Is There Such a Thing as Eco-Chic?

07 Jan 2008

Foley + Corinna Handbags Country Tote
Skimming through Shopbop.com, I came across this Foley + Corinna Country tote. It’s crafted out of burlap and coffee bean sacks, which usually means the bag should be cheap since each of those fabrics are dirt cheap or free, but surprise surprise the bag costs $444 bucks. Am I missing something here or is it now okay to over charge because something is deemed “eco-chic”? Granted the bag is an exclusive and only available at Shopbop, but if the fabric’s not worth the price why over charge?

Hopefully Rogan’s upcoming collabo with Target will show that you don’t have to be over priced to be eco-friendly.

Popularity: 5% [?]

Sweeney Todd’s Mrs. Lovett’s Style

30 Nov 2007

Sweeney Todd Style

The Demon Barber of Fleet Street makes his way into theaters this Christmas and with him comes partner in crime Mrs.Lovett, the friendly little pie maker who assists Sweeney in his devilish deeds. With a Burtonesque style that is hard to master, Mrs.Lovett is inspired by the darkly gothic tale of revenge. Here are some picks to copy her unique look.

Love YAYA Selby Coated French Terry Pants ($135)

Elegantly Waisted Patent Cummerbund ($137)

Bulga Patent Clutch ($330)

Dolce Vita Houston Slouching Boot ($350)

Milly Eyelash Mini Dress ($372)

Black Straight Razor ($105)

Popularity: 14% [?]

Designer Discovery: A Dutchy You Don’t Want to Pass

05 Oct 2007


Peety Tara in Tangerine Nana Coin Purse in Lavendar

Dutchy was started in 2004 by designer Audree Halasz, a fun-loving San Francisco girl next door type. Audree began to develop her keen design sense as a young girl in the ’70s, when her parents owned a fashion boutique. In 2001, after years of costume design, Audree began designing and sewing her own handbags. The demand was blazin (last pot reference I swear) and Dutchy was born.
Dutchy was named after Audree’s dad who was nicknamed Dutchy as a child for his mischievous ways (right, we know why they called him dutchy. Hint: It wasn’t cause he was dutch.)

Jet Wristlet in Bone

Why We Love It? This is one designer which offers great bags at a reasonable price. Her Jet Wristlet bag is amazing and so is her ability to create handbags which are timeless and fun. The collection goes well with the coming fall’s push towards confidence and strength as inspiration.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Indie Picks Fall 2007: The Gray Shoulder Bag

20 Aug 2007

Kale Chilton I Handbag

Today I stepped outside and got my first chill of the season. That means it’s time to welcome fall and all the new fall trends. Gray is a big color in the skies and on the runway this season making appearances at Vicktor & Rolf, Malan Breton, and Samantha Pleet. The trick to wearing gray is to alternate shades, choosing different ones to create a layering effect. This Kale Chilton handbag makes the perfect accessory to pair with your differentiating grays.

Available exclusively at Shopbop.com this cracked, glazed-leather handbag with patent piping detail will make your blue skies gray, but in a good way.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Fall Fashion Trends 2007: Purple Paradise

29 Jul 2007

Zac Posen

For the fall season, purple ruled the runway. A color that once signified royalty due to it’s high production cost (see, Fashion Indie teaches you things), the deep hued shade made appearances at a number of shows including that of indie hero, Zac Posen. Working well with shades of burgundy, gray and blacks adding this color to your wardrobe is as easy as finding the right accessory or dress. Just don’t over do it on the purple power, the last thing you want is for someone to confuse you for an over joyous dancing dinosaur.

Here are some prickly plum picks for punctuating your purple palette people…

1. What Comes Around Goes Around Jacky Satin Top

2. Kale Metallic Weyman Clutch

3. Moschino Cheap & Chic Open Toe Patent Kiltie

4. Shaoo Patent & Porcelain Necklace

5. Foley for Foley + Corinna Jersey Cocktail Dress

Popularity: 4% [?]

[Indie Icon] Silver Surfer Summer Chic

15 Jun 2007

With the Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer hitting theaters tomorrow I thought this would be the perfect time to talk about my two favorite summer trends for 2007, silver and surfing. The Silver Surfer give the four a bit of trouble in the upcoming movie but their is no denying the cosmic crusader is giving all style mavens a run for their money. Definitely a stylish trend inspiration the Surfers use of metallics is right in line for what’s in for the summer.
1. Dita Sunglasses Supa Dupa Sunglasses

2. Adina Reyter Large Snake Earrings

3. YAYA Lustre Dress

4. Erotokritos Handbags Big Embossed Basquet

5. Fabucci Tie Top & Low-Rise Bottom Bikini

6. Carmen Ho Virna Ballerina Flat

Popularity: 2% [?]

[Indie Picks] The Weekender Bag by Give

06 Jun 2007

Give Handbags The Weekender
WHY?
The Weekender Bag by Give ($688) is by far the most ostentatious carry-all bag we’ve seen this season. It makes us feel like we have plans to visit friends in the Hamptons this weekend and we’re just going to zip over in our Beamer for a quick party on the beach. In reality our weekends are spent eating Ramen noodles and writing about handbags we can’t afford (cue the tiny violins).

ABOUT GIVE HANDBAGS
Founded in 2004, Give Handbags is a line of travel accessories that meshes fashion, function, and philanthropy, with a portion of the net profits donated to a new charity each month. Every detail is painstakingly chosen for both aesthetic and functional reasons, which is not at all surprising seeing that designer Christine Valenti’s background is skewed toward problem solving. Already a favorite of A-listers, Give Handbags are genuinely charitable and useful, yet utterly sophisticated.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Shrek 3: The Story Isn’t Ogre…

21 May 2007


Shrek, the movie that put ‘happily ever after’ fairy tales on their heads, is back in theaters with a story that finds Princess Fiona preparing for her greatest adventure…parenthood. Before slipping into the joys of motherhood, Fiona gets to live the royal life as ruler of Far, Far Away. A little bit swamp mommy chic, a little bit queen of the kingdom, these indie picks will have you ready for all your orge-ly duties.
1. Rachel Leigh Positively Ring

2. Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent Deep V Mini Dress

3. Vita Milano Bracelet

4. Charlotte Ronson Kidada Flat

5. Fenton Handbags Earl Tote

Popularity: 3% [?]

Mary Jane Style

01 May 2007

Get your minds out of the hashpipe stoners. I mean Mary Jane Watson, the lovely lady in Spiderman’s life. In honor of Spiderman Week in NYC we have some picks that would make any Peter Parker fall for you. Wide Leg Jeans from indie brand Ditto, a black sleeveless tank from Vince, and some good luck charms for walking the streets of New York in true heroine chic style. These fashion picks from ShopBop.com are sure to help bag you a superhero or at least feel like you can take on the world when you walk down the street, Tiger.

Products Clockwise.

1.
Vince Jersey Sleeveless Tee

2.
Dittos The Classic Wide Leg Jean

3.
Giles & Brother Tiny Clover Necklace

4.
Hanky Panky Tiger Bralette

5.
Give Handbags Large Patent Summer Tote

6.
Dolce Vita Open Toe Buckle Flat

Popularity: 3% [?]

Sunshine and Lemonade

28 Apr 2007

I’m officially sick of this evil New York weather! Aside from being the universe’s super soaker target, I can’t deal with the gloominess of it all. To cheer myself up, and yourself if you live in NYC, I picked some lemon-drop fashion from Shopbop.com. They are perfect picks for bringing your own little bit of sunshine to the Big Apple.

1. Fragments Small Lucite Earrings

2. Lisa Curran Adjustable Halter & Shirred Brief Hipster Bikini

3. Alice + Olivia Paris Dress

4. Malini Murjani Billeyette Clutch

5. Madison Harding Open Toe Canvas Wedge

Popularity: 2% [?]

Jesse Spano + Caffeine Pills = Saved by the Bell Style

14 Apr 2007

Jesse Spano Style

Remember that “very special” episode of Saved by the Bell? You know, the one where Jessie Spano freaks out about getting a good grade on her midterms, starts popping caffeine pills and Zack has to help her get off the junk. It’s one of my favorites. Well, last week the episode was on ABC Family [yes I watch ABC Family] and Ms. Spano’s style was clearly an A+. The Bayside High over-achiever inspired these picks which are smart girl chic and 90’s everyday cool.

With accessories by indie designer Rachel Leigh, Karen Zambos and Marc Jacobs, shoes by Loeffler Randal, and high-waist braided jeans by Grey Ant, our Jessie Spano looks are perfect for cramming for finals or heading to “The Max” with your very own A.C. Slater.

1. Rachel Leigh Skyz the Limit Giraffe Necklace

2. Karen Zambos Vintage Couture Head Scarf

3. Vince Pima Jersey Short Sleeve Top

4. Marc by Marc Jacobs Punky Star Brooch [Not indie, but deal. We love Marc.]

5. James Perse Long Cardigan

6. Loeffler Randall Zora Flat

7. Botkier Bags Sasha Duffle

8. Grey Ant High Waist Braid Jean

Popularity: 6% [?]

Spring Fashion Trends 2007 - Jane of the Jungle

06 Apr 2007

The warmth of Spring brings out our inner animal. Release the beast by suiting up in some of these exciting animal prints by indie favorites such as Maria Bonita Extra, Ya Ya and Tyler Rose. Leopard, zebra, and snake prints are making a huge comeback this Spring with patterns being seen on everything from dresses to bathing suits, handbags to stilettos. Pick up on of these animal print picks and be queen of your urban jungle.

Jungle Fashion Trends

1. Ya-Ya Swahili Beach Tanzania Dress

2. Julie Haus Lampshade Leopard Dress

3. Tyler Rose Swimwear The Whiskey Bikini

4. Felix Rey Handbags Jungle Mesh Clutch

5. SURevolution Batik Tagua Print Ring

6. Maria Bonita Extra Leopard Flat

Style Indie Tip: Head to toe prints are not hot so if you plan to wear a zebra print dress stay away from zebra shoes and accessories. It’s best to pair animal prints with solid colors to not seem like you just came back from a hunting trip in the Sahara. For Zebra pair with red flats and accessories. Leopard works best with solid black or brown accessories. If you plan to accent with animal print bags, shoes or jewelry, it’s okay to match prints in accessories as long as you are wearing a dress that is a solid base color. Example; Little black dress with leopard print shoes and hand bag.

Popularity: 17% [?]