Madonna in Awesome Black Trench Coat

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Madonna with 12 Years a Slave director Steve McQueen

Attending a premiere last week in New York, Madonna looked super chic in an awesome black trench coat with black leather sleeves and collar. I’m really into this look. Leather detailing is huge right now and this particular coat couldn’t be cooler. It’s chic, modern and flattering. And I love the idea of wearing a trench coat for an evening look. Of course no one does this look as well as Burberry right now (thanks to Christopher Bailey) and I’m pretty sure this is Burberry but after some very extensive research (I love researching this kind of stuff) I haven’t been able to determine for sure. Even though I can’t find this exact coat online, I have found a couple of other options – likely way more affordable than the one Madonna’s wearing.  Continue reading “Madonna in Awesome Black Trench Coat”

Get ready to see this hairstyle A LOT – like it or not

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iam.beyonce.com

Beyonce knows how to manage her brand. And girl knows how to make headlines – when she wants. So a few weeks ago she cut her hair into a pixie cut. The world gasped and all the celebrity and fashion sites and blogs were talking about it – “OMG, Beyonce cut her hair!!!” – and everyone of course wondered how a short hair cut would work when she’s performing. It was a fair question. Because we all know that her blowing-in-the-wind weave (of course it’s a weave – even though her hair dresser unwisely denied it and everyone rolled their eyes) is such a major part of her show and her dance routine (except when it gets caught in a fan – which was so awesome and incredibly cool how she handled it).

Anyways, clearly her pixie style wasn’t going to last so at her first concert after “the big cut”, she showed up with an inverted blond bob (if she doesn’t wear a weave then she’s like superwoman when it comes to growing hair). I like it. It suits her face and the colour is great on her. It may not be as dramatic at her show as her long flowing locks but it looks cool. I’m surprised no one’s really mentioned how much it looks like Victoria Beckham’s inverted bob a few years ago – the cut, colour, angle. It’ll be interesting to see how long Beyonce’s new look lasts but without a doubt this hairstyle is going to be majorly copied. Some will be good and some will be very, very unfortunate. Cross your fingers ladies who decide to go for this cut have a good stylist.

And if you’ve never seen it the video, check out Beyonce’s weave getting caught in a fan during her concert in Montreal. And how she amazingly doesn’t miss a beat while her people attempt to get it untangled.

Fendi Baguette – Welcome Back My Friend

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Fendi Baguette Bead & Sequin Shoulder Bag at saksfifthavenue.com

Recently, I’ve been noticing how Sarah Jessica Parker (and other fashion forward celebs, models and socialites) has been spotted around New York and London carrying various Fendi baguettes – which is cool considering Sex and the City was so influential in making the bag a household name in the first place. More than 10 years ago, the bag (often considered the first “it” bag) was heavily featured on the legendary show. Apparently Fendi was the first big name design house to loan Patricia Field items for the show. And it was a smart move. Because of the show’s growing popularity, the bag quickly became a must-have item for fashion lovers. And remember the super funny episode when Charlotte’s marriage was falling apart and she blurted out to the girls “My marriage is a fake Fendi!”. 

So, when walking through the purse department recently in Barneys and Bergdorf Goodman in NYC (like any typical fashion loving fruit does), I quickly realized the former “it” bag is totally back and could soon be more popular than ever. It seemed to be the bag many super fashionable shoppers were after. Because of the intricacy and beading of some of the designs, the prices can get right up there and range anywhere from $1200 to over $5000. I found a more reasonably priced option on Barneys.com for $1,190. Also, I bet there are some great finds on second hand ones on numerous sites.

The Fendi Baguette is an iconic bag – it’s chic, a great size, and there are tons of different and creative designs – some wild and some a little more subtle. You can check out all the new designs on Fendi’s new site devoted solely to the baguette here. And get this – now you can even design your own. That’s fun and fancy.

Barneys Vintage Boutique – Fancy Classics

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The small but chic space (photo from The Boutique 411)

While checking out the incredible accessories during a recent trip to Barneys in NYC, I was super excited to discover the recently opened Barneys Vintage Boutique, launched in November 2012. Still considered a bit of a well kept secret, the small space carries some legendary finds – like vintage Birkin, Kelly and Chanel bags, and some awesome & dramatic vintage jewelry from Chanel, YSL, Givenchy and Oscar de la Renta. There were some truly incredible pieces and ones that many fashion insiders would consider hugely sought after collector’s items. There’s just something special about stunning vintage pieces that never lose their stylish aesthetic decades after being originally produced.

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Vintage jewels

And did I mention the prices?! I was shocked because they weren’t super high – or as high as you might think. I thought they were fair for the most part – especially considering the condition of the items, which was perfect. We’re talking jewelry pieces and bags that have rarely been worn (if ever in some cases) so they’re practically brand new.

Barneys Vintage Boutique can only be found at the Madison Avenue’s flagship location. Make sure to check it out next time you’re in New York – it’s a must.

Rebecca Minkoff & Hip Jewels

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Image from minkette.rebeccaminkoff.com

When I was in New York recently I went to this fashion seminar put on by Fashionista and Rebecca Minkoff spoke about her hugely successful – and growing – line. Originally specializing in handbags, Rebecca and her brother (also her business manager) talked about how they’re expanding her brand to be a complete lifestyle collection including clothing, shoes, jeans, sunglasses and jewelry. Much like her handbags, all the items are well priced. I’m especially into the jewelry collection. There are some cool pieces that are sure to sell well. Made up of various metallics (silver, gold, rose gold,) studs, glitter, spikes, enamel, leather and vibrant colours, the designs are fun with a bit of a rock and roll vibe. The pieces also look hip when layered. Pile them on! Check out the whole jewelry collection here.

At the same seminar, Zac Posen also spoke and wisely said that the customer is the ultimate muse. And I’m sure this is true for Rebecca. She understands her customer and you can tell she designs with them in mind (think young-ish, hip, cool style but not over the top or super obvious). She’s also opening her first boutique in Soho this fall. I took at peak at the space recently and it’s going to be a super chic spot. Looking forward to checking it out next time I’m in NYC.

Make sure to watch the video below of fashion blogger Leandra Medine from the The Man Repeller having fun with the spring jewelry collection. She definitely represents the vibe Rebecca is going for.

 

Super Cool Michael Kors Two-Toned Ankle Strap Pump

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Black and white is huge right now and it’s going to continue to be throughout the fall. And the ankle strap isn’t going away any time soon either – which is a good news because I love heels with ankle straps. They’re chic, current and can be pretty sexy too. That’s why these Michael Kors black and white leather pumps with an adjustable ankle strap are kind of perfect right now. The heal isn’t too high (4 inches) so one can actually walk in them – which is always a bonus. They also come in all black too. At only $165 this is a really good shoe and a great price. Check them out on michaelkors.com.

Chandally Jewelry – A New Fave

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“Shalosh” organic cuff – 18k vermeil & blue sapphires ($740)

I always insist on checking out Henri Bendel, one of my favourite spots to look at cool jewelry, when I’m in NYC. They often have awesome truck shows with really cool and talented jewelry designers. And during my recent visit a couple of weeks ago I met a lovely jeweler named Sharon Chandally. I was super impressed with her line – the detail, the craftsmanship and originality. It’s interesting and chic, while still being soft and wearable.

Sharon comes from a long line of silversmiths and you can tell – creating jewelry is in her blood. She sculpted as a teenager and then studied both industrial design and musical instrument construction at university and the skills she learned are definitely apparent in her work. It’s organic with an architectural element that makes it especially original. Having been trained in an ancient forms of silversmithing and finding influence from her travels to places like Israel, New Zealand, India, Ghana, Benin and Japan, Sharon creates jewelry pieces that are practically sculptures.

Her materials include 18K vermeil and sterling silver with stones such as black diamonds and sapphires. I’ve posted three of my favourite pieces here but definitely check out her site to see more of her super interesting designs (I’m totally am getting a ring). This is impressive work and I’m looking forward to following Chandally as her line grows and to see her future creations.

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“Shkedim” architectural earrings – 18k vermeil & blue sapphires ($500)
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“Kanaf4” long earrings – 18k vermeil ($175)

All photos from Sharon Chandally – thank you!

Fancy Jewels at Henri Bendel

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Jewellery is a major passion of mine and I can’t not go to NYC without making a trip to Henri Bendel – a lengendary store with an incredible jewellery selection. Featuring lines from both long established jewellery designers and some of the most exciting new ones in the North America. And most of the prices are totally reasonable. Man, I love this store! I can easily spend a couple of hours looking in great detail at the huge selection of super cool pieces. And luckily for my mom and sister, I always pick them up something when I’m there because I’m a saint (actually they always give me $ to shop for them before I go). If you’re not heading to NYC anytime soon, you can also shop at Henri Bendel online. The site doesn’t have nearly as much as they do in the store, but they still have a lot of really cool pieces. Here are some of my faves.

Socialite hoop earrings (How awesome is the name?!?)

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Cascade Layered Necklace ($598) – You could totally wear this
with a simple dress or it would look hip with a cool
leather
jacket, a t-shirt, skinny jeans with t-strap 
stilettos.

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Diane Bib Necklace ($258) – super different & super cool.

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Skyline Deco Chandelier Earrings ($198) – incredible. 

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Burst Chandelier Earring ($198) – such a great shape.

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Bendel Rocks Narrow Bangle ($168) – I know so many women
that would love this. And wouldn’t it be cool to wear a couple?

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Buckle-UP Bay Wide Cuff ($98) – Gwyneth would totally wear this.

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Make sure to visit Henri Bendel next time you’re in NYC.
You won’t be 
disappointed

Fancy Metallic Shoes

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I’m really into metallic shoes right now and for spring. Holts has a a good selection but these silver Jimmy Choo Maya pumps are my favourite – very cool. They’re a nice height (not too high), the toe is super pointy, the bow detail is a nice touch and this style of pump couldn’t be more chic right now. These would also go with pretty much everything – a suit, skinny jeans, a tight pencil skirt…

Oh, and Amanda Seyfried wore them on the cover of InStyle’s January issue. She wears them well with a Chanel bodysuit and skirt. See – they do go with everything.

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Nicole Kidman, Elizabeth Taylor & Chandelier Earrings

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Last night I was out with my friends and I somehow (wisely) managed to bring up the earrings Nicole Kidman wore to the MET Gala in 2003 – the year she co-hosted with Anna Wintour & Tom Ford. The amazing dress was custom Tom Ford for Gucci (such a legendary time for Gucci) and she wore these incredible long diamond chandelier earrings. I remember being so excited when I first saw a photo of her in those earrings – they’re legendary. Nicole was on top of the world back then. And this was totally one of her best looks.

Side note – I sure hope someone wears earrings like this to the Oscars. They’re so awesome. In fact, I think Anne Hathaway’s look at the Golden Globes would have been way better if she wore earrings like these. They’re even better up close.

Earrings

And here’s an interesting jewelry fact. Do you know where the term chandelier earrings came from? The legendary Elizabeth Taylor of course! She had a pair of long diamond tassel earrings (pictured below) that were originally owned by Baroness di Portanova, who commissioned Costantino Bulgari’s daughter Marina B. to create them based on a chandelier in her Acapulco home (doesn’t get much fancier than that, does it?). When Elizabeth heard the story, she started to refer to that style of earrings as chandeliers. And the rest is jewelry history my friends.

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