Have you noticed Furla lately?

May 14th, 2013 No Comments

When I first saw this slouchy messenger bag in Tootsies, the softness of the leather instantly converted it from cute to coveted in my eyes. As a handbag designer, the quality of the leather/skins brands use always intrigues me. I’d never seen cow treated like this before and still be so supple. Usually cow is pretty stiff and takes a while to wear in.

The next surprise came when I looked at the label: Furla. Furla, that’s a brand I haven’t thought about in a while. Then I checked the price; $495, wow, not bad in comparison to its style competitors like Rebecca Minkoff. (Furla totes are more akin to the big boys such as Ferragamo.)

On all fronts I was so pleasantly surprised with this bag! After a month of the NYC hustle stuffed to the gills as you see above, it has proven its quality and still looks exactly the same as the day I bought. Impressive is an understatement.

This little hobo sparked my curiosity and led me to Saks to see what else Furla is up to these days. I think you’ll like what I discovered!

An array of totes in bold colors and skins that are similar to those of the trending designers but just different enough to have their own style AND pricepoint. My personal favorite is the last one. Must be all of those years hunting with my dad and collecting rattle snake tails that draws me to the snake skin.

I can’t stand having something everyone else is wearing (aka the Givenchy Phantom bag) which is why I have respect for Furla’s new direction. I have always considered the brand to be well-made, but too conservative and safe for my taste. As we can see whoever is at the helm now is going to great lengths to shed that rep and make a big statement.

These totes range from $895 to $1895 (if I remember correctly). Choo, McQueen, Valentino, Marc Jacobs, and other brands you love seem to be two to three hundred more expensive for the same style. You can also find Furla clutches in the same color schemes, but surely you know my feelings about a clutch :)

In other handbag news, I hear Valentino is coming out with some amazing styles. I’ll check into Editorialist to see when they surface. More on that site later.

Love a man in a great suit! (hint, hint)

May 7th, 2013 2 Comments

When I spotted this guy outside the Apple Store on 59th the other day, I had to snap a pic and post to instagram. I mean, his outfit is sartorial perfection! Within seconds, Duke, my friend and fabulous stylist at Neimans in LA, responded, “That is Donnell Macklin, he is an associate at BG Men!” Which led Donnell, @macklin3008 with a whopping 6,000+ followers, to comment and connect as well.

I wish wish wish more men would take the time and care to put outfits together like Duke and Donnell. It’s not THAT hard. I guess at the same time, the clothes don’t make the man….but they sure are fun to look at :)

Duke posts his suits on Instagram regularly. The combinations are so unique! I would NEVER think to put them together. Below are just a few to get you inspired to dress up or help your man put it all together. A couple helpful notes at the end.

DHagenburger Tom Ford Suit

Tom Ford plaid suit, Isaia gingham shirt and grey dot tie, Brunello Cucinelli pkt sq, Tom Ford perf cap toe lace.

Todo Isaia! High blue fineline stripe suit, stripe shirt, red dot tie, pkt sq, plus Cole Haan suede wing tips

Giorgio Armani navy micro check suit, Tom Ford lavender plaid shirt & purple plaid tie, Cucinelli navy tipped linen pkt sq, and Zegna shoes

Isaia grey windowpane, Giorgio Armani ice blue fine stripe shirt, Isaia deep pink tie, and Cucinelli pink grid pkt sq

Isaia grey ticweave w windowpane, Isaia mint & blue check shirt, Armani navy stripe tie, Club Monaco navy bandana pkt sq and Gucci navy lace

A self-proclaimed suit snob (which is one thing I adore about Duke), Duke is big on a few things:

Shoes with character
Pocket squares for flair
Suits with real button holes

The last point is “the marker of a quality suit because to make them is not a cheap endeavor,” he says. In order to show this off, you should unbutton the bottom two buttons. Just one of those little details that takes the outfit from great to fabulous.

Should you be in LA or just have fashion questions, email Duke at duke_Hagenburger@neimanmarcusstores.com. He’s always happy to help at ANY price point!

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Be fabulous, why not?!

April 16th, 2013 3 Comments

I know, I know, Fady is a little bit much, but isn’t that the fun part about fashion?! I love going into Tootsies to see what he’s wearing that day. As a manager of the store, the man has to have style and I love how he always takes it above and beyond. He turns heads and that’s what style is about.

I’ll admit I get a little intimidated to ask for his opinion when I’m trying things on, but he’s always sweet to help and without fail adds the perfect finishing touches to take my outfit to “ensemble” level.

For example, he picked out a killer bangle to “funk up” this very traditional Reem Acra gown I got from RentTheRunway. For the life of me I can’t find the professional photos from Nick and Dominique’s wedding so this one will have to do. Trust me, that bangle I’m wearing is absolutely fabulous and it made me feel complete from head to toe. (Watch my video: How to get dressed for an event - black tie, wedding, etc – on a budget. I have a little checklist to help you!)

What I’m loving about being back in LA and NYC is feeling comfortable incorporating a little more flare into my outfits. The South can be so traditional, and in the life I was living, I didn’t want to, care to, or dare push the envelope too far. Now, I’m running around in spandex and hooker boots, throwing on necklaces and heels instead of simple studs and Uggs, silk blouses instead of tank tops, bright lipstick instead of chap stick, and having fun with fashion again. And with that comes a big smile – our best accessory :)

(Full Disclosure: RentTheRunway generously provided the gown in exchange for an honest account of my experience using the service.)

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Everyone wants to know about this jacket

April 13th, 2013 1 Comment

I’ll admit for the price it was quite a find!

It’s BCBG $368 from Saks, although I’m sure they sold it at many department stores. Reader Wilde found it online at Saks if you want it. A friend of mine mistook it for Rick Owens, and every time I wear it someone always says, “that’s a fabulous piece” like I paid a bundle for it.

In comparison to the other $700+ leather jackets around it on the floor, I liked it the most. The reason I believe it’s less expensive is because the shell is strips of leather on top of a spandex blend fabric. I love it because it’s thin and stretchy (great for my big shoulders), not clunky like most leather jackets. The collar has the ability to stand up a little.

What I love about it is that it goes with EVERYTHING AND raises the game of my preppy outfits to have a cool factor they didn’t before. I bought a white bomber jacket that does the same thing. I wear it mostly with my workout clothes to be honest. You know me, always in my spandex!

For more on the leather jacket trend, click here for my post.

As for the rest of my head to toe:

Diesel aviators
Diamond studs
Nicole Miller dress from Tootsies
Gianvito Rossi winged pumps (in forest green) from Barney’s
Gunmetal chain necklaces
Big ass fake ring from Buffalo exchange
Simone lipstick from Jouer

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“Pink is my signature color.”

April 9th, 2013 1 Comment

Love me some Steel Magnolias! “He doesn’t know whether to wind his butt or scratch is watch.” It’s been too long since I’ve watched it…

I really thought red was going to be my color for Spring, but “Whitney,” a new color from Jouer, has pulled me over to the dark side (those of you who remember my Julia days can understand why I have an aversion to the shade).

Whitney is actually more hot pink than it looks in this pic. I tame it with a little mauve lip liner and then pop with my go-to top coat, Revlon “Shine City.”

Whitney Head to Chin

Diesel aviators from LASC in WeHo (yes, it’s “gay” man’s store, but I would shop there for anyone)
Miguel Ases earrings from Tootsies
Whitney Jouer lipstick + Revlon “Shine City”

I’ve been wearing Whit for a week and haven’t switched to another color no matter what the outfit. I just keep my makeup palllet neutral. One of the reasons I like the pink over red is the fact that I can wear a little heavier eye liner with it. Red really demands a simply eye so you don’t look like…well, you know.

Now, anything pink catches my eye and I instantly want to buy. Of course shopping in Bergdorfs the other day that wasn’t a possibility, but you can see why I was intrigued.

I have yet to find a loafer that I like and looks good on me. With my long feet, that’s a hard bill to fit! And now that the weather is getting warm, I think I’ve missed the boat until fall.

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My statement sunnies for spring/summer

March 26th, 2013 No Comments

Left, Tom Ford. Right Roberto Cavalli.

As for the other trends here: Red lipstick by TF and green jeans are Hudson.

And you? Send me pics of the shades you’re loving right now. We need some reader style up on this blog.

Mary@MoreThanMary.com

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Are you feeling frisky?

February 26th, 2013 No Comments

Red Lipstick "Simone" Jouer

When I was in NYC for fashion week, one undeniable trend I saw was a bright red lip. At one point I walked through a doorway and three women all flashed me a smile rimmed in red. It was crazy! I’ll throw on some red when I’m feeling frisky, but on a regular day you’re more likely to catch me with a more subdued “Elizabeth” berry smirk for color.

If you’re wanting to follow the trend and laquer up in red, the hue of the season is warm and orange as opposed to cool and berry. (You might recall this post in which I describe the difference.) You’ll also want to make sure your lip is matte instead of glossy as the look is more “hip” than “glam.” You can’t go wrong with Jouer’s “Simone” – a favorite of mine (also shown above).

One thing I noticed and loved about these bright red-lipped women is that they used the bold color to distract from their lack of makeup. Not a “natural” look, but almost no makeup at all. It’s almost like they just substituted lipstick for chapstick. It’s an unusual combo but it totally worked. I think I’m going to try it in my sweats and see what kind of reaction I get at the grocery store. How’s that for real-life application?!

If you are more of the au-nautural girl (another trend in makeup for spring) consider going with a matte PINK. You can choose anything from fushia to petal to almost nude. As long as it’s matte, it will still be striking. Check out Jouer’s new shades (available soon on their website):

The one thing you need to do BEFORE wearing a light colored opaque lipstick is hydrate your lips. Make sure they aren’t dry because unlike the bold colors, the lighter pinks can’t conceal dry or scaly lips. I suggest a hydrating balm or chapstick the night before. Thankfully Jouer’s lipsticks are all moisturizing so they can help you out!

(Full disclosure: Since I was introduced to Jouer over two years ago, I’ve been a huge fan. It’s great quality and price for your everyday basics. I receive their product via PR and purchase it myself on a regular basis. That reminds me….I should do a post on my makeup bag.)

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Cashmere is out, leather is in this spring.

February 19th, 2013 1 Comment

(Click the image to make it bigger.)

It’s hard to escape the leather jacket propoganda in stores right now. I walked into Saks in NYC to find half of the contemporary floor was covered in displays of the latest leather jackets styles. No matter where you’re shopping, you’ll find anything leather pretty much goes. You pick what you like and you’re “in” for spring.

Style: bomber, femme, or blazer
Color: black, gray, creme, and camel are the most versatile (but I say if you find a color you love, go for it!)
Fit: fitted, darted, or boxy
Sleeves: with or without with sleeves
Labels: medium to oversized
Extras: belts, buttons, zippers, ruffles

The similarity in all of them being the length. Your leather jacket or blazer should be cropped at the hip.

Being a person who doesn’t like to have something everyone else has, my first thought was, “I could probably find a bomber jacket that no one has at a good thrift store.” One look that the prices and that’s not a bad idea if you’re on a budget. Retail prices range from $795 to about $1300 for brands like Joie, Vince, Helmut Lang, etc.

Here are two examples from TOPSHOP (via their tumblr). I wish I still had the opportunity to dress as trendy as these girls, but alas, I think I’d be thrown out of Buckhead in a crop top. But you get the idea with the leather pieces. Either the vest (a bit over-sized for my taste) or the jacket would pair perfectly with any other spring trends.

As you saw from my fashion week ensemble, I went with a more femme style: BCBG, black, super fitted, over sized collar, strips of leather making it super stretchy, something I can wear casual or a little more dressed up. I was SHOCKED when I saw the price was $395; what a steal in comparison to the others.

Now, if you’re NOT the leather jacket type, you can opt for jackets or blazers with leather trim or other pieces made of leather. My long-time friend Margaret found this awesome leather peplum top at boutique in Houston. I love how the leather gives the traditional silhouette a little edge!

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