Store Appeal

Would You Buy This Prada Transparent PVC Tote?

Prada Transparent PVC Tote, $1036

The number of women who could afford to spend $1000 on a women’s handbag  is a lot less than the number of women who actually buy such things.  For women, not just in the US but around the world, designer handbags are a social currency - an expression of  style, status,  or even desire.  The simplest outfit can be transformed by the right bag.

I am a big designer bag fan, and typically purchase quality quality leather bags that I know will withstand the abuse I will give the bag in its lifetime.   But one trend I have never understood in designer handbags is the purchase of bags made out of cheap or synthetic materials.  Yes, you’re paying for a label, but beyond that you should at least be paying some of that money for a butter soft leather, or an embossed dyed alligator, or something equally premium.

The Prada Transparent PVC Tote, pictured above and avaiable from Bluefly.com  is the opposite of everything I want in a designer bag, and yet I still admire it aesthetically.  However, admiring a see-through bag when it is empty is far different than liking it when its full.  The appeal of the bag’s design would be completely thrown off by the items  inside.  I try to keep my things neat in a purse, but even still I don’t invite people to look inside.  This bag reveals all your secrets – what medicines you’re carrying, what kind of phone you use, and forget about anything like feminine products having a place in there.  Is it a practical handbag? Definitely not.

Plus it’s got no zipper, no pockets, no convenient cell sleeve or key holder.  And it’s made of PVC.  Yet because its Prada it’s over $1,000.  Would you purchase a bag like this?

American Eagle Outfitters Men’s Clothing

If you are looking to get your man some great casual men’s summer clothes, I recommend American Eagle Outfitters, or AE, as it is known shorthand.  American Eagle Outfitters is kind of like Abercombie & Fitch but more affordable. 

This is not the spot to go to get your work clothes, but if you want great t-shirts and shorts to hang out in then American Eagle has lots of good stuff for guys (they sell women’s clothes too).  I’m not into logo merchandise, which is what a lot of their t-shirts have on them, but they also have some really cool designs like this vintage fit, soft tagless tee with ribbed crewneck. 

Check out these American Eagle men’s boxers, and at $12.50 a pair they are very affordable. 

As long as you are shopping online, you may as well check out American Eagle women’s clothes for yourself too!  In particular I recommend you check out their flirty dresses.

Michael Kors Men’s Accessories – Watches, Sunglasses, Cologne

Store Appeal: Since the 80s, Michael Kors has been one of the premier and iconic American fashion designers. His collections never fail to awe snooty fashion editors while his urban-jet-setter-chic ad campaigns leave tongues wagging at just a glimpse of the good life. In 2002, the company launched a full-scale men’s collection, becoming the preeminent driving force in defining the modern American man.  

Our Vote: The Michael Kors man is easily defined by his simplicity and attention to detail. A Michael Kors men’s accessories collection geared towards everyone from the sportsman to the businessman, complete with watches (the ultimate male status symbol), cologne and sunglasses.

Our Favorites:

1.)  Michael Kors Black Oversized PU Chronograph Watch – $195

 2.)  Michael Kors Acrylic Watch Black & Gold – $225

 3.)  Michael Kors Digital Watch White – $195

 4.)  Michael Kors Men’s Fragrance – $52

 5.)  Michael Kors Updated Aviator Sunglasses – $195

Vera Wang Lifestyle – Jewelry, Home Décor, Accessories, Flowers and more

Vera Wang Lifestyle - Accessories, Shoes, Flowers, Jewelry and more

Store Appeal: In Vera Wang’s effort for total world domination, the luxury wedding dress designer has moved her thriving brand into home décor, fragrances, a moderately-priced fashion line through Kohl’s department stores, shoes, jewelry, even flowers and stationary. Since 1990, Vera Wang has been one of the most well-received and critically acclaimed designers of the generation. Her couture-quality and simple elegance is appealing to audiences of all price points.

Our Vote: Unfortunately www.VeraWang.com is more of a gallery than a store as you cannot make purchases directly from her site. Many of her lifestyle products such as home décor, jewelry and stationary are sold through third-party sites. However, she does own one of the most beautiful designer websites around and her full range of luxury and lifestyle products is a pleasure to behold (and makes you want to save your pennies to buy a piece of her dynasty).

Our Favorites:

1.)    Vera Wang Jeweled Flower Bow Bracelet – $395

2.)    Vera Wang Sequin and Crystal Necklace – $495

3.)    Vera Wang Lavender Label Lisa Ballet Flat – $295 

Bobby Berk Home: Modern Cool

I was browsing furniture the other day, trying to find a unique print for my dining room, and I came across this incredible stark piece of art:

Inhabit Living Morning Glory Stretched Wall Art, $72

Then I read the description of this stretched wall art and discovered that it is made from recycled 100% sustainable polyester.  This art comes from a store called Bobby Berk Home which I have since fallen in love with.  The site is all about a clean aesthetic, modern, stark and unique.  They have incredibly quirky art like the piece above, including geometric designs, animal illustrations and even hanging fabric panels.

But Bobby Berk Home sells more than just art.  They also sell gorgeous Bobby Berk bedding, dishes, modern furniture and they even have a section for Bobby Berk Home lighting.  I am also obsesssed with all the stuff they have for babies and kids because they have the absolute coolest crib bedding, as well as clothes, mobiles, high chairs and more.  And don’t even get me started on how ridiculously stylish their dog dishes are – some of them look like modern art!

My design sensibility is not as modern as this site is, but I think the products are diverse and unique enough that people of most decor styles will find pieces they like on this site.  It’s like a hipper Ikea in a way.  So next time you are looking for something for your apartment or house, take a look at Bobby Berk home.

Nicole Miller – Feminine and Sexy Redefined

Store Appeal: Ask anyone about Nicole Miller and nary a one will say anything negative about her line. The Nicole Miller brand has been synonymous with the modern American fashionista since the early ’90s. She creates the dresses you want to wear in the colors (particularly purples and cool blues – a personal fave), styles and silhouettes that are most flattering. Nicole Miller brand has grown into a celebrity favorite thanks to the ease and unpretentiousness of her ready-to-wear designs. Currently NicoleMiller.com has a sale on its spring/summer line – much of it 50% and up.

Our Vote: What’s greatest about the Nicole Miller online store is the variety among her collection lookbooks. She gives the shopper all of her latest collections from holiday and resort 2010 to current summer, upcoming fall/winter and previous collections too. Also worth noting is her bridal store. For years, Nicole Miller has been a de facto bridesmaid dress destination, specializing in the gowns that women will want to wear after the wedding. But now she’s branched out into bridal dresses as well. With designer styles without the couture price tag, Nicole Miller is a must-have for any modern fashionista.

Our Favorites:

1. Nicole Miller Strapless Dress — starting at $186, her signature sweetheart necklines are romantic and flattering.

2. Nicole Miller Bridesmaid Dress — starting at $255, these are sweet and simple.

3. Nicole Miller Halter Dress — starting at $158, these necklines are sexy but polished.

Hot Marc Jacobs Handbags

There are some designers whose style seems to droop when they start designing handbags.  But not Marc Jacobs.  He manages to translate his chic irreverence from his clothing into his bags, and as a result they are some of the most popular designer bags out there.   He has two handbag lines, Marc Jacobs handbags, which is his higher priced line, and MARC by Marc Jacobs handbags, which is his more affordable line. 

I LOVE this raspberry-colored March Jacobs Bruna Tote from the Marc Jacobs signature collection:

The Marc by Marc Jacobs line also features pieces with the signature hardware, but at significantly lower prices — like this clutch:

The MARC by Marc Jacobs Turnlock Clutch has all the sexiness of the bigger MARC bags, but at a deliciously low $198.  Again, I love the bright colors, this blue is just gorgeous and matches with lots of different outfit colors - white, black, beige, green etc.

What is your favorite Marc Jacobs or Marc by Marc Jacobs bag?

LAGOS Fine Jewelry

Store Appeal: Philadelphia-based LAGOS Fine Jewellery has been creating unique, one of a kind exquisite jewelry since the 1970s. LAGOS is a jewelry collection rich in personality, bold colors, and luxe precious metals. Smokey Quartz, White Topaz and Citrine are just a few of the rare gemstones LAGOS uses, and the brand prides itself upon inspirational pieces.

Our Vote: LAGOS has many design collections for a wide range of tastes. From the Torque collection which features gemstones caps on open-ended bracelets, to the Passion collection which features the previously mentioned exotic gemstones, or rich collections like Diamonds and Caviar which includes earrings, necklaces and bracelets with intricate designed highlighted by diamond weaving.

Our Favorites:

 1.)    LAGOS Caviar Heart Locket – $285

2.)    LAGOS Pink Sapphire Heart Bracelet – $250

3.)    LAGOS Sterling Silver Caviar Hoop Earrings – $195

Intermix – Fun, Designer Style

Store Appeal: Intermix is the designer boutique for designers and high-end brands that most stores don’t carry. Always au currant with the latest styles, if you’re a label lover or want to be the first in your group to wear the latest/yet-to-be-seen trends, Intermix is your place.

Our Vote: If you’ve never been to an Intermix store, you’re missing out. Although they’re not in every city, the Intermix store can be somewhat of an anomaly, as it is a boutique with the designer labels and looks most high-end department stores don’t even carry.  However, with discounts and free shipping for qualifying orders, it’s easy to fall in love with Intermix.

Our Favorites:

1.)    Splendid Long Sleeve Stripe Throw – $165

2.)    Guiseppe Zanotti for Balmain Zipper Crisscross Suede Sandals – $995

3.)    Parker Bustier Swing Dress – $218

4.)    Kenneth Jay Lane Gold Stone Cuff – $125

CC Skye: Jewelry that Rocks

CC Skye Wicked Ring

I confess, I am a jewelry addict.  Clothes can go out of style, shrink in the wash or get stained but good jewelry lasts forever.  Like this CC Skye Wicked Ring.  Sure, jewelry can go through trends just like clothing can, but it always fits and it doesn’t take up much space so you can always store until it comes back into fashion.

Rock ‘n Roll is always hot,  just like CC Skye Rock Jewelry.  Unfortunately rock ain’t always cheap; the pieces in this line can go for as much as $650.  But for those on a budget, there are definitely some affordable options.  The very cool lipstick pendant, which looks like a gold plated lipstick, is only $40. 

Check out these other CC Skye necklaces, too!