From the category archives:

Cravings

Craving: a colorful handbag for spring!

by Elisa on April 13, 2011

in accessories,Cravings,shopping,Things I like

This doesn’t happen often to me, but this time the warm weather caught me completely unprepared. In winter I tend to wear a lot of black and grey, brightened up with metallics or pops of color like a purple scarf (or purple tights!), a dress in a fun shade or a cute print. Yesterday I opened my closet and all I could see was… BLACK.
Not in a metaphorical, gloomy mood kind of way, but literally – my wardrobe seems to suffer from TooMuchBlack-itis, with a few sad bits of color in between. That hardly seems like the thing to get you in the mood for a warm spring day, does it?

I am saving most of my spring shopping for my London trip so that I don’t have to pay shipping, but there is one  easy way to brighten up any outfit: a handbag in a bright, vibrant hue.

Spring handbags

Spring handbags by HipMom

1. Miriamelle – Amrita Singh: Amrita Singh’s jewelry, with its Bollywood feel, always appealed to me to brighten up a simple ensemble or to add some sparkle to a summery boho outfit. So it’s no surprise that their bags have the same effect: the super-wearable shapes and eye-catching colors and hardware make them a no-brainer winner in my book. This orange hobo with its gold hardware is reminiscent of a RM Nikki, which might be why I immediately loved it. It would be great to spice up a simple jeans & tee outfit!  $250 at Couture Candy

2. Large Jet Set – MICHAEL by Michael Kors: oh, I love MK’s designs. I think he expresses that effortless NYC chic incredibly well. Like this tote: soft leather, juicy color, great shape for everyday wear… and those chain handles! LOVE. If you are not into pink, the tote also comes in a gorgeous yellow (aptly named “Sun”) and in basic neutrals like Navy, Tan and Black. $298 at Nordstrom

3. Karlie clutch – Marc by Marc Jacobs: this clutch is just what I envision when I think of a pop of color for everyday wear. The yellow leather will help you brighten up even the most serious of outfits, and the strap makes it the perfect choice for a day-to-night bag – wear it over your shoulder or crossbody while out running errands, then tuck the chain strap in and slip into some heels and you’re ready for that girls’ night out. $250 at Net-a-porter.com

4. Quilted Natalie clutch – AKIRA: How cute is this purple clutch? The tassels, the chain strap, the shape… and the oh-so-affordable price doesn’t hurt, either. $40 at AKIRA Chicago

5. The MAC (Morning After Clutch) – Rebecca Minkoff: my absolute favorite – have been lusting after one for a couple of years now. The MAC epitomizes everything I love about Rebecca Minkoff’s handbags: the wearability, the gorgeous leather (available in a myriad of colors), the classic shape spiced up by edgy details. The red leather version is not only a great pick for a year-round pop of color, but also part of the Japan Relief selection of bags Rebecca herself picked, where a portion of the retail price is a donation to the Red Cross. $295 at Rebecca Minkoff (including $100 donation to the Red Cross)

6. Mott Street Fisher - Kate Spade: Kate Spade is NEVER afraid of color. Case in point, the vibrant orange shade of this structured satchel, which makes the retro shape into a classic piece that can still bring some fun to your wardrobe. $345 at Kate Spade

7. Natasha leather crossbody – Marc by Marc Jacobs: the soft shape of the Karlie clutch above, another vibrant hue, but a larger size and longer leather strap; how much better does it get? This is probably going to be my next handbag purchase: the lovely teal is one of my favorite summer colors, and I can already picture myself wearing it while exploring Zurich… or London. The size and crossbody strap make this a perfect pick for everyday and travel, since I can have all my essentials with me but still keep my hands free to hold my camera… or my shopping bags ;-) $350 at Net-a-porter.com

What do you think? Do you like handbags in vibrant shades, or do you tend to stick with neutrals? Which one of these would you pick for a pop of color?


{ 12 comments }

Craving: a fabulous one-piece

by Elisa on June 19, 2010

in Cravings,shopping,summer,Things I like

Summer is almost here! And that to me means one thing: the beach! Maybe because I grew up on an island, the beach has always been one of my favorite places. I’d even go walk on the beach in winter, just to breath in the sea air and hear the sound of the waves. There’s something so soothing about the beach in winter! In summer, on the other hand, the feeling is mostly of exhilaration. I feel like I revert into a child when I go on the beach, playing on the sand and splashing water and just letting the feeling of freedom, of fun, of summer, take me over.

This is part of the reason why I am a huge fan of one-piece swimsuits. I keep reading about people not wanting to wear one-pieces because they “ruin your tan” – but really, that makes no sense: the stomach is the only part not getting tanned with a one-piece as opposed to a bikini, and who goes out with their stomach exposed nowadays? (Whoever you are, newsflash: it’s tacky and outdated, so cover up!)

I’m not buying into any of that. There is nothing more classic, chic, not to mention comfortable and flattering than a well-cut one-piece. Which is why I set out to find some of the best bathing suits I could set my eyes on and share them with you. The results? Here they are:

I have said before I am not much of a print gal, but this print just captured me, probably because of the blues and greens that I love so much. I love the obi-like detail around the waist, which goes so well with the print and creates an even more feminine shape. Mauritius Sun by Carmen Marc Valvo, normally retailing for $136, currently on sale at Neiman Marcus for $91. Also available in another color combination at Bluefly, for $82.

This color-block one-piece might make you think of Hervé Léger or Max Azria, but it’s made by (drum roll) Spanx! Which means that not only it looks cool and it’s right on on-trend, but it also has a slimming effect. It also has a criss-cross back and underwire cups, which means it’s also pretty supportive, for those of us more on the –ahem!– busty side. Available at Neiman Marcus for $198.

The barely-there swimdress feature on this bathing suit blends well with the classic details: the halter top, the shirring (that helps camouflage a bit of a tummy), the small ruffle at the bottom that makes it a bit flirty without adding too much volume along the hip area, the low cut that reminds me of pinup swimsuits. So far this is my favorite. Juicy Couture, originally $173, now $115 on the JC website. (Also sold at Saks, but no longer available online.)

If you prefer colorful bathing suits, this one should fit the bill. I don’t normally go for pink, but the pink and gold pattern on white background works, and it will be flattering to different skin-tones. I also like the gold clasp detail, and the classic shape. Trina Turk “Caya Coco”, $139 at Nordstrom.

And here are some lower budget adorable picks, all well under $100:

Left to right – Top: Gottex “Bejewelled”, originally $118, now $58 at Nordstrom; DKNY halter one-piece, originally $92, now $69 at Lord&Taylor, available in Blue, Pink or Black; Embellished V-neck suit, $39-44 at Newport News, available in Black, Violet and Raspberry-Pink.
Bottom: Lauren by Ralph Lauren colorblock halter one-piece, originally $104, now $66.30 at Macy’s, Dot crisscross bodice one-piece, $79 at Talbots, available in Navy, Oasis Blue and Magenta.

How about you? Are you a fan of the one-piece, like me? See anything you like?

{ 16 comments }

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Copyright Elisa Bieg, 2008-2009.