Tommy Ton's 2010 Best-Dressed

J'adore Tommy Ton.  His blog, Jak and Jil, is one of my daily 'must visits', and I always look forward to his slideshows on style.com.  Check out a few of my favorite looks from his 2010 Best-Dressed list.  Fashion moves fast, but style is yours forever, so I know I will be incorporating these sartorial twists into my 2011 repertoire.  Enjoy!

For the full slideshow on Style.com click here.

Neutral scarf with crazy print dress tones it down.  Damn those Euros and their chic scarves!

Banish a bad hair day and add a dash of color to a camel coat.

Sweater + Sequins gives a whole new meaning to day-to-night dressing.

Shrunken navy blazer with jeans and a flouncy tee = perfect casual but not too casual.

Image courtesy of Style.com and Tommy Ton

Birkin vs. Kelly

I always say you should learn something new every day.  Call me crazy, but I woke up this morning and was thinking, "What is the difference between the Hermes Birkin and Kelly bags."  Obviously, the Birkin gets all the glory, so I was surprised to find that the Kelly bag was the original and the Birkin was adapted from it.  So, whether or not you ever use this information I think it's good to be informed.  And, if you see a lucky lady walking down the street with either you can rest assured you won't make an embarrassing faux pas and mix the two up.  So, are you a Kelly or a Birkin??

The Kelly

A Bit of History:  The bag was introduced in 1892 as a large saddle carrier, then downsized in the 1930's to a handbag.  It was only named the Kelly bag after Grace Kelly repeatedly used it to shield her baby bump from the paparazzi is the late 1950's (she had been married to Prince Rainier of Monaco for less than a year).  One of the pictures landed on the cover of Life magazine, and an iconic bag was born.  It suits her to a t, though: perfectly tailored, classically put together, and not in the least bit ostentatious (except for the price).  This is definitely the more formal of the two.

Defining Characteristics:
- One handle
- Removable shoulder strap
- Top flap is one continuous piece from the back of the bag
- It is ridiculously expensive

The Birkin

A Bit of History:  During a 1981 flight, British actress/singer/bohemian Jane Birkin accidentally spilled her stuffed-to-the-gills Kelly bag in front of a Hermes head honcho.  She complained that the bag was not incredibly practical for schleping the daily necessities around and she needed something a bit more casual.  Thus the birth of the Birkin.  Ironically, she doesn't carry her namesake bag anymore because she claims its weight when full gave her tendonitis. 

Defining Characteristics:
- Two handles
- Shoulder strap is not removable
- Top flap is a separate piece that is sewn onto the back in an top arc
- It is ridiculously, ridiculously expensive

Pop Quiz:  Which bag is Marc Jacobs using as a beach bag in St. Bart's??

Vote 2921 in Sunglass Hut's Full Time Fashion Blogger Search!

You may have voted in the election yesterday, but your obligation as a citizen is not done just yet!  My zany guy pal, Ryan Ottobre, is in the running to become Sunglass Hut's Full Time Fabulous fashion blogger, and he needs your help!  Ryan is a complete nut with the wardrobe to match, and he would really add some much needed quirk to Sunglass Hut's website.  And, I thought I would save you a bit of time, so I took the liberty of picking 10 videos at random from other contestants.  Let me tell you, I may know Ryan personally, but his video blew the others out of the water.  Most of the others I saw were pretty snoozy and in the vein of, "Hi.  My name is Sally, and I would be a great fashion blogger because I have loved fashion since I was a kid..."  Now, there were some great videos too, but Ryan's made me laugh and you really get a sense what he is about.  SO...Vote for fun!  Vote for zany!  Vote for Ryan Ottobre contestant #2921!    

Click here to vote!!

Lusting after R&Y Augousti Cuffs - Gorgeous!

OMG I want these so badly it is painful!  R&Y Augousti is relaunching its jewelry line, and I would kill for these shagreen and malachite cuffs.  Life is too short to accessorize with jewelry that will turn your skin green.  Always think of price per wear.  That $10 necklace from your favorite fast fashion retailer costs way more in the end if you only wear it once as opposed to pieces that are a bit pricier you wear for years and years.  I bought a lovely (and not outrageously expensive) ring a year and a half ago from Doyle & Doyle and it has barely left my finger.  Staying power!  If you buy things you truly love they are well worth the price.....and don't forget the disdain your grandchildren will feel if they inherit a shoebox of H&M accessories.

R&Y Augousti jewelry available at Barneys New York.

1-stone cuff - $275
2-stone cuff - $300

Image courtesy of Style.com

Instead of a Hoebag....It's the Schitbag!

Yep, this is no joke.  It's touted as the "the new status purse."  I know I can't wait to tell all my friends I just got a new Schitbag.  Who are the marketing geniuses who think up this stuff?  One thing's for certain, though, it has sure received a lot of press due to the name.  

On a more serious note...to fanny pack or not to fanny pack?  Summer is here and it's hard to eat an ice cream cone while carrying an oversize envelope clutch while chatting on your cell.  Does it matter if it's Gucci (even though those look like a Canal Street special legit or not), or do they remind you of Disney circa 1993?

"Schitbag" IS THE NEW STATUS PURSE

Hands-Free Designer Belt Bag Fascinates Hollywood

Los Angeles, CA (May 12, 2010) -- The Original Schitbag, launching now for the Fall season, moves the concept of a waist or hip purse into the 21st century with a unique, high-fashion design that enhances any outfit.  For the first time, a hands-free, shoulder-free belt bag is sophisticated as well as practical, providing the sensuous elegance women have always wanted in a waist bag.  Meticulously crafted in rich shades of velvety, optimum-quality suede, the Schitbag contours to the body and hides flaws with its sleek lines.

Check out what Fashionista says about it. 

Image from Schitbag via nymag.com

Brown Bagging Chanel

This is so genius I don't even know where to start.  It is the ultimate Shitty-Chic accessory.  Do you think Karl carries his lunch in this.  Come to think of it, I don't think he eats much lunch.

Image courtesy of Tommy Ton @ www.jakandjil.com

Loving This MJ Day Clutch

Ever since I spied Viviana Volpicella's carrying YSL's super chic day clutch I have been on a frenzied hunt to find something similar: same concept (maneuvering through the day with only the essentials), same lines (needs to be large enough to carry said essentials), and a bit of hardware on the front to give it that luxe look.  And obviously, it needs to be priced to move.  Day clutch you say?  Yes.  I think this is about to get big, and everyone from Balenciaga to Top Shop is doing clutches that carry more than just a cc, lipstick, and phone this spring.

I think I have found a winner!  Here we have the Marc Jacobs large flat leather case in orange leather with gold-tone hardware.  It has studded detailing at the sides and a padlock on the front that screams Hermes.  I also love how it has an internal zip pocket for lady things.  At 10" x 8" it is a great size that will fit your goodies, but won't weigh you down at a cocktail party.  Best thing: It's $290 on Net-a-porter....ahem, when was the last time you saw anything designer and leather (that wasn't a key ring or a card holder) go for this price?  The new economy people!  I am heading to the Marc Jacobs on Bleecker this weekend for a test drive!

Marc Jacobs Large flat leather clutch on Net-a-porter

Revenge of the Nerds: Warby Parker

Glasses have made a huge come-back in the past year, especially nerd glasses.  The trend is so profound that I even see my friends whom I know have stellar vision wearing glasses with non-prescription lenses and many a sad fashion victim wearing frames sans lenses.  I have always prided myself on having great vision (hey, models can talk about their stellar skin and long limbs so why can't I gloat about my 20/15 vision?) but, I do admit a tinge of jealousy of having no real need to wear these amazing accessories.

While flipping through GQ's March issue (aka- porn for the more civilized woman--well dressed men = yum) I came across an amazing guide to large-framed statement glasses and how to pull them off without looking like a doofus.  Grab the mag or click here for all the tips, but what really caught my eye was a blip about a new eyeglass label called Warby Parker.  Scared to buy glasses over the internet?  Don't be.  Warby Parker will send you up to five frames to test at no charge.  Pick the one you love, mail them all back, and they will return your fav with your prescription lenses....all for a crazy affordable $95.  Yes, $95 for frames and lenses.  Insanity.  And it just gets better: for every pair of glasses sold, they will donate a pair to RestoringVision.org through their "Buy a Pair, Give a Pair" program.  When I went to their website I found both frames for men and women (over 30 choices for each), and they have a cool feature where you can upload a picture of yourself and test drive pairs online (see my inner nerd unleashed above).  Get on this!  

www.WarbyParker.com    

Electric Green Scarf

I really hate to be like James Andrew at WhatIsJamesWearingToday.com (aka the most narcissistic blog of all time), but I think this pic makes a very strong case that accessories truly make the outfit.  I absolutely love this florescent green scarf I bought from the pashmina lady on the corner of Houston and Thompson for all of $5.  Albeit, sometimes I feel like it's a bit too bold, but hey, it's February, it's gray outside, and I need a jab of color dammit or I may start looking like a corpse.  As you can see, I am wearing my requisite black (blazer, tights, shoes, bag) and white (dress), very little jewelry, and only my favorite lipstick in the world.  The wow is in the scarf. 

Picture courtesy of Patrick McMullan

The Louis Vuitton Trash Bag Purse---Really

Have $2,000 to throw away...literally? Louis Vuitton just introduced a new bag modeled after a trash bag complete with Hefty bag finery like an orange cinch tie. If they only came in scented and unscented. If LV wants to ratchet this up to luggage size they are going to have to get the people from the GLAD ForceFlex involved stat.
(NY Mag's The Cut)

It's Always Summer for Viviana Volpicella

We may be in the throes of winter, but for Viviana Volpicella (editor's assistant for Vogue Nippon) it always seems to be summer. I have always approached color with a skeptic's eye, and needless to say, have ended up with a wardrobe full of black and gray. However, I am loving how she combines color in a modern way. I think the trick is to stick with a clean silhouette, steer clear of prints, and make accessories (like scarves or bags) burst with color. She is also the owner of the emerald green leather gloves I recently posted about. Read a bit more about Viviana on one of my fav blogs du jour, Habitually Chic.

Hands Down Best Winter Accessory

I was tooling around on Style.com when I found Tommy Ton's photos from Milan fashion week. Leave it to the Italians to look chic, but not so impossibly chic as the French. The picture above really caught my eye and truly exemplified the importance of accessories. No, not the cigarette as that will make you gag and not in a good way, but the emerald green leather gloves. Me likey! Winter can be full of blacks, grays, and browns, but a punch of color like this changes the game. Check out Portolano's website for their amazing, yet affordable, cashmere lined leather gloves. Each style has about 13 different color options, and I recommend going with the 4-button for yummy scrunchability.

Ladies gloves on Portolano.com

Golden Globes: The Good, The Bad, and The Boring

AWARDS SEASON IS HERE! Let us all rejoice in glamour, hair extensions, and donated designer gowns. Here is the fashion shakedown of Golden Globes 2010.

Note: 1) I may love someone as an actor, but that will have no bearing on if they look great in my book or not. 2) I never pick on spouses, girlfriends, or guests because they are just along for the ride. 3) I try to look past the plastic surgery, botox soaked faces, and hair and makeup faux pas to focus on the clothes, shoes, and accessories.

The Good....

Cameron Diaz
Now this is how you do red on the red carpet. Totally digging the umbrella and the little oomph added to the shoulders.

Kate Hudson
Loving this: A touch avant garde with feminine lines.

Julianne Moore
The shoes are great and a very nice contrast to the dress. Completely poised and put together as always.

Emily Blunt
Hair awful, dress amazing. Can we please depart from the Lauren Conrad/Gisele hair? It is so 2006.

Christina Hendricks
Va-Va-Voom!

The Bad....

Sandra Bullock
American Apparel does evening....see-through purple lame?

Zoe Saldana
I don't even know where to start with this abortion of a dress; Looks like a Project Runway loser. Michael Kors would have a field day with this.

Elizabeth Moss
Unflattering. What else is there to say really? Stick with jewel tones, girl. Powder blue and pale are not a good combo.

Tina Fey
So disappointing. The only thing that can salvage this is amazing jewelry...which has been forgotten. Shoes in any color but beige would have been a huge improvement. Red?

Vanessa Minillo
Miss Teen USA days are over, but at least you aren't as bad as.....

Maria Menounos
Garish.

The Boring....

Julia Roberts
I love this, but would I could wear this on a date or even to work, but to the Golden Globes?

Fergie
Man, I didn't know David's Bridal was doling out dresses. Girl, you run around in basically nothing when you sing, play a prostitute in Nine, and you couldn't vamp it up a bit? I think this is taking it to the extreme of modesty. You can't cover up those boobs so why not flaunt them, and your hair is a rat's nest. Fire your stylist immediately.

Sarah Hyland
Points for not looking like a prom nightmare, but minus points for not going more all-out with the accessories. Large, stacked bracelets, statement cocktail ring, anything! This dress is screaming for personality.

Lisa Edelstein
This dress was popular in the early 00's. How many times have we seen the plunging neckline halter dress? Waaaaa Waaaaa.

Amy Pohler
Not bad, just boring.

PS - Lauren Sanchez looks like a tranny. Definitely not a white wedding for this one.

Last Minute Christmas Longings

Ok, here is my dream top five Christmas wish list. Price is no option, items can magically appear under the tree via Santa (no overnight shipping required), everything will fit perfectly, and basically, no holds barred. Get ready to swipe that plastic!

1. Bottega Veneta Maxi Hobo - $1995

2. Vince Leather Leggings - $895

3. Hermes Collier de Chien bracelet - $1000

4. Mason Pearson boar bristle and nylon brush - $100

5. Rick Owens leather jacket - $2034

What is your ultimate sartorial Holiday wish?

50 Gifts Under $50: For Her (#1-10)

Do the words "Holiday gift giving" make your palms sweat and your knees weak? Not anymore! This week I will be featuring my picks for 50 gifts under $50. There is no reason not to find great things within a reasonable budget so you can spread plenty of Holiday cheer. 10 great Holiday gifts will be posted each day which fall into the categories of Her, Him, Home, Eat/Drink, and Mixed Bag.

So, here are my qualifications for a gift to make my coveted list:

• It can cost no more than $50 before sales tax.
• It must be something fairly luxe and fall into the category of an item that the recipient may wish to have but out of practicality would never spend their own money on.
  
• It must be relatively easy to find (either online, national retailers, or adequate substitutes are available).
• Finally, it has to be something I would love to receive or would personally give to a friend or family member. I would never recommend something I wouldn't pony up for myself.

Here are 10 wonderful gift ideas for her (girlfriend, best friend, sister, mom, etc.):

Let someone you love play Cinderella.

Rent the Runway giftcard - $50 for one designer dress rental

Who doesn't want nice-smelling underpinnings?
Lavender sachets - $28 for three

If you can't have a quilted handbag, go with the hands.
Chanel nail polish - $23 each

Say sayonara to your legs in Leggs.
Wolford Velvet Deluxe tights - $42


The cream of the crop from root to tip.
Mason Pearson hairbrush - $50

Unlike Holly Golightly, we all can't keep losing our key.
J. Crew crushed glitter minaudiere - $49.50

Glam up her morning mirror time.
Sonia Kashuk Twist of Fate 6pc brush set @ Target - $19.99

Keep winter skin at bay with the ultimate moisturizer.
Kiehl's Imperial Body Balm - $42

We all know the best part about going to the salon is having someone else wash your hair.
Blow NYC giftcard for almost two blow outs - $50

A fabulous guide to staying chic and shopping smart.
The Style Strategy by Nina Garcia - $14

Day 2: For Home
Day 3: Mixed Bag
Day 4: Food & Drink
Day 5: For Him