I love this look from J.Crew: patterned tights with ankle boots. But why is J.Crew so expensive? These boots are $250. I mean, really? For J.Crew? Especially in this economy? Don’t get me wrong, the label’s stuff is super cute. But I’ve always found it to be unnecessarily pricey. The tights are $22.50, so not as crazy as the shoes, but I think I would pay that much for tights if I knew they were sturdy. Has anyone worn these before?
From Habitually Chic.
As soon as I saw this bag in September’s Vanity Fair, I said, “I want that!” And as soon as I saw how much it costs, I said, “I can’t afford that.” Such is life. But a girl can dream, can’t she? Or at least find a cheaper version somewhere else. Anyway, this is the Derek Lam Davina hobo bag. I was immediately drawn to the asymmetrical pocket flap on the front and the belt detail on the strap. And I’m a sucker for tassels. Oh yeah, and the cost? $1,890. Yuuuuuuuuup. But the suede is beautiful, isn’t it? Sigh.
When I first received an invitation to a launch party for Carla Reiter’s jewelry line, I said, “Carla, who?” But then I went to her Web site, and lo and behold, the jewelry was like nothing I had ever seen: knitted metals and precious and semi-precious stones crafted into airy yet substantial pieces. Yes, a piece of jewelry can be both light and have a bite to it!
Unfortunately, I didn’t get a good look at Carla’s jewelry in person since by the time I arrived at the party, the pieces had been taken off the models and put away. I did get to see the large necklace Carla was wearing that could almost be considered a show piece. It looked very similar to the one above.
I first saw Handle & Spout, an accessory-making duo from New York, on Daily Candy. At first glance, the flower pins weren’t doing it for me. But then I saw their leather link headband and fell in love: the headband comes in either gold, copper or silver leather, and looks chic and comfortable. How can you beat that? Yes, it costs $45, but it’s leather, so you expect a certain level of quality to come with that price tag — hopefully it’ll last you a long time! There is also a necklace version using the leather links that’s also cute, but I prefer the headband because I think the necklace is a bit too much for me. But to each her own, eh?
Jennifer Kellog Noodle necklace. From jenniferkellog.com.
Jennifer Kellog’s noodle necklace is one of the most creative I’ve seen in a while. It’s basically a luxe take on those macaroni necklaces kids make in school, with each noodle piece cast in solid 10-karat gold. Of course, it’s not cheap: the noodles range from $810 to $1,160 each, so it’ll cost you a pretty penny to put together this kiddie-themed necklace. But look at how cute that half piece of farfalle is on the end of the cord!
2004 Kentucky Derby. From photog1966 (Flickr).
I went to the Kentucky Derby four years ago. It was…an experience. Of course, my friends and I chose to go the cheap route and watched the race from Churchill Downs’ infield, which is nothing like what you see on TV. There are no rich people in oversize hats with mint juleps. The infield has mint juleps, too, but it’s more like Mardi Gras meets Nascar. But I digress. For those of you who are actually going to be in the Bluegrass State for this Saturday’s Derby race, here are some of my recommendations for where to shop, eat and sleep in Louisville.
"Flower Power" ring
I’m not really good at accessorizing. I’d like to be, but I’m just not. But if I were, I’d be rockin’ some of Andrew Hamilton Crawford’s rings and bracelets, which are beautiful and cute at the same time. The line, created by Southern-via-New York designers Andrew Tessier and Chad Crawford, features resin bangles (oval-shaped!) with either a sterling silver or 18-karat gold vermeil overlay and SUPER cute resin cocktail rings. AHC also has some nice necklaces, earrings and men’s items. In Los Angeles, the line is available at Intuition, Fred Segal, Surly Girl and W Hotel The Store. You can buy online, too.
"Leaf" ring
