Style Cynics

Cole Haan Village Triple Compart Satchel

La Fashionista — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 16:17:56 +0000

I’ve been focusing on color quite a bit this summer. It’s funny. I like cold weather better than hot, but I like spring and summer colors better than fall and winter ones. So I tend to get caught up in all the beautiful yellows, greens, pinks, oranges, and even blues, although that’s not my favorite handbag color unless we’re talking about Botkier handbags. They have the most gorgeous blue handbags ever. Anyway, my point is, I’ve been neglecting a summer staple—white. Just like I don’t care much for blue handbags, I think white shoes are usually hideous. The exceptions are wedding shoes. I guess most white shoes remind me of the clunky patent leather things my grandmother would make me wear when I was little. They had black soles, and would ALWAYS get scuffed within about three minutes of putting them on. Then I’d get in trouble for getting my shoes dirty. Hey, here’s a tip. If you don’t want white shoes to get scuffed and dirty, don’t put them on a four-year-old! But I digress. Anyway, I avoid white shoes, but I do like a nice, crisp white handbag when the occasion is right. I especially like this Cole Haan Village Triple Compart Satchel.

This would be a great handbag for work. In fact, it would go really well with the Kate Spade shoes I was talking about the other day. It’s made from patent leather, so it’s nice and shiny, and will reflect sunlight, brightening up any ensemble. It’s a classically shaped satchel, with nice, clean lines, so it will go well with an office suit, or even jeans and a flouncy summer blouse. Inside, the bag boasts a triple compartment with plenty of storage, all lined in canvas. The top zips closed, keeping everything in its place. The Village also comes in black or raspberry patent. A dust bag is included. Get it for $348 at Endless.com.

Budget Saving Alternatives

Get a similar look for less with this Tianni Valentina Satchel. Although it’s made of synthetic leather, which brings the price down quite a bit, it looks just as good as a real leather bag. It’s accented with angular seaming, contrast topstitching, and exterior zip pockets, one of which is adorned with a chain pull. The interior lining is polyester, and offers a back wall zip pocket. The top closes with two magnetic snaps. The white looks great, but it’s also available in black, cream, or coral, which is absolutely gorgeous. Get a couple of colors since it’s on sale. It was $93, but it’s now just $64.93 at Endless.com.

Save even more with the O’Neill Vicky Shoulder Bag. Although it’s called a shoulder bag, the drop is only eight inches, so I’d probably hand carry it myself. It’s also made of faux leather, which is tucked in the center exterior front for great visual interest. The dual straps are made from the same material, and there’s a drawstring around the top of the bag as well, which is more for show than function. Inside you’ll find a back wall zip pocket, and funky plaid fabric lining. The top zips closed. The Vicky also comes in black, and it’s just $42 at Zappos.com.

Kate Spade Peep Pump

La Fashionista — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 17:12:05 +0000

Ok, yes, it’s summer and we’re all wearing lots of sandals and flip flops. Unfortunately for some of us, those aren’t always acceptable footwear in the office, and as much as we’d like to still have a summer vacation, we have to work. At least dressing up for the office doesn’t have to mean a plain pair of boring black pumps. Sure, those are good sometimes, depending on what you’re wearing. And they’re a good go-to pair of shoes when you overslept and you’re in a hurry to get to work. You can just slip those on and be pretty confident that they go with whatever you’ve put on that morning. But if you put some time into assembling your ensemble, you can wear multicolored pumps and still look professional. Ok, so black and white isn’t the best definition of multicolored. But Kate Spade is the very definition of class, which always comes off as professional. So check out this Kate Spade Peep Pump.

Judging by the name, you’d think it’s a peep toe pump, but the shoe actually gets its name from the perforations that cover the cream-colored leather on the sides and vamp. Not only is it a classy, oxford-inspired look, they”ll help keep your feet cool in the hot weather. Covering the toe box, edges, and the entire heel is smooth, shiny black leather. The black leather is also cut with a zig-zag edge right at the toe, and all along the edges, which is a nice detail, but not frilly. The insole and outsole are both leather as well, so the Peep will conform to your foot for comfort, and after a little scuffing, will give you a little traction when you walk. At three inches, the heel is high enough to give your legs a long, lean look without being too high for the office. If you prefer, it’s also available in a blush option. You can seldom go wrong with Kate Spade shoes. The Peep Pump is $298 at Zappos.com.

Budget Saving Alternatives

The more I see them, the more I’m starting to like Butter shoes. This Butter Singer Pump has a lot going for it, even with such a simple design. It’s a beautiful aloe color rather than black, white, or gray, but it’s not bright or garish, and fits great with the summer season. The pump itself is a classic shape, with a rounded toe, and 3.5-inch heel. The upper is made of soft Nappa leather, which has a bit of a sheen to it, and the interior is also lined with leather, so the shoe is sure to fit well and be comfortable. The best part, though, is the bow embellishment on the vamp. It’s a beautiful, feminine bow, made from velvet ribbon in canary yellow, which perfectly complements the soft green of the pump. The Singer also comes in camel leather with a black velvet bow, or a daring fuchsia and orange multicolored option with a white grosgrain ribbon bow. On sale, it’s marked down from $259 to just $142.97 at Endless.com.

It’s funny that this shoe is made by Poetic Licence, because they really took a lot of license in making it. The Poetic Licence Playland Peep Toe Pump is…well…it’s hideous. It’s like they took a bunch of remnants that were sitting around the warehouse, and decided to throw them together into one fugly shoe. That whole recycling thing works well when Crayola does it with all the leftover colored wax to make black crayons, and it works really well when Dum Dums does it to make their mystery flavors from the remnants left in the machines after producing single flavor lollipops. But note to designers—leave the remnants on the floor and start from scratch because if this is the result, it’s not even worth the trouble. Not only would I not recommend this shoe for work, I wouldn’t recommend it for anywhere. Just to illustrate, I chose the black option, and if you look closely, you’ll see that the fabric is woven in a checkerboard pattern. The Playland could have actually been nice if they’d stopped there. But no, they decided to add on a translucent gold lucite heel, and then attached that horrible green and red cherry-looking thing to the vamp, which I guess is supposed to be whimsical, but just looks awful. But this isn’t even the worst one. The Playland also comes in brown, where the fabric is actually a checkerboard of brown and silver, with a red lucite heel and the same horrible cherry thing. But the worst one of all? The red one, which has a blue lucite heel, and blue leather trim all around the edges, which clashes with the green leather in the cherry bomb trim. The entire shoe is a bomb. Don’t let me catch you wearing it. I can’t even believe Poetic Licence has the audacity to charge $129 for this shoe at Endless.com. Maybe those aren’t cherries, but the balls the company has to try to pass this off as acceptable footwear.

Jack Rogers Lawn Party Straw Clutch

La Fashionista — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 16:50:41 +0000

Let me ask you a question. Just how many Mel Gibson tapes are there?! Does anyone know? Seems like every morning when I turn on the TV, some show is talking about the latest Mel Gibson tape, and when I go online, news about it is all over the blogosphere. Enough already! Jeez! You know, other celebs who got caught on tape at least had the decency to only have one or two. Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee had a couple, but at least they were having fun and not screaming at each other. Paris Hilton…whatever. She gets enough press. But how long was Oksana Grigorieva taping Mel before she decided to go public? I would think if someone was threatening your life, and your children’s lives, and had supposedly already abused you, you’d want to gather evidence quickly, and get that evidence to the authorities. No, instead she taped him for who knows how long, and then gave the tapes to…not the cops, but a celebrity gossip Web site, whose name I’m not even going to mention because they’re getting quite enough traffic from this debacle, thankyouverymuch. Oh, but she’s not looking for money. Uh uh. I’m not saying Mel Gibson is right in any way. I think anyone who defends him is off their rocker. Yeah, lookin’ at you, Whoopi. But in all seriousness, I think he’s mentally unstable and needs to be medicated, if not fitted for a straightjacket. I bet Armani would custom make him a really nice one. The longer he’s left at large, the more possible it becomes that he’s just going to completely go berserk and someone’s really going to get hurt. And then no one will get paid, and Hollywood just can’t abide that. Blah. So anyway, on to fashion. A lot of stores and sites are already starting to put the fall stuff up. No! I refuse! It’s still only July! We’re going to finish summer, dammit! There are days when you’ll need a large handbag or tote, like when you go to the beach or pool, and you have a lot to carry. But for those days when you just want to dress up, whether it’s for work or vacation, a summery clutch can be the perfect addition to your ensemble. Let’s start with this Jack Rogers Lawn Party Straw Clutch.

Straw is the quintessential summer material for handbags, and even hats. Hmm…hats. Maybe later. The Lawn Party is a little richly named, I think. It summons images of sprawling, lush lawns attached to huge mansions, and people playing croquet. Maybe a designer will come out with the Backyard BBQ handbag that more of us can relate to. Anyway, this little clutch is pretty, with suede threading stitched through the front flap into medallion designs, and a suede tassel accent. The flap has a magnetic snap closure, and despite its looks, the bag is actually pretty roomy at 11.5 inches wide. This yellow is very summery, but it also comes in green, natural, and black. It goes for $298 at Endless.com.

Budget Saving Alternatives

Yeah, that’s a little pricey for a small bag made from straw. Instead, check out this Serpui Marie Straw Minaudiere clutch. What’s a Minaudiere? I have no idea. What I do know is that this is one cute little handbag. The body is made from woven straw that has been coated to make it shiny, and sturdy. I love the rounded shape of it, and the way it’s topped with little domes to make the kiss-lock closure. And those little domes are done in snake print for a little visual interest. The interior is lined with bright orange canvas, and also hides a delicate chain shoulder strap which gives the bag a 22-inch drop if you’d rather carry it that way. Serpui calls this color orange, although it looks more like a rich tan to me, but there’s no mistaking the other two colors it comes in—black and fuchsia. It’s on sale, too, down from $145 to just $79.75 at Endless.com.

This little Mar y Sol Chelsea clutch is perfectly named for summer. No, not the Chelsea part. The mar y sol, which means sea and sun in Spanish. I think it will stand up to both rather nicely. The Chelsea is made from raffia that’s been woven by hand. The front tab closes with a magnetic snap, and is adorned with a button made from polished coconut shell. The top also zips closed for extra security. Inside, the clutch is lined with cotton fabric, and features a back wall slip pocket. It may look small, but at 10.75 inches wide, there should be enough room to hold the essentials. In addition to this yellow, the Chelsea is available in pink, orange, green, blue, and brown. Get a couple of colors since it’s also on sale, down from $69 to $50.72 at Endless.com.

Tapeet by Vicini Y00058 Sandal

La Fashionista — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 16:15:32 +0000

Orange! I love it. It’s also one of the hot colors for summer. And why wouldn’t it be? It’s perfect for summer. Bright, cheery, and depending on the shade, can make you think of everything from a juicy orange to a cool creamsicle. I’ve been throwing out orange here and there, but decided to focus on it today with some great, strappy sandals after I ran across this first one. I had never heard of Tapeet by Vicini, but after doing a little reading, it became apparent why the brand appealed to me so much. It’s an offshoot of Giuseppe Zanotti! Apparently, the designer wanted a new, younger, hipper brand, so he launched this subsidiary in 2005. I’m not sure why, since I’ve never thought of Zanotti as an old, stodgy brand in any way. Just look through this blog, and you’ll see his name quite a bit. I love his stuff. But hey, who am I to argue when a designer comes out with a great new label with even more fabulous stuff for me to buy? Well, at least to covet. One thing Zanotti didn’t change was the alphanumeric naming of the line’s products, as evidenced by this shoe being called the Tapeet by Vicini Y00058 Sandal.

This sandal is strappy, but austere. Not too much, not too little. I mean, I wouldn’t go walking for miles and miles in them, but with just a 1.5-inch heel, they’d manage just fine for a day at the boardwalk, or even an evening out. Pair them with shorts or capris during the day, or slip them on with a light skirt at night, and they’ll look great either way. The upper and sole are both leather. The strap is knotted right at the vamp, and then adorned with small silver- and gold-tone metal rings for a bit of shine. The adjustable buckle is also gold-tone metal, and gives you a custom fit. The heel is wide enough to provide stability, too. If you’re game to try it out, it’s on sale, down from $350 to $240.06 at Endless.com.

Budget Saving Alternatives

Now, as I’ve said before, when I’m looking around at things to feature on the blog, I do take into account the reviews people leave for them. Even if something looks really pretty, I’m not going to write about it if it’s crap. I don’t always have the opportunity to personally try out everything I include here. Are you kidding? If I did, I’d be writing this from a cardboard box. Some things I own, some things I plan or want to own, and some things I try out at the store if I can. And other times, I rely on recommendations from friends, or, as I mentioned, on the reviews other shoppers write. That said, this Franco Sarto Tonga Low Heel Sandal did not get a very good review online. Why am I still including it? Because the reviewers were, well, not too bright. Look at this sandal. Does it look to you like it’s made for walking? I didn’t think so. In addition, one of the complaints was that the shoe slips and slides a lot. That really sounds to me like either the person bought the wrong size, or they didn’t have the buckle fastened tightly enough, or both. But hey, it’s going to be up to you whether you try it out or not. As far as looks go, it’s a cute sandal. The upper is leather, while the sole is rubber, so the sandal will conform to your foot, and you’ll have flexibility and stability. The 1.5-inch heel is a little kittenish, but wider than usual, so that will also add to the stability with walking or standing. The straps are smooth, leather, the toebox is sueded, and the heel is covered in patent, giving the shoe a nice combination of textures. It goes for $79.95 at Endless.com.

If you want to go a little lower in the heel, check out this Nina Duane sandal. The heel is just five eighths of an inch high, and is covered in the same orange patent leather as the straps and toe box. The lightly cushions footbed is covered with a reptile-embossed leather panel in a muted gold. An adjustable buckle allows for the perfect fit, and the leather sole will give good traction after proper scuffing. While I do like the rhinestone-encrusted embellishments at the vamp, they concern me a little because they’re barrel-shaped, and not flat on the bottom. It seems like that might be uncomfortable on the top of the foot. If that section of the strap is loose enough, it shouldn’t be a problem, but you don’t want it to be too loose, or the shoe won’t fit properly. Just something to keep in mind. In addition to orange, the Duane comes in black or pink patent, gunmetal or silver metallic smooth leather, or a brown speckled leopard print leather that is just hideous with the rhinestone embellishments. Avoid that one, but try any of the others for just $79.95 at Zappos.com.

Hermes De Passage a Moscou Scarf

La Fashionista — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 17:56:05 +0000

There are a lot of fashion trends and styles that I find just baffling. UGG boots is one, especially when worn with shorts. That just makes people look like insane Eskimos. Those shoes that are hot right now that are a combination of platform sandals and boots? Yeah, I don’t get those. They’re hideous. If you’ve been wondering why you haven’t seen them on the blog, that’s why, although I may have to do a post about just how hideous they are. Just about anything with the brand emblazoned in huge letters, making the accessory or clothing item into a walking billboard. Looking at you, Juicy. So while I love a nice, fuzzy scarf in the winter to keep my neck warm and complement my ensemble, I am still trying to figure out the purpose and appeal of the summer scarf. Now, I realize it’s not hot as crap for everyone right now. And I could maybe see wearing a light scarf on a summer evening near the shore where it does get rather cool. But these women I see walking around in the light of hot summer days with scarves around their necks while they wear shorts and sandals? It’s like the whole UGGs with shorts thing—ridiculous. So sure, wear one of these when it’s needed, but let’s not go overboard with it’s 100 degrees out, ok? And if you’re going to go along with the trend, do it right. No one makes a scarf like Hermes, and I’m digging this Hermes De Passage a Moscou Scarf.

It hardly needs stating, but it’s made from one hundred percent silk twill. In yet another testament to its quality, it’s hand-rolled to achieve the permanent pleating throughout. Another little detail I like is that the ends taper into points rather than being traditional squared ends. The edges are also scalloped, giving it an even more feminine look. Finally, there’s the color. It’s done in gorgeous shades of teal, interspersed with white. If you can handle the price tag, you can’t go wrong with an Hermes scarf. The De Passage a Moscou is $395 at Hermes.com.

Budget Saving Alternatives

As I said, I can see wearing a summer scarf in the evening, so this Echo Design Solid Scarf Ring would be perfect. For one thing, since it’s a ring, you don’t have to worry about how to tie it so you don’t look like you’re fighting winter. But the other thing that makes it fabulous for summer evenings is the shimmery metallic thread throughout the scarf. It will catch the light, and reflect it beautifully onto your face and sun-kissed skin. The scarf ring is 40 inches long and 23 inches wide. It’s doubled up here, but if you do get chilly, you can also wrap it around your shoulders for a little extra warmth. And that’s very little because it’s made from rayon. Not exactly the warmest fabric. I like this aquamarine shade, but it also comes in black, cream, and flamingo. It’s on sale, too, down from $54 to $48.60 at Zappos.com.

If you are going to wear a summer scarf during the day, at least make it fun. This Fossil Posie summer scarf is cute with an oversized floral pattern done in white over the color of the scarf. It’s 20 inches wide and 80 inches long, so I would recommend tying it in some way rather than just letting it hang. At that length, though, it could also double as a belt in a pair of jeans, shorts, or capris. It’s also made from rayon, so it’s light and airy. This bamboo color is perfect for summer, but it’s also available in amberglow, dress blue, paprika, and pine green. Get one of each for just $28 at Zappos.com.

Fendi Peekaboo Small Leather Satchel

La Fashionista — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 16:26:44 +0000

So I’m at the mall the other day (Hey, I write a fashion blog—I have to see what’s out there, don’t I? It’s all work-related research.), and I wandered into Nordstrom. I normally try to avoid stores like Nordstrom, Macy’s, Saks, etc., because I invariably end up spending way more than I should. I was good the other day, though. I spent quite a bit of time in the handbag section, stroking the bags, smelling their new leather smell, taking pictures of myself with different bags. Well, actually, I had a friend of mine snap pictures. What? You don’t do that? I think it’s a great way to see how a handbag will look with a certain outfit, or whether the size is appropriate. I’m on the petite side, so some bags are just too big for me to carry. They make me look like I’m playing dress-up with my mommy’s stuff. Conversely, if I were a taller, bigger girl, carrying a little cutesy bag would make me look like a giant in the land of Lilliput. There are times when handbags of certain sizes are appropriate, but for everyday use, you really should try to make sure the size of the bag is proportionate to your stature. Anyway, while browsing and coveting, I ran across this Fendi Peekaboo Small Leather Satchel.

I love Fendi handbags, and at first glance, the Peekaboo has a classic look. But it could also be described as, well, boring. Off white, smooth leather, traditional metal trim, and a single leather handle. Meh. Nice, but not an attention grabber. But then I opened it, and saw why it’s called a Peekaboo! The interior is lined with gorgeous, dotted pink fabric. When the peekaboo panel is open, it’s like a whole other bag. A more exciting, contemporary one. It’s separated into two compartments inside, with zippered pockets and plenty of space. I was hooked. Before you ask, no, I didn’t get it. Are you kidding me? I kind of like eating and having a place to live. So I’m doing the next best thing, and featuring it on the blog. The Fendi Peekaboo also comes with an adjustable shoulder strap that gives the bag a 20 – 26-inch shoulder drop. It also has little metal feet to protect the leather bottom. The Fendi Peekaboo is $2,340 at Nordstrom.com.

Budget Saving Alternatives

The Hobo International Naomi Florence Leather Shoulder Bag has a more contemporary design, but it’s just as classy as the Peekaboo. It’s made from top-grain leather, and is smooth all over. The rounded design will add visual interest to any ensemble, especially straight-legged slacks and a blazer. There’s a zippered pocket on the outside flap, and more pockets on the twill interior lining for extra storage. There’s a detachable, cross-body strap, and the bag closes with a magnetic snap. I like it in this marigold for summer, but it also comes in black, cognac, and rouge. Get it for $228 at Endless.com.

Save even more, but still look great with this Roxy Talon Satchel. It’s made from vinyl, which reduces the cost, but still has the smooth look of leather. Dual handles give it a 9.5-inch drop, giving you both options of hand and shoulder carrying, but you can also convert it to a single, long shoulder strap. There’s an zip pocket, and a snap-closure pocket on the front exterior, and a back wall zip pocket and slip pockets in the lining. The top zips closed. The Talon is adorned with Roxy logo metal plates on the bottom corner of the bag, and on the exterior pocket flap. This raspberry wine is yummy, but it’s also available in cadet, which actually looks more like purple than blue. Get both colors since it’s only $44 at Zappos.com.

Pour La Victoire Coco Flat Sandal

La Fashionista — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 19:07:51 +0000

So I guess there’s been a lot going on in the sports world lately. Apparently, James LeBron was traded to Spain to play soccer in Florida or something. What? Don’t look at me like that. I write about fashion, not sports, ok? Unless it’s sporty shoes or workout clothes, I don’t really care about it. Still, I can’t help but hear about some of these big events via Twitter and Facebook. I didn’t even have to watch a single World Cup game. My Facebook newsfeed was a veritable play-by-play commentary of goals, wins, losses, and crappy refs. One guy I know on Facebook said there were so many yellow cards being thrown around, he was beginning to wonder whether Post-Its was a World Cup sponsor. If I knew what a yellow card was for, I’m sure that would be hilarious. Anyway, while everyone else was glued to their TVs watching sporting events, I was out shopping. I walked into one store and happened to notice the woman walking in front of me had sandals like this on. When you’re buying shoes, how often do you take note of how they look from other angles besides the front? Because I gotta tell you, from the back, these shoes look hideous. The woman was on the short side, probably 5′3” or 5′4”, which also means her legs were kind of short. Here’s a tip: If you already have short legs, don’t wear shoes that are going to make them look even shorter. From the back, these sandals make the leg look several inches shorter than it actually is. Not only that, the ankle is the slenderest part of the leg. If you want your legs to look long, lean, and shapely, don’t cover the ankle with a wide chunk of leather. It makes you look like you have cankles. So while these kind of sandals may look really cute from the front, and I know this style is all the rage right now, I highly recommend you avoid them. As I’ve said before, just because you can wear something doesn’t mean you should. This is true of cap sleeves on women with large upper arms, low rise jeans on women with muffin tops, and on women with short legs, gladiator sandals like this Pour La Victoire Coco.

You know, now that I look at the sandal again, it wouldn’t even be flattering from the front with that high ankle cuff. Not only that, the vamp and toe straps are also thick. This sandal is fine if you’re going to fight lions at the Coliseum. For walking around and trying to maintain a feminine look? Not so much. If you decide to go against my sage advice and get the sandal anyway, it’s made from leather adorned with polished stones and shiny studs. The sole and lining are also leather, so they’re probably comfortable. But so are the flip flops I wear around the house, and you don’t see me out at the mall in those. The ankle buckle is adjustable for a custom fit. But you know what else I just thought of? Wear these sandals, and you’re just asking for a blister on the back of your heel. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. The Coco is usually $310.95, but you can get it for $236.32 now at Endless.com.

Budget Saving Alternatives

This is a slight improvement on the style. The Marc By Marc Jacobs 693179 Sandal has no back panel to give you blisters or cankles. Everyone will be able to see your slender ankle tapering down into the Achilles tendon. It does, however, still have the ankle strap, but at least it’s dainty and not like a cuff meant to hold a ball and chain. The upper is made from nubuck leather, with teardrop cutouts to give it an even more feminine look. Instead of a bulky buckle, the ankle strap ties with a grosgrain ribbon in the same color as the sandal. The sole and lining are also leather, and it all sits on just a .75-inch heel. Yes, I know, I usually list items less expensive than the featured item here in the budget saving alternative area. But since I hate the Coco so much, I think you should go with the Marc Jacobs one instead, even if it is a few dollars more. Marc’s sandal also comes in pink, but it’s a little too Pepto for me. Stick with the green. It’s $239.95 at Endless.com.

Ok, this one will not only save you some money, it will make you look fabulous. The Gwyneth Zaire Sandal is a more fanciful take on the gladiator sandal. The bottom portions of the straps are metallic gold leather, but laced through them are dainty, woven metal straps, interlaced with small chainlink and short rhinestone links. The ankle strap is adjustable by simply hooking the crab claw clasp through different links. Finally, the woven metal straps are adorned with oval shaped, amber stones. The sole is leather, and there’s a heart-shaped cushion in the footbed. I probably wouldn’t wear these on an everday basis, but for dressing up at night? Definitely. The Zaire also comes in gunmetal silver, which I find pretty drab. It’s on sale, down from $137.95 to just $75.87 at Endless.com.

Picnic at Ascot Aegean Picnic Basket Tote for Four

La Fashionista — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 17:42:59 +0000

Ok, let me just be honest and say I’m not that crazy about picnics. They’re usually a summer activity, so it’s hot out. You have food outside, which just attracts bugs. Food that’s supposed to be cool ends up being warm, and that includes beverages. Do I sound like a party pooper? Whatever. Sure, there are exceptions. A picnic on the beach is nice because you have the water nearby, so when you get too hot, you can just pop into the water to cool off. That is, if it’s not sullied with oil, sewage, or any of the other crap humans dump into the ocean. It also adds another level of difficulty in eating. Not only do you still have to contend with bugs, you also have to try to keep the sand out of your food. Good luck with that. A picnic by a pool can be nice, but for some reason, that doesn’t really seem like a picnic to me. I’m not sure why. Anyway, if the temperature is right, if the food is well chosen to stand up to the heat, and if there’s a bottle of Off! nearby, I can kind of enjoy a picnic. Maybe. Anyway, since I’m not one to plan or attend picnics, I didn’t even know anyone made insulated fabric coolers or bags! I know a lot of you will probably go on picnics this summer, or at least go someplace where it would be convenient to carry food and keep it cool (or warm), so I decided to write about a few. You’re welcome. Hmm…I wonder if they make any small ones that I could use when I go to the movies. For now, let’s look at this Picnic at Ascot Aegean Picnic Basket Tote for Four.

This tote has everything, and I mean everything. Well, except the food. It has two bottle holders for water, soda, or whatever you decide to drink, and the interior is completely insulated to keep everything at the right temperature. The fabric on the exterior is denim, so it’s sturdy, and is in a nice blue and white striped pattern. The Aegean tote is 21 inches wide and 12 inches high, so there’s plenty of room in there whether you pack a picnic for four, two, or just one. But don’t go on a picnic by yourself. That’s just sad. You won’t have to buy any paper plates or plastic cups, either. The tote comes with four of each: acrylic glasses, melamine plates, polycotton blend napkins, and stainless flatware sets. There’s also one salt & pepper set, and a hardwood cutting board, a wood handle cheese knife, and a wood corkscrew with foilcutter, all of which would be perfect for a wine and cheese picnic. Now that, I might enjoy. It’s on sale right now, too. The tote with everything in it usually costs $85.50, but you can get it for $72.49 at Picnic World. With everything it includes, I think that’s a bargain.

Budget Saving Alternatives

If you’re not really into the whole picnic thing either, there’s the Murval Ibiza Cooler Tote. It’s a little more stylish with its leopard-print fabric exterior, trimmed with synthetic leather in bright, summery orange. The inside lining is fully insulated to keep drinks and food cold or warm, depending on what the season is and what you’re planning to eat. The top zips closed to keep everything secure, and to maintain the correct temperature. You may not want to carry it as a handbag because it’s pretty big at 23 inches wide by 17.5 inches high. It will definitely do the job for a day at the beach or pool, though. It’s just $49 at Endless.com.

Look who got smart and added something to their lineup besides cute beach clothes and shoes? The Roxy To The Beach Insulated Cooler is, as the name says, perfect for the beach, but you could take it anywhere. The entire bag body, inside and out, is made from polyester, so it can get wet without ruining, and will dry quickly, too. The inside is fully insulated for temperature control. A single nylon handle is sturdy to hold the bag even if it gets a little heavy with food and drinks inside. The bag itself only weighs 12 ounces, though. On the sides are two mesh pockets, and there’s a front exterior pocket too for small items. It’s a little smaller than the other bags, at just 10.5 inches wide, and 7 inches high. Sounds like it would hold a six pack and a few snacks, maybe. It comes in this white with an allover print, as well as black with the same print. Get it for $40 at Zappos.com.

Stuart Weitzman Mocarena Moccasin

La Fashionista — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 16:06:01 +0000

I make a great effort not to repeat items on this blog, which can be a challenge considering how often I blog, and how many handbags, shoes, and accessories are out there. It’d be easy to duplicate something without even realizing it, especially if I were distracted. These past couple of weeks I’ve been distracted by news of stupid celebrities. Mel Gibson, George Michael, Lindsay Lohan, and, it pains me to say, Prince. I’ve been a Prince fan for a long time, since I was a kid. And I still love his music. But I think he was just a bit, ok way off when he declared the Internet dead earlier this week. Prince honey, just because something doesn’t work exactly the way you want it to, for your greatest benefit, doesn’t mean it’s dead. He’s still upset that music distributors like iTunes won’t pay him advances for his music. So he declared, “The Internet’s completely over.” and now refuses to sell any of his music via the Web. Um, ok. Good luck with that. Now, if anyone has a right to an inflated ego, it’s Prince. He’s a brilliant musician. But think about how much time we all spend on the Internet now. We’re on Facebook, on Twitter, we blog, we read our news, we communicate, all through this electronic medium. If Prince thinks that by declaring it over, it will make it so, he should think again. He may very well have just cut himself off from the biggest money-making potential ever. Then again, saying the Internet’s over and denying his fans the opportunity to buy his new CD could just be a publicity stunt to create a frenzy around it. If you fall for that, add your name to the list I started earlier in this paragraph. And now back to our regularly scheduled fashion. I was saying I try not to duplicate, but this time, I duplicated on purpose with this Stuart Weitzman Mocarena Moccasin.

I’ve written about the Stuart Weitzman Mocarena before, but it was in December, it was cold, and it was a suede option. It also bears mentioning again that Weitzman made a douchebag move by also making a variation out of elephant hide. Yeah, because they aren’t endangered enough. Jackass. Don’t buy that one. Anyway, I thought this one bore repeating for a few reasons. Moccasins are in again, and these are super cute in the two-tone, summer colors. The bright red patent leather is gorgeous, and is accented by light beige panels on the vamp and the back of the heel. Plus, mocs are great casual shoes. They go with jeans, shorts, even skirts, depending on the style. Their flat heels—this one is three-eighths of an inch—make them super comfortable for walking, too. The interior is fully lined with leather, and the sole is flexible rubber for even more cushion and comfort. The Mocarena patent leather moc also comes in black with the same beige accent panels, but I think the red is the way to go. Get it for $285 at Zappos.com.

Budget Saving Alternatives

Speaking of summer trends, not only are moccasins in, but metallics are too, especially metallic silver shoes. The Laura Brandon Faina Moccasin combines the best of both worlds. It’s not just metallic, but sparkly too. It’d be great with a nice pair of linen shorts for an evening out, but you could get away with wearing them during the day. The vamp is adorned with a wide strap which is clasped with a silver-tone metal buckle in the middle. The upper is all leather, and so is the lining. Around the top edges, the Faina has a boat shoe lace detail, which just makes it even more of a summer shoe. And it’s on sale! It was $89.99, but you can get it now for $44.99 at heels.com.

Hey, remember these?! I remember just about every girl having them when I was in middle school, and although they’re available in a variety of colors, pink was always my favorite. The Minnetonka Thunderbird Moccasin is perhaps the closest thing to a true, traditional moccasin you’ll find. Ok, maybe not, but just work with me, ok? It’s made from soft leather that will only get softer with wear, and eventually conform to the shape of your foot. Trust me, I’m speaking from experience here. It has a boat shoe sole, which, to be honest, I’m not that crazy about as far as looks go, but it is very flexible and comfortable. The insole is all leather, and is cushioned for comfort. The best part is the vamp. Along with the fold-over, fringed flap, and the tied lace, the vamp is embellished with multi-colored beads in a sort of Native American thunderbird design. This shoe is a classic. In addition to the pink, it also comes in natural, red, and white. Get a couple of pairs since the Thunderbird is only $43 at Zappos.com.

Serpui Marie Maria Angela Tote

La Fashionista — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 17:26:18 +0000

Purple! Today is a very purpley kind of day, don’t you think? No? Well, I do, and it’s my blog, so I say it’s a purpley day! Yeah, I could’ve gone with something red, white, or blue today, but that would just be too cliché, you know? Yes, it’s our country’s birthday, and I understand about having pride and everything. I’m just not into seeing people wear flag motif…well, anything. It’s a bit much for me, and isn’t it kind of disrespectful to sit on the flag? Not to mention, to wear the flag as underwear. I don’t think that’s what Betsy Ross had in mind when she was creating the Stars and Stripes, and I seriously doubt George Washington was wearing Old Glory boxers when he crossed the Delaware. So wave your flags, enjoy the fireworks, but let’s avoid wearing the flag, huh? So back to the purple. Lavender, to be specific. It’s the perfect complement to the straw in this Serpui Marie Maria Angela Tote.

Obviously, straw makes for a great summer tote. It’s light, airy, and will dry quickly if it gets wet at the beach or pool. This Angela Tote would also make for a great shopping companion, though. The braided straw is trimmed with lavender leather,which includes the dual handles that give the tote a six-inch shoulder drop. For some odd reason, Serpui Marie decided to add two animal print panels to the tops of the handles. I could really do without those. They’re completely incongruous with the rest of the bag. The interior is lined with twill canvas, and has a back wall zip pocket as well as a slip pocket, perfect for holding sunglasses or a cell phone. They’re all leather trimmed, too, and the tote closes at the top with a magnetic snap. The Angela Tote is also on sale, marked down from $400 to $361 at Endless.com.

Budget Saving Alternatives

Again with the animal print? Really? I like this Dooney & Bourke Fairfield Large Champosa tote for the most part. Mostly, it’s the color. But it’s leather, so it’s not really made for summer adventures at the shore. Stick to the mall. And I like the duck logo plate on the front, but it’s made in an animal print! Whose brilliant idea was it to give a duck leopard spots? Ok, maybe it’s ambiguous enough that it could pass for just tortoise shell, but that’s still a little on the weird side. Anyway, the tote is all leather, including the brown trim and rolled handles. The inside is lined with an interestingly colored fabric that complements the lavender exterior perfecly. There’s a back wall zip pocket, a slip pocket, and a key fob attached to a long leather tether. The top zips shut, and the bottom is flat to keep the bag upright. The Champosa is also available in black, brown, cobalt, gold yellow, hot pink, red, and taupe. It’s also on sale, although not by much. Usually $265, it’s now $212 at Zappos.com.

Lacoste. Stylish. Classic. Eternal. This is my favorite of the three. The Lacoste Summer II Shopping Bag is roomy, beautifully colored, and affordably priced. Love it. It’s made from cotton canvas, which would also make it washable. Just don’t put it in the dryer unless you want to end up with a Barbie-sized tote. What’s great about this tote is it could probably double as a weekend getaway bag, especially with the included, detachable makeup pouch in the same lavender cotton canvas. The front of the tote has a slip pocket for extra storage, while inside there’s a huge zip pocket, and a key fob. Both bags have the signature embroidered crocodile logo (I guess today isn’t just a purpley day, but animal embellishment day on StyleCynics), and the hardware is all silver-tone metal. The Summer II also comes in pastel turquoise, strawberry sorbet, and vivid red. I may just get a couple of them since it’s only $100 at Zappos.com.