STYLE, SHE WROTE.

Fab Finds: Breckelle's D'Orsay Flat

Friday, May 17

I gave a lecture at the Penn Dry Goods Market today, and spotted what I thought were Jenni Kayne's d'orsay ballet flats ($450.00) on one of the event coordinator's feet. When I complimented her on her sweet shoes, she informed me that they were actually by Breckelle's -- for just $24.00! Needless to say, I ordered my own pair as soon as I got home.

Available in summery shades (mint, orange, blush) and classic black on Amazon.com.

Look for Less: Nicholas Kirkwood's Lace-Up Printed Sandals

Wednesday, May 15

This week, Nicholas Kirkwood's statement sandals for Peter Pilotto's spring runway go toe-to-toe with Zara's equally eye-catching lace-up sandals. With strikingly similar color palettes, black-and-white basket weave and painterly prints, lace-up tops, and 4.5 inch high stiletto heels, can YOU tell the $1,295.00 splurge from the $129.00 steal?

Rockstar Chic: Denim Jackets

Monday, May 13

As I ran around this weekend in search of a sofa for our new apartment (no dice), I couldn't help but notice that denim jackets are everywhere. Their ubiquity is almost astonishing. I say almost because they are an American clothing staple, after all. Invented by Levi Strauss in 1873, the jackets were first adopted by factory workers and cowboys, before being scooped up by rockstars like Bing Crosby, Elvis and Mick Jagger.

Mick.

Today, the jackets look just as good with denim skinnies (à la Jagger) as they do a shirtdress or floral sundress. Try them yourself with these under $100.00 styles.

Mavi Samantha Bleached Jean Jacket, $98.00

DKNY Jeans Patched Denim Jacket, $89.50

Levi's Trucker Denim Jacket, $49.99

Madewell Shrunken Jean Jacket, $98.00

S.S.W. Asks: Are YOU a fan of denim jackets?

BELLA NYC's Beauty Issue

Wednesday, May 8

BELLA NYC's Beauty Issue hits stands today! Check out Tony Goldwyn on the cover, then flip through to see my handiwork as the magazine's Fashion Editor. From warm-weather style essentials to what to wear to outdoor concerts and festivals, we've got summer fashion covered. Plus, check our profile on designer Ronen Chen, spotlights on the labels Wren & Glory and Born Again Vintage, and much, much more!

Toile Forward

Tuesday, May 7

The Offering to Love

Made in Jouy-en-Josas, France, c. 1795

Philadelphia Museum of Art

Toile – short for toile de Jouy – has been a popular furnishing fabric since the mid-eighteenth century. First made in Ireland, these white or off-white fabrics with single-color patterns were perfected in Jouy-en-Josas in northern France. Although historically used chair covers and bed hangings, fashion designers have adapted the fabric and its signature pastoral scenes for chic suits and dresses this season, as seen in Stella McCartney's, Oscar de la Renta's, and Carven's recent runway collections. Check out these playful toile takes for your next summer soiree.

S.S.W. Splurge: Carven Safari-Print Cut-Out Detail Dress, $512.00

ModCloth Bygone Days Dress in Skeleton Toile, $164.99

Topshop Origami Toile Dress, $110.00

S.S.W. Asks: Would YOU wear these styles?

Fab Finds: Pura Vida Bracelets

Monday, May 6

Say hello to the ultimate beach (or poolside) accessories: bracelets by Pura Vida! Pura Vida is a line of organically-designed bracelets by designers Griffin Thall and Paul Goodman. The duo was inspired by a trip to Costa Rica, where they embraced the idea of simplicity and purity in life. Their hand-made, gold-plated charm bracelets are not only colorful and cute, but completely waterproof. The bracelets retail for under $20.00 each, and part of the proceeds from each sale benefit The Surfrider Foundation, which protects and preserves beaches and oceans worldwide.

S.S.W. Asks: Will YOU wear Pura Vida?

In With the Nude

Friday, May 3

Long time, no post! Crista and I have been especially busy with sundry things for my upcoming wedding, and apologize for our silence.

That said, we thought we'd resume posting with a little spread on one of our favorite springtime styles -- kitten heeled-sandals. But not just any kitten heeled-sandals, mind you. Leg-lengthening nude kitten heels. These pretty yet comfortable pumps give the instant look of longer and leaner legs -- a must for spring's skimpier styles.

Some favorites...

Boutique 9 Merista, $79.99

VS Collection Mid-heel Sandal, $78.00

Wallis White Mid Heel Sandal, $61.00

S.S.W. Asks: Would YOU wear these styles?

L. & C.

Fab Finds: Gap Shirtdresses

Wednesday, April 24

Christian Dior "Cherie" Dinner Dress, Spring/Summer 1947

Metropolitan Museum of Art, C.I.48.13a,b

When Christian Dior added a full skirt and crinoline to the standard men's dress shirt in his 1947 "New Look" collection, he hardly knew that he was creating a women's wardrobe staple for the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. But by the 1950s three-quarter-sleeved shirtdresses with notched collars and full skirts were ubiquitous for both day and eveningwear, and have remained so ever since.

This season, the Gap has produced some of the prettiest and most wallet-friendly shirtdresses on the market, in myriad prints, patterns, colors and cuts, all for $60.00 or less. Update your closet for this season and next with one (or more!) of our picks below. Snag 30% off your online purchase with code GAP30 at checkout.

Gap Bird Print Tie-Waist Dress, $45.99

Gap Gingham Tie-Waist Shirtdress, $59.95

Gap Roll-Sleeve Pocket Shirtdress, $44.99

Gap Striped Roll-Sleeve Shirtdress, $59.95

S.S.W. Asks: Would YOU wear these styles?

Hot or Not? Fur Sandals

Monday, April 22

Images via HighSnobette.com and RVLH.wordpress.com

Animal accents have headed south this season -- from your shoulders to your soles. Whether spotted on sidewalks...

... or part of designer collections, fur-trimmed sandals are definitely having a moment.

Emilio Pucci Mango Fur-Trimmed Satin Sandals, $467.00

But I find them perplexing.

Although the shoes are eye-catching, people usually wear sandals in warmer climates or weather to keep their feet cool and dry, so why add an insulating material (like fur, real or faux) to them? The sandals seem like they would be too warm to wear in the summer, and not warm enough for a cool spring day. I admit that what is fashionable is not always what is practical, but these seem downright silly to me. That said...

S.S.W. Asks: Would YOU wear this style?

Laura's Picks: Three Dots Minnie Mortimer Cutout Twist Dress

Thursday, April 18

From crop tops to cutout dresses, skin is "in" this season. But go too far with this trend and you'll risk overexposure. I suggest taking the plunge like a lady in Three Dots Minnie Mortimer Cutout Twist Dress ($140.00). With its three-quarter sleeves and full, knee-covering skirt, this casual LBD's revealing stomach cutout is hardly vulgar.

Like this look? Snag this style for 20% less with code WEAREFAMILY13 at checkout.

S.S.W. Asks: Would YOU wear this style?

Obsessions: Issey Miyake Bao Bao Bags

Wednesday, April 17

I fell for Issey Miyake's Bao Bao bags after spotting them in the Philadelphia Museum of Art's gift shop last winter.

Both light and soft, the metal-paneled bags are designed to form new shapes with your every move.

Images via Tokyo Fashion, Style Spotting, The Big Ears

The panels themselves are inspired by contemporary building materials, and are attached to mesh cloth to give them flexibility and movement.

The bags retail for about $450.00 -- $1,200.00, but the Bao Bao clutch is priced at just under $200.00 (LaGarconne.com, $195.00). I'll be penny-pinching until it's mine.

S.S.W. Asks: Would YOU splurge on this style?

Labels to Love: Kate Spade Saturday

Sunday, April 14

We all know that creating the perfect weekend outfit can be tricky. If your schedule is anything like ours, a single Saturday (or Sunday) may include a haircut and/or facial, lunch/brunch with family, celebration (christening, birthday, shower, etc.), and dinner/drinks with friends. You don't want to wear something that looks too relaxed (read: sloppy) or too formal. Like Goldilocks and her porridge, your outfit must be just right.

Enter Kate Spade Saturday. Though not the first brand to create a weekends-only clothing line -- I'm looking at you, Max Mara -- Kate Spade New York's Saturday collection offers myriad clothes and accessories in bright colors, graphic shapes, and bold prints that are stylish, functional, wallet-friendly (about half the price of KSNY), and appropriate for all of your weekend activities.

Our Saturday favorites...