Monday, May 31, 2010

Recycling Ruehl

According to The Wall Street Journal, just about everybody is getting into the Green Team Recycling spirit. Including Abercrombie & Fitch and their accessories department. In order to keep up with the new Handbag Craze (which has been eagerly embraced and executed by everyone from Marc by Marc Jacobs to Ann Taylor), the purses and totes of the now-defunct Ruehl chain of Abercrombie are currently "in the process of being re-branded with the Abercrombie logo on the exterior". Call me crazy, but if the $98 - $340 bags didn't sell before, why would they sell now that they say Abercrombie? If anything, it seems like they would sell even less! But that's just my biased anti-A&F opinion.



WSJ reports that the bags will be available online, as well as in the more urban-located stores with a higher traffic count.

images from purseuing.com

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Can't Hate Kate


It seemed for an utterly long time that the weakest link in Elly's Chain of Shopping Splurge Demise was, and would always be, my beloved Lilly Pulitzer. Her uncanny knack for combining timeless sophistication with wild-patterned, fun loving whimsicality was always unparalleled, in a league of its own. That is, until I re-discovered my fascination for Kate Spade (Bon Mot Bon Shopper tote shown top left). The two labels both boast top-of-the-line uniforms for the Prepsters at Heart, with lines ranging from shoes and handbags to apparel of all categories.

However, I must say that the two forces coincide beautifully together, and compliment each others' color palettes and styles, without competing. And though I have to admit that my Lilly Collection is becoming quite respectable, my Kate Collection (Coral Reef Pearl and Star bracelet at right) leaves something to be desired. Which is my nicer way of saying its contents currently amount to the grand total of zero. And I'm happy to announce that high on my To-Do list is to get cracking on the latter. It shouldn't be too hard to do with the lovely items I've recently discovered (and bear with me on the excess of photos, my obsession is at its peak)!

Hand in Hand Rise and Shine tote

Montery Bay Seahorse Cuff


Bay Street Cyndy
Clutch

Barrow Street Anabel tote

Picnic Bike Basket

Emerald Isle Kolette Skirt
all images from katespade.com

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Summer Loving (Compliments of J. Crew)

I can feel Summer already! And P.S. I splurged and bought these sandals (totally worth it).

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Outstanding Owlita

New Owlita obsession? Quite possibly. I would think it impossible to make "oversized feathers coming out the ears" appear stylish and actually good looking, but by jove, i think she's done it!
Founded by Ashley Doty in 2007, the Oregon based Owlita label has become an internationally acclaimed accessories line specializing, specifically, in earrings. The fantastic feathery conception was born when Ashley looked outside her bedroom to see an owl perched on a nearby branch, and was inspired to create a masterpiece. And since then rest, as they say, is history.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Karlie Graces Cover of TeenVogue

Karlie Kloss's shoot in this month's issue of TeenVogue has become one of my all time faves. This is definitely saying something too, seeing as the magazine constantly outdoes itself month after month, in terms of the actual styling and photo shoot locations. Now, my favor in the subjects featured in such shoots is a tad more debatable (April's Miley Cyrus comes to mind), but then again, if TeenVogue can succeed in transforming such unspeakables into fashion-forward, style-stompin' models, then all the more reason to praise the mag, yes? And don't get me wrong here, I'm obsessed with Karlie Kloss and her story inside!


You'll find that May's feature of the teen supermodel is unbelievably easy to relate to also, as Karlie correlates the awkward growth spurts of adolescence to being able to strut her stuff on catwalks all over the world, remarking " My entire school career I've been like three feet taller than everyone in my grade. They're just now starting to grow, so I'm very happy about that!" I can't help but point out how much like a real person this girl actually looks, too. Such an observation seems silly, but if you're any bit as obsessed with fashion magazines as I am you'll know that such a similarity is pretty hard to come by. The norm for female models these days seems to generally fall into the lovable categories of sickly robot or cadaver. Not even kidding.



Don't you just want to be her best friend? Love her!

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Topshop Fall 2010

Just some brief highlights, more at nylon's site.

images from nylonmag.com

Monday, May 17, 2010

In the Jungle

The newest article of clothing which I aspire to acquire is a moto jacket. Jersey, leather, pleather, nylon- so many options! I just can't seem to make up my mind. Here is that devilishly handsome rockstar, Axl Rose of Guns 'n Roses, glamorously modeling the 'off the shoulder' look. Just for you.
I think I first grew attached to the well-established uniform of the rebellious a month or so ago in an UO ad, where it was artfully tossed over a faded vintage tee and jeans. Classic look for the Urban Jungle of course, but as with any timeless piece of fashion (pearls, red lipstick, the breezy white sundress, the more formal LBD), its possibilities are infinite. The longer a piece's lifespan, the more time people have had to push it to its edge in terms of recreating and reinventing it. Which is definitely lucky for me, because I undoubtedly prefer the modern jersey style over its more rough 'n tumble ancestor leather counterpart. Not that I have any qualms in unlimiting myself and simply selecting them all.  It's quite diplomatic of me, really, wouldn't you say?
The Contenders:


Urban Outfitters Nome de Plume Yaya Moto Jacket



Modcloth Textured Leather Jacket

William Rast 'Robin' Denim Jacket
William Rast 'Robin' Denim Jacket





Kenneth Cole New York Asymmetrical Zip Anorak



Kenneth Cole New York Asymmetrical Zip Anorak






omey'Seventy Two Changes 'Pomey' Fleece Jacket




Seventy Two 'Pomey' Fleece Jacket

Sunday, May 16, 2010

A Fashionable Facebook?

So I definitely never thought I'd be that person. The one who actually acknowledges, let alone checks out the ads on the right hand side of the Facebook homepage. Of course everyone knows that the site handpicks ads that they think would grab your eye, based on who knows what previously observed criteria. All I know is, the other day there was an advertisement for a vintage site called Ruche, and I must say I was intrigued. So I investigated. What I found was a plethora of adorable feminine frocks in the forms of rompers, dresses, high-waisted shorts/skirts, and billowing beautiful blouses. Not exactly Forever21 priced, but fabulous nonetheless.
My Faves:

Curiouser and Curiouser Ring

Papparazzi Camera Ring

Bird in Flight Turquoise Earrings

Chocolat Blu "Jillian" T Strap Sandal

Sailing Romper by Dear Creatures

American Glory Rose Dress

Dakota Prairie Ruffle Dress

Lemon Drop Sailor Dress by Nick and Mo

Boysenberry Blossoms Dress

Meet Me at Midnight Blue Dress by Tulle
all images from shopruche.com