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


 

2014 Met Gala: Charles James Beyond Fashion

May 5th, 2014- The Met Gala celebrates the costume institute's newest exhibit Charles James: Beyond Fashion.  The exhibition examines the career of twentieth century Anglo-American couturier Charles James.  The designer is known for exquisite ball gowns, masterful tailoring, and incorporating complex cuts and seeming into his designs.  Charles James is known for being one of the few American designers to work in the tradition of Haute Couture.

The exhibit will be available for public viewing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art from May 8 - August 10.  Now let's get to the Met Gala fashion.  Celebrities and the fashion elite arrived at the Met to celebrate the latest fashion exhibit, and let's face it that's what's really important here.  Some of my favorites of the night come from those who not only looked fabulous, but exuded the theme/elements of the exhibit.  When glamor and fashion history collide it's a beautiful thing and in my opinion says that 'they earned their ticket' (you know the old saying about the price of admission).  Some of my favorite looks come from the hostess of the night Sarah Jessica Parker, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Lupita Nyong'o in Prada, Karolina Kurkova in Marchesa, Dita Von Teese in Zac Posen....to name a few.

STYLE ICON: Shala Monroque

Shala Monroque former editor of Pop magazine, current editor at Garage mag, fashion consultant at Prada, girlfriend to art mogul Roman Abramovich, blogger, socialite, jet-setter, muse...well let's just say all-around fabulous and call it a day.

It's no wonder she has such a laundry list of accomplishments in the fashion world, whether she's sitting front row at fashion week or just walking the streets of New York Shala is a style icon.  She can wear Prada head-to-toe without making it look contrived or mix denim with vintage and designer duds like nobodies business.  I've been watching her style evolution for years and I just can't get enough.

You can get more Shala Monroque at www.shalasrabbithole.com and follow her on twitter @shalamonroque

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)

Men's Style: The Clutch

Let's not forget about the fashionable guys...that's right the clutch craze has translated into the men's market as well. Just a few of my favorites from the runway to the street:

Return of the Loafer

This season we saw the return of the loafer...updated and in the form of a platform. You don't have to drop serious cash though to get this seriously chic look! I'm still having some trouble editing pictures so starting with the black loafer going clockwise....

The look for less

-Black loafer, Aldo $109, www.aldoshoes.com

-Oxford heel, Steve Madden, www.stevemadden.com

-Grey and black loafer, Michael Michael Kors $250, www.saks.com

-Neutral pump with metal detail, Nine West $99, www.ninewest.com