Trend Alert: Saffiano Leather

I've known about Saffiano Leather for quite a few years.  It's a practical leather; durable, scratch resistant, easy to clean, etc.  To me it was really Prada that put it on the map, having used it in their accessory collections for years and most notably in the iconic Galleria Bag...but I digress.  So what exactly is Saffiano Leather? 

Saffiano Leather: (courtesy of aspinoloflondon.com) is made by a stamping method. Saffiano, being a textured leather, meaning that it is a treated leather made with the texture pressed on it by a machine. It gives the leather a cross-hatch finish, which is a special diagonal pattern. This calf hide leather is also finished with a wax treatment. As a result, the leather is pretty much scratch resistant, durable and easy to clean.

...And on to my point; Saffiano Leather is in full trend swing.  The leather has gone from being scarcely used in the designs of high-end luxury accessories such as the aforementioned Prada to more affordable bridge-line designers such as Micheal Kors and Rebecca Minkoff.  I for one support this trend, Saffiano is a great leather to add to your bag collection. Go get it NOW

 Kate Spade, $348, Neiman Marcus

 MICHAEL Michael Kors, $228, Neiman Marcus

 Tory Burch, $575, Neiman Marcus

 Zac Posen, $595, Neiman Marcus

 Prada, $2,200, Neiman Marcus

Fendi, $2,550, Neiman Marcus


 

TREND ALERT: Oversized Coats

Whether it's an exaggerated lapel, dropped armhole, rounded shoulder or long/flared hem: the over-sized coat is the must have addition for fall.

From top to bottom: Proenza Schouler, Jil Sander, Celine, Fendi, Rochas, Simone Rocha, The Row, Balenciaga

Neoprene Dream

I have a dream...that it's autumn year round everyone carries crocodile Birkin bags, wears Christian Louboutin pumps and oversized Fendi fur coats......and then I wake up and I'm whisked back into the reality of hot sticky summer days.  Might as well make the best of it by getting on board with a summer staple- neoprene.

Neoprene is to summer what leather is to winter.  What was once limited to the surfing crowd via wetsuits is now a designer favorite and transformed into bags, dresses etc.  So enjoy the dog days of summer and get on trend with neoprene in the modality of your choice.

-Fendi, 2Jours Studded Tote, Neiman Marcus ($3,590)
-T by Alexander Wang, Neoprene Bomber Jacket, Neiman Marcus ($204)
-Comme des Garcon, Pouch, Saks Fifth Avenue ($190)
-Lanvin, Neoprene Dress, MyTheresa.com ($1,673)
-3.1 Phillip Lim, Neoprene Skirt, Nordstrom
-Clover Canyon, Dress, Shopbop.com ($196.80)

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SUMMER MUST HAVE: The Tote

I'm usually the satchel or clutch carrying type, but when the summer months are upon us I can't deny the practicality of the TOTE.  Whether it's an impromptu meeting, rendezvous in the park or last minute weekend get away- a light weight carry all is just the accessory to get you from point A to point B.

The sensible bag is no longer just an accompaniment to the beach, oh no it does double duty...sophisticated enough for the office yet large enough for an overnighter.  And with a large enough selection to match every taste and budget there's a tote out there for everyone.

-Goyard, St. Louis Tote, Available at Barneys New York in store only (price available upon request)
-Fendi, Lea Pequin Tote, Barneys New York, ($1,490)
-Rochas, Shopper, www.net-a-porter.com, ($1,220)
-Celine, Cabas Phantom, Celine Stores, (price available upon request)
-McQ Alexander McQueen, Iris Large Printed Tote, Neiman Marcus ($765)
-Prada, Tessuto Tote, Neiman Marcus ($1,150)
-Saint Laurent, Reversible East/West Tote, Neiman Marcus ($1,495)
-Givenchy, Antigona Madone 2 Large Shopper, Bergdorf Goodman ($1,085)
-Reed Krakoff, Track Leather Tote, Bergdorf Goodman ($1,395)
-Gucci, Bree Leather Tote, Bergdorf Goodman ($1,350)

TREND: Menswear inspired shoes

The Fall season is like the play-offs for the fashion obsessed. It's that time of year when everything seems new, shops are filled with the must have pieces, sidewalks tend to morph into runways and the Vogue September issue becomes the survival guide for life...okay maybe it’s not that serious but you get the picture.

You guessed it, I'm officially over summer and counting down the days 'till the air gets cooler and the leaves change color. Aside from the change of season, there’s the FASHION. Sure we got a taste of it during fashion week but, there seems to be something shiny and new to lust after every week as we get closer to autumn. This year the Menswear inspiration continues and what better way to incorporate the trend into your wardrobe then through your accessories, specifically SHOES. At this point I shouldn't even be calling this a trend as it seems here to stay, so get on board and get ready to invest. There's much to choose from; loafers, monk straps, chunky heels, wedges...my picks....

Look of the Day: Sarah Jessica Parker

While doing my weekly blog rounds I stumbled upon this picture via http://www.bagthatstyle.com/ and couldn't resist. All those years of working with the talented Patricia Fields has paid off for Parker and this look shows it. Just because you want to be casual/comfortable doesn't mean sacrificing style...so thanks SJP for showing us how it's done.

Summer Style

Summer is good for a lot of things; the beach, vacations, working on your tan...it's not so great for FASHION...cut the shit ,you know it's hard to look chic when your running all over Manhattan with sweat running down your face.

I could never style someone in a floral maxi dress or recommend carrying a straw tote in place of your Givenchy. I can however offer this; when the tempeture rises you want to be comfortable and stay cool but just because you shed the layers from fall doesn't mean you have to wear denim cut-offs and flip flops. Instead, might I suggest keeping it simple; an oversized tee a long skirt, layering statement jewelry instead of scarves, and a pop of color will keep you cool, comfortable and in style.

Label of the moment: FENDI

I'm loving Fendi right now, check it out