Fendi Chameleon Tote

I recently relocated from Dallas to Houston for work, and it has certainly proven to be quite the adjustment. I enjoy the unique culture that Texas cities possess. Only here can you find the perfect blend of urbanity and southern flair. Not to mention the strong Mexican and western influences. While the humidity and traffic certainly leave much to be desired, I actually have a bigger bone to pick with H-Town. Since I had the day off, I decided to visit The Galleria, a mega mall touting over 2.4 million square feet of retail space. Naturally, I had high expectations and hoped to enjoy some serious retail therapy, but I left empty-handed and sorely disappointed. The mall is seriously outdated and in desperate need of repair. Zero curb appeal, broken escalators abound, no air conditioning in Bally... I could go on and on. More importantly, I have never encountered so many preoccupied sales associates in all my years of shopping. From Saks to Fendi, everyone was too busy chatting, Tweeting, Facebooking, texting and reading BagPoor to be bothered with doing their job. I won't bore you with additional details, but let's suffice it to say that I won't be returning.

The one redeeming aspect of my shopping excursion was the fact that I finally saw the Fendi Chameleon Tote in person, and it instantly replaced the YSL Chyc Bag as my must-have accessory for Spring. It's sophisticated and timeless without being monotonous. The size and shape is perfect for corporate women as well as busy moms on the go. The golden hardware took my breath away and I absolutely adore the sumptuous color-blocked calfskin, especially in these gorgeous neutral tones. Purchase the Fendi Chameleon Tote at Neiman Marcus for $2,490.   


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Lanvin Gaby Bucket Bag

There's something incredibly stylish about a bucket bag. Their classic, yet casual aesthetic makes them the perfect grab-and-go style for spring and summer. Lanvin's Gaby bag epitomizes the Gatsby-esque art deco vibe that we've come to expect from the brand. The petite size is ideal for weekend wear, as a chic daytime clutch alternative. The tonal red suede and leather panels contribute to the mod style. Pair this bucket bag with a color-blocked maxi dress for day or a leopard print shift dress for evening, and you're out the door in effortless style. Purchase at NET-A-PORTER for $1,685. Also available in brown python for $2,285.

 

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Maiyet Ceres Clutch

I've been following Maiyet since their breathtaking debut at Paris Fashion Week in October. The brand's founder, Paul Van Zyl, is a former human rights attorney in South Africa and he has a touching philosophy for the up and coming label. After partnering with Kristy Caylor, the pair set out to find master craftsmen from developing nations all over the world. These skilled artisans all lend their specific capabilities to the overall design of each collection, resulting in an innovative line of apparel and accessories. My favorite handbag for Spring is the Ceres Clutch. The smooth leather, extended pull tab and golden hardware make for a winning combination. Purchase this clutch in black or beige exclusively at Barneys for $1,250. 

 

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Weekly Fashion Roundup

It really wasn't hard to select the red carpet winner at the Grammy's - there weren't many looks I cared for at all! But Rihanna looked ultra fab in this slinky, backless Giorgio Armani gown. The singer also gets points since she helped design the dress.


While I can't get with this platinum blonde look just yet, I've decided I won't hold it against her. The singer's team has made a conscious effort to change her hair color as often as the weather, and since her jet-black crop from a few years ago doesn't appear to be in line for a revival, I'll just have to get over it.

RiRi finished off her look with a Jimmy Choo clutch and Christian Louboutin shoes.



We all know that Calvin Klein is the quintessential American-meets-minimalist designer, but that's absolutely no excuse for this boring, red drop-waist dress Emma Stone wore during NY Fashion Week.

Emma sat front row at the Calvin Klein show, next to actress gal pal Rooney Mara, who was in an equally underwhelming Calvin Klein LBD. We love you Emma, and there's not a thing boring about you - but this dress!


The only thing that gave me any solace, was Emma's jacket, metallic clutch, and sky-high red heels. It still wasn't enough to save that dowdy dress, in my opinion.

Apparently, Rooney Mara's sour attitude at the runway show, was giving Emma's dress a run for its money that day. The New York Times reported that the newly brooding lead in The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, has been taking cues from her movie muse Lisbeth Salander.

"Things got stranger when Eric Wilson, of The New York Times, tried to speak to Ms. Mara after the show about the Oscars, (a lot of people are interested in what she will wear) and got a brushoff," reported the NYTimes. "One of the most sought-after actresses is sitting at a press event, surrounded by sophisticated editors and writers, and she pulls a Garbo. Priceless."

Hmph! Moving right along....



This week Anna Dello Russo was all feathered out at the Marc Jacobs show. Vogue Japan's fashion editor is obviously down for taking a risk, but can we deal with this knee-length, ostrich feather YSL choice?

I have a feeling we better learn to deal with it, if the envelope-pushing editor has anything to say about it. What say you, fashion luvahs? Too fab or just too much?



Since we obviously couldn't leave Fashion Week out of our weekly fashion roundup, I had to share looks from one of my fave shows. As far as I'm concerned, Michael Kors Fall 2012 collection was the perfect marriage of glamor and comfort. I'm already obsessed with knits this winter, so I'm pretty thrilled that his line featured some gorgeous knitwear pieces for next fall.

Scroll down for my top picks from the line.

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Anna Sui for Coach

When I initially discovered that Anna Sui would be Coach's latest designer collaborator, I was excited to see the outcome. Hoping for a polished bohemian version of Coach's classic duffel, I anticipated the big reveal at Sui's Fall runway show. Well, the verdict is out and I'm sorely disappointed. I was expecting an enchanting design, but I'm left pleading for restraint and subtlety. The grossly oversized whipstitching as well as the ginormous tassels and embossed dragonflies are as Tim Gunn would say, "a lot of look." For those of you interested in this limited edition duffel, it will be available at Coach boutiques next Fall.  

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Ralph Lauren Fall 2012 Handbag Collection

We were lucky enough to get our hands on the Ralph Lauren Fall 2012 accessories collection before it even hit the runway. Jewel toned velvets and silks, sumptuous calfskin, elegant exotics, art deco inspired hardware, plush animal prints and the occasional western reference. Does it get any more luxe? It's Daisy Buchanan meets Alexis Carrington and I'm left yearning for more.

More glamour after the jump.

Givenchy Python Obsedia Minaudière

There's something incredibly captivating about the new Obsedia clutch from Givenchy. Normally, python skin has a luxurious sophistication, which can sometimes alienate trendier shoppers. However, Riccardo Tisci has managed to make the elegant exotic look youthful and fun. I adore the water-color effect of the python skin, which appears to be hand-painted. As with every handbag in the Obsedia collection, it's all about the hardware. The golden push-lock closure adds a quintessentially Givenchy industrial edge to an otherwise feminine clutch. For added glamour, the interior is lined in metallic leather. Preorder at Barneys for $2,105. Also available in pale pink for $1,945. Shop Givenchy at NET-A-PORTER.

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Weekly Fashion Roundup

To be well-loved in the fashion industry, is to love your closet.
Further proving this notion is lucky gal Blake Lively, who was sent the entire Christian Louboutin spring collection. The Gossip Girl actress shared, okay bragged, about the news with People magazine: “My gosh, [the spring collection] was sent to my house today, and they’re so beautiful. They’re amazing. I walked around my apartment wearing them."
Okay, Okay Blake - we get it. The masses are writhing at the idea of the shoe-induced ecstasy. What collection, packaged free and pretty on your doorstep, would send you over the edge?





Rooney Mara donned this white Givenchy dress at the Tokyo premiere of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, and I absolutely loved the movement this number was giving. This was perfect red carpet attire, and how can we not love this frilly take on structural wear?



Also in a pair of strappy Givenchy sandals, Mara has definitely taken on a full-scale minimalist approach. She's wearing no accessories - not even earrings - a natural face with flushed lip color, and I'm left wanting for nothing. Gorg!

In preparation for spring, I thought I'd pull some of my favorite sunglasses for your viewing pleasure. Above, these Roberto Cavalli 'Retro' metal sunglasses are the perfect pair of wear- with -everything shades, for a blinding sunny day, or just for when your feeling low key. You can nab these for $395.
Nothing says "girls just wanna have fun" like these yellow Tory Burch oversized sunglasses. Gradient lenses, full coverage, retro arms - a cute look for $175! This style also comes in an onslaught of colors, including gray, a smoky olive, navy and ivory. Have at it!

By far, our steal of the week, are these Michael Kors 'Gudaeloupe' sunglasses. At only $99, you honestly can't go wrong with these babies. They are very functional and would go perfect with any summery outfit or vacay/outing. Let's dream of warmer days, after this icy cold weekend!




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Jennifer Lopez's Fendi Peek-a-boo

Jennifer Lopez was spotted in New York recently looking absolutely tragic. I just don't get it. She's a stunningly beautiful woman with access to the finest designer digs in the world, and this is what she chooses to wear. Don't get me wrong. The Fendi Peek-a-boo is one of my favorite recent designs from the fashion powerhouse, but in grey felt it just looks sad. Now, if I can divert your attention away from the boring bag for a moment, can we discuss these awful The Row pants? They're plaid, they're inexplicably short and they're eerily similar to my favorite pair of pajamas. To add insult to injury, she paired them with the chunkiest shoe ever. As horrific as this ensemble may appear, I honestly feel that it could have been saved with a classic Gucci boot. Sometimes less is more, even for J Lo.

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Glenn Close's Stella McCartney Falabella Clutch

Glenn Close stunned in head-to-toe Stella McCartney at the Academy Awards Nominations Luncheon. She paired a dazzling Hawaiian print coat over a matching blue crepe top and stretch leggings. Naturally, we're swooning over her fuchsia Falabella clutch. It's a remix of the hugely successful Falabella tote, which catapulted Stella McCartney to "it" bag designer status. Of course, this clutch is faux leather, as McCartney is a vegan designer, and it's trimmed in the iconic chain detailing. Purchase at Neiman Marcus for $895. While Glenn's outfit consists solely of Stella McCartney's spring collection, her must-have nude wooden platform pumps won't be available to us mere mortals until next fall.

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Dolce & Gabbana Dolce Bag

Dolce & Gabbana literally just introduced their new "it" bag for spring, and how do I say this delicately? It's a complete and utter snoozefest. A couple seasons ago, we were inundated with an onslaught of timeless, ladylike handbags and the Dolce & Gabbana Miss Sicily bag came out on top as one of my favorites. It pains me to say this, but the Dolce bag is unimaginative and boring. It's your standard top-handle with an oversized golden lock. There's nothing wrong with this bag per se, but there's certainly nothing special about it either. It's completely understandable that Dolce & Gabbana would want to capitalize on the success of the Miss Sicily bag, but I'll pass on this uninspired design.     

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Alexander McQueen Skull Clutch

Sarah Burton continues to wow fashionistas with designs that carry on the spirit of Alexander McQueen, but with an added wearability and femininity. This classic frame clutch is brand new for spring, and it's the perfect marriage of luxury and functionality. The sizeable interior capacity and a myriad of pockets offer plenty of space for all your evening essentials. The beige leather trim was a bold design choice, which completely paid off, in my opinion. Normally, I prefer larger python scales, but the smaller, more uniform selection contributes to the sophisticated appearance. Of course, this clutch features the iconic rhinestone-encrusted skull clasp. Preorder at Saks Fifth Avenue for $1,985.

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Weekly Fashion Roundup

The SAG Awards gave us fashion greatness last week, so it's only fitting we dedicate our weekly roundup to our fave looks of the night.

I, for one, was ecstatic to see that Viola Davis didn't let us down after her fab appearance at the Critics Choice Awards. This time Viola was spotted in a gorgeous white Marchesa gown, with gold embroidery. The actress also took home a SAG award for best actress, and could obviously do no wrong that night. Can't wait to see what she wears at the Oscars!



There was a lot of color on the red carpet that night, but interestingly enough, my favorite gowns were the light and dark neutrals. Above, Glee's Naya Rivera wore a plunging Naeem Khan dress. Very sassy, though I would have loved to see her do something special with her hair.



Emma Stone looked flawless as usual in this young, but dramatic Alexander McQueen number. I also loved her matching McQueen shoes and clutch - a classic look from the design house.



By far, the most dramatic look of the night was worn by another Glee actress, Jayma Mays. Apparently this sequin Reem Acra gown is a mash-up of navy, gunmetal and black - and I think I'm in love!


Can we just pause a second longer, to consider this lovely cut-out detail in the back?

Jayma finished off her look with a Judith Leiber clutch, Brian Atwood shoes (lace, of course), and Neil Lane drop earrings. Not sold on that pony, but I can't stop swooning over the dress long enough to care.

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Celebrity Style File: Rose Byrne At The SAGs

Rose Byrne In Elie Saab

Much like Halley's Comet, seeing a starlet show up on the red carpet in a glittery white jumpsuit with a bob so tight and sharp that it could slice a cantaloupe clean in half from across the room* and loving it happens to me once every 75-or-so years.  So obviously when I saw Ms. Byrne trot up to the cameras looking this chic, it had to be rewarded with a post!  

Some other ladies have attempted similar looks (please see here and scroll down until your brain hurts...) to positively disastrous results, but as of late some of the most dapper ladies in Hollywood have been knocking the be-panted-ed look out of the park!  Emma Stone did it and it inspired me to permanently retire every skirt and dress I own.  But the best part about this look is that this jumpsuit is from Mr. Saab's Fall 2009 runway, and Rosie had her eye on it for three years, saving it for a truly spectacular showing on the SAG Award red carpet.  

So what do you think?  Would you agree that this look was worth the wait, or should it have stayed in Mr. Saab's archives? 

*This short bob came courtesy of coiffure Harry Josh, who used Michelle Pfeiffer's Elvira Hancock character from Scarface as his inspiration.  

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For more style musings from Liz Shields, check out her fashion blog, I Have a Walk-in Closet, but it's in New Jersey.

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Sarah Jessica Parker's Ferragamo Messenger

Sarah Jessica Parker was spotted combating the oddly tropical winter we're experiencing in New York, wearing a brand new messenger from Salvatore Ferragamo's Spring/Summer 2012 collection. In typical SJP fashion, she managed to snag this bag right off the runway, before it even hits stores. It's a refreshingly fun design from the typically subdued label, known mostly for timeless classics. Color-blocking has been one of my favorite trends for the last few seasons and I'm glad to see that it's still going strong. The supple and smooth front flap features the brand's famous horseshoe design as well as beautiful golden hardware. Pair this chic messenger with the simplest maxi dress and you're out the door in effortless summer style.       

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