Cruise/Resort 2009: Hits and Misses

Normally for Spring and Summer, I focus more on the swimwear aspect, because frankly, it is my favorite. However, this season I'm actually going to be perusing some of the top designer's collections (especially regarding accessories and shoes) and letting you know what to spend your hard-earned (and these days, quite stretched) dollars on.

First up, Bottega Veneta. I will have to start out by saying, I was not impressed with their handbag collection this year. There was something like 38 pieces on the online catalog (not including wallets, mind you) and they all looked basically the same, structurally and aesthetically. Of course, their running theme this season is woven leather, but they did very little else as far as details to set their bags off from the rest. And honestly, it takes a lot to make me want to spend $700 on a wallet anyway, let alone one that doesn't look or feel like it will last me more than a couple seasons.

However, there was one item which definitely caught my eye, but not because of a crazy print or kooky design. Bottega's cruise season version of the leather bootie, which is cut a little lower as well as possesses some great cutouts and lace-up detail, as well as a sturdy heel and slight platform. I think one could wear these with absolutely anything for instant sophistication. Now this is what I fell in love with about Bottega in the first place.

Bottega Veneta Lace Up Leather Platforms, $920, BottegaVeneta.com

Now for another rave: I am totally digging the direction that Louis Vuitton has taken since Marc Jacobs took the helm. He definitely brings more of a young, feel-good vibe to the brand. Two of my favorite handbags from the new collection are below:

I've never seen the use of a print like this on a Louis Vuitton bag, but this is definitely the first piece that caught my eye. The print is meant to invoke the French Riviera. (How do you say "beautiful" in French? haha.)

Louis Vuitton Galliera Riviera, $1,940, eLuxury

Another unusual take on this classic brand is this traveler tote with (of course, more French) lettering on the side. I don't think this is a part of the Resort collection simply because it doesn't feel very summery to me, but eLuxury had a lot of different pieces lumped together in one category. Either way, it's definitely worth mentioning.

Louis Vuitton Travel Shopper Traveller, $2,420, eLuxury

Now, I'm going to deviate from my handbag path for a moment, because these Vuitton shades are amazing! They have photochromic lenses, so when you are in sunlight, the lenses darken and you can see the monogram print on the outside of the lens. Snazzy!

Louis Vuitton Conspiration Pilote Sunglasses, $530, eLuxury

More Spring/Summer '09 trends to come! Stay tuned!

sweet summer footwear: the gladiator

So I was browsing through my usual websites, and I found the most AMAZING treasure trove of summer footwear at reasonable prices!

Can you guess where?

That's right, one of my absolute favorite shopping sites: Urban Outfitters.

So, we all remember the boom of gladiator sandals last year, and it looks like that trend's here to stay (at least for a while.) Here are some of my choice favorite styles from UO:

Leather Circle Gladiator, $38, Urban Outfitters

Helena Gladiator Sandal, $34, Urban Outfitters

We Who See Petticoat Sandal, $58, Urban Outfitters

The first of these styles is a bit simpler version of your basic gladiator sandal, with a bit of visual interest in the form of the leather circle connecting the straps.

The second, a simpler version with a modern twist- metallic material.

The third and final, is technically not a gladiator at all, but a cute, somewhat strange interpretation of the summer classic - a thong sandal.

What I love the most about these styles is not only the variety, but the value for the price.

But my one question to all you loyal readers out there is: how best to wear these cute summer essentials? All thoughts and opinions greatly appreciated!

Till next time!!

A quite lengthy Blog Roundup + a CONTEST!

After filtering through 80+ unread messages in my inbox due to my computer hiatus, I finally found my (almost) daily blogarithm emails, containing (almost) every post from (pretty much) every blog I subscribe to. (see list at right of page, I don't just link to those I actually read them all on a fairly regular basis.)

So, below is the product of that, plus another tidbit of information that also found its way into my inbox.

First, Capitol Hill Barbie shares a great product for the rainy months. (Don't you just love the titles of her posts?)

And even though Mother's Day has come and gone, these gift ideas provided by Bag Snob can translate to any occasion, and most, if not all, of them are tres chic!

Also, if you are like me and have been aching to catch up on all of those ANTM reruns, StyleBites provides links to all of the Cycle 8 episodes along with her own professional opinion on the models.

Since I've been slacking on "trend report" posts lately, check out Frugal Fashionista. She takes the words right out of my mouth when it comes to bold prints.

A more recent post by Capitol Hill Barbie -- as she delves into the world of blue mascara, with a mixed reaction.

Almost an extention of my post on colored denim, I stumbled upon this post by Denimology which is part celeb-style-log (Lindsay Lohan, who seems to be gracing the fashion blogs quite alot lately) and part shopping aid, as it spotlights a high-end denim brand that specializes in skinny jeans in a range of colors.

Sassybella has done it again -- gives me yet another great designer to check out, Australian label Tina Kalivas.


Now, drumroll please, that CONTEST that I was telling about earlier. No, I'm not sponsoring a "win-free-stuff-from-my-favorite-online-store" contest (it's a bit of a tired concept anyways, though don't we all just love free stuff, no matter where it comes from?). This contest actually jumped into my inbox via Steve Madden.

And this isn't just any run-of-the-mill giveaway. He's running a contest to see who will design his next shoe! Amazing, no? Check out the details here. Also, if you aren't that design-savvy, you can vote on the submitted designs and become eligible to win prizes as well!

Now, isn't that exciting?

Fashion Tidbits: My thoughts about everything from Shopping to Shoes

Honestly, I haven't had anything very interesting to write about lately, so I've decided to share with you my innermost fashion thoughts, and pose a couple of burning questions for your feedback.

1) Okay, so we've been hearing alot about color lately. Everything from colored jeans to 1960's-and-70's-inspired prints, to brightly colored shoes and accessories. But what about monochrome? Is it completely out this spring? I certainly hope not, because I've seen some people pull of some fabulous all-white and tan-and-white ensembles so far this spring.

So, what do you guys think? Is monochrome always in? Or does it need to take a backseat to bright colors and prints this season?

2) After several years of almost completely ignoring the UK's existance on the fashion horizon (I know, what a shame), I've stumbled upon the most wonderful web store: Office.

Simply put, this may be my one-stop shop for shoes online from now on. They have sooo many cute styles, my lack of a debit card balance was the only think keeping me from clicking "buy now."

Their vast selection of heels contains not only the cutest, trendiest styles, but many can be easily translated from work (I was going to make a pun on the word "Office" but decided against it) to evening. They even have last fall's oh-so-chic ankle boots that I couldn't seem to get my hands on because most stores discontinued them before winter was even over.

And, of course, for those of us who are currency challenged (AKA from the Midwestern United States), they have a handy link to a currency converter that changes amounts from pounds to dollars.

3) I've come across two very strange types of shoe lately, and they've puzzled me to the point where I don't know whether to like them or file them away in my brain alongside Jellies and Crocs.

The first one has been seen all across the fashion blogosphere since last fall.

Tretorn Ballena Lace-up Rubber Boots, $130, Shopbop

Wellingtons, galoshes, rainboots, whatever you want to call them, they're the ultimate in functional footwear - that is, if you're a fisherman. However, that didn't keep fashion's elite from adapting them to be paired with ultra-feminine dresses, jackets, leggings, you name it.

Now, I've never seen anyone actually wearing these outside of a fashion editorial, so please, if anyone can link me to a picture, or describe for me how these can be worn fashionably while not looking like you're about to throw on your hip weighters and catch some salmon or something, let me know.

The second, I actually saw in one of those ad banner things on myspace (fancy that). They remind me alot of Birkenstocks, and according to their website, they're the ultimate in warmth and comfort. Basically, it's a leather flip-flop with sheepskin covering the sole, and they are called Bonsai Sandals.

Bonsai Sheepskin Sandals Model 07 in Pink, $35, BonsaiSandals.com

These pink ones are actually cute, and I love how they coordinate the color of the sheepskin to the color of the sandal. Now, I understand why flip-flop enthusiasts would like a winter version of this footwear, but I'm wondering exactly how long they would last. I mean, they look sturdy enough, but I'm thinking that with that sheepskin being constantly mashed up and trampled by dirty, sweaty feet, they're going to need some kind of regular maintanance.

However, if these sandals seem perfect for you, by all means, hit up the website. They're available in Black, Brown, Blue, and Pink.

(As a sidenote, if anyone actually does buy them (or already has), let me know in a couple months how well they hold up. I have a couple friends who may get some use out of them.)

The Return of Jellies?: Part 2

Okay, as hard as this is for me to admit, I made a mistake in that last post covering Jellies (and modern versions of the rubber monstruosity). I hadn't considered the use of rubber and plastic as actually beneficial to the shoe design market. That is, until I recieved the following comment from Anonymous (really people, take 5 minutes and set up a blogger account if only to post comments, so we know who you are):

Um. Jellies are awesome. Those two particular pictures were ugly, yes. But there are plenty of other jellies out there that are cute, particularly flats. And in clear. So yeah. You're being a bit harsh, DONCHA THINK?

I did clarify in my last post that the example of Jellies that I used was from the eighties, which is the design that I remember from when I was a kid. But, as I found out from further research, there are actually a cuter, more modern version of the Jelly shoe still being marketed. You can find them online at Urban Outfitters for $16. [see below]

However, Anonymous still didn't recognize the last question I posed, which was what on earth would you wear them with? Yes, they're cuter than their ancestors, but still not wearable by my standards. I can't see myself working an outfit around these, can you? (Seriously, if you have any ideas, I'm open)

Jellies, $16, Urban Outfitters [available in Green (shown), Red, Turquoise, Black and White]

However, turning our attention away from Jellies for the moment, she made a good point about clear plastic being a cute casual alternative, which I agree with. One good example are the polka-dotted flats below.

Nice 14pt flat, $20, GoJane [available in Black, Blue, Orange, Pink, Red, White (shown), and Yellow]

So, I recant a few of the nasty things I said about Jelly shoes. However, I'm still puzzled by their overall wearability, and still appalled by the fact that KORS shoes would even think of selling their rubber version of the gladiator sandal for $85. But that's the fashion world for ya, right?

The Return of Jellies?

I'm a child of the 90's, so I remember a bit about the Jelly shoe and it's "untimely demise." And as most of you know, Jellies might possibly be the ugliest shoe ever to hit the mainstream market.

Jelly shoes from the 80's, photo courtesy of vintageblues.com

I personally don't even think that Crocs can compete with the unpractical, clear plastic monstruosity that is the Jelly shoe. So can you even imagine what the world would be like if they made a comeback? I can, but I don't think I even want to try.

At least I didn't until I stumbled upon these interesting pieces of footwear.

That's right, rubber sandals. Care to guess who designed them?
None other than Michael Kors.

Do these not remind anyone else of a higher-end version of the Jelly shoe?
Just as impractical, a bit more stylish I suppose (sort of a gladiator type style with a jewel detail over the toe, who knows why). But probably just as sweaty, and just as ridiculous.

Can you imagine any celebrity getting their hands on these? I sure can't. I can't even picture the least stylish person I know wearing these.

[KORS Shoes Jupiter Sandal, $85 (are you kidding me? I'm not even going to start on that one.), shopbop]

So what's your opinion on these? Am I the only person who sees a striking similarity between these and the Jelly shoe? Would you wear them? And if so, what with? (Do tell, I'm actually very interested)