Wrapped in a Bow

One theme that seems to be popping up quite a bit in the world of jewelry is the bow - often in the form of stud earrings or rings.  If you don't have anything all-tied-up in your jewelry box, here are a few finds that you may like.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Metal Bow Stud Earrings in Silver and Gold
Kate Spade Double Bow Studs in Red or White
Juicy Couture Pave Bow Ring
Tinley Road Ribbon Brooch
Hive and Honey Bow Stud Earrings
Bing Bang Bow Two-Finger Ring
Kate Spade All Wrapped Up Earrings in Silver and Gold
Lulu's Bow Knows Best Necklace
By Boe Bow Ring
Marc by Marc Jacobs Bow Wow Anabella Ring
Freedom at TopShop Crystal Bow Double-Finger Ring
Erin McManness Hot Pink Haute Couture Ring
Kate Spade Large Bow Ring
Juicy Couture Pave Bow Stud Earrings
ModCloth Wrapped Around Your Finger Ring

TWEEDS

Last year J.Crew sold this amazing pair of tweed ballet flats that I absolutely love.  They have been such a perfect addition to my wardrobe that I was ecstatic when I heard that tweeds were in again.  While I have no problem with classics, like a tweed dress, suit or pair of slacks, I believe a little unexpected bit of tweed in an accessory is the perfect way to bring excitement to any outfit.  The following pieces combat the myth that tweed is a stodgy fabric.

Marc Jacobs Stripe Tweed Mini Skirt
Karen Millen Tweed Wrap Coat
Aqua Elohim Reversible Tweed Mini Dress
J. Crew Luxe Tweed Ballet Flats
Prabal Gurung Draped Insert Tweed Dress
Alexander McQueen Tweed Faithful Boot
DSquared2 Tweed Asymmetric Skirt
Michael Michael Kors Fringe Trim Metallic Tweed Dress
Rick Owens Asymmetric Tweed Top

GAP Tweed Moto Jacket
TORN by Ronny Koo Juliet Biker Tweed Jacket
Alexander McQueen Chiffon Trim Tweed Blazer
Kate Spade Fab Tweed Flats
L.A.M.B. Tweed Jacket with Belt
Bourne Embellished Tweed Pump
Yigal Azrouel Graphic Tweed Sweater
Ann Taylor Maya Tweed Pump
Manolo Blahnik Sabratha Tweed Court Shoes
Charles by Charles David Curtsy
Kate Spade Kylie Skirt
bebe Spotted Tweed Dress
Gryphon Leather Tie Tweed Coat
Michael Kors Leather Trim Tweed Sheath

Even Chanel make-up is in on the trend: Chanel Tweed Effect Blush Duo

Sparkle

If there is anything that is as ubiquitous as the chain trend this fall, it is the sequin trend.  Every brand and designer, from those that sell their clothes for $20 to those that sell them for $2,000, are embellishing everything with sequins.  It makes sense, since embellishments of all types are an overriding trend this year.  Studs, zippers, chains, buckles, straps and fringe are everywhere this year and it is a natural progression to add sequins to the list.

We admit it.  We're not at all fond of sequins.  It is one of the things that the trendy, edgy SPiCY and the laid-back, free-wheeling HiPPi have in common (that and a love for 4 inch heels).  Even though one has a fondness for Demi Lovato's rocker style and the other would like to play in Vanessa Hudgen's closet full of bohemian staples, they both agree... no sequins.  However, starting with the clutch that inspired our name, the two of us keep running across pieces that are full of sequins but... actually... don't... suck.  On the contrary, this season is full of clothes and accessories that use sequins so expertly that they put our prejudice against sequins to shame.


Antik Batik, Haute Hippie and Gryphon did this trend especially well this season.  Look for less expensive clothes inspired by pieces from these brands.  Take a cue from the pieces in this list to add sequins to your wardrobe in a way that dazzles.

Herve Leger Sequined Degrade Bandage Dress $2,900.00
A Mi Clubwear Sequin V-Neck Minidress $34.99
Young, Fabulous & Broke Hazel Sequin Dress $297.00
Dior Nail Lacquer in Black Sequins $21.00
Stella McCartney Silk Organza Sequined Dress $2,365.00
Prezzo Square Ball Mesh Clutch $39.00
Oscar de la Renta Sequin Top $1388.00
Kardashians by bebe Sequin Hot Shorts $89.00
Report Signature King Pump $127.50
Twenty Cluny Sequined Jacket $908.00
ModCloth Red Carpet Royalty Dress $109.99
Antik Batik Dream Embellished Blazer $575.00
Lane Bryant Bella Cheetah Print Clutch by Elaine Turner $175.00
Tibi One-Shoulder Dress $870.00
Sam Edelman Novato $100.00
Herve Leger Sequin-Embellished Bandage Dress $1,590.00
Victoria's Secret Sequin Skirt $79.50
DKNY Sequin Embellished T-shirt Dress $390.00
Banana Republic Marble Sequin Ballet Flat $79.00
Velvet Sequin Detail Cropped Cardigan $276.00
Avenue Plus-Sized Sequin Sheath Dress $79.90
Red Valentino Tiered Sequin Skirt $300.00
Lulu's Sparkle or Someone Shift Dress $61.00
Marqus Lupfer Sequin Stripe Dress $1157.00
Juicy Couture Sequin Mini Hand Warmers $45.00
DKNY Jeans Plus-Sized Sequin Top $59.00
Tibi Sequined Jersey Mini Dress $295.00
J. Crew Sequined Ribbon Cami $98.00
Ashish Sequined Shift Dress $1,450.00
Lane Bryant Wide Widths Sequin Ballet Flat $26.50
See by Chloe Sequined Tulle Tank Top $250.00
Deborah Lippmann Nail Lacquer in Across the Universe, Happy Birthday or Boom Boom Pow  $18.00+
J. Crew Pearlized Sequined Tank Dress $650.00

Victoria's Secret Sequin Turtleneck Sweaterdress $128.00
Lulu's Glitter-ally Speaking Black sequin Dress $46.00
Oscar de la Renta Embroidered Sequin Ballet Flats $560.00
Lane Bryant Sequin Tank $29.50
J. Crew Icicle Shift Dress $1.595.00
By Malene Birger Acier Sequin-Embellished Maxi Skirt $580.00
J. Crew Sequin Drizzle Tank $98.00
Alexander Wang Sequined Goddess Dress $780.00
Avenue Plus-Sized Zebra-Print Tank $19.99
Alice + Olivia Marina Sequin Dolman Tunic $396.00
Miu Miu Sequined Ballet Flats $307.20
Lane Bryant Multi-Stripe Sequin Tank $34.50
J. Crew Dulphine Sequin V-Neck Sweater $138.00
Marc by Marc Jacobs Knitted Sequin Cropped Sweater $530.00
Velvet Kenna Ikat Sequin Dress $185.00
Lane Bryant Scored Sequin Bow Clutch by La Regale $44.00
Antik Batik Wallice Sequined Gown $950.00
Porter Grey Sequin Dress with Cutout Back $775.00
Victoria's Secret Sequin Dress $198.00
Donna Karan Stretch Sequined Maxi Skirt $1895.00
Tibi Eclipse Sequined Silk Dress $1238.00
Victoria's Secret Sequined Blazer $159.00
Kate Spade Pop-Art Pearle Clutch $525.00
Jane Norman Grecian Knot Sequin Bandeau £12.50
Haute Hippie Sequined Fringed Chain Dress $595.00
Avenue Cardigan with Sequins $64.99+
Sachin + Babi Sima Sequin Gloves $100.00
Haute Hippie Chevron Sequined Mini Dress $695.00
Coast Felicity Sequin Top $165.00
Marc by Marc Jacobs Dee Dee Sequined Bolero Sweater $498.00
Lane Bryant Sequin Fold-Over Clutch $39.50
Velvet Sequined Detail Jersey Dress $315.00
Victoria's Secret Sequin Leggings $39.99
Haute Hippie One-Shoulder Sequin Dress $595.00
Coast Maggie Knit Top $165.00
Pissaro Nights Sequin One-Shoulder Blouson Dress $198.00

Dressing hint: The more "liquid" the sequins make the piece look the better.

Sweater Girls

It was bound to happen.  It was a natural progression from the loose tunics of the spring and summer to a warmer version for winter and fall.  The resurgence of leggings and tights begged for the perfect cold-weather topper to complement them.  Plus,  it is the perfect thing to pair with printed tights and booties or all those slouchy boots you bought last winter.  I give a hearty welcome to the sweater dress this fall.

Sweater everything is in now, from thick cable-sweater-knit tights to the long cardigan paired with a skinny belt, there are endless ways to keep warm and look hot.  Nothing does it quite so effortlessly as the sweater dress, though.  Plus, due to the fact that so many sweater dresses are solid with simple-easy cuts, one can pair boldly-colored and wildly-printed tights with them and not look overdone.  It is a great way to get more usefulness out of the tights and booties you bought to pair with this season's shorts.  For added trendiness, you could throw a cape or poncho over it, add a slouchy hobo and a great pair of earrings to really complete this easy look.



Sweater Dresses
bebe Off-Shoulder Sweater Dress $79
Nanette Lepore Tea & Tartan Plaid Sweater Dress $298
Old Navy V-neck Argyle Sweater Dress $39.50
BCBG Max Azria Cowl-Neck Sweater Dress $138
Victoria Secret Tweedy Sweater Dress $68
Evans Plus-Sized Knitted Button-Back Dress £25
Stella McCartney Chunky Wool Sweater Dress $895
bebe Knit Cowl-Neck Dress $89
Jonathan Martin Women's Plus Size Sweater Dress $32
Prabal Gurung Cashmere Sweater Dress $750
Avenue Diamond Accent Cowl-Neck Sweater Dress $44.90
Ann Taylor Merino Cowl Neck Sweater Dress $128
Victoria Secret Turtleneck Cable Sweaterdress $69
Helmut Lang Cowl Neck Sweater Dress $345
Diesel Wool Mix Cable Knit $244.33
Gap Cowl-Neck Sweater Dress $74.50
Evans Colourblock Knit Dress £35
L.A.M.B. Cowl Neck Sweater Dress $195
BCBG Max Azria Long-Sleeved Cabled Sweater Dress $138
McQ Wool Cable-Knit Sweater Dress $440
Victoria Secret Drop-Waist Dress with Pleats $59
Lauren by Ralph Lauren Barra Sweater Dress $129
Love 21 Tribal Print Sweater Dress $27.80
American Retro Amy Sweater Dress $218
Tommy Hilfiger Grant Argyle Sweater Dress $89.50
Diesel Wool Mix Multi-Knit Dress $219.05
Avenue Rib-Trimmed Sweater Dress $44.90
Victoria Secret Cable-Knit Button T-Neck Sweater Dress $78
BCBG Max Azria Drop-Stitch Sweater Dress $278
Calvin Klein Jeans Turtleneck Dress $79.50
D&G Cable-Knit Wool -Blend Sweater Dress $445

bebe Sheer Pointelle Dress $89
Karen Millen Zip Knitted Dress $202.20
Connected Apparel Sweater Knit Dress $43
McQ Zebra Sweater Dress $265
Jax Cowl-Neck Sweater Dress $63


Tights
Ozone Illusion Stripe Tights $29
Emilio Cavallini Houndstooth Tights $22.75
Hansel from Basel Curtain Tights $18
Missoni Knit Mix Tights $192
Hansel from Basel My Lost Glasses Tights $35
Celeste Stein Harlequin Print Tights $24
Kate Spade Graphic Dot Tights $30
Hansel from Basel Woolrich Stripe Tights $42
K. Bell Two-Tone Tights $12
Kate Spade Tonal Argyle Tights $28


Boots & Booties
ASOS Tobago Shoe-Boot $75.83
Sergio Rossi Gstaad Back-Zip Booties $1160
Report Signature Caleb Boots $194
BCBG Max Azria Platform Ankle Boot $250
Sketchers Round-Toe Boots $89
ALDO Donlin Wedge Bootie $110
Oasis Paper Doll Shoe-Boots $134.08
Miss Sixty Over-the-Knee Riding Boot $260
Colin Stuart Foldover Bootie $88
BCBG Max Azria Suede Ankle Boot $295
Report Side-Tie Boot $89


Other Accents
Nanette Lepore Twisted Fringe Hobo $475
Bing Bang Hound Earrings $108
Foley + Corinna Grand Street Hobo $495
Bop Basics Feather Earrings $98
Velvetine Iggy Hobo $750
Marc by Marc Jacobs Metal Bow Stud $38
Ash Linda Slouchy Coated Canvas Bag $261.18
Elizabeth and James Bar Drop Earrings $85
American Retro Chloe Bag $485
Kate Spade Bow Studs $32.50
Banana Republic Leather Tassel Hobo $98
Jaquie Aiche Thread Shower Earrings $132
Gorjana Hudson Hobo $418
Bing Bang Large Triangle Earrings $88
Linea Pelle Alex Suede Vintage Hobo $475
Gorjana Owen Earrings $108
Cleobella Kaya Boho Bag $528
Soixante Neuf Open Weave Earrings $216
Rebecca Minkoff Nikki Alligator Impression Hobo $595

October's Crushes

A month has gone by and, while I am still in love with my Adela jumpsuit and Gin Wigmore, I have an entirely new set of things I've been obsessing about lately. My top ten things I can't live without this month are:

Beauty Blender

Benefit Cosmetics "That Gal"

Duffy's Music

Madewell Romantic Ruffle Dress

Nation Ltd Central Park Dress

Pedro Garcia Gem Flats

tarte 4 day stay lash stain

Pieces Stud Fold-Over Clutch

Marc by Marc Jacobs Oversized Sunglasses

Gorjana G Ring Earrings

Flat as a Pancake

We have been asked for posts on shoes for women who do not worship 4-inch-heels the way we do.  Today, I do my best to deliver.  Here are some cute flats I found.  All of them are on sale.  Some of them for extremely good prices.

Gabriella Rocha Brigitta sandal - $24.75

Via Spiga Veronia moccasins - $69.30

Fergalicious Alana ballet flat - $27.99

Sam Edelman Calypso ballet flat - $80.47 ($94.05 at Amazon)

Gabriella Rocha Neve ballet flat - $28.18

Marc Jacobs MJ14402 ballet flat - $229.75

B. Makowsky Rene ankle wrap flat - $65.40

Chinese Laundry Annabella jelly flat - $27.30 ($32.05 at Amazon) (I hate the attempts to bring back jellies, but I really like this shoe!)

Gabriella Rocha Fitzroy gladiator sandal - $24.38

Bella Vita Limit Skimmer - $19.95

ALDO Pilcher flats - $16.98

Patagonia Bandha gladiator sandal - $63.00 (note: these shoes run large, you may want to order a size down)

Charles by Charles David Canary ballet flat - $47.57

Sketchers Dreamgirls moccasins - $22.00

Kate Spade Jump ballet flats - $189.00

Elizabeth and James Myra ballet flat - $184.28

Calvin Klein Zanza ballet flat - $52.00

Söfft Parma skimmer - $34.95

Donal J Pliner Eda peep-toe flats - $112.00

Volatile Bindy moccasins - $24.00

There were so many cute flats, there were far too many for one post.  I limited the number included in this post to a few good deals from 6 pm.com and plan to bring you more flats in the future if I get feedback from readers that you want more.