.

Note: Designer Simone Wang is married to my cousin.

22

08 2011

Personal pick: Lodis

I have been meaning to write about Spanish leather-goods maker LODIS for some time now. Ever since my mother-in-law gave me a LODIS messenger bag as a journalism-school graduation present, I have been hooked. The classic, clean designs coupled with extraordinary craftsmanship (I’ve had a LODIS wallet for about five years and it has yet to crack or come apart in any way) has made me a huge fan. It’s also pretty reasonably priced, which makes LODIS one of the best values out there for bags, wallets and the like.

I’m currently coveting a few LODIS products, including one of its brand-new belts, the Audrey Metal Buckle High Waist Belt. At only $34, it’s a steal!

LODIS Audrey Metal Buckle High Waist Belt

I’m also loving the Alegra Sabrina Satchel. I can’t decide which color I like better, though. I really like the blue, but I’m not crazy about the yellow piping, and I like the brown, but I’m not sure about the shade. But the shape and size are perfect for what I need.

LODIS Alegra Sabrina Satchel

The Odyssey Lexy Crossbody is another bag I would love to have. I’ve been looking for a good cross body for a while. This one might be it!

LODIS Odyssey Lexy Crossbody

28

07 2011

Personal picks: Erin Gallagher and Viv&Ingrid jewelry

Erin Gallagher's Judy necklace

My best friend turned me on to two of my new favorite jewelry designers, Erin Gallagher and viv&ingrid. She gave all her bridesmaids Erin Gallagher jewelry, and so did I. She also gave me a viv&ingrid necklace as a bridal gift, so both of these lines will always remind me of weddings — which isn’t a bad thing, right?

Both lines have designs that range from simple geometric shapes to the more complicated and colorful; there’s something for everyone, especially because there is also a wide range of prices. And both offer customization, though Erin Gallagher is more flexible, which is probably why it’s popular with brides.

26

05 2011

Personal pick: Daily Brights Stachel at Anthropologie

I’ve been dying for a new bag, and I’ve been on the lookout for a cross body that’s the right size and style. The Daily Brights Satchel at Anthropologie immediately caught my eye, even though it’s a bit big for cross-body purposes. No matter; the clean lines, multiple compartments, bright color and fun lining all made me swoon. Too bad it’s $188 — totally out of my price range right now.

Inside of Daily Brights Satchel

Daily Brights Satchel from Anthropologie

24

01 2011

Personal pick: Rebecca Minkoff Main Squeeze buckle bags

Main Squeeze Clutch

While I love to shop (obviously), it takes something special to make me stop and say, “Whoa.” And the new Main Squeeze buckle bags from Rebecca Minkoff did just that when the email landed in my inbox. I prefer the clutch ($395) to the bucket ($495), but the buckle detailing on both is out of this world! I have a thing for zippers and buckles, so I was immediately drawn to these. They’re edgy yet feminine given the soft leather used to make the bags. Even though I couldn’t afford one of these, I hope they come in more colors soon so I can at least (browser) window shop!

22

07 2010

Personal picks: holiday shopping edition

I discovered these interesting brands at the Unique Los Angeles shopping event earlier this month, and any one would make a great holiday gift — the clock is ticking, guys!

Wendy Hacker-Moss Jewelry: I love the look of this brand. It’s at once delicate and edgy, with the flowers made from sterling silver wire mesh wrapped around gem stones. Find it at the LACMA Museum Store, Craft and Folk Art Museum, and other places around Los Angeles.

Wendy Hacker-Moss amazonite bouquet ring

Wendy Hacker-Moss amazonite bouquet ring

Graf & Lantz: Made from merino wool felt, these bags, which include everything from totes to messengers to clutches and even wine bottle carrying cases, have a definite hand-made yet elegant feel. Find it at Zero Minus Plus at Fred Segal Santa Monica, Reform School, and other places around Los Angeles.

Graf & Lantz flap messenger bag

Graf & Lantz flap messenger bag

StyleSmith: This local L.A. company makes fancy feather headbands and cute fascinators (like mini hats fastened with a comb to your hair). Run by Kelsi Smith, the brand also carries vintage charm necklaces and lockets. I got a cute bronze necklace with acorn and leaf charms at her Unique L.A. booth. (Full disclosure: Kelsi and I first met via the Twitterverse, and she invited me to attend Unique L.A. as her guest. And, yes, I paid for the necklace.) You can order via the StyleSmith Web site, and if you’re local, you can most likely still get gifts by Christmas if you order by Monday, Dec. 21 (use the contact link to make sure).

StyleSmith crane headband

StyleSmith crane headband

20

12 2009

Personal pick: Rebecca Minkoff’s Nikki bag

I want this. Will someone give me $600 so I can buy it?rebeccaminkoffnikkiblack

Or maybe I should go with the yellow croc version?

rebeccaminkoffnikkicrocyellowI still need that $600, though…C’mon, someone make my dream come true!

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13

10 2009