Everything Old is New Again

Tragedy yesterday - one of my favorite rings, a 'just because' present from Bones, snapped in two.  The perils of adjustable metal trinkets, I suppose, but nevertheless upsetting. 

Flash of genius (well...ok, actually a suggestion from said husband) - why not try to fashion a new ring out of the old?  So, whilst watching 'Rhinoceros' (Gene Wilder love), I attempted to 're-purpose' (thank you, 'Chopped', for my new pseudo-intellectual vocabulary) my ring.

One candy band, some Krazy Glue, and a lot of q-tip-in-nail-polish-remover-action later, the results.  A little more whimsical, but I think it will do the job swimmingly. 

And, bonus lesson learned: sometimes, you just have to listen to your man.

Ring, jewelrybyveronique.com
Candy band, vintage

The Newest Covet: September 27, 2011

A recent study has revealed that women get their most shopping thrills when buying a perfect handbag – more so than when they find well-made jeans, a sublime lip color, or fancy bejeweled flats of their dreams.

It’s easy to see why with Marc Jacobs' large single polka-dot leather bag.  A unique mash-up of playful Minnie Mouse-ery with a dash of Chanel (perfectly executed chunky chain strap handle and structured frame), I would squeal with glee to snap one of these up...or should I say squeak?

Bag, net-a-porter.com

Study, dailymail.co.uk

Out of the Water, Into the Wild

Often one of the most ethereal of design elements, paillettes are given a fresh reimagining in Prada’s striking 2011 Fall collection.

While normally reminiscent of the otherworldly play of color and movement found in a mermaid’s tail, these designs are uncharacteristically dramatic.  Modern cuts are enhanced by outrageous splashes of color, completely banishing all previously held notions about their ornamentation.

Toilette du soir taffeta, Raudnitz et Cie - white evening gown embroidered w silver paillettes

The resulting costumes are raw and glamorous, with just a dash of their former lady-like grace (take note of the amazing white gloves and plunging flapper neckline).

The play of similar hues is equally inspired - saffron fades into rust, which overlaps into an orange gold - and all is tied together with delightful cranberry accents.

While I'll always adore more traditionally girlish trappings, this novel approach is a must-try for the year ahead.

And Away We Go

Off to Virginia!  Canoeing, mountains, lovely starry nights - and, most importantly, the in-laws.  Will the thrifting be otherworldly?  Or will I fruitlessly prospect for fashion gold?  We shall see! 

Photo by Henrik Kettunen

The World at Your Feet – Adornments on a Budget

My working-class upbringing has instilled a deep-seated (some would say positively ‘cheap’) thriftiness in me – the almost-always incapability of spending more than $10 or $20 on a component of my day’s look.  With the panoply of thrift shops around, not to mention retail chains that are getting more cost-conscious, really great pieces have been popping up for Fall.

I have been obsessing over Payless Shoes the last few months.  Their most recent line is hitting all the right notes – bold colors and girlish details abound.

I acquired the chelsea flats (above) in this rich red color.  They have looked fantastic styled with my black and white polka dot dress this summer , and I will surely be wearing them with black tights all winter long for a pop of cheery color.

I have been in a 'will she or won't she?' tangle with these brandy bow leopard print flats for a month now.  I am loving the mix of leopard with such a brash, big red bow (one of my outfit requirements, of course).  But I really don't own much leopard print?  Those 'in the know' always indicate that a splash of a wild pattern is best for trend-testing for the uninitiated (i.e., a leopard print scarf, shoe, bag, as opposed to a full-fledged dress commitment).  So for all those daring, I say these are a great, playful starter.

And these?  These komet platform pumps are my fantasy shoe option.  The color is so rich and velvety, and I love the idea of them with other jewel-tone accessories.  Normally, I'm a flats girl, through and through.  But these might just put a newfound spring in my step for 2012!

All shoes, payless.com

The Modern Minnie

A lush interpretation of a key fall trend - a red, sling back bow pump.  The white pearl piping is exquisite juxtaposed against a sheer, dot festooned stocking.  Longing for my powder room to be similarly transformed - baroque furnishings with such lavish trappings - cold weather, please come hither.

Pumps - Valentino

Stockings - Falke

Look - Lucky Magazine, September, 2011 Ed.

Je t'aime New York

Photos by Dave Beckerman

Red Velvet Heaven

Living in Brooklyn, it has finally happened to me – I am now feeling the ever-increasing desire to own a bicycle. And I blame it in part on this ridiculously fetching helmet cover. Coming in a multitude of hues, with lots of fabric choices (red velvet!) I am keeping day-dreams in check of gliding down the boulevard in a cozy winter-white sweater dress, basket before me, a crisp fall picnic lunch in tow, and me, a vision in my fantastic helmet. While I may not know the difference between a single speed and an 18 speed, I think I am undoubtedly on the right track.

Velvet cover, helmetcovers.com