Store Appeal

Alex and Ani: Eco Friendly Fashions!

I’ve discovered a great eco-friendly, made in the USA jewelry brand that I just had to share: Alex and Ani. Not only are their jewelry products made from locally sourced materials, but they’ve got a patented expandable sliding adjuster so you can customize the size of the bracelet or earrings you buy! Awesome, right? A brand dedicated to craftsmanship and the environment is always a winner in my book.

Definitely check Alex and Ani out:

Alex and Ani Slash expandable bracelet, $188.00.

Alex and Ani Lots of Love and Luck expandable bracelet, $178.00.

Find lots more Alex and Ani right here.

James Perse Men’s Shirts

Living in Los Angeles, I’ve noticed that our style always exudes comfort. That’s where James Perse men’s shirts come into play!

James Perse should know a thing or two about Los Angeles, after all this designer was born and raised here. Combining high-quality cotton and jersey with simplicity and comfort, he has created everyone’s favorite t-shirt. Men who like to keep it simple will find a friend in James Perse, that’s for sure. Everyone’s all about going back to the basics, and the minimalist designs of James Perse make the perfect base for a comfortable yet stylish foundation of basics for anyone’s closet.  I’m loving the muted and sophisticated pigments of these tees below, perfect for fall. Take a look for yourself:

1. James Perse Arsenic Crew Neck, $45.00

2. James Perse Port Pigment V-Neck, $50.00

3. James Perse Deep Pigment Crew Neck, $55.00

> shop more James Perse men’s shirts

More totes: Lilly Pulitzer and Kooba Denim

This week I discovered some cute totes from Lilly Pulitzer. Known for her citrus-y bright pink and lime green prints, she’s been the retro uniform for the affluent since the 50′s, and I love the happy mood her clothing and accessories evoke. Even Jackie O rocked Lilly Pulitzer so you know it’s gotta be chic!

Check these totes out:

Lilly Pulitzer Original Carry On, $148.00. So retro 70s and fun; I love the hot pink and orange combo!

Lilly Pulitzer Polka Dot Tote, $109.99.

As always, I understand not everyone wants to carry around a loud, cheery bright tote like the Lilly Pulitzer ones above. So here is a great, low-key option. Kooba Denim Canvas tote, $295.00.

Great light washed denim with a cool shape and leather pocket details. I think it’d be really comfortable to tote due to that little arch in the middle they took out for more room for your arm. The adjustable strap handle is also a great style detail. Plus denim is classic and timeless as well, so investing in a denim tote might be a good idea!

> shop more Lilly Pulitzer totes

> shop more denim totes

Paul Smith Socks for Men

Men out there: looking for a way to add some personality to a boring corporate suit? Have some fun with your socks! I’ve got a strange weakness for cute socks (thigh highs, argyle socks, etc.) but when I spotted the awesomely colorful and zany collection of Paul Smith socks I knew fun accessories don’t have to be reserved only for women.

Paul Smith is an English designer whose trademark colorful stripes have gained notoriety all over the world, and you can see his signature style on the wickedly fun trouser socks pictured below.  Pump some personality into that drab sock drawer of yours. See all the fun you could be having underneath your slacks!? Click on the images for prices and information.

> Find more Paul Smith socks

MNG by Mango for JCPenny!

I just had to share the latest breaking news on the hot collaboration between JC Penny and Mango.  If you haven’t heard of Mango, they’re the company from Spain who’s made their name on stylish fast fashion at affordable prices. Their ad campaigns have included Scarlett Johansson and Penelope Cruz, and they’ve got over 1,000 stores worldwide! Don’t have a Mango store near you? Now you can find a Mango store within a store at your nearest JC Penny.  Fabulous idea, no?

Nylon Magazine has posted a first look of this highly anticipated collab and these are some of the lovely images.

These are the much talked about skinny motocross khakis:

Sophisticated yet casual:

Tomboy chic:

Like what you see? Hit your nearest JC Penny beginning Fall of 2010 to start seeing these Mango items in stores. Look for new products each month and online at jcp.com.

The YSL Handbag vs. Fendi Clutch

“Fashions fade, style is eternal.” —Yves Saint Laurent

Today we are exploring the world of YSL and Fendi through their tote bags and clutches.  Yves Saint Laurent has an A-list celebrity cult following, with Madonna, Dita, and Halle Berry all toting their amazing handbags.  It’s no surprise the legacy Saint Laurent left us (he passed away in June 2008), as he is one of the most influential designers ever, introducing the trench coat and tuxedo into women’s closets. Read more about him in this little Yves Saint Laurent Bio from NY Magazine.

I just love the look of this Yves Saint Laurent Khaki Canvas Tote, available for $756.00.  It’s chic and the khaki is ever so reminiscent of the safari/trench coat style Yves Saint Laurent made popular.

Moving on to another lust-worthy item, this Fendi Skin Clutch is available for $1620.00.  Fendi isn’t just about their F-logo emblazoned purses, they have modern-looking clutches like the one below.  I’m obsessed with the wood/plexi kiss lock closure and the gold studs give it a bit of an edge. I like how the handle is a bit art-deco inspired too.

> shop more YSL handbags

> shop more Fendi clutches

Greg Norman Pants and John Varvatos Pants

Today we’re featuring men’s pants from two big names: Greg Norman men’s pants and John Varvatos men’s pants.

Greg Norman is an ex-world champion golfer turned entrepreneur who is popularly known as “The Great White” in golf circles. His golf clothing collection was started with an athletes perspective in mind. Form and function are important players in this collection of tops, pants, shorts, polos. What stands out about his pants is the attention to detail. Take for example this excerpt from their media page,

“Certain bottoms feature modern designs including flat fronts; hand-stitched detailing; full-curtain dress waistband constructions; and cuffed hems. A cuffed herringbone pant made from 52 percent silk and 48 percent wool is offered in addition to a microfiber cut chord with slash pockets.”

These are high-end designer details coming from an Australian ex-pro golfer! I’m sure you’ll be seeing more and more of his sportswear in men’s closets all over the world.

Here’s a nice pair, the Greg Norman Flat Front Pinstripe Tech Pant $73.00,  that features Play Dry® polyester fabric, which is known to wick moisture away from the skin to keep you cool and comfortable, never clammy.

Moving on to another great menswear designer who is not an ex-athlete but has a stunning resume (he has worked for both Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein), John Varvatos. Here’s a casual yet sophisticated pair of Converse by John Varvatos men’s chino pants, $76.76. 100% cotton chinos, so you know they’ll get nice and soft after a few washes. Perfect to pair with a casual t-shirt or a belt and blazer.

So there you go, two great men’s designers and their different takes on men’s pants! Check out more of their stuff with the links below:

> shop more Greg Norman Pants

> shop more John Varvatos pants

Wanted: White Prada Tote Bag

I’ve been spotting white Prada tote bags all over the place, and with good reason.  Luxurious and high in quality, but practical enough to use day to day, Prada totes are a perfect carry all.But why white? For obvious reasons, white matches everything! Look how classic and simple Jessica Alba keeps it with her white Prada Vela bag, black tank dress, and leather sandals. I’m loving the look. A comfortable yet stylish outfit that is complete with her white Prada tote. What’s great about that one is that it has a handy shoulder strap great for people on the go. And check out Jessica Alba’s Prada Spazzolato Tote she pairs with casual skinny jeans and a colorful scarf. A super casual weekend outfit tied together with a sexy white Prada tote on her arm.

Thus began my quest for my own stylish white Prada tote bag. Here’s what I’ve found:

Prada Perforated Saffiano Small Boston Bag, $1160.00. I love the shape, the removable shoulder strap, and the perforated detailing makes it stand out from ordinary white totes.

Prada Soft Calf Tote, $1750.00. Very minimalist, double stitched handles, and a gorgeous creamy off-white leather. Also comes with detachable shoulder strap.

> shop more Prada totes

Denim Accessories: Marc Jacobs Denim Handbags

What’s more basic than denim? Nothing really, which is why I’ve had my eye on a few Marc Jacobs denim handbags lately. Nothing is more American (think 1873 when Levi’s invented the first pair of blue jeans) and classic than denim. And what could be more versatile? You can bleach, distress, dip, dye, and sandblast your way to literally hundreds of different looks when it comes to denim. See how Marc puts a spin on denim right here:

Marc by Marc Jacobs Miss Marc Lila Denim tote, $198.00.  This funky and sweet Marc by Marc denim tote complete with pirate girl illustration is so fun. I spotted it in a store window last weekend and really loved the colorful braided strap and scribbly sketch on the front.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Standard Supply Classic Denim Tote, $142.00. Looking for something more simple and basic? This denim carry all is a great size for toting to the beach or on a casual weekend stroll. Love the denim rivet details and the light blue wash.

> Shop more Marc Jacobs denim handbags

White Handbags vs. Orla Kiely Handbags

White handbag or fun printed Orla Kiely handbag? The dilemma continues. For women like me who have more than enough bags/accessories to count, there’s always going to be a debate as to whether or not we need another handbag.  And if we can only have one, would we choose a conservative style or a fun printed style?

Can’t ever go wrong with a classic white Prada Cervo Antik Tote, $1717.99.

Or do I choose to stand out from the crowd with my adorable Orla Kiely printed handbag?

Like what you see above? The image is from Decor8, who did a great post on Orla Kiely’s Spring/Summer 2010 collection right here. If you haven’t heard of Orla Kiely then I must introduce you. She’s a London based designer known for her awesome sense of color, print and pattern. You might recognize some of her cute, whimsical little prints (here and here). My all time favorite print of hers is the little car print right here. SO ADORABLE! Swoon.

Want more Orla Kiely? I’m loving this Patent Leather Orla Kiely Caraway bag in lovely Scarlet Red. $440.00. Isn’t the zipper pocket detailing darling? Also in love with this Multi Button Leather handbag, $600.00.

Just can’t get enough? Find more Orla Kiely bags right here!