Pick up an US Weekly and if they don’t tell you explicitly, the It bag of the week will become immediately evident. Botkier Trigger, Fendi Spy…keeping track of them is one (fun) thing, but why would anyone actually want to buy one? Or, perhaps better put, why would I want to see the bag I’m carrying in varying colors and sizes toted by girls just like me? Frankly, I just don’t get it. If it’s a matter of spending hundreds or thousands of dollars on a bag, there’s no shortage of expensive yet under-the-radar leather goods. Spike your huge price tag with a shot of imagination!
But diatribes like the above aside, everyone has a soft spot, and sometimes even a popular bag can reach out and massage mine. Like the Balenciaga Motorcycle bag, size small, bright yellow:
Wouldn’t it be perfect with Kelly green leather ballet flats?
Logo bags are ubiquitous in this city (and malls across the country, I’d conjecture). The success of logo bags by Gucci, Vuitton, etc., is that they serve as a patterned neutral, an asset for any wardrobe. In the interest of stylistic diversity, I’ve resisted the urge to buy a Gucci belt bag or the Dior Baulotto, but yes, I too have a dream logo bag, and that’s any one by Goyard. Goyard is an ancient French luggage company, and they now make impossibly expensive handbags, too, sold at Barneys in the US (see them on the Barneys site). Look at the lovely logo:
Oh mysterious benefactor…
Like eggs in a frittata, the key ingredient to style is attitude, and for that reason alone, sunglasses are a cherished accessory. I mean, if I’ve learned anything at all poring over the pages of US Weekly (weekly), it’s that celebs look great because early on they are inculcated with the necessity of wearing great shades.
You and I love them, too. And we’re willing to search far and wide for the shades we crave at that moment in time (right now, it’s me and my aviators). As is stated in yesterday’s NY Times article “Sophia? Is That You Behind the Shades?” (go to NY Times article), you don’t have to break the bank to buy cute sunglasses– prices range from St. Mark’s Place cheap to I-always-throw-money-around-wildly expensive.
Yup, everyone’s got ‘em, and we acknowledge and appreciate the unmatchable irreverence they bestow. But don’t over-wear them! My rule is, unless you’re about to put them back on at any moment, sunglasses shouldn’t be stowed atop the head. They’re your shades– not a headband. Here are a couple of situations in which your shades should absolutely be in your lovely handbag (and not pushed up on your head):
** at a meal (unless it’s outdoors)
** in the office
** at night (!)
Like suede in summer, the wrong usage can transform your beloved, chic wraparounds into a tacky over-embellishment. And why ever would you want to do that?
I just ate a whole milk Stonyfield Farm blueberry yogurt, and I have 2 excellent sample sales in the next week to look forward to. What could be better?
** Rafe New York designer handbags
6/23-6/25 (10-7 Thurs. and Fri.; 11-5 Sat.)
85 5th Ave. (16th st.)
12th floor
Check out topbutton.com for more information.
** Susana Monaco
6/28-6/29 (9:30-7)
263 West 38th st.
5th floor
See you there!
Nights out can wreak havoc on the wardrobe:
** 3 margaritas = a fat splotch of salsa decorating your tube top
** 4 glasses of Shiraz = a trip to the cobbler to repair a busted heel
The morning after a well-lubricated night out is a time to take stock: Do I have my keys? Phone? Wallet? How much money did I spend? Are there any new stains that require my immediate attention? In some cases, nothing appears worse for wear, and you can sit back and give thanks, knowing that you brushed shoulders with the devil but were left unscathed.
Certain other mornings don’t start as sunnily. Like when you discover a misty oval on your brown suede hobo bag. Then you must attack– I would suggest a damp washcloth– bolstered by your complete acceptance of the fact that you deserve it.
This very morning, I discovered a splash of red wine on the hem of yesterday’s graphic floral print dress. I took it–in stride– right over to the drycleaner. Because we all know– that little pink drycleaner’s receipt is really just God’s bill because you drank too much the night before. Pay it and move on.
It was probably in American History that I first read of the U.S. as a mosaic: many distinct groups of people creating a social/cultural/religious landscape of unprecedented complexity and beauty.
Ideally, this mosaic extends down to the way we look, as well. Different colors, shapes, sizes and looks– a diversity providing each and every set of subjective eyes a vision to relish. It’s in the hopes of maintaining this mosaic that I say it’s deleterious for everyone to strive to be the skinny blond (bo-ring!), and for all of us to embrace the same trends at the same time.
On that note, here are a couple of trends that, for the sake of the mosaic, need stifling. But have no fear– I offer exceptions and alternatives, too!
** Metallic flats and sandals: I could not, in good conscience, buy another pair of gold or silver flats/sandals. However, this is not to say that if someone were to offer me these Proenza Schouler or Bottega Veneta masterpieces at a lovely low price that I would refuse them.
(photos courtesy of style.com)
But I digress: gold & silver metallic is overdone, so I say we move on to– purple! Check out these Belle by Sigerson Morrison purple laced sandals. Our mosaic is crying out for purple.
(photo courtesy of shopbop.com)
** Hippy tunics: I was hell-bent on finding the right caftan in orange for about two weeks this spring. Then I realized that everyone had found it– and in green, blue, pink, yellow and tie dye, too. Nix this trend! (Note to mysterious benefactors: if you had your heart set on purchasing me a caftan, please let it be this lovely Tory by TRB piece! It’s the classiest one out there.)
(photo courtesy of scoopnyc.com)
In the interest of our mosaic, opt instead for this wicked Susana Monaco crochet kimono sweater. I did– and I’m still a new millennium hippy in orange, but at least I look a bit more interesting.
(photo courtesy of shopbop.com)