Stylist Picks: Wooden Accessories

Bright printed skirts, sun hats and maxi dresses... I'm loving so much of the boho chic clothing that's so popular again this summer (especially in San Francisco during all of the musical festivals). 

Not ready to dive straight into a look that, if not done right, could have you confused with the real hippies in Haight Ashbury?  A quick and affordable way to add that bohemian vibe to your wardrobe is through accessories- wooden to be exact.  Here are some of my favorite picks:

Stella & Dot "Casablanca" bib necklace $89

Lauren by Ralph Lauren "Java" wooden bangles $58

Yves Saint Laurent "Arty" wooden ring $275

Kenneth Jay Lane "Wave" bangle $45

Forever21 "Tribal Glam" bracelet set $6

Holiday Parties with Ugly Sweaters and Ties

It's officially December. I can't believe it. The turkey and stuffing and ham and mashed potatoes are still fresh on my tongue! But, December has its moments. One of the best- and possibly worst- reasons why this month can be fun is it's the official start to holiday parties. Sometimes the prospect of what to wear can be daunting. Is it office appropriate? Where do I find an "ugly" Christmas sweater? Should I wear a suit? It's like you've just come from seeing all your family, which can be overwhelming enough, and now you have to figure out how to dress for all the parties you'll have to attend. Luckily, you have me- perpetual shopper!

A great online source, if you've got time to wait for a package, is uglyxmasparty.com. The name says it all. There are so many cute and yet somehow still ugly sweaters, you're bound to find one you (secretly) like. Plus, they're also an Etsy store!

Uglyxmassweater.com, $24

If you need something now, hit up the always reliable Nordstrom. A cute cardigan with a festive theme will suffice for most Christmas sweater parties. You don't always have to go ugly.

Fair Isle cardi, $38.

Guys, if you have that hipster-style, then include this sweater in your daily rotation for winter. If not, just wear it as a gag. Either way, it passes as a holiday sweater. And if you have a girl like me, she's probably going to steal it from you when you're done anyway.

Urban Outfitters, $74

Last but not least guys, if you have to wear a suit this year do so with a novelty tie. The suit makes you look good but the tie shows you're fun. I could show you where to go to find a tie but you know where they are. Any clothing store worth its sand is going to have festive ties this time of year. Instead, I'll show you how to TIE that fabulous tie once you've purchased one. It's the gift that keeps on giving. Isn't that what this time of year is all about?

ABCNeckties is the go-to resource for anything you ever wanted to know about neckties, including a history of them! Over 15 different types of tie knots exist (who knew!?) with great names like Balthus Knot, Cavendish Knot, and Half Windsor knot. There's also a video accompanying each type with a step-by-step process for how to get the job done. Gentlemen, prepare to be fit to be tied.

abcneckties.com, $10

 











Image(s) courtesy of Google Image Search
 

Ready, Set, Shop: Zac Posen for Target Launches April 25th

Target is at it again with another amazing designer collaboration.  Drum roll please!!!  This time it's Zac Posen.  If you aren't already familiar with him as a designer, his dresses have been described as "sultry, body-hugging, thirties- and forties-inflected party frocks".  Lucky Magazine interviewed the designer about his collaboration for Target, and was asked if  there were going to be any revivals of his iconic pieces from his main line.  To the delight of all who love Zac Posen, he replied:

"We definitely looked to our archive for inspiration and did takes on two of my most iconic pieces: the snap dress and the trumpet dress. But this collection wasn't as much about reinventing the old as it was about exploring the new and uncharted."

The collection opens up to the general public nationwide at Target and Target.com on April 25th.

READER TIP:  Here's a little secret I have used over and over again for these designer collaborations.  This works best for those of us on the west coast- The items go on sale online around midnight EST.  I start stalking the target website about 9:00 PST to see when the merchandise becomes available.  It beats standing in line, but you don't get to try the items on first.  Another plus, you get to shop the collection before your friends who don't know this tip, so you get to choose from the best selection.

Image(s) courtesy of Lucky Magazine
Quote from http://www.style.com/fashionshows/designerdirectory/ZPOSEN/seasons/

--UPDATED-- Aqua Brand Clear Beaded Necklace- A MUST HAVE

Behold the gloriousness that is this Aqua clear beaded necklace!!!!  This is a MUST BUY piece.  Why?

-I get compliments on it every time I wear it
-It's spot on for the lucite trend for Spring
-It looks like the $695 Michael Kors version for only $48
-It has a nice bulky size
-Because it's clear, it goes with everything
-It can be purchased only from Bloomingdale's on sale during their "friends & family" event

--UPDATE--
Bloomingdale's SOLD OUT of this necklace so fast it made my head spin.  Had multiple requests for it from clients, and doing my best, could not get my hands on another one... until now (July 2010)!  Found on Etsy, for only $20!!! {click to purchase}








Image(s) courtesy of Bloomingdales.com and MichaelKors.com

More Women Are Wearing Jimmy Choo Today Than Ever Before

The craziness at H&M stores, caused by the Jimmy Choo accessory line that arrived yesterday, spread across the globe.  The average American can now afford a piece of designer luxury.  The fashionistas that waited in line were not only subject to a 20 pair limit, they also had to buy them in 10 minutes or less!  Here is just a taste of what was seen at stores yesterday morning:

If you missed out, you can still pick up a pair or two on ebay.  But be willing to pay double the original price.