Custom Design

It has now been above 60 degrees for two days in a row in Georgia, and the sunshine is giving me the travel itch something fierce. My fair skin has never ingratiated me to tropical vacations, but the advent of warm weather is making me wish that I were laying in a beach chair right now.

Perhaps spring makes you want to do something different – go hiking in Colorado or maybe (if you’re lucky) shop for your summer wardrobe in New York City. Wherever you want to go, we’ve got some bright and cheery travel essentials that don’t skimp on functionality to get you to your destination of choice.

1. Ray-Ban Cat Sunglasses: I don’t care who you are or where you’re going, you need a pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses. Even if you already have a pair, you need another pair. I have four pairs, and I need another pair. You can start easy with a pair of regular black Wayfarers or silver Aviators if you want, but if you’re feeling a bit more advanced, this translucent purple-to-clear cat-eye take on the traditional Wayfarer is a witty choice for warm weather. ShopBop, $135.

2. Graphic Image Passport Wallet: I have a tremendous amount of travel-document anxiety, and I find myself constantly checking my pockets and bags to make sure I have everything I need in order to board a flight or get into my hotel room. My ID, boarding pass, itinerary and hotel key cards are always scattered among my various pieces of luggage, and a brightly colored passport holder with plenty of pockets would provide a place for all of my out-of-town papers to hide while still being easy to spot in the black hole that is my travel bag. Even if you’re not leaving the country, something like this is a must-have. Saks, $61.

3. Le Sportsac Reverie Large Weekender: Speaking of travel bags, a sunny pattern in durable synthetic like nylon is the way to go if you’re looking for an option that won’t show wear or weigh you down. Even with in-flight shifting, I can’t imagine that I’d have any problem finding my carry-on if it was covered in this fun print. ShopBop, $108.

4. Tumi Lightweight International Carry-On: Ok, I know that chartreuse is not a functional color. I’m sure it’ll show dirt eventually. I get that. But it’s so bright and modern that I can’t motivate myself to care in the slightest, and it will certainly stand out on the dreary, black-Samsonite-laden luggage carousel at your eventual destination. Just be careful that another passenger doesn’t get jealous of your awesome suitcase and grab it while you’re not looking. TUMI, $495.

Original post by Amanda Mull

You know how people are always trumpeting the fact that particular bags are “versatile” or perfect for “day to night?” It’s kind of a lazy fashion writer’s fall back – everyone that’s reading this is easily sharp enough to figure out that every bag can be worn with more than one outfit. So I figured, why not put my money where my mouth is? Just in time for summer, here are a few ideas for wearing the Kate Spade Folly Beach Benedicta Straw Satchel for both day and night – after all, who wants to pack a bunch of bags to take to the beach?

Daytime
1. Free People Crinkle Racer Tank Dress: I could see this light little dress thrown over a bathing suit or worn as a regular dress, and versatility is important when packing for a vacation. The pattern is fun and bohemian, plus the material is supposed to be wrinkled, making it very suitcase-friendly. Buy through ShopBop for $128.
2. Kenneth Jay Lane Multi-Layer Necklace: I’m pretty sure it freaks all of us out to travel with expensive jewelry, so now’s the perfect time to show off less pricey pieces. This necklace brings out the green in the dress’s pattern but could also be worn with a variety of other colors so that you don’t have to pack a jewelry look for every outfit. Buy through ShopBop for $80.
3. See by Chloe Flat Criss-Cross Sandals: Don’t make the mistake of being the girl that only brings towering wedges to the beach. Not only does this dress also pick up the blues in the Free People dress, but it lets you do all the walking you need (which can be a lot if you didn’t drive to your vacation spot) without asking for a piggy-back ride at he end of the day. Buy through Bloomingdale’s for $260.

Nighttime
1. Single Silk-Chiffon Leopard Print Dress: If you can’t wear a floaty, asymmetrical, red leopard print dress after dark at the beach, where can you wear one? Tropical locales were made for bright patterns that would be harder to pull off in an urban setting, and this dress is exactly that: wild and a little sexy while still being comfortable and not too skimpy. It’s a graphic statement, but the use of cream instead of graphic white gives it a slightly bohemian note that makes the dress totally work. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $315.
2. Kenneth Jay Lane Gold-Plated Bamboo Hoops: Again, leave the expensive jewelry at home. These earrings are gold-plated for those with sensitive ears and will add a touch of glamour to virtually any outfit in your suitcase. The best part, however, is the price – you don’t have to fret too badly if you lose one in the sand or forget them at the hotel. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $60.
3. Belle by Sigerson Morrison Crisscross Wedge Sandals: You don’t want to be that girl that ONLY wears enormous wedges, but if you’re going to wear a dress like this, you should still bring them. They’re dark and chunky while still being neutral and beachy, which makes them perfect to anchor a dress that has such a loud print. If they were lighter or made a smaller statement, they’d get swallowed up by the outfit. Also, the darker leather ensures that you don’t look like you wandered the mall for hours, holding up your tote bag to every pair of sandals until you found a perfect match. Repeat after me: matchy-matchy is not a good look. Buy through Saks for $240.

Voila! That’s how you get through vacation with just your tote bag. How would you wear it?

Original post by Amanda Mull

Let’s get one thing straight: I don’t hate Valentine’s Day. That would require me to have any particular feelings about it at all, and to say that I do would be vastly overstating things. To me, V-Day is sort of like Cinco de Mayo. I always forget it’s going to happen, but when someone reminds me that it’s coming, it seems like as good a reason as any to have a few cocktails. And maybe a reason to eat a few enchiladas too, even though I’m aware that that’s only customary for one of those holidays. I just like enchiladas.

So when I got the email from Megs instructing me to pick a few V-Day things to write about, I wasn’t exactly sure what I was going to do. When I think of Valentine’s Day with a significant other, the only thing that occurs to me is that I’m going to get a free meal at my favorite restaurant, which isn’t even romantic (really, it’s a fusion taco place, and no boyfriend has ever believed me when I said that I wanted to go there on V-Day. They all thought I was trying to trick them and then took me someplace expensive that I invariably didn’t enjoy as much as my taco place).

Honestly, though, traditional romance makes me kind of squicky (is that even a word? I don’t know, but its sound when pronounced mirrors my feeling pretty accurately) and my eternal hope is that any guy who has my romantic attentions will respect that come Valentine’s Day. The most I want is an opportunity to wear a fab party dress, even if I eat a homemade meal in it, and perhaps a small gift and some flowers.

1. The right outfit: If you don’t think that I’d wear this Robert Rodriguez Glitter Sequin Zip Dress to my favorite taco restaurant or to sit in my own kitchen, well, you don’t know me very well. I would also wear it to blog in every day, given the opportunity. Never underestimate the diverse utility of a cocktail dress. ShopBop, $416.

2. The right bag: Instead of going for the obvious gold or black to coordinate with the dress, I’d go with the cobalt blue sequins of the Halston Heritage Evening Frame Sequin Clutch. The contrast is far more interesting than choosing something matchy-matchy, and on Valentine’s day, how much do you really need to be able to fit into your clutch? Net-a-Porter, $195.

3. Non-embarrassing flowers: No baby’s breath. I repeat, NO BABY’S BREATH. I don’t want an 80s bouquet or something that’s going to take over my desk and make everyone ask questions. I still love roses because red is my favorite color, but a clean, modern design like the Teleflora Dozen Rose Contempo is much more my decorative style. Teleflora, $69.95.

4. A personality-appropriate jewelry gift: I know that jewelry is customary even though I really don’t think guys should be required to pay for dinner AND provide a gift (my weirdness with receiving gifts is a subject for an entirely different post, however), and I’d rather have something that speaks to a knowledge of my personal preferences than something that’s bling-bling expensive. After all, it only takes so much time in my presence before everyone, even guys, realizes that I love obnoxiously large costume jewelry like the Fallon Jewelry Tigerlilly Choker. ShopBop, $220.

Original post by Amanda Mull

Valentine’s Day has always been one of those days I’ve loved. While I’ve not always had a significant other on Valentine’s Day, it is nice to sit back and remember how much love I have in my life. I have a great family, amazing friends and am constantly surrounded by love. So whether you have a Valentine this year or not, try and remember how loved you are and how many people you love!

With all of this being said, I still have a list of things I’d be more than happy to receive on Valentine’s Day. Nothing too extravagant but nonetheless lovely.

1. Two Dozen Long Stem Red Roses: I know red roses on Valentine’s Day sound rather cliche, but that doesn’t bother me at all. I love roses. I love how they look, how they smell and how they open up each day a bit more. I tend to believe that flowers can cheer up any room and I would love to come home this Valentine’s Day to gorgeous red roses. Buy through 1800Flowers.com for $139.

2. A homemade dinner: I wouldn’t necessarily turn down a night out on Valentine’s Day, but I absolutely love spending Valentine’s Day at home. It is so great to have your man cook you dinner or even cook dinner together. If I could choose the meal, I’d totally be up for Chicken Marsala or Lasagna this Valentine’s Day. Of course, a nice side salad and some wine would be the best way to round out the meal.

3. Marc Jacobs Kate Lock Hobo: I’ve been thinking about this bag for quite some time now. No, it doesn’t scream Valentine’s Day, but I like that this is the kind of bag that I can carry all year long. Megs, covered this bag a little while back (click here for her review) and I’ve been drooling over it from that point forward. Sure, a little pricey for a Valentine’s Day gift, but you never know, right! Buy through Bergdorf Goodman for $950.

4. J. Crew Deco Necklace: Since the Marc Jacobs bag might be too much, I’ve also found a great necklace from J. Crew that would be fabulous. I love this necklace because it is fun and flirty yet elegant and sophisticated. It would be a great option for dressing up or dressing down an outfit. Buy through J. Crew for $128.

Original post by Shannon Mahoney

Even though the eighth night of Chanukah was last Friday, that doesn’t mean it’s too late to make my wish list. Besides, I spent the holiday at college and celebrated with my friends every night- while that was lovely and fun, my first Chanukah away from home lacked an essential ingredient: the presents. Let’s face it: I’m notoriously difficult to shop for, and even my parents stick to my wish list or a gift certificate due to my extreme pickiness. Let’s not call it pickiness, let’s call it “selectivity.” Yes, I like that.

1. Sam Edelman ‘Zoe’ Ankle Boot: I’m always looking to add some height to my frame, and for the past three years, black ankle boots have been my solution of choice. Though I’m partial to ones that lace up the front, an ironic little nod to the sneaker, these Edelmans have the toughest quilted harness that acts like a metaphorical ankle protection. Sounds lovely to me. And if you’re looking for a sneaker look, the harness is removable. Buy through Nordstrom for $344.95.

2. Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Derby Leather Crossbody Bag: The crossbody is my favorite style, tyrian purple is my favorite color, so it’s logical that I’d love to tote this. Well, Marc’s calling the color “grape juice” but we’ll bypass that. The rounded shape differs from all my crossbody bags, and the clean, strong color would tie in nicely with the colored and patterned tights that I tend to wear almost daily. Buy through Bloomingdale’s for $188.

3. Star Trek Original Series Season 3: I’m not ashamed to admit that my favorite show is the underrated sci-fi (SyFy?) standby, Star Trek. Sadly, I’ve only met one fashionista who shares my love of all things Star Trek, Marvel, DC, and generally anything that’s science fiction, fantasy, or action fodder. If you’re wondering why I want Season 3, it’s because I already own Seasons 1&2. While I don’t know Klingon (yet), I can rattle off facts about Vulcans like no other. Live long and prosper. Buy through Barnes & Noble for $76.49.

4. Sass and Bide Godspeed Dress: As a big fan of tunics and leotards, this see-through beauty makes for the perfect thing to throw on over my tights and leo to head out after contortion practice. While I wouldn’t wear it without adequate coverage underneath- I’m not one to dress scandalously- I adore the sexy way that the arm openings and racer back are extended for a peekboo effect. Add that to the bold tribal designs and the odd little beaded patches, and you’ve got a tunic that combines sporty and bohemian in the best way possible. Buy through Shopbop for $400.

5. Apple 13″ Macbook Pro: Is this a blogger syndrome? Like Amanda, I’m working on an old (ish) computer, a first-generation Macbook Air turned sickly from overuse. Though I love my light little Air, it’s difficult to work on it- I can’t run big programs on it for extended periods of time, so I’ve resorted to writing research papers on TextEdit, waiting until I’m done to edit and format it in Word. Sure, it’s adorable and sleek and easy to carry, but I’d adore something more high-powered- and that new trackpad is quite cool. Buy through Apple for $1,199.

Original post by Shannon Mahoney

Bellini Clutches, for iPhone 3G and 3GS and iPod Touch. $74 plain, $78 jeweled

Recently I was introduced to a luxury accessory line that I can not pass up covering for you all. Pila Designs focus is to bring luxury to female tech accessories. We all have iPhones and Blackberries, iPods and iPod touches. The cases that are offered at the phone stores are practical but they are not luxurious. This site is about fashion and luxury, so the marriage of tech accessories with the high end market is a bit hard.

iPod Touch Jacket cases $74; iPhone and iPod Touch ‘Kangaroo’ Cases $68

While some designers offer tech cases, I am always on the look out for something more innovative. You must give Pila Designs that, they are imaginative and creative in their designs. From the first moment entering their website there is a Hermes-esque vibe, with perfectly put together whimsical illustrations that include the cases.

iPhone/BlackBerry Luxe Hardshell Case $72; Schappy iPhone 3G Patent Leather $74

There is a variety of cases to choose from, including hard shell cases, open front cases, and my personal favorite, the cute vest cases. Along with the different styles there are of course different colors and patterns. The most easily accessible version is the ‘Schappy’ as you can see the front of your iPhone screen. Every option may appeal to a different person and every option mixes function with fashion.

Shop Pila Designs online HERE.

Original post by Megs Mahoney Dusil

Bellini Clutches, for iPhone 3G and 3GS and iPod Touch. $74 plain, $78 jeweled

Recently I was introduced to a luxury accessory line that I can not pass up covering for you all. Plia Designs focus is to bring luxury to female tech accessories. We all have iPhones and Blackberries, iPods and iPod touches. The cases that are offered at the phone stores are practical but they are not luxurious. This site is about fashion and luxury, so the marriage of tech accessories with the high end market is a bit hard.

iPod Touch Jacket cases $74; iPhone and iPod Touch ‘Kangaroo’ Cases $68

While some designers offer tech cases, I am always on the look out for something more innovative. You must give Plia Designs that, they are imaginative and creative in their designs. From the first moment entering their website there is a Hermes-esque vibe, with perfectly put together whimsical illustrations that include the cases.

iPhone/BlackBerry Luxe Hardshell Case $72; Schappy iPhone 3G Patent Leather $74

There is a variety of cases to choose from, including hard shell cases, open front cases, and my personal favorite, the cute vest cases. Along with the different styles there are of course different colors and patterns. The most easily accessible version is the ‘Schappy’ as you can see the front of your iPhone screen. Every option may appeal to a different person and every option mixes function with fashion.

Shop Plia Designs online HERE.

Original post by Megs Mahoney Dusil

Y’all, I’m really hard to shop for. I have poor impulse control when I decide that I really must have something, and that leaves precious few gifts to buy at the end of the year. As if that wasn’t enough, my birthday is Christmas Eve, which only doubles the burden on anyone trying to buy anything for me, ever.

The safe money is usually on just taking me out to dinner and calling it a gift, but if anyone were to be confident or generous enough to try and buy me material goods for the holidays, here’s a sampler of what I might want. Unless, you know, I manage to buy all these things by the time this post runs.

1. Alexander Wang Donna Hobo: Of course, we have to start with the handbag. I’m a hipster at heart, as anyone that’s seen my current hair color or glasses could probably guess, and every hipster needs a black leather Alexander Wang handbag. The Donna is both impossibly cool and totally functional. Buy through ShopBop, $795.

2. University of Georgia “I Run This State” T-shirt: Totally not kidding. College football and my University of Georgia Bulldogs are my first love, even before handbags. Over Thanksgiving weekend, we knocked off the #7 ranked Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and shut up all the mouthy Tech fans on my Facebook news feed for another year, and I would like to have this t-shirt to commemorate that victory. In reality, I’m not much of a t-shirt wearer, so I’d like to have it in an XXL that I can sleep in. Buy through FootballFanatics.com, $24.95.

3. Apple 15″ MacBook Pro: I sit on my couch and type on my two-plus-year-old MacBook Pro 40+ hours per week, and I’ve knocked it off my ottoman more times than I care to mention. It’s scratched, cracked, and honestly kind of dirty, but still runs like a champ (well, the optical drive doesn’t exactly work anymore. Like I said, I’ve knocked it on the floor a few times). In a perfect world, though, I’d like a shiny new one on which to click-clack away. Buy through Apple for $1699.

4. Ray-Ban Propionate Aviator Sunglasses: I’m something of a Ray-Ban addict overall, and over the past few weeks, this particular model has come to my attention as a result of Elin Nordegren’s apparent affection for it and her unfortunate newfound tabloid presence. I have wire-frame aviators and plastic-frame Wayfarers, so…why not a plastic-frame aviator? Sign me up, although I can’t decide between black and tortoise shell. Buy through Saks for $130.

5. Target Zebra Decorative Pillows: I…I really can’t explain this one. I just want some zebra-print pillows for my bed. I’ve wanted some for like a year and a half, and someone finally decided to make some that are cheap and graphic and simple. I have black sheets and a chartreuse and white duvet and I just think it would look cool. Gimme. Buy through Target for $19.99.

Original post by Amanda Mull

Well isn’t this…useful.

Let’s think for a moment about who exactly might be the target consumer for the Roberto Cavalli Gold-Plated USB Stick Pendant. A fashion editor? No, I don’t think they’d want to wear the same necklace to work every day. A graphic designer? No, USB stick drives are probably exchanged and tossed around so much in that profession that having one that’s also an expensive designer necklace is probably counterproductive.

What about a lady spy? Yes, that’s it! A lady spy. Like Angelina Jolie’s character in Mr. & Mrs. Smith. The ultra-luxe necklace would secretly contain important documents that the lady spy has to transfer to another secret agent, and when the bad guys tossed her hotel room an an attempt to intercept the documents, they’d never think that a necklace could also be an electronic device.

It’s so James-Bond-y, but in a feminine way that’s probably also completely impractical. But when has Cavalli ever embraced practicality? I’m merely surprised that he didn’t also find a way to make it change all of your files to leopard-print backgrounds. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $565.

Original post by Amanda Mull

Smythson continues to be an amazing brand to look to for travel accessories and everyday handbags alike. We have already shared our love of Smythson travel accessories and now we will bring you more of our favorite accessories from a brand we cover far too little.

When I was in school, one of my favorite parts of the year was back-to-school shopping. I obsess over new notebooks, agendas, pens, tabs, highlighters, etc. Color coding and lists are my specialty. If I had discovered Smythson earlier, my back to school money would have gone to every kind of leather notebooks and covers from Smythson.

Net-A-Porter just nabbed a group of Smythson exclusives. My favorites are the pink leather Passport cover, pink Wish List notebook, and black What’s New notebook. For those of you who love your notebooks, covers, and lists, make sure to check out the exclusive set of accessories and travel goods from Smythson at Net-A-Porter here.

Original post by Megs Mahoney Dusil